Garry Rogers

4/5

Cor Syl the Warrior

Amazon.com
Amazon.UK

I don't like fantasy and when I received this book for review I was going to turn it down, but the cover was interesting. Is that an elderly man overlooking Earth? He's a warrior, I got that from the title, so I would expect a fantasy about warring people, maybe over a kingdom or something. The title is plain: Corr Syl the Warrior and seemed childish in its simplicity. The blurb introduces me to the main character, Corr Syl, who is a young warrior signed to investigate the Danog group who is coming into their district. It isn't until I begin reading the sample that I realise this could be a very powerful book... and its main character is a rabbit.

Watership Down it ain't. It's a futuristic story with the humans (Danog) and intelligently evolved animals who call themselves Tsaeb (beast spelled backwards) and they all live together in semi cooperation. After the strong prologue the first chapter was a little confusing, I didn't understand whether I'd been reading about a battle or a dream that Syl had. It also had a lot of characters. And I have to admit I did struggle with the sample and put the book down several times, but the original concept of evolved animals (humans came from primates, so why not a human type person evolving from rabbits, or other animals?) made me pick it up and persevere. And I'm glad I did.

I thought I was reading a child's book until I got to part one and then something sinister began to take place (Dean Koontz took over the writing - or so it seemed!), the writing and storyline really heated up! The Tsaeb stopped becoming 'silly little animals' and became REAL people. People I could relate to and like.

In part one a spider called Lactella was able to control a Danog by sinking its fangs into the flesh and injecting venom. It was able to 'listen' to thoughts and 'speak' through the said human. It was an interesting turn, but the hook could be too long in coming for some.

Corr Syl and his co-warrior, Rhya (and a bunny love interest) are investigating the Danogs who begin to take an unusual interest in the Tsaeb community. The Danogs have practically ruined Earth, they are stupid (in comparison to the Tsaeb) and are ruled by their desires and when Lactella takes over the body and mind of Ivan Johns the new Mountainview City Manager of the Danogs things begin to hot up and we see Corr Syl battling against a great evil.

Over all, I found Corr Syl the Warrior over written in parts with far too many characters, but it was fascinating to read (from part one). I wouldn't go as far as to say gripping, but it's close enough.

I think people who love fantasy will really enjoy this book.

Blurb:

When an armed Danog patrol crosses the border into Wycliff District, the Wycliff Council sends a young Tsaeb warrior named Corr Syl to investigate and recommend a response. Corr soon learns that spies have infiltrated his district, and already many lives are at risk. He catches a glimpse of something truly evil, and with no time to spare, must choose between a safe response that might fail, and a sure response that might start a global war.

Melanie Jo Moore

3/5

Letters to Young Chong

Amazon.UK
Amazon.com

It's hard to review a memoir  They are personal, so it's like criticizing a diary. Nevertheless . . . 

I didn't like the cover and ordinarily I'd have overlooked this book because of it. There seemed to be no effort in producing it at all: a photo of two young people and a shot of urine on a brown background - ugh. The title was too small and in even smaller writing the name of the author. It doesn't look like a professional book. It looks like someone has thrown it together at the last minute--maybe they had a plane to catch? 

The blurb sounds promising. I like the chatty style of the author as she explains the book in a concise way: Booze, sex, and good times. What more could you ask for from a memoir? Sounds fun, and the book is vindicated but normally I'd not have got this far.

Look inside started very slowly with introductions from Melanie Jo Moore and how she discovered another girl in her class called Melissa Moore, but the style was chatty and like the blurb promised, fun, and I must admit, even before I'd finished the sample read, I'd forgotten I was reading a non-fiction memoir.

In all, the book is about two girls with similar names. They meet at school, and hate one another. Then they become best friends. As adults they go on their separate journey through the trials of love, bad men, tears and happiness. Some things in the book aren't pretty, but the relationship between the two women stays strong. I love their bond, which is there through thick and thin. I'd describe this book as contemporary - it's a little too 'gritty' to be classed as chick lit in my opinion  It's funny, shocking at times, with plenty of 'aw' moments.

The writing was strong, and the storyline, even though a little slow in places, managed to hold my wandering attention. I would recommend for those who like a bit of real life 'grit' in their stories.

Blurb:

Booze, sex, and good times. What more could you ask for from a memoir? Letters To Young Chong is much like the pickled ginger on a sushi plate. As a reader, sometimes you need something spicy to cleanse your palate between complex books. That is what you will find here.

Letters To Young Chong is based on the friendship that developed between Melissa Moore and myself. No relation at all. We were often confused as the same person or considered twins. It was a rough start having to share my name. I was sure I would hate that name stealing girl for all of time. Thank goodness I finally got over that. I could not imagine life without her.

Through the beginning chapters, you will read how our friendship was built. In our rural area, we weren’t provided with the luxuries of entertainment big city kids have. We learned how to keep ourselves occupied with fast cars, booze and each other.

The friendship survives years of separation and abusive relationships. When we finally meet up again, we fall right back into step. It is obvious though that time has taken its toll and the situations we have lived through change our outlook on the world forever.

So grab a stiff drink and join the Young Chong experience! Jump on the crazy train that readers are describing as an addicting, rowdy story that will make you bust out laughing and cry your eyes out. If you survive this ride, you’ll definitely want to stay tuned for the sequel!