Sweeney Todd The String of Pearls

I have always been fascinated by the story of Sweeney Todd. If you are expecting this to be the written version of the musical with Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham-Carter then you will be sorely disappointed. This is a novelization of the original story of Sweeney Todd that was published in a "Penny Dreadful" in 1846-1847 as a serial. The written style is old fashioned (by current day standards) but that is to be expected. I don't think the story would have the same flair without it, and I adapted very quickly to the style and rhythm of the writing. I really found this to be an enjoyable and thrilling read. There is a bit of debate as to who exactly wrote it but whoever they were (there are apparently two possible authors who may have collaborated on it) they had great imaginations. I really would recommend people interested in the story of Sweeney Todd to give this book a try. It fleshes out and gives new life and insight into one of the most diabolical literary villains ever to have been invented.

Three out of Five Stars

Powerless by Tim Washburn

I love a good disaster novel and this novel didn't let me down. It was very well written and drew me in from the first page. I find that often when I read a disaster novel that there is so much focus on action that the character development is lacking. That is not the case in this novel. The author did a great job of blending the background of the main characters with the main story. Highly recommended! I received a copy of this novel for free from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Three out of Five Stars

The New Wild by Holly Brasher

The idea behind this book is intriguing. Mother nature has had enough of the abuse humans heap on her and she decides to wipe the slate clean.
I had thought the novel would be a dystopian survival novel but I am really not sure exactly what it is. Is it dystopian? Apocalyptic? Fantasy? Or a blend of all three? I found the main characters to be a bit one dimensional and had a bit of a hard time with some of the new creatures to be found. I felt like the novel didn't know if it wanted to be survive against all odds or a surreal fantasy novel. It distracted me from the novel as a whole. The vision behind the book is compelling and I really think the author has potential but the novel just didn't do it for me. I received a copy of this novel for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Two out of Five Stars

The Sleeping King by Cindy Dees

I rarely read epic fantasy novels these days as I am invariably disappointed because I always compare them to classic series like The Lord of the Rings, The Belgariad, Lord Foulsbane, The Sword of Shannara and The Fionavar Tapestry among others. To say that this novel blew me away is an understatement. I actually kept putting my kindle down to make it last longer. The beginning is a bit overwhelming and hard to get through but that is normal when you are reading a novel with so much depth and detail. Once you begin to understand what the story is about and who the main characters are then you literally fall into an incredible fantasy world. It is full of all that should be in a fantasy novel: elves, orcs, trolls, magic, quests, and the inevitable love story. I was not disappointed at the ending in the least as I understand that this is the first novel in a series so I am sure unfinished story-lines will be explained later on as the series progresses. This is really a fantastic novel that should stand beside the classics I mentioned earlier. I can't wait until the next novel in the series comes out. I received a copy of "The Sleeping King" from the publisher via Netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review. I want to thank them for the opportunity. This book was a treat to read.

Five out of Five stars

Lethal Elements by Joel Gomez-Dossi

I received a copy of "Lethal Elements" by the publisher via Netgalley for free in exchange for an honest review. 
I requested this novel because I was interested in the premise of the story. A geologist wakes up in the wilderness not knowing how or why (at first) what happened. All he knows is someone is trying to kill him. The story was fast paced but distracted me a bit with the rapid changes from the current situation to past memories of the characters which I found to be a little choppy. The story was also very sharp and to the point which I can understand considering the author's background is in journalism. I really enjoyed the style of writing. I always like to learn something from the books I read and this one did not let me down. I learned about an area of geology I was not aware of. The author did a great job of blending this knowledge into the story very well. I thought the emotional background of the main characters with their relationship troubles and shared grief from a previous tragedy really added to the story. I did wish (more than once) to be able to drop into the story so I could smack Roman near the end though lol (Snap out of it man! Calm down and let the police do their job! Do you need a valium?). All in all, I found the novel to be a light and exciting read. I am interested to see what the author comes up with next.

Three out of Five stars

The House on Seventh Street by Karen Vorbeck Williams

I asked to review this book because of the story line and the fact it was likened to a grown up Nancy Drew book. I loved Nancy Drew as a young girl so could not resist. It does in fact remind me of Nancy Drew. I am not sure if it is the narration or style but it did bring back memories. It is also a nice novel in its own right. The story is engrossing and the characters are rich and well developed. Chapters switch to different time periods but it is done artfully and adds much to the story. I would love to read another novel by the author with the same idea in mind (Nancy Drew). A well done homage to the Nancy Drew series and a nice gentle mystery to boot! I received a copy of this novel from Netgalley and the author in exchange for an honest review.

Three out of Five stars

The Undying by Ethan Reid

I was attracted to this book by the idea of Americans being stranded in Paris after a cataclysmic event and trying to survive with a newborn baby while "things" that seem to be a cross between zombies/vampires hunt the survivors. I found that at times the story dragged and I lost interest a bit but I was able to continue mainly because I was intrigued by the story and the knowledge that this is the first in a series. I am also interested in these creatures that do not seem to fit any one description. I am interested enough to want to continue the series and find out more about this strange world. I am looking forward to book two in the series. I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Three out of Five stars