Review: Only Human by J.D. Estrada

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Author: J.D. Estrada
Publisher:  CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Released: April 16,2013

Official Synopsis:
Nathaniel Runnels isn’t a fan of life. He isn’t a fan of the news, which is a bust because he’s a reporter. He’s lost faith in journalism, in the truth, in civilization and in himself. So it’s quite the surprise when he gets swept up in a quest to save the world. Perception and reality collide as one man faces one question, would you sacrifice your humanity to save mankind? Only Human is a tale where the truth is revealed about vampires, about therians (make sure you don’t call them werewolves), about angels, about demons, the photogeni plant people and humanity as we supposedly know it. This isn’t your typical book, these aren’t your typical vampires and what has been said is fiction, may actually be truer than the history you’ve been sold.

My Review: 
When I first found out that J.D. Estrada was going to have a book of his published I was overjoyed as I have been privileged to read a lot of his work over the years.  When I was told about what the book was about, I was instantly in love - vampires!  Who does not love vampires?  Anyhow, once I got the book and started reading it, it became apparent to me that the book, Only Human, was not just about vampires.  The book is about so much more than that!  The book in composes many different entities: angels, demons, vampires, therians, photogeni plant people, as well as humans.

The book is very detailed, but has an even and smooth flow. The book begins with an abduction of a human named Nathaniel Runnels who is bored with life.  He is given two choices: help or die.  Naturally, anyone with those choices would choose to live, as Nathaniel did.  Nathaniel plays a huge role in the book and essentially (SPOILER ALERT): becomes the hero.  I will not divulge how he becomes the hero or of what he is the hero of, but just know when you are reading the book and you are trying to figure out everyone's role that Nathaniel's is big!

You will encounter some unexpected references in this book.  They are by no means out of place and fit well into the story and what is currently happening.  References include: Pearl Jam lyrics, other book references, and 80s and 90s pop-culture.

As I said I was drawn in when I found out the book was about vampires, but J.D.'s writing makes you NOT want to put the book down.  This book is part of a series and personally, I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book!  I want to see where the author takes the characters and learn more about them. This book is highly recommend to anyone - get yourself a copy today, you will not be disappointed!

About the Author:

After years working in advertising, J.D. Estrada decided there were better ways to write fiction. Born on August 13th, he shares birthdays with Alfred Hitchcock and Fidel Castro... an interesting coincidence since his mom is Cuban and he loves a good story.

Truth be told, he always dreamt about being an inventor, he just didn't know he'd end up doing it using words. Where some people choose to invent new products, he has chosen to invent worlds through words.

In college, he studied psychology for 3 years before he realized that if he finished, he'd need a psychologist for himself. Not being too enticed by the whole full circle nature of that trajectory, he switched to Marketing, Advertising... and Psychology. He just couldn't let it go.

An avid reader of Science Fiction and Fantasy, throughout his life, he's always loved writing and connecting with people. Mind you, although he loves those genres, his reading tastes are as eclectic as his musical passions. So from rock to salsa to classical music, he also reads and writes in a variety of genres and is just as satisfied writing a review or a poem as he is in writing his next novel. One of his blogs is called For Writing out Loud and on this blog he's been able to connect to hundreds of fellow readers who share the passions of writing and connecting.

This obsession with the human aspect of who we are is deeply embedded in all his work and his first book is no exception. Though still starting its journey towards the top 100 Amazon books, Only Human is the first link within the Human Cycle, a three book exploration of humanity through fiction.

He is currently working on the second installment of the Human Cycle; a young adult adventure; a compilation of essays, poetry and short stories and consistently puts out free material on his blog (jdestradawriter.blogspot.com) and rants with zest on Twitter via @jdestradawriter. He also has instagram if you want to see what he's getting up to or what delicious beer he may recommend.

His favorite band is Pearl Jam, he was born in Puerto Rico, he bodyboards and to him, playing a guitar is as therapeutic as a notebook. So by all means, visit, say hi and connect.

He hopes you are doing well and that you enjoy your visit to any of the literary planets he has lovingly crafted.

I give this book:  ★★★★★

Remember to support your indie writers!!

Release Blitz: Astaroth

Available Now

Genre: New Adult Erotic Contemporary Romance, Suspense (Not Paranormal)

Length: 93,000 words (Standalone Novel)

Synopsis:

Astaroth. Motorcycle club president’s daughter. Virgin. Occultist.
Hunter. Outlaw biker. Loves a challenge. Ex-Christian.

Hunter knew he was in deep shit when a patch-over went sideways, ending up with his prez dead, and him and his cousin becoming live-in hostages at the Coffin Nails MC clubhouse. What he didn’t know though, was that the girl he fucked just a few days before was the Coffin Nails club president’s daughter, set on having nothing to do with him after a creepy one-night stand in an abandoned church. Tough luck, because Hunter is not a quitter, even if getting involved with the prez's hot daughter could get him killed.

Astaroth is devastated after losing the two people closest to her. Unable to connect with her grieving father, she believes that a ritual described in her late mother’s notes might hold the key to bringing back the balance in her family. During the ceremony, she needs to get pregnant by the demon she summons, but why does he have to appear in the form of a handsome, long-haired, asshole of a biker, who just doesn’t know when to give up? She never intended to see him again, but there he is, a new member of her dad’s club.
And worst of all, the other man who appeared that fateful night, Hunter’s cousin, is also up for seconds.

Astaroth was supposed to die in nine months, but instead, she is only beginning to feel truly alive for the first time. But no matter what she feels for the man who crashed into her life so unexpectedly, if she ever wants her family to be whole again, she needs to finish what she started.

POSSIBLE SPOILERS:
Themes: Outlaw motorcycle club, criminal activity, forbidden love, overprotective father, secret baby, revenge, occult
WARNING: 

Adult content. Explicit sexual content, strong language, violence, and topics that might be considered taboo. Reader discretion advised.

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Get Books 1-6 in the Series:
Books 1-5
Book 6

Miss Merikan is the pen name for Kat and Agnes Merikan, a team of writers, who are mistaken for sisters with surprising regularity. Kat's the mean sergeant and survival specialist of the duo, never hesitation to kick Agnes' ass when she's slacking off. Her memory works like an easy-access catalog, which allows her to keep up with both book details and social media. Also works as the emergency GPS. Agnes is the Merikan nitpicker, usually found busy with formatting and research. Her attention tends to be scattered, and despite pushing 30, she needs to apply makeup to buy alcohol. Self-proclaimed queen of the roads.

They love the weird and wonderful, stepping out of the box, and bending stereotypes both in life and books. When you pick up a Merikan book, there's one thing you can be sure of - it will be full of surprises.

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Review: Last Light Falling - Into The Darkness - Book II by J.E. Plemons

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Author: J. E. Plemons
Series: The Covenant  
Published By: Dog Ear Publishing, LLC
Released: July 16, 2015

Official Synopsis: 
Arena has left the nation’s administration with a dead president and a weakened military, and while the tragic memories continue to scar her, the government struggles to regroup without its leader. For the people who still remain in hiding, its evident the country is all but lost, and with Russian operatives taking over, the nation’s hope of recovering is grim.

After months in hiding, Arena and her brother, Gabriel, fight to survive the aftermath while they trudge through unkindly terrain across the country to rejoin their friends, but what they soon discover may staunch their journey. The government’s failed attempt to rebirth a broken nation has caused civil unrest like no other.

After reuniting with their friends, Arena’s decision to stay changes when she discovers the secrets of a refugee camp behind a clandestine group of rebels, known as the Southern Resistance. With an opportunity to escape to a permanent safe haven, Arena risks her life to lead the new fellowship. But the darkest days are upon them, and with a new war brewing, Arena’s path will take a dark turn as her survival is in jeopardy.

Into The Darkness captures the cruel truth behind our darkest secrets which may often cause us to question our faith. In this graphic second installment of the LAST LIGHT FALLING series, J.E. Plemons continues the grim story of Arena Power’s fate, testing her faith while she and her brother search for an answer to their survival in a brooding world filled with chaos.

My Review:
I read and reviewed the first book of Last Light Falling back in February of 2015 and fell in love with the book, the characters, and the storyline.  When I heard that book two was released I could not wait to read and review it! I did not think that the author could out do book one, but I was definitely wrong!  J.E. Plemons did not disappoint!

The book begins with a quote from C.S. Lewis and then picks right back up from where book one had ended with the struggles, growth, and strength of Arena and her brother Gabe.  The book is intense; it pulls you in from the beginning and takes you on a ride that you are sure to not forget.  Arena and Gabe's journey leads them back to their friends and changes everything they know all over again.  

Much like book one, book two is full of betrayal, war, survival, and death. These actions and scenarios are what pulls you in, gets you thinking, and also makes you wonder how far from the truth this all could possibly be.  The second book is just as detailed as the first so you can put yourself in the shoes of the characters, but is not so detailed that it bores the reader. 

J.E. Plemons out did himself on this book.  I cannot wait to see what else he has to bring in this series!  I honestly think the best part of this series so far is the growth that the characters make through the books.  They overcome so much - their faith may waver, but they never give up!

About the Author: 

Jay has a BS in Music business with emphasis in publishing and copyright law, an English degree that he never intended getting, and a music education degree to which he will forever embrace.

Jay spent a year studying for the LSAT, then decided to attend culinary school, hoping to become an aspiring chef in a five star restaurant, but didn't care for the fourteen hour days in a kitchen. So what did he do? Met his wife in college, got married, and after hearing the news of their first child, decided to skip the idea of attending law school. It was the best choice he ever made.

Jay spent his years in Nashville working in the music industry for companies like RCA, Sony, Zomba, and Dreamworks, all of which gave him a bitter taste in his mouth. Aside from working directly with many famous artists, his conclusion of the industry was a tainted cesspool of filth. From Austin, Texas to Nashville, Tennessee, Jay worked a small time in the film industry, as a PA, extra in a few films, and a various of other uninspiring, uneventful jobs. He dedicated his carpentry skills for a while creating custom fine furniture, manned a press for a print shop, was a studio musician, played drums for a few famous artists, taught high school band for a year, giving IT support for the Texas Legislature, and now an aspiring author. He has no claim to fame, nor does he want any.

Jay has been fortunate enough to experience many things in his life, some of which were humbling, others fulfilling, and because of that, he's grown to be patient and content. He's willing to struggle, fail, sacrifice, and fall before he learns to move on from those experiences. He's not afraid to die, but willing to live as long as he's able. Even though he'd like to see his kids grow old, Jay understands that every day is precious, yet uncertain. He live with the best intentions that everything is going to be okay until it isn't, and when that happens, He's free to just let go.

I give this book: ★★★★★ 

Would you like to see the review of J.E. Plemons first book? Click here to read about Last Light Falling - The Covenant - Book I