Review: Loved Mars, Hated the Food by Willie Handler

This is a novel by Willie Handler and published by Kyanite Publishing. I had the privilege of being able to read an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of this entertaining novel. Find out more about this story and where to purchase it here: https://kyanitepublishing.com/product/loved-mars-hated-the-food/
I have to say that it is always a delight to be able to read an ARC from another Canadian author and to have a chance to go back to my love of science fiction. Some of the first science fiction stories that stuck with me were rather humourous (see Spider Robinson) and whenever I get a chance to laugh as I read sci-fi, I'm ecstatic.

So, thank you for writing this, Willie. This story checked off so much that I love and then went a step beyond.

Dix Jenner is a protagonist to which most of us can easily relate. I know I did, although I certainly do not share in how he chooses to 'chill out'. He feels like someone you might know or have met before. I loved that he wasn't especially extraordinary. It made me relate to his journey so much more because I could easily put myself in his shoes.

Seepa, Bleeker, and Plinka make for an engaging supporting cast to Dix's life on Mars. I loved them all and found each of them relateable. In a way, I can almost see them as if they were a sitcom.

When it comes to world-building, I have to extend my kudos to Willie for making the Martians and their society as a fallible as our own, but in a different way. I do get annoyed at the trope of the superior alien race that has it all together. It made the society I was reading about far more real to me.

I adore the world that Willie created for the Martians, right down to why we've never seen a trace of them before. I love their society and the impact the Dix has on it with his presence there. It is an amusing and thought-provoking story at the same time. A light hearted-take that touches on a few serious topics.

Now, don't go into this expecting an epic adventure, but it is a wonderful and entertaining story to read. One that you will not regret having as a part of your personal library. It never once disappointed me.

This is a book for those who enjoy a lighter take on science fiction, who enjoy humour, and for the food lover out there. Yes, you read that right. This is a book for people who love food (and coffee) as both those items play a prominent part in this story. In fact, I spent a good part of the novel thinking about a described dessert that I wanted desperately to make this Christmas.

Though I received this book as a digital ARC, I went to the expense of ordering a paperback copy and I am especially glad of this one. When you get to the delicious appendix to this novel, you'll understand.

Review: Parting the Veil by B.K. Bass

This is a novel by B.K. Bass and published by Kyanite Publishing. I had the privilege of being able to read an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of this incredible novel. Find out more about this story and where to purchase this story here: https://kyanitepublishing.com/product/parting-the-veil/

This isn't the first book I've had a chance to read as an ARC by B.K. Bass. I previously reviewed Warriors of Understone and absolutely loved it. I consider myself lucky to be able to read more of his work. Of course, that means I have certain expectations going into reading this novel.

If you read my previous review of his work, you will have noticed that I went on and on about the world-building. While this is an entirely different style of novel with it based in our world instead of one that B.K. wholly created, that doesn't mean a certain amount of world-building isn't required. In fact, you are trying to create your own reality within an existing world can sometimes be harder.

I am happy to report that once again, B.K. delivers on giving you a rich and wonderful world based on our reality. Not to mention delivering some incredible imagery with an exciting, rapid-paced plot.

I will also be honest in saying that this is my first time reading cosmic horror though I am someone who does love my standard horror novels. This is not a book that sets out to scare you like standard horror novels. This is a good thing for me since I am not someone who is easily scared

All right, enough of this. Let me tell you about this book. Right away I was drawn in by the Indiana Jones atmosphere of the first chapter that played beautifully into the genre. Our main characters Richard and Wilkins have a wonderful dynamic that I liked at the beginning and loved by the end of the book.

This book is a thrill ride right from the beginning. The pacing is wonderful, the settings are alive and. from my knowledge, well researched. I enjoyed it immensely. Going to say the story went from this is good to 'I don't want to put it down' by the time we hit the bayou. I wanted to know what was going to happen next.

As the story progressed into Spain there was no denying that I was hooked and though the ending is great, nearly perfect in fact, it leaves you knowing that there will be more to look forward to! If you love adventure, if you have any fondness for cosmic horror at all then this needs to be on your must-read list.

Or as the French would say, cette histoire est incroyable!

Review: Murder in Mind by Majanka Verstraete

This is a novel by Majanka Verstraete and published by Kyanite Publishing.

 

I received this as an advanced reader copy. So, my version may vary slightly from yours. Find out more about this story and where to purchase this novel here: https://kyanitepublishing.com/product/murder-in-mind/

 

If there was a way to tell if someone had criminal tendencies well before they ever committed a crime, would you be okay with locking that person up? If someone is likely to become a criminal, does that mean they WILL become one no matter what?

 

It's an interesting thought and the central theme in this thought-provoking science fiction novel. There is no hiding the influence of George Orwell's '1984' on this story since the author even quotes the book in a place or two. 

Rey, the protagonist of this novel, is a compelling character and I enjoyed seeing the world through her eyes. Her journey is one that carries you along with a need to know what happened in the past and what will happen when they do find the monster that killed her parents. Her interactions and the relationships that she develops with the other characters in the book are believable—especially the issues between her and her sister. 

 

I found the worldbuilding done for this novel to be interesting and it made me think hard about the role that technology plays in our lives. As well as ask the question, if AI becomes a real thing, will computers have feelings? Is this a good thing or a bad thing? It's fascinating to ponder on such things.

 

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. It drew me in quickly and kept me in the story until the end. The ending only left me wanting for a second book, but the conclusion was believable and satisfying for the story arc in question. 

There was only one small thing that threw me off a bit. I felt there may have been a bit of inconsistency in the story. It was nothing that greatly affects the plot or the enjoyability of the story, but small things that made me stop and go 'hmmm'. Of course, these issues may have been fixed in the published copy because, as I mentioned above, mine was an ARC that specifically stated that it was an uncorrected proof. 

 

I would highly recommend this book no matter what because the story was wonderful and it did pull me in—which is what a story is supposed to do.