Jeffrey Poole
Biography
Jeffrey M. Poole is a freelance computer tech living in sunny Lake Havasu City, Arizona, with his wife, their Welsh Corgi, Keeley, and tabby cat, Argo.
Jeff's interests include astronomy, scuba diving, writing, and tinkering with any electronic gadget he can get his hands on.
Follow me online at: www.Lentari.com
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Smashwords book reviews by Jeffrey Poole
- The Treasures of Carmelidrium
on March 22, 2011
This story follows Michelle (Missie, as she likes to be called), a talented flutist that is close to graduating college. A freak occurence transports her into an alternate medieval world populated with unicorns, symberveen (nasty little buggars with a vicious psychic attack), and even giant eagles.
Missie learns she has been brought to the kingdom of Gil-lael in order to play her role in a local legend. She is shocked to discover that the simple act of playing her flute has the ability to heal the kingdom. Added to that, prince Healden has become enamored with her and seeks to make her his bride.
Naturally, where you have the good guys, you get the bad guys. And this guy is as bad as they come. He controls the symberveen, and wants to overthrow Gil-lael and rule all. But, and there’s always a ‘but’, the one person that stands in his way is the talented flutist from the other world. Her music has the power to destroy him and therefore the threat must be neutralized.
The author does a tremendous job with the details. She describes the castles, the grounds, even the action scenes with such vivid imagery that it was no trouble at all to paint the mental picture as it was described to me. You get to see the burgeoning romance between the prince and Missie strengthen and grow. And, you are privvy to her struggles as she tries to decide where her heart lies.
As soon as the story started, it swept you right in and, if you’re like me, were unable to put the book (or iPod!) down! I spent a fantastic Sunday reading this book and encourage others to do so as well!
Great job, N.R. Williams!
- Demon Gates
on March 27, 2011
Demon Gates is a story about a meek young son of a horse breeder who is suddenly thrust into a series of events that could easily shape the future of the world he lives in.
The premise is the evil demons that once have ravaged the world have been locked away into the Void. Ancient Loremasters managed to lock them in their prison, with formidable seals preventing the Portals from becoming active. However, the seals are failing, and the demons have once again entered into the world to wreak havoc.
Not being a big fan of darker fantasy, or demons for that matter , I was very pleasantly surprised to find myself swept away in a story which was very expertly told, deftly weaving several storylines together with a skill that I truly envy. The author has created an extensive world with believable characters, nasty creatures, and picturesque locales.
For once, I don’t have to wait a bit for the next book in the series to be released. I know book two, Ashar’an Rising, has been released. I’ve already purchased it, and it’s now sitting on my iPod, ready to go!
This book is a tremendous read, at a very reasonable price. I encourage everyone who loves fantasy to give it a try! Robert, you’re a helluva writer!
- Ashar'an Rising
on April 19, 2011
This is what a sequel is all about!
Picking right up where Demon Gates left off, Ashar'an Rising continues to follow the adventures of Valdieron as he attempts to fight the invasion of demons into his world. This story also focuses on other characters besides Valdieron, but those you have been introduced to in the first book.
Using the power of the pendant he was given by his mother, Valdieron also continues his studies to become a master swordsman and also starts to learn how to use magic.
The author does a fantastic job weaving multiple storylines together to create a well developed tale in a world brought vividly and masterfully to life. Descriptive settings, colorful characters, and well executed battle scenes leave you on your toes and wanting more! I found myself eagerly turning page after page, wondering what was going to happen next!
Robert, I eagerly await the release of the next in this series. Good job once more!
- Hemlock and the Wizard Tower (The Maker's Fire-Book One)
on June 14, 2011
Hemlock and the Wizard Tower follows the exploits of a talented thief, Hemlock, living on a magic-laden world controlled by the all powerful Wizard Guild. Sneaking into the heart of their operation, the Wizard Tower, Hemlock attempts to learn why the magic that normally would help her sister has recently been failing. Blaming the wizards (wizards be damned!), she uses all her extraordinary skills to infiltrate their Tower, something no one has ever been successful in accomplishing. With the aid of her mentor, a renegade wizard, and even a mechanical golem, Hemlock is swept up in the battle to break the Wizard Guild’s regulation of everyday magic.
I truly enjoyed this story. Character development was good. I liked how Hemlock went from rooftop vigilante to a very believable heroine whom people looked up to. I liked the author’s use of italics to portray flashbacks. What I really enjoyed, though, was how everything flowed so smoothly. The inner circles of the Wizard Guild, the different sections of the city, the outlying lands, etc. One critique I had was about the main antagonist, Falignus. There were times when I wasn’t sure if he was truly evil, or if he had underlying motives causing him to behave as he did. Fortunately, it didn’t distract from the story in the slightest. I was hoping for more history about Merit, but maybe in a sequel?
Speaking of sequels, I thought I saw somewhere that the author was working on a second book. I sure hope so! To anyone out there that loves fantasy, this is a fantastic book! Be sure to check it out!
- The Knowledge of Time: Second Civilisation
on June 15, 2011
Bet you've never seen a library like this before!
What do you get when you have a library that has millions and millions of books, a location which shifts about through time and space, and a dedicated staff of several thousand to catalog, sort, and protect the vast collection of books? One might think it'd be considered the ultimate treasure. However, to a group of people living in a futuristic society where every aspect of their lives are controlled, from spouses to careers, the threat of knowledge is untolerable, and therefore must be destroyed.
The Knowledge of Time: Second Civilisation is a story about a utopian society three thousand years in the future and their attempts to eradicate the one known threat to their way of life. Trying to save the Library is Gracie and her friend, Ruan. Together, they must find a way to reach the Library first before a team of mercenary "Beasts" manages to find the hidden Library and destroy it in its entirety.
I enjoyed this story. It was shorter than most that I read, as evidenced by the fact I finished it quickly. I typically only read when I have time, but this story kept me enthralled. I literally couldn't put it down and was disappointed when I reached the end. I enjoyed reading about a futuristic society reminiscent of the city of San Angeles in Demolition Man. Wow, I watch way too many movies. Ok, back to the book. There were a few things that I found puzzling and troublesome. I wasn't too sure if the city was called "Civilisation" or it was just a term. I didn't know if it was a proper noun or not. Also, I did enjoy the description of the beasts, but was confused about their height. At first, it is mentioned they are seven meters in height, making them over 20 feet tall. Then a while later the height is referenced again, this time at seven feet, and not meters. I also would have liked to have had more detail on what happened to Gracie in the caves and how she suddenly knew what to do, how she could heal, etc. I won't give away anything else. :)
Overall, a very enjoyable book that had my attention from the moment I picked it up until I finally put it down. To any fantasy lovers out there, give this one a chance. You won't be disappointed!
- On Dark Shores 1: The Lady
on July 16, 2011
A dark, gripping novella...
Without realizing it, I'm discovering myself a fan of novellas. Short stories with wonderfully created worlds and disctinct characters that are very easily imagineable. On Dark Shores is such a novella.
This story is set in a grimy little town where it is ruled mercilessly by the moneylender, Copeland. He and his bodyguard, Blakely, keep the villagers cowering with fear, extorting money and doling out beatings on a daily basis. There are two sisters, and one has been forced to become a thief, being a distant relative to Copeland himself. When the older sister realizes she'll be unable to protect the younger any longer, she determines it is time to try and escape from the clutches of her cousin.
There's clearly more going on with the townfolk than they let on. The bodyguard, Blakely, used to be a boxer, and has the power to eliminate the moneylender's grip over the town, but instead chooses to hide his emotions in booze and drugs. There's the barkeep, Mickel, who was formerly a medic, I think, and is forced to resume his old profession as the town doctor is afraid to cross Copeland.
I won't go into any other details here lest I inadvertently give away a spoiler. Let me just say, instead, that I enjoyed the story. The writing was smooth and flawless in execution. I had no problems imagining I was skulking around in the dark streets of Scarlock. This isn't a story for the faint of heart. There's gruesome scenes of torture and murder and of unspeakable acts of cruelty. On the plus side, the scenes are so well written that you're glued to the pages waiting to see what happens next, much like you would do if you saw an train wreck: you know you should look away, but you find yourself transfixed to the scene. Like that. :)
There were a few critiques that I could find. Again, without giving anything away, the skeleton scene. I'm not sure where that came from, but I was confused about why it was there. I think I see where the author was going with it, but just thought it was odd and not really fitting with the rest of the story. I feel as though the story was cut off abruptly, but I'll take that as a good sign, as I'm clearly intersted in learning what happens next, when Karma will finally catch up to those who need it, and what the fate of the older sister is.
Ms. Clement, nicely done! I'll definitely pick up the next in the series when it's released!
- Flash Gold
on July 25, 2011
An adventurous romp into the wilds of the Yukon...
I acquired this novella after reading (and thoroughly enjoying) one of her other works, Emperor's Edge. I really enjoyed that, as well as this one.
This adventure focuses on young Kari McAllister, an orophaned teenager in a small town in the middle of the Yukon. The townsfolk have labeled her as a witch just because she's a very gifted engineer, having created numerous inventions. Her deceased father was also responsible for creating a mysterious substance called flash gold, which apparently can be used to generate power. Several of Kari's inventions are powered by flash gold.
However, her father's work has raised interest in quite a few groups of people all bent on acquiring this new technology for themselves.
I won't give anything else away, only to say that this novella is truly worth reading, and I sincerely hope that the author continues this storyline with another adventure!!
- The Shadowed Path
on March 07, 2012
Awesome fantasy set in Roman times!
I don't think I've ever seen those two words in the same sentence before. Roman and fantasy. Yet it certainly applies to this book, the debut novel from author Simon Stone.
The author has a very easy-going writing style that gets you hooked from the start and won't let go, not even when you make it to the end. You know you've read a good book when you keep thinking about the story hours after you've finished and then start wondering what the sequel will hold.
This story is set in Roman times and follows several main characters, including a former rich boy who becomes stuck in unarguably the worst place to become stranded, the Shadowlands. He and several others eventually find their way out, but only after a few years. The spoiled rich boy is no more, and instead has adapted to become a cool lethal fighting machine. Then we have a young girl suffering the loss of a family who has fallen victim to creatures that typically reside in the Shadowlands. She has come, seeking revenge on those who let these terrible things happen to her loved ones. Also present are a race of humanoid creatures, the Waystalkers (or inhumanaii), forever slaves to their human masters. Dark, mysterious, and lethal, they are the only guides you'd want at your side if you have to travel the Shadowlands. They are sworn not to harm "redbloods". No inhumanii ever has, lest the poor Waystalker go mad with guilt and shame. Might some of the slaves have found a way to rebel against their masters?
There were so many things I liked about this book. I loved the Roman setting. The author did a tremendous job helping the reader to visualize everyday life in a Roman village. I loved the fantasy element, namely the Shadowlands separating the two great countries. I loved how the Shadowlands are home to unspeakable horrors and how it's inconceivable that someone could survive a few days in there, let alone four years. I loved seeing the changed world through Marcus' eyes after he and his two companions finally make it out of the Shadowlands and realize everything he had known is gone.
I'm sitting here, trying to remember if I really had any issues with the book, and the only things I can think of were a few typos, but as another reviewer mentioned, I simply didn't care. I eagerly look forward to the next in the series!!
- The Shadowed Path
on March 07, 2012
Awesome fantasy set in Roman times!
I don't think I've ever seen those two words in the same sentence before. Roman and fantasy. Yet it certainly applies to this book, the debut novel from author Simon Stone.
The author has a very easy-going writing style that gets you hooked from the start and won't let go, not even when you make it to the end. You know you've read a good book when you keep thinking about the story hours after you've finished and then start wondering what the sequel will hold.
This story is set in Roman times and follows several main characters, including a former rich boy who becomes stuck in unarguably the worst place to become stranded, the Shadowlands. He and several others eventually find their way out, but only after a few years. The spoiled rich boy is no more, and instead has adapted to become a cool lethal fighting machine. Then we have a young girl suffering the loss of a family who has fallen victim to creatures that typically reside in the Shadowlands. She has come, seeking revenge on those who let these terrible things happen to her loved ones. Also present are a race of humanoid creatures, the Waystalkers (or inhumanaii), forever slaves to their human masters. Dark, mysterious, and lethal, they are the only guides you'd want at your side if you have to travel the Shadowlands. They are sworn not to harm "redbloods". No inhumanii ever has, lest the poor Waystalker go mad with guilt and shame. Might some of the slaves have found a way to rebel against their masters?
There were so many things I liked about this book. I loved the Roman setting. The author did a tremendous job helping the reader to visualize everyday life in a Roman village. I loved the fantasy element, namely the Shadowlands separating the two great countries. I loved how the Shadowlands are home to unspeakable horrors and how it's inconceivable that someone could survive a few days in there, let alone four years. I loved seeing the changed world through Marcus' eyes after he and his two companions finally make it out of the Shadowlands and realize everything he had known is gone.
I'm sitting here, trying to remember if I really had any issues with the book, and the only things I can think of were a few typos, but as another reviewer mentioned, I simply didn't care. I eagerly look forward to the next in the series!!
- Harbingers of Mortality
on May 04, 2012
When nothing goes as it should...
Jeshu is a deadly assassin living in the world of Kalharia. His mission? A simple assassination. When things go wrong, he's forced to team up with a mute Vian Knight and his squire to confront someone who threatens the lives of everyone in the kingdom. To make matters worse, an ancient evil goddess is just waiting to return to power so that she can exact her revenge on those who have shunned her.
The Harbingers of Mortality is a fantastic adventure story set in a world of magic, elves, knights, and dragons. Mr. Thomas has skillfully created a believable unique world where not only does magic exist, but it can be depleted and renewed, much like a rechargable battery. The world-building is very impressive and very comprehensive. I love how plausible the explanations are for how the magic works in Kalharia, as well as how unique his characters are.
My biggest critique, in my opinion, was the difficulty in following along with the time line. I really did love the amount of detail that went into everyone's point of view regarding the ongoing situation they found themselves in. It made sure there weren't any open plot holes. Not once did I wonder what had happened to a particular character. However, since the author created their own specialized months and number of days for each months (again, bravo for going into so much detail!), at the beginning of each chapter had the day and month of the year. But without a frame of reference, I was left unsure which sequence of events happened at which time. Then, once I finished the book, then I found the Appendices at the end, which addresses the calendar, and which month follows which. Should have read that first. :)
There was also a few times when I was wondering who I should be rooting for, but after discussing the issue with the author in a book club forum, he mentions that how he had written it. So that was just my own personal preference.
All in all, a great fantasy book worth reading. I'm off to pick up the first in the series (his books are written so that it's not necessary to read the first). Don't forget to look for the Appendices at the back so that you don't do what I did! Great job, Steve!
- Harbingers of Mortality
on May 04, 2012
When nothing goes as it should...
Jeshu is a deadly assassin living in the world of Kalharia. His mission? A simple assassination. When things go wrong, he's forced to team up with a mute Vian Knight and his squire to confront someone who threatens the lives of everyone in the kingdom. To make matters worse, an ancient evil goddess is just waiting to return to power so that she can exact her revenge on those who have shunned her.
The Harbingers of Mortality is a fantastic adventure story set in a world of magic, elves, knights, and dragons. Mr. Thomas has skillfully created a believable unique world where not only does magic exist, but it can be depleted and renewed, much like a rechargable battery. The world-building is very impressive and very comprehensive. I love how plausible the explanations are for how the magic works in Kalharia, as well as how unique his characters are.
My biggest critique, in my opinion, was the difficulty in following along with the time line. I really did love the amount of detail that went into everyone's point of view regarding the ongoing situation they found themselves in. It made sure there weren't any open plot holes. Not once did I wonder what had happened to a particular character. However, since the author created their own specialized months and number of days for each months (again, bravo for going into so much detail!), at the beginning of each chapter had the day and month of the year. But without a frame of reference, I was left unsure which sequence of events happened at which time. Then, once I finished the book, then I found the Appendices at the end, which addresses the calendar, and which month follows which. Should have read that first. :)
There was also a few times when I was wondering who I should be rooting for, but after discussing the issue with the author in a book club forum, he mentions that how he had written it. So that was just my own personal preference.
All in all, a great fantasy book worth reading. I'm off to pick up the first in the series (his books are written so that it's not necessary to read the first). Don't forget to look for the Appendices at the back so that you don't do what I did! Great job, Steve!
