Location: United States
Member Since: Oct. 27, 2010
Mandy Shemery
Books
This member has not published any books.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.
- 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.
- The Digital Sea
on April 11, 2011
Cover/Title The cover has a simplistic design. It's not really eye-catching or contemplative. The title, though, automatically makes you think of electronic technology and the vastness of it. Plot When you first begin to read the book, each chapter takes the time to introduce you to each of the main characters that you need to know about. Eventually, you start to see them intermingle until, by the end, they are full immersed in each other's stories and everything ends up making sense. The action in this story was supported by the futuristic technological advancement of our society. It was easy to believe that, one day, our country (no matter where you are) would be like those depicted in the book. The ending didn't answer all of the questions I had so I'm expecting a sequel to pop up sometime soon to continue this engaging story. Characters Zel Aurora - A woman willing to do anything to find and give her daughter peace. Sasha - Zel's companion throughout much of the book, until he meets an untimely demise. Jartelle - A man who travels all over the world and is not who he appears to be. Overall From the beginning to the end, The Digital Sea dragged you into its depths and drowned you with a futuristic reality that threatened to overload your senses. With its action-packed storyline, it will keep the reader turning page after page until the end. I would recommend this story to anyone who appreciates future-based story lines mixed with surrealism.
- 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
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.
- 5 Second FIction Volume One
on July 03, 2011
This was definitely a quick read. Each story was 140 characters or less ... easily shareable on Twitter. Some of them I didn't understand, but the majority were intriguing, funny and witty. This was certainly a book one could read for frivolity and fun.
- 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.
- Darwin's Children
on July 13, 2011
Cover The girl on the cover has a sexy fierceness about her. When I first received the book for review and saw the cover, I wasn't sure why she had the yellow and red colors around her. I thought maybe it was her aura. After reading, though, I now know that it is a depiction of Jaycie at the highest point of her powers ... go get 'em girl! =) Plot Unusual, different, relatable, humorous, intriguing, empathetic ... all of these adjectives describe the story and the emotions the story can draw from you while reading. I enjoyed this book. It was fast-paced and kept you interested. Once I started, I didn't really want to put it down. The characters are wonderfully human, but still has that super-power thing going on. Main Characters Jaycie - I would venture to say this girl is spoiled, but she doesn't act that way. She's down-to-earth and is willing to help people (even without her super-powers). She has tough decisions to make and handles them rather well for a teenager. Mason - Jaycie's father - A single father working as a doctor to take care of his daughter. He is reasonable and loves spoiling his daughter. He still excepts Jaycie to abide by the rules and will discipline her when needed. Basically, this is a well-balanced man ... someone all women dream about, I'm sure! =) Allison - Jaycie's trainer - This woman kicks Jaycie's butt during their workouts. She pushes Jaycie's beyond her comfort zone, but not to the point that Jaycie'll get hurt. Allison is Jaycie's mother-figure and they treat each other as such. There is a definite bond between Allison and Jaycie that will be difficult, nay impossible, to break. Matt - A regular human boy who is attracted to Jaycie and vice versa. He's a sweet southern gentleman, but don't let that fool ya ... when this boy has had enough, by George, he'll let you know! He seems to get mad pretty easily sometimes, but he's still a wonderful well-rounded character. John - Jaycie's godfather - What I wouldn't give for a godfather like John. He's patient, humorous, giving and loves to give Jaycie pretty much anything she wants ... whether it be information or gifts. Overall Simply put ... I loved this book. I'm eager to see what's going to happen with the characters in the next book. I would recommend this to all YA book lovers out there ... even the adults who are young at heart. =)
- 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.
- 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.
- Ella's Coffee - A blind date, desperation and the trouble with men
on Dec. 24, 2011
These stories were extremely quick reads. I've had them read for over a week now, but haven't written my review because I've been going over and over this work in my mind. I am torn. Before I get to why I'm torn, let me describe the work to you a little bit. Ella's Coffee actually encases two very short stories ... glimpses, really ... into the lives of two different women. The first story is Ella's Coffee and is about a woman going on a blind date with a man she met through the Internet. The second story is Adrift and is about a woman sure her marriage has fallen apart now that their child has left for college. Now, to explain why I'm torn... The reviewer in me says that these stories are life-like, realistic and could be any woman you meet. They're well-written and descriptive enough that you feel the settings and people are familiar to you. So, in this respect, job well done Mr. Pritchard. The OTHER side of me, the woman, is divided as well!!! Womanly side A is offended that the female characters in both stories seem to exude a sense of insecurity. I know all woman do not portray a confident persona, but I like to think we do. Maybe I'm becoming feminist as I grow older ... Womanly side B cheers the endings of these stories. I'm not going to tell you how they end, but I did enjoy them. Are you now as confused as I am? Then I am in good company! I must say, though, this review is not what I had written originally to post. However, the more I thought about these stories ... well ... this is its end result. So, Mr. Pritchard, I'm not sure where the comedy comes in at, but kudos for confusing the hell out of me. Not many writers can do that and still have me enjoy their stories! =)