Friday, June 22, 2012

Review of "Quenched" by Z L Arcadie

Book Title:  Quenched
Author:  Z L Arcadie

In the previous two books to this series, we find there are seven sisters of a prophecy.  To this point all but one have been found.  This book finds the last sister.

As in the previous books, there's a back story.  This one is lack luster to say the least.  The characters seem like stiff cardboard, with very little depth when compared to the first book, and the passion it held.  Sex is simply gratuitous in this book as well because it just seems like something that's being used to establish a "love connection" and do double duty as filler.  There seems to be no meaning or feeling behind it other than a strong pull towards the others partner, and after a short time they've decided it's a forever thing.  HOW?!?!  I'm clueless.

The sister in this book meets up with someone from the previous book (The Seventh Sister) who does such a cliche job of bringing she and her male companion up to speed on everything that's been going on while she was discovering who she was, as well as her companion, that there's no reason for a good plot...  we're evidently just suppose to "insert plot here" and keep it going from the last two books hoping it's enough to carry us over into the fourth book of the series.

Would I recommend it to a friend?

Again, I'm hoping the fifth book is better...  if it is, I'll say yes, just so we don't lose you.  If not, I'm giving up on this series!

2.5 out of 5 Bookmarks

M

Book Review: The Seventh Sister (book 2 in the Parched series)

Author: Z L Arcadie
Title:  The Seventh Sister (Book 2 in the Parched Series)

This book is NOT intended to be a long book.  To be completely honest, I believe it was written so The Seventh Sister was introduced in a way that her sisters were.  However, because of her age, she is not part of the "adult genre" and therefore, not much can be done in her introduction.

We learn she has low self-esteem, and she's just coming into her "powers" as one of the Seven.  We also learn that vampires are an ongoing theme for each sister at this point, at least it can be assumed. 

The plot?  I really feel the purpose was to solely give us a little back story of how she was found and came into her "power" and what her "power" is.  Other than that, everything else was rather weak in comparison to the first book, "Parched".  

The ending, again has a tilt of the head and a wink towards theology and the gift of "free will", yet again, it's not preachy.  We find that the sisters have gone through a battle but  THIS sister finds her body has changed in contrast to her sisters, which is different, because as the previous book remarks the sisters all look exactly alike except in their hair color, eye color and skin color.  She has physical changes now that make her even more different than her sisters.  I think, again, that's what the author intended, giving us a book just for The Seventh Sister.

I must say however, after reading the first book, I was sorely disappointed.  However, knowing the author intended to "make it up" in the third book, I'm sticking with it.....Hope I don't regret it. 

One more question, Does this author proof read or have an editor???

Would I recommend to a friend?

If they wanted to continue on the series yes because they found book 1 interesting, yes.  If not than, no.

3 of 5 Bookmarks
M

Book Review: Parched (A Paranormal Series)

Author:  Z L Arcadie
Book Title: Parched (Book 1 in Series)

As I began to read this book, I found myself a little confused and had to read sections over.  When I finally "got" it, I started to like it.

The characters were interesting and evolved quickly, as did the plot.  The storyline was told well, and had some interesting turns that simply were not expected.

The title of the book I feel I can indulge without spoiling the book.  "Parched" refers to the way a vampire feels once he/she has been turned from their human form into a vampire.  They're constantly thirsty AKA "Parched".

The relationships in this book brings into question some of the relationships in religion that may have been pondered through the years, which I find makes it more interesting.  There is no pomp and circumstance in favor of or against one religion.  There is definitely no dogma regarding religion at all, but somehow our author has made it a central theme to the book.  I found as I got to the middle of the book, I was so entranced, I couldn't put the book down.  Once I finished I IMMEDIATELY bought the second book in the series and started reading it!

The characters in this book are dynamic, interesting enigmas!  The plot slowly unfolds but then turns the burners on quickly in a good way that compliments the character development.  I found the ending was a little predictable, but then a twist was thrown in that I wasn't expecting, and now I look forward to finding out the outcome in book 2.

Would I suggest to my friends?

YES!

4 out of 5 Bookmarks

M

Monday, June 18, 2012

Book Review: Exposed By Bonnie Lamar


Author; Lamar, Bonnie
Book Title; Exposed (Elianna Brennan Book 2)
Genre: Young Adult Historical Mystery/Action/Love Story

In this second installment of the Elianna Brennan Series, our heroine picks up where she left off in Essence of Re. 

Elianna's father is now more in the picture. He was depicted in the first book as over-bearing and over-protective, he now turns out to be quite laid back in the second half of the book.  Maybe that’s because our heroine and her cohorts have decided that at the age of 17 (where of course, here in the States EVERYONE carries a passport or has access to one and their parents keep a credit card and cash handy in an emergency that their child can get to.  Um, NO.) they can get up and leave the country without so much as a second glance by the adults selling them plane tickets or the TSA questioning their age.  OH…  that leaves the over-bearing parents out, now doesn’t it?

Where the first book was obviously trying to be historically interesting, the second just confuses the reader.  The plot is weak, so much so, that I was ready to put the book down and start something else. 

As I continued to read through the book, I shook my head asking myself, “Where are the parents?”  The main characters have approached each of their houses at a reasonable hour at night seemingly waiting for our heroine to simply say “I need you”, and then everyone is up and ready to go, yet NO parents are awake to notice their children leaving the country or even the HOUSE in the early night (before midnight!).  Not to mention that someone is actively bleeding from a GUN SHOT wound and is still able to get through airport security?!?  This simply pushes the envelope of believability.
The actions of the adults in this book, dealing with teenagers like they’re in their 20s or even older, confounds me. The setting in is Cairo, do they really treat teenagers like experienced 20 or 30 year olds in Egypt?  The adults there sure do put a lot of stock in the “abilities” our heroine has without one thought about her safety or that of her friends

Our author however, has improved her speech for our teenagers, though at times contractions are still not used, making our characters sound like robots.  They still speak as if they’re in their 20s as well, and rely on the experiences of the movies they’ve watched as well as the video games they’ve played together, to make spy like plans that rival those of ”007!” 

Inconsistences are found throughout the book as well, from the healing time of our heroine to whether or not a specific person is eating a chicken or a turkey sandwich in the SAME paragraph.  Where were the EDITORS for this version?

I found this second installment encourages behaviors in our youth that should not be encouraged, (such as running away out of the country, and the adults that lie to cover for them so they can avert being in trouble with their parents.), but in the same vein doesn’t depict the teenager today realistically.  I mean, at 17 years old, if you’re in a foreign country, in a hotel room with your significant other and no adults around with hormones bouncing off every wall, would you not take your relationship to the next level by taking advantage of the situation and make love if you’ve found your “eternal soul mate”? 

The next problem I have with this book is where the climax of the plot ends up.  There are no visitors allowed at this particular “tourist attraction” at night, as far as I know, yet a taxi driver is willing to take four teenagers, and drop them off miles from it, out in the desert, to walk the rest of the way because he was tipped well?  Not to mention, anyone who knows anything about the exhibits of history in Egypt knows that there is a certain individual who watches vigorously over the antiquities of his country.  So, the plot itself is now completely unbelievable, as well as the ending.

I can appreciate trying to influence the youth of today to make good judgment calls, encourage them to do their homework and think out of the box to solve problems, because let’s face it, today’s kids are constantly looking at phone screens and computers and have the social skills to prove it.  Our heroine didn’t get a cell phone until she was 17, whereas most kids in elementary school have one today.  Her friends didn’t mention having one at all!  No laptops?  Just 2 game consoles at a friend’s house?  WOW!  How unique.

Finally, the author undermined her own writing by having a conversation between characters, while still trying to explain in detail what was going on around the characters as the conversation was happening.  I had to read the conversation twice to understand who was saying what. I then read it to my husband who said, “OK you lost me, who’s talking?”  Imagine the reaction of the target audience if two 40 year olds couldn’t figure it out.  Simply too much detail and adjectives describing the surroundings and not enough for the conversation, which is pivotal to the plot to take place!

Would I recommend this book to my friends?

Nope.  Don’t waste your time.

½ out of 5 Bookmarks

Essence of Re, by Bonnie Lamar


Author; Lamar, Bonnie
Book Title; Essence of Re
Genre: Young Adult Historical Mystery/Action/Love Story

Young Adult novels are flooding the market ever since a certain wizard made his appearance in print several years ago.  Since the increase, adults such as myself, stumble across them every now and then.  That being said, most of the books I’ve recently read happen to be from the young adult genre, simply because of what I like to read about.  That being said….

This is Book 1 in what is evidently planned as a series.  In this book, I can tell the author is not use to American slang, spelling, or mannerisms of the American teenager.  I can feel comfortable saying this since my youngest daughter just recently turned 20, and she’s my bookworm.  (The apple does not fall far from the tree when you read to them when they’re little!)  I can honestly say, the language in this book is too formal as there are not many contractions used and sayings such as “Ringing Off” are NEVER used here in the States by American Teenagers, let alone the adult population.  I surmise that the author is trying to say “hanging up [the phone]”.

That aside, the book is well laid out in a format that young adults will be able to grasp onto quickly and entrench themselves into the story, however unbelievable it is.  The character development is quirky, in that most teenagers I’ve met and interacted with over the years truly aren’t about doing hours of homework without complaint, and have the amount of freedom our heroine seems to have.  The author, I think, is trying to send the message to her target audience that studies come first, then every thing else, which is great.  However, in the same vein, she is showing the characters as having way too much freedom with parents who seem more wrapped up in their own social lives then whether or not their child is accepting her current lifestyle change (I can’t say much more without tipping my hand towards the plot, which I don’t like to do,).

The plot is interesting in its dabbling of historical facts interwoven within it, however it slows at times, and then simply confuses.  Our heroine acts and thinks much older than her age of 17, as well as her cohorts, though at times normal teenage angst does rear it’s head.

Would I suggest this book to my friends or their children?

That would depend on the friend, to be completely honest.  If they’re young adults, who feel they are invincible anyway, sure.  But the characters are a contradiction of themselves, meaning that they DO NOT ACT LIKE TEENAGERS OR SPEAK LIKE TEENAGERS!  I must admit I openly hope the reading gets better from the first book. 

My Grade:  2.5 out of 5 bookmarks

Monday, June 11, 2012

Knick - Knack - BOOK: What is Knick-knack-BOOK about?I have read over ...

Knick - Knack - BOOK: What is Knick-knack-BOOK about?

I have read over ...
: What is Knick-knack-BOOK about? I have read over 70 books in the last 3 months by Independent Authors.  The writing is great, for the most...
What is Knick-knack-BOOK about?

I have read over 70 books in the last 3 months by Independent Authors.  The writing is great, for the most part.  However, at least 85% of the books I've read have left me scratching my head and asking, "Where was the editor?  Did no one proof read this thing?".  So, I thought I would offer my services as a proof reader/editor.  I purchase my reading material from Amazon, solely for my Kindle (Touch and Fire).  They allow me to make notes when I find spelling errors, words repeated or left out, continuity problems, etc.  These notes made, can then be shared.  I'm not only a stickler for spelling and grammar, but I guess you could call it a pet peeve when I read a book, I get to the end and have to ask myself what on Earth the plot was!  I've recently read one like that, so believe me, it DOES and WILL happen.  Someone, at some point, after having a couple great books under their belt, wrote something that was more like a porn novella and the plot was..  I *think* nothing but a threesome.  After the Heroine and the Hero(s) had such great story lines in the series (I, to this day cannot find 1 of the books in the series leading to this particular book.  I believe it may have been overlooked.) I get the let down of a lifetime,  because I'm reading no plot, no character growth, just sex.  I was sorely disappointed I wasted my money on that!  I actually felt like it was one of those write in to Hustler or something.  So, here I am, offering what I can to those that need it. 

I would also like to review the books that I read here.  I try to review the books I read on Amazon, where I purchase them.  However, I don't know who the people are that are actually writing their reviews there, but when they do, they're ruining the whole reason for BUYING the book in the first place.  Why?  In their review, they completely re-tell or summarize the story, inserting their "review" within the context of their summary.  That's not what a review is kids.  A review is, simply put, when you read the book, and GIVE YOUR HONEST AND UNBIASED OPINION about the story, the character development, the plot, the twists and turns to get to the outcome that will either become the end of the book, or the cliff hanger for a series.  No one wants your summary of what you just read!  The whole reason you read a review is to either encourage or discourage others from reading the same book.  Was it worth the money for you?  Would you recommend it to your friends?  Would this be a book you would want to re-read again in the future?  PLEASE don't tell me the ENDING!!!  I can't tell you how many books I DID NOT BUY, because a reviewer summarized it for me, and then gave their opinion.  If it's not in the "Details" when you're looking to buy the book and you're trying to figure out if this plot is something you're interested in so you will PURCHASE the book, then by all means, leave THAT in your review.  NOTHING ELSE!  Wow..  I'll jump off my soap box on that one!

What qualifies me to help you proof read or edit your book?  I have an eye for details.  I wrote for school newspapers, I proof read all my husbands papers while he was studying for his Masters Degree.  I Home Schooled my children for a short time.  Also in my medical training as a Medical Assistant and while in Culinary Arts School (I mean, a girl can change her mind, right?)  ;)  it was imperative that I follow and/or kept exquisite records that are neat, easily explainable and properly done.  Spelling, grammar, inconsistencies and continuity are imperative in all these areas. And let's face it friends, some things can't be fixed by word check or grammar check, plain and simple.  Not to mention, I've been an avid reader since I learned how to read and I've worked in my church as the librarian! 

What kind of books do I enjoy to read?  I have quite eclectic tastes actually.  I love historically based fiction, paranormal fiction, psychological fiction; As long as a book can grab me in the first chapter and keep me interested and wanting more by the time I get to the end, then I'm a happy reader!  I like Theological studies that are not biased and full of dogma. I like honest facts, not opinions.  I'm also a Sci-Fi fan, more of the "Trekkie" genre than anything else.  However, if you don't classify yourself as the above that does not mean I won't like your book!  When my children were younger, in fact right at the age Harry Potter was in the first HP book, I started having "family reading night" where EVERYONE (yes, that included dad!) would sit down and listen to me read aloud to them.  It was something they all looked forward to.  Unfortunately, has HP grew, so did my girls, and boys and school and jobs came, and family reading night didn't happen much.  And that's okay, because from that, all my children became lovers of books!  Never wanting to stop, always looking for the next great book.  So, just because I haven't listed it as a "like" or you can't classify your writings into ONE or even THREE genres, that's okay!  You'd be surprised at what catches my fancy.  And please...  I am no prude.  The book I mentioned above about the threesome, didn't bother me because of the sexual acts or the in depth descriptions of the acts themselves, that's part of reading in the genre I read, my problem was with the lack of plot and character development and the FACT that the author had already made it known that one of the characters involved was extremely jealous and possessive.  Therefore the acts that occurred were totally OUT of character.  This is where continuity plays a big role.

Do I charge for my services?  This is negotiable at this point.  Why?  Because I love to read.  However, if you're just starting out, I'm not going to take advantage of you, because you're new to writing.  There are so many people out there who would charge up to .30 per word, and if you've written quite a novel, well, you get my point.  So, we can talk about this and build a relationship and go from there!

Now...  as I pointed out I will post reviews here about books I've read.  I like series, as they keep me involved with characters that, if the Author is good at character development, I've come to care about and want to see what happens to them.  Then I have books that I'm interested in and and have yet to hear from the author again.  Quite disappointing.  So... 

Where can you find me?  I'm on Facebook and will post my review THERE and HERE on my blog.  So, from that you'll get quite a few people seeing your name and your book.  On Facebook, you can find me under Melisa S Jensen Rechenmacher.  My email address is Melisa1168@insightbb.com  From FB you can also find me on SKYPE where I talk to my granddaughters a lot!

Watch for my reviews and any new books I'm grabbing up and sharing with you!  Enjoy your day!

M (6-11-2012)