EDGE OF COLLAPSE by Kyla Stone has an excellent premise and provides plenty of page-turning tension.
MY TEASE…
Fate has been viciously cruel to Hannah EDGE OF COLLAPSE by Kyla Stone has an excellent premise and provides plenty of page-turning tension.
MY TEASE…
Fate has been viciously cruel to Hannah Sheridan.
For the last five years, a sadistic psychopath has held Hannah captive in a basement. Every weekend, he drives to his secluded cabin located deep within Michigan’s Manistee National Forest to see the woman he kidnapped.
In a twist of fate, the electronic bolt retracts on her basement door during an apocalyptic event that shuts down the grid. Hannah has a chance to escape, to run from her captor who isn’t at the cabin. A chance to run toward her former life.
But Hannah isn’t out of the woods. Not by a long shot. It’s a frigid winter. She’s in the middle of nowhere, her pregnancy is nearly full term, and a ferocious dog guards the cabin. Add to that, her captor is a skilled tracker who, no doubt, is determined to reach his property, his possession, in order to keep things exactly how he likes them…under his complete control.
Will Hannah have a turn of fate? Or has her destiny already been frozen in time?
THOUGHTS…
I really enjoyed the premise and tension of this book! A survival adventure story is right down my alley!
One factor in particular kept this from being a 5-star read.
EDGE OF COLLAPSE is the first of seven books, so I knew going into it that not all the story threads would be resolved. However, Book 1 ended with most threads left hanging. I get that this technique is meant to springboard me to the next book, but I prefer that each book I read, whether part of a series or not, has a 3-act structure with a satisfying dramatic arc. In other words, when I’m finished a book, I want to feel satisfied but wanting more (think THE HUNGER GAMES, the LINSENBIGLER series, or the ETHAN CHASE THRILLER series).
So, I was disappointed after finishing EDGE OF COLLAPSE.
However, the premise and tension kept me turning the pages, so I rated it with 3.5 stars and rounded up. If you’re looking for a series to stick with, I think this one has a really good, intriguing start!
QUICKFIRE RATINGS from 1 (ugh) to 5 (woo-hoo)…
Plot (the story): 3 (Only because it was incomplete) Main character’s likability: 4 Development of supporting character(s): 3.5 Settings/Atmosphere: 5 Pacing (how fast did I turn the pages): 4.5 Believability (in the context of the story): 3.5 Satisfying ending: 2.5 Tension of the story: 4.5 Stirs the heart (friendship): 3 (Involving characters other than the captor) Cover: EXCELLENT
OVERALL…
EDGE OF COLLAPSE strongly kicks off the series with an engaging, tension-filled read. Keep in mind, if you want answers to story threads in Book 1, you’ll have to move on to the next installment!...more
PROJECT HAIL MARY by Andy Weir is an amazing blast of character development and voice!
MY TEASE…
The sun is fading. Projections are dire. In 19 years, PROJECT HAIL MARY by Andy Weir is an amazing blast of character development and voice!
MY TEASE…
The sun is fading. Projections are dire. In 19 years, Earth will be iced over.
The best minds are being selected for a last-ditch effort: an international taskforce assembled to save the planet. A Hail Mary.
No way does Ryland Grace think he should be included in the chosen elite. He’s a junior high school science teacher whose academic clout is less than stellar. Significantly less. As in, his doctoral thesis was widely rejected. Laughable, in fact.
But Ryland can’t remember any of that when he wakes up. He can’t even remember his name or those of the two corpses near him.
Unsettling as his new reality is, three things are easily discernable: Ryland is alone, on a spacecraft, and somewhere beyond Earth’s solar system.
Will he remember what led to his circumstances? And is he capable of saving himself, let alone Earth which is light-years away?
THOUGHTS…
Wow, wow, wow! I love reading books that thoroughly engage me as a reader while modeling exceptional writing, inspiring me as an author. This book delivers big time—rockets blazing!
PROJECT HAIL MARY is a masterpiece on “voice.” The voices of the characters are so authentic, so captivating and endearing, that I didn’t care how many science principles were thrown at me. I was going to stick with these characters no matter what. That’s the sign of a talented author from whom I can learn!
This book has landed on my “favorites” shelf. For my tastes, it fires on all cylinders when it comes to engaging me in a survival story packed with originality and believability; one that’s expertly written and deeply connects me with the characters.
QUICKFIRE RATINGS from 1 (ugh) to 5 (woo-hoo)…
Plot (the story): 5+ Main character’s likability: 5+ Development of supporting character(s): 5+ Settings/Atmosphere: 5 Pacing (how fast did I turn the pages): 4.5 Believability (in the context of the story): 5 Satisfying ending: 4.5 Tension of the story: 4.5 Stirs the heart (friendship): 5+
OVERALL…
PROJECT HAIL MARY soars to my favorites shelf! Packed with originality, this book shines brightly when it comes to character development and voice. I highly recommend it!...more
MALORIE by Josh Malerman is the sequel to my favorite read of 2021: BIRD BOX. Thankfully, birds of a feather flock together. Both books soared in the MALORIE by Josh Malerman is the sequel to my favorite read of 2021: BIRD BOX. Thankfully, birds of a feather flock together. Both books soared in the right direction: as heart pounding, five-star reads!
MY TEASE…
For Malorie Walsh and her two teens, Tom and Olympia, “life by the fold” (the blindfold) has become routine and one dimensional. The family’s purpose? To never forget that the creatures exist. To never “get lazy” because the creatures are waiting—every second, every minute, every hour of every day—to turn those who look upon them…violently mad.
The family has existed for 10 years at Camp Yadin. And because of their singular focus (to never look), Malorie finds herself light years away from the risktaker she once was in the old world.
Until…
Until someone in the new world knocks on their cabin door. A man conducting a census. A man who has literature. Literature that speaks of an operational Blind Train located just 30 miles away. Literature, in fact, that includes names of those who’ve survived.
And when Malorie recognizes the name of someone whom she thought long dead, her desire to maintain the status quo is beyond ruffled.
Look for hope…or stay blind to the world? Face danger among the living…or keep hiding to merely exist? Regardless of her decisions, Malorie senses that imminent danger awaits.
As usual, her instincts are rarely blurred.
THOUGHTS…
Josh Malerman is a master of tension building. His talent jumped off the pages, grabbed me, and wouldn’t let me go!
Here is one sample below. The scene: With a flashlight, Malorie is under a blanket so she can read the literature left by the census man. Her blindfolded teens have been sleeping. The text reads…
She [Malorie] feels a tap on her back. She falls flat to the floor, heart thudding. “Mom.” It’s Olympia, whispering, her lips pressed to Malorie’s ear through the fabric of the blanket. “What?” Malorie whispers back. “We’re not alone in here.” Malorie goes cold. “Someone is standing in the doorway,” Olympia says. “I can hear them breathing.”
Like I said…TENSION in all caps! Now multiply that by almost every page.
QUICKFIRE RATINGS from 1 (ugh) to 5 (woo-hoo)…
Plot (the story): 5 Main character’s likability: 5 Development of supporting character(s): 5 Settings/Atmosphere: 5+(Crushed it!) Pacing (how fast did I turn the pages): 5 Believability (in the context of the story): 3 Satisfying ending: 5 Tension of the story: 5+(Crushed it!) Stirs the heart (romantic elements): N/A
OVERALL:
MALORIE stayed on track for a tension filled, five-star ride! I highly recommend this duology! I LOVED both books :)...more
I could pinch myself! This year is proving to be one of my favorites in terms of reading, based on the quality of books stacked on my 2021 completed sI could pinch myself! This year is proving to be one of my favorites in terms of reading, based on the quality of books stacked on my 2021 completed shelf (thus far). Usually, I’m thrilled by one or two. This year, I’ve been over-the-moon on almost all of them!!! In fact, I’ve added MEXICAN GOTHIC, COME WITH ME, and now BIRD BOX to my all-time favorites list! And SHARP OBJECTS, THE DROWNING KIND, and LAYLA were so close as well!
So let’s get to the most recent gem…
BIRD BOX by Josh Malerman is an amazing eye-opener…both disturbing and heart pounding. Add these effects to an against-all-odds apocalyptic survival story that’s told with a simplistic yet riveting style, and you’ll understand why BIRD BOX is my favorite book of 2021. Bottomline, I could not look away from its pages. I was completely mesmerized by this book.
MY TEASE…
The outside world can no longer be seen. Creatures have arrived—those which have never been described because if visibly seen, the eyewitness will go mad. Insane. Berserk; as in, violently killing those in close proximity before committing suicide.
In order to survive while outdoors, people need to be blindfolded from the indiscernible evil. Inside, they must take precautions by covering windows and becoming shut-ins. But let’s face it: Survivors can only last so long in isolation, with limited food. (Think…birds confined inside a box.)
Pregnant and tragically alone, Malorie finds her way to a safe house (a home whose owner had advertised in the newspaper as a “sanctuary” before civilization had completely shut down). “A place for strangers to meet, to pool their resources, gather in numbers, to face the impossible, changing world outside.”
Strangers, of course, can harbor their own evils. But Malorie has no plans of cowering to danger. Her unborn baby depends on her. Come Hell or high water, she will survive…
Right?
THOUGHTS…
Tension…BIRD BOX is stuffed with it. Every single page is basted with tension. The intensity, in fact, slices through each chapter like a knife. (See what I did there? LOL!)
In my opinion, the level of tension achieved is phenomenal. It isn’t captured in a few sentences or within several scenes. Tension drips from every page while not seeming forced or over baked. It just wafts in the air like aromas ahead of Thanksgiving dinner.
What I found interesting was that the first line of the book stands in opposition to everything authors are warned not to do when starting a book: Don’t begin your book with your main character…thinking (or dreaming). Here’s the first line:
“Malorie stands in the kitchen, thinking.”
This is literally what I thought about the beginning: Wow. BIRD BOX must really be good for Josh Malerman to start his novel this way. Talk about confidence...
And BIRD BOX delivered!
If I was to look closely for a criticism, I would say that I found one scene unbelievable. The one where Malorie drives “blind” for 4-miles to a bar she remembered (in search of food), albeit driving slooooowly. Then she drives blind to return to the house. Walking? Possible. Driving? Noooooo. However, the hook in this book was so deep for me, that no way was I going to take a detour!!! I rolled with it ;)
I've moved on to the sequel: MALORIE. And I hope to see the movie BIRD BOX soon!
QUICKFIRE RATINGS from 1 (ugh) to 5 (woo-hoo)…
Plot (the story): 5 Main character’s likability: 5 Development of supporting character(s): 5 Settings/Atmosphere: 5+ (Crushed it!) Pacing (how fast did I turn the pages): 5+ (Crushed it!) Believability (in the context of the story): 4 Satisfying ending: 5 Tension of the story: 5+ (Crushed it!) Stirs the heart (romantic elements): N/A Did I solve the mystery/guess the ending before the reveal? Yes
OVERALL:
BIRD BOX is my favorite, BEST read for 2021 thus far! The book is outstanding....more
THE RAVEN AND THE EYE by Jeffrey Caston earned 4.5 wide-eyed stars from me!
My Tease…
Many words describe Kurt Giffords: brilliant, eccentric, illusive,THE RAVEN AND THE EYE by Jeffrey Caston earned 4.5 wide-eyed stars from me!
My Tease…
Many words describe Kurt Giffords: brilliant, eccentric, illusive, and unhinged. However, he calls himself the Raven, Seattle’s vigilante whose life mission is to violently execute “an eye for an eye” in the name of justice.
The people of Seattle desperately need the Raven’s unique talents.
An unsightly monster has focused on the Raven’s airspace. In a blink of an eye, the streets of Seattle are dripping with blood and the Raven has no intentions of looking the other way.
Does the Raven possess the strategic vision to outwit his bizarre opponent? Or will the vigilante see his last daylight?
Thoughts…
STORY:
This is a brief, entertaining story showcasing the author’s great imagination. I’m thinking few authors could pull off having a three dimensional (view spoiler)[car-sized eyeball (hide spoiler)] as a monster! I think Caston did an awesome job. The uniqueness of the monster actually reminded me of one that could’ve been found in James Dashner’s The Maze Runner.
WRITING:
Wow! This author has a real gift for description, creativity, and action scenes. I thoroughly enjoyed his writing!!!
Here’s a sample:
“The attack only managed to make a superficial gash, but the effort yielded a rewarding sickly yellow seepage tinged with tendrils of purple.”
This short story is filled with vivid details!!!
I also enjoyed the Raven’s inner monologue…
“Lacking any better information, the press attributed the deaths to a vicious gang of thugs. The Raven knew better. Thugs didn’t partially consume their victims.”
Overall…
Vivid, gory, and entertaining, this short story is a great imaginative read! I’m keeping my eye on what’s next for this author ;)...more
THE COLLECTOR by Stjepan Cobets earned 4.5 relevant and imaginative stars from me!
My Tease…
Victoria doesn’t consider herself much of a leader, except THE COLLECTOR by Stjepan Cobets earned 4.5 relevant and imaginative stars from me!
My Tease…
Victoria doesn’t consider herself much of a leader, except when she’s leading patrons like George out of her Berlin bar at closing. So when she wakes up on a foreign planet and reunites with George, forced to follow a path in a forest leading to a massive and mysterious dome, she feels more like a confused prisoner than one chosen for a special purpose.
Bewilderment turns to utter disbelief. Victoria learns The Collector has intentionally selected her, as well as all the Earthlings teleported to the planet. More mind boggling, as a human slated for top leadership, Victoria learns the unabridged answers to her many questions.
Some answers, she didn’t want to know.
Thoughts…
MESSAGE:
My favorite aspect of the two highly imaginative sci-fi & fantasy novellas I’ve read by this author (Black Seeds and The Collector) is how he weaves into them important societal messages. His themes truly resonate with me. This book, for example, warns us of the destructive nature of greedy governments and scientists who disregard consequences on civilization in pursuit of global power.
In my opinion, his themes are timeless and relevant.
WRITING:
Although The Collector has a less distinctive cadence when compared to Black Seeds, this novella puts forth high-quality splashes of vividness.
“They were suddenly standing on the edge of a lake. And now they could see dozens of waterfalls that overflowed into the lake from many high cascades. The waterfalls created a haze on the lake’s surface, out of millions of little droplets. Countless rainbows flickered, transforming into a magical sight under the rays of the two suns.”
and…
“The figure in a vibrant grey robe spread his hands, and the podium melted beneath his feet, disappearing like ice in the sun. He was hovering a few centimeters above the ground and pointed right towards Victoria. The wide robe fluttered in the breeze around his ascetic body.”
Awesome descriptions :)
TENSION:
This was the one area that resulted in the drop from a perfect 5-star rating, though I gladly rounded up for the outstanding way this author weaves in his themes.
Here’s where I felt a teeny-tiny tad of disappointment: Reading about two characters in a dense forest—not knowing precisely where they were, how they had gotten to this foreign planet, and what their destinies would be—made me want to feel afraid. However, the banter between characters, especially between Victoria and George, was more sarcastic and flirtier than fearful. If the characters aren’t afraid, I’m not afraid.
Overall…
This author has important things to say (from my perspective) and I thoroughly enjoy reading his points of view within his tremendously creative stories and settings. THE COLLECTOR is a quick, thematically deep, and totally worthwhile read....more
BLACK SEEDS by Stjepan Cobets earned 5 thought-provoking stars from me!
My Tease…
Conquering and defending Earthling colonies, those settled on foreign BLACK SEEDS by Stjepan Cobets earned 5 thought-provoking stars from me!
My Tease…
Conquering and defending Earthling colonies, those settled on foreign planets, were the priorities of Elton Nardy, Sergeant and Marine of the 401 Assault Brigade for the United World. Warring and killing consumed his existence. After all, once humans depleted natural resources on a planet, they had to move on to another and overtake it. How else could Earthlings survive and be profitable?
Then came the battle at Planet Kerrenas and everything changed for Elton. An encounter with horrifying creatures (Urums released from Black Seeds) forced him to see the truth about himself and humankind. With his enlightenment, an unexpected transformation takes root.
And now, 200 years later, he’s telling the story and seeding an evolution of peaceful coexistence.
Thoughts…
MESSAGE:
For me, BLACK SEEDS warns us about humankind’s tendency to disrespect, manipulate, and ravage natural resources. This arrogance leads to an imbalance in nature that will have dire consequences. In contrast, choosing to live in balance with nature blooms harmony.
If I were to make an analogy between Black Seeds and a classic, it would be this:
(view spoiler)[ Animal Farm (George Orwell) uses walking and talking animals to convey the dangers and flaws of totalitarianism
while…
Black Seeds (Stjepan Cobets) uses walking and talking trees and alien creatures (Urums) to convey the dangers and flaws of abusing nature. (hide spoiler)]
I like when an author uses (view spoiler)[unexpected characters (hide spoiler)] to share a relevant message. This approach doesn’t make readers feel like the author is preaching to them.
WRITING:
I can tell that the author writes poetry because there is a pleasant rhythm and cadence to his writing. (And English is not even his first language! Wow!)
“The past must not be forgotten; knowledge should be learned from a bygone time and preserved for our future.”
and…
“Those creatures were barely a foot tall, with huge, glowing red eyes that blazed like hot embers on their triangular black heads. Beneath those eyes was a wide mouth filled with two rows of low dark-blue, razor-sharp teeth, through which putrid black saliva dripped down.”
HUMOR:
Whether intended or not, I chuckled at the name of one of the Urums: Ass Tassi.
“Elton rolled his eyes at the fleeting pain and thought, “That’s a little cruel of you, Ass.”
Lol :)
OVERALL:
I thoroughly enjoyed this short and creative novella that offers a poignant reflection into the selfish tendencies of humankind when it comes to nature. And with awareness of this flaw, seeds of hope are planted! I highly recommend this thought-provoking 5-star read! Loved it!...more
THE NINE is a story ablaze with opposites like an inferno fed with two types of wood—one of humorous wit and the other of disturbing sinfulness. The uTHE NINE is a story ablaze with opposites like an inferno fed with two types of wood—one of humorous wit and the other of disturbing sinfulness. The unique combination of Fantasy Humor and Dark Fantasy kept me intrigued and turning the pages, resulting in 5 fiery stars!
On the serious side, the story of main character Gabe Gantry is also a tale of opposing forces: condemnation and redemption.
Despite his hellish behavior when he lived on Earth, Gabe has secured his niche in The Nine—which is hard to do on the ninth level of Hell where the worst-of-the-worst are condemned to exist. With his black-market shop, he trades goods from the Topside (Earth) for secrets in the underworld. Which means he has connections.
Once a one-man operation, Gabe is hired by the head of the underworld's Judas Agency to serve as a double agent, tasked with the opposite of what you might expect: to disrupt evil operations targeted for the Topside. To complicate matters, he gets entangled with two women: Stray (whose temporary amnesia conceals her horrid past) and Alex (his partner at the agency whose horrid past is never forgotten).
When expectations from his new relationships compete for his attention and everything is on the brink of crashing-and-burning or freezing over, will Gabe finally be the man he never was on Earth? Or will he lay low and stick to business as usual?
On the humorous side, the story glows with funny narratives and witty banter. Here’s an example of one of the many passages (narrated by Gabe in Hell) that made me smile:
“A huge circus-style billboard flashed the club’s name in bright white bulbs that chased themselves in rapid waves and circles. It was like Vegas, only less audacious and in your face. Let’s be real, no one can beat Vegas. Not even Hell has that much money.”
THE NINE immerses you in a place you never want to end up while endearing you to a few who are gripped by its claws: Gabe, Stray, and Alex. And when you’re facing the darkest of odds, the story also reminds you not to forget to find the bright side!
I highly recommend this five-star read! Can't wait for Book 2! (And I also love the cover of this book!)
I received a signed paperback for a fair and honest review!...more
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