Category: Reviews

Edge of Collapse

On By dotluvs2writeIn Cultural and Political, Fiction Writing, humanity, Life, News Events, reading, Reviews, Writing TechniquesLeave a comment

Since my newest book, Relics of Life, is dystopian in nature, and it’s a new genre for me. I’d decided to read some books I thought were close to what I’ve written or along those lines.

This is when I discovered the Edge of Collapse book series by Kyla Stone. It’s considered post-apocalyptic fiction, but I found it somewhat similar to my book.

So, this is my idea of a book review.

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Book’s blurb:

In the middle of the coldest winter on record, an EMP destroys the nation’s power grid.


No electricity. No cars or phones. Worst of all: No heat. The country is plunged into instant chaos. 

But for twenty-six-year-old Hannah Sheridan, it’s the best day of her life. For the last five years, she’s been the captive of a sadistic psychopath—until the EMP releases the lock of her prison.

Battered but not broken, she emerges from her underground cell into a hostile winter landscape with no way to call for help, no vehicle that will drive, armed with nothing but the clothes on her back and her own determination to survive.

Cynical loner and ex-soldier Liam Coleman is headed nowhere fast. He believed he was prepared for any disaster—until the EMP took everything he’d ever cared about in a matter of seconds.

Two hundred frozen, perilous miles stand between them and their destination in rural Michigan. The lack of power, desperate people, and the treacherous elements aren’t the only threats, for Hannah’s captor isn’t about to let her go. He will hunt her to the end of the world and beyond. 

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First off, the author hooked me in immediately by the first page. I’m big on writing style. It’s the first thing I notice and makes my decisions on whether I’ll read the book or not.

So, obviously, I noticed Stone’s writing style when I peeked inside the book on Amazon. Ordered it and received it a couple of days later.

The characters in Edge of Collapse, Chao Rising, Edge of Madness, Edge of Darkness, and Edge of Anarchy (the one I’m currently reading after reading the others), are realistic, well-defined, and show the human condition, which I appreciate.

I was happy to see that the author had made a good effort in carving out the characters. I wasn’t sure that would happen since the storyline seemed to be plot driven. Nevertheless, the characters move it along as well, which I appreciate.

The only thing that is bothering me is the violence. I’m not one who’s ever been able to stomach much violence, especially graphic types, and especially if it were in a movie. And this book definitely has several very disturbing scenes. However, I think the author needed to show these things to give the reader an idea how desperate and chaotic the towns and cities in which the characters live or wander through are dealing with.

Funny, when I looked up the book, there was a note that said the violence was rated PG-13. Wow. I’ve not seen many new movies, and it seems the violence level has gone up quite a bit. I’ve gotten into the habit of skimming over or skipping the truly gruesome parts (well, they are to me!) and still know what has happened in those terrifying scenes.

I’m able to skim over such scenes in a book but would never be able to watch it in a movie or TV show. Thankfully, I don’t have to worry about that.

In any case, the books are definitely good, chilling, mind-tingling thriller level. I like the protagonists as well. The antagonists are well-developed and three-dimensional, which is always good. You can understand how some of them ended up the way they did.

There are seven books in the series, and I’m on Book Four.

I give the first three books I’ve finished five stars and highly recommend them.

And if you are already familiar with Kyla Stone’s Edge of Collapse series, I’ll let you know my book, Relics of Life, is similar as pertaining to the state of the country/towns and people trying to navigate through the oppression and dangers, although a bit less violent.

So you may want to pick up a copy of Relics of Life on IngramSpark, Amazon, or B&N.

Hope you found this info interesting, and perhaps you’ve found a new series to read!

All the better.

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DO NOT Self-Publish Without Doing THIS

On By dotluvs2writeIn art, Beauty, Fiction Writing, Marketing, Musings, Publishing, reading, Reviews, Writing TechniquesLeave a comment

I wrote about this particular issue a few years back. But since I just saw an example of this thirty minutes ago, I felt compelled to reiterate it in this post. Besides, a reminder never hurts.

As an author, you must be aware and concerned about what products you put out, because they represent you and your talent.

Therefore, it is ESSENTIAL that an author obtains professional services in publishing her book(s).

Unless you are a professional editor, formatter, and book designer, you will need these services.

Even if you are quite adept at grammar and spelling and syntax. Hire a professional editor.

The same goes for formatting your books and for a book cover.

You want your work to be the BEST it can be. POLISHED, BEAUTIFUL, EYE-CATCHING, READABLE.

It is important for you as an author to do this, because all of these creative efforts are a reflection of who you are and what talent you hold.

In closing, please DO NOT publish you book BEFORE acquiring professionals.

It doesn’t help those who do put in all that effort for superbly finished products. With so many books out there and so many self-published books, let’s make all authors look good by putting out the best product possible for our readers.

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Engage in These Books’ Characters’ Lives

On By dotluvs2writeIn art, Beauty, Fiction Writing, Fun, humanity, Humor, Illness and Medical Treatments, Inspirational, Life, Marketing, Nature, News Events, Publishing, Religious, Reviews, TravelLeave a comment

Reviews from each of my four books shown in the picture above.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Deeply emotional women’s fiction…

In a race against time to save her nephew, Marina travels to Greece to recover a family heirloom that has healing properties but finds something more valuable instead. This book is a heartbreaking tale of faith, family, and freedom. It’s also a story about self-discovery. I thoroughly enjoyed Passage of Promise. As one who has an overbearing family, I could relate. Dorothy Robey pens a beautiful women’s fiction with descriptive narration, engaging characters, and the breathtaking scenery of Greece.

Like in her other books, Dorothy Robey writes descriptive narration so immersive, you can smell the salt air. Such detail is hard to come by these days, but Dorothy Robey will stimulate all five of your senses.

The plot moves at a nice easy pace as the story unfolds. The writing is emotional and really connects the reader to the story. I’m fast becoming a fan of this author’s writing. It’s all about life’s journeys and self-discovery.

The characters are written so well, by the end, you won’t want to let go. I connected with Marina instantly. Her distressing situation tore my heart out of my chest. The hopelessness she feels, the hope returning, all play a huge role in Passage of Promise.

If you’re looking for a deeply emotional women’s fiction, pick up this book. Fans of Eat, Pray, Love will love this book. I strongly recommend this book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A heartfelt story you’ve gotta check out!

When at life’s crossroads, it’s best to go where you’ve never been before. Painted With Good Intentions is a heartfelt story of one woman’s journey to rediscover her spiritual path. From the first page until the last, I couldn’t put it down. With descriptive narration, characters you’ll relate to, and a poignant spiritual message, this book is wondrous.

Let’s start with the descriptive narration. It’s immersive and filled with emotion. Every scene is beautifully described. The setting is Greece and I truly felt like I was there and experienced everything Christina went through. I could close my eyes and envision everything.

The characters are emotive and leap from the page, especially Christina and Nathan. The chemistry between Christina and Nathan is electric but realistic. Both are wary of love due to broken hearts but their passion for art soon takes over. I kept rooting for them to give it a go.

The plot moves at a good pace. The writing is so lovely with a perfect blend of spirituality without being preachy, romance, and healing from past hurts. There’s enough conflict to please any reader. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

If you’re looking for a book worth reading, pick up Painted with Good Intentions. I strongly recommend this book to any reader.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Engaging story with complex characters

Three sisters, each with their own unique traits and troubles. Each one of them on a journey of discovery. The beautiful prose takes us on the journey with them, sometimes unraveling what they believed was true, but ultimately bringing each of them to a greater understanding of who they are and their relationship with each other.

The story will keep you engaged, turning pages to find out what happens next with these compelling, complex, and well-defined characters. Their voices are distinct, and you’ll find yourself relating to each of them in different ways.

There are some serious topics explored, but the author handles them with sensitivity.

You’ll find yourself pondering the story long after you turn the last page. I highly recommend.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Uplifting, engaging book

Lovely, fast paced story. A tale of love and loss, mourning and the return to a full life through others. A deep love between two people can have many expressions, and D. Anna’s book traces how such love cannot be lost but honored in a new way toward others. An uplifting message, and engaging story.