Brand Changing Day

Overview
     A book I'd define as surrealist fiction starts out a bit well different. Still the author takes you on a mellow journey that is as deep as I've read so far. The book follows a restaurant chain that goes on a brand change that somehow deeply effects some interesting characters. Plus how could you not love the cover?

Review
     I will say this book is for adventurous/non traditional readers only. It at times will make your head spin but at no times is it boring. The book seems targeted at the far out ballers who like interesting books. The plot was good but the true calling card was the amazing character development. At the core of every book is good character development. Some stories focus more on plot but I like how the characters change and mature over time. Plus the cover is amazing.

Rating
4/5 A very solid read for the awesome people even though at times it can IMO ramble or show a wall of text which isn't ideal. Still I loved it!
http://www.amazon.com/Brand-Changing-Day-Shawn-Mihalik-ebook/dp/B00GPB4PD6

The Lead Cloak

Overview
    Erik Hanberg's science fiction read may not be a quick read, bit its a highly enjoyable one that kept me up till 3am to finish it. What makes a book that good? Well it starts off very intriguing with a good backstory to finish very climatic, unexpected, and challenging everything you hold to be morally upright.

Review
   Well I enjoyed the book because of the story telling. It used excellent literary devices and the sensory details were superb. I liked how the author takes character development and warps how you really read books. Parts in the middle could keep you down if your a hack n' slash sort of reader, but they really add to the whole experience. The entire package is clean especially the brilliant cover.

Rating
   4.8/5 An excellent science fiction novel with a great cover. Took .2 points off because it is long at 422 pages for the paperback but one of the best for the new year!

The Editor's Choice Awards 2013

Well in this Christmas season I'd like to spread some holiday cheer by presenting the first annual Book N Tech Editor's Choice Awards! In this post I'll show you the covers, title, and short blurb of the books I've chosen in their respective categories and the book of the year! For this year I really can't say I could choose an overall winner because that would be comparing apples to oranges in my opinion. All the books I received in the queue were great though! Sorry that you have to scroll so much! Also due to varying cover sizes there were some formatting problems.

Science Fiction

The book was a great read and my favorite in the science fiction category because of the main character Ack Ack Macaque. He's a real charmer for all the science fiction fans with his hard demeanor. Good job Mr. Powell on making an excellent science fiction novel all can enjoy. 

Check the review out: http://bookntech.blogspot.com/2013/10/hive-monkey.html

Buy the book! http://amzn.to/1cwcIyN

Action

A fun faced paced adventure action book that takes a comedic look at action, love, and all the other aspects of life. Some of my favorite parts are the various nerd movie references and Mr. Wood's writing style. 

Check the review out: http://bookntech.blogspot.com/2013/08/like-mind-review.html

Buy the book: http://amzn.to/19KNAlG

Non-Fiction 

Ah the infamous non-fiction "Jesus book!" Well lay your possible anti Christian thoughts aside this book provided kindly by BookCrash for free was amazing. Not biased toward Christianity at all or mean spirited it just tells a great story in 30 days for you to reflect on your faith and an amazing book trilogy.

Check the review out: http://bookntech.blogspot.com/2013/11/finding-god-in-hunger-games.html
Buy the book: http://amzn.to/19nKlCK

Steampunk

Probably one of my favorite steampunk adventures I have ever taken thanks to the amazing writing style the author Mrs. Hudson provided with the double life living psychiatrist Max Mason and his lovely assistant Amber. Some might argue the lack of backstory for the post apocalyptic (in so many words it looks like one) setting makes it feel rush I rather enjoy it. Can't wait for the next in the series to further the story!
Check the review out: http://bookntech.blogspot.com/2013/08/dr-homebrew.html
Buy the book: http://amzn.to/1c5ibqd

Dystopian

Iron Mountain (Arc)
Sadly still not out yet but this book was simply phenomenal. A great sequel the previously reviewed Flotilla by author Daniel Haight noted for his "dark humor and crackling narrative." The book really continued a great story for that I am eternally grateful! When the book cover and link to Amazon are available I will add them.
Check the review out: http://bookntech.blogspot.com/2013/12/iron-mountain-review.html
Go to the website: http://flotillaonline.com/

Thriller

Wow. A beautiful cover. Great story. Excellent ending. All of these aspects form to make Discretion a killer Christian (however you want to slice it) thriller that's worth your dollar. The writing style is consistent throughout the story providing a great adult story. Still would argue with the author that the extra added adult content is unnecessary but still a great story.
Check the review: http://bookntech.blogspot.com/2013/09/discretion.html
Go buy the book: http://amzn.to/19cHIxQ

Western

Remember the classic Mark Twain novel that you read in grade school and did your book report on? Well Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer come back in a surprisingly good novel that doesn't bear the marks of typical fan fiction novels.
Check the review: http://bookntech.blogspot.com/2013/10/redemption.html
Go buy the book: http://amzn.to/19eFS2H

Art

Looking for an amazingly done comic series that is perfect and fun for the whole family? Well artist Nick Seluk has done an amazing job by making Lars the Awkward Yeti and his various webcomic drawings some even featured in media campaigns like Taco Bell. The artwork shows for itself how amazing it is.
Check the review: http://bookntech.blogspot.com/2013/10/lars-awkward-yeti-book-review.html
See the interview: http://bookntech.blogspot.com/2013/10/interview-with-creator-of-awkward-yeti.html
Buy it! http://amzn.to/1dBohBo

Detective Thriller

Are you a big fan of the classic cop/detective thriller? Than read Broken Allegiance by Mark Young a former cop himself. The book is written from the point where you can tell they have been in involved in the business making it feel more genuine. Plus the author handled the book review request properly and very professionally. The review is coming shortly.
Check the review: pending
Buy the book! http://amzn.to/1hCQNWb

Short Story

MG Mason's novelette was an excellent detective cyborg story set in the future somewhere in Europe where Climate Change was real and times were hard. The book was a bit preachy on certain topics but it was easy to overlook and a really great read! No offense to the author but the original artwork (pictured) looks a lot better than the new cover but still the story was a great read. Hopefully there will be a followup.
Check the review: http://bookntech.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-weight-of-reason-review.html
Buy the book!: http://amzn.to/1cwoR78


And... that's a wrap! Congratulations to all the winners and I hope everyone has a great Christmas!
Book N Tech Book Reviewers
Ezekiel Carsella (senior)
Kevin Anthony (senior)
Mani Lea DeShong (new)
Emily Koons (new)

Holiday Buyers/Gift Guide 2013

Holiday Buyers Guide 2013

Tablets/ Hybrids

∨

Smart Phones

∨

Software

∨

Happy Holidays from BookNTech

As the holiday season rolls through, we decided to give you gift ideas and information for the techie one. We hope that this will make it easier on you whether you know a little or alot about technology.

Remember, if you have any questions, just comment below⇓

---

Tablets / Hybrids

Microsoft
Surface 2 Pro

-Intel Core i5 Haswell Processor
-Windows Pro 8.1
-10 inch 1080p ClearType
-USB 3.0 and Pro Pen
-Mini DisplayPort
-Up to 8gb RAM
-Up to 512gb Solid State Drive storage

$899+

>

Apple
Ipad Air

-A7 processor
-iOS 7
-9.7 inch Retina display
-Lightning connector
-1 pound
-Facetime
-Up to 128gb storage

$499+

>

Google
Nexus 10

-Dual core A15 processor
-Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)
-10 inch 2560x1600px
-Micro USB
-Micro HDMI
-2gb RAM
-Up to 32gb storage

$399+

>

Smart Phones

iPhone
5s

-4 inch Display
-iOS 7
-A7 processor 64-bit
-8 MP Camera
-Up to 10 hrs (on 3G) Talk Time
-Up to 250 hrs Standby
-1136 x 640p

$199+

>

Blackberry
Z10

-8mp camera
-4.2 inch Display
-Up to 10 hours talk time (3G)
-Up to 13 days standby time
-QUALCOMM 1.5 GHz
-Blackberry 10 OS
-16 GB storage

$399

>

Nokia
Lumia 929

-20 MP Camera
-5 inch full hd 1080p x 1920 AMOLED display
-Microsoft Windows Phone 8
-13.83 hours Talk Time
-880 hours Standby
-Up to 32gb storage

Learn more

Newest Software

Visual Studio
2013 Pro

-Visual Studio is a high end productivity IDE application for developers.
-The unified development experience to create compelling consumer and business applications across devices and the cloud.

$499

>

Photoshop
CS6

-Adobe Photoshop is a high end, image editing software.
-Adobe® Photoshop® CS6 software delivers even more imaging magic, exciting new creative options, and the Mercury Graphics Engine.

$900

>

Windows
8.1 Pro

-Windows 8.1 Pro offers enhanced features to help you easily connect to company networks, access one PC from another, encrypt your data, easy multiscreen, etc.
-Windows 8.1 is free for Windows 8 users.

$199

>

Back to top ∧

Remember, be sure to comment.

Happy Holdays!

@bookntech Twitter

Book N Tech Black Friday party

  Do you like to party? Do you enjoy music from ALL genres except screamo? Hate shopping?

       Well here at Book N Tech we are throwing a virtual dance party over at Turntable.fm! Thanks to some friends I was told about the awesome virtual party site which sadly is shutting down shop December 3rd. As much as I would love to keep it going all good things must come to an end. Anyway we will have the party room open as of now till the end of Black Friday. Make sure to share with friends during this Thanksgivvukah holiday season! :)
Below is the site where music will be played!
http://bit.ly/1ggIped  (http://turntable.fm/book_n_tech)
Make sure to share with friends by using the hashtag #bookntech and it will show up on the widget on the right!

The Son's of Cain

                                     

Overview

I never knew that there was a healthy number of thrillers all based on a group of guys with a lot of power doing a whole lot of bad over a long period of time. This particular story has a reporter gone hero bankrolled by an influential friend who is a "non acting member" of The Sons of Cain trying to take down the influential men for attacking him while working on a story. 

Review

Very solid plot concept that reads like butter. The character development was fine and actually very believable and worked to perfection. The ending wasn't premature and the book really forces you to read it because it is so well written. Also thankfully the language is kept clean and the book would be suitable for 13 and up. Only thing is I felt too many people got killed but that's my personal opinion. 

Rating

4/5 A solid thriller with a classic unlikely hero done right. Plus it had a perfect ending with believable characters doing amazing things with Biblical proportions. 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DYIA4OW/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=1535523722&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0983526214&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1P8KF2YFW4CAD1K4CEXR

The Last of the Titans

Overview
    After the suspicious death of his family, former Air Force Captain Kirk Cule discovers hidden journals and the covert world of his father; a good man drawn into a power struggle that could lead to worldwide nuclear annihilation. Kirk enters the murky world of a rogue CIA Special Actions Group Chief, an exceptional madman named Donner Bly, his deranged obedient associate, and foreign entities, as they race to unearth and launch the one remaining nuclear-tipped Titan Inter-continental Ballistic Missile. All have different motives....all have different goals. But who will succeed as they battle to possess The Last of the Titans. 

Review
    Oooh! Classic battle of anti-hero and hero emerges as the plot is developed into a thriller that is filled with fun backstories. The book starts off a bit boring with long winded paragraphs and an ominous threat from the CIA. I kinda liked it. The book started to get a bit stagnated especially if you have a low attention span. Then it started to heated up a bit like a slow boil. The tea kettle sure did whistle though and the ending was real well not predictable unless you are a master reader. 

Rating
4/5 Good solid plot, character development, and the whole bag of goodies just the book takes a bit to get to a nice place. Really recommend it if your into military. 
http://www.amazon.com/Last-Titans-Darryl-D-Bowman-ebook/dp/B00F6G62M8/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1385184874&sr=1-2&keywords=the+last+of+the+titans

Fitz - A Father. A Son. And A Gun.

Overview

Sometimes Fitz would look at himself in the mirror, an expression of pathetic eagerness on his face. He was a dog in the pound, wanting to be adopted. He'd smile. What father wouldn't want this boy?

Fifteen-year-old Fitzgerald—Fitz, to his friends—has just learned that his father, whom he's never met, who supports him but is not a part of his life, is living nearby. Fitz begins to follow him, watch him, study him, and on an otherwise ordinary May morning, he executes a plan to force his father, at gunpoint, to be with him.

Over the course of one spring day, Fitz and his father become real to one another. Fitz learns about his father, why he's chosen to remain distant and what really happened between him and Fitz's mother. And his father learns what sort of boy his son has grown up to become.

Review
Let's just say that this book is great, especially since it kept my short attention and was realistic at the same time. No space invaders or shenanigans. It's sad to say that many people get stuck in these situations where they don't get to see there mom or dad but that is what makes this story great and understandable.

Rating
This book gets a 5/5 stars because it was realistic and kept my attention. It would be considered a smaller one, less than 300 pages or so. I would recommend this book to high school people because that's exactly what this guy is, a high schooler.

You can find this book at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fitz-mick-cochrane/1108939552?ean=9780375846113

Pawn of Innocence

Overview:

Camile can hardly believe the luck of her chance encounter with a tall dark stranger, one that eventually leads to what she believes is sure to be a sizzling vacation romance, but she slowly learns chance had nothing to do with it, and unlucky is the word that begins to best describe it as events take a terrifying turn. She quickly finds herself knee deep in a web of lies and deceit, and the object of an abduction that turns out to have far reaching consequences. Once back home, however, she is blissfully unaware of the secrets that seem to be common knowledge to her friends and family, then, she overhears a conversation that leads her to uncover the shocking truth of her abduction, and sheds light on something she thought she would never have to face again. Him.

Review:
After reading this book all I can say is…whew. This book started and ended clearly, no confusion at all. As for the middle of this book, the author created obstacle after obstacle just to get us to the point we all were expecting. She took romance to a new level by adding a bunch of mystery, action and drama in the middle. Now, I think she did a bit too much in the middle and can easily cut some things out.

The story follows Camille, a daughter of a rich guy who makes weapons. She’s feeling crowded by all the extra security he has following her to keep her safe and decides she wants to escape the constant spotlight. That could easily be the entire plot of the book but is honestly just a small fraction.

There’s just a ton of different plots and plots twist in the book. It takes us from one extreme to the other. This author covers a ton of different genres. Some readers may enjoy that while others may simply take it as overkill. Overall, she managed to start and finish the book well. And even though there’s so much going on in the middle: from kidnappings, to trips, to proposals, to therapy, the book never got muddled or confused.

I need a smoke break after this one and a long nap.

Rating:
4 out 5 Stars

Against Her Will

Overview
      A dramatic book set in London about a gorgeous young lady who encounters one of the worst things ever: rape. She is raped and has a weird time trying to get over it (kinda hard to relate to as a man and even jumping over gender barriers still doesn't make any logical sense). The book is well.... special. hehehehe

Review
     Got the book with little fanfare and after reading some reviews on Amazon... I had to prepare myself for a bad book. Actually wasn't too bad. Just I felt the place it really fell was character development. The character development was all over the place. The MC was so bi-polar I'm surprised they didn't give her medicine for it. The rest of the characters were fine I just felt her recovery was really dragged out beyond reality.

Rating
    3.7/5 Books good just the character development needs re-working. Otherwise I felt the book had an ending I didn't really expect it was close though.

Finding God in the Hunger Games

Overview
     Thanks to BookCrash I got a print copy of this really good 30 day devotional linking the Bible, Christianity, and life to the uber popular trilogy the Hunger Games now a movie. The book does contain a few spoilers and is looks to be marketed towards people who might be casual fans to the hardcore junkies.

Review
     The book was amazing let's say that. I wanted to read the entire book in one sitting but I paced myself. As a big Hunger Games trilogy fan the book really connected with me on many levels. The good thing about the book is it's biggest draw: the tie in to the Hunger Games. Surprisingly the author found a lot of ways to connect faith to the Hunger Games which surprisingly was devoid of  any faith at all. Not even atheism which is surprising in a dystopian novel of that caliber. The book did an amazing job and I can't see a place where it fell short.

Rating
    5/5 If you are a fan of the Hunger Games or are reading it for a book club this would make a great addition to have. Thanks to the kind people at BookCrash for providing me with a reviewers copy!.

Privatizing Freedom

Overview
      Sherman Safel is an ageing MI6 field operative whose proficiency of espionage and cold-blooded murder has more than taken its toll on his conscience. But in a world where global privatization is almost absolute: this old dog must put aside his emotions and screw on his silencer as the world enters its darkest era yet. But what happens when business becomes personal? 

Review
      The book is a long read. Much longer than I'm accustomed to and prolly not made for the ADHD minds of YA readers, but don't be alarmed the book is like a James Bond movie. Thrilling, makes you wonder if the good actually wins in the end, and a great MC anti-hero in the form of Sherman Safel obviously working for MI6 vying to save the world. Essentially he does and does it in style and awesomeness with some wit and sarcasm thrown in. 

Rating
    4/5 If you enjoy a nice long read of thrilling proportions this is for you. Read with caution because it is awesome. ;)

Flotilla

Overview
      Flotilla is a dystopian story in which a messed-up teen named Jim is thrown into the ocean, literally and figuratively, to become both a survivor and a hero. Jim leaves an addiction rehab center to join his father aboard an experimental colony off the Los Angeles coast raising fish through the process of mariculture (open-sea fish farming).  This floating city is also a dangerous ecosystem, filled with strange and dangerous characters.   Daily adventures reveal that the colony has become a conduit for drug-dealing, gambling and human trafficking.  Fortunes have been created that people will lie, cheat or kill to protect.  Jim is forced to accept that second chances can come with strings attached. 

Review
     This was my only book I reviewed back on The Fireplace blog so this is kinda of a merge between the old and new. Book was good. Really good. So good it's been nominated for the upcoming Book N Tech Editor Choice award for best YA dystopian novel. One of the better things is the Main Character: Jim. He's a dynamic teen going through typical teen troubles like drugs, violence, and getting attacked by pirates (the struggle right?) The dialogue is rich and easy to understand and get down with. The story line is a bit slow for some young tastes but the rich tale is hard to put down. 

Rating
   5/5 A really good science fiction YA dystopian fantasy good for 13 and up. It features a real life kid (Jim Westerfield) facing problems in his home both on the sea and at home plus he has all the same most kids have. So if you like what I've talked about I heavily encourage you to go and grab you a copy. (BTW the sequel comes out on Black Friday!) 
http://flotillaonline.com/
http://www.amazon.com/Flotilla-Daniel-Haight/dp/061556254X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336852156&sr=8-1

Hive Monkey

Overview
      In order to hide from his unwanted fame as the spitfire-pliot-monkey who emerged from a computer game to defeat the dangerous corporation who engineered him, the charismatic and dangerous Ack-Ack Macaque is working as a pilot on a world-circling nuclear powered Zeppelin. But when the cabin of one of his passengers is invaded by the passenger's own dying doppelganger, our hirsute hero finds himself thrust into another race to save the world - this time from an aggressive hive mind, time-hopping saboteurs, and an army of homicidal Neanderthal assassins!

Review 
      The main reason I got this book (requested from NetGalley) because the title reminded me of a comic book series called Hit Monkey. Well the book was pure awesome first off living up to the high expectations I set for it. All I gotta say is this, If you like all-nighters this is for you because the plot is so amazing you can't put it down. From the amazing quality of the book's formatting, to the artwork inside and outside, and the amazing story line. I gotta give Gareth Powell credit thou for the amazing story he's weaved that will string you along every. single. plot. twist. Just read it if you really wanna know what I speak of. 

Rating
    5/5 When I get awards up this is totally winning Steampunk novel of the year. Hands down brethren. Yeah it had all the classic symptoms like steampunk airships, the brass goggles, etc but I've never seen a monkey and some weird other stuff thrown in. Well done Mr. Powell.  

Splinter

Overview
      A surprsingly good space opera incorporating crazy religions (the Millennial Gnostics) and billions of innocent people caught up in the crossfire! Splinter is that crazy science fiction space opera you've wanted to read but couldn't find it in your local bookstore... until now.

Review
     Great. Just great. Crazy religions and the whole nine yards fully appealed to me. I mean it started off very well, then kinda dipped into a lull, then gave me a rush of excitement. The book was good for the plot story it offered. Either I wasn't the biggest fan of the plot story or it wasn't executed well enough is all up to you the reader, but the way Sherri Moorer wrote it was beautiful. Plain and simple. Didn't hurt it had a nice cover.

Rating
     4/5 Overall a nice read (bit long but worth it in the end) if you like space opera's/futurist science fiction with apocalyptic endings and crazy religions tied in. Doesn't hurt she's a Carolina girl!
http://www.sherrithewriter.com/2/post/2013/10/life-as-inspiration.html

Interview with the creator of The Awkward Yeti Nick Seluk!

Overview
     Nick Seluk is an artist/illustrator/baller who is the designer of The Awkward Yeti webcomic featuring Lars the Awkward Yeti now available in print! The happy/proud owner of a Webcomic with 50,000 + likes on Facebook, 1,233 followers on Twitter, and various other strong social media presentations. Surprisingly the webcomic is actually FUNNY unlike some other people who make some really weird stuff that doesn't make sense and looks subpar.

Interview

Me: How long have you been doing artwork/illustrating?
Nick:  I've been drawing comics since I was a kid. I used to make full-length nonsensical comics with characters I had made up during middle school classes. Even in college when getting my degree in Psychology, I was doing freelance comics on the side for fun. I could never quite figure out how to make a living with it, but I have always loved doing it so it never really mattered.
Me: What was your inspiration/what got you started in comic book illustration?
Nick:  I have always had a fascination with comics since reading The Far Side and Calvin & Hobbes as a kid, and growing up during the golden age of the Simpsons. My grandpa was also a cartoonist - he did comics for the local school board, for his naval ship in WWII, and always incorporated his cartoons into greeting cards and letters to family and friends. 
Me:  What is your drawing process? As in do you have a certain soundtrack, routine, or does inspiration bless you randomly?
Nick: I find that I get my best ideas when I'm relaxed, unplugged, and things are quiet. Some of my most popular comics were thought up while taking a 15 minute break from technology in my backyard. When I get take my idea to the computer, I always have Pandora playing to keep me focused.
Me: Where did you get Lars the Awkward Yeti from?
Nick: . Lars was based on an acrylic painting I did several years ago. I tried my hand at the art scene quite unsuccessfully, but the painting of this awkward yeti always intrigued me. One day a friend and I were discussing it and I decided the yeti would be a unique subject for a children's book. I spent a few months developing a very simple children's book starring The Awkward Yeti, then made a Facebook page where I shared the book and a few of my old illustrations and The Awkward Yeti webcomic. What was originally intended for kids ended up being a character for all ages, but that's why the page still follows a "G-Rated" format now. 
Me: What are your thoughts on your recent Kickstarter? 
Nick:  The Kickstarter was a great experience. I was amazed by the support from family, friends and fans. Now that most rewards have been sent out, I look forward to seeing how I can use the new resources to grow awareness for The Awkward Yeti, and hopefully sell a few books at comic conventions and on amazon.com.

We'll you heard it from the illustrators mouth now it's time for you to (hopefully) support the man by buying the book or even just giving him a like on FB or follow on Twitter. All info is below. 
The Awkward Yeti
Facebook
@TheAwkwardYeti
Tumblr
Book on Amazon

American Alligator

Overview
     Fan of Swamp People? Really like or are intrigued by essential living dinos known as alligators? Then this a wonderful book for you. Filled with bunches of facts, observations, and things your probably don't know about an elusive but highly popularized species of reptile written in a way not to bore you like the book you read for your Doctorate thesis. Written by a retired biologist who spent 30 years in the outdoors seeing this fascinating subject of fame up close and personal.

Review
     As a fan of the uber popular Swamp People reality TV show on History channel and a cryptozoologist enthusiast this struck several chords inside of me. I highly enjoyed the way he told the story of the alligator in a way where it didn't feel like reading the boring section of the newspaper or a really boring bibliography. It felt to me like a feature article (i.e Rick Bragg) something with some flair but highly informational. Book was great if you don't get offended easily (i.e strong Creationist, Cryptozoologist, or take offense to any even if light to non criticism of Swamp People) even if you do it still makes its points.

Rating
     5/5 Loved the book and the vast amount of information involved. It really expanded what little I knew about the history of alligators. I really love zoology/paleontology plus Swamp People really expanded my love for the highly armored Apex predator so this just fed into something I already enjoyed. High Recommendation. If I had an award on the site I'd give it one. Or several.

Redemption

Overview
      I'm dead serious: someone somewhere needs to send me a crappy book so I don't look like a free 5 star giver. I don't know if I am too easy on books, am not critical enough, or I just somehow get excellent books all the time. Well Redemption (as seen on the beautiful cover) is the added tales of excellent classic characters Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer. Now older, better writers, and more mature they go from the Confederate army to different paths ultimately to meet up in Redemption, Colorado for 1 goal. Book sound amazing? Well probably because it is.

Review
     From the cover to the story the book was amazing. It flowed well, it read easily, and I loved the angle it came from. The book came alive, but felt more than a typical Western novel. It had a really good story to it and felt like a true Mark Twain story. It just felt so authentic I forgot Mark Twain has been dead a LONG time.

Rating
    5/5 Really loved the book and couldn't fine one thing wrong with it! I'm sorry people that I haven't been on some epic rant about why a book is bad because well authors are churning out great content.

Pepe

Overview
    Books this good usually don't show up on my radar. Yeah, I get a LOT of good books, but this was in a whole different category. It had a story I could associate with. A poor kid who didn't know his true identity suddenly is thrown into something he never would have imagined. Thankfully I'm not poor, I know my identity, but this premise is something you see happening all the time. Anywho the book itself was well formatted.

Review
     Well the book was flat out amazing. From the storyline, to the plot, to the characters, to the writing prose. The book was simply amazing. No more to really say. One thing I must say is the cover is much too busy for my likings. I mean if you want to use it as artwork it be great but a much more simpler cover be nicer something less sci fiey. Still I must admit the book was targeted for nerds/geeks/other people.

Ratings
   4/5 Excellent nerd sci fi totally deserving your money.
http://www.amazon.com/Pepe-Robby-Charters/dp/1461073553
http://www.robbycharters.co.uk/

Rise from the Ashes: Lena's Story

Overview
    A book about a hot girl and Private from the Army fighting their way to near Canada to link up with a group of soldiers preparing to take back the country (piece by piece) in true post apocalyptic fashion is very very enticing. If there was a code word for the book it would be Phoenix (since they rise from the ashes of their earlier ancestor). The book had a unique plot: instead of Chinese, aliens, or Russian attackers Franklin used a terrorist attack from the Taliban in the form of dirty bombs.

Review
     Well being an avid military enthusiast I rapidly assessed the viability of the different situations. It really is hard for me to believe that the Taliban could shutdown the world like that. Still the story itself was amazingly built, with only one minor plot hole. I really enjoyed the quick read compared to some of the uber long books I've been getting. Book comes highly recommend as a nice quick read if you like apocalyptic science fiction with some cool 3-D artwork.

Rating
     4/5 Wish the story was more believable. No way possible Taliban could shut down the entire world with some dirty bombs and be running around the world. Still the story was amazing and I can't wait till the next book comes.
http://www.amazon.com/Rise-From-The-Ashes-ebook/dp/B00C1122BG