Ciao, amici! It’s been a while since I posted any book reviews. Mostly because it’s been a while since I had a chance to read for pleasure. I know, I know… an author who doesn’t read? Blasphemy!
Believe me, I feel the same way. It’s just been crazy. But that’s no excuse, and I’ve started to carve out some “me” time to get lost in books again.
Today, I want to share my thoughts about my two most recent reads, HMS Lanternfish by C.S. Boyack and I Wouldn’t Be Surprised by D.L. Finn.
My review:
★★★★★ I I I I ! The root monsters are back! And the rest of the gang, too.
When I read the first book in the series, Voyage of the Lanternfish, I fell hard for the root monsters. They’re like the Minions, but on the ocean and a lot funnier. And who doesn’t love humorous antics in the middle of an action-filled voyage across the high seas?
James and his crew pick up where we left off—they’re pirates-turned-privateers in a global battle for power. And the stakes keep getting higher. This installment focuses on religious factions, nefarious despots, mythical creatures, greedy con artists, noble warriors … and the Lanternfish is trying to navigate all of it as they navigate the treacherous waters between the warring lands.
Boyack is, as always, wildly inventive. The creatures, the mythology, and the characters all weave together into a fascinating, fast-paced plot that kept me guessing and kept me turning the pages. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in the series and highly recommend the entire saga for fans of pirate adventures, or frankly, well-told stories of any genre.
My review:
★★★★☆ Evildwels and Ghosts and Crazed Killers… Oh, My!
Be prepared for your pulse to start pounding and not slow until… well, not until long after you finish this fast and fear-inducing read. D.L. Finn packs a lot of tension into a short space, and believe me, the creep-factor lingers.
Anyone who’s ever said, “I wouldn’t be surprised…” is going to think twice about uttering that phrase again. While enjoying a quiet evening in their new home—a secluded sanctuary in the middle of the woods—Janice turns her musings into a little game, always trying to one-up her last statement.
It’s a benign way to pass the time. Until her statements start to come true. Cue an escalating series of events that gives new meaning to “things that go bump in the night.” You may try to guess what’s going on, but your imagination probably isn’t that fertile. Finn delivers a surprising and frightening tale that will have you racing to the end to see what happens.
So glad to learn this is part of a series. I’d love to read more. And I suspect anyone else who reads this will feel the same.
One last review, though it isn’t mine. Yesterday, I was honored and humbled to find a review for The Stones, one of my new releases (as D.L. Cross) on Mae Clair’s blog. I can honestly say I’ve never received “5 honking big luminous stars” before on anything, and I was blown away by her comments. If you’d like to read her thoughts, you can find them here. And if (by some unfathomable possibility) you don’t read her posts, make sure you click the “follow” button while you’re over there. You’ll be glad you did.
That’s it for me today. Two reviews long overdue plus a surprise review of one of my own works. Don’t be like me; make some time to read! There are lots of great books out there. I’m looking forward to digging into another (hopefully tonight)!
Have you read HMS Lanternfish or I Wouldn’t Be Surprised? I’d love to hear your thoughts on them.
Until next time, saluti!
Both books sound fabulous, Staci. And congrats on your new review from Mae! Popping over to read it now…
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Thanks, Sue!
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I wouldn’t be surprised was a tense little piece that i thouroughly enjoyed, and I can’t wait to get to Lanternfish. Great reviews Staci 🤗
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“Tense” is right! Glad to hear you enjoyed it like I did. And I have every confidence you’ll enjoy Craig’s work, too. Thanks, Jess.
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I read The Stones and 5 honking stars doesn’t do it justice:) I loved it. I’m most of the way through the new Lanternfish, and I think it’s even better than the first book, and I really enjoyed that one. So two great reads for me. Yay! D.L. Finn’s premise for her book leaves lots of room to go creepy and scary. Sounds great.
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That little bit of news makes my day. Thank you.
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Wow. Thanks for saying so, Judi.
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What great reviews, Staci. Your enthusiasm has sparked my own. I’ve yet to read either book, but Craig and Denise are two of my favorites. I will soon be offering reviews!! 🙂
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Looking forward to it, Gwen. Enjoy the stories.
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Can’t wait to read them, Gwen. Glad to have sparked your interest.
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Thanks, Michele 🙂
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Reblogged this on Archer's Aim and commented:
Nice review of the new Lanternfish book by C. S. Boyack. I’m looking forward to reading it.
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Thanks for having faith in it, and for sharing it with your fans.
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You’re welcome. You write quality books. Enjoy the release.
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Thanks for reblogging and helping to spread the word!
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You’re welcome. Happy to help.
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Reblogged this on Legends of Windemere.
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Thanks for sharing, Charles.
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You’re welcome.
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Thanks, Charles.
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You’re welcome.
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Reblogged this on Entertaining Stories and commented:
Today is my flex day. I’ve been getting The Ballad of Mrs. Molony in shape to send to the formatter. Today I added all the silly graphics that are part of these books. HMS Lanternfish got its first review today in a kind of group post. I’m thrilled with it. It includes a couple of other reviews, and you can trust Staci’s opinions. I’m part way through The Stones and am enjoying the heck out of it. Stop over and check all of them out.
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Thanks for sharing and the very kind shout-out.
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Forgot to mention that I’m part way through The Stones, and Mae’s review seems well deserved. Hope to get back to it this weekend.
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Wow. Thanks for saying that. I appreciate it. Fingers crossed you feel that way at the end.
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Bet I do. I have faith.
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🙂
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Super reviews, Staci. Also congratulations on the Stones review. Mae really loved it.
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Thank you, John. I was blown away by her words.
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Denise can bring it for sure.
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Thanks, John.
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😊
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Absolutely!
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Thanks, Staci. So glad you enjoyed HMS Lanternfish. I’m late making the rounds, but will share this around.
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No worries. And of course I liked it. Sorry Amazon won’t print my review of it.
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They might. The last one I posted took about five days.
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Crazy. Fingers crossed it goes through at some point.
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Congratulations a “5 honking big luminous stars” on The Stone. Your reviews on both Craig’s book and Denise’s short story are excellent. I haven’t post reviews for six weeks!
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Thanks, Miriam. I was overjoyed with Mae’s review.
I haven’t carved out much time for reading lately, so I haven’t been posting reviews, either. Hoping to make it more of a regular occurrence again.
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Thanks, Miriam:)
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You’re welcome, Denise. 🙂
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Great reviews. I have my copies downloaded for my reading pleasure.
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I know you like horror. You’ll really get into the atmosphere Denise created. And if you’re like me, you love Craig’s root monsters. Win-win for you. Thanks.
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Thanks, Michele 🙂
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Excellent reviews, Staci! I’ve already got both Lanternfish books lined up on my Kindle, and I’m off to check out I Wouldn’t Be Surprised, too. I’m hooked! 🙂
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You won’t be disappointed, Marcia. Thanks.
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Wonderful reviews, Staci. Congrats to the authors! I’ve read I wouldn’t be Surprised and enjoyed it (with a huge does of chill factor!) and can’t wait to read HMS Lanternfish.
Glad you’re taking some YOU time- long overdo {{hugs}}
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It was a long time in coming, Jacquie. Hope I can find time to read again this weekend.
And you’re so right about the chill factor in Denise’s story!
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Great reviews, Staci. I read the first Lanternfish book and enjoyed it very much. I have also read and enjoyed a few of Denise’s books.
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I always enjoy Craig’s work. This was the first I’ve read of Denise’s works, but I already know I’ll be a fan of all of it, too. Thanks, Robbie.
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“5 honking big luminous stars” Lol. That’s the equivalent of like 8 stars! I have to head over and read the review. And thanks for sharing your thoughts on Craig’s and Denise’s books. I’m immersed in Craig’s Serang now and just finished
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Oops. Hit the post button too quick. Lol. Just finished Denise’s book. I’ll have to start on the Lanternfish books soon. And catch up on yours! 🙂
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Serang was wonderful. Even without the root monsters. Hope you enjoy it. Thanks, Diana!
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I’ll get to the root monsters eventually. Your description of them is delightful.
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I adore them.
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Congrats to Craig for this next in the series!
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Thanks, Jacqui!
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Thank you.
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I’ve read Denise’s novella and thought it was an excellent suspense-filled read. I’m looking forward to Craig’s HMS Lanternfish, if I ever catch up with my TBR (I’m starting to buckle under the weight, LOL!).
And thanks for the blog shout-out. You deserve those “5 honking big luminous stars” 🙂
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The TBR list is an ever-growing beast, isn’t it? I’m glad to have read both of these stories, though. Readers far and wide will enjoy both.
And, as usual, you’re making me blush. Thanks.
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Thanks, Mae 🙂
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Fantastic reviews! I have Craig’s waiting for me, and Denise’s book sounds so creepy – which always appeals to me. Congrats on your honking review, Staci!
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It’s definitely high on the creepiness scale. You’ll love it. And Craig is always entertaining. You can’t go wrong with either. Or both! Thanks, Teri.
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I’ve seen Boyack’s book and it looks absolutely fascinating and Finn’s book sounds very scary. Great reviews on both! Glad you carved out some time to read.
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I am, too, Tessa. It had been too long. Hoping I can continue to do so.
And “fascinating” and “scary” are perfect descriptions, respectively.
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Nice reviews, Staci. I’ve read and enjoyed both books. And congrats on Mae’s review of The Stones. I’m loving that one as well.
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I did get lucky with two good selections.
And thanks. Mae’s review blew me away. I’m glad you’re enjoying it, too.
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Thanks, Joan 🙂
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I love the root monsters, and “I Wouldn’t Be Surprised” is on my TBR. Congrats on The Stones’ great review!
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Thanks, Priscilla. I was thrilled with Mae’s review.
I’m sure you’ll enjoy Denise’s story. And YAY, ROOT MONSTERS!
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Yay, thanks Priscilla:)
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Great reviews, Staci, and congrats on yours too. 🙂
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Thank you, Harmony.
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Thank you for your review, Staci:) I’m happy you enjoyed it!
I can’t wait to read Voyage of the Lanternfish!
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If you like pirate stories, you’ll love the Lanternfish series, Denise.
I’m really looking forward to the rest of your series. I’m dying to see what happens with the evildwels.
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I loved the first book and the root monsters, so I’m looking forwatd to it:)
Thank you Staci, yay! Happy reading.
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Awesome reviews for both of these! I am about 60% through HMS Lanternfish and loving it! I really enjoyed Denise’s short story as well and especially loved the ending (no spoilers)! 🙂
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Thanks Jan:) xo
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It was hard to write a review without spoiling anything. We often talk about Craig’s imagination, but Denise was every bit as creative—just in a darker way. (And I do love dark.) I’m excited to read more from her.
Glad to hear you also enjoyed/are enjoying Denise’s and Craig’s works.
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Glad you’re enjoying the newest Lanternfish.
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