Dominion Rising

Infinite Stars #1

by Gwynn White, P.K. Tyler, Samuel Peralta

Dominion Rising is the science fiction and fantasy boxed set of the year, launching to #4 on the Wall Street Journal and #14 on the USA Today bestseller lists. Available only until December 2017, the limited edition set features 23 all-new books by the some of most accomplished names in contemporary speculative fiction.

*** Get the entire 23-book set at the low limited-edition price - or it's FREE TO READ for members of Kindle Unlimited! ***

The Dominion Rising authors include award-winning and international bestselling authors, including Samuel Peralta, Ella Summers, Gwynn White, P.K. Tyler, Erin St Pierre, Rebecca Rode, Cheri Lasota, Felix R. Savage, Anthea Sharp, S.M. Schmitz, K.J. Colt, Dean F. Wilson, Lisa Blackwood, Marilyn Peake, JC Andrijeski, Erin Hayes, S.M. Blooding, Melanie Karsak, Timothy C. Ward, Daniel Arthur Smith, Tony Bertauski, Ann Christy, Becca Andre, Logan Snyder, Margo Bond Collins and Tom Shutt.

With over five thousand pages packed with aliens, telepaths, vampires, gargoyles, warriors, space pirates, starship captains, hapless mercenaries, street urchins, robots, cyber-enhanced humans, and badass heroines, Dominion Rising will satisfy all your Sci-Fi and Fantasy cravings.

Reign of Bone and Steel by Gwynn White & Erin St Pierre
Mind Raider by S.M. Blooding & P.K. Tyler
Sorcery & Science by Ella Summers
Spectral Shift by Daniel Arthur Smith
Petra by Cheri Lasota
Infinite Waste by Dean F. Wilson
Girard, The Guardian Vampire by Ann Christy
Flicker by Rebecca Rode
Star Compass by Anthea Sharp
Vengeance by S.M. Schmitz & Lisa Blackwood
Touching Infinity by Erin Hayes
Death Plague by K.J. Colt
Ultras by Timothy C. Ward
Curiouser and Curiouser by Melanie Karsak
The Walking of Grey Grimm by Tony Bertauski
Blood for Stone by Logan Thomas Snyder
The Incurables by Felix R. Savage
Ferromancer by Becca Andre
The Other by Marilyn Peake
New York by JC Andrijeski
Rift Cursed by Margo Bond Collins
The Zoo at the End of the World by Samuel Peralta
Iron Tamer by Tom Shutt

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Anthologies, Steampunk, Ebooks, Paranormal, Fiction

5000 pages, ebook

First published August 8, 2017

About the author

USA Today, New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of science fiction and fantasy novels set on distant planets.

All Gwynn White's stories have an adventure at the heart mixed with a liberal sprinkling of romance and intrigue. To confuse things, she also write adventure travel books set firmly on planet Earth.

She lives in Western Australia with her husband, Andrew, my three daughters, a yapping Toy Pomeranian, and a fantastic farm cat called Pixel. When she's not writing, she's reading, traveling, herding kids around, taking dogs for walks, and avoiding all cooking.

Reviews

[Sherry Fundin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not read all the stories, but I did read The Other by Marilyn Peake. After that, I can't help but think I would love to read all of them.

The Other by Marilyn Peake is a time travel story, but she has given me a fresh and novel approach and I love it.

We begin with Cora, who is off to Roswell, but not to study the aliens. She is there to study the UFO cult, The Astral Plane, and their behavior. I like her quick wit and snarky attitude. I felt the same way she did when she went through the airport. I used to get hassled all the time and felt they treated me like a terrorist.

What starts out as a research project becomes a mystery. They’re here…but they’re not who you think they are.

Jade is a normal girl, adopted and looking for her birth mother. She’s nothing special….Right? Boy is she in for a surprise.

As I travel in the world Marilyn Peake has created, many questions rise to the surface.

If you went back in time and killed your mother, would you be born? As I thought about this, more and more questions came to mind.

Marilyn’s fantasy worlds contain the good and bad of humanity, but leave me with good feelings. She writes in multiple genres and does it very well.

The Other is so no exception. I am off on an adventure of gloom and doom, faith and hope, in a world seem through Marilyn Peake’s magical words. I was angry for the planet, angry at the ignorant characters, yet the good shines through.

If The Other by Marilyn Peake is any indication of the rest of the stories in Dominion Rising, this is a boxed set you won’t want to miss.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Other by Marilyn Peake.

To see more visit fundinmental

[✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans)]

Oh, no. Not another anthology featuring a brand new Pippa DaCosta story. This one is called Within. And it's about vamps. In a post apocalyptic world. Bloody shrimping hell, I have a feeling my DNF stats are going to go through the roof again. Really not looking forward to reading this.







➽ This anthology is available for pre-order at the pathetically low price of 99¢! What are you waiting for? Buy it buy it buy it!

[Will Swardstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I haven't read all of the books in this set, but to be fair, there are over 20 full novels. This review is based on three books, and if the quality of those three are any indication, this set is destined for greatness.
Let's start with "The Zoo At The End Of The World" by Samuel Peralta. This is a story that wrecked me. Peralta is known for his shorter works, including some phenomenal poetry, so it's no surprise that this book clocks in shorter than the other books I read, but what it lacked in word count, it definitely made up for in emotional gut punches. Without getting too deep into the plot, Earth is on a collision course with an apocalyptic, world ending comet. Our main character is a zookeeper of sorts we see her in earth's final days caring for life and what humans will do in the face of certain doom. It is absolutely compelling. I received a copy and finished it in one reading, willing myself to push through when the reading got a little cloudy at times. Top marks for a top notch story.
I also was privileged to read Daniel Arthur Smith's "Spectral Shift" and Logan Thomas Snyder's "Blood For Stone."
A few thoughts on each one:
Spectral Shift is a fun, fantastic read that could be the start of a terrific series should Smith continue on with it. Years after the Spectral Wars, there is a case that needs the attention of a retired agent. The further the reader delves into the book, the more the reader discovers and unearths about this fascinating world Smith has created in the not-too-distant future. New abilities and planes of existence show that humanity has much further to progress and Smith isn't afraid to showcase the depths of his story, told in a noir cyperpunk way, ala Bladerunner.
Snyder's "Blood for Stone" was a great read as well. How to describe it? Well...it's like Zootopia meets L.A. Confidential meets Lord of the Rings. Cato and Smiley are cops in a city where humans, gargoyles and vampires live side by side. When blood is shed, who is to blame? The case twists and turns and takes a hard look at what a fantasy world might look like from a CSI and Law and Order POV.
From the three books I've read, this is a knock-out of a collection and I can't wait to get my hands on the other books included inside Dominion Rising.

[David Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unbeatable value for money - but there's a lot of genuinely excellent writing in this collection.
At this point I have read nine 10 of the 23 full-length novels, and dnf one more. There are also a few that simply don't interest me. (I'm not a Lovecraft fan, and hate Alice in Wonderland...)

So - you want to know whether you should buy this amazing anthology?
Yes, you should.
Of course, in this kind of anthology you can expect several 'Book One' novels from a series - but there are a lot that are either stand-alone books, or which can happily be read as a stand-alone.
Buying this anthology (for all of $0.99!) does *not* commit you to a series of frustrating cliffhangers. There are one or two, maybe, but that's all.
You want to know about some of the outstanding stories I've found? Read on :)

Caution - the opening story (Reign of Bone and Steel) is, in my view, below par by comparison with most of the others I've read. I did read it, I enjoyed the story, but not enough to pursue the series any further. If you should respond the same way, do *not* allow yourself to be put off by this from the whole collection.

Infinite Waste by Dean Wilson - Somewhat surreal but this is an action-packed and comedic SF space opera romp with an interesting premise. Solid four stars.

Flicker by Rebecca Rode - Super SF novel with psi-gifted heroine struggling to find her feet, and her role, in a well-crafted future world where good and evil are not always clear. Nice cultural depth and good characterization make this moreish enough that I will look for the next book - although this one is perfectly satisfying as a stand-alone read. Five stars.

Star Compass by Anthea Sharp - Great steampunk SF with a super female lead and wonderful characters. Exceeded my expectations by a large margin, and charmed me out of my socks. I want more, so I'll be looking for the rest of the 'Victoria Eternal' series. (This book is still a great read on its own; there's no requirement to get the rest unless, like me, you find that you want to. A lot.) Five stars.

Vengeance by Schmitz & Blackwood - Good to very good at times, the telepath protagonist's relationship with the battleship Vengeance is what kept me reading. I felt the writing was perhaps on a junior level (middle grades?), but nevertheless had to finish the story, so three-and-a-half stars for this one. Again, quite satisfying as a stand-alone read.

Touching Infinity by Erin Hayes - Expecting cliche space pirates? Not here. Another story that startled my preconceptions into alert attention, moving on to fascination and great enjoyment as this clever space opera with depth rockets along. Great read. Five stars.

The Waking of Grey Grimm by Tony Bertauski - Whoo, this one was *clever*. Beautifully, intelligently written, with an awareness of the impact of writing style on the reader, I think Bertauski is hugely talented. I had my doubts, but this story took hold of me and would not let go until the end. Wonderful. Five stars all the way.

Ferromancer by Becca Andre - wonderful steampunk fantasy with superb characters, drama, romance, and action. Yet another author I want more of, I'll be looking to see what else she's written. And I have to say this - what a great title! Five stars, no, six! (And I'm not usually a steampunk fan...) Again, there are (or will be) other books in the series, but Andre has tied this off perfectly so you can enjoy it on its own.

Rift Cursed by Margo Collins - This was very good, and well-written, but for me it wasn't original or unique enough for me to go looking for more. I must emphasize that Collins is a good writer, my objections are only regarding the concepts - shifters, demons, predestined heroines, etc. Still worth four stars if this is your thing.

The Zoo at the End of the World by Samuel Peralta is excellent, a quietly understated work of art with the long run-in and eventual impact of a large asteroid. ;-) Really well written, absolutely gripping in the story sections, with convincing 'news reports' thrown in every so often. I rate this one five stars.

I tried Sorcery and Science, but, nah, not for me.

Conclusion: Invested 99c, and enjoyed (so far) 10 well-written SF and/or Fantasy stories.
Discovered Rebecca Rode, Anthea Sharp, Erin Hayes, Tony Bertauski and, not least, Becca Andre, none of whom I had read before and which I have now added to my list of more-please authors.
And - there are a few more books still to read!

If you're still here, stop dithering and just get the book for yourself. You can't possibly lose for the price, and, if you're going on holiday, this is probably the only book you'll need! :D

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Total transparency: I have not read the entire Dominion Rising book; however, I have read "The Zoo at the End of the World". If this story is any indication of the rest of the book...I CANNOT WAIT! "Zoo" is brilliantly written and completely engaging. I am not good with writing reviews, but suffice it to say, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book!!! If I could give 10 stars, I would!

[Gaele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be honest, Sci-Fi is not really my thing. But when offered the chance to read Mind Raider, the first book in the new Kalamatra Rebellion series by S. M. Blooding and P. K. Tyler, I was all in: I love Tyler’s facility with words, and she’s never steered me wrong on a read.

Easily summarized by the blurb: this is a story about the one weapon that will bring the world to its knees, and the team that is tasked with stopping it. And we’re off. Building this world, comprised of 4 separate systems that comprise the Black System, the Kalamatra Station sits at the center of one of these four. In worlds that have evolved to comprise class systems, each with their own personalities and physical attributes, we are introduced to the Elite, Families, Military, Spacers, and the Terrans. At first glance, each group brings an expectation of the people within it, and their role in the story to come. And then, everything turns on its side.

Keva is at the center of this story: an engineered soldier that disobeyed an order and was left to die. Rescued and recruited by the Codex syndicate, she is tasked with investigating the new bioweapon, and returning with information. Her own development, and the growth that she shows in this mission: from recruiting an AI that is developing a personality and self-determination (ask Facebook – it happens), to the spacer pilot Hale Reeve and his ship, an Elite woman who is the antithesis of what Keva has come to believe is the norm, and a group of misfits and misunderstood willing participants. In many ways, this was a story highlighting the dangers of stereotyping against the power of a common cause, and those elements stood out solidly.

While not a usual read for me: the story was fast-paced, layered and loaded with moments that mixed idealized intentions of behavior with the realities: squabbles, sniping, friendships and dangers all test the cast of characters as they seek to find ways to achieve Keva’s mission while not losing the communication, trust and opening the world for readers to travel along. Scientific aspects play a large part in the story, but never overwhelms the characters. Strong female depictions, plenty of growth and development of relationships, friendships and personal revelations, as well as a touch of romantic interest. Based on this story alone, this set of 23 Fantasy and Sci-Fi titles are sure to be a hit with readers who love the genres, and should even encourage those who, like me, are dabblers in this world.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the author via InstaFreebie for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read The Other one of the books in this set. What a fantastic story. Marilyn Peake has outdone herself. I have just found a new exciting author and I plan to stick with her. This is just the tip of a great series and I hope to see another story soon. Totally enjoyed this book and highly recommend to anyone who wonders about mysteries of the universe and the future of mankind.

[Chanel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I have not read the entire book bundle. My review is specifically about one of the books in the bundle, Ferromancer: Iron Souls Book One by Becca Andre, which I received an early read copy in exchange for my honest review.

Definite recommendation! I absolutely LOVED it and it takes place in my home state!

Meet Briar Rose. Captaining canal boats has always been in her blood since she was little. She's also very curious and adventurous. Lately she's been concerned that her way of life might be taken over because locomotives and railroads have become increasingly popular over canal boats. One night, she decides to go "explore" these locomotives when she witnesses a murder. Shortly after, she finds out that her uncle is looking to sell her beloved canal boat. She decides that this can't happen and ends up kidnapping the engineer her uncle was looking to establish a business relationship with over a new locomotive. However, everything is not as it seems and she ends up getting a crash course in all things ferromancy and the soulless.

Fantasy, steampunk, mystery and adventure are just a few of the reading elements you'll find in this book. The characters are written so well. My favorite character, Lock, is a construct that Briar took an instant liking too and was the reason she dove deeper into the ferromancy world. You can easily relate to Briar in that she's trying to find her place in a man's world but also trying to handle her own issues. She often finds herself in situations that potentially threaten her livelihood and her life. The relationship she has with her crew members often goes misunderstood even though each and every one are loyal to her even when she tries to shield them from the real world. Another unique trait about the characters is that you can't really define who's the hero or who's the villian. At times, I found myself questioning who the "enemy" truly was including Briar herself.

By the end of the story, you will definitely want so much more! There is so much more to look forward to with Briar, her crew, as well as a few other characters. You must give this story a try and, really, buying the whole bundle is no brainer.

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reign of bone and steel

Wow!! I absolutely loved it. From the first page I was sucked in and I can't wait to see where the story goes from here. I loved the characters they each had their own unique personality.
The fast paced action kept me flipping the pages till the very end.
I can't wait for the next book!!

I voluntarily reviewed an arc from the author.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I am waiting for this anthology to come out. Considering who is listed in this one, you know it's going to be good.

So far I have read an advanced copy of The Others by Marilyn Peake and I loved it. I found it to be a different take on mass hysteria, Aliens and Roswell as told from 3 different people. I got to read a little of their backgrounds to understand how they all ended up in Roswell together. Was interesting to see how their lives became connected. Liked the explanation for all the alien sightings, it made me giggle. Just a wild take that made me think and go huh could happen.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reign of Bone and Steel
by Gwynn White and Erin St. Pierre

One more WOW to review collection! I absolutely loved it, even though it was hard to read in the beginning. Everything is great from character's personalities to plot twists. I guessed 2/3 characters in the end :)
I definitely want more right now. I need to know where is this story leads our Nasty Reaper.

I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

Maze: The Waking of Grey Grimm
by Tony Bertauski

Tony is a good author with a very good style of writing and a good imagination. When I started to read this book I have a feeling that I read the mix of Matrix, Fight Club, and Neuromancer. Was the end unexpected? Hell yeah!!! It was!

This book will open (for a bit) a door to another - and maybe no less real than our - reality. I hope to read the Maze to find out what exactly is happening there. The Waking of Grey Grimm isn't about the Maze itself, it is about surrounding the sleeping man people. The book has a good dynamic and speed, but sometimes I wished the plot moved faster.

4 stars.
Not five because of only one thing - I was expecting more deeper troubles and issues in the Maze, not a boring everyday life.

I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Ola Adamska · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reign of Bone and Steel
This was an interesting insight of New World created by Gwynn White and Erin St. Pierre we are her A piece of everything - love, jealousy, betrayal, fight and Magic!
A really nice glimpse of new World with full interesting characters.

Vengeance by S.M. Schmitz
I like good mafia romance story. All characters are full and you will enjoy their way around. If there is more of it I will grab it for sure!

Touching Infinity by Erin Hayes
Now we see Erin's darker side, as her previous works were light in comparison to this one.
Corporations are BAD and they run that world with merciless hand.
Clementine is more robot than a human (in percentage), she knows her job and tries to do it as good as she can. I liked her, but yet she irritated me in some parts, still a likable character!
This story is slow until like half of the book. But it allows us to have insight into the relationships between the crew. Which was complex and really nice developed. And how the hell on the deserted station can be something important? From this point, the real action starts.
It's a book full of surprises, dangers, twists, and thoughts of the young female that is more robot than a human!

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: The Other- part of the Dominion Rising multi author book
Author: Marilyn Peake
Publisher: Macmillan
ISBN: B06XDGHZF5
Buy Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Reviewer: Teresa Fallen Angel
Blurb:
Whether it's alien invasion or dark fairytales, heart-pounding galactic adventures or cyberpunk romance, Dominion Rising will satisfy with a thrilling mix of 23 BRAND NEW novels set in fantastical realms. Sword and sorcery, far-flung galactic empires, alternative history, epic magic, slipstream futures: this collection of carefully selected, exclusive novels is sure to please and delight readers of speculative fiction.

Over five thousand pages packed with aliens, faeries, vampires, gargoyles, warriors, telepaths, space pirates, starship captains, hapless mercenaries, street urchins, robots, cyber-enhanced humans, badass heroines, and lost princesses.

Total Score: 4/5

Summary:
This book started out introducing seemingly different characters who were living in a time where the world was experiencing a potential disaster from outside of our world. Cora couldn't wait to learn more about the a strange religious cult in where else Roswell, New Mexico. Cora and Nate were determined to find out the truth what ever it was, but what they found was more than they ever expected. Jade knew that she was adopted, but it wasn't until she got sick that she ever thought of looking for her biological mom, Cora, until then. Paloma and Zander from a future time hoping to obtain human DNA that could save his people. These very random individuals found themselves in Roswell, one of the places on Earth known for alien sitings.

The book took the reader into the lives of these random individuals seeing how their past influenced their growth and development. Adding to that the mass hysteria that usually happens with UFOs, the standoff between a cult, The Astral Plane, and the government about an unexplained death, and the illness that was effecting many people in the area leaving you with a very complex plot. While I enjoyed all the build up, once everyone arrived at Roswell things seemed to speed up continuing on a more superficial level. I mean meeting an alien isn't your everyday activity, but it didn't seem to effect anyone in that manner. Some of the characters,
Paloma and Nate were not really active in the story after a certain point making me wonder if they were still there. In all, I feel that while I enjoyed the story it would be vastly improved if these areas were expanded allowing the reader to really get into how the experience effected the characters and those around them.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My plan is to read every book in the Dominion Rising set, once it’s published, but this review is for only one of them. I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of Girard the Guardian from Ann Christy. I’m a big fan of Ann’s work, so I would have bought the collection just to read this one book. Reading it early was a real treat. No spoilers here, though.

I’ll venture to say that this is the most original take on vampires that I’ve ever read. Ann snips the ‘super’ off of supernatural and introduces a new sentient species – or an old one, actually. I find science and logic much more interesting that magic and sparkles, so I found it hard to put this book down. Ann makes a plausible case for vampires evolving alongside humans throughout history and developing a parallel society of their own, one that depends on humans, but fears them. The Guardians are their society’s law enforcement, and their laws focus on keeping all vampires hidden and safe.

Girard is a Guardian, a relatively young one, that takes his job very seriously. The story deals him the worst crisis in modern vampire history. He doesn’t work alone, and his friend Lila is my favorite of the characters, being both a historian and a librarian. Then there’s Marcus – having missed a couple of centuries of scientific advancement, his reactions to modern life are hilarious. Honestly, Girard wasn’t my favorite character, but I think he’s the quiet type, the kind that grows on you with time.

This is the first book of a new series, and it tells a hair-raising story as well as introducing the vampire culture and its history, providing groundwork for the following books. The end of this book isn’t a cliffhanger. The immediate crisis is resolved, although the ending is an uneasy conclusion at best. There are remaining issues that will obviously form the basis for the stories in the following books. I’ll look forward to reading them. This one was excellent fun.

Meanwhile, I’ll be reading the rest of the books in this collection. I’m expecting many good stories as I’m familiar with the work of most of the authors. Because that’s so, along with loving Girard the Guardian, Dominion Rising gets five stars. I doubt that I’ll be wrong about that.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read all the books in this set, but I have read two that are absolutely fantastic and make this set well worth checking out. I read Melanie Karsak's Curiouser and Curiouser and loved it. I also read Tony Bertauski's Maze: The Waking of Grey Grimm and really enjoyed it as well.

I received a review copy of Curiouser and Curiouser and I was hooked from the start! This book is a true delight.

Melanie Karsak paints a beautiful and engaging world in her novel Curiouser and Curiouser. The steampunk fairytale retelling of Alice in Wonderland is riveting and beautifully told. The blend between original and reimagined is fantastic. This new colorful world of mechanical creatures and airships is peppered with dialogue from the original story to create an endearing connection between old and new. Instead of a trip down a rabbit hole into a strange land, this story takes you on an adventure through steampunk London. Part fairytale, part heist story, Curiouser and Curiouser will take you on an action-packed adventure filled with airship pirates, clockwork cats, black magic, honorable thieves, and a villainous sanguinarian. This story has it all; mystery, adventure, and plenty of romance.

She is able to bring her world alive with only a few sentences. Her brilliant descriptions feel neither forced nor out of place, and paint a world so vibrant I saw everything I was reading almost as if it were a movie. The lush background is filled with such detailed descriptions, you could almost believe yourself right alongside Alice on her adventure. You'll find your senses immersed in her rich and vibrant storytelling; from the breathtaking sight of the crystal palace, the scents of jasmine and sandalwood, the sounds of airship captains barking orders and the boom of a cannon announcing the start of a race, to the taste of strawberry frosted, vanilla-sweetened, and raspberry-and-crème-filled cake. And all of this in only the first three chapters.

This story is filled with well-developed characters full of life and complex emotions. All of the characters you know from the original Alice in Wonderland are here but in completely new incarnations. Each is recognizable as their original counterpart, but reworked into new and interesting characters all their own. Alice, who is exactly the kind of heroine I want to read about, is smart, strong-willed, and full of heart.

This incarnation of Alice in Wonderland is my new favorite version. I can't wait to read more of Melanie Karsak's steampunk fairy tales and have my fingers crossed for an Alice sequel. Through the Looking Glass is just begging to be written!

If you're a fan of any of the following: steampunk, fantasy, fairy tales, strong female characters, and adventure, I would highly recommend you pick up a copy of this book.

I also received a free ARC of Maze: The Waking of Grey Grimm by Tony Bertauski is a psychological thrill ride that will pull you in and not let go until you finish. This cyberpunk adventure is a complete brain twist, it has unreliable narrators, and is told in a sort of back and forth before and after The Punch. The story is told in third person and is from several characters point-of-views.

This story is well-written, intelligent and makes you think.

Recommended to sci-fi and cyberpunk fans, and anyone who likes a good mystery

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not read every book in this boxset, that's just not how I read boxsets. I will pick it up and read a few more (and likely add to this review) in the future.
This is a fantastically put together boxset. It contains a good mix of fantasy and sci-fi, with something for everyone. I picked it up for Becca Andre's Ferromancer and Ella Summers' Science & Sorcery.

Ferromancer was everything I'd hoped for. I've read and loved her Final Formula books so I came into this with high expectations. This was definitely slower than I anticipated, but I felt that fit the gaslamp(?) genre quite well. The characters are very well done, interesting, and everything the story needed. The ending threw me, it was absolutely perfect, but it left me with a different feeling than expected. All in all, a really well-written and enjoyable book. I definitely recommend it and future books in this series.

Science & Sorcery on the other hand was a disappointment. I read Summers' books because they're light, fun, urban fantasy. Unfortunately this book took that to an extreme in my opinion. I felt as though my mental retinas were burnt out due to the bright colours and 'fluff'. The plot wasn't cohesive (what I read of it), it was a bit too paint by numbers. The blossoming romance subplot was sweet but lacked something. I didn't finish the book, I couldn't. I found it to be far too almost like a teenager's weird neon-coloured daydream.

Having read the blurbs and first pages of a number of other books in this boxset I feel confident in saying I'll enjoy most of them, and will definitely return to it. I'm putting it aside for now as I'm in the mood for something different, rather than it being a fault of the set.

[Marc Yergin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleased to have had the pleasure of reading "The Other" by Marilyn Peake as an ARC, one if the stories in "Dominion Rising." And it was a true pleasure. If the other stories are as good then it is a true gem.

The first real story of aliens invading the Earth was by H.G. Wells in 1898's War of the World. Orson Wells used it as the basis for his 1938 radio broadcast that scared a large portion of the population of the United States. It has since been made into a movie several times.After World War II rumors started to circulate among cultists a flying saucer had crash landed near Roswell NM and been spirited off to Area 51, a secret Air Force Base in the middle of the desert. Thus the legend of little green men began and was nurtured in the arid middle of nowhere.

The Other delves into this and takes you along for the ride. It  is an intriguing and beguiling story that kept me engrossed throughout. 

The story starts with a psychology researcher and and an anthropologist going to a cult near Roswell NM. They are there to investigate what they believe is the mass hysteria that is behind the reports of UFOs and aliens. That is all I'm going to say because I don't want to post spoilers.

I will say this is a story worth reading. It covers the ethics of interfering and how the law of unintended consequences can take its toll. Along the way the main characters learn about themselves in a most satisfying way. 

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going through and checking out some of the stories, I'm positive there are some amazing finds in here! An author I really love is also featured debuting her brand new series. Ferromancer is a kick ass combo of steampunk and magic by Becca Andre. She gave me a copy of her novel to review, and I have to say, at first I wasn't taken. Growing up in Ohio, I'm familiar with many of the landmarks, history, and technology she incorporates. I thought having that knowledge beforehand gave me a better understanding and that other readers would struggle to keep up. But I went back, reread the first few chapters with that in mind, and realized what a truly superb job Andre did. The explanations weren't simple info dumps that took you out of the story, but were seamlessly woven into the character development of Briar, a main character I've absolutely fallen in love with. A strong-willed, canal-loving, tomboy, Briar will instantly capture the heart of anyone with a defiant streak. Her antics and chemistry with (no spoilers, sorry) are addictive. The switch between the jaunty, humorous scenes and darker, edge-of-your-seat action (a talent Andre displays in The Final Formula Series as well) is breathtaking. I give her 5/5 stars, along with a plea to hurry up with the next novel, because I (and every other fan of hers, I expect) am dying to know what happens next!

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

On Becca Andre's Ferromancer

I was hesitant to start this book as it was not a genre I had had any interest in previously, however, the previous series from this author very quickly became one of my favourites so I felt I had to give it a chance. I am so very glad I did. The book is wonderful, mystery, intrigue a touch of romance, the story is gripping and moves along at a good pace. The characters are what I love about this authors books, you get to know them and care about them which is what makes all the best books the best. The same holds true for Ferromancer and I can not wait for the next book to come out in this series.

I don't want to give any of the story away so I will keep this short and just suggest you start with Ferromancer when you pick up Dominion Rising. I am looking forward to checking out many of the other authors in this set.

*** disclaimer, I was provided an advance copy of this book for my honest review I have also purchased my own copy of Domion Rising and am looking forward to checking out the additional authors, this really is a steal of a deal for so many full length books.

[Jessica Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dominion Rising is full of great writers and great books. My review is based upon Touching Infinity which is the only one I have read so far. Touching Infinity is a sci-fi novel set in the far future. Space pirates steal information for pay and Clementine Jones knows just how dangerous it is. Mostly cyborg now, Clementine has lost body parts to the job but the newest one proves even more dangerous. A little spooky and full of action, the story moves quickly with a little bit of a cliffhanger ending that leaves you waiting for the next book in the new series. I eagerly anticipate diving into the rest of the books in this collection.

[H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This set has several of my favorite authors and I have pre-ordered the bundle. I'm reviewing The Other by Marilyn Peake. Wow, this book has so much going on in it that it keeps you reading and not wanting to stop. You have mass hysteria, UFOs, mind reading, time travelers, and hoarders to name a few things going on. I really liked the story and characters and recommend it to anyone who enjoys sci-fi/paranormal books. I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving an advanced readers copy.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an ARC of the Other by Marilyn Peake and found it excellent. The story is well thought out and brings to fruition a clever idea about why we see so many Ailens of the big eye variety.
I won't spoil it but if this is the quality i expect to see from other renowned authors i will find it one of the best buys of the year.

[Carly Kirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

My ratings of the 22 Books in this collection (not counting the 23rd book which is unfinished)
1 Star - 2
2 Stars - 1
3 Stars - 4
4 Stars - 5
5 Stars - 3
Didn't finish - 3 (got at least 1/2 way and wasn't interested in finishing)
Didn't read - 4 (only read a chapter or 2 and wasn't interested in continuing)

I'm going to review each of the stories included that I read. All in all there were more stories that were good to great than there were that I didn't like or that I didn't finish.

Reign of Bone and Steel by Gwynn White & Erin St. Pierre - 4 stars
This was a really good read - I wasn't sure about it at first, but by the 3rd or 4th page I was hooked and had to know what was going on and how things were going to be concluded. I did feel that some elements of the story were a bit rushed and could have been fleshed out a little - like how quickly Caeda falls "in love" with Dominik. I put that in quotes because I just can't believe love it what she totally feels. Now lust I totally believe because the authors didn't give me enough in the love department, but put in plenty of her getting hot and bothered by his body, good looks, etc.

Even with wanting more fleshed out I am still looking forward to reading the next book in the series which the authors say in the afterwards will be the last. Got to find out how everything is wrapped up.

Mind Raider by S. M. Blooding & P. K. Tyler - 3 stars
This was a relatively okay read, but just lacked something for me. The main character was all over the place emotions wise, which kinda made sense because she was supposedly raised to be a military super soldier, grown and genetically enhanced, etc. It's just that she'd escaped 3 years before the book starts, so why on earth is she just now having this problem? And why, oh why, oh why does she agonize over the same damn questions over and over and over again????

Besides that there's also the fact that the story had slight inconsistencies - things like they need to change the names of both the ships they are traveling on... some names are tossed around for Keva's ship, but nothing's decided. Then on the way to the ships she calls them both by the new names. Really? When did she decide about hers and more importantly when did she learn the new name of the other one since she hasn't spoken to anyone from that one yet? At other times she informs others of something that's been decided (that moves the story forward or in a different direction) but there was nothing written showing any discussion or even just her thinking through options and making the decision.

And then there were the multitude of editing errors - repeating words, wrong words used, misspelled, or even spots where it looks like the author was trying two different ways of structuring a sentence and both options were kept.

Those thing make it sound like this was a horrible book, but it wasn't, it just wasn't quite as tight as it could be and while I liked the characters well enough, I just didn't fall in love with them. So I won't be looking into the next in the series.

Sorcery & Science by Ella Summers - 4 Stars
This was a prequel book that had me jumping right into the 1st book in the series, unfortunately I then hated a lot of the story line in it and won't be reading the rest of the series... But! This book really was a great read, I loved the characters and even though I hate love triangles and it was obvious one was being set up, I was still willing to continue the series at that point because I was hoping it would be handled quickly and not become a huge issue (not what happens) I also thought the whole premise was pretty cool, magic helped along by science, etc... ah well, I'm sure there will be others who don't have my same issues with the rest of the series and will love it.

Spectral Shift by Daniel Arthur Smith - 3 Stars
This was an interesting book, but I felt out of the loop quite a bit. I understand that the way the author decided to impart knowledge of this world was by totally immersing the reader right away and only giving us the thoughts of the main character Abby, but there was so much going on and happening. All the knowledge that a citizen of this time and place knows and takes for granted (basically the backstory of how the world even came to be how it is) none of that is explained outright - you have to read and read and read to get nuggets of an idea of how things became like this ... and that just isn't what I enjoy in a book.

Overall the concept of the book was cool and kept me reading to see how things ended, but I really don't like continuously feeling like I'm missing information that would make the story make more sense.

Petra by Cheri Lasota - didn't read

Infinite Waste by Dean F. Wilson - didn't finish

Girard, the Guardian Vampire by Ann Christy - didn't read

Flicker by Rebecca Rode - didn't finish

Star Compass: A Victoria Eternal novel by Anthea Sharp - 5 Stars
I really, really loved this story and hoped and prayed that there were more books written either about the same characters or just in the same universe the author has created, but unfortunately none have been yet.... But I can tell you I'll be checking to see and devouring them as they are written! Seriously great writing, great characters, fun story line, and a satisfying ending.

Vengeance: A Warships of the Spire Novel by S. M. Schmitz & Lisa Blackwood - 5 Stars
I really wasn't sure that I would enjoy this book, but almost from the very beginning I was hooked. And as the story developed it just got better and better. Vengeance and Liv's interactions felt very real and I enjoyed getting to see how each of them coped with what life threw at them.

I really can't wait to read the next book in the series and I'm really really hoping that the authors are able to keep the intensity of emotion and action going.

Touching Infinity: Book One of The Rogues' Galaxy by Erin Hayes - 5 Stars
Just the coolest premise for a book - the synopsis doesn't do it justice, in fact it doesn't really give you any idea what on earth the book is about at all! And I'm not really going to try to convey that either other than to say, give this one a chance - it's seriously good and you'll fall in love with the characters (okay I did, hopefully you will too) and even though the book ends a bit on a cliffhanger I'm still very much looking forward to whenever the next book comes out because I definitely want to know what happens next!

Death Plague by K. J. Colt - didn't finish

Ultras by Timothy C. Ward - 1 Stars
I finished this book hoping that things would at some point make sense and then just feeling even more jerked around. I was also seriously pissed off by the manipulativeness of what was done to Ehli and Emmit by someone they trusted, in the end they learned that they had no control over their own minds, they had been basically brainwashed into becoming what that other person wanted them to be. And then they forgive him? Yeah, right - more like he probably made sure they would. Once I finished it, I realized this author also wrote another story that had the same type of theme of mind manipulation that I hated and it made me wish I'd given this story a pass.

Curiouser and Curiouser by Melanie Karsak - didn't read

Maze: The Waking of Grey Grimm by Tony Bertauski - 4 Stars
This book just sucked me in. I wasn't sure I'd like it from the description, but I've read at least a chapter or so of each story in the collection to give them each a chance and this one kept pulling me back. More than halfway through I realized that I had read The Annihilation of Foreverland years ago, so I understood what the references to it were about - but you definitely do not have to have read it to follow the story - though it might enhance it to have a deeper understanding of those references.

The manipulations used by those in power made me feel so constrained and frustrated on behalf of those that were manipulated. And the fact that the world/alternate reality/parallel world that Micah created was so damn depressing is pretty disturbing in and of itself. But watching Sunny search for her son and what she's able to accomplish makes for a very cool ending. I know I'll be rereading this book and when I do I'll be reading the Foreverland books also.

Blood for Stone by Logan Thomas Snyder - 3 Stars
This was an okay story with an interesting premise, it just didn't blow me away. I did read the whole thing and enjoyed it well enough, but if there are more books in this universe the author created I'm not interested in finding out.

The Incurables by Felix R. Savage - 3 Stars
Again an okay story with an interesting premise that didn't blow me away. And again I read the whole thing, but won't be searching out the rest of the series.

Ferromancer: Iron Souls, Book One by Becca Andre - 4 Stars
This was such a great read! Only wish it had been longer or that the 2nd book was out already! Really enjoyed the fast pace of the story along with the mystery of who/what Greyson really was and the slow pace of the romance developing. The love and respect that Briar and her crew have for each other feels so real. Seriously love all of the characters in this book and can't wait to learn what's in store for them next.

The Other by Marilyn Peake - 2 Stars
Yeah, this was just a strange book. It seemed like it was going in one direction then bam switched to another without making a lot of sense why and a whole lot of it just wasn't given enough explanation. Not very good, in my opinion.

New York: A Bridge & Sword Prequel by J. C. Andrijeski - didn't read

Rift Cursed by Margo Bond Collins - 4 Stars
I really liked this story and hoped that the author had written more in this universe, unfortunately she hadn't, but I still ended up checking out some of her other books (thank goodness for Kindle Unlimited) Anyway, this had interesting characters with a cool undertaking to accomplish. I do hope she does end up writing more stories set in the Rift Worlds, about these same characters would be great, but not totally necessary!

The Zoo at the End of the World by Samuel Peralta - 1 Star
Okay this was an okay story up until the very ending and then it just got absolutely bizarre and made pretty much no sense, so not too happy with it at all.

Iron Tamer by Tom Shutt - an unfinished story due to the author's death, so not rating it

[Linnzy Keifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reign of Steel and Bone by Erin St Pierre and Gwynn White
"A stolen weapon. A forbidden romance. One chance to save the world..."

My rating: 5/5. Pure, unadulterated fantasy, and a great story to start this set off.

Mind Raider by S.M. Blooding & P.K. Tyler
"One weapon to re-write everything. One team to stop it all."

 My rating: 4.5/5. This one had an excellent sense of world building, and the characters felt very fleshed out.

Sorcery & Science by Ella Summers
"Urban fantasy. Galactic consequences. Sorcery & Science is a new urban fantasy novel set in the rebooted Sorcery & Science universe."

My rating: 5/5. One of my favorite reads, and a series I will be adding to my TBR pile.
 

Spectral Shift by Daniel Arthur Smith
"We were never alone.
A prescient rendering of a dark cyberpunk future, a Neon Dystopia with a Lovecraftian flair."

My rating: 3/5. It was OK, and parts of it were entertaining (like the cult infiltration toward the end), but it felt muddy. I had a difficult time immersing myself in it.

 

Petra: Immortal Codex, Book 1 by Cheri Lasota
"The darker the gift, the higher the blood price. And I have paid it all."

My rating: 4/5. This story was very basic, and it felt like Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles in places. It's a good starting place for a series.
 

Infinite Waste by Dean F. Wilson 
"An epic space opera adventure."

My rating: 4/5. It was good, and I enjoyed the main character's feel of unwilling hero/loner.
 

Girard The Guardian by Ann Christy
"True Vampire... They're not what you think. True Vampire... All Will Be Revealed."

 My rating: 5/5. This novel surprised me with how much I enjoyed it. I started it thinking how bleh it was, and by the end I was ready for more. It's listed as a fantasy, but it feels more like a horror novel. The difference is the sympathy I have for the characters- it overcomes their monstrosity, and makes this story the urban fantasy it's meant to be.

Flicker by Rebecca Rode
"Even the best weapons can backfire."

 My rating: 5/5. Wow, this one was good! I finished it in one sitting, and I couldn't stop reading until I was done. The main character's unwillingness to bend was inspiring, even in the face of a tyrant willing to use any force necessary.

Star Compass by Anthea Sharp
"Charles Dickens meets Firefly in this SF Steampunk tale of an orphan destined for the stars."

 My rating: 5/5. Steampunk isn't really my thing, but this novel changed my mind. The main character is very relatable, and her loyalty to her friends is admirable. I also loved that the villains weren't unbelievably over the top, but felt like regular petty people.

Vengeance: Warships of the Spire by S. M. Schmitz & Lisa Blackwood
"When rogue AIs steal everything that matters most, the only thing left is vengeance."

 My rating: 5/5. This one was a fun sci-fi jaunt.

Touching Infinity by Erin Hayes 
"These space pirates thought they were prepared for anything. They were so wrong."

 My rating: 4.5/5. I enjoyed this story.

Death Plague by K. J. Colt 
"Faced with a disease that could wipe out the nation of Senya, King Cevznik decreed that healers were the property of the country, and belonged to all men. They were beaten, ravished, and enslaved like animals, depriving them of purity and holiness."

 My rating: 5/5. I loved this one, especially the crossfire of multiple leaders with personal agendas.

Curiouser and Curiouser by Melanie Karsak
"Sometimes love is mad."

My rating: 5/5. I loved the steampunk twist on Alice in Wonderland.

Ultras by Timothy C. Ward
"Forbidden Memories. Ancient Powers. Galactic Uprising."

 My rating: Unrated. I skipped this one due to lack of interest.

Maze: The Waking of Grey Grimm by Tony Bertauski
"Awareness leaping is all the rage."

 My rating: 2/5. Dystopia isn't really my thing. Add in the feeling of constant unreality, and I had a hard time finishing it.

Blood for Stone by Logan T. Snyder
"Meridia's most notorious investigators meet their match, and nothing will ever be the same again."

 My rating: 5/5. An urban fantasy with a bit of a twist. I'm developing a bit of a taste for unusual detective stories, and this one scratched the itch very well.

The Incurables by Felix R. Savage
"A Game of Thrones... set in 1980s Belfast."

 My rating: 4/5. Loads of British slang made this one difficult. The story felt solid, but I had some issues following the use of magic between chapters. The Game of Thrones-style character disposal was refreshing, and kept me on my toes.

Ferromancer by Becca Andre 

Solutions aren't always black and white--sometimes they come in shades of iron gray.

 My rating: 5/5. This was a cute little novel with a slight steampunk feel. The nature of magic in this universe is very intriguing, and explained things just well enough to keep me satisfied without overdoing it.

The Other by Marilyn Peake

Fear can blind you to the truth.

 My rating: 4.5/5. This novel was a great twist on the Roswell-alien mystery, and laid a great foundation for an epic novel, but it was way too short.

New York by J.C. Andrijeski 

Born in a cyber world. Hunted by an ancient cult.

 My rating: 5/5. An excellent blend of sci-fi and fantasy. The use of the main character as a mousy sort of person irritated me at first, but as the story progressed, I understood that quality for what it was. It was a subtle touch.

Rift Cursed by Margo Bond Collins 

Madness isn't the worst that can happen.

 My rating: 4/5. This was a good story, with an interesting premise and collection of characters, but the ending felt a little rushed.

The Zoo at the End of the World by Samuel Peralta 

A young girl, one of the caretakers at a private zoo, looks after her charges in the weeks before a comet destroys humanity.

 My rating: 3.5/5. This story was intriguing, but the execution needed a bit more work. I skipped entire passages due to lack of interest, like the animals listed at the zoo and parts of the news articles.

Iron Tamer by Tom Shutt

This is not a completed novel. Tom Shutt passed away during the production of this book. The authors of Dominion Rising have included it in honor of his contribution.

My rating: Unrated. I did not read this novel, because it was unfinished.

[Alice Foulkes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was sent a pre-release copy of "The Other" by Marilyn Peake which is in this collection. Nonetheless, this review is honest, and impartial, with spoilers avoided where possible unbiased.

“Yup, the world was melting down.” – Peake’s world has potential, but weakens in places

The protagonist of The Other aptly describes a world very like our own: one of suspicion, constant surveillance, racism, corrupt police officers, a cold-war environment, and a fascination of the supernatural over scientific. We are thrown into the analytical mind of Cora Frost (PhD).
A brutal form of PTSD repeatedly enters the narrative with an interesting setup. She grew up in a cult. She had a twin who was poisoned by a woman we can infer to be their mother. This trauma results in her no-nonsense, fact-demanding attitude, and led her to become a Psychology professor. Her backstory is promising and I was looking forward to finding out more, which, unfortunately, didn’t really happen. As the plot develops, Cora goes on a research field mission with a colleague of hers, a dynamic which, again, I wish was explored further as what was shown had potential to be rather interesting. Cora’s theory of mass hysteria surrounding a so-called “alien disease outbreak” is grounded, and allows us to view her character as an outsider and above all the reactionary, superstitious fear spreading across the country. She is refreshingly flawed. The end of her narrative is so abrupt and shocking, you reread just to ask yourself, “that definitely just happened, right?”

By the second part of the novel, I began to miss Cora’s narrative voice, as we are introduced to an apparently isolated character – a teenager called Jade Whitaker. She describes mundane jobs, a chronic pain in her abdomen, and decides her ability to understand people almost telepathically is probably just a coping mechanism. She has recently lost her adopted mother and after some health issues decides to look for her biological mother. Jade’s aspect of the story almost became tedious and predictable, although I found the exploration of Max Davenport, one of Jade’s clients, to be a good attempt by the author to both maintain our intrigue, and showcase Jade’s abilities. Overall, Jade’s character shone through in internal dialogue, and we are sympathetic to her situation.
The third part of the novel is subtle and full of information relevant to another perspective of this story. It is the most important part of the book and I will not fully describe it for fear of spoilers. I wonder why the author waited so long to introduce this narrative voice: was it to build suspense? To lull us into a sense of security with Cora and Jade as our narrators? If so, it was effective. Elements that Peake brings into this part really drive a better understanding of what story the author was trying to tell, and it’s a shame these chapters are not better expanded and explored, as Peake delves into new and exciting ideas. In my opinion, the entire point of the novel is clarified within these chapters, to the point where this would have been an excellent stand-alone short story.

The Other holds many plot points in front of your face: teased a few, spoons fed others, and some were dropped. It’s a shame because it sometimes leaves the novel feeling disjointed, and the final chapter unbelievably rushed, as the mysteries tie together in a way that is not all satisfactory, nor well-elaborated. Characters in the final chapter act in a way that seems, from what we’ve previously been presented with, out of character. We are unsure of the timeline. Unsure of the situation. Uncertainty is not fun when the ending isn’t purposefully ambiguous. Conversations and events have occurred to which readers were not privy, or so you must assume. By this point I was frustrated as it was clear the author missed prime opportunities to flesh out her characters and to allow them to interact in a way that felt natural. The organic feel of Cora’s narrative, the candid tone of Jade’s narrative, and the intriguing explanatory tone of the third narrative are missing from the final moments of the book.

Despite all this, I sincerely hope a second, or a third story is written, if only for my own closure considering the ideas that Peake has introduced, presented, and glossed over, and for the characters to fully reach their potential. (And the other characters to be included; Nat, Cora’s brother, Jade’s father, Aubrey, etc.)

Peake’s comedic, academic, and thrilling writing styles are displayed when necessary, sometimes in a way that really took my breath away. I would recommend reading this book for the potential this story holds, and for the strong intrigue and suspicion that Peake’s writing induces... if only the story was a tad more solid in some places.

[Darryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reign of Bone and Steel - 4 stars An intriguing book 1 of a 2 book fantasy series. I just wish book 2 was available now. Gwynn White has created an interesting concept of a sentient sword and its female wielder. Lots of questions going into book 2.

Mind Raider - 5 stars A very exciting book 1 of a series about a genetically enhanced human woman whose mission objectives change while rescuing an elite refugee. It's refreshing to read about a strong female character who is not Caucasian. The action is exciting and non-stop, and the characters' depth grows throughout the novel. Definitely interested in reading book 2, I just hope the book comes out soon so that I don't forget the plotline. I read this through the Dominion Rising anthology.

Sorcery & Science - did not read. Urban fantasy is not my genre.

Spectral Shift - 2 stars The environment created in this novel feels like it's Blade Runner on steriods. It has an interesting concept of having different planes of existence, and how the main character Abbey spectrally shifts to other planes, but really plays out as a detective story with a cyberpunk overlays. My main issues are that the characters do not have enough depth, and the women are all supermodels whose body is the main focus. This is the first book, and I have no desire to read the second book.


Petra - 2 stars Maybe I didn't read the summary close enough, but I was disappointed to find out this is a vampire origin story, which is not my genre. Also since it is book 1 of a series with no mention up front. The book's premise intrigued me, and the writing style provides a lot of depth. I think my biggest issue is between Petra and her enemy Clarius. Time and time again, I just got so frustrated with Petra's interactions with Clarius that ultimately I just got annoyed with the main character. Unfortunately it didn't grab me enough to read book 2.

Infinite Waste - 3 stars This novel is non-stop action, and sets up the two main charcters as really one-dimensional , which I felt hinders the development of the characters and makes the plot more predictable. It was an interesting story, but I felt like Skip was almost invulnerable and I didn't get the feeling that the crew could successfully work together. One minor quibble is that on Skip's side of the ship, they seem to have unlimited ammo. This is book 1, unfortunately it didn't grab me enough to read book 2.

Girard, The Guardian Vampire - did not read. vampires are not my genre.

Flicker - 5 stars. I was really impressed with the concept of this novel. Rebecca Rode has created an endearing heroine in Ember, and has given the surrounding characters a rich depth with a good back story. So far I think this is the best book as part of the Dominion Rising Anthology. This is book 1 of 3, and I am definitely going to read the next 2 books.

Star Compass - 4 stars. I felt this novel was very enjoyable, though I didn't really see the steampunk aspect as highlighted in the blurb. I think it could have been 5 stars if the minor supporting characters had been given more of a backstory. One issue that nagged me was that the main character was really about 16 yrs old, yet the romantic aspect of the novel made the lead Diana seem like she should be in her early 20s. I think one needs to be aware of the historical context between Ireland and the England to fully appreciate part of the story. I would definitely read another of Anthea Sharp's novels.

Vengeance - 4 stars. This was an entertaining novel of sentient AI ships and their links to their telepaths. Schmitz & Blackwood have created an interesting concept, though I wish the supporting characters would have been given more depth and the battle scenes a little more detailed. Olivia Hawthorne is the main character and how her story intertwines with the AI Vengeance leaves me eager to read book 2 Citadel.

Touching Infinity - 4 stars. This is a breezy sci-fi novel that kept me entertained and eager to continue onto the next chapter. Even though the description initially mentions cyberpunk, I didn't really see the story as cyberpunk. The overarching story of how corporations rule the galaxy is an interesting idea, and Erin Hayes has created a believable universe. I wish the villians had been a bit more nuanced, and that the crew of the ship had been given more of a backstory, but maybe in future books they as well as the heroine Clemintine will be fleshed out. This is book one of a series, and I would like to read book 2.

Death Plague - 1 star. I got to chapter 19 and put it down. Reading about a main character and the world he lives in is misogynous is not my idea of an enjoyable read. Female healers have powers to cure sickness and disase, yet are forced to have sex to cure the other person - so the government says women can only cure men and not women. A male healer who has the power to read and influence minds only gets his power by having sex with a woman and draining their lifeforce, so his family kidnaps female criminals to keep him alive. If I could give it 0 stars I would.

Ultras - 2.5 stars. This is book 1, and it was a very short book. For me the problem was that too many characters were introduced without enough backstory to distinguish them, so I was getting confused on who was who. The story itself about Ultras is interesting, and I hope gets more detail in book 2. I think that the focus on the journey through the jungle consumed the novel, with many unanswered questions on the rejects and each of the main plotlines left hanging.

Curiouser & Curiouser - not interested in a Alice in Wonderland story

The Waking of Grey Grimm - 4 stars. A stand alone novel that created a very intriging world, but left a few questions lingering. The story of Grey Grimm, his mom & dad, and how they try to understand the mysterious Maze, and the allure of the Maze. I enjoyed it, but was confused at points when the characters are trying to understand what is happening. There are other books in the Foreverland Universe, maybe I'll read another one in the series.

Blood For Stone - 3 stars. Normally not a genre I would read, but decided to give it a try. Essentially a detective/police crime story that has vampires, gargoyles and humans living in the city of Meridia - in which a portal has allowed these creatures to travel and get trapped on Earth. The main detectives or specters Cato and Hank are well written with depth. The secondary characters are also interesting and have a backstory. There are little tidbits that distinguish between vampire and gargoyles, but overall these characters act like typical gangsters. I think I would have been more interested in finding out how the opening of the portal affected all the races instead of a gangster type story.

The Incurables - did not read. The blurb turned me off.

Ferromancer - did not read. Not interested in Europe's industrial revolution.

The Other - 5 stars. I've loved this UFO story, and wish it was fleshed out more. I really liked the characters created in Cora Frost and Jade Whitaker because they had depth and detail. I would consider this a short story and not a novel. Marilyn Peake, if you read this, please expand this into a novel. You've got the bones of an amazing story!

New York A bridge & Sword Prequel - 3 stars. Even though the title said prequel, I was disappointed that nothing really happened in this book until the very end. If I had started from book 1, maybe the book would not have been disappointing, because I kept wanting things to happen, or at least begin to answer some questions. I thought the characters were fleshed out well, though the overall world created was very much a mystery, with tiny little peeks into the world. Since this is part of the Dominion Rising anthology, it made it frustrating since this was my first intro into this story. It would have been better if book 1 had been in its place. Unfortunately, my frustration is enough that I am not interested enough to read book 1.

Rift Cursed - 2 stars. The editor of this book should be fired. There were numerous gramatical errors in the novel, and it became distracting. This urban fantasy book one of a series just didn't have enough characterization for me to get engaged in the story. The men Larkin meets on her rift quest: a warewolf and genie, seem to be there to move the plot forward without providing much substance to their characters. It almost seemed like they were there to become part of Larkin's harem. I wish there was more focus on the rift and the differences in the worlds. I'm not interested enough to read any follow on books.

The Zoo At The End of The World - 4 stars. This novel had a very caring perspective on zoo animals, and created a compassionate character with depth in Zara. The story deals with the prelude to an asteroid that is going to impact the Earth, and how Zara deals with this impending catastrophe through her love of zoo animals. My only complaint would be that since most readers aren't familiar with various species of animals, the long descriptive lists of these animals don't add any additional depth to the story and I found myself skimming these lists. I wish the story would have progressed a little farther, but overall it was a heartwarming story.

[Lynn K : Grimmedian · Rating 4 out of 5]

With 23 novels in this set, these reviews will take some time to finsh each one.
This is for Ferromancer, book one of the Iron Souls series, by Becca Andre. A brilliant story set in the canals of the Great Lakes when the steam and coal run railways threatened the livelihood of the cargo boats that plied the Ohio & Erie Canal. As always, Andre’s characters are well rounded, a delight to read, their beliefs and motivations clear. Each of them unique and deftly woven into the story, their own backgrounds come into the forefront as the action mounts up. Masterfully turning the mundane into intrigue, magic, and murders.
Becca Andre has a style with snark and wit, coupled with fantastical danger in ordinary seeming places. Add a heart melting little dragon construct, with soulful eyes, discovered by accident while snooping for ways to undermine her rivals, and there’s Steampunk fantasy aplenty. The story setting in the late 1800’s is well done thru the characters point of view, with due homage to the ingenuity of canal and lock system which was the life’s blood of the towns set along its banks. The protagonist, Briar, is a determined and scrappy young woman who defies the convention of society, dresses as a man, and runs a loyal crew. Drinking, fiddling, and an occasional brawl with low life competition is part and parcel for her and her loyal crew.
The story:
Bridget Rose has only wanted one thing her entire life, and that was to captain her boat in the company of her loyal crew. Nicknamed Briar after the boat itself, the Briar Rose, she defies convention to live the simple life she loves on the canals, ferrying cargo to and from the towns along the route. It’s the only life she’s known since the age of three. A simple life aboard the boat, with her crew and fiddle, is all she desires, but new locomotives and railways are a threat to her business and she would go to great lengths to see them hampered in any way.
Without warning, she is swept up into her cousin’s machinations to sell the boat and invest in the railroads. Though her beloved boat isn’t hers yet. When her uncle died, the business was inherited by her cousin Andrew, who has been Briar’s guardian and owner of her business and boat, since early childhood. Briar longs to earn enough to buy the cargo boat outright and make it her own.
When she stumbles across a new locomotive, the likes of which have never been seen, she quickly finds herself in over her head. As Andrew’s plans to sell the business and have her married off to his new business partner are revealed, Briar decides to take a reckless course and steal the Briar Rose and the designs for the for new locomotive before her cousin can stop her. Briar gets more than she bargained for when Grayson turns up on her boat demanding return of the magnificent new locomotives plans. Briar can’t let him go before she can prove that Ferromancy is powering the machine, and takes him hostage aboard the boat while she heads for Columbus.
There are more serious threats lurking than a handsome and perplexing valet for a ferromancer that can destroy her way of life.  Briar finds herself on the run with a very unusual hostage. Both of them pursued by a dangerously powerful Ferromancer, her spiteful cousin, and the authorities as well.
A thoroughly enjoyable read, you will not want it to end. The action is constant and you will find you are eager to discover the truth of the magic behind the little dragon construct, the locomotive, and the much maligned and feared Ferromancers. True to form, with a bittersweet ending, Becca Andre gives us a fast paced and tense ending with more of the tale begging to be told. We will be waiting for it eagerly.

[Mandy Walkden-Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind-bogglingly good reads thus far.
This is a stunning collection of full novels if the first three I have devoured are any indication.

MAZE: The Waking of Grey Grimm
Tony Bertauski
(Science Fiction)

Who says artificial reality is benign - obviously they've never encountered the Maze before.

An unsettling and disconcerting puzzle to solve. What's real - what's not. Can one's memory and senses be trusted?

It's Matrix-like but more cerebral, also more down to earth and as a consequence it's much more impactful.

Following Grey Grimm, his mother Sunny and his dissolute father, along with the equally well developed secondary characters, through this maze (sorry about the pun, but it's a very pertinent adjective) of a story was totally compelling. Don't think I came up for air between the first words of the book and the last.

If you've not yet read any of Bertauski's books, this is a superb one to start with!

Had to laugh when I noted that another reviewer also had Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" percolating their mind whilst reading of this remarkable tale. Seems I'm not the only slightly strange reader of Bertauski's work! It's a very appropriate musical backdrop to this incredibly well crafted story that I spent a vast proportion of second-guessing what was unfolding.

Petra
Immortal Codex Book I Cheri Lasota
(Paranormal Fantasy)

A wonderfully penned blend of historical fiction and paranormal fantasy.

Beginning at the turn of the first millennium AD, on the estate of an extremely brutal Roman, Clarius, the intertwined story of slaves, Petra and Lucius begins.

The story of how immortality was imparted to this trio and their interconnected lives over succeeding centuries was compelling.

The characters are vibrant, including the secondary ones that appear as their story unfolds. The meticulous historical research undertaken by the author ensures there are neither inaccuracies or anachronisms present to throw one out of the narrative.

A touch violent at times, (possibly not unexpected for a growing group of blood-dependant immortals) especially when the story lands in the fourteenth century as the Tartar-Mongol horde are attacking the city of Kaffa (Theodosia) and bring the Black Death with them.

A thoroughly enjoyable, well crafted tale that was a pleasure to read.

Infinite Waste
Dean F. Wilson
(Science Fiction)

A great little space opera, packed with action and populated by an eclectic group of characters.

The captain of the Starship Gemini, Skip, was rather annoying initially, but soon came to grow on one, a little like fungus really. I jest. This was a distinctly fun read.

The crazily behaved gun-toting, super-soldier, Skip, kept vaguely in control by his non-military counterpart, Maggie and their crews' encounter an unknown, aggressive bunch of aliens was as unexpected as it was dangerous. Of far more concern is the sinister group in the background pulling the strings.

Definitely looking forward to the next chapter of adventure for the Starship Gemini and its crew, especially Skip's erudite military advisor, Lieutenant Fellow…

Thoroughly enjoyed Wilson's foray into science fiction territory and not surprisingly, he is as adept in this genre as he has already proven to be in those of steampunk and fantasy.

[Dana]

Still reading
Reign of Steel and Bone by Erin St Pierre and Gwynn White
A stolen weapon. A forbidden romance. One chance to save the world...
4/5 - Fast paced / good story / eh writing; stilted dialog and cliched romance, but interesting plot

Mind Raider by S.M. Blooding & P.K. Tyler
One weapon to re-write everything. One team to stop it all.

Sorcery & Science by Ella Summers
Urban fantasy. Galactic consequences. Sorcery & Science is a new urban fantasy novel set in the rebooted Sorcery & Science universe.

Spectral Shift by Daniel Arthur Smith
We were never alone. A prescient rendering of a dark cyberpunk future, a Neon Dystopia with a Lovecraftian flair.

Petra: Immortal Codex, Book 1 by Cheri Lasota
The darker the gift, the higher the blood price. And I have paid it all.

Infinite Waste by Dean F. Wilson
An epic space opera adventure.

Girard The Guardian by Ann Christy
True Vampire... They're not what you think. True Vampire... All Will Be Revealed.

Flicker by Rebecca Rode
Even the best weapons can backfire.

Star Compass by Anthea Sharp
Charles Dickens meets Firefly in this SF Steampunk tale of an orphan destined for the stars.

Vengeance: Warships of the Spire by S. M. Schmitz & Lisa Blackwood
When rogue AIs steal everything that matters most, the only thing left is vengeance.

Touching Infinity by Erin Hayes
These space pirates thought they were prepared for anything. They were so wrong.

Death Plague by K. J. Colt
Faced with a disease that could wipe out the nation of Senya, King Cevznik decreed that healers were the property of the country, and belonged to all men. They were beaten, ravished, and enslaved like animals, depriving them of purity and holiness.

Curiouser and Curiouser by Melanie Karsak
Sometimes love is mad.

Ultras by Timothy C. Ward
Forbidden Memories. Ancient Powers. Galactic Uprising.

Maze: The Waking of Grey Grimm by Tony Bertauski
Awareness leaping is all the rage.

Blood for Stone by Logan T. Snyder
Meridia's most notorious investigators meet their match, and nothing will ever be the same again.

The Incurables by Felix R. Savage
A Game of Thrones... set in 1980s Belfast.

Ferromancer by Becca Andre
Solutions aren't always black and white--sometimes they come in shades of iron gray.

The Other by Marilyn Peake
Fear can blind you to the truth.

New York by J.C. Andrijeski
Born in a cyber world. Hunted by an ancient cult.

Rift Cursed by Margo Bond Collins
Madness isn't the worst that can happen.

The Zoo at the End of the World by Samuel Peralta
A young girl, one of the caretakers at a private zoo, looks after her charges in the weeks before a comet destroys humanity.

Iron Tamer by Tom Shutt
This is not a completed novel. Tom Shutt passed away during the production of this book. The authors of Dominion Rising have included it in honor of his contribution.

[Kanyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dominion Rising is an anthology of 23 fantasy and science fiction novels. You will find stories filled with adventure, romance, magic, and supernatural creatures. Each novel is full length, 200+ pages separately and completely unique to this box set. Below is a complete list of all the titles and authors who participated in this box set.

I have not read all the novels in this box set; my review is only for The Other by Marilyn Peake.

The Other encompasses three separate storylines that gradually intertwine at the end. The world is falling into chaos, aliens have been sighted all over the world and everyone is on edge thinking they are going to take over and spread a vicious virus. Dr. Cora Frost and her research partner, Nathan Moore, are heading to Roswell, New Mexico to investigate human behavior within a UFO loving cult. Their fate intertwines with Paloma one of the aliens. Meanwhile, we have a Jade who is trying to find her biological mother when her fears of carrying cancer like her adoptive mother come to light. What follows is a unique story of the tale of human evolution and the mysteries of mankind.

This is a great story that will leave you with some deep thoughts afterward. My only complaint is that I wish the story was expanded more. I loved the traveling back in history and learning how the futuristic aliens came to be and who they really are. This novel was well written and I would recommend it to anyone interested in science fiction alien stories.

Final Rating: 5 Stars


Here are all the stories within the Dominion Rising box set:

Reign of Bone and Steel by Gwynn White & Erin St Pierre

Mind Raider by S.M. Blooding & P.K. Tyler

Sorcery & Science by Ella Summers

Spectral Shift by Daniel Arthur Smith

Petra by Cheri Lasota

Infinite Waste by Dean F. Wilson

Girard, The Guardian Vampire by Ann Christy

Flicker by Rebecca Rode

Star Compass by Anthea Sharp

Vengeance by S.M. Schmitz & Lisa Blackwood

Touching Infinity by Erin Hayes

Death Plague by K.J. Colt

Ultras by Timothy C. Ward

Curiouser and Curiouser by Melanie Karsak

The Walking of Grey Grimm by Tony Bertauski

Blood for Stone by Logan Thomas Snyder

The Incurables by Felix R. Savage

Ferromancer by Becca Andre

The Other by Marilyn Peake

New York by JC Andrijeski

Rift Cursed by Margo Bond Collins

The Zoo at the End of the World by Samuel Peralta

Iron Tamer by Tom Shutt