I love the concept of this short and I love van ...
928337
I love the concept of this short and I love van der Vaart's other works. Imagine my disappointment when I realized this short story is nothing more that the final ramblings of an old man arguing with mission control. Yes, he accomplishes his mission, but nothing is ever stated as a why. No back story at all. This is definitely not up to van der Vaart's usual standard.
4316647
I loved this story idea with the old man and his friend on top of a mountain watching the world flood out. Even better when the worms start to arrive. It gets even darker when the mysterious fungus starts to creep into the corners of the story. The build up is great for the first 60% of the book. That is until the helicopter crash, then the main character meets some old characters from another story. Then Conqueror Worms turns into a short story that I already read, "The Garden Where My Rains Grows" from Mr. Keene's Fear of Gravity short story compilation. Hence the remaining 40% that I already read gets a thumbs down. Don't get me wrong, I liked "The Garden Where My Rains Grows" as a stand-alone short story. I just didn't think it belonged here. Or to be more honest, I felt cheated out of 40% of the novel because I already read this short story! I just think Keene was being lazy by including it verbatim into this novel. Yes, both stories are linked with the non-stop rain but I think they work better as separate stories within the same apocalypse. To be honest, I would have given this novel four stars if it would have stayed true to itself and been a unique story onto itself. I don't understand why Keene felt the need to combine the stories. But this felt like getting a greatest hits album from some 70s rock band that also includes new bonus tracks. You really like the new music and you wish there was more, but the real headache is that the old stuff (as good as it is) just gets in your way of enjoying the new stuff. So as a result, the new songs end up kind of sucking as well. I am a big fan of Brian Keene, so don't get me wrong. But he has done better work. Try Dead Sea, The Rising, Fear of Gravity, and City of the Dead. Only read this if you have not read "The Garden Where My Rains Grows", otherwise you won't like it as much.
4493277
I didn't pay attention to the length of Bob's short story, Smoke, because, having just read his other story available on Amazon, Magenta, a few days ago, I assumed it would be about the same length. Imagine my surprise when I discovered it was only about 1/3 as long. Now I'm not saying quantity is not more important than quality, but I do wish this had been longer.

However, this great piece of near flash fiction still accomplishes a good deal in its short length and, to me, is worthy of 4 stars. A quick romp through the vestibule of the afterlife, Smoke is a colorful tale of a man who is offered a great mercy when his mortal form comes to an untimely end.

This is definitely worth your dollar and your time, and I hope Bob considers expanding this into a novel someday.
1739667
it isn't so much that it is small, it is to short.
977965
I'm giving it five stars, because the grass is beautiful, fresh. the concept is awesome.  Unfortunately so far, for some reason, my little teddy bear puppy isn't taking to it.  Going to keep trying and read the websites suggestions.  I think the problem is that she likes it so much, she doesnt want to pee in it, instead she drags her toys into it, and rolls in it and has decided its her little apt now, and she is NOT going to sh.t or p.ss, in her own apt.

bummer, literally.  but i won't give up!  concept is great and so is the price for this one. I am wondering if maybe she is just too young to get it yet, she's not yet 4 months, maybe she just hasn't connected the dots.

The review is definitely for five stars because its an amazing amazing invention. and fantastic quality and price.  If you give this a bad review because your dog won't go, your reviewing it incorrectly and unfairly. aiight?

Meems
3330393
I love the idea of this, and the execution is not bad. I use bags for lining small trashcans, and cleaning my rabbit's litterbox, so I have to keep them on-hand. I just hate the mess it causes, and how much space it takes up. I was so excited when I saw this, I just had to have it. And for the price, I don't think you could go wrong. I was pleasantly surprised with how many bags this holds. It's not going to hold a million bags, or something crazy like that, but I think 30 is a good estimate. It's the perfect size for me, because I only keep bags without holes and if I've got any space I will refill it after a shopping trip. It keeps me from hoarding bags, while still having enough on hand. My complaint is about the sticky pads that come with this to mount it to the back of your cabinet door. It's not strong enough to support it, It started falling about a week after the move. It has a way to hang it with a nail, but my fiance and I are renting, so I don't think that's really an option. Thankfully with command strips as reinforcements, it's holing strong.
918067
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a nice quick read. I like the premise and the flow. It was just too short.
The last 25 pages felt rushed.
3915332
I love the idea behind the stories and would love to read the whole story. I am extremely disappointed that the series is really just parts of one book. They are WAY TOO SHORT. Just as I am getting into the story it stops suddenly. I now have to wait for the rest and will hopefully remember what the oher way to short prts are about. Icf you want to read wait until the whole series is out. I feel it would be worth the wait and you won't feel disappointed when it isn't finished. I hope to review again when I finally finish  th.e story. I give the writting a five starsl
4934171
I was really excited to try this and while it is a great concept the bucket is just not large enough. I have two kittens so I knew when the review said the pail will hold up to 2 weeks of litter I figured 1 week would be for me. I barely get 2-3 days without having to start a new bag. I would love to see a larger pail come out for multi-cat homes as this concept and design are the step in the right direction.
3047306
First the good news. This is an interesting concept. I was asked to review a book by a fellow indie author, which I agreed to, and ended up reading what amounts to an episode of a series, rather than an actual book. In other words, it's not really long enough to be considered a book. A novella? Possibly. But the concept has to do with a young man in search of his sister who disappears in a flash of light right in front of his eyes, and he goes on to investigate evidence of intelligent life on earth long before cavemen. It has potential.

That's the good news. Unfortunately, the execution left a lot to be desired. From the get-go, I was confused. The story starts at the peak of the girl's disappearance, with only the girl's name being mentioned. It's another page and a half before you see anyone else's name, and then you realize it's a dream sequence, and then even though there are two men mentioned, only one is identified.

There's not enough character development; in other words, I need to care more about the characters. And there is the usual bugaboo of indie publishing: the woeful need for an editor! Grammar and punctuation problems abound.

Not only that, but there are some structural issues. I loved the place where the main character says, "I would do anything to get her back." Then the woman he's talking to says, "But would you do anything to get her back?" and he says, "Yes, I'd do anything to get her back." Reminds me of Monty Python....

I wish J.D. Stonebridge the best, but I think his best road to success is going to involve an editor. Best wishes.
2021447
I absolutely love the concept of this series. Authors coming together to write stories all taking place in one neighborhood (cul-de-sac) with each home having their own story that interacts with all other stories in the series in some form. Each author has their own fortes; it makes for a truly wonderful interactive series to read. Phoebe's story is about Valley and David and their wish (or perhaps attempts) to add some spice into their sex lives by joining "The Lifestyle" or swinging. Reading about how they went about it and some of their misses along the way made for a really interesting (and sometimes funny and sad) story. I absolutely LOVED David and how he would do just about anything to make Valley happy. Valley?  Well, I found her to be just a bit tough to take lol...she came across as truly selfish and self-described spoiled brat and you can really see this. She seemed to push the concept even when it didn't seem like it would work for them, but in the end David wanted to make her happy (and don't get me wrong, I'm sure he completely enjoyed himself but...yeah...Valley lol). I DID love how sure of herself Valley always was and how open she was even to her own detriment but body-positive is a great lesson here.
4552277
Love them only problem with vans is that they only last like 2-3 months not just these ones all of them!
4208443
Honestly! I don't know if I am loving it so much because its short and like a constant tease or if I'm hating it for those exact same reasons, dang it! I started to get a little worried that the whole I'm scared to talk to him would cause a big blow up, but thankfully that didn't happen, and they got it figured out. As with the last this one was too dang short, I'm needy and want more, LOTS more. The little tease with Lisa and Vincent was nice too, I can't wait for their book!
2617762
I saw this wonderful story on television and was instantly in love with it. However, it's just too short. By the time I was settling down to really get into to it, it was over. Not cool!
I demand a remake and longer running time! :)
904979
This is a really neat concept. I bought it for a couple of reasons. I am going on vacation soon and will be doing a lot of hiking. I like the idea of being able to charge my phone on the go. With this set up, I don't have to worry about being stuck in an emergency. I also wanted it for our family emergency kit. With it, I have portable water, a place to keep things, and a way to keep things charged. The solar panel charges a battery and the battery can be taken out and used. I even used pipe cleaners to affix the panel to my hammock. I listened to audible without worrying about killing my phone battery. Its the little things!

Pros: The solar panel works great in full sun. The battery charged my phone from 12% to 100% pretty quickly. You have two USB ports, so you can charge two things at once. The padding on the back of the pack is better than I expected. It is thick and provides good airflow. The water bladder is great and holds a lot. Over all, It's a really good setup. I feel good having this for hikes and in my emergency kit. I like the pockets. The material is good and construction seems sturdy.

Cons: I wish the zippers were a little tougher. I like to be a little rough and tumble with my packs. The solar panel does not work as well in shade. Here is my only big issue. I'm a bit busty. The way the chest straps fit is a bit uncomfortable. It fits across the top of my chest and makes my boobs look ginormous. If you know what the "seat belt" effect is, you'll understand. If you are a very broad shouldered man, It may be a bit tight on you too. It is a smaller sized back pack. I like this, but it may smaller than what you're looking for. I put it on my 10 year old son, and it fit him great. Its the perfect size for a trail hike.

After all that, I do need to tell you I bought this at a discount in return for my honest review of it. I hope I did right by you!
3530430
I purchased the black pair (presumably with the short distance pad) for my 4.2 mile daily commute. The saddle I'm riding is actually less comfortable with the shorts on because the pad doesn't seem to hold its shape which creates hotspots without much added comfort. Other than that the shorts don't stay at the waist (they ride down) which can be embarrassing.

The concept here is great, execution fell short.
994501
I love the idea behind this series. There isn't one single Baba Yaga, rather it is a title that a few women carry, along with the benefits and responsibilities is confers. This is a novella that introduces the series. Barbara, one of the American Babas, has to help a man get his children back. They've been taken by the mother to a cult run by a super-charismatic man, almost magically charismatic. I liked Barbara. She's tough, travels in a "modified" Airstream and has a dragon companion who is currently taking the shape of a dog. as this is less than 100 pages, we just start getting the feel for the world and for the Baba's lives.

Some of the dialogue was a bit off and the problem was a little too easy to fix, but I do like that she had to help the seeker. My biggest problem was with the dragon/dog. To me, he acted way more like a dog than a dragon taking the form of a dog, if that makes sense. Except for the occasional threat to eat someone, he seemed most interested in having a nice meaty bone to chew on.

It's a fun take on an old character and I liked how Blake brought in the Russian aspect of Baba Yaga, the magical house and the blue rose tea. I also get the impression that the Babas can be dangerous enemies to have. I'm looking forward to reading Wickedly Dangerous. I'm hoping for a bit more oomph to the story. This one was good, but not as great as I think it could be, given the premise.