Tag Archives: Science Fiction and Fantasy

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The Chronicles of Riddick: Ghosts of Furya

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This captivating piece of fiction presents a compelling origin story for the iconic figure of Riddick, weaving a narrative that feels both credible and engaging. The characters introduced throughout the story are not only intriguing but also offer unique perspectives that delve into the complexities surrounding Riddick’s transformation into the formidable figure we know. The vivid portrayal of Furya is particularly striking; it resonates with anyone familiar with the evolution of Riddick’s mythology. This connection enhances the narrative, making it feel like a significant addition to the overarching lore.

The plot centers on 1st Sergeant Jade Waters and her elite squad, who are tasked with investigating the remnants of Furya, a planet devastated by the ruthless Necromongers. These invaders left Furya in utter ruins, and Waters is driven by an unwavering determination to uncover the truth hidden within the desolation. Her mission is not just about exploration; it’s about arming humanity with any knowledge that could be pivotal when the Necromongers inevitably turn their gaze toward Earth.

Upon arriving on Furya, the squad discovers the planet eerily deserted, its landscapes scarred by violence and neglect. As they navigate the ruins, they stumble upon a remarkable find: a lone child who has mysteriously survived on his own amidst the remnants of destruction for years. This encounter takes a surprising turn when they realize the boy holds crucial information about the past and the events that led to Furya’s downfall.

Faced with the decision to bring this boy back to Earth, the soldiers are forced to confront the depths of his experiences and what they mean for their understanding of Riddick’s origins. This story serves as a poignant exploration of Riddick’s backstory, providing fans with a deeper glimpse into his early life and the circumstances that shaped him into the man he would become. The narrative flows seamlessly from one point to another, maintaining a brisk pace that continuously engages readers, making the journey through Furya’s tragic history all the more compelling.

My rating: 💪💪💪💪

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The Dispatcher

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I enjoyed listening to this very much. I have never read anything by John Scalzi, but I am definitely willing to take the time and read more. I like that things are not completely spelled out and some things are left a bit ambiguous. The characters themselves are very well developed, both major and minor. The story flows and is coherent from start to finish, making it very easy to follow.

In the near future, it becomes almost impossible to murder anyone. Those who are murdered or killed intentionally come back 999 times out of a thousand. No one knows why or how this happened, and it changes everything about the way the world operates.

Tony Valdez is a Dispatcher, a professional and licensed assassin who is sent out when someone is known to be about to have their life taken. This means that they monitor places like hospitals where people die at the hands of others, even though it is not intentional. When Tony’s friend is kidnapped, he is drafted by the detective on the case to help find him before anything happens to him.

I remember Zachary Quinto on Heroes and was not thrilled with his character, and when he was cast as Spock in the Star Trek reboot, I was likewise less than thrilled. The thing is, I have become a fan and think he did a great job here in his characterizations of the people populating this story. A really big recommendation!

My rating: 🌠🌠🌠🌠

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Sub-Human

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I’ve been meaning to dive into this book for quite some time now, as it’s been sitting in my Audible TBR (to-be-read) list for a while. I also have a copy of it on my Kindle, waiting for the day I finally get around to reading it. Although that moment may still be a bit further down the road, I can’t help but feel a wave of excitement as I contemplate starting this journey. The initial glimpses I’ve had into this world have really piqued my interest, offering a captivating mix of political maneuvering, scientific advancements, and a compelling sense of intrigue that promises to make it a worthwhile read.

So far, I’ve already developed a fondness for some of the characters introduced in the early chapters. Their dynamics and backgrounds seem rich with potential, and I genuinely hope they play significant roles in the larger narrative as I progress through the series.

One character that stands out is Oldtimer, who, before adopting that moniker, was known as Craig Emilson. His backstory as a young doctor thrust into military service at the onset of World War III adds a profound layer to the narrative. The combination of medical expertise and the harsh realities of war sets the stage for a fascinating exploration of his character and the choices he must navigate in these tumultuous times. Overall, I can’t wait to immerse myself further into the intricacies of this story.

My rating: 💚💚💚💚

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The Autobiography of Jean Luc Picard

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I have never been an avid reader of autobiographies, even those that delve into the lives of fictional characters. However, when I received this particular book as a gift, I couldn’t resist the temptation to delve into it. I am incredibly glad I made that decision, as it allowed me to explore the life of a character I have always admired on-screen. My journey with Star Trek began with the original series, and my excitement peaked when The Next Generation (TNG) was announced. At that time, I never anticipated developing such a fondness for a balding older man like Captain Jean-Luc Picard.

The characters in TNG were already well developed, and this book provided a fascinating opportunity to gain deeper insights into individuals we had heard about but had never truly understood. As I read through the pages, I discovered narratives that were both familiar and unfamiliar. Some adventures I recognized, while others were only alluded to in previous episodes but were never fully fleshed out. Additionally, there were completely new stories that were being revealed for the first time, offering a richer understanding of the man behind the captain’s chair.

This book chronicled the experiences and life lessons that shaped Jean-Luc Picard into the distinguished man and captain we know and love. He was more than just a leader; he was a son and brother who sought a path for himself that diverged from the expectations set by his lineage. It was enlightening to see how his relationships and personal struggles influenced his leadership style and moral compass.

Moreover, the book is enhanced by actual photographs and stills from the Star Trek series, which adds a layer of authenticity and nostalgia to the narrative. The visuals help to bridge the gap between the reader and the character, making the insights feel even more personal.

Additionally, this book serves as an extensive compendium of every Star Trek series ever made, spanning from the earliest episodes to the latest iterations. Captain Picard’s encounters with a diverse array of characters—from friends to foes—are explored in detail, revealing interactions with individuals we may have never imagined would feature in his story, often illustrating their complexities and struggles.

I found immense joy in reading this book, and I believe that any fan of Star Trek would feel the same sense of wonder and connection to the series. This book is a heartfelt tribute to a beloved character and a must-read for anyone who treasures the Star Trek legacy. I highly recommend it!

My rating: 💫💫💫💫💫

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Boobarella and The Space Penises

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This story was decent, but nothing exceptional. It reminded me of the 1960s movie “Barbarella” starring Jane Fonda. While there may not have been any space penises—an interesting touch in this narrative—men were still involved. The cast is entirely female, which brings its own implications.

The story is fairly average, and the characters are only somewhat developed. Since this is a serial, it requires a commitment, and I’m not sure I’m willing to make that commitment. I doubt the plot will maintain my interest beyond one or two episodes unless significant improvements are made to the storyline and it shifts away from the 1960s vibe I associate with it.

My rating: 🌠🌠

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Hers to Choose

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Hers to Choose by Patricia A. Knight

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I remember reading the first book in this series and feeling great satisfaction when I finished it. I have that same good and satisfied feeling now after finishing this one. I really like these characters and I cannot really say why other than they feel very real to me. Granted the situations are a bit stretched but that is the way of anything even remotely mired in science fiction, and though these may be love stories they are still science fiction. I am completely taken with the world they inhabit, especially since the planet they live on is sentient and is involved in the lives of those who live on her. This is a good escapist fare that lets you sink into the story and just enjoy it as it takes you to places you might not have ever dreamed about.

Lady Sophillia Glorianna DeLorion spent years as a slave aboard a Haarb ship. The experience left her feeling unfit for a normal relationship. When she returned and had a hard time adjusting her brother sent her to live with the desert people hoping the isolation would help to bring back the sister he remembered.

Eric DeStroia is the Commander of the Queen’s Royal Guard and is being sent to bring Sophi home. He has also been chosen to become her husband by her brother Doral, who is a part of the Tetriarch which rules their planet. Eric has seen how arranged marriages can kill the soul and was not looking to be paired, but the thought of taking care of some broken dove appeals to him. But what he gets is a Falcon who has found her voice and power.

The story is told from various points of view to better move things along. The only real problem I had is that Eric’s eyes are established as one color then abruptly said to be another then back again. But as a whole, I would recommend this to everyone.

Isolated, far from the interstellar trade lanes, hundreds of light years from any civilized planet, Verdantia marooned the Earth colonists on her surface—then she spoke to them.



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Hers to Cherish

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Hers to Cherish by Patricia A. Knight

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I enjoy this series for the fact that it is science fiction and erotic and a little kick-ass. I love the characters for not being boring but having some larger-than-life personalities with just the right amount of neurosis to make them very human and likable. The worlds that they inhabit are just as varied as the people that live on them. This is the story of Steffania Rickard and Ramsey DeKieran’s, the Captain of the Blue Daggers and a disgraced Lord who was found guilty of murder.

Captain Rickard is sent to bring Ramsey to meet with Ari and Doral to discuss a mission they wish him to undertake that could mean a full pardon for him if he returns. Ramsey has been a part of her fantasies since they fought side by side in the Haarb wars, but she would never give into them. Ramsey finds the Captain attractive but knows a woman like her could never give in to the types of hunger he has. Both are very wrong.

The pair are sent to bring back a Verdantian who is very important to the survival of the planet, Lady Alessa DeAlbero has been sold to Veacon Narr, a man who takes pleasure in bringing women to their knees. Everyone else who has attempted a rescue has not returned and he is considered to be expendable even if Steffania isn’t. But together they find a way to do the impossible.

Though the story revolves around their rescue effort it is really about two people who have had the worst happen to them but are finding someone to complete them. Highly recommend.





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“Dominance and submission is an intimate binding. Those who submit must trust that those who dominate will never take more than they can give.”

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Orbs II: Stranded

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This second book did not pull me in like the first book did. The characters felt a little less interesting but I couldn’t really put my finger on the reason why. They are the same as they were before but seemed just a little duller, which could be because they are changing. The action seemed a bit more subdued than it had been in the first book even though we had some new aliens show up. It still had it’s moments that kept me wanting to know more. Some of the problem may have been that the narrator, while okay, does not add a lot vocally.

Dr. Sophie Winston and her team, along with the military personnel they have acquired continue to survive in the Biosphere. The Organics continue to empty the Oceans and every other body of water. The temperatures are continuing to rise and the last surviving humans on the outside are being herded into farms. Dr. Emmanuel Rodriguez has developed a weapon that may help to turn the tide on the Organics.

Sophie and Sgt. Overton is not getting along as well as they could and he is starting to chafe under her command. Overton wants to take on the aliens and make a rescue attempt which might result in finding more of his men. Sophie would prefer to be cautious and not draw attention. Just as things seem to hit rock bottom they get some news that makes them all feel a little better about the future.

I have to admit that this was not one of my favorite reads even though I love Nick Smith and pretty much everything he has written. I would recommend this if you have read the first book because it does advance the story and you cannot miss that.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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Severed

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Like all the previous books in the series this was a great read that left me wanting more. I loved the characters from the moment I met them and was totally invested in their lives entirely. The new world that we get to explore is very interesting with some of the most diverse people so far. I was into the book from the opening sequence with our future heroine in her natural habitat.

Rylee Hale is a paralegal in Florida and a friend of Zoe, the Zoe who disappeared without a word or trace. Though she does not know it things are about to get very weird for her. Rylee is being watched from the AMI by two alien males who want her help in dissolving their accidental bond. Drace and Lucian are Denarins, two males who bond in order to join with a single female. The pairings are usually between an Alpha and a Beta, they are both Alphas and find themselves in an embarrassing situation that could earn them ridicule.

They were told that a Pure One could break their bond with just a touch and so pay a large sum to bring Rylee to the station. When she touches them what happens is the opposite, they seem to be bound closer together. What ensues next is a quest to find an artifact which can severe their bond. But do they really want that?

Though all the books can be read as a standalone I think that the best way to do this is read the them in order. These are some very colorful, very hot and very sexy alien males who are devoted to their chosen females. The females are not what you would expect and make you like them because they have the type of personalities that make them great friends. Highly recommend this !!

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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Enhanced

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Enhanced

(Brides of the Kindred #12)

by Evangeline Anderson

I am always happy to enter the world of the Kindred because it is one that will usually take me on an intergalactic adventure with romance and danger. Have you you ever read a book that you loved, with characters you care about so much you could not stand the thought of something bad happening to them? I was not disappointed in any way by this one. The characters continue to be rich and approachable, the world building continues to fascinate and hold me. The stories are a bit predictable but that is not necessarily a bad thing at all, it just means that they have be written even better to compensate for that fact. In the case of these stories they are written perfectly and make me keep coming back for more.

Mei-Li Hastings is the daughter of Senator Hastings and has been dreaming of a Kindred who scares her because of the way he looks. She tells this to her father who goes and demands that his daughter not be claimed even though she is registered like all the eligible females on Earth, he wants special privileges.

Six is a Dark Kindred who has been Enhanced as is the way of the inhabitants of the planet on which he lives. Six is disturbed by the dreams partly because he does not understand what is going on. When he told, he does not plan on claiming her because it is something the Dark Kindred do not ever do, but he is ordered to do so by One. This claiming sets in motion things that will bring darkness to both the Earth and the Kindred.

This is another great story that takes us to the other side of the galaxy and back with some very hot scenes. I think that this is a great series and I look forward to the next entry. I highly recommend this series and this book.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“A strange, strong feeling came over her, prickling the skin on her arms and raising the short hairs at the back of her neck. Somehow she knew that if he left her, she could never love anyone else. She was his—Six had taken a piece of her soul and welded it permanently to his. Without him, she would never be whole again. Never”

― Evangeline Anderson, Enhanced