jbronderbookreviews

Schism by Britt Holewinski

(Excerpt from Goodreads) “Schism” is the first book in a new dystopian trilogy that tells a tale of survival, of good versus evil, and of constructing a future with only memories of childhood.

A government-created virus is accidentally released before testing is complete and within weeks it kills six billion people, children are the only survivors. Andy Christensen and her two friends travel across the country searching for a safe place to live, but nowhere, it seems, is capable of resurrection.

My Review

5 stars

Andy recently lost her mother to a car accident so her father decides to spend the summer in Bermuda. While there, Andy makes friends with Morgan and Charlie, two kids from England. But then a virus sweeps the world and anyone older than 13 is killed. They make a living on the island until tragedy strikes and they decided to sail to America. When they get to Washington DC they discovery that anything Andy may remember of America is no longer left.

The friends then meet Ben and Jim and try to find a place to make a home. But things are not easy nor safe and every time they think they have found a place to start their lives things get thrown to the wind. From a town run by the rich that abuse their power, gladiator like events, trafficking, secrets, and many other perils will keep the group on their toes if they plan on making any kind of life for themselves.

I loved this book. You can’t help but feel for the kids trying to figure things out on their own and being thrown into this world. I liked all the characters and cheered and cried with them throughout the book. And just when you think it can’t get any worse, surprise something else comes up.

I love dystopian/apocalyptic stories and Schism is now up on my keep shelf. I recommend this to anyone that likes this genera. I will be keeping my eye out for other books from Britt Holewinski.

To purchase Schism make sure to check out Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Britt Holewinski’s website. I’m sure you could purchase it through Amazon but it is not listed at this time.

I received Schism for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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Cat Shout for Joy (Joe Grey – 19) by Shirley Rousseau Murphy

(Excerpt from Goodreads) Awaiting the birth of his first kittens, feline P. I. Joe Grey, his companion Dulcie, and their furry sleuthing pals must unmask a killer preying on some of the most vulnerable citizens in the charming California coastal community of Molena Point.

But the celebrations will have to wait. A murderer is on the loose—and neither young nor old is safe until the culprit is found.

My Review

5 stars

Someone seems to be pranking the elderly. Sneaking up behind them and surprising them. Unfortunately the surprises start getting more and more vicious until they start dying. It’s up to Joe Grey and the team to figure out who is causing the deaths and to find out why.

On top of this, Joe and Dulcie are expecting kittens. There is some stress about the whole parenthood thing along with if the kittens will be able to talk and how to keep their secret safe. But it is also bitter sweet since it is coming to the time for Misto to go over the Rainbow Bridge, but not before a couple predictions.

I have been meaning to read the Joe Grey mysteries for a while but I have never gotten around to them. So, when I was asked to review Cat Shout for Joy I was doing a happy dance. I loved the mystery, it was a good who-dunnit and I was kept guessing until the end. But I found most of the story revolved around Joe and Dulcie’s kittens and the passing of Misto.

I loved the mystery and want to start the series from the beginning. But as a cat lover it was just like being home and interacting with my furry children. This is a great story and if you like cozy mysteries and cats you will love this book.

To purchase Cat Shout for Joy make sure to check out Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Shirley Rousseau Murphy’s website.

I received Cat Shout for Joy for free from the publisher and Edelwise in exchange for an honest review.

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