Tag Archives: Short story

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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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Tinaca Jones

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This story is a hilarious romp that had me laughing out loud from the very first page, instantly lifting my spirits. The writing is unabashedly bold, filled with vibrant language that might not suit everyone’s taste but was definitely right up my alley. It transported me back to my own school days, evoking memories of the carefree banter and camaraderie we shared, especially when we were with friends. I could almost hear the echoes of our playful teasing, especially towards girls who were a bit too sure of themselves.

At the center of this tale is Tinaca Jones, a fiercely ambitious young woman who is fully immersed in her journey to carve out her identity as a social media influencer. With dreams of stepping onto the global stage and making her mark, she has her sights set on success. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when a seemingly inconspicuous blonde intrudes upon her life. This newcomer brazenly appropriates something that is intrinsically Tinaca’s—her name.

The narrative unfolds as Tinaca recounts her experiences during a deposition, digging deep into the chaos that ensues when her identity is threatened. It’s a rollercoaster ride of emotions and revelations, leading to a showdown between Tinaca and the blonde who has disrupted her life, culminating in a form of semi-justice.

This story is likely to be enjoyed by anyone comfortable with a bit of salty language and a healthy dose of humor. It’s a reflection on friendship, identity theft, and the resilience required to reclaim one’s narrative in a world filled with competing voices.

My rating: 🌠🌠🌠🌠

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Micah’s Bride

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I absolutely adore this series and its characters; my enthusiasm for their journeys keeps me eagerly anticipating each new release. The depth of character development is remarkable, allowing the individuals to evolve into more relatable and lifelike personas with every book. As the plot progresses, the stakes have grown increasingly high, drawing readers into the intense and often emotional trials faced by the main characters, along with newcomers introduced along the way.

An exciting twist has emerged in the narrative as the vampires begin to embrace certain aspects of human traditions—something they never expected to find pleasure in. This exploration of blending cultures adds a unique layer to the story that keeps readers engaged.

One of the central characters, Micah, who finds himself in a committed relationship, feels no greater need for validation other than the profound bond he shares with Sam. Their connection is powerful and undeniable, promising an eternal union. However, Sam, despite her deep love for Micah and her desire for an everlasting partnership, carries the weight of her human past. She longs for the magical experience and the sense of commitment that a wedding ceremony symbolizes.

Sam’s previous marriage was far from idyllic; it was a painful chapter in her life that she was fortunate enough to leave behind. Her first wedding, lacking in joy and fulfillment, resulted in an unsuccessful union that deeply affected her. Now, with Micah, she yearns for a fresh start, an opportunity to rewrite her narrative and build a future free from the shadows of her past.

Sam has confided her desire to marry Micah, revealing not just her wish for a wedding but her hope for a life together that celebrates their love in a way she has always dreamt of. This pivotal moment now rests in Micah’s hands, challenging him to decide how to honor their deep affection and Sam’s wishes.

This book is a beautifully crafted tale devoid of violence, instead overflowing with heartfelt emotions, making it the perfect read for those who appreciate a richly woven story of love and personal growth.

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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Drunken Fireworks

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This book caught me completely off guard, not just in terms of its content but also in how much I genuinely enjoyed it. I typically don’t read much in the way of humor, and I had never considered exploring a humorous work by Stephen King before. However, it turns out he has a real talent for this genre. The main character is a fascinating archetype, one that feels all too familiar; you can probably recall meeting someone just like him at least once in your life.

Set against the backdrop of Maine, the story immerses us in a world full of quirky locals and the summer tourists who arrive each year, bringing with them their own unique brand of eccentricity.

The central figure, Alden, lives with his mother, a widow since the passing of his father. Their lives were expected to become a struggle following his father’s death, as they had always existed on the financial precipice. Surprisingly, however, he had invested wisely in a thorough insurance policy, which left them in a comfortable position. Just when things seem like they couldn’t get better, Alden’s mother finds herself winning the lottery—a stroke of luck that catapults them into a new realm of affluence.

This unexpected wealth allows them to enjoy a life of indulgence, particularly during the summer months, where they engage in a rather ridiculous feud with their neighbors. Yet, in true storytelling fashion, this newfound wealth and leisure lead to unexpected complications, sending their lives into a spiral of chaos.

The narrative is voiced by Tim Sample, who excels at bringing the character of the laid-back Alden to life with his unique storytelling style. He balances this with a compelling rendition of Alden’s mother, Mrs. McCausland, along with the diverse cast of side characters who flit in and out of their lives, enriching the tapestry of this humorous and unpredictable tale.

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Jester

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This short story pleasantly surprised me with its quality and engaging narrative. One of its standout features is that it requires no prior knowledge of the earlier books in the series, which allows readers to dive right in and appreciate the tale on its own merits. The plot seamlessly blends humor with entertainment, offering a delightful exploration of the main characters and revealing the dynamics of their interactions. Tim Gerard Reynolds, the narrator, does a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life with his engaging voice and skillful delivery, enhancing the overall experience of the story.

The narrative opens with a playful setup: “Stop me if you’ve heard this one. A thief, a candlemaker, an ex-mercenary, and a pig farmer walk into a trap…and what happens to them is no joke.” This intriguing premise sets the stage for a wild adventure filled with unexpected twists.

At the heart of the story is Riyria, a duo of skilled and clever thieves, who have been tasked with retrieving a jester’s hidden treasure. As Royce and Hadrian navigate their way through various challenges, they find themselves matching wits against a sharp and cunning dwarf who proves to be anything but the fool he appears to be. As the plot unfolds, the tension rises as the question looms: who will come out of this perilous escapade alive? The blend of humor, action, and clever character interactions makes for a captivating reading experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

My rating: ✴✴✴✴

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Case 1- The Murder of the Reids

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This is a new author with an interesting way of telling a story. This is a short story and while it is pretty good it does lack in certain ways. The grammar and sentence structure is sometimes awkward along with some spelling issues. The place and time are very nebulous and that makes things unclear. I mean that we cannot be sure if this Earth, another planet, deep in the past or a version of the future. I would also have liked to have a bit more about the victims as well as getting some background on the investigator himself.

I do like the concept of a magical agency that polices the use of black magic. While the mystery this time was a fairly simple one and easily figured I am hopeful that they will become more nuanced as time goes on and the writer becomes more relaxed with his character. I see a lot of room for growth and look forward to what is next.

When Edwin and Marlis Reids are killed by black magic OBDY Wade Falx of Black Dove Yard is sent to find out who committed the crime. The Reids were an adventurous couple who traveled in the nearby forests. When they decided to settle down they built a park for children to help educate them on nature. Then one day out of the blue they were found murdered by dark magic.

Give this a chance.

My rating: ✪✪✪

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Antique Bed

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This was my first encounter with this author’s work, and I found this short story exceptionally well-crafted. It has piqued my interest in reading more of his works. The narrative is engaging, with several intense moments that are effectively executed. The characters are surprisingly developed for the story’s brevity.

The local children have always whispered that the old hardware store was haunted. But do ghosts really exist?
After being left by her boyfriend, Sandy needs to find affordable housing and stumbles upon an apartment above the newly renovated hardware store. Disbelieving in ghosts, she’s thrilled to find such a bargain. However, as odd occurrences unfold, she begins to question her disbelief.

Try reading this story and form your own opinion.

My rating: ⚝⚝⚝⚝

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The Afterlife of Abdul

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I have never read this author before. The story was a bit slow moving considering how short it is. The characters are bland and do not really draw you in. They are more just snapshots of their personalities without any real depth to them. The language that is used by them seems to fit with who they are as far I can tell.

Azrael, the Angel of Death comes to collect the souls of Abdul and those who die with him. Abdul does not die alone and Jenny, a six year old who is asleep in her mother’s back seat also dies. What happens next is something they could not have seen coming.

This was alright but not worth another read. I have not decided whether to red the next in the series yet. I will be reading another book from this author and decide what to do. While I found it rather dry someone else might not.

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐

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The Three Christmases of William Spencer

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The Unwanted

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I have read the previous books in this series and always enjoyed them. While I liked this one it did not hold the same impact that the others did. I don’t think it was because it was shorter but just that the characters did not seem as engaging as at other times. The story was also a little thinner but important to tell. This was more about the two agents than it was about the case that they were supposed to be working. There was a lot of soul-searching and inner dialogue about the past and how it had affected them and not enough about the crime.

Destin Mortin and Caleb Durand had been partners in an FBI unit that was separate but equal to the one run by Taylor Jones. Caleb’s specialty is that he can filter and help a psychic to better handle their gift by making things clearer for them and taking some of the pain and anxiety. Destin’s gift is one that comes with a high price, she excels at tracking rapists but not just any rapists, she tracks the most violent.

When Caleb starts to lose himself in Destin and cannot tell where she ends and he begins he decides to leave. Destin is left heartbroken but blames him for not caring and does not look at herself as part of the problem. When he is brought into a case 5 years later she is not happy to see him because she believes she has moved on. Life can be unfair but sometimes fate gives you a second chance.

This was a nice enough story but I would have been just as happy to have more of the case and a bit less of the emotional stuff. Would still recommend it, just not enthusiastically.

My rating: 💫💫💫