Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
Genre: LitRPG/Fantasy
Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman is a funny, fantastic, and often violent romp into the apocolyptic dungeon exploits of Carl and his ex-girlfrend's cat, Donut. It's a bit fantasy, a bit scifi and a lot of laughs. Fantasy, scifi, gaming fants or anyone who just wants to try something different, check it out!
I absolutely had a wonderful wild ride reading Dungeon Crawler Carl. The end of the world has come thanks to an intergallatic conglomerate who has a history of taking over worlds and devoiding them of their resources. Those who survive the initial phase are given a choice: either enter the dungeon and maybe earn citizenship, or decline. Those who decline will be forced to live on only survival any remaining resources. Carl enters the dungeon and so does Donut, a competition show cat. They soon discover the fight for survival in a horrible real life game where the AI controls the play and the aliens and otherworlder's profit from their wins and losses. The stakes are high in this dungeon and each floor gets progressively more complicated, violent, and traumatic. Carl and Donut use their wits, skills, and sometimes pure luck as they fight so survive.
The book has a lot of endearing moments, laugh out loud moments, 'what the heck' moments, and plenty of snark. I'm a gamer and love RPG games, so I know that had a lot to do with my enjoyment of this title. I read with a mixture of the audio and the actual print book. I preferred the print version mainly because it was easier for me to consume the information about loot. That doesn't mean that the audio didn't have it's strengths.
The audiobook was a lot of fun and the narrator does a great job. The voices used really helps keep the information, characters and transitions straight. In the print book some of this is primarily done through the use of bold print. I consumed the later part of the book through audio which I listened to while travelling. I liked it so much, I actually pulled the car over when it ended and quick ordered and downloaded book 2. I will definitely continue on with the series.
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Silver Elite by Dani Francis
Genre: Fantasy/Romance
Silver Elite has all the makings of a really good dystopian romance. The pacing was fast, the characters were interesting, and the cliffhanger ending reveal will definitely have me eager to see what book two brings. The world building is average. Readers get a lot of informaiton on the fantasy realm, the overall idea of what is going on, but there are a few holes that I predict will be filled in future installments.
Francis does a really good job of building the characters. I have to admit, I enjoyed the side characters more than the main chracters. I think this is due to the over the top nature in how they are written. Wren is stubborn, angry and in control of herself. Cross on the otherhand is dark, broody and just plain mean. It took about 75% of the book before I began to enjoy the romance element of the story. Up until that point, Francis was beating readers over the head with how tough and dark Crow was. At times his actions towards Wren were abusive. It wasn't until Francis gave readers a glimpse of the complex nature if the chracters and their softer dynamic edges, could I fully appreciate that part of the story. I adored the side characters. I would love to see more of them in subsequent novels.
The book floats between adult and new adult. There is some spicy heated moments, so if you like you romantasy clean, you can certainly anticipate and skip those scenes if needed.
I think Silver Elite is a solid book one. It's easy to follow, has a good combination of action, romance, and mystery. I am really interested in seeing how the book continues and Francis grows as an author.
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Of Monsters and Mainframes by Barbara Truelove
Genre: Scifi/Horror
Of Monsters and Mainframes was so much fun! It's a quirky combination of horror and scifi told from multiple points of view. There is plenty of humor and emotion through out the story. The relationship between ship mainframe, Demeter and the med unit, Steward, felt almost human in its interactions. Throw in monsters, and you have plenty of action mixed in with themes of found family and self acceptance. Looking for something different that is completely entertaining? For me, this was it. I really do recommend it. The writing is very well done, quick witted and kept me totally engaged from page one. Given I'm in a bit of a reading slump, that's huge!
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Kiss me at Christmas by Jennifer Baylis
Genre: Holiday Contemporary Romance
Kiss Me at Christmas is a heartwarming endearing book filled with humor and romance. It’s a wonderful happy ending holiday read. It’s sure to give readers a healthy dose of warm fuzzies.
Harriet is overworked and not in the holiday mood. Her daughter as made other plans for the holidays instead of spending time with her. However, after taking the fall for a couple students after they break into the local theater, she finds herself directing the Christmas performance.
The characters are pretty developed and solid. I liked the banter and the overall story. It’s a great cozy Christmas read. Definitely one I would recommend if you feel like getting into the holiday spirit.
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