Brian Olsen

When I started this book, I was disappointed to find the author decided he to rehash the Hunger Games (and probably The Maze Runner too). However, he does a nice job of puncturing several of the tropes found in those books, especially that annoying love triangle one which drives most of us up the wall. He has the three characters go hash it all out in private. Needless to say, it works out for all three. Wish more authors thought that way!

I like Jed, the lead character in this story. He could have become very Mary Sue-ish, but never does.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series!

No on page intimate scenes and even the kissing is fairly tame. Just my speed.… (meer)

3.5 stars
A short story featuring Mrs. Beverly Snow, a lonely widow, who fills her days with letter writing campaigns. She has some definite feelings and thoughts on just what should and should not be on TV, and how others should live their lives. Needless to say, she's about to discover just how words and actions affect others, especially her very young grandson and his parents. All this coincides with the arrival of a pair of spectral guests who fill her evenings and nights with, erm, interesting noises.

Though the premise is pretty good and supposedly humorous, I found the actual haunting to be less than interesting in the end. the ghost spend the majority of their time having sex. It got old very fast. On the other hand, it does the job the author wants it to do, so that's all good. Personally, I think what had a good deal more impact in the story is what happens between Mrs. Snow, her grandson, his parents, and friends who are off page but still have impact. I do not want to give away too much here, so I'll just say it had more weight in the story than the haunting in the end.

On the whole, not a bad read.… (meer)