Category: Reviews

Crucible of Time is the second book in the Out of Time series. Multiple crews are sent out to prevent the Mindaru from destroying the galaxy. However, they were not coordinated, which may spell disaster.

I did not read book one of the series, but I was able to follow the story and enjoy the adventure. And what a big adventure it is!

Back in space and time, the crew helps two worlds make peace. I enjoyed learning how the warring worlds started to be at odds with each other and found it to be the main reason many arguments are created (sorry, you will need to read the book to find out what I am referencing). Without giving away anything, I will say that the way they solved the problem was spectacular, and the outcome was perfect.

Beyond these worlds, a more significant threat looms – the Mindaru. They have an interesting backstory, but that doesn’t make them any more likable. They are the real threat to the galaxy and to time itself. As far as bad guys go, the Mindaru are the boogeymen of space.

Wrapping the book up came with new issues for the characters. They saved their world, the galaxy, and the timeline but now face the reality that something else is happening on Shipworld. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

If you enjoy sci-fi, this is a great book – and if you get a chance to read the book one, I would highly recommend reading that first.

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Unity is the second in the Black Table Series and picks up where the first left off. The team must face their worst nightmares, leading them to learn more about where the Swarm comes from.

I enjoyed the first Black Table book, but I really enjoyed this one! The author continues to create a dynamic universe in which the characters must venture to stop the Swarm and find a way home. The details of the various planets and the beings that inhabit each world bring the reader on the journey alongside the crew.

The main characters continue to develop and grow, as well as new characters that help (or hinder) along the way. Who can be trusted?

As the book ends, we have filled in the missing pieces from the first book but expanded the puzzle. I look forward to reading part three and seeing how this story fills out.

Get your copy here (affiliate link – thanks for your support).

Oware Mosaic combines virtual gaming and reality in a post-apocalyptic world. Feeni Xo is a teenager who gets mixed up in a life-changing case when she drives home drunk.

Within the first few pages of the book, I was struck with an ‘oh damn’ moment enticing me to continue reading. The creative mixture of “vampires” (enhuman), detective work and tech melds into an interesting concept.

The author built the dystopian world through the dialogue among those waiting for rations. The conversation shed light on the injustices happening throughout the country. Having a chapter dedicated to this intense conversation led me in a different direction, which I would have liked to explore further. The action scenes were fast-paced and created a sense of urgency. I wanted to see where this ‘super team’ would lead the world.

There were some editing mistakes, and I was left wanting more. This book has excellent out-of-the-box thinking and twists.

Get your copy here (affiliate link – thanks for your support).

The black table follows two humans who absolutely love all things Sci-Fi. The best friends meet their hero, who leads them into space and on an adventure they will never forget.  

This book starts very quickly, introducing the main characters in a fun and exciting way by going to a Sci-Fi convention. We immediately know they’re different quirks and can tell that they are going to be fun characters. They share a lot of inside jokes throughout the book that the reader gets to be in on, but not all the other characters. As they go through space and meet friends and foes, the dialogue continues to match what is happening within the story. 

The storyline itself is one that I have never read before. I loved the uniqueness of this storyline. With it being a sci-fi book, there was some science behind the extraordinary events. Luckily, the characters can explain it in a way that the readers can understand.

This was an easy read. That would be great for any teen or adult who loves sci-fi. 

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The Improv Mindset is a guide to learning how to perform the art of improv, not only as an actor but in everyday life.

Many times, a ‘how-to’ book is boring. However, Keith Saltojanes writes conversationally, creating an informative and fun book. Reading the Improv Mindset is like having a conversation with the author. It is fast-paced and entertaining, and I learned a lot. 

Not only does it explain how to do improv, but it gives quick and easy exercises to get better at the craft. The author expands on the craft to include how improv relates to life. The author does a fantastic job of bringing the world of improv into the world of every day. We all improvise every day, and using the exercises within this book can help us overcome the fear and embarrassment that can result. My favourite chapter is dedicated to addressing the reasons you think you can’t do improv and explaining that the fear which holds us back is a blip in our worlds.

There are some editing mistakes, but they don’t take away from the valuable information in the book.

Overall, this is an excellent book if you want to learn improv or how to improvise in life.

Get your copy here (affiliate link – thanks for the support).