Welcome to Random Book Review Roundup #6! I know it’s been a while since we released one of these but, keeping with the whole “getting back on track” post earlier this year, I’m sticking with my guns and trying my best. *shoots finger guns*

All three titles listed below have been read, reviewed, and placed on both Goodreads(if available) and Amazon. If you see something you like, please click the available links at the very bottom and read for the love of reading. Picking up an indie/self-pub title warms an author’s heart and tells them you enjoy and support their creative endeavors. As a reminder and sort of disclaimer, I make no claims to be the end-all be-all of writing, reading, or reviewing. I am a reader first and foremost, an author second, and a reviewer third. The scores listed below are from my tastes, viewpoints, and likes only and should not be a determining factor to anyone else’s take on the books or opinion on possible purchasing. No tea, no shade, no disrespect. Without further ado…

Tea in Crimea by David Kopf

(5/5)

David Kopf’s Tea in Crimea delivers straightforward fiction writing steeped in historically accurate information while drama and thriller co-exist in his latest offering. Although it was in my TBR pile far too long, I am thrilled to have added it to my recent reads.

Kopf’s ability to weave political and historical information and expertly detailed information specific to the region and time his work takes place is masterful, especially when blending a slowly converging plot from several different viewpoints into a cohesive tension-filled thrill ride.    

At face value, readers may assume Tea in Crimea to be more military wartime experience but after a few pages it’s obvious it is merely one layer of a multi-leveled journey. Guided by Kopf’s in-depth research and commitment to facts embellishing the fiction, readers will find engaging and relatable characters that pull us in before placing us right at the heart of his creation, that being, the human experience. Told from several different viewpoints, Kopf displays his craft splendidly as we get to bear witness to those on the front lines, the sidelines, and those struggling to survive amid chaos, confusion, boredom, and shifting political and military landscapes.  

Humanizing and relevant for the time period and for future considerations, Kopf’s Tea in Crimea is a realistic drama with added thrills that offers a wider lens of all involved when it comes to war, terrorism, duty, and life. Never preachy, never overly scholarly, Kopf showcases his knowledge of the subject matter with character-driven fiction that delivers ground-level entertainment for those dipping their toes into this genre while giving those accustomed to this level of writing a very enjoyable and well-paced and thought-out book reading trip.   

The Dreaming Dead by Jay Wayward

(4/5)

The Dreaming Dead by Jay Wayward offers up a hack n’ slash with heart in an immersive world of dark fantasy. At face value, Wayward’s creation can be considered one of a simple adventure tale set within an imaginary world but after a few pages, readers are made aware this journey will eclipse that mindset in spades. Deftly serving up a richly detailed world bursting with compelling characters and enough action to fully satisfy readers of the genre, Wayward’s novel begins with the excitement already in progress and doesn’t let up until the final page is turned.

Told between two time periods in the main protagonist’s life, Wayward displays a knack for keeping each time period and its respective characters in their rightful place while expertly ensuring each section reads separately but remains cohesive to the whole book even if the story bounces back and forth with each new chapter. Seeing the present unfold while also seeing the future story unfold can leave some readers confused until all the missing pieces start to fall into place. It may have a greater impact on those who prefer a more linear clear-cut offering, but in this instance, it does work though requires us readers to adjust in what we know, don’t know, and believe when it comes to pacing, plot, and the flow of his characters’ lives until our minds can catch up. Characters are well liked and fully detailed and, while the plot may be a little looser than some reads, the fun, heart, thievery, murder, and mayhem is well worth the time as Wayward blends action and fantasy into a world brimming with love, loss, the family we have and the ones we choose, humor, sharp swords, and the importance of an adventurous life best lived.

Goblin Girl: A Humorous LitRPG by Vaughan Farrar

(5/5)

Reading like an open-world MMO, Goblin Girl by Vaughan Farrar is an epic quest offering with heart. Light, imaginative, and humorous fans of both online roleplaying games and fantasy-inspired writing will find a lot to enjoy within. With a clear plot and building tension, the magic of Farrar’s able-bodied storytelling lends itself well to entice and pull readers into his created world.   

Subtle nuances and cleverly detailed descriptions of places, things, and the ever-lovable Smuk, our goblin girl heroine, Farrar paints an expansive world mirroring those often found in some of our favorite role-playing games, both online and tabletop gaming.

Long enough to be considered an epic adventure but way easier to read, the shifting parameters of Smuk’s journey running parallel to other character developments, make Goblin Girl a splendidly enjoyable experience throughout, whether you digest its contents in one sitting or within a few days. Its charm is in the story and can be dissected beyond good RPG fun to showcasing lessons younger readers may already be aware of, such as trying your best regardless of odds, the Golden Rule, and female empowerment in a male-dominated world. Although it may have not been intentional or hidden within on purpose, Goblin Girl does provide a strong female lead and a offers the truest representations of player experiences within online gaming such as friendships regardless of sex, looks, or location, a sense of community, and growing more powerful in every aspect when faced with danger. Not an arduous journey by any means, Goblin Girl is a highly enjoyable read, an excellent side quest, and a wonderfully reminiscent offering by Farrar that will tickle your funny bone, make you geek out a little bit, and warm your heart. Great read.

Links to Amazon:

Much love and keep reading,

KJF