Reader Views

Chrysalis: The Awakening (Book 1)

Born a mortal, yet destined to be one of the most powerful of the Chosen Ones, Bree Campbell begins awakening to the truth of who she really is at the age of thirty-two. Her mortal life has been full of pain, and to protect her secret the memories of thirteen years of her life were erased. Escaping from a painfully abusive marriage, Bree begins to reconnect with who she is and discovers that she has a tremendous destiny ahead of her.

Bree has been selected to help save the mortal world by helping repair a rift that exists between it and the magical world. To make matters more difficult she has to help rid the mortal world of demons that have been wrecking havoc while trying to gain control.

Being reunited with people from her past, Bree starts coming into her power. Even as a mortal she discovers that she has acquired some very strong magical abilities. Fearing for her safety, because she is still mortal and there are many that want her dead, a clan of vampires comes to Bree’s aid and select her to be a part of them. Included in this clan is Bree’s forgotten love Steve. Bree has to deal with regaining her lost memories and her transformation. She also has to figure out who she can trust as her metamorphosis begins so that she can stay alive.

M.L. Lacy has written a powerful fantasy novel with "Chrysalis: The Awakening." Incorporating a variety of magical elements into her story makes it a very enjoyable escape. Underlying the drama of having to save the world, there is also a deeper theme for the heroine. Bree’s human experiences have taught her to value her humanity. Even as she is beginning the process of becoming a very powerful immortal, a Chosen One, Bree still has to reconcile her human values with her new understanding of immortal values. I found this aspect of the story to be extremely interesting and well written. I truly enjoyed this novel and highly recommend it. I look forward to reading the continuing series.

Chrysalis: The Awakening (Book 1)
M.L. Lacy
AuthorHouse (2009)
ISBN 9781438959856
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (6/09)

Pureheart

"Pureheart" is a perfect blend of the ingredients that it takes to produce a great book. Warm fuzziness, loveable characters, un-loveable characters, an interesting plot, a touch of heaven and a bit of hell create this consuming piece. Yep, it contains pure evil from the unearthly bowels of hell. I am not one who normally reads the guts and gore but now say, with the right balance it helps to make a good book great. "Pureheart" by Rita Hsu Syers is nothing short of great.

A petite, regal Brazelton Boston terrier wins the coveted St. Aubyn Kennel Club’s "Best in Show" trophy and proceeds on a destiny to help save the world of terrible demise. A constant voice inside this small dog’s head leads her out of the spotlight of New York City to an animal shelter in the small town of Chincawee. Limping and consumed with pneumonia, nearing death, she collapses on the doorstep of the Women’s Humane Society for Animals. Lucifer himself could not stop her from making the trek. Seeking love, not fame, the feisty little animal wills herself back to life, longing for the home and companionship she has never felt before.

As the voice inside the terrier’s head led her to the shelter, Maeve, along with her daughter Maggie, was being led to the same shelter. Shortly after Maeve and Maggie entered the shelter they came out the door with the beautiful and happy Bronwen. Several months later Bronwen gave birth to one male and one female pup conceived through Immaculate Conception.

The tale falls into place with events proceed that were destined to happen before time began. One pup is a warrior, the other a healer. Each is faced with many challenges until the day of the Luna demonicus. As all hell breaks loose with demon raptors battling warrior angels, the puppy’s work, along with a great blend of family, to save life as we know it.

All is not as we hope it would be and "Pureheart" by Rita Hsu Syers blends its own mix on good and evil. This is truly a book you will not be able to put down once you begin reading. It may be the voice, but I think it’s the quality. "PureHeart ends. LionHeart begins." I for one can’t wait for the next installment.

Pureheart
Rita Hsu Syers
Bronwen Publishing (2009)
ISBN 9780977926701
Reviewed by Danelle Drake for Reader Views (2/09)

The Bracelet

S. Alan Schweitzer’s "The Bracelet" is a complex and involving tale. While it took me a while to really "get into it," and while some of the ideas discussed were just a bit too technical for me, overall I found it very entertaining and intriguing reading.

Ray Willis, a scientist in the emerging field of nanotechnology engineering, comes into possession of a fascinating object, left to him by his dying uncle Frank. The bracelet, which was originally discovered close to the Nazca lines in Peru, is unbeknownst to Ray really an alien device, which enables Ray to link with his previous lives. The life-changing experience throws him for a loop, since it seems that his previous life was really not "real" - and better yet, nobody seems to remember him. He appears to be somebody totally different, an individual named Jason Schindler. Ray gradually discovers the sinister truth behind the bracelet and gets deeply involved in the ensuing struggle for domination and power. Most of the people he meets on his path turn out to be something or somebody else than what and who he believes them to be. Many fascinating ideas are discussed, among the best and the most enthralling ones the duality of the good and the evil as well as the existence of parallel worlds and inter-dimensional transfers. As in most good stories, love does not fail to make an appearance as well – Ray seems to be falling more and more for one of his fellow seekers for the truth, a young lady by the name of Karenna. When all is revealed, will we still have a world that we know left? Which of the truths is Ray’s real truth?

While undoubtedly intelligently written and filled with provocative ideas and situations, the somewhat choppy storyline was difficult to follow at times. An added deterrent to my enjoyment of the book was the clear need for professional proofreading. Mistakes such as, "Ray has fallen spell under the cinematic influences…", "It’s style…was not consistent with…", "Relieved … that they have escaped their captives…" are not something that would be discovered by a spellchecker, but a live person should be able to catch them.

I’ve also failed to connect emotionally with the hero, Ray, as well as his partner, Karenna. There seemed to be a certain lack of depth to the characters, and they did not have enough warmth to make me really relate to them.

In spite of the aforementioned, I’ve enjoyed reading "The Bracelet" by S. Alan Schweitzer and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anybody who enjoys a good sci-fi thriller and intelligent writing.

The Bracelet
S. Alan Schweitzer
Eloquent Books (2009)
ISBN 9781606938003
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (5/09)

Sign of the Anasazi

"Sign of the Anasazi" begins after a linguist, Dr. Marcus Aaron, steals an alien spaceship that was being held by the United States military. The government is greatly distressed about this theft. The technology in this ship could allow the United States to have world domination. This was a huge fear held by Marcus. In an attempt to retrieve both the spaceship and Dr. Aaron’s knowledge of the alien language, an evil FBI agent kidnaps his grandchildren.

Planning to return to earth, Dr. Aaron sends his daughter clues of his return hidden in objects containing the alien technology. The FBI wants this information. The adventure continues when other interesting and eccentric characters such as FBI agent Dov Bar Lev get involved to help her. There are also some great scenes involving some grizzly bear pets owned by a colorful character named Old Vic; adding this to the alien story and the discovery of a lost Indian tribe, make for a great adventure.

I was immediately drawn to "Sign of the Anasazi" as soon as I saw the beautiful and intriguing cover of the book. When I began reading, I was immediately hooked on the story. Combining interesting characters, alien technology, and linking the Anasazi history with the Roswell incident also made this book my kind of science fiction/mystery novel. Having an interest in the Anasazi and having been to places where they have lived and left behind signs of their existence, I truly the alternative history aspect of the story fascinating.

Mark Lieberman has a fantastic imagination. In this book, "Sign of the Anasazi," he created a truly unique story that many readers will find to be a refreshing change of pace. I cannot wait to read the next novel in his Dov Bar Lev series.

Sign of the Anasazi
Mark Lieberman
Emerald Book Company (2009)
ISBN 9781934572122
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (4/09)

Oneiro

When attorney Philip Carr is offered what appears to be the perfect job, on a private Greek island, he jumps at the chance. Leaving his Manhattan life behind, things seem pretty idyllic at first. The island contains both natural beauty and incredible technological advances in both the people and the structures. As Philip learns more about the research that is going on, he is faced with issues that involve many areas including bio-ethics. He also learns more about himself and why he was chosen for the position.

"Oneiro" is an incredibly well-written science fiction novel. It is the first in a four-part series. The author John Stuart Goldenberg manages to blur the edges of real science with science fiction, so the reader is left wondering what is real and what is fictional. The story itself is vividly written so that the reader really can so what is happening. The technological advances are described in such a way that they appear to be incredibly fantastic at times and at other times, incredibly scary, because they leave you with the question of "What if?"

As a matter of fact, as I was enjoying the story, in the back of my mind, I was pondering this question. Forcing human evolution can definitely have some unusual consequences. Creating incredible technology that can solve the world’s problems such as food shortages and oil depletion makes for more of a fantastic story, however, as in the book, not everyone in the world is receptive to positive change, especially if it affects their wallets. In spite of the fantasticalness of the story, I think that the events that occur would be very realistic considering how our world is today. I also really enjoyed the philosophical discussions as they were written. The author definitely gave me some things to think about regarding my own spiritual beliefs.

I highly recommend that people who enjoy science fiction novels that have depth read this novel, "Oneiro," by John Stuart Goldenberg. It will be refreshing for them to find a new science fiction author to get hooked on!

Oneiro
John Stuart Goldenberg
BookSurge (2008)
ISBN 9781419693830
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (4/09)

Prolepsis of Sexual Love

My very first impression of "Prolepsis of Sexual Love" was that of Who-would-of-thunk-it? I had never thought of separating human reproduction from sexual intercourse. Having had three pregnancies, childbirth is one of the most wonderful experiences I have ever had. Imagine a world where no woman had childbirth. Sexual activity is for pure pleasure, and you may have it when and with whom you like. As long as nobody gets hurt, what you do is up to you. Virtual sex is very popular and advanced.

Dillon and Lori are not the norm. They meet, fall in love, and get married. As members of the GLC (Go-Loving Club) they realize the crisis, and strive to propagate the importance of love in the romantic form, and help others who are having love issues. When a comrade, Susan, procures the aid of Dillon and Lori to submit a law draft to reinforce the restriction and supervision against virtual sex services all hell breaks loose. Lori is injured when advocates of the virtual sex services break into their home. She is trying to save Dillon and receives the wrath of the villain. Susan and Dillon nurse Lori, thus falling in love. When the government informs Dillon he is to divorce Lori, he wishes to continue to nurse her since she is in a coma. He divorces her, marries Susan, and Lori awakens. The love triangle produces many questions of commitment and faith.

In "Prolepsis of Sexual Love" by Shuangti, many questions are raised about today’s society. Is technology ruining our future, our feelings, and our love?

Prolepsis of Sexual Love
Shuangti
Outskirts Press, Inc. (2008)
ISBN 9781432725679
Reviewed by Danelle Drake for Reader Views (1/09)

Sunaru

The author has taken us into the future, with space travel made easy, new planets discovered and the dangers of setting up a new civilization. One cannot take on the expedition if they do not meet the requirements, one of which is that you are an ex-con and willing to fight. Also on board are frozen embryos, clones and a mix of people from other planets.

The discovery of Sunaru is one of excitement and danger- no civilized person has been here before. What they didn’t realize is that they are not alone- Manators, horrex and bull-bears are in hiding waiting for them. In an instant they will appear and one of the explorers will disappear.

Through the author’s excited voice and description, the readers are able to imagine that this one-day may be where we live. It is filled with drama, daring escapes and creatures you couldn’t even imagine. Mr. Lueder brings in new concepts of families, medicine, weaponry and survival that none of us might even imagine.

I must say that science fiction isn’t something I read a lot of; however, while reading "Sunaru" by Lawrence Leuder I felt that the author was giving us a preview of what’s to come. This is the first in a series for the author; the ending of the book leaves you wanting more.

Sunaru
Lawrence Lueder
Outskirts Press (2008)
ISBN 9781432713553
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (1/09)

The Oortian Summer

"The Oortian Summer" begins in the year 2024. Except for the year and some advancement of technology, not much is different than our own times, especially as far as human relationships go. Luper, one of the male characters, is attempting to complete his PhD while working under the direction of a scientist whose own moment of glory has faded. This scientist is Professor Walter Hally. He does everything in his power to thwart Luper’s attempts to complete his doctoral dissertation work. He also has a problem with stealing Luper’s data and summaries and presenting them for his own recognition. Luper feels very frustrated. In spite of the bad Professor, he does develop some good working and personal relationships with his colleagues. They try to help him undo the damage that the professor is causing. These relationships and the solutions that these people build as a team, lend a great deal of credence and depth to the story.

In the meantime, while all this is happening, the team discovers that there are two large comets approaching earth. The presence of these comets is causing unusual changes in the planet. Luper and his colleague desperately attempt to find a way to deal with this situation without causing massive destruction on the planet. Their solution to the problem is incredibly creative and unique.

Once again, I enjoyed reading another excellent science fiction novel by the scientist/writer Richard Rydon. It would be preferable to read his novels in order of their appearance; however, it is not necessary. I actually found myself going back in time while reading "The Oortian Summer," enjoying learning more about how these characters developed and evolved for his second story. Once again, I highly recommend that sci-fi fans read this novel by this author. I think that fans of true science will also enjoy the creativity that Rydon uses to incorporate true science into science fiction. Do not miss out on this one! If you are looking for the perfect gift for a SciFi fan, this is the one.

The Oortian Summer
Richard Rydon
Lulu Publishing (2007)
ISBN 9781430313298
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (11/08)

The Omega Wave

The year is 2025, and Wes Lane, Inc. has hired a Swedish scientist named Luper Beauchamps to develop and research neurospheres. Neurospheres are biological computers created from neurons. The neurons in this research are obtained from deceased human brains. This research is supposed to provide answers to the questions of when consciousness begins and when it ends. The scientists also want to prove that consciousness can exist outside of the human mind.

Luper becomes closely acquainted with two of his colleagues, Rose and Frieda. They all have some suspicions about some of the people who work above him. When some of the neurons start disappearing and they discover other ones that they did not create, the group knows that something is not right. When a Central Asian Embassy appears on adjoining property, their suspicions are confirmed. They suspect that the neurospheres are being used for mind control and torture. They have to hide some of their research. It is very apparent that the government wants to take control of this project. This puts their personal safety in jeopardy.

The author of "The Omega Wave" is a retired university scientist. His scientific knowledge and education is obvious in this novel. Being an educator, he is able to easily explain the scientific concepts used in this story. He makes everything seem very plausible and real. As a non-scientist, I have to admit, I am not quite sure where reality ends and fiction begins. That’s what really makes this story an adventure. It all seems so real.

The author also does a wonderful job of developing the characters. I found myself truly liking the main hero and heroine. The ones that the reader would not be sure about are very complex, and might not fit into a black and white "good guy/bad guy" category. This complexity of their characters makes the story more real. I think what makes this book truly terrifying is that there is an underlying feeling that this novel is something that could really happen in our country if our government were to get too much control. "The Omega Wave" by Richard Rydon will definitely stimulate interesting conversations and provide you with thought provoking questions about bio-ethics.

The Omega Wave
Richard Rydon
Lulu Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9781409212980
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (10/08)

The Cloud

A menacing cloud is moving through the universe destroying all life forms that cross its path. It does this by depleting the energy of everything that it encounters. Huge and unstoppable, it is now headed towards earth. An alien who managed to survive its destruction beats the cloud to earth. His father created him and sent him off in a spaceship prior to his own death by the cloud. Having absorbed some of the cloud’s material, it has become a part of him. Learning from lessons left by his father, this man knows these deaths must be avenged and the cloud must be stopped.

Arriving on earth, he takes on human form and discovers that he has to fight his own urges to deplete the energy around him. He lands on a farm and encounters a woman, Char, who lives there with her father. The two are immediately drawn to each other. He tells her his story and lets her know that the earth has less than 24 hours. They have to race against the clock to convince the military that the planet is in danger. Grant, as he is now called, has an idea that might destroy the cloud. He knows that if it doesn’t work, he will lose Char forever, because his spaceship only holds one.

"The Cloud" is actually divided into two parts. The first part is about Grant’s arrival, his relationship with Char, and how the cloud is defeated. The second part follows the aftermath of the actions taken by Char and Grant. Certain government officials find themselves unable to leave the family alone. They see that they can use the alien abilities and technology for their own power.

"The Cloud" is an excellent science fiction novel. The plot is incredibly unique and it was refreshing for me to have something so different to read. I enjoyed the concept behind the cloud and the fact that it wasn’t inherently evil, it was just doing what it was created to do. I was able to suspend my beliefs for the science fiction aspects of the novel. I did have some difficulty accepting that the hero and heroine were able to fall in love in less than 24 hours and that the government so readily accepted the information given to them by an alien. If a gorgeous alien landed in my backyard, I would need some more time to adapt to the idea. Of course in this story, they did not have time.

I think that "The Cloud" by Elmore Hammes will be enjoyed by all fans of science fiction and that it would be a great selection for a readers group. It definitely will be a source for thought-provoking, lively conversations. I highly recommend this novel.

The Cloud
Elmore Hammes
Kanapolis Fog Publishing Emporium (2008)
ISBN 9780615147154
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (10/08)