Book Review: Day of the Bluebirds by Tarin Elbert

Genre: Science Fiction • Techno-Thriller • Sci-Fi Thriller

Tropes: Self-Driving Cars, Cyberterrorism, Secret Society, Alien Intervention, Military Task Force, Star-Crossed Lovers, Political Conspiracy, First Contact, Multiple POVs

Spice Level: 🌶️

Format: Hardback

Series: Potential Series Starter

    The future promised safer roads. Self-driving vehicles were supposed to be unhackable. Perfect. Foolproof. Until someone proved otherwise. When a secret organization gains control of autonomous vehicles and turns them into assassination tools targeting world leaders, governments scramble to stop an invisible enemy. A multinational military task force is assembled, but after months of investigation they've uncovered little beyond whispers of someone known only as The Reacher.

    As if cyberterrorism wasn't enough, mysterious alien beings—communicating only through dreams and cryptic visions—appear determined to prevent humanity from destroying itself. The question is...why?

    I received a complimentary hardback copy of this book from the author.

    This is a fast-paced sci-fi thriller that took me a little while to settle into. The story opens with several seemingly unrelated events before gradually revealing how everything connects. Once those pieces begin falling into place, though, the book becomes incredibly engaging and difficult to put down.

    There are a lot of moving parts throughout the story, making this one of those books that's easiest to enjoy in longer reading sessions. I'm normally someone who reads in small chunks throughout the day, but I found myself needing to dedicate larger stretches of time so I wouldn't lose track of all the interconnected storylines. That's less of a criticism and more of a recommendation for the best reading experience.

    One of my favorite aspects was the aliens themselves. Rather than the typical humanoid extraterrestrials, they're portrayed as glowing spheres of light that communicate through dreams and fragmented messages. It gave the first-contact element a unique, almost ethereal feeling that fit the story surprisingly well.

    I also really enjoyed how the romance developed. The star-crossed lovers storyline blended naturally into the larger conspiracy, and it was satisfying watching all the seemingly separate plot threads weave together by the end. It's fascinating to think these two characters never would have crossed paths without all of the outside interference—and yet they clearly end up better together because of it.

    The ending wraps up the main conflict well while still leaving readers with plenty of new questions during the final pages. It definitely feels like there's room for this world to continue if the author decides to revisit it, and I'd happily read another installment.

    One thing worth mentioning is that there is some romance and spice sprinkled throughout the novel. The scenes aren't especially explicit, but they are open door, which isn't something I see very often in sci-fi thrillers, so it was a pleasant surprise.

    Overall, this was an entertaining blend of science fiction, political conspiracy, technology, and romance that kept me curious to see how everything would eventually connect.

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $3.99 by clicking here. 

⭐ You'll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Techno-thrillers with AI and futuristic technology
• Self-driving cars and cyberterrorism
• Political conspiracies
• Alien first-contact stories
• Military task force investigations
• Multiple interconnected storylines
• Star-crossed romance
• Fast-paced sci-fi mysteries
• Near-future speculative fiction
• Books that leave you thinking after the final page

A smart, action-packed sci-fi thriller that combines futuristic technology, political intrigue, alien intervention, and romance into a story that's both thought-provoking and entertaining. I'd absolutely read more if this world continues.

Book Review: The Phantom Beast by K. B. Broas (The Seers Book 1)

 Genre: YA Sci-Fi Horror • Paranormal Thriller

Tropes: Teens with Powers, Hidden World, Small Town Horror, Psychic Abilities, Creatures in the Dark, Found Friendship, Cosmic Horror Vibes

Spice Level: None

Format: Paperback

Series: The Seers Book 1

    Jake is losing his mind. At least, that’s the only explanation that makes sense after watching his best friend literally fall from the sky and wake up buried in a golf course. Ever since surviving a cave collapse, Johnny has come back… different. He can see and manipulate mysterious forces he calls strands.

    Now Jake and Johnny's girlfriend are being pulled into a hidden reality where people can alter perception, manipulate emotions, and bend the world around them in terrifying ways. But Jake’s abilities are unlike the others. Instead of flying or controlling objects, he can make people feel disgusted —or force their attention to slide right past him entirely. And once you become aware of the strands, you also become visible to the things lurking in the dark. Especially the creatures hunting Johnny.

    I received a complimentary paperback copy of this book from the author, and first off—the cover is absolutely gorgeous. It immediately caught my attention, and thankfully the story inside lived up to it.

    This is a fast-paced YA sci-fi horror novel that follows three teenagers as they uncover a hidden world tied to these mysterious “strands” and the terrifying entities connected to them. What starts as confusion and discovery quickly spirals into something much darker.

    I really enjoyed watching the characters go from ordinary high school students starting a new school year to kids trying desperately to survive forces they barely understand. Their shared connection to the strands initially brings them closer together, but the horrors stalking them slowly begin tearing those bonds apart. 

    The horror elements were easily my favorite part. The whistling creatures were deeply unsettling—especially the way they lure people into trancelike states—and the larger entity capable of tearing apart reality itself to reach Johnny added genuine tension and danger to the story. The deeper the group gets into this hidden world, the more oppressive and terrifying everything becomes.

    The pacing stays strong throughout, and the story constantly pushes you forward wanting to know what happens next. Even seemingly smaller moments, like dealing with school bullies, end up feeding directly into the larger horror unfolding around them.

    That turning point? Incredible. It’s the moment the darkness truly notices them, and from there there’s no going back. As soon as I finished the book, I handed it off to my high-school-aged niece, and she ended up loving it just as much as I did. This feels like the kind of YA sci-fi horror that could easily hook both teen and adult readers alike. I’d absolutely read more from this author in the future.

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• YA sci-fi horror
• Teenagers discovering supernatural powers
• Hidden worlds and secret abilities
• Creepy creatures lurking in the dark
• Cosmic horror vibes
• Fast-paced paranormal thrillers
• Friendship dynamics under pressure
• Psychological horror mixed with action
• Stranger Things-style energy

A tense and imaginative YA horror story packed with eerie creatures, mysterious powers, and teenagers thrown into a terrifying hidden reality.

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $0.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman (Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 1)

 Genre: LitRPG • Sci-Fi Fantasy • Apocalypse Adventure

Tropes: Dungeon Crawl, Alien Invasion, Survival Game, Talking Animal Companion, Dark Humor, Reality TV Apocalypse, Leveling System, Found Family

Spice Level: None

Format: Audiobook

Series: Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 1

    When The Flattening happened, Carl was outside in nothing but boxers, a jacket, and his girlfriend’s too-small Crocs trying to coax her prize-winning cat out of a tree during the coldest night of the year. Then every building on Earth vanished. Aliens have arrived, civilization has collapsed, and the only chance humanity has to survive is entering massive underground dungeons scattered around the globe. If humanity can clear every level, they get to keep Earth.

    Simple, right? Now Carl and Princess Donut—yes, the cat—must descend floor by floor through a televised apocalypse filled with monsters, traps, insanity, and an AI host that may be having entirely too much fun watching humanity suffer-and a weird fetish.

    Welcome to the dungeon, crawler.

    I absolutely love LitRPGs, and this series had been floating around my book group forever before I finally gave in and started it. My husband had technically started it first but never finished… until I bullied him into continuing because I needed someone else to witness the chaos. And chaos is truly the best word for this book.

    Princess Donut Queen Anne Chonk, Best in Dungeon is hands-down one of the greatest characters I’ve ever encountered in a LitRPG. She starts off delightfully obnoxious, overly dramatic, and completely ridiculous—but somehow becomes impossible not to love almost immediately.

    Book one mainly establishes Carl, Donut, and Mordecai while throwing them headfirst into complete madness. Between murderous monsters, explosive combat, bizarre dungeon mechanics, and an AI obsessed with feet for reasons I genuinely do not want explained, the humor in this series is unmatched. The dark comedy absolutely lands.

    One minute you’re laughing at Donut demanding proper recognition and the next you’re witnessing horrifying dungeon brutality. Somehow the series balances absurdity and violence perfectly without losing momentum.

    I listened to this on audiobook and immediately started book two the second it ended. The narration is phenomenal. The narrator gives Carl this Kronk-esque energy that somehow works perfectly, and now I genuinely cannot imagine Carl sounding any other way. Donut’s voice is equally iconic.  And yes—Donut talks. A magical pet biscuit gives her sentience, and from that point onward the series becomes even more unhinged in the best possible way.

    This book ends with Carl and Donut descending to the next floor, already mildly traumatized and wildly underprepared for what’s coming next. Unfortunately for them—and fortunately for us—it only gets worse from there. The combination of nonstop action, dark humor, ridiculous dungeon mechanics, explosive violence, and genuinely lovable characters makes this one of the strongest LitRPG starters I’ve ever read. Add in the unusual detail of Carl being former Coast Guard instead of the typical overpowered military archetype, and the whole thing just feels fresh.

    At this point my ringtone, notification sound, and phone background are all Dungeon Crawler Carl themed, so I think it’s safe to say this series consumed my personality a little bit. No regrets. I don’t feel like I need to say that I will be reading on in this series, because who could possibly stop after book one? After all crawlers, we have to get out there are “Kill, Kill, Kill!” There isn’t a thing I would change about these books and will be sad when I run out of them. Side note. I MAY have a DCC tee shirt on that says "I AM YELLING, CARL" as I write this...

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• LitRPG and dungeon crawl stories
• Dark humor mixed with brutal survival
• Talking animal companions
• Reality TV-style apocalypse settings
• Explosive action and nonstop chaos
• Alien invasion stories
• Video game leveling systems
• Audiobooks with incredible narration
• Found family dynamics
• Ridiculous humor alongside real emotional stakes

An absolutely chaotic LitRPG masterpiece full of explosions, monsters, dark comedy, and one unforgettable talking cat.

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $4.99 by clicking here. 

Books by this author: 

Carl's Doomsday Scenario (Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 2)

Book Review: Drone Ensign by Kyle Johnson (Drone Rising Book 1)

 Genre: Science Fiction / LitRPG / Space Opera

Tropes: Dystopian System Control, Leveling Up, False Memories, AI Companion, From Nothing to Captain, Willpower Awakening, Cliffhanger Ending

Spice Level:  None – Action-Focused

Format: Audiobook

Series: Book 1 

                Drone Benning Kidd serves very little purpose. She walks the tunnels, cleans mold, and walks on with her little ai assistant. She doesn’t think of anything or remember long term things. In fact, if she tries the system rewards her with a sharp dot of pain to curb her desire to further the pain by thinking. When she is offered 3 game credits to go on a second job for the day she doesn’t hesitate. 2 credits is rare, but 3 for 1 job is basically unheard of. When she arrives she is to be put into a chamber to be chosen for a Citizen to be respawned into. But, the system deems her willpower too high for a drone, moving her up to a Citizen herself. Now, with false memories in place Benning Kidd decides to take on her new life as a warrior and starship captain.

                I got this book with my audible credit of the month. I have been on a bit of a LitRPG kick recently and it seemed like a good idea. I haven’t read a lot of space opera’s but this one is decent. We have a character that was the lowest of the low, little more than a meat suit waiting for a Citizens respawning needs. She gains consciousness and her own Citizenship, but temporarily looses her memories in the process. With the system urging her to “move ever forward” and a new set of false memories to go with her desired plan for the future she is ready to become a starship captain and warrior.

                This is a very action packed book although the audiobook left much to be desired. If I hear km and m physically said instead of meters and kilometers one more time I may just go insane. I almost stopped reading the book entirely because of it and my husband asked me if this was an ai generated read since surely no human narrator could be simple enough to literally say the letters instead of the metric reading system. Except according to google it’s a decently popular narrator. Now, I get to start looking for that narrator’s name to avoid.

                The story ends on a cliff-hanger and I might get the eBook to read on, but no way am I going near the audiobook again. Ignoring the audiobook I enjoyed the story. I won’t hold the narrator’s poor performance against the author. It really isn’t their fault. I really enjoyed the non-stop action in this book as well as how Ensign Benning Kidd was able to manipulate both the system and those around her. It made for an enjoyable read that kept you wondering what she would do next. Also, the amount of petty revenge in this book is just wonderful.

                This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $6.99 by clicking here. (eBook- not audio)

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• LitRPG progression fantasy in space
• AI-controlled dystopian systems
• Strong female leads rising through ranks
• Starship captain arcs
• Non-stop action
• Strategic manipulation of rigid systems
• Cliffhangers that demand the sequel

A high-action sci-fi with a clever, evolving heroine—just maybe grab the eBook instead of the audiobook.

Book Review: I Got Abducted by Aliens and now I’m Trapped in a Rom-Com by Kimberling Lemming (Cosmic Chaos Book 1)

Genre: Sci-Fi Romance / Alien Romantasy / Erotic Comedy
Tropes: Alien Abduction, Reverse Harem (Why Choose), Wizard of Oz Retelling, Fated Bonds, Talking Animals, Found Family, Cliffhanger Ending, Dubious Consent
Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Format: Audiobook
Series: Cosmic Chaos Book 1 (Ends on a Cliffhanger; Main Arc Satisfied)

                Dorothy was filming the meerkats fierce battle when a lion ambushed her and ripped out her throat. As she lay dying a beam of light exploded around her and she watched in shock as she and the lion flew into the air. On a spaceship tiny owl creatures covered her in some kind of goop that ended up working as a translator. Once she and her new lion friend escaped she wanted nothing more than to get back to her wildlife. But, she and Toto aren’t in Kansas anymore…well the Savannah...

                I got this audiobook with my monthly audible credit and when I tell you I loved every single second of this book I mean it. The narration is amazing. The characters humor is amazing. I officially need to read everything by this author and need the rest of this series to happen immediately. Full disclosure this is SMUT. Like a lot of smut. Explicit scenes, outdoors, and tail play. Not the lion. Aliens. Which is much better. I will say that the consent was...dubious. Intern and his damnable darts....you'll see what I mean. 

                I loved all of the Wizard of Oz references in the book and kind of hate Intern. He is a deceitful little owlish that really needs plucked. I wonder how much better things would have gone for them had they just killed him from the beginning. This book ends on a cliff-hanger, but Dorothy, Lok, and Sol’s story seems to be finished. I hope they stay on as background characters.

                Also, did I mention there are dinosaurs? Like constantly. Loved that more than I can say. And a pink T Rex? Also wonderful. Although, I am not sure how much of it the owlish just pulled out of their feathers like the “human enrichment items”. You will be laughing all the time with this read and enjoying all the spice. Absolutely amazing read and can’t wait for more from this author.

                This book is available on Amazon for $6.99 by clicking here.

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Alien reverse harem romance
• Campy, chaotic humor
• Wizard of Oz–inspired retellings
• Explicit, creative spice
• Talking animal companions
• Dinosaurs in space
• Audiobooks with stellar narration

This was wildly entertaining from start to finish. I need the rest of this series immediately—and I’ll absolutely be reading everything this author writes.

Book Review: Abducting Sarah by Brenna Sinclair (Planet Orhon Alien Romance Book 1)

Genre: Sci-Fi Romance / Paranormal Romance
Tropes: MMF Romance, Alien Abduction, Marriage of Convenience, Fated Mates Vibes, Ghost Communication, Royal Intrigue
Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶 (explicit MF scenes; open-door throughout)
Format: eBook

Series: Planet Orhon Alien Romance Book 1

     Sarah has always seen things that aren’t there. Her fiancé has made sure to help her with this issue by making sure she takes her medications. Once she is stable they will finally have their wedding. When Sarah tells him that she feels she is being followed he causes her of stopping her medications, but her disappearance shortly thereafter means she was right…and maybe she wasn’t as crazy as thought. Jac and Deacon introduce her to this alien world, but Sarah isn’t convinced it is real. That being said, this hallucination has the best orgasms. 

    This is a MMF sci-fi romance complete with aliens, powers, ghosts, and so very much smut. That smut absolutely includes sword crossing, although that scene is not explicit unlike the MF scenes. We have a marriage of convenience, but the smut starts almost immediately. We go from Sarah being followed to her being taken care of almost immediately and since she is convinced it is all a hallucination she is okay with that. 

    This is an odd one only in that Deacon was engaged to Silence who was having an affair with his father. She got pregnant. Her father found out and killed his dad. Deacon didn't blame his dad and instead vowed to free Silence from the royal prison, take her to Halla where his dad's ghost lives, and let them live out their lives with his new consort there since she can also see and communicate with ghosts. What could possibly go wrong. 

    Although the premise was a bit odd I really enjoyed the book and all the scenes within. Be them sexual or action based. This book does end on a cliff-hanger that was a bit upsetting, especially for Sarah. I really hope they can get it all fixed and Silence can go do her own thing because absolutely not. I don't care how much honor and duty there is that is going to be a hard no. It really needs fixed immediately. Trying to be vague while venting frustrations here. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $3.99 by clicking here. 

🚀 You’ll love this book if you enjoy:

• MMF sci-fi romance
• Alien abduction with a twist
• Unreliable narrators questioning reality
• Marriage of convenience tropes
• Ghost communication and supernatural powers
• Royal intrigue and messy political drama
• 🌶🌶🌶🌶 spice
• Cliffhangers that demand the sequel

If you’re looking for a smut-heavy sci-fi romance that blends alien worlds, ghostly powers, and chaotic relationship dynamics, this one definitely delivers.

Book Review: Daros by Dave Dobson

Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction

Tropes: Space Opera, Crash Landing Survival, Hidden Cargo, Alien Invasion, Missing Parent, Sentient AI, Coming-of-Age

Spice Level: None

Format: Novel (Works as a standalone; potential series starter)

Series: Currently listed as standalone

         16 year old Brecca is on-board her father’s ship, Envy’s Price, and is heading to Daros to offload some cargo. Right before they land the planet goes under attack from space. Knowing the attack will shortly come to them as well, Brecca’s father hands her a small box letting her know this is a very important and expensive cargo and that she needs to take the escape pod and go topside. Once on the planet she needs to find any of the crew that may have survived the landing, her father, and their ship. 

    I received a physical copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This is a very fast paced YA Sci-if book that will keep you on your toes. We follow Brecca as she crash lands onto a planet under attack, hides from the invaders, meets some natives, and discovers what the invaders are after and why. 

    I really enjoyed this book, although it did have a bittersweet ending. I hope for more details on what happened with the memories going forward if this book is continued into a series. I am trying to keep that detail as vague as possible as it is an end of the book type thing. This book does not end on a club-hanger and works well as a stand alone. It may even be a stand-alone. I am not really sure. There isn’t anything on Amazon about there being a second book for this. 

    I think that the characters we well done, although the ship’s AI was…frustrating to say the least. She had a very condescending personality and I was annoyed with her quickly. That being said, I will absolutely be reading more by this author in the future. In fact, I have another of his physical books sitting on my shelf ready for me to start at some point. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $3.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Shadows of the Past by Anna Mocikat (Space Punks Book 3)

     Following their successful heist Aztec, David, and the others have retreated to a Martian canyon. The Legion won't let them get away with this theft without a fight, however, and neither will Lucian. Decisions will need to be made and sides to be chosen. 

    I have read most of this author's books and they have never once disappointed. As always with her books this is not a stand-alone. You MUST read books 1 & 2 first or you will be completely lost. There is a bit of refresher information, but not enough to clue in someone who hasn't read the rest of the series. 

    This is a very action packed sci-fi that is low spice. There is still a bit of spice, but it is implied versus explicit. Not at all complaining. The author does a great job of jumping from one action filled scene to the next. 

    We go deeper into the synthetic machine aspect with Niemend and David as well as touch on Niemend's beliefs. It also 100% ends on a cliffhanger. Thankfully book 4 is already out because once you finish book 3 you will need the next.

    I love all of the characters as much as in Book 1. You never know what exactly the future will hold...but I'm holding out hope for another machine vs human war. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $3.99 by clicking here. 

Books by this author: 

Space Punks (Space Punks Book 1)

Nightingale's Song (Space Punks Book 2)

Nemesis (Space Punks Book 4)

Level 1 (Cyber Squad Book 1)

Level 2 (Cyber Squad Book 2)

Level 3 (Cyber Squad Book 3)

Shadow City (Shadow City Book 1) 

Dark City (Shadow City Book 2)

Behind Blue Eyes (Behind Blue Eyes Book 1)

Fallen Angels (Behind Blue Eyes Book 2)

War Games (Behind Blue Eyes Book 3)

Last Stand (Behind Blue Eyes Book 4)

The Tigress (Behind Blue Eyes Book 5)

Volume 1 (Nephilim Origins Book 1)

Volume 2 (Nephilim Origins Book 2)

Volume 3 (Nephilim Origins Book 3)

Neon Nights (There's No Murder in Paradise Book 1)

Neon Dreams (There's No Murder in Paradise Book 2)

Neon Fever (There's No Murder in Paradise Book 3)

Book Review: Crew of Exiles by Neal Holtschulte

     Beryl was a transcendent being and had long since moved beyond the insignificance of Earth. After committing the ultimate crime, assisted suicide of another transcendent being, he is being punished to live the next 1,000 years as a mortal. No leaving Earth and in a body. Countless memories were dumped to fit his consciousness into the fleshy prison his own brother made for him, but his anger remained. When he arrives on Earth it is devoid of all human life until he happens across another in VR. Together they form a party, Beryl quite unwillingly, to save themselves. 

    I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book. It is a Sci-Fi with VR points that follows a pompous ass, a peppy gamer girl, a ship worker, and another transcendent being's sentient creation. We discover more and more about Beryl as the book goes along, but he is definitely one of those characters you love to hate. 

    At the beginning he is all pomp, attitude, and ego. However, as we learn more about him he becomes more relatable and you no longer dislike his instances. Given, we don't know everything he lost by becoming mortal, but he ends up doing a decent job of it by the end even with the pieces of himself he has left. 

    Fife is easily my favorite. Yes, she is the peppy gamer. She has spent her entire life (however long that may be as humans can now be bred to be essentially immortal) in VR knowing that she will eventually be the heir to some kind of major corporation. She has played and beat hundreds if not thousands of games and is a great leader. Now, she has to take these skills into the real world where there is no respawn if she messes up with someone who doesn't want to be there.    

    I feel this book wrapped up nicely and while I don't know if it is part of a series or not it has the potential to lead to more adventures down the road with how it closed. I definitely wouldn't be against more from them. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $5.99 by clicking here.  

Books by this author: 

Tall Boy Sun 

Book Review: Wrath by Elle Thorne (Operation Outreach Book 1)

     Smyrna wants one thing: to avenge her best friend even if that means traveling to another planet and pretending to want to get hitched to an alien. Caayn has been just fine on his own until now, but his brother put his name into the wife pool with the Earthlings so he has a plan. Capture the women off the transport ship, drop them off somewhere else, go be a pirate. Simple enough. Except his little female is surprising and a bit enticing. But, she has a mate already, and he will get her to him, even if it means giving her up. 

    Sexy aliens who for once aren't 7 foot, blue, with a vibrating clit stimulator above their shlongs. Not kidding. Ice Planet Barbarians was a whoooleee segway into alien smut books. Anyways. The background for these aliens is that they are humans, but they aren't from Earth. Something about different descendants of the same species going off to make settlements on different worlds and Earth got cut off from communication and technology until the fact that they weren't from there was lost to time. Interesting little backstory that was just randomly dropped into this quick and very sexy book. The spice doesn't spice for most of the book, but when it does. 

    I am not a big fan of the books that start with the characters basically nonstop lying to each other and then it is just accepted like it was nothing, but to each their own. I try not to judge too harshly just because that isn't my thing. Ignoring that the book was good. I liked the characters. The main part of the book was accomplished completely while leaving off on a part that allows the reader to want to continue reading. I would absolutely read more by this author in the future. 

    This book is available on Amazon for FREE by clicking here. 

Book Review: Taken: Alien Commander's Captive by Hattie Jacks (Haalux Empire Book 1)

    As far as Jayne is concerned it is official. Aliens suck. Even insanely sexy ones like Rexitor with his intriguing markings. They are convinced that she killed someone. Even has a video showing her guilt, but they are going to have her stand trial when they reach the Haalux empire. With a bit of luck this entire issue will be sorted and she can go home. 

    Jayne wakes up on board yet another alien ship. She was so very done with aliens. At least these ones weren't keeping her drugged and out of it all of the time. In fact, the doctor in the med bay has been surprisingly kind to her. If only Commander Rexitor could see that she was not guilty of the murder they say she committed maybe he would take her home. 

    This book jumps perspectives from Jayne to Rex so that we can see the story unfolding in different ways. We can see how people treat Jayne and Rex separately and together. This is definitively an open door and there is a pregnancy in the book as well. I know that is an immediate turn off for some, so I wanted to give that disclosure. For those of us that enjoy the spicy scenes, this book has plenty to offer. 

    While this is book one in a series this definitely seems like a series that will have to be read in order. We get to know the Haalux background and history in this book and without that and Rex's story anything that comes next may prove difficult. I am definitely not against reading more by this author in the future. 

This book is available for FREE by clicking here. 

Book Review: Buymort: Bull Market Mayhem by Damien Hanson (Shopocalypse Book 5)

     With the fall of Kraken Silken Sands has risen through the ranks of the multiverse. Darth conglomerate is plummeting, and things seem to FINALLY be going well for Tyson. Yet, appearances may not be what they seem. The Church has named Tyson their hero, giving him the honor of fighting the sleem within Storage and on the newly to-be-inducted BuyMort planet. All that is at risk is the entirety of the Multiverse. The sleem will devour everything if they are allowed to add these newest additions to their collective. Silken Sands is all that stands in the face of this foe. Will they fall or gain more than they ever have before?

    I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. If you have read any of my other BuyMort reviews, you know by now that I LOVE Tyson and everything to do with the BuyMort books. Even if I didn't get these books from the author, I would be reading them. I am hooked and will not be stopping this series until it is completely finished. Not that I am in a rush for that to happen. I genuinely love these characters. 

    Tyson continues to mature while still keeping his sense of humor and desire to rid the multiverse of BuyMort completely. His enemies have remained the same, but the threats against him continue to increase. Not only are they becoming more plentiful they are also growing in power. These new sleem are not only numerous but are much more powerful than any of the creatures they have dealt with before. Silken Sands will have to give it all they have if they are to escape with their lives, let alone complete their mission. 

    We have not lost any of our favorite characters and yes, my absolute favorite, Phyllis, is still alive and well. In fact, she is better than ever. I can't wait to find out what happens with this absolute legacy. We also continue to have Molls, Reyna, and even Tower from the other books. Tower begins to play a larger part in the story while the relationship between one of our favorite couples becomes strained. I truly hope they are able to overcome it in the next book! I won't give away which couple or why. You'll get to figure that out for yourself. 

    As always, this is my disclaimer that this book cannot be read as a standalone. Don't worry, though. The ENTIRE series is available on Kindle Unlimited. Or, go all in and purchase the books to keep forever. Personally, I am considering getting printed copies to decorate my shelves at home at some point. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $5.99 by clicking here. 

Books by this Author: 

Grand Opening (Shopocalypse Book 1)

Smart Shopper (Shopocalypse Book 2)

Rise of Windowpuncher (Shopocalypse Book 3)

30,000 Leagues (Shopocalypse Book 4) 

Book Review: Colony Collapse by KE Wolfe (The Shattered Stars Book 1)

     A young boy from the ice planet has slowly become friends with the woman from the stars, however, things quickly sour when his father dies. His father held a position of some importance to their people and was the one to initially contact those on other planets. However, after the people of his world have battled the elements on this planet for the last 4 centuries it is hard to trust those from other planets. With the call for help she must decide if the planet is helpable and if so what is the best way to proceed. 

    I received a copy of this eBook from the author in exchange for an honest review. This is a quick read novella set among the stars. Humans have travelled to far away planets and their descendants have adapted to their new environments. This makes each planet now inhabited almost like a different sub-species. 

    We begin our journey on an ice planet that is frequently ravaged by storms. While everyone can sense these storms and have an internal heat source there is one who "battles" the storms. This man reaches out to those among the stars who in turn send a representative down. She must determine if the planets inhabitants are in need of direct help or if something else can be done. 

    When disaster strikes it is up to the young boy to make way not only for his planet, but for himself as well. While the story was interesting it didn't hold my attention enough to want to continue the series. From what I understand there are additional novellas released to seem almost like seasons and episodes of a TV show. The author mentions a strong love of Star Trek. I can't, personally, say if it bares any resemblance as I have never been a fan. But, I also don't watch much TV. 

    The "young boy" in this book is actually a man. He makes reference to the fact that many on his planet at his age have already long since started families of their own. There is some sex in the book, but it is a far cry from smut, if that is something you are concerned about.  All in all, not a bad read and for someone who is a fan of that TV show they may enjoy it a bit more than I did. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $2.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: The Guy Who Accidentally Started the Apocalypse by David Bushman

     When Cameron gave a coupon for a free sub to a homeless man and the self-proclaimed wizard gifted him a wishing-stone in return he thought it was nothing more than the ramblings of a crazy person. But, when he idly wishes to live a life like those in the post-apocalyptic LitRPG he was listening to his wish was granted. Now, most of Earth's population has been decimated by living plants intent to turn those that remain into zombie-like creatures. With the help of a higher sentient being Cameron begins upgrading himself with no real fear of dying, due to respawn abilities. Can the surviving members make a dent in the alien surge to reclaim their homes? 

    I received a copy of this audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review. I adore this author's writings and was excited to receive this book. The desire to just read this and little else was strong, although I normally read multiple books at once. Still, I haven't had the time to sit and actually write up the review until now, even though the book was finished August 2nd. (Yes, I am the weird person who has a physical notebook filled with the exact dates that I read every book. It dates all the way back to July 2017.) 

    This book is a great combination of the real world LitRPG and VR gaming experience. I haven't read something quite like it within my delves into post-apocalyptic LitRPG and gaming books. I love all of these genres and a mash-up was a yes, please. The author did an amazing job of combining these along with adding in his own personal sense of humor we enjoyed in his other books. 

    Although there is plenty of meat to this story it will absolutely leave you wanting more. Unfortunately, the next book is not out yet and to my knowledge we have not received a pending release date. That being said, there is plenty of action in this book, of all types. 

    The only point of confusion I have in this book is the age of the main character. At the beginning he seems middle aged. While he does receive enhancements throughout the book, I don't know if they ever actually confirmed his age. It did not take anything away from the story by any means, but I was curious. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $4.99 by clicking here. 

Books by this author: 

Darklands Online Book 1

Darklands Online Book 2

Darklands Online Book 3

Darklands Online Book 4

Book Review: Worlds, the King's Pawn by Mike Cahill

 

        A battle between good and evil set among the stars. Follow along as we see the universes most powerful entities fight to do what they feel is best, be that for others or themselves. We gain this knowledge from multiple perspectives over multiple average lifetimes. Who will be the victor and win the prize of the continuation of all existence? 

    I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Normally I love sci-fi books. If you have been here for a while, you know this. A large portion of the books I read have some sci-fi aspect to them. In this case, I found myself struggling to finish the book. There are so many details within the pages that I just felt bogged down and bored. Even in the action phases of the book I felt like I needed to stop myself from almost skimming the book just to be done with it. 

    While most of my reviews are posted to my site, GoodReads, and Amazon along with links in other places this review will only be available on my site per the author's request. When I don't love a book and know it will be a negative review I reach out before the book is finished to give them the option for me to mark the book as a DNF. In this case, I did while reading and he wanted to think on it, but by the time he decided I had already finished the book. So, we compromised, and I agreed to only post the review to my site instead of everywhere. 

    That isn't to say the book is poorly written. A lot of people enjoy being taken in depth with descriptions and details that have little to do with the plot as it makes them feel more immersed within the story. For me, I love details, but not so many that I feel like the story gets lost. The author does a good job of hiding certain aspects of backgrounds from certain characters in a way that is beneficial to the story as a whole. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $7.00 by clicking here. 

Book Review: The Lever by Mark Salzwedel

     Shonda is a reported for PopUp News that has been hired by two families where the young adult in good health went on a trip off-world and mysteriously died, but no body was produced for the family. While looking into it she learned that both visited the same gene-alteration facility. When the records are unsealed it is discovered that they were unknowingly altered to be homosexual and submissive. She travels to Mars, on the run from men in black, to track down a lead of another who fits the same profile. Here she finds all the missing subjects, but their lives are about to get much stranger. 

    I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. When I say that I wasn't expecting what I read when I started is an understatement. This is the author's blurb: In the future, a reporter uncovers a plot to change the DNA of selected young adults, abduct them, and cover up evidence that they ever existed. Her investigation takes her and three gay soldiers to Mars and eventually to the other side of the galaxy, where any misstep they make could doom the human race. 

    Technically this blurb isn't incorrect. However, I didn't expect that they were altering genes to make them something they previously weren't. Be whatever. Gay, Straight, Pan, whatever, but it's up to you and shouldn't be messed with. As such I struggled with this book. There are a lot of sex scenes within the book, which would have been fine if it seemed that the characters would have chose it willingly before their genetic makeup was altered. For instance Shonda and her partner. No problems there. 

    Sexual preferences, or lack of choice thereof, the book was good. If you ignore that glaring fact. We have off-world travel and a future setting where the Earth is still a viable and active habitat for human life. While off world locations are established it seems that they weren't quite as perfected as is displayed in books when it has been longer. Outside of the small civilizations on the planets the air is still not breathable and you can't survive without suits. 

    The AI segments leading up to the soldier's and Shonda's journey across the galaxy is a bit painful to read. There are repeated words, numbers and codes assigned to people, and it is frequently hard to keep track of everything so you come away with a vague sense of what has been told to you. In addition to that there are some places in the book that you will think are typos. I know I did. I mentioned one such instance to the author and he said that in his future people will spell things like they sound and no longer remember the original spelling. To each their own on that one. 

    The author does do a great job of setting the scene. You can tell where the characters are at all times and are able to imagine what the author wants you to with ease. The character's annoyance with the nanobots is easily conveyed as well as their general frustrations. Kudos on these points. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $9.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Red Giant Star Trilogy by Konstantin T. Salmann

Volume One:

           When Nevon wakes up from being in a car wreck so many things have changed. He is in a strange new place, he is white, and everything is more advanced. As hard to believe as it is he has found himself on another planet due to the intervention of some alien beings. Now he must face the perils that came with the body he now inhabits, the Nevon of Errat. Can Nevon survive the murder attempts on his life all while trying to figure out who he is and his place on this strange new world?

     Nevon is a male chauvinist pig and I cannot stand him. He is a terrible character and Konstantin has heard more than my fair share of judgments against this character. Bratan is much the same and the females are ludicrous. Honestly, I have never met individuals like those in this book and frankly hope that I never will.

     That is not to say that the book is bad. It isn't. It is a sci-fi book with a lot of technical aspects that were well explained.

Volume Two: 

     Nevon, Nuna, and Dowagen have left their home behind and are now travelling to the North in order to fulfill the edict put into place by the creator of the machines. There is one problem. Bratan. He reported the car they were in as stolen and they have now had their identities revoked for the next month. That means that can't drive anywhere, they can't buy anything, and they can't use any kind of communication devices. Can the trio face the elements once more and make it where they need to go?

         Book two picks up roughly where book one left off. There are more exciting elements to this one. I still can't say that I like the characters, but the plot held my interest and I wanted to know as much as possible about the space elevator.

Volume Three: 

    Now that Nevon is on his own and controls the AIs he must still contend with the human military. However, things are not as they seem and there is a second authorized user who may complicate matters. 

    Book three again picks up where book two left off. This one's translation is a bit rougher than book twos as the author is German, but things happen. I still can't stand the characters in the book, but the trilogy does not end the story. There is still more to lean as it progresses, whenever that shall happen. 

The takeaway: 

    All in all this trilogy isn't bad. It has a lot of very technical aspects sometimes over explained, the characters are terrible people that you won't be upset to see die when/if they do. That being said, the story is entertaining and there is a new character introduced in volume 3 book that gives me some measure of hope that not everyone will always be terrible. With some editing so the translation isn't so rough there is real promise. 

    This trilogy is available on Amazon for $9.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: BuyMort: Smart Shopper: How I became the Accidental Warlord of Arizona by Joseph Phelps and Damien Hanson (The Shopocalypse Saga Book 2)

         It has been an adjustment since BuyMort took over. Most of Earth's population is gone, alien races are attacking, and food is a constant battle. But, I have established an alliance with the hippie commune in exchange for food. Our biggest concerns are Mr. Sada and the sleem infestation. Luckily I have an app that gives me pointers and wants the same thing I do: to destroy BuyMort. To do this I need to establish my affiliate and save as many people as possible. Even if that means that some dead weight must be removed. 

    I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was crazy about the first book with the main character's sense of humor and that has not changed. While he is still getting used to stepping up and taking charge from the person he was before BuyMort began he does what needs done. I can't say I was surprised what happened with Mr. Sada and I am glad that they have their operation in place. 

    I am curious about the new development of the elvish people and how Tyson plans to resolve it. We got a bit more insight into Molls in this book and I am happy to say that Phyllis is still a big part of the affiliate. She is still my favorite character and I'm sure the granny will continue out the series as long as old age doesn't take her first. 

    I enjoyed the addition of the new characters Axle, Jada, and Cube. Cube seems like he is going to be a handful, but it will be worth it for what he provides. Also really curious if they finally found a way to deal with the stupid tape. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book in the series. 

    This book will be released on November 10th, so if you haven't already read book one there is still time before book 2 comes out. Both are impossible to put down and every second is enjoyable. 

    This book will be available on Amazon for $4.99 by clicking here. You can pre-order it. Both books will also be available on Kindle Unlimited. 

Books by these authors: 

Grand Opening BuyMort Book 1

Rise of the Windowpuncher BuyMort Book 3

Bull Market Mayhem (Shopocalypse Book 5)

Book Review: BuyMort: Grand Opening: How I Became the Accidental Warlord of Arizona by Damien Hanson and Joseph Phelps (Shopapocalypse Saga Book 1)

     Welcome to the BuyMort family. Your life has just been upgraded to this interstellar family where you can buy and sell everything you could ever need with just a thought. Why wouldn't you love it? Tyson was a maintenance man at a RV park in Arizona until BuyMort arrived. Now, with Sleem and all kinds of other aliens running around he must forge a new life in this buyers market. 

    I received a copy of this book from one of the authors in exchange for an honest review. This book is exciting and fun to read from the beginning. I received it a few days before release and I have book 2 now. I will be starting it soon, and I already can't wait!

    While I would hate to actually have to deal with BuyMort I love how Tyson managed. He has a unique sense of humor and I loved the writing style. We follow a first person account of Tyson while he deals with this new shopping and selling opportunity placed in his, and everyone else's, mind. He quickly learns that exchange rates aren't exact. With BuyMort's appearance comes alien life: priests as well as affiliates who follow BuyMort as they spread their joy. His previous boss, Mr. Sada, has already started cashing in by getting a MortBlock to prevent anyone else from selling anything that belongs to him. However, there are plenty that want to take over, because conquest is an accepted transaction method with BuyMort. 

    The pending interspecies romance that seems to be budding between two characters is weird to me, but that could be more from being unsure how that could possibly work than anything else. Normally, I am completely fine with human and alien relations. We shall see if this becomes a thing as we progress. I genuinely hated Mr. Sada in this book. We did literally nothing productive during the entire book, often making things more difficult than they needed to be. 

    I can't wait to see how Tyson, Rayna, Molls, and (my personal favorite) Phyllis continue in the BuyMort family. Phillis is a woman over 90 who loves getting high and is one of the biggest supporting characters in this book. It would not have been the same without her and I hope they find a way to keep her as a long-term character despite her age. While book 1 was just released on August 31 Amazon says book 2 will be out on November 10th! Just enough time to grab your copy of 1 before 2 comes out. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it for $4.99 by clicking here. 

Books by this author: 

Smart Shopper (BuyMort Book 2) 

Rise of the Windowpuncher (BuyMoirt Book 3)

Bull Market Mayhem (Shopocalypse Book 5)

Book Review: Arise: Alpha by Jez Cajiao (Arise Book 1)

     After pulling a bank job with some less than savory characters Steve decides to skip out with the entire lot. After all, the payout was much less than expected and no way was he splitting that small amount with others. Getting rid of his identity and starting over on a Greek isle was the easy part. The hard part was staying under the radar. When a video of him saving a woman from drowning goes viral enforcers from his past show up, but they aren't his only concern. A Greek police officer took all his credentials and money until he fixes the oil spilled by his bike going into the water. When attempting to get it out to minimize the damage Steve's nanites are activated and he becomes more. He becomes an Arisen. Now, he needs a purpose. 

    My husband found this book and suggested I read it. I was a bit skeptical because he primarily reads mangas and other Japanese/Korean style writing. Nothing wrong with it, just not really my thing. But, there isn't a thing I wouldn't do for my male so I downloaded the book. I will readily admit that I started reading it solely on the fact that he asked me to and I did not read anything about the book prior to downloading it. That being said he chose a good book for me. 

    We start with a guy that is ex-military just looking for his next thrill. His bike, booze, or women. Any combination of those sounds great, just so long as he remains unnoticed. All good so far. There is a lot of humor in this book, and a lot of it is dark. Which I adore. I have a warped sense of humor so no complaints there. Steve is the unwilling hero and continuously fights against that title while showing us how much it fits him. 

    I wonder if all Steven's have a hero complex...the one's I've met do at least (Spelling specific). Not a bad thing. I liked the way the upgrades worked, as well as how the nanites came to be. Also, he's not a hero that is willing to forgive past grievances. He will without hesitation kill someone because they threatened the wrong person. Maybe he's more anti-hero. Still, I low-key love him. I mean at one point he is described as a poorly shaved bear and considering I have called my husband my Teddy Bear since high school I have a type. Tall, broad shoulders, and a bit hairy is all completely fine by me. I will be reading book 2 at some point, but there are review requests to get to first. 

    Initially I didn't know if this was an Indie author, but I googled the publisher listed on their Amazon page and it says they are a self-publishing service. So another win for Indies! Also, is available on Kindle Unlimited and so is book 2, so we have that going for us. There are vampires, werewolves, and all sorts of other mythical creatures in this book. Even one whose description closely matches that of the Creature of the Black Lagoon (Yes, I mean the 50s movie. Yes, it was made almost 40 years before I was born. It still applies.) Oh, and let's not forget the sex. I will say the sex scenes are disappointing. All the buildup then skips the good part. 

    My favorite character in this book was absolutely Ingrid. She is mouthy and beautiful and deserves all of the good things. Weirdly enough I feel she should be given the option to go through the first part of what Steve went through if she so chose. Not for any kind of romantic notions of love eternal or anything. More protection and not being a damsel in distress. 

    This book is available on Amazon for $5.99 by clicking here.