Title: Smite Me, Oh Dark One
Title: Klondaeg the Monster Hunter
Author: Steve Thomas
Available: Smite Me, Oh Dark One & Klondaeg the Monster Hunter at Smashwords
Summary: "Acerbus hates his job. While he is content to watch and study the mortal races, the other gods constantly look for reasons to destroy their newly-created world. When they finally find an excuse, they command Acerbus to become the Smiter, destroyer of all creation. Acerbus decides that there is only one way to ensure his own failure and save the world: by becoming an Evil Overlord."
"Klondaeg is a simple Dwarf with a simple plan: rid the world of monsters. When he was a boy, his parents were killed by unidentified monsters, and he swore revenge against all of them. Armed with a talking battle axe with two personalities, Klondaeg travels the countryside, slaying everything from tiny werewolves to gold-devouring demons. But will he ever find the thing that killed his parents?"
Source: I received this free/purchased on my own.
Review: Since one is a short story, and they are in the same world, I'm combining reviews.
I enjoyed both of these. They're very funny, merrily poking at epic fantasy while, you know, writing epic fantasy. I've been on a humor/fantasy kick lately, so these were right up that alley. I liked the over-lapping between the stories, and the gods that there were greatly amused me.
Something about Smite Me didn't quite snag me enough to give a huge rating, but I did like it. Klondaeg amused me more. I really liked the banter between the King's Rest, and anyone else. Plus, gnomes are funny. And the silent G thing.
All that being said, the stories didn't quite smack me around enough to rave about them, but that could be the real life crazy distracting me. I really did enjoy them. So, 4 Fireballs to Smite Me, Oh Dark One and 4.5 Fireballs for Klondaeg the Monster Hunter.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Friday, June 8, 2012
Review: "Sweet Dreams (The Lyndsey Roughton Anthology)"
Title: Sweet Dreams (The Lyndsey Roughton Anthology)
Author: Various
Available: Kindle
Summary: "17 talented authors present their tales in order to raise funds for Lyndsey Roughton, a 27 year old currently suffering from an inoperable brain tumour. Ranging from dark fantasy, humour, sci-fi to horror the tales in this book will transport you to a different world."
Source: I purchased this myself.
Review: First off, I will say that even though I have written a couple short stories myself, they tend not to be my thing. To fit as much as you want into the confined space, you tend to have to get a little abstract and I tend to be a little more linear. Still, when the chance to join this anthology and help a little came by, I was glad to pitch in. I will say that I will not be reviewing my own story. (I'd probably give myself a lower rating anyway!)
So, that being said... there's a lot of good stuff here, including work from a couple authors fast becoming favorites and some new-to-me authors that I really enjoyed. I'll do a little story by story reviewing.
EVERYONE GOES TO HELL – Joseph Garraty
I liked this one. It was quick and funny. I won't say that it caught me by surprise in any way, but I'm a cynical person and I still really enjoyed it.
HERE BE MONSTERS – Namoi Clark
This story kind of meandered to me and I would have liked a little bit more to the things that we were presented with -- like the main character's issue with the sea and the scientist guy, and what was Andrew's deal? -- but otherwise it was interesting. I liked the idea of it.
THE EASTER WEREWOLF – Jason McKinney
This one was just kind of goofy, but in a good way. The idea was really quirky and Felicia made me think of the Ghost of Christmas Present from "Scrooged" with Bill Murray. (That's a good thing.)
A SEASON FOR MICKEY BLAYTON – Chris Fraser
This one I'm not entirely sure of my thoughts about. It was all right, though meandered through its point a bit for my taste. But then, again, I'm not a short story person so that might of been it.
THE GREAT ZOMBIE POT-PLANT LOVE THANG – J H Sked
Sked is fast becoming one of my favorite writers. This was just funny. It's the "nom nom nom" line -- you'll know it when you read it -- that makes it art.
DESCENT – Mia Darien
Man, this writer sucks! ...okay, so this one was me. I won't review it, but will say as my short stories go, this was always one of my favorites cause it still kind of creeps me the f*** out.
BAKKIAN CHRONICLES, DISNEYLAND DEBACLE – Jeffrey Poole
Oh, Mr. Poole. Another round of crazy Bakkian fun. In Disneyland no less. And so many hearts for Christopher. Now I really can't wait for book three!
THE DESERT – Richard Shury
I like stories that contrast outer and inner conflict, breaking down the human condition from inside and out, and this one did that. I liked that. The delivery was a little heavy handed for me, but only a little and I generally thought it was good.
LAID TO REST (A CHERRY GARCIA STORY) – Leanne Fitzpatrick
I need to find more Cherry Garcia stories. I'm a big fan of First Person Sarcastic, and paranormal. This story was totally up my alley and snarky fun.
THE GARDEN – Renee Carter Hall
Not usually big on flash fiction, but this was good. I liked the ending.
A THIEF’S ESCAPE – Joseph Occipinti
This one was interesting. Not quite Locke Lamora, but had that edge to it.
ALL STRUNG OUT – Sky Corbelli
This one was good, although I had this feeling halfway through of it being a fantasy take on a well known sci-fi movie -- won't say what one to not give anything away -- but I liked the strings thing. Not sure about certain other elements, if they were too much device or not, but generally, I liked it.
CYPHER – Edward Larel
This one was kind of odd, but interesting.
HARD CANDY WITH STRUDEL & TEA – Jana Hill
Good, but depressing.
PHANTOM OF THE NIGHT – Nicholas Ordinans
Odd and totally creepy, but that's a good thing.
SUMMER GHOSTS – Leigh Roughton
This one was interesting, sad and yet not, in its introspection. Even more so when you realize the author in relation to the time frame.
THE GENE PRIEST – B. Throwsnaill
This is among my favorites. I really liked the set-up/world, found that idea fascinating. It wasn't really... unpredictable or surprising at all, but that was okay. I still really liked where it started and where it went.
Over all, I say this anthology -- my story totally not included -- is a solid 4 Fireballs!
Author: Various
Available: Kindle
Summary: "17 talented authors present their tales in order to raise funds for Lyndsey Roughton, a 27 year old currently suffering from an inoperable brain tumour. Ranging from dark fantasy, humour, sci-fi to horror the tales in this book will transport you to a different world."
Source: I purchased this myself.
Review: First off, I will say that even though I have written a couple short stories myself, they tend not to be my thing. To fit as much as you want into the confined space, you tend to have to get a little abstract and I tend to be a little more linear. Still, when the chance to join this anthology and help a little came by, I was glad to pitch in. I will say that I will not be reviewing my own story. (I'd probably give myself a lower rating anyway!)
So, that being said... there's a lot of good stuff here, including work from a couple authors fast becoming favorites and some new-to-me authors that I really enjoyed. I'll do a little story by story reviewing.
EVERYONE GOES TO HELL – Joseph Garraty
I liked this one. It was quick and funny. I won't say that it caught me by surprise in any way, but I'm a cynical person and I still really enjoyed it.
HERE BE MONSTERS – Namoi Clark
This story kind of meandered to me and I would have liked a little bit more to the things that we were presented with -- like the main character's issue with the sea and the scientist guy, and what was Andrew's deal? -- but otherwise it was interesting. I liked the idea of it.
THE EASTER WEREWOLF – Jason McKinney
This one was just kind of goofy, but in a good way. The idea was really quirky and Felicia made me think of the Ghost of Christmas Present from "Scrooged" with Bill Murray. (That's a good thing.)
A SEASON FOR MICKEY BLAYTON – Chris Fraser
This one I'm not entirely sure of my thoughts about. It was all right, though meandered through its point a bit for my taste. But then, again, I'm not a short story person so that might of been it.
THE GREAT ZOMBIE POT-PLANT LOVE THANG – J H Sked
Sked is fast becoming one of my favorite writers. This was just funny. It's the "nom nom nom" line -- you'll know it when you read it -- that makes it art.
DESCENT – Mia Darien
Man, this writer sucks! ...okay, so this one was me. I won't review it, but will say as my short stories go, this was always one of my favorites cause it still kind of creeps me the f*** out.
BAKKIAN CHRONICLES, DISNEYLAND DEBACLE – Jeffrey Poole
Oh, Mr. Poole. Another round of crazy Bakkian fun. In Disneyland no less. And so many hearts for Christopher. Now I really can't wait for book three!
THE DESERT – Richard Shury
I like stories that contrast outer and inner conflict, breaking down the human condition from inside and out, and this one did that. I liked that. The delivery was a little heavy handed for me, but only a little and I generally thought it was good.
LAID TO REST (A CHERRY GARCIA STORY) – Leanne Fitzpatrick
I need to find more Cherry Garcia stories. I'm a big fan of First Person Sarcastic, and paranormal. This story was totally up my alley and snarky fun.
THE GARDEN – Renee Carter Hall
Not usually big on flash fiction, but this was good. I liked the ending.
A THIEF’S ESCAPE – Joseph Occipinti
This one was interesting. Not quite Locke Lamora, but had that edge to it.
ALL STRUNG OUT – Sky Corbelli
This one was good, although I had this feeling halfway through of it being a fantasy take on a well known sci-fi movie -- won't say what one to not give anything away -- but I liked the strings thing. Not sure about certain other elements, if they were too much device or not, but generally, I liked it.
CYPHER – Edward Larel
This one was kind of odd, but interesting.
HARD CANDY WITH STRUDEL & TEA – Jana Hill
Good, but depressing.
PHANTOM OF THE NIGHT – Nicholas Ordinans
Odd and totally creepy, but that's a good thing.
SUMMER GHOSTS – Leigh Roughton
This one was interesting, sad and yet not, in its introspection. Even more so when you realize the author in relation to the time frame.
THE GENE PRIEST – B. Throwsnaill
This is among my favorites. I really liked the set-up/world, found that idea fascinating. It wasn't really... unpredictable or surprising at all, but that was okay. I still really liked where it started and where it went.
Over all, I say this anthology -- my story totally not included -- is a solid 4 Fireballs!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Review: "The Speaker for the Trees" by Sean DeLauder
Title: The Speaker for the Trees
Author: Sean DeLauder
Available: Kindle
Summary: "Hedge is a typical human--fat and bald, not pretty but not ugly, with a round, doting wife, and a farm where he tends beehives. Except Hedge is not a typical human. In fact, Hedge is not human at all, but a plant sent by the Council of Plants and the Plant of Ultimate Knowing to observe humanity and determine whether or not humanity is a threat to the universe. A task he has blithely performed for twenty years. Until the night he receives a message to report back to the Council and realizes he has to leave everything behind.
Pursued by an agent of the notorious Visitors, whose appearances have heralded the end of civilizations, torn between his fellow plants and an awakening affection for his earthwife, Anna, and armed only with a toaster, Hedge must find a way to save humanity from Visitors, plants, and themselves."
Source: I received this free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review: Apparently, I'm on a funny indie book kick. My non-indie reading has not been so much with the funny, but this is the third humorous indie I've read in a row. And you know what? I love it. They've been a blast.
This one was a riot. I had only meant to read a couple chapters this evening, and ended up finishing the whole damn thing! (Mr. DeLauder, if my characters haunt me because your story delayed my writing of theirs, I'm sending them to your doorstep.) There are some truly precious lines. The "Touchdown!" scene -- you'll know it when you read it -- nearly put me into a giggle fit.
The story is pretty hysterical. I love the idea of the plants. The story had some philosophizing about big topics, you know, like the nature of God and the future of humanity, but never got the feeling that it was trying to be more than it was. Remarkably. It really gave me that loony, funky feeling that the first book in the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy did. Dry and witty. After the day I've had, I needed it too.
5 Fireballs for this one!
...will try not to light the plants on fire.
Author: Sean DeLauder
Available: Kindle
Summary: "Hedge is a typical human--fat and bald, not pretty but not ugly, with a round, doting wife, and a farm where he tends beehives. Except Hedge is not a typical human. In fact, Hedge is not human at all, but a plant sent by the Council of Plants and the Plant of Ultimate Knowing to observe humanity and determine whether or not humanity is a threat to the universe. A task he has blithely performed for twenty years. Until the night he receives a message to report back to the Council and realizes he has to leave everything behind.
Pursued by an agent of the notorious Visitors, whose appearances have heralded the end of civilizations, torn between his fellow plants and an awakening affection for his earthwife, Anna, and armed only with a toaster, Hedge must find a way to save humanity from Visitors, plants, and themselves."
Source: I received this free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review: Apparently, I'm on a funny indie book kick. My non-indie reading has not been so much with the funny, but this is the third humorous indie I've read in a row. And you know what? I love it. They've been a blast.
This one was a riot. I had only meant to read a couple chapters this evening, and ended up finishing the whole damn thing! (Mr. DeLauder, if my characters haunt me because your story delayed my writing of theirs, I'm sending them to your doorstep.) There are some truly precious lines. The "Touchdown!" scene -- you'll know it when you read it -- nearly put me into a giggle fit.
The story is pretty hysterical. I love the idea of the plants. The story had some philosophizing about big topics, you know, like the nature of God and the future of humanity, but never got the feeling that it was trying to be more than it was. Remarkably. It really gave me that loony, funky feeling that the first book in the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy did. Dry and witty. After the day I've had, I needed it too.
5 Fireballs for this one!
...will try not to light the plants on fire.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Review: "Luna for the Lunies!" by Ira Nayman
Title: Luna for the Lunies!
Author: Ira Nayman
Available: Smashwords
Summary: "Luna for the Lunies! is the third collection of Alternate Reality News Service stories. Robots who rue their consciousness! Alien invasions foiled by bureaucrats! A successful conclusion to the war on squirrels! Humorous science fiction journalism has never been so...so...science fictiony!"
Source: I received this free from the author.
Review: First off, I received this free from the author for background/research so we could do a character interview for my author-ego sister site miadarien.com, but I liked it and it's indie, so I decided to review it.
That being said...
This is a very interesting book. It's not for the uptight politically correct, and it's not subtle in its satirical nature or targets. But if you can loosen up, it's quite amusing.
The format is interesting and takes a little getting used to. It moves from news story to news story from the Alternate Reality News Service, over several categories. In between the categories there is a short story about the Editrix-in-Chief, Brenda... who has a last name I can't spell from memory to save my life.
Sometimes it felt like it got a little weighted down and dragged a bit under it's own sense of humor, and when it got too much into obvious present politics (referencing real life politicians today, etc.,) then it lost me a little but that's just 'cause it's not my thing.
But literary diseases? Apostrophisis... I spelled that wrong, I'm sure... but that was great. I think I've known people who've had it, really. And the Editrix-in-Chief break-ins to the science reporters article towards the end was just hysterical. The reporters and their ways of writing their articles were also funny and enjoyable.
Over all, I give it a solid 4 Fireballs. And I'm looking forward to this upcoming character interview between Brenda and another Brenda from the multiverse...
Author: Ira Nayman
Available: Smashwords
Summary: "Luna for the Lunies! is the third collection of Alternate Reality News Service stories. Robots who rue their consciousness! Alien invasions foiled by bureaucrats! A successful conclusion to the war on squirrels! Humorous science fiction journalism has never been so...so...science fictiony!"
Source: I received this free from the author.
Review: First off, I received this free from the author for background/research so we could do a character interview for my author-ego sister site miadarien.com, but I liked it and it's indie, so I decided to review it.
That being said...
This is a very interesting book. It's not for the uptight politically correct, and it's not subtle in its satirical nature or targets. But if you can loosen up, it's quite amusing.
The format is interesting and takes a little getting used to. It moves from news story to news story from the Alternate Reality News Service, over several categories. In between the categories there is a short story about the Editrix-in-Chief, Brenda... who has a last name I can't spell from memory to save my life.
Sometimes it felt like it got a little weighted down and dragged a bit under it's own sense of humor, and when it got too much into obvious present politics (referencing real life politicians today, etc.,) then it lost me a little but that's just 'cause it's not my thing.
But literary diseases? Apostrophisis... I spelled that wrong, I'm sure... but that was great. I think I've known people who've had it, really. And the Editrix-in-Chief break-ins to the science reporters article towards the end was just hysterical. The reporters and their ways of writing their articles were also funny and enjoyable.
Over all, I give it a solid 4 Fireballs. And I'm looking forward to this upcoming character interview between Brenda and another Brenda from the multiverse...
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Review: "The Dark Lord's Handbook" by Paul Dale
Title: The Dark Lord's Handbook
Author: Paul Dale
Available: Smashwords
Summary: "To become a Dark Lord is no easy thing. The simple ambition to hold dominion over the world sounds straightforward but it's not. After many spectacular failures, Evil wrote an easy to follow Dark Lord's Handbook. It had been hundreds of years, and the Handbook was seemingly lost in the annals of time. But then the Handbook found its way to a new contender, Morden. He had better be a quick study."
Source: I purchased this on my own.
Review: I really enjoyed this book. It was a lot of fun, which is certainly what a description like the above promised that it would be. The extended description reminded me of a line from "The Princess Bride" which is among the annals of legend for late twenty-something geeks everywhere, and thus drew me right in.
It had a lot of wry humor, poking astute fun at our archetypes for epic fantasy. There was more than a dash of social satire. It had much grey in characters pretending to be black and white, and some fun and funny stuff going on all around them. Some of the Deathwing stuff particularly amused me, mainly just the idea of the domestic life of dragons. Yet all the way, it gave you what it was poking fun at: an epic fantasy.
There were times that I found it dragging and kind of wandering, but it wasn't ever enough to drop me out of enjoying the general narrative or make me want to stop reading. I liked the ending, really, but it was missing that extra something that made me "close" the book and go: wow! Even so, it was an incredibly solid and enjoyable read that I would recommend to anyone who likes a dry wit and well-played satire.
I give it a solid 4 Fireballs.
Author: Paul Dale
Available: Smashwords
Summary: "To become a Dark Lord is no easy thing. The simple ambition to hold dominion over the world sounds straightforward but it's not. After many spectacular failures, Evil wrote an easy to follow Dark Lord's Handbook. It had been hundreds of years, and the Handbook was seemingly lost in the annals of time. But then the Handbook found its way to a new contender, Morden. He had better be a quick study."
Source: I purchased this on my own.
Review: I really enjoyed this book. It was a lot of fun, which is certainly what a description like the above promised that it would be. The extended description reminded me of a line from "The Princess Bride" which is among the annals of legend for late twenty-something geeks everywhere, and thus drew me right in.
It had a lot of wry humor, poking astute fun at our archetypes for epic fantasy. There was more than a dash of social satire. It had much grey in characters pretending to be black and white, and some fun and funny stuff going on all around them. Some of the Deathwing stuff particularly amused me, mainly just the idea of the domestic life of dragons. Yet all the way, it gave you what it was poking fun at: an epic fantasy.
There were times that I found it dragging and kind of wandering, but it wasn't ever enough to drop me out of enjoying the general narrative or make me want to stop reading. I liked the ending, really, but it was missing that extra something that made me "close" the book and go: wow! Even so, it was an incredibly solid and enjoyable read that I would recommend to anyone who likes a dry wit and well-played satire.
I give it a solid 4 Fireballs.
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