April | 2019 | Ad Librum Aeternam

Genre: YA,Sci-Fi, Post-Apocalyptic, Dystopian

Pages: 347
ISBN: 978-1682618356
Format: Hardcover, Paperback (September 2019), eBook (Kindle & Kobo)
Publication date: December 4th, 2018
Publisher: Permuted Press
Type: Novel (2nd in a trilogy)

A special thanks to Chris Babu and Permuted Press for providing me with an eCopy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Blurb:

Having survived the Initiation, Drayden and his gang must go on a deadly mission to contact other civilizations (if they still exist!). The New America’s solar and battery power is failing and they need help in other for the colony to survive. But Drayden has his own plans: he wants to find out what truly happened to his mother and the reason why Guards are accompanying them. It couldn’t really be for their protection now, could it…?

Introduction:

I was offered the opportunity to review the first two books in Chris Babu’s dystopian trilogy by Permuted Press. I jumped on it because, as you lads and lasses know, I’m a big lover of dystopian. The blurb appealed to me. It seemed to have anything I love: logic, realism, courage, quests, trials, a dystopian setting… and I could go on! So, here’s my review of the second book, The Expedition. Enjoy!

Thank you so much for this pleasant opportunity, Chris Babu and Permuted Press!

The Positive Sides:

What did I love the most about this book? The stakes! They’re greater than ever; yes, even than the Initiation! It’s now a deadly mission against the Aeru virus that destroyed most of the human population across the world. It only seems like a simple boat ride Drayden and company need to go on… but you know it’s going to get pretty nasty. Indeed, I enjoyed (big time!) how progressively worse it gets for the characters as the story unfolds. My excitation was high because the suspense kept building on and on. These were delicious steps I had to climb!

Speaking of characters, I liked how they clearly have evolved (like Drayden being more confident in his own abilities and self) to be a more fulfilled version of themselves. I felt as though they were more “complete” to themselves. Plus, their relationships followed the same path, what with Drayden now having a girlfriend in his group of friends. This group of friends is also more tightly knit in the face of danger. It’s fun that they learned from the Initiation and build on it.

Now, something else that I appreciated about The Expedition: secrets are everywhere! You think all’s good but uh! Oh! someone overhears officials talking about a plan and later other secrets come out into the light-Drayden’s light and ours, that is. This was quite entertaining as, while it was obvious the boat mission wasn’t all it appeared to be, it was awesome to catch glimpses of what was truly going on underneath the whole situation.

Moreover, I was happy to find that the puzzles were back and have evolved along with the rest! Indeed, they’re more discreet and while they have you working out the whole plot, there are other puzzles on the side and under (in the subplots!) It was a real delight as I feared the puzzles and general intrigue would be gone… But no, they just took on a different shape!

The Negative Sides:

Frankly, what really stuck out to me was the info dumping. Unfortunately, it happens at the beginning of the book. Even though it’s spaced, it’s still apparent, which is a slight disappointment. Then, the info dumping happens further along the book.

BUT since it’s not big info dumps (they’re cut in smaller bites), that makes them easier to swallow. I told myself “Meh, okay, I’ll roll with it for the sake of this book.”

And I have to admit that the ones at the beginning do help in situating us better, so it’s not that bad.

Of course, if you hate those, it’s a negative point. Most people dislike them, but you can roll with the few in this book for the sake of the awesome story, great writing and the sheer suspense!

And that’s it; I don’t have any more issues with this book.

In Conclusion:

Since I really enjoyed this story, I give The Expedition a rating of 5 out of 5. I kept wanting to jump back in and read more and more of it. What happened to Drayden? What about THAT secret? Now, now, I’m not trusting those guys…

See? It’s just captivating. I’m genuinely hooked to this series and will be waiting for the third (and last) one to come out eagerly.

Can I read it now?

Oh. What, it’s not out yet?

But maybe… just maybe… I could take a peek at-

No?

Oh.

I WANT THE THIRD ONE, OKAY?!

If you want to learn more about the author, you can visit his Web site, you can also follow him on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram (he posts really funny and sweet pictures, so go there!), and Goodreads. You can visit his publisher, Permuted Press, https://permutedpress.com/. You can also add “The Expedition” to your bookshelves on Goodreads and LibraryThing.

The Expedition: A Review

Book Reviews April 11, 2019 1 Comment

Genre: YA,Sci-Fi, Post-Apocalyptic, Dystopian

Pages: 347
ISBN: 978-1682618356
Format: Hardcover, Paperback (September 2019), eBook (Kindle & Kobo)
Publication date: December 4th, 2018
Publisher: Permuted Press
Type: Novel (2nd in a trilogy)

*A special thanks to Chris Babu and Permuted Press for providing me with an eCopy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

The Blurb:

Having survived the Initiation, Drayden and his gang must go on a deadly mission to contact other civilizations (if they still exist!). The New America’s solar and battery power is failing and they need help in other for the colony to survive. But Drayden has his own plans: he wants to find out what truly happened to his mother and the reason why Guards are accompanying them. It couldn’t really be for their protection now, could it…?

Introduction:

I was offered the opportunity to review the first two books in Chris Babu’s dystopian trilogy by Permuted Press. I jumped on it because, as you lads and lasses know, I’m a big lover of dystopian. The blurb appealed to me. It seemed to have anything I love: logic, realism, courage, quests, trials, a dystopian setting… and I could go on! So, here’s my review of the second book, The Expedition. Enjoy!

Thank you so much for this pleasant opportunity, Chris Babu and Permuted Press!

The Positive Sides:

What did I love the most about this book? The stakes! They’re greater than ever; yes, even than the Initiation! It’s now a deadly mission against the Aeru virus that destroyed most of the human population across the world. It only seems like a simple boat ride Drayden and company need to go on… but you know it’s going to get pretty nasty. Indeed, I enjoyed (big time!) how progressively worse it gets for the characters as the story unfolds. My excitation was high because the suspense kept building on and on. These were delicious steps I had to climb!

Speaking of characters, I liked how they clearly have evolved (like Drayden being more confident in his own abilities and self) to be a more fulfilled version of themselves. I felt as though they were more “complete” to themselves. Plus, their relationships followed the same path, what with Drayden now having a girlfriend in his group of friends. This group of friends is also more tightly knit in the face of danger. It’s fun that they learned from the Initiation and build on it.

Now, something else that I appreciated about The Expedition: secrets are everywhere! You think all’s good but uh! Oh! someone overhears officials talking about a plan and later other secrets come out into the light-Drayden’s light and ours, that is. This was quite entertaining as, while it was obvious the boat mission wasn’t all it appeared to be, it was awesome to catch glimpses of what was truly going on underneath the whole situation.

Moreover, I was happy to find that the puzzles were back and have evolved along with the rest! Indeed, they’re more discreet and while they have you working out the whole plot, there are other puzzles on the side and under (in the subplots!) It was a real delight as I feared the puzzles and general intrigue would be gone… But no, they just took on a different shape!

The Negative Sides:

Frankly, what really stuck out to me was the info dumping. Unfortunately, it happens at the beginning of the book. Even though it’s spaced, it’s still apparent, which is a slight disappointment. Then, the info dumping happens further along the book.

BUT since it’s not big info dumps (they’re cut in smaller bites), that makes them easier to swallow. I told myself “Meh, okay, I’ll roll with it for the sake of this book.”

And I have to admit that the ones at the beginning do help in situating us better, so it’s not that bad.

Of course, if you hate those, it’s a negative point. Most people dislike them, but you can roll with the few in this book for the sake of the awesome story, great writing and the sheer suspense!

And that’s it; I don’t have any more issues with this book.

In Conclusion:

Since I really enjoyed this story, I give The Expedition a rating of 5 out of 5. I kept wanting to jump back in and read more and more of it. What happened to Drayden? What about THAT secret? Now, now, I’m not trusting those guys…

See? It’s just captivating. I’m genuinely hooked to this series and will be waiting for the third (and last) one to come out eagerly.

Can I read it now?

Oh. What, it’s not out yet?

But maybe… just maybe… I could take a peek at-

No?

Oh.

I WANT THE THIRD ONE, OKAY?!

If you want to learn more about the author, you can visit his Web site, you can also follow him on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram (he posts really funny and sweet pictures, so go there!), and Goodreads. You can visit his publisher, Permuted Press, https://permutedpress.com/. You can also add “The Expedition” to your bookshelves on Goodreads and LibraryThing.

Alchemy ‘ s Air: A Review

Book Reviews April 8, 2019 Leave a comment

by Stacey Tucker

Alchemy's Air: Book Two of the Equal Night Trilogy
by Stacey Tucker
Publisher: SparkPress

Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Action & Adventure

Pages: 352
ISBN: 9781943006847
Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook (Kindle & Kobo)
Publication date: May 14th, 2019
Publisher: SparkPress
Type: Novel (2nd in a trilogy)

A special thanks to SparkPress for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion via Edelweiss+.

The Blurb:

The ancient secrets of the Book of Sophia were entrusted to Skylar Southmartin. She needs to succeed at a deadly mission where she journeys to the Underworld of the Earth to restore a vital memory to the Akashic Library. This Now that she’s passed her trial by fire, Skylar Southmartin has been entrusted with the ancient secrets of the Book of Sophia. Ahead is her greatest mission to date: a journey to the Underworld to restore a vital memory to the Akashic Library that will bring her face to face with the darkness within. Many seek this library because they believe the future of human potential is at its core.

Will Skylar and her friends survive the darkness hidden in all of us and the risk of it destroying their very souls?

Introduction:

When I read Alchemy’s Air’s blurb on Edelweiss+, I simply had to give it a go even though I hadn’t read the first one, Ocean’s Fire. Fiction related to the spiritual, mythologies, and witches’ powers (or the likes!) interests me a great deal.

Thank you so much for this opportunity, SparkPress and Edelweiss+!

The Positive Sides:

First of all, the ideas themselves of the Book of Sophia, the realm of the spiritual, the Akashic library an the Underworld of Earth just held my attention quite forgive the pun religiously. I genuinely liked that a fiction book dares to dive deeper into the depths of the magic of the world and the spiritual as a main objective (from what I can assume). I’ve read other books like Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Heroes of Olympus series where they DO get to the Underworld and such other books, yet while greatly enjoyable, never gets past the surface of the topic. But Alchemy’s Air does it!

Moreover, the sheer details of the underworld and the spiritual realm (hinted at the very beginning) are immersing and glorious! The words paint a stunning picture of the concepts and objects such as a special Tree of Life which is scorched to us, but gorgeous and quite alive on the spiritual side. Love that we get to experience the sensation (almost!) of what it’s like to see such things!

As for the characters, they’re interesting. I like them and how they care about something else too such as veterinarian care and studies. It makes them lovelier to me. And that run from Milicent’s husband to President? That’s fun and different in a fantasy novel. I must admit I greatly enjoy those down-to-earth sides of the story. They’re awesome and much welcomed.

Furthermore, the stakes are high, pressing and essential to humankind. Also, I love the use of different concepts from all kinds of religions and beliefs. It’s a beautiful, carefully chosen melting pot.

The Negative Sides:

Sadly, there’s no way around this: The dialogue killed my enthusiasm quite early on. They’re not only forced, but they are 3-4 sentences long with each character. It’s not realistic. Plus, it TELLS us in dialogue what we figured out most of the time. It’s the main negative side and a dealbreaker for me. I couldn’t believe in the story (even though the rest is great!) and kept rolling my eyes every time a character spoke. I swear, I was enjoying myself in the narrative… until a line of dialogue popped up.

Speaking of narrative, it takes a good while before things get heated. While I truly loved the passages where we glimpse at the other world (the spiritual world), the story took too long before starting up. But maybe you like things to go slow in books. If so, then go for it!

In Conclusion:

Rating this one was tough. On the one hand, I LOVE the ideas in the book, the amazing details about the supernatural world, and got involved in the story. On the other, my involvement stopped as soon as any character spoke. So, torn between two polar opposites (I’m loving this versus oh no here’s the unrealistic dialogue again), I’m giving Alchemy’s Air by Stacey Tucker a rating of 3.5 out of 5.

Let me be clear: If, like me, the summary interests it, read the book! I’m sure some of you will enjoy it because it IS enjoyable, hence the rating. But, to me, the false dialogue rang too loudly. But do I recommend this book? Absolutely! The idea is still kick-ass and I swear the details and concepts about the spiritual world are the best I’ve read yet!

If you want to learn more about the author, you can visit her Web site, you can also follow her on Instagram, her Pinterest account, and Goodreads . You can visit her publisher, SparkPress, https://gosparkpress.com/. You can also add Alchemy's Air to your bookshelves on Goodreads.

Alchemy’s Air: A Review

Book Reviews April 8, 2019 Leave a comment

by Stacey Tucker

Alchemy’s Air: Book Two of the Equal Night Trilogy
by Stacey Tucker
Publisher: SparkPress

Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Action & Adventure

Pages: 352
ISBN: 9781943006847
Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook (Kindle & Kobo)
Publication date: May 14th, 2019
Publisher: SparkPress
Type: Novel (2nd in a trilogy)

*A special thanks to SparkPress for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion via Edelweiss+.*

The Blurb:

The ancient secrets of the Book of Sophia were entrusted to Skylar Southmartin. She needs to succeed at a deadly mission where she journeys to the Underworld of the Earth to restore a vital memory to the Akashic Library. This Now that she’s passed her trial by fire, Skylar Southmartin has been entrusted with the ancient secrets of the Book of Sophia. Ahead is her greatest mission to date: a journey to the Underworld to restore a vital memory to the Akashic Library that will bring her face to face with the darkness within. Many seek this library because they believe the future of human potential is at its core.

Will Skylar and her friends survive the darkness hidden in all of us and the risk of it destroying their very souls?

Introduction:

When I read Alchemy’s Air’s blurb on Edelweiss+, I simply had to give it a go even though I hadn’t read the first one, Ocean’s Fire. Fiction related to the spiritual, mythologies, and witches’ powers (or the likes!) interests me a great deal.

Thank you so much for this opportunity, SparkPress and Edelweiss+!

The Positive Sides:

First of all, the ideas themselves of the Book of Sophia, the realm of the spiritual, the Akashic library an the Underworld of Earth just held my attention quite forgive the pun religiously. I genuinely liked that a fiction book dares to dive deeper into the depths of the magic of the world and the spiritual as a main objective (from what I can assume). I’ve read other books like Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Heroes of Olympus series where they DO get to the Underworld and such other books, yet while greatly enjoyable, never gets past the surface of the topic. But Alchemy’s Air does it!

Moreover, the sheer details of the underworld and the spiritual realm (hinted at the very beginning) are immersing and glorious! The words paint a stunning picture of the concepts and objects such as a special Tree of Life which is scorched to us, but gorgeous and quite alive on the spiritual side. Love that we get to experience the sensation (almost!) of what it’s like to see such things!

As for the characters, they’re interesting. I like them and how they care about something else too such as veterinarian care and studies. It makes them lovelier to me. And that run from Milicent’s husband to President? That’s fun and different in a fantasy novel. I must admit I greatly enjoy those down-to-earth sides of the story. They’re awesome and much welcomed.

Furthermore, the stakes are high, pressing and essential to humankind. Also, I love the use of different concepts from all kinds of religions and beliefs. It’s a beautiful, carefully chosen melting pot.

The Negative Sides:

Sadly, there’s no way around this: The dialogue killed my enthusiasm quite early on. They’re not only forced, but they are 3-4 sentences long with each character. It’s not realistic. Plus, it TELLS us in dialogue what we figured out most of the time. It’s the main negative side and a dealbreaker for me. I couldn’t believe in the story (even though the rest is great!) and kept rolling my eyes every time a character spoke. I swear, I was enjoying myself in the narrative… until a line of dialogue popped up.

Speaking of narrative, it takes a good while before things get heated. While I truly loved the passages where we glimpse at the other world (the spiritual world), the story took too long before starting up. But maybe you like things to go slow in books. If so, then go for it!

In Conclusion:

Rating this one was tough. On the one hand, I LOVE the ideas in the book, the amazing details about the supernatural world, and got involved in the story. On the other, my involvement stopped as soon as any character spoke. So, torn between two polar opposites (I’m loving this versus oh no here’s the unrealistic dialogue again), I’m giving Alchemy’s Air by Stacey Tucker a rating of 3.5 out of 5.

Let me be clear: If, like me, the summary interests it, read the book! I’m sure some of you will enjoy it because it IS enjoyable, hence the rating. But, to me, the false dialogue rang too loudly. But do I recommend this book? Absolutely! The idea is still kick-ass and I swear the details and concepts about the spiritual world are the best I’ve read yet!

If you want to learn more about the author, you can visit her Web site, you can also follow her on Instagram, her Pinterest account, and Goodreads . You can visit her publisher, SparkPress, https://gosparkpress.com/. You can also add Alchemy’s Air to your bookshelves on Goodreads.