Travis Borne

LEECH, by Ellie Douglas, reviewed by author Travis Borne

Ellie’s description:

Captain John Lancaster’s ship is critically damaged in an asteroid storm, leaving John and his crew stranded. Drifting off course.

He was returning to earth with supplies and samples from planet Sol. When he and his team discover they are not alone on the ship.

Something is hiding onboard… and is taking the crew members out, one by one.

Will John make it home… to see his wife and child? Can he save his remaining crew?

BUY LEECH, on Amazon, by author Ellie Douglas

Follow Ellie Douglas on Twitter! She is very supportive of authors! Also, be sure to check out Ellie’s Amazon author page. She has many great works of terribly unnerving, terrifying fiction!

Travis Borne’s review:

Humans messed up again! It doesn’t take much to screw up an entire…

An out-of-this-world horror story beginning on a world far, far away. A planet brimming with curious and exotic life—then to outer space. Descriptive, colorfully painted in my mind. Terrifying. This is the third book I’ve read from this amazing author. Ellie’s unique storytelling style packs a punch. If you liked the movie Aliens, or Life, you’ll love this short, descriptive and original tale. Something you can really get into! Something that can get into you. LEECH!

BUY LEECH, on Amazon, by author Ellie Douglas

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Derrick: The Second Installment of Gavin Nolan Biography, by Russell the Author, reviewed by author Travis Borne

Russell’s description:

In Hyde Park, a movie theater erupts in flames on a bitterly cold November evening. It seems like a job for the fire department, but under Captain Creighton’s direct orders, Detective Gavin Nolan and his partner, Derrick Williamson, must investigate. Arriving on the chaotic scene, they find multiple fatalities—but one of the victims is most peculiar…

Gavin soon discovers that this fire wasn’t the first of its kind. The arsonist has set ablaze other buildings around Chicago, and more female victims left in the same gruesome state have been discovered. Gavin and Derrick determine that the arsonist is not an arsonist at all—but a sinister serial killer with an agenda.

Juggling the unexpected events in his personal life, Gavin digs into the locations of the explosions. At the same time, Derrick probes into the victims’ lives, searching for any possible connection. However, when the next explosion occurs, the killer leaves behind a significant object, and Derrick becomes noticeably reserved. Gavin soon uncovers an enigmatic link, one that points to Derrick’s military past. A time that his partner had wished to forget. Yet, to catch the vicious maniac, Derrick must tell Gavin everything.

In a suspenseful, gripping ride to the end, it is up to Gavin to rescue his partner from the clutches of a killer. But will he make it in time?

WARNING: This book contains graphic scenes, explicit language, and violent sexual situations.

BUY DERRICK, by Russell the Author, on Amazon

Follow Russell on Twitter. And for more great reads from this talented author, visit Russell’s Amazon author page!

Travis Borne’s review:

I found Russell’s first book, GAVIN, to be gripping and shocking, an emotion jolter, a masterfully sculpted, synergistic opus—and this second novel in the series had all of that, and more! DERRICK was two novels in one, with an ending that’ll have you brimming with payback smiles, as well as shedding tears. I relate this book to watching a great movie, and can imagine it as one. Most movies give you zilch. Really, you forget them almost instantly. But DERRICK grips you as if your emotions were balled up in your throat, and then it squeezes.

And it squeezes. It gets you like that emotional movie that has your eyes wide, anxiety piqued, tears a waterfall.

The story begins with new investigations of ghastly crimes, Gavin and Derrick on the job (plus, introduce a third member to their team, a sexy and intelligent female detective: Evelyn). And the pressure steadily builds. Then, near the middle the story, change gears. Dive into Derrick’s experiences as a soldier in the Middle East. It gets rough, brutal, and something’s not right. There’s scandals, rape and torture, and plenty of action and mystery.

DERRICK has an explosive ending. And then an epilogue that’ll pop your top. Yes, it keeps getting better, deeper (in more ways than one, pun intended). I NEVER expected THIS—nor did Gavin! And after all that—as though two, or several novels had been compacted into one, their details intertwining like Gordian Knot greatness—there’s the sneak-peak finale: a chapter from the final novel in the series! This short but pithy extra will (hint:) give the movie Hostel a run for its money. But with the insanely deep character development in THIS series, one that has you ACTUALLY caring, you can take your Hostel DVD and toss it in the trash. I’m sure to read the final book! Because DERRICK rocked my world in so many ways. It’s my favorite book of 2019.

One star for the sheer amount of work that had to have gone into something like this, making every one of the hundreds of details in this novel come together as though Beethoven had just finished destroying a piano with his magnum opus; the ending is reversed time, piano pieces snapping back to perfection. Clever, very! Beethoven raises his clenched fist and lightning strikes it!

Another star for descriptive prose that had you smack in the action: be it in the Middle East, at one gruesome crime scene after another, interviewing suspects, or in the bedroom, taking it up the… Well, I better stop before this review gets too HOT!!!

Better than many bestsellers I’ve read. DERRICK gets its third star for some of the deepest character development I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing; I shed more than one tear during the course of the story. (Smiled quite a few times too, eyes wide or not, red-faced or not).

A fourth star for the way in which Derrick was focused on more and more. His depth of character was a crescendoing flood of genius that could fill the Grand Canyon. (I also LOVED Evelyn, and Maria and her family, and even Chad—and the antagonists were BRUTAL). All of the characters! Masterfully the author kept me engaged in the story and wanting more.

A fifth star for how Derrick reacted to Gavin’s exposé, the two of them as good friends and a great team, Thanksgiving dinner, and especially, for what Derrick told Gavin during much time at his apartment (several chapters—the “gear change”), and, for what he shockingly hit Gavin with at the end of the novel! Wow!

I liked EVERYTHING about this novel. I liked it more than the first book in the series. I loved the ending, which had more than just one punch (one in particular sent my heart to my stomach). I loved the epilogue. And I loved the engaging, albeit gruesome, enigmatic sneak-peek chapter. That said, six stars out of five. The sixth because a genius must have written this. Russell, you are an ingenious author. DERRICK knocked it out of the park.

BUY DERRICK, by Russell the Author, on Amazon

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TREAD: Fallen Nation, by author Jeff DeMarco, reviewed by author Travis Borne

Jeff’s description:

In the years of the second Civil War, and before the great tribulation, hope failed in the darkest of times.

Staff Sergeant Evan Decker is an EOD tech returning from war. The country he’s returned to bears no resemblance to the one he remembers. A virus has ravaged the population, as millions have died, the communication infrastructure is disabled, leaving the nation cut off, Washington D.C. is gone, wiped off the map. But who is responsible?

In the chaos, civilians and inner city gangs have risen up; at war with police and military forces, martial law has been declared. Ordered to do the unthinkable, Evan is at odds with his leaders; follow orders and become a murderer or attempt escape, risking both death and dishonor.

Follow Evan as he uncovers the conspiracy to enslave the United States, and risks all for the woman he’s growing to love.

BUY TREAD: Fallen Nation, by author Jeff DeMarco

Follow Jeff DeMarco on Twitter. And for more great reads from this awesome author, visit his Amazon author page!

Travis Borne’s review:

I discovered author Jeff DeMarco while browsing Twitter. It seems this author is building quite a following, and fast! And for good reason. TREAD: Fallen Nation, is my 2nd read from Jeff and book one in his new series did not disappoint! If you’re looking for a read that’ll hook you from the start and keep you intrigued and guessing, and one that, like Jeff’s first novel, Into Armageddon, builds tension and fastens you to your chair, look no further.

I read TREAD in only three days, as the novel is not very long, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Book one apparently sets things up for what is sure to be an explosive series where all hell has broken out in the United States—where hardly anyone knows what in the world is going on. And this is just the beginning. Excellent dialog keeps the reader bolted to this ride—inside the story. I’m there! A real stage-setter, and with an action-packed high-speed ending, plus a short, throat-gripping epilogue. Whoa, I’ve just been arrested! I’m booked for the next book!

I can’t wait for the next novel in this new series. And while I found a few minor glitches in the editing, which in some novels can be a distraction, I found this not the case here. Five stars for fast pace. Characters get deeper with each page, a passion crescendo and secrets left unrevealed—but satisfyingly. And, like I’d discovered in Jeff’s debut novel, there’s technical jargon that made this stand out as one written by someone who hasn’t only been there, but must’ve done that. Very authentic. No seatbelt needed because I’m sure the next one, too, will bolt me to my chair!

BUY TREAD: Fallen Nation, by author Jeff DeMarco

Follow Jeff DeMarco on Twitter. And for more great reads from this awesome author, visit his Amazon author page!

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Between Two Minds: Awakening, by D C Wright-Hammer

D C Wright-Hammer’s description:

Casual readers beware! Between Two Minds: Awakening will get into your head!

As a paraplegic, Ryan has always dreamed of walking. He saved a small fortune to undergo a common procedure in his time to transfer his mind into a physically fit host body. Afterwards, his obsession with walking is immediately overshadowed by a strange and frightening side effect unraveling the reality he once knew.

A cleverly written, fast-paced science fiction thriller reminiscent of Aldous Huxley, William Gibson, Philip K. Dick, and Michael Crichton.

This gripping psychological thriller takes the reader on an adventure far beyond the potential consequences of transferring one’s consciousness to a new body. The interweaving story line will have the reader second guessing what is real and what is dream, and prove that knowing the truth can be the difference between life and death.

BUY Between Two Minds: Awakening

Follow D C Wright-Hammer on Twitter. And, his Amazon author page!

Travis Borne’s review:

I finished this book about a half hour ago and as I type this I’m still high on adrenaline. What a rush! A futuristic technological thriller that kept me guessing until the very last sentence—and the energy is still coursing through my galvanized brain. I ultimately set my Kindle down saying, “No, could it really be?” then, “Whoa!” And I already purchased the next book in the series!

Deep characters with potent, disparate, as well as heartbreaking backstories. A non-linear way of reliving past events that was clever—especially the manner in which the author leapt from chapter to chapter with a single, transcending thought. This was perplexing, but intriguing.

There’s Ryan, the 22-year-old paraplegic, and Charlie, a troubled marine from the past—and the curious, then very extraordinary relationship that comes with being entangled inside a single mind. A well-crafted chain of events spanning more than 20 years, from gritty past to technologically advanced future. And I loved the myriad futuristic scenes within this novel, as experienced through Charlie’s eyes, and how consciousness, perhaps, could transcend time…

One of my absolute favorite parts was a special moment, when an enlightening face-to-face meeting finally took place: within the realm of the mind, a shared consciousness, or soul, perhaps, inside Ryan’s—ahem—their mind! And the descriptive prose throughout this novel was a perfect balance, at times moving a breakneck speeds, at times diving into wonder and awe. All of this and more set my in-awe self right into this subconsciousness “soup.”

And the cleverly masterminded facts about the world as it would, or could be, made the final takeaway pack that much more of a punch. Every detail came together brilliantly to solidify this action-packed mind-warp to the next degree. Riveting was the past as perceived by Ryan, through Charlie’s eyes: exploits of Charlie along with his mobster-like boss, a devious and massive cigar-smoker named The Padre. As well, it was intriguing to dive into Charlie’s difficult upbringing. The events were heartbreaking and deep, with loads of inventive backstories that piled on the character depth.

Quite the imagination, D.C Wright-Hammer. I loved your future—and past—speculations!

The author incorporated stop-on-a-dime bullet trains that wowed Charlie, who was from the past, and especially, there were those the mind migrations… And the in-depth explanations that made the lengthy process, as well as its not-so-successful past, feel sci-fi rock-solid real!

Yet still, there was so much more. More for your typical nerd, even thrill-seeker: daring escapes, suicides and high-speed car chases; and saving memories for posterity, for all to relive or just some; and outcomes of global conflicts, then teeter-tottering from past to present versions, shockingly; and net-phones with brilliant mega-HD holo-displays one could immerse themselves within—and one from the past, who actually does! Take a vacation or walk a virtual dog—but not in the future! New laws prohibit real dogs in the real world… RUFF! Sorry my canine friend, you are now illegal.

One hell of a ride. The story eventually morphed from curious and engaging, to engrossing and engaging, a mystery as Ryan and his hot girlfriend began to collaborate to help someone, some “consciousness,” from times long past. Right after some heart-melting under-the-sheets moments that’ll make you smile—done tastefully, wonderfully. This novel packed quite the emotional punch. Joined by previously very challenged lives—a connection sparked by a goofy come-on in the elevator at the mind-migration building—they were up for the challenge, and they will get to the bottom of things. Together! And so, out on the town they went. They overlaid maps of the past onto maps of the future, comparing differences and digging deeper into trouble. They got chased down while running hand in hand. And thanks to mind migration, they were running without auto-chairs. They possessed two smokin’-hot bods!

So, if you’re looking for a smokin’-hot thriller, a mind-warping bounce from past to present and back in non-linear fashion, a heart-wrenching and heartwarming tale that’ll keep you perplexed—in the best way possible—then, this novel is for you. I thoroughly enjoyed this exceptionally clever adventure. And I’ll finish by dropping the MIC. Five solid stars for D.C. Wright-Hammer’s mind-blowing first novel. Transcend time with Between Two Minds—because consciousness heeds no such boundaries!

BUY Between Two Minds: Awakening

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The Magic Vodka Wardrobe, Book 1, by author Sheila Patel, Kindle edition

Sheila Patel’s description:

“The best books are those in which the characters come alive before your eyes” ~Telegraph & Argos

‘I’ve never read a story quite like this… but it was such fun I consumed it in one sitting. As we are introduced to the well observed, larger than life characters I felt I was watching a very British sit-com. We have Bradford, a corner shop, wacky characters, shopping at Primani, a knickerless caravan dweller, dozens of shoes and plenty of booze’ Amazon Review

A corner shop, a lottery machine and a bamboo bike …
Shaz and Trace balance spreadsheets by day, but by night drink vodka and dance with their crazy Aunt Sheila in the magical wardrobe.

As the country is hit with Brexit fever… mother has her bags packed in case she gets deported whilst gossiping with the likes of Tattoo Tony, Mad Mush Martha and Dammit Janet.
Shaz is doing her best to avoid the creepy centre-parted Rajeev and his pet goat. However, her sister Trace is drawn to the charms of the lovely Channing Chopra who is from the posh end of town.

A short story of drinking and dancing while the strange barman Bachittar watches on… tutting …

Follow author Sheila Patel on Twitter!

Check out Sheila Patel’s other books, on her Amazon author page!

BUY The Magic Vodka Wardrobe!

Travis Borne’s review:

About two chapters into reading this, I stopped. I put it down. I went to my closet, got inside, shut the door, then banged on the back wall. Dang it, do I ever want my very own Magic Vodka Wardrobe! The only change, perhaps… I’d make mine a tequila one!

After finishing several serious science-fiction novels, I needed a break from the downer of a drone-war apocalypse or two. I needed a drink, too, strong stuff. So, on the prowl I went. I searched Twitter for a lighthearted and easygoing, amusing, possibly even zany, fiasco of a story that’d pop the top of my head off. You know, something no-holds-barred on the anything’s-possible, wild and crazy factor. You know, to escape the humdrum last-person-on-Earth, science-fiction stuff, of which I read gobs. Something to light my brain of fire. Something like that. And I found it. And did I ever strike gold! Glimmering GOLD, and silver and prismatic iridescence, raining down as little squares of coruscating light—from the DISCO BALL!

Inside the wardrobe, though?
Yep!
No…
DOUBLE YEP! YES!

As ridiculous as my review might sound so far, it’s the required attitude for this book. Throw serious Stan out the window, boot your old lady or old man in the keester, because it really is no holds barred…

So, there’s… what? There’s something’s happening over there. There’s a misty glow coming from, yep—the wardrobe! So… you decide. Decide to go for it! Do it. Step over the pile of Primark shoes and cheap China handbags from eBay, and let the devine disco light slap you upside your astonished effin’ face! (The humor in this book is cleaner than my review).

Your new cozy place. Kick it with friends, albeit weird ones…

Take your seat at the bar. Join Shaz and Trace and Aunt Sheila for a voddy (vodka) or two or ten. Get sore feet from dancin’ too much. And play the lottery. Life will never be the same, and British comedy has a new limelight: scintillating, musical, chilled the bleep out and fruity—mad!
Just roll with it, but easy… Have fun, relax. And laugh your kicked keester off!

Snoop Dog guard dogs and the lottery machine… Bachittar the Sikh bartender, Magic Mike and Tattoo Tony, even Donny, that Osmond-brother dude. And handmade pointy brassieres, like Madonna’s, while dancing like Madonna, En Vogue. And dancing into the wee-morning hours… Sore ankles, but what a night it was! Come and visit the closet every night… Chill out or party hardy. Party with a goat called Gurjit, a Rottweiler named Nobhead! Jam to songs like Downtown, Gladys Knight’s Midnight Train, Abba’s Dancing Queen and even, YMCA…

Imagine…
Imagine the fun, the insanity. This book is short but has loads of fun. Gobs! A blast of fast-paced, entertainment if there ever was such a thing—and way zanier than this review. Throw your serious side into the wind, let it come back to smack some other dude in the face for a change. Because you are going in. Brexit’s gonna get ya, or not. And Bachittar—or Donny—awaits. Your voddy is being poured and your favorite song is always playing.

I give this one FIVE for FUN. I only wish it was longer, but there are more books in the series! Five stars and I’m ready for more with the next. But maybe, after a few more end-of-the-worlds, some dystopian sci-fi pandemonium, consciousness mumbo-jumbo from the genres I generally, usually read. Yep, after more of that finishes its frying of my brain—I’ll surely be back for more. This’ll be my fix! Fantastically fun, outrageous, ludicrously British and bedazzling. What a story, from the magnificent, comedic and clever mind of author Sheila Patel. Great whale of a tale!

Those disco lights…
I think… I think I’m gonna need a minute.

BUY The Magic Vodka Wardrobe!

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