Book Review: The Last Star (The 5th Wave, #3) – Rick Yancey

The Last StarDate of Publication: May 24, 2016
Genre and Themes: Young Adult, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
Format: 338 pages, ebook
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780399162435
Characters: Cassie Sullivan, Evan Walker, Ben Parrish, Ringer, Sam Sullivan

Blurb: The enemy is Other. The enemy is us. They’re down here, they’re up there, they’re nowhere. They want the Earth, they want us to have it. They came to wipe us out, they came to save us.

But beneath these riddles lies one truth: Cassie has been betrayed. So has Ringer. Zombie. Nugget. And all 7.5 billion people who used to live on our planet. Betrayed first by the Others, and now by ourselves.

In these last days, Earth’s remaining survivors will need to decide what’s more important: saving themselves…or saving what makes us human.

WARNING: The following review contains spoilers

Heya YA books fans! Remember when Veronica Roth’s twist at the end of the Divergent trilogy? Well, this one’s basically the same, albeit milder in comparison.

What I don’t understand is why there would have to be that cheesy family scene at the end. I also don’t get why Evan didn’t just die at all. I mean, I’m rooting for the guy and Cassie but seriously – wouldn’t it be better if he just died since his “mayfly” died to save “humanity” to begin with? I mean, I get the 12th system and all, and him and Ringer not dying is very much possible but WHY Cassie? WHY? And since Cassie sacrificed herself for the greater good, what’s up with the whole silencer thingy? I mean, fuck, why can’t they just die altogether when Marika pressed that button. Yeah – Obviously, I just didn’t like the ending. To begin with, I never really like Marika and Ben AT ALL so I’m ticked off by the fact that they survived!!!!! Damnit!!

I thought the writing’s a bit tamer this time in comparison to the first two books in terms of the vibrancy of each scene and each character. I didn’t feel the action until I was at the 85th percentage of the story when the whole of wonderland was uploaded to Cassie’s. The impact wasn’t just there which probably added to my disappointment. Great disappointment that is.

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

About the Author
Rick is a native Floridian and a graduate of Roosevelt University in Chicago. He earned a B.A. in English which he put to use as a field officer for the Internal Revenue Service. Inspired and encouraged by his wife, he decided his degree might also be useful in writing books and in 2004 he began writing full-time.

Since then he has launched two critically acclaimed series: The Extraordinary Adventures of Alfred Kropp, for young readers, and The Highly Effective Detective, for adults. Both books are set in Knoxville, Tennessee, where Rick lived for ten years before returning to Florida.

Book Review: Iron to Iron (Wolf by Wolf, #1.5) – Ryan Graudin

Iron To IronDate of Publication: March 8, 2016
Genre and Themes: Young Adult, Historical Fiction
Format: 104 pages, ebook
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780316354042
Characters: Luka Lowe, Adele Wolfe

If you have not read Wolf by Wolf, it is best for you to pick that one up first before you head into this one. I mean, you won’t be clueless with the characters and the story while reading this novella (since this is basically a prequel) but it will make your reading experience more pleasurable with all the a-ha! moments that will connect you to Wolf by Wolf which, in turn will make you excited to read its sequel, Blood For Blood! That I can guarantee you.

This novella’s a very interesting and fascinating read as it was written from Luka’s point of view during the previous tournament before the events from Wolf by Wolf took place.

Luka Lowe is looking forward to becoming the first double cross victor during the 1955 Axis Tour – a feat that he hopes will make his father see his worth. Only his strategy does not include Adele Wolfe – another racer who’s posing as her twin brother in order to enter the competition. As they formed an alliance, victory is already within Luka’s grasp only he discarded the fact that Adele’s eying the honor as well.

It’s just a bit weird because Luka’s such an awesome character and he’s basically the male Yael with his own idealism subtly defying the Reich and all that shit but there’s something about him and the real Adele as well that is equally beautiful! I’m still rooting for Yael and it’d be wonderful for her to have her own love interest with either Luka or Adele’s brother (fingers-crossed.)

This was a really great read and something that would be fantastic to see on-screen!

Highly Recommended!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Ryan Graudin grew up in Charleston and graduated from the College of Charleston with a degree in Creative Writing in 2009. She is the author of All That Glows and The Walled City. She resides near Charleston with her husband and wolf-dog. You can find her online at http://www.ryangraudin.com.

Book Review: Shut Your Face, Anthony Pace! – Claire Davis and Al Stewart

Anthony PaceDate of Publication: May 26, 2016
Genre and Themes: Young Adult Fiction, LGBT, Humour, Romance and Relationships, Contemporary Fiction, New Adult
Format: 125 pages, ebook
Publisher: Beaten Track Publishing
ISBN: 9781786450555
Characters: Anthony Pace, Charlie Woods

“This story is so cute, I’m gonna die!!!”

It all started when Anthony Pace became Charlie Woods’ enemy for a bit with Anthony eventually finding his way into Charlie’s young heart and becoming his best friend! They’re both geeks – Anthony’s a poet whilst Charlie’s the scientist and they’re the inseparable duo against the world!

As they started their college journey, Charlie’s situation at home worsen with his mom’s progressing dementia. Taking care of his mom is a responsibility Charlie tasked himself to do all alone until the dam finally broke. With Anthony making Charlie realized that he didn’t have to do it all and that through thick and thin, they will always be together – Charlie finally figured that Anthony Pace is more than his best friend in the world.

Anthony and Charlie are both charming individually but together, they’re just the most precious ever! They’re like little babies or little kittens you’d want to protect and love forever! I so loved their quirkiness. It’s not often that I get to read a story with both MC sharing the same quirky disposition. They’re funny and fun together!

The issue involving Charlie’s mother was basically the focal point of the story and it was incredibly heartbreaking to read those scenes where Charlie would run out of money for lunch; where he had to sleep at the sofa guarding the door for when his mom try to escape – things that he’s very much willing to endure because of his love for his mom. It was just sad because they had such a good life! Sometimes, life really aint fair no?

The beautiful thing though is that as best friends, Anthony can easily see through Charlie and it’s lovely how much support he and his family are willing to extend to Charlie. Actually, he’s already a family so it’s a given that they will be there for Charlie no matter what and that’s just the best thing ever about the story. It’s just so full of positivity! And the romance is something that needs to happen for like forever and when it did – everything feels like it’s going to be okay for Charlie.

So seriously folks, this little book is such a bundle of joy to read and it didn’t even cost me more than a couple of dollars! Like, who writes something this good and priced it like it’s basically free? Well, that’s the writing duo of Claire Davis and Al Stewart for you! Goodness, gracious! Thank you!!! This book is just what you need if you’re feeling heavy inside and just want to feel good about something – say, why not read Shut Your Face, Anthony Pace! Highly recommended!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About Claire Davis
Claire lives in the beautiful UK. She works full time and reads whenever she gets a spare five minutes.

http://astewartcdavisbook.wix.com/author

About Al Stewart
I am originally from an enormous housing estate in the south of England.
Early influences include male ballet dancers or anyone in tights, Robin Hood, and all my sister’s boyfriends.
I’ve written poetry from a young age but fairly recently moved on to books about ordinary people.
I’m crippling awful at talking about myself but I can draw a horse.

Book Review: Kestrel’s Talon (The Stonewatchers, #1) – Bey Deckard

Kestrels TalonDate of Publication: May 23, 2016
Genre and Themes: Fantasy, Triad, LGBT/QUILTBAG, Slavery
Format: 426 pages, ebook
Publisher: Bey Deckard
ASIN: Fantasy, Triad, LGBT/QUILTBAG
Characters: Kestrel, Talon, Grimma

Kestrel’s a soldier sold into slavery after his own country did not buy his freedom back because he was defiled during his time as a war prisoner. Abused and dehumanized as a pleasure slave, Kestrel didn’t think that he could still escape his agonizing existence until he found himself being sold – yet again – to a fellow slave named Talon and its master, Count Strade.

I didn’t think that I’d enjoy this book immensely given that this was my first book from the author and it is 400-pages plus long. So I was a bit wary because of that but since it was highly recommended to me by a friend, I thought I’d give it a try and I’m sure glad I did because it is without question one of the best books I’ve read this year!

I loved the details in this book. You can really see as you go along with the story how the author thought about every minute detail with each character. There are three main characters here given that this was a triad and the chemistry between them was just spot on. One problem I always seem to encounter in stories with ménage à trois is the lack of chemistry between one other character from the other two. There are only few stories with similar arrangement whose characters really jived together and this is definitely one of them.

Out of the three though, Talon has got to be my favorite. I really loved his youthful characterization and his voice just left me yearning for more narrative from his perspective. There’s sweet innocence combined with wickedness about his character. Perhaps, it’s because he was never treated a slave by Grim and bears a very useful “gift?” I also loved that he’s selfless with just about everyone he considers family. I just loved him.

There’s Kestrel of course. I feel for what he’s been through but at times, he makes me feel a tad bit uncomfortable when he’s being rough with Talon. Although Talon’s okay with it, I find myself internally cringing whenever he’s being that way.

Then there’s Grimma! Oh, how I adore this guy! All the history behind his character was well-crafted and I just loved reading his POV!

Together, they make a very beautiful triad! Plus, the sexy time between them was just beyond!

As for the side characters, there are some I totally loved (Moller, Ghost, Hessa) and some whom I want to see in the next installment and hope that they will have a gruesome death (Scalt and Kes’s prisonmate whose name I forgot).

As for the story development, I loved how fast the pacing was and the upcoming plot points for the next book clearly established at the latter part of the story was nothing short of exciting and I am very much hoping for a grittier sequel.

I think I covered everything in this review and atm, I am dying with anticipation for the next book! I seriously need to read more of Bey’s works while waiting for it!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Born and raised in a small coastal town in northern Québec, Bey spent his early summers on his uncle’s boat and running wild on the beaches of the surrounding islands, lighting fires and building huts out of driftwood and fishermen’s nets. As an adult, he eventually made his way to university and earned a degree in Art History with a strong focus on Anthropology. Primarily a portrait painter and graphic artist, Bey sat down one day and decided to start writing.

Bey currently lives in the wilds of Montréal with his best buddy, a ridiculous, spotty pit bull named Murphy.

http://www.beydeckard.com

Book Review: Daddy’s Money – Alan Chin

Daddy's MoneyDate of Publication: December 10, 2012
Genre and Themes: LGBTQ, Contemporary, Family, Racism, Xenophobia
Format: 210 pages, ebook
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
ISBN: 9781623802332
Cover Artist: L.C. Chase
Characters: Sayen Homet, Cameron Campbell

Everyone needs a little help now and then. For gay Muslim Sayen Homet, that help first came from his understanding mother, who brought him to America from the Middle East. Now that he’s working his way through Stanford Medical School, his help comes from a secret sugar daddy. But Sayen might be able to end their arrangement soon now that he has a boyfriend he can depend on, A student Campbell Reardon. Campbell is more than willing to support Sayen, even if it means coming out to his conservative family.

But when Campbell takes Sayen home to meet his parents, everything falls apart. Campbell doesn’t realize how his boyfriend pays for school… and neither of them knows Sayen’s sugar daddy is Campbell’s father, Blake.

While everyone involved struggles to overcome their shock, it becomes obvious Blake will do anything to keep Sayen. Campbell and Sayen love each other, but in the face of so much hurt and betrayal, love might not be enough to hold them together.

The unapologetic writing style of Alan Chin is one of the things I loved about him. He won’t try to sugarcoat an event or a scene involving his characters. I liked the grittiness of the words used here, which some readers may find revolting but somehow worked. Admittedly, the whole mixed-up of religion, race, soap opera-ish twists was a bit too much for me here. I didn’t really like Sayen’s character because he’s obviously a first-class user or as my sister told me bluntly, he’s basically a prostitute masquerading with his sob story. I don’t agree much with her but like what I’ve said, I never felt an affinity towards his character. I didn’t like how he keeps on using his past to excuse what he’s doing which ultimately cost him Cameron. I also didn’t think that he really loved Cameron more than Cameron’s dad. I didn’t see the difference much. The ending was a bit disconcerting for me because there was already a gap between them and it still ended that way.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Alan Chin was born in Ogden, Utah, where he was christened, Alan Lewis Hurlburt. He was raised in San Jose, California where he enjoyed an undistinguished childhood. After graduating high school, Alan served four years in the U.S. Navy where he learned and practiced the trade of aircraft mechanic while stationed at the naval air station in Kingsville, Texas.
Alan attended four years of night school at San Francisco State University, studying the field of Data Processing. Afterwards he enjoyed a twenty year career working his way from computer programmer, to software engineer, to network designer, and finally to manager of several software engineer development groups.

In 1991, while still working full time, Alan went back to night school and years later graduated from the University of San Francisco with a BS in Economics and a Masters in Creative Writing.

In 1999, Alan retired from his career in Information Technology to devote more time to his three hobbies: writing, traveling, and tennis. During that same timeframe, Alan legally changed his name to Alan Chin, so that he could share the same family name as his life partner, Herman Chin.

Alan turned serious about his writing in 2003, and began working on his first novel, Island Song. He has now published two novel with Zumaya Publications – Island Song and The Lonely War. He is currently searching for a publisher fr his 3rd novel, while writing a 4th novel and two screenplays.

Alan currently lives and writes half of each year at his home in San Rafael, California, and he spends the other half of each year traveling the globe.

You can learn more about Alan Chin and his writing at:http://AlanChinWriter.blogspot.com or about his travels at his travel blog:http://HermanAndAlan.blogspot.com

Book Review: The Lonely War – Alan Chin

The Lonely WarDate of Publication: November 12, 2009
Genre and Themes: LGBTQ, War, POW, Racism, Xenophobia
Format: 328 pages, ebook
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
ISBN: 9781934841440
Cover Artist: Catt Ford
Characters: Andrew Waters

How far will a man go to survive?

Andrew Waters, son of an American diplomat and a Chinese mother, already has two strikes against him when he joins the crew of the USS Pilgrim not long after Pearl Harbor–his mixed heritage and his pacifism.

He never expects he will fall in love with his handsome commanding officer.

The crew of the Pilgrim is captured and sent to the notorious Changi POW camp. The man Andrew loves will die without proper medical treatment. To save his life, Andrew makes a choice that could destroy not just his future but his life.

This historical fiction set during the second world war is a story that will make you weep, laugh and weep again for its heartbreaking poignancy! Just how apt is the name of Andrew’s crew (Pilgrim) with the story’s “religious” undertone? Actually, to say that it’s religious is a bit of a stretch because it’s more of an exploration of Andrew about himself and the things that are happening around him. At first I thought I’d be bored with it but throughout the story, I was a mixed-bowl of emotions. I was giddy with the “blossoming?” romance between Andrew and Nathan and was appalled by what happened to him eventually when they were captured by the Japanese soldiers. There really are two faces of war and it’s sad when you know that there are necessary evils that must be done in order to get through it. That’s what Andrew did here and there are times in the story that I had to stop because I was bawling my eyes out! I also loved Commandant Totturi because of his ‘history.’ It was true love for him and I pretty much believe that Andrew reciprocated that feeling, only his heart is too big for a lot of people.

People who are expecting a traditional happy-every-after ending will be very disappointed with this one. It does not have one, that I could tell you. For me though, it’s actually more than that. The author’s style will make you contemplate on a lot of things in a un-preachy way. I loved that about Alan Chin. He’s unapologetically honest and weaves his story with stirring narratives.

The Lonely War simply exemplifies Chin’s superb writing! Match Maker is still my number one favorite from his stories but this one comes close into out-besting it.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Alan Chin was born in Ogden, Utah, where he was christened, Alan Lewis Hurlburt. He was raised in San Jose, California where he enjoyed an undistinguished childhood. After graduating high school, Alan served four years in the U.S. Navy where he learned and practiced the trade of aircraft mechanic while stationed at the naval air station in Kingsville, Texas.
Alan attended four years of night school at San Francisco State University, studying the field of Data Processing. Afterwards he enjoyed a twenty year career working his way from computer programmer, to software engineer, to network designer, and finally to manager of several software engineer development groups.

In 1991, while still working full time, Alan went back to night school and years later graduated from the University of San Francisco with a BS in Economics and a Masters in Creative Writing.

In 1999, Alan retired from his career in Information Technology to devote more time to his three hobbies: writing, traveling, and tennis. During that same timeframe, Alan legally changed his name to Alan Chin, so that he could share the same family name as his life partner, Herman Chin.

Alan turned serious about his writing in 2003, and began working on his first novel, Island Song. He has now published two novel with Zumaya Publications – Island Song and The Lonely War. He is currently searching for a publisher fr his 3rd novel, while writing a 4th novel and two screenplays.

Alan currently lives and writes half of each year at his home in San Rafael, California, and he spends the other half of each year traveling the globe.

You can learn more about Alan Chin and his writing at:http://AlanChinWriter.blogspot.com or about his travels at his travel blog:http://HermanAndAlan.blogspot.com

Have you already voted for FHM Philippines 100 Sexiest 2016?

I just did. You can vote for up to ten ladies daily via fhm.com.ph but you’ve to register first.

Cast Your Votes

Results of the poll will be publish on July 2016!

Book Review: Passing Through – Jay Northcote

Passing ThroughDate of Publication: March 4, 2015
Genre and Themes: LGBTQ Contemporary Romance
Format: 176 pages, ebook
Publisher: Self-Published via Createspace
ISBN: 9781507840719
Cover Artist: Garrett Leigh
Characters: Leo, Tristan, Edwin

Passing Through is a predictable story but in a good way. Leo is a workaholic from London who found himself driving to Cornwall to spend some time with his beloved uncle Edwin whose days are numbered due to cancer. There he meets Tristan, a friend of Edwin who’s lodging and fixing up the latter’s cottage. They got to know each other and soon found themselves exploring each other’s body and history. At the end of the day, the question still remains unanswered between them – what are they willing to give up for love and happiness?

Passing Through is one of those books that doesn’t leave much of an impression long after reading it. It is however, a book that is technically well-written. That may not sound enticing at all but I think a lot of people will really enjoy how Jay Northcote went back to basics and dish out a story that is not embedded with complicated plot lines, unbelievable twists that doesn’t make sense and some loopholes that the author totally forgotten to address by the end of the story. This book isn’t like that.

There’s beauty in simplicity and Jay Northcote was able to present that in this story. I liked the angle concerning Edwin and his secret but found it a bit too much at times. The parallelism dragged the story a bit in my opinion. The whole story just revolves around these three guys which I thought was okay but I won’t mind a tiny bit of drama. It is not my favourite from Jay Northcote but it’s definitely still worth reading.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England, with her husband, two children, and two cats. She comes from a family of writers, but she always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed her by. She spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.

One day, she decided to try and write a short story—just to see if she could—and found it rather addictive. She hasn’t stopped writing since.

Jay writes contemporary gay romance about men who fall in love with other men, usually set in or near her home town of Bristol. She enjoys the challenge of bringing the men in her head to life through her words. Jay has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and she also publishes her own titles under the imprint Jaybird Press. Some of her books are now available as audiobooks.

Book Review: Get Your Shine On – Nick Wilgus

Get Your Shine OnDate of Publication: July 24, 2015
Genre and Themes: LGBTQ, Romance, Family Drama
Format: 330 pages, ebook
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
ISBN: 9781634763738
Cover Art: AngstyG.
Characters: Henry Hood, Sam Rakestraw, Ishmael Hood

Get Your Shine On obviously has the formula taken from the author’s The Sugar Tree series because of its setting in the South and the couple with a kid but it actually has its very own charm with humor that is so spot on, commentaries’ so blunt they’ll make you flinch and characters so vibrant its feels like you’re actually living their lives. I just loved everything about it! There are some plot points in the story that were a bit predictable but in a way that feels so natural to the story.

I loved Sam and Henry’s relationship! It’s quite realistic and I loved how they have their own careers and are making a home together and not caring one bit about the nasty naysayers in their little hometown. Oh, how I absolutely adore Ishy!!! What a sweetheart! I just want to adopt him! He’s a bit slow on the uptake sure but he’s still a kid after all and I loved how his voice was so consistent all throughout the story. It was easily predictable why he’s like that but at the same time, it’s still a bit horrifying to actually read it!

I enjoyed how fast-paced the story was and how each character made an impact in the story. And that beautiful, heartwarming ending was just beyond! Just perfection!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About Nick Wilgus
I sold my first short story to The Horror Show Magazine at the age of seventeen and I’ve been writing ever since.

From murder mysteries to romantic comedies featuring gay couples, I’ve been channeling my dreams and demons for almost four decades. Along the way, I picked up a Lambda Award nomination, was named one of the best columnists in the state of Mississippi, and had an award-winning movie based on my first novel, MINDFULNESS AND MURDER.

A former newspaper editor, I’m a proud dad who lives in Tupelo, Mississippi right down the street from the house where Elvis grew up.

Book Review: Playing With Fire (Glasgow Lads, #3) – Avery Cockburn

Playing With FireDate of Publication: January 29, 2016
Genre and Themes: LGBTQ, Romance, Friends To Lovers, Sports
Format: 330 pages, ebook
Publisher: Self-Published
ASIN: B01BA13WXE
Cover Art: Damonza
Characters: Robert McKenzie, Liam Carroll

Warning: This review may contain spoilers.

This third instalment of the Glasgow Lads maybe a bit surprising for the fans of the series because the main characters here are best buds, Liam Caroll and the supposedly straight member of the Woodstoun Warriors, Robert McKenzie. Apparently, he’s not that straight and he’s got the hots for his best friend! Yay! Now, tell me how hot is that? You would think that upon realizing Robert is bisexual, Liam will be all over him in a hot second but that’s just so not the case. Liam just couldn’t risk falling for the person he couldn’t live without. There’s just so much on the line pursuing something between them. Or so Liam thought. Robert is ready to take their relationship to the next level but he’s got to make Liam see that what they have is actually worth taking a chance on.

Three things I super loved about this book:

  1. I just loved how Robert was the one taking the chance here and the one who really made the moves. He’s just super-adorable especially about saving his first gay kiss. That’s like the ‘awww..’ moment of the book!
  2. The damn hot sex scenes! Just totally burning hot!
  3. Fergus and John’s wedding! I really loved these boys and their wedding was just a joy to read especially after reading ‘Playing It Safe’ where they had their engagement! Just really sweet!

Things I don’t hate but may have balked a little while reading the book:

  1. Liam’s super annoying attitude towards Robert. At some point in the book, I was like yelling internally at him to try to at least make some effort! There’s no question that he loves Rabbie so it’s just frustrating to see him actually creating the walls between them and being overly dramatic at times.
  2. Liam’s untoward feelings about Fergus and John’s wedding. Ugh. He really got on my nerves here. I guess I could understand where he’s coming from but I feel that there was no point in the book that he’s really been ‘extremely’ happy for the couple.

So, it’s only Liam’s attitude that kind of ticked me off in this story but overall, it was still a super-awesome book! For sure, Avery is one gifted writer and I couldn’t wait for her next books especially after hinting here that she’ll be working next on Evan’s story! Yikes! I don’t know how she would give Evan the redemption arc he clearly needed after his intro during the first book. How can you ever validate cheating? And I’m kind of worried because that is one of my pet peeves!!!! I am certain though that Avery will make it work because this series is seriously beyond phenomenal! I am all for the story of these lads and we’ve only got four of them so far!!! Imagine the other boys’ stories to come! If you don’t want to get left behind with the Glasgow Lads craze, I suggest you start picking up this one and the rest of the series!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Hiya, I’m Avery Cockburn (rhymes with Savory Slow Churn). In a previous incarnation I wrote over a dozen novels for major publishers. Some of these books even won awards, which was pure awesome. But last year I decided to “go indie” so I could write exactly what I wanted, how I wanted, and publish as fast as readers wanted. Now my days are filled with beautiful men who play the Beautiful Game in the most beautiful place in the world—and who happen to love other beautiful men. It’s pretty much the best job ever.

I currently live in the United States with one infinitely patient man and two infinitely impatient cats. Readers make my day, so email me at avery@averycockburn.com, or sign up for my mailing list at http://www.averycockburn.com/signup to get loads of exclusive Glasgow Lads bonus material. Cheers!