SPR’s book reviews of new self-published books
Titan by Michael Van Cleve
Titan by Michael Van Cleve is more than your usual post-apocalyptic novel. Though the blurb makes it seem like standard fare of surviving a nuclear holocaust and its after-effects, Titan veers more into science fiction than naturalistic post-apocalyptic wasteland, as the family at the heart of this novel has to fare a rise of a mutant population – the after-effects of radiation.
The core to any post-apocalyptic tale is not necessarily the environment, but the sympathetic resilience of its characters, and on this front Titan excels. There is also plenty of brutal imagery to spare, and thought-provoking exposition about man’s […]
When Gina Martin’s mentor passes away, his dying wish is that she go to Paris and view the works of master painters, as inspiration for her own art. At the Louvre, Gina is captivated by a painting from the late 18th century, and she catches the eye of Jerome Dumont, a gallery owner from provincial Perigueux who collects that artist’s work.
Jimmy Porter is nothing special. At least, he never thought so, and neither did most anyone in his life. His dad dropped out of his life at the age of eight, and at 21 he hasn’t got much to write home about outside of a decent vehicle and a few good friends. But Jimmy is about to find out just how special he is, owing to a secret flowing in his veins, which can cure all disease…
Journeys of the Agenyre: Masters of the Will: The Hunt for the Golden Watch by Adrian Ray is a young adult fantasy novel with an intriguing premise, making for a good start to a new fantasy series. Aarron Hutches and Anna-Lisa Ammerson are Agenyre, otherwise known as Will Masters, who are able to bend elements at will. This is much more than standard elements like fire and water: they can bend spirit, heart, space, time, energy, and even more. The two teens go on a quest using their abilities to find a magical artifact split into four parts, which could […]
Man will always twist technology to devious intent; that much is obvious. When drone technology is involved in the assassination attempt of an Arizona politician, few are so qualified to deal with the crime as one Eli Quinn.
Dynomike: Back To School by Frankie B. Rabbit is a sweet and spirited book about a little green dinosaur’s first day of school. He’s nervous like kids and can be – especially about what to wear – trying on things over and over again. It’s a sweet book with a good message about appearances and judgment. Dynomike is a cool little dinosaur with a great name who really seems like he could be the spearhead of a long series of books for kids.
Blood and Fire is the second book in the Bloodthorn Series, the medieval fantasy series by Adam Collins. The plot introduced in this trilogy is traditional fantasy fare, unmistakable in its genre roots as much for its sprawling world as its colorful characters, which includes dwarves, wizards, princesses, faerie folk, demonic villains, and monsters galore. It is a high fantasy adventure of battles and heroes, supplemented, of course, with nothing less than the staple quest to save a princess.
If you’re into sword and sorcery, battles, and magic, you’ll certainly find what you’re looking for in the Bloodthorn trilogy, starting with Stolen: Book One, an adventure of the classic type fantasy fans have come to know and love. Hero Brinn has an uncanny climbing skills, perfect to be a Pathfinder with the King’s elite. But he’s been found guilty of murder…of the King’s cousin. However, when the Princess is kidnapped as she travels to a marriage to join kingdoms, the King has to turn to Brinn and his soldiers for help.