Review of KINGS & DAEMONS

 

KINGS & DAEMONS

The Gifted and The Cursed

Book 1

 

MARCUS LEE

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Good virus Evil is a tale that is told in many genres. This one happens to be a Fantasy with some unusual twists that gives the Good the upper hand over Evil.

Both sides of the spectrum are gifted in one way or the other.  Maya, a young woman, is the lead character who meets Taran, another gifted person on her way to be prisoned by the evil Witch-King Daleth, who has a different kind of gift.

Maya is the key to the adventure where Taran and his lord Rakan are her protectors, keeping her from getting into Daleth's hands. This journey to freedom has many roadblocks leading to many blood and guts conflicts with daemons, giants, and Daleth's elite Rangers.

Mr. Lee's novel meets all the Fantasy requirements with illusions, magic, faith healing, and flying in one's dreams to another land. It is a good lead-in Book 1 with character development and excellent writing technic that leaves the reader wanting more.

If you like Fantasies, this is for you.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/39DCx2o 416 pages for $.99 on Kindle

 

Review of SUNNY SIDE UP

 

Sunny SIDE UP

A Deadline Cozy Mystery

Book 1

SONIA PARIN

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

 

Between jobs and running away from events, Eve decides to visit her romance author, aunt Mira. Arriving in her aunt's small town, she meets people familiar who welcome her back since she hasn't visited for a while.

Eve spends a couple of nights in her aunt's house alone because her aunt Mira is nowhere to be found. This does not bother Eve nor their town friends since Author Mira goes about her research and writing business away from town.

What does upset the apple cart is Eve finds a dead body in her aunt's kitchen returning from buying groceries. She knows the victim because it's her ex-husband.

Detective Jack begins his investigation after interviewing Eve, telling her not to go anywhere nor butt in. However, Eve and her new friend Jill go about sleuthing.

When they do, the twists and turns are few because the killer is closer than expected. And still, opened is where is her aunt Mira - dead?

Fast, well-written read with fun conversations between the lead characters. This novel is a good lead-in for a series if you like reading them.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3lOCc1s

Review of QUEEN OF KLUTZ

 

QUEEN OF KLUTZ

 

SAMANTHA GARMAN

Sibby Series Book 1

 

Review by 

Author Roy Murry

 

Sibby is her name, and boy is she different. This tongue-in-cheek story focuses on the hilarious misadventures of a young lady trying to find her groove.

This comical relief's dialogue is quick wit with little profanity. She is a klutz, but things happen to her that many people do not experience in a lifetime.

The novel starts with a few scenes that few could handle. It puts her life into a tailspin, and she finds a home as a waitress.

Even though Sibby's propensity for spilling, dropping, tripping, her ability to laugh at herself and make light of each situation leads her to a man.  This develops into a foregone conclusion for romance readers.

That trip has its ups and downs but lands in a comfortable place, leading to an enjoyable ending, unlike most romance novels. Peaches and cream lead into book two of this klutzy series.

The writing was fast-paced, funny, and sometimes ridiculous—a quick, enjoyable read.

Book is Free for Kindle Readers: https://amzn.to/2Q3ZQeB

Review of BLATANT LIES

 

BLATANT LIES

 

PAUL KNOX

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

This 110-page thriller went so fast; I could not help myself; I finished it in one sitting.  Mr. Knox keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

Newbie Deputy Reece Cannon strangely earns her stripes. She meets a crazy woman by stopping her for a speeding violation.

Jessie, that woman is talking about spies, the CIA, and a conspiracy. One thing leads to another, and Reece contacts her friend, a Lieutenant who speaks one of the spy's languages.

Could it be? There are spies among them. Yes.

Reece's world goes into a fast-paced spin with Jessie in the middle of a trap. How the deadly events that follow explode go so fast the reader will have to slow down and read over the events.

Mr. Knox makes it into my top thriller category for excellence. I will read another of his novels soon. You should too.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3tfjrH6

Review of JUST ONE CHANCE

 

JUST ONE CHANCE

 

BRENNA JACOBS

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Young and good-looking Chicagoan Doctor David moves in next door to Avery on affluent Sullivan's Island, South Carolina. She has eyes for Dr. Dave after a few meetings, but she has an on-again, off-again lover, Matt.

Avery is trying to close the deal with Matt. However, he seems to be different from their first go around, and in the relation's voids, she finds Dave refreshing in his lack of social graces. Dave is smitten with Avery.

Dr. Dave inadvertently finds out Matt is not the man he seems to be. A conflict between the two leads to the close destruction of all three's relationships.

This collision course explodes, and all three end up where logic and love prevail. To find out whom romance triumphs, one must read this small tangled web of a story.

A quick and enjoyable read for Romance lovers.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3vohhGT

 

 

 

Review of BLACK ROSES

 

BLACK ROSES

 

SAMANTHA CHRISTY

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Love is not in the air. Piper does not like men, and Mason is smitten, which is not new for him being a professional jock. 

 Piper returns home from Europe, where she has lived with her girlfriend for years, to help with her sister's wedding. Mason and his daughter are adopted Mitchell family members.

Their meeting leads to an emotional rollercoaster: Piper has a dark secret that sent her into a psychological tailspin; Mason has a ball and chain he has not fully disconnected. That relationship includes a stalking girlfriend.

Mason, after a few meetings with Piper, is in love. She does not want anything to do with a man, but he is a good man, family, and friends sell that fact.

The romance is a battleground of trust, which leads to an explosive emotional ending. Will they be joined in bliss? You'll need to read this unpredictable journey.

Ms. Christy's writing brings tears to your eyes. But if you have a weak stomach, her descriptive prose and adult language may shock you, beware.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3joackc

 

Review of SUBVERSIVE

 

SUBVERSIVE

Clandestine Magic Trilogy, Bk 1

 

COLLEEN COWLEY

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

'He has magical powers. She does not. Only men can have that power.' is the central theme of this novel. Women could never become wizards; that is the law.

Blackwell, a wizard, picks Beatrix to be his assistant. Her sister is a women's rights advocate. Let the games begin.

Because of the above relationships, conflicts arise that upset both the magical and ordinary worlds. These events include attempted murder, a love story, and a magic upheaval.

Beatrix's sister is a marked woman because of her group's' activism; Bea and Blackwell have a thing going on in their dreams; the high powers are investigating everyone. All the events come to an explosive ending.

The prose was fun to read because of the unpredictable characters and the magical episodes. It was an interesting setup for this trilogy. I may read on.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3psT4vJ

Review of WHEN YOU LOOK AT ME

 

WHEN YOU LOOK AT ME

A Pleasant Gap Romance

 

PEPPER BASHAM

 

Reviewed by Author Roy Murry

 

I had no idea what a Pleasant Gap Romance novel was until now. It is a story of a Family Faith-based couples falling in love.

In this novel, the second in a series, Julia, who physically and mentally is not inclined to fall in love. And, Henry is visiting from England on an assignment to write music for his friend's movie.

Their love of music uniquely grounding and brings them together. On many levels, that media bring each out of their introverted existence.  Hers is a seven-month pregnancy from rape, and he is writing music and a dysfunctional family in England.

There is a joint ground meeting of the minds, and sparks fly. When this happens halfway through the book, the reader can surmise the ending.

The two lovers also solve a mystery of who or what Julia's benefactress dead aunt is, which brings an ending to this second book. The mystery started in London and brought both back there.

Other than the obvious, this read is a pure delight to read. A book an authentic Christian will enjoy.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3qkfe3o

 

 

 

 

Review of 21 Lessons for the 21st Century

 

21 Lessons for the 21st Century

 

Yuval Noah Harari

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

'Democrat politics, human rights, and free-market seem destined to conquer the entire world.' is one of lesson one's core points. I beg to differ. China actions, he does not consider.

In 21 chapters, Mr. Harari opines on almost everything under the sun: Technology, Politics, Humanity, and His Truths. The philosophy and psychology of each he delves into with zeal and commitment.

Whether you agree with him or not, his arguments and thesis are worth reading. I had to stop and read over several passages to understand his points fully.

If you are a thinking person, I recommend this book to go along with others: Intellectuals and Society by Thomas Sowell and Jennifer Michael Hecht's DOUBT, a History.  They will open your eyes to what is happening in the 21st Century.

One thing I loved about this book is that Mr. Harari's writing is clear and thought-provoking. Nihilist will be surprised.

Both books mentioned above I have reviewed - search above.

Purchased this: https://amzn.to/2Lfi8Yp

Review of MAGIC DESTINY

 

MAGIC DESTINY

The Irish Rogue Series, 

Book One

 KATE GELLAR

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

Looking at the Amazon reviews, I seem to be the only guy to read about Abby's adventure in Ireland. I picked out the book to read because of the "Irish Rogue Series." I am part Irish.

Then I started to read and thought I was getting into an erotic novel with the talk of bonding. Surprise, the novel is about witches and the keeping "A Seal" closed, locking in evil spirits into the underworld.

Four men, guardians, evaluate ten women who have witches’ linage to find a queen. All four men are to bond with the queen to save the Irish world.

Abby has no idea what is happening. The world has changed for her in an adventure that turns her life upside down.

This beginning may or may not save the day until the bonding is complete. Maybe in book two of the series - an excellent writing hook by the author.

I would have liked a little more background story. However, I enjoyed Abby's play with the guardians.

The prose was first-rate and the main characters are well-defined, leading into book two, which I will not read because one bonding is enough for me.

However, this read is a good one standing on its own.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/37TZXAc

Review of HIT THE ROAD JACK

 

HIT the ROAD, JACK

A JACK RYDER NOVEL

WILLOW ROSE

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

I enjoyed this novel. However, Jack Ryder is not the sharpest Police Detective I have met in print.

I am a television LAW and ORDER freak and have read many books in this genre for ninety-nine cents. This thriller had its moments but did not meet my high standards of police dramas/thrillers.

Hit the Road, Jack, the first book in a series, is based around a serial killer who kills women who cheat on their husbands. Clues are abounding, and for a small island, a number stand out like a sore thumb for amateur sleuths but is entirely unnoticed by Jack.

I liked the characters, but I wished Ms. Willow Rose developed them more in this novel. However, with Florida's motel/hotel background, I got a kick out of, because I lived and worked in more than one, beaches and all.

The prose was clear and understandable, with no mystery to solve. All in all, the novel was a fair read.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/38pIONE

 

Review of SLANTED

 

SLANTED

 

SHARYL ATTKKISSON

 

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

In October of 2017, I read Ms. Attkisson's THE SMEAR. Her detailed insights I confirmed through research. She writes clear and concisely, so I decide to read SLANTED.

This thesis compares what we face today with the dystopian world foretold by Orwell in 1984, which most of us have read in college. Journalism, print, and television news are SLANTED towards their corporate Narrative.

The Narrative is promoted and SLANTED using it, not giving the consumer the complete facts or leaving out information that would change the Narrative. I noticed this in 2016 watching CNN every day through President Trump's inauguration, and have not watched the channel since.

Ms. Attkisson begins with her journey in the 1990s, from CNN to CBS, and brings us many personal experiences to illustrate her thesis. However, she started her career in 1982 at PBS, where she learned, at the time, that journalists should stick to the reporting standards they've developed, rather than abandon them.

Unfortunately, most journalists have abandoned the core standards by putting the truth first and upfront in a story reported. They SLANT towards THE NARRATIVE.  I see it all the time after reading her two books.

Ms. Attkisson's abilities shine through THE NARRATIVES and get to the truth of the matter. The media have been pulling the wool over our eyes for years, but more so during the Trump years.

 

Thank you, Sherly, for The insight.

 

Purchase: https://amzn.to/2J9QZVS

 

Review of THE AXE & GRINDSTONE

 

THE AXE & GRINDSTONE

Paul Phipps-Williams

Review by Author Roy Murry

 

I usually don't purchase horror novels; not my cup of tea. It's the same with movies. I find them silly. I picked up this novel because I think I got it free.

The only enjoyment I got from this novel was it centering around a pub. In small towns worldwide, the pub is where the people meet to discuss local and national news.

Mark Adams takes a position of honor running a pub in a land of horror by a lady he adores. At first, he is oblivious to the situation, he catches on, and then falls into a drunken dream or reality.

The elements he meets, human and non-human, define his life's introspection. How Adams lives through the adventure will be chilling to some readers, but it was not for me.

I had to be careful not to lose my place in reading this somewhat dull novel. However, I will say at times, the Scratching, a plague in the novel bothered me.

Mr. Phipps-Williams writes well, but as I said, horror is not a genre I like to read or watch in a movie. If you do enjoy horror, I recommend it to you.

Purchase:  https://amzn.to/39VBuM0