My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I got these two stories as free thank yous for signing up to Lisle’s newsletter. Both are short, and they are two different types of stories, although both are science fiction.
Squick Studies: This is a bit of an odd story. It fits into Lisle’s science fiction world without being an integral part of it. It is, in some ways, an exploration of some of the backstory, or side story, of parts of the main. It’s part genetic manipulation, part alien study, and part love story gone wrong. It has strong science elements, and rolls over into a little horror at times. It’s also a quick read since it is quite short. I enjoyed it, even though it got a few “ewws” out of me.
Last Thorsday Night: This is more straightforward time travel sci-fi. It involves a would-be author who meets a new member of her writers’ group, The Thorsday Night Writers. He, it turns out, is a time traveler who is also a fan of her books, which have been published in his time and are bestsellers. The problem is that the books were originally sold because she was brutally murdered on this night in his past, and her on again- off again boyfriend published them. He’s come back to warn her, and she’s faced with the choice of dying and becoming the popular author she always wanted to be, or avoiding the attack and perhaps never finding that success. Nothing deep or unexpected here, and the ending is the happy one you want, but the story is cute and again, a nice, fast read.
Reminder: My books are all on sale at Smashwords until the end of the month. Circle Unbroken and Six of One are half price. The others are free! I hope you will look at them and perhaps decide to buy and read one or two. Remember- reviews are always appreciated!
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Coming in December 2018: Two’s Company, a sci-fi novel in the space opera tradition. Artificial intelligence, corporate plots, spaceships, a heroine with an attitude. More details soon!
Available now :
After five years away, Kaili is coming home for the ceremony to install her sister as head of the family business. When an old rivalry threatens the family, Kaili and her partner need to use all their skills to save the sisters’ lives. Learn more here
A collection of six short fantasy stories set in varied worlds of magic and mayhem. Learn more here.
A short novelette set in a dystopian Earth after the final environmental collapse. Sam is a genetically engineered chameleon who may hold the key to mankind’s survival. Learn more here.
In a world reeling under the effects of severe climate change, food shortages are common, and arable farmland is scarce. Unscupulous distributors like Beni Oligowma take advantage of the shortages for their own gain. When a promising new technology for growing food even under the harsh conditions is unveiled, grocery store owner Frank is determined to see that everyone is able to benefit from the results, not just the Benis of the world.
Feed My People is a short story, set in a dystopian science fiction world, and is free. Learn more here
Demon hunters Johnny and Cerise travel to the small town of Carroll Fork where they find a demon-possessed thrift store, a sweet old lady who is more than she seems, and an army of underworld inhabitants. Can Johnny and his trusty yo-yo save the town from a devil of a problem?
Five and Daemon, the Yo-Yo Files #1, is a short novelette in an urban fantasy setting, with elements of the supernatural and humor. Learn more here
Things have been quiet. No demonic possessions, no otherworldly intrusions, nothing. And then Lucifer shows up in Johnny’s living room, claiming that two archangels are missing, and something is definitely not right in the heavenly- and other- realms. Saying he has nothing to do with it- this time- he asks Johnny and Cerise to help him find out what’s happening, and who is behind the disappearances. While they are trying to do just that, Lucifer is devilnapped by a larger-than-life serpent. He manages to get a clue to Johnny before he disappears. Johnny and Cerise are left to puzzle out the disappearances and try to find the missing angels. Oh, and stop what could mean the ultimate destruction of pretty much everything.
Snake’s Alive, the Yo-Yo Files #2 is an urban fantasy novelette with elements of the supernatural and humor. Learn more here.
And So On... 