Location: United States
Member Since: July 24, 2011
MrsFlicker
Books
This member has not published any books.Smashwords book reviews by MrsFlicker
- LS: The Beginning
on Aug. 15, 2011
(no rating)
Kelvin O'Ralph launches a story via one of the most difficult genres to work with. While the story line has a few "bumps", over-all, it is entertaining and suspenseful enough to keep a reader going. In his story about the power of connections, O'Ralph gives enough information to require the reader to keep going in order to get some answers, and then, he causes the reader to ask enough unanswered questions so as to promote the higher order thinking that prediction requires, and that allow for sequels to be added.
- Restless Highways
on Aug. 15, 2011
Restless Highways, by Melissa L. Webb, is a collection of dark, angry, creepy, scary stories--in other words--it's a hit! Many short story collections are written for one, specific audience. Ms. Webb's collection appeals to both adults and young adults. The suspense that she creates in each story is developed so quickly that when the story suddenly ends, it is as though she has slammed her reader into a brick wall, only to have him rub his head unsure of what has just happened! And then, it comes to the reader that there is more to each story--more that Webb requires the reader to bring to the story. Not only are these ghastly stories good for camp fires and Halloween, but they can also be used in a high school classroom. Ms. Webb accomplishes what she sets out to do--tell a good story or two. She also accomplishes what she may not have anticipated--she requires her readers to think and participate in her stories. Brava!
- Dancing in the Shadows of Love
on Aug. 15, 2011
(no rating)
After reading Dancing in the Shadows of Love, I have to say that I am glad I am a member of LibraryThing! This novel contains on its pages the story of three women who must learn first what love is not in order to recognize what it is. It is the story of their own awakening into awareness of the "self" that each possesses. This novel is the type of book that draws the reader in so completely that the world at large simply does not exist until the last page has been finished. I recommend this novel to anyone who knows, or wants to know, how important love is.
- Stray : Touchstone Part 1
on Aug. 19, 2011
(no rating)
Andrea Host effectively uses a diary format to bring science fiction to young adult readers. Her use of computer interfaces with the brain and the concept of planet “jumping” is done in such a way so as to keep young readers going in a sense. The ideas she presents and the plot that she constructs are en vogue enough with this virtually-active, computer-minded generation. Her story of Cassandra’s trials and tribulations were involved to the point to keep an adult reader reading. This, mixed with the science-fiction aspects of the story will surely keep younger readers reading and asking for more.
- The Traveler's Companion
on Aug. 20, 2011
(no rating)
This novel effectively manipulates the science fiction genre. It plausibly combines known science with the futuristic idea of the relationship between man and machine. It uses the ideas and working theories of physics to present the human concept of loss, or rather, the power of loss to generate new creation. Chater writes, at the core, a story that explores the emotions that supreme loss can create. He depicts the determination to survive the overwhelming sense of defeat and lonliness that humans experience when loss is suffered. He does this against the backdrop of an explanation of the "what if" factor in life. This novel is an example of what science fiction can be when it is presented in its finest form--a well-written, well-told story.
- Let's Get Digital: How To Self-Publish, And Why You Should
on Oct. 01, 2011
I have been sitting on two novels that I poured a great deal of time, energy, effort and love into. After reading David Gaughram's book, I not only have the courage it takes to risk publishing, but step by step directions on how to get the job done. I am grateful that he has written his manual in a no-nonsense manner and am appreciative that I know have a map to follow. What a great tool he has given to all writers who want so desperately to be published.
- Ten Typewriter Tales
on Oct. 01, 2011
I really enjoyed the collection of stories in this book. Each story, while becoming a bit predictable, followed the short story building "formula" so well that I read a few to my lower reading classes and used them as a teaching tools. When ninth grade English students who can usually care less ask to hear another story, you know you have a winner. This collection is a winner in my humble opinion.
- The Old One
on Oct. 01, 2011
I really enjoyed the idea of a character collecting stories. I love to collect stories as well and believe that everything and everyone has a story behind it. While horror is not really my genre, I did like this book and will recommend it to those who are more into the genre than I am. It was well written and was compelling enough to keep me reading--not bad for someone who doesn't like horror!
- Diary of the Displaced
on Oct. 11, 2011
Glynn James’s DIARY OF THE DISPALCED is really not my first pick when comes to reading for pleasure. I am not a zombie, horror fan; however, the basic story of survival is always a good plot line. Adding the survival of the psyche to that of the physical and my interest is always peaked. I found the diary or journal format interesting and I think it added to the validity of the story—if such a thing can exist in this genre. The main character, over time, became real enough to make me want to keep reading just to find out how things would turn out in the end. Without giving too much away, if you subtract the gore from the story, I think that the psychological trauma that the character goes through is fashioned a great deal after Poe and the like. And truthfully, who wouldn’t wish to be considered with the likes of Poe. A good read for those who are into horror and gore.
- Tempest (Destroyers Book 1)
on Dec. 29, 2011
Tempest, by Holly Hook, is a young adult novel destined to enter the ranks of Percy Jackson and even Harry Potter. It is grounded in mythology, yet is presented in enough of a modern background so as to make it interesting. Its fast-paced plot structure and life-like characters make it hard to put down. Ms. Hook weaves a tale that is engrossing and that engages enough of a reader's prior knowledge to make it irresistible. As an adult, I found the story plausible as a mythological tale. I can only imagine the power that a young reader will give it.
- Michael Belmont and the Tomb of Anubis
on Jan. 11, 2012
Michael Belmont was a pleasant surprise. I chose it because I work with reluctant readers and I thought it would be interesting for them. Little did I know that I would be drawn in as well. I literally could not read it fast enough. I was most pleased with the combination of mythologies presented in the story. I think that one of the greatest things to happen to young adult literature is a resurgence of mythology. This is a perfect example of how well that can be done when time, energy, effort and care go into the mix. I eagerly await the next installment.