DRISTLEMORE - THE CHRONICLES OF DRISTLEMORE VOLUME 1 by Brian Moniz
iUniverse, Inc.,
2021 Pine Lake Rd, Lincoln, NE 68512
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: Very Good
ISBN: 0595405681, $19.95, 330 pp.
If you have read some of my past reviews, you already know that I am not a fantasy fan. Therefore, I do not feel I am the best reviewer to review this new novel; however, I will present the basics and my opinion on the quality of writing.
The back cover tells us:
"Thoughout the world of Gandril, there are dozens of small, peaceful villages like Geddington. Tucked away in the countrywide, far from the affairs of kings, queens and politics, the people of Geddington are safe from the dangers and hostilities of the world–or so they believe.
"Soldiers serving the Twilight Union come to Geddington in search of a mysterious man named Dristlemore, keeping their reasons private. But Dristlemore is sought by the powerful sorcerer Lord Mydoc for a far more sinister purpose–to be eliminated by whatever means necessary. In a vicious raid, Geddington is burned to the ground, and its people are butchered like livestock. When the horror finally ends, only three survivors and one cryptic letter remains.
"Alone and with nowhere to go, the three survivors follow their only clue in the mysterious letter, hoping to find answers and learn the identity of Dristlemore."
Again, the eternal fight between good and evil.
Brian Moniz tells a good story and if you’re a fantasy fan, you will probably enjoy Dristlemore. Brian is a consummate, energetic writer with a captivating style of writing. Enjoy!
Reviewed by Kaye Trout - March 28, 2007
BACK FROM BORA BORA by Sondra Luger
Back From Bora Bora
by Sondra Luger
Llumina Press, Coral Springs, FL
www.llumina.comGenre: Fiction/General
Rating: Good
ISBN: 9781595266088, $15.95, 240 pp.
About this story and I quote from the back cover:
"Eve Nelson is 30, head of sales at the New York Money management firm of Williams, Wetcliff, and Snell, and bored with her career. She would consider marriage, which would thrill her insistent, widowed mother, but as a ‘plain Jane’ who gets the respect, but not the eye, of men like handsome Bill Wetcliff, her chances are slim. She is outraged when George Snell, her fan and mentor, explains he is temporarily embarrassing her with a handsome male secretary and assigning her to supervision of national plans to attract and service the accounts of senior citizens, the top priority of Frederick Willard Williams, who has come out of his 20-year enforced retirement in Bora Bora and, at age 90, once again has controlling interest in W.W.&S.
"Into a large pot place one skirt-chaser, one sexy, easy mark, one independent ‘plain Jane,’ one love-sick underling, and one bossy mother. Stir in one hell-on-wheels, clever, stubborn, vengeful, five-times-married, woman-hating, ancient curmudgeon and step away. The lid is about to blow, and heaven help anyone who’s in its path!"
If you enjoy the intrigue of high finance with some romance and humor mixed in, this is a book for you. Sondra Luger is a good writer with excellent technical skills. Back From Bora Bora is her debut novel, and I wish her much success.
Reviewed by Kaye Trout - March 27, 2007
MOUNDS by R. E. Starr
Booklocker.com
Genre: Fiction
Rating: Very Good
ISBN: 1591138140, $17.95, 396 pp.
Mounds . . . mounds of the dead as monuments to a killing entity. The back cover tells us, "Open your mind and leap into, Mounds, a supernatural detective story introducing a myriad of 20th century characters following the trail of an ancient story of two intelligent and warring storms. These storms, the Ying and Yang of the skies, represent man’s constant struggle between the forces of good and evil."
The novel starts with a gathering storm and how a supernatural entity works within the clouds. ‘The Storm’ becomes the hurricane which devastated Galvestion, Texas, on September 8, 1900, and to which ninety children and ten nuns of St. Mary’s Orphans Asylum lost their lives.
Towards the end (pages 358-359) in this eternal battle, Starr writes:
"Bursting from the mound, the army of spirits rose as one, each on a mission to avenge their individual deaths and the deaths of their families, friends, and neighbors. Alandra combined and melded their anger into a unified weapon of destruction. Determined to recapture the earth from a scourge plaguing mankind since the beginning of time, the force surged up.
"Soaring towards a clash he considered suicidal, Aegis sensed the mound’s eruption. He sensed a rising source of energy.
"Aegis glanced toward the largest of the mounds dotting the landscape below. He witnessed a rising array of thousands. Although he had no clue who or what they might be, the rising tide radiated an immense source of energy as they gained altitude.
"Gohr scanned the sky below him. He discovered Aegis’ track. An unknown and rishing force confused him.
"What the . . .? Gohr paused his descent. He redirected his focus towards the unknow threat radiating vast sources of energy as it rose on an intersection path towards him.
"Not sure what he witnessed, Aegis sensed the rising army represented an ally, not an enemy. They’re joining me in a battle I’ve fought alone for eons.
"Aegis positioned himself at a point ahead of the charging warriors. He maintained a speed insuring he achieved first impact with Gohr. The joined forces charged without fear and without hesitation towards the immense structure streaming towards them. Aegis listened to Alandra and the millions of others who died at Gohr’s hands as they cried in unison. He wasn’t sure what they screamed. It resembled a shrieking tornado Gohr might have released and commanded to, Kill!!!!!!!! Kill!!!!!!!! Kill!!!!!!!!"
R. E. Starr is a good writer and Mounds is a fast-paced, uniquely interesting novel which I’m sure you’ll enjoy.
Reviewed by Kaye Trout - March 26, 2007
IN THE COMPANY OF FISHERS by Ken Boire
Outskirts Press, Inc., Parker, CO
www.outskirtspress.comGenre: Fiction/General
Rating: Exceptional
ISBN: 1432701746, $14.95, 205 pp.
Have you ever wondered or thought about living and working on a fishing boat in the Pacific Northwest? I think many of us have had such dreams, me included, but it takes courage and knowledge to follow such a dream . . . it's not an easy life. However, if such a life is not a realistic possibility for you, you can at least experience some sense of this life style as you read Ken's novel. Through his extensive personal experiences, Ken Boire has brought this world to us in a very real way.
Ken is a very gifted, knowledgeable writer with a delightful style which brings his story to life. Allow me to quote a few paragraphs to spark your interest.
"To a certain extent the book is about grief, deep pain, and recovery. Some people deal with loss powerfully. Rex forged a different life after the loss of Sharon. As a failure in the ministry, he might have been expected to be the least likely to recover and advance. Self-realization of his inadequacies became apparent as Sharon’s prognosis became grimmer. His eventual adjustment led him to being the person he’d always wanted to be, a fisher of men. Did Rex find happiness? Is there such a thing?
"A disfiguring accident changed Red’s personality and appearance. In a sense, the obvious changes lost Red to everyone but Molly. She faced grief and deep pain for him. Her love filled a void the accident created in his personality. She was blind to the physical changes. Is love really blind to physical changes? Is love among humans conditional to appearances?
"Jonnie couldn’t face the pain of losing Koo, and burdened himself with guilt. His unconscious reaction was to block out the world. Love of devoted friends retrieved him from the cold blackness of depression. Memories of Koo haunted him for the rest of his life even though he dealt with the guilt. In another dimension, the pain is permanent, and he remains unaware that he has found Pierre Shani. Did Pierre become aware of who Moosemeat was? For a while Moosemeat saw Pierre in every young face. He never stopped looking but when their paths came together all he could see was Koo. Why was it that he never saw Koo in the form of Pierre?"
These are just a few of the fisher characters in this living drama, and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Most likely, In the Company of Fishers will satisfy in a small way that longing for the sea. It is a novel you will want to share with family and friends.
Reviewed by Kaye Trout - March 25, 2007
IN THE COMPANY OF FISHERS by Ken Boire
Outskirts Press, Inc., Parker, CO
www.outskirtspress.comGenre: Fiction/General
Rating: Exceptional
ISBN: 1432701746, $14.95, 205 pp.
Have you ever wondered or thought what it might be like to live and work on a fishing boat in the Pacific Northwest? Well, if that’s not possible, you can experience such a life, in some sense, as you read this novel. Through his extensive personal experiences, Ken Boire has brought this world to us in a very realistic but fictional story.
Ken is a very gifted, knowledgeable writer with a delightful style which brings his story to life. Allow me to quote from page 195:
"To a certain extent the book is about grief, deep pain, and recovery. Some people deal with loss powerfully. Rex forged a different life after the loss of Sharon. As a failure in the ministry, he might have been expected to be the least likely to recover and advance. Self-realization of his inadequacies became apparent as Sharon’s Prognosis became grimmer. His eventual adjustment led him to being the person he’d always wanted to be, a fisher of men. Did Rex find happiness? Is there such a thing?
"A disfiguring accident changed Red’s personality and appearance. In a sense, the obvious changes lost Red to everyone but Molly. She faced grief and deep pain for him. Her love filled a void the accident created in his personality. She was blind to the physical changes. Is love really blind to physical changes? Is love among humans conditional to appearances?
"Jonnie couldn’t face the pain of losing Koo, and burdened himself with guilt. His unconscious reaction was to block out the world. Love of devoted friends retrieved him from the cold blackness of depression. Memories of Koo haunted him for the rest of his life even though he dealt with the guilt. In another dimension, the pain is permanent, and he remains unaware that he has found Pierre Shani. Did Pierre become aware of who Moosemeat was? For a while Moosemeat saw Pierre in every young face. He never stopped looking but when their paths came together all he could see was Koo. What was it that he never saw Koo in the form of Pierre?"
These are just a few of the fisher characters in this living drama, and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Most likely, In the Company of Fishers is a novel you will want to share with family and friends.
Reviewed by Kaye Trout - March 25, 2007
DID YOU EVER WONDER WHY BLACK PEOPLE DO THE THINGS THEY DO? by Kevin D. Moore
Llumina Press, Coral Springs, FL
www.llumina.comGenre: Non-Fiction
Rating: Good
ISBN: 9781595267382, $9.95, 112 pp.
The title of this little book is what it’s all about, and Kevin D. Moore has written it to help bridge the gap between the known and the unknown. He discusses many aspects of his culture such as fashion, language, natural rhythm, grooming and myths. Moore presents his answers from a personal point of view with a warm sense of humor and informal style.
If you are interested in learning more about the black culture, this little book may be of interest and for $9.95, you can’t go wrong. It’s well organized, an enjoyable read and a step in the right direction–appreciation through understanding.
Reviewed by Kaye Trout - March 22, 2007
BE[(COM)ING] REAL by Megan Noelle
Llumina Press, Coral Springs, FL
www.llumina.comGenre: Fiction
Rating: Good
ISBN: 9781595266576, $12.95, 180 pp.
This story is about two people–Donna DiSimone and Kenny George–and the dynamic changes in their lives. Donna, a person with a terrible self-image, has known Kenny all her life, and they both thought he was gay. Donna’s engagement to marry and Kenny’s sexual breakthrough into heterosexuality bring about these life-altering changes.
The title of the novel is Be[(com)ing] Real as these characters supposedly stop meandering through life and take charge of their lives.
What do you think? . . . can people really take charge of their lives? . . . or do we just continue to meandering and stumble along . . . deluded that we are in control. Certainly, we all have breakthroughs along the way with regards to attitudes, drugs and sexuality which help us to minimize the drama to which we subject ourselves. Does that mean we were ‘less real’ before the breakthroughs and that we are ‘more real’ after? And whose to say Donna’s marriage will last and Kenny will not return to his ‘gay’ status? Life is full of surprises and the only guarantees are change and that it will all end one day.
Megan Noelle is a good writer in that she can tell a story, but not an exceptional writer at this point in her writing efforts. For the price and if you like the subject matter, you may want to give it a try.
Reviewed by Kaye Trout - March 20, 2007
REALLY GOOD FRIENDS by Daisy Jordan
Llumina Press
Coral Springs, FL
Genre: Teenage Fiction
Rating: AverageISBN: 9781595267207, $12.95, 184 pp.
Really Good Friends reads like a teenager’s diary and might appeal to teenage girls. It’s a story about the dynamics of being a teenager girl–friends, peer pressure, school work, parents, boys, etc.
The book is well written; however, Daisy Jordan’s style of writing would be considered average . . . it tells the story adequately but leaves us wanting with regard to how its told.
Reviewed by Kaye Trout - March 19, 2007
THE BARD OF BETHLEHEM by David James Trapp
PublishAmerica, Baltimore
www.publishamerica.comGenre: Historical Fiction
Rating: Very Good
ISBN: 1424133130, $19.95, 252 pp.
This story takes place in 5 B.C., during the 22nd year of Caesar Augustus’s reign and his mandatory census and taxation. Political scandals abound. Terentius, a bard, and Bridicia, a fish peddler, fall in love–a love that endures through all the dangers and intrigues.
The Bard of Bethlehem is rich in historical folklore and customs of the people–Celts, Druids, Jews, Romans and Greeks. If you’re interested in the politics and the lives of the people around Judea prior to the birth of Christ, you will probably enjoy this novel.
David James Trapp is a good, knowledgeable writer. He is an attorney living in the San Francisco Bay area and has also written Dog Days in Bedlam.
Reviewed by Kaye Trout - March 11, 2007
WHEN PIGS FLY by Bob Sanchez
iUniverse
2021 Pine Lake Road, Lincoln, NE
www.iuniverse.comGenre: Fictional Humor
Rating: Exceptional
ISBN: 0595407706, $18.95, 307 pp.
My first thought: Bob Sanchez is an exceptional, gifted writer, and this novel should be picked up and published by a mainstream publisher. His writing style and humor remind me of John Dunning’s The Bookman’s Wake and Janet Evanovich’s crazy, colorful characters. When Pigs Fly is not just a simple story but an experience in masterful writing with marvelous metaphors, and then again, it is a simple story . . . about a retired cop, Mack Durgin, trying to fulfill his deceased partner’s wish to have his ashes scattered over the Grand Canyon.
You can open this book at any page and find something delightful. Let’s check out page 127:
"Carrick and Brodie Durgin (Mack’s parents) felt like the luckiest couple on Earth. They had survived a nasty assault, in large part due to Brodie’s fortuitous purchase of a bullwhip in Laramie a few years back. How many husbands were thoughtful enough to give their wives bullwhip-cracking lessons for their wedding anniversary. And my goodness, how many people were rescued from bodily harm by apparently conscience-stricken housebreakers? The Durgins owed their lives to those two young lads. Without them, that reprehensible, smelly beast would surely have killed them both. The police had taken statements from Carrick and Brodie but had no luck in locating the attacker or the two young men.
"None of this hampered Carrick and Brodie’s plans. Three days after the attack, they flew into Las Vegas with a gambling budget of a hundred dollars each. Then they gleefully wrestled the one-armed bandits as they won a dollar for every two they lost. Dinner was a wonderful catalog of everything forbidden in their diets, but ah, the consequences were for another day. They made love in a luxurious bed, though it wasn’t quite so easy for them after sixty years of marriage. Carrick would challenge anyone to name a woman–albeit a very mature one–prettier than Brodie. For her part, she could name several older men more handsome than Carrick, but she had the good grace not to.
"Their blessings were plenty: His prostate was healthy and her mole benign. Her arthritis didn’t act up every day, and his arteries had been Roto-Rootered–angioplasty was the fancy term–and their teeth held tight when they bit into apples. Each could finish the other’s sentences, but out of mutual consideration they didn’t do it unless the spouse’s train of thought had derailed. Each knew the other’s mind was slipping, and each was determined to compensate. Of course they were drifting downstream, headed toward the distant, inevitable rapids, but they planned to hold hands for as long as they could and marvel at the ride."
Besides the catchy tale of humorous, crazy characters and bizarre situations, a sweet thread of sensitivity weaves its way throughout these pages.
Bob Sanchez is a consummate writer and has spent most of his life as a technical writer in New England. He currently writes fiction, book reviews and magazine articles in Las Cruces, New Mexico. I believe you will be pleasantly surprised.
Reviewed by Kaye Trout - March 9, 2007
BOXER'S START-UP: A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BOXING by Doug Werner
Tracks Publishing
140 Brightwood Avenue, Chula Vista, CA
www.startupsports.comGenre: Sports/Non-fiction
Rating: Very Good
ISBN: 1884654096, $12.95, 160 pp.
For those interested in physical fitness, this may be just the book for you. The sport of boxing has grown in popularity over the past few years, not so much to fight, but as a general good workout with the added benefit of learning to defend oneself.
Boxer’s Start-Up is well organized and will provide the beginner with sufficient basics to get started. There are lots of pictures to help you learn about the gear, stances, basic footwork, punches, combinations, working with the heavy bag, basic defense and counters, the boxer’s workout, and sparring.
Werner has added some history and a boxer’s journal to complete this little book. For the price, you’ll get a lot of punch for your buck.
Reviewed by Kaye Trout - March 7, 2007
PAYSON HEIGHTS by Joseph A. Wellman
iUniverse, Inc.
2021 Pine Lake Road
Lincoln, NE 68512
www.iuniverse.comGenre: Social/Power Politics/Sex/Fiction
Rating: Good
ISBN: 0595427243, $17.95, 257 pp.
Real estate, power, politics, social issues and sex are at the heart of Payson Heights. After reading this book and recalling past scandals in the Catholic church, a priest is the last person to whom I would confess . . . anything. What would you think of a priest who records confessions and then blackmails the confessors? Does it happen? . . . possibly and if so, what a sad state of affairs.
I reviewed Mr. Wellman’s The Darkness of Mid Day in January of this year and stated that he is a good writer. He tells his intricate stories in an intriguing manner which keeps them moving forward. I do believe, however, that he has a preoccupation about women who were once prostitutes, decided to change their lives, and then have to confess the ‘error of their ways’ to have a meaningful relationship with a man. Several women characters in his novels have this little problem. Oh, the agony of it all.
According to the back cover of this novel, "Payson Heights has been selected as a finalist for the 2007 Allbooks Review Editor’s Choice award for fiction." I’m not sure just what that is, but I wish Mr. Wellman the best of luck in his writing endeavors.
Reviewed by Kaye Trout - March 7, 2007
THE RAVEN by John Lawson
Publish America, Baltimore
www.PublishAmerica.comGenre: Fantasy
Rating: Very Good
ISBN: 1424143802, 24.95 pounds, 618 pp.
Sorry to say, but fantasy is not one of my favorite genres, particularly with its unpronounceable names and made-up languages. Please take this into consideration when reading my review. The back cover tells us:
"Guiromelans is a knight, a sacred paladin, seeking nothing more than to obey the commandments of God. But when God betrays him and allows a hells-condemned witch to defeat him in battle, he is forced to reexamine his faith. What did he do to merit such disgrace? What can he do to atone for his sins?
"Facing challenges both of the flesh and of the soul, Guiromelans begins a pilgrimage across the known world. In search of redemption and forgiveness, he discovers the true meaning of God’s will. The Raven is the sequel to John Lawson’s first novel, Witch Ember."
The Ravens are a superior class of knights, sworn to a strict code of conduct. In Witch Ember, Guiromelans betrayed the trust of a lady in need (a breach of ethical code) because she was a witch, and did so as the Medians demanded the death of all witches.
Most of this long novel deals with Guiromelans’ bloody encounters with all kinds of opponents–sorcerers, Norsemen, pirates, centaurs . . . to name a few. Most of the characters in the story live lives of constant struggle, yet continue on.
The Raven is a fast-paced, unpredictable read and if you’re a fantasy lover, I’m certain it will appeal to you. John is a good writer and it’s quite evident that he take pleasure in the writing process.
Reviewed by Kaye Trout - March 6, 2007
THE AMERICAN PROBLEM by Thomas J. Roatch
Llumina Press
PO Box 772246
Coral Springs, FL
www.llumina.comGenre: Non-Fiction/Opinion/Politics
Rating: Highly Recommended
ISBN: 9781595266774, $9.95, 96 pp.
In this compact little book Thomas J. Roatch addresses many of the problems we face in America today–eleven to be exact: automotive/energy, health, politics, air travel, the internet, borders, drugs and crime, space, Iraq and Afghanistan, racism and gender ignorance, and education.
He presents these problems in a precise, clear manner and adds documentation to inform and support his position. On the back cover it states: "Tom claims he wrote The American Problem ‘because I was raised never to complain about anything unless you had a solution for that problem.’" The problems may seem overwhelming to the average American, and they are indeed complex.
This little book, however, does not tell us "how to solve the problems" in the matrix in which they exist. Tom has his opinions, as we all do, but his little book may be one of many to be written to help us clarify the issues and inspire ‘the people’ to find the strength to stand up and say, "Enough is enough", particularly in regard to our energy problems. When the people have had enough, they will stand up, as they did in the Soviet Union.
Of particular interest are the facts presented about our energy problems and how our leaders have neglected to deal with them because as JP Morgan said to Nikola Tesla in 1905, "If anyone can draw on the power, where do we put the meter?" And, are you aware that the ‘country’ of Brazil does not use gasoline; they use ethanol made from sugar. Realistic solutions are out there to solve our energy problems, but it’s difficult to get around the greed of the automotive and energy monopolies.
Thomas J. Roatch has cared enough about our problems to write this book. If I were to make a constructive criticism, it would be that he has not provided us with a constructive means to unite the people to bring about the needed changes.
I highly recommend this book as an informative delineation of America’s problems and for the price of $9.95, it is well worth the price.
Reviewed by Kaye Trout - March 1, 2007
