Tag Archives: sci-fi

Book Review – Starflight

Starflight book coverStarflight by Melissa Landers

Solara Brooks needs to restart her life and the best way to do that is find passage to the outer realm where no one will care about the felony tattoos across her fingers. Unfortunately, the only way to get there is to become the indentured servant of her former classmate, Doran Spaulding, the spoiled heir to a fuel fortune. Suddenly, everything changes when Doran is accused of conspiracy and must flee the authorities. Solara tricks him into playing her servant and the two find refuge aboard the Banshee with its rag-tag crew. Starflight is a refreshing YA science fiction space adventure with excellent protagonists and an enjoyable supporting cast. It’s a fast-paced read with engaging plot points. I particularly liked Solara. She was an independent, non-apologetic, yet still feminine character. You’ll have fun with this easy, sci-fi tale.

Book Review – The IX #IXTour

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The IXThe IX by Andrew P. Weston

For these soldiers snatched out of time, death is just the beginning of the fight. Faced with total destruction from an relentless foe, the inhabitants of the planet Arden created a rip in space-time to bring in reinforcements. An sophisticated AI system scours the history of Earth finding skilled fighters on the brink of death. Granted a second-chance, these warriors must find a way to save the failing Arden. When the ninth intake, comprised of Rome’s lost Ninth Legionnaires, U.S. Calvary from the 1860s and the Cree nation people they were fighting, and a special forces group trying to thwart environmental terrorists, arrives on Arden, an opportunity arises to finally take the fight to their enemy, the Horde. But the outcome turns out to be something neither side could anticipate. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It was original and action-packed. Andrew Weston has created a gripping sci-fi world. There was a lot of jumping around to different characters and places but I never felt lost. I could have used a map of Arden because I had trouble visualizing where some of the action was in relation to the main city but overall, the planet of Arden was both alien and familiar. Mr. Weston’s writing was above average with only a few errors and punctuated with some beautiful, elegiacal descriptions. I recommend The IX as an engrossing, sci-fi adventure.

*Disclosure: I was provided a free copy of this novel with a request for an honest review.*

 

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Win a $10 Amazon/Barnes & Noble Gift Card, one copy of Outpassage by Janet & Chris Morris or one copy of The Sacred Band by Janet Morris

Book Review – Quiznot

Quiznot book coverQuiznot by Russell Stoll

Aside from a few minor typing errors, Quiznot was an impressive story. It was unlike any other book I’ve read and thoroughly engrossing. After several unexplained accidents, Timothy Starr is given the option of going to jail or a special school called Smithson. But when he arrives at Smithson, something feels off and he is thrust into an out-of-this-world adventure. Imaginative and engaging, Quiznot is a fun YA sci-fi novel.  Mr. Stoll has a gift for world-building and a knack for creating complex characters. The story builds through a steady course, using drama and plot in a balanced way. Throughout the book, I was felt both on the verge of discovering the over-arching mystery and lost in the utter uniqueness of the narrative. I recommend Quiznot as one of the best independent books I have read.

*Disclosure: I was provided a free copy of this novel with a request for an honest review.*

Book Review – Aegis Rising #AegisTour

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Aegis Rising New Kindle Cover v2Aegis Rising by S.S. Segran

“From the flames of Cerraco five will arise, Saplings of Aegis, the bearers of light…” so begins the ancient prophecy of a hidden civilization thriving in a small valley in northern Canada. They have been awaiting the five “chosen” ones for hundreds of years. Little did they know the five “Saplings of Aegis” would be five teenage friends who literally fall from the sky in a fireball. Tegan, Kody, Jag, Mariah and Aari survive a plane crash that drops them into their destiny. They must become the five bearers of light against a rising darkness that immediately threatens the hidden valley and poses a danger to the rest of the world. Ms. Segran’s sci-fi adventure is remarkably imaginative. While the action starts off slowly, it becomes increasingly captivating. The five protagonists are likeable and watching them become heroes is satisfying. Ms. Segran’s writing is polished and her imagery vivid. All in all “Aegis Rising” is a refreshing story with broad audience appeal.

*Disclosure: I was provided a free copy of this novel with a request for an honest review.*

 

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Book Review – The Atlantis Gene

The Atlantis GeneThe Atlantis Gene by A.G. Riddle

“The Atlantis Gene” is a sci-fi, historical thriller. It contains everything from technologically advanced beings to secret societies vying for the fate of the human race. The book begins with Dr. Kate Warner doing autism research in Jakarta, Indonesia. She quickly becomes involved in a dangerous conspiracy when two of her child subjects are kidnapped. From there the story jumps around the world following a host of different plotlines which do not merge until much later. While I understood the interconnectedness of the narratives, I was much more invested in the characters of Kate Warner and her protector, David Vale, than I was in any of the other action. However, overall, I liked the action-packed, tension-filled writing. I also liked that the science fiction was far-fetched but still believable and had some very interesting historical links. “The Atlantis Gene” is the first of three novels and I can say I am intrigued enough to finish the trilogy.

Check this out… 22 Minimalist Book Covers

22 minimalist book covers of sci-fi and fantasy classics via Ebook Friendly

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