A couple of years ago, I read Blake Crouch’s Dark Matter. It was one of my favourite books of the year, and since then I’ve been desperate to dive into more of the author’s work. As you can imagine, there was a lot of excitement when I heard about Recursion. The more I read about it, the more excited I became. I made sure my name was at the top of the list at the library, ensuring I was the first to borrow the book, and as soon as it became available I devoured it.
From the very first page, Recursion sucked me in. I was lost to the story and I powered through it in no time at all. I may not have enjoyed it quite as much as I enjoyed Dark Matter, but it was a story that had me addicted throughout. It hooked me, and I could not put the book down. It contained all the things that made Dark Matter so much fun whilst being a completely unique book. It was exactly what I’d been hoping for from Blake Crouch and I’m returning to my state of desperate anticipation as I await whatever magic the author is going to bless us with next.
After just two books, I’m positive Blake Crouch is going to be my permanent go-to for the perfect combination of science fiction and thriller. Both elements are done wonderfully, and you find yourself unable to put the book down as every page leaves you desperate for more. You’re constantly being given new information that leaves you hooked, and each new detail will leave you with new theories. With Recursion, Blake Crouch has you thinking long and hard about the link between memory and time travel. Two things I had not expected to go together, and yet Blake Crouch has created a compelling story based upon a wonderful science fiction theory.
Was I disappointed with Recursion? Not at all. My only disappointment is that I’m going to have to wait for the next Blake Crouch release. It’ll be painful, but I know it’s going to be worth it.
Dangerous Duke is the third book in Scarlett Scott’s League of Dukes series, but it works perfectly fine as a standalone novel. I’ve read Her Deceptive Duke, the final book in the Wicked Husbands series, which worked as a prequel to this series, and Nobody’s Duke, the first book in this series. I missed Heartless Duke, the second book in this series, but it did not lessen my enjoyment of this one. You certainly have a better understanding of the world if you’ve read the other books, but you get more than enough information to understand without. I will admit, however, if you plan to go back and read the other books, you will have spoilers. Such is the case for me with Heartless Duke. I love Scarlett Scott’s writing and adore this series, and knowing I missed book two has me desperate to go back and read it. I have knowledge of how certain elements will end, so just be aware of this if you’re planning to read the other books in the series.
Although Dangerous Duke is only my fourth Scarlett Scott read – in addition to the aforementioned books, I’ve also read the author’s Lord of Pirates – I’m going to go out on a limb and say Scarlett Scott is capable of becoming my favourite author in the genre. There’s more to these stories than a simple historical romance, ensuring you’re sucked in beyond the drama of a budding love. In fact, I’m going to say she’s already in my top three historical romance authors. Maybe even in second place. Such is the impact Scarlett Scott’s books have had upon me: I cannot help but fall deeply in love, devouring the book in a single sitting.
Dangerous Duke was no different. In fact, it’s my favourite Scarlett Scott read to date. It’s a four-point-five-star rating, and I came extremely close to giving it a five-star rating. It’s personal preference that had me rounding down, as the mystery element of the story was a bit too obvious for me. I wanted a few more red herrings when it came to who was really the bad guy, but such is just my personal preference. Even with my desire for more red herrings, I found this one to be captivating in the most consuming of ways.
With fabulous writing, a storyline filled with drama, characters you fall in love with, and lots of little things to keep you invested in the series, this story packs a serious punch. The romance within this one is complete within this story, but there are little pieces of the overall storyline left hanging to get you diving into book four of the series. A book I cannot wait for, as I fell in love with the character whose story is going to be told in book four. I need answers, I need more of the characters I’ve fallen in love with, and I’ll be diving into the book as soon as I get my hands on it.
Without a doubt, Scarlett Scott knows how to write a gripping story. Fans of historical romance need to give her books a read – the required steam and drama of the genre can be found in abundance, along with fabulously done light mystery elements to make this stand out from the crowd.
Einstein’s Compass is a book that combines a range of genres, offering plenty throughout to keep the reader hooked. I was a wee bit sceptical at first, as I was unsure how such a story would play out, but once I started reading I found I could not put it down. In fact, it was a book I found myself happy to complete in a single sitting.
Einstein’s Compass wasn’t what I was expecting, not in the least. Although it gives the reader exactly what the blurb offered, I’d imagined a very different kind of story. It made for an interesting surprise and added to the reason why I was happy to devour this so quickly. Instead of a story made entirely of a young Einstein travelling through time and space, this story focused more on how the elements tangled together to influence Einstein’s life. It was a different take on the usual time travel adventures, and it made it all the more interesting.
I will admit, however, that I had been hoping for a wee bit more time travel than we were given. It’s the reason why my rating is a three-point-five-star rating. I wanted to see more of Einstein in different times and places, as it was my most anticipated part of the story. That is not to say I was disappointed by what we were given, simply that I wanted more scenes in which we got to see Einstein outside of his own time.
Overall, Einstein’s Compass is a great read for fans of unique young adult stories. It offers something different, combining many great elements, and makes for an additive read.
This is my stop during the blog tour for Einstein's Compass by Grace Blair. Read on for more information about the book and a giveaway with 13 prizes! This blog tour is organized by Lola's Blog Tours. The blog tour runs from 24 till 30 June. See the tour schedule here.
Einstein's Compass By Grace Blair Genre: Time Travel Adventure/ Historical Fiction/ Science Fiction Age category: Young Adult Release Date: January 1, 2019
Blurb:
What if young Albert Einstein had a magical compass that inspired his theories of relativity?
In Einstein's Compass: A YA Time Traveler Adventure, a young Albert is given a supernatural compass that allows him to travel through time and space, and find wisdom in other dimensions, including the lost city of Atlantis. But evil forces seek the power of the compass, including a monstrous, shape-shifting dragon from a different age. Can the compass protect Albert from such villainy?
Einstein’s Compass was a finalist for the 13th annual NATIONAL INDIE EXCELLENCE AWARDS. See all the finalists here.
Einstein’s Compass is an Award-Winning Finalist in the Fiction: Young Adult category of the 2019 International Book Awards. See all finalists.
What reviewers have to say about Einstein’s Compass:
"Under Grace Blair and Laren Bright's hands, Einstein's Compass is more than just another time travel story, but one of soul searching, enlightenment, and classic struggles between good and evil. During this journey, young Albert embraces the threat of death and world-changing perspectives. Indeed, Albert will change the world, one day. But the roots of his knowledge and endeavors take a different turn in a riveting fantasy about soul-searching and growth which will keep young adult readers engrossed to the end." ~Midwest Book Reviews Diane Donovan, Senior Editor
"I was impressed with how the authors managed to incorporate the known information on the lost continent of Atlantis, Light Workers, souls, reincarnation, time travel and the early years of Albert Einstein before he became famous, into a mesmerizing work of fiction readers will have difficulty putting down." Doug Simpson, Author of "We Lived In Atlantis"
"I recommend Einstein's Compass as historical fan-fiction, the magic, and fantasy built on top of the factual world of Albert Einstein. Although it is intended for a Young Adult audience, it is well suited to adults who enjoy fictionalized history with a wide-ranging epic theme and a Harry Potter-esque plot. Jacqui Murray, Author of Ask a Tech Teacher
"The extended combination of history and magic was an unexpected mix, which pulled me in from the beginning, captivating me all the way to the surprising ending. This novel takes you from the early childhood of Einstein, which includes an illness that may have contributed to his perspective on the world around him as he grew older. It is refreshing to find a combination of history, religion, and folklore told in such a compelling manner with just the right amounts of magic and suspense. Rox Burkey, Author of The Enigma Series
Albert Einstein was fascinated with time and space from an early age, but what inspired him? Receiving a magical compass from his father, Albert sets off on a journey to learn more than math and science offered to understand even time and space. Unfortunately, an ancient evil from the days of Atlantis also seeks his compass and will stop at nothing to have it. Can the Agents of Light protect Albert from the shape-shifting dragon and help him achieve his destiny, or will he fall prey to the dangers of his day and lose the powerful device before he completes his mission? The combination of science with the supernatural is a winner, and the good vs. evil fight is interesting, making this a good book for YA readers. InD'Tale Magazine, Sarah E Bradley
Einstein's Compass exhibits a solid writing style and dutifully hits Einstein's developmental and educational milestones while weaving in an imaginative backstory and unique antagonists' perspectives. The what if of Albert Einstein developing his landmark scientific theories through the aid of spiritualism and time travel, all the while battling an immortal dragon-person from Atlantis, is certainly a unique concept. Booklife Magazine a division of Publisher's Weekly
About the Author: Grace Allison Blair is an award-winning self-help and motivational author, and podcast host, who has assisted thousands to find their spiritual wisdom to solve everyday challenges.
Throughout her adult life, Grace became a serious student of the spiritual. She found that, often, psychological principles and practices were incomplete, but could be filled out by adding the missing spiritual component. Her approach was always to see practical applications for what she uncovered in the mystical. It was through immersing herself in this field of study and experience that she came up with her idea for her book, Einstein’s Compass.
Grace is a successful award-winning author, modern mystic, wellness consultant, business development advisor, marketing coach, and workshop facilitator. She has faced many life challenges, including a life-threatening disease, and used what she encountered as a stimulus to gain greater happiness and fulfillment.
Giveaway
There is a tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of Einstein’s Compass. These are the prizes you can win:
- 1 signed Einstein’s Compass hat (US Only)
- 1 compass (US Only)
- 5 e-copies of Einstein’s Compass (International)
- 5 audiobook copies of Einstein’s Compass (International)
- 1 Amazon gift card $10 (International)
Being the boy mom of an almost 2 year old and 9
year old, means she lives off Goldfish crumbs and Diet Coke. But when she does
have a spare minute of time to herself, you can typically find her parked on
the couch, Kindle within reach, catching up on the previous weeks episode of
Grey's Anatomy or Hell's Kitchen.
Genre: Romantic Comedy Cover Design: Lori Jackson Design Photo: Wander Aguiar Release Date: June 27, 2019
Blurb
They call me the sugar whisperer.
Anything your tongue desires, I can bake it. Scones? Child’s play. Cupcakes?
I’ll frost them so good you won’t know what hit you. Donuts? Please.
You’re talking to a master baker.
But there’s one egg I’ve never been able to crack.
My best friend.
Correction: My former best friend.
She’s the apple in my pie. The whip in my cream. The lemon in my meringue. The
wish in my bone.
She’s the one who got away.
After ten years in the military, she’s back. She’s bruised and battered by
life, but she’s back.
Except she’s not my second chance. She’s gone to the dark side.
Running a rival bakery in a town not big enough for two.
So now I have to decide—which do I want more?
My bakery?
Or the woman I never should’ve let go in the first place?
Master Baker is a deliciously fun friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy
featuring a smooth-talking baker, the one who got away, and a goat with more
matchmaking tendencies than a nosy old grandpa. It stands alone with no
cheating or cliffhangers.
Pippa Grant is a USA Today Bestselling author who writes
romantic comedies that will make tears run down your leg. When she's not
reading, writing or sleeping, she's being crowned employee of the month as a
stay-at-home mom and housewife trying to prepare her adorable demon spawn to be
productive members of society, all the while fantasizing about long walks on
the beach with hot chocolate chip cookies.
After hearing so many positive things about Killer Intent, I was eager to dive into the story for myself. I’m always on the lookout for new thriller authors to watch, and I had high hopes Tony Kent would be added to the list. Unfortunately, I’m in the minority with this one.
I can certainly see the appeal of Killer Intent. With short and snappy chapters, things happen at a rapid pace. We follow multiple individuals, watching the way everything comes together, and it’s a book you can power through in no time at all. There’s action and political intrigue, which will pull people in, and they’ll want to see how everything comes together.
My issue is that I worked things out far too quickly. The moment the bad guys were introduced I knew they were behind all that was happening. As more was added to the story I hoped I was wrong, I hoped it was a case of countless red herrings, but such was not the case. I was correct in my extremely early assumption about the people behind the crime, and it killed my enjoyment of the rest of the story. I wanted to be shocked, but as it was I read simply to confirm I was correct.
I’m clearly in the minority, though. Everyone seems to love this because it’s fast and action packed, yet I was disappointed by how simple it was.
Tracy Lorraine is a M/F and M/M contemporary romance author.
Tracy recently-ish turned thirty and lives in a cute Cotswold village in
England with her husband, daughter and lovable but slightly crazy dog. Having
always been a bookaholic with her head stuck in her Kindle Tracy decided to try
her hand at a story idea she dreamt up and hasn’t looked back since.
No Fences in Alaska is one of those books that is difficult to review. At the start, I wasn’t sucked into this one. As the book went on, I found myself more interested. Towards the end, my interest started to wane. There were some parts of this I really liked, and other parts I was indifferent to. I think, overall, it’s a case of ‘it’s me, not the book’, as I’m extremely picky with my young adult contemporary reads.
No Fences in Alaska is a book that deals with a lot of things, covering a range of topics. Some of these topics I feel were done better than others, and I think this comes down to how much was included in the story. Some elements received a lot more attention that others, which resulted in certain things feeling as though they were dragging and other things feeling as though they were over and done with in the blink of an eye.
Due to this, I never felt the connection with the characters I could have. I was certainly interested in seeing how things played out, I was curious what would happen in the end, but it was a case of curiosity about the story and not an investment in it.
As I said, this is really a case of ‘it’s me, not the book’. I’m sure many will love this book as it deals with so much throughout, but for me it didn’t quite connect.
Title: Lady of Madness & Moonlight Series: Rogue Ethereal #3
Author: Annie Anderson
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Release Date: June 25, 2019
Blurb
Maxima Alcado
returns in another heart-pounding installment of the international bestselling
Rogue Ethereal Series.
A former Rogue being presented to the Fates. What
could go wrong?
When I was offered a seat on the Ethereal Council, no one said anything
about meeting the actual Fates. On the day of my presentation, not only do I
offend the three women who control every single thread of life, but an Angel’s
thread is cut short, and no one knows how.
Now it’s my job to find out who did it before the death is pinned on me
and starts an all-out Angel-Demon war.
“I’m not letting
you go anywhere until I know the demon who did that to you is dead. And if he’s
not, I plan to make him that way post haste.”
I don’t know why
he cared. As far as I knew, Alistair Quinn wanted the job I already had, and
other than that, he didn’t have one thing to do with me.
“Don’t worry, I
took care of it.”
He rolled his
eyes. “Just give me the name, Max.”
He wanted his
name? Sure, I’d give it to him. I suppose he didn’t need to know it was never
Micah’s idea to go after me. It was Ruby’s. And it probably wasn’t her idea
either. The list kept growing into a web of people I couldn’t trust, couldn’t
find, or couldn’t forget. Micah and Samael were dead, but Ruby… I’d been
looking for her for six months, and it was as if she’d dropped off the face of
the map.
But she didn’t
bind me, even if she sent him after me. Micah did that all on his own.
“Fine. Micah
Goode.”
Alistair hissed
in recognition. Good to know the man of my worst nightmares was famous. At
least Ruby sent the cream of the crop after me.
“Don’t worry
about killing him, I took care of that already, and when he came back as a
spirit, Andras finished him off. But I’ll tell you what, if he manages to come
back another time, I’ll let you have a crack at him.”
“You’ve been
taking care of yourself for a long time, haven’t you?” His voice was little
more than a whisper, but I heard him anyway.
He had no idea.
I’d been taking care of myself long before I was ever a Rogue.
“You bet.”
Something washed
over his expression, and it took everything in me not to take that tiny step
forward, not to get just that little bit farther into his space. But I couldn’t
go there with this man. Not now.
Maybe not ever.
“You’re safe,
right?”
Probably? Maybe?
No, I most likely wasn’t, but this man didn’t need to know that, and it sure as
hell wasn’t his responsibility.
Annie Anderson is a military wife and United States Air
Force veteran. Originally from Dallas, Texas, she is a southern girl at heart,
but has lived all over the US and abroad. As soon as the military stops moving
her family around, she’ll settle on a state, but for now she enjoys being a
nomad with her husband, two daughters, an old man of a dog, and a young pup
that makes life… interesting.
In her past lives, Annie has been a lifeguard, retail
manager, dental lab technician, accountant, and now she writes fast-paced
romantic thrillers with some serious heat.
Title: Beautifully Broken Life Series: Sutter Lake #2
Author: Catherine Cowles
Genre: Contemporary Romance with elements of Suspense
Release Date: June 25, 2019
Blurb
She’s on the run…
Tessa has finally found a safe haven in Sutter Lake, hiding
in plain sight—just as long as no one asks too many questions.
He can’t escape…
Liam knows better than anyone how one wrong word, a single
whisper can ruin a life. After seeing the darker side of fame, he's desperate
to retreat and find his voice again.
Two people from opposite worlds, brought together by a
connection neither expected.
But the forces they’re both running from still lurk in the
shadows…
Writer of
words. Drinker of Diet Cokes. Lover of all things cute and furry, especially
her dog. Catherine has had her nose in a book since the time she could read and
finally decided to write down some of her own stories. When she's not writing
she can be found exploring her home state of Oregon, listening to true
crime podcasts, or searching for her next book boyfriend.
Recursion by Blake Crouch
