The New Book Review

This blog, #TheNewBookReview, is "new" because it eschews #bookbigotry. It lets readers, reviewers, authors, and publishers expand the exposure of their favorite reviews, FREE. Info for submissions is in the "Send Me Your Fav Book Review" circle icon in the right column below. Find resources to help your career using the mini search engine below. #TheNewBookReview is a multi-award-winning blog including a MastersInEnglish.org recommendation.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Interview: John House Lets Characters Drive Novels

Hi! I am Carolyn Howard Johnson, your trusty New Book Review blogger and author of the multi award-winning HowTo Do It Frugally Series of books for writers. This blog has heretofore been exclusive for reviews but I thought I’d do a special series of interviews after I chatted with Jeanie Loiacono, President of Loiacono Literary Agency – Where ‘can’t’ is not in our vocabulary!  I thought sharing the interviews would help the many subscribers and visitors to this New Book Review blog, including authors, reviewers, and, of course, readers who just might find a new favorite author among the featured books and authors.

So, today welcome John House, MD.

John House, MD creates his novels from his vast and varied experiences in life. He is actively involved in family medicine and previously spent time in sports, prison and urgent care medicine. He has traveled extensively, including mission trips to Belize, and has sailed and been scuba diving in the Virgin Islands, Bahamas and Belize.

To relieve the stress of a busy medical practice, he spent weekends hiking in the Appalachian Mountains with ‘Tall Guy,’ a companion well versed in nature.

Prior to becoming a novelist, John published poetry and he also won prizes for short fiction. His first two novels So Shall You Reap and Choices were written with locations based in Northern and Coastal Georgia. His third novel Trail of Deceit is based on his knowledge and love of nature.

A native Georgian, John received his BS from North Georgia College, his MD from the Medical College of Georgia and completed further training at Memorial Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia.

John served four years in the US Army, including a tour in Vietnam with the First Cavalry Division.

John and his wife, Pam, live on the Southeast Coast of Georgia. All his creative works involve the richness of the Southern culture.

1. What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction? Romantic Suspense/Fiction
2. What made you want to be a writer? Desire to write entertaining stories from my vivid imagination
3. Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? Alistair MacLean
4. What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene? Why? I do not outline. I develop characters first and then let them develop the story
5. Do you write every day? How much? How long? Yes. At least two hours a day and sometimes as much as 8-10 hours
6. Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Why? Reading is extremely important to develop new ideas, learn new vocabulary and to review the pace of other authors.
7. What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? Develop personal library of books of instruction on various aspects of writing—characters, plot, point of view, description—and educate yourself by reading works of successful writers.
8. Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? Work as hard on the cover and back page of your novel as you do what's inside. The reader can be captured by well-coined words.
9. Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent? Face-to-face contacts and instructions remain with you. Take copious notes. Network and make friends. Writers do help other writers. My favorite conference is Southeastern Writers Association held on St Simons Island, Georgia every June.
10. Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event? Website: www.johnhouseauthor.com. Books/Kindle available online at Amazon, B&N, and other book stores. Facebook  LinkedIn A House of Short Stories
Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Jeanie Loiacono www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com

MORE ABOUT THE SPONSORING AGENT

Jeanie Loiacono, President, Loiacono Literary Agency
A facilitator of dreams, Jeanie Loiacono represents over eighty authors. Her forte is mystery, romance, thrillers, historical/military/southern fiction, and all quality fiction/nonfiction. Her passion is to see her authors succeed.

“There is nothing more rewarding than to hold one of my author’s books and know I helped bring it to fruition. I am so blessed and privileged to be able to work with some of the most talented writers in the world.” Jeanie.L@llallc.net  www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com


IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE INTERVIEWS--TO FIND GREAT READING OR TO NETWORK WITH AUTHORS--PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG. YOU ARE A WELCOME ADDITION TO THIS FAMILY WHO LOVES BOOKS! YOU'LL FIND A WINDOW TO DO THIS AT THE TOP OF THIS BLOG PAGE.


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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Saga Intrigues Reviewer's First Read of Book by Maeve Christopher

Title:  Killer Cupid (The Redemption Series Book 1)
Author: Maeve Christopher
Genre:  Literature & Fiction, Fiction, Sagas
ISBN #:   B00A3HTO02
Reviewer's Rating: 4 star

Reviewed by Tracey Quintin originally for Goodreads


This was my the first book I read written by Maeve Christopher and one I enjoyed very much!

This story involves around more characters I've ever read in a book before and each unique in their own way. The story contains romance, love, mystery, suspense and even spiritual awareness. First time I've read that in a romance book and I have to say I liked it! It also covers a disease I've not read about in a book before.

Really enjoyed the main characters, Debbie and David. Loved his protectiveness towards her, warmed my heart. The other cast of characters were intriguing as well.

The only thing that would catch me up was my having to refer back a few pages to recall who was "speaking " and being introduced to so many characters, trying to remember who was who.

Definitely worth reading! I know I'll be reading the rest of this series because I'm hoping to get to know them all even more!!

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Maeve Christopher connections:

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Tracey Quintin connections:
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/19886187-tracey-quintin

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 The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Friday, December 11, 2015

Eleanor Gamarsh: Poet Speaks for Everyman



Title: Imperfect Echoes
Subtitle: Writing Truth and Justice with Capital Letters, lie and oppression with Small
Author: Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Genre: Poetry
Pages: 148
Available as paperback and e-book on Amazon
Published by HowToDoItFrugally, LA

Reviewed by Eleanor F. J. Gamarsh

I read poetry occasionally. I have written a few poems spontaneously. As I have begun to write regularly, I thought I ought to learn more about that genre. I believed I could do that by reading current poets’ writing. I chose to read the collections recently published by Carolyn Howard-Johnson title Imperfect Echoes.

By the time I had read less than half the pages, I felt that Carolyn had spoken for Everyman. Sometimes subtle, sometimes brutal imagery and metaphor brought truth to light. Every word on page after page disrupted my thoughts and tugged at my heart. It appeared to me that she laid the thoughts of anyone and everyone who cares about our human condition on each page. Thoughts that either we don’t want to speak or can’t because they are unspeakable for most.

Her recollections may tear at your heart and mind until you come upon a poem about the improbabilities and uniqueness of America. When I read “The Story of My Missed Connection in Minneola,” I burst out laughing. This was pure comic relief amidst pathos.

I read one poem after another because I could not do otherwise. If nothing else, it was my curiosity about what would be next stirring my emotions but being enlightened, also. Up? Down? All around and back again? Then, turning the next page, my funny bone was tickled once more.

As for learning about writing poetry, Imperfect Echoes gave me more than I was looking for.

ABOUT THE REVIEWER
After a lifetime of creative work including designing and handcrafting greeting cards and needlework of all kinds, Eleanor Gamarsh recently took up writing in several genres, primarily memoir.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Accepted for inclusion in Poets & Writers prestigious list of published poets, multi award-winning novelist and poet Carolyn Howard-Johnson is widely published in journals and anthologies. She is the recipient of the California Legislature’s Woman of the Year in Arts and Entertainment Award, and her community’s Character and Ethics award for her work promoting tolerance with her writing. She was also named to Pasadena Weekly’s list “Fourteen San Gabriel Valley women who make life happen” and was given her community’s Diamond Award for Achievement in the Arts. One of her poems won the Franklin Christoph poetry prize. She was an instructor for UCLA Extension’s world-renown Writers’ Program for nearly a decade. She has written six poetry chapbook in the Celebration Series  with Magdalena Ball, several of them award-winners. Learn more about all her books at http://bit.ly/CarolynsAmznProfile or http://howtodoitfrugally.com.



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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Interview: Award-Winning Journalist Covers Fiction, Too!

Hi! I am Carolyn Howard Johnson, your trusty New Book Review blogger and author of the multi award-winning HowTo Do It Frugally Series of books for writers. This blog has heretofore been exclusive for reviews but I thought I’d do a special series of interviews after I chatted with Jeanie Loiacono, President of Loiacono Literary Agency – Where ‘can’t’ is not in our vocabulary!  I thought sharing the interviews would help the many subscribers and visitors to this New Book Review blog, including authors, reviewers, and, of course, readers who just might find a new favorite author among the featured books and authors.

So, today welcome Ginny Fite.

Ginny Fite is an award-winning journalist who has covered crime, politics, government, healthcare, art and all things human. She has been a spokesperson for a governor, member of Congress, a few colleges and universities, and a robotics R&D company. She has degrees from Rutgers University and Johns Hopkins University and studied at the School for Women Healers and the Maryland Poetry Therapy Institute. She is the author of I Should Be Dead by Now, a collection of humorous lamentations about aging, three books of poetry: The Last Thousand YearsThe Pearl Fisher, Throwing Caution; and a short story collection, What Goes Around.  Cromwell’s Folly is her first novel. Its sequel, No Good Deed Left Undone is due for release in 2016 She resides in Harpers Ferry, WV.
  1. What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction? Fiction/murder mysteries
  2. What made you want to be a writer?  I like to read.
  3. Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? Alexander Dumas and Jane Austen as a teenager; right now Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See. Each writer teaches me something new about how to tell a story.
  4. What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene? Why? I'm a hybrid seat-of-the-pants planner. I begin where the story tells me to, typing as fast as I can to keep up, and when the plot gets complicated, I start making a timeline that spans the entire framework of the novel. The timeline isn't a cage. The story can escape from it at any time, but it does help me to see where I'm going.
  5. Do you write every day? How much? How long? I write every day, including weekends; in the morning for as long as it's productive, so sometimes for four hours, sometimes longer. I don't count words or pages.
  6. Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Why? Reading is critical to good writing. The more you read, the more you discover about your craft. But it's also simply pleasurable. Good brain food.
  7. What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? Read everything. Write down lines when they come. A good line can zoom by like a ping pong ball in a vacuum.  Don't be in a hurry; writing is a long process and it's okay if your first draft is a mess. Get in a writers group that meets weekly and let other writers hold you accountable.
  8. Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? I'm still praying for a book maven to promote my novel so I can reach that all-critical tipping point!
  9. Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent?  Sometimes conferences are beneficial, depending on who is speaking. I recently went to the F. Scott Fitzgerald Writers Conference in October and was inspired by the presenters; two of whom were Pulitzer Prize winners.
  10. Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event? My novel, Cromwell's Folly, is on Amazon, B&N, and wherever books are sold. In my local indie book store, Four Seasons Books in Shepherdstown, it is one of the store's "best sellers" and shares a shelf with The Martian and All the Light We Cannot See, to my knee-buckling astonishment. My next signing event is on Dec. 12th at the Christmas Market in Charles Town, WV from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.ginnyfite.com  Fite Events Facebook  Different Strokes for Different Folks Blog Talk Radio Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Jeanie Loiacono http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/ginny-fite/

MORE ABOUT THE SPONSORING AGENT

Jeanie Loiacono, President, Loiacono Literary Agency
A facilitator of dreams, Jeanie Loiacono represents over eighty authors. Her forte is mystery, romance, thrillers, historical/military/southern fiction, and all quality fiction/nonfiction. Her passion is to see her authors succeed.

“There is nothing more rewarding than to hold one of my author’s books and know I helped bring it to fruition. I am so blessed and privileged to be able to work with some of the most talented writers in the world.” Jeanie.L@llallc.net  www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com


IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE INTERVIEWS--TO FIND GREAT READING OR TO NETWORK WITH AUTHORS--PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG. YOU ARE A WELCOME ADDITION TO THIS FAMILY WHO LOVES BOOKS! YOU'LL FIND A WINDOW TO DO THIS AT THE TOP OF THIS BLOG PAGE.




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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Interview: Vet Pens Historical Fiction




Hi! I am Carolyn Howard Johnson, your trusty New Book Review blogger and author of the multi award-winning HowTo Do It Frugally Series of books for writers. This blog has heretofore been exclusive for reviews but I thought I’d do a special series of interviews after I chatted with Jeanie Loiacono, President of Loiacono Literary Agency – Where ‘can’t’ is not in our vocabulary!  I thought sharing the interviews would help the many subscribers and visitors to this New Book Review blog, including authors, reviewers, and, of course, readers who just might find a new favorite author among the featured books and authors.

So, today welcome Thomas E. Simmons. 

Simmons grew up in Gulfport, Mississippi, attended Marion Military Institute, the U. S. Naval Academy, the University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Alabama. Tom was once the commercial captain of a seventy foot sailing vessel, has been a pilot since the age of sixteen, (3000 plus hours in the air), has flown professionally and participated in air shows flying aerobatics in open-cockpit bi-planes. In the late 1950s he served as an artillery officer in Korea. He is the author of three nonfictions: The Man Called Brown Condor (Skyhorse, 2013), Forgotten Heroes of World War II: Personal Accounts of Ordinary Soldiers Land, Sea and Air (Taylor Trade, 2014), Escape from Archangel (University of Mississippi Press); and two historical fictions: By Accident of Birth (TouchPoint Press, 2015) and The Last Quinn Standing (TouchPoint Press, 2016). He has also written numerous magazine articles, an example of which, “Growing Up With Mr. Faulkner,” was published in The Oxford American, a literary magazine founded by John Grisham.

  1. What is your genre? Is it fiction or nonfiction? Both historical fiction and nonfiction.
  2. What made you want to be a writer? My love of books, and the fact, as with most writers, I write because I am driven to.
  3. Of all the authors out there, who inspired you most? Too many to list.
  4. What is your writing style? Do you outline? Linearly? By scene?  Linearly. Why? It is the way my brain works. Nonfiction should flow as the history of your subject to make it easier for the reader to follow and understand. I write fiction linearly for it wouldn’t be fun if I knew how my story will end. I want it to be as big a surprise to me as for the reader.
  5. Do you write every day? How much? How long? When working on a project I write a little almost daily. If my muse is flowing, I may write late into the night when all is quiet and there are no interruptions.
  6. Do you think reading is as important to writing for an author? Absolutely. Why? It presents a study of sentence structure, new ways of looking at specific words, different story or fact presentation, implants the desire to do better; all, of course, if you read quality work.
  7. What are some of the things you would like to share with budding authors? Perseverance, dedication, courage, research, research, research until you know your subject, character, setting, facts…never get caught stating facts or details that are wrong; revise, revise, revise; develop a thick hide to handle criticism, rejection slips, and disappointment, and work hard to get an agent (mine is Loiacono Literary Agency, Jeanie Loiacono www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com ) in the field of which you are writing.  If you can’t get an agent, rework the piece and try again. Remember, John Gresham (with his book The Firm ) was turned down by some thirty-nine or more agents.
  8. Do you have any marketing and promotional advice, referrals, tips you would like to share? Work with your publisher, work with independent book stores in your area, use any contacts you have with radio stations, TV stations, newspapers in your local/regional area, volunteer to make talks and book signings, use social media. Friends will spread the word, and last but not least, read Carolyn Howard Johnson’s book The Frugal Book Promoter.
  9. Do you think conferences are beneficial? If so, what have you learned? Which ones do you frequent? Yes, they are beneficial. Only been to one and that is where I met my agent. There is much you can learn at conferences about writing, publishing, and marketing.
Where can we find you, your books and when is your next event? You can find me at my web site www.thomasesimmons.net; at my E-mail tesim@bellsouth.net. I have a new novel, By Accident of Birth, which has just been released, with launch at Barnes and Nobel 15246 Crossroads Parkway, Gulfport, MS 39503, and a second printing of The Man Called Brown Condor (which won the Gold Medal for Biography from the Military Writers Society of America) this time in soft cover due out in January 2016; its launch at Barnes and Nobel 15246 Crossroads Parkway, Gulfport, MS 39503.
Three books of mine are currently in print and can be obtained at any book store, Barnes and Nobel, Amazon, Kindle, and one as an audio book. Nonfiction: Escape from Archangel; Forgotten Heroes of World War II: Personal Accounts of Ordinary Soldiers Land, Sea and Air and The Man Called Brown Condor, hard cover and soon in soft cover. Fiction: By Accident of Birth just released. www.thomasesimmons.net  Amazon Author Central
Represented by Loiacono Literary Agency, Jeanie Loiacono http://www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com/authors/thomas-e-simmons

MORE ABOUT THE SPONSORING AGENT

Jeanie Loiacono, President, Loiacono Literary Agency
A facilitator of dreams, Jeanie Loiacono represents over eighty authors. Her forte is mystery, romance, thrillers, historical/military/southern fiction, and all quality fiction/nonfiction. Her passion is to see her authors succeed.

“There is nothing more rewarding than to hold one of my author’s books and know I helped bring it to fruition. I am so blessed and privileged to be able to work with some of the most talented writers in the world.” Jeanie.L@llallc.net  www.loiaconoliteraryagency.com    



IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE INTERVIEWS--TO FIND GREAT READING OR TO NETWORK WITH AUTHORS--PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG. YOU ARE A WELCOME ADDITION TO THIS FAMILY WHO LOVES BOOKS! YOU'LL FIND A WINDOW TO DO THIS AT THE TOP OF THIS BLOG PAGE.
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Reviewer Loves Hot Paranormal Romance

Title:  Fashionably Dead
Series: Hot Damned Series, Book 1
Author: Robyn Peterman
Genre:  Literature & Fiction, Romance, Paranormal, Demons & Devils, Humor & Satire, General Humor
ISBN #:   B00EYMXM2I
Reviewer's Rating: 5 star

Reviewed by Tracey Quintin originally for Goodreads


ONLY Robyn Peterman could pull off writing a romantically fun suspense-fully witty book such as Fashionably Dead where you find you can't put the book down!

You are brought into a magical world where vampires, faeries, angels and demons exist and YOU find yourself wanting to be part of a super cool dominion. Heck who wouldn't want a HOT HOT HOT looking Prince Vamp in their life who runs this dominion, where you are gorgeous and wear Prada! How can that be? Because Robyn is able to make it believable in her way of words that draw you in!

Robyn provides you with some zany and whacky zingers that crack you up, plus words I've never heard before AND IT WORKS! She's outrageously witty and brilliant in being able to write a book you think is going to be off the wall but makes you fall in love and wanting more, you don't want the book to end!!!

I SO want to be in the main character, Astrid's place to experience ALL the things she not only endures but to be with the other vamps, demons, faeries and angels! WOW!!

Yet another brilliant book Robyn! Bring it on girl because I want to read more!!!

I should mention that this book is for adults and contains sex, violence, and profane language. I don't mind reading books with this content as long as it fits the story. In this book it absolutely fits.

Very highly recommend this book. It's a must read!!! BRAVO Robyn!

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robyn Peterman connections:

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Tracey Quintin connections:
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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Monday, December 7, 2015

"Peachy" Review of All Three Paranormal Books in Series

Title: Followers of Torments series
Author: K. Caffee
Genre: Paranormal Fantasy
Wordpress Blog Peachy's Insights on Nov. 13, 2015


Reviewed by Grandma Peachy (Lavern Winters) originally for Peachy's Insights blog

Recently I read K. Caffee's books in her Followers of Torments series. This series is an excellent read especially if you like an unusual paranormal fantasy. The story is in a setting reminiscent of gladiators in a Roman Arena. There are some typical paranormal characters, vampires, werewolves and other fae in the series. There are others that aren't typical such as the spider goddess worshiped by most of the realms.  I really enjoyed the series and look forward to reading more of Nameless' story. Following are my reviews of each of the three books published so far.
Out of the Darkness: Followers of Torments Book #1
I found the first part unbelievable  because it seems impossible that any person could survive an infancy of isolation. However, once I got past that part of the book the story became much more believable and interesting. A fantasy story in which the main character is born a slave and raised to fight in the arena in gladiator fashion. There are paranormal overtones though the training and advancement within the arena have the primary role in this first book of the series. I found the development of the fighter and his training to be believable and the paranormal aspects unique.  The plot had a little slower start than I like but as it progresses the action picked up and the story became a satisfying read. Her character development of the unnamed fighter was very well done. After surviving an unbelievable infancy the steps taken in isolation then limited contact to train the child first for survival then obedience were quite realistic. The training he receives gives the fighter no concept of anything but slavery which created a gladiator with determination to survive, obey and serve only his master. The author did an excellent job engaging me in the personal experiences of the main character. The ingrained lessons learned as a slave and fighter gave me an empathy for his emotions and attitudes as he fought his way to the top and his freedom. If you like a gladiator style paranormal fantasy story, then this book is well worth reading. I rate it 4 stars only because the beginning was unbelievable and the plot started slower than I like.
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Remember the Shadows: Followers of Torments Book#2

I am quite enthralled by Nameless, the main character in this series. After reading Out of the Darkness, the first of the series, I was anxious the learn how he learns to cope with his new life after gaining his freedom. The author has done a superb job of detailing how a character who had only ever known slavery adjusts to freedom with no real instruction on what is expected. Nameless is smart and learns quickly, though the ingrained habits of slavery are difficult to overcome. He comes to hate the culture that shaped him and begins to wage a war against what he believes is wrong with the society. I feel his frustrations, his anger, his amusement, and confusion as he treads through a new life of freedom. Ms. Caffee created an excellent plot and cast of characters that is well worth the read if you enjoy a Romanesque gladiator theme in a unique paranormal fantasy. Five stars for such an enjoyable story with wonderful character development and plot line.
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Into the Sunlits: Followers of Torments Book#3
Into the Sunlits continues this paranormal fantasy in a setting of Roman style gladiator slavery. In this book Nameless seeks to increase his stable of Silks (slaves) to train for arena fighting. The author has done an excellent job of advancing the plot and continuing to develop the main characters after entering a new realm. The social mores and cultural experiences as well as environment in the Sunlits are beyond Nameless' experiences. He finds slavers are not as welcome and capturing rather purchasing is the most abhorrent.  The open sunlight in this realm proves to be an obstacle to success as he attempts to increase the size of his stable. His trainer cannot tolerate the sunshine and he himself has a difficult time functioning in the open daylight as well. As each of the characters are developed further we learn more about their backgrounds, particularly Nameless whose parentage has not previously been known. The dilemmas faced and the action are captivating and exciting. The story moves along at a good pace adding new supporting characters. This is definitely not a stand alone book; it is a continuation of the first two novels and the ultimate conclusion is not reached. The book leaves us with a cliff hanger. Personally, I don't mind cliff hangers in epic series and I would say this is epic. I love the characters and the plot leads down some unexpected trails. There are some moral and political issues addressed as part of the story. I am looking forward to the next part of the story that I understand will be out later in 2015. I give this one 5 stars.
LINKS
Purchasing on Amazon:


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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.