Figure after last week’s pair of apparently controversial self-publishing posts, this is high-time to go to you, the army of audiovisual hallucinations I call my “audience,” to recommend some self-published books you have read recently.
Use the comments below to talk about some self-published books that you enjoyed very much — and, as an extra mark of criteria, books you think meets a professional standard equal to or beyond that of what you’d get from a Big-Ass Publisher.
Tell us what the book is, who it’s by, why you dig it.
And if you’re so inclined, a link to purchase.
GO FORTH AND SHARE THE AWESOME.
ashleycapes says:
‘The Blood of Whisperers’ from Devin Madson, an Australian SF writer. The production values, story and editing were tops, loved it.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18483450-the-blood-of-whisperers
She crowd-funded the entire trilogy too.
February 3, 2014 — 7:00 AM
ashleycapes says:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Blood-Whisperers-Vengeance-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00FHBHQYK/
Great idea, Chuck.
Hit ‘post’ too early, but basically, really enjoyed the magic in the story, and Darius was one of those characters that forced me to turn each page 🙂
February 3, 2014 — 7:04 AM
Kaleb Russell says:
One of the best books I’ve read by a self-published author is called Zero Sight by Justin B. Shier. This book is has amazing characters along with a great plot and plenty of hilarious moments. I’m not the best with descriptions, so you’ll have to trust my word and check out the book.
February 3, 2014 — 7:03 AM
J.B. Brooklin says:
“Just one damned thing after another”, a time travel story (and I don’t even like time travel storys all that much), but I loved this one. Quirky characters, interesting plot. Well edited. Great read!
http://www.amazon.com/Damned-Thing-Another-Chronicles-Series-ebook/dp/B00EUIEKA4/
February 3, 2014 — 7:04 AM
Eridani says:
This is the first self-published book I ever read. It’s a pretty great paranormal romance. The author used to be an editor herself so the draft is polished and the story is pretty tight. I liked the “I see dead people” vs. Eureka mashup vibe. Oh, and it’s free right now! Good timing.
http://www.amazon.com/Gift-Ghosts-Tassamara-Sarah-Wynde-ebook/dp/B006KF645E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391429073&sr=8-1&keywords=a+gift+of+ghosts
February 3, 2014 — 7:07 AM
AK says:
“The Last Prospector” – Fantasy novel by Cairn Rodrigues – it’s sharp and fast-paced. The writing is smooth, and I’m pestering her impatiently for book 2.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Last-Prospector-Cairn-Rodrigues/dp/1479135879
February 3, 2014 — 7:08 AM
Alex Edwards says:
Little Room on the Landing by Fred Riley. It is an autobiographical coming of age story written by a good friend of mine, who I haven’t seen in years but talk to often. Not only is it his first book ever, but he also made the decision to self-publish it through Lulu.
It’s an enjoyable read (though of course I am slightly biased) following the most natural plot of all – the meandering road of life. He alters peoples names to keep some level of anonymity, but it was a very personal project and I hope more people read it.
February 3, 2014 — 7:08 AM
Ms Zed says:
Good to remember oldies but goodies as well, like Virginia Woolf’s Orlando (and others) published by her own Hogarth Press.
February 3, 2014 — 7:12 AM
ruzkin says:
The Whirlwind in the Thorn Tree, by S.A. Hunt, was recommended to me as an epic fantasy heavily inspired by Stephen King’s Dark Tower Trilogy. Upon reading it, I discovered it was so much more – dark, yes, gritty, yes, but also unapologetically fantastical, sometimes laugh-out-loud witty, and written in a lean, punchy style I only wish I could emulate. It’s also free, so I really don’t see any reason to not give it a whirl.
http://www.amazon.com/Whirlwind-Thorn-Tree-Outlaw-King-ebook/dp/B00BJCLMFU/
February 3, 2014 — 7:13 AM
Matthew Harffy says:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wolfs-Head-The-Forest-Lord/dp/1490552944
“Wolf’s Head” by Steven A. McKay.
Good. solid, action-packed historical fiction. The first in a series retelling the story of Robin Hood with aplomb. For a debut novel, it is top notch. Polished, professional and fun to read.
February 3, 2014 — 7:17 AM
kristoffrable says:
Rick Gualtieri’s “Bill the Vampire” series is one of my favorite self-pubbed series. A geeky vampire working his way through the vampire bureaucracy and taking part in funny adventures.
February 3, 2014 — 7:22 AM
curiouskermit says:
this sounds good! I’ve added it to my to read list on Goodreads. thanks! =)
February 3, 2014 — 12:34 PM
David Glynn says:
Please to recommend Paul Draker’s Pyramid Lake even though I am not all the way through it yet.
Paul’s debut novel, New Year Island, is a top notch thriller, but with Pyramid Lake he takes things to a whole new level. Paul has enough skill that he can take a first-person narrator who is by no means wholly likeable yet in that voice compel the reader through a labyrinthine, well-thought-out plot.
It’s something not too many people can accomplish, yet Paul manages it without us even seeing the technique. Not only that, but he weaves his highly technical plot with nary a mis-step. Kudos, I say, and you should all check it out.
February 3, 2014 — 7:29 AM
macdibble says:
Olives: A Violent Romance
by Alexander McNabb
I love this book because it takes us behind the headlines we see everyday about Israel/Jordan/Palestine to a human story. A British reporter trying to cover a story on the water crisis, falls for a Jordanian woman with connections. He gets in deep enough that the British try to use him to spy and he’s caught in a situation where he has to betray someone but he no longer knows who to trust or who wants him dead. The sense of menace builds throughout the book. It reads a little like a spy thriller but without the fake showy glamour or macho bullshit and with a proper and touching romance, not some girl that needs rescuing. The setting is amazing and the politics give everyone something to think about and a very real glimpse inside a culture.
February 3, 2014 — 7:32 AM
Dan Schwent says:
I’m enjoying Cruelty by Edward Lorn. It’s getting tough waiting for the individual episodes to be released, though.
February 3, 2014 — 7:35 AM
Imelda Evans says:
Ainslie Paton writes real romances with some grit. This one has been very well reviewed by people who know whereof they speak. Called White Balance. It’s self-pubbed although others of hers aren’t. http://www.amazon.com/White-Balance-ebook/dp/B0091V1M74/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1345961906&sr=1-1&keywords=White+Balance
February 3, 2014 — 7:40 AM
Dave Higgins says:
Simon Cantan’s <a href="http://simoncantan.com/shiny-new-swindle/" title="Shiny New Swindle by Simon Cantan"Shiny New Swindle.
A good combination of cyberpunk and humour.
“Instead of the traditional cyberpunk images of the Net as a separate reality or an overlay, this novel builds on the ubiquity of internet access to posit a world where the Net has all but replaced perception of reality.
Set in a world where everyone is networked via a wireless node connected directly into their brain, the book follows a group of teenagers who have discovered a way to briefly breach the security between the brain and the wireless connection, allowing them to hack people’s perceptions and even some aspects of their nervous system. Their lifestyle of pranks, one-upmanship, and casual theft is brought to an end when they are set up to take the fall in a much more serious crime.” – from my review.
February 3, 2014 — 7:49 AM
jreinmiller says:
I’ve gotta recommend a pair of steampunk fantasy books (soon to be a trilogy) by Jonathon Burgess. They were both kickstarted and have great production values from cover to cover, to say nothing of the good characters, fun plots, and entertaining stories. Check ’em out.
http://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Lantern-Dawnhawk-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B008Z8QVR0/
http://jonathonburgess.com/
February 3, 2014 — 7:51 AM
Scott Marlowe says:
Looks like my kind of read. I’m definitely checking these out.
February 5, 2014 — 8:51 AM
Sue Baiman says:
Garaaga’s Children:Ancients by Paul E.Cooley. It’s dark historical fantasy that starts before recorded history and follows the god Garaaga and his half human progeny through the destruction of the library at Alexandria. It has elements of horror and erotica. Very compelling characters and the production value is top notch. Available as a free podcast, ebook, or limited edition hardcover from ShadowPublications.com.
February 3, 2014 — 8:03 AM
Scott Roche (@spiritualtramp) says:
Seconded.
February 3, 2014 — 10:46 AM
Nuchtchas says:
thirded!
February 3, 2014 — 3:27 PM
kaalalexanderrosser says:
Fourthded…
February 4, 2014 — 2:25 PM
Mike reidell says:
Fishes of the Last Frontier
Author:William J. Hauser
ISBN:978-1-59433-255-5
I make my home in Alaska having traveled all over my home let me give you perspective as to how large my home encompasses.
Imagine a land mass the size of Europe East and West with seven major mountain ranges, a coastal range that is larger that all the lower 48 states combined .
Volcano’s that are very active and less than 8000 miles of roads that only go North and South with one road entry point thru Canada.
Fish are very important food source for the locals “me”
Lower 48 food sources like milk outside of anchorage $8.00 per gallon , bread $6.00 per loaf during the summer winter is a different story.
If you want to know about fish that are very important for Alaska ever had a fish burger ?
Well Alaskan Pacific walleye pollock is the fish you are enjoying.
This book is packed with useful information written for you to understand it by a professional.
February 3, 2014 — 8:14 AM
M.M.K says:
Brandon Sanderson
February 3, 2014 — 8:16 AM
amandayvalentine says:
Elizabeth Cole writes really fun Regency romance novels and novellas (I admit to some bias as her editor, but I’d be reading her books regardless. My husband isn’t her editor, and he’s read and enjoyed them all). In addition to good plots, she writes witty dialogue and great support characters. Her most recent novel is A Heartless Design. http://www.amazon.com/A-Heartless-Design-Secrets-Zodiac-ebook/dp/B00F281DM4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391434798&sr=8-1&keywords=elizabeth+cole
Elizabeth is among the examples (along with Chuck – I swear I’m not sucking up!) that I bring up when people ask me who I think is doing a good job at the business of self-publishing.
February 3, 2014 — 8:51 AM
Gregor Xane says:
Ade Grant’s The Mariner. This is certainly not for everyone. It’s exceedingly dark and grim. If you can stomach a fantasy novel without a hero in sight, you might really like it.
http://amzn.com/B008VU02TK
February 3, 2014 — 8:52 AM
Will Weisser says:
Christopher Ruz’s “Century of Sand” is unbelievably good dark/epic fantasy. It’s probably the only self-published book I know of which has a plethora of five-star reviews on Amazon all of which I wholeheartedly agree with (although one of them was written by me). Great world, great characters, and impeccable production value.
http://www.amazon.com/Century-Sand-Christopher-Ruz-ebook/dp/B007NG8H7W
February 3, 2014 — 8:53 AM
Rick Cook Jr says:
I’ll second this. I would also like to proffer his Olesia Anderson novels published under D.D. Marks, his pulp alter-ego. They’re erotic spy thrillers, something like Alias meets erotica, and the title character is a hoot to follow around because she screws up as often as she does awesome stuff.
First book on Kindle happens to be free on Amazon, too:
http://www.amazon.com/Dirty-Deals-Olesia-Anderson-Thriller-ebook/dp/B006M1K4HU/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2
February 3, 2014 — 10:32 AM
BC (@beester02) says:
Lady of the Helm and The Wrath of the Medusa by T. O. Munro.
The Stone Road by G. R. Matthews
February 3, 2014 — 8:57 AM
Catherine Egan says:
Broken Magic, by Eric Sipple. A lovely book. He’s a true original. Read it and then in ten years you can tell people you read his first novel when he was self-published.
http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Magic-Eric-Sipple/dp/1477636390/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1391435924&sr=8-2&keywords=broken+magic
February 3, 2014 — 8:59 AM
john freeter says:
I’d like to recommend two books, aimed at different readers:
“Fox and Wolf” By Eugene Woodbury. It’s professionally written and edited, and the two main characters are Japanese high school girls, one who’s a were-fox and the other a were-wolf. The yakuza are involved. Very good YA book.
http://www.amazon.com/Fox-Wolf-Eugene-Woodbury-ebook/dp/B00A949MP6
The other is “The Gamblers” by Martin Stanley. A funny, gritty, violent and complex tale of British crime.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Gamblers-Martin-Stanley-ebook/dp/B004W82MYI
February 3, 2014 — 9:03 AM
underastarlitsky says:
Becoming Human by Eliza Green – the first in a trilogy. It’s the first ‘true’ Sci-Fi book i’ve read in a long time (i.e. aliens on another planet, set in the future). Really, really, really good! can’t recommend it enough, and thankfully the 2nd book in the trilogy was just released in December! so i’m gonna get that too… http://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Human-Exilon-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B00AOBIRIW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391437177&sr=8-1&keywords=becoming+human+eliza+green
February 3, 2014 — 9:19 AM
J. L. Mbewe says:
I recently read, Broken Bargain by Clare Davidson, the sequel to Reaper’s Rhythm. This is her third self-published novel. When I first discovered Davidson’s books, I was amazed at the quality and the complexity of the story she writes. My first love is epic fantasy, but her latest two books are urban fantasy and present tense, which I’m not a big fan of those styles/genres. That said, I LOVE her books. Not only is the writing tight, she also isn’t afraid to deal with real life issues. Here’s the link to her books: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=clare%20davidson&sprefix=clare+dav%2Caps&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aclare%20davidson
And I could not leave out Robert Mullin’s Bid the Gods Arise. LOVED it! EPIC fantasy, complex, a little sci-fi mixed in as well, and it is well-written. I usually try to restrain myself from fully falling in love with authors until I’ve read more than one book by them, but…the adventure and the story blew me away. I’m anxiously waiting the sequel. http://www.amazon.com/Bid-Gods-Arise-Wells-Worlds-ebook/dp/B00AM4V02G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391439335&sr=8-1&keywords=bid+the+gods+arise
February 3, 2014 — 10:02 AM
Jennifer Ellision says:
I’m a YA girl so I’ll drop a couple self-pubbed YA links here… I really enjoyed Ultraviolet Catastrophe by Jamie Grey– a sci-fi with a somewhat nerdy protagonist who discovers her parents have been drugging her to suppress her intellect. I’m starting the author’s 2nd book today and super excited about it.
http://www.amazon.com/Ultraviolet-Catastrophe-Jamie-Grey-ebook/dp/B00FBP2YRG/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1391439476&sr=1-1&keywords=ultraviolet+catastrophe
I also liked One by Leigh Ann Kopans– premise: Supers have two powers… if you’re born with only one power, like floating, as the MC is, you’re pretty much useless. Unless you stumble upon a way to combine your powers with another One, which has never been done before.
http://www.amazon.com/One-Universe-LeighAnn-Kopans-ebook/dp/B00DADFRNY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1391439742&sr=1-1&keywords=one+leighann+kopans
February 3, 2014 — 10:03 AM
Marc Cabot says:
A plug for Kate Paulk’s “Vampire Con” series, of which the first book is “ConVent.” It’s about what you think it is – a vampire who likes to go to cons. Very funny, surprisingly good cliffhangers for comic fantasy.
I don’t know what happened to the cover of the first book, it used to have a reasonable one and now it looks like a junior-high art project, so sorry for that. The other books have nice covers. But they’re quite good, even with that.
http://www.amazon.com/ConVent-The-Vampire-Con-Series-ebook/dp/B006K9Q19Y/
February 3, 2014 — 10:05 AM
Marc Cabot says:
Oh, and I know you said “A,” but I would be remiss in not also mentioning “Lord Talon’s Revenge,” which is a *magnificent* epic fantasy (although somewhat in the vein of Stephen Brust’s “The Phoenix Guards,” and Simon Green’s “Blue Moon Rising” in that its buckles are swashed with unexpected bursts of humor.)
Seriously, this guy has only been up to bat once, but he knocked it out of the park.
http://www.amazon.com/Lord-Talons-Revenge-Tom-Simon-ebook/dp/B008SLUH7Y/
He’s also written some scholarly books on Tolkien which are quite readable, but not my thing, so it’s not that I don’t like them, it’s just that I am not qualified to recommend them. If you like that sort of thing check them out too.
February 3, 2014 — 10:11 AM
Gwenda says:
I just read One & Only by Viv Daniels (New Adult pseudonym of fab YA author Diana Peterfreund), which was wonderful; the set-up is two science nerd prodigies falling in love and it also has a secret family element (I’m a sucker for a secret family). http://www.amazon.com/One-Only-Canton-Viv-Daniels-ebook/dp/B00GI27E8A
And I also recently read Courtney Milan’s latest, The Countess Conspiracy, which also features romance around advanced science (huh, odd coincidence). It’s wonderful, like all her books: http://www.amazon.com/Countess-Conspiracy-Brothers-Sinister-Book-ebook/dp/B00HCP4FNO
February 3, 2014 — 10:15 AM
Jennifer Ellision says:
I’ll second the rec for One & Only! It was great.
February 3, 2014 — 11:59 AM
Shannon McEwan says:
Another vote for The Countess Conspiracy.
All the books in Courtney Milan’s Brother Sinister series to date do a good job at leveraging Victorian social codes to generate internal conflict. The production of the books is absolutely professional, and it’s clear that Milan is using her foray into self-publishing to stretch perceptions of what make a good romance.
The Countess Conspiracy and the Governess Affair are my favourites in the series – both books have strong, believable characters, and both books keep a tight focus on the story at hand.
February 3, 2014 — 6:27 PM
Colleen Vanderlinden says:
Elizabeth Hunter’s “Elemental Mysteries” and “Elemental World” series are among my favorite books. Very well-written paranormal romance, and her new “Irin Chronicles” series is looking to be just as satisfying. I’m also a fan of Jasinda Wilder’s romances.
February 3, 2014 — 10:16 AM
Elaina Roberts (Mazuri) says:
I can second this recommendation enough. The depth of research, interwoven plot lines, and “realness” to her characters, even the vamps, make this author one that I push onto others like a dealer looking for a new client. Love her stuff.
February 3, 2014 — 10:39 AM
Elaina Roberts (Mazuri) says:
I CANNOT second this… dammit, and I read that over again, too.
February 3, 2014 — 10:39 AM
E.Maree says:
Nobody’s recommending Leah Raeder’s UNTEACHABLE?
Genre-defining New Adult fiction. it’s got a strong female character voice, the main character is unapologetic about her flaws, and there’s lots of brilliant, well-written smutty scenes.
February 3, 2014 — 10:24 AM
Sarah Dalton says:
Seconded. I loved it. And it was nominated for best debut novel in the Goodreads awards last year.
February 3, 2014 — 12:03 PM
Clarence Young says:
Minister Faust’s ‘War & Mir’ is like being punched in the brain with joy. You don’t often get somebody as inventive as he is, adept at story-telling as he is, and willing to step outside the box as often as he does. You can’t go wrong with any of his books. He treats the indie-author game like the total package.
http://www.amazon.com/War-Mir-Ascension-Minister-Faust/dp/0986902497/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1391441081&sr=1-2&keywords=war+%26+mir
February 3, 2014 — 10:26 AM
Angela Roquet says:
I’ve really enjoyed Clare Davidson’s HIdden series lately. It’s paranormal YA, and the editing is flawless. Here is book 1, “Reaper’s Rhythm”, on Amazon: http://amzn.to/LHsrjp
I’m also going to be shameless here and suggest my Lana Harvey, Reapers Inc. series. I’m thrilled by the feedback I’ve received from other authors, contest editors, and readers overall. I’m currently working on book 4, and I’m very happy about the number of harassing emails I receive from readers wanting to know when it will be out. Book 1, “Graveyard Shift”, is currently free on kindle (I know that’s controversial too, but I’ve seen the results, and I’m a believer). http://amzn.to/1fBfJgZ
February 3, 2014 — 10:27 AM
Sebastian Peters (@SebThePeters) says:
I don’t think I’ve seen it posted yet, but what about Barry Lyga’s Unsoul’d? http://barrylyga.com/unsould/
February 3, 2014 — 10:32 AM
Mikey Campling says:
Breakers series by Ed Robertson – a fast-paced post-apocalyptic romp. An easy and entertaining read with plenty of action and some good characters.
The Breakers Series: Books 1-3
February 3, 2014 — 10:43 AM
Cat York says:
Robert Gregory Brown publishes his own series called “Trial Junkies” which I’m really enjoying. He’s also published traditionally through St. Martin’s Press. Crime mysteries and thrillers. He’s awesome. http://www.amazon.com/Trial-Junkies-Thriller-ebook/dp/B0083ECOBI
February 3, 2014 — 10:44 AM
Scott Roche (@spiritualtramp) says:
I really enjoyed Exorcising Aaron Nguyen by Lauren Harris . It’s a bit of supernatural YA fiction. I found the stories and characters engaging and the quality was at least as good as any pro pub. http://www.amazon.com/Exorcising-Nguyen-Millroad-Academy-Exorcists-ebook/dp/B00EPVT31C/
February 3, 2014 — 10:45 AM
Rebecca Douglass says:
Scott writes pretty well himself. I have read and can recommend his middle grade SF novel, Ginnie Dare: Crimson sands.
February 3, 2014 — 10:57 PM
Scott Roche (@spiritualtramp) says:
Cheers!
February 4, 2014 — 4:44 PM
MaKayla says:
“Underwood and Flinch” by Mike Bennet. Volumes 1 & 2 are available on Amazon, as well as being released as a free podcast. Volume 3 is currently ongoing in podcast form.
http://www.underwoodandflinch.com/buy_books
U&F is a sprawling horror story featuring vampires, a satanistic cult, and the russian mob. Bennet not only tells a galloping romp through one man’s unfortunate family ties to the vampire in question, but he does so with fantastic characterization and more than a touch of humor. If you’re looking for a series that makes the vampire frightening again, (no small feat, in my opinion) then Bennet is your man.
February 3, 2014 — 10:50 AM
Ellie Di says:
I’ve been digging Johnny B Truant’s self-published rampage, but my favourite of his is still the first book he ever put out, “The Bialy Pimps.” Sort of like “Dirty Work” meets “Clerks.” With bagels. And rats.
February 3, 2014 — 10:51 AM
Tricia Barr says:
I enjoyed Janine K. Spendlove’s portal fantasy ‘War of the Seasons’ trilogy about elves, druids and humans. The third book is out now. You can find the books on Amazon or her author website.
http://www.waroftheseasons.com/
February 3, 2014 — 10:55 AM
A. M. Pillsworth says:
I’m fond of J. M. Guillen’s The Herald of Autumn, in which an old-world fey finds an unlikely ally in the new-world Coyote.
February 3, 2014 — 11:01 AM
curiouskermit says:
this sounds great! I’ve added it to the (enormous) to-read list. thanks! =)
February 3, 2014 — 12:43 PM
Kyoko says:
Talisha Harrison’s works of poetry are positively beautiful. The first one is “The Unconsciousness of an Ethiopian Princess.” She’s got another poetry book coming out soon and a YA zombie thriller after that. http://www.amazon.com/The-Unconsciousness-An-Ethiopian-Princess/dp/1492101389/
February 3, 2014 — 11:06 AM
Kay Camden says:
Aw crap, 45 comments already…I have enough to read on my Kindle!
Here’s one more.
After the Rising by Orna Ross
Heartbreaking, dramatic, spanning generations. There’s this underlying theme of hope throughout it, the underdog’s fight for freedom. And the most refreshing depiction of women in war that I’ve ever read. Feminist, inspiring, I can’t say enough. Writing this description has me almost to tears. That’s how good a book it is. Is that weird? lol
February 3, 2014 — 11:15 AM
Daemyn says:
Tricia Barr’s new novel “Wynde” is a great start to an epic space opera series. The characterization, plotting, and storytelling in general is much stronger than most of the big publisher SFF I’ve read lately.
http://www.amazon.com/Wynde-Fireheart-Series-Volume-1/dp/1493696327
February 3, 2014 — 11:18 AM
Shirley says:
Ever wonder what a race of elves would be like if they were space marines instead of the aloof assholes of Tolkien? Sometimes still assholes, apparently. As much as I love the writing, I mostly love the CHARACTERS! That’s very important for me, in a story. If I don’t care if your people live or die, then there’s no sense of drama for me.
Full disclosure: I got to beta-read this as it was going through the editing process (indeed, some author/publishers DO hire editors!) How much did I love it? I bought a copy.
Link goes to the page where you can get either print paperback or Kindle edition. Or both! 😀
http://www.amazon.com/Honor-Sacrifice-Tribes-Heaven-Volume/dp/0615777031/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1391445085&sr=8-6&keywords=honor+and+sacrifice
February 3, 2014 — 11:36 AM
janetwaldenwest says:
John Hartness’ Bubba the Monster Hunter collections. Comic/dark fantasy.
http://www.amazon.com/Scattered-Smothered-Chunked-Monster-Hunter-ebook/dp/B00A6DT0P2/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1391445103&sr=1-3&keywords=bubba+the+monster+hunter
February 3, 2014 — 11:40 AM
Talisha Harrison says:
Chuck:
The Black Parade by Kyoko M.
Here’s the premise:
“One bullet is all it took to transform eighteen-year-old New Yorker Jordan Amador into the last hope for souls of the dead. However, it also transformed her into a cantankerous asocial waitress with a drinking problem. Jordan accidentally shot and killed a Seer: a person who can communicate with ghosts, angels, and demons. Worse still, she did so on the eve of her own awakening, making her the last Seer on Earth with no one to guide her. As penance, God gives her two years to help one hundred souls with unfinished business cross over from Earth to the afterlife or she will go to Hell. Just as she approaches the deadline, Jordan finds her hundredth soul: a smart-mouthed poltergeist named Michael whose ability to physically touch things makes him distinct from her usual encounters with the dead. However, the deeper she delves solving his sudden death, the more she realizes something sinister is on the horizon. With time running short, Jordan stumbles across a plot that may unravel the fragile balance among Heaven, Hell, and Earth. Her life is plunged into chaos as she is hunted by demons that want to use her valuable Seer blood to bring about the end of the world and discovers that these creatures have a frightening connection to her family bloodline. Plus, the budding romance between Jordan and Michael makes it harder for them to let go of each other so he can become part of the eternal black parade.”
I enjoyed this book because it has a great premise, strong characters, great character development, powerful conflicts, and an excellent build up to the awesome climax. This is a story in which once you start reading, you won’t want to put it down until you have finished the book. The main character Jordan Amador is a strong character who happens to be a woman of color-which is lacking in the world of novels. As a strong character, she has specific, detailed motivation for what she does. Jordan also has weaknesses and flaws, however, a good novel is a story of transformation and Miss Kyoko M. shows the reader how Jordan grows and change, and how she overcomes her problems and flaws from start to finish. Readers will be rooting for Jordan right from the start.
Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/The-Black-Parade-Kyoko-M/dp/1490911502/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1391445313&sr=8-5&keywords=The+Black+Parade
February 3, 2014 — 11:40 AM
AFOdom says:
I just finished “Dark Moonlighting” by Scott Haworth, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The review I posted on Amazon & Goodreads:
“This may be one of the most brilliant vampire novels I’ve ever read, exceeding even Christopher Moore’s dark humor. I couldn’t stop laughing, in between “ewwwwws”.
WHAT I LIKED
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* Dark dry wit
* Clever mix of “romantic” and “monster” vampire. Plus, black plague. Heh.
* Excellent supporting characters
* Dark dry wit
* The “journal” feel of the novel
* The wicked, wicked ending
* Did I mention the dark dry wit?
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
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* The “vampirism is a virus” thing isn’t my favorite take on vampirism, but the rest of the book more than makes up for it.
If you like dark (dark) humor, satires of tortured vampires, and a nice helping of violence, give this book a try. I imagine the ending is polarizing – a love it or hate it thing – and I LOVED it. Will definitely be reading more.”
Here’s your link: http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Moonlighting-Scott-Haworth-ebook/dp/B00BL3XXH2
February 3, 2014 — 12:09 PM