July 8, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Vampire Flappers (Samantha Carter #1.5) novella by Tim O’Rourke REVIEW

Blurb: What happens in Paris . . .

Since returning home, Sammy’s been struggling desperately to remember her friends and her adventures back in the Wild West. Were they real? Could the vampires, the werewolves, even Harry be just figments of her imagination? Desperate for answers, Sammy has returned to the Underground, where it all began, and finds herself snatched back in time once again.

Plunged into the middle of a desperate battle, Sammy’s soon fighting for her life, for her memories . . . and for her man!

Short, sharp and sexy, this is the perfect remedy for O’Rourke addicts needing a quick hit, and for new readers looking for something new and exciting!

REVIEW

After the action and thrills from Samantha’s adventures in the Wild West (Vampire Seeker – Samantha Carter #1) Samantha is back in the present day wondering if it was all real or just a dream. She keeps returning to the Underground regularly in the hope that she could go back in time again. Despite the danger, fear or mystery she simply can’t let go of the idea of seeing her friends from Vampire Seeker, in particular Harry, again!

From the first few pages I could feel my muscles tense and my heart pace quicken, with the sense of excitement and thrills becoming more and more. Tim’s novella writing style is absolutely spot on in Vampire Flappers. The first few pages offer the reader an understanding of where the plot and characters are and then we jump straight into the action, adventure, mystery, violence and thrill!

The Samantha Carter series already has to be my favourite of Tim O’Rourke’s books. If I could be any character of any book it would be Sammy – partly because of Harry and also because she has everything I would be interested in, with her studying of criminology, her interest in vampires, her time travel experiences, her sense of adventure and keeping herself from living an average life in the hope that she could one day pursue her experience of time travel and the paranormal again.

Of course, it doesn’t take long for the reader, along with Sammy, to be sucked back into the 1920’s, France,, where all is a little confusing and mysterious for Sammy initially. However, it doesn’t take too long before O’Rourke plunges into the action and the reader is swept off their feet with chases, fight scenes, blood and gore, only to be led into a highly tense, powerful and intimate scene which will never leave your mind!!

The character Harry is the HOTTEST damn thing on the planet, and by far my favourite male character of any book I have ever read! He is demanding, aggressive, powerful and completely spellbinding. He can certainly handle himself well, not to mention Sammy. Tim O’Rourke certainly knows how to write a sexy, passionate scene!!

The reader is left curious when it comes to Sammy’s character in Harry’s life. Harry hints that she cannot remember what has been said to her or certain events, meaning that some part of Sammy must be/have been with Harry at certain times and yet she has no idea what he is talking about. For Sammy, she has only travelled back in time twice, and after the first time, she feels like she is forgetting moments already. The whole time travel aspect adds a great deal of mystery to Sammy, the reader and the story.

I could not lose the exhilarating feeling I had even many hours after I had read Vampire Flappers!!! I cannot wait to find out more in Vampire Watchmen (Samantha Carter #2), due out in September 2014.

A copy of Vampire Flappers (Samantha Carter #1.5) was received for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

Vampire Flappers (Samantha Carter #1.5) by Tim O’Rourke is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

May 24, 2014 by Tina Williams

BLOG TOUR ~OTHER SYSTEMS~ by Elizabeth Guizzetti

Check out Other Systems, an original and thought provoking Sci-Fi novel by talented author Elizabeth Guizzetti! Read on for the press release, giving the background to the novel, the book synopsis, review excerpts and find out about the author. There is also a substantial excerpt that will give you a real insight into this compelling novel, an interview with the author and more!

Other Systems: A Powerful Novel by Elizabeth Guizzetti Exposes Difficulties in Planetary Exploration and Colonization.

Press Release

Seattle, WA – Elizabeth Guizzetti opened a new door to the science fiction genre with a character driven multi-world fiction that grabs readers’ emotions and refuses to let go. Garnering a growing and dedicated readership, Other Systems examines what an actual life of might entail if someone chooses to leave Earth and live on another planet. Hailed as both ‘thought-provoking’ and ‘emotional’, the book is resonating with readers—some who have never read science fiction before.

Inspired by NASA’s Kepler mission (the search for other Earth-like planets) the novel explores the shifts in culture and belief systems, the definition of humanity, and family structure as humans for new homes. Finally it asks: Would you go?

As the author explains, her novel showcases the true power of a determined human mind. “Abby is an intelligent protagonist that grows through the course of the novel. Even though life does not turn out as planned, she uses her mind–not violence–in order to find a way out of her problems,” says Guizzetti.

Synopsis:

Without an influx of human DNA, the utopian colony on Kipos has eleven generations before it reaches failure. Earth is over ninety light years away. Time is short.

On the over-crowded Earth, many see opportunity in Kipos’ need. After medical, intelligence, and physiological testing, Abby and her younger siblings, Jin and Orchid, are offered transportation. Along with 750,000 other strong young immigrants, they leave the safety of their family with the expectation of good jobs and the opportunity for higher education

While the Earthlings travel to the new planet in stasis, the Kiposi, terrified the savages will taint their paradise, pass a series of indenture and adoption laws in order to assimilate them.

When Abby wakes up on Kipos, Jin cannot be found. Orchid is ripped from her arms as Abby is sold to a dull-eyed man with a sterilized wife. Indentured to breed, she is drugged and systematically coerced. To survive, Abby learns the differences in culture and language using the only thing that is truly hers on this new world: her analytical mind. In order to escape her captors, she joins a planetary survey team where she will discover yet another way of life.

Reviews:

Hectate of the Three Nerds & a Book Club said, “There were such complex issues ranging from technological advances, race and social disputes, and figuring out what can really make a family. It took a while to wrap my mind around the time differences, but I came to accept it as a norm.”

The Red Reader Reviews said: I can guarantee when you’re reading Other Systems, not only will you be enthralled by the world Guizzetti creates but you’ll be right there alongside Abby and her friends.

Denise DeSio the author of Rose’s Will was equally as impressed. She said, “Time and again I kept thinking, “Whoa! How many months, maybe years, of research did she have to do to come up with this stuff?”

Other Systems ISBN: 978-1-937546-01-4 was published by 48Fourteen, is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and 48Fourteen.

For more information, visit the book’s official website: http://other-systems.com

Excerpt – Chapter 7

The family said good-bye over a lunch of chicken, carrots, and plenty of tears. Grandma said prayers and burnt incense. Ma kissed her children again and again. Da squeezed them hard. So did Ray. Tara whimpered and paced, almost as if she sensed Abby and her younger siblings were not coming back. Tara was family, but she was seven years old, and Abby knew that she could not give up her entire future for a dog. As they walked outside the commune, Orchid began to sniffle.

Da embraced his children once more and said softly, “Take care of them, Abby. “Jin, I’m counting on you. You’ll be the man of the family on the new world. “Orchid, you listen to your brother and sister now. You better get going. You have a ways to walk.”

The three took their first steps away from the commune. Abby glanced back. Her parents held each other. Grandma clutched Tara around her giant, furry neck. Ray watched them. She knew there was part of him who wanted to come, but fear and duty held him to Earth. She waved once more at her dearest sibling. Her eyes were moist. She could not deny part of her wanted to return home. The sun was warm on their backs, but the blue skies saddened her. She would never have another day on Earth. She was glad when they made it down the hill and the commune was out of sight. Orchid was bawling and tears dripped down Jin’s nose.

Abby reached around her sister’s narrow shoulders and squeezed her tight, then pulled out a few tissues and passed them around. In a false cheerful tone, she said, “This will be a grand adventure, won’t it?”

Jin followed suit: “I know we’ll miss Ma, Da, Ray, Grandma, and Tara, but we’ll have each other, alright?” Orchid took the tissue and wiped a bit of clear snot and tears off her nose and nodded.

Abby went on: “I’m going to Kipos, but I’ll take you home right now. Once we are around this bend, there’s no turning back. Do you still want to go?”

“Yeah.” The younger girl lifted her chin to look at her sister. “Remember when Mr. Tygh said that on Kipos I could go to school to become anything I wanted, maybe even a doctor. I like that idea. Ma and Da can’t send me to the university.”

Abby felt a lump in her throat. Orchid’s reasoning was much more mature than her own.

“If I can go to school, I always thought it would be neat to invent something instead of just building something that someone else designed,” Jin said. With a guilty look, he glanced up at Abby. “But I understand if I have to work.”

Abby nodded. “My hope is that both of you can attend school.”

Behind them, they heard: “Hey, guys! Wait!” Rory ran to catch up with them. His forehead held a glaze of sweat. Abby waited for him to start making lewd remarks but he just fell in step. His blue eyes were filled with fear.

“There’s nothing to be scared of, Orchid.” Rory’s voice held a slight tremble, as though the words were meant to make him more confident, not her. “We really are going somewhere new. Someplace better. I saw Ray before I left. He’s a good man. You should be proud to have a brother like that.”

“We are,” Jin replied.

Jin and Rory walked behind them and, though it was uncomfortably sweaty, Abby held Orchid’s hand as they hiked the two miles to the old airfield south of the city. They watched the elevator car disappear into the blue sky as the new colonists were sent up to the mother ship. With each step, it was hard not to get excited.

Rory stopped for a moment. His voice was pleading. “I did not kill Mary.”

“No one said you did,” Abby said. She wasn’t sure if she believed him or just wanted to.

Rory spoke quickly. “She committed suicide when I broke it off with her. She didn’t have any money for paternity tests and she didn’t have time to put it together before the ship left. I offered to abort the fetus, but the Suffering God does not like abortion. Please, I need you to believe me. I did not kill her.”

Jin nodded.

Embracing him with a quick and what she hoped felt like a sisterly side hug, Abby said, “We believe you. Come on. We are almost there.” Ahead of them were layers of gated security and mobs of people. Pimps and drug dealers encircled the gate selling their wares. Thieves sold stolen or forged passes. Abby was glad that their boarding passes were hidden deep within her blouse. Rory shoved his hands in his pockets so no one could steal his. A man asked Abby what her price was, but Jin glared and took a step towards him.

She grabbed her brother’s arm. “Let’s keep moving. Soon it won’t matter.”

Jin reluctantly agreed.

They worked their way through the crowd of people holding hate-filled signs and the reporters with their cameramen. They circumvented families who were saying their goodbyes. When they reached the first manned gate, the guard instructed, “Put your right thumbprint here.”

Abby told Orchid to go first. She whined that she did not want to be left alone even for a second, so Jin went first, then Orchid, followed by Abby. Inside the gate, Abby gave their boarding passes to the second official scanning the documents. Once the lighted red star beeped, he allowed them inside the second gate. They walked through a meter of icy antiseptic spray. Once across the threshold, they waited for Rory as it dried. They moved to stand in the next line when they heard shouting and saw three young men with guns storm the gate.

There was a single shot and a scream. Jin picked up Orchid and grabbed Abby’s wrist. He pulled the girls to the nearest barricade. Rory was right behind him and Abby felt his arms wrap around her head to protect her. By the time they turned around the three men had been engulfed in flames. Abby covered her sister’s eyes. Crowds of people screamed, but no one did anything. They just waited for the elevator doors to open. Abby saw another young man and woman try to socially engineer their way through the gate.

“We lost our passes, but we are on the list,” the woman said, pointing towards the fence.

“Your irresponsibility is not our concern,” the Kiposi said.

“What she means is my brother has them and he is already in there.”

After a few more minutes of arguing, the woman eventually gave up and walked away. The man grew angry that he was refused. The gateman hit a button and the man’s body erupted in a blue flame. His howl of agony lasted a few long seconds before he was dead.

Abby forced herself to find fault in his actions, not blame the Kiposi. “He wouldn’t have just left. They didn’t want to kill him,” she whispered as she filed through the airlock and into the space elevator. A Kiposi woman handed each of them a small roll of soft candy and a napkin. They were told to chew the candy or blow their noses to equalize their ears during the air pressure change. Most of the seats on the ground floor were full, but she glanced around hoping to find four open seats that were together. Jin, however, rushed up the stairs, pulling Orchid behind him.

“Jin!” Abby called.

He glanced back with a smile and kept going. She trailed after them. Her brother pushed his way to an empty row of facing seats to make sure he and Orchid could sit next to a window. Once on the top floor, Abby glimpsed towards the sky, but she could not see anything but glittering cables against magnetic tiles and disappearing blue. Rory’s hand was gentle on her back as he continued to guide her towards the others. Abby apologized to anyone grumbling about the pair of wild children who had just pushed past them. By the time they reached them, Jin was helping Orchid buckle herself in. Abby
briefly considered reminding her brother to be considerate, but he had kept their little sister safe and found four seats together. She sat down next to Orchid without a word. Rory sat beside Jin.

Abby counted the twenty-five rows of ten seats. There were three floors: seven hundred and fifty souls per trip. According to her calculations, there must be at least ten trips in a day. Seventy-five hundred people from Seattle and there were nine other cities,
making a total of 750,000 souls, plus the crew of sixty per ship, in addition to seed and livestock.

Her stomach lurched as the elevator started to lift. Before she knew it, the city was spread out north of her. Now there was really no turning back. She wondered what Ray was doing. Did he miss them? Did he regret his decision? She wished he were there to share in this adventure. As they rose, she could see the Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula. It looked like a child’s model. Soon the distinct topography disappeared and she could only make out splotches of brown, white, green, and the blue of the Pacific Ocean. She mused that it was strange that the first time that she ever saw the Pacific were
her last moments tethered to Earth. She took one piece of candy and gave the rest to Orchid, who wolfed hers down.

Abby blew her nose to equalize her ears, then wrapped her arm around her sister as the blue opened up to the black. Above them was a gray-bluish, conical shaped ship set against a field of stars. On what Abby assumed was the bow, the cone rounded to a bulbous sphere. Below this sphere were antennae and a large dish all of which looked like they might be retractable. Towards the aft was a large rotating wheel. Each spoke ended in a large thick box. Abby had no idea what any of it was for, but the constellations had never been so visible as they were at that moment. It had to be a good omen.
A clear acrylic hollow arm stretched out towards the elevator. It locked in place and the Kiposi technicians opened the airlock. An announcement told them to unbuckle their belts and file out in an orderly fashion.

Abby found walking easy enough, but she felt slightly lighter than she had before the journey. “Do you feel that? I bet there is lower gravity aboard the ship then on Earth. The technology on Kipos must really be amazing!” she whispered to the others.

Rory just nodded. His tanned skin looked very pale.

“You’re such a weirdo,” Jin said, trying to look indifferent but failing miserably since he seemed unable to stop grinning.

Not wanting to argue, but wanting to get in the last word, Abby said, “Imagine being part of a team that designs ships like this.”

“Maybe I am,” Jin said, still grinning.

“Come on!” Orchid said as she pulled on Abby’s hand as they shuffled with the crowd towards the airlock. Walking through the heavens, the view of Earth below was too amazing to fear falling. She wished she could slow down to take it all in, but the crowd and her siblings pulled her along. Even for the ship’s sterile cleanliness, there was a smell of oil and dry air.

Abby was struck again by the similarities of the crew, but what was truly disconcerting were the insipid smiles on their too similar faces. Jin was confident, but Rory seemed as nervous as she was. Like everyone else, they tossed their tissues and candy wrappers down the marked chute. They followed the crowd, who followed the rows of light embedded into the ceiling. As they entered the back of the hold, a hallway split and they were to be segregated by gender. Rory looked ill.

Jin kissed both of his sisters on the cheeks. “I’ll see you when we land. You be good, Orcs. Listen to Abby.”

While her brother followed the other males, Abby considered how, in those few moments, his voice had become deeper. He was no longer the second son or Ray’s younger brother. Abby and Orchid followed a woman past large crates stacked upon one another and clamped to the walls. She could see by the writing that some were filled with supplies, others with seeds. Beyond, doorways led to long narrow passageways of smaller quarters. Abby and Orchid were told to relieve themselves, which they did on a cold metal public toilet that did not flush until its sensors determined that it was full. They were led with two additional girls inside a tiny room with four narrow bunks that reminded Abby of a packing crate. The walls were solid, but the floor and ceiling
was grating. Through the open spaces between the metal, she could see tiny spirals of piping. The woman handed them each a tiny waxed paper cup of water and two capsules: one white oblong and the other a pink circular disk.

She said, “Alright, ladies. Just a sedative and an antihistamine.” She watched to make sure everyone swallowed the pills. The other girls kissed each other for luck and climbed into the two uppermost bunks. Orchid began to cry.

To distract her, Abby asked the technician, “My understanding is the hypersleep liquid acts like some sort of filter.”

With a condescending smile, the woman answered, “That’s right. There is a circulating current of highly oxygenated liquid and nanomites. You will sleep through the entire trip.”

“Body functions cease?”

“They slow. Nanomites clean up any waste.”

“Isn’t that interesting, Orcs?” Abby put her arm around her little sister. She swore to herself she would find a job on the new world and send her siblings to school. Jin would design ships and Orchid would become a doctor. She would find a good husband and when they were ready, she would help her siblings to do the same. They would even help Rory. Even though she would never see her parents again, she would honor them and her ancestors by her actions.

Abby helped Orchid into one of the lower bunks. The air smelled honeysuckle sweet. She realized she smelled this aroma before. The day the Kiposi landed and again in city hall. She refused to allow fear to overwhelm her.

Her eyelids felt heavy as she tucked her sister under the thin blanket. “We ask that our ancestors watch over us and Jin and Rory. Even on Kipos, please watch over us, Amen.”

“Amen,” Orchid echoed.

Abby tried to stand, but Orchid started to cry again. “No, don’t go.”

“Relax in there,” the woman said. “Breathe deeply. You two are slender enough that you can stay in the rack with your sister if you wish, Abigail. It won’t hurt anything.”

Abby sensed that the Kiposi’s cheerfulness was being forced now, but she wasn’t really irritated with them as much as it had been a long day. Abby guessed that since so many siblings slept together that the Kiposi had gone through this many times before.

Abby crawled under the covers. Orchid calmed down immediately. The Kiposi’s relief was obvious. “Our ancestors will watch over us,” Abby brushed the hair off her sister’s ear.

“Rory too,” Orchid replied sleepily. “Remember the little book? It said there were cats. I’d like to have a kitten.”

“I don’t see why not, but I’ll need to get a job first, okay?”

“Mmmhmm,” Orchid replied sleepily.

Another girl was placed in the now-spare bunk and given pills. Once she lay down, the door closed. The air grew moist and the lights faded. The giggling above her silenced.

Abby heard the girl crying. Orchid was asleep. She rolled towards the other girl. “Homesick?” Abby whispered in the darkness.
A tired young voice whispered, “My mama told me that it would be a better life, but she was really sick. I shouldn’t have left her. She your daughter?”

“My little sister.”

The girl mumbled something else, but it was coated with sleep. Abby rolled back over. Orchid was dead to the world when the room filled with a thick goopy liquid. She felt her sister drifting away from her in the black. Abby sat up. Bumping her head on the bunk above her, she realized how long it took to put her hand to her brow. Even in the movement, Orchid did not stir. Suddenly, where there had been space a solid wall stood. In seconds, the liquid seemed to expand. Still a liquid, but heavier. Like gelatin?

Am I wet? Abby did not have the vocabulary to make her observations into complete thoughts. She wanted to scream but no sound came from her. She was too frightened to close her eyes.

“Please don’t be dead!” Abby tried to scream again. The black entered her mouth. It was filling her lungs. She was going to suffocate. She felt the ship move. Should I feel acceleration in the gravity pod? There was flashing before her eyes, but she was deep in the ship. She could not see stars even if she pinched her eyes shut. No amount of struggling would move the black gelatin. Once more she tried to reach out to Orchid, but her sister was out of reach.
Calm down. This ship isn’t moving. The ship doesn’t leave for days. Days—I don’t know how much time is passing. Is this a second or an hour? Let me out of this!!!

Abby knew she was panicking. She had to calm down. The Kiposi know what they are doing! Take a breath! She became aware that she was able to breathe through the gelatin. Her eyes grew heavier. The current nestled her. Abby fell into velvet blackness, believing she heard music.

Written by Elizabeth Guizzetti
Published by 48Fourteen E-book 2012, Paperback 2013
June 14, 3062 C.E.

Sales Links:

Amazon:

Print: http://www.amazon.com/Other-Systems-Elizabeth-Guizzetti/dp/1937546144

e-book: http://www.amazon.com/Other-Systems-ebook/dp/B007QQDU94

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/other-systems-elizabeth-guizzetti/1104526463?ean=2940014188180&isbn=2940014188180&itm=1&usri=other+systems

Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Other-Systems/book-lAMz6j8ucEKWQZGgUMpZeQ/page1.html?s=b-OqFgbxpk-4FTmjKzwYAw&r=5

FB Page: http://www.facebook.com/OtherSystems

Website with deleted scenes and other extras! http://other-systems.com

Trailer Links

Other Systems: Voices from the Stars Trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAHQJBjRvgE

Other Systems: The Stargazer Trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiIJBPJ1DV8

Select Interviews and Reviews

Tam’s Two Cents Review

Three Nerds & a Book Club Book Recommendation March 24, 2013

The Big Nerd Review April 2, 2013

The Middle Nerd Review March 24, 2103

The Small Nerd Review March 21, 2103

Dan Thompson (Author of Caseworker’s Memoirs) Interview and Review October 30, 2012

Verdict Book Reviews  Review: Tuesday September 11, 2012

Books are my way of Living Interview with Ruth : Monday August 20, 2012 Review: Wednesday August 15, 2012

Interview with The Red Reader:Thursday July 12, 2012  Review by the Red Reader: Monday July 23, 2012

May 22, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Bounty Hunter by S.J. Hollis

Blurb: What do you do when your magic makes you a target? Run. Fight. Die.

14-year-old Kai Koson had nothing to do with the apocalypse, thank you very much. He was just a baby the day a coven of blood witches ripped a hole in the universe and the demons fell screaming from the sky. Earth and its magic perished. Witchkind was hunted and annihilated.

Now, because he was born a witch, Kai must spend his life running and fighting for survival. Even his own uncle seems determined to abandon him.

With nothing left to lose, Kai runs away and joins a team of galactic bounty hunters. But instead of providing an escape, it sets Kai on a path that will destroy everything he believes about himself and the apocalypse, transforming him into the most wanted teenager in the galaxy.

Written with humour, imagination and darkness, Bounty Hunter and its protagonist Kai Koson stand confidently beside Percy Jackson, Artemis Fowl, Alex Rider, Young Bond, Mortal Engines and Harry Potter.

S.J. Hollis’ BOUNTY HUNTER is an excellent read for young or adult readers who enjoy sci-fi and fantasy. It is essentially a coming-of-age apocalyptic/dystopian, following the story of a fourteen year old boy, Kai, and how he struggles being a hunter when he is the hunted…. by the whole galaxy!

Kai is an unfortunate boy as the reader realises that he understands very little about the truth of his very early life. Being brought up by his uncle, Galway, he is used to running from town to town every time it appears that he is being chased away for being different, for being a ‘witch’. Kai is gradually discovering his magic and coming to terms with who he is, trying to identify himself and his abilities. Galway is constantly looking out for him and protecting him to the best of his abilities, but once Kai begins to feel settled he longs for stability and to stop running and face his ‘demons’ if he has to. However, Galway is not supportive of this decision.

However, the reader feels sympathy for Kai and longs for him to be free – free from running, free to live as and where he chooses. Why should he have to keep running his whole life? At the same time, we also realise the danger that he is in, and as the story continues we find out that it is not just his magical quality that he is being sought for but actually who he is. The significance of Kai’s life plays a major storyline in this book, making for an intense read, especially when Kai seems a little lost until he meets the Bounty Hunters – Sam, Yamiko and Cassius.

The imagination of S.J. Hollis is amazing as the reader is then taken on an adventure travelling to different planets with different beings. In fact, at one point it reminded me of Star Trek, with the spaceships, planets, aliens and the politics between each kind. The next moment I was taken on a nostalgic ride back to when I read Enid Blyton’s ‘The Magic Faraway Tree’ as a kid, where each day there would be a different land above the tree and within the different lands there would be different kinds of folk, some witch-like characters selling magic potions, etc. Just like the characters in ‘The Magic Faraway Tree’ never knew which land was to be atop the tree each day, in Bounty Hunter Kai and the reader is never quite sure what to expect from each planet and the beings that live there.

Another great aspect of S.J. Hollis’ work is her quirkiness and the use of sarcasm within the dialogue. This certainly breaks up the intensity of the whole story and enlightens the mood. These moments occur mostly between Cassius and Kai. Cassius isn’t too keen on Kai being around and displays his feelings very clearly with his dialogue. The relationship between these two characters is interesting and entertaining to follow.

There were moments when I found some of the descriptive paragraphs a little too ‘heavy’, for example, describing the layout of the spaceship, docking bays, etc. However, due to the nature of story, especially being a sci-fi/fantasy, I realise that most is needed to assist the reader in building up the setting, planets and helping the reader to visualise the various characters, i.e. witches, demons, aliens, etc.

The front cover illustrated by Lawrence Mann is very eye catching, original and draws the potential reader in. I love the colours, the darkness and contrast between the red and the blue. It also shows a little of the magic that is in Kai’s hands, which is ironic as the reader has a sense of his magic before he is aware of it.

The whole layout of Bounty Hunter is carefully planned. Each chapter is named appropriate to its content and are quite a nice length to read, making it easy for the reader to read in small doses if they don’t have the chance to read in one or two sittings. Having the chapters named also helps the reader to find areas of the story they may wish to recap on.

If you’re looking for a timeless story within the sci-fi/fantasy genre, suitable for the younger or adult reader, with fantastic imagination, magic, adventure and wondrous characters then look no further. And what’s more, S.J. Hollis is working on a sequel to be released later this year!

E-book and paperback copies can be found at Amazon US and Amazon UK.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

February 13, 2014 by Tina Williams

The Father, Joshua Tree Trilogy Book 2, by N. W. Harris

The Rip-Roaring Adventure Continues!

Young Adult Sci-Fi Fantasy

Please note this review contains spoilers for book #1 in the series. Joshua’s Tree.

The Father follows on seamlessly after the first book in the trilogy, Joshua’s Tree (click title for our review), which tells of how the hero Joshua finds himself unexpectedly transported to a future dystopian Earth, which bears little resemblance to the world as he knows it. The planet is populated by warrior like people and strange creatures, including the terrifying and cannibalistic Sweepers. There Joshua meets a kick-ass, sword wielding female warrior, Nadia, who views him as the saviour, destined to save her world by destroying The Father, the creator of the Sweepers who threaten to annihilate all others.

During their quest to fulfill Joshua’s destiny, Joshua and Nadia form a mutual attraction and Joshua in particular learns a great deal about personal growth and self-sacrifice as he approaches his goal of destroying The Father. The big reveal at the end of this book is that Joshua discovers that The Father is his future self, the man responsible for the creation of the Sweepers and also the other races on Earth, including Nadia’s warrior tribe and the ocean based Atlanteans.

Book Blurb for The Father, Book 2: After discovering he’s destined to annihilate nearly all life, Joshua must take charge of a cannibalistic army of mutants with hopes of starting a civil war that will end the reign of evil—or bear the responsibility for destroying the few good people who remain on the planet. Captured by the leader of the sweepers, Josh learns he will grow up to be a genetic engineer responsible for creating the monsters. The Father recruits him to lead an army of sweepers against the evil generals who resist the termination of the sweeper experiment originally designed to bring an end to a global war that threatened to render the planet uninhabitable. At first repulsed by his telepathic ability to control the sweepers, Josh becomes addicted to the power to control thousands of the creatures at once. Believing him dead, Nadia rejoins her people, where she struggles to gain respect while leading them to safety. Inadvertently pursuing her across the land, Josh may not be able to stop his sweepers from destroying Nadia and her dwindling tribe when they collide in battle.

This series is just brimming with originality and adventure and it is crafted in such a way as I cannot guess where it is leading, my head is just full of so many possible scenarios! I loved how the author describes Joshua’s initial fear and utter disgust at fighting alongside the despised Sweepers and how he feels when he enters their minds to control them and strives to take on the mantle of a warrior. I admired how Joshua does all that is in his power to protect Nadia and her people from being destroyed. His relationship with The Father, his future self, is complex, as expected. Whilst Joshua has no affection for him he has no choice but to follow his advice if the Sweepers are to be prevented from destroying all others and if he is to have any chance of returning to his own time.

Can Joshua cope with leading the Sweepers, whom he fears and despises? Can he trust his future self? Will his actions inadvertently lead to the demise of Nadia and her people? Will he be able to bring himself to leave Nadia when and if he returns to his own place and time? As Joshua becomes addicted to his psychic control of the Sweepers the situation becomes more and more perilous and his sanity is on the line.

The warrior Nadia is just as kick-ass as ever in this book, but she feels that she has failed to protect Josh and returns to her people accompanied by a band of Atlanteans, headed by Hydromidus, whom we met in the previous book. Hydromidus has formed an attraction to Nadia, an attraction which Nadia is aware of and which she also feels towards him. However, she has given her heart to Josh. I really liked the character of Hydromidus as he is himself is honourable and respects Nadia’s own prowess as a warrior, Events in the book are not always easy for Nadia and she has her own challenges to contend with as well as the worry of what has happened to Josh.

I enjoyed the The Father every bit as much as Joshua’s Tree! We find out much more about the history of the Earth and why the Sweepers were created and how they operate. Once again there are vivid and detailed descriptions of the strange landscape of this future Earth, the Sweepers and the frequent battle scenes, which contain much blood and gore. The book is full of excitement, adventure and suspense from start to finish and the author carries the reader along accompanying Josh and then Nadia on their respective adventures. I am eagerly awaiting the next instalment.

I highly recommend this book to young adult readers and above, who are fans of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Futuristic reads, especially where the reader likes their reads to contain adventure, suspense, self-sacrifice and romance.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

A copy of this book was given to me by the author for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore/index.php/young-adult/ya-action-adventure/the-father-joshua-s-tree-book-ii-detail

http://nwharrisbooks.wordpress.com/

Cover art by Marion Sipe www.marionsipe.blogspot.com

To Buy Links: Amazon US Amazon UK

January 21, 2014 by Caroline Barker

VAMPIRE SEEKER GIVEAWAY: 2 DAYS LEFT TO ENTER!

COMPETITION NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU ALL WHO ENTERED!

There’s only 2 days left to enter our Tim O’Rourke’s ‘VAMPIRE SEEKER (Samantha Carter, Book 1)’ Giveaway! The lucky winner will receive a SIGNED paperback copy of the book, that was released by Piatkus/Little Brown last week! All you need to do is add your name in the comments box below before Thursday 23rd January. The winner will then be randomly selected and notified thereafter.

GOOD LUCK, EVERYONE 🙂

Check out the blurb below and our review here.

Book Blurb: Samantha Carter believes that a vampire is responsible for the brutal deaths of four women in Whitechapel, London, England. Each murder is identical to those committed a hundred years before by a very different serial killer.

Desperate to prove the killer’s identity, Samantha follows him onto a late night tube train. But Samantha doesn’t reach the next station and finds herself on a very different journey, where she discovers vampires are very real and far more dangerous than she had ever imagined. To stay alive, Samantha needs to figure out why things have gone so terribly wrong for her – and more importantly, why she is out of time?

‘Vampire Seeker’ is Book One in the Samantha Carter Series.

January 11, 2014 by Caroline Barker

Tim O’Rourke’s Vampire Seeker (Samantha Carter #1) release & signed paperback GIVEAWAY!!!

COMPETITION NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU ALL WHO ENTERED!

To celebrate the release of author Tim O’Rourke’s first publication, Vampire Seeker (Samantha Carter #1), by major publishing house Piatkus/Little Brown on THURSDAY 16TH JANUARY 2014 we are hosting a GIVEAWAY for one lucky winner to receive a signed paperback copy of this brilliant story. (Please check out book blurb and our review below.)

To win a copy all you have to do is add your name below in the comments box, or visit us on Facebook and add your name there. Closing date is Thursday 23rd January 2014 and the winner will be randomly selected thereafter! Good luck, guys!

Vampire Seeker (Samantha Carter #1) Book Blurb: Samantha Carter believes that a vampire is responsible for the brutal deaths of four women in Whitechapel, London, England. Each murder is identical to those committed a hundred years before by a very different serial killer.

‘Vampire Seeker’ is Book One in the Samantha Carter Series.

Below is my review (previously posted on 19th March 2013):-

I thought Tim O’Rourke had me with the Keira Hudson series. I thought the same again when I read ‘Moonlight’, from his Moon Trilogy, and then in his latest series, Sydney Hart, in the novel ‘Witch’. ‘Vampire Seeker’ is no exception to the rule. It’s wacky, adventurous, action-packed, fun and gory. From a vampire seeker in London, 2012, to a cowgirl in the Wild West in 1888, Samantha Carter is a brilliant heroine.

‘Vampire Seeker’ begins with Samantha following a Jack the Ripper copy-cat killer in London 2012. Samantha believes that the killer is a vampire and, as she has had an obsession in trying to prove their very existence, when she hears of the latest murder via a police scanner she exploits the situation by tracking him down. This is a very brave and courageous move, and even though risky, Sammy is on a mission for what she believes in. She is studying criminology but reading about, researching and studying vampires is her thing. She cannot let this moment pass. She is so close to the truth.

With the police on her tail, as she is seen near the crime scene, she follows the stranger she believes a vampire and murderer as quickly and quietly as she can. She ends up at a Tube station and boarding a train she sees the stranger take. With only moments before the police reach her she pushes her way through the carriages to find her ‘vampire’. Throughout the following pages words are exchanged and then there is a bright light….

….when she wakes, Sammy is in the Wild West in 1888. She is dressed in denim and can handle a gun or two very well. She is in a tricky situation as soon as she wakes, with a gang of men lying around her that she has supposedly killed and another man behaving in a threatening manner towards her who has disarmed her and ready to take advantage. It is at this point that Samantha meets the Preacher, Louise, Zoe and Harry, a group of possible outlaws that treat Samantha as if she were one of their own.

To elaborate any further would completely spoil the story, however Samantha needs to work out how she arrived in the Wild West in 1888, why she woke up there and how she can get back to London, 2012. Is it connected to the murders taking place, or the possible vampire she had followed? Or is it all a dream?

Sammy’s character is very strong. She is a decisive gal with ambition and courage. She handles herself well in most situations and stands up to the other characters in the novel. Although she isn’t easily pushed around or deceived easily she still retains her femininity and sexiness. Samantha is wise and is able to pick up skills very quickly, despite having to get used to a new way of life.

Throughout ‘Vampire Seeker’ there are many action scenes that are quick-paced, violent, gory and sickening. This all adds to the thrill and excitement and the pace of the novel. Tim’s writing is so clear to the reader that although you are using your own imagination, the details of these action sequences are still vivid and clear from the writing. Every movement made can be imagined easily, allowing the reader to live in the moment themselves.

With Tim’s books that I have read thus far I have felt alive when reading them, as if beside the characters, like I am there with them. With ‘Vampire Seeker’ I felt most of this, however I not only wanted to be there with Samantha but I wanted to be Samantha Carter. I wanted to know how it would feel to shoot pistols and ride a horse in denims, belonging to a group of possible outlaws. Would I want to stay in the Wild West, 1888, or return to London in 2012?

Vampire Seeker (Samantha Carter #1) ‘Vampire Seeker’ not only makes for such a great read, but it captivates the imagination so much that you can see it, you can feel it. I was taken on a roller-coaster ride of fantasy every few pages where one minute it is like the TV series ‘Life on Mars’, the next ‘Back to the Future Part III’. The only difference being that here we have a female lead character. I have been watching a few westerns on TV recently, such as ‘Deadwood’ and ‘Hell on Wheels’, and reading Vampire Seeker simply tied in with this theme with the added bonus of the faster, more adventurous pace, along with the paranormal direction. There are also so many twists and turns that one direction that the novel took made me think of the movie ‘From Dusk ’til Dawn’ but I will not elaborate too much here, other than to say that a relationship between certain characters have similar circumstances.

The Preacher character is almost like a father-figure type character in my mind. He is out on a mission himself with his fellow riders and he is a leader. Samantha is helped by the Preacher and although he, Zoe and Louise have been friendly and accepting of Samantha, taking her in as one of their own, Sammy has her doubts about the group as the story unfolds and questions the Faith of the Preacher.

And then there is Harry, Harry Turner. I can definitely see why this novel is for new/young adults, 17 yrs plus, as the sexual tension is very hot and intense. If you are looking for a romance theme, or at least the hope of one with a strong and silent type cowboy you will not be disappointed. He is like Clint Eastwood in ‘High Plains Drifter’, which funnily enough has an almost paranormal feel but not in quite the same way that ‘Vampire Seeker’ has. Aside from Samantha, Harry is my favourite character that I cannot live without. I am just dying to know just how bad he is. I can honestly say that if the action and gore don’t get the blood pumping, Harry certainly will!

I need to read the sequel right now. I cannot wait for the release date!

‘Vampire Seeker (Samantha Carter, Book One)’ was received gratefully from the author in return for an honest and fair review.

Check out the Amazon UK and Amazon US links!

Don’t forget to add your name below for a chance to win a SIGNED Paperback!!! Good luck 🙂

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

P.S. You can always check out our reviews of some of Tim’s other works here!

December 9, 2013 by Caroline Barker

Lightpoints by Peter Kassan

Lightpoints is a magical, mesmerising and surreal sci-fi. It is also very spiritual and wondrous, with near-death experiences (NDE’s) and out-of-body experiences (OBE’s) being described in brilliant detail, allowing the reader to imagine even the smallest of details whilst the victim is in this state. Peter Kassan introduces the concept of the ‘lightpoints’ well, intriguing the reader from the very beginning and ultimately gripping the reader’s attention to the very last page.

Blurb:

What if you suddenly discovered you had a sense-and powers-that almost no one else in the world did? When Amanda Lindner Nichols, a 24-year-old graphic artist living with her husband in Queens, New York, is revived from a near-death experience, she discovers she perceives everyone around her as points of light-but not with her eyes. She soon learns she can not only perceive the life energy of others, but she can give and take it. With the help of others like her, she brings her husband Chris to the brink of death and back to bestow on him the same remarkable faculty, and they’re the happiest they’ve been. But not for long. All over the world, people who’ve been revived from their own near-death experience at just the right moment discover themselves with these same unusual powers. They find ways to use them-some for good and some for evil. When Amanda and Chris encounter a ruthless group of gangsters with the same faculty, tragedy follows-and Amanda faces the greatest challenge of her life.

The drama and tension begins as 24 year old, Amanda Lindner Nichols, is stabbed at Grand Central Station. Amanda experiences a near-death experience and doesn’t regain her consciousness until later in the hospital. The reader is then taken on a mesmerising journey with Amanda as, when she wakes up, she discovers that she has some unusual qualities – she can now see people’s lightpoints! All of their energy, along with their approximity and emotive state, is clear to her.

Although quite confusing and strange for Amanda she tries to keep her new sense to herself, without wanting to alarm her family. This did prove difficult, especially with her husband, Chris. I felt a little sorry for Chris as he is shut out a little from Amanda and during intimate moments she rarely kisses him. However, once he is aware of Amanda’s abilities he wants to be like her and have the sense himself.

Throughout Lightpoints, Peter Kassan tells the story of the nicer and the darker sides of being a sensitive. For example, when Amanda becomes acquainted with Lisa she realises that Lisa looks out for new sensitives and reaches out to them, allowing them to talk over their new senses and to not feel so alone. But the reader also discovers that some people use their new ability for evil by sucking the life from other sensitives, or even taking as much energy from them as necessary in order for the individual to carry out actions that they would never consent to, before giving them back their energy.

I really liked the style of writing and the tension when the darker side was mentioned, i.e. with the gangsters – as they were trying to reach any sensitive they could find ask them to work with them. If the approached sensitive refused then their end would be met.

Here is an example of the darker side of some sensitives and the tension Peter Kassan builds up. Inside a parking garage two gangsters are trying to convince another sensitive to join them. The guy is in his car, at the wheel ready to leave when they approach him. The guy shows no interest in their offer and so they know what they are expected to do. Besides, he’s not only turned them down but he is also a witness who could identify them:-

‘They heard footsteps, and they both dropped to the asphalt until the footsteps receded. When it was silent again, Stanley reached through the window with his gloved hand. He pushed the guy’s head back, pinched his nose and put his palm over his mouth.’

This is powerful, eerie and violent. Amanda’s experience and relationship with Lisa and John is a complete contrast to this darker side.

I loved following the story of Amanda, her husband, Chris, and Lisa and John (sensitives). I didn’t see how some of the other characters fitted in to the story, although there were some great examples of how the light could be used for evil purposes. As the story continued the reader begins to guess that Amanda was to come into contact with some of the other sensitives mentioned.

I found some areas of the story, in particular the process of Chris trying to become a sensitive, to be a little repetitive. I could understand why as it was used to build up momentum and tension, however once the first and certainly the second process was mentioned then shorter descriptions for the subsequent processes would have been sufficient in my opinion.

It also didn’t become obvious until a good way through the story that the good and evil were to encounter each other. This led to a small moment where I wondered what the point was of explaining the evil sides to the reader but it does become clear and the story finishes with a surprising dramatic end.

I enjoyed ‘Lightpoints’ with its captivating concept and storyline. I would be interested in reading a sequel, either with the same characters or even with fresh characters and maybe set in a different part of the world. There were some characters mentioned that didn’t seem to fit in to the main plot but used as examples of the darker side. Maybe these characters could be revisited in any follow-up novels so that the reader can follow their story.

Lightpoints is the first book of its kind that I have read and it really leaves an impact, making the reader think about mortality, the spirit world and what truly does happen when we meet our end. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?

Lightpoints was provided by the author for the purpose of an honest and fair review.

You can find Peter Kassan’s ‘Lightpoints‘ on Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

November 14, 2013 by Tina Williams

PODS (Book #1), by Michelle Pickett, BOOK TOUR, REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY!

Today we are hosting Michelle Pickett’s book tour of her Amazon bestselling Young Adult Science Fiction/Dystopian novel PODS. Read on for a book synopsis, my review and to find out more about the author. Residents of the US can also enter the Rafflecopter giveaway to win 1 signed copy of PODs and some Swag! Details below. Tina 🙂

Synopsis

Seventeen-year-old Eva is a chosen one. Chosen to live, while others meet a swift and painful death from an incurable virus so lethal, a person is dead within days of symptoms emerging. In the POD system, a series of underground habitats built by the government, she waits with the other chosen for the deadly virus to claim those above. Separated from family and friends, it’s in the PODs she meets David. And while true love might not conquer all, it’s a balm for the broken soul.

After a year, scientists believe the population has died, and without living hosts, so has the virus. That’s the theory, anyway. But when the PODs are opened, survivors find the surface holds a vicious secret. The virus mutated, infecting those left top-side and creating… monsters.

Eva and David hide from the infected in the abandoned PODs. Together they try to build a life–a new beginning. But the infected follow and are relentless in their attacks. Leaving Eva and David to fight for survival, and pray for a cure.

My Review of PODs, by Michelle Pickett

Title: PODs

Author: Michelle K. Pickett

Genre: Science Fiction/Dystopia, Young Adult, Zombies, Romance

Published: June 4^th 2013 by Spencer Hill Press

Page Count: 312 pgs

Terrifying Future Tempered by Tender Romance!

PODS, by Michelle Pickett, offers readers a vision of the future which I found both realistic and terrifying. In the novel a deadly virus, which kills its victims within days and which has no known cure, has struck the Earth’s population. In the US the government holds a nationwide ‘raffle’, the winners being guaranteed apparent safety, alongside essential government personnel, scientists and military etc. in specially designed PODS deep underground. Meanwhile the virus wreaks havoc topside and the hope is that it will die out in the absence of remaining live hosts…. The tale centres on Eva, a 17 year old High School student. We witness how she, her family and others react to the news of the virus, the raffle, Eva’s guilt at being selected and the bittersweet realisation that once she enters the POD system she will never see her family or friends again.

Before going into the PODS Eva with the other ‘chosen’ spend two weeks in isolation in quarantine to ensure that their bodies harbour no nascent virus. Only then does she enter one of the many PODS, with other young men and women (for it is only the young and healthy who have been selected). All find it difficult to adjust to being separated from the life they knew and their loved ones and need to work together to remain sane under such claustrophobic and bizarre circumstances.

It is in the POD that Eva befriends David and it is not long before their mutual attraction turns into a budding romance, despite the difficulties of conducting a relationship with such a complete lack of privacy, not to mention misgivings such an attachment may not be a good idea, in case it turns sour. Ensconced in their POD, Eva and David struggle to contain their feelings and the other inhabitants all have their own dramas to cope with. Meanwhile both topside and within the PODS the virus has not yet had its fill….. When they are finally allowed back to the surface, after more than a year underground, the world and the rules which govern it have changed beyond recognition. Worse than that, the virus has mutated, creating terrifying Zombie like creatures and the battle for survival, whilst avoiding infection, is on……

I loved the the two main leads Eva and David. Both show themselves to be very level headed in a crisis and believe me there are many that they face! Their growing relationship is a delight to behold and there are many tender and bittersweet moments. The couple not only harbour a strong physical attraction to one another, but are also well suited in terms of their character. David is a real hottie who puts Eva’s welfare above his own and Eva is a strong and caring individual who is willing to fight for the safety of those she cares for and she wants to be with David whatever the cost. They and the other survivors have to put their youthful dreams behind them and adapt to survive, even when the actions they are compelled to take are far from palatable and heartbreaking at times.

Other characters in the novel were well drawn. My particular favourites whilst the scenes unfolded in the PODS were Jai Li and Tiffany. Once topside I liked the character of Devlin, who along with David protects others from the infected. There is plenty of tension in terms of characters who do not see eye to eye with others and the ever present government authorities who control life for those within the PODS and many areas topside, holding the destinies of many within their hands. The tale contains adventure, blood and gore, betrayal and self-sacrifice and plenty of romance. I found the tale a realistic portrayal of what could happen if such a fate ever befell humankind.

I recommend PODS to readers of Young Adult novels who like a thought provoking romance set within a future dystopian society. The second novel in the series, Infected, comes out this month. Read on for the buy links for PODS, how to enter the GIVEAWAY (open to US residents only) and to read about the author Michelle Pickett and her works.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

A copy of PODS was given to me by the author for the purpose of an honest and fair review. The Book Tour is hosted by Making Connections Blog Tours

Buy Links for PODs:

Amazon ׀ Barnes&Noble ׀ Books-A-Million The Book Depository׀

Giveaway – open to US Residents only

Win 1 signed copy of PODs and some Swag!

Click on the following link to enter the giveaway for one signed copy of PODS and some SWAG! Good Luck to all who enter! 🙂

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6289a714/

Coming Next………………..

About the Author

I’m a wife, mother, author, reader, although not always in that order. I’ve been an avid reader since a young child. I began writing for personal enjoyment in college, where I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in accounting. Why I chose a degree that didn’t encourage creativity is a mystery to me. I’m addicted to Reese’s peanut butter cups and eat way too many while I write. I have a weird obsession with hoodies and can’t write without wearing one. I hate to cook, but love to watch cooking shows. I’m an unabashed romantic and love swoon-worthy happy endings that give me butterflies for days. Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, I now reside in a small community outside Houston, Texas with my incredibly supportive, not to mention gorgeous, husband, three amazing school-aged children, a 125-pound lap dog, and a cat that thinks she’s queen. I write adult and young adult Sci/Fi, urban fantasy and paranormal romances. I love to hear from readers and other authors, so drop me a note and say “Hi!”

My work includes:

The Amazon Bestselling young adult novel “PODs”

Milayna, March 2014

Buy Links for Milayna:

Amazon ׀ Barnes&Noble ׀ The Book Depository

Milayna’s Angel (Milayna #2), September 2014

The Infected, a PODs novel, November 2014,

The Innocent (Milayna #3), April 2015.

I always love to hear from readers, bloggers and other authors!

Find me here:

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5448974.Michelle_K_Pickett

Blog – http://www.michelle-pickett.com/

Website – www.Michelle-Pickett.com

Email – Michelle@Michelle-Pickett.com

Twitter – https://twitter.com/michelle_kp

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/MichellePickettAuthor

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/Michelle-K.-Pickett/e/B008QWUA5O/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Shelfari – http://www.shelfari.com/michellepickett

Pinterest – http://www.pinterest.com/michelleauthor/

Linkedin – http://www.linkedin.com/in/michellepickett

Add to your Goodreads Shelf – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13425802-pods

November 5, 2013 by Tina Williams

Joshua’s Tree, by N.W. Harris

A Wild Ride through a Future Earth!

Young Adult Sci-Fi Fantasy

Joshua’s Tree, N. W. Harris’ first novel, is a great romp, containing a fantastic kick ass heroine and an unlikely hero who is transported to the future. It is set in a strange landscape, with terrifying cannibalistic creatures and it contains intervention from on high and non-stop adventure. There is also a budding romance and a plot that involves both personal growth and self-sacrifice.

In Joshua’s Tree, after a fall from his skateboard, seventeen year old Joshua wakes up naked in a strange and frightening world, where he is attacked and kidnapped by menacing creatures. Before the creatures can reveal their evil intent, he is rescued by a sword wielding female warrior, Nadia, astride a strange beast. Nadia, whose village and family have been destroyed by the sweepers, the terrifying creatures that have Joshua in their clutches, is convinced that Joshua is the saviourof her world, as foreseen in a prophecy. Joshua has no option but to accompany her on a bizarre and dangerous journey, where he learns that to return to his own world he must find the strength within himself to overcome his fears and avenge Nadia’s people by executing The Father, the creator of the canniabalistic sweepers who threaten the lives of all on this world.

Nadia is a character that I sometimes long to be in my imagination – a strong, self-controlled and skilled warrior, who takes no c*** from anyone and does not hesitate to go in for the kill with her sword and dagger, a figure which brought to my mind a younger version of Xena, the warrior princess or Lara Croft! She does have her vulnerabilities however, and these are revealed as the novel progresses. By contrast Josh is an unlikely hero, more of a thinker, not a natural warrior and he has zero confidence when it comes to girls, especially those as attractive as Nadia. He is grateful to Nadia for being his protector in this strange world and for helping him to adjust to the life of a warrior, but he resents being reliant on her. Although desperate to go home, he sometimes feels that he has a connection to the world and has growing feelings for Nadia. I loved how Josh grew in stature physically and mentally throughout, becoming if not yet an equal to Nadia in terms of her fighting skills at least complementing her with his skill at strategy.

Much of the novel focuses on the hero and heroine, their growing relationship and the transformation of Joshua from 21 century teenager into a warrior worthy to fulfil a prophecy. Although Nadia is attracted to Josh, she wants to keep him at a distance so that they do not become distracted from their quest as so much is at stake. Josh is initially both attracted to her strange beauty and resentful of her – she is part of the alien world that is keeping him from going home and she seems superior to him in every way, a true warrior, whereas he sees himself as puny and weak. There are many misunderstandings between them as the plot develops and leads Joshua to his destiny, as they struggle with their feelings for each other. There is also blood and gore a plenty, with innards and brains being spilt and limbs torn apart. The plot contains many twists and turns, with a cliff hanger at the end, which I am so wanting to know how it can possibly be resolved in future instalments! Will Joshua return home if he survives? Will he want to? Will he have a choice? And what of Nadia and the other characters and the future of this world as it hangs in the balance?

The author clearly has a strong imagination to create such a diverse future world, where some creatures are genetically engineered, similar, but so different from our own. It is a world of extreme landscapes, which blends futuristic technology with elements of past cultures on Earth. The novel is very much a coming of age story as well as a romance, but it is also more than this, addressing issues of personal growth and destiny for Josh (and Nadia too) as they are both subjected to a series of increasingly more terrifying tests of endurance and sanity, which allows them to grow and develop, but which puts a stain on their relationship. For me the novel has an almost mystical quality and the strongly drawn and well rounded characters also represented some major archetypes: Josh is the unlikely hero/saviour; Nadia the warrior; The Father, the evil creator/scientist, and there is even the wise man/spirit guide, the Sensei, who appears sporadically throughout.

Joshua’s Tree is a fantastic, read, which will keep you glued to the text until you have reached the end. I strongly recommend it to fans of sci-fi/fantasy adventure, who like some romance in their tale, with a thought provoking and action packed plot.

Reviewed by Tina Williams

I received this book for free from Story Cartel in exchange for my unbiased review.

http://museituppublishing.com/bookstore/index.php/young-adult/ya-action-adventure/joshua-s-tree-detail

http://nwharrisbooks.wordpress.com/

http://storycartel.com/

Cover art by Marion Sipe www.marionsipe.blogspot.com

August 15, 2013 by Caroline Barker

RELEASE DATE: Vampire Seeker (Samantha Carter, Book 1) by Tim O’Rourke – Piatkus/Little Brown Publishing

Congratulations to Tim O’Rourke on his release of Vampire Seeker (Samantha Carter, Book 1), published for the first time by Piatkus/Little Brown Publishing House on 15th August 2013. To help celebrate the release you can have a chance at winning a Limited Edition t-shirt, check out the book blurb and you can also check out a little video interview introduction (by Tim) to Samantha Carter on the Piatkus website!

The e-book is released today and the paperback copies will be released in January 2014! You can find the Kindle edition on Amazon.co.uk for £4.99 and on Amazon.com for £7.74! (Prices correct at the time of publishing this post.)

Below is my review of Vampire Seeker (already published to the blog previously) with the new cover. (This is also my favourite review that I have written!!!)

With the police on her tail, as she is seen near the crime scene, she follows the stranger she believes is a vampire and murderer as quickly and quietly as she can. She ends up at a Tube station and boarding a train she sees the stranger take. With only moments before the police reach her she pushes her way through the carriages to find her ‘vampire’. Throughout the following pages words are exchanged and then there is a bright light….

‘Vampire Seeker’ not only makes for such a great read, but it captivates the imagination so much that you can see it, you can feel it. I was taken on a roller-coaster ride of fantasy every few pages where one minute it is like the TV series ‘Life on Mars’, the next ‘Back to the Future Part III’. The only difference being that here we have a female lead character. I have been watching a few westerns on TV recently, such as ‘Deadwood’ and ‘Hell on Wheels’, and reading Vampire Seeker simply tied in with this theme with the added bonus of the faster, more adventurous pace, along with the paranormal direction. There are also so many twists and turns that one direction that the novel took made me think of the movie ‘From Dusk ’til Dawn’ but I will not elaborate too much here, other than to say that a relationship between certain characters have similar circumstances.

I need to read the sequel right now. I cannot wait for the release date!

‘Vampire Seeker (Samantha Carter, Book One)’ was received gratefully from the author in return for an honest and fair review.

Other series’ to try are Keira Hudson, Black Hill Farm, The Moon Trilogy and Doorways. You can find all information on Tim’s website.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker