Find out the latest indie author news. For FREE.

ADVERTISEMENT

  • The Light of the Dying

    by Michelle Reynoso

    Rating: 7.00

    Plot: The series concept of a dying world's energy being funneled through an American teenager who must fight a powerful villain is a strong and interesting twist on an old theme, but after a promising start, the story in this particular book bogs down as Faith and her friends go on the run. Despite an action-filled "zombie attack" climax, the (presumed) final defeat of the evil "Him" is reserved for the next book. As a result, this installment is somewhat lacking in general resolution.

    Prose: The author's prose is generally well-crafted and competent. The voices of the teenage characters are convincing, and at times the descriptions rise toward the poetic.

    Originality: The author presents a genuinely interesting twist on the well-worn trope of the world-destroying magical bad guy with its central conceit of two worlds overlapping and the heroine, Faith, essentially being a conduit for energy from the other world. Weaknesses in the worldbuilding are excusable, due to Faith's own incomplete understanding of circumstances.

    Character Development: The story is more plot-driven than character-driven. The protagonist, Faith, does not substantially develop personally, though she does acquire increased understanding and the mental resolution to face her future tasks. While Faith and her friend Kiara are reasonably well-rounded and unique, their male friends (Michael, Tomas, and Paul) are less distinctive within the context.

  • H.M.S. Barabbas

    by Ben Jeapes

    Rating: 7.00

    Plot: In this unofficial sequel to Treasure Island, the further adventures of Jim Hawkins make for an entertaining nautical romp, as a turn of bad fortune sees the protagonist pressed into service aboard a Navy ship where he must survive at all costs until he finds his way home again.

    Prose/Style: The prose is engaging yet somewhat distant, filtered through the perspective of a much older Jim, as befitting the inspirational source material.

    Originality: As a continuation of a classic tale, this upholds the spirit of Treasure Island while adding a new chapter to Jim Hawkins’ adventures. As an added twist, Hawkins’ initial memoirs exist in-universe, thus adding a measure of fame and accomplishment to his reputation. As far as reimaginings of established material go, this is a satisfying take on the original.

    Character Development: This tale remains true to the spirit of the source material, with the good-natured and well-meaning Jim seeking an education as a doctor, only to accidentally return to sea. While coming to terms with his past actions, including the death of the pirate Israel Hands, Jim further matures and grows into his destiny as a gentleman.

  • Nasu Rabi: (Old Bear)

    by D.L. Roley

    Rating: 7.00

    Plot: Roley excels at creating a tense, forward moving storyline and a vivid sense of place. Readers will be immediately drawn into the protagonist’s narrative, as Roley keeps the sympathetic lead front-and-center, serving as an anchor character throughout the rather dense novel’s many developments.

    Prose/Style: Roley’s prose is ideal for the intended age range, featuring evocative and clear-eyed descriptions. The author readily conveys the hero’s emotional states, while providing smooth transitions between plot developments.

    Originality: While adhering to many fantasy genre conventions, the author portrays a well-developed world, offering a solid and likable protagonist, and unique twists that readers will remember long after the novel ends.

    Character Development: Fans of the genre will enjoy following the protagonist’s dramatic journey, as he encounters eclectic characters, endures trauma and hardships, and ultimately triumphs. 

  • Aliens, Ladybugs, and the Lethal Virus

    by Hilda L. Trevino

    Rating: 6.75

    Plot: A quirky and fun premise drives this evenly paced, entertaining work about ladybug heroes for young readers.

    Prose: Trevino writes in a light, breezy style laced with humor.

    Originality: This work's strength lies primarily in its novelty. The unlikely pairing of extraterrestrials, robots, and lady bugs--while seemingly preposterous--works in Trevino's uncommon adventure story.

    Character Development: While the characters aren't individually provided with substantial depth and nuanced personality traits, their interactions through the dialogue and lively scenes, are both gratifying and a testament to the worldbuilding at play.
     

  • Britfield and the Lost Crown

    by C.R. Stewart

    Rating: 6.50

    Plot: Capable young characters escape the confines of an inhumane orphanage on a quest to uncover the truth about the protagonist's parents. This is a far-flung adventure story that will readily interest the target audience.

    Prose: The author writes in clear, descriptive prose that at times harkens back to an earlier era, an effect that offers an element of timelessness to the storytelling.

    Originality: Readers of the genre will undoubtedly find overlap between this novel and other works, but the author nevertheless integrates alluring and novel details throughout.

    Character Development: The central child characters are charismatic and fully capable of carrying the story. Adult characters are often characteristically self-serving, bumbling, or unkind.

  • HOME

    by Adam Leitman Bailey

    Rating: 6.50

    Plot: This book is based on a solid idea, but the storyline stumbles by being too impersonal at times and lacking comparative reflection at each of the boy's stops.

    Prose/Style: “Home” is very well written. It uses appropriate language and concepts for the age range and successfully presents ideas clearly.

    Originality: Journeys of discovery are not new to picture books, but the examination of different types of places that people can live is unique. There is definitely a solid concept at play here.

    Character Development: There is no real character development, unfortunately, and the book would benefit from the protagonist experiencing emotional transformation and growth. The boy learns his lesson right at the end, but the lack of any true discovery along the way to that realization hurts the importance of his development.

  • Hollow Gods

    by Kelly Jameson

    Rating: 6.25

    Plot: Reader will dive directly into the story and the short timeframe of the game is a good hook that also keeps the plot moving at a clipped pace. Genetically engineered humans, time travel, dinosaurs, Jack the Ripper (and more) are all enticing plot elements, but collectively may be a lot for readers to take in. The cliffhanger ending sets of the next installment well, but does take away a bit of closure for this episode.

    Prose/Style: The writing is clear and direct. Thunder's first-person narrative is effective in bringing the reader into the story, though a couple of diversions into the third person are slightly jarring (even if structurally logical). The rich history of the London setting is used to advantage, but sometimes the provision of historical details can slow down the story.

    Originality: A modern-day Jack the Ripper, the legacy of Nicola Tesla and other features are familiar plot elements, but the combination is unusual, creating a contemporary story that has both futuristic and steampunk facets.

    Character Development: Plot is clearly a stronger focus here, but more deeply drawn characters could help readers connect to the story. Main character Thunder is a bit idealized, and we don't get a lot of insight on his thoughts and feelings, keeping him at some distance from readers. Also, the teens' acceptance of their nicknames, apparently chosen by Mr. Hart, seems a bit passive and reduces their identities largely to their "powers."

  • Brainwashed by Foster Parents

    by Jeffery Tracey Sr

    Rating: 6.25

    Idea/Concept: Tracey offers a potent condemnation of the systematic mistreatment of homeless and abandoned children. A well-presented exposure, this deplorable violation of a teenager’s rights to finish his high school education and graduate is a must-read for any professionals working in this still controversy-laden field.

    Prose: Straightforward, yet often repetitious, the prose delivers a frank appraisal of a difficult childhood. Tracey's writing would benefit from greater stylistic polish as well as elaboration in areas where it lacks sufficient detail. The text is alternately scant and redundant, answering multiple questions, then creating new ones that remain unaddressed.

    Originality: Stories of “placement” into artificial domestic environments are often--sadly--accounts of physical harm and psychological manipulation. This memoir is no exception, but Tracey writes with refreshing candor and authenticity. 

    Execution: Dismal, heartbreaking, and incredibly real, a man reflects on his tumultuous childhood and lonely adolescence with frank scrutiny. This revealing look at his past shines a spotlight on a farming community’s exploitative abuse of power and religious fanaticism.

     

    Blurb: This candid memoir exposes the corrupt mismanagement of a boy’s life while in a foster home.

  • Entry removed at author's request.

ADVERTISEMENT

Loading...