November 2021: Book Reviews

I’d like to wish everyone here in the US a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday, and to everyone else, enjoy your Thursday!

Now on to the real reason you’re here: book reviews!

The book images link directly to the Amazon page for each, and additional information (or links to buy) can be found on the author websites, listed at the end of each review. The books are listed in the order I read them.

Please note: The opinions below are my own. Writing is subjective to the reader, and not everyone will share my conclusions about the books listed below.

Oil and Dust – Jami Fairleigh

In a post-apocalyptic world, Artists are coveted for their ability to manipulate matter with the use of quantum physics and a paintbrush. The technology from Before has been forgotten or lost, and large cities are no more; people live in small, scattered settlements with little contact between them. Travelers are coveted for news, and Artists are desired for their ability to rebuild and assist with projects in each town. Matthew Sugiyama is an Artist, and though he desires to help those he meets on his journey, is primary focus is to locate and/or learn about the family he never knew.

Matthew’s journey had a few unexpected twists along the way, and by the end of the book he proved he had a few more skills in his arsenal beyond painting. I loved the concept of this book, the originality of the story, and the world-building. It was compelling and hard to put down!

Oil & Dust is the first in a series, and I’ll be looking for book two once it’s available.

Author website: jamifairleigh.com

Immortal – Matthew J. Stenning

Have you ever wondered what your game avatar would think if it became sentient? That’s the premise of Immortal, and a concept I have to admit I’ve never considered previously.

Some of you know that I used to be big into the MMORPG scene (I’ve since taken a step back and haven’t played any in going on three years now – but that’s a story for another day). As a gamer, I loved the idea of this book, and the subsequent world-building the author employed. It felt as if I were reading a game sequence, from the avatar’s perspective. The topic of “possession” by the avatar’s “user” was fascinating to think about. I enjoyed the concept very much…And started wondering how my own “dispossessed” characters might feel about me abandoning them.

That being said, this is a mammoth of a book in terms of length (I happen to like long books, so it worked out for me.) The world is incredibly detailed, which makes it a very enjoyable, if somewhat difficult read (again, this is not a bad thing; I loved the descriptive nature of the writing.) The characters, in spite of their origins as game avatars, are very interesting and unique. I particularly liked Grimalkin.

Although Immortal has some science fiction elements, it reads as a fantasy novel. It was very well done.

Author website: matthewstenning.com

From Book to Bestseller – Penny Sansevieri

I am always looking for new and better ways to market and promote my books and myself as an author. I’ve been following the Author Marketing Experts blog for years, and have picked up a number of very helpful tips and a lot of advice from it. When it was announced a couple months ago that this book was being published, I ordered it right away. I’ve only just now had the chance to sit down and read it, but as I’d expected, it’s filled with information that could be used by authors along almost any point in their writing career.

This book covers topics from author branding to website content to getting reviews and more. I believe this will be a great resource for any author to refer back to for ideas, suggestions, and tips. I look forward to implementing some of the advice for myself and see where it leads!

Author website: amarketingexpert.com

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Have a book you’d like me to read and review? Contact me here! I’m currently building my reading list for January 2022.