Desperate Reflections (#3) by Shay West

07 Nov 2014 Leave a comment

by Amy in 3 Stars, Adventures of Alexis Davenport, Historical, Science Fiction, Young Adult Tags: , , , , ,

Published: 28th August 2014
Goodreads badgePublisher: Booktrope Editions
Pages: 248
Format: ebook
Genre: Young Adult/Historical/Science Fiction
★   ★   ★  – 3 Stars

In this final book of the Adventures of Alexis Davenport Series, we find Alex dealing with more drama than ever: her first break-up, her mom’s new boyfriend, and attempting to learn the secrets of her “gift” on her own. Desperate to stop Drifter, Alex uses her ability to locate the evil Traveler, only to discover that he lives in her time… And he knows who she is. In a final race against time, Alex must discover Drifter’s ultimate plan, stop him, and save her family…all before prom.

Note: I was provided a copy of this book for review

From the revelation at the end of the second book I was eager to start reading the final one and find out what was going to happen. In the three years since discovering her ability Alex is slowly understanding what she is capable of. She is confident if not wary when it comes to travelling and it’s clear the various women she’s taken over have helped her discover more about herself. With the danger of the Traveller coming closer to home than ever before I’m glad West chose to put more light on the travelling than the school life and she did a good job in concluding the series and wrapping things up nicely.

The story is interesting and engaging as per usual and West adds a lot more intrigue and drama into the story which only adds to the enjoyment. With the Traveller closing in on Alex and she still trying to understand her abilities, there is the ongoing game of cat and mouse that they play both through time and not and the creativity West has in these situations is excellent.

West’s strength is certainly in the time travel aspects, but there is also an improvement in her writing about Alex’s home and school life compared to previous books and I think this comes down to good representation through the characters. Alex seems to be more settled at school and at home and the pettiness of the past has been put aside meaning she can enjoy herself more. There are still hints of the immature and petulant girl but West’s ability to portray these emotions is much more successful and suits the story much better as there is a greater believability and understanding behind them.

Alex’s pent up anger issues and outburst are given a detailed explanation and cause this time which was wonderful, and West works it into the story well. If West was using this as the cause of previous outburst, it isn’t until now that it has come across successfully. The events in this book may be the final straw for Alex where she snaps and the floodgate of emotions break through in their entirety, and even though previous books hasn’t explained this well enough, it makes sense this time.

The weak point is sometimes in the narrative voice, and while the story is interesting the narration sometimes lets it down. Somehow West is able to write in a way that is engaging and thrilling, while other times the writing and story falters and becomes quite oddly expressed but the interest remains and keeps you reading through these parts.

What stands out in this novel is that Alex certainly seems more confident in herself which reflects how much she has learnt about herself and how she has grown, and she is more open to addressing her feelings about issues in her life. It’s a small part of the story but it is great character improvement, especially for Alex.

There are answers given in this book, endings and explanations as well but West keeps some secrets to herself. The ending was really well done and I loved that West used details from earlier books to help Alex along. The story is engaging and at times can be fast paced and filled with tension and suspense, and as usual West makes you nervous about just how far the Traveller will go to stop Alex. I think the time travelling and certainly the conclusion makes up for the faults in the story and you finish feeling like a series has been concluded well and with a bit of mystery remaining. To be picky is to ask for a history on why Alex can travel through time and more detail about it but as a snapshot into her life and not into the grand scheme of things, West’s series is one that is intriguing and enjoyable.

 

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Demon Stones by Michael Drakich

28 Oct 2014 Leave a comment

by Amy in 3 Stars, General Tags: , , ,

Published: 21st July 2014
Goodreads badgePublisher: Smashwords
Pages: 582
Format: ebook
Genre: Epic Fantasy
★   ★   ★  – 3 Stars

It’s been almost a hundred years since warlock meddling freed the demons from their underground domain. Their eventual capture has encased them in large stones across all the lands. They became known as the demon stones.
Over time, the truth of their imprisonment devolved into legend and tales to frighten children.
Now, the seven kingdoms are in upheaval. The demon stones are being opened and the vile creatures once more roam the land. War has broken open between realms as the fingers of accusation are pointed.
Caught in the middle is Gar Murdach, a farm boy who recently passed the age of ascension of sixteen marking him as a man, and his younger sister, Darlee, as they both struggle in their separate ways to escape the horrors wrought by the demons and the war that swarms round them.

Note: I was provided a copy of this book for review.

I liked this story; it was intriguing and nicely complicated without making it too confusing. Drakich doesn’t rush anything narrative wise and there is no perfect ending, instead he provides a conclusion that is real and true to reflect the events and what has happened in the story.

The story is a well developed epic fantasy and does well to bring a gradual but good introduction into the world, story, and events. As a character Gar is likeable, independent if not a little naïve, but as the novel progresses his character gets influenced and warped by those around him and the actions that he takes.

In terms of story, Drakich doesn’t take the easy way out and rush over the details which results in a well thought out and in depth narrative. Admittedly it can be harsh and brutal at time, Gar can be harsh and seemingly without remorse at times too but he is clearly out of his depth and often blindly following poor advice without the means to make his own decisions.

Despite being filled with magic and the fantastic, there is still a realistic approach taken to the events and actions; actions have consequences and the events that unfold are believable for the established world. Drakich also manages to capture the daily life of the characters and shows their reactions to the chaos that is unleashed and the impact it has on their lives. It is through these character actions and reactions that really brings forward who they are, their strength and their compassion is demonstrated in how they face problems that arise.

The conflict, war, and corruption also demonstrate a great reality and Drakich holds nothing back in displaying the brutality that these can bring and the victims of the violence they create. Conscription, torture, and a countless death toll add another layer to this narrative and Drakich does so in a way that brings meaning but also shows that you really can’t have a story like this without believable casualties and harsh circumstances. Having said that, this is still a very compelling read and Drakich rarely delves into the detailed and grotesque with his descriptions and when he does it serves the story well.

Gar’s involvement with the demons, as well as the multitude of sub plots and connecting stories means it appears rather complicated and chaotic, but in fact work together well, connecting to one another and playing off each other with cause and consequence.

The conclusion is ideal and certainly justified based on the events that occur and you finish reading feeling satisfied. I liked the ending because Drakich doesn’t offer an unrealistic and unsatisfactory happily ever after solution and the fact that there has been immense damage and loss of life is not forgotten. There are casualties and consequences to the actions in this book and Drakich makes sure that there is justice of some kind as a result but also leaves room for hope and a future for the characters.

There are a few hidden secrets that remain about the magic and the demons and while there is a conclusion that works well to tie everything up, it also leaves a few things hanging to allow readers to draw their own conclusion and wonder about what could happen next. Overall it is an intriguing story and one that if given the time to get to the heart of the story makes enjoyable and interesting reading.

Algorithm by Arthur M. Doweyko

01 Oct 2014 Leave a comment

by Amy in 3 Stars, General, Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller Tags: , , , , ,

Goodreads badgePublished: 1st October 2014
Publisher: E-Lit Books
Pages: 448
Format: ebook
Genre: Science Fiction/Mystery/Thriller
★   ★   ★  – 3 Stars

A story that spans decades, ALGORITHM first takes readers back to the summer of 1979 as we meet Adam, a 13-year-old boy fascinated by a mysterious lump of coal with a gold medallion at its core. Despite his best efforts to understand its origins on his own, he ends up with few answers. His curiosity does, however, compel him to learn more about archaeology and living organisms, and eventually to become a bio-organic chemistry professor.

As the narrative leaps forward to Adam as an adult, the protagonist, now armed with years of scientific knowledge, revisits the marvelous artifact and learns that it may date back more than a hundred million years. When a random explosion at the lab threatens to destroy it, Adam becomes more determined than ever to understand its significance. 

With Linda, head of the Human Genome Project at their college, by his side Adam embarks on an action-packed adventure that takes the two from their lab to an abandoned coal mine. Meticulously following each lead, the pair encounters all kinds of trouble: the authorities, enigmatic beings and, finally an unplanned trip into space. Face to face with their darkest fears, and narrowly escaping death, the two begin to question everything they once held dear — science, humanity, faith and even DNA.

Note: I was provided a copy of this book for review

The story Doweyko’s created is one that is filled with questions that humanity has been wondering about since they first looked at the stars: where did we come from and why are we here? With a combination of reality, fact, and the creativity of science fiction, Doweyko offers up a creative and intriguing answer to these questions.

Told in two parts, Algorithm follows Adam, a boy who discovers a medallion in a piece of coal, who uses his curiosity about the piece and grows up to be a scientist interested in archaeology and living organisms. When mysterious things begin to happen that seem to be connected to the medallion, Adam and colleague Linda are thrown into a world of secrets, wonder, and dangers they are not prepared for. With their scientific curiosity guiding them they embark on a journey for answers, and to escape those who are after the mysterious medallion, and will stop at nothing to achieve it.

While the story is told in two parts, and despite being very different from one another, they are also connected. They are their own stories in a way, but the second part still refer back to the previous events. I liked the way Doweyko concluded the first part, it was suitable and rounded off the story so far very well. With the narrative clearly moving in a different direction for the second part there was a need to conclude what had gone before, something Doweyko has achieved as there is a clear sense of one stage finishing, while another one is just beginning.

The second part is slower in terms of narrative and pace than the first, but it still keeps its mysterious elements, albeit on a different level. It keeps you wondering and guessing as many things are possible and there is always a chance of the unexpected. The main theme of part two is mystery and uncertainty, away from the ongoing action, but not without its own drama. Trying to anticipate what will happen does not always work as just when you think you have worked out where the story is going it changes course. Instead you go along with an uncertainty but slightly intrigued to know where the story will go next.

There is an element of truth that Doweyko uses such as real disasters and a base in real scientific fact which makes certain aspects of this story really interesting as you learn about DNA and the sequence that makes up human kind. This, coupled with the science fiction element, works well as each aspect supports the other and enhances the nature of the story.

The characters are likeable, and most are given a small history into who they are and what their past is. This is kept to a minimum though with Adam being the most detailed, but you also get a sense of who the other characters are as well and Doweyko incorporates this information into the narrative well.

I want to say I enjoyed the first part over the second, but I think being so different it is hard to compare. As a whole I liked the story, and I think the involvement and interest in the first half is different than the curiosity and the intrigue in the second. While the first part offered a bit faster paced and almost nonstop action, the second focused on solving the mystery that was underlying the first part so you cannot really compare them adequately.

Overall the story is interesting and well written and the concept is detailed, with the right balance between reality and science fiction to make it believable as an idea. There is a risk of becoming a bit confused towards the end of the book as it all comes together, but the information and explanations are there to help make sense of what is happening if you pay attention. Algorithm is a story that demonstrates that seemingly innocent and exciting adventures may be anything but, and can also be so much more than you have ever imagined.

Twisted Reflections (#2) by Shay West

16 Sep 2014 Leave a comment

by Amy in 3 Stars, Adventures of Alexis Davenport, Science Fiction, Young Adult Tags: , , , , ,

Published: 24th July 2014
Goodreads badgePublisher: Booktrope Editions
Pages: 190
Format: ebook
Genre: Young Adult/Historical/Science Fiction
★   ★   ★  – 3 Stars

Alexis Davenport is learning to come to grips with her ability to travel through time, but she still hasn’t been able to stop the evil Drifter and his Master from trying to alter the past.

When she travels back to ancient Egypt, Alex gets a most unexpected surprise; she meets someone who can help her figure out how to use her powers, another Traveler like herself.

But can Alex learn how to control her gift before Drifter finds a way to stop her from meddling in his Master’s plans?

 

Note: I was provided a copy of this book for review

Twisted Reflections is the second book in the Adventures of Alexis Davenport series and one that offers up a bit more information in the mystery that is Alexis Davenport and why she may have been chosen to stop someone messing with history. Alexis meets another traveller like herself during one of her trips who tries to help guide her on what her role may be. Their chance meeting gives Alexis an opportunity to gain more insight into her gift and realise just how important her mission is.

The novel covers a longer amount of time, but does jump forward most of it, skipping a lot of the school year. There is less importance placed on the Catelyn/Beau drama of the first book, and while there seemed to be a tense build up to the new school year West chooses to skip most of it instead, choosing to focus more on the summer holidays and Alexis’ relationship with her mother and friends.

Once again I felt that the time travelling aspect was a better read than the other parts in terms of story, style, and character, and though while some of the parts that faulted last time are improved, other issues develop and some are just redirected. Alexis again comes across as petulant and whiny, and she is certainly petty and jealous, but I’m starting to see that’s just who she is. But considering how much better she is when she is travelling it’s hard to see her as the same personality, though admittedly sometimes it slips through.

The writing and narrative is not perfect but the story is interesting and keeps you reading. The characters have out of the blue emotional outbursts and occasionally seem unreasonable and peculiar with no real explanation or warning but this does not really take away from enjoying the other parts of the story. The real intrigue comes from the time travelling parts where West writes curious and fascinating versions of historical moments and points in time. You forget any issue you had with the other parts and become involved with the period of time and the story it involves. The concept West has created is engaging and intriguing, with enough mystery and variability to keep you guessing and eager to find out, but not slow enough that it becomes predictable.

The ending is also once again very well done. It manages to bring the story to a new level and natural progression that adds a twist and a surprise to the reader while also offering more information and making you eager for the next book.

 

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Secrets of the Elders (#1) by David Matthew Almond

04 Sep 2014 2 Comments

by Amy in 3 Stars, Chronicles of Acadia, Epic Fantasy, Fantasy, General Tags: , , , , , ,

Published: 5th June 2014
Goodreads badgePublisher: CreateSpace
Pages: 320
Format: ebook
Genre: Fantasy
★   ★   ★  – 3 Stars

After their peaceful village, Riverbell, is raided by the foul monstrous skex, brothers Logan and Corbin Walker find themselves caught in a race against time, desperate to warn the capitol before the deadly skex arrive to wreak the same havoc upon the unsuspecting people of Fal.

Never could they imagine, that this would only be the very beginning of their unforgettable journey, when Logan is suddenly exiled from the kingdom for a crime he did not commit. On the run, doggedly avoiding his own brother, sent to pursue the wanted criminal, can Logan Walker possibly hope to stay free long enough to unravel the Secrets of the Elders?

And So the Fourth Age of Acadia begins…

The World of Acadia

Ages long past, forced to abandon the surface, mankind descended inside the core of their planet, fleeing an impending xenocide at the hands of the mighty Jotnar invaders and settling a new homeland among the deep forests in the wide caverns of Vanidriell, under the light of the Great Crystal Baetylus.

Note: I was provided a copy for review

This book is a great introduction to the Chronicles of Acadia series and the world in which it is set. There is a gradual development and introduction to the people and environment, increasing slowly through the novel while still being quite intense at times, giving the reader time to adjust to what is happening but without being too slow moving or leaving them without explanation. There is clearly room to grow and develop further in the series allowing new discoveries to be made for the readers to enjoy not only in the story, but also in expanding on the structure of Almond’s world and with his characters,

The main characters are the Walker brothers, Logan and Corbin, but there are numerous others that bring this story to life and give it its intricacies, complexities, and twists and turns and hidden secrets. I liked Logan, he is cheeky, a trickster, and doesn’t take life too seriously. He is skilled and clever, but chooses to look for fun in life rather than work. And while he tries to do what is right, sometimes that does not always go as planned, but he is always willing to help people, even those he has just met.

The best expression of Logan’s character is when he is forced to run after being accused of a crime he didn’t commit. He does his best to understand what has happened, and even though he is helpless, he stays strong and stays determined in his plans. This is where Logan’s character is really shown, away from the jester. He is resourceful and clever, and knows what he wants; something that is evident at other times throughout the novel as well.

Corbin on the other hand is almost the opposite and as a character he is intriguing. As the younger brother he takes things more seriously and it is clear he is easily swayed by those in authority. He is influenced and warped by others with their own agendas, but he is also a caring brother and loves the people around him. He is skilled and trained well, and being a hunter in his village it is these skills he uses to track down his brother and try and bring him back. With his own determination Corbin is driven by loyalty and duty, but there also clear indications of love for his family and friends. I liked that it was the older brother who was immature and played around instead of typically the younger one, and there is also a great dynamic between the Walker brothers that alternates between love, irritation, and jesting.

The world Almond has created is creative and clever, not only with the history and cause for the underworld’s development, but also the intricate society and different towns and cities that make up the world. What was interesting was the culture of the people in Riverbell. They weren’t primitive but they were almost from a combined selection of different eras, somewhat tribal in their culture and society, very proper and formal in their speech and manner, and just clearly a simpler time in their lifestyle, all rolled into one. Each place has a different manner or dialect, but what was curious about Riverbell’s was their somewhat formal nature as well as their naivety to certain things. In a weird way it brought this novel back to reality, seeing these different locations and contrasts reminds you that it is still kind of based in our world, but at the same time it is worlds apart. Being below the surface the people are raised on the culture they are told, with the history of the old world being passed down through generations. I liked that while the world is in the future, and the concept seems advanced and detailed, the people are not always as advanced or futuristic.

There are many moments where you think the story is going in one direction but then it doesn’t. It feels like you are going along a story path only to have it changed suddenly to something else. This means you are never quite sure what will play out, but the world and concept Almond has designed offers a few parallels to the real world, but it also opens up a new place of exploration.

While I enjoyed the start of the book, curious and engaged even with the events, it wasn’t until the end of the book that I really got into it. But that was after getting to know these characters and after new revelations, twists and turns, and a bit more of an understanding is established about the world. I lost a little interest for a bit somewhere around the middle though. I’m not sure why, whether it was pace, the story, or something else, but it soon peaked my interest even stronger towards the end. By the end of the book I wanted to read the next one and I am eager to see where this story is headed. Almond hasn’t given too much away with his first book but what he has revealed shows it is certainly heading towards something captivating and hopefully towards more answers to help unravel the mystery we’ve been introduced to.

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