NR Bates

An errant elevator, Greek myth, and a girl who can fly. Each of these stories can stand on their own. Together they make a strong statement for making our own choices, seizing opportunities, and following our own paths.

As these are short stories, I can’t give much more description.

I did get a feeling that some of these stories were left unfinished. Could have been given a real ending. That brought me back to their messages which I mentioned in the beginning of my review. Maybe leaving an open ending was so I could choose how it would go.

What I enjoyed was putting myself in each character’s shoes. What would I do? Would I succeed? Could I have done something different?

When a book can make me do that. Make me pause, think, ask questions, I know I’ve been reading some strong writing.… (meer)

At the Sharp End of Lightning by N R Bates is a fantasy with a touch of realism. What happens when one world leaks into another? The world building was fascinating and will lead us to the answer.

Yalara is a Sea Sprite from Oceanlight and has a mission. She must find the disappeared. Yalara and Einion of Earth will join forces to accomplish the mission.

I have a love of the world of oceans and other bodies of water, so when an author puts the real with fantasy, sending us a subtle message about our part of the polluting and ecological damage we are adding to our environment, it adds that special element that keeps me reading, wanting to know how our worlds collide and the end result.

As I read along, their world became my world.

At the Sharp End of Lightning is Book I of the series and lays a great foundation for more, with lovable characters and a villain that is able to make me wonder if he is all bad. What comes next? I am eager to find out.

I loved the special touches, like Sea Sprites having slime fights. Adds that little something extra that makes me love the characters more.

Politics abound in the fantasy world too.

The story does not end here and I am eager to continue the journey and look forward to reading the next book.

I received a copy of At the End of Lightning by N R Bates in return for an honest review.

To see more visit http://www.fundinmental.com… (meer)

Truly a collection of short stories I didn’t want to end. I reread the trio several times, each instance conjuring up vivid imagery, my imagination fully engaged – the hallmark of outstanding writing.

Three stellar short stories interrelated, connecting at the conclusion. At first you are blind to the relation, as you progress you grasp the linkage. Three dimensional characters, elegant and evoking writing with such lush descriptions you find yourself drowning in stunning prose. A collection resonating, lingering in your thoughts.… (meer)

This book has three short stories, The Elevator, The Fall of Icarus, and The Girl.

My favorite was The Elevator because the main character is claustrophobic and so am I. I could feel his fear as the elevator lurched and suddenly stopped. This elevator was quite old and when the doors opened he is always in different places, encountering people and situations that were not what he expected. It’s up to him as to what happens from there.

The other two stories are interesting too. The book is really short and can be read quickly. I love short stories and this book did not disappoint me. I also liked the writing style of the author. There were no lulls in the story and that made the book flow well.

If you like short stories, I think you’ll enjoy this book.… (meer)