Review: Newt and Demon

Newt and Demon: A Low-Stakes Cozy Fantasy LitRPG by E.M. Griffiths
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An RPG sandbox with a cozy, slow burn

The Newt and Demon is equal parts relaxing and frustrating. I’m not usually a fan of cozy fantasy or heavy LitRPG mechanics, so this one wasn’t exactly my cup of tea. And yet... I finished it. That says something.

The book follows Theo, a former soldier who reincarnates in a peaceful, gamified world where he ditches all violence and becomes a town-building alchemist. His sudden shift from battle-hardened to community-loving was a bit jarring, and his relentless do-gooder attitude started to wear thin. Still, the whole leveling system and progression-based world scratched the same itch as a good RPG or crafting sim. Watching the town improve and systems unlock had that low-grade dopamine pull—not as good as actually playing a game, but enough to keep me reading for the next level up.

There are some likeable side characters (a few NPC-types that felt grounded and fun), but the titular newt and the whole terahek bonding plot? Weird. Especially when that newt speaks in a whiny, high-pitched voice that made me want to fast-forward. The narrator did a great job otherwise, but that particular voice choice was hard to sit through.

Mechanics are front and center here—skill boosts, system messages, and sudden knowledge downloads when leveling up. If that’s your thing, this book goes all in. Still, the book’s biggest limitation is how much it leans on those systems at the expense of deeper character drama or organic growth. It’s a chill read with decent pacing, good world-building, and just enough hook to maybe, maybe get me to try the sequel if it were handed to me. But it’s not at the top of my list. The writing is well done, but it's just not for me.

I'd give it 3.5 stars—round up if you are a die-hard cozy LitRPG fan who enjoys crafting life sims and slow, low-stakes progression. For everyone else, it's a 3-star book—especially if you’re here for action or character-driven drama—you might want to look elsewhere.

Special thanks to Aethon Books, who provided me with this book at my request.

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Review: First Command

First Command by Michael Simon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Military Sci-Fi, Exploding Consoles, and a Rookie
First Command is the kind of book that plants you firmly in the captain's chair of a half-dead starship and says, "Good luck, kid." And while there’s a fair amount of eyerolling required to stay buckled in for the ride, it’s still an enjoyable journey through war-torn space with a cast you can’t help but root for.

Michael Simon’s military sci-fi debut gives us Ensign Cole Jackson—an inexperienced but well-meaning Academy grad who gets tossed into the deep end when his small savage crew gets stranded on a drifting, disabled ship. With only a skeleton crew, Cole has to lead a desperate effort to restore the derelict vessel and rejoin the fight against the aggressive Coven Empire. As a setup, it’s solid. As a plot, it’s fast-paced, cliche-heavy, and just improbable enough to give you whiplash if you think too hard about the logistics—it works. Mostly.

There’s plenty of action, tight pacing, and a well-balanced rotation of POVs that keep the story dynamic. Sure, you’ll have to suspend disbelief for things like starship bridges with exploding control panels (seriously, who’s still designing these death traps?), and a miraculous repair montage that takes a shattered hulk of a ship and turns it combat-ready in just a few days. And yes, enemies keep magically showing up in the same sector over and over, but if you can look past that, there’s something compelling about this underdog story.

It has heart. I got to like the original salvage crew and not to go into too many spoilers, but I felt bad when bad things happened to them (even when it felt a bit too conveniently plotted). Cole’s character arc is satisfying; he’s inexperienced enough to think outside the box and human enough to feel the weight of every choice. He’s the protagonist you want to see succeed, if only because he hasn’t been ground down by military bureaucracy.

Unexpectedly, Simon also does a nice job fleshing out the alien enemies, giving them depth and culture rather than leaving them as faceless villains. It’s not groundbreaking, but it adds a welcome layer of complexity to the conflict.

As for the audiobook, Ryan Kennard Burke delivers a clean, professional performance. His character voices are distinct, his pacing is on point, and his tone matches the narrative. It’s not a performance that will stick with you long after it’s over, but it does the job without distraction. Think of it as steady hands on the helm—not flashy, but precisely what the mission needs.

In short, First Command is a fun, fast listen with some emotional punches and a decent payoff. It’s not perfect, and if you are a stickler for logic and hard sci-fi, you may not like it. But if you like military sci-fi with underdog heroes, some tactical action, and just enough character depth to pull at your heartstrings, this might be worth queuing up next.

Special thanks to Aethon Books for providing this book at my request.

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Review: Runic Cultivator

Runic Cultivator by Joshua Kern
My rating: 4 of 5 stars (...ish)

Runic Cultivator by Joshua Kern is currently the first and only book in the Realms & Runes. It's advertised as a Cultivation LitRPG Series. I’m not the biggest fan of RPGLit, but "Runic Cultivator" isn't your typical RPG – Joshua Kern throws out the usual LitRPG playbook and dives headfirst into the cultivation pool. If you are like me and haven’t really gotten into RPGLit before, take note: here are new rules and magical shenanigans, so give it a shot. Cultivation might be your thing. Also, be warned because cultivation puns are about to ensue.

The story ambles comfortably along, preoccupied with our heroes beefing up their spiritual six-packs. While this slow-and-steady narrative gym session sometimes had me skipping leg day and peeking at the clock, a quiet curiosity kept me on the treadmill. Erik and Ainsley's power-up saga is less about the rare high-octane battle and more about the homestead of the soul (sometimes quite literally) – even if it occasionally feels like the stakes are sweating less than we are. Kern delivers his tale with a Zen-like tranquility, sending readers on more of a spiritual walkabout than a bite-your-nails adventure. For a genre newbie, the cultivation jargon was a bit like reading a microwave manual in Klingon. Digestible? Sure. But I occasionally scratched my head and looked for a decoder ring. I am sure a fan of the genre wouldn’t have the same issue.

The protagonists, Erik and Ainsley, grow up before our eyes like a pair of power-hungry beanstalks. But when it comes to depth, it feels more like wading in the kiddie pool than diving into the deep end. Their dynamic is... complicated. These two have so much tension that if you strung it on a violin, you'd have the world's most uncomfortable symphony. They're married, but they're also still basically celebrate and platonic besties; I'm not sure whether to root for them or offer them a good marriage counselor. It doesn’t help that Ainsley spends most of her time in the form of an Arctic fox, so that’s bound to tone down the opportunities for romance as well… if you know what I mean.

Giving the book a rating was a challenge. Though "Runic Cultivator" might not have been my usual cup of chi-filled herbal tea, the book had an odd charm. Was I absolutely captivated? Not quite. But did I put it down and never look back? Also no. It skates a thin line between 'need to read' and 'casual fling' with a genre that's earned its cult following. "Runic Cultivator" is a book that flickers like candlelight – sometimes bright, sometimes dim, but consistently lit. So it lands between a three and four-star book, but given my teetering opinion and the limits of the platform, I'll round it up. If I could magic up some edits, I'd sprinkle in less stiffness between Ainsley and Erik and sprinkle on more spice to the story stew. I'm on the fence about the next book –It's a coin toss whether I'll seek out book two, but if it swans its way into my inbox, I'd give it a go. But despite its quirks and occasional cobwebs, it's got a room in the inn of my heart, if only for the night.

A special thanks to Aethon Books for providing a copy of this book for my perusal.

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Review: Red Claw

Red Claw by Jaime Castle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Thrilling & Deeply Engaging Sequel

Four months ago, I found myself cursing Jaime Castle and Andy Peloquin after finding the horrible, cruel cliffhanger at the end of Black Talon (Dragonblood Assassin, Book 1). It’s rare that a story is good enough to have me so hooked that I’m genuinely angered and dismayed when it’s ended in such a wicked way. But the wait is over, and Red Claw is well worth it.

Red Claw, the second installment in the Dragonblood Assassin series by Jaime Castle and Andy Peloquin, is every bit riveting as its predecessor. And yes, the brilliant Michael Kramer and Kate Reading are back again to furnish life to the characters. Once more, we journey with Kullen, the emperor's assassin, and the rebel Natisse, into a web of intrigue, deceit, and imminent doom that threatens the empire itself.

The story's energy is tangible. There are tangled plotlines, unanticipated twists, and to my shame and delight, an inability to predict what comes next. The action rarely slows; you may even feel a tinge of exhaustion as you navigate through the relentless whirl of events as the point of view switches between the protagonists. Speaking of, the character development in this series is truly amazing. Both main Kullen and Natisse, along with a roster of minor characters, are incredibly well-crafted, showing great depth with their emotions, inner thoughts, and rich history.

Searching to present a balanced review, I could only find a few very minor elements that irked me. The constant action is often exhilarating, but there were instances when the action drags on to the point that it pushes the pacing off-kilter, and the story’s progression starts to drag. I felt myself waiting for them to get on with the combat so I could find out what happened next! I think the feeling is also compounded by Kullen’s ability to endure multitudes of injuries with little rest – knowing he’ll likely come out on top lessens the tension I’d otherwise feel during fights and action. And, of course, the worst insult to the reader comes at the very end. The unforgiving cliffhanger. Again. Sigh. To be clear, these are petty nuisances that are easily forgiven and forgotten in the face of everything else that is good, awesome, and amazing. Except for the cliffhanger; there’s a special, hot place of eternal torment waiting for people that do that to their fans.

In the audiobook, the narration of Michael Kramer and Kate Reading is outstanding. They are an experienced and veteran pair of narrators, and their performances consistently lend distinct voices that bring the characters to life. The Dragonblood Assassin series is already exceptional, but their narration manages to make it even better.

Special thanks to Aethon Books, who provided me with this book at my request.

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Review: Zombie Deliverance

Zombie Deliverance: Still Alive Book Ten by Javan Bonds
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Javan Bonds' 10th installation of the Still Alive series, 'Zombie Deliverance', serves up another generous helping of zombie decadence and apocalyptic chaos, much to the gratification of the audience. Boasting an overflowing plate of gore, blood, and action, Bonds has sculpted a gore fest that lovers of the series will find hard to put down. It's a must-read (or listen) for those who have been following the journey of Mo, Smokes, and all the rest of the crew of the Viva Ancora.

While the Still Alive series is full of non-stop violence, gore, and zombie-slaying action, I’m really in it for the dark humor and entertaining plot. While multiple storylines keep the narrative dynamic and offer something for everyone, I personally look forward to more narratives from the vantage point of Mo. And thankfully, this book didn’t disappoint, offering a delightful return to the Viva Ancora through several of Mo's point-of-view chapters. Plus, there are plenty of short interludes giving us insights into the deep thoughts of the fan-favorite character

Zombie Deliverance (which is aptly named) shapes its story around a theme of retribution – and it’s executed brilliantly. A few of the past books in the series tip the scale into pure gratuitous violence, but this book ties all that blood spray and gore into the plot and, at the same time, uses it to resolve some long-developing subplots. Without spoiling too much of the story, I’ll say that seeing past villains from previous books get what they deserved was both entertaining and satisfying.

While the plot keeps you engrossed, credit must be given to the fantastic narration by S.W. Salzman. If you read these books and wonder about the audio versions, the narration makes it worth it. Salzman brings life to a versatile range of characters, each speaking with distinctive voices that add appeal to the characters in the narrative. Salzman outdoes himself in especially delivering the nuances of the character Mo, making him the star of the show. His narration is undoubtedly a cornerstone of this series.

All in all, whilst 'Zombie Deliverance' seems to push the envelope in terms of graphic violence, it undoubtedly delivers a captivating plot with enriching character development. Bonds has yet again served a thrilling treat to his fans, adequately seasoned with gore, wit, and a remarkable evolution of the apocalypse. Exceptional narration further elevates this tale into a true gem. As the plot deepens and the zombies evolve, I can't wait for what subsequent books in the series might bring.

Special thanks to Javan Bonds, who provided me with this book at my request.


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Review: Black Talon

Black Talon by Jaime Castle and Andy Peloquin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Epic in so many ways

Black Talon is one of those books that leaves you well entertained and, at the same time, starved for more. It’s epic fantasy full of epic action, with an epic story, told by a pair of epic writers, and narrated by two epic performers. And if you are looking to get the audiobook, 19 hours of an enthralling and hard-to-put-down novel for a single credit is also a pretty epic deal.

Black Talon is the first book in the Dragonblood Assassin series by Jaime Castle and Andy Peloquin, and it’s an impressive work of fantasy. It’s a captivating tale of magic, combat, and political intrigue. The story is told from alternating points of view, following Kullen, an imperial assassin, and Natisse, a member of the rebel group known as the Crimson Fang. The two characters seem to be working on opposite sides, but by the end, they have more in common than either would believe.

The most enjoyable aspect of Black Talon is the well-crafted plot full of unexpected twists and turns. I get bored when I can easily predict what will happen next, but Black Talon constantly kept me guessing. I also personally love alternating points of view – and that format is used masterfully in Black Talon. Flipping back and forth between Kullen and Natisse allowed two distinct storylines to weave together while, at the same time, maintaining their own unique narratives to independently further the overall plot. Characters in each storyline were beautifully complex and deeply fleshed out, making it easy to connect and root for them.

Overall, the book was a non-stop ride of action and suspense. The writing style was engrossing, making the story as a whole thrilling and enjoyable. However, I struggled to invest in Natisse's story at the start of the book. There was not much exposition about the motivations and mission of Natisse or the Crimson Fang, and while that may have been intended to intrigue the reader, I think it would have helped me connect with the character and her group earlier on. However, by the end, I found myself engrossed in both POV characters and eager to see what happens in the next book in the series.

Speaking of wanting to see what happens next – prepare yourself for one cruel joke of a cliffhanger. Once you get to the end, you basically have no choice but to read the second book. Hopefully, by the time you read this review, all the books will be out and published in your preferred format because you will want to immediately dive into the next one. However, this book is so good that really shouldn’t be a problem.

As for the narration in the audiobook, Michael Kramer and Kate Reading are a fantastic duo, adding an extra layer of depth and personality to the already well-written characters. The two's ability to provide voice inflection brings the characters to life and allows the listener to become fully immersed in the story. Reading's "male" voices take some getting used to, but overall, the narration is almost flawless.

Special thanks to Aethon Books, who provided me with this book at my request.


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Review: The Forgemaster Cycle Trilogy

The Forgemaster Cycle Trilogy: The Complete Epic Fantasy Adventure. by Joshua C. Cook
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Dark and Epic Fantasy with Hits and Misses

The Forgemaster series, written by Joshua C. Cook, is a thrilling and epic fantasy series that takes readers on an unforgettable journey. The series includes three books: Blood of a Fallen God, The Anvil of Souls, and A City in Blue -- all three are included in this Omnibus. The series is set in an intriguing world, and the plot moves at a fast pace. The series' primary focus is on William, a simple smith who is tossed into an ancient conflict between gods. The Forgemaster series is a must-read for high fantasy lovers who look for an epic and immersive story.

The first book, Blood of a Fallen God, sets the foundation for the series with its dark and epic story. William and his brother take on the corrupt priesthood and blood cult, and the story is told from multiple perspectives. While some of the ancillary characters could have been developed better, the dialog, main characters, and story are well-written, and the narration in the audiobook is excellent.

The second book, The Anvil of Souls, is not as good as the first. The plot is unfocused, and most of the book is a chronicle of a long journey taken by the central protagonists, William, Myriam, and Regin. The characters were a disappointment in this book as they seemed more dense and oblivious than in the previous book, and William, in particular, was an impotent hero. However, the narration in the audiobook is still excellent, and the story's build-up at the end compensates for some of its flaws.

The third book, A City in Blue, is a vast improvement over its predecessor. The book is a departure from the previous book, exploring a new world while still carrying over some narrative arcs from the previous books. The book's strengths are the new setting, the interesting and fresh magic system, and the split-point-of-view narrative. The primary protagonists, William and Myriam, are much improved in this book, and Myriam, in particular, shines.

Overall, the Forgemaster series is a thrilling and epic fantasy series worth reading. The series has its ups and downs, but the first and third books are well-done and engaging. The series has flaws, but the audiobook's excellent narration compensates for some of the series' weaknesses.

A special thanks to Eric Moore, who provided me with a copy of the audiobook at my request.

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Review: A City in Blue

A City in Blue by Joshua C. Cook
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

New Setting, Improved Story

A City in Blue, the third book in The Forgemaster Cycle by Joshua C. Cook, is a vast improvement over its predecessor. The setting explores a new world while still carrying over some narrative arc from the previous books in the series. The book’s overall feel is different, and it's a departure from the previous book, which is a pro. The book's strengths are the new setting, interesting and fresh magic system, and the split-point-of-view narrative, which offers a great way of seeing the story unfold from the perspectives of William and Myriam.

The book's primary protagonists are William and Myriam, and both characters are much improved from previous installments. However, William could still be more confident and was a weak protagonist sometimes – but it’s okay because Myriam really shines. The unnamed god's whole story arc seemed bizarre, but I can see it was necessary to set them up as a foe of the City in Blue. It didn't quite fit in with the general tone of the book. Nevertheless, the pros outweigh the cons, making this an enjoyable read.

The narration by Eric Bryan Moore is excellent. He brings the story to life with his great character voices and inflections, which elevates the story into something more enjoyable. The narration is a standout, and William and Myriam come alive with their unique voices. Overall, A City in Blue is a definite must-read for fans of the genre and people who are looking for a fresh and new story in a well-established series. Joshua C. Cook’s third installment in The Forgemaster Cycle is entertaining and enjoyable, and it's a great way to explore a new world while still retaining the same setting from the previous books.

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Review: Kronos

Kronos by Jeremy Robinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Captain Ahab meets Navy Seal

First, a disclaimer to anyone eyeing the Origin series by Jeremy Robinson: Kronos is the 5th book in Jeremy Robinson's Origin series, but it isn't a series of sequel books -- they all have different characters, settings, timelines, etc., so read them in any order. I had acquired the 5th book first and waited until I owned and read all the other books before getting to Kronos. But that was foolish because I've since discovered that the so-called "series" is just a collection of Robinson's first five books, newly updated and republished. So grab them in any order. Every book in this freshly revised collection rates from good to excellent and is worth reading.

Much like other of Robinson's books, Kronos pulled me in and had me hooked within the first few chapters. The plot is an original take on several classic stories, simultaneously making it seem familiar and fresh. Some of the characters were a bit one-dimensional (I'm looking at you, Andrea), but the main characters like Atticus and Trevor Manfred were unique and had some depth. Overall, it was a great story and a good book.

Kafer's narration was spot on, as usual. My favorite part of the performance was the characterization of Trevor Manfred -- he nailed snarky sociopath.

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Review: Angels and the Bad Man

Angels and the Bad Man by M.K. Gibson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another hit for the Technomancer series!

Angels and the Bad Man picks up where the Flotsam Prison Blues left off, propelling the audience on a captivating ride through a post-apocalyptic world filled with abominations, mythological creatures, and, of course, more abandoned angels and devils. Unlike previous books, Angels and the Bad Man has a split-point-of-view format, following Salem’s adventures in the wilds of the post-apocalyptic hellscape, Vali’s self-imposed mission of vengeance, and Grim’s confrontation with ghosts of his past while trying to survive the Wild Hunt in one of the last remaining fae lands.

The book's strength (as with the rest of the series) lies in the characters' development and humor. As the story progresses, new characters are introduced, and old ones continue to grow in depth. In particular, I enjoyed Grim’s POV chapters and learning more about his past and powers. Gibson's world-building is also fantastic, and Angels and the Bad Man particularly shines in that aspect, as the reader gets to experience much more of the Technomancer’s setting than both previous novels put together.

There are not many flaws in this book, but I think Vali's subplot could have been more compelling. It was easily my least favorite part of the narrative, and I often felt disappointed when the POV changed from Salem or Grim to Vali. However, it wasn’t bad – just not as engaging as the other two storylines.

Jeffrey Kafer's outstanding performance makes Salem's snark and attitude come alive. The narration provides an immersive experience that adds to the book's enjoyment. His ability to make distinct character voices and his natural tone and voice is perfect for this type of story.

Special thanks to M. K. Gibson, who provided me with this book at my request.

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Review: Flotsam Prison Blues

Flotsam Prison Blues by M.K. Gibson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Prison Break Meets Post-Apocalyptic Urban Fantasy

Flotsam Prison Blues, the second book in M. K. Gibson's Technomancer Novels series, is a highly enjoyable read, recommended for fans of the post-apocalyptic, cyber-punk, and urban fantasy genres (as it is a bit of all three). The novel resumes from where its prequel, To Beat The Devil, left off, following the exploits of Salem, a Technomancer, and his growing cadre of allies. Flotsam Prison Blues focuses on Salem, as he is sentenced to the infamous Flotsam Prison, a structure that promises a terrifying and grueling experience for inmates.

The novel's setting, predominantly Flotsam Prison, renders the story a prison survival and escape tale, making it a fresh take on its predecessor. The book's most appealing aspect is the well-drawn characters and amusing dialogue. Salem is a tenacious, snarky, and sarcastic protagonist with interactions that offer humor and entertainment throughout. The banter, particularly between Salem and Grim, is well-written and engrossing. The novel is engaging from beginning to end, with no significant drawbacks. However, it is quite dark and foreboding, with gruesome and grim descriptions of life in Flotsam Prison, which may disturb some readers.

The audiobook narration by Jeffrey Kafer is excellent, with his style and delivery adding to the overall experience. Though any change in the narrator during a series is often a point of contention for listeners, Kafer was an excellent choice as a replacement. The quality of audio production and sound is crisp and clear, with Kafer's voice making Salem's snark and attitude come alive.

Special thanks to freeaudiobookcodes.com, who provided me with this book at my request.

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Review: SuperDrunk

SuperDrunk by Christian Mallia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I picked up this book, I was immediately thrown off by the seemingly ridiculous storyline built around what sounded like juvenile wish fulfillment. The story was about a bizarre superhero named Tom Brantley (no secret identity, he just goes by his actual name), who relies on alcohol and drugs to fuel his powers. Tom is worshiped by everyone, gets any woman he wants, and is literally the most popular person around. Despite being turned off by the novel’s basic premise, something kept me hooked and reading.

About a fourth of the way through, the story shifts into an odd, disjointed tone and uneven pacing. At first, I thought it might have been an amateurish writing style. However, as the main character's life descended into darkness and despair, I realized the writing was far from amateurish - instead, it was raw, real, and unapologetic. I discovered a story far from what I originally took it for; instead, it was original, unique, and undeniably dark. As I looked back to the earlier chapters, I realized that much of what I had mistaken for poor writing was part of the foreshadowing and hidden detail that hinted at the truth behind the story.


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Review: The Statement of Andrew Doran

The Statement of Andrew Doran by Matthew Davenport
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kicking Nazi ass, Lovecraft-style

Mathew Davenport’s The Statement of Andrew Doran is the first installment of an occult historical fiction trilogy that takes on a Lovecraftian horror twist. Found in a Nazi-occupied Europe pre-World War II setting, readers are introduced to the dynamic protagonist, Dr. Andrew Doran. Easily seen as a magic-wielding Indiana Jones homage character, Andrew’s exploits are entertaining, though his character is more somber and lacks Dr. Jone’s witty charm.

The narrative and plot are among the best aspects of The Statement of Andrew Doran. The plot rapidly engrosses readers, urging them to continue reading to keep track of the numerous twists and turns that the story takes throughout. The integration of Lovecraftian horror within the narrative was another notable aspect woven expertly into the plot by an author that is clearly a fan and student of the Cthulhu Mythos.

Undoubtedly, the novel shines primarily for its outstanding plot, but it is not without its flaws. The quality of writing was average, and the interplay dialogue between characters could have been more substantial and convincing. Additionally, the narrative seemed to jump between different scenes, making it challenging to follow and connect. This could be attributed to the fact that the book was initially published as an episodic serial adventure and later compiled into its current form as a novel.

Despite these minor shortcomings, the strengths of the book easily outweigh its flaws, making it an enjoyable read. The Statement of Andrew Doran is a must-read for those who love occult historical fiction and Lovecraftian horror, offering a unique and entertaining narrative.

The narration of the audiobook is adequate but not outstanding. Patrick Harvey’s even tone lends an air of confidence to Andrew Doran but is too calm to bring much excitement to action-filled or stressful moments. But characters are voiced well, with various accents and inflections, but overall the narration doesn’t particularly add to or detract from the enjoyability of the novel.

Special thanks to Mathew Davenport, who provided me with this book at my request.

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Review: Space Academy Rejects

Space Academy Rejects by C.T. Phipps
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

More stars explode, the Elder Races get riled up, and Vance becomes BFFs with the god-like Notha Emperor.

Space Academy Rejects is the second book in Space Academy Series and follows Space Academy Dropouts. The Space Academy series takes place in the “Starpunked” universe, sharing its setting with several other series by Phipps and Suttkus (though the other series occur at vastly different points within the timeline).

Space Academy Dropouts was a great read, but Space Academy Rejects takes the series to new heights. It strikes a perfect balance between classic sci-fi space opera and irreverent humor, creating a story that is both entertaining and engaging. The returning characters are more grounded and developed (and a bit less absurd), making them easier to relate to and invest in.

While Rejects delivers plenty of laughs through genre parody, it also has its share of serious moments. The plot is surprisingly complex, centering around galaxy-spanning exopolitics. The humor is well-timed and doesn't often detract from the story's coherence or depth. I’m also a huge fan of how Phipps manages to tell a story in each book that comes to a resolution at the end while threading a single, greater narrative arc throughout the entire series.

Overall, Space Academy Rejects is a well-written book that seamlessly blends a modern space opera with sci-fi comedy. The story is engrossing, the characters are likable, and I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.

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Review: Cindy's Seven

Cindy's Seven by C.T. Phipps
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Move over, Gary: this time, it's all about Cindy

Cindy’s Seven is labeled as the 8th book in C.T. Phipps's Supervillainy Saga, following The Horror of Supervillainy. Though it takes place after the previous book's events, Cindy’s Seven is a departure from the previous Supervillainy Saga books. It’s enough to be a spin-off series on its own, and rather than focusing on Gary as in the previous seven books, the narrative is recounted from Cindy’s point of view. I’ve loved the previous books, but this change up makes sense, as the plot is driven by her desire to move out from Gary’s shadow and to be seen as a true supervillain on her own (rather than just Merciless: The Supervillainy without Mercy™'s sidekick). However, the best part of the POV change is the dual narration of the audiobook by Heather Costa and Jeffrey Kafer. If you only have read the book, you’ve seriously missed out on a golden performance.

If you are reading the review for the 8th book in a series, I’m going to assume that you’ve already had the pleasure of experiencing the previous seven books and have enjoyed the unique and comical tone of the series. Therefore, this review will focus on what’s different in Cindy’s Seven – mainly because this book is obviously all about Cindy.

Though the POV character changed, Cindy’s Seven still has the zany antics and wild plot twists I’ve loved throughout the series. It does, however, have a slightly different feel, as I think it's more story-focused and less parody/satire than previous books. The POV character change-up makes it distinct, as Cindy’s storytelling is distinguishable from Gary’s snarky, wild, and often indecipherable narration. Cindy seems somehow to be a more logical (at least in that her crazy is more internally consistent) and goal-driven character. Most of her references are to the fantasy and sci-fi genres of books, games, and movies rather than Gary’s dialog of anything-goes, neverending, and sometimes random pop culture. It’s weird to realize that Cindy may actually be the more stable of the two.

In summary, Cindy’s Seven is an excellent book on its own, and though it's different from the Supervillainy Saga's other books, it's a good different. I’m torn between wanting a true Cindy POV sequel to Cindy’s Seven and a more Gary-focused, “classic” Supervillainy Saga book. Maybe it's time for a multiple-POV book for the 9th installment! And to reiterate my earlier mention regarding the audiobook narration, both Costa and Kafer are already outstanding solo narrators, but together, they are amazing. Unlike other dually narrated books, they don’t just alternate reading chapters but instead perform parts for the male and female dialog; their combined talent results in Cindy’s Seven having flawless narration.

Special thanks to C.T. Phipps, who provided me with this book at my request.

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Review: To Beat the Devil

To Beat the Devil by M.K. Gibson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fantastic world-building and excellent characters

To Beat the Devil is the first book in the Technomancer Novels by M.K. Gibson. It has all the qualities of a good book: a fast-paced plot that made it hard to put down, characters that I actually started caring about, smart witty dialog, and just the right mix of grit, humor, and solemnity. But it wasn't just a good book, it was exceptional.

To Beat the Devil had two things going for it that book beyond just good to exceptional. The first was the setting. The demon-filled, forsaken, post-apocalyptic world of the Technomancer series is amazingly detailed and fantastically dark. As the plot moves forward, the complex history of the setting is revealed and it becomes an integral component of the narrative throughout the series. Overall, it presents some rather troubling ontological questions about the nature of religion, humanity, and the nature of the soul -- all troubling and intriguing inquiries that are sure to trigger an existential crisis if you delve into them too deeply. Given that, I’d love to see a hundred more stories written in the universe. Perhaps a prequel series?

The second standout for this book was Salem. On the surface, he seems like your cliche anti-hero that hit rock bottom and has since tried to turn things around and seek redemption. But he turned out to be much more intricate and unique than indicated by my initial assessment.  He continues to evolve throughout the story (and the rest of the series) and develops considerable depth and complexity. Salem’s personality combines dark brooding with witty smartassery, making him a tremendously entertaining POV character and one of my new favorites. And the supporting characters were also outstanding, some being just as deep and complex as Salem, making the dialog between characters rapt, amusing, and often humorous. 

Shawn Purvis was an interesting narrator for the story. At first, I was worried that his often flat and calm tone would turn me off from the book, but he turned out to be pretty talented. Salem’s POV narration was often almost monotone, but once I got into the story and character, I actually think it worked well for Salem; the tone made Salem seem like he was often in control of the situation, and very few things could rile him, which seemed appropriate for an unconcerned and laid back immortal. Purvis also brought quite a few unique voices into the performance, showing a considerable range while he nailed everything from creepy priests to Viking gods.    

Special thanks to M. K. Gibson, who provided me with this book at my request.

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Review: The Didymus Contingency

The Didymus Contingency by Jeremy Robinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First off, don't listen to the hater reviews for The Didymus Contingency. Sure, not everything about the book was historically accurate. Notice that it's classified as "Literature & Fiction" -- meaning that the author may take some creative liberties with the work and that everything isn't required to include 100% accurate historical facts. Second, right in the book's description, it says Tom will be going back in time to see Jesus -- again, no surprise then that the book ends up focusing quite a bit on Jesus' life and issues of religion. And going back to the first point, it's fiction so readers should not be shocked to learn that the book may include details added about Jesus, the apostles, and the time period that aren't 100% purely true and are used to fill in historical gaps and to make the narrative more entertaining. 

There are many things I really appreciated about The Didymus Contingency. I'm a sucker for this kind of book -- one that retells a familiar story (especially using a different genre) but is just different enough to keep you reading to find out how the new elements will be interwoven into the old tale. And Robinson did just that extremely well.  The Didymus Contingency melded time-travel science fiction, history, and religion together in an account of the biblical Gospels while at the same time tackling a time travel paradox in a creative and interesting way (which is all I can say to keep this review spoiler-free). The intricacies of the layered plot kept the story engaging as even though those familiar with any of the four Gospels could not always see where the narrative was going. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep the story fresh and entertaining. And once the plot was resolved, it was so satisfying to see everything fall into place to give you that big "ah-ha" moment when it all makes sense.

Beyond all the praise I've already included, The Didymus Contingency is a well-written book -- but there are a few places I'll agree with some of the more critical reviews.  For example, most of the characters were really only as deep and developed as they needed to be to make the plot work and as a result, they came across as a bit tropey. And some characters became plot devices and didn't always seem to make the best and most logical decisions given the situations they were in. However, everything else was so well done that I have no problem overlooking these minor issues as none of them really hindered my overall enjoyment of the book.

In the audio version of the book, R.C. Bray’s performance is excellent. By now, I expect anything R.C. Bray narrates to be great and The Didymus Contingency is no exception. His tone is ideal, the character voices are unique, and the pacing was matched to work well with each scene. 

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Review: Zombie Upheaval: Still Alive Book Nine

Zombie Upheaval: Still Alive Book Nine by Javan Bonds
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Zombie Upheaval is the 9th book in Javan Bond's Still Alive series and continues the series after Zombie Crusade. If you've never read or listened to a book in the Still Alive series, go read the review of the Still Alive: Series Box Set (Books 1-4), as getting the omnibus is an excellent and economical way to start the series. But if you've made it a few books into the series or have finished book eight and you're wondering whether or not to continue, the answer is easy: hell yes, you should. 

First, let's discuss one of Zombie Upheaval's best qualities: the graphic and explicit descriptions of violence and gore. Most stories use violence as a plot device. In those stories, characters resolve conflict through violent escalation only when it's necessary to move the narrative forward. The Still Alive series takes a different approach. Instead, the narrative in the series primarily exists as a vehicle to bring forth violence, gore, and utter brutality. To call it gratuitous violence is a vast understatement -- unless you are using "gratuitous" to describe the violence as a generous and kind gift provided to the audience by the screenwriter. Using that definition, gratuitous would be the correct word, as Bonds has a disturbing talent for describing vicious, violent deaths through excruciatingly vivid and glorious detail. Violence can't be pointless if the violence is the point!

Though it might have been blasphemous to other fans of the series, I found that the previous book, Zombie Crusade (Book 8), might have tipped the scale toward too much blood and gore and not enough plot; I'm happy to state that Zombie Upheaval finds a better balance between scenes of near senseless violence and those that move the story forward. And though much of the humor remains macabre, the lighter comedy of the earlier books of the series has started to make a comeback as well. While I still think the earlier books (and the POV of Mo) were more enjoyable, I see good things foreshadowed in the future of the series.

On its own, Zombie Upheaval is pretty entertaining. I especially relished the partial return to the central plot with the crew of the Viva Ancora and the glimpses into the mind of Mo through the various short "mo-sodes." The continuing clash between the loyalists of Pastor Mike Brown and the government of Guntersville was bloody but amusing, and I think I'm going to enjoy following the antics of the perverted and cantankerous Mortimer. And as the components of the narrative arc are concluded, I can see a return to the Cora as a focus in future books -- which will be excellent.

And for the audiobook: I cannot understate how much talent S.W. Salzman demonstrates in the narration of the Still Alive series. I'm still baffled that a single narrator can voice all the extensively different characters and do so using unique and instantly recognizable voices. He perfectly captures personalities and brings life to the characters. The Still Alive series has always been fun and entertaining, but Salzman easily takes it to the next level.

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Review: Space Academy Dropouts

Space Academy Dropouts by C.T. Phipps
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A perfect blend of witty parody and great sci-fi

I enjoy C.T. Phipps' books. They are full of humor, often irreverent, and laden with pop culture references, yet they often have enjoyable (and unpredictable) plots, memorable characters, and entertaining dialog. Space Academy Dropouts fits perfectly into that mold, being a humorous story loaded with references to classic and modern science fiction -- yet it feels like a decent space opera at the same time. Sure, there are frequent jokes and witty banter, but there are also serious moments, lots of traditional sci-fi-type action, and decent character development. Space Academy Dropouts really does strike the perfect balance in tone between being a humorous parody and an entertaining sci-fi story. 

Jeffery Kafer's performance is excellent. His range is impressive, and he skillfully makes it seem like a different actor voices each character. I've experienced Kafer's narration in quite a few books, and he's never disappointed me in any book where the main character is a snarky smart-ass. And I swear that was supposed to be a compliment.

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Review: The Anvil of Souls

The Anvil of Souls by Joshua C. Cook
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Cycle Continues

The Anvil of Souls is the second book in The Forgemaster Cycle and follows Blood of a Fallen God. As a sequel review, there could be spoilers from the first book. If you haven't read the first book, stop reading this and go get it – it's excellent, and I highly recommend it.

Given that I loved the first book, I'm sorry to say that the second book of the cycle is as good as the first book. It's not bad, but overall it falls short of the first. Is it worth reading? Sure, it is. Despite its flaws, it is a continuation of the first book and does a great job of exploring the world of the Forgemaster and detailing the unique history and lore. I haven't read the third book yet, but this one seems like it's a segue into a final volume. And I do plan on continuing to the third book.

At the start of the story, there was a setup for what I thought was a great plot: William was set to return to Ture, clean the corruption from the church of Amder, and take his position as Forgemaster. I was excited to return to the mix of city-based intrigue and action of the first book, so I was pretty disappointed when William suddenly changed his mind and traveled in the opposite direction. Once it gets going, the plot doesn't have a good focus from chapter to chapter, and most of the book is just a chronicle of the journey. There were a few trials, tribulations, and mysteries that are expected of such a narrative, but no real substance for a big chunk of the book. It does have a significant, exciting build-up at the very end, but I wish the trip there had a bit more to keep me interested in where the plot was going. This may be no issue if you are a fan of the style, but for me, it was only just enough to keep my attention.

But the central protagonists were the real disappointment in the book. The story focuses on the travels of William, Myriam, and Regin. I liked all three characters in the first book, but after the events in the first book, they seemed to have become dense, obtuse, and oblivious. Are you familiar with the cliche horror scene where you want to scream something like "DON'T GO DOWN INTO THE DARK, SCARY BASEMENT!"? I wanted to do the same thing to those three because they were constantly acting irrational or overreacting. And William, who is the mortal representative of a god that he resurrected, is an impotent hero, continually questioning and doubting himself to the point you want to slap him, hoping that he'll snap out of his funk.

Despite any misgivings I have about the plot or characters, the narration is excellent. Moore's performance was one of the reasons my interest stayed high enough to enjoy the book. The voices were distinct, the dialog was interesting, and the tone was well matched to the scenes' pacing and writing style.  

Special thanks to Eric Bryan Moore, who provided me with a copy of this book at my request.

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Review: The Bright Falls Mysteries Saga

The Bright Falls Mysteries Saga by C.T. Phipps
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Bright Falls Mysteries Saga is an omnibus of Books 1 through 3 of the Bright Falls Mysteries Series and includes I Was a Teenage Weredeer, An American Weredeer in Michigan, and A Nightmare on Elk Street. This is a combined review for all three books in the omnibus. Like many of C. T. Phipps’ books, the series is set in the United States of Monsters urban fantasy universe (which you can read more about on the author’s blog).

All the Bright Falls Mysteries books have been fun, full of comedy (and deer puns), and have had surprisingly entertaining and well-written characters and plots. But it took me so long to start on the series and I kept passing it by every time I looked for a new book. I kept seeing I Was a Teenage Weredeer and then thinking to myself, “A weredeer? That’s just dumb, I don’t think I could ever get into that book.” Yet, here I am declaring Jane Doe the weredeer one of my favorite protagonists. So if you are reading this review and are still on the fence about the series, it’s time to go ahead and take the plunge.

The introduction to the series, I Was a Teenage Weredeer, is written as a murder mystery. Jane (that’s Jane Doe ... the weredeer) finds herself playing amateur detective as she tries to track down a serial killer. Hijinks ensue. The plot is well thought out and engaging, the dialog is fun and entertaining, and I thoroughly enjoyed Jane’s inner monologues. As the first book in the series, you also get to meet all Jane’s friends, allies, and antagonists of the series.

In An American Weredeer in Michigan, Jane (the weredeer) and Emma (Jane’s now out-of-the-closet lesbian, werewolf best friend) continue to stumble into messy situations. While out for a hike, the two stumble on a murder pit full of infant’s bones and feel obligated to seek out whoever is responsible for the mass grave and bring them to justice. While on the trial of the apparent baby murder, Jane faces off against an evil cult leader, tries to sort out her relationships with Alex and Lucien, and continues to dish out non-stop deer puns.

Phipps pays homage to the classic slasher film genre in A Nightmare on Elk Street. Another supernatural killer is rampaging through Bright Falls and Lucien Lyons convinces Jane to work security on the set of his money-laundering scheme … I mean B-movie horror film. While trying to protect the crew, Jane attempts to track down the killer only to discover that the murderer’s next target is her. Though it is still essentially a comedy, A Nightmare on Elk Street is also well-written with a great plot. The plot is a bit thicker in this book than in previous novels as this final installment reveals a hidden narrative arc that’s been building throughout the series. A perfect ending and wrap-up for the trilogy.

I thoroughly enjoyed all of the Bright Falls Mysteries books and Jane’s snark and puns are entertaining enough to make buying any of these books worth it. But for the saga edition, you get three books for one price! It's especially worth it for the audio omnibus edition, as you can get the entire trilogy for a single credit. You can’t beat that!

In the audiobook version, Arielle DeLisle is deer-lightful in her performance as Jane and creates a full cast of characters with unique personalities and voices. It’s hard to find many faults with any of her narration throughout the series – she was a joy to listen to. I’ve listened to DeLisle narrate a few other series and she is definitely a go-to to give voice to quirky, spunky heroines.

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Review: Cerberus Series: Books 1-3:

Cerberus Series: Books 1-3: by Andy Peloquin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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A great value for three great books!

The Cerberus Series is an audiobook omnibus of Books 1 through 3 of the Cerberus series and includes Assassination Protocol, Terminal Secrets, and Cyber Strike. All three books have their own self-contained plots while at the same time building toward an overall narrative arc which has a satisfying conclusion in Book 3. The Cerberus series does continue (for a total of 12 books), but the omnibus is an excellent introduction to the world and characters. 

In short, the Cerberus series is excellent. It's a different take on the normal sci-fi genre and though its title labels it as a military space opera, it fits better in the technothriller or cyberpunk genre. There are unique and interesting characters, a well-developed plot, plenty of action, and a bit of humor thrown in as well. Cerberus has just about everything you could want from a well-written book; it’s a fun and entertaining read that easily holds my attention and interest. Plus, if you are looking for audiobook value, it's three books (and 28 hours!) for a single credit.

My favorite part of the series is the protagonist: Nolan Garrett, an ex-special forces government assassin. But, he’s unique in that he was medically discharged from the military after becoming a paraplegic. Even with advanced medical technology, he was never able to walk on his own again. But he can regain his mobility through the use of an armored, AI-run cybernetic suit – which he uses exclusively while carrying out contracts as Cerberus. Since Nolan is otherwise bound to a wheelchair, he’s able to convincingly maintain a secret, civilian identity as a handicapped veteran. Though he shares his background with many ex-military type cliches (i.e. discharged after an injury, went hard into drugs and alcohol, and now plagued with doubts and regret), I find the character’s overall concept unique and intriguing. It’s also an excellent plot device, as I think I’d also get bored with a story focused on a highly-skilled, near-invincible techno-assassin. Nolan’s vulnerabilities add suspenseful situations and thrilling conflicts to keep the narrative interesting.

Bronson Pinchot is an excellent narrator, especially for an action-oriented series like Cerberus. He’s got the perfect voice for a gruff assassin but also does a great job with other characters, including Nolan’s integrated AI (who is distinctly female). Pinchot’s performance creates an immersive experience through a variety of unique voices and a tone and temper that matches well with the book.

Special thanks to Aethon Books, who provided me with this book at my request.

You can find the audiobook omnibus edition of the Cerberus series on Audible's website.

Review: A Nightmare on Elk Street

A Nightmare on Elk Street by C.T. Phipps
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Buck Yeah, Another Great Weredeer Book!

A Nightmare on Elk Street is the third (and last) book in The Bright Falls Mysteries Series and follows An American Weredeer in Michigan. Like many of C. T. Phipps’ books, it’s set in the United States of Monsters urban fantasy universe (which you can read more about on the author’s blog).

Phipps pays homage to the classic slasher film genre in A Nightmare on Elk Street. Another supernatural killer is rampaging through Bright Falls and Lucien Lyons convinces Jane to work security on the set of his money-laundering scheme … I mean B-movie horror film. While trying to protect the crew, Jane attempts to track down the killer only to discover that the murder’s next target is her. 

Though it is still essentially a comedy, A Nightmare on Elk Street is also well-written with a great plot. The plot is a bit thicker in this book than in previous novels as this final installment reveals a hidden narrative arc that’s been building throughout the series. I love the deeply satisfying “ah-ha!” moment you get when you realize how all the little side stories and individual plots have been linked together the entire time. It really makes me appreciate the planning and talent that went into the series.

I’ve liked all of the Bright Falls Mysteries books and Jane’s snark and puns are deer-lightful. So, even though this book is perhaps the best of the series, I’m also really disappointed that this is where the buck stops for Jane’s tail. I’ve just grown so fawn of deer puns and Jane’s snarky personality – along with the rest of her family and friends in Bright Falls. Jane’s just now getting into her stride in A Nightmare on Elk Street and my hope is that she continues to show up in supporting roles and cameos in other of Phipps’s books.

Special thanks to C.T. Phipps, who provided me with this book at my request.

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Review: An American Weredeer in Michigan

An American Weredeer in Michigan by C.T. Phipps
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An en-deer-ing and deer-lightful tail.

An American Weredeer in Michigan is the second book in The Bright Falls Mysteries Series and follows I Was a Teenage Weredeer. Like many of C. T. Phipps’ books, it’s set in the United States of Monsters urban fantasy universe (which you can read more about on the author’s blog).

  

The big bad wolf has been defeated, but there’s no rest for Jane (the weredeer) and Emma (Jane’s now out-of-the-closet lesbian, werewolf best friend). While out for a hike, the two stumble on a murder pit full of infant’s bones and feel obligated to seek out whoever is responsible for the mass grave and bring them to justice. While on the trial of the apparent baby murder, Jane faces off against an evil cult leader, tries to sort out her relationships with Alex and Lucien, and continues to dish out non-stop deer puns.

All the Bright Falls Mysteries books have been fun, full of comedy (and deer puns), and have had surprisingly entertaining and well-written characters and plots. But it took me so long to start on the series and I kept passing it by every time I looked for a new book.  I kept seeing I Was a Teenage Weredeer and then thinking to myself, “A weredeer? That’s just dumb, I don’t think I could ever get into that book.” Yet, here I am declaring Jane Doe the weredeer one of my favorite protagonists. So if you are reading this review and are still on the fence about the series, it’s time to go ahead and take the plunge.

Special thanks to C.T. Phipps, who provided me with this book at my request.

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Review: 100 Miles and Vampin'

100 Miles and Vampin' by C.T. Phipps
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Straight Outta Fangton was fantastic, so it's no surprise that I loved 100 Miles and Vampin' as well. Peter Stone is an amusing first-person protagonist, and his perspective presents an entertaining and surprisingly down-to-earth narrative. Throughout the series, vampires and other supernatural characters are often presented with quirks and foibles that make them seem (ironically) more human. Despite their 

While Straight Outta Fangton had a more straightforward plot, 100 Miles and Vampin' is written like a murder mystery. The pacing is excellent; the plot builds up nicely, only revealing bits and pieces of the concealed storyline until the big reveal in the end. Both books are excellent but comparing the two,  I enjoyed the story of the second book even more than the first one. 

Even with a complex (and excellent) plot, the book still possesses plenty of comedy, and the dialog and interchange between the characters is amusing. If you love humorous, irrelevant writing and tons of pop culture references, you'll find any book in the series entertaining.

I don't have many negative things I can really critique about the book. For what it is (that being a supernatural comedy), it's excellent. My only real complaint is that it ends on one hell of a cliffhanger, and I had to wait two and a half years before the third book came out. That's just cruel.

Cary Hite's performance in the audiobook version is outstanding. He's a talented narrator and pulls off a thoroughly entertaining and wholly believable Peter Stone. 

Special thanks to C.T. Phipps, who provided me with this book at my request.

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Review: Children of Titan Series: Books 1-4

Children of Titan Series: Books 1-4 by Rhett C. Bruno
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A while back I reviewed Titanborn, the first book in the Children of Titan series. The book was an excellent hook into a new series and since then I’ve managed to consume every book in the series, including one of the prequel novella, The Collector. I’ve just noticed that a second novella has dropped, so I’ll have to go get it and update this review later. For now, this review covers Titanborn, Titan's Son, Titan's Rise, Titan's Fury, Titan's Legacy, and The Collector.

After an outstanding first novel, the Children of Titan series continues to be mind-blowingly good. The first four books create a very nice narrative with a single story arc, though much of it remains hidden and is only slowly doled out to the reader as the storyline progresses. Titan’s Son all takes place at the same time as Titanborn. Rather than focusing on Malcolm Graves, it tells the same events from the perspective of Kale Drayton, the mysterious figure in Titanborn who seemed to have a close connection with the Children of Titan. Getting the story from the other side gives so much more insight into the events of the Children’s rebellion, including what part Cora, Rylah, and Aria played during the uprising. I’m normally against split books, but this one is really, really well written.

Titan's Rise and Titan's Fury pick up after the events at the end of the first two split books and rather than focusing on one perspective like the first two books, they both rotate chapter POV characters, primarily Malcolm Graves and Kale Drayton. Throughout these books, Malcolm Graves quickly became one of my all-time favorite characters. His snark, general smartassery, and this old-dog-can-still-bite attitude make him memorable and always fun to read. Throughout the series, the plot was written extremely well and though hints and foreshadowing were dropped here and there, there were always surprises and turns I didn’t expect. It really highlights just how well the Children use subterfuge and misdirection to accomplish their goals and manipulate the rest of the solar system.

The first four books neatly wrapped up the Children of Titan story, so Titan's Legacy was a very welcome surprise. Saying much about the plot could spoil the series but it was the perfect ending for the series. For maximum enjoyment, read or listen to The Collector before getting into Titan's Legacy, as Legacy wraps everything in the series up nicely and ends it in a way that is perfectly fitting to Malcolm Graves’ character.

R.C. Bray provides another excellent performance in all the audiobook versions of the Children of Titan novels (and novella). He was a perfect choice for Malcolm Graves and I don’t know any narrator could have voiced the character better. My only gripe with the narration was that when the POV characters started rotating in Rise and Fury, sometimes there wasn’t enough of a difference between the voices of Malcome and Kale to tell the difference between the two. Keep in mind, it was only a very, very minor annoyance and even with it, it is some of the best narration you’ll hear from any audiobook.

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Review: Straight Outta Fangton

Straight Outta Fangton by C.T. Phipps
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In Straight Outta Fangton, Peter Stone finds out that the vamp life isn’t always as glorious and great as he was led to believe. Apparently, if you are poor and barely making ends meet before becoming a vampire, you can still be poor and barely make ends meet after becoming a vampire. It’s a 180 from most vampire-based series I’ve heard about and I really dig the crass humor and pop culture asides. The characters are great, the dialog is entertaining, and there’s a surprisingly complex and interesting plot going on underneath the comedy and satire. I've read and listened to the book multiple times and I swear it keeps getting better every time. 

I’ve really liked the whole United States of Monster’s setting. Despite swearing urban fantasy isn’t for me, I’ve gotten into the Brightblade, Weredeer, and now Straight Outta Fangton series. The depth of the setting is immense and despite it being largely a setting for comedies, it’s very well thought out and put together. And I’m so sorry Jane, but I’m going to have to say that Straight Outta Fangton is my favorite series set in this universe so far. 

Cary Hite is a perfect match to narrate this book. His comedic timing, inflection, and his delivery are all excellent for Straight Outta Fangton. He gives the perfect voice to Peter Stone and makes a great book even better.  

Special thanks to C.T. Phipps, who provided me with this book at my request.

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Review: Esoterrorism

Esoterrorism by C.T. Phipps
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Like a snarky James Bond meets Supernatural

Esoterrorism has everything I've come to look for in a C.T. Phipps book. It’s full of action and intrigue, but also deep and well-written characters. While the plot is thick enough to make it a great thriller, its irreverent tone and humor keep it light enough to balance everything out. And for those that will appreciate it, you’ll also find a cast of multicultural and inclusive characters that feel natural, but yet there is no obvious and in-your-face attempt at social justice indoctrination.

While the story and plot of Esoterrorism are great, the highlight of any of Phipps’ books is the characters. One of my favorite things about many of his books is though they are part of different series, most take place in the United States of Monsters, and the main characters in one book will often be included as a supporting character in another book. Esoterrorism works as a prequel to many of the other series and you get to learn more of the original stories of characters from other books. So if you like any of the other books, you’ll find Esoterrorism to be another great book to read. If you haven’t read any of the other books, you’ll find Esoterrorism is a great place to start your addiction to the rest of the United States of Monsters series.

As far as the audiobook version goes, you’ll see a pattern in my other reviews: C.T. Phipps is a kick-ass author and Jeffery Kafer is an awesome narrator. And when two great artists have worked in a multi-series partnership to produce several audiobooks, their talent tends to enhance the final product to a level that is more amazing than either could be alone. Esoterrorism (and other series which both are part of such as Agent G, Cthulhu Armageddon, and The Supervillainy Sage) is a great example of the excellent work that you get out of such a partnership.

Special thanks to C.T. Phipps, who provided me with this book at my request.

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Review: Cursebreaker

Cursebreaker by Carol A. Park
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was blown away by Banebringer (the first book in The Heretic Gods series), and Cursebreaker continues to amaze me with its deep characters, entertaining dialog, and intriguing plot. Cursebreaker deviates in style from Banebringer; Banebringer focused almost exclusively on Vaughn and Sweetblade, limiting POV to the two protagonists and their missions.  Cursebreaker opens things up to feel more like an epic fantasy novel.  The narrative is expanded in scope and incorporates a more extensive cast of characters and a more expansive setting, focusing on the larger political structure and further exploring the pantheon and mythology of the Heretic Gods. 

Both books check all my boxes for what a good fantasy novel should have, but Cursebreaker’s characters and dialog are most likely what makes this book (and the series) great. The characters are well developed, deeply flawed, and unbelievably raw with their collection of fears, foibles, and vulnerabilities. There are no heroic, shining paragons of good; the protagonists are human, fallible, and carry plenty of physical and mental scars. The relationships presented in the novel are equally realistic, as characters attempt to balance issues of trust, betrayal, love, and lust. The interactions, particularly the interplay and tension between Vaughn and Ivana, are so strained at times that it’s almost unbearable to read.  

Eric Bryan Moore narrates the audiobook version of Cursebringer, and his masterful performance may be one of the reasons I like The Heretic Gods series so much. He creates distinct voices for each character and performs both male and female voices well. Moore is able to portray the characters, particularly the primary protagonists, in a way that brings their personalities, imperfections, and emotions to life.

Special thanks to Eric Bryan Moore who provided me with a copy of this book at my request.

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Review: In the Orbit of Sirens

In the Orbit of Sirens by T.A. Bruno
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An intriguing blend of sci-fi and fantasy

In the Orbit of Sirens was an intriguing book with surprising depth and complexity. It's categorized as science fiction on both Audible and Amazon, but Bruno seamlessly blends fantasy elements into the novel.  The story is set on a newly colonized world -- but one already inhabited by intelligent, indigenous lifeforms. The planet has rich mythology that comes to life as the colonists discover the god-like creatures they refer to as Sirens.  The Sirens have powers and abilities that defy scientific explanations, and they are tied to the planet as Gaia-like protective deities. With the plot revolving around the supernatural Sirens, the story deviates from most of your typical sci-fi adventures to be something somewhat unique in the building of genres.

I'll admit that I wasn't that impressed with the book before the various plot elements came together and the narrative started to solidly move forward.  I was about a quarter into the story before becoming hooked on the building suspense and intriguing mix of sci-fi and fantasy.  Besides the unique premise, there was also good dialog and interaction, an interesting cast of characters, and an entertaining plot that was difficult to predict.  While the story does come to a resolution at the end, there were also a few loose, unresolved threads that leave a perfect opening for future books in the series.

The narration in the audiobook version is something of a mixed bag. Some parts of Michael Reimer's performance are excellent. For example, his character voices (especially using a synthesized voice for a marine who uses a cybernetic voice box) are very good and, for the most part, distinctly unique.   It helps that Bruno describes his characters well, making it easy to attribute accents and speech patterns -- and Reimer replicates these well.   However, at the start of the book, Reimer's default narration voice felt flat and monotone and was a bit of a turn-off. The lack of voice inflection was so bothersome that I almost stopped listening after only a few minutes.  However, once character dialogue became prominent and character personalities became more evident in POV text, the issue narrowed to become only a rare and minor annoyance.

Special thanks to T. A. Bruno, who provided me with this book at my request.

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