Book Reviews Page 3
On this page, we share books that we have read and reviewed. We grade them as follows:
5 - Stars: Loved It!!!, 4.5 - Stars: Liked it a lot!!, 4 - Stars - Liked It!, 3.5 - Stars - Liked It but can be better and 3 - Stars - Good, but needs Improvement.
We don't give 1 or 2-star ratings. if we feel your story needs work. We'll email you instead, we're not in the business of making other authors feel bad since they put much work into their work.
There are four categories: Characters, Plot, Writing Structure and Ending/Climax. Then an overall rating which is a mean of the four categories.
If you like to have your book reviewed, please drop us a request along with a copy of your book in any format (Doc, Docx, pdf, .mobi and .epub) on the form that can be found on the contact us page. For more information about the book review process head to the services tab above.
To see a book review, click on the button of the title below:
Isobel: By Aden James
1. Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steve Moran is a Watch Manager for the Fire Department.
Lizzie Moran is Steve's wife.
Jackson Moran is Steve's 17-year-old Son
Ted Porster is training with Thomas.
Thomas Owdley is 18 years old and is in the military.
2. Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steve Moran and his team are called to the scene of a fatal car accident. When they arrive, Steve sees that one woman was thrown from the car and another woman is pinned inside. He and Mark Bonsall carefully remove her from the car. Steve begins to "see" her and experiences great fear and anxiety.
Thomas Owdley is in Basic Training in September 1943. His post training is as an Artillery Observer.
Steve, Lizzie and Jackson are going to Cornwall for an engagement party. Steve drops Jackson at his brother's house and he and Lizzie go to "The Cross Hotel". As they enter, Steve sees a certificate that says a "Paranormal Society has visited the Hotel"! Steve is not happy about that. During the night, Steve has weird things happen to him in his room which freaks him and Lizzie out. They pack their things and leaves the hotel.
In December 1943 Private Owdley is headed to France as an Artillery Observer. He and his team were training and the gun barrel blew apart killing their instructor, Sgt. Buxton, Private Ted Porster and severely injuring Thomas.
Steve continues to experience paranormal activities. He thinks his severe headaches may be a pre-curser to a visit from the woman who he calls "Isobel" and since the experience at The Cross Hotel, he "sees" a young, angry soldier seeking revenge.
As Steve goes from one call to the next, he takes great care of the bodies he has to recover.
In January, 1944 Thomas is still in the hospital. He is on a plane to get better care. He finds out that Ted Porster committed suicide by rigging the cannon to explode.
Steve gets a call to a home where a young man is dead. It seems he lit charcoal and inhaled the fumes. He left a suicide note saying that he was tired of being haunted by a dead soldier. The dead man's name is Dave Porster!
3. Writing Structure ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It's interesting how the events from 1943 connect with Steve's life. Aden has done an excellent job of bringing the two stories together. It's also important how Steve and his team were respectful of the "casualties" they encountered. He weaves a story that is absolutely chilling!
4. Ending ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What can I say about the ending... it's incredible! Steve continues to see Isobel and the angry soldier, Thomas Owdley. Lizzie and Jackson see only Thomas. Steve goes back to The Cross Hotel where he finds what he's looking for with Isobel's help. Lizzie and Jackson are home alone and now Thomas is in the house. It's a race against time for Steve to get to the cemetery before the dead soldier gets his family!
5. Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is Aden's debut book and it's a chilling read. I have not read a "ghost" story quite like this! It had me on the edge of my seat! The last half of the book I read in one sitting! Aden has also shown a side of the Fire Department that many of us don't see...the respect they have for the victims and casualties. When you read the book, you'll know what I mean! And guess what? All profits from the E-book is going to @firefighters999 and @RSPCA_official! It's a win-win for everyone! I look forward to the sequel!!
Little Girl Lost: By Carol Wyer
Review By: Elaine Emmerick
!1. Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jakub & Emily Wozniak both work at Bromley Hall.
Miles Ashbrook is Hotel Manager of Bromley Hall.
DI Robyn Carter is working on Rory Wallis murder.
Sgt. Mitz Patel is on Robyn's team.
PC Anna Shamash is a tech expert on Robyn's team.
DI Tom Shearer is investigating the death of Miles Ashbrook.
Rory Wallis is manager of the Happy Pig Pub.
Scott Dawson is the temporary Manager of Bromley Hall.
Lord Adrian Bishton was the original owner of Bromley Hall.
Ross Cunningham is a Private Investigator and Robyn's cousin.
2. Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jakub Wozniak works at Bromley Hall as a maintenance person. As he's cleaning, he finds a dead man in the sauna. It is the hotel manager, Miles Ashbrook. DI Tom Shearer leads the investigation. It appears Miles had a heart attack while in the sauna.
While Robyn is working out at the gym, Tricia asks if she can talk to her. Robyn finds out that Tricia knew Miles and doesn't believe he would have gone to the sauna because of his heart condition. Robyn told her she would look into it. She talks to Tom about her suspicions and he doesn't believe there's been foul play.
Rory Wallis is the manager of the Happy Pig Pub. After the pub closes, someone is inside. This man makes Rory drink champagne and then slits his throat.
Robyn talks to Ross about going to Bromley Hall to do some investigating on what happened to Miles and he agrees to help her.
Linda Upton is the second victim of murder. Robyn and Tom go to the scene and find her in the bathtub, brutally beaten.
The man that has murdered Rory and now Linda believes he has lost the love of his life - a woman named Harriet. Robyn finds out that Harriet died in a swimming pool accident. She speaks to Harriet's husband Alan and finds out he was going sue Bromley Hall and settled for 1.5 million pounds.
Several more people are killed by this unknown man. Robyn continues to try to put what clues she has together. She believes these murders are all connected somehow. Will she put the pieces together? How many more people are going to die? You'll have to read it to find out!
3. Writing Structure ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The backstory that Carol shares is important to the plot. How she writes about the unknown man's "love" for Harriet, his anger at her death and his revenge to get those responsible is excellent. The storyline is gripping and nail-biting! Her attention to detail is equally important. Even when she reveals more about Robyn's past with Davies is emotional and tragic.
4. Ending ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The ending is mind-blowing! You will never believe who was killing these people. Alan, Scott and Lord Bishton all came very close to being murdered but Robyn was able to protect them from the unknown man. He is ready to drown himself to be with Harriet but Robyn and Matt get to him and is arrested.
5. Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is Book 2 in the DI Robyn Carter Series. I like how Carol continues to develop and evolve the characters... especially Robyn. You see her as head-strong but yet unsure of herself. She doesn't seem to trust her gut instinct as she should. Her fiance, Davies, always told her to trust her instincts, which she's learning to do. I absolutely love Robyn and I look forward to Book 3! BRAVO, Carol! You have created incredible characters; characters you care about! You never disappoint your readers!
Aaru: By David Meredith
Review By: Elaine Emmerick
1. Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rose is a 16 year old who has leukemia and is in the hospital.
Gypsie is Rose's mom.
Koren is Rose's 13 year old sister.
Bill is Rose's dad.
Mr. Adams is a neuroscientist.
Askr Ashe is in charge of Elysian Industries.
Princess Hana welcomes Rose to Aaru and becomes friends.
2. Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The story begins with Rose in the hospital. She has leukemia and is dying. She's tired of trying new treatments which don't work. All she wants is to see her sister, Koren. Koren arrives and is so sad to see Rose so weak. She doesn't want her to die. Their dad, Bill, comes in and asks Rose if she would be willing to talk to Mr. Adams. Bill says he may be able to help Rose but she doesn't believe it. Her dad asks her to think about it..what if Mr. Adams could help her and save her life? Rose decides to hear what he has to say. After much discussion, Rose decides to try. Mr. Adams does a brain scan, he wants her to think of happier times. But then... Rose goes into cardiac arrest and dies...
Koren's grief is tragic; she is inconsolable. Her grief turns to anger. Mr. Adams asks Koren and her family to go with him to Elysian Industries so he can prove that Rose is alive.
What happens next is inconceivable...
3. Writing Structure ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
David's attention to detail is excellent. His description of Rose's illness and death to her waking up in Aaru and being able to "create" her own environment is amazing. These are characters you care about and have an emotional connection.
4. Ending ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The ending is absolutely thrilling! Someone has hacked into Aaru and is trying to download and delete Rose's data. This same person has kidnapped Koren as well. The Lord's and Princess's ask Rose to lure this man back to Aaru so they can locate him and rescue Koren. What happens next is mind-blowing! You'll just have to read it for yourself!
5. Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Aaru is an emotional, intriguing and brilliant story. It's one of life, death and what "could" happen after we die. David has done an excellent job of bringing these characters to life! I look forward to the sequel. This is a book I will not soon forget!