Book Review: Zeus, Inc., by Robin Burks

Zeus, Inc.
Robin Burks

Initial Thoughts: Interesting concept

My Rating: 3 Stars

Summary:

50 years ago, Zeus, Inc., and its CEO, the mysterious Joseph Brentwood, saved the world from a major energy crisis by discovering a new unlimited energy resource. Now, in 2069, Mr. Brentwood has gone missing and private eye Alex Grosjean has been hired to find him by his daughter (and Alex's best friend), Aleisha.

My Thoughts:

OK, where to start with this one. Let's do characters.

Alex, our main squeeze, is I think about 40 years old or so. She was an OK character, not necessarily someone I was necessarily rooting for, which can be problematic for a main squeeze. She's impatient with her mom, and come to find out they have issues from their past, but we never really learn why. She seems prone to anger, and getting angry at times when I was like, really? That just pissed you off? So despite being 40 or so, she's a bit immature.

Could care less about Mr. Brentwood, and nothing in the novel drew me to Aleisha either. 

Now Pip, I liked. He's tall, dark, mysterious, my kind of guy. He's strong, he cares, he's Alex's knight in shining armor, though I don't think she appreciated him as much as she should. Now *that's* a point against Alex! Take the beefcake, adore the beefcake, love the beefcake.

The plot is slow, and quite often repetitive. Many times Alex's internalization interrupts the flow of the story. Often times, I think it was supposed to be witty, but for me typically fell flat. I really got into the story when the greek mythology became strongly evident. Loved the way it was inter-woven in the story, with a surprising take. However, I didn't quite believe the ending, when Alex was supposed to be smarter than the Greed gods and take over and save the day. Didn't buy it, and then didn't really see her come up with any plan other than what the gods had originally planned on doing. So yeah, call me perplexed.

Over all, this story was a little flat with enough interesting parts for me to keep reading to the end.

Book Review: Untethered, byKatie Hayoz

Untethered
Katie Hayoz

Initial Thoughts: Pretty cool premise.

My Rating: 4 stars!

Summary:
Sylvie isn’t comfortable in her own skin. In fact, there are times she can’t even manage to stay inside it. But if there is one thing she’s sure of, it’s her love for Kevin Phillips. She’s willing to stake everything on it –her family, her friends, and possibly her soul.

Sixteen-year-old Sylvie has been best friends with Cassie forever. But everything is turned around when the boy Sylvie’s loved since fifth grade falls for Cassie. Devastated, Sylvie intends to get Kevin by any means possible, even if it involves treachery, deceit, and the dark side of astral projection. She is positive her plans will give her what she wants, but she doesn’t count on it all spiraling out of control.

My Thoughts:

So you have this girl, Sylvie, who doesn't see herself as others see her, nor does she see others as they should be seen. She's blinded by her infatuation with Kevin, and then later blinded by her jealousy of her best friend. It's pretty typical teen drama.

I liked Sylvie, though I did get frustrated with her. I'm like, wake up, and see what's going on! I understood her though, felt her frustration when talking to some condescending adults, but I can see their point too. I mean, who would ever believe the girl was lifting outside her body? I'd probably think she was nuts too!

There are other characters that I really love, especially Nelson. He seems like such a cool guy, and if I were in high school, I'd probably think he'd be the perfect boyfriend! Maybe it's the blue hair. Maybe it's the artist thing.

What I liked most about this novel is how real and life-like the characters progressed, all of them. Everything was so typical and believable. You watch Sylvie spiral into darkness, and then you watch her try to climb her way out. You understand Cassie's development, because every nobody in high school always wants to sit at the cool table. You also understand that the heart wants what it wants...how many people would give up their love for a friend? Not many. You see Cassie's struggles with that.

There were some cool twists, but overall, it was a bit predictable, which pulled off that 5th star in my rating. But extremely well written.

Book Review: Katie's Hellion, by Lizzy Ford

Katie's Hellion
Lizzy Ford

Initial Thoughts: Even amidst confusion, I want Rhyn!

My Rating: 4 Stars!

Summary:
Katie didn't send her boyfriend to Hell, but she's going there to bust him out!

Katie thinks she’s going crazy when a baby angel and death’s personal assistant appear on her doorstep. Both claim she’s destined for something great. If she can survive, that is. She’s drawn into a world filled with immortals like Rhyn, an outcast who claims her as his mate in a show of defiance to his brothers. Katie rescues Rhyn from Hell, and he discovers fast just how special his little human is. With Death counting his days on one hand, Rhyn must learn to love, before his own time is up and Katie becomes the first human casualty in the brewing war between immortals.

Will the love between a gifted young woman and an immortal outcast save the world-- or destroy it?

My Thoughts:

This started out slow and confusing for me. I never quite got the feel of all the relationships between some of the characters...history between individuals that never quite had the dots fully connected. But as the story continues, boy does it pick up speed.

Katie is one of those great heroine characters. Spunky and sassy and ready to punch out any demon's lights. The slow path to hell...or insanity...is so clear, and you easily believe her struggles in dealing and comprehending this whole 'nother world unfolding at her feet.

And Rhyn? What can I say other than one of those bad-misunderstood-boys who's broken and defiant and you just can't help rooting for. You literally want to save this guy...or take him to bed. (wink)

All hell's broken loose...and you do not want to miss watching this show close up! This is on my series-to-keep reading list!