Shadowmancer by G.P. Taylor

Paperback: 174 pages
Publisher: Charisma House (May 9, 2005)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1591856655
ISBN-13: 978-1591856658

Shadowmancer is the story of Thomas Barrick, and Kate Coglan, who live in 1700s Thorpe, England. When an African name Raphah arrives, on the hunt for the Keruvim, an item stolen from his people, things change fast. Because the man whom has stolen it, happens to be Obadiah Demurral, a respected but corrupt vicar who wants to use it to gain power. Throughout the book, Kate and Thomas become engulfed in another world, as creatures they've never even believed in threaten their lives, as well as a God they've never believed in, Riathamus, shows himself.

Thomas, has been dealt a bad hand. He has no father, his house has recently burnt down, and his mother is dying in the hospital. Instead of staying bitter he doesn't even consider not helping Raphah. He has a good heart.
Kate, is completely unlady-like and actually carries a gun on her. Because of an abusive father, she distrusts mostly everyone accept Thomas. I liked her because although she is the anti-girly girl, she doesn't come off as stereo-typical.
Raphah is fully devoted to Riathamus but because we don't know learn much about his past, he is slightly a distant character.
Demurall is completely believable as the villain, a man who uses a religion for his own gain.
His henchman, Beadle, is realistic in his portrayal as a man influenced and weakened by Demurall, but not completely taken in by selfish desires.
Crane is a cynical smuggler that is rather hard to understand throughout the book. He's neither likeable nor unlikable. But he is crucial to the plot.

There are some odd points throughout the story where you are spared reactions that seem crucial. I found myself asking, why didn't they show his of hers reaction? Also, I felt as though we could have gotten to know the main characters better. There was no explanation about the events that Kate and Thomas had gone through together as kids. Just the explanation that they had always been friends. Some history would have deepened the story and it's characters greatly. Finally, the main characters are thrown into danger, but never even question abandoning Raphah. Although Thomas has a dream that leads him to God, Kate seems to have no real motivation. It could just be her friendship with Thomas, but like I said, that lacked depth.

With all these flaws, I still say it's worth the read if you enjoy the "fantasy" genre. There are so many odd and scary creatures throughout this book that make it enjoyable. There are angels, demons, witches, Varrigal, and a raven of gold...just to name a few. My favorite scene is when we see Thomas with his mother; I found his vulnerability a very compelling part of his character, making up for the lack of history and development in many of the others.

I admit, at first read, this book didn't stand out to me, but the second time around I really started to notice it's strong points. I'd give it three stars, for potential (this guy writes non-stop) and originality.

If you want to read it yourself, you can get it at Amazon for only $8.

You can learn about G.P. Taylor's other books at his website.

Next review, Book one of the Vadelah Chronicles, "Arana's Visitor" by Julie Rollins.

Points of my review

I just wanted to break down how I plan to do my reviews. I'm writing for those who plan to read these books, so I wont give away a lot of the plot.
Don't you hate it when you read the back of a book and it gives away the entire story? So much for surprises...
I try to break each review into three parts
1, the basic plot
2, the characters (this section can either be the strong or weak points)
3, this section can be strong or weak points depending on the characters

Then just a summing up and a rating from one to five stars.
* Horrible/Not worth reading
** Potentially good/shows promise
*** Good/worth reading
**** Exceptionally good
***** The best I've ever read

I might put more information of the plot if I find it's crucial in pointing out how the book is either good or bad. If I can tell the worthiness of the book in another way, such as just by looking at the characters, then I will instead. I might change this pattern, but for now it seems to working.

The Birthright Project #1, Outriders by Kathryn Mackel

Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (2005) (first edition)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1-59554-039-3 (first edition)
ISBN-13: 978-1595544032
Note: This cover is the first cover. There is now a second one out.

The Birthright Project is a science fiction series, that takes place in the far future of this world. But you don't figure this out until about 5 chapters in! Throughout the first chapters, I was thoroughly confused. I felt this information would have been more effective if given earlier. Not until more than halfway through the book do we get a story.

In a nutshell: the worlds' technology evolved to the point where everyone was waging war. After the wars, the angry masses killed everyone they could blame, from scientists who created the technologies to religious leaders. Somehow, all of the technology was lost, and only few people knew how to read and hid books, technology, and art. An angel came to them and instructed them to build a second ark, an ark that would live under water. This is where the birthrighters are from. The idea in itself is the story's strong point, and is an original one.

Unfortunately, most of the characters in the story don't hold up well.
Niki is bossy, hot tempered, and is not a very likeable character first. Only later in the story does she grow on you. Because she suffers you feel pity on her.
Brady is the leader; he comes off as a holier-than-thou and is quite  a condescending character by the end of the book.
Timothy doesn't have much personality except for his odd aversion for Brady that appears then vanishes and his penchant for hot woman.
Ajoba was my favorite character. Although she is deceived in the beginning, she has a kind heart, which makes her likeable and realistic.
Alrod is a stereo-typical villian, and has little personality. He's just evil.
Dawnray and Taryan tie for the most boring character. Both are very beautiful, smart, and clever. Both have males who are head over heels for them.
Besides Taryan, every character gets their own chapters or part in a chapter. I found this distracted me and I and was unnecessary. It kept me away from the most interesting part of the story, where Niki and the three rookies head back to camp. Her story is a page turner, although not without it's flaws.
Niki decides she is in love with Brady, then she isn't! This is a weak part of her character. She suddenly sounds like a whiny teenager, instead of a strong and proud birthrighter. By the end of the book I found myself wanting either a new male character or simply for Brady to get real and see how amazing Niki is, compared to dull Taryan.

The good points: the originality of the second ark, and the mad scientists who mutate all of the creatures and humans. Also the odd wolf who follows Niki, Ajoba, and the fact that this is science fiction and is written by a Christian author. How many of those can you find?

If you are a hardcore fantasy/sci-fi fan, then I suggest you read it and judge it for yourself. If your not, I recommend skipping this book altogether. I give it two stars out of five.

You can check out the authors website here.

Up next, I'll review Shadowmancer by G.P. Taylor

To Catch A Thief #1, Reluctant Burglar by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Multnomah Publishers (August 15, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1590526864
ISBN-13: 978-1590526866

Desiree Jacobs runs HJ Securities in Boston, along with her father. After signing her first client on her own, she is informed that her father has been killed while in Italy. A distrust for the cops, who are on the case, and believe her father is a criminal, leads Desiree to search out the truth on her own. This is rather difficult, seeing is how after a man breaks into her house, she is under surveillance by the cops.

She still manages to get into all kinds of trouble, all the while doubting Tony's intentions as he invites himself to her church and other activities. This book is well paced, with enough action to satisfy most readers. Although the ending seemed slightly rushed, as the clues only fall together right before the real killers are discovered. That's not really a fault, just my personal preference. There's no solving it before Desiree.

As for the characters, Desiree is portrayed realistic in her faith; weak to her sinful desires but remembering her own convictions. Tony Lucano is easy to relate to as he wants to witness to his partner, Crane, but at the same time wonders if it's worth it.  With both of both of the main characters being Christians, Crane balances it out by giving the reader a dose of reality. Max, Desiree's best friend, is likeable and much like the older sister or mother figure you would want around. She compliments Desiree's character in a way that makes their friendship realistic.

I only have two criticisms. The first, Desiree is coined as stubborn about Tony and yet she doesn't take long to fall in love. Being that this is a series, I thought this romance would develop slowly. The two don't learn much about each other before they share their feelings. Just a pet peeve of mine.

But this is a series, so there's plenty of chances for a real relationship to be forged between the two main characters and my second complaint is a rather small one.

Desiree jumps to the conclusion that someone she loves is responsible for a crime. I would think she would at least rationalize for a bit, and be in denial about it.

All in all I found this book entertaining and I'm curious about what will happen next. I'd give it three and half stars out of five.

You can buy it at Amazon.com for $11.04 in paperback format.

If you want to learn more about the author, you can check out her website.

Next review, the Birthright Project #1, The Outriders, by Kathryn Mackel.