Tag: novella

Book review: Unpredictable Stars by GM Katz

4 out of 5 stars

Unpredictable Stars by GM Katz is an urban fantasy romance novella that grabs ahold of the reader’s heartstrings and doesn’t let go.

Dr. Mora Keneally and Dr. Owen Lang are two astrophysicists who live on opposite sides of the United States. Neither scientist has really made time or room in their hearts for love. Both wistfully wish upon a shooting star that they may find their one true love someday. Someday happens to be a chance meeting months later.

Attracted to each other from the beginning, Mora and Owen long to turn a one-night stand into a long-distance relationship and maybe something more. Forces beyond their control prevent them from seeing each other as much as they would like. Do they finally get a chance to be together in the same place at the same time for a substantial amount of time or does the universe find a way to keep them apart permanently?

Katz weaves the fantasy and mystical worlds into a romantic adventure for the ages. Her world-building and character descriptions lend to a believable story of what it means to find your soulmate even when you don’t believe that you are worthy. There were a few moments where more description would have helped round out the story a little more, but overall, a wonderful novella.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. This review is honest and voluntary.

Posted on by brandeemiller 0

Book review: Greed Box by Molly Garcia

3 out of 5 stars

Greed Box by Molly Garcia is a horror novella that builds on the “Be careful what you wish for” trope. The character descriptions are well done; however some of the setting descriptions could be filled out a little more. The reader can relate to the main characters’ (Jack and Meg) emotions as they find themselves in various predicaments seemingly brought on by bad luck. Who among us hasn’t made a wish or two in our lifetime? Also, would you give everything back if what you wished for brought more than you can handle? This story goes on to answer the question, “What would you do to ensure the success of your wish completion?”

Jack and Meg are out and about in town one day and come across a shop with an interesting store front. After entering the shop, Jack spies an intriguing and well-made wooden box. The shop curator soon tells the couple of the story and warning behind the box. In spite of the warning, Jack purchases the box almost as if bidden to do so by an unnatural force.

After having the box displayed in their home for a short while, Jack wonders if there was any truth behind the shop curator’s story. Jack contemplates what he should do as he and Meg suffer some setbacks. He picks up the box, opens it, and whispers his wish. What happens afterward is a bit predictable at times, but nonetheless keeps the reader cheering for Jack and Meg to overcome the new obstacles in their lives. Garcia’s thorough character descriptions keep the reader going until the end.

There are a few unresolved questions at the end (that might bother some readers), and various grammatical and punctuation errors throughout that detract a little from the story. However, this quick horror read is an interesting take on “Be careful what you wish for.”

Posted on by brandeemiller 0

Book review: The First Wordweaver by Rachael Waldburger

5 out of 5 stars

The First Wordweaver by Rachael Waldburger is a Viking-inspired YA fantasy novella that keeps the reader intrigued. The character depth and world development are detailed and add to the storyline in a wonderful manner. Waldburger also includes a pronunciation guide/dictionary at the beginning to aide understanding and to help delve deeper into the novella.

Vilden, Erlendr, Brann, Grye, and a group of Andreveien people arrive at the shore of a new land after traveling by sea for a fortnight. Upon landing, Grye has a vision that has a possibility of forever changing the future of the landing party. Vilden, Brann, and Grye work together to explore all that the new land offers and to unravel the mystery of Grye’s vision. Vilden is the arrogant son of the chief (Erlendr) who has serious misgivings about his role in the new Andreveien community. Brann is the stalwart companion who seems to do everything right at exactly the right time. Grye’s visions have helped her people and have helped shape her cutting wit and the strength of her willpower. All three adventurers mature and become better people throughout their short travels.

Waldburger creates a wonderful entry point for this world for YA and adult readers alike. This is just the beginning for Vilden and his people. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this group of intrepid adventurers.

I received an ARC from the author, and this review is honest and voluntary.

Posted on by brandeemiller 0