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5 Stars for All the Broken Places by indie author Anise Eden

October 26, 2016 By Kat

To say I LOVED this indie fiction is an understatement. Her characterization and writing style is detailed yet engaging. Cate is flawed and easy to relate to. Her relationships in the book were original – I love that she didn’t give us the old boy meets girl romance plot line, but instead provided something more complex. But most of all, I love the powers in this book. Her treatment of the various abilities is clearly based on research. I know Reiki, and the way she described it was accurate without going overboard on the spiritual side, perfect for those new to it. Indie author Anise Eden is definitely one of my new favorite authors and I’ve added her to my Favorite Indie Reads page. Kudos for bringing spirituality into fiction without scaring away the reader! What an excellent, fun read. 🙂

Check it out on Amazon, you won’t be disappointed!

Awesome Book Review of Connected + a Giveaway!

October 16, 2016 By Kat

First of all, I’d like to apologize about my lack of presence here on my website and blog. I recently changed providers and I’ve been working like crazy on a couple of side projects, but I figured it was high time I posted something so all of you don’t forget I exist. 🙂 I’m also writing a new post about scary stuff for Halloween, so be on the lookout for that.

So for this short post, I wanted to point out a wonderful review of Connected, posted by Anniek Snowroses on her blog, “With Love for Books.” Here’s the link to the post, give it a read: http://www.withloveforbooks.com/2016/10/connected-by-kat-stiles-book-review.html

Also be sure to scroll down to the bottom for a chance to win a signed paperback copy or a digital copy of Connected! I’ll announce another giveaway for subscribers this month as well.

Thanks for reading and I’ll talk to you again soon. 🙂

7 Things I Love about Stranger Things

August 25, 2016 By Kat

On the off chance you haven’t heard of it, Stranger Things is a Netflix exclusive horror series with a retro eighties feel, created by the Duffer brothers. Even I, who usually can manage to ignore most of the popular goings on of this time, have binge watched this awesome show. If you haven’t seen it, get Netflix and start watching. Well, after you read this highly entertaining article, that is. 🙂

winona, stranger things, teen — Because there really aren’t enough storylines with murdered popular girls in modern cinema

7) Winona Ryder

I have to admit, I’ve been a fan of hers since Heathers and Beetlejuice. And I’ve totally forgiven her for Mr. Deeds, in fact, this show more than makes up for it. In Stranger Things, I love the way she plays her character – her self-doubt, fear, and relentless hope for her son is so brilliantly portrayed.

6) The wardrobe

I grew up in the late seventies / early eighties, and the outfits the kids wear are spot on for early eighties. Brings back some awkward memories for sure.

5) The cinematography

Knowing little to nothing about cinematography, I’m completely clueless as to how they managed to get the feel of eighties filming, but the Duffer brothers pull it off perfectly. Stranger Things really has the look and feel of an old Stephen King movie, so of course I’m giggling in utter geeky horror fangirl joy when I watch it.

Speaking of crappy conspiracy theory arcs in later seasons... — Speaking of crappy conspiracy theory arcs in later seasons…

4) The storyline

I love the simple storyline of season one – a kidnapping is the main plot, and although there are subplots, they don’t overwhelm the storyline. Each episode built tension and progressed the plot in a very satisfying way. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for season two; so many shows try to up the ante in subsequent seasons and end up with too much going on or some crappy conspiracy theory arc.

stranger things kids — The kids really make this show fun and cute. Well, as fun and cute as a horror series can be.

3) The characters

I fell in love with the boys from the very first scene, in which they’re playing a D&D type RPG. And Eleven, she’s just wonderful. I love the way they interact with each other – their actions and reactions are exactly how kids their age behave.

basket case, bad horror — Not all horror gets the prestigious category of “B”

2) The genre

It’s horror, how can you go wrong? Well I say that and there are some movies that are unspeakably bad (think D horror movie as opposed to B), but Stranger Things is done so expertly, I haven’t found a single soul who hates it. If you grew up in that time or if you appreciate the simplicity and purity of eighties horror, you will fall in love with this show, I promise.

1) The Title Font

I swear it’s taken from one of Stephen King’s books! It sets the perfect tone for the rest of the show, a well-executed nod to glorious eighties horror.

What do you think? If you’ve binge watched Stranger Things, what do you love about it?

5 Stars for Alan Price and the Colossus of Rhodes

July 24, 2016 By Kat

I think I discovered Jonathan Yanez from YASH – I found myself subscribed to his newsletter, and he was giving away a few copies of the audiobook for the second book in this series. I happened to win a copy, so I figured I should start at the beginning. I recently emailed my subscribers about this book – I instantly fell in love with the characters, the plot and his no-nonsense writing style. It’s a fun YA Paranormal read and best of all, it appears to be permafree. 🙂 Here’s my review below, be sure to check it out!

There are so many things I loved about this book…where to start? Probably super powers. I’m a huge fan – the more the merrier – and Mr. Yanez does not disappoint.

The main character Alan is realistic and likeable. There is noticeable character growth throughout the novel, always a nice touch. This particular novel is heavy on action and light on romance, though there are hints and I’m hoping the romance is developed more in the later installments.

I have to admit, as a fan of the movie, “The Prophecy” I was giggling like a little girl when I read the last chapter. For me it was the perfect ending to the book; I love my sadistically evil villains. 🙂

The pacing is fast and Mr. Yanez manages to keep it light and fun, even with the heavier topics he’s handling – depression, isolation, and the obliteration of the human race. I also love the underlying theme of realizing your potential.

The only thing that had me scratching my head was that a nickname wasn’t chosen – it was introduced and I thought by the end of the novel Alan would have one. Guessing it’s saved for a later novel, and I can live with that as I will most definitely be devouring the rest of the series. Do not hesitate to get this book and start a fun superhero series!

New Indie Find: The Cilantro in Apple Pie – 5 Stars

July 23, 2016 By Kat

Found another Indie gem I fell in love with – The Cilantro in Apple Pie by Kimberly Nadine Nights. The storyline was so original and the characterization expert. Okay, there weren’t any superpowers, but Ms. Knights manages to engage the reader regardless, with mystery elements in this largely character-driven debut. Though it’s mostly serious, I laughed out loud at some of her descriptions and comparisons, so it was fun for me in that way. Here’s my Amazon/Goodreads review:

Wow, this book is so unique and masterfully written. The way Ms. Knights defines her characters really engages the reader. The storyline is very unusual – without spoilers, I can safely say you won’t predict where it’s going. I very much enjoyed all the dialect used, along with the dictionary at the beginning, it just adds to the charm of this wonderful debut novel. The only element I didn’t care for as much was the ending, which felt a little long to me. All in all I highly recommend this book for its richly detailed characterization and original plot. Looking forward to the sequel.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review, but I would totally purchase it. It’s awesome. 🙂

Check it out, you won’t be disappointed: The Cilantro in Apple Pie