Book Review: Got Luck by Michael Darling

 

Disclaimer: I was given this book for free in return for a honest review. This blog post contains affiliate links, see disclosure page for details

Title: Got Luck
Author: Michael Darling
Genre: Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Crime
Publisher: Future House Publishing
Rating: 2/5 Stars

The Premise:

Police-officer-turned-private-investigator Goethe “Got” Luck is known for rolling with the punches and never taking anything too seriously. When he picks up a seemingly dead-end murder case, his life begins to take a crazy turn. Shot at, chased by people he has never met, and attacked by an invisible liondog, Got quickly learns that there is more to this world than meets the eye.

He discovers the Fae. The Eternals. They who dwell in the Behindbeyond. Once, they ruled over ancient realms, but over the centuries, their power dwindled. Now someone wants to restore their rule and subjugate humankind. All it will cost is thousands of human lives.

The clock is ticking. Getting the world out of this one will take a couple friends, more than a few well-placed insults, and a whole lot of Luck.

I became interested in this book, because the above blurb sounded like a pretty cool premise, promising a fast pasted, interesting story with a  twist that is not your standard fair for a fantasy/crime novel. But sadly,  I was disappointed. To be honest, I really do not like 1st person narratives. It is rare that books written in this particular  form are something I can lose myself in, so I had a bias from the moment I actually received the copy. For a first person narrative to be great, I have to connect deeply with the main character, and that connection has to happen rather quickly, in order for me to see the story through their eyes and enjoy the view. That rarely happens.

But, because I have been proven wrong before, I stuck with it and read the book to the end. I was not proven wrong. The plot itself seems a bit confusing at first, not finding much flow until the second half of the book, by which time, I would have already stopped reading, would I not have made the commitment to finish reading the book. While the second half was a little bit more entertaining, it still took me longer than usual to get through, simply because I had to drag myself back to the story, rather than being pulled in. With the immense amount of competition of great indie fantasy Authors now available on Amazon, a novel has to be special to stand out of the crowd, and I am sorry to say that this will be lost in the shuffle. Not my cup of tea.

The Magic by Rhonda Byrnes – A Review

Title: The Magic

Author: Rhonda Byrnes

Publisher: Atria

Rating: 5/5 Stars

 

Gratitude, the practice of true gratitude, not a simple uttering of thank you’s, but a deep emotional connection to the subject matter can have a profound effect on a life. True gratitude reduces stress, allows us to focus on the abundance that is already in our lives, and gives us a chance to let go off fear. From this state of gratitude we can heal, we can attract, we can experience more to be grateful for.

The Magic by Rhonda Byrnes (the author of The Secret) holds within it a vast variety of techniques and themes that help us focus our gratitude, and allows the reader to make it a daily practice. Set in daily assignments, that are easy to follow, yet profound, this book asks you to practice, not just read your way through.

I highly recommend this book, even more so than the Secret, because it contains the true key to using it in the first place. Finding a place of gratitude brings happiness, no matter where you are at the moment, or at least a moment of peace, from which the reader can attract more. If you are interesting working with Law of Attraction, this is where you need to start – not with all of the principles, the quotes and promises, but with it’s most important principle – Gratitude.

A Steadfast Friend – A Fantasy Flash Fiction Story

“It is so peaceful around here”.

“Indeed, it is at the moment, but mornings do bring some action.”

“Spring-time especially, I can imagine.”

He laughed, shaking visibly, as he thought of the many “activities” he had witnessed over his long life.

“Well, it is, what it is. Life cycles, come quicker for some, then others, but yes, I observe the joy, as well as its end.”

“Sad to loose those who life amongst us.”

“That is not different for me as it is for you. We are more alike then you might think.”

“Your patience and acceptance are beyond the level I would ever be able to inspire to.”

“Ah, but there must be difference, not only the solid and steadfast, but the energy of motion and expansion that you bring to the world. It is all needed, to insure balance.”

“Is that what it is all about, balance?”

“It is not that simple.”

“It is never that simple.”

“No, but where would be the fun in discovering it all, if it would be simple, and plain?”

She laughed softly, reaching out to touch his bark, the roughness of his skin beneath her fingers.

“I love our little talks, even if you leave me with more questions then answers.”

“I enjoy them as well, not many humans take their time with our kind anymore.”

“Well I do”. She bowed softly.” Until ‘morrow, my friend?”

He smiled deeply, warmth radiating from the expressive and beautiful face that was hidden to so many.

“Indeed.”

Bowing once more, Gaia turned quietly away from the Mighty Oak.

Copyright Claudia H. Blanton 2014

Note:

“Oak has been considered sacred by just about every culture that has encountered the tree, but it was held in particular esteem by the Celts because of its size, longevity, and nutritious acorns. The oak was the “King of Trees” in a grove. Magick wands were made of its wood. Oak galls, known as Serpent Eggs, were used in magickal charms. Acorns gathered at night held the greatest fertility powers. The Druids and Priestesses listened to the rustling oak leaves and the wrens in the trees for divinatory messages. Burning oak leaves purifies the atmosphere. It can be used in spells for protection, strength, success and stability; the different varieties will lend their own special ‘flavour’ to the magic.” – Kardia Zoe