Author Archives: karenjvjohnson

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Extinction Age

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25332734

Extinction Age (The Extinction Cycle Book 3)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Here we are at book number three and things just keep getting better and better. I am so invested in this series that I cannot bear to have any of the characters hurt or even worse. The characters are true to life and make it very easy to feel for what they are going through. I even understand some of the science stuff that is talked about because it is not over the head of anyone. I am totally loving the action and even if I want to scream at them sometimes it only means that I have found my fully into their world.

When we left off last time Reed and Jensen along with other members of Team Ghost had been dumped into the sewers underneath New York as the rest of the military evacuated back to Plum Island. Things did not look good for them as they found their way through the maze underneath the city. I will say that everywhere they go they seem to find survivors in the most unlikely places.

Kate is still feeling as if she is responsible for the death of the world, even though she made it at least a little safer. Major Kennor finally takes responsibility for his mistakes, though its to little to late. And they are back to needing Ellis and Kate to come up with a way to save them all.

The tension and horror is ratcheted up ten fold as changes come to the Island and to the world around them. They are working to survive for each other and for their friends. I have to say again that Reed is my ideal man but if Fitz were a little older I could go for him too. Death, destruction, loyalty, betrayal, and bravery. These are things they deal with and it is exciting to get to be a part of it.

If you have not read this series you have no idea what you are missing, so you should remedy that right away. Extinction Horizon is where it all begins but the story is far from over here.Enjoy!

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Cades Cove

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8783169

Cades Cove: The Curse of Allie Mae (Cades Cove #1)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book that I have read from this author and I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading many more. I was totally sucked into the story from the very beginning. The characters were interesting and made me feel for them and their plight, I was even drawn to the ghost who I felt sorry for even while she was doing things that were so evil to innocent people. The action flowed effortlessly and had me so wanting to know what was going to happen that I stayed up reading when I should have been sleeping so I could get to work.

David and Miriam Hobbs take a weekend trip for their anniversary to Gaitlinberg, Tennessee. While there they go to Cades Cove, a place recommended by his boss as being very picturesque and romantic. When they are about to leave they find a small bag containing the keepsakes of someone named Allie Mae. Miriam tells David to return it but he cannot bring himself to turn it over to the rangers and so takes it back home with them, without telling his wife.

When strange things start to happen around the house and it begins to affect his children he wonders if maybe he brought home more than some simple souvenirs. When things turn deadly he knows that he has to do whatever it takes to end the terror.

This was an excellent ghost story with suspense, scares, terror, family, and love. I would say that there is a scene of rape that is very unpleasant and may offend some. Other than that I would recommend this to horror fans and anyone who just likes a good ghost story.

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Serenity: The Shepherd’s Tale

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8596384

Serenity: The Shepherd’s Tale (Serenity #3)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I am a HUGE fan of Firefly (Brown coat here) and have watched the series from start to finish more times than I can count. This is a tale that I have been waiting for from the beginning because they never had a chance to let us in on his secret, which we knew he had a good one. While I might have wanted it done a little differently than it was here I am still happy with the result.

This starts where the movie ended with Booke having been taken down. It is almost like his life is flashing before his eyes as he slowly expires behind his gun on Haven, where he is later found by Mal. There is really nothing more I can say without giving away the secrets which hide behind the life of Shepard Booke. They will surprise some and others may have figured out at least part of his past, but either way it is satisfying to finally know what the enigmatic Booke was hiding from his crew mates.

The art is wonderful and catches the characters well, the story though sparse still gives you a good feel of the character and his motivations. This story is told in reverse order which makes it even more poignant. I could not be happier and hope that we will be treated to more stories about the Shepard and maybe how he came to be on Haven in the first place. Stay Shiny!

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Serenity: Better Days and Other Stories

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11279472

Serenity: Better Days and Other Stories (Serenity, #2)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It’s the crew of Serenity in more stories. Firefly was a great show and anything that let’s me continue following their exploits is a good thing. Brown coats unite!
This continues the story of our anti-heroes as they continue to go around the verse doing things only they can do in their own crazy way. Mal and his crew do not know how not to get into trouble and they would not be as entertaining if they did. This show was taken off the air much to soon and not given a chance to grow, but here you have a chance to see what could have been
I say enjoy!
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Dragon Rising

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18711487

Dragon Rising (The Hidden 0.6)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really like the stories of the Hidden and hope they continue for a long time. The characters are well thought out and have personalities that are recognizable. The world they inhabit is ours with a few tweaks to its history that make it fit the origin of the characters.

Lyra Slade is continuing the search for her father that she called her brother Kirin home to help with. She has not told Kirin that she has found a clue and will be following up on it on her own, since he has reconnected with his old girlfriend. Lyra is put in touch with Archer Grant, a Caido, who has a brother with the type of car she saw outside her father’s house.

As they start to investigate together it becomes more obvious that though Lyra has heard Caido’s have no feelings, she may be mistaken. What they find makes no sense to them at first, but someone feels they are getting to close and things get dangerous. The danger however is not only external.

I was so glad that the story was not only continued but had a great ending. This is a good series that should be enjoyed.

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LZR-1143: Infection

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LZR-1143: Infection (LZR-1143 #1)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really good zombie story that has it’s own little twist. The main characters are somewhat light in the beginning but get fleshed out nicely by the end, though there is still room for more development. The story is fast paced and brings things to a critical point pretty quickly. There is a bit of a mystery as to how things got started as well as the mystery surrounding the death of the main characters wife, though that seems to have been figured out. The language is straight and conveys the thoughts and actions of the characters perfectly.

The narrator is an ex-action hero and movie star, Michael McKnight, who was convicted of killing his wife and committed to a mental hospital as criminally insane. He does not remember killing her or anything else about that time, and they keep him so doped up he can barely function. When he wakes up and finds all the staff and a number of the patients gone he has no idea what happened until an orderly wanders in and eats the only other patient he has seen.

Michael meets Kate, a psychiatrist and some of her patients as he tries to escape the hospital. They get out together only to be confronted with the reality that the dead are walking and trying to kill them. Michael is having flashbacks and is sure that they are a way to redeem himself by saving the world, or maybe he really is crazy and its all a delusion.

The zombies are gross, the infection is fast, and the world is being devastated quickly. The only thing that really annoyed me about this was that it seemed to end so abruptly. I know there is another book but it could have given a better lead in for it. Still good though!

“Lemme guess,” I said, affecting the appropriate sarcastic tone. “We’re running low on gas?” He nodded curtly, eyes on the road. Despite my intuition, I was incredulous. “What the hell? Doesn’t anyone keep gas in their cars anymore? Why don’t any vehicles in the apocalypse have any goddamn gasoline? It’s like a really bad fucking movie! Jesus!” I couldn’t believe this. Second time in as many vehicles! “OK, I’m just telling you now, if any of you mother-fuckers even think about going outside to check out the noise in the dark, or go to the dark room upstairs to find the virgin after hearing the strange sound, I’m shooting you myself!”
― Bryan James, LZR-1143: Infection
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White Trash Zombie Apocalypse

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18182495

White Trash Zombie Apocalypse (White Trash Zombie #3)

by Diana Rowland (Author), Allison McLemore (Narrator)
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Angel Crawford is back with her group of friends, family, and almost boyfriend. As is to be expected this was another great read with humor, mystery, revelations, and death. The story was fun and fast paced with enough new characters and old to keep things more than interesting. The plot is continuing to advance with new elements being added with each telling as we get more information on the characters and the forces they are aligned against.

They are making of all things a zombie movie in town at the high school with lots of extras. Before things even get going well there is a death on the set and Angel goes out to collect the body. But things are never as simple as they seem and soon Angel finds herself in the middle of another mystery that she will need to solve or risk losing her freedom or life.

I went through this quickly because I was engrossed in the story and wanted to see what would happen next to this girl who has made such changes in her life. Zombies have more of a life than a lot of people in this town. You have to read this series!

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Hers To Command

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18482950

Hers to Command (Verdantia #1)

My rating:  5 of 5 stars

I got this book a while ago when it was suggested to me but never got around to reading it until now. It may have taken me a while to read but it was well worth the wait. I totally loved this and cannot wait to get to the next one! I fell into this world from the moment I stepped into it and did not want to have to leave. The world was so richly drawn with a planet which had a personality and love for those who lived on it. I liked all the characters including the bad guys because they were all so well fleshed and compelling. The story is told from various points of view not just that of the central characters and because of this you get a fuller look at what is going on with everyone involved.

Verdantia was settled long ago by a group of people who found out that the planet they had chosen to live on was itself alive. Verdantia is sentient and reacts to certain genetic traits by aiding in the protection of the people. But because some had become lax in their rites all the planet must suffer after they were invaded by the Haarb, a warlike race which wants to possess and use the bounty that exists on Verdantia.

Ari stayed away from his home for 15 years because he could not stand the thought of marrying someone not of his choosing, but returned to fight for the planet and people that he loves. Doral is a spy and assassin who is assigned to Ari and fights for and with him. Queen Fleur will do anything to keep her people safe, even risk her life in a ritual. Three people who have no idea that together they may be the only hope for their home.

I was so surprised by the concept but it actually made sense to me. I am not always comfortable with MM relationships in books but this not only had me comfortable I think I enjoyed it almost as much as the characters. The scenes were scorching hot but held a lot of tenderness as well. The combination of heat and real love made this a great read. The relationship between our three main characters drew you while the intrigue kept you guessing. Looking forward to the next one! Recommend highly!

“Madam, you can’t be more desperate than I.” He wound his arms around her and grunted. “The evidence is drooling on your stomach. I have not lost this erection for five days. Doral looks at me and winces. You have obliterated my dignity in front of my staff. I have become a laughingstock, a by-word for ‘pussy-whipped male’. Every time I walk into a room, the conversation dies. I entered the mess hall, yesterday—530 officers and enlisted men. Silence, Fleur. Dead silence.” She sniffed. By the gods, this must be a unique experience for him. I’m certain he has never been the butt of the joke before. “I don’t think you appreciate the torture and humiliation you inflict. Do you know how uncomfortable it is to ride a horse when I’m like this? Do you know how disconcerting it is to discuss cavalry deployment with Major Truillo while I’m sporting a cockstand to rival a stud horse? I couldn’t get the man to look me in the face. Worse, he thought I reacted to him.” She nuzzled her face into Ari’s chest and tried to contain her amusement. Her imagination supplied the picture of the very handsome, very homosexual, very short Major Truillo standing with covetous eyes riveted to Ari’s substantial erection, all the while discussing the dry topic of cavalry placement. “For half an hour all I saw was the top of his head.” He paused for a moment then threw out, “He has a bald spot.”
― Patricia A. Knight, Hers to Command
“Fleur to Doral:
“My love for you and Ari cannot be measured in words. It can only be measured by what I will do for you. Absolutely anything. By what I want for you. Absolutely everything. I would move Verdantia from her orbit to defend you from all that would hurt you.” She rose and crossed to him, sliding into his lap and snuggling into his broad chest. She hugged him fiercely.”You are mine, Doral, every bit as much as Ari. Those who hurt you do so at their peril.”
― Patricia A. Knight, Hers to Command

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Under by Treaty

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23013422

Under By Treaty (Qui Treaty Collection 0)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I received this book from the author for free in exchange for an honest review.

I have never read anything from this author before but am very happy that I have at this time. I was drawn into the story from the very beginning and started to form a liking for the characters right then. All the characters were very dynamic with strong personalities that made you want to follow and find out what they would do next. The language seems perfect for the world that they inhabit and for the characters. Considering the fact that this is science fiction the earth they live on and the galaxy they travel to are real enough to truly visualize. The fact that the story is told from the point of view of both main characters is the perfect way to have the story told.

General Jaden has been fighting the war against the K’lahn for many years since the deaths of his parents at their hands. He hates them and wants nothing more than to destroy them. But when he is given to them for their Empress he learns that there may be things that he never knew about this species. Ambassador Sonil comes to Earth in order to broker a treaty that would give her Jaden as a consort in exchange for Earth retaining its freedom. She wants his devotion, he wants to strike a blow to the empire. They both get more and less than they bargained for.

I got some of everything I like in this story with sex, aliens, war, undercover operatives, and a lot more. I am totally into this story and am happy to follow along as it unfolds. I think everyone should give this a try. There is some explicit violence and torture scenes which might not be for everyone. This is pretty hot also! Highly recommend!

“Do not presume to judge the Qui, Mr. President. Your society aspires to an ideal that exists only at levels like the United Regions. Analyze your world’s history and you find pockets of feudal life that continue to exist today. Cultures where rape victims are killed so as not to dishonor their family; countries where the male of your species has so little self-control, the female is obliged to hide behind cloth for fear they will tempt them into carnal acts; regions where children are slaughtered for no reason. And this was all before our invasion.”
― Kayla Stonor, Under By Treaty 
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Angel 6.0: Enslaved

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25470834

Angel 6.0: Salvage (Angel 6.0 #3)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I received a free advance reading copy for my honest review.This was a great adventure with a girl that I am coming to like more and more. I had thought of Angel as childlike, which she was when this started, but she is maturing the more she is exposed to the world outside of Nugene. I like that the characters are becoming more clearly drawn as things go forward from book to book. The world they inhabit is more complex than you would at first think, but as you jet across the galaxy you see that not only the humans have a strange culture happening the Gran have their own way of viewing the world that may seem different but is actually quite similar to human culture in many respects. Everything is continuing to move forward smoothly giving a great trip through the cosmos as well as into how Angel is able to survive.

Captain Cronin comes for Angel on Cesar’s ship and is not planning on leaving her behind. Angel has had nice respite from dealing with overbearing Cat but has no choice but to return to him if she wants Cesar and his men to live. Before they depart Angel helps Cesar set up negotiations for trade and gives herself another chance to see him. Then it is the long ride to the Gran home world she must endure as Cronin continues to use her.

The Emperor and Empress are very impressed with Angel and invite her to stay with them while she is on their home world, keeping her away from the depraved Cronin. She becomes close to both their daughter and son who make her separation from Cesar at least bearable. But then she is once again on the ship for the trip for the negotiations and though she looks forward to seeing her man she still must deal with the insatiable Cat on the journey. Angel has endured a great deal since being taken from her home, how much more will she need to endure.

Angel has become a strong character who is able to work through whatever is tossed her way. The sex is usually very hot, whether inter species or just straight. The story pulls you in every time because you really have to find out what is going to happen with this woman as her intergalactic odyssey continues. It just keeps getting better and better. Do not miss this series!

**The title of the book  on Amazon is Angel 6.0: Enslaved, the title was changed after the I received my copy.