Earth Quarantined by D.L. Richardson - Book Review

Earth Quarantined (Earth Quarantined Book 1) by D.L. Richardson

Synopsis:

When the virus which killed millions of people is gone, humanity lives in a planet-wide quarantine enforced by an alien species.

The year is 2355. The deadly virus that killed millions of people is gone, thanks to the quarantine measures put in place by the Criterion, an alien species who appeared just in time to save the human race. In exchange for complying with their tough control measures, the Criterion promised us the technology for interstellar travel. We’ve done all they’ve asked, yet we’re still on Earth with no way of getting into deep space. The Criterion are lying to us. What they don’t know is that we’re lying to them…

Kethryn Miller is an award-winning actress, but nothing will prepare her for the role she’ll take on when a strange woman who shouldn’t be alive turns up in the city, threatening to expose the lies that have kept peace on Earth for 200 years.

Earth Quarantined is book one in the Earth Quarantined trilogy

Earth Arrested – Book 2 is coming soon

Earth Reclaimed – Book 3 is coming soon

Review:

Earth Quarantined by D. L. Richardson is a fantastic futuristic science fiction novel that is filled with twists and turns and will have readers turning the pages quickly in anticipation while being totally enthralled and entertained.

A deadly virus kills millions of humans, but is now gone thanks to the intervention of the Criterion, an alien race that set up a system and quarantined the entire planet. They promised to give their secret into interstellar planet travel, but after years have passed, they have failed to keep their intended promise. The Criterion continued to stay and control the planet and kept people in colonized segments know as states. They stayed to help rebuild the planet and keep peace among the population. They also put restraints upon the humans to control the population.  Because of these strict measures of intervention and control, many people live underground in secret cities where they are working on a solution to getting humans off the earth and into space. What follows is an exciting story filled with action as the benevolent Criterion and the humans fight to achieve their own specific agendas. The secret contact between the groups of separated people, how they sometimes work together, and their independent struggles on how they deal with the alien rulers, is what drives the plot and story forward.

Earth Quarantined is an outstanding story that science fiction lovers will revel in. The world building is extraordinary with descriptive writing that shines through on every page. The characters are both realistic and relatable. I really felt for the woman that was intended to be the nominal leader for the human race and her inevitable struggles. Readers will be rooting for certain characters at one moment, then doubting them the next. The characterization of the aliens is enthralling and complete. There is nothing missing in this thrilling story. This makes for great storytelling.

Earth Quarantined is unpredictable and extremely engaging. I was fully captivated by the futuristic world that D.L. Richardson has creatively built. The premise and plot are deep and resound with intrigue and fascination. Readers will find Earth Quarantined to be compelling, thought provoking and gripping. The conclusion is outstanding, came as a surprise and is left open for a sequel. Chick Lit Cafe highly recommends Earth Quarantined by D. L. Richardson. Get yourself a copy of this must read one-of-a-kind science fiction novel.

Purchase Earth Quarantined by D.L. Richardson @Amazon Here

Fresh off the Starship by Ann Crawford - Book Review

Fresh off the Starship by Ann Crawford

Synopsis:

Wrong place, right time? A starbeing was supposed to travel light-years across the universe to help humanity by working in Washington, D.C.–but she accidentally lands in a small Kansas town in the body of Missy. Join her on this whimsical journey as she discovers the beauty of life and love on Earth.

Author Ann Crawford’s trademark optimism brings us a witty and wise book filled with memorable characters and insights into what makes us all so very human.

Review:

Fresh off the Starship is a wonderful and fun chick lit style book with a spin on science fiction.

Missy, a young woman is not human, but instead she is a glorious being from a distant galaxy light years away. From Andromeda, she is headed to earth-to be precise-to aid humans and the people of earth in whatever way she can. However, her ship takes a turn and she winds up in Kansas instead. As she is waking up, she can hear the voices of the humans talking to her. But, the voices sound so strange to her and not like the English she had learned in her studies. She is in Kansas now and they definitely speak with an accent. Instead of reaching humans on a grander degree, Missy is now stuck in Kansas living life like a human. She is determined to complete her assignment even though she is in small-town Kansas. Readers follow Missy on her adventure to help humanity discover the beauty of nature and the world around us.

Fresh off the Starship by Ann Crawford is a light, warm-hearted book that readers will revel in and certainly appreciate. It is highly entertaining and full of wit and charm. It is intelligent and fun at the same time. It is written with a clear concise voice with a message that we humans need to hear. I was fully engaged from the very first chapter, as this book grabbed me and wouldn’t let go.

This honestly is a beautiful story from an extremely gifted writer. With fluently penned prose and a captivating romantic storyline and plot, Ann Crawford gives readers a one of a kind tale. We have a strong, rather bewildered heroine to be inspired by and a cast full of colorful characters. They are well developed and fleshed out with strengths and weaknesses we all can relate to. I loved Missy-she is a genuine character who had me thinking, making this a very thought-provoking book. Readers are reminded that life is beautiful and much more brilliant than we perceive.

I thoroughly enjoyed Fresh off the Starship and savored every word. Ann Crawford aptly has a flair for writing descriptive words that put the reader right on the scene, watching on as the story unfolds. I could visualize the entire setting and Missy’s unique take on things. This is a book that I would highly recommend to lovers of chick lit, science fiction, adventure and even fantasy lovers. The compelling ending is wonderful and completely satisfying.

Praise for Fresh off the Starship, a page turner and one of the best books I have read in a long time. Pick up your copy and be delighted and inspired.

Reviewed by Artisan Book Reviews

Purchase Fresh off the Starship by Ann Crawford @Amazon Here

The Road Ahead by Hali Broncucia

The Road Ahead by Hali Broncucia

Synopsis:

A viral epidemic has wiped out 99% of the world’s population leaving scientist Heather Morgan to fight off thieves and scrounge for food and shelter near Denver, Colorado. When Heather befriends the young, naïve Jodi, she learns that a biotech company in San Francisco is rumored to have created a vaccine. Together, the women trek by foot to find the lab. After suffering a near-fatal attack, Heather and Jodi find a safe haven on a farm with two young men, Cam and Elliot. Their security is short-lived, however, when irrevocable consequences threaten Heather’s mission. Will Heather be able to overcome loss and tragedy to find the vaccine or will she let sorrow overtake her and turn back? How many lives are worth the risk for a hope that rests in only a rumor?

Review:

Heather Morgan is a biological engineer working on a vaccine to treat a deadly virus. She wakes up due to a nightmare at three in the morning. Readers quickly discover that the virus has wiped out 99% of the human population. Alone, Heather must survive. She searches and scrounges for food and shelter. Her survival skills are tested. Soon she meets a young inexperienced woman named Jodi. Heather learns that there is a “rumor” that a San Francisco biotech company has created a vaccine.

Together, Heather and Jodi, begin the long journey on foot from Colorado to San Francisco. Along the way they are attacked, but survive. They soon find shelter on a farm with two young men that they meet, Cam and Elliott. However, tragedy strikes and Heather’s mission is threatened. Will Heather have the strength to carry on to find the vaccine that is only rumored to exist?

The Road Ahead by Hali Broncucia, is a compelling post-apocalypse story that will keep readers engaged from start to finish. Heather is a refreshing, strong female, lead character that readers will love. She is tough and capable without seeming too powerful and unrealistic.

The diminishing population of infected humans that are forced to survive is engrossing and intensely intriguing. The scientific aspects are exceptionally interesting without being too intellectual; that it goes over reader’s heads. It is acutely obvious that much research was put into this novel. The survival details are particularly thought-provoking.

In The Road Ahead, the characters are few, which I found to be refreshing. Their motivations, personalities and temperaments are driven home in this engaging story. They are well developed and multifaceted. They are all realistic and down-to-earth. There is a character for every reader to love.

The Road Ahead is unpredictable with twists at every turn. Heather and her friends must journey a desolate, dying dark land while facing danger at every step. I loved this dystopian story. It is filled with love, loss, danger, scientific intrigue and the feat of survival in a post-apocalyptic, uninhabitable world. The emotions invoked upon the reader will not be soon forgotten. This story left me wanting more and I am hoping for a sequel or a trilogy.

I totally recommend The Road Ahead to all post-apocalypse fans and to those who crave a great read by an exceptional writer, Hali Broncucia.

Reviewed by Chick Lit Cafe