Kept [Book Review]

Author Theresa Jacobs writes predominantly in the horror genre, so my interest was peaked when I saw that she wrote a science fiction novel.
What did I think? Read on. . .

Genre - Sci-Fi
Year Published - 2018
Length - 176 (digital) pages
Written by +Theresa Jacobs​

Plot Summary:
Twelve massive ships leave the dying earth, heading into the great unknown, seeking new life among the stars.
One of the ships, GIA, crashes on Kepler, which is already inhabited. Now at the mercy of the alien race, the humans are held in an underground cavern. 
Would they still have gone knowing that they would be stripped of all humanity?
Under the constant eye of the aliens, a few men discover there may be a way out of the cavern. 
But to where? 
How will they escape and what will they encounter if they succeed?

Review:
Jacobs does a good job placing you within the story. She has also come up with some unique "sci-fi" aspects, and there is a touch of mystery involved that keeps you turning the pages, wanting to discover what is happening behind the scenes.

Rating: 3/5 Skulls

A Hero's Birth (Book III of 'The Empire's Foundation' Trilogy) [Book Review]

Genre - Fantasy
Year Published - 2018
Length - 505 (digital) pages
Written by +Ryan Toxopeus​

Plot Summary:
After more than four months abroad, Eliza, Thomas, and Sarentha return home in the face of dire warnings and sweeping changes in the empire. They go their separate ways to reflect on their lives and look for ways to move forward. New allies and enemies emerge, and grave challenges face the up-and-coming heroes. They will need to come together, combining their wits and strengths, to overcome ancient foes. In the balance is the world of Illuma: will it enter an age of light, or will it plunge into everlasting darkness, ruled by demons and the undead?

Review:
Before I get started, if you have not already read A Noble's Quest and A Wizard's Gambit, you need to read those first. In fact, there are a few short stories written between the novels that you need to read as well. Here is the author's recommended reading order:

A Noble's Quest (Book 1)
1100 BGW (a Short Story)
Demon Invasion (a Novella)
A Wizard's Gambit (Book 2)
Dawn: A Dwarven Creation Story (a Short Story Collection)
A Hero's Birth (Book 3)

So, if you have not already been introduced to Toxopeus' world of Illuma, then the above is your gateway. Have fun!

Now, for those of you who have been anticipating the release of this final book in the trilogy. . . man-oh-man, what a doozy!

What I loved the most about this book is that our three heroes start off on three separate quests/journeys, making their ultimate reunion that much sweeter. You will see Thomas begin to fulfill his destiny, Sarentha's becoming a dragon hunter, and Eliza's growth as a leader. And the ending... Whoa! Man, it is difficult to write this review without giving anything away. I better just say this:

Toxopeus has certainly grown as an author. If you like your fantasy filled with intrigue, suspense, and mystery, then this book is for you!

Rating: 5/5 Skulls

Harvest [Book Review]

First Book Review of 2018
Did I pick a winner? Read on to find out.

Genre - Sci-Fi/Horror
Year Published - 2018
Published by Post Mortem Press
Length - 322 (digital) pages
Written by John Leahy

Tagline: "Sometimes being one step ahead is going one step to far."

Plot Summary:
Nick Prentice is a young vice-president at oil company HHI - Hickson Hydrocarbon International. With the company in financial trouble, Nick feels that he may get fired in an upcoming round of cost-cutting. After a chance meeting with Adam Styles, an old high-school football team-mate, Nick thinks he just may have found the answer to all his problems - and the key to untold riches. Adam and his friends have made an incredible scientific discovery that will change Nick's life irrevocably, and the lives of everyone on earth...

Review:
I started off 2013 by reading Leahy's CROGIAN (a sci-fi thriller about giant, mutated bugs). I thoroughly enjoyed that one, so I decided to start this year off with Leahy's Harvest. Now, to be completely honest, if I were not already familiar with Leahy, I am not sure that I would have ever chosen this book based on its description. The description does not do this book justice!

The book begins with a fascinating prologue, (roughly 30 pgs) that starts in 1910 and leads up till today, and then the book really kicks into gear!

At this point, I feel that I need to give you just a little more information than the summary above - it  contains a slight spoiler, but is perhaps necessary in this case. (just skip the next paragraph, if you want to be surprised)

After an incredible scientific breakthrough, a "carbon-planet" has been discovered. Upon this planet, the seas and rivers are comprised of crude oil. Imagine what this means to the oil industry on Earth. . . untold riches!, but at what cost?

end slight spoiler

Leahy has written a totally engrossing story - one filled with treachery, blackmail, and murder. He has harnessed the power of greed and its cataclysmic consequences.

Rating: 5/5 Skulls