Author Archives: karenjvjohnson

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Rocky

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Rocky by Bianca D'Arc   Rocky (Tales of The Were, #4)
by Bianca D’Arc

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

A solid 4.5 stars for being a good fast read that made me like the characters within the first 20 pages and giving me a grizzly bear shifter. I have found another author and series of books that I really want to read. The writing is tight and concise, the characters are well fleshed out, and they seem real in how they react with each other.

Rocky Garibaldi, Maggie , and Antonio Fernandez grew up together and in the end only one could get the girl. Tony and Maggie were married and Rocky moved away because though he was happy for them he could never have the girl he loved. Years later Maggie shows up Rocky’s doorstep in labor with twin male cubs and the news that Tony has been killed by a mage and she has been running from him for the past eight months. Rocky is shocked at the news since his best friend and clan brother was also a powerful Shaman and whoever killed him would have to be as powerful or more. He is happy still to have Maggie come to him and vows to keep her and her children safe. Will she let him be more than a protector however?

There was not a lot of action here but you do have a few hot scenes, cute baby grizzlies, sweet love story, and a great vanquish. This may not be for everyone, but I’m a sucker for a long lost love story. Plus it has a guy shifting into a big bear!

 

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Black Sea Gods

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Black Sea Gods by Brian Braden   Black Sea Gods (Chronicle of Fu Xi)
by Brian Braden

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was not what I expected when I started reading. I was expecting a tale of gods and goddesses only. But this was definitely more than that.

This story builds on the mythology of the Black Sea. It starts out slowly but once you get past the first few chapters it gets very

interesting. I found myself liking the characters and wanting them all to survive, but that does not always happen.

The best way to give a look at this is through the blurb:

“The fish have disappeared from the sea. The animals have vanished from the land. All humanity, and even the gods, tremble under the specter of a pending cataclysm. The demigod Fu Xi races home from the edge of the world bringing news of a looming god war, but finds his land under attack by monsters he once called his children. He discovers a terrible curse has been cast, one intended to destroy the gods and all life. To his shock, Fu Xi learns mankind’s hope rest solely on him, a simple fisherman and a banished slave girl.

Beset on all sides, Fu Xi knows he must act quickly and races west to rescue the saviors. Unaware of the real doom that awaits, Aizarg the fisherman and his party begin a perilous journey across a dangerous steppe. They seek the last of the Narim, the legendary Black Sea Gods, who hold the key to their salvation. Leading them is the rescued slave girl Sarah, the only one among them who knows the path to the land of the god-men.

Over seven days the defining struggle of gods and humans begins under the onslaught of a powerful force whose true objective and origin remain a mystery. Fu Xi knows the secret to victory resides in a fisherman and a slave girl, whose lives he must protect, even if it means the rest of the world must perish.”

If you want something that will make you think and not just entertain I think this would be a good read. It took myths I had known all my life and gave them a spin I would never had considered. I really enjoyed it!

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Books to Movies

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I was at work the other day and we got to talking about books we had read and loved,  I mentioned Stephen King’s “IT” and said that the mini-series they did based on it was a big disappointment. The only thing I had liked about it was Tim Curry as Penny wise the clown because they had cut it up so much they lost a lot of what made it so good, and I was kind of shocked to be told that it was one of the best and scariest movies they had ever seen. I wasn’t surprised to find out that they had never read the book before seeing it and had not taken the time to read it after seeing it.

I have always loved movies whether television or the big screen. I have always been fascinated by the creative process and how they created the various worlds that I was able to immerse myself into. Now, I know that writing a script and writing a book are very similar but there seem to be subtle differences in how you go about making things tangible for your audience.  My problem, and maybe a few people would agree with me, is when the two are merged.  Books are an easy source for movie makers and many writers dream of having their work optioned by a studio. It means that they have created something that can really get to the widest audience which can only increase interest in their work, or at least that’s the hope. What film makers do after they get the book option is what bothers me. I cannot claim to be an expert or anything, but I really hate seeing books that I love turned into mediocre pap.

I understand the the concept of ‘artistic license’ but why bother saying a movie is based on a book if you only take the basic idea and title. When an author gives permission to do their book it sometimes is better if they are also given the option to write the screenplay for that work. I understand it is not always possible but they at least understand the story and can give their fans a real look at the book. Screenwriters have usually not read the book, though some are fans of their material like Peter Jackson who did a fantastic job with the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Over the years I have seen what I thought were good adaptations such as ; The Exorcist,  Carrie, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and The Stand (mini series). I have also seen some less than great ones like ; IT (mini series), The Shining (Stanley Kubrick), Interview with the Vampire, and Queen of the Damned. The problems with the movies I did not like run the gambit from bad casting decisions to making changes to characters and the setting.  I used to be excited when I heard a book I was reading or had read was being made into a movie, now I can only think about what they are going to do to ruin it. Maybe I just take it all a little to personal but the fact that they can have the perfect template for a story and still mess it up amazes me.

Cover of "The Shining [Blu-ray]"

Cover of The Shining [Blu-ray]

Just a little rant because I read World War Z and though I have not seen the movie yet I can tell just from the trailers that they have changed a great deal to add a story of family. And now that they have cast Fifty Shades of Grey, and I of course do not agree with their choices, I have another adaptation to look forward to or dread.

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Fierce Reads

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The Fierce Reads Anthology by Anna Banks   The Fierce Reads Anthology
by Anna Banks , Leigh Bardugo, Jennifer Bosworth , Emmy Laybourne , Marissa Meyer

 

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

I was very pleasantly surprised when I started reading this. Not only do we have short stories but the added bonus of an excerpt of the book the short is based on. The stories vary in length as well as genre but all are from fairly new authors with a twist. While I enjoyed all the stories, I have to say that two were my favorites, though I will now be purchasing all the books the shorts were based on. Oh my straining budget!

I would love to lay out each story for you but that would be silly since you could simply purchase and read them for yourself. So instead I will give a brief synopsis of my two favorites.

Legacy Lost by Anna Banks is a story about mermaid people who reside under a thick ice cover. They have two kingdoms which in order to stay united pledge a child to marriage. In this case Grom, a prince of the Triton’s has been told he must marry Nalia, a princess of the Poseidon‘s. Since he knew he as a child and did not like her he is less than thrilled and she is not any happier since she does not like him either. This is a love story that holds the fate of an entire race in its hands.

In “Dress Your Marines in White” by Emmy Laybourne you have the equivalent of a mad scientist who is so intent on human testing of her killer substance that she sees nothing else. Her assistant is a family man who is so horrified by the results of their human testing (he is going to a hypnotist to forget) is asked to write a report. his report will be used to decide if they move forward or stop the research all together. This is like the beginning of any apocalyptic story, you have a vial of something deadly and the question is, will it get out.

 

Emmy Laybourne at Kevin Geeks Out About Genre ...

Emmy Laybourne at Kevin Geeks Out About Genre Busters (Photo credit: 92YTribeca)

In the past I have shied away from young adult fare but find that some of it is worth reading even for someone like me who is well past that particular phase.

 

 

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The Departed

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The Departed by Shiloh Walker   The Departed (FBI Psychics, #2)
by Shiloh Walker

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Taylor Jones gets 4.5 stars from me because I like my men broody. I
really, really liked this! All the elements I love in a story were here,
we have a mystery, murder, betrayal, love, sex, and ghosts. This is the
kind of story that makes you sit up all night because all you want is
to make sure that things turn out the way they should.

Taylor
Jones is in charge of a special unit within the FBI which employees
psychics with varied abilities. These special people are able to solve
crimes which might otherwise go unsolved for years if not forever.
Desiree ‘Dez’ Lincoln has the ability to speak to and see ghosts, this
ability had overwhelmed her in the past, before she met Jones. Being
able to help those lost souls has helped her maintain her sanity.

When
Dez shows up a crime scene and insists on going in Taylor goes with her
but things do not turn out well. Dez is injured and Taylor takes it
very hard and demands that she take time off from her job, something she
cannot do without losing herself to the ghosts. She quits and goes out
on her own which takes a toll on her because she cannot forget about
Taylor and the ghosts have become more insistent. She finds herself
being called to French Lick, Indiana a small town where a ghost wants
her to make things right for him. It also happens to be the hometown of
Taylor who just happens to arrive there while she is in town. What is
going on in this small town is more than either of them could ever
imagine. Can they patch up their differences and stop the evil that
dwells there?

Shiloh Walker has crafted a world with hero’s and villains that are very real. As you get to know them you can’t help but root for them. Each story gives you more background into them as individuals. This is a wonderful series and should not be missed.

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How to Date a Vampire

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How to Date a Vampire by Rose Pressey   How to Date a Vampire (Rylie Cruz #2)
by Rose Pressey

 

This is a 3.5 star read. Rylie Cruz is a great character and I love her to death but she can be so out there sometimes. With that said, I do like the story here. It’s a fun quick run through the streets of New Orleans as Rylie faces yet another obstacle in her quest to finally get close to Jack.

When last we saw Rylie she was getting ready to rush to her parents house along with Jack. Well apparently when they arrive they end up in a fight with the vampires who have come looking for her Uncle Ernie. During the fight Jack is bitten and while Rylie hopes for the best, based on movie transformations, she knows that she may now be dating a vampire. Things only take a turn for the worse, as if things could get any worse, when the vampires comes and want to take Jack away for an unknown reason.

Also getting in on the action are Rylie’s best friend and roommate Jennifer Matthews, who is human along with Lily the crazy client and werewolf who will not go away. With various vampires who all seem to have varying agendas, Rylie has no idea who to turn to for help.

If you are in the mood for a light read with characters that are appealing and fun, then this is for you. I found myself actually laughing out loud at times and that means it definitely has merit.

Be aware however that it does contain some spelling errors, extra words, and missing words throughout. I know that can bother some, but does not detract from the story itself.

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The Wolf’s Captive

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The Wolf's Captive by Chloe Cox   
The Wolf’s Captive (BDSM Bacchanal #2)

by Chloe Cox

 

It’s 4.5 stars and could have been so much more.

I want to have my own Cesare with every kink in tact. This was a hot read with a story I could enjoy as well.

It is Bacchanal in J’Amel and Lucia is going to experience it for the first time after years of hearing the rumors of what takes place. What she cannot anticipate is that it will bring her more heartache as well as excitement than any time in her life. While she is attending the Dance of Seasons she spots Lord Cesare Lupin as Winter and finds herself drawn to him in a way she cannot explain, though she knows as a commoner she does not have a chance with him. Cesare Lupin also known as the Wolf has returned from the Berkari mountains as changed man, he can feel the beast within him trying to get out, and when he spots Lucia it no longer struggles as he finds his mate.

What neither of them are aware of at that time is that a plot to jail Lucia’s father for treason is moving forward and soon they will be caught up in a web of intrigue that could bring them together or tear them apart.

This is bacchanal a time to shed your inhibitions for a week and indulge yourself in all the pleasures of the body.

The paranormal elements are light but that does not make them any less relevant to the plot. This is a sexy, hot look at how to tame the beast within.

The language is graphic, so read with that in mind.

 

The leather pride flag, which has become a sym...

The leather pride flag, which has become a symbol of BDSM and fetish subcultures. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

 

 

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Fighting to Survive

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Fighting to Survive by Rhiannon Frater   Fighting to Survive (As The World Dies, #2)
by Rhiannon Frater

 

This gets 3.5 for keeping my interest and having women at the front of all the action. Katie and Jennie are great. Zombie novels have become so numerous that it can be hard to find a good one in among all the hastily thrown out work. This series is definitely one of the good ones. Not only do you have two kick ass heroines you get a third for free. Nyreet is 60’s and a former Israeli Army sniper, she has the mind set needed in a situation like this and they are not afraid to use her expertise.

The fort, as they come to call it, has been bringing in more refugees and requires more room so they finally decide to clear out the hotel. This is not something that can be done easily or without loss of life , but they have no choice. In the midst of simple survival they are threatened by not only the dead but also the living. A gang has been attacking survivors and taking what they want, including women and young girls. Though they are known to those in the fort because they had killed Nyreets husband, it seems they are getting closer to them. There are those in the fort who do not like the status quo as it is and want changes made, even if they impact negatively. There is infighting among the survivors for actions taken that were necessary to ensure the safety of all. Just when things were starting to look up, they all start to spiral out of control.

There are some good zombie kills, great action scenes, and good characters. The writing is great and flows from scene to scene in a way that makes you want to continue long after you should stop reading.

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Blood and Sand

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Blood and Sand by Elizabeth Hunter      Blood and Sand (Elemental World, #2)
by Elizabeth Hunter

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

While I have loved all the books in this series, this one has to be my favorite. The reason is that we get a chance to really get to know a character who has been in the background for a while. Baojia was first introduced in the Elemental Mysteries series as a member of the family of Don Ernesto as well as his head of security. The character is well fleshed out and the writing is impeccable. The tone and pace and just right for the story which is being told.

Baojia has been exiled from Los Angeles and is currently residing in San Diego, he expected to be there only a short time but it has been over 2 years and he is bored. When one night Natalie Ellis, a reporter walks into his club and turns his world upside down. Natalie got his name from a mutual friend, who did not inform her what he was, but she is investigating a story which has ramifications she could not possibly fathom. All she knows is that women are dying in large numbers and she wants to find out who is doing it and bring them to justice.

For his part, Baojia is glad to have something to do besides look at numbers. He does want the human out the way though and that could get sticky. This installment also brings together many of the characters we have met before in past novels. Beatrice and Giovanni, Ben, Tenzin, Carwyn and Brigid, as well as Desiree and Matt all become involved in this situation and are willing to help even though they do not all get along with Baojia. If you know about the Elixir, then you know it is still a major part of the story and why.

These books are well written, entertaining, and hot! The action is great too!!

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Waterlocked

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English: The City of London skyline as viewed ...

English: The City of London skyline as viewed toward the north-west from the top floor viewing platform of London City Hall on the southern side of the Thames. In the foreground: Dixie Queen and Millennium Time at Tower Millennium Pier. This is a 5 segment panoramic image taken by myself with a Canon 5D and 24-105mm f/4L IS lens. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Waterlocked by Elizabeth Hunter  
Waterlocked (Elemental World, #1.5)

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Elizabeth Hunter

 

 

 

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

I only gave this 4 stars because I really would have liked to have had
more. This is a novella however and not a stand alone novel. It is a
part of the Elemental World series and gives us a more background on the
character and characters of Terry and Gemma.

Terry is a bit of
con-man and rogue in his own way. He originally wanted to align with
Gemma because of her connections and who her family was but as time went
on he found himself wanting more. Gemma is the daughter of Carwyn ap
Bryn and a force to be reckoned with, his family has a lot of influence
in Ireland and around the world.

While Terry is in charge of
London, he runs things with the help of Gemma. There have been
challenges to the authority of many heads of cities around Europe and
they are bracing to see from which direction a challenge will come to
them. But while they wait Terry has decided that it is time for them to
marry since they have been engaged for ten (10) years. The couple move
forward and the shady characters in the background make their moves,
which could prove deadly.

If you have not done so by all means
read the Elemental Mysteries series before moving on to Elemental World.
You cannot follow along if you do not know the players and the
background of the action which continues here.

If you didn’t
notice I love this series of books. The author has a great balance of
characters and I love the take on vampires as elemental’s making them a
part of nature and not outside it.

 

 

 

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  • Carwyn (chippyreader.wordpress.com)