Member Since:
Aug. 18, 2012
Randolf R.
Randolf R.'s favorite authors on Smashwords
Smashwords book reviews by Randolf R.
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Muninn, Marquis de Reminisce
on April 14, 2014
Even though I have had the pleasure of reading many of these poems online as Beach wrote them, I am still very impressed with what he manages to communicate and share when writing in this format. (The poem with his father's death, in particular brings tears to me.) I am glad that Beach has collected his work in this volume. I can certainly recommend them to new readers.
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Ship Ragged
on Oct. 04, 2015
Mr. Beach’s rhyming poems bring me pleasure, even when he barks a vague universal message. His best efforts are when he serves up small warm slices like in his “At Brett’s” sequence or when he compares bad internet service with his mom’s epilepsy or when he’s playing neighborhood baseball. These really brightened my day.
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Non-stop To Nowhere
on Oct. 02, 2016
A decent story and interesting voices. I would have ended it a bit sooner, cutting the last portion. Less is more here, I think.
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Thread. Bare.
on Oct. 02, 2016
I wasn't quite sure what to expect, so I kept reading, kept being pulled along with the thread.
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The Missed Creations and Other Stories
on Oct. 02, 2016
These are stories about people with monsters in them. Rarely what I expected so I like them. The stories vary -- sometimes heavy in detail sometimes just characters conversing. I like thinking as I read thinking afterwards and knowing I was entertained. The author teaches like this as well and he’s funny-weird, engaging. I took classes from him while working on my Networking degree. I look forward to reading this book again and anything else he publishes.
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Value Received
on Oct. 03, 2016
I took advantage of the Set your own price in order to write a separate review since I just bought this story in another collection. Value Received is a western about gold mining in the 19th century. There is a zombie element but it is one part of a larger story featuring many many characters. The characters are the story how the relationships between pairs of them intermingle. Chapters are very short the scenes switch often. I was not off put by the fast stream. The important moments have collected heavy like gold. My favorite leading men are Tenjack and Magic Dog. I know nothing about Indians or horses but both of them were real to me. The strongest character Beccalynn a woman manages to be the most powerful force. Without even being there she saves at least three men from death and maybe a fourth from undeath. That’s yet to be seen hopefully in a sequel.
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30 Minute Meals: Quick and Easy Recipes
on Jan. 26, 2021
as i am not much of a chef myself i appreciate all the help i can get. this book has helped keep me well fed, which it high praise. i think there's something in here for everyone
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Life Longing
on Jan. 26, 2021
Beach takes his characters and readers on an interesting adventure to Hel and back and back to Hel again. Very tidy integration of Scandinavian myths and modern emotions. As a young man of Viking descent and computer technology and a former student of the author, I felt this was a plot written quite for me. I wonder at how easily Beach pulled me in and how I must continue reading. The poetry appendix also satisfies as it gave me a chance to read and think more after the main story concluded. I hope for a story sequel.
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Boots on Puss and Other Varied Tales
on May 29, 2023
My mother read us fairy tales hoping to entertain and educate. Pleasant enough stuff but nothing I would seek out as an adult. This author also - once upon a time - lectured and entertained me - but as my college professor. Whatever he writes now I elect to read because I enjoy hearing his voice and sensibilities come through the words. His “author’s intrusions” into these reshaped tales may distract some but I was pleased whenever he interjected opinions and modern day explanations. I also enjoyed seeing Dutch details added, particularly in the Hans Christian Andersen tales where they were appropriate. Beach includes Nordic myths, which I did not expect. I promised the author I would write him an early review after reading his book but I pointed out he hadn’t insisted it be favorable. It is though - 6 stars if I could.