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Thursday, June 8, 2017

Review of -- Picture (Im)perfect by J.S. Frankel

Reviewed by -- Shadow Walker

Book Review of --
Picture (Im)perfect by J.S. Frankel

Overall star rating --- 5        

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Check it out on goodreads

Book creation ratings
Overall total, out of 30 -- 30        
-- Story & characters -- 10        
-- Cover & title -- 10        
-- Editing & formatting -- 10        
* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

The review --
I looked forward to reading this book. I wanted to see how the author would do wring a different type of book. He clearly demonstrated his writing skill midway through the first page. Mr. Frankel is an expert writer and words are his partner. He writes like I always wanted to but never could. His character development was outstanding and imagery phenomenal. I picked out several sentences to demonstrate what I meant, but I changed my mind. I want future readers to discover it for themselves.

The subject of this story is timely and it deeply impacted me. It changed the way I look at people who are so different from me. It helped me to understand what they face daily. I would encourage everybody to read this book and it may change you too.

Wonderfully written and well edited makes this an easy read. I hate reading books with glaring mistakes that detract from the book. Well done editor(s).

The vivid scenes and powerful emotions flowed off the page. They grabbed my soul and impacted my emotions. The romantic moments happen but aren't the focal point of the story. They depicted life.

You'll like the way the story wraps up. It's worth every page of this delightful story. Enjoy!!!                

Reader Recommendations
Genre -- Fictional        
Age recommendations -- 12 and older.        
Sex content rating -- Mild.        
Violence rating -- Moderate.    

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Review of -- The Trouble With Magic by Danyelle Leafty

Reviewed by -- Shadow Walker

Book Review of --
The Trouble With Magic (The Secret Stepsister Society Book 2) by Danyelle Leafty

Overall star rating --- 4.5  
     

Get it on Amazon

Book creation ratings
Overall total, out of 30 -- 28        
-- Story & characters -- 9.5        
-- Cover & title -- 10        
-- Editing & formatting -- 8.5        
* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

The review --
Delightful story about a young girl's adventure into the magical world and the trouble it can cause if handled wrong. It's much more than that because it's a love story between sisters and keeping your word no matter what. Though it may drag at some points, it recovers and pushes on in the adventure. I enjoyed the interactions of the characters and magic itself. You must keep a watchful eye on magic and pay attention to his interaction with the main character (Bettony). You will be surprised by a revealed relationship towards the end of the book.

Editing was very good and didn't affect the telling of the story. You can't go wrong when using magic as the theme of your story and the author used it well. Watch out for a really good ending to a delightful story. I recommend this book to all you parents. Enjoy!!!

Reader Recommendations
Genre -- Fantasy.        
Age recommendations -- 7 to 8 and beyond.        
Sex content rating -- None.
Violence rating -- None. 

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Review of -- Harry Potter Series by: J.K. Rawlings

Reviewed by -- Shadow Walker

Book Review of --
Harry Potter Series by: J.K. Rawlings        

Overall star rating --- 5        

Book creation ratings
Overall total, out of 30 -- 30        
-- Story & characters -- 10        
-- Cover & title -- 10        
-- Editing & formatting -- 10        
* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

The review --
The best way to review this story is by doing it as a whole. The author grabs you from the beginning and builds suspense and momentum through the final lines. I consider it an epic work in literature and especially the area of Fantasy. I watched the films first and decided this summer to finally read the books. I wanted to find out how close the films were to the books.

The books were set in England of modern times. A lad discovers that he's a famous wizard on his birthday and the journey towards the final confrontation begins. The book is beautifully written and is filled with strong imagines. It's a series filled with 5 star books. There isn't a weak book among the seven.

The editing in the books are exceptional and the editor(s) should be commended for their work. The films were great and I enjoyed each of them, but the books are at least fifty times better. The only way a film could do justice to the book would be four hour films, and that would turn people off. The final conflict between the Dark Lord and Harry was exceptional in the book. I love each and every page of all seven books. I know some people will be turned off by it being a book about witches, but sometimes you just need to enjoy a good book for it's worth. Here is one of those book series. It's really worth the read folks!

The ending by now is known by most people, but unless you read the books then you'll never know the real story. Enjoy!!!"        

Reader Recommendations
Genre -- Fantasy/Adventure        
Age recommendations -- Six and up.        
Sex content rating -- None        
Violence rating -- Mild.        

Monday, June 5, 2017

Review of -- Mr. Taxi by J.S. Frankel

Reviewed by -- Shadow Walker

Book Review of -- Mr. Taxi by J.S. Frankel

Overall star rating --- 5    
 

Book creation ratings
Overall total, out of 30 -- 30        
-- Story & characters -- 10        
-- Cover & title -- 10        
-- Editing & formatting -- 10        
* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

The review --
The thing I liked about the beginning of the story was the short blurb before the prologue. It quickly brought the reader up to speed on the story. After reading another book of his, this book didn't disappoint me. This author demonstrates such a strong understanding of words and phrases that mold together to form outstanding imagery. He sucked me into the story after the first paragraph and I really enjoyed the book.

The pace of the book was outstanding. It held my attention and flew by quickly. My mind didn't drift or stall at any point. Mr. Taxi was a movie set to words. It's the highest praise that I can give a book.

The characters were well developed and couched in very descriptive language. If the character appears more than once, the author develops him for the reader. It's a very strong characteristic of this writer. The reader can tell he's done this before.

The setting of the book is deep space and a young man working as a space driver. It's in the science fiction genre but there's plenty of adventure and mystery to hold your attention. The ending comes quickly and very satisfying. I'll not spoil it for you, but I encourage you to get the book. It's well worth the price and the read. Enjoy!!!

Reader Recommendations
Genre -- Science Fiction/Adventure        
Age recommendations -- 11 years old through Adult.        
Sex content rating -- None.        
Violence rating -- Mild.                

Get it on Amazon

Saturday, June 3, 2017

Review of -- Deadly Ruse by E. Michael Helms

Reviewed by -- Shadow Walker

Book Review of --
Deadly Ruse: A Mac McClellan Mystery by E. Michael Helms

Check out the book on:
Amazon

Overall star rating --- 5        

Book creation ratings
Overall total, out of 30 -- 30        
-- Story & characters -- 10        
-- Cover & title -- 10        
-- Editing & formatting -- 10        
* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

The review --
I expected a little fall off after the first book. Wrong! The writer grabs your attention in the first paragraph and never releases you until the end. The strong use of good sentence structure and imagery are hallmarks of this gifted writer. We are reintroduced to the main characters of the last book and some interesting new characters.

The author takes you on a fast paced adventure through his world as he attempts to answer several puzzling situations. This is another book that's hard to put down. I finished it just as lightening fried my computer. True story!

It took me on a roller coaster of emotions as the hero of the story faced many dangerous situations. I strongly encourage anybody to get this book and enjoy some real entertaining reading. The ending will surprise you for sure and make it worth your time.  I hope the author writes more stories in this series.  Enjoy!        

Reader Recommendations
Genre -- Excellent Detective Mystery        
Age recommendations -- 12 through Adult        
Sex content rating -- Very Mild        
Violence rating -- There was violence but not overblown. The mystery and the chase were the centerpiece to this outstanding story. 

Friday, June 2, 2017

Review of -- Tom Paine Maru by L. Neil Smith

Reviewed by -- Shadow Walker

Book Review of --
Tom Paine Maru by L. Neil Smith 

Check out the book on:
Amazon

Overall star rating --- 1.5

Book creation ratings
Overall total, out of 30 -- 25        
-- Story & characters -- 8        
-- Cover & title -- 9        
-- Editing & formatting -- 8        
* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

The review --
I'm sure as you look at the above numbers, you must think me mad. How can a book receive a 25 on creation ratings and yet only a 1.5 star rating? The character development was very strong in the book, but the story made it very hard to read and stay focused. I equate the pace as setting on a boat and watching an iceberg melt. The cover is very inviting and I thought it was well edited. It showed the efforts of some very talented people, but the story just didn't work for me.

My emotional reaction to the book was, "will it ever end?" I am a "Trekie" from childhood and loved Star Wars, but this book wasn't in their class. The scenes played on and on. The author loved using descriptive words, but they never moved the action along. I tried hard to picture the action in my head. I wanted to get drawn into the story, so I tried leaving the book for several hours and come at it anew. After six attempts I decided to read it as I found it. This harsh review is the fruit of those failed efforts.

The ending was much like the whole story and ended on a flat thud. I reread the ending twice but I never found a reason to get excited. Alas, I just didn't get excited.

Although I didn't like it, I wouldn't discourage anybody from reading it. Books are like ice cream. You may not like my favorite flavor, but it's still ice cream. Read the book for yourself and see how you like it. Enjoy!!!        

Reader Recommendations
Genre -- Science Fiction/Adventure        
Age recommendations -- High School and up.        
Sex content rating -- None.        
Violence rating -- Mild to Moderate.           

Thursday, June 1, 2017

Review of -- Excelsior by George Sirois

Reviewed by -- Jacqueline Driggers

Book Review of --
Excelsior by George Sirois

Overall star rating --- 3.5

About the book:
Put down the pen. Pick up the sword. Unleash the hero within.

Created by high school senior Matthew Peters, Excelsior - savior of faraway planet Denab IV - is becoming an Internet sensation as the main character of a popular online comic strip. But before Matthew can enjoy his burgeoning success, a beautiful older woman arrives at his school and tells him that not only is she from the planet Denab IV, but that Excelsior's lifeforce lives within him.
Now, with Excelsior's old enemies regaining strength, Matthew realizes he is the key to Earth's survival and Denab IV's salvation...

Book creation ratings:
Overall total, out of 30 -- 24
-- Story & characters -- 8
-- Cover & title -- 8
-- Editing & formatting -- 8
* based on a 1-10 scale with:  1-4, poor; 5-7, good; 8-10, very good.*

The review --
This is a very well written science fiction book, with a splash of superhero thrown in. It is a bittersweet book, and has a bittersweet ending though. A hero is found again, but in the process, a 14 year old boy is lost. There is a good deal of violence in the book, but it is a very good story that is told, with strong characters and a good plot.

Reader Recommendations
Genre -- science fiction, super hero
Age recommendations -- 17 plus
Sex content rating -- none
Violence rating -- great deal of violence

Links for the book:

Buy it on Amazon