Lu's Reviews

Kissing Games by Mark Edwards

April 4, 2018 louisedenham90

Kissing Games by Mark Edwards

Title – Kissing Games

Author – Mark Edwards

Published – Aug ’12

Publisher – Indi IQ.com

Pages – 80

Price- Kindle – £0.99

ASIN – B0090RXE34

Two young boys accepted a dare to spend the night in an old abandoned asylum, the only problem is they have no idea what awaits them. Hollingby Hospital used to house some of the countries worst psychopaths, now its abandoned and rotting away.

One of its former residents, a murderer of young boys has returned and is roaming the corridors at night. Now Ben and Ollie are spending the night there.

This is another one of Edwards short stories and yet again I find myself wishing it was a full novel. This was by far one of his best short stories, I couldn’t put it down. It certainly packed a punch in its short content. A fantastic read. Praise to Edwards once again.

Rating – Five out of Five Stars

Would I Read Again? – Yes

Would I Recommend? – Yes

Would I read other books by the same author? – Yes

Reviews for this book can be found on:

Amazon under Lu’s Reviews

Goodreads,

Net Galley (If a NetGalley Book)

My Blogs at http://www.readingbeyondobsession.co.uk/

http://www.lusreviewsblog.wordpress.com

SmashWords (LusReviews)

Barns & Noble (Lus-Reviews)

Links to this review can be found at:

Twitter: @lusreviews

Facebook: @lusreviews

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The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

April 4, 2018April 4, 2018 louisedenham90

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

Title – The Tattooist of Auschwitz

Author – Heather Morris

Published – Jan ’18

Publisher – Zaffre

Pages – 288

Price on Amazon – Paperback – £8.99 Kindle – £1.99

ISBN – 1785763644

Its 1942 and Lale Sokolv has been taken to Auschwitz, he has been given the job of tattooing the prisoners of Auschwitz with their prisoner numbers on their arms. These numbers would become one of the most infamous symbols of the holocaust.

Lale meets a girl who he’s meant to tattoo, for Lale its love at first sight and he’s determined to make sure they both survive.

I wasn’t able to finish this book as I found it very slow going and it didn’t grab attention. To be honest I found this story to be rather boring. It is for these reasons I am unable to give this book a full review.

Thank You to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating – A Single Star

Would I Read Again? – No

Would I Recommend? – No

Would I read other books by the same author? – Yes

Reviews for this book can be found on:

Amazon under Lu’s Reviews

Goodreads,

Net Galley (If a NetGalley Book)

My Blogs at http://www.readingbeyondobsession.co.uk/

http://www.lusreviewsblog.wordpress.com

SmashWords (LusReviews)

Barns & Noble (Lus-Reviews)

Links to this review can be found at:

Twitter: @lusreviews

Facebook: @lusreviews

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Mythical Doorways Blog Tour Schedule

March 21, 2018 louisedenham90

Mythical Doorways Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, March 27th

– Author Spotlight: A. J. Bakke – Kandi J Wyatt—Where Fantasy and Reality Meet

– Interview: Katy Huth Jones – Dragonpen Press

– Interview: Laurie Lucking – Fearless Words in Fantasy Worlds

– Book Spotlight – Antrim Cycle

– Author Spotlight: Bokerah Brumley – Life is a Four-Letter Word: Encouragement for the Journey

– Book Spotlight – Deeply Shallow

– Book Review – Blooming with Books

– Review & Interview: Lauren Lynch — Fairies, Fantasy, and Faith

–

Wednesday, March 28th

– Book Spotlight – Dolphin18cb

– Interview: Arthur Daigle – Heather Hadyen – Author of Science Fiction and Fantasy

– Review & Author Spotlight: H.L. Burke – Reality Reflected

– Interview: D.G. Driver – So Few Books

– Interview: H.L. Burke – Keturah’s Korner

– Interview: Bokerah Bromley – Supervise SF

–

Thursday, March 29th

– Book Review – Lands Uncharted

– Interview: J.M. Hackman – Liv K. Fisher

– Interview: Jenelle Schmidt – Lu’s Reviews Take Two

– Interview: Savannah Jezowski – Unicorn Quester

– MYTHICAL DOORWAYS FACEBOOK PARTY

Mythical Doorways Authors

– Katy Huth Jones

– D. G. Driver

– Lauren Lynch

– H.L. Burke

– Savannah Jezowski

– A. J. Bakke

– Laurie Lucking

– Jenelle Schmidt

– Arthur Daigle

– Bokerah Bromley

– J.M. Hackman

(Click the author to learn more about them and their books!)

Jurassic Park by Micheal Crichton

March 18, 2018March 18, 2018 louisedenham90

Jurassic Park by Micheal Crichton

Title – Jurassic Park

Author – Micheal Crichton

Published – May ’15

Publisher – Arrow

Pages – 480

Price on Amazon – Paperback – £5.43

ISBN – 1784752224

Scientists have managed to recreate dinosaurs by cloning there DNA. Deciding to create a theme park to show off these dinosaurs, not everything goes to plan. When a catastrophe strikes and the dinosaurs are let loose everyone is left fighting for their lives.

These films are my all time favourite films so I thought being an avid reader I would give the book ago, however, I found I didn’t enjoy the book. I was listening to the audiobook though and I suspect it was because I wasn’t enjoying the narrator who was reading the book. I think this has a huge impact on whether or not you enjoy an audiobook or not. Therefore I have not given up on this book, I will give reading the actual book ago. But I did not like the audio, therefore, my rating is for the audiobook version of this book.

Rating – One out of Five Stars

Would I Read Again? – Yes

Would I Recommend? – Not the audiobook

Would I read other books by the same author? – Yes

Reviews for this book can be found on:

Amazon under Lu’s Reviews

Goodreads,

Net Galley (If a NetGalley Book)

My Blogs at http://www.readingbeyondobsession.co.uk/

http://www.lusreviewsblog.wordpress.com

SmashWords (LusReviews)

Barns & Noble (Lus-Reviews)

Links to this review can be found at:

Twitter: @lusreviews

Facebook: @lusreviews

Instagram: lusreviews

A Murder of Magpies by Mark Edwards

March 18, 2018March 18, 2018 louisedenham90

A Murder of Magpies by Mark Edwards

Title – A Murder of Magpies

Author – Mark Edwards

Published – Feb ’18

Publisher – Amazon Publishing

Pages – 93

Price – Kindle Unlimited – Free

ASIN – B078GPKGN5

This story is a short sequel to Edwards The Magpies. This book takes place five years after Jamie Knight and his wife lost their unborn baby and were put through hell by their neighbours. The women responsible Lucy Newton who is known as the Dark Angel was sent to prison. But now she has been released. Soon Jamie received a message from a stranger, is Lucy up to her old tricks again? Is Jamie going to be pulled back into her madness?

I am yet to read a book by Mark Edwards that I haven’t loved. This book is no exception. I loved it. Although this is only a short story it sure packs a punch.

Wonderfully written, finishes the story of The Magpies off perfectly. I always hoped for a happy ending for Jamie and his wife and although this is not how the book ended I enjoyed it none the less.

The characters are wonderfully written, the plot is totally gripping and keeps you hooked from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down and read the book in a single sitting.

Praise to Edwards for yet another wonderful book. I cannot wait to read more of his books. He has firmly secured himself a spot in my favourite author’s category on my kindle.

Rating – Five out of Five Stars

Would I Read Again? – Yes

Would I Recommend? – Yes

Would I read other books by the same author? – Most Definitely

Reviews for this book can be found on:

Amazon under Lu’s Reviews

Goodreads,

Net Galley (If a NetGalley Book)

My Blogs at http://www.readingbeyondobsession.co.uk/

http://www.lusreviewsblog.wordpress.com

SmashWords (LusReviews)

Barns & Noble (Lus-Reviews)

Links to this review can be found at:

Twitter: @lusreviews

Facebook: @lusreviews

Instagram: lusreviews

Interview with Jamie Foley

March 17, 2018 louisedenham90

Interview with Jamie Foley

Author of Sage

What got you into writing?

I’ve always had stories and characters and worlds bouncing around in my head. I won the ‘Storyteller’ award in second grade. Although I’m not sure if that was for creativity or creative lying.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

My co-author, Angela Castillo. She has 4 kids, is an amazingly successful indie author, and brings me enchiladas every time I get sick. I have no idea how she does it.

Who was your favourite author as a child?

Frank Peretti probably takes the cake. But I also loved Ted Dekker, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and the Jedi Apprentice series by Dave Wolverton and Jude Watson.

If you couldn’t be a writer what job would you do?

Well, I was just able to quit my job a few months ago to begin full-time writing. If I couldn’t write anymore, I would probably go back to helping other authors indie publish, and helping with their marketing, websites, and email newsletters. I also enjoy designing my own book covers (like Vanguard), so I would probably take a shot at offering that to others as well. 🙂

Do you believe in writers block?

Oh yes, writer’s block is very real. But that’s no excuse to not write, if that’s what one does professionally.

For me it’s just running out of creative juice. When I hit that wall, I need to either work on a different writing project for a day or switch into to-do list mode, or mom/wife/homemaker mode. If I can get enough mental rest, my batteries will recharge and I can get right back in the saddle.

How did you get into writing and first get published?

I have a complicated relationship with writing and publishers. I wasn’t exactly an ace in English class, so I never believed I could become a writer. I ended up working for a publisher on the marketing side of things.

It sounds odd, but a few years ago I suddenly felt called to quit my job and start writing. Well, actually, it felt more like God told me to, and when I told him he was crazy, he beat me over the head until I obeyed. Boy, I’m glad I finally did!

Since I’d worked for one of the Big 5 publishers, I knew that things were turning south for the industry as a whole with the rise of ebooks (Thomas Nelson was acquired by HarperCollins during my time there). Many bestselling authors were indie publishing on the side. The ‘hybrid’ author became a thing.

So, as a new mother who wasn’t interested in stressful deadlines, I decided that I had the professional training (and industry connections with awesome cover designers and editors) to indie publish my own books. It’s hard work, but I thoroughly enjoy it, and the rewards are plentiful!

If you could be an animal what would you be?

A mountain lion. Rawr.

A huge Thank You to Jamie Foley for inviting Lu’s Reviews on her book blog tour. Also A big thank you for taking the time to answer questions in an interview.

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

March 17, 2018March 17, 2018 louisedenham90

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Title – Ready Player One

Author – Ernest Cline

Published – April ’12

Publisher – Arrow

Pages – 384

Price on Amazon – Paperback – £4.00 Kindle – £4.99

ISBN – 0099560437

Its the year 2045 and the world is an ugly place, the only escape for people is inside a virtual utopia known as the oasis. Wade Watts has devoted his life his life to finding the hidden easter egg inside the oasis, with everyone out to find the egg and some willing to go as far as to kill for it. Can Wade survive long enough to win?

We chose to read this book for my book club read because the film is due to come out this month and we thought it would make a good read and then a field trip to the cinema to watch the film and then compare the two.

I really enjoyed this book. Being a big techy myself I found the idea of being able to hide inside a virtual reality a fascinating concept. There have been many times where I have taken to hiding inside a virtual world.

This book has a great plot, at a steady pace keeping you gripped throughout. The characters develop well throughout the story. There are good guys and bad guys in the story giving you someone to root for and someone to hate, drawing you into the story even more.

A really fun and interesting story.

Rating – Four out of Five Stars

Would I Read Again? – Yes

Would I Recommend? – Yes

Would I read other books by the same author? – Yes

Reviews for this book can be found on:

Amazon under Lu’s Reviews

Goodreads,

Net Galley (If a NetGalley Book)

My Blogs at http://www.readingbeyondobsession.co.uk/

http://www.lusreviewsblog.wordpress.com

SmashWords (LusReviews)

Barns & Noble (Lus-Reviews)

Links to this review can be found at:

Twitter: @lusreviews

Facebook: @lusreviews

Instagram: lusreviews

Sage by Jamie Foley

March 15, 2018March 15, 2018 louisedenham90

Sage by Jamie Foley

Title – Sage

Author – Jamie Foley

Published – March ’18

Publisher – Fayette Press

Pages – 386

ASIN – B0789PX7BQ

Sage is the third book in The Sentinal Trilogy by author Jamie Foley.

Tera is charged with leading the army, with the ability to see into the future being a high advantage, Tera didn’t foresee being thrown into the physical realm though. With a city at war, Aleah soon learns she’s not a free as she thought she was. Who can survive this war?

I was invited to join Jamie Foleys book blog tour. I found this book a bit confusing to start with, this could be due to the fact I had not read the first two books in the series yet.

I found the book to be a bit of a slow starter but once it got going I found myself drawn in. I enjoyed watching the characters grow throughout the book. This book takes you on a whirlwind of emotions, it will have you laughing and crying. A fantastic emotional journey.

Another thing I enjoyed about Foley’s work is how clean it was, books these days are full of foul language and violence. This book was void off all that. Violence is not entertainment in my opinion and Foley has been able to entertain without the overuse of excessive violence and bad language. Which in itself is a refreshing change.

Thank You to the author for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank You for having me on your book blog tour.

Rating – Four out of Five Stars

Would I Read Again? – Yes

Would I Recommend? – Yes

Would I read other books by the same author? – Yes

Reviews for this book can be found on:

Amazon under Lu’s Reviews

Goodreads,

Net Galley (If a NetGalley Book)

My Blogs at http://www.readingbeyondobsession.co.uk/

http://www.lusreviewsblog.wordpress.com

SmashWords (LusReviews)

Barns & Noble (Lus-Reviews)

Links to this review can be found at:

Twitter: @lusreviews

Facebook: @lusreviews

Instagram: lusreviews

Purchase Links

Amazon – Signed Paperback

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38197332-sage

Social Media Links

Website – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram – Goodreads

Guardian Angel by Mark Edwards

March 13, 2018 louisedenham90

Guardian Angel by Mark Edwards

Title – Guardian Angel

Author – Mark Edwards

Price – Free on https://www.markedwardsauthor.com/

Laura is your average women, each day she catches the train to work, whilst on the train, she reads the missed connections section on the newspaper, she finds it fun and interesting that is until one of the missed connection posts is aimed at her. Does she have a stalker? Is she in danger?

This is another one of Edwards short stories and yet again I found myself wishing it was a full novel. It kept me completely hooked and I couldn’t put it down. Edwards is an amazing author and has very quickly become one of my favourite authors. I cannot wait to read more of his books.

Rating – Five out of Five Star

Would I Read Again? – Yes

Would I Recommend? – Yes

Would I read other books by the same author? – Yes

Reviews for this book can be found on:

Amazon under Lu’s Reviews

Goodreads,

Net Galley (If a NetGalley Book)

My Blogs at http://www.readingbeyondobsession.co.uk/

http://www.lusreviewsblog.wordpress.com

SmashWords (LusReviews)

Barns & Noble (Lus-Reviews)

Links to this review can be found at:

Twitter: @lusreviews

Facebook: @lusreviews

Instagram: lusreviews

Sage Book Blog Tour

March 13, 2018 louisedenham90

About the Book

Ancient elementals awaken, fracturing a dying world to its core.

Teravyn Aetherswift returns to the land of the living, but everything seems unfamiliar… including her little brother. Zekk offers help, but can an alluring Lynx be trusted?

Sorvashti finally has everything she ever wanted, so the last thing she wants to do is run after traitors. But she won’t leave Jet’s side—unless the horrifying truth about his mother tears them apart.

Darien is sick of being used and lied to. But if he stands up for what’s right, he’ll pay the price with his life… or the lives of those he loves.

Purchase on Amazon or a signed paperback

About the Author

Jamie Foley loves strategy games, home-grown berries, and Texas winters. She’s terrified of plot holes and red wasps.

Her husband is her manly cowboy astronaut muse. They live between Austin, TX and their family cattle ranch, where their hyperactive spawnling and wolfpack can run free.

Website — Facebook — Twitter — Instagram

Giveaway Time!

Want to dive into a new world or in need of a good book? Enter to win a digital $10 Amazon gift card (3 winners) by signing up for Jamie’s newsletter via the form.