Location: United States
Member Since: Oct. 29, 2011

Jody Darden

Smashwords book reviews by Jody Darden

  • Tyler Palewhite:Soft-Boiled Detective on Dec. 02, 2011
    (no rating)
    This was a quick and fun read, however there were several problems. Perhaps it was the e-book formatting but is was quite jolting to jump from scene to scene with no text breaks. The character of Tyler had potential but seemed to have immediate pity parties when his own inexperience and incompetence failed him. Only then would he proceed. The fate of some characters was left hanging and altogether the story did not flow well. And is it just me or are any other readers tired of reading about writers as characters in books?
  • Tempest (#1 Destroyers Series) on Dec. 27, 2011
    (no rating)
    Let me preface this by saying that I am 50 years of age. I do occasionally read YA stuff for the fun and adventure of it. This book did not disappoint in that regard, however it did in the quality of the writing. Though written for YA the writing sometimes struck me as juvenile and aimed at lowest common denominator. Someone else mentioned the typical kick-butt females in YA and I agree. I did find Janelle somewhat the opposite and at times almost whiny. I did enjoy the premise and also found it a relief from vampires etc. The story idea is different and in more experienced hands may have been better.
  • The Saltness of Time on Dec. 28, 2011

    I got a lead on this story through LibraryThing and it sounded good to me. And it was. As I age I find I more enjoy stories recalled from a character's past. The way events may or may not be colored by where they are in their lives now. A well written story I can recommend.
  • Brambleman on Aug. 13, 2012

    Got this book from LTMG and found it to be one of the better gets from this group. I enjoyed the historical fiction aspect of it and the delayed determination of the main character to complete his task despite mounting odds against. I was born in the early 60's and though I wasn't completely aware of it then, I am still stunned thinking back on the amount of discrimination still going on then. I was unaware of the historical happenings that are at the center of this novel but was moved by them. I do think the supernatural elements made for amusing asides but felt the novel would easily have been as good without them as more of a straight character investigative story. Recommended.
  • More Bedtime Stories for the Apocalypse on Jan. 25, 2013

    I got this through LibraryThing Member Giveaway and enjoyed it very much. I am sorry to say I am late with my review of this collection due to unexpected life circumstances, but here it is. There are many fine stories in this volume but I will mention a couple of my favorites. "The Greening of Bushton" outlines how new inventions/discoveries can negatively impact us. The other is "Occupied". This is about a woman trapped by a predator and her fight to survive. And misplaced trust. I recommend this collection to anyone who likes twisted stories ala Twilight Zone.
  • The Ice Cream Vendor's Song on April 21, 2013

    I am a big fan of flash fiction and won this collection from LibraryThing's Member giveaway. Each of these short pieces is its own vignette and many have interesting and challenging ideas for you to ponder. They vary from snapshots of ordinary moments to sometimes fantastical situations. I would definitely read more from this author. Recommended