Defects blows Sarah Noffke's Dream Traveler Universe to the heavens, brilliantly put together and worth every moment
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Sarah Noffke is a very gifted writer and I have enjoyed her novels thus far, however, when it comes to Defects, she has blown everything else I have read out of the water!  This book just connects all of the elements that need to come together for great story telling.

Defects contains a sprinkle of dream travel mixed with intrigue and companionship and throws in a bunch of action.  Nothing was too overdone or moved too slow or too fast, everything just went together perfectly.  The characters flow together so well and there are more than your fair share of characters that you love to hate.

I can't wait to check out Book 2: Rebels!  Don't miss out on this great story and a cameo of another great character from her dream travelers enterprise.

5 Stars for me.  I won a signed copy of this book and will treasure it for always :)
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Out of this World turns out to be somewhat of an understatement since this story is way, way out of this world in a delightfully entertaining fashion. Plus having the *Earth* woman who is astoundingly catapulted to this non-Earth world tumbling into her soon to be lover's bedroom upon arrival certainly set the tone for the super sexy elements. Additionally it provided a marvelous conduit via the original bedroom's occupant into the magnificently magical qualities of this new world. This book is such a romp yet establishes and develops some really profound themes within its sometimes fairy tale like atmosphere. I think it is a classy, A-1 winner!

Iris is so innocently amusing especially with her preoccupation about sex. Trying to follow her therapist's suggestion she ends up in the most astounding pickle of a predicament. Where is she? How will she ever get back to anything familiar? Will she ever have sex again? There goes that *sex* stuff once more as tears came to my laughter-enthralled self from so much more than just Iris's desire to get laid no matter where she is! Who Iris really is, where Iris has really been transported to, and how did she get hooked up with an astounding woman who seems to like sex even more than Iris does? What a brilliant start to a phantasmagorical story that comes replete with a tremendous cast of characters, and a prodigious out-of-this-universe planet with all manner of critical events about to unfold that will save or lose this environment's way of life. Incredible!

Anandra completely won me over with how she dealt with Iris's astounding arrival. And could I possibly imagine what she wants to do with Iris before anything else evolves? I was rolling on the floor laughing my innards out. Luckily Anandra, this world, and Iris step up to the plate and evolve alongside this nearly unreal adventure. This book could have simply gone on to be a ten-book anthology for all the extraordinary components that were given life, breath, and dimension. I had my socks knocked off multiple times as things uncoiled. Oh and by the way, the sex is fantastic, too. Stupendous!

In perhaps the understatement of the year, I really recommend this book. Iris unfolds, blossoms, and evolves beautifully. Anandra was a constant source of amazement, skill, and phenomenal adaptation. These two women along with all the spectacular exploits they survive are not to be missed. Luminous!

NOTE: This book was provided by Bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on <a href="http://www.rainbowbookreviews.com/book-reviews/out-of-this-world-by-maggie-morton-at-bold-strokes-books">Rainbow Book Reviews</a>.
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Today is the official publication date for Audrey Niffenegger's new novel, HER FEARFUL SYMMETRY, which is cause for celebration. I'm a huge fan of THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE as well as of Niffenegger's illustrated novels. I greatly admire her ability to bridge the worlds of art and words with such artistry and integrity. So you can imagine how excited I was when I read that Scribner had acquired her new novel earlier this year in a very significant publishing deal. I was even more excited to score an advance copy of it.

I was up to 2:30 in the morning devouring HER FEARFUL SYMMETRY--it's that enthralling a page-turner. Though it's been about two weeks since I finished, I'm still processing my thoughts about it. It's lingered with me, which is my mark of a good book.

First off, set aside any preconceptions or expectations you may have about HER FEARFUL SYMMETRY. It's decidedly not THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE, though there is a similar theme of The Things People Do For Love knitted throughout it, as well as a mordant humor. It's also written in third person, instead of the alternating first person narrative of TTW. For that alone, kudos to Niffenegger for not resting on her laurels to craft a TTW-romance-redux.

Short version: HER FEARFUL SYMMETRY is a exquisitely written ghost story. The book's premise is not dissimilar to one offered by a horror film: To claim an inheritance, Julia and Valentina, a set of abnormally attached identical twin sisters, must live for a year in a fabulous London apartment bequeathed to them by an aunt they've never met. The apartment is set next to Highgate Cemetery, the final resting place of many Victorian-era luminaries, including Karl Marx and Elizabeth Siddal Rossetti. The cemetery permeates the novel with an intense sense of place. (To research HFS, the author became a tour guide there; her deep knowledge infuses the novel.) Soon after the twins take possession of the apartment they learn that auntie may not have passed over to the other side. Paranormal shenanigans ensue.

HER FEARFUL SYMMETRY is far darker and more complicated and twisty than THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE. The main characters are not what they seem and do stunningly selfish and cruel things; regardless, you find yourself seduced by them and ultimately caring about their fates. The ending is not tidy and requires a serious suspension of disbelief--I still have not decided what final outcome Niffenegger insinuated for one of her characters-- though it is strangely uplifting. No spoilers here, but the concluding scene has a poetic justice/beauty about it that moved me deeply.

And yes, I cried at the end, though not the huge gulping sobs that TTW induced in me.

I suspect HER FEARFUL SYMMETRY is going to be a divisive book that some will adore, others may not. I loved it. It's especially perfect for this time of year, as we gear up to the night when the "veils between the worlds are thin."

If you do read, watch out for the Little Kitten of Death. Yup, it's that kind of book.
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Cleverly complex and exquisitely detailed, this stunning debut novel is a real treat. Beautifully merging together fast-paced, thrilling action/ adventure with modern technological advances and science, one is presented with a detailed concoction of literary delights as to capture the imagination! Brought to life with captivating characters this exciting story is one that will intrigue and astonish, as you loose yourself within a suspenseful, dynamic adventure. The first book in the Winner trilogy (the Awakening) takes you to a dangerous world that is both remarkable and creatively illuminating; as computer viruses, powerful nuclear devices, a tsunami, a stock market collapse and occult rituals and ancient artifacts merge together in one explosive, mind-blowing phenomenon! As the protagonists endeavor to prevent the end of their planet, I found myself mesmerized by this refreshingly original take within a competitive genre.

Hero, Martin Slice is a likable, appealing character who uncovers a great cataclysmic plot to destroy all of man kind. Upon discovering this as well as his `destiny' one soon understands that he is only a part of something much greater than ever imagined; which involves the multi-dimensional eternal war that has been raging between the guardians of the universe and a deadly, ancient evil. As Martin sets out on the quest of a lifetime to purge the universe of this horror, before it is too late and all of existence is consumed, you will find yourself being pulled into the addictive story.

Highly entertaining and totally unexpected, I am truly stunned by this novel which is certainly like nothing I have encountered within this genre. The distinctive, colorful characters (such as a Vietnam Vet, merciless Nazi and dishonest lawyer) make for an outlandish, vibrant read that takes you from the exotic to the harsh and desolate. Attention grabbing dialogue and dramatic action had me glued to the pages, as I felt I was partly witnessing Bond (007) movie within an otherworldly adventure. Earthreal and vividly depicted, I was so impressed by how Marc Bolda incorporated myth and legend, fantasy and science-fiction with an altogether modern, current feel.  Dry wit and humor, in-depth character-study and relentless twists and turns in the plot make this a stand-out novel and one that I highly commend.

Acutely sharp, stylish and simply sublime this well-written, bold and ambitious work is just exceptional hence I cannot praise it enough! Blown away by book one, within a terrific trilogy, I now cannot wait to read book 2: the sundering veil and book 3: the last knell of tarumus.

*I won a copy of "Winner, Book 1: the awakening" by Marc Bolda, through a Goodreads giveaway*

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking the author for this wonderful opportunity.
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I recently finished this incredible work of visionary fiction. Its one of those rare books that starts off immediately in the spiritual realm. From start to finish, this is visionary fiction at its finest and most bold. Swept up in the tale of incarnation, life, struggle, and purpose we follow the beautifully drawn characters as the author weaves a wonderful tale. An injured gosling and a little girl come together in lush and magical South Africa. Theres a call from ancestors and a drive for purpose, and dangers never far away. Its a captivating tale, a journey of emotions through life, death, and rebirth.
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I set out with the intention to leave an individual review for each piece in this fabulous anthology, but I have far too many praises for every single one. Suffice to say that each tale in this book is engaging, and leaves the reader wanting more. The best part of it all, and the true sign of a strong anthology, is that each story is incredibly unique. From rock fiction to dystopian sci-fi, there's something for everyone. If someone twisted my arm and forced me to select a favorite, I'd have to go with "The Errandsman's Folly" by Travis West. It's hilarious, incredibly well-written, and a welcome respite from my usual genre choices. Which goes to show - even if you don't think there's something to strike your fancy, chances are you'll be surprised. I promise you'll complete this book loving even the stories well outside of your comfort zone!
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From across the distant stars and galaxies is a rarity known as Terrana, who wields incredible powers to transverse between other worlds {reminiscent of `The Doctor'}. Sector One is a part of space teeming with mind-blowing technology and powerful creatures, and it is here where Terrana finds it being threatened by a almost forgotten ancient alien race. Thrown into the midst of an epic manga-esque battle of extraordinary magnitude, Terrana is faced with not only the choice between good and evil but an outcome that alters and defines the future for all within the universe.

Richly detailed and containing much substance, the profoundly weighty narrative left me in awe {as a lover of high/epic fantasy and space Operas}. The fiery, gutsy main protagonist will appeal to teen readers of YA fiction, as she is a heroine of spirit whom you cannot help but love. The in-depth, extensive world building is so vast and full of delicious detail that it makes the story credible, believable and utterly compelling to read. I was fascinated by the concept of how society was split into ten sectors each identifiable by their singular culture and history, whose purpose is to maintain peace throughout Dartkala (which is the void that lies between each sector). By encouraging harmony between all the different alien races, the terrible threat that Terrana uncovers in sector one is made even more intense.

The scope of this impressively ambitious literary masterpiece is so remarkable; that I cannot commend Sulin Young enough for her accomplished writing ability and imaginative vision. The metaphysical details and mind-bending concepts that broaden the boundaries of sci-fi, adds to the overall supernatural ambience and otherworldly technological advances. Here is a work of such magnitude that in my mind it could be up there alongside Star Wars or equally as impacting as Northern Lights with how each layer is interconnected. Cleverly complex characters such as Terrana embody so many intriguing qualities & special abilities, such as her shadow {Gollum/ Smegl nemesis} the inner demon Anarret. Deeply philosophical, absorbing and `deep' I plunged headlong into a portal of phenomenal outlandishness and refreshing originality.

Sulin Young writes with impassioned intensity that's addictive and magnetic, drawing you into the most electrifying story of everlasting credence. I was left revelling in its exotic wonders and overwhelming content, which certainly cannot be found in your average fantasy novel! Here is an author who stretches beyond to merge together a variety of genres for an entirely unique outcome, like nothing you will have encountered before. The intergalactic, splendid setting and thrilling action/ adventure transport you into the heart of one of the GREATEST sci-fi fantasy fusions I could ever of had the privilege to have read. I fervently ask you to seriously consider reading/ buying/ delving into this AMAZING debut novel...
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This is the era of the supernatural for literature. If it doesn't involve a vampire, witch, werewolf or zombie, it probably won't make it on the best-seller list. So naturally, I try to avoid all the repetitive, mainstream stuff  being churned out by the billions.

This book actually showed up on my suggested readings email one morning and the title and cover peaked my interest. Initially, I wasn't going to dive into it, afraid that I'd just be a revisit of every dystopian, paranormal love story in shelves---but this book took me by surprise. It delivered!

From the very first pages, I was absorbed into a brilliantly crafted and compelling narrative that I've only experience with the works of Rowling and Snicket. Sure, the book is Targeted for middle graders, but the prose is written in such a universal and engaging way, that anyone can enjoy it.

The characters were all full of life; and Cave's narration of the story was so vibrant and organic, that it really made it hard to stop reading. The effort and dedication put into the world building of Heaven and the corresponding creatures was more than superb and would surely be a feast for the eyes, if it were ever to be made into a film.

Honestly, this is one of the best books I've read this far, and with such a heart-stopping ending., I can't wait to find out what happens to Audie and her friends, and what is the fate that awaits her, Luce and Cave!
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I'm really not a big fan of the sci-fi genre as in most of those narratives I find myself completely alienated in the worlds the author created, and frustrated to boot. But not this time. Tammy Salyer masterfully designed an elaborate world that is not only easy to understand with its place in the universe, but one that totally immerses the reader from the start by flinging you right into the action from the get-go. Not to mention, this book is so beautifully written and Salyer's attention to detail so remarkable I honestly feel like this is an experience I actually *remember*, not one I merely read in the pages of a book.

The characters are impeccably drawn and compelling, and even though there are lots of them I didn't feel lost in wondering who was who, their names and characteristics were remarkable right from the start. And there are so many complicated, badass, and powerful women acting with agency, my feminist reader self was positively cheering along with the action.

I am so excited that there are two more of these delicious books in the series for me to devour. I'm torn between wanting to savor every exciting moment of this gorgeously written series or binge-read to find out what happens next. Every reader should have this dilemma with every book, and it's been a long time since I've felt so pulled into someone else's fictional world. What a marvelous experience, and I'm only one-third of the way done.

If you're a fan of the science-fiction genre then here's your next read. And if you're not, give this series a try anyway, if for no other reason than to appreciate the beauty of Salyer's masterful prose. If Dennis Lehane did military science fiction, this is what it would look like. So awesome. Highly recommend this one.
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What a thrilling ride! For a book that is as crisply written, well-paced, and intelligently conceived as "The Ark" is, it's hard to believe that this is Laura Nolen's first novel. Nothing gets a story going faster than a good prison break, and that's just the opening scene-- by the time we're halfway in, the earth has been blown to smithereens and we're looking out a spaceship porthole at the remains of the place we once called home. An epic voyage as much as it is a political drama and family saga, the true beauty of Nolen's book is that its concerns range far past her genre-- questions of identity, security, place, and home resound for everyone, not just readers in YA lit or those seeking the latest interstellar teenage convict. As talented as its author is, "The Ark" is a brilliant, breathtaking start to what will surely be an outstanding trilogy, and readers have everything to look forward to in books 2 and 3. May they come soon!
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I loved this book! Reading Alyson Foster's first novel, God is an Astronaut, is like putting together a fascinating puzzle or reassembling the well-known peeled onion. Written as emails from University of Michigan colleagues Jess Frobisher to Arthur Danielson, each page gives up bits of information about events that occurred prior to the beginning of the novel and the reader uses them learn about the characters, their relationships and their histories. As events move forward the reader continues to piece together what is happening in between Jess's emails and to mentally construct her world of complex relationships, academia, corporate space travel, of plants, media, and motherhood, and of loss and perseverance.

  The author's talent for description is astonishing and throughout the novel, using a few carefully selected words each time, she creates stunning, laser-like phrases that create precise, elegant images of what Jess is seeing, thinking, and feeling.

  Alyson Foster's first novel is smashing, beautifully written and engrossing to read. I look forward to future works of this immensely talented young author.
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I devoured this book in two sittings, then went to two bookstores looking for in-stock copies of literally ANYTHING ELSE DJ Older has written. The narrative is well paced. The setting is its own character, and it's a lush, deep, beautifully vivid creature. The magic system is unique and exciting to watch. (I want an MMO set in this world. Someone get on that.) And this next part is worth its own paragraph.

Diverse! Characters! This world feels wonderfully real in part because it's grounded so well in actual reality. This Brooklyn sings with characters of numerous backgrounds, gender, sexuality, demeanor... the people here come from all walks of life, and they bring outstanding variety to the world and its stories.

Want a taste of this 'verse before you dive in? Check out Older's short story "Ginga" on Tor.com. http://www.tor.com/2015/05/20/ginga-daniel-jose-older/ I liked Kia based solely on this. I love her now that I've seen her in HRB.
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What a fantastic adventure through a meticulously crafted world, as rich and full as any fantasy saga that I've come across. Melia has an obvious passion and skill at thinking outside the box of traditional sci-fi, while still sticking to the essential roots of great story-telling, making the drama about the characters, rather than on the stuff of pure imagination and future dreams. These two young men, torn from different cloth, surely, but still brutalized and challenged by the same man, makes for a fascinating discovery of self-worth and independence in both. I thoroughly enjoyed watching two disparate world clashing and learning to trust one another in the face of a more significant danger.

The story could be described as both a "buddy cop" romp and a space opera, and seamlessly tying those two personalities together, Melia has created something very special indeed. While it's certainly geared for young adults, it is one of the most complex and well-crafted YA sci-fi that I've come across, and I am always interested in reading new authors to the genre. You never know where the next great author will come from, but this demonstration of Melia's undeniable skills make her a top contender and a force to be reckoned with in this ever-changing area of literature.
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How wonderful to sink myself once again into Martha Wells' delightfully rich and layered world building of the Raksura, a universe which seamlessly blends both science fiction and fantasy elements. In The Falling World, Moon shows his increasing mastery of complicated court traditions and politics (and his still somewhat obtuse and bullheaded approach to Raksuran interactions that so delighted me in previous novels.) When Jade and Chime, et alia disappear on a routine trading mission, Moon, Stone and crew hare off on a search and rescue mission that is the best kind of flying road trip, and find something absolutely astonishing.

The second piece is a novella in which we finally learn the full backstory of how Indigo "stole" Cloud, in a nice untwisting of the damsel trope. One of the things I adore about the Raksura novels is how customary gender relations do not apply in their culture. Another is how the byzantine dance of court diplomacy can avoid bloodshed in the right claws. Brilliant!

In addition, there are short stories such The Forest Boy, and if anyone was wondering how tiny Moon survived as a fledgling without a family, this is one such story, where he finds, for a short while, a home. Once again the microcosm is complete and satisfying, and your heart will ache for young Moon and his friends and the confusions of growing up. Also included is the story of when Chime, to his profound dismay, first shifts into an Aeriat. Oh, Chime.

I cannot recommend this volume highly enough.
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Soolie Beetch and the Dying Light is enthralling, engaging and impossible to put down. I had to read it twice, once just because I could not sleep without finding out what happens next, and the second to really let myself sink into the amazing story. This book is fantasy-fiction at it's very finest. The world is exquisitely crafted, and yet the characters are heartbreakingly real in every sense. It is everything I want in a book; intense, sweet, sad, funny, horrifying, and an escape. Not for the faint of heart (things gets *dark*) this book is a superb first novel, and I honestly don't know if I can wait for the series to continue.
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Shocked to see so many people saying they couldn't get into this exquisitely crafted debut. Appelhans reveals a detail rich and new imagining of the afterlife, where human souls linger in a purgatory-like space called Level 2, tethered to the memories of their lives, trading and rating their experiences, in a seemingly endless monotony meant to distract and prevent them from ascending to higher levels of metaphysical existence. At the heart of this distraction are the sinister Morati angels, the guardians of Level 2 who are fed up with their thankless position in the hierarchy of the afterlife. Felicia, for reasons revealed in the exploration of her many memories, provides the missing piece to the Morati's plans to conquer the levels beyond Level 2, and assume reign over Heaven. But, will she help them or help the resistance fight them?

Throughout the developing action, Appelhans constantly pulls back into Felicia's memories of her life, uncovering many secrets, complex romantic encounters, experiences of first love, first lust, betrayals, disappointments, and those quiet, perfect moments with best friends just hanging around the pool (for one example) that resonate so realistically in her text. Though there are many, many flashbacks, all serve to advance the plot forward, keeping the reader turning the page until the final climatic battle in which the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

All in all, The Memory of After is a stunningly ambitious debut novel, and highly recommended for fans of paranormal, fantasy YA and grounded realistic YA alike. That's really the great achievement of the book: the way Appelhans weaves together fantasy elements with realistic elements, without ever feeling like the two stories clash unfavorably. After reading this, I'm expecting great things from the upcoming sequel, Chasing Before. If you haven't read this yet, you're simply missing out. Get it now.
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Hip, hip, hooray for All the Broken Places by Anise Eden.  Five gold stars for a fabulous read.  If I could give more stars for this very intriguing Paranormal, Psychic Thriller, I would.
I fully expected this book to go one direction and it totally went in another, surprising the heck out of me.  What an amazingly complex and fascinating read.  Ms. Eden is a fantastic story teller.  I loved her main characters Ben and Cate, and all the rest of their wonderfully broken, (arent we all?) team.  Together, they are formidable.  I loved the content of All the Broken Places.  Ms. Eden has created an amazingly detailed,world, colorful and rich.  Her world has depth as do her characters.  This book explores a very real and very difficult theme.  And even though this book is paranormal it deals with very real things.  It is extremely believable.  I especially appreciated the ultimate message of hope that it delivers.
This is very definitely on my Read Again list.  Dont start this one unless you have enough time set aside to finish it.  It is that good!!