"Queen Darkara" by Renn McWolfe

Review
Renn McWolfe's "Queen Darkara" is a brilliantly written fantasy novel for teens with an engaging plot and a fascinating world.

The story follows the young, beautiful enchantress Queen Darkara after she is summoned to a distant land rife with death and destruction.

When Darkar learns that the land is being overtaken by a powerful, cunning witch, she agrees to do her best to hunt the witch, with a team of equally dedicated warriors, including the dashing, headstrong General Dominik the Brave.

As engaging as the plot is, it is the writing that truly makes "Queen Darkara" shine.
It is one of those books where you forget you are reading, and instead feel as though you are a transient observer in a far-off world.

The well-developed characters and otherworldly creatures, such as the Trickster, a creature with a hunger for human hearts, feel tangible.

The humor in the book adds a light-hearted element to the book, despite the somewhat dark plot.

Unlike humor in many books aimed at teens, the humor does not feel forced; it feels like a natural part of the situations.

Because of the writing, humor, and world, the cat-and-mouse game between Darkara and the evil witch is continually interesting, and the reader finds his or herself not wanting it to end.

"Queen Darkara" is a must-have for any teen craving an accessible, fast-paced fantasy novel.

More Information
Buy it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ECZWI1S
Buy it on Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/queen-darkara-renn-mcwolfe/1117607966?ean=2940148648437

Jayden & the Mysterious Mountain by Katrina Cope

Review
“Jayden & the Mysterious Mountain," the first book in the Sanctum series, is a young adult novel with a fantasy-themed plot that will have readers on the edge of their seats.

Katrina Cope's 222-page novel begins when Avando, a mysterious old man, makes Jayden, a homeless youth, an offer that seems too good to be true --  food and shelter in exchange for academic performance.

The plot takes off when Jayden takes the offer, enrolling at a mysterious school called The Sanctum.
The school itself is interesting for the reader, hidden in the mountains and filled with imaginative technology.

One of the strongest points of the novel is Cope's descriptions of the characters' backgrounds, which add a layer of characterization that helps the reader understand their decision-making.

Cope also does a wonderful job describing scenes and action, giving the reader a vivid picture of what is going on.

The plot is paced well and will have the reader eager to learn what will happen next -- there are even a few twists along the way.

Overall, "Jayden & the Mysterious Mountain" is a good read for anyone looking for an imaginitive, fast-paced YA book.

More Information
Buy it on Amazon: www.amazon.com/Jayden-Mysterious-Mountain-Sanctum-ebook/dp/B00EYSKMF2

Author website: http://katrenee11.wix.com/katrina-cope-author
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author.Katrina.Cope
Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/K_CopeFunRead/

Hearts for Sale! A Buyer's Guide to Winning in Afghanistan by Farzana Marie

Review
“Hearts for Sale! A Buyer's Guide to Winning in Afghanistan," by Farzana Marie, is an insightful look at the conflict in Afghanistan that will have even the most informed reader questioning what they have been told.

Marie's 155-page book draws upon her six years of experience as an active duty military officer and her two years of deployment in Afghanistan, as well as her experience as a PhD student of Middle Eastern Literature.

Marie's firsthand experience in Afghanistan is apparent in her writing, giving the reader a taste of what is really happening during the conflict. She incorporates descriptions of her firsthand experiences throughout the book, which makes the topics she discusses easier to visualize for the reader.

The conflict in Afghanistan is complicated in nature, but Marie presents the information in a way that is easy to digest, without neglecting anything important, covering everything from politics to culture.

Not only does Marie chronicle what is happening in Afghanistan, but she offers clear solutions to the problems.

Overall, "Hearts for Sale! A Buyer's Guide to Winning in Afghanistan" is an incredibly informative and fascinating read that is a must-have for anyone interested in culture, human rights, politics, or the conflict in Afghanistan.

More Information
Buy it on Amazon: http://goo.gl/yFyjj
Goodreads page: http://goo.gl/a0TM15
Publisher's Facebook page: http://goo.gl/A9puq

Ametsapolis Rising by Shaun Myandee

Review
Shaun Myandee's "Ametsapolis Rising" is a vast, post-apocalyptic sci-fi with a riveting plot and unique world that will have even the most jaded sci-fi fans clamoring for more.

The story is set in the 24th century in the futuristic city of Ametsapolis, the last city on Earth, where humans depend upon cybernetic implants to survive the harsh environment.

Although the implants are humanity's saving grace, they are also used by the government for control.
A mysterious group called the Zorastran Order uses special implants that give them extraordinary powers.

The ambitious Jonas Evermount is trained by the order because of his unique way of harnessing the power of the implants.

After much training, Jonas leads a rebellion against the corrupt government of Ametsapolis and is joined along the way by a geneticist and researcher with similar goals.

The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge of his or seat the whole way.
The characters in "Ametsapolis Rising" are dynamic and interesting; one of Myandee's strengths is showing the reader what drives each character.

The technology and world Myandee created are unique and well-thought out.

The book's pacing is not too fast and not too slow, perfectly leading up to the dramatic climax.
Overall, "Ametsapolis Rising" is a fresh sci-fi novel that is a must-have for anyone who likes a gripping story.

More Information
Buy it on American Amazon: http://amzn.to/15m2Akh
Buy it on Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1eCIOJH
Author Website: http://bit.ly/1dDN9t2
Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShaunMyandee

Speed Reading by John Kelley

 Review
"Speed Reading: In 24 Hours: Learn to Read Faster, Think Faster and Remember What You Read" is a recently-published Kindle Ebook by John Kelley about the requisite skills, practice, and applications of speed reading.

Kelley's book is designed to benefit high school, college, and adult students who can apply his techniques to their schoolwork and in their professional careers to gain a competitive edge.

The book follows Kelley's five basic steps, beginning with "isolating the trouble" using practice tests that assess rate, comprehension, page response, fast thinking, and vocabulary.  Readers are encouraged to calculate their individual scores and to chart their progress in their Profiles.

Next, readers learn the basic techniques of speed reading, such as analyzing paragraph structures, as well as more advanced abilities, such as speed reading while maintaining a high comprehension level.

All the while, there are exercises devoted to practicing these new frameworks and an answer key to "verify your success."

Lastly, Kelley encourages his readers to apply his techniques to all reading material, and he acknowledges that speed reading is a skill that can be honed throughout one's life.

The book is most interesting in its broad approach to cultivating one's speed reading ability by teaching multiple components of the task.

Overwhelmingly, "Speed Reading: In 24 Hours: Learn to Read Faster, Think Faster and Remember What You Read" is a successful "how-to" manual for learning and improving upon one's speed reading.

More Information
Buy it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Speed-Reading-ebook/dp/B00F3Q5JY8

Changed Forever: The Dreams of Sara Knight by Steven Misosky

Review
"Changed Forever: The Dreams of Sara Knight" is the first book in Steven Misosky's Young-Adult Series of Empowerment encouraging readers to seek out the "divine splendor within."
It begins on the birthday of 10-year-old Kara and Sara Knight who are the twin daughters conceived out of great love by their parents, Steve and Cindy, whose plan is that the twins will take the "extraordinary path" to help the Earth.

Steve and Cindy Knight as well as Steve's mother, Grandma Gaddi, tell the girls about the presence of "awakened ones" called "Heart Knowers" who are attuned to their souls and to God.  Kara and Sara become increasingly excited about this new challenge of "waking up" and experiencing each moment in the present.     

The day after the twins' birthday, the family meets Grandma Gaddi for a hypnotist show, and Gaddi presents the girls with symbolic necklaces and dream journals. From that point on, Kara and Sara reflect upon their dreams, the subconscious, love, karma, and synchronicity.

The novel is most interesting because of the philosophy Misosky presents and in the way that his narration makes one feel like he or she is there experiencing the wide range of dreams, including one involving the country singer Taylor Swift.

The emphasis on family, harmony, and one's inner-life is especially unique for a novel catering to the Young-Adult demographic.  It is refreshing that Misosky is tapping into the spiritual reservoirs of teens and adults and asking them to think about living in a different way.

By and large, "Changed Forever: The Dreams of Sara Knight" is a wonderful, descriptive narrative about challenging oneself to look within to seize the "limitless possibilities" that await. 

More Information
Buy it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Changed-Forever-Dreams-Knight-ebook/
Blog: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7221699.Steven_Misosky/blog
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18331265-changed-forever
   

Kindreds: An Alliance of Bloods by Tani Mura

Review
“Kindreds: An Alliance of Bloods," book 1 of the Kindreds series, a fantasy/dystopian novel with a dash of sci-fi, is an engaging novel that will have the reader hooked from the start.

Tani Mura's 330-page novel follows the exploits of Raine, an ambitious twenty-year-old, in an unfriendly world.

Raine, an inhabitant of a dangerous region known as the Outer Rims, opts to become a warrior, rather than join the Breeders like most most women in her village.

Although being the only female warrior is tough, Raine manages to cope; however, her coping is in vain for she is soon whisked away to a peculiar kingdom fixated on war and genetic manipulation.

Mura masterfully builds Raine's world, immersing the reader in details that make the universe feel real.

One of the strongest points of the novel is Mura's description of each culture and its history, which adds a layer of depth to the plot that truly engages the reader.

The plot really takes off when Raine leaves the Outer Rims, steadily building until its dramatic climax.

Mura's writing is descriptive yet concise, with telling narration and dialogue.

Overall, "Kindreds: An Alliance of Bloods" is a great read with a riveting plot and a fascinating world.

More Information
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Kindreds-Alliance-Bloods-Series-ebook
Blog: http://tanirsmura.wordpress.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18332939-kindreds

Exodus Lost by S.C. Compton

Review
S. C. Compton's "Exodus Lost" is a compelling look at the voyages of pre-Western American cultures across the Atlantic.

Compton, having studied these cultures for years, is well-versed on the subject, presenting a well-developed case for the voyages.

There is a variety of archeological evidence used to help the reader see the plausibility of the voyages.

Compton's studies allowed him to discover a variety of new things outside the topic of travel about  indigenous American cultures.

Compton also incorporates information about Biblical events into the book.

One of the strengths of the book is that it is so approachable.

Although Compton is an esteemed scholar, the book can be read by anyone, regardless of his or her background.

Another strength of the book is its visual aids (126 photos, maps, and engravings).

The book is in the history section, but it has enough real-life adventure to keep anyone interested.

Overall, "Exodus Lost" is a strong offering about a fascinating topic -- it is a must-read for anyone with a remote interest in history, especially that of Egypt and early America!

More Information
Buy it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Exodus-Lost-S-C-Compton/dp/1439276838
Book Website: http://www.exoduslost.com/
Goodreads Page: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10333817-exodus-lost

Don't Call Me Baby by Betty Byers

Review
Betty Byers “Don't Call Me Baby" intrigues with an exciting combination of romance, mystery, and suspense.

Set in a London, the novel follows 24-year-old Lola Hussey as she navigates her complicated love life and her new position as a junior investigator at a private investigator agency.

Lola, whose previous primary concern had been how to move out of her mother's house, finds herself assigned to solve a case involving the suspicious death of a wealthy Australian.

Although there is a lot going on in the novel, Byers paces it well, keeping the reader from being overwhelmed with information.

Byers develops all of the characters extensively, especially Lola.

The reader is granted a deep look into Lola's upbringing, making Lola's actions in the present more understandable.

The novel is written in the first-person perspective, which really allows the reader into Lola's head.

One of novel’s greatest strengths is its humor.

Byers is a smart, witty writer, and her talent certainly shines in the novel's comedy.

Despite Lola's demanding job as an investigator, she has time for romance.

After coming clean about her lack of feelings for her on-and-off-again romantic partner of two years, she is torn between her feelings for her stoic Danish boss, Julian, and the playful yet dreamy Joe.

"Don't Call Me Baby" is truly the complete package -- and it is a must-read for anyone who likes romance with their mystery.


More Information 
Download for free here: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/341296
About the author: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/BettyByers
Author's blog: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7205297.Betty_Byers/blog

Killgrace and the Singular Situation

Review

“Killgrace and the Singular Situation” is science fiction for the thinking person.

Part of a series of science fiction and historical stories called Killgrace, the novella revolves around a team of scientists who are trying to rescue planet-sized aliens from a black hole while aboard a spaceship.

The cast of characters, consisting mostly of scientists and space aviation personnel, are likeable and interesting, especially the two protagonists, Professor Susan Wells and the humanoid Cet Killgrace.

The plot is paced well, and the various problems the scientists must solve are realistic (from a scifi standpoint) and do not feel forced.

It is worth noting that this novella is firmly rooted in science.

Physics concepts, such as the Coriolis effect, are referenced and used to help the scientists come up with a solution for rescuing the gigantic aliens.

Although the novella is heavy on the science, it is by no means a physics textbook, and author does include fictitious creations, such as a tugboat-like ship called the Renshaw.

The novella’s basis in science and the elegant ways in which the scientists attempt to solve the problem make “Killgrace and the Singular Situation” a recommended read for any serious science fiction fan.

More Information

Buy it here: http://www.amazon.com//B00DT30XQG/
Website: http://killgrace.co.uk/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Killgrace1