Aliens in the Barn

Friday, May 29, 2015

Review: Keir by Pippa Jay


 
 




When I first started reading Keir, it was not what I was expecting, feeling more like a fantasy novel when I was hoping for science fiction. I didn't like Keir's people and liked the whole witchcraft, burn 'em at the stake, even less. What kept me reading were the characters, Keir and Quin, and Pippa's amazing ability to paint a picture with words. I really liked these two characters and wanted to see how the romance was going to work, especially since they weren't particularly into each other at first. I enjoyed the slow build to their relationship. And, oh my gosh, finding out the relationship of a certain character to Keir was one of those revelational moments that kept me turning the page (don't want to say who...spoilers and all).

While the first part of the book wasn't my favorite, it was necessary to understand who Keir is and where he is coming from. The second part of the book gives more insight into who Quin is and where she is coming from.

Lyagnius was getting closer to the science fiction and I loved the descriptions of Surei, the avian doctor, as well as the other aliens there. The med fac with the memorphorm beds was cool. Really, the descriptions of just about everything was excellent. Have I mentioned Pippa's ability to paint a picture with words? It makes me want to read anything and everything she has written.

There was a scene with a couple of characters that seemed abruptly introduced, as well as a change in feel and tone, as if two books were put into one, but it was all pulled together pretty well as I kept reading. One could expect such a change while traveling with someone who can go anywhere in time and space.

Then we get to Metraxi. Oh my gosh, this is exactly what I was looking for! The imagery and world building was excellent! I loved T'rill, T'reno, S'rano...all the Metraxians, even R'hellek. He was a fun villain to read. I absolutely loved this description of T'rill's audience chamber in the Metraxi palace: "Light poured through a giant crystal set in the roof, dancing across the chamber as though shining through clear, tropical waters." I could just see it perfectly. Breathtaking.

The part when they were fishing and Keir didnt want her to lead the way had me in giggle fits. Then I felt so bad for him how Quin misinterpretted his unease. The romance was excellent! I loved the balance between their points of view, each of their thoughts of how the other couldn't possibly be interested. There was great emotional conflict and Pippa's ability to bring those emotions to life was masterful.

There are also a few mainstream influences that I particularly enjoyed. Keir's persecution for being different reminded me of how people treat mutants in X-Men. Keir himself was vaguely reminiscent of Nightcrawler. Quin traveling through time and space with a companion was reminiscent of Dr. Who and the Emissary reminded me of Darth Vader. The story is unique and stands on its own quite well, but I did enjoy these elements, especially since they are three of my favorite things.

I love how nothing was held back either, nothing was too horrendous to touch upon. There are a couple of shocking events that really got me going. When an author is capable of making me feel so much for an imaginary being, I'm a fan for life. Bravo!

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Book description:

A demon waiting to die…

An outcast reviled for his discolored skin and rumors of black magic, Keirlan de Corizi sees no hope for redemption. Imprisoned beneath the palace that was once his home, the legendary ‘Blue Demon of Adalucian’ waits for death to finally free him of his curse. But salvation comes in an unexpected guise.

A woman determined to save him.

Able to cross space and time with a wave of her hand, Tarquin Secker has spent eternity on a hopeless quest. Drawn by a compulsion she can’t explain, she risks her apparent immortality to save Keir, and offers him sanctuary on her home-world, Lyagnius. But Quin has secrets of her own.

When Keir mistakenly unleashes the dormant alien powers within him and earns exile from Lyagnius, Quin chooses to stand by him. Can he master his newfound abilities in time to save Quin from the darkness that seeks to possess her?

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You can find the book on Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/Keir-Book-Redemption-Pippa-Jay-ebook/dp/B00WY5CT9E

Sign up to Pippa's no-spam newsletter to get updated on the latest releases, giveaways and special offers. Exclusive snippets and stories coming soon! http://pippajay.blogspot.co.uk/p/newsletter-signup.html  Her favorite place to hang around and chat is on Twitter as @pippajaygreen.

Enjoy!


Friday, May 22, 2015

Cover Reveal! Love in the Time of Coffee by AR DeClerck

 
 
 
 
Blurb:
 
Life as a geeky math chick with little patience and time for men is never easy. When a handsome stranger spills a caramel macchiato all over her term paper Irissa Daniels thinks her luck just might be a 'changin. Mac McCleary is tough, smart and sexy and he treats Irissa like the only woman in the world. Things are going great, but life seems to get in the way. Mac's dad is sick, his business is in trouble and his only hope to keep it going is to get involved with a very shady character. Soon Irissa begins to wonder if she and Mac will make it to happily- ever-after after all.

Love in the Time of Coffee is very complicated indeed.

Cover Art by Rachel Olson at No Sweat Graphics. The book will be available May 22!

Follow AR DeClerck's journey through reading, writing and publishing: https://sites.google.com/site/amydeclerckauthor/