J.B. Richards's Blog - Posts Tagged "goodreads"

At first glance, Author R.M. Gauthier’s Mystery Thriller novel, “Control”, appears to be just another tale about a bored housewife having problems with her humdrum marriage. But once Alexandria Shaw is offered a choice between the Red Pill and the Blue Pill by best friend Haley, she is ushered through the world of an illicit private adult nightclub where public nudity, dominant/submissive role-playing, and sexual demonstrations are the norm. Enter nightclub owner Landon Miller who instantly has Lexi longing for a soiree and fantasizing about a personal relationship with this irresistibly charming and handsome stranger—this intriguing “man of mystery”. Readers will not be disappointed by this fast-paced, sexy Mystery Thriller!

As Alexandria navigates her way through Miller’s adult Wonderland, Author Gauthier executes a brilliant psychological drama that is—to say the least—heart-stopping, but certainly delicious! She elicits both sympathy and anger at her protagonist, Lexi Shaw, as she is caught up in a vendetta of jealousy between long-time rivals and suffers the single-most abusive, not to mention terrifying experience of her life. Here, the author’s treatment of the relationship between Landon and Shaw pulls no punches, and the reader is left shaken, chapter after chapter, by the ever increasing passion and tension that develops between Landon and Lexi. Gauthier demonstrates her genius in weaving a complex and incomparable Mystery Thriller tale as she delicately peels away the thick layers of Mr. Miller’s elusive past, ultimately revealing an ending that will certainly have readers gaping in disbelief!

#MysteryThrillerWeek #MTW #IndieAuthors #IndieFabFive #Mystery #Thriller #WinningWriters #GreatReads #WriteChat #Amreading #Novels #NovelSeries #Books #Control #RMGauthier #Amazon #Goodreads #Kindle

Mystery Thriller Week, Indie Authors, Indie Fab Five, Mystery, Thriller, Winning Writers, Great Reads, Novels, Novel Series, Books, Control, Amazon, Goodreads, Kindle

Author Lyra Shanti is a remarkably gifted Master Storyteller, as I discovered some months ago in another brilliant novel of hers: “The Rainbow Serpent”. The introductory chapter for her Sci-Fi space drama, “Shiva XIV” (Book I), set in a faraway galaxy, rivals—and in many places exceeds—one’s expectations from those epic tales presented by the likes of George Lucas (Star Wars) and Frank Herbert (Dune)!

The Shiva saga begins with the birth of a child named Ayn, an enlightened being dubbed Shiva XIV, Bodayana of his civilization. This reincarnation of a god/king grows up pampered, sheltered, and secluded—much as the Dalai Lamas were treated in days of old. Continually catered to and overseen by an order of priests and monks who strongly resemble those inhabiting certain Buddhist monasteries here on Earth, Ayn grows up feeling stifled and very much alone. His loneliness is not made easier by the unusual birth defect he suffers, and the young Bodayana wonders if he will ever be accepted by his subjects should his secret somehow be revealed.

Ayn’s only companions as he grows into his teenage years have been his priestly caretakers, in particular Medhi Lan and Pei who love him dearly and will do anything to help the fragile and uncertain Bodayana reclaim his past life, prepare for his upcoming coronation, and secure his reign over the galaxy. But other factions are plotting against Ayn and the current regime, and in a brazen attack on the palace, the young Bodayana’s entire world is shattered. With his life completely changed in the blink of an eye, Ayn find himself spirited away by an unlikely savior who then joins him as he runs from those enemies who have sworn to destroy him.

In “Shiva XIV” (Book I), Lyra Shanti guides us on a frantic and difficult journey to amazing worlds where the inhabitants are not always who or what they seem. The complexity of her characters, who are steeped in ethnicity and rich in individuality, the constructed history of the races she has created, and the intricacy of the civilizations she has built, become so tangible, the reader will feel as though they should rush to Ayn’s rescue by booking transport on the very next spaceship leaving for the Un galaxy! The author’s vision especially shines through in her ability to convince her readers that such exotic worlds, and the denizens that inhabit them, really do exist, and by the time the last chapter arrives—all too soon, I might add—one cannot deny that—in a galaxy far, far away—Ayn’s story might just be playing out at this very moment!


#ShivaXIV #SciFi #IndieAuthors #IndieFabFive #WinningWriters #NovelSeries #Amazon #Kindle #Goodreads #GreatReads #StarWars #GeorgeLucas #Dune #FrankHerbert #TheRainbowSerpent #LyraShanti

Shiva XIV, Sci-Fi, Indie Authors, Indie Fab Five, Winning Writers, Novel Series, Amazon, Kindle, Goodreads, Great Reads #Star Wars, George Lucas, Dune, Frank Herbert, The Rainbow Serpent, Lyra Shanti

Author Lyra Shanti is a remarkably gifted Master Storyteller, as I discovered some months ago in another brilliant novel of hers: “The Rainbow Serpent”. The introductory chapter for her Sci-Fi space drama, “Shiva XIV” (Book I), set in a faraway galaxy, rivals—and in many places exceeds—one’s expectations from those epic tales presented by the likes of George Lucas (Star Wars) and Frank Herbert (Dune)!

The Shiva saga begins with the birth of a child named Ayn, an enlightened being dubbed Shiva XIV, Bodayana of his civilization. This reincarnation of a god/king grows up pampered, sheltered, and secluded—much as the Dalai Lamas were treated in days of old. Continually catered to and overseen by an order of priests and monks who strongly resemble those inhabiting certain Buddhist monasteries here on Earth, Ayn grows up feeling stifled and very much alone. His loneliness is not made easier by the unusual birth defect he suffers, and the young Bodayana wonders if he will ever be accepted by his subjects should his secret somehow be revealed.

Ayn’s only companions as he grows into his teenage years have been his priestly caretakers, in particular Medhi Lan and Pei who love him dearly and will do anything to help the fragile and uncertain Bodayana reclaim his past life, prepare for his upcoming coronation, and secure his reign over the galaxy. But other factions are plotting against Ayn and the current regime, and in a brazen attack on the palace, the young Bodayana’s entire world is shattered. With his life completely changed in the blink of an eye, Ayn find himself spirited away by an unlikely savior who then joins him as he runs from those enemies who have sworn to destroy him.

In “Shiva XIV” (Book I), Lyra Shanti guides us on a frantic and difficult journey to amazing worlds where the inhabitants are not always who or what they seem. The complexity of her characters, who are steeped in ethnicity and rich in individuality, the constructed history of the races she has created, and the intricacy of the civilizations she has built, become so tangible, the reader will feel as though they should rush to Ayn’s rescue by booking transport on the very next spaceship leaving for the Un galaxy! The author’s vision especially shines through in her ability to convince her readers that such exotic worlds, and the denizens that inhabit them, really do exist, and by the time the last chapter arrives—all too soon, I might add—one cannot deny that—in a galaxy far, far away—Ayn’s story might just be playing out at this very moment!


#ShivaXIV #SciFi #IndieAuthors #IndieFabFive #WinningWriters #NovelSeries #Amazon #Kindle #Goodreads #GreatReads #StarWars #GeorgeLucas #Dune #FrankHerbert #TheRainbowSerpent #LyraShanti

Shiva XIV, Sci-Fi, Indie Authors, Indie Fab Five, Winning Writers, Novel Series, Amazon, Kindle, Goodreads, Great Reads #Star Wars, George Lucas, Dune, Frank Herbert, The Rainbow Serpent, Lyra Shanti

[bookcover:Sweet Vengeance|29247560

I have a confession to make. I’m an historian with an addiction to storybooks, fairy tales, and folklore. In particular, I enjoy a well-written story with well-developed lead characters who are either themselves paranormal beings, or have a great deal of interaction and history with paranormal beings. Now I’m not talking about the odd superhero saga or two—although I do glance at the occasional Marvel comic featuring Thor and the Avengers, and I have a propensity to attend several action movies in any given month—I’m talking about those larger-than-life, mysterious, and complex beings who survive for what seems like forever as they tick off endless tracts of time and bear witness to humankind’s history down through the centuries. Needless to say werewolves, sorcerers, elves, and witches fit well into this category. One “creature” rises above them all … One that I ultimately find to be the most intriguing—the vampire.

In my opinion, there is no paranormal literary indulgence comparable to a great vampire saga. I’ve read and cherished some of the best, and some of the most popular (which does not always indicate “the best”). I’ve delved into the mythical epics developed by the highest caliber of authors in the literary world, authors like Ann Rice and Bram Stoker, all the way to today’s prevailing dames-extraordinaire: Stephanie Meyers (The Twilight Series), and—brand new to the scene—Aliya Dalrea.

When I enter a brand new realm of vampires, I expect a lot, and I want characters that I can easily relate to; human beings who lead full lives with a job, a social life, and an entourage of relatives, coworkers, and friends, who all have the ability to formulate a thought that is actually worthy of consideration. I expect to meet vampires—and other paranormals—who have complex and valid histories, one’s that perhaps correspond to an actual historical event or era, with enemies plotting grand schemes that—in the end—will impact more than just a few neighboring mortals and immortals. I also appreciate a solid timeline, where one can look back into the past and point to an actual recorded event that the author has mentioned and say, “Wow … That really happened!” In particular, I favor a novel that makes me feel as though I am part of the story, and at any given moment, I can reach out and pull on a protagonist’s sleeve to keep them from falling into a life-threatening situation, and maybe save their life in the process! DalRae’s paranormal thriller, “Sweet Vengeance” delivers on each one of these points … and then some!

That being said, I highly recommend “Sweet Vengeance” to any reader looking for a fast-paced, stomach-churning, down-right dangerous adventure that’s filled with thrills, chills, romance, and retribution! Any author that has me laughing out loud one moment, fawning over a handsome leading man (Er … vampire) the next, and has me cowering under the covers shivering in terror, is an author that I will heavily favor and faithfully follow when it comes time to select my next favorite read. I eagerly look forward—with great anticipation I might add—to DalRae’s continuation of The Jessica Sweet Novel Series! She has earned a steadfast and loyal fan in me!

#BookReview #SweetVengeance #AuthorAliyaDalRae #Vampires #Werewolves #Sorcerers #Paranormal #Thriller #WinningWriters #IndieAuthors #IndieFabFive #GreatReads #MustReads #BookBoost #Kindle #KindleUnlimited #Amazon #Goodreads #Ebooks #Readers #AmReading #WriteChat

Book Review, Sweet Vengeance, Author Aliya DalRae, Vampires, Werewolves, Sorcerers, Paranormal, Thriller, Winning Writers, Indie Authors, Indie Fab Five, Great Reads, Must Reads, Bookboost, Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, Amazon, Goodreads, Ebooks,

If you enjoy Lifetime TV movies and the Hallmark Channel, this book is for you! Joan Carney’s “Remember” is a simple but enjoyable journey into the life of a young woman named Gracie who finds herself in a hospital bed with no memory of who she is or how she got there. And did I mention Christmas is just around the corner? Sure, the plotline sounds a bit like a cliché, but the likeability of Carney’s protagonist and the mounting curiosity of why this man, “Jack”, who is foremost on our amnesiac’s mind, gently persuades readers to venture further into the lives of both people to uncover the bits and pieces of the events that first brought them together.

All is not right, however, when Gracie’s memory suddenly begins to return in stunted flashbacks of her relationship to Jack and a mystery man who conjures in Gracie feelings of fear and dread. Disaster ensues when these three characters come together in an explosive scene that has Gracie torn in two and suffering from the debilitating burden of a fractured mind. With the reality of her life staring her in the face, Gracie must decide whether or not the deep love that she feels for Jack was real or imagined, and if she wrestles with the fact that she may not ever truly know her own true identity.

Despite being predictable, the story was interesting and the scenes moderately paced. The author’s writing captures her readers’ interest from word one. Carney’s characters are quite believable, and the reader feels empathy for them as they are drawn deeper into the story. The overwhelming urge I had to take Gracie by the arm and help her find her way in the world, kept my mind somewhat occupied when I was away from the story living my own life, and overall, I found the novel to be a good read. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a heartwarming Holiday story.

#IndieAuthors #HolidayReads #Romance #SWRTG #RWA #RomanceReads #SweetRomance #WriteChat #Bookboost #Amazon #Goodreads #Kindle #Ebooks #IARTG #Remember #AuthorJoanCarney

Indie Authors, Holiday Reads, Romance, Romance Reads, Sweet Romance, Amazon, Goodreads, Kindle, Ebooks, Remember, Author Joan Carney

From the very start of this highly imaginative and captivating novel series, Author Lyra Shanti grabs the reader's interest, taking us on an epic journey through space - and sometimes time - that leads one to the Un galaxy where the denizens of various worlds fight for power, freedom, and justice. As we pick up the story in book two, Ayn - the namesake and main character of the Shiva XIV novel series - is in hiding. A young man now, he has yet to accept who he is, and he is nowhere near fulfilling his destiny to become the Bodanya - the long-awaited messiah and intended leader of the Un galaxy. In the meantime, leaders and want-to-be leaders based on other worlds are planning and plotting to assume the presumably dead Bodanya's throne, while other, less fortunate citizens of the galaxy eke out a means to survive the new trials and tribulations they must bear as a result of the supposedly successful assassination of Ayn and the ruling hierarchy on his home planet, Deius.

As Shanti guides us through this elaborate tale, one is oftentimes taken by surprise at the twists and turns of this epic page-turner that is filled with thrills and chills enough to affect even the most mundane and skeptical reader. Just when one believes they have the plot of Shiva XIV figured out, and senses the direction in which the story is headed, Shanti expertly shifts direction or diverts one's attention by introducing a new catalyst that elicits doubt about whether any or all of her brilliant cast of main and secondary characters will still be standing by the end of the novel. As the reader is swept up in the individual fates and fortunes of Shanti's main characters, the intricacy of their lives and back-stories weave together seamlessly, propelling the story forward against a complex, multi-cultural union of nations seeking to realize their individual destinies in a galaxy torn apart by a despicable act of terrorism that may lead to an all out war of the worlds.

This author is an expert at world building and character development, and she has us fully convinced that the people we encounter in her novels are real and the events that take place in this galaxy far, far away will have a huge impact on the fate of the entire universe. Her level of writing - as I stated in my book review for Shiva XIV (Book 1) - is on par with such Sci-Fi luminaries as George Lucas, Frank Hebert, and Ray Bradbury. Where most Sci-Fi sagas are barely believable, the intensity and vibrancy of Shanti's characters, cultures, religions, and politics ensure this author's work will not only be most memorable but absolutely unforgettable. I highly recommend the entire Shiva XIV novel series. And now, you must excuse me as I abandon you here and head off to read Shiva XIV (Book 3) - The Riddle of the Gods, for I cannot wait a moment longer and risk delaying this incomparable journey through the Un galaxy!

#SciFi #ShivaXIV #AuthorLyraShanti #IARTG #SNRTG #Bookboost #Amazon #Goodreads #Kindle #Ebooks #NovelSeries #IndieAuthors #IndieFabs #YA #WriteChat #YALItChat #SciFiChat #WinningWriters #MustReads #PoweredByIndie

Sci-Fi, Shiva XIV, Author Lyra Shanti, Amazon, Goodreads, Kindle, Ebooks, Novel Series, Indie Authors, Indie Fabs, Young Adult, Must Reads

In this much anticipated third chapter to the popular Sci-Fi novel series, Author Lyra Shanti propels us forward on the exciting adventures of Ayn, Axis the Sarax, Reese and other favorite characters who discover new life paths as they come together in preparation of settling old scores and meeting their fates head on.

In “Shiva XIV The Riddle of the Gods”, Shanti takes us deeper into the dark side of the Un Galaxy’s war between religion and science. Fates are determined and destinies fulfilled in this installment of Shanti’s series, and after sating themselves with the two previous novels in this series, readers will find a certain measure of closure and satisfaction when a new generation rises up to assume control of their home worlds. Plenty of action and adventure follows the main cast of protagonists as some come together, some drift apart, and some merely meet their fate. This story line is somewhat darker than the two preceding novels, and while some characters plan new vendettas and settle old scores, others suffer enslavement and undergo physical as well as psychological torture. But, Riddle of the Gods also brings together the least likely of soul mates, friends, and champions, who put aside their many differences and band together in an epic battle to bring liberty, justice, and freedom to the people of their galaxy.

Readers taking on “Shiva XIV The Riddle of the Gods” without having read the preceding two books might find it difficult to get their bearings, but the author—who shows great imagination and talent in the creation of the vast network of cultures, religions, and politics that bind together the various worlds of the Un Galaxy—does provide plenty of hindsight and explanation to bring us up to speed with what’s happening and who it’s happening to. Some of the dialogue is a bit awkward and repetitive in places, particularly when characters are engaged in intimate situations. Shanti—who possesses an imagination comparable to the brilliance of Gene Roddenberry—might have enhanced the story by creating and utilizing a native language (say … Deian, Saraxian, or even Unnish) rather than simply inserting modern day Earth-speak such as “hunny” and “sweetheart” when using terms of endearment. Overall, however, I found “The Riddle of the Gods” exciting to read and I would highly recommend it to fans dedicated to the Shiva XIV series.


#ShivaXIV #RiddleOfTheGods #AuthorLyraShanti #SciFi #Amazon #Goodreads #Kindle #Ebooks #NovelSeries #Fiction #Novels #IndieAuthors #IndieFabs #IARTG #WriteChat #WinningWriters #SciFiChat #Books #Reviews #PoweredByIndie #Bookboost #MustReads #YA #YALitChat #AmReading #Readers


Shiva XIV, Riddle of the Gods, Author Lyra Shanti, Sci-Fi, Amazon, Goodreads, Kindle, Ebooks, Novel Series, Fiction, Novels, Indie Authors, Indie Fabs, Winning Writers, Books, Reviews, Powered by Indie, Must Reads, Young Adult, Readers

There is something I must explain to my readers before I begin my review of Joanne Van Leerdam’s “Nova”. Having a young adult son who is a published poet, former National Poetry Slam (NPS) finalist, and winner of numerous poetry awards, I tend, as a rule, not to not to gravitate toward books containing written poetry. For me, flowery odes of artist’s musing on an ideal utopia, a glorious sunset, or an unbound love hold no comparison to the gritty, heart-wrenching, and soul-grabbing performances that represent that dynamic genre of poetry. I confess that I’ve attended more than a few live slam poetry performances in my time, and I now find it quite difficult to simply sit still in a quiet room and read through a book of poetry. And—I’ll freely admit this because I can’t possibly make myself look like more of a snubby-street-snob—I’m a die-hard slam poetry fan who prefers the raw emotion connected to a live slam poetry performance over the passivity of reading the written word … That is until now, when a small miracle came to me in the form of “Nova”!

To my amazement, my affinity for the written poetic form was heightened when I began reading Van Leerdam’s masterpiece. Almost from the beginning, her poems felt like old familiar friends as I poured over the words already scratching at the surface of my bias. These poems touched my heart on a level I had seldom felt before. Van Leerdam bares her heart and soul to the world and takes us along on her life’s journey, and as we ride the wind with the poet in command, what gorgeous imagery and tremendous emotions sing through her words! “Nova” is, in all its glory, simply stunning!


#Nova #JoanneVanLeerdam #Poets #IndiePoets #IndieAuthors #IndieFabs #WinningWriters #GreatReads #MustReads #Amazon #Kindle #KU #AmReading #WritersLife #WriteChat #Bookboost #Goodreads #Ebooks

Nova, Joanne Van Leerdam, Poets, Indie Poets, Indie Authors, Indie Fabs, Winning Writers, Great Reads, Must Reads, Amazon, Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, Goodreads, Ebooks, Readers,

Like most fantasy novels that take place in a foreign environment—where the reader must become accustomed to new terms for people, places, and things, I underwent a slight adjustment period getting familiarized with Wee’s highly-complex world. But I savored the author’s descriptive passages, colorful dialogue, and larger-than-life characters, and by the middle of the first chapter, I was already fully committed to devouring “Absence of Color” as quickly as I could. Here was a read not only to be enjoyed but experienced—just as one would any heart-pounding, once-in-a-lifetime, hold-onto-your-hat adventure.

Wee’s ambitious, fast-paced, medieval-styled fantasy thriller captures the imagination as much as it holds the heart hostage to the plights of a number of protagonists who are as well developed in character as any real, living person. Secret orders and brotherhoods, wizened sages and mages, stealthy assassins and spies … All are convincingly real. Likewise, each is impacted and influenced by a plethora of royal schemes and clerical plots turned upside-down! Like any conglomeration of kingdoms that is on the brink of war and great upheaval—think “Game of Thrones”, Wee’s world is affected by mad kings, scheming sorcerers, a religious community gone amok, pillaging pirates, and unassuming but wizened women who seem to hold all the cards.

In the midst of all this adventure, stand three teens whom one can’t help but feel a close connection to; Twig, Connie, and Frankie who are all intimately tied together by a single horrifying circumstance. The reader develops a vested interest in these three fast-friends, and as they escape the bounds of their wretched lives and search for their true places in the world, Wee provides glimpses of their dark and mysterious pasts, as well as their possible futures. All of their fates depend on an enigmatic man called Darby—who seems to be a person with much more influence than he lets on, and his sidekick, Wagner. One can’t help but press their knuckles to the saddle-horn as we ride along with Darby and Wagner. As they assume responsibility for two of the wayward teens, they swashbuckle their way through each other’s homelands collecting intel, saving innocents, turning up long-lost kin, and—above all—protecting the future of the realm.

Technically, Wee’s sentence structure is a bit fractured, but her brilliance shines through as she weaves a complex tale of espionage and intrigue in which the original identities of the characters are in constant flux—swapping out as quickly as one can wave down a dwarfish server in the pirate hideout known as “Stronghold” to order a pint of ale! Throughout Wee’s saga, no one is who they seem to be, and the anticipation of resolving a major conflict between good and evil will have you sitting on the edge of your seat biting your nails. This is a glorious ride, and I simply cannot wait to read the next chapter of this exceptional novel series!


Note: I must warn the reader that some situations in this novel are violent, and there is strong sexual content that may trigger unwanted reactions in survivors of sexual and/or physical abuse. I recommend that the reader be of an appropriate age (over 17) in order to deal with these types of situations.

#IARTG #Mystery #Thriller #Fantasy #MedievalFantasy #YoungAdult #IndieAuthors #Amazon #Kindle #Goodreads #Ebooks #Bookboost

Mystery, Thriller, Fantasy, Medieval Fantasy, Young Adult, Indie Authors, Amazon, Kindle, Goodreads, Ebooks

At first glance, this survivors’ story about a plane crash at sea appears to start out like most survivors’ stories about plane crashes at sea—Jetliner crashes miles from nowhere … Two survivors (male and female) fight to keep from drowning … Sharks circle … A storm rages … A raft of haphazardly lashed-together debris—forming an emergency floatation device for two—slowly rips apart … There is no rescue in sight … Oh, no! But in the days that follow the crash, as we find ourselves drifting along the ocean current with our two main protagonists (Mechanic Richard Buchanan, recently released from prison and headed to a new life and job in China, and the much younger, beautiful, and talented, but sometimes demanding Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Susan Ryan), the reader is curiously kept attuned to their desperate plight.

There’s a certain fascination with McStay’s characters that compels readers to give this story a chance, and it’s a good thing because, just when you think the good doctor and the street-savvy mechanic are doomed to spend their lives lost and alone—which sometimes seems like a pleasant alternative to these two would-be lovers, the real action begins as they discover an abandoned WWII Japanese outpost and consider the possibility that there might just be another soul inhabiting their lost island. This is when the pace significantly picks up for our two characters and the circumstances that follow can only be described as gut-wrenchingly dangerous, for just when everything seems to be going as well as can be expected for our two protagonists, McStay brilliantly throws the reader off-balance with more than a few life-and-death situations.

The sometimes content and oft-times contentious relationship between Buchanan and the doctor is an examination of how two people, completely split apart by age, temperament, education, skill-set, and lifestyle, learn to band together to help each other live through yet another jaw-dropping situation. Over and over again, the author keeps the reader on edge, guessing as to how the doctor and her beau will survive the trials and tribulations of their meager existence to escape certain death and—if the Fates allow—the sandy shores of their isolated, uncharted island. I’m pleased to say that I found the story unpredictable but moving. The plot line was interesting and the characters were very well-developed, with complete back-stories and acquaintances of their own. If you are looking for a quick-paced, white-knuckle ride that can be devoured in the span of a few hours, McStay has just the novel for you!

Find “Survivors of Fight 387” on Amazon.com at
https://www.amazon.com/Survivors-Flig...


#IARTG #Action #Adventure #Mystery #Thriller #Suspense #Romance #Amazon #Kindle #Goodreads #Ebooks #BookBoost #IndieAuthor #PoweredByIndie

Adventure, Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Romance, Amazon, Kindle, Goodreads, Ebooks, Indie Author,