This one took me for a loop from the get-go! As this not only quelled a craving for something sligThis review was originally posted on
This one took me for a loop from the get-go! As this not only quelled a craving for something slightly different, but kept me on my toes throughout. It is on the shorter side, but packed with action from start to finish.
Mercy Rising is actually the fifth book of an extended series, but it can stand on its own. I am not typically a fan of diving into a series that is as established as this one, but I would actually say this is a good novella to introduce you to the series as a whole � picking up years after the Exile War ended, with the antagonist Archons in control. From the very first chapter, a weak and failing rebellion is holding onto the last threads it can when an attack ensues. The action did not stop from then on, and I ended up turning page after page.
Characters Warring factions are right up my alley lately. Crazy hog-man-hybrid creatures I was not too sure about but they grew on me as the story progressed. Most of all is Mercy Hail, imbued with a special gift but the conundrum of what to do in this war. I immediately connected to her and rooted for her from the start. She is clever and has a way of getting in and out of places unseen � a big reason why she gets recruited to begin with. The rebellion hinges on her talent but does not wait � they bring the fight to the enemy.
Speaking of which, the antagonist, Archon rising star: Dante Matter. He is pompous, arrogant, and everything that makes a great villain. He is one of those “I’ll walk and find you while you run away thinking you can hide� kind of villains who wields fear as a weapon and is well-versed in the skill. As a villain girlie, I did sometimes find myself rooting for him, too.
Atmosphere I think anyone can see themselves enjoying this space war novel. It has a similar feel to some of the classic favorite rebellion stories, like Star Wars or Valerian. Did I mention the hog-men are cannibals? It is all woven together skillfully to bring to life a world that has intrigued me enough to want to read the other books in this series.
Writing Style Bowen has an easy way with words that can bring any reader in, even to a book that is technically fifth in a series. That’s a true testament! In most cases I am not a fan of being dumped into a world mid-series, but the way this one is written makes you believe you have been here the whole time.
Plot As I mentioned, the characters are a big part of the story, but the plot is what I believe drives the whole story. Mercy is recruited to collect secret documents from very tightly closed government facilities. The Archons use an army of the cannibal hogs I mentioned to keep everyone in check, and their reach is ever expanding. The “magic� (telepathy) seasoned into the story is anything but fantastical, making it a true sci fi novel to its core. The character arcs are believable and the plot makes for a tense and enjoyable read all around.
Intrigue Absolutely action packed from the very first page. It was one thing after another, and had very few slow spots. I am eager to read more from this author, and definitely within this series.
Excitement It is certainly a book I will be recommending to others. Great for adult readers who love a bit of a twist on science fiction, an empowering rebellion force, and some quite good villainous characters. ...more
The Murder Algorithm is a fast-paced science fiction blended with an intriguing murder mystery. ImThis review was originally posted on
The Murder Algorithm is a fast-paced science fiction blended with an intriguing murder mystery. Immediately I was drawn in by the way true reality is blended with the online reality created by the mega media conglomerate, StarSee. The surreal backdrop of a partially burning LA mixed with a reality-tv-like obsession kept me turning pages, eager to see if Roman Glass would be exonerated or eviscerated.
Characters Roman Glass is determined to prove his innocence, not only to the Social Media Division and the Homicide Division of the LAPD, but to his online watchers. Throughout the book, the importance of both takes the stage. After years of improving his image and gaining Admiration Points, his involvement in the murder of superstar Starla Devine has not only tainted his reputation, but put a target on his back. He will do anything to clear his name, even trick the police.
Among the police is peppered those who want to progress the station into the online world of StarSee and those who want to uphold the law as it is and keep the prying eyes of the public out. Peppered in are some corrupt individuals, and the one person who believes Roman is innocent is none other than Rae Dettmer, an investigator in the recently formed Social Media Division. But she has more fish to fry than just this murder. She’s convinced there is nefarious involvement in several murders by the StarSee founding family: The Blakewells.
Which brings me to Maddox Blakewell. He’s a control-freak and a great villain in this story. He’s just psychotic and powerful enough to believe he can get away with anything, even bypassing his own algorithms. That is until Dettmer is on the case.
Overall these characters worked so well together and against each other, that is character-driven mystery kept me turning pages.
Atmosphere While I was a bit surreal reading about LA in the current climate of early 2025, the hyper-reality show that has become society was intriguing. It begs the question: How far are people willing to go to have an online presence? When the new norm is driven by technology that keeps everyone connected and watching in real time, it’s both exhilarating and uncomfortable. Roman has to battle both to clear his name, and in the end, the technology ends up being pivotal.
It’s not something I think I would be completely comfortable with, but does have a bit of a “Black Mirror� feel to it.
Writing Style Kincaid’s writing style flows well and easily. Even with the plethora of tech, it is easy to grasp and follow. The way it is written, it has both a current and far-future feel that will bring any reader of science-fiction immediately into his grasp.
Plot This is certainly a page-turner for anyone who loves a good murder mystery with a future-feel. Just enough suspense to keep the reader interested while not too obvious that it’s predictable. In fact, I had expected a slightly different outcome. Again, it also doesn’t read as a setting so far distant from our own, making it relatable, if not close to a potential future we may experience at the rate our own technology is developing.
Intrigue/Excitement I was immediately drawn into the story and it kept me reading. The dynamic between Roman and his group of loyal friends was great to see, and the fact that Dettmer wasn’t just a corrupt agent made it all the more intriguing. I was expecting it to go a bit differently with how much stock is put into each person’s online presence and the obvious power of StarSee, but those things aren’t important to her. In fact, she actively works against StarSee and their monopoly tactics. Without her tenacity, the story would have been cut and dry and the outcome would have benefited the villain far more than the protagonist.
The question you might be asking: Would I recommend this book? The answer is: ABSOLUTELY....more
“Darkness can only hide for so long. Truth is revealed in light.�
Where to begin with this bookThis review was originally posted on SFFINSIDERS.COM
“Darkness can only hide for so long. Truth is revealed in light.�
Where to begin with this book? I really enjoyed it at the start, and zipped through over half the book in one sitting. It captured me as a sort of Snow White and the Huntsman style book, where the heroine is chased, with a super soft romance budding from it. But it’s more than just that. It also has a bit of a Tolkien meets Thanos plot, in the sense that Rylla, our heroine, has to find and collect valuable stones while also fighting off fantastical forces and beasts of epic proportions. Combined with a cozy, familiar feeling, I believe this a great fantasy for young readers.
Characters There are multiple characters that are prominent throughout the book but I’ll start with our heroine:
Rylla is a young girl who is imbued with new powers called “Earth-Treading� which allow her to connect with the power of various earth stones. She’s new to it all, and winging it as she goes. Along with being able to tap into this power, she can speak to animals, and has a companion who follows her on her trip across the lands � Moo, a cat. She has a lot on her small shoulders but presents a strong sense of purpose, even if at first she is hesitant to accept her fate. She leaves her family to complete her quest not knowing that along the way, more surprises than not await her.
Caz, one of our huntsmen � yes I said one of many people are after Rylla because Earth-Treaders are being tracked and captured by the antagonist, but we will get there shortly � help Rylla when he probably shouldn’t. He is conscripted in the king’s army, but is a deserter. When he finds Rylla running for her life in the woods, instead of taking her hostage, he aids her and continues to follow her even after she abandons him from fear. Their bond blossoms towards the end of the book, and is a very clean, true-to-its-demographic YA connection. I can appreciate this aspect.
The antagonist, Brennigan, sets the entire book on course in the prologue, something I’m not a personal fan of, but without it, the book really wouldn’t have much of a starting point. He is overpowered, losing his precious and powerful stone and cast out like Voldemort, incorporealizing in defeat. But, much like old Voldy, he has a loyal compatriot who is helping him regain power and find all the lost earth stones (the very same ones Rylla has been tasked with collecting and protecting.)
All-in-all, I think the main set of characters set a good foundation, but I did find some of the twists and turns relating to them a bit predictable and at times oddly incorporated. In an effort to keep this as spoiler-free as possible, I will leave it at that. I think the overall development of the characters could have been fleshed out a little more.
Atmosphere The overall world-building is one of those where you have to just immediately accept that things are happening and they just…are. We are thrust into the Earth-Crest Kingdoms with little to no backstory other than that told by a cat and a cartographer and a prologue. This is one of the fantasies where it is definitely more character-driven than plot-driven, in my opinion. Had it been described more in depth, I may have connected to the story far more, but it didn’t make it undesirable. Just one of those cases where you are set down in the middle of a place and have to adapt your thinking to what’s given to you. Combined with the feeling of a retelling, it’s not wholly unfamiliar, but the uniqueness of the story could have been set apart with a little more fleshing out. However, with that said, it’s a great story for a younger reading base. It’s enough detail to keep a reader captivated but also still feel like they can follow the story.
Writing Style Again, a very easy to read novel overall. Zavalianos has a simple way of writing that allows for anyone to pick up her book and enjoy it. I certainly did, all things considered.
Plot While the plot didn’t necessarily drive the story, it was well-paced and there are several scenes that had me on my toes. Rylla has to contend with many forces all while being totally untrained in her new gifts. Along the way she has to escape forest spirits, a twisted old cave-dweller who basically holds her hostage, a giant sea serpent, and of course the half-there and disgraced Brennigan. Rylla has forces coming at her from all sides, and the only people she can truly trust are her animal companion. Even those she thought she could trust get twisted by the wills of the magic stones at some point. It’s hard for her to navigate a world she thought was simple, but is in reality a very dangerous place, testing her resolve at every turn. I did believe there were some plot holes from the lesser world-building that could have made this story feel fuller, but all in all, the story moved forward and resolved in a satisfying way.
Intrigue You’re probably thinking: wow what made you keep reading? Well, I was really rooting for Rylla the entire time. She was thrown into this mess by no doing of her own, and she is young, unseasoned, and unprepared for the broad world around her. All in all, it really is a cozy fantasy page-turner. And the faster-paced scenes did keep me on my toes (especially the giant sea snake.)
Logic I don’t want to sound like a broken record, so I’ll just leave it at: I wish there was more substance to the world-building and some plot points were confusing and predictable in their simplicity.
Excitement Truth be told � even through all of that � I would still absolutely recommend this as it does stand on its own as a good read, especially to a younger audience looking for a clean fantasy with a super soft romance. A lot of fantasies thrust you into their world, and this shouldn’t be discounted by any means. ...more
I was immediately taken by the strong science fiction tropes blended with a hearty crime thriller.This review was originally posted on
I was immediately taken by the strong science fiction tropes blended with a hearty crime thriller. It set a compelling tone that blurred the lines between technology and rebellion. But be warned, it is a first in a series, and does end on a cliff-hanger than had me eager for more. Criminals that have felt comfortable in their escapades are now in the spotlight when Anna Flynn is on the case of a particular perp, snowballing from a story where the bad guy isn't the only one on the run.
It’s futuristic while still having a homeworld feel, rife with political conspiracy and government overreach, and a strong female protagonist hellbent on justice.
Characters Anna Flynn’s whole job is to focus on weeding out the illegal use of Matter Manipulation Devices, MMD, and what starts out as her tracking down a rogue agency quickly turns into her running for her proverbial life. She has to prove her own innocence to the very people she reports back to when a “failsafe� switch is turned off � allowing for anyone to take hold and take advantage of the technology. The key to her ultimate success or failure hinges on her husband, the tech genius Daniel Flynn and her partner Agent Lisa Williams as they move against the rogue group that call themselves “A Better Way�, but who she can trust is more up for debate than ever.
Atmosphere/Plot As a heavily political science fiction thriller set in a close-to-home reality, Failsafe highlights the dangers of technology when integrated so deeply into the real world and what can happen when corrupt hands get their hands on manipulative technology. The MMDs have taken a hold, so much so that humans have started altering themselves in a cyborg-like fashion. So while the reader might not be jet setting off through space, they can hunker down to a read that brings them to familiar streets and scenarios that lead them on a twisted trail. On the brink of destruction, the richly built world is teetering upon the removal of the failsafe switch, and it’s up to Flynn to balance the scales once more.
Writing Style This type of story needs no introduction, as there are common themes from within the genre, and the multi-POV, third person perspective weaves an interesting tale for any reader of science fiction and crime mysteries. It kept me on my toes, rooting for Anna as she works for herself and against retaliating forces.
Intrigue/Excitement Betrayal, vengeance, the balance of control and power all come together in a character-driven plot that kept me turning pages. It almost has the same tone as The Matrix, sifting between code and reality. It really made me contemplate how much technology should be integrated into our own lives and the benefits and dangers of it being unleashed. Would I recommend this book: sure would! ...more
Set on a distant, purple moon, Moon Soul hit me right in my own soul. Initially standing out by itThis review was originally posted on
Set on a distant, purple moon, Moon Soul hit me right in my own soul. Initially standing out by its first-person perspective, I was immediately drawn into the cozy and surreal experience as August, a bit of a wayward individual who takes on a new job in the hanging gardens of her towering Spire home.
With the help of her therapist, August has to navigate new experiences, feelings, difficult family dynamics, and new friendships as someone who is used to a certain routine. But quitting her decidedly monotonous job of reading the sands for a sense of renewal and adventure, the hanging gardens throw her into something exhilarating and completely fresh. She not only meets new people, some of whom she may never had met if she had stayed stagnant, but also gets involved in a soft romance. She breaks out of her shell in many ways. Luscombe painting an inspiring picture for anyone who is feeling this same way: stuck.
I believe the use of first-person by Luscombe was brilliant in bring the reader directly into the story, and it may not have had the same impact on me if it had been told in the third. I felt like I was August, navigating my new life on a paradise-like moon.
From the stunning science-fiction landscape, to fantastical beings that can read memories in the purple sands below the towering Spire, Luscombe weaves a gentle and impactful story of risk and renewal.
This is perfect for anyone looking for a short, but compelling story of healing.
Y’all! I might be slightly obsessed with this book at the moment. If you were hungover after Red RThis review was originally posted on
Y’all! I might be slightly obsessed with this book at the moment. If you were hungover after Red Rising and wanted more space opera in your life or have been desperate for something that feels like Divergent with a more adult feel: This book is for you. Does it have some flaws? Sure. But dive in with me as I take you on a whirlwind of a review that will hopefully convince you to put this book on your TBR and shelves.
Characters I want to first express that this is a multi-POV, first person sci fi. The main characters, Cato and Helena, at first represent somewhat opposite ends of the spectrum in society: one an outcast and the other the daughter of a high-up politician. What seems like an unlikely pair are thrust together in an uprising of universal proportions.
“It’s a chance to become more than the names we carry. On the other side of the Lottery, we are what we make of our Discipline.�
We are first introduced to Cato as he prepares for a ceremony that will determine his place in society. There are several factions (called Disciplines) he can go to, and he’s hoping to be of importance. However, what was advertised as a selection turns into a reaping, and sets him on a course of rebellion. He was not meant to be there, but alas, he defies many odds throughout the book and ends up joining the War Discipline, training with what I think is a really badass weapon called an Auron channeling rod. They are reminiscent of a light-saber in the sense that they use light energy to form BUT what sets them apart and makes them super unique is that their manifestation is determined by the energy given out by the user, and it’s a massively dangerous weapon to have.
“The channeling rod is not unique to its yielder, but the color of the Auron energy channeled through the rod will be, telling an entire story about the wielder of the blade.�
Helena is reluctant to accept Cato in the beginning, but something blossoms between them during training that transcends just rescuing their society from an all-encompassing tyrant government. She realizes Cato is someone worth putting her trust and hope into. But don’t get it twisted � she is a force to be reckoned with one her own. But together with Cato and their band of rebels, she becomes so much more. I really like her as a character and her growth is leaps and bounds from the beginning, no matter how much strife they both go through. And she certainly goes through a ringer.
I am also fully connected to the “side characters� and find them to be a great addition to the group. Sometimes there are some side characters I can’t stand, but in this case, even the unenjoyable ones add a certain flavor to the story that wouldn’t be there without them. I laughed and I cried alongside them.
Atmosphere I love a good space opera mixed with a dystopian edge. This one met all the things I was craving after going through a major book slump. Advertised as a mix of Red Rising and Divergent, I can say the world-building follows through with this promise. I enjoyed all the aspects this first-of-a-series has to offer and will absolutely keep reading this series, because the setting, while maybe a typical sci-fi space-theme, brings so many more elements together than can easily be enjoyed by many.
Writing Style Oxley writes from the heart of someone who loves science fiction and fantasy alike, as weaves them together in a way that hooked me from the start.
Plot/Logic The core of this story is a rebellion against a tyrant government called the Euclid. For too long they have gotten away with pushing people to their own will, until a major mistake brings Cato to the forefront, and he goes to battle against them and his own ghosts from the past.
“Though the Iron War had become cold for a time, it was clear the firestorm of emotions were never extinguished.�
The Euclid thought they had everything under control, but alas, everything is being unraveled by an unlikely band of warriors. I turned pages faster than I thought I could. Does it have some plot holes? Yeah, admittedly it does. But as the first in a series, I’m eager to see where this story goes in the next books. Some passages I had to reread as I thought I might have missed something, but overall it doesn’t take away from the main story in such a way that it’s misunderstood.
Intrigue/Excitement This was an absolutely intriguing read, combining some of my favorite tropes from science fiction. I would definitely recommend this to readers, but would caution a younger crowd. It’s definitely an adult book and is advertised as such, but I wholeheartedly believe it would appeal to the YA crowd from the elder end of that spectrum (there are some graphic scenes and swearing that might not be totally suitable for the younger end of the spectrum.) ...more
“This is about more than yourself, this is about expanding your reach, discovering things not yet This review was originally posted on
“This is about more than yourself, this is about expanding your reach, discovering things not yet seen by human eyes�
A brand new novella in the Twin World’s Saga, Where Sirens Roam follows Daruhm, a scribe and scholar, and Aydra, a Takahrn slave.Â
Daruhm might study the sea and the legendary sirens, but he certainly doesn’t play the part of pirate well. His sea legs are wobbly but his determination is held under a blazing fire, and he wants to find the sirens as badly as the Iron Dragon’s captain, Xerohnis. A reluctant hero he may be, Daruhm defies the odds and breaks some chains while he’s there.Â
Aydra is being held captive against her will on the Iron Dragon, one of three Takahrn beig used for their magical abilities. She bides her time, using her water weilding to help move the ship, but what she senses in the water might be what they came on this suicide mission to find. She’s headstrong and just as determined as Daruhm in her own quest to not only escape, but save her friend. Characters: 8/10 
I love a good seafaring adventure story, and Where Sirens Roam did not disappoint. Vivid descriptions of the boat, and even that queasy feeling of sea-sickness kept me enveloped in the world-building. Cameron does a great job of describing the overall atmosphere on the wide, dark sea, and *full disclosure* you can read this as a standalone from the first full-length novel of the Twin Worlds Saga, The Faded Dragon, but it helps to understand the depth of the magic system if you’ve read it. Atmosphere: 13/14 Writing Style: 15/18 
“You will join Captain Xerohnis and his crew aboard the Iron Dragon.�
Can you imagine, being a scribe and never having left land, and then hearing those words? My stomach would DROP. But Darhum kept his composure, and found himself sailing the sea before he could really process it all. But this is a discovery of a lifetime: Sirens.
On the other hand, Aydra is just trying to stay alive long enough to escape and save her friend. She is consistently abused by the first mate, Ivis, a scumlord if there ever was one. But she sense things only Daruhm has ever witness, and no one believed him when it happened. The two make a formidable pair.Â
I would say this story is pretty equally character and plot driven, being a shorter novella the pace flows well, and it’s easy to get invested in both. Plot: 9/10 Intrigue:11/14 Logic: 13/14 
Overall, this novella is well worth the read for those who have either already read The Faded Dragon or not. If you like unique magics, dragons, sirens, pirate adventures, and a hearty sea shanty: this one is for you. DEFINITELY RECOMMEND. Excitement: 9/10 
CAWPILE Score: 78/90...more
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