Monday, August 26, 2019

Ice Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria 1)

Written by:Kay L Moody



This book is a very fast read. It doesn't linger in areas, and in fact there is more that I would have liked to see, like training updates instead of just "10 years later". It follows Talise who is from the poorest area called the Storm and whom has never has seen one that can bend elements, especially like she can.

Talise can leave the Storm forever, is after the 10 years of training her element manipulations she wins the final competition to work for the emperor. She has Marmie who is her loved one that pushed her forward to this training and to try to win her own way out of the storm, but there will be no way out for Marmie herself. In the final year (year 10) all the schools gather their last class and puts them together, that is where Talise meets Aaden. One who might just beat her out of the competition if she is not careful. She sees a trick that Aaden has up his sleeve which is very impressive, so she has to think of way to out do that trick or else she won't have a hope of winning in her mind. Does she risk it to try and win, or does she just give up and go home to Marmie.

There is one twist that I won't say much about, but it's big and could impact what happens.

I loved this book from start to end, I wish there was more in the area where she was training, maybe show some struggles she had to overcome to get to the point she is at after the 10 years, but other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

Can't wait for the second book in the series.



I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.



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Book Description:

The competition could save her life... but only if she wins.

Talise can manipulate the elements with ease; water, air, earth, and fire all bend to her will. As a citizen of the Storm—a crime-laden land where death is the only constant—her only chance for a better life is to become Master Shaper.

A competition for the position takes place at the end of her training years. If she wins, she would live in the palace, work for the emperor, and escape her inevitable death in the Storm. But she’s not the only one with a chance to win.

Aaden is another talented student. As a citizen of the Crown, he was born with unlimited privilege and resources. When someone from the Crown wants to win, they do. End of story. And his shaping is unlike anything Talise has ever seen.

Complicating matters, Talise’s loved one in the Storm gives her reason to abandon the competition altogether, forcing her to make an impossible choice.

Torn between duty and freedom, she must learn that clinging to the past, might destroy her future.

For fans of Red Queen, the Grishaverse, and Avatar the Last Airbender, this desperate fantasy world has elemental magic and tension you could cut with a knife.



Sunday, August 25, 2019

A Roman Death

Written by:Joan O'Hagan



Honestly speaking, I didn't pick this book cause of the Roman aspect. In fact it kind of off-put me wanting to check it out, but as I read what the book was going to be about, I slowly got more interested in giving the book a chance.

Gives lots of info at the start, like what things you might read and not know what they are as you read them. Example: Carnifex is an executioner / hangman.

This book is very well written, and doesn't drag scenes out too far that you get bored of reading it. It is definitely not a book I would normally read, but that has nothing to do with how the book was written. I don't mind the book, but with so many new words that I had to keep going back to the first few pages to figure out who or what was being discussed was too annoying (most especially in e-book format). I don't regret reading the book, it was a great read even with having to figure out some of the words, would be best in paperback so you can just flip quicker to the page.

For those that enjoy this kind of book, (a murder mystery with lots of history thrown in) I think it is a great edition that will keep you reading. It has lots of suspense that will have you reading well into a time when you should be doing other things.

I received a free copy of this e-book free and am giving it an honest review, of my thoughts.



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Book Description:

Historical thriller set in Ancient Rome. In 45 BC, Julius Caesar is at the height of his power. Lucius Scaurus, the young, good-looking fiance of a high-society girl is poisoned at the couple's own pre-wedding banquet. In the trial that follows, Roman society is shocked when the girl's mother, Helvia, is accused of not only of murder, but of incest. Cicero comes to Helvia's defence, but the killer's identity remains a mystery until the final twist - or two.

'Poison, poetry (both high-minded and salacious), marriage for money, marriage for love, gang-rape, cowardice in battle, scheming slaves, conniving aristocrats, malicious matrons casting magical curses, and (as if all this were not enough) a previously unknown oration by Cicero — there’s so much going on, so expertly conveyed ... ' (Steven Saylor)



Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Alien Pets (Xeno Relations Book 1)

Written by:Patricia McNary



Some of this will have small spoilers (nothing to ruin the reading of it, or spoil anything in a major way, mostly some bits of info that are kind of intriguing to me.

So let me start off with a very tiny spoiler, which is in the first chapter, and can be read within. So we all know how a cat will choose the human that it wants as its owner. You will buy a cat, bring it home but no matter if you love it to bits, it just might choose another in the household to be with over you. In this book it is a similar concept in which the cat actually chooses what alien (called Verdantes) they want for their human to be a pet to, at least in the case of the human girl named Antaska and her cat Potat.

Potat chooses (and allows) the Verdante named M.Hoyvil be her new pet and the owner of her other pet Antaska. You will get to read her point of view at times, and M.Hoyvil as well as Antaska.

Everything about this book drew me in, the great cover art, the interesting title, and the blurb that was written. There are different perspectives that you get to read about from the different character, each one separated by an alien head so you know that the focus is shifting.

Humans can live to be an average of 200 years old and if you are 50 you are classed as a young adult. Verdantes live to the age of 5,000 or more and if your 650 or so you are allowed to choose your first pet and are an adolescence. (Antaska is just over 50 and M.Hoyvil is 650).



Amazon

I received a free copy of this e-book free and am giving it an honest review, of my thoughts.



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Book Description:

Life gets weird when you’re adopted by an alien.

One million years in the future, young human Antaska and her psychic cat are adopted as pets by a gigantic alien. Traveling in outer space, she becomes telepathic in a world where that’s dangerous. Then she gets into a love triangle that’s even more dangerous. Her cat tries to tell Antaska what she’s doing wrong, but will she listen?



Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Secret Magic (Evie Everyday Witch Book 1)

Written by:Elena Paige



So right off the bat, the reason I chose to read and review this book is because of the cover. It reminded me of the show I used to watch a long while ago, Sabrina the Teenage Witch (yes there is a more darker version on Netflix that I also have watched and loved, and hope for another season soon). But yea the teenager has blonde hair, has a black cat, and just the vibe it gave off seemed interesting enough to check it out.

Book starts out well, describes the current situation of Evie Everyday (have to say that last name selection was very weird to me) and it tells what she wants to do, but hasn't been able to. The story starts when she is in 5th grade but it doesn't give a lot of details there, it is when she goes to the 6th grade and starts her new school that it starts. The girls cat name....is just what a child might name one lol. The name Evie comes up with for "normal people" kind of seems weird, but is a different word that children could laugh at and agree.

Every few pages had a cute small design that was interesting to see. I think many children would enjoy seeing them.

It's a cute story line that I think children would enjoy (personally I think it will appeal more to the girls than the boys, but then again, some boy aren't all into the same things)





I received a free copy of this e-book free and am giving it an honest review, of my thoughts.



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Book Description:

Can this everyday witch convince everyone she's a normal everyday girl?

Funny magical adventure series perfect for kids ages 7 and up.

My name is Evie Everyday and I’m a witch. But all I’ve ever wanted is to be a Lamron. That’s the word normal spelled backward. Anyways, now I have the chance to go to a regular school and be a regular girl I’ll do whatever it takes to fit in.

Fitting in is easy. All I have to do is:

- Keep my magic a secret

- Swap my favorite colorful clothes for boring black ones

- Suck up to scary Mrs. Rogers, the school principal

- Keep my pet cat, bat and corncob from causing any trouble

- And stay away from Izzy. She’s all colorful and funny and awesome…. and not helpful for fitting in.

But when everything starts to go wrong, there’s only one way to save my new school... use magic. And only one person who can help me... Izzy!

Evie Everyday Witch is a series of chapter books that kids and parents will love. Ideal for reluctant readers. Evie's quirky, funny personality will sweep kids off their feet, and get them reading again!



Monday, August 12, 2019

Assertion Trials

Written by:Melaina Rayne



A very interesting take on the wold shifter lives.

When I seen that it was a shifter book, it intrigued me, as per usual. I love reading a lot of shifter books (doesn't have to be wolves, can be bears, etc).

The main character is a female shifter named, Shala Wilder and it seemed like it would be interesting to follow where she led in this book of a coming of age female wolf that must be forced to be a mate to a victor in a tournament, or she could join the guard, and lastly, she could turn tail and be feral which could be dangerous. She is unsure on whether or not she could learn to love the victor or not. So many doubts surround her as she waits for the fights to begin, and during the fights unsure who she cares to win, only hoping certain ones don't.

While I did find the book a tiny bit slow in progression to get to some really interesting scenes, I still enjoyed the read to get there. The story was well written. I loved the story right to the end and can't wait to see if more adventures come after this book with Shala and the choices that she could make in the future.

The cover was interesting although a lot of black, but the moon along with the wolf howling was very neat.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WC1W2TS

I received a free copy of this e-book free and am giving it an honest review, of my thoughts.



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Book Description:

I am Shala Wilder. It is time for my coming-of-age celebration. Eligible males from every wolf pack have come to compete in the brutal trials of the Assertion. When all is over, the victor will claim me as his companion. The problem? My heart isn't set on a competitor, but on an off-limits guard who has no interest in me. What fate awaits me at the end of the trials? Will I fulfill my duty as obedient pack member, or will I forge my own path?



Sunday, August 11, 2019

Tab’s Dinner



Ordered the 3 eggs (over easy) and steak (medium well) with a side of bacon. Water with a straw. 

They do have canned pop which is a plus. They have two different chairs and sitting on the round ones are very uncomfortable. They hurt when you sit for so long. There is 10 tables. 

Wait time for food was about normal. 

Food arrived. Amount of bacon shocked me. Got about 6-7 strips instead of 3 like nonstop places. Eggs were cooked to perfection, not hard at all and the egg white wasn’t goopy. Steak was perfect and had spices on it that made it even better. Toast was cooked nicely. Potatoes were cooked nicely, not burned, had a spice on it to make it taste better. Bacon was cooked and not burned. 

All in all while I was uncomfortable in their round chairs the meal was more than perfect. I throughly enjoyed it. 

Tipped $5 on a $19 meal. Will be back there again. 


Saturday, August 10, 2019

Lovecontu Song de Light Lovecontu audio set

Written by:Kaitlynzq



Goodreads link to book

When you buy this book from the Author's website you have to download each chapter separately, and when you download them, they are outta order slightly. and to be honest when things are out of order it triggers me slightly lol, but that doesn't mean that I wouldn't enjoy it.

The book is very nice to listen to, would be a good read as well. The stories are a kind of series from journal, diary entries. Each story is very different from the other, they all have different themes and things they are trying to convey. I think so many people would enjoy listening to this audioset.

In chapter 5 the sound of the voice only showed up in the right earphone for the first 4 minutes, which I found weird.

The author has a nice light voice. She speaks in a prefect pace that you can keep up with, it is not fast at all and not too slow that your get frustrated that its not moving faster. She has a voice that could lull you to sleep if you let it. Though some of the pauses could seem a bit long between passages, for example in chapter one there was a few second pause and then a clink sound that scared me cause I was not expecting that so I jumped a little. There is also the one little issue that during the readings for certain characters that you can hear the microphone going in and out of focus with her voice (you can hear it turn off when she isn't speaking and then coming back in when she begins again) which is a little distracting to me, but i do know that they are supposed to be that way.

Sometimes the reads are lower and sometimes higher, so just be careful if you listen with a headset.

All in all, I truly did enjoy listening to this book.

I received a free copy of this audio book free to give an honest review of my thoughts on it.



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Book Description taken from Goodreads:

Included in Lovecontu Song de Light Lovecontu audio set is
Ancient Script of Lovecontu audio poem
Legend of Song de Light audio book
Legend of Song de Light audio play

The stories within Lovecontu Song de Light Lovecontu
connect, unfold, interweave many character's stories
needs, feelings, desires, dreams

contain words of

caresses around

as a cocoon of soft cashmere
accompanied by sweet aroma
allures to intimate nearness
remains a velvet kiss

their threads as two crescent moons
connected under the firelights
that layer the chords, and form the lyrics

all of you entered my world as dawn's awakening sky of soft palette
my garnet heart melted in iridescence to bloom in sun's rays
glow in night's depth as the stars echo the rhythm of my heart
my insides sigh and expand in delight
harmonious blend as our lives
circle the melody

caresses around
as a cocoon of soft cashmere
accompanied by sweet aroma
allures to intimate nearness
remains a velvet kiss
A set of interconnected stories with elements from each story that interweave in one another as heart's wave, heart's song, heart's breath into downloadable mp3 files and pdf file.

An audio set that is interwoven in the Lovecontu Song de Light Lovecontu series that includes:
Ancient Script of Lovecontu audio poem
Legend of Song de Light audio book
Legend of Song de Light audio play
Lovecontu Song de Light Lovecontu audio set

Hashtag for the series of interconnected stories Lovecontu Song de Light Lovecontu is #lovecontusongdelightlovecontu

For more information about Lovecontu Song de Light Lovecontu audio set, including excerpts and vocal synopsis, please visit the author's website.

Please note that this book is not available on Amazon.

Lovecontu Song de Light Lovecontu audio set is available for purchase on the author's website, which is noted on her Goodreads' profile page.




This is more for my remembrance.

But this is the order and their sizes;

Ancient Script of Lovecontu audio poem.mp3 (4.64 MB)
Legend of Song de Light audio book_Chapter 1.mp3 (10.28 MB)
Legend of Song de Light audio book_Chapter 10.mp3 (32.69 MB)
Legend of Song de Light audio book_Chapter 11.mp3 (32.89 MB)
Legend of Song de Light audio book_Chapter 12.mp3 (26.30 MB)
Legend of Song de Light audio book_Chapter 13.mp3 (24.87 MB)
Legend of Song de Light audio book_Chapter 14.mp3 (27.24 MB)
Legend of Song de Light audio book_Chapter 2.mp3 (12.14 MB)
Legend of Song de Light audio book_Chapter 3.mp3 (11.65 MB)
Legend of Song de Light audio book_Chapter 4.mp3 (16.43 MB)
Legend of Song de Light audio book_Chapter 5.mp3 (33.38 MB)
Legend of Song de Light audio book_Chapter 6.mp3 (29.00 MB)
Legend of Song de Light audio book_Chapter 7.mp3 (44.89 MB)
Legend of Song de Light audio book_Chapter 8.mp3 (34.34 MB)
Legend of Song de Light audio book_Chapter 9.mp3 (45.96 MB)
Legend of Song de Light audio play.pdf (603.88 KB)
Lovecontu Song de Light Lovecontu audio set_List of Characters and Places.pdf (82.68 KB)


Friday, August 9, 2019

The Day I Died

Written by:Aya Knight



Just reading the prologue intrigued me enough to want to review this book and the story within.

The book really drew me in from start to finish. It is a new take on the zombie genre and it was written in a very well thought out manner. In the book there is no "chapter" per say, its Day and parts, so like Day 1 Part 1, Day 1 Part 2, etc which shows you the progression of each day and what Oshin goes through during those days. There are twists and turns in the book, some you might guess at and be right some you might be wrong, and some you might not be able to guess at, at all. I loved the book from start to finish. It didn't linger in place, things weren't overly written and has a nice pace that you can follow.

This is the first book from Aya Knight that I have ever read but I look forward to reading more.

This book follows Oshin Fletcher's life. Who she had a crush on. Who her mother was and her best friend. How she died, and more. It shows a whole brand new take on what people read in zombie books and watch in movies. She is taught one thing about zombies and that might not hold true for all of the zombies out there. She was also taught that there was no humans outside of her city, but will she learn that was a lie also? What all she discovers as her death progress might shock and astound you.

Some links to the book

Amazon
Goodreads



I received a free copy of this e-book free and am giving it an honest review, of my thoughts.



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Book Description:

She had to die, to find the truth.

Oshin Fletcher lives by three rules: obey authority, don’t draw unnecessary attention to yourself, and above all else, never leave the city walls.

Some say that rules are meant to be broken. For Oshin, her world shattered on the day she was betrayed. A secret meeting leads her beyond the safety of her city. Lured by the ignorance that comes with being lonely and hopeful, Oshin was about to discover just how severe consequences could be. Lost and alone, she waited; no one came. But they did. The infected, the decaying, the undead.

Oshin wakes to find herself in an abandoned house, deep within the forest. Her body was changing, her desire to feed, uncontrollable. She was a marionette—her hunger, the puppeteer. She pivots on a line between life and death. They say the undead are mindless, but Oshin was very much aware. She sets out in an unknown world where the worst evils aren’t the undead, but humanity itself. With only days before the effects of the disease take hold and decay sets in, Oshin must race to find a way back home for a cure. She soon discovers that home is not everything she thought it to be. Dark secrets have been in play since the moment she was born.



Information on this book:
Genres
Science Fiction, Young Adult, Apocalyptic, Post Apocalyptic, Dystopia, Zombies, Action / Adventure, and Novels

Trigger Warnings
Profanity, Death, and Violence

Ending
Bittersweet Ending and Happily Ever After

Thursday, August 8, 2019

A&W breakfast



So yesterday me, my father and my daughter all went to A&W for their breakfast meal (we have done so many times). We ordered the All-Canadian Special and this is what the order gives you normally: 2 eggs (your choice how they are made), 2 slices of bacon, 2 breakfast sausages, 2 slices of toast, a coffee a hash-brown and lastly 2 slices of tomato.

We had recently found out that you can substitute the sausages for bacon, so that's what me and my daughter does, my dad doesn't mind their sausages so he usually gets them, but likes to switch it up once in a while. We all get chocolate milk instead of coffee, but you can also get pop instead. All 3 breakfasts wanted eggs over-easy, and they were perfectly done. Toast was cooked and not burnt. Bacon was crispy but also not burnt.

Overall it was another perfect experience, I love going there for breakfast, they have never failed to disappoint me in their service and food.

Friday, August 2, 2019

Where Dreams End: The Daydreamer Chronicles: Book 3

Written by: Jethro Punter



This book continues the adventures that Adam has had with his friends Lucid and Grimble. He knows where his mother is located, now all he has to do is try to figure out a way to make it to that area and rescue her, which will not be easy. Their first obstacle is to try and find a boat that is strong enough to make it across the Dwam and a captain who would be willing to take the risk and drive the boat there. The place where all nightmares come from. Adam gets pick-pocketed while looking for a specific captain and loses what money he was given and his pendant.

Back in the waking world, the real life struggles continue for Adam. Getting on the bad side of Miss Grudge, doing detention, telling Nora and Charlie about what has been going on within the dream world Reverie, sleeping in the spare room of the Henson's place.

I won't say too much more, but I will say that while it is great if you read the books before this to catch up on what's going on, it doesn't exactly need to be done, but it would be better to read them all. The book is well written as usual with nothing lingering too long on the scenes, it is descriptive without being overly so.



I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am giving it an honest review of what I thought of it.



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Book Description:

Finally, Adam has found where his mum could be hidden....

She is somewhere deep within the Dream World of Reverie, but getting to her won't be easy.

For a start she is somewhere far on the other side of the world, a place where no sane person would ever choose to go, the place the Nightmares come from. Even worse than that, the Queen of the Nightmares has her own plans in place, and Adam is caught right in the middle of her schemes.

Then there is the small matter of a war between Nightmare factions, an impossible voyage across the great sea of dreams and clashes with the most ancient beings in all of Reverie.

Fortunately for Adam he has the help of an even odder group of friends than usual, which in Reverie means very odd indeed. But even with the help of friendly dream beings, Nightmare freedom fighters and clockwork cyborgs, this time Adam is in real trouble, stuck in the place where dreams end.

'Where Dreams End' is the third book in the Daydreamer Chronicles series.



Thursday, August 1, 2019

Taishan Gardens

214 Front St, Trenton, ON K8V 4N9



Came to Taishan for supper hour. Was 2 people doing tables. Took 2 minutes seating time. Was only one family of 4 in restaurant at the time of seating and one couple leaving. Got a selection of random foods. Chicken wings, rice, noodles, spare ribs, all tasted good. Service was horrible. The guy who served our drinks never came back to refill a water even after once clearing a dirty dish from table. 

Heard the waitress and waiter in a convo and the guy didn’t even know what tables were his and which were hers. 


I have went there multiple times and this seems to be how it goes. They tell you to sit anywhere. They wait till you go get food. They ask what you want to drink. Bring it to you. Then your lucky if they come back once or twice to remove dishes. Only way they give you a water refill seems to be to get their attention and ask for it.