The Average Teenage Mind by Adam Oat
Reviewed by Stephanie Johnson
The Average Teenage Mind by Adam Oat is anything but average. Nat (Hood) is a bank robber with a sad and tragic past, which he relays to his hostage Patrick over the course of his crime. Many of Nat’s past problems are of his own doing, but somehow, you can’t help but feel a bond with him and pity for him. After all, we all have done things in our own pasts, and that I think, is what makes the character of Nat so believable and easy to relate to.
Throughout the book, the viewpoint is in the first person, but switches from character to character. One chapter, you are inside Nat’s head, the next you are inside Patrick’s. Then you may be inside Nat’s old girlfriend Josephine’s mind.
Adam Oat keeps you interested page after page with differing points of view and different periods of time. This book is not for the faint of heart, it will upset you. It will probably also make you laugh and cry. But one thing is for sure, you will find yourself thinking about these characters long after you have put the book back on the shelf. The Average Teenage Mind is an excellent read. I loved every minute of it!
Virtual Wiles by Martin T. Ingham
Reviewed by Stephanie Johnson
Virtual Wiles by Martin T. Ingham is not your average science fiction or fantasy novel. It is the digital age meets the middle ages. In Virtual Wiles, the hero Morgan Asher (or rather his mind) is transported into a virtual reality realm reminiscent of the era of King Arthur or Robin Hood. Inside the virtual reality program, Morgan Asher meets several interesting characters including Rheena, who is not at all who she seems to be. Together the two must battle against an order of Mages (wizards) who not only control magic, but also the very technology that operates the simulated world itself.
Morgan discovers that, due to his high entry test scores, he is immune to the magic wielded by the Mages and can alter the simulated world to his will. Because of this the Mages want to “deboot” him so he cannot make changes to the program. But soon, Morgan and Rheena discover that the Mages have many secrets of their own. The two then enlist the help of the Nekrons (a simulated race) to battle the Circle of Mages.
Martin T. Ingham does a wonderful job of pulling the reader into the story and his many plot twists will keep you guessing right up until the end. This is one of the most imaginative books I have read in a long time. With technology, magic, swordfights, shootouts, adventure of all kinds, and even a touch of love and theology, Virtual Wiles is a great read for any sci-fi or fantasy fan.
“Fantasy With Plenty of New and Different Twists”
Sister Light, Book One: Of Shadows
By: B.B. Walter
Reviewed by: Stephanie Johnson
Rose, orphaned since birth and alone after a terrible raid on the convent in which she was raised, finds she is unable to control her deadly gift as rage and fury overtake her. After a retaliation against the Kijack—the horrid creatures responsible for the raid—she finds herself in the care of a young nobleman, David of Constantine. David, who is betrothed to another woman takes pity on Rose and wants to help her at all cost, even if it is against the wishes of his fiancé.
Now the Kijack are mounting a full scale invasion of the kingdom. A war is beginning and David, Rose, and many others find themselves being drawn into battle.
Sister Light is a fantasy with plenty of new and different twists. It is a refreshing change of pace filled with action, adventure, romance, and revenge. Any fantasy reader will enjoy this story. The end leaves the reader with anticipation, hoping that book two will not be too long in coming.