5* Steps Into Darkness (Shakertown Adventure #2) by Ben Woodard @BensWoodard #ReviewShare #YA

Steps Into Darkness by Ben Woodard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Really, really good read that kept me in suspense, the characters were charming and the mystery was intriguing. Adults and teenagers will enjoy this story. The plot is detailed enough to hold an adult’s attention and the language simple enough for a young teenager. I found the old Kentucky theme of the central mystery particularly appealing and I couldn’t wait to find out how everything would be resolved in the end.

Ben Woodard provided Tom and Will with earnest, realistic voices and personalities to match. No matter the danger, the boys were thirsty for adventure.

Disclosure - As a Quality Reads UK Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation for my book review. This book review is based on my thoughts, opinion and understanding of the book. This book review does not reflect the opinion of other book club members.

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5* for The Soul of the World (Legends of Amun Ra, #2) by @Jg_Silverman #ReviewShare #Fantasy

The Soul of the World by Joshua Silverman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My first impression was - World building in a fantasy book is crucial and for me it is what makes the book good or bad. The world building for this book was flawless and I can imagine the author sitting in his work space with maps and charts because it felt real. The reader definitely has a sense of direction as you read.

As I got to the middle, I felt - Even as I reached 40% of the book, I was hooked. The characters were rational despite being in a fantasy world. Their motives and actions had resolution which drives the reader to finish the book.

As I neared the end, I thought - One of those books, I did not want to end. Dialogue was lovely which is not easy to pull off for some authors. The battle of good versus evil ends in showdown which leaves my tongue wagging for the next book.

My final impression and recommendations - The writing was engaging and it was easy to appreciate that the author took his time unfolding the story. An enjoyable read that transports you to a dream world which I highly recommend.

Disclosure - As a Quality Reads UK Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation for my book review. This book review is based on my thoughts, opinion and understanding of the book. This book review does not reflect the opinion of other book club members.

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5* for Wicked Greed by John W. Mefford @JWMefford #Thriller #Suspense #SummerofGreed

Wicked Greed by John W. Mefford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My first impression was - You know some thriller books that start with a bang and then go all over the place and you’re not quite sure what is happening. This is nothing like that. The introduction for Wicked Greed had a slower pace in comparison to Lethal Greed but oh how it made me sit up and wonder where this was going. It was the movie Seven coming to life from a whole new perspective.

As I got to the middle, I felt - The greed of flesh and lust seemed the most prominent in Wicked Greed. If we crave it and we have it and then keep going back for more in any shape or form, how do we snap out of it? Mefford’s writing style is the same as with the other books. Concise yet he pulls the reader in with powerful imagery.

As I neared the end, I thought - There is no logical explanation to how these people act, the possibilities of human behaviour in its wildest form made this book an entertaining read. Some scenes are not for the faint hearted and I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good thriller with a twist.

My final impression and recommendations - Very well-written and it is a topic, plot twist that many readers will be able to relate. Highly entertaining. Highly recommended.

Disclosure - As a Quality Reads UK Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation for my book review. This book review is based on my thoughts, opinion and understanding of the book. This book review does not reflect the opinion of other book club members.



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5* for The Kramski Case (Tales of Mi7) by J.J. Ward @MI7Ward #Thriller #ReviewShare

The Kramski Case by J.J. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My first impression was - Books with introductions like these can easily give someone a heart attack. There I was thinking pretentious, okay, dialogue, bla di bla bla and then BANG. For those who have followed Ludlum’s Bourne series, you will have high expectations of books that have anything familiar. I assure this book will not disappoint.

As I got to the middle I felt - It is fast-paced, developed with a sense of style and intent so you know everyone’s going to end up somewhere and all that secrecy of the MI7. Excellent plot. Theme execution was well done and the concept of espionage was consistent throughout the book.

As I neared the end, I thought - A slight tinge of James Bond appears on and off. In Skyfall when you see and M and Bond develop a sense of trust when she trusts him above everyone else, I felt that in this book as well.

“MI7 isn’t a holiday camp. If she can’t cope with the army, what’s our interest in her?”

“We both know we’re the opposite of the army. We train individuals to accentuate their individuality. The army’s about corporateness.”

My final impression and recommendations - Overall, this is one of those rare novels that is unique, totally engrossing, cleverly plotted and keeps you hooked until the very last word. Highly recommended.

Disclosure - As a Quality Reads UK Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation for my book review. This book review is based on my thoughts, opinion and understanding of the book. This book review does not reflect the opinion of other book club members.

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5* for What Lies Inside by J.L. Myers @BloodBoundJLM #ReviewShare #PNR #Vampires

What Lies Inside by J.L. Myers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My first impression was - Wow. I'm a big fan of Vampire Diaries and Twilight so as soon as I saw the cover, I knew I was going to like this book. Turns out I ended up loving it. I found it to be an intriguing book on so many levels that I am at a loss as to where to begin.

As I got to the middle, I felt - It was gripping, utterly heart-wrenching, and completely suspenseful all at the same time. I really enjoyed this unpredictable tale, it is well written and the characters are so well developed. Kendrick and Amelia both helped to move the story forward.

As I neared the end, I thought - No. I definitely did not want this to end. The adventure was coming to a close and I wanted to see beyond. Thankfully, as I write this review I realised the author has released the second book so I'm definitely off to add that to my TBR pile.

My final impression and recommendations - The concept of love amidst hate is not new. Shakespeare did it. Countless other authors have done it. However, to pull it off in a way that a reader can experience the emotions firsthand, now that's a different story altogether. Highly recommended.

Disclosure - As a Quality Reads UK Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation for my book review. This book review is based on my thoughts, opinion and understanding of the book. This book review does not reflect the opinion of other book club members.


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5* for Dance for a Dead Princess by @DeborahHawk3 #ReviewShare #Romance #BookClub

Dance for a Dead Princess by Deborah Hawkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My first impression was - Curious. This is one author who had many of us reading her book just for the sake of the conspiracy theory. I was thoroughly impressed by the author's writing, as well as the plot. You know how most novels fizzle out, and the author was obviously tired of writing by chapter 10 or so? In this one, she keeps a fresh edge on her prose, and the plot twists are steady and credible.

As I got to the middle, I felt - Her characters are full of life and will live on long after you close the cover, and pop it back onto the shelf, and to my delight, the love scenes are written with imagination and freshness- no ridiculous "he touched her quivering milky bosoms" here. The research for factual information in this superb novel is first-rate, and meticulous, which makes this book an even greater pleasure to read

As I neared the end, I thought - I didn't want it to end. I wanted more than a happy ending. I wanted closure for everyone, even Princess Diana. It is a fiction book after all so why not?

My final impression and recommendations - A big wow. She knows her stuff and I love that about authors. You know she's given it her all and I wish her the best and please write more books for your new fan.

Disclosure - As a Quality Reads UK Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation for my book review. This book review is based on my thoughts, opinion and understanding of the book. This book review does not reflect the opinion of other book club members.

5* for The Deadly Playground, 1914 by Robert Carter @NovelRob #ReviewShare #HistFic #TBR

The Deadly Playground, 1914 by Robert Carter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My first impression was - The cover and the first two chapters are not that great. The cover looks like a resized image with text slapped on it and the beginning was slow. Remember how we had to wait three series for Mary and Matthew to get together in Downton? This was even slower than that.

As I got to the middle, I felt - I was immersed. Historical fiction especially ones related to war and relationships are personal. Look at it from left or right, top or bottom, it is that emotional bond between the characters that will pull you in. I was gone by now. I had cried, I had smiled and I had sighed. I wanted the best for the family and I wanted to know how it all ended.

As I neared the end, I thought - Robert Carter's writing struck a chord with me. Some readers might say he has too much attention to detail but I like this in books because it takes me back and places me right in the centre of the scene.

My final impression and recommendations - I loved it and now I can't believe I have to wait for the next in the series. Highly recommended. If you liked Jeffrey Archer's Clifton Chronicles, this book will be your new favourite.

Disclosure - As a Quality Reads UK Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation for my book review. This book review is based on my thoughts, opinion and understanding of the book. This book review does not reflect the opinion of other book club members.

5* for Sunspots by Karen S. Bell @KarenSueBell #ReviewShare #LitFic #Romance

Sunspots by Karen S. Bell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My first impression was - I didn't know where it was going to go. It was slow moving and I wasn't entirely sure I was going to connect with Aurora. I knew that I wanted the pace to pick up or something bigger to happen than one woman mourning the loss of her husband.

As I got to the middle, I felt - By now, I was immersed. Sunspots had taken on multiple layers and Aurora was part of a much bigger plot. When we love, we do not see fault no matter how clearly it is front of us. Then as one lie becomes more apparent, another shows up and then another. Many readers I know were focused on Aurora. I don't think she was the point. I think it is her situation that should be the focus. We met heroines who are strong with layers of vulnerabilities that are kept hidden. Aurora was a main character who bared it all which is not easy for any writer to do.

As I neared the end, I thought - I had mixed emotions. I loved the book and Karen Bell's soothing writing made me wonder of the hidden emotions and battles people go through. The unseen unhappiness nobody knows about and yet is the elephant in the room for so many relationships in our lives.

My final impression and recommendations - I highly recommend this read but to appreciate it you would have to be a big fan of literary fiction and imperfect heroines.

Disclosure - As a Quality Reads UK Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation for my book review. This book review is based on my thoughts, opinion and understanding of the book. This book review does not reflect the opinion of other book club members.

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5* for Wotan's Dilemma by Hank Quense @hanque99 #ReviewShare #Fantasy #SciFi

Wotan's Dilemma by Hank Quense
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My first impression was - Excited and a bit dazzled because the author indicates in his bio "I love rewriting literary works, legends and myths. I've rewritten (screwed up? spoofed?) a number of Shakespeare's plays including Romeo and Juliet, Merchant of Venice, MacBeth, Hamlet and Othello." Wotan's Dilemma got off to a good start with Fafner.

As I got to the middle, I felt - By now, I couldn't wait to get to the end. The characters were emotional, witty and quirky. I had a clear idea of the plot and but longed for a more comprehensive understanding of each character. The author is clearly well-versed in what he is writing about. His writing is accessible, clear and engaging.

As I neared the end, I thought - This was a delightful read that wrapped up well. I also think that for someone who is starting to read science fiction or fantasy books, Wotan's Dilemma by Hank Quense will be a good starting point.

My final impression and recommendations - I highly recommend this book and will definitely be reading other books by this author.

Disclosure - As a Quality Reads UK Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation for my book review. This book review is based on my thoughts, opinion and understanding of the book. This book review does not reflect the opinion of other book club members.

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5* for Michael Allan Scott's Flight of the Tarantula Hawk @MAllanScott #ReviewShare #Thriller

Flight of the Tarantula Hawk - A Lance Underphal Mystery by Michael Allan Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was a little deeper and darker than I expected it to be but Flight of the Tarantula Hawk kept me interested from the beginning. Character description was complete and Scott's style of writing makes you feel as if you have met the character before.

Saying that, I must stress that while I liked Lance as a character in a book, I am not sure how I would deal with someone like him in real life. Lance is intense and multi-dimensional which would make daily life complicated.

This book is different from most mysteries and thrillers I have read solely because of Scott's writing style which is accomplished and clever. Where many self-published authors are grammar challenged, I found no errors in this book. More than highly recommended to readers who enjoy mysteries and thrillers.

Disclosure - As a Quality Reads Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


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