Sunday, February 2, 2014

"Calypsis Project" by Brittany M. Willows

I was privileged to read and review science fiction adventure Calypsis Project by Brittany M. Willows. This is the author's debut novel and I was lucky to see her at this stage--with her talent, I fully expect her to rise like a star!



BLURB:

Humanity has all but abandoned a dying Earth, ravaged by plague and pollution. Six decades following the colonization of the planet Anahk, a series of events triggers a devastating war between the United Nations Planetary Defense and an extraterrestrial organization known as the Drocain Royal Empire. NOVEMBER 2438 . . . Ten years have passed and still the battle rages on. With no signs of a conclusion in sight, the men and women of the UNPD have been forced into desperation as the human race moves ever closer to the brink of defeat. And now, the fate of the entire galaxy may rest on the shoulders of a single alien warrior: the shamed graduate, Kenon Valinquint—a young Drahkori who enrolls in the Drocain Royal Empire in the hopes of one day redeeming himself. Unbeknownst to the young warrior, his decision has set in motion a staggering chain of events that could very well change the direction of the war, and the known history of the universe, forever.


AMAZON REVIEWS:

4.5-STARS - "Non-Stop Scifi Action" by Michelle O'Leary
If you like the Halo universe, you will love The Calypsis Project by Brittany M. Willows. I've seen enough Halo (some of my family members are frankly obsessed with the game series) to recognize many similar elements and terminologies between the game and this story, though this book is in no way a copy of that gaming universe! Unique in plot and development but with a familiar military feel, The Calypsis Project will give Halo and scifi fans a fresh, exciting adventure.

In The Calypsis Project the human and alien nations clash in a brutal war. But what seems like a straight-forward conflict becomes far more complex when the characters (both human and alien) discover clues that lead them to the mysterious Calypsis Project. An eclectic set of individuals slowly draws together into an uneasy alliance bent on finding the truth and revealing the fate of the entire galaxy.

This fragile alliance created wonderful tension and often humor throughout the story. I especially liked the humans' snarky sarcasm, like this quote from Lt. Lance Knoble:
“Sure, fine, ‘cause having two of the aliens I hate the most suddenly becoming my allies is wonderful. Just great,” he ranted, then pointed at Alana. “But don’t you get pissy with me if I accidentally shoot one of these bastards through the head!”

The writing was mostly smooth (just an occasional rough transition/interaction), the dialogue consistent and entertaining, and the world-building impeccable. In the first half of the book, I did feel some emotional distance from the characters but became deeply invested by the end of the story. Only my own personal preferences kept this book from receiving a 5-star (I'm not a huge fan of military scifi and I prefer a romantic element in my reads.)

For those who love scifi action and mystery, The Calypsis Project should be next on your reading list.

5-STARS - "The Definition of Good Scifi" by Jane Lavuire
I especially admired reading through The Calypsis Project because it wasn't hard for me to see in the story that Brittany M. Willows clearly has a true passion and definitely lots of talent when it comes to writing in the science fiction genre

I have always been a huge fan of most kinds of sci-fi, so naturally I found myself sucked in quite quickly because the book has a solid foundation made up of everything that has always made the genre so appealing for me. There's vivid battles, extremely dynamic characters, and a creative and different plot that tops it off to be easily one of the best books that I have read all year. There's a lot of elements that you would typically expect in a science fiction book, but with the author's own original and very creative twist and style that gives a fresh new spin on the archetypes that she has chosen to incorporate into the story.

Overall, it's different and not a typical read for the genre but I think this is what makes The Calypsis Project so satisfying for me; the author isn't afraid to do something different and she does a great job at it.

5-STARS - "An Entertaining Read!!" by Joannes Rhino
The Calypsis Project is an absolute read for readers with an insatiable passion for science fiction. It has a fast-paced narrative that would definitely keep you excited to the end. Imaginative and creative in equal measure, Brittany’s writing style really shines throughout this sci-fi piece. The growing cast of characters is also drawn exceptionally well and overall it just feels like such a nice read.

I also write a sci-fi book, but nothing like this. Mine is more about romantic – scifi kinda thing. But this one is a real futuristic entertainment. ‘The Calypsis Project’ is more about action than drama. It had me turning pages at warp speed and holding my breath wondering what was coming next. I sometimes paused a bit in the middle of the reading just to picture the scenes as if I was watching it in the big screen. Well, it would be perfect watching this in a movie theatre.
I consider myself lucky to be selected to read and review this book. I really am hoping there will be the sequel for this.

5-STARS - "Great Scifi Read for Teenage Boys" by A Wondering Dawn
I bought this book for my foster son who really enjoys military-oriented sci-fi novels. Basically anything that combines supernatural creatures and war. He's fascinated by those kinds of stories. In my house we have a mom/kid book club where I'll read books side by side my kids and we discuss them. I picked this one out for my 14 year old and I'm so happy I did.

The book focuses on two viewpoints- those of 'human soldiers' and 'alien warriors'. There isn't a difinite enemy in this book. There are both good and bad characters, but neither aliens nor humans are necessarily bad. In a way it kind of reminded me of the movie "Avatar"- except with a bit less romantic influence. The main character is an Alien named Kenon- who almost from the very beginning of the story will capture your admiration and keep it. He's a really unique character in the fact that he's NOT a human soldier in the war between aliens and humans- but rather an alien. So many sci-fi books that are written based on wars between two creatures tend to pick humans as the main characters and also the 'good guys'. This book didn't do that. It puts you in a place where you can empethize with both creatures. But both my son and I, right from the start, had a liking for Kenon.

Kenon is a character that brings forth a lot of the heroic aspects of what you expect from an action novel. He's strong-willed, courageous, brave, and independantly minded (which, lets face it, during war not many soldiers are thinking with their own ideas). The book creates a storyline where Kenon has to befriend the enemy (humans). I really love stories with this 'different species uniting' concept as a basis. Whenever I read books like that with my kids it opens up the discussion of racism and prejudices. As we read the story we get to discuss how different kinds of people interact, how we're all different in cultural aspects, but at the base of our being we're all quite similar. Many of my foster kids are a different race than me and I feel it's really important to be open to hearing about their culture and traditions and self-image opinions. Books like this help them open up. It's difficult to find books for boys with a message of unity, but this book definitely did that- and I loved it.

This book did have a few grown-up themes (obviously a bit of violence and such), but I felt it was age appropriate for kids 13 and up. It was very well-written. Easy to read yet very vivid in the descriptions of the characters and scenery. I'm not typically a reader of sci-fi novels, but my son is and he rated this two thumbs up. I enjoy it for what it was- a good storyline backed with likable characters and a unique set of obsticles they had to overcome.


AUTHOR LINKS:

Goodreads Profile
Calypsis Project Website
Twitter @CalypsisProject

"'Tis the Season for Seduction" Erotic Anthology

'Tis the Season for Seduction by Maya DeLeina, May Water, Nicole Morgan, Tammy Dennings Maggy, and Lia Michaels




BLURB:

Four Seduced Muses have banded together with Sassy Vixen Publishing to bring five erotic romance stories to life...

Maya DeLeina’s "A Winter’s Ecstasy" (MF): During a blizzard, Noel finds refuge with Grayson at his cabin. As temptation builds her self-control begins to unravel. Grayson unleashes her passion, but one question plagues her. Why there are no mirrors in Grayson’s cabin?

May Water’s "Ski Bunny Blues" (MM): Max is unhappy when his job transfers him to New Hampshire. When online dating fails him he meets Shawn who warms his cockles by the fire. Will Shawn be enough to keep Max with him, or will he walk away?

Nicole Morgan’s "Christmases Past" (MF): After 12 years of marriage, Priscilla has decided to leave her workaholic husband. Refusing to give up, Max sets out to find her before it is too late. Will being stranded in a blizzard be enough to repair their broken relationship?

Tammy Dennings Maggy’s "Meet Me Under the Mistletoe" (MF): Coast Guard Steve Sanders is called to assist a sinking vessel. His pregnant wife Jolene waits for his return when the rescue mission has goes horribly wrong. Will a miracle bring him back to meet his wife under the mistletoe?

Lia Michaels’s "Have a Naughty, Naughty Christmas" (MFMM): Candice, Alexander and Gabriel own Candy Kisses, the place to be in Detroit. The business partners have kept their desires hidden. When a wealthy playboy extends an offer that allows them to indulge their wildest fantasies, they embark on a very naughty Christmas. 


AMAZON REVIEWS:

5-STARS - "Have a very HOT and Merry Christmas" by Kindle Customer
I received this book as an ARC from Maya and I am ever so thankful that I did because I have some new author's to get caught up on.
Now for my review after that brief confessional, because these are five short stories contained in a book called Tis' the Season of Seduction I plan to review all five stories separately. I fell that is the only way to do them justice, I will not give away the stories but I do want to give you all a taste.
Maya DeLeina - A Winter's Ecstasy:
Noel is a girl with a plan to get away for the holiday and she just wants to enjoy some peace and quiet on a mountain in a cabin with nothing but her self to think of. Until she meets Grayson, a mysterious man who saves her in more ways then one, he becomes her first love but will he be her only one?
I absolutely love everything Maya DeLeina writes; you can tell she really puts her heart into it. Her books are meant for an audience who is comfortable with sex written out in graphic, exotic detail and dear me it leaves you needing a shower, very cold or with your lover.
I will say I could go on and on about this short story but I refuse to spoil it. It is however a great way for someone to pop their cherry on her books. If you think what I just said was to much, stop don't read her books you won't be able to take it.
May Water - Ski Bunny Blues:
This short story contains MM relations (SEX), I will admit I never thought this was my thing but I was shocked at how much seeing it written down turn me on. Love is hot and this story is no exception.
Max is a man with a plan, originally from the east coast and relocated to Cali he find himself forced to move back home for his job, he is not wanting to go but finds himself in a proposition he can't refuse.
Thankfully for him he goes, he wants to get in and out and back to Cali, but while in New Hampshire he decide to try his hand a dating just to make his BF happy. First online date goes terrible and he swears it off but then he meets Shawn and well... Read it yourself.
Hot, Hot and Hot!
Nicole Morgan -Christmases Past:
Priscilla Blackwood and her Husband Max find themselves in a mess. Cilla decide their relationship has changed and not for the better. She goes to the Cabin they own up in the Mountains to get a fresh start after some much needed crying. She informs Max in a letter that she wants a divorce.
Max is not having it and decides to chase her down to win back her heart. Will he be able to or as he screwed things up one to many times. Things get crazy; there is an accident a confession and a whole lot of... Nope not giving it away no matter how much you beg. It's good I promise you that and there is most definitely a... nope won't tell you that either.
Another story you just need to read it will not disappoint.
Tammy Dennings Maggy - Meet Me Under the Mistletoe:
Jolene is nurse in Kodiak Alaska and her husband is a rescue swimmer for the Coast Guard. These two couldn't be more madly in love. There is no typical drama in this story at least not the kind you're expecting. The drama involves being lost at sea, miscarriages.
In this story you are holding on for them and fighting for them to finally get what they both deserve and desire. Will it happen? Will they get their HEA? Come on really did you want me to spoil it? I won't but it is a great Hot and steamy love story and you won't be disappointed in the sex or the story in any way.
Lia Michaels (aka Tammy Dennings Maggy) - Have a Naughty, Naughty Christmas:
Alter Ego? Yes Tammy definetly has an Alter Ego... This Story is hot, Hot, and HOT! She has guy on guy, guy on girl, guy on girl on guy and guy on guy on girl on guy. Candy Kisses may be the name of their business but their business is far from confections it’s a sweet tooth craving you never new you had or even wanted.
Candice and her two Marine business partners run a catering company in Detroit, they want to expand the business but find themselves in a road block. That road block is the sexy with too much money for his good and too much sex appeal for anyone’s good Darrin Bryant.
Alex learns of Bryant’s plan and wants everyone to be open to new things all around. If it wasn't for Alex, Gabriel would never have tried to entice his business partner Candi into a Ménage with him and Alex. Just think how stale their business could have gotten with all that sexual tension building and no release. Well they are releasing now. WOW!!!

5-STARS - "Five steamy sensual and oh yes very seductive stories" by Sarah Lazowski
I received this book as an ARC from Maya and I am very happy and thankful that I did. Not only did I love this book, but I also read some new authors that I have now been added to my TBR list!
There are 5 steamy, sensual and oh yes very seductive stories in this delicious book. I could not and did not want to put my kindle down until I was down reading it. Of course when I was done I had to take a very long shower afterwards because it was just that good!!
I highly recommend this book!!


AUTHOR AMAZON PAGES:

Maya DeLeina
May Water
Nicole Morgan
Tammy Dennings Maggy
Lia Michaels



"A New Life: Life of Recovery" by Samantha Jacobey

A New Life: Life of Recovery by Samantha Jacobey



BLURB:

A series about a young woman who is raised by a group of men, freelance mercenaries in the dark world of drug trafficking and murder for hire.
They acquired the young woman at a very young age, as she has no memory of life before them, and no idea how to live in a normal world. The story opens as she has broken free and moves through a series of current events and flashbacks that explain the beginning of her life as she knows it. It is very dark with an unfinished feel, because in the end, the past is NOT the real story - the real story is what happens from here.


AMAZON REVIEWS:

5-STARS - "Action-packed, Fun, Mind-blowing" by Jeniann Bowers
A New Life: Life of Recovery by Samantha Jacobey, Tori’ story is one of the best I have read in a long time.
Samantha wrote this to capture the readers’ attention into a world made for Tori and she did that and more. Samantha can show a story-line that is created through great talent and excellence of writing shows her abilities to create an adventure, action packed story that continues to grow through out the book
As, Samantha builds the character of Tori slowly in her book, Tori has horrible flashbacks of her childhood with a motorcycle gang that has tormented and abused her. During Tori’s recovery, your heart will break as you read about each flashback and a smile will form on your face as Tori learns and accepts that she is finally free from Eddie and his gang, and while Tori learns what real love is through the companionship of a detective.
Samantha’s book is definitely a book I would recommend to all readers that enjoy a book that leads you on an adventurous, shadowy, dark past of a young girl. Can’t wait to read the next chapter of Tori’s life!

5-STARS - "A Good Read" by Julie Elizabeth Powell
This story is about a young woman, one fighting for survival amongst the most evil of beings - humans.
I was drawn in at once by the flow and style of the writing and although I don't like explicit sex scenes, I think this story warranted it as it was a big part of Tori's terrible ordeal.
A strong protagonist, one that could have been broken but had chosen to live.
I don't give spoilers but will say that this book is not for the faint of heart, in that it delivers the horrors of Tori's life with a huge, no holds barred, punch; one that will leave you gasping and wonder how some people can be so cruel and inexplicably wicked.
A compelling read.

5-STARS - "Fiction Mirrors Reality" by Jan Niblock
I have to say that from the very first paragraph this book grabbed me. I could not put it down. You read through and think that there is no way a woman could be that strong and survive. But then I think about the 3 women who were recently found after being held as sex slaves in Cleveland OH for 10 years. From the pieces of their story so far, their lives were pretty bad and similar to Tori's life in many ways. They not only survived and seem to be recovering. So that is just not that far from the truth.
Tori, as a character, was blossoming before the reader’s eyes. You are still left with a lot of questions about her and I really hope that the next books in the series will answer some of them. This book is one that you just cannot put down once you start it. I am so looking forward to the next book in the series.


AUTHOR LINKS:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SamJacobey
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samantha.jacobey
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Samantha-Jacobey
Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7335383.Samantha_Jacobey?from_search=true


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"Phraseology and Letters" by JeniAnn Bowers and KayCee W. Wingfield

As a dabbler in poetry, I give props to those who put great energy into it! Poets Jeniann Bowers and Kaycee W. Wingfield have put together several great collections of poems, including the following Phraseology and Letters:




BLURB: Poetry that is about love and broken hearts, that is written in the format of phraseology and letters.


AMAZON REVIEW:

5-STARS - "Catch and Embrace the Essence of Love" by Lisa

Phraseology and Letters by Jeniann Bowers is written in a form of poetry called phraseology. A poem is much like a glimpse of a story in this book the story is love. It is amazing how in just a few words she can evoke an image within the mind provoking memories, images and emotions within the reader causing one to hang on to every written word as she bares her soul although not alone as we have all felt the overwhelming emotion of love. The theme is not only of love but not giving up hope. Love takes on many forms whether it be a best and most gracious friend, a family member or a lover.

Jenniann's Poems catch and embrace the essence of love, how it weighs on our hearts. She leaves no elements out, whether it be a fresh new, exciting love where the butterflies well up inside and the loves image renders itself inside our minds and hearts all day or the devastating sadness one feels when a love is lost and how human nature wills us to hold on when we need to let go or looking for love in all the wrong places.

Phraseology and Letters is a must read beautiful collection of poems that not only make oneself reflect on the past but give joy to the future.


AUTHORS' LINKS:

Jeni's Facebook Profile: http://facebook.com/j.bowers.1989
Kaycee's Blog: http://kayceekblog.blogspot.com/
Poetry Blog: http://poetrybyjeniann.blogspot.com/
Wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/user/poetry_by_jeniann
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/102727067886934621865/posts?cfem=1
Jeni's Website: http://jeniannspoetry.wix.com/poetrybyjeniann
 Jeni's Guest Poetry: http://jeniannsguestpoetry.blogspot.com/
Jai & K's Reviews:  http://jaikreviews.blogspot.com/
Jeniann Promoting Authors:  http://jeniannpromotingauthors.blogspot.com/



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WELCOME!

Welcome to my new blog! I wanted a place where I could not only place-mark books and authors I like, but promote those who deserve some extra attention. I hope you enjoy your stay and thanks for visiting! -Michelle