I found Academy of Outcasts by Larry Correai to be a page turning very well written fantasy. Oz Carnavon lives in a realm that I think would be very similar to the inside of an active volcano. Not at the top either but much farther down where it is not very safe. Oz is a likable character. He makes a plan to escape his indentured servant status and rescue his family from the same fate. This involves escaping to the Core, which he does successfully. The only drawback is that Oz is framed for attempting to murder the Ambassador from his realm. This makes life for Oz a little difficult. He quickly finds out that none of the Academies at the core are interested in low level magic users. During his adventure in the Core Oz befriends a Squalo named Trax. Think along the lines of a walking Shark like creature who will eat almost anything and communicates through images. There is some political intrigue in the novel that leads to the Academy mentioned in the title being formed. I should also mention that Academy of Outcasts was hard to put down and a fantastically enjoyable book to read. I look forward to the second book in the series.
The Familiar Spirit by D.J. Butler and Aaron Michael Ritchey is the latest volume in the continuing adventures of Cunning man Hiram Woolley and his son Michael. A Cunning man is someone who knows how to deal with situations that deal with the supernatural. This novel takes place in Mexico after the duo give a ride to a preacher from the area. The area of Mexico Hiram and Michael are in is a colony founded by the Mormons. Hiram’s intent had been to drop the preacher off and return home because it is almost harvest time for their beet crop. Then a murder occurs, and Hiram decides to stick around and see if he can help solve the mystery, especially since the murder seems to have supernatural overtones. A ghost has also followed Hiram from Utah. This ghost and some local ones want Hiram’s seer stone because it has other uses than just telling if someone is lying. The colony is also where his father went after abandoning Hiram and his mother. Hiram and Michael are also working out family issues while they attempt to resolve the murder. The novel held my interest and kept the pages turning. The authors do a very good job of making the setting feel like The Great Depression.
Dancing with Destruction Edited by Jason Cordova is a page turning action packed anthology. All the stories are based on the cover art to the book. The authors that wrote the stories came up with very divergent stories that were a blast to read. Many but not all the stories have a military science fiction feel to them. There is a two-part story in the collection that I really enjoyed. The first story, Bug Hunt, is written by Melissia Olthoff and Nick Steverson with the conclusion penned by Kacey Ezell and is titled Bug Out. All the stories are well written and were riveting to read. I found my self mentally singing the title to the book set to Bruce Springsteen’s Dancing in the Dark.
Wesley Dodds The Sandman is an enjoyable graphic novel to read. The story holds the readers’ attention and flows at a nice pace. Since I read the graphic novel, I did not have to wait a month between issues of the mini-series as which helped with the story flow. I found the artwork to be okay; it did not distract from the story. SPIOLER ALERT: I really enjoyed the ending when the Justice Society shows up and invites Dodds to join. Fans of the Golden Age superheroes should find this graphic novel to their liking.
Swords and Larceny is a collection of stories that all deal with some type of heist. The only thing they have in common is a fantasy setting. Of the thirteen authors in the anthology, I had only read fiction by two of them, Tim Ackers and Wen Spencer. Both their stories were very good, as were the other eleven tales. I am a fan of heist novels and movies so I was hoping this would be a decent collection. The anthology turned out far better than I could hope for. If you are a fan of the heist genre this book was made for you. The collection should also appeal to fantasy fans in general due to the varied fantasy settings. A very entertaining anthology to read.
Quintus Fox Bounty Hunter by Jason Cordova is a fast-paced action-adventure science fiction novel. The story centers around Fox and his associates being hired, kind of, by a corporation to find an object that was stolen from them. Other groups are also interested in the object, and they cause all kinds of problems for Fox and crew. These interactions also drive the story that takes place mostly on planet Nuevo Aires, close to the edge of settled space. The book has plenty of action scenes. The culture that has evolved on Nuevo Aires I found to be believable and well thought out. “My background is cultural anthropology.” Overall, I found Quintus Fox Bounty hunter a very enjoyable novel to read. The story continues in the next book in the series which will be released next month.
Freehold Defiance is a spectacular collection. I thought all the stories were solidly written and entertaining to read. This one is a true anthology, and does not have the fell of a novel, like the last collection did. They do all have a connected theme. They deal in some manner with the residents of Grainne resisting the efforts of the UN. There is enough action, suspense, and intrigue within the anthology that any military science fiction fan should enjoy reading the collection. There are stories about grouchy older men, trained leopards, anti-social adults, Blazers, psychological warfare, biological warfare, and even Ripple Creek Security. The book is also a good place to start the series.
Smuggler’s Run is the misadventures of Ripp and Vann. Two people that should probably not exist in the same dimension. The two of them are the most unlucky or luckiest individuals I have encountered in fiction. I cannot decide which way their luck runs. Some higher being or beings may be “assisting” them in some manner just to entertain themselves. The novel is an amusing high speed romp that was a joy to read. I really like well written humor and Smuggler’s Run delivers plenty of very well written humor, along with pop culture references. It will help a little if you lived through the 80s, the 1980s, to understand some of the references. They pass through Salvage System and actually manage not to get chased out, a rare occurrence for the duo.
I attempted to read King Bullet slowly due to the fact it is the last Sandman Slim novel. I was not able to because I had to see how the series ended. This novel was better than the last book. I found the story well written and gripping. The story just lacked some of the intensity of the early novels. I did not find the use of they verses he or she as annoying as it was in the last novel. I liked the fact that Stark was growing as a person. The ending was not what I expected, and Stark took the right actions again. Something he seems to be really good at once he figures things out. (Spoiler Alert)! As Stark mentions on the last page of the book, if Hell could not hold him, what chance does Heaven have? Maybe after a few years, Kadrey will return to Stark. I hope this is the case, because I would like to see where Kadrey would take the character next. If he does not, I can always reread the series. Something I have done six times already.
A Christmas Surprise is a story written for children, probably 8 and older. I am almost 60 and found the story appealing. Younger kids would also like the tale, but it would need to be read to them. Possibly over the course of a few nights as I think the story is to long for one sitting. Normally I do not go into plot details that much but since parents may be checking this book out to see if their offspring will like the story I reveal some. Kyra wanted a dog for Christmas and instead gets a Kaiju. This is the one present she got to open Christmas eve. She sets a trap for Santa and actually catches him. She goes on an adventure with Santa to save Christmas and along the way learns the true meaning of Christmas. There is enough humor that adults should enjoy reading the story. There are movies executives who definitely need to read the book so they can make better movies about Santa. A topic of discussion in the story. There is also some discussion about magic and science and how the two may appear similar in nature. This occurs a few times in the book. I really liked Santa’s comment about magic and quantum mechanics. The story of Pablo the Reindeer needs to be written. Hopefully that occurs in the future.
I obtained an earc of Mountain of Fire by Jason Cordova and read the novel within 48 hours while in the hospital. The story held my attention even though I had more than a few medication changes occur during that time which affected my ability to stay awake. Even though the characters were mostly new, other than some of them being featured in a short story I knew the Universe having read 8 novels and 4 anthologies set in the Black Tide Rising series. This helped me focus and gave me an idea of what to expect.
Jason Cordova does a very good job of making a teenage girl a likable and interesting character. Maddie has flaws, she is aware of some of these flaws, if not all of them. How she come to live at the Catholic School for girls is interwoven in segments throughout the novel. Maddie oversees security at the school. She is one of the few young women there who has no problem killing zombies or shambles as she calls them. Sister Ann is Maddie’s mentor; Sister Ann is a hoot. Sister Ann is a former Marine Gunny Sargeant. Unlike many nuns that have been portrayed in entertainment media Sister Ann likes people.
Shamblers are not the only issue that the girls face. They also must contend with a self-proclaimed King of Appalachia. The person is attempting to incorporate the school into his Kingdom. Naturally Maddie and Sister Ann resisted his repeated attempts at Empire expansion. The novel revolves around this interaction and Maddie growing as a person. I found the story to be a fast read. Mountain of Fire is the first book I have read in 48 hours in roughly a year. The body count is on the low end for a Cordova novel. There are a few dark segments in the book. Overall, the story is about hope, mainly hope for the future. Even though I have an earc I have pre-ordered the hardcover of Mountain of Fire because the novel is that good, I want to have a hard copy of the book. There is plenty of action in the novel despite the low death toll. I found Mountain of Fire to be a great addition to the Black Tide Rising series.
Simon R Green’s Hyde and Seek I found to be a far better novel than the first book in the series, Jekyll & Hyde Inc. Even though it follows the same formula as the first book I found the second outing in the series to be funnier and better written. This could be due to having read more of Simon Green’s books and having a better understanding of what he is doing in his writing. Possible whole novels are mentioned as passing references throughout the book. There is also just a little more character development. One that stood out to me is when nuclear nun chucks are mentioned. Daniel asks for them but is told someone else is using them.. He does not think to ask who is. I want to know who is using them and why. Green makes fun of how society functions in general. There could be specifics instances of this in the novel related to British culture that I would not pick up on since I do not live in London. Overall very entertaining to read. The last chapter had two surprises for me. I did not expect either and both really added to the story.
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I found some of the early flashback scenes in Companion to Ghosts by Kacey Ezell and David Shadoin to be rather intense, which helped draw me into the story. The novel deals with the slave trade that is legal in the 4HU Universe but not on earth. I liked the characters, Devlin Morrison, a former human mercenary and Skakuan, a Depik a member of a race that is best known for being the most feared assassins in the Galaxy. I found both to be very interesting individuals that stood out in a universe full of interesting characters. Morrison and Skakuan learning to work together reminded me a little of how my newest cat and I bonded with each other. Depik have an uncanny resemblance to Terran house cats. Just a tad more deadly. Did not expect that twist. This surprise made the climax of the story stand out. The book has plenty of action and moved at a nice pace.
The Eccentrics 
The Eccentrics continues the adventures of Knight Watch. A group of people that hunt monsters using magic that were introduced in the novel Knight Watch. The Eccentrics is the third book in the series. There is enough back story in this novel that the series could be started with this book. This adventure details their interaction with a group called The Eccentrics who reside in a parallel reality to the Mudane where science rules. At least a steam punk version of science. This group is led by Nikola Tesla, actually his eighth incarnation. The Eccentrics members have various powers that are based on their steam punk science and the Gestalt does not mix well with magic. This causes some issues for the members of The Knight Watch as they move through the Gestalt since their powers are based on magic. Many of these situations are somewhat humorous in nature. I also found them believable and well thought out by the author. The vivid description of what passes for a Steam Punk version of a Ren Faire is one of the highlights of the novel. The narrator, John Rast, is more in tune with how his power works and what he draws his magic from. He is adjusting better to the sudden turn his life took when the Knight Watch recruited him after defeating a dragon at his local Ren Faire. Tesla’s group may call themselves the Eccentrics but the title of the book can also be easily applied to the members of Knight Watch. They are rather unique people who would stand out in most groups of people. This story could almost be called a misadventure. The novel has that feel to it. The story flows nicely and overall I found the book very enjoyable to read. This urban fantasy story has magic, steampunk, and vampires. Opps, I forgot to mention vampires until now.
SPOILER ALERT!
The vampires are not the villains in this story.
Paladins of Valor 
It is no surprise that Paladins of valor Edited by Rob Howell is an anthology full of very good stories. I have come to expect very good anthologies from Chris Kennedy Publishing. All the stories were also very entertaining to read. The first two stories, Family Heirloom by Howard Andrew Jones and Paladins of Unbroken Light by D.J. Bulter might give the reader the idea the collection was published by Bean books. Of the remaining twelve stories, the two that took place in the Milesian Accord Universe were the only other Universe I was familiar with. The other stories took place in settings new to me or I have read very little set in them. Two of these stories stood out for me. They were Apprentice in Trouble by Chad Boyer and Welcome to Detroit by Nathan Balyeat. I am not really sure why they stood out to me, they just did. Other readers may have different stories that resonate with them. Find them in this outstanding anthology.
Admiral and Commander 
Admiral and Commander by Chris Kennedy and Charles Gannon continues the adventures of the Lost Soldiers led by Colonel Roger Murphy. This installment of the series details the Lost Soldiers preparing to attack the Kulsian fleet when it arrives in the system. The last part of the story depicts the space battle that includes what I thought were believable tactics. Using the action sequences taking place on the planet to break up the space battle I found just a little annoying. I had this reaction because even though the fight for control of R’Bak is important I wanted to know what was occurring in space around the planet. This kept me reading though so it was a very minor issue and does not detract from the story. The scene where the title of the book was taken from is a nice break, a brief lighter moment from a story filled with intrigue and action. I have been following this series from the beginning and like the direction it is going. I think it will be interesting to see how the events in this series tie into the larger activity in the Cainse Reardon Universe. Fans of the Caine Reardon series should find this series to their liking. The novel ends with a cliff hanger revolving around Colonel Murphy. The only drawback now is I must wait for the next installment.
In between reading chapters of Admiral and Commander a thought popped into my head. Colonel Rodger Murphy could be an ancestor of Caine Reardon. After thinking about why my subconscious had developed this idea I decided because they are both very good at problem solving and understanding how different cultures work. There could be other reasons why I thought this, they could still be buried in my subconscious. Probably highly unlikely that they are related but there is a slight chance.
United We Stand 
United We Stand Edited by John Ringo and Gary Poole had a high bar to meet for me. The whole series is one of my favorites. The Black Tide series for me dwells in the upper stratosphere of series, on par with The Amber series, Saberhagen’s Dracula series, The Dresden Files, Sandman Slim, Four Horseman Universe, and Repairman Jack. The reason is a long story which I will give a brief accounting of. Over ten years ago, someone attempted to rob me as I was walking one night. We exchanged gun fire. My bladder was pierced, and I had a through and through on my right middle finger. While recovering in the hospital I attempted to read a hardcover book. The book fell out of my hands because my right hand could not handle the weight of the book. I had to use my tablet to read ebooks for many weeks. Eventually I was able to hold trade paperbacks and book club editions. This meant I was rereading many of my favorite books. When I could hold a hardcover book again, I attempted to read the book I had been reading when I got shot. I could not get into the novel. I was still recovering from being shot and the prose felt dense to me. I looked at books I had not read yet. I saw Under A Graveyard Sky, started to read the book and my reaction was, this is more like it. I can follow the story and the prose is understandable. I am not a hard core zombie fiction fan. I can barley be considered a fan of the genre. Something about that novel just clicked for me. The following January I fractured my left middle finger. Same issue, my hands cannot hold hardcovers. After an even longer recovery time, I knew what book was going to be the first new book I would read, it was To Sail A Darkling Sea.
Even though the first two books deal with civilization ending and falling apart. For me the books represent and symbolize my life returning to normal. Every book in the series now must live up to the high expectations the first two novels set. United We Stand stands up to my expectations. All the stories were entertaining to read. They also made me think due to the many ways the isolated pockets of survivors are attempting to rebuild civilization.
I told a friend the ending to Sarah Hoyt’s story figuratively left me feeling like I had been punched in the gut. I usually do not have reactions like that to fiction. I enjoyed reading the different ways the pocket of survivors had adopted to living in the post-apocalyptic world. Stand outs in this category are Mike Massa’s The Bride Wore Camo where they revert to old deep South ways of living. The very board definition of stealing and how it is determined if someone stole something in Do Not Steal by Mel Todd. The Old Bastard by Dave Freer where some people just think they have the right to force their will on people. This theme was also explored in other stories in the collection. It was nice to see the continuing adventures of the characters in John Birmingham’s tale Extraction, and Isle of Masks and Blood by Brain Trent. Another great collection in the series.
Beyond Enemies 
Having read Marsai’s Wolf’s novels in the Four Horseman Universe I was not surprised that Beyond Enemies is a fast paced, action-packed story, that explores the continuing adventures of Talinn and Bee. Collectively known as Breezy, they were introduced in a story in the anthology Chicks in Tank Tops. A stellar anthology that I would recommend to anyone reading this review to check out. What I had not anticipated was the major plot twist somewhat early in the novel, that set the Beyond Enemies off on a different course. Sometimes surprises are good, and this is one of those times. If the reader likes military science fiction with plenty of intrigue, they should find the book very appealing. Overall, I thought the novel was fantastic.
Second Chane Angel 
I believe Second Chance Angel has been overlooked by many readers. Check this novel out and decide if my review below is accurate. The novel was my nominee for the Dragon Award for best novel the year the book was published.
I found Second Chance Angel to be a mesmerizing novel. The tone, feel, mood of the book was addictive. If I had a few minutes before I had to leave for work I would read a few pages just to feel the tone of the story. When I had a few free minutes few at work I would read a little of the book for the same reason. The protagonists are likable. There are two, one human and the other an AI. AI that are linked with a human are known as Angels in the novel. The Angel Ralston Muck has residing in him jumped from another human to him, This is not suppose to happen and sets the pair in search of the Angel’s original host, who is missing. There adventures to resolve this issue drives the story. Reading Second Chance Angel was enthralling. Hopefully others thought so as well because I want to read more collaborations between Griffin Barber and Kacey Ezell.
Among the Gray Lords 
Welcome to Kish and the first Fix and Indrajit novel. If the reader is familiar with the two characters than the reader knows what to expect from this novel. They will not be disappointed. The story may be a little more complex than the previous shorter writings collections but I liked how the plot developed and the guys worked out their issues with various other characters. If the reader has not been introduced to Fix and Indrajit, this novel is a good insertion point. Enough back story is given to provide information to make the novel enjoyable and easy to follow for a first-time reader of the series.
The Pale House Devel 
The Pale House Devil is a fun lighthearted (mostly) little romp across the US that includes dealings with the supernatural, crime bosses, hitmen, and a young women named Tilda. The story centers around Ford and Neuland, one is a living person and the other is dead but able to walk and talk like a normal person. I could tell readers who is whom, but I am going to toss that into spoiler territory. I will let readers find out for themselves by reading the story. Fans of Sandman Slim are now more than likely thinking, sounds too fluffy and soft for us. There is enough action, Ford and Neuland are two tough guys and the antagonist is enough of a jerk that Sandman Slim fans should find the story to their liking. I am a Sandman Slim fan that really enjoyed reading this book. So consider that information as you mull over your decision. I consider Tilda’s grandfather to be the antagonist and not the monster/demon due to the nature of events that took place before the story but were either hinted at or explained in flashback scenes. There are supposedly two more novellas planned that will detail more
FOR THE LOVE OF MAGIC 
For the Love of Magic by Simon R, Green is a romp through some of the highlights of English history and mythology. The story is also a quest to return magic to the world by using history to show where things had been changed in the past. I was also fantasticated by the concept of The Outsider. There was a nice touch of humor in this novel which made the book a joy to read. For the Love of Magic is a nice light read and nowhere near as dark as the Ishmael Jones series. Green continues to impress me as a writer.
Wraithbound 
Wraithbound is the first book I have read by Tim Akers. The novel is dark epic fantasy, and Akers does a great job of setting the mood for the story. The magic system is believable, as is the world he has built around the magic. The story contains action, various monsters and demons, intrigue, a mystery, and likeable protagonists. Rae Kelthannis may not be the smartest person in the world. His sister La covers that area for him. Together they form a very good team. The novel was very entertaining and fun to read.
Tower of Silence 
Larry Correia’s Tower of Silence is a powerful addition to the Saga of the Forgotten Warrior series. This series of novels is Correia’s most thoughtful and serious work so far in his writing career. Tower of Silence has no let down from the previous books. The story draws the reader in and does not let go. Roughly the last 100 pages of the novel haves some stunning plot twists and one event that I have been anticipating. While the event occurred, it did so in a manner I had not expected. Tower of Silence and Into the Vortex are vying for my nomination for the Dragon Award for Best Fantasy novel this year. Going to be a very tough decision to make.
Knightfall Under Keros 
Knightfall Under Keros by Melissa Olthoff was a page turner for me. The book is fast paced and flows nicely. The main character, Kailey Jackson is very likable, and I found myself rooting for her to solve the puzzles/riddles presented to her in the story. Jackson also has a knack for getting in difficult situations, which makes the story fun to read. A fantastic novel to read and I look forward to the third installment of the series.
Bonds of Valor
Bonds of Valor is another excellent collection in the Valor anthology series. The highlights of the collection for me was D.J. Butler’s Indrajit and Fix story, The Bonds of Matrimony and Severed Bonds set in Benjamin Tyler Smith’s Necrolopolis Universe. The only thing missing from the collection was a story about Rellen by Quincey J. Allen. Even without a tale from Allen the collection holds up to its predecessors. The book has a nice flow even though it is an anthology with vastly different settings. Some of the stories take place in outer space. A very different setting for fantasy. I highly recommend this collection for fans of fantasy.
THE MOON AND THE DESERT 
The Moon and The Desert by Robert E. Hampson brings back memories of reading Cyborg by Martain Caidin and watching the TV show the Six Million Dollar Man. There are references to both in the book. Cyborg was more of a techno-thriller than this novel. The Moon and The Desert is more science driven and is more of a medical mystery/thriller with some space exploration and romance tossed in. The science is explained in a manner that does not leave the reader scratching their head thinking, what the heck did I just read. The story draws the reader in and does not let go. Glen Armstrong Shepard is a very likeable character and his story makes for a very compelling story to read.
INTO THE VORTEX 
As I read certain sections of Into the Vortex by Charles E. Gannon I would hear the song, I Still Haven’t Found What I am Looking For, playing in my head. Into the Vortex continues the adventures of Druaden u’ Tarthenex that started in This Broken World. Due to a decision that Druaden makes he is separated from his band of campions. The novel also covers their adventures as they attempt to reunite with Druaden. The reader gets two adventures in one book. The band expands a little. There is even a discussion among the group as to why they should not become to large or to small. I was not too sure about the separation at first but as the story progressed, I became use to the idea, and it did not bother me. An outstanding follow up to This Broken World. I cannot wait for the next installment.
THE MISFITS 
The Misfits by Kevin Ikenberry and Jason Cordova is the cumulative story in the Peacemaker series. Usually if I discuss the plot in my reviews, I do so in very general terms, so I do not give anything away. All I am going to say about this novel was it was riveting. Some fans will not be happy with some of the outcomes that transpire in the story. As I have noted in other reviews, given the nature of the 4HU Universe readers should expect these events to occur from time to time. Grab this novel and devour it!
THIS BROKEN WORLD 
I read This Broken World as I read a few ebooks. This meant a chapter, maybe 2 before I went to sleep. Over time the number of chapters increased because I found the story so interesting. Then one night, after putting the book down I realized I read roughly 100 pages. I got a break in the ebooks and finished reading the novel in one day, just over 200 pages. The story just drew me in and would not let go. Now that I am no longer reading the book, I find that I miss reading the story of Druaden u’ Tarthenex and his band of talented “misfits.” This is one of those novels that I know I am going to reread in a few years, if not sooner. As of today, This Broken World will be my nomination for this years Dragon Award for Best Fantasy Novel.
TIME TRAILS 
Time Trails is a nice mixture of fantasy and science fiction. Roger Zelazny, my favorite author was known for mixing both genres. The concept is one I am familiar with. Michael Rothman and D.J. Butler managed to merge their writing styles to produce a novel that I found was very fun and entertaining to read. The story flows nicely. The cast is a group of people from an archaeological dig in Egypt. Without giving away the plot, they think they have traveled back in time. The group find themselves fighting beings that seem to be based on motifs from Egyptian mythology. Each member of the crew gains special powers that develop over the course of the story. The novel has plenty of action, and even makes the reader think about what could have transpired in the Earth’s past. Time Trails appears to be the first book in a series. Hopefully the book sells enough that the second novel is given a go by Baen Books. Do not skip the Author’s Note or Addendum at the end of the book. Time Trails can be purchased at https://www.amazon.com/Time-Trials-M-Rothman-ebook/dp/B0BCXXH9YN or https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/time-trials-ma-rothman/1141652538
HIGH NOON ON PROXIMA B 
The Wild West theme being used in science fiction settings continues in High Noon on Proxmia B edited by David Boop. The stories have different settings, a bordello spaceship featured in Five Mules for Madame Calypso by Thea Hutcheson, a developing underpopulated plant that is the backdrop for Past Sins by Dayton Ward and Kevin Dilmore, another developing planet is featured in High Noon on Proxima Centauri B by Cliff Winnig. The story revolves around two mining companies that are having a dispute. Some stories that I thought had humorous overtones were, Harley Takes a Wife by Ken Scholes and West World by Walter Jon Williams. Williams’ story could also serve as a guide on how not to make a Wild West movie. That is just my opinion though. All the stories in the collection were readable and entertaining. High Noon on Proxima B can be found at https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/high-noon-on-proxima-b-david-boop/1141652546 or https://www.amazon.com/High-Noon-Proxima-David-Boop-ebook/dp/B0BCXZXX73
HUNTING THE HART 
Having studied some Irish Mythology at Ball State University, it is nice to see some of it used in a modern fantasy. It is not very often that I have seen the name of Cu Chulainn, the Hound of Ulster, in print outside of Irish Mythology. I believe the use of Irish Mythology is why I find this series so interesting and enjoyable to read. I also like that parts of the story take place in areas of the US that I am familiar with. Another solid entry in the The Milesian Accords series. Hunting the Hart can be found at: https://www.amazon.com/Hunting-Hart-Milesian-Accords-Book-ebook/dp/B0BW6RL2FK
THE NEVER EVER WAR 
The Never Ever War by John E. Siers is the latest installment in The Lunar Free State series. The story centers around Lorna Greenwood, and her supporting cast of characters. The novel opens with an intense battle sequence that draws the reader into the book. This scene ends with a surprise but is still very effective. The remainder of the novel is devoted to The Confederation of Free States or what ever they are calling themselves this week and their latest attempt to test the Lunar Free State. This leads to a response from the Lunar Free State, and the action commences. The novel should appeal to fans of space battles, and action junkies. The novel goes on sale at midnight at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BVZZGMYR
DEAD MAN WALKING 
Dead Man Walking is the second of elven novels in the Ishmael Jones series and the second one I have read. The first sentence in the book starts with a nod to Moby Dick, followed by the second sentence making a reference to Sandman Slim. The third sentence is probably referring to another book. I am not sure because I have not read that book and the third sentence is: “The man in the shadows that even the shadows are afraid of.” The story will appeal to the fans of locked room mysteries, science fiction, and urban fantasy. I liked the first person narrative and the interaction between Jones and Penny. Penny is Jones very human assistant. Jones is an alien that looks human. I hope that if the series is ever made into films or a TV series that the producers considered casting Tristin Mays as Penny. Dead Man Walking is available at https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Walking-Ishmael-Jones-Book-ebook/dp/B0BG64RKTM
HAUNTED BY THE PAST 
This was the first Ishmael Jones novel I have read and I now am looking forward to checking out the first 10. By the time I had reached page 20 of Haunted by the Past I was hooked. I loved the tone and feel of Ishmael Jones’ narration style. I also like well written first person narrative but there was something very appealing about Simon Green’s prose.. Jones’ partner, Penny, reminded me of Tristin Mays a little. Hopefully, if they ever turn these novels into movies, they will cast Mays as Penny. Penny wearing a hat and driving a Bentley is what made me think of Mays. This novel can be read independently of the others and can be used as a starting point in the series. Haunted by the Past is a cross between Urban Fantasy and Hard Boiled Detective.
I read Haunted by the Past in two days. At the time I was dealing with some health issues. Due to the health issues, I was very spacey and had trouble concentrating. Reading was an issue. The novel made an impression on me. By the time I read Dead Man Walking my health concerns were under control. Took me two weeks to read Dead Man Walking. I read the book between others and trying to get caught up on my house keeping. Prior to reading Haunted I had been slowly making my way through MacGyver on DVD. The last episode I watched before reading Haunted was the one were Riley, played by Mays meets her Grandmother. Riley and her boyfriend were driving a Bentley in that episode. Haunted by the Past opens with Penny driving a vintage Bentley. When Penny tosses the hat she was wearing onto a bed made me think of Mays who sometimes wears interesting hats. Haunted by the Past can be found at https://www.amazon.com/Haunted-Past-Ishmael-Jones-Book-ebook/dp/B0B78FLZQ8 or https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/haunted-by-the-past-simon-r-green
Worlds Long Lost 
Worlds Long Lost is an anthology where the stories deal with aliens in some way. All the stories are entertaining and were fun to read. The stories are in different styles and vastly different settings. There is bound to be a few that most readers would really find totaling appealing. M.A Rothman and DJ Bulter’s story, Rise of the Administrator serves as an introduction to their forth coming book Time Trail. A novel I now plan on reading. Mother of Monsters is part of Chrisopher Ruocchio’s Sun Eater series. Do not take a pass on this book.
ON A CLOUDY DAY 
On A Cloudy Day is another supergroovalistic novel from Jason Cordova and Kevin Inkenberry. It is the continuing adventures of so many characters that the reader almost needs a scorecard to keep track of them. Among the characters are Sunshine, Jessica Francis, Ricky, Keaton, Hak-Chet, Jyrall, Larth and many other people who have smaller roles in the story. The book is fast paced, and action packed as fans of Cordova and Inkenberry would expect. Cordova and Inkenberry’s writing styles meshed well in this novel and the story had a nice smooth flow. There is also more information about Sunshine’s “past.” ON A CLOUDY DAY can be found at: https://www.amazon.com/Cloudy-Day-Phoenix-Initiative-Book-ebook/dp/B0BT11JHWK
A MOVIE REVIEW: SWEENEY TODD-THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET 
The promos for this version of Sweeney Todd- The Demon Barber of Fleet appeared it would be a short horror film. The film is done is a serious manner but has subtle comic overtones that are well done. I am familiar with Marlon Webb’s short comedy bits. When he does something like this, he shows the range of his acting abilities. Tristin Mayes, I watched on MacGyver and mainly her short personal videos on Instagram. I like how she uses facial expressions to convey meaning and to communicate with the audience. Tristin does this to great effect in this movie. There is far more to this young women than Riley Davis. The film has a nice even flow to it. Hopefully both Webb and Mays will continue to collaborate in the future. If they do work together again hopefully, they can give Sergeant, Tristin’s dog a role! I found the film to be very entertaining and have watched it several times already. I will continue to watch the movie. Sweeney Todd-The Demon Barber of Fleet Street can be found at: https://www.instagram.com/p/CkJh6tfs_SZ
How I Became a Fan of MacGyver and Tristin Mays
I became a fan of MacGyver and Tristin Mays only after ION started showing the series. I was not thrilled that it had replaced NCIS LA on the ION rotation. I figured I would give the show a chance because I remember seeing promos for the show when it ran on CBS and there was a cute actress that kind of caught my attention. I liked the interplay between MacGyver and Jack Dalton. I thought George Edds did a great job with that character and showed his acting range when comparing it to the character he played on CSI. Then they go to the prison and interview Riley. As that scene unfolded. I thought, there is something about the actor that plays Riley. What that something was I could and still cannot really explain. I started to watch the show because of her. I later found out her name, and now find myself suggesting a possible role for her. ION has recently pulled MacGyver. Before pulling MacGyver the show had been moved to just a few hours on Saturday and Sunday morning. I would listen to the show at work as I did paperwork, and until the guys got up and changed the channel. A few weeks back there was informercials in place of MacGyver. I checked IONs scheduled and the following week Bones was on in place of MacGyver. I thought and may have stated the following out loud. “Those Bastards, they killed MacGyver.”
Science Fiction and Fantasy Book Reviews 