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Indie Book Reviews: Part I

While I’m away, I thought I’d schedule a couple posts of book reviews that I completed over the past few months. I’m a slow, slow reader, but I’ve polished off some good reads. This is Part One. I’ve left comments open but won’t be around to respond for a bit since I’m off the internet grid. Please click through and check out a wonderful blogger’s site. Or, better yet, check out a book! Enjoy!

the-eternalsThe Eternals by Richard Ankers 

This was a great read on many levels. The Eternals are the last inhabitants of a dying Earth, undead vampires waltzing away the centuries with garish pomp and courtly pretenses. The protagonist Jean is disdainful of the aristocratic decadence and yet amoral when it comes to his own behavior. He lurks on the fringes, cavalier and condescending, until he takes a bite of the princess and drinks her dry. Suddenly, he’s a man on the run, falling in love and rediscovering his humanity.

Though the characters are vampires for the most part and have the expected vampiric characteristics and capabilities, this isn’t your typical vampire tale. I’d say it’s more a story about a man who happens to be a vampire. Jean is an antihero in some respects, violent and sarcastic, yet I rooted for him from the start. Ankers does a wonderful job with characterization and dialog. Jean has a distinct voice, and the entire book is poetic and beautifully composed.

The world building also grabbed me at the start, part steampunk, part post-apocalyptic fantasy. The Earth is clearly fetid and dying, the few last humans are clones, the horses are cyborgs, the landscape is manipulated, and rivers run blood red. Human know-how has been lost but their technology persists, most clearly in the presence of flying machines. The descriptions are gripping – imagine a man dragging his coffin through a dead wilderness, terrified of the sun.

The end came together a little too easily for me with the introduction of new characters that save the day, but I have a feeling that they will play a role in the sequel that Ankers mentions at the book’s close. I will definitely be picking it up, as the villains will surely seek their revenge. Jean and his love, Linka, are only safe for the moment, and I can’t wait to see what happens.

Richard Anker’s Blog: Richard Ankers
Amazon Universal Link: The Eternals

 

pure-trashPure Trash by Bette A. Stevens

Stevens’ short story, Pure Trash, is a prequel to her novel Dog Bone Soup. It sets the stage by introducing two young brothers, Shawn and Willie, and is a study of character, poverty, and economic discrimination in the 1950s. The characters are beautifully presented which makes the bullying and unkindness of the adults all the more wrenching. A lovely introduction to the following book and a solid short story in its own right.

Bette Steven’s Blog: 4 Writers and Readers
Universal Amazon Link: Pure Trash

 

versions-of-selfVersions of the Self by Christy Birmingham

“Versions of the Self” is a collection of 80 heartfelt poems set up in 8 sections, each taking an honest and poignant view of a version of self. Through her carefully crafted words and exquisite imagery, Birmingham explores the complex elements of human growth and relationships that are both personal to her and universal to many. This collection is emotionally rich, empowering, and beautiful to read. I recommend “Versions of Self” to any reader who loves poetry that explores the human experience and is told from the heart.

Christy Birmingham’s Blog: Poetic Parfait
Universal Amazon Link: Versions of the Self

 

the-reviledThe Reviled by Cynthia A. Morgan

The strongest part of this book is the beautiful lyrical language, detailed imagery, and descriptions of a fantasy world with a rich history and fleshed out cultural tradition. It’s not a quick read and it takes a bit to get going, but for readers who love to immerse themselves in a story and characters, it will fit the bill.

Ayla is one of the fey, a winged fairy with unique gifts who leads a gentle life caring for the young fey in a nursery. All is well until she senses the presence of another, a mysterious dark fey who doesn’t reveal himself, but watches her from the forest. When nothing changes after many uneasy visits, Ayla begins to communicate telepathically with him and when he makes no attempt to harm her or the children, she becomes curious.

The story picks up with the introduction of Gairynzvl, the dark fey who quickly became my favorite character. Of all the personalities, he struck me as the most emotionally nuanced with a compelling story of abduction and a desire to return from the world of the reviled to the world of light. His hope is that Ayla can help him bridge the gap and reach his goal. It’s not an easy journey as the worlds of light and dark are destined to clash.

This story pits good against evil, but more than that, it’s a tale of hope, fidelity and forgiveness, love and redemption. There’s a bit of romance and plenty of fantasy. It’s a strong start to Morgan’s series and appropriate for YA readers.

Cynthia Morgan’s Blog: Book N Volume
Universal Amazon Link: The Reviled

 

rhymes-of-the-timesRhymes of the Times by Judy E. Martin

Lighthearted definitely describes Martin’s Rhymes of the Times. This is a collection of witty poems that I thoroughly enjoyed browsing during my day. No topic is off limit when it comes to Martin’s humor and charm. You’ll find giggles, sigh’s, and guffaws in these pages. A delightful read.

 

Judy Martin’s Blog: Edwina’s Episodes
Universal Amazon Link: Rhymes of the Times 

36 thoughts on “Indie Book Reviews: Part I”

  1. patriciaruthsusan says:
    October 2, 2016 at 3:04 am

    Good reviews, Diana. I’m in the process of catching up with my emails. THE ETERNALS sounded especially interesting. It’s a unique subject. Interesting post. 🙂 — Suzanne

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Book Reviews and Other Updates from the Writer’s Desk | Poetic Parfait says:
    September 30, 2016 at 11:50 am

    […] universal to many. This collection is emotionally rich, empowering, and beautiful to read.” ~D. Wallace Peach (on her blog Myths of the […]

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Christy B says:
    September 29, 2016 at 1:26 pm

    Thank you so much for including my book here, Diana! Your support of Indie authors, including myself, is so nice.. I love that we are a community xx Funny enough I was just looking at two of your covers on my tablet earlier today (before I read your comment about having reviewed Versions of the Self) and added them as “want to read” (soon!) at Goodreads. We were both thinking about one another xx Your positive review of the book means a lot to me!

    Liked by 2 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      September 29, 2016 at 1:50 pm

      This is a great community, Christy. When I started blogging, I had no idea. It’s not only all the wonderful aspects of reading others’ work, but the support in general that just comes out of years of virtual friendship. Always makes me smile. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

  4. thelittlelai: Beyond limits says:
    September 28, 2016 at 3:59 pm

    Wow, another good review from one and only Expert Diana. I just love how you described each books. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about it!

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Sarah Brentyn says:
    September 26, 2016 at 6:19 am

    A few of these are my kind of read but your reviews are fantastic. So, I’m going to check out ones I might have otherwise missed. Thanks for sharing these.

    Liked by 2 people

  6. Sacha Black says:
    September 25, 2016 at 12:31 am

    Judy’s book is on my list to read, and I love the Reviled book cover, god I am SO shallow, can’t help it, love pretty shiny things – anyone would think I’m a magpie!

    Liked by 2 people

  7. #FridayFantasy – The Reviled #BookReview – “A tale of hope, fidelity and forgiveness, love and redemption” | Booknvolume says:
    September 23, 2016 at 9:24 am

    […] Diana’s full post with Additional Book Reviews […]

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Antonia says:
    September 22, 2016 at 7:09 am

    I am definitely going to check out a couple of these books. How wonderful to support other writers like this 😀

    Liked by 2 people

  9. Ali Isaac says:
    September 21, 2016 at 4:19 pm

    Wow! That is a LOT of reading! You have been busy. Great reviews, but of them all The Reviled most got my attention. Gorgeous cover, too!

    Liked by 2 people

  10. roughwighting says:
    September 21, 2016 at 1:24 pm

    I’m always in awe of your wonderful support of other Indie writers. You inspire us all to do the same. GREAT reviews. Thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Bette A. Stevens says:
    September 20, 2016 at 1:15 pm

    Great reviews, Diana. Thanks for including PURE TRASH among them. Sharing. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Annika Perry says:
    September 20, 2016 at 7:15 am

    Diana, great reviews – brilliantly summarising the story and giving your opinion on the book, its style, characters etc. I’ve read Bette’s book and the complete novel too and both are some of the most memorable I’ve read this summer. Richard’s writing is always extraordinary and I can imagine this is a great book. Must check the others out too; Christy’s poetry fascinates me. Thank you for sharing and hope your having a lovely time with your folks! 😀

    Liked by 2 people

    • D. Wallace Peach says:
      September 27, 2016 at 11:04 am

      Thanks, Annika. I’m really late in getting these on the old blog, but it was fun to put up here while I was away. Richard’s book was rich like all his writing. I hope you give it a go 🙂 Thanks for visiting, my friend.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. balroop2013 says:
    September 20, 2016 at 6:16 am

    Nice reviews Diana. Thanks for being so supportive to Indie writers. I know all of them except Judy, must check that out. Hope you are having a wonderful time away from digital devices. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  14. Richard Ankers says:
    September 20, 2016 at 5:54 am

    Reblogged this on Richard M. Ankers and commented:
    This is a very nice post by D. Wallace Peach that contains reviews of several books including my own. I respect Diana very much, so to gain a recommendation from her feels like a badge of honour. Please do check it out.

    Liked by 2 people

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