Location: United States
Member Since: Oct. 27, 2010

Mandy Shemery

Smashwords book reviews by Mandy Shemery

  • The Ghost Of A Flea on Nov. 24, 2010
    (no rating)
    When I saw the first chapter was set in 1975, I thought it was going to be one of those novels that illustrates an important clue that happened in the past and then jump forward to present day for the remainder of the novel. Not so. When I realized the entire novel was going to be set in 1975, I was surprised, but pleasantly so. To have a novel published in 2010, but be entirely set in 1975 is a form of bravery in my opinion. The same bravery that was evident of authors who published novels in the early 20th century, but wrote about the future. It was refreshing to read a novel without modern day electronic capabilities. To write in such a way, makes me believe the author actually thought about the details of the book: how a character would get out of a certain predicament, how a scene would play out without the use of cell phones, etc. The author was actually able to focus on and perfect the plot of the story rather than take the easy way out. It was wonderful. The two main characters, Roger and Peggy, were a nice contradiction to each other. Roger was a little wimpy and naive, whereas Peggy was cunning and strong-willed. It took Roger a little longer than I liked to stop being so naive. I was grateful when he finally started acting with some authority and backbone. There was a part of Peggy that reminded me of myself ... flitting from relationship to relationship until finally meeting that one nice guy that changes the way I see men. Despite Peggy's independence, there was an underlying vulnerability to her that I recognized and understood. I did wonder about her honesty for most of the book and was hoping that she wouldn't betray Roger in the end. Overall, this novel was rather enjoyable. It was a classically written mystery without the overshadowing of modern conveniences. It kept you turning the page wanting to know more. It is definitely one that I will remember and enjoy reading again.
  • Lovers and Beloveds: An Intimate History of the Greater Kingdom Book One on Dec. 16, 2010

    This book surprised me. I didn't expect to be drawn into an erotic fantastical story like this one, but I was. When it ended, I wanted to know more ... What happened during Temmin's two years and two days as a Supplicant? What was the result of Teacher finally knowing that 'it was time?' What happened to Mattie and the guy that helped her when she twisted her ankle? There's so many questions that I have that I want to read the second book in the series (hint hint MeiLin!!!). =) Reading Lovers and Beloveds brought to mind all of the mythology stories I've read over the years. This story has the same type of vibe to it. There were gods the mortals worshipped, presented gifts and sacrifices to and the gods sometimes possessed the bodies of mortals. There were definitely some erotic situations in this story. If you like that sort of thing, which I do on occasion, then this book is for you ... Just make sure you have your sweetie around for when you're finished reading for the night! =)
  • The Watcher on Jan. 12, 2011

    This is the second ebook I've read written by John Brinling and, I must say, I am not disappointed. This is a murder-mystery/whodunit/paranormal experiences all wrapped up in one. Once I began this book, I was quickly intrigued and did not want to stop. I will say that the reader pretty much knew who was committing the murders early on into the story, but that did not take away from the story! All it did, for me, was to make one wonder how everything was going to work out so the evil person/people would be found out. Would good triumph over evil? Would Janet have a happy ending? These questions and more kept me aptly reading until the end. If you enjoy a murder mystery with a slightly different twist to it, then trust me when I say that you will enjoy reading The Watcher.
  • My Superhero Sister on May 22, 2011

    Cover I hate to say it, but I'm not a big fan of the cover. I understand it ... I'm just not a fan. It reminds me of the old comic books with how the two girls are drawn. Plot The story definitely has action and suspense while still dealing with the normal teenage feelings of inadequacy, jealousy over an older sibling and low self-esteem. It definitely kept my interest. However, I must say the ending lacked a little oomph for me. I understand why the author went in the direction she did, but I did not find it as exciting action-wise as the pages before it. Main Characters Ellen - Holly's older sister and superheroine, Suprema - Ellen has taken after her father's side of the family and has become a superhero. She's smart, attractive, fun and people are drawn to her ... which can be a source of contention where Holly is concerned. Holly - Ellen's younger sister and normal human - Holly has her father's physique, but her mother's human nature. Holly is jealous of Ellen and how perfect she is. Only when Holly is thrown into an unexpected situation does she somewhat understand how Ellen's life must be. Tad - New kid in town - He has just arrived in Century City and is Holly's crush. Even though Tad is in Ellen's grade, Holly tries her best to get Tad to notice her and like her. He's the All-American good looking hunk that all the girls go ga-ga over. Overall There were a couple writing errors and some questions left unanswered (for me), but overall I was drawn into this book and enjoyed it. I would recommend this more to the teen crowd rather than the adults.
  • The Bad, The Good and Two Fly Fishing Women, and a Life-Changing Day on a River on June 03, 2011
    (no rating)
    Cover I like the photograph, but from the story you get the sense that Amanda is at least a teenager ... not an adult woman like what is depicted on the cover. Plot/Main Characters One grandmother, terminally ill with cancer, decides to go fly-fishing one last time before she meets her end. One school girl, sensing something's wrong, leaves school early one day to go home and search for her grandmother. Along the way, she encounters a man who helps her see another side of people and life while another man is intent on hurting her. In the midst of this is Shana ... Amanda's ever-present companion and protector. Will they find Amanda's grandmother? If so, what exactly will they find when they reach her? Overall Despite its short length, the book exemplifies a few familiar addages: Things are not always as they appear, never judge a book by its cover and do not pre-judge a person until you've walked a mile in their shoes.
  • Two-Fisted Tweets on June 04, 2011

    Cover I enjoy the comic book look of the cover. Plot Is there really a plot? Of course, you could say there are 30 plots ... each one the length of a tweet (Twitter update ... for those not familiar with Twitter-speak). They're really there to spark your imagination. You can come up with your own back story and future ending for each of these tweets. Overall A unique 'book' that can ignite a reader's imagination, if they are so inclined to use it. Some were humorous and some .... not so much.
  • The Second Fly Caster: Fatherhood, Recovery and an Unforgettable Tournament on July 04, 2011

    Cover The man fly-casting on the cover could be either a depiction of a grown-up Erik or the depiction of Erik's father during Erik's younger years. Plot This is a short story layered in meaning. We begin thinking we know everything there is to know, but then we learn of Erik's father's past and his reason for fly-casting. This helps us to get a better understanding of the family dynamics between Erik and his parents. Then, after Erik grows up, goes off to war and returns again, the art of fly-casting becomes Erik's respite from the demons he brought back with him from the war. As he's mastering this art, the realizations of his father's past come upon Erik bringing with it understanding, forgiveness and peace. Main Characters Erik's Father - A veteran who uses alcohol to cope. He can become mean while under an alcoholic rage (don't most people). When he finds fly-casting, though, he uses that as his therapy to deal with his PTSD and becomes great at it. Erik - Idolizes his father and his fly-casting abilities. Overall This was a short story that has a big impact.
  • Dirty Little Angels on July 26, 2011

    Cover The cover photo is pretty self-explanatory ... especially when looked at after reading the book's summary. I'm glad the photo was kept in black and white instead of color. It has a more neglected feel to it. Plot/Main Characters The story is told from Hailey's point of view. Right away we are introduced to her family: Cyrus, Hailey's older brother who hangs out with the wrong people and will eventually get into trouble because of it; Jules, Hailey and Cyrus' father, who lost his job and is now struggling to provide for his family ... although he doesn't seem to be trying too hard to find actual work; and ... Lena, Hailey and Cyrus' mother, who is so lost in her own grief she barely realizes what is going on around her. Realistically written, this story felt ... gritty. You follow a girl's life as she struggles to find love, acceptance and her place in this world. Unfortunately, she begins life at a disadvantage by being from the "wrong side of the tracks." I believe this pre-disposed Hailey to enter into various life situations she wouldn't have encountered otherwise. Overall This can be classified as an emotionally disturbing 'coming-of-age' tale, which feels all too familiar. We've all known or seen a person in these circumstances. If you haven't, well, maybe you should. It would help you get a more realistic perspective on a life different from your own.
  • Weaver Of Darkness on July 29, 2011

    Cover Definitely disturbing, but I like it. The spruceness of the title's lettering with the little flourishes set atop the slight creepiness of the cover art presents a nice contrast. Plot For me, the book started off reminding me of a cross between I Know What You Did Last Summer, Chucky and Scream. It did get better as I kept reading. Minus the prologue, this book starts off common enough: boyfriend and girlfriend walking home from school with friends talking about what they're going to do that night. Then the freakiness hits the proverbial fan ... Without giving away spoilers, I will say this novel contains twins who represent good and evil, a loyal servant/protector to the good twin, ghosts, shapeshifters, witches, demons, gods, delusions, love, human sacrifice ... this novel has it all. Main Characters Melissa - An only child stuck in a home with parents who are too busy for her. Jerry - Melissa's boyfriend and son of the town's sheriff. He does everything he can to protect her. Hunter - He has vowed to protect Melissa at all costs no matter the circumstance. He's wise, mysterious, strong, loyal and faithful. Mark - New kid in school who befriends Melissa and seems to take a personal interest in her. Will he come between Melissa and Jerry? Overall This novel has a lot of familiar aspects (especially to an avid reader), but they're written in a style that is different and engaging. I would recommend this to any fantasy and mystery lovers.
  • The Dream on Oct. 11, 2011

    Cover The cover's okay. It doesn't relate to the story in any way, though. Plot Girl has a bad dream where terrible things are happening to her ... and then she wakes up. Are her waking hours any better than her dream? Overall Poorly written, redundant and boring. The only good thing I could find was that it was an extremely quick read.