jbronderbookreviews

Alter Ego (Jonathan Stride – 9) by Brian Freeman

When a freak auto accident kills a driver on the remote roads outside Duluth, Jonathan Stride is disturbed to discover that the victim appears to be a “ghost,” with a false identity and no evidence to suggest who he really was. What’s worse, the man has a gun locked in the trunk- and the gun has recently been fired.

The next day, Stride learns that a Duluth college student has vanished, and he worries that the two incidents are related. But what would have put an ordinary young woman in the cross-hairs of a man who has all the hallmarks of an assassin-for-hire?

Stride’s investigation of the girl’s disappearance leads him onto the set of a film crew in Duluth, where a movie is being made based on a case in Stride’s own past. The actor playing Stride is Hollywood royalty, an award-winning icon who has charmed his way to the top of the box office.

But Stride soon hears whispers that his alter ego has a dark side . . . and in trying to expose the truth, he discovers that he has made a powerful enemy who will stop at nothing to protect his reputation.

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Author’s Bio

Brian Freeman is a #1 Amazon bestselling author of psychological thrillers, including the Jonathan Stride, Frost Easton, and Cab Bolton series. His books have been sold in 46 countries and 20 languages. He is widely acclaimed for his “you are there” settings and his complex, engaging characters and twist-filled plots.

Look for two books from Brian in 2017, including THE NIGHT BIRD (featuring a dramatic San Francisco locale) and the latest in his Jonathan Stride series, MARATHON.

Brian’s seventh novel SPILLED BLOOD won the award for Best Hardcover Novel in the annual Thriller Awards given out by the International Thriller Writers organization, and his fifth novel THE BURYING PLACE was a finalist for the same award. His debut thriller, IMMORAL, won the Macavity Award for Best First Novel and was a nominee for the Edgar, Dagger, Anthony, and Barry Awards. IMMORAL was named an International Book of the Month, a distinction shared with authors such as Harlan Coben and Lisa Unger.

His novels (in order) are: IMMORAL, STRIPPED, STALKED, IN THE DARK (also called THE WATCHER overseas), THE BURYING PLACE, THE BONE HOUSE, the award-winning SPILLED BLOOD, THE COLD NOWHERE, SEASON OF FEAR, and GOODBYE TO THE DEAD.

He also has two Stride e-books, TURN TO STONE and the short story “Spitting Devil.”

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My Review

5 Stars

Jonathan Stride is called into investigate an auto accident where he discovers the victim has no identification and has a gun in the trunk that has been recently fired. Then he gets the call that a college student has disappeared and he is afraid that the two cases may be related. As Stride is investigating he is lead to the set of The Caged Girl, a movie based on the one case that gives him nightmares where a killer kept three girls in cages and they died before Stride could rescue them.

On the set of The Caged Girl, the main actor playing Striker is powerful and can make or break careers. But he has a dark secret that he will do anything to keep it hidden. While Stride is on set he is starting to get a sense of deja vu with the female actors. But he also gets a sense of dread. Will he figure out the secret before it is too late?

This is only the second book in this series that I have read but I loved it. I find it ironic how he is investigating the movie about his own investigation. There is lots of action and plenty of twists and turns as you rush to find out what happens next with this story.

This could easily be a television crime episode the way it plays out. I love how you could read this book as a standalone without getting lost, great for those of use that didn’t realize this is book nine in the series. It’s definitely one to check out.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

I would like to thank Quercus for the opportunity to read and share this book.

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I am A Failure by Skhil Sharma

Have you experienced failures in your life? Is your startup business facing a downturn? Is your dream partner telling you she hates you? Don’t despair. Failure encages us all.

Akhil, born with a plastic spoon in India, was specially designed for all failures life can bring. Growing up like everyone, the more he tried for success, the more he failed. Not until when he redefined his stupidity and started listening to his heart, his failures brought forth his keys to freedom and made him discover that ‘Failure encourages us all’.

This book is about his transformation from being a failure to the creator of the award-winning technique ‘The Art of Failure’. It talks about his technique, hidden in the form of an entertaining but true autobiographical story. It is helpful for everyone who wants to become a fearless failure warrior rather than being a usual success hunter.

The narrative is set against the transformation of India – from its analog days to the digital age and bubbling startup economy. One thing which hasn’t changed with time though is the hatred and fear towards failure and how it has been eating up our enormous innovation potential for ages. It is time to accept failure as a part of life – where there is no failure, there is no growth. Learn from your experiences and move on!

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My Review

4 Stars

Akhil Sharma writes this book with a little bit of everything included in it. We learn about his childhood and wanting to reach many goals, the opposite sex, and success. But sprinkled with his biography is an observation about success and mainly failure. We all want success, but are we willing to do what needs to be done to reach it? Mainly, fail.

One thing many of us fear is failure. We have dreams and goals but many of us don’t wait to fail at them so they are never pursued. But true success comes from what we do when we fail and what we learn. What did we learn about ourselves? What did we learn NOT to do? This knowledge is mixed with stories of Akhil and the failures that he has experienced. At times humorous, sometime bitter, but all of it was a learning experience.

This book is based on Akhil’s life so we learn a lot about India and it coming into technology of the world. We also learn about Akhil and his sense of humor, a little odd for some people. I will admit that I thing that there might be a little lost to translation because some of the things he was talking about seemed to go over my head.

But this is a great read that will make you think about yourself and your own goals. Hopefully it will motivate you to go after your dreams and goes and not to fear failure.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

I would like to thank the Author for the opportunity to read and share this book.

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Elk Riders Series by Ted Neill

Elk Riders, the epic fantasy series by Ted Neill, has received a Kirkus Star. Reviews have called it: “brilliant, brutal, evocative, visionary, and divine.” All five books are available in print, digital, and audio on Amazon, Apple Books, Kobo, and more. – Tenebray Press Website

I reviewed this series back in the beginning of August and absolutely loved it. I was recently contacted by Author Marketing Experts about reviewing the audio version of the second and third book in the series. Aundrea Mitchell and John Caliendo give these two books a new level of depth as they narrate them. I loved reading the books but listening to them has put them in a special place for books that I absolutely love. Now I need to get the other books to catch up on what I have missed. Make sure to check them out on Audible.

In the Darkness (Book 1)

In the Darkness Visible tells the story of two brothers, Sade and Vondales, and their attempt to wrest control of a portal to the world of the dead. A young village girl, Gabriella Carlyle, resists them with the help of her mentor Omanuju and his companion elk. While the brothers’ lust for power corrupts them, Gabriella finds herself on a quest that leads to new friends, exotic lands, and great peril.

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My Review

4 stars

This story has two parts. The first is about two brothers, Sade and Vondales. They are just trying to survive in a world that doesn’t care for them after their mother dies. It’s partially survival yet they make some bad decisions that make their lives darker than they started out to be. Then we have Gabriella, she faints during a festival and starts speaking about a prophecy. Together with her mentor, his elk, and her ostracized brother. Gabriella goes on a quest to help protect her island from the brothers Sade and Vondales.

The story bounces between the brothers and Gabriella. Sade and Vondales story is in the past explaining what happened to the brothers while Gabriella is in the present while she tries to protect the Tower of the Dead. The more I read about Sade and Vondales story I couldn’t help feel a little bad for them. They had a tough break in life and it just seems that things just kept getting worse at every turn.

But then again it’s not like Gabriella had everything given to her. Her brother suffers from autism like behavior which leaves her family as outsiders to their own village. But I did love having him in the story, it made it more realistic and wider.

I think this is a great start to the series. It does end abruptly but that is to be expected in a sense with a series. It was a quick read and I have to say that I’m excited to dive into The Voyage of the Elawn.

The Voyage of the Elawn (Book 2)

In this second volume of the Elk Riders series, the stories of siblings from In the Darkness Visible continue to interweave, as Gabriella Carlyle and her brother, Dameon, work to stop the plans of Sade and Vondales—bothers who are powerful members of a dark order of sorcerers. Gabriella and Dameon travel far across the ocean on a mysterious craft, the Elawn, accompanied by an elk, Adamantus, who holds many mysteries of his own. All the friends and foes walk paths that explore the bonds of family, the depth of faith, and the ever perilous road to adulthood, one balanced between good and evil; life and death.

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My Review

5 stars

Gabriella just keeps finding trouble on her quest. The captain is dead and the skyship is damaged. Omanuju is injured and a greedy Mortimer causing more problems than providing any kind of help. Then there is Dameon, Gabriella’s brother. His behaviors caused problems at home and those same problems are complicating Gabriella’s quest. She is getting frustrated and wants to send him home but then is guilty because these thoughts are not helping her to be pure.

Gabriella is getting frustrated with the quest, challenges, and those around her that seem to be causing more hindrance than help. She also doubts herself being pure enough to complete her quest. I loved following along with Gabriella. She is stronger than she thinks and is such a great kid even if she gets frustrated with her brother.

Sade and Vondales don’t have as big of a part in this book as opposed to the first book. But you learn how more about their current position and how they come to be where they are. The more I learn about them the more I come to understand how they got where they are. I don’t feel they are the big bad villain’s they seemed when we first met them.

This is a great YA fantasy story that will appeal to many ages. Although you could pick up this book and read it as a standalone I really think you would like it more if you read the series in order.

The Font of Jasmeen (Book 3)

When a wayward prince, Haille Hillbourne, with his friend, Katlyn Barnes, seek out an enchanted font to cure his seizures they find themselves drawn into a conflict with sorcerers, slave traders, ambitious nobles, and unruly mercenaries; all the disparate players tied together by an elk of unknown origin.

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My Review

5 stars

Prince Haille Hillbourne has not had an easy life. His mother died in child birth, his father hates and blames him for the death of his mother, and he has an epileptic shakes. When Haille learns that his father plans to send him away to an orphanage for the afflicted, he decides to take matters into his own hands. Haille and his friend Katlyn go on the quest for the Font of Jasmeen, essentially the fountain of youth that should heal Haille. But no good adventure comes without trouble and the friends and going to find themselves in trouble.

We have ventured from Gabriella’s story but we are still going to find ourselves meeting back up with familiar characters; Sade, Vondales, and Adamantus. But the real gem of the story is watching Haille grow from the young, naïve kid in to a strong leader. I say this because I admit that I was short with Haille and tired of his attitude in the beginning of the story. But just has he learns about the world around him he matures and become a great character.

This is a great story and addition to this series. I think this is a great series for both kids and adults alike. I really enjoy how the main characters have issues not usually seen in stories and how they rise above them. I’m really excited to see where the story is going to go in The Journey to Karrith.

The Journey to Karrith (Book 4)

The Journey to Karrith Volume 4 of 5 in the Elk Rider series. The war in Anthor continues. As King Talamar goes south to aid the embattled Karrithians his son, Prince Haille, and his unlikely band of friends brave haunted forests and high seas to try to reach his father before an unknown threat closes in on him. Time is the enemy as much as the past as old grievances come to bear and creatures from darker ages begin to stir.

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My Review

5 stars

Prince Haille has had his hopes at being healed dashed but has willingly given that choice to save a close friend. Now he is traveling with his friends to the war in Karrith. They have been told that the king will need their help but Haille has some serious doubts about his abilities, is he could really help, and if his father would even accept his help.

At the same time we follow along with Gail, Red, and how she is dealing with the attack on Haille’s group. He size makes it easy to hide as a man. She finds her own path as a squire and heading to the same war Haille’s group is going to.

I really enjoy this series. You have a little bit of everything. A great story, action and adventure, trouble around every bend, and realistic characters. I love how Haille is willing to go fight in the war but has so much self-doubt. He worries so much about what could happen that he finds himself in trouble left and right. Thankfully his friends are there to help.

This is an amazing series and one that I strongly recommend checking out. I do suggest reading the story in order otherwise you miss part of it.

The Magus (Book 5)

Prince Haille’s world is shattered by loss while the realm of Anthor descends into chaos, a single enigmatic mastermind-the Magus-behind it all. Haille’s friends rally to help him put together the pieces of the mystery, the fragmented realm, and his own fractured life, before it is too late.

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My Review

5 stars

We have reached the end of this series and we find Haille in prison ready to be sentenced for the death of his father. Because he rides an elk and takes his counsel he is blamed for the twisted elk that killed his father. He is stripped of his title, banished, and then is sold into slavery. He is all alone but that doesn’t mean that his friends don’t have plans to rescue him. Things are going to go sideways and not as planned, allies and foes are going to switch roles, and the truth about who the Magus is will come out.

This is one of the hardest books in the series. It’s not hard to read, just painful watching everything Haille goes through. But then again, diamonds do not just appear without the pressure that changes the coal to so much more. The same thing happens to Haille as he has pressure added to his life that will help him go front the prince to the true hero king that he is meant to be.

I really liked how the last three books played together and worked out for the most part. There is not a completely HEA ending but things are left just open enough to make you wonder and hope that Mr. Neill is planning on writing another series around a couple of the characters.

I strongly recommend checking out this series. You will not be disappointed.

Author’s Bio

Globetrotter and fiction writer Ted Neill has worked on five continents as an educator, health professional, and journalist. His writing has appeared in The Washington Post and he has published a number of novels exploring issues related to science, religion, class, and social justice. His novel, The Selah Branch, attempts to confront issues of racism and the divided political environment of the US today and the 1950s. His debut novel, City on a Hill, examines the fault lines of religious conflict in the Middle East. His 5 book series, Elk Riders, wrestles with issues of ethics, morality, and belief against an epic fantasy backdrop.

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The Complete Elk Riders Collection: Volumes I-V

The limited-edition Elk Riders Complete Collection is available in ebook version only. It includes the full Elk Riders series, beginning with the adventures of Gabriella and her brother Dameon and following the wanderings of Adamantus as he joins Haille Hillbourne and his band of misfits and outcasts as the burden of saving the realm from resurgent, dark forces falls upon their shoulders.

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My Review

5 stars

The Elk Rider series follows a magical elk as he helps a young girl find her inner strength and a helps a weak prince become the strong king that he is. There are many adventures and challenges that they all will face. I love how the main characters have something challenging them that they have to face. This is a wonderful series that will appeal to all ages. I also love how the series may have ended but there are still somethings that are left open for possible other series.

This is my first book from Ted Neill but it won’t be my last. I can’t wait to read other books and explore his other worlds. This is a series that you need to check out. It appeals to all ages.

I received a complimentary copy of this entire series. I voluntarily chose to read and post honest reviews.

I would like to thank Author Marketing Experts for the opportunity to read and share this series.

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Fracture Point (A Point Thriller – 1) by Jeff Altabef

An untrained spy and a rebel faction.
A mysterious scarlet-haired jazz singer.
Dangerous secrets guarded by a devious killer.

What could possibly go wrong?

Only everything.

Tom’s brilliant. A whiz about just about everything, he just aced his Assessment Test, but when it comes to people smarts, he’s clueless. When his older brother, Jack, disappears, he opens the door to adventure and terror—and a beautiful red-haired spy.

She spins a story so unbelievable it just might be true. What if his brother Jack’s not just a carefree, assistant tennis instructor, but an operative spy for a covert group known as the Fourteenth Colony, who may have uncovered a secret that could start a bloody revolutionary war? Can Tom really trust the red-haired vixen?

Tom will do whatever it takes to get his brother back, even if he is completely unprepared for what happens next. Armed with the only clue Jack left for him, Tom plunges headfirst into a world filled with dangers at every turn. With only the Fourteenth Colony and the sultry spy as his guides, Tom must accept that the truth is not as simple as it once appeared.

Tom must summon all the courage he can muster. He’ll need the help of would-be friends and foes, and a whole lot of luck, to outwit the psychopathic killer holding his brother hostage. Maybe, just maybe, he can keep America from reaching the fracture point, too.
Tom must break every rule he’s lived by, and go head-to-head with a psychopath if he’s to have any chance of saving his brother—and just maybe, keep America from reaching the fracture point.

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About the Author

Jeff Altabef lives in New York with his wife, two daughters, and Charlie the dog. He spends time volunteering at the writing center in the local community college. After years of being accused of “telling stories,” he thought he would make it official. He writes in both the thriller and young adult genres. Fourteenth Colony, a political thriller, is his debut novel. Jeff has a blog designed to encourage writing by those that like telling stories. You can find his blog, The Accidental Writers Workshop, on The Patch. Jeff also rights a column for The Examiner under the byline – The Accidental Writer.

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My Review

5 Stars

This story is based in 2041 in an America that has gone downhill. The 1% take everything they want where the 99% has to struggle daily for things like water. They have given up their rights in the name of terrorism and to feel same. But all that has done is made them poorer and closer to a breaking point.

Jack is a spy for the Fourteenth Colony. He works at the local country club as a tennis instructor while keeping his ears open with tidbits of information. But then he disappears. It is up to Tom, who has no idea what his brother was really involved in, to find Jack and to keep the country from breaking into Civil War.

This story could easily be taken from a future headline in the news. Things have gotten so bad that people are about to fight the 1% just to continue living. Tom jumps into the middle of the action when his brother disappears. But can it be true that Jack was a spy and what about the information that he needs to gather. Will it really help the country or just cause even more problems.

This is a great, action packed read. It’s a little scary with the possibilities with today’s world. I loved the story and think it’s a great start to a series. I hope to read more about Tom and what trouble he gets into next.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

I would like to thank Ari at Candid Book Reviews for the opportunity to read and share this book.

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Ghost Owl: Sacred Path into Darkness

By Nancy Schoellkopf

Genre: Magic Realism, Visionary Fiction

Twenty-year-old college student Mariah Easter is missing.  Her mother and half-brother are frantically searching for her.  Her best friend Rafa is poring through her private journals, seeking clues to her whereabouts.  But Mariah is unaware of their concern.  Blind to any danger, she has slipped into a world where darkness is as bright as noon—but for her eyes only.  Embarking on a deep spiritual journey into shadows, she begins peering into the unlit spaces normally hidden from view, leading her to confront the sinister nature of power, the vulnerability of the ill, and the secret life of a homeless man:  a winding path that will bring healing to herself and the man she loves.

Ghost Owl is a spiritual story of discovery that follows a young woman as she explores  the limits of her potential and confronts her own shadow.

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About the Author

Nancy Schoellkopf is a California poet and novelist who writes stories with spiritual themes.  She is the author of the Avian Series of Novels–Yellow-Billed Magpie, Red-Tailed Hawk, and Ghost Owl—as well as the short story collection, Rover.  In her books she has created a universe where each soul–orphaned, homeless, autistic, wounded, ill, young, old, rich, poor, unremarkable, ageless–is discovered as a luminous gift.  She invites the reader to ponder the extraordinary treasures hidden in the ordinary events of daily life.

Based in Sacramento, Nancy spent over 30 years teaching amazing children in Special Education classes in urban school districts.  A full-time writer now, she enjoys lavishing attention on her cats, her garden, and her intriguing circle of family and friends.

You may reach her at her website, Wild Imaginings:  a Spiritual Journey  at here.

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My Review

4 Stars

Mariah Easter has a strange new ability. It starts as vivid dreams until she realizes that she is on spiritual journeys. She starts journaling them until one day when she disappears. Her best friend Rafa and brother Dale follow her journal to try to find her. At the same time Mariah doesn’t realize that she is missing but is following on her path to learn more about her abilities and what is around her.

This was an interesting read. I admit that I didn’t realize that it is the third book in a series. It can be read as a standalone book but I think you might get more by having a background with the characters. Having said that I will admit that I was a little lost in the beginning because I really didn’t know what was going on.

Once I got into the book a little more it made more sense. This was a journey for both Mariah and me as she learned about herself and those around her. This is an interesting concept with the dimensions and spirituality. You really need to pay attention as you read or you will miss something small and you will have to retrace your steps to figure out what is going on.

This was an interesting read and nothing like what I was expecting. It’s one book I would say try but I would start with the first two books in the series to have a better understanding of what is going on.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

I would like to thank Sage Adderley Knox for the opportunity to read and share this book.

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Moira Ashe: Kindred Spirits by Brendon Bretram

Exposed, Moira Ashe flees to the city of Trident Bay seeking passage out of the city. Denied by every ship in port, her salvation comes from Caspian, hero, chieftain and business leader. He promises to get her out of the country, but only if she can slay the legendary terror of Trident Bay.

Moira’s hunt goes awry as she is caught in the city’s power struggle, an uprising and romance, all while she races to leaves Fotland’s shores before word reaches the city about her identity.

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Author’s Bio

Brendon Charles Bertram was born on May 28, 1994. Working on the family farm on PEI, it wasn’t until March 27, 2015, after the death of his father that he began pursuing writing. He continues to live on PEI, but now occupies his time with travelling the globe, reading texts on philosophy and psychology, and exploring a deep fascination and passion for storytelling.

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My Review

5 stars

Moira is on the run after it was discovered that she is a werewolf. She ends up in Trident Bay looking to get on a ship and gone but runs into Caspian. He tells her how a siorclan (sea monster) has been terrorizing the small village. Although her opinion of him is reserved, she decides to help him try to kill the siorclan. She ends up barely escaping and returns to Trident Bay. Caspian thinks she is special but when a wanted poster shows up saying that she is a werewolf he realizes that she is even more special than he first thought.

Moira is just trying to get to freedom when she is given a kill mission to get that freedom. Of course things go sideways and she finds herself exposed and hunted in the small village. I love how you come to feel even more for Moira. She is not just the hunter we came to know about her, here you feel everything she goes through and you just want her to get away safe. And it also looks like she has found an ally with Caspian.

I love how you come to care for Moira more and hope that she is going to escape this mess. Mind you the ending really threw me for a loop. Now I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

I would like to thank Author Marketing Experts for the opportunity to read and share this book.

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Eternity’s Echoes (Shade Master – 1) by Evan Hirson

Aaron was a promising software designer with an upcoming company. He shared a quaint house on the outskirts of town with his best friends; another young man and two girls.
They’d known each other since school, and lived together peacefully for years with few problems.
Travis the newcomer however had a dark way about him, and all of Aaron’s attempts to get along with him had failed.
But just as the household began to settle down again, a strange device with a peculiar attitude entered their lives.
Would it fulfill all of their dreams, or instead become a curse?

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My Review

3 Stars

Aaron, Jay, Kim, and Mara have been friends for a long time and are roommates. Of course each has their own perks and quirks but they all get along. But then there is Travis, he is Jay’s friend and has out lived his welcome and causes lots of drama. When things calm down they decide to explore the backyard with a metal detector and discover a strange time traveling device run by the AI Pris. After they find the Shade, then the book picks up speed as we learn about time travel, paradoxes, what can and cannot be done, and the consequences of their actions.

This is an interesting story but it has a few flaws that take away from it. I enjoyed the simple explanation of time travel but things seem to have gone sideways at a point. We also have five people that seem to have a wide variety of characteristics if they would have been developed.

Please don’t think that I’m bashing this book. It’s a quick read and has a quite basic story. It’s a rough start to a series abut I am curious enough to want to see what happens in the next book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

I would like to thank the Author for the opportunity to read and share this book.

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About the Author

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