Location: United Kingdom
Member Since: June 21, 2011
Sandra Keys
Books
This member has not published any books.Smashwords book reviews by Sandra Keys
- Paradox - The Angels Are Here (Book 1)
on July 13, 2011
Not going to give away any spoilers but a brilliant book plenty of action and loved following Graces story and working out who the policeman really was etc Definitely well worth reading would recommend , in fact am waiting for book 2 to come out now
- Cleah: The Lost Fury Chronicles The Otherworld
on July 21, 2011
(no rating)
I really did enjoy the book even though it contained some typos and wording errors. Cleah starts her journey as a submissive slave and eventually goes on to find out she is a descendant of someone from the Otherworld. Ronan the other main character is the slave owners son and starts off arrogant, thinking the world owes him whatever he wants without doing anything in return, but ends up being a caring young man who helps others without asking or thinking no matter who they are. Would love there to be a book 2 as i would certainly want to read further adventures of Cleah.
- Outside - a post-apocalyptic novel (Outside Series #1)
on Aug. 13, 2011
This is a post-apocalyptic romance tale. The World in the future is separated by Perimeters that are high security gated communities , where life goes on as normal. if you're inside you are lucky, if you're outside your survival rate is not looking so good. Riley is born on the inside, so lives a good privileged life, but it all comes crashing down around her when the perimeter is broken and her sister is murdered. Riley forsakes her safety and goes on a search for the killer. Luc decides to go with her , as if not, Riley wouldn't make it past the security gates. What awaits Riley on the Outside is more unbelievable than she could ever have imagined. I really enjoyed reading this dystopian novel There was a little romance, plenty of action, suspense,drama and of course a few twists thrown in. I will not give away spoilers but will say it didn't end how I expected. I initially didn't join the two time zones together but at the end it all becomes clear. In places its really sad and it shows how one person's actions can have a knock on effect on everyone else. The whole idea of the rioters and having to build perimeters was actually made even more believable by the awful riots going on in the UK whilst I was reading this not so far fetched novel. If you love dystopian you will love this, in fact I would call it a must read for dystopian fans!
- Forever Sunshine
on Aug. 28, 2011
Forever Sunshine by Collette Scott Cherisse Bridwell is young and naive, and is focused solely on finishing her college degree and beginning her career. Her life changes in one evening when her sister Shelly turns up at her home. Shelly is in an abusive relationship. Shelly's husband comes to Cherisse's home and the police have to be called, that's when Cherisse first meets Sergeant Brandon Nicholson. With the guidance of Brandon both Cherisse and Shelly learn how to get on with their lives through the many ups and downs and trauma's they encounter. This book begins as a story of Shelly's abuse at the hands of her violent husband and how she attempts escape and a new life. The book deals with the subject of Domestic Abuse clearly and truthfully. It really is what happens, statistics back this up. It shows how hard it is to leave, how hard it is for the children to trust again. Then it flows into a whirlwind love story, that's so tenderly written, where everything is going perfectly only to be hit by a tragedy. The book shows how the characters pick up the pieces and carry on with life. Then finally it also deals with the danger of being on the police force. This book may be a novel but it is so true to life, it could have actually happened. Brilliant book that I read in only two sittings! i have tried so hard not to give away any spoilers in this review that the only other thing I can say is "Get that tissue box handy ladies , because with this book you will surely need it!" Just had to add to my review that my 74 year old mother read this on my kindle and thought it was fantastic, in fact, she asked if had really happened? Was it a true story? My mother found the whole writing about the domestic abuse really accurate and true to life. She said it was the best book she had read in ages. (and yes she did shed quite a few tears too!!)
- A Job From Hell (Ancient Legends)
on Aug. 28, 2011
Seventeen-year-old Amber stumbles into the paranormal world by chance when Dallas, her brother, sets her up with a summer job in Scotland. Dallas has secretly seen something in the woods that he thinks could make them rich beyond their wildest dreams. However instead of finding riches, Amber unknowingly stumbles her way into an ancient paranormal race. Amber also promptly manages to win the first prize. The prize is so greatly wanted in the paranormal world that many would kill to have it. Amber, soon discovers her new boss, Aidan, didn’t employ her for her astounding housekeeping skills and he isn't who he claims to be either. Aidan is of course a vampire,as are the beautiful Claire and the humorous Keiran (Aidan's brother) The surrounding, lurking, dark forces slowly conspire against Amber, her naivety and her increasing love for Aidan catapults her into a calamitous series of otherworldly events. With every immortal creature hunting for her, whom can she trust with her life? Should she really trust Aidan who seems to have feelings for her, or are the feelings he shows towards her merely a way to get her onside to do his bidding? Is Devon the one with her best interests at hurt, how can she tell looking into his deep, dark fathomless eyes. Is Angel a true friend, as she is the only other immortal around? Or is she trying to coerce Amber into doing what the Shadows want? Why is it the only one she seems to trust is Cass, the devils daughter? I really, seriously, loved this book, it has humour, love and longing, the crazy dead ex, the gorgeous vampires, the sultry shadows, and of course the devils daughter who just happens to be the most direct and honest of the bunch of paranormals surrounding Amber! I enjoyed the suspense, even though you kind of know from the beginning that Aidan is a vampire. I enjoyed the concept of "The Shadows" they were a different kind of paranormal being than I have read before. All the twists and turns kept you wanting to read and puzzle along with Amber as to who she should really trust. I won't reveal spoilers but I will say at the end the book is left in such away that Amber is starting a whole new way of life, so there's plenty of scope for more Amber. Though I loved all the other characters too, maybe books from their points of view and their stories of how they came to be and now "live" would also be great. I of course would recommend this series to fans of Charlaine Harris , Mary Janice Davidson , Dakota Cassidy, and Michele Bardsley this book is kind of Chick lit with a bit of bite thrown in ! (if you'll pardon the pun!) Definitely want to read more of Jayde Scott's books.
- Black Wood (A Witch Rising)
on Aug. 28, 2011
My 15 year old daughter has actually read this one before me so here is her review. Surely witches, trolls, nymphs and silverfurs are figments of imagination? Emily Jones thinks that until she moves into Ravencourt manor, her deceased grandmother's manor. Its just as creepy and scary as she remembered it. To bring her separated parents together again Emily opens a portal to Black Wood. And so Emily's long, dangerous fight against the evil Muriel begins. Will Emily learn to use her grandmother's legacy before Muriel unleashes her powers upon the world? I read this book to help my mum review and promote her blog giveaway http://jeanzbookreadnreview.blogspot.com/2011/08/e-book-giveaway-when-we-reach-100.html and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it! I flew through it, it only took me two sessions on the computer to read it (I probably would have read it quicker but due to my mum's giveaway she was reading on the kindle!). I am hoping there is going to be a sequel to it, and if there is I will definitely want to read it! I absolutely love the cover as well, if it was on the shelf at Asda I would definitely pick it up to read!
- Beloved LifeMate: Song of the Sídhí #1
on Sep. 24, 2011
So what happens when a powerful elvish monarch,the Chi'kehra of the old world of Sidhi opens a doorway from Sídhí to Earth? He then stumbles upon a beautiful halfling girl who may spell doom for his entire world. When she turns out to be his predestined lifeMate, he knows without a shadow of doubt, his day has gone from bad to worse. Full-bloods, especially royals, never mate with halflings. ~ ~ ~ So what's a girl to do when her destined lifeMate tries to kill her? It all begins late one night about midnight ~ the only realistic time for a blood drinker to be out and about. Miranda is having a fun-filled trip to Tulsa, celebrating her seventeenth birthday. Well, it was fantastic until her lifeMate tries to kill her. Life as she knows it has changed partly down to the fact she is almost too injured to even move unaided. At the moment her most pressing problems are about to come down to two critical facts: She needs to stay away from sharp swords and try not fall off the commode! I initially found it difficult to get into this book at the beginning of it as it is talking about "Sidhi Politics" Once Miranda and Colin meet is when the book really starts, I am calling this a book, but you could describe it as either a novella or short tale. I loved that the scenarios in the tale were looked at from both Colins point of view and his thoughts, then it switches and you get Mirandas feeling, thoughts and view. Am certainly not an old romantic but I did love the concept of the "Song of the Sidhi" and the whole Lifemates theory. Even though this Lifemate theory is in the story the story in my opinion is still suitable for the YA/Teenage market. I feel this short tale also sets the scene for the following books (well, i hope there as good!) so you get the facts like Silver reduces Sidhi powers, that sidhi can speak to each other in their minds telepathically rather than verbally. It also explains the importance of the Chi'kehra is and that they control the crystal that is within everyone, and they can move/support objects with it. I found the book interesting and a great read that after one false start (not due to the book) I read in one sitting. Am looking forward to reading more of Miranda and Colin's tale. I hope there is more of Miranda and Colin, that's the only fault I had, i wished it was longer,...a full length novel. I would also say that this series is aimed at the older teen/adult due to the content.
- A Dragon's Dream of Love: Song of the Sídhí #2
on Sep. 24, 2011
Leah doesn't really believe that she'll ever find her true love, not with a dhark valley lord as a father and an omen of death hovering over her head. Leah's dream of love has to be put on a back burner when her father ships her off to a summer camp with hundreds of other immortal youths. When she arrives in Dragon Valley Leah desperately searches for a 'good' dragon, because like it or not, she is rapidly running out of time. In less than a week she'll turn eighteen and according to her mom's cryptic remark Leah will die by her birthday unless she finds a dragon to help her. So,yep, good luck with that one. Leah is stuck at a summer camp, surrounded by dragons. You would think it should be easy finding a dragon of honor, a DeLeigh dragon, but it's not. Every dragon she meets has an aura that looks like a can of worms, twisting with hate and deception. There is no way she's approaching one of them. Her only other option is Derek, a shapeshifter and a gorgeous royal pain-in-the-backside. Literally, he is a member of Haven Valley's royal family and very accustomed to girls falling at his feet, which will absolutely not happen with Leah. But unfortunately for Leah, her time is running out. Should Leah trust Derek and ask for help? Or face her eighteenth birthday and the cyptic remark her mother made all alone? I really enjoyed this short tale, it had romance, paranormals and much more! It is so well written you feel Leah's desperation to find a good dragon, you also fell her starting to fall in love with Derek. I would recommend this series of short stories the only disappointment with them is that they are not long enough, they leave you wanting to know more about the characters and what happens to them in the future. I would also wish to add that this series of book is aimed at the older tee/adult market due to the mild sexual content and innuendo.
- Stolen: Song of the Sídhí #3
on Sep. 25, 2011
Every vampire has a destined lifeMate, a mate who is a perfect match. What happens if that perfect mate is stolen by another? Katrina and Eric had been best friends for years then as soon as Katrina hit puberty and developed a figure Eric went all cold on her and openly ignored her. Katrina knows Eric is her destined mate her crystal synth has sung for her, but her bitter high school rival has other plans for Eric. She wants him for herself even though she knows he is not hers to have. Katrina cannot tell Eric that he is her lifemate as it is against the ancient laws. So what can she do especially when her arch rival openlyclaimed Eric for herself (even though this breaks the ancient laws) and forbids Eric to even speak to Katrina. It feels like her whole world is shattering along with her heart. Why can't Eric see her as his lifemate? Why has his crystal synth not sung like hers has? Twisting the most ancient of Sídhí laws, Clarisse steals Eric from Katrina with binding words, knowing Katrina can't fight back. Or can she? Dreams of death dance in Katrina's head, because no one or no thing gets between a vampire and her true mate. Katrina turns to her cousin Jared for help, can they come up with something else other than killing her arch rival Clarisse. I really loved this short novels series, only disappointment that I wanted each of the novels to be longer! I loved how well the awkwardness between Eric and Katrina as they go through puberty was portrayed. I also liked the whole next door neighbours falling in love concept. I thought the way they got their own back on Clarisse was well done too, without any violence. I hope there will be more in this series, I would also like to see more of each of the couple featured in these novels too.
- Twin-Bred
on Oct. 19, 2011
(no rating)
Can interspecies diplomacy begin in the womb? Could the Twin-Bred be the answer to all the issues the Humans and Tofa have with each other? In Twin-Bred, the human colony on Tofarn and the indigenous Tofa have great difficulty communicating with and basically comprehending each other. Scientist Mara Cadell, who lost a fraternal twin in utero, proposes that host mothers of either or both species carry twins, one human and one Tofa, in the hope that the bond between twins can bridge the gap between species. Mara has secretly kept her own twin, Levi, alive in her mind as a companion and collaborator. Mara succeeds in obtaining governmental backing for her project – but both the human and Tofa establishments have their own agendas. Mara must shepherd the Twin-Bred through dangers she anticipated and others that even the canny Levi could not foresee. Will the Twin-Bred bring peace, war, or something else entirely?... Initially I found the book a bit hard going as the concept is quite complicated, but as you get further into the book and more is explained about "The Project" things become much clearer and you soon become attached to the main character Mara and of course the twin-bred themselves. Mara is a complicated character and at times you wonder if she has made up an imaginary friend whom she talks to and then you learn her true tragic story. You learn about the Tofa, the race that the planet really belongs there, then you learn about the humans who landed on the planet and are trying to take over. The story is of "The Project" and how both Tofa and Humans have their own agendas for this project. There are brilliant and poignant life stories within the actual main story. There are tragic deaths in the book too both Human and Tofa and how those affect the Twin-Breds who seem to belong no where. They are literally treat as out casts as they are neither Human nor Tofa in the eyes of those races. The story shows the issues of trust and different races learning to live together in peace. I could go on more and more about this book but do not wish to include spoilers, but I would compare this book to Across the Universe by Beth Revis. I hope that ther is a book two as I know i would read it and want to know what happens to the Twin-Bred and Mara and the other Humans. It is definitely worth reading!
- Matchmaker Cat (A Romantic Comedy Short Story)
on Nov. 25, 2011
Rosemary has a rather disastrous dating history, she has had friends who have set her up with the "perfect match" only to find out they were far from a match for her. Rosemary is I her kitchen making a drink and when she walks into her lounge her computer seems to have flicked on by itself, although Chester is roaming around the room too.Whilst rosemary looks at the computer a dating site pops up and show a good looking guy named Horace! Without giving too many spoilers, due to the cat demanding attention a button gets clicked and a date is set up, but will Rosemary and Horace be a match? Is Chester the matchmaking cat? I thoroughly enjoyed this short tale.Its a funny, witty, chick lit type of enjoyable story. The type of tale you can curl up on the sofa with a cuppa/hot chocolate with to read. I will be reading "If Wishes Were Husbands" at some point in the future as I enjoyed this short tale by Elizabeth Kyne.
- The Time Travel Journals: Shipbuilder
on Feb. 25, 2012
MY REVIEW Oh, wow where do I start? I loved this whole book, the concept of the time travelling, and of course one of my favourite subjects in it The Titanic. Casey is the "innocent bystander" in this really just walking through some gardens where the scientist Sam Altair is setting up his time travel experiment wanting to send a tree back in time. Casey happens to suddenly be near that tree so Sam runs out to warn her and they both end up being sent back in time. There they have a choice of trying to prevent certain events from happening. Quite by accident Casey meets Thomas Andrews the man behind the design and building specifications of the Titanic. After much deliberation and discussion Casey and Sam decide to try to intervene and if nothing else prevent some of the lives being lost on the Titanic. I do not wish to give-away too much of the actual story, you will have to read the book to find out what happens to Casey and Sam and how they become involved with Thomas andrews and the Titanic. I loved the descriptions in the book, the details, the history and the plot/stories made up around the actual true history of Titanic. I enjoyed the fact that Thomas Andrews was in fact a real person, such a shame we cannot go back in time to save everyone that perished the awful night that the "unsinkable" ship sank. I loved learning about the fashions of the time, all those extra buttons etc as well as the customers and social etiquettes of the time too. What women were expected to do and more importantly not to do. I would recommend this to those who like books with, romance, and historical elements to it too.This book is the complete story although I suppose there could be a bk two that would follow the young present day Sam, but I would be worried it would spoil this first excellent book. So to sum that one up I am a bit unsure if I would really want a bk 2 or not having said that if one came out I would definitely have to read it. So did I like it? Love it Yes. Would I recommend it? Yes