Severed Ties by Kevin Khron *reviewed by RN Hadley*

Severed Ties Volume One by Kevin Krohn and published by Spiral Bound Publishing is 178 pages of suspense.

Kevin Krohn lives in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife and two children; an on and off writer over the years Severed Ties Volume One is his first work to be published. A Chuck Palahniuk reader and revenge movie fan, this was a book which Mr Krohn wanted to read himself and had in his mind for some time. "I have always loved the fact that writing allows you to tell any story you want, to control the outcome of a world you have created". Severed Ties Volume Two is currently in the works and Mr Krohn hopes to have it finished quickly so not to leave anyone in suspense for too long for the next instalment.

The cover art of Severed Ties by Jonathan Gullery leaves just about everything to the imagination. The cover is glossy and shows a young woman crouched climbing down from what appears to be the doorway of a derelict house. Why is she there? Why is she leaving? And what is she heading into?
The title and author name is bold and clearly stand out with the combination of darkness and light. If I saw this book on a shelf I'd be intrigued to learn more if only to find the answers to the above questions.

Since the death of her mother in a fire when she was two years old Nyne Harper has spent 18 years moving between small towns with her father. With the tragedy of her past haunting her memories she has grown to live a secluded life. With her father's over protective attitude and training she has spent the last eight months seeking revenge against those responsible for her mother’s death. Finally, moving back home to Portland, Oregon the thought of living a normal life appears on the horizon but there are a few more jobs to be done. Unsure if she's getting too cold to the kill or missing normality Nyne soon makes a friend at school. Rebellion starts and before she even realises the truth her entire world is turned upside down when she makes one mistake and defying her own father’s rules leading her realise everything she has ever known could in fact be a lie.

Severed Ties Volume One is a well written easy paced book which pulls you straight in from the very first chapter to the last. The book is entirely unpredictable that you'll be thinking the book is about to head in one direction but find yourself heading the opposite way.
Kevin Krohn has done a marvellous job with this book creating believable characters and situations his words flow simply from the pages. The character Nyne and the world around her has been so well created you can’t help but from early stages want to know more about her and how her life came to be so complicated.
This is a book clearly about family, trust, betrayal and revenge concentrating on the impact revenge can have on a persons personal life but also how It changes them as a human being but I think this story shows something more, at how strong every individual can become when what they face is an enemy bent on hurting them and those they love. I’d recommend this book to anyone aged 18 years and over, this is a great book that I enjoyed reading and I can not wait for Volume Two.
Since I was so impressed by how Mr Krohn managed to keep this book unpredictable to the end and still cant believe this is his first published piece, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed by RN Hadley
For book reviews by crystal

The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Ninth Grade Slays by Heather Brewer

Vladimir Tod, a teenager that is also half vamp is starting his freshman year at Bathory High. You would think a teenage vampire would have little to no problems right? Well, bullies, crushes and a slayer later, he is still a teenager with above average problems, pimples are not on his worry list right at the moment.

Vlad has had a huge crush on Meredith but just does not have the nerve to even say hello since their last encounter. She is beyond beautiful in his eyes, and is going to the dance with his new friend! What? Yet another teenage problem that even a vamp can not hide from. He has harbored such feelings of regret for the ‘what could’ve been’ and now it seems he may just be too shy to let Meredith know that he’s crazy about her.

A slayer has been sent to eliminate Vlad, and he must be alert at all times, as well as deal with the school photographer. Vlad takes a trip to Siberia with his Uncle Otis, that is going to be unforgettable…too bad there is still a slayer around. And as all teenagers find out, not everyone is your friend. Don’t forget about the girl, will Vlad ever get his chance to have the kiss he has dreamed about?

Ninth Grade Slays is majorly packed full of action and being a YA novel it is definitely suitable for adults! Heather Brewer gets in touch with her inner teenager and really rocks out an amazing novel with a very detailed and energetic Vlad. I look forward to more Chronicles in Ms. Brewer’s series, this is definitely one of my favorite YA authors! 5 Hearts

Contact Heather: www.HeatherBrewer.com

Dating Sucks But It Doesn’t Have To: Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started Dating by J.C. Callahan

Dating Sucks But It Doesn’t Have To: Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started Dating by J.C. Callahan

Dating Sucks But It Doesn’t Have To, is an easy to read book that gives you the insight needed not to strike out on day one but how to go about the dating scene. This is a very easy book to read, with little comical inserts like, “Who is this Pete guy anyway?”

J.C. Callahan uses fictitious names for his friend’s stories as well as his own; Jane and Tom are the daters in this book. Callahan uses them to show the right and wrong way to do things..mostly the wrong and then, in swoops Callahan to tell you the correct way to perform each scenario.

Whether it be Internet dating vs. Traditional dating, too much romance or too little, or the modes of dating…or pretty much any other questions you may have are answered in this book. I think this could be a great dating “how to” book, but it is more like a book of guidelines to follow. And with the right know how, I believe that Dating Sucks But It Doesn’t Have To could help the single men and women in the world find that one person to complete them... or at least find someone to have some fun with. 4 Hearts

Contacting J.C. Callahan: www.myspace.com/datingbook

The Banished by Steven Marshall

While enjoying a picnic with her fiancé, Leo, Yvonne basked in the elation of her newly discovered pregnancy. It was not until they were lost in the woods, that Yvonne would soon know that there may not be a secure future ahead for her. Leo was taken prisoner by a strange savage breed of cannibal mutants that survived (notice I did not say lived) in the woodlands. He would later be used as a bargaining ransom of sorts as the mutants needed help, and through Yvonne was the only way they would be able to get what they needed.

Eight inmates exposed to chemical radiation made it to the other side of the wall during their escape to safety, but they were permanently disfigured from the inhalation of nearly fatal chemicals. Surviving in the wilderness on only human flesh and nature's fruits, this hybrid breed, now freaks of nature, unknowingly had to fulfill a prophecy with Yvonne and find a new sanctuary in hopes of surviving the harsh winter.

The prophecy has cursed the men and Yvonne is dragged into the madness. Although she seems to see the human sides of what the creatures used to be, the fate of her and her unborn child will be left in the hands of these lethal killing machines. Will they protect her with their lives…or take hers for nourishment? The prophecy has yet to be fulfilled…

Steven Marshall's dark cryptic novel The Banished will keep you repulsed and intrigued about what will happen next all throughout the novel. This fast paced, action horror novel has very well written detailed blood bath scenes as well as true human emotion to make it come to life and give it dimension. It proves that inside every dark, savage creature there is still some shred of humanity clinging on. The Banished even has some dark erotica and supernatural, yet earthly horror elements that takes a surprising end twist…a must read!

This novel receives 5 of 5 Bloody Hearts!

More info/contact: www.stevenmarshallhorror.com

West Across The Board by Andrew Jalbert

Lazaro had fled from his past, but Dominic would make him face his fears some 60 years later. Lazaro had a love of the sea; relaxation and fishing were all he thought about in his youth, until that one day when the sea claimed his father. From then on the sea was his enemy, and his best friend Dominic had found a new love and gradually inched his way out of Lazaro’s life. But they would reunite again and it would all be water under the bridge so to say.

Dominic was dying of cancer, and his friend and care giver Sarah made the call that both men needed. She knew Dominic’s time was short and painful; he would always recount the memories of his youth to her so she made the decision to call Lazaro. And with his long absence away from the Keys and a broken promise to his son about not driving the Chevy in the garage, Lazaro was on his way to his long time friend.

Meeting for the first time over a game of chess, the two men kept score on the board and realization hit when the men were tied. Although Lazaro needed to see his friend, he didn’t want this to be the last game of chess they had ever played. Many flashbacks and a long trip later, the two come face to face..can you imagine seeing your best friend for the first time in 60 years?

Andrew Jalbert’s book West Across The Board is an amazing story that will have you in tears at the end, but you’ll also smile that smile of relief. Truly heart felt and full of emotion Jalbert writes a historical novel that is impossible to sit down. Without a doubt West Across The Board would be a perfect novel for any one. I thought this was a guy’s novel to be honest, but once reading it and getting into the story, I knew that women would love it..it is that tear jerker that we all look for.
4 Hearts

Contact Andrew Jalbert: www.myspace.com/andyjalbert

O’Shaughnessey: A Boy and His Leprechaun by Jeremy McGuire

Bobby Mahoney was a young lad, seven years of age to be exact. Still young enough to believe in mythical creatures but old enough to know that he has the power to change the world if he wished it.

Upon waking one morning Bobby finds a small little man perched on his bedpost. The little man proclaimed himself Shaughnessey as leprechauns never gave out their real names because it beheld too much power in the wrong hands. Shaughnessey and Bobby were about to have the adventure of a lifetime, by taking on a mission to save his sisters life.

Bobby was growing up, his mother and father had a few months past gotten divorced and now his sister came down with Scarlet Fever. Enlisting the help of the little leprechaun, Bobby must face the screaming Ban-Shee, the Spriggin and the Death Coach in order to make sure his sister Maggie did not die because of his wish to be an only child; through this he found he actually loved his sister. Miracles do happen and come to those well deserving, but no matter how much money or gold you may possess you can not always make things perfect…as the story goes.

Jeremy McGuire’s children’s/early teen book is whimsical and magical. His characters were full of color and life, even if the illustrations were in black and white. Mr. McGuire paints that fairy tale fantasy that children will love, and parents will enjoy reading at bedtime on a regular basis. 5 Hearts

Available where books are sold

The Doctors Deception by Kathleen Grieve

The Doctors Deception written by Kathleen Grieve and published by The Wild Rose Press is a romance novel at 178 pages long including cover art and publication pages, due to be released on June 25th 2008.

An avid romance reader since the age of 13, Kathleen Grieve began writing in 2006. An English Major and a graduate of the University of Nebraska Medical Centre, earning her Bachelors Degree in Science and Nursing in 1994. Having spent 13 years as a nurse and ten of those in ICU, she has set her sights with the support of her family on new career in writing. Though this is a work entirely of fiction Miss Grieve has based the medical world in truth, having drawn from her own experiences and used actual questions and a writing sample found in study guides for the MCAT (Medical College Administrations test) in order to get a feel for the struggle Nurse Faith Daniels faced in her quest to get into medical school as mentioned in her authors note.

The cover art of The Doctors Deception created by Kim Mendoza is bright and leaves nothing to the imagination as to where this book is heading. The medical jacket and stethoscope lead you to know this is a book based in the world of medicine. On further thought the stethoscope can also be seen as a clue as to the fact the book is a romance novel, and dealing with matters of the heart. The revealing muscular torso of man then makes it evident that this book is aimed more towards the female of the species rather than the male.

Deerborne County General is a close knit family hospital where everyone knows everyone and everything. However, beyond the vale of kindness lies a problem which threatens to destroy the close net of friends and colleagues. The resident heart throb surgeon, Dr Stone Lassiter who leaves every female nurse melting in his presence. Focussing so hard upon his work he closes out those who he truly needs the support of, unless he changes from treating them with so much disrespect many will consider re-evaluating there careers. If he is to gain there trust and respect, and gain the funding needed in order to for fill a death bed promise and open his heart centre, he needs to win over the team and attend the upcoming charity dinner. But who should he take?...

Faith Daniels, nurse of the year having twice failed her MCAP exam, one time thanks to her ex-husband leaving her high, dry, and penniless she is determined not to fail one more time, nor let any man stand in the way of her dream to finally become a doctor. Thrust yet again for the fourth shift in a row to work alongside Dr Lassiter by her colleagues urging her to change the cave man. With her exam getting ever closer should she risk the hospitals fate or her own future?

The characters appear to be constantly fighting the line between personal and professional. The story and interactions between the characters remind me of elements from works by Nora Roberts and Kim Harrison. The language used is both professional and often humorous the world created here appears so real and considering there is so much medical information contained within I’m impressed with how Miss Grieve manages to not loose her reader. Professionally written with twists and turns you find yourself sighing at least once per chapter.

I must say I’m not really a romance reader, the title and cover aren’t to my personal interest however, I had this book read in one day. This is a fun book and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to have read The Doctors Deception before its release at the end of June. I wouldn’t mind reading more works both in this genre and by Kathleen Grieve in the future.

A quirky tale of love, friendship, dreams, trust and betrayal in the ranks, dragging you down the halls of your local hospital and settling you into one big daydream you'll have the book finished in no time. Its like having an episode of ER in your hands and playing in your head. I'd recommend this book to anyone over the age of 18 years and older. An excellent read sure to have you turning page after page in a single sitting unwilling to take a break. Definitely something to curl up with on a cold night or rainy day with a glass of wine or a tub of ice cream before bed and capable of lifting anyone’s spirits.
I give this book a hearty (lol) 4 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed By R.N. Hadley
For book reviews by Crystal

Night's Master by Amanda Ashley Release date: 10/08

A war between Vampires and Werewolves was what it took to make Kathy McKenna make the move from the big city to the small town of Oak Hollow. A 23 year old, book store owner and a virgin at that, is about to meet the man of her dreams. Although she did not expect him to be a vampire. No matter how hard she fought her feelings, she did fall in love. But was it possible to be fully in love with another species that can not give you children, will never age, and will continue to live on once you have left this world in death?

Love is a battle, and with vampire hunters set on finding a cure for vampirism, and lycanthropy, Kathy is pulled right in the middle as bait. What is the best way to get a vampire or were-tiger’s attention….capture their mate. When the hunters are successful at capturing Kathy, her sexy vampire Raphael, and her two new friends Cagin and Susie, they begin experiments. What will happen to the four, after they are injected with the unknown contents of the syringe?

Like must be with like, but the heart does not care the species it chooses to love. With doubts and all the love in her heart, Kathy must make the decision…can she truly love a Vampire and still hold firm on not taking the Dark Gift? What will happen with the war between worlds?

Amanda Ashley’s book Night’s Master is just perfect. I am an avid reader and follower of Ms. Ashley’s work and with each book she continues to surpass my expectations of her. I find myself smiling, worried, and in the mindset of that one of a kind love with the picture she paints with words. Ms. Ashley skillfully pens a paranormal romance that brings your emotions right to the surface, everything is so vivid and beautiful. I am ready Ms. Ashley for the next book in the series, it just can’t get into my hands quick enough! If I could give a higher score than 5 hearts I would, because she well deserves it! 5 Hearts

Contact Amanda Ashley: www.madelinebaker.net

Fade To Pale by James Cheetham

Fade To Pale by James Cheetham

Doomed to insanity at such an early age, 7 year old Rita drifts between two worlds. Her dream world, her sanctuary at the beach in her mind as she sleeps, and in the minimal hours that she is actually awake, she faces reality. While her dream world works to alleviate the dreadful days, it begins to turn scary and not a fun place to go…but still Rita sees it as her only solace from the everyday world.

A mother that abused her in alcoholic stupors and never told her the truth of her father along with other secrets she beheld as Rita grew up, institutionalized for the illness of the mind, Rita’s mother was no saint. But Rita found herself following the same path as her mother had before…committed to a hospital, dependant on little blue and orange pills, and losing her family.

Rita’s “friend” Emily fills Rita’s mind with the darkness that could only rot and decay any sense of normalcy she had. Suffering as a child of abuse, neglect and sexual abuse, the friend Rita always turns to, is really not much of a friend at all. She wants to break away from the hold Emily, the menacing beach, and the pills have on her…but is that her fate?

James Cheetham’s Fade to Pale is a dark horror story with plot twists and wicked turns that you don’t see coming. A peak into the life of a woman that literally goes insane before your eyes; you will be left feeling cold just like she must have felt. This book is a chiller, a thriller and everything in between! Cheetham knows how to make you fear the dark side of life. 5 Hearts

James Cheetham on myspace: www.myspace.com/jamescheetham

Inhuman Resources by K.K. (Ken Kupstis)

K.K’s Inhuman Resources is a collection of seventeen horror stories compiled to form a spine tingling anthology. Each story was horrific, gory, or in the case of Eyes For Breakfast, just gross.

Ranging from demonic weight machines, aliens, insanity, and science fiction, you will surly find something that will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. The story that freaked me out was, This Won’t Hurt A Bit. I have an all new fear of dentists thanks to this story. As K.K.’s character said, if you put a white lab coat on, people will believe anything.

K.K or better known as Ken Kupstis is a horror author I wouldn’t want to cross. If he can think of such grotesque ways that his secondary characters meet their demise, I would hate to see what he could do if he was really mad. K.K. is an astonishing author, horror is defiantly his genre of expertise. 5 Skulls

www.myspace.com/rockherworld

The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren by Wendy Toliver

This is your regular geek to chic story with a twist. Roxy gets more than what she bargained for on her sixteenth birthday. They always say sweet 16 is the birthday you will never forget, and in Roxy’s case it is proven to be true, when she is transformed into a teenage hottie.

What will the guy she’s been crushing on think of her after the transformation? Pick up your own copy to find out!

The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren by Wendy Toliver. This book is a must read for the summer, it's fast fun and fabulous. Thank you Wendy for reminding me what fun reading can be . Oh, if you ever find a spare Grandma Perkins send her my way . Defiantly worthy of 5 Hearts

Reviewed by Helene Tompkins
For Book Reviews by Crystal

Celestial Creed’s Revelation: The Clash at Creeden saga Cypher 8 Volume One by The Sunz of the Zodiac

Clash at Creeden, written and illustrated by The Sunz of the Zodiac; The Ace of Spadez, Scorpius Blood and Capricornus Woody is an epic battle of self, spiritual and literal proportions written as a scifi fantasy based in the future with elements which span the previous centuries.

In the wake of the destruction of Olde Earth three brothers, princes, Trajan Wolvoz, Jason Wolvoz and Cinder Wolvoz upon the untimely death of there father seek to discover which one of them is to fore fill an ancient prophecy as written by Nostradamus. To rise from the flames of Mount Medievon in 3776 AD to become the Phenix and lead the souls named in Arch Angel Michael’s Cryptex of Destiny to fight for Jesus Christ and Christianity against the evil Nefilim. There journeys both alone and connected will either bring peace or destruction upon there home of Novus Atlantis.
Armed only with his fathers sword The Retaliator Jason Wolvoz having risen from the dead takes on the spiritual quest along with his own personal one to become the Phenix and enter the Thunder Sphinx to retrieve the Cryptex of Destiny and one of the fabled Crystal Skulls (The Wolvenite Crystal Skull). His journey is thwart with both danger and enemies like the SS Legion, lycans, vampires and other species around every corner. With his own inner battles with his former self, the vampirical Dante, as well as past love interests he must overcome his own fears and learn who to trust if he is to succeed at all.

Glancing at the title alone and nothing else I was unsure of what I was about to be reading as my mind filed the title Clash at Creeden with the likes of Conan the Barbarian.
I am happy to say my mind was changed. Having viewed the following several pages including cover art, beautiful colourful illustrations and a map of Novus Atlantis. I found myself overwhelmed by the professionalism and effort put into Clash at Creeden that I actually found myself questioning my own writing which for The Sunz of The Zodiac is a great thing because there are authors and then there are these guys up there especially with there amazing art work, with the likes of Tolkien. Its one thing to be able to write but its another to be able to show though images how these characters and worlds exist in the writers mind.
The introduction appears a little long, I myself thought I was reading the story when in fact I wasn’t however, the world created here is a dark and yet wondrous place. You never know what’s around the corner. With its amalgamation of fantasy, spiritualism, almost every controversial theory under the sun, and lost and debunked theories, as well as covering the human condition, love, destiny, faith, belief and betrayal, everything which makes us human. This is essentially a fellowship of the future for a new age of readers. There are however some spelling changes which have been made such as the letter Z replacing where there should be an S, but you do get used to them eventually, and this is made up for by how descriptive the entire story is, drawing the reader into the pages, into the world that you find a pace to the story that before long a few hours have passed and you’re still sat reading.

I would recommend Clash At Creeden to anyone between the ages of 18 and 40 I say this because the story itself will appeal to many along with the combination of language used which flows and blends nicely considering its range from Old English to modern slang. This saga is sure to leave even those with the simplest of knowledge of the ancient world and debunked theories wanting to know more about who we are where we come from and what lies ahead for us. I love the way the facts of the real world have only been altered slightly to make them blend together, this could be something for non-believers to get stuck on however those interested in the subjects brought up will no doubt stay tuned. Given the style of writing used and the detailing throughout, because of how I personally imagined it to be, I think this story could one day make an amazing anime.
So, for what this book is also doing for the world of controversial theorists and how much I enjoyed reading Clash at Creeden. I give this book and The Suns Of The Zodiac 4 out of 5 stars.

Reviewed By R.N. Hadley
For Book Reviews by Crystal

Time Well Wasted: The Story of 1st Platoon, 10th MP Co. in Somalia by D.S. Haines and Anthony Ciccone,Featuring the Journal of LT James E. Worthington

** KENDALL PUBLICATION **

Time Well Wasted: The Story of 1st Platoon, 10th MP Co. in Somalia by D.S. Haines and Anthony Ciccone, Featuring the Journal of LT James E. Worthington

"…That could actually summarize the entire Somalia operation—just a little throw up in the back of your throat and a taste that wouldn't ever go away." – Tony Ciccone

Time Well Wasted is the story told from D.S. Haines and Anthony Ciccone's recollected memories of their four month tour in Somalia. There were 21 men in the 10th MP Co. and each man contributed something special to this book. Whether it be a memory, an act of bravery, or a hilarious prank; Haines and Ciccone make sure to include the "real life" of the men in their platoon. With the help of the LT's journal entries, vivid details, and honest raw truth, Time Well Wasted is the best military book to come across my reviewing desk.

While there are unbelievable pranks, games and actions all throughout this book that will make you laugh uncontrollably, it is very real. Getting shot at any time of the day, pummeled with rocks by Somalian kids, unhealthy eating and hygiene habits, and the very real possibility that each day could be your last. I can not forget to mention LT James E. Worthington's journal entries, they were most of the time short sweet and to the point, but brought a whole new outlook to the reality of this mission.

While Haines starts out joking as a young man, his transformation throughout this four month stay in Africa shows him progressing into a soldier, and at the end, an adult breaking speeding laws to make it home to have a couple of beers with his friends.

Haines and every man from the 1st Platoon, 10th MP Co. made it home alive with various stories to tell. I am beyond grateful that Mr. Haines, Mr. Ciccone, LT. James E. Worthington and every man mentioned or not, in Time Well Wasted, who served and put their lives on the line for their country. Soldiers, Marines and all other parts of the military do not get to always tell or show the realities of what is going on in war, but if each and every man or woman were to write a book such as these guys did, I guarantee they will be bought by those that truly do want to know the behind the scenes, and by those that have family in the Service, whatever branch it may be.

Time Well Wasted, is not a waste at all to read. It was enjoyable, graphic, laugh out loud hilarious and serious all at the same time. Everyone should read this book if they are at all interested in the Military. While the platoon had some down time and made the best out of it, they were all business when put in the line of duty. This is an explosive read, in more ways than one. Time Well Wasted will be shown on the big screen one day; of that I am sure. 5 Stars

Contacts: www.myspace.com/dshaines
Purchase: www.kendallpublication.com/books

Crystal Adkins
Kendall Publication
Head of Author Reviews/Interviews

His and Hers by Dawn Calvert *print book*

Jane Ellingson is about to take the trip of a lifetime. Sitting in the local Starbucks reflecting on the past misshapes in her life, she finds a wishing stone sitting on the window ledge with a note attached. Now, what could one little wish hurt? Would it be so bad to be whisked away to another place and time where no one knows you and you could just start all over? A modern day girl, transported back in time to the Victorian era, how will she adjust to the much “simpler” times?

James Dempsey is the man that Jane is destined by the author (in the beginning) writing the story to be with. Confused? Jane is transported back in time and is the heroine of a romance novel, written by Mary Bellingham. As the author takes breaks, it gives the characters time to explore the grounds, feelings and emotions, but as soon as Ms. Bellingham has the pen in hand, she begins to narrate the lives of everyone once again. James is constantly telling Jane she must put forth more effort to make Mary’s story come to life.

Jane knows that Mary wants her to marry James, but it is the other Dempsey brother, Curran that intrigues her. Now wouldn’t that be an interesting plot twist? Curran and James are not on the best of terms, it is rumored that Curran has the devil in him. Could Jane be the Angel to his saving grace? Will the author approve of the match making…or will there even be a match? If the opportunity were to arise, would Jane stay in the historical realm in which she now resides or will she leave everything including love behind?

Dawn Calvert’s historical time travel romance is such a sweet read. The characters are loveable as well as lively and opinionated. It does get a little slow at times, but all in all it was very enjoyable. 4 Hearts

Dawn on MySpace: www.myspace.com/calvertdawn