The Expanse Series – The Butcher of Anderson Station – By James S. A. Corey

November.25.2016November.7.2016 Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulderAdult, James S. A. Corey, Science FictionLeave a comment

Jared

Just a little short story to get me back in the Expanse mindset. Once again I’m amazed at the detail in this series. What can I say? I just love this series.

Title: The Butcher of Anderson Station
Series: The Expanse; Short Story
Author: James S. A. Corey (Pen Name)
Genre: Science Fiction
Audience: Adult
ROTS Setting: CU (Current Universe), Futuristic, No FTL Tech
Synopsis: Fred Johnson was just doing his duty, but when the events of Anderson Station are broadcasted across the system it’s too late.
Recommendation: Make sure to read in order of publication or later. Recommended for anyone who likes the Expanse.

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RED RISING – BOOK 1: RED RISING – BY PIERCE BROWN

November.23.2016November.16.2016 JaredAdult, Fantasy, Pierce Brown, Science FictionLeave a comment

Hello Robert,

Red Rising is a book I heard about quite awhile ago from another person who works in the same industry as me and recommended it.

Title: Red Rising red_rising
Series: Red Rising Trilogy; Book 1
Author: Pierce Brown
Genre: Fantasy, Sci-fi
Audience: Adult
ROTS Setting: Alternate Future,
Synopsis: The people have earth have expanded and terraforming the solar system. Humanity has become segregated by color into the Society. Golds rule the Society which is built upon the backs of the Reds.
Recommendation: I really enjoyed this book, I love a good underdog story and this has it. This is definitely a book for adults it has some brutal violence that would be inappropriate for younger audiences. For more details read the rest of this review.
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Epic Failure – Book 1: Mechanical Failure – By Joe Zieja

November.18.2016December.9.2016 Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulderAdult, Joe Zieja, Science FictionLeave a comment

Jared

Thanksgiving is coming up quick. This year we’re home and going to try and create some of our own traditions. Ya, we’re slacking on that part because it’s never been a big part of our lives. Really it’s about the memories, so we’re going to make an effort this year.

Title: Mechanical Failure
Series: Epic Failure; Book 1
Author: Joe Zieja
Genre: Science Fiction
Audience: Adult
ROTS Setting: CU, Distant Future, FTL, Comedy
Synopsis: Rogers enjoyed his time in the military, during the Two Hundred Year (And Counting) Peace. But when an illicit deal goes south he’s faced with going to a penal colony or reenlistment. He picks the latter assuming nothing had changed in the three years since his departure. He was wrong. Very, very wrong.
Recommendation: Adult. Please note this is a comedy. Seriously, you can’t take it seriously.

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Keeper of the Lost Cities – Book 1: Keeper of the Lost Cities – By Shannon Messenger

November.17.2016 LisaFantasy, Shannon Messenger, Teen, Youth1 Comment

Hey guys!

Robert’s been asking for a little bit (read: bugging- for 6 months) for me to write a post ever since I broke down and subscribed to Kindle Unlimited during my first looong break after 2 years of pharmacy school. I devour books like they’re warm cinnamon rolls, but without the mess. I might have to go back and do some of the books I read over the summer, but first on the review list is this awesome book. You’ll quickly realize I love youth books. During my first 1 week break of school, I was browsing the library shelves and stumbled across Keepers of the Lost Cities and read it in pretty much a day. I re-read it within the past weeks because book 5 is now out!! I’m on the waiting list for it, and while I want to read it now, I kinda want to read books 2-4 over again. We’ll see how this plays out.

Title: Keeper of the Lost Cities
Series: Keeper of the Lost Cities; Book 1
Author: Shannon Messenger
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Youth/Teen
ROTS Setting: EU, Modern, Higher Magic, Elves
Synopsis: In this riveting debut, a telepathic girl must figure out why she is the key to her brand-new world—before the wrong person finds the answer first.

Twelve-year-old Sophie has never quite fit into her life. She’s skipped multiple grades and doesn’t really connect with the older kids at school, but she’s not comfortable with her family, either. The reason? Sophie’s a Telepath, someone who can read minds. No one knows her secret—at least, that’s what she thinks…

But the day Sophie meets Fitz, a mysterious (and adorable) boy, she learns she’s not alone. He’s a Telepath too, and it turns out the reason she has never felt at home is that, well…she isn’t. Fitz opens Sophie’s eyes to a shocking truth, and she is forced to leave behind her family for a new life in a place that is vastly different from what she has ever known.

But Sophie still has secrets, and they’re buried deep in her memory for good reason: The answers are dangerous and in high-demand. What is her true identity, and why was she hidden among humans? The truth could mean life or death—and time is running out.
Recommendation: Totally read this!

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REPLY EDITION – HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD

November.16.2016November.16.2016 JaredAdult, Fantasy, J. K. Rowling, Reply, Script, Spoilers, Teen, Young Adult, Youth2 Comments

PLEASE ENJOY THIS SPECIAL “REPLY EDITION” OF HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD -SPOILERS ARE INCLUDED. IF YOU CONTINUE WITHOUT APPLYING THE PROPER HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD UPGRADE YOU MAY EXPERIENCE SOME OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS.

-MUGGLE BRAIN a total lack of understanding mix with sporadic anger frustration and sadness.

-HOUSE ELF TREMMORRS the need to immediately stop reading and begin to clean the house trying to forget what you have just read.

-VAMPIRE CHILLS sudden lack of interest in your magical research and the need to fangirl over sparkly vampires.

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

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Reply: Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians – Book 5: The Dark Talent – By Brandon Sanderson

November.11.2016December.9.2016 JaredBrandon Sanderson, Fantasy, Youth5 Comments

Robert,

Funny thing your review came out today and today is when the library gave me the digital edition. So I powered through and here is the reply.

darktalent-reply Title: The Dark Talent
Series: Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians; Book 5
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Youth
ROTS Setting: EU, Modern, No Higher Magic, Dragons
Synopsis: The “Final” book in the Alcatraz series. It has been a long time coming but we have it at last.
Recommendation: I recommend ages 8-12 as per the teacher aid information in the back of the book. This is a very short book I only read it across like 4 hours, disappointingly short.

SPOILERS TO FOLLOW

Seriously read Robert’s Review first as this is a response to his review.

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Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians – Book 5: The Dark Talent – By Brandon Sanderson

November.11.2016October.21.2016 Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulderBrandon Sanderson, Fantasy, YouthLeave a comment

Jared,

AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

Title: The Dark Talent
Series: Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians; Book 5
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Youth
ROTS Setting: EU, Modern, No Higher Magic, Dragons
Synopsis: Alcatraz is pure evil. Brandon Sanderson is the spawn of the Devil, may he suffer eternally from an infinite number of paper cuts.
Recommendation: Early teens or moderately skilled readers. I highly recommend this series…….if only so you understand my exquisite pain.

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Planetfall – by Emma Newman

November.4.2016October.19.2016 Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulderAdult, Emma Newman, Science FictionLeave a comment

Jared,

How was your Halloween? Ours was great. We had a Trunk-n-Treat on the 29th and then Halloween night we went to a nearby neighborhood that we went to last year…..They give out full size chocolate bars.

Title: Planetfall
Author: Emma Newman
Genre: Science Fiction
Audience: Adult
ROTS Setting: CU, Near-to-Distant Future, Cerebral
Synopsis: Ren traveled millions of miles on faith alone. A faith that was based on a person. Now twenty years later and utterly faithless, she must confront the truths she hides and the lies she uses to perpetuate it.
Recommendation: For adults. Also this isn’t a space opera or action adventure and more cerebral. I definitely recommend this book.

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The Dagger and the Coin – Book 2: The King’s Blood – By Daniel Abraham

October.28.2016October.13.2016 Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulderAdult, Daniel Abraham, FantasyLeave a comment

Hey Jared,

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series. Bigger and better than Game of Thrones in a lot of ways. I just love the world and the tone and…..everything really. Sure there are things I don’t like but they don’t detract from the experience.

Title: The King’s Blood
Series: The Dagger and the Coin; Book 2
Author: Daniel Abraham
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Adult
ROTS Setting: UU, Medieval, Dragons (Extinct), Magic
Synopsis: The board has been set, the pieces arranged, and change is on the horizon. Cithrin chaffs beneath stifled progress. Marcus obscures his true desires, even from himself. Dawson sees the approaching storm and moves to end it before it can begin. Geder finds himself with untold power and little idea how to use it. Clara tries vainly to keep her family together and safe.
Recommendation: Adult, but mid to late teen could probably read it too. Highly recommended!

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Brian’s Saga – Book 2: The River – By Gary Paulsen

October.25.2016October.13.2016 Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulderFiction, Gary Paulsen, TeenLeave a comment

Hiya Jared,

I’m back with another non-Scifi/Fantasy…..more specifically the sequel to the first one, Hatchet. Ya, I should find more survival books because that seems to be the only other genre I can stand. If you have any suggestion please share.

Title: The River
Series: Brian’s Saga; Book 2
Author: Gary Paulsen
Genre: Fiction
Audience: Teen
ROTS Setting: CU, Survival, Canada, Beaver, Whitewater, Lightning, Poop
Synopsis: Brian survived 54 days in the Canadian wilderness. Just when he’d finally adjusted to modern life again, he’s asked to return. And he says yes, but this time he won’t be doing it alone.
Recommendation: Perfect for pre-teens and teens. A short easy read.

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