IWSG Wednesday

 

The first Wednesday of every month is officially IWSG day. IWSG was formed by Ninja Captain Alex Cavanaugh. Members post about their doubts and fears, discuss struggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to others who are struggling.

 

The awesome co-hosts for the October 5 posting of the IWSG are Tonja Drecker, Victoria Marie Lees, Mary Aalgaard, and yours truly😉

 

This month's question:
What do you consider the best characteristics of your favorite genre?
Remember, the question is optional!

In reference to my favorite writing genre, there are two main draws (no pun intended) for me in Westerns. The strong moral code that runs through all Westerns and the action/adventure aspect. 

One of my favorite reading genres is thrillers and the same applies. Take the Reacher series. Jack Reacher lives by a strong moral code that may or may not run in sync with the law, yet it's a code he follows AND there's always plenty of action and adventure in Lee Child's stories;)

 

 September/October reviews in no particular order.

Occasional typos do not figure into my reviews.

 

THE HAUNTING OF CHATHAM HOLLOW by Mae Clair and Staci Troilo

 

An intricate blend of past and present.

 

Mae Claire and Staci Troilo handle a seamless transition between past and present in this eerie, edge-of-your-seat story of revenge and hidden treasurer. And even though the story is written by two authors, they’ve managed to skillfully create one voice. The story ball is tossed back and forth between modern day reporter Aiden Hale and, a villain in the past, Benedict Fletcher. Unfortunately for the Chatham Hollow residents where the tale takes place, Benedict isn’t the only villain. Ward Chatham, founder of Chatham Hollow will appear at the drop of a séance.  One rogue is bad enough, but together both men create enough havoc to last a lifetime or two.

This is a must-read for Claire and Troilo fans or for folks that just enjoy a well-told tale. I hope these two talented women continue to blend their voices and turn out another great read.

Available at Amazon

  

 

NECROMANCER’S DAUGHTER by D. Wallace Peach

 

The author’s best story yet.

 

Ms. Wallace Peach is an excellent fantasy author. Her world building is unparalleled and her stories are a rich tapestry of imagery and imagination. In Necromancer’s Daughter, she has outdone herself. The characters charmed me: A mishappen healer with a huge heart. His daughter who, he brought to life, is willing to sacrifice herself again and again to heal others. And the soldier who is conflicted between his religious beliefs and his heart.

I loved this story.  It kept me way up past my bedtime😊 Highly recommended.

 Available at Amazon

 

 

LAGRANGE RISING by Doug Cooper

 

The author had me at Cuss Abbott.

Can you think of a more perfect name for a hotshot law enforcer? Or a more fun concept than an Interworld Marshal? The author has outdone himself at world building. The story is well written, the characters developed and fleshed out. You love the good guys and hate the bad. I found his relationship with his partner Ygo fascinating. Between the two of them they cover all bases when on the trail of murder and cyber theft. It’s obvious the author knows his way around sci fi.

This is a highly enjoyable space opera. Cooper fans are going to love Cuss and his hi-jinks.

Available at Amazon

 

 

 

DRUID’S MOON by Deniz Bevan

 

Lyne Vanlith is on an archeological dig when she discovers an ancient curse and a beast.  A grateful kiss on the snout of the beast after it rescues her from danger places a handsome stranger by her side. Tension mounts as the two find themselves in one dangerous scenario after another as evil adversaries do their best to keep Lyne and Frederick from breaking the curse.

A novel and intriguing take on the beauty and the beast theme, I found this to be a fascinating read. Once the action started it didn’t stop but kept me turning pages. Recommended for those who love a blend of romance, fantasy and action rolled together in an archeological setting.

Available at Amazon

 

TRAD:

THE INK BLACK HEART by Robert Galbraith

 

First let me say that I consider Robert Galbraith to be one of the premiere trad authors today and that up until this book, Cormoran Strike was my favorite series. That said, I found this read to be a disappointment.

I’m a big believer in closure. I don’t mind a dangle at the end of the book, if the ending weaves all the threads together satisfactorily. Galbraith has successfully drawn out the relationship or lack thereof between Strike and Robin for six books. In the first five, you were left with the feeling that maybe they’d get together in the next one. Especially with book five. It ended on a hopeful note, leaving me eager to read book six. Book six ends on a very unsettling note. I’m sure they’re going to be continuing the same dance steps they’ve been doing through the previous books, if she writes anymore. I realize relationship tension is a tried-and-true formula for romances, but I’m not sure it’s necessary in a detective thriller. A small amount yes, but not to stretch it to the breaking point. This was a twenty-five-hour read and it was definitely stretched out. And, personally, I don’t think getting these two together would hurt this series at all. J.K. Robb’s Death series is a prime example of bringing a couple together without sacrificing story.

Besides the unsatisfactory finish, large chunks of the book take place in gamers chats which I didn’t feel moved the story forward.

Lastly, there were formatting issues. As an Indie/Hybrid author, I can relate to this, but it surprised me from a large, established press.

For me, this book was a disappointment and probably the last in the series I’ll read.

This said, over nine thousand reviews gave her an average of 4.2, which says the majority liked it.