Salvation Day - Book Review

 

Salvation Day

by Kali Wallace

What is it about:

A lethal virus is awoken on an abandoned spaceship in this incredibly fast-paced, claustrophobic thriller.

They thought the ship would be their salvation.

Zahra knew every detail of the plan. House of Wisdom, a massive exploration vessel, had been abandoned by the government of Earth a decade earlier, when a deadly virus broke out and killed everyone on board in a matter of hours. But now it could belong to her people if they were bold enough to take it. All they needed to do was kidnap Jaswinder Bhattacharya—the sole survivor of the tragedy, and the last person whose genetic signature would allow entry to the spaceship.

But what Zahra and her crew could not know was what waited for them on the ship—a terrifying secret buried by the government. A threat to all of humanity that lay sleeping alongside the orbiting dead.

And then they woke it up.

What did I think of ot:

I read the blurb of this book and was immediately intrigued. I decided to try a short story by Wallace first and when I loved that story and Wallace's writing style, I decided to get this book.

And this is such a cool read!

It's told from both the viewpoint of Zahra and Jaswinder/Jas. I liked both of them, and even though Zahra is strictly seen a bad guy I could understand why she thinks what she is doing is right. I was rooting for her from the start.

Jas is a great character as well. He is forced to return to the spaceship he barely survived the first time he was on board when he was just a kid. Now he has to face his ghosts as well as trying to get out alive once again.

As Zahra's Team enters the ship with Jas and other hostages, things start to go wrong, and strange things start happening. They will have to figure out what went wrong all those years ago, and what is happening now. 

I loved everything about this story! It's suspenseful, creepy, there's strife between Zahra's team and the hostages, strife within Zahra's team, long buried secrets, and so much more cool stuff!

The ending is totally satisfying as well, and you bet I'll be reading more by Wallace soon.

Why should you read it:

It's an amazing SF thriller.

The Whistling - Book Review

 

The Whistling

by Rebecca Netley

What is it about:

Alone in the world, Elspeth Swansome has taken the position of nanny to a family on the remote Scottish island of Skelthsea. Her charge, Mary, is a troubled child. Distracted and secretive, she hasn't uttered a word since the sudden death of her twin, William—just days after their former nanny disappeared.

With Mary defiantly silent, Elspeth turns to the islanders. But no one will speak of what happened to William. Just as no one can explain the hypnotic lullabies sung in empty corridors. Nor the strange dolls that appear in abandoned rooms.

Nor the faint whistling that comes in the night...

As winter draws in and passage to the mainland becomes impossible, Elspeth finds herself trapped.

But is this house haunted by the ghosts of the past?

OR THE SECRETS OF THE LIVING..?

What did I think of it:

*warning: spoilery*

This sounded like it might be a cool creepy read, so I started on it as soon as I got it.

Yeah...

First there was the writing and the lead character. The writing felt forced and dated, as if the author tried to write in a style that did't fit them. And I didn't like Elspeth. She's self-absorbed and has a feeling of superiority in my opinion. I wasn't surprised when one of the maids didn't like her after they first met, even though Elspeth was.

But I was curious about the story, so I read on.

It never got creepy or scary for me, at times I was bored, but still I continued to see where it all would lead...

To get an ending that made no sense to me at all. It's probably all clever and smart and what not, but I didn't pick up this book for red herring switcheroos, I picked it up for creepiness.

All in all a disappointing read.

Why should you read it:

Maybe you like "clever" ghostly thrillers.

Teaser Tuesdays: Into the Riverlands

 

"Frogs and trees, I am marching through the woods with three children and an old fool," she exclaimed, but there was the slightest pink blush on her cheeks.

(page 30, Into the Riverlands by Nghi Vo)

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their  TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Attack of the Christmas Spirit - Quick Review

 

Attack of the Christmas Spirit: A Shadow Valley Manor Short Story

by Kerry Schafer

What is it about:

When a Christmas Spirit invades Shadow Valley Manor and beglamours everyone with magic glitter, it’s up to crusty paranormal investigator Maureen Keslyn to save her team – and the Manor residents – from a life of involuntary holiday cheer.

What did I think of it:

This short story is a must for all Maureen fans!

Seriously: if you liked the other Shadow Valley Manor books, you need this story in your life, especially during the Holiday season. It's fun, funny, and totally Maureen at her best.

Haven't read any of the other books yet: Go get the first book now! You're missing out!!

buy from Amazon

Last Train to Jubilee Bay - Quick Book Review

 

Last Train to Jubilee Bay

by Kali Wallace

What is it about:

After the sickness and quarantine almost destroyed the city, the traders arrived creeping out from the sea to live off the memories of those people left behind; getting them addicted to the serum these strange creatures manufacture in return. But now it’s been more than five days since they have come for their daily visit. And Lucy is determined to find out why.

What did I think about:

I picked up this short story as I saw another book by Wallace that sounded cool, and I wanted to know if I'd like the writing style.

I totally did AND I seriously enjoyed this story. It's short and leaves a lot open, but still I really liked the imagery and the world building. You bet this story convinced me to read more by Wallace.

Why should you read it:

It's a very enjoyable short story.

Teasing on a Wednesday - Five Golden Rings

 

The warm night, the tropical flowers, the surf crashing right below-all conspired to make her throw caution to the Mexican breeze. This would be a hell of a vacation.

(9% in, Five Golden Rings by Jeffe Kennedy)

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their  TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Exit Interview - Release Day Book Review

 

Exit Interview an a.k.a. Jayne novel

by Dana Cameron

What is it about:

Reporter Amy Lindstrom has just witnessed the sudden, suspicious death of the powerful arms dealer she's been investigating. Jayne Rogers, the deadly covert operative assigned to work with the arms' dealer, has been accused by her boss of killing him, as well as turning traitor and picking off her former colleagues one by one. The only one who believes Jayne is being framed is Nicole Bradley, whose technical skills are as stealthy and lethal as Jayne's abilities with her fists and weapons. All three must work together to prevent a hidden arms cache from falling into the wrong hands.

What did I think of it:

I love everything Dana Cameron has written and that I have been able to get my trotters on so far, so I was very happy to get an ARC of this release.

And this is yet another amazing read!

The story switches between three women: Jayne - who is accused of going rogue, Amy - who ends up in trouble while investigating a story, and Nicole - a colleague of Jayne and the only one who doubts Jayne's guilt.

I loved all three of them. They're all resourceful, smart, and kick-ass in their own way. I was drawn into the story from the start and eager to find out what was going in and if Amy, Jayne, and Nicole would escape harm, save the day, and get a well deserved happy end.

There's lots going on,and next to tons of cool action, there's intrigue, suspense, and humor as well. I had a great time with this book, and you bet I pre-ordered a copy as soon as possible so it can sit next to my ARC on my Keeper Shelves once it arrives.

Why should you read it:

It's an awesome kick-ass read!

buy from Amazon

Five Golden Rings - Rereleasing Today!

This Totally Yummy Christmas Novella is rereleasing today! Go get it!

Read Voodoo Bride's review 

Five Golden Rings

by Jeffe Kennedy

The Twelve Days of Christmas were never quite this naughty…

All Matilda Campbell wanted was to spend a romantic and relaxing Christmas in the Mexican Caribbean. When her lover dumps her—at the airport, no less—she decides to go solo. But fate and a well-timed margarita intervene, introducing her to the charming and seductive Miguel D’Oro on the plane.

Miguel offers Tilda an outrageous bargain, involving escalating naughty gifts for each of the twelve days of Christmas. The only rule is that she must accept what he gives her and what he tells her to do, or face a sensual punishment. Giving up control is just what Tilda is looking for, so she impulsively agrees.

As Tilda embraces a newfound freedom in abandoning herself to pleasure and Miguel’s demands, she only wonders what will happen when the holiday is over…

buy links

Alliance - A DNF

 

Alliance (Linesman #2)

by S.K. Dunstall

What is it about:

The lines. The soul of every ship. It was once thought there were only ten, but that was before an alien vessel appeared at the edge of space—before Ean Lambert heard more lines singing. Ean’s ways of communicating with lines is strange. But his abilities make him a valuable tool—or weapon—to command.

 

Captain Selma Kari Wang has lost everything—her ship, her crew, her legs. But the New Alliance of Worlds is not done with her yet. After they rebuild her broken body, they send her to captain one of the new alien ships, teaming her up with Ean, the only one who can understand the alien lines.

 

Kari Wang and Ean are poised on the threshold of discoveries that could change the world. But not everyone wants the New Alliance to control the secrets they uncover—and those who oppose won’t hesitate to do whatever it takes to stop them…

Why I did not finish this book:

I picked up this book in the charity book store as it sounded like it could be a cool SF read.

At home I discovered it was the second book in a series, but I've read out of order before, so I decided to dive in anyway.

And I really loved the start: Kari Wang sounded like an awesome heroine, and I was invested in what was happening to her... only for the book to switch to Ean after the first chapter.

I really didn't care for Ean, the politics he's involved in, or the gazillion people around him. Other reviews paint him as 'likable' I mainly found him boring. Finally after a lot of Ean blah over multiple chapters, there was a chapter about Kari Wang... and back to Ean,,, *yawn*

When the chapter after more Ean blah was from the viewpoint of yet another character instead of Kari Wang I tossed the book! 

Maybe if you read the first book you'll like this book, because apparently Ean is so very likeable and the first book is also about him, but he sure wasn't interesting to me.

Why should you read it:

Try starting with book 1