It’s time to share a few more reviews. Another eclectic bunch: short stories, a middle-grade gem, and of course, speculative fiction. I have a stack of reading for the holidays. I hope I can add a book or two to yours.
Flights of Fancy
I’ve read several of Cronin’s books of short stories, and this collection of eleven tales is as enjoyable as the others. I inhaled it in a single afternoon, completely immersed. As usual, the author includes a wonderful variety of tales from touching stories of eternal love in The Other Side of Heaven and Curtains, to adorable cuteness in Henry’s Story, and humor in Psychic Parrot. Highly recommended for anyone who loves short stories and well-told tales.
***
Talon
I had no idea how much I would enjoy this book. It seems appropriate for middle-grade readers with short chapters and a charming story, but will appeal to younger kids as a chapter book, as well as adults.
Matica is the ten-year-old daughter of missionaries in Peru. She has a disability that leaves her tiny for her age and socially isolated from the indigenous community. She befriends a pair of condors and her adventures begin, changing her life in marvelous ways. Matica is delightful, caring, and undaunted by these giant birds.
The setting adds to the book’s interest as well as the details on the condors. Matica interprets the bird’s “language” which adds a bit of magic to the tale. The pace is just right and the plot wraps up nicely with more to come. A wonderful first book in the series. Highly recommended.
***
The Gate
An alien invasion is imminent, and Landon Thorne goes from being a recently fired college professor to a much sought-after expert. His unconventional theories on ancient alien astronauts have caught the attention of top-secret government operatives and a group of mysterious bad guys.
This is classic first-contact sci-fi, and Cross appears to have done her research. Combine fact with a dose of imagination and a bunch of ruthless characters, and this is a story that moves at a fast clip.
And those “ruthless characters” include just about everyone. The main characters are well-rounded, ambitious, competitive, and argumentative. And Cross has no problem letting characters cross the line and/or killing them off.
The Gate, the first book in the Astral Conspiracy series, leaves off with a cliff-hanger, so be prepared to read the next books to reach the conclusion of the tale. Highly recommended for readers of sci-fi thrillers.
***
More to come. Have a lovely holiday season and Happy Reading!
Myths of the Mirror 
The Gate sounds really cool. Thanks for sharing 🙂
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It is good! Well researched and plenty of action. Great characters. But it does end incomplete, so you’ll have to read on. Thanks for taking a peek at the reviews and Happy Reading. 🙂
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beautiful 🌸❤️😊
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The gate sounds like such a good read! I added it to my the list, thank you!!
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If you like sci-fi and thrills, Anne, I think you’ll enjoy it. The research is quite fascinating too. I didn’t know so much of it was factual until I started looking into some of it. Happy Reading!
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This is awesome. Thank you 🌸
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Thanks for taking a peek at the reviews. I am very behind on posting them. Happy Reading, and have a wonderful holiday season. 🙂
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Thanks I love writing and reading 📖
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Maritza, your gravatar link isn’t working, so I’m unable to visit you. My guess is that you changed your URL at one point and didn’t update your gravatar. Here’s a link to an old post of mine that tells how to update the link. 🙂 Hope that helps.
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Oops. I forgot to add the link. 🙂 https://mythsofthemirror.com/2019/04/06/7-steps-to-a-user-friendly-blog/
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Hello, thank you. Is it fine now?
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Still not working. The URL that shows comment is http://maritzawriteshome.wordpress.com. Is that your website address?
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okay, now it’s fixed….
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It is! Heading over for a visit. 😀
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thank 4 your review
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You’re welcome, Ben. Glad you enjoyed them. Happy Reading!
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Ben, your link isn’t working so I’m unable to visit you. My guess is that you probably changed the URL of you blog at some time and didn’t change it in your Gravatar. Right now, it’s sending bloggers to 2bwormbooks.wordpress.com and saying that it’s a deleted site. Just an FYI. Let me know if you need help getting it fixed.
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Thanks 4 your visiting. My site is 2bwormbook.wordpress.com “wormbook” w/o “s” 😊😊. And it’s still working stable 😃😃
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Your Gravatar link has the “s” in it, which will prevent some bloggers from connecting with you. Here’s a post about how to fix it: https://mythsofthemirror.com/2019/04/06/7-steps-to-a-user-friendly-blog/
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Oops , I’m new to wordpress so there are some issues I haven’t got it understood! Thanks 4 your help
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The link works! Now we can return your visits and check out your blog. 😀
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Excellent
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Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed the reviews. Have a lovely weekend. 🙂
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Great reviews, Diana! Now if I could read books and write my own at the same time …
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I have to be a little careful about what I read when doing a first draft, since I feel influenced by the style, but I spent so much time not-writing this year that I was able to polish off a lot of books. 😀 Have a great weekend and I hope you get some words down. 😀
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I can’t wait to read Sally’s book! Great reviews from talented Indies 🙂
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She’s such a wonderful writer of short stories. I don’t know how she comes up with all the ideas. 😀 Thanks for the visit, Christy! Happy Holidays.
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Hi, Diane! I enjoyed your reviews. I have The Gate and a couple of Sally’s books in my Kindle. I can’t wait to get to them. Thank you for sharing! ❤
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Thanks for the visit, Vashti. I read a lot this summer and almost emptied my kindle. Then bought more and got buried again. Ha ha. A good problem to have. I hope you enjoy the reads. 🙂
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Wow! Even though I read a lot, emptying my Kindle seems like an impossible task. It is a bookworm problem. Ha, ha! Thank you. 😀 xo
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The Gate is definitely going on my reading list
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It’s pretty exciting, HRR, and the research is fascinating. I thought it was made-up but looked it up and discovered that it’s actually real-ish. Have fun with the book. Happy Reading!
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Some nice recommendations, Diana, very tempting.
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Thanks, Cath. I seem to be reading a lot this year and probably will do a huge review extravaganza to finish off the year. It’s been an upside of spending so much time on the road. 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful holiday season. ❤
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Thank you. Best festive wishes to you, too. 🙂
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You and Jacqui Murray always have so much time for reading and writing. I can hardly wait to be you two some day!
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Ha ha. Jacqui is a reading maniac. I can’t begin to compete. But I’ve been driving a lot this year and since I figured out how to make my phone reads to me, I’ve been devouring books. It makes the time fly by. 🙂
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That’s very cool (and convenient!)
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[…] 4. https://mythsofthemirror.com/2019/12/05/more-indie-book-reviews-2/ […]
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Thanks once again, Traci. Happy Writing!
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Reblogged this on Loleta Abi Author & Book Blogger and commented:
Yay, more book reviews! Love the cover of your Soul Swallowers!
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Thanks so much for the reblog and the compliment on the cover. I use Deranged Doctor Design (I love that name) and they do a beautiful job. 🙂 Have a great holiday season, Traci, and Happy Reading.
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You’re welcome, D.! You too! I’ll keep them in mind! Thanks!
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You chose some awesome books to read and review, Diana! Thank you for sharing!
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Thanks, Jan. I have a bunch of reviews to share. I think I’m going to do a review-palooza at the end of the year to get caught up. I read so many good books this year. Hope you’re ready for the holidays. Happy Reading.
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Diana, three lovely reviews and all are so tempting! I have Sally’s latest book on my kindle and look forward to reading that in the holidays – my catch-up time for books! I like the sound of The Gate, absolute escapist sci-fi and will check it out! Many thanks for the sharing these and wishing you a great weekend!
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I’m glad you enjoyed the reviews, Annika. I think you have the right idea for the holidays and may do the same… take a week off just to read from sun up to sun down. Sounds blissful. Have a great weekend yourself, and Happy Reading!
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Great reviews! I’m up to my neck in books that I’m dying to get to. Sally’s book looks like it might a be fast moving and delicious read! I’m not a big Sci-fi fan… maybe I should put more effort into that. Thank you Diane, I hope the holiday season is going well. ❤️
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Thanks for the visit. Holly. Sally’s book is delicious and a quick read. 🙂 I just finished decorating the house for the holidays and discovered that I never took my wreaths down from last year. Oops. Lol. Hope you’re off to a lovely start for the holidays too. ❤
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Busy lady! I haven’t done anything Christmasy yet. At least the wreaths are up , it’s like making the bed, you’re just going to get back in it. I have to get my “stuff” down from the attic. 😏🎄❤
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Great reviews, Diana. A wonderful public service. 🙂
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I’ve been reading a lot this year, Steven, and exposing myself to genres that I wouldn’t normally pick up. It’s fun, but I’m behind in sharing them. *Sigh* More to come!
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Seems like there’s never enough time.
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Wonderful reviews! 🙂
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Thanks Bette. I wonder if I’ll ever catch up. Ha ha. I’m glad you enjoyed them. All wonderful books. Happy Reading.
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I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed two of Gigi’s TALON books. Flights of Fancy is on my kindle. My computer will be obsolete (Windlows 7) and now I’ve got to set up and learn to use my new HP Laptop and Windows 10. My head is spinning… Besides that I’ve got more than a dozen reviews that need to be written and posted. MUST TAKE TIME OFF to get caught up. ❤ Enjoy your holidays! xo
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I’m on Windows 10. It’s not bad, Bette, and I’m a disaster area when it comes to technology. I think they’ve gotten most of the kinks out of it. But don’t switch if you’re feeling under pressure. Time off is a great idea. ❤
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Thanks, Diana! ❤
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I just upgraded to Windows 10, grumbling mightily the entire time. (I’m still mad I can’t use XP anymore. It really was the best version of Windows.) I’ve been using Windows 10 at work, and it’s not that bad, once I figured out how to hide and turn off all of the distracting stuff I don’t need or want to look at. I still need to write and post my review of My Maine: top of my list!
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Thanks for these great reviews, Diana. And very timely! I ran out of Kindle reading material last night so I’m off to Amazon right now. 😀
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Ran out?!! That happened to me a short while ago, and now I’m loaded up again. Ha! A good problem to have. Happy Reading, Andrea. 🙂
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lol – I know! Doesn’t happen often coz I get panicky if I don’t have something read. 😀 Looking forward to starting. 🙂
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Great reviews, Diana:) I loved The Gate and adding another to my TBR list.
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Thanks for the visit, DL. So many great indie books out there. I’m trying to smash my Goodreads’ challenge and have more to share. I hope you’re having a smooth slide into the holiday season. Happy Reading!
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I just read about a new release of Sally’s yesterday, Diana, and both sound like great collections. I’ve seen the gate on Staci’s blog too and it sounds like my cup of coffee. I don’t read middle grade, but Talon has a nice ring, especially because you don’t see many books with the mc having a disability. Great reviews. Hope you and your family are well.
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I just picked up Sally’s new one, so it’s waiting for me on my kindle. Yes, you’d enjoy The Gate, I think. And Talon was quite good. I loved the setting and all the unique aspects of the tale. Thanks for the visit and Happy Reading!
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Thanks for these lovely recommends Diana. Happy holiday season to you. ❤
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My pleasure, Debby. I have a lot more to share, so may do a big 2019 indie-book-review-palooza at the end of the year. 😀 Hope you’re sliding into the holidays without any fuss. I have meltdowns at this time of year, but hanging in there so far. Lol.
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Lol, I’m rolling along, with the occasional meltdown myself LOL. Deep breaths! And I do look forward to your list! ❤
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Ha! Well we’re in good company.
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Always! x
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Fantastic choices, Diana. I’ve read (and loved) The Gate, enjoy all of Sally’s work, and will check out Talon- thanks!
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Thanks for the visit, Jacquie. I can’t remember how old your son is, but if he’s middle grade, he may enjoy Talon. It’s quite a good book. I hope you’re having a good start to the holiday season. Happy Reading. ❤
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Wonderful reviews, Diana. I have read two of these books and have The Gate on my TBR.
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I’m not surprised to hear that you’ve already read or are going to read these books, Robbie. I recommend them all. Thanks for stopping by. Happy Reading and Happy Holidays!
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Thanks, you too, Diana.
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You’ve been busy! Thanks for the great reviews, Diana. I hope your parents are doing well. ❤️
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Thanks for the visit, Jill. I’m still doing a lot of driving and hospital visits, etc., which is why I’m polishing off books (listening to them on my phone). I have lots of reviews to share – maybe a review-palooza at the end of the year. Lol. Happy Reading.
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Nice reviews Diana. Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful holiday season.
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Thanks for the visit, Balroop. I’m glad you enjoyed the reviews. Three very different reads and all well worth the time. Happy holidays to you too. ❤
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Such great books! And great reviews ❤️. Even a MG book – aren’t they fun to read? I reviewed one today too.
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I love having so-so expectations and being delighted by a book. I didn’t think I’d like a MG book and thought it was wonderful. Thanks for stopping by, Theresa. Happy Reading!
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Loved The Gate. It was clever with lots of unexpected twists. Sally’s book–I just bought her latest, Life’s Rich Tapestry. Somehow I missed this one! Thanks for the reminder.
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I just picked up her latest one too. Lol. The Gate was really gripping. In a comment below, Staci said the next one will be out in early 2020. 🙂 Happy Reading, Jacqui.
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Oh, you have been busy, Diana — and having a good time too. I always enjoy your insights. Congratulations to Sally, Gigi, and DL. Hugs on the wing.
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Thanks for the visit, Teagan. I’m still listening to books on my phone and it adds hours of reading to my week. So many good books among our indie friends. I’m delighted to share. Happy Writing and Reading!
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Great picks here, Diana!. Love the diversity, too. I’ve seen two of these around the blogosphere but not Talon so thank you for introducing that one. Could be a gift for a few around here (including me). 🙂
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When I hear “middle grade,” I usually think it isn’t for me, but I enjoyed it, Sarah. In a year or two, my grandson will be old enough for it and I can’t wait to read it to him. 🙂 Thanks for the visit and Happy Reading, my friend. ❤
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I actually love Middle Grade books. They are often so interesting and some are incredibly well-written. I have quite a few of them now. Also, just bought Talon. So thank you! ❤
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Oh good. Have fun with it.
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I’m a huge sci-fi fan, so I thoroughly enjoyed The Gate. Glad you did also, Diana.
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I did, Teri. I thought the research was pretty cool. And I like stories that “don’t hold back.” 😀 Thanks for the visit and Happy Reading!
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Thank you so much Diana for your lovely review for Flights of Fancy, delighted you enjoyed. hugs
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You’re welcome, Sally. Now on to the next one! Your stories are a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. 🙂
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I appreciate that very much… made my day..hugsx
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Oh, my gosh. Thank you so much for this review! On behalf of my not-so-secret identity, I have to say how honored I am you enjoyed The Gate and shared your thoughts about it. Much appreciated.
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You’re welcome. I reviewed it a while ago, but had to get it onto the blog… finally! I’m looking forward to book 2 in the series. Have a great holiday season, Staci, and Happy Writing!
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The rest of the series will be released in 2020, so not long…
Wishing you a lovely holiday.
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