Monday, February 13, 2012

Synthetic Dreams by Kim Knox (Carina Press, 2012)

Synthetic DreamsSynthetic Dreams by Kim Knox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4 1/2 Stars!! If you looked up the definition of Science-Fiction Romance, it should simply say "Kim Knox." She really delivers a creative story with extraordinary world building. This is my second story by Knox, the first being Gambit. Gambit was a completely different world from Synthetic Dreams, which totally adds to my adoration of her strong world building.

We meet Vyn in the opening scene as she is testing out a new product (a glamour) at a club making her appear as a sexy blonde. In walks our H, Paul, as a security guard. There is a certain attraction between the two right away of course! Though Vyn is certain it is because of her glamour. Later, Synthetic Dreams propels these two deep into the heart of The Corporation (the place that has stolen Paul's real brother and replaced him with a fake.) Can Vyn trust Paul? What does he really want with her? And the greatest question of all, can she really believe that he is attracted to her even with all her scars and no glamour at all?

There are times when Synthetic Dreams has a bit of a Matrix feels to it. Which is a good thing, I loved The Matrix! However, it is not a copy, as Knox has really outdone herself this time! I found it quite romantic (and yummy!;-)) at moments, and wish I could say more. I am trying to keep the spoilers out, though! Great read, and I will add, as I did in my review for Gambit, that I believe there is room for more stories in this world. Highly recommended!

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Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Rebirth by Sophie Littlefield

Rebirth (Aftertime, #2)Rebirth by Sophie Littlefield
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4 1/2 Stars! What a roller-coaster of a read! This second installment of Sophie Littlefield's post-apocalyptic trilogy was amazing!! Rebirth had it all, drama, action, thrills, and lots of chills. I am definitely ready to dive into the final book, Horizon, as Rebirth did end on a bit of a cliffhanger.

Rebirth takes place within a few months after Aftertime's ending. Cass and Smoke have made their home in The Box, a protected area where trade is ones livelihood. However, as circumstances are in this world, word reaches The Box that causes Smoke to leave on a mission and finds Dor, The Box's founder and leader, missing his daughter. Cass coerces Dor to take her and her daughter with him on the search. The small group traverses through the rough post-apocalyptic terrain meeting horrors they had been temporarily shielded from during their duration in the protection of The Box.

Littlefield manages to develop Cass's character even more. Through the course of this story Cass made decisions that show just how raw and real she is, all the while propelling her fate, as well as that of her young daughter. Truly a creative take in a very scary world! Great read!




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Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder

Touch of Power (Healer, #1)Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4 1/2 Stars! An excellent escapist read by the ever talented Maria V. Snyder! I appreciate how Snyder easily pulls me in and keeps me glued to the plot. Even the slower scenes were captivating and crucial to the storyline. I loved Touch of Power!

We meet Avry, our heroine and healer, immediately. She is being hunted with a large bounty for her death. In swoops a band of outcasts (which includes Kerrick, a magician) who claim they need her healing powers to save their King, and will protect her for the time being. Thus begins a quest full of treachery, deceit, and best of all, real relationships and friendships for Avry.

I have loved Snyder's writing style since I first read Poison Study and the books that followed. I think the ease of her writing style is what compels me the most. After a busy day, I don't want to have to work at reading. Her stories are just that for me. So if you are looking to escape without any reading strain, I highly recommend Touch of Power, and any other book by this author!

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