Book Reviews: Making It Home

This is one of my favorite people that I've met on Google+, I've enjoyed visiting her blog many times, and am now a proud owner of two of her kindle books.  

Making It Home

by +Christine Campbell 

          It was her voice that got me.

          I don't usually read these type of stories, but reading her blog posts and watching her introduction video, you can't help but cheer for this happy writer.

          Her book "Making It Home," I was amazed at how solid the characters voices were right at the start, how easy it was to relate to her characters as though they were people you're reconnecting with after a long time.  You can't help but root for them as they face their own personal obstacles and tragedies as they try to cling on to a past that they can't hold on to, or, in some cases for some characters, let go of.

          There were some parts that I wish the author had gotten deeper into, maybe highlighted some of the potential themes she hinted at with a few of the characters.  Even though she didn’t touch on those subjects, the main theme is such a strong page turner.

          I enjoyed reading "Making It Home" and have since picked up another of her books for my next reading "Flying Free” for this Summer break, eager to hear her sweet narrative voice one more time.  

Book Reviews: The Purple Morrow

*edit*  Updating an old book review as I update my blog page.

The Purple Morrow
by +Dyane Forde

Take a chance. 

I usually don’t go buying books without knowing more about the author, or hearing rave reviews from friends, or not having pictures in it (I kid, I kid).  If you’re familiar with at least any of Dyane Forde’s writing style and narrative voice with her short stories, then you’ll be in for a treat with her book. 

A wonderful world that pulls you in from introduction to end—I hate to say it but it’s the characters that did it for me though, usually in fantasy I’m pulled by the intricacies of the world’s magic system or world-crafting (which is masterfully done by the author).  Her characters are both memorable and easy to relate to: the loss and pain of Jeru, the secret-love that Nyssa hides and wishes for, the inner struggles of Kelan.  You enter her fantasy world as a stranger, you leave it wanting more.

The only bad thing about the book is that it ends, and you’re left waiting for the sequel to find out what happens next.  Moar pictures Dyane.  I demand moar pictures. 

Definitely a recommended read, and definitely an author to follow.  There is nowhere to go but up with her stories and her writings.  So...  What are you waiting for? 

Take a chance.

Book Reviews: Magpie Tales Collection

I've been on a indie reading kick, and I've decided that I'd review the books of some of my favorite bloggers and try to help promote their books where and if I can.  It's been a while since I've done a review so I'm splurging here and giving you two reviews on two excellent writers.

Magpie Tales Collection 1
by Neil Murton

          It all started when my friend asked:  How would you like to read some flash stories?  It'll take just a few minutes of your time.

          I said sure, why not.

          The first story I read of Neil's was "Magpie and The Milky Way," ever since then I've been following him everyday checking out his Facebook site for new stories and updates.  I was hooked.  Bad.

          He gets you with these little stories that are bigger than they appear to be, complete, great pacing, and with deep introspective lessons that leave you in a reflecting mood.  If this is a sign of what he can do with just 100 words, imagine what he can do later on with a bigger canvas.

          So, let me ask you just one question:

                    How would you like to read some flash stories?  

                    It'll just take a few minutes of your time.