Tag: Novel

Posted in Audiobooks, Book Reviews, Novels

REVIEW: First Evidence by Ken Goddard

Posted on by elishasbookreview

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*No Spoilers*

A down-to-earth forensics expert has just discovered a crime scene that is out of this world.

In criminal forensics, they train you to uncover evidence, no matter how brutal or bizarre the murder.

But what if one night you make contact with a crime scene so terrifying, no one on earth can explain it?

It begins at a chaotic crime scene in the deep woods of the Pacific Northwest–site of a reported shoot-out. Investigator Colin Cellars cannot find a trace of perpetrator or victim–or even confirm that anyone has been killed. As he doggedly pursues the case, he realizes there is far more at stake here than murder. Someone–something?–will stop at nothing to prevent him from discovering the truth. For the truth is not “out there.” It is locked away in Cellars’ own evidence file. The evidence points to a killer far outside Cellars’s experience–far outside any earthly experience. But who will believe one maverick cop?

This novel is different from other monster stories. This novel is a mystery, mixed with Sci-Fi, with a dash of romance. The mystery involving the disappearance of multiple deputies and citizens alike. It is up to Crime Scene Investigator, Colin Cellars to figure things out while not ending up locked away in a rubber room.

This thrilling novel will have you on the edge of your seat, waiting to see what the mystery is really all about!

My favorite part of this story was how it felt like Colin Cellars was the only one who knew the mystery went further than his fellow officers knew. It felt like no one was believing him, and in the beginning, I was questioning Mr. Cellars’ sanity myself.

If you thought the “shadows” in Doctor Who: Silence in the Library was terrifying, this novel cranks it up to 11. Shadows that appear will give you a new sense of uneasiness. Keep the nightlight on for this one!

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I would recommend this novel for lovers of horror, science fiction, and mystery. This novel keeps you hooked and invested from page one.

Posted in Book Reviews, Novels

ARC REVIEW: Ain’t No Messiah by Mark Tullius

Posted on by elishasbookreview

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*No Major Spoilers*

**I was given a copy of the novel by the author**

***Ain’t No Messiah will be hitting bookshelves February 5***

From the day he was born, Joshua has found himself the recipient of death-defying miracles. His earliest memories include his own father proclaiming him the second coming of Christ. However, Joshua has wrestled with serious doubts about the validity of this claim all his life. How could he not, having survived a childhood filled with physical and emotional abuse at the hands of his earthly father. Now, one way or another, Joshua is going to show the world who he really is.

This novel has a very interesting concept of a religious cult, where the leader is someone’s child. Instead of Joshua’s father claiming to be the Messiah and using Joshua’s unusual birth as proof. He claimed that Joshua is the Messiah.

Watching Joshua grow up in this cult, where he was expected to be perfect, and god-like. To “give judgment” and to forgive those who followed their beliefs was intriguing. It would’ve been one thing to have him grow up in a cult solely focused on his father. However, having their cult beliefs based on him, whether he wanted it or not made Joshua more relatable as a character.

One thing I found interesting was how this novel takes place in modern times, and yet Joshua never went to a school of any kind until their father added a schoolhouse onto the church. It wasn’t until he adventured into the world outside of the cult and slowly learned how things worked in the real world.

Although Joshua has vehemently denied his father’s “gospel” that he is the Messiah. When he is defending himself, or reacting to negative outside forces. He says that he’s “casting judgment” or “the fist of God” has judged those who had wronged Joshua or those he cared about.

Before Joshua ran away from home, his father brainwashed him to believe there are millions of bad people in the world who wanted Joshua dead. He also made Joshua believe that all the tragedies in the world, like 9/11, the war in Iraq, and mass shootings were his fault.

Although, you want to believe that there’s at least one person in the world who is kind without taking advantage of Joshua’s “slowness” or “gullibility”. However, this novel takes that and makes sure Joshua doesn’t get a sense of kindness or just in this world.

I felt the ending was justified and fulfilling. The ending provokes emotions of all kinds, from sadness to anger, and even peacefulness. Things end in a way that finishes everything but leaves just enough open to have a sequel. This novel is apart of a series called “The Blessed and Broken”. Of course, I am interested in reading more from this series and Mark Tullius’ other works as well.

I would recommend this novel for those who want a dark and thought-provoking “coming of age” story. Also, if you enjoy novels about cults, this is the novel for you.

Buy “Ain’t No Messiah” HERE

Read My Q&A with Mark Tullius HERE

Posted in Book Reviews, Graphic Novels, Marvel Comics

REVIEW: Spider-Man: Noir (Spider-Man: Noir #1-4)

Posted on by elishasbookreview

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*No Spoilers*

It was 1933 and the Great Depression was just getting started. And so was the corrupt mob boss The Goblin. When embittered, angry Peter Parker meets a spider and its life-changing bite, he may have just inherited the force to honor the phrase, “If those in power can’t be trusted, it’s the responsibility of the people to remove them.”

People who know me, know I love film noir. I’ve also been wanting to dive into the Marvel Noir series for a while. When I saw this at my library, I knew I had to read this.

I still haven’t seen Into the Spider-verse yet. I only recently learned that this version of Spider-Man was in the movie. I think Spider-Man in 1920’s New York is interested in the fact that Spider-Man is a “glass half-full” kind of hero. Even though Spider-Man has faced tragedies he is still hopeful and optimistic about the world around him.

Here, with the Great Depression, and The Goblin having control of the entire city, Peter Parker has a dour view on life. He is more vigilante than a hero. In that, he murdered one of Goblin’s henchmen that were after Aunt May. This caused Aunt May to be outraged by the pure violence that Spider-Man displayed and claimed she could take care of herself.

The artwork is dark and gritty. Throughout the novel, it is constantly snowing, and the art style makes the pure, white snow seem dirty and unclean.

I would recommend this graphic novel to lovers of Marvel Comics, Film Noir, and Spider-Man in general. This graphic novel definately scratched my itch for the Film Noir genre, and I think this novel might be perfect for you!

Posted in Author Q&A

Q&A with G.A.M. Morris

Posted on by elishasbookreview

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G.A.M Morris is the author of Miao-Shan: The Awakening. I thought I’d ask him some questions I had while reviewing his novel.

Question: What was it about Chinese culture that inspired you to write a novel?

Mr. Morris: I have been passionate about both Japanese and Chinese culture since I was about four years old. I first saw it on television while I was living in Scotland, and since then I have fallen in love with the history, art, weapons, martial arts, food, and general culture of both nations. I collect both Chinese and Japanese art and weapons. I also have quite a few books on the subject.

Question: Are you friend with any other authors and how do they help you become a better writer?

Mr. Morris: Yes, I am friends with other authors, but it doesn’t change the way I write at all. I don’t discuss actual writing styles or techniques much with them. The main assistance we give each other is the promotion of our books.

Question: What’s your favorite underrated novel?

Mr. Morris: The Ninja by Eric Van Lustbader.

Question: What was the most difficult scene to write?

Mr. Morris: It’s a toss-up between the two. The beginning where I had to depict the gruesome death of Lei’s parents, the emotional aftermath, and how Lei’s grandmother dealt with it.
Another difficult thing was describing how Lei was able to use “The Void”. In martial arts “The Void” is a crucial technique that all Masters must learn, no matter what martial art. In Kung Fu, Karate, Mu Thai, it’s all the same. I had to depict Lei learning how to use it in a way the general public would understand. To the best of my knowledge, no other author before me has attempted to depict the actual learning of using “The Void”. I didn’t depict it quite in the way I learned it, but I did use the teaching techniques my own Master used when teaching me how to use it.

Question: What is your favorite childhood book?

Mr. Morris: That’s a very difficult question! I began reading fluently when I was 6 years old. My first loves were comic books. Spider-Man and Superman being my favorites. As I grew up I learned to love the darkness of Batman.
Of course, I love Dr. Seuss, one of my aunts introduced me to the Suess stories. My dad wanted me to read the classics, he was afraid comic books were going to rot my brain. I received the box set of The Lord of the Rings trilogy as a gift, and I gave my son the set when he turned 10. All my life books have been a huge part of growing up and being able to pass the love of reading on to my own kids makes life very fulfilling to me.

Thanks so much, Mr. Morris for taking your time and chatting with me!

Read My Review of Miao-Shan: The Awakening HERE

Buy Miao-Shan: The Awakening HERE

Posted in Discussions, Personal Blogs

REVIEW: 2018

Posted on by elishasbookreview
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Photo by IMAMA LAVI on Pexels.com

We have come so far in the past year! I started this blog as a hobby, and I’ve been sticking with it! I am so proud of myself for accomplishing so much in just a year!

But enough about me, we’re here to talk about books.

I read a lot of books, comics, and manga that it seems a little overwhelming. I’m going to list the most memorable reads of 2018. These are oldest to newest.

Shark Island by Chris Jameson is the novel that started this crazy ride. It was a fun and thrilling read. Even though it was a bit ridiculous, I still felt the intensity of it all.

Aquaman Vol. 1: The Trench by Geoff Johns when I saw the recent Aquaman movie I instantly thought of this comic. It was so refreshing to see a movie stick to the source material.

The High Climber of Dark Water Bay by Caroline Arden One of the first Advanced Reading Copy novels I read. I loved this novel, and it’s one that I’d like to reread in the future. A good novel for an outdoor-lover.

Delicious in Dungeon Vol. 1 by Ryoko Kui This manga takes a unique take on the dungeon crawler genre. I enjoyed this manga, and I’m eager to read more from this series in the future!

Four Months in Brighton Park by Larry Ehrhorn I was requested to read this book by Mr. Ehrhorn. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It needs more attention and recognition, so I highly recommend if you love a good “coming of age” story!

2018 was a great year! The start of a reading adventure, and hopefully a future full of more fun and books! Cheers! I hope to see you in 2019!