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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