Feudal World with Just a Touch of Magic – Forest Lessons, The Paladin’s Assistant by Jason Venter

Posted in Science Fiction by Kate Rauner

From my bookshelf… Edmund, a privileged teen prone to carousing, gets himself into deep trouble in this fictional, feudalistic kingdom. His respected father arranges to send him away as assistant to one of the church’s paladins. They are sent to catch the killer in a remote logging camp terrorized by gruesome murders.

The characters and setting are realistic, with just a touch of magic in the story, and Edmund’s problems as a directionless young man make him relatable. His coming-of-age involves meeting people far from his wealthy home, grudgingly learning from his new mentor’s advice, and dealing with a crush on the camp-leaders wife.

The author created a compelling mystery within his fantasy world. Despite his experience as an investigator, the paladin gets no closer to stopping the killer, and Edmund follows false leads right to the end. While a murderer provides the frame, Edmund’s journey – to the far outpost and to a better understanding of the people around him – form the core of the story.

I enjoyed this short novel and found no dull parts to skim over (I’m an inveterate skimmer!) The book is a complete story, which is good news to those of you who hate cliffhanger endings. There are two more books in the series, and the author promises each one can be read alone.

Find Forest Lessons on Amazon by clicking here.

Tags: New Adult & College Fantasy, Myth & Legend Fantasy, Coming of Age, Adventure

15Mar2026

Caught Between Aliens Who Want to Help and Those Who Do Not – Mr Thursby by MK Alexander

Posted in Science Fiction by Kate Rauner

From my bookshelf… This book is science fiction, but not quite First Contact, because Mr Thursby has been on Earth since 1948. The story grabbed me from from the very beginning, when the White House receives a warning that our planet will soon be destroyed. The call comes from a phone booth (those are still around?) in Schenectady, New York. Not at all where I’d expect such a story to start. Which is delightful.

Agents assigned to track down the caller find he’s a man who died in 1948. At least, that sure seems to be the guy they meet in a diner near the phone booth. He can’t be human, can he? A more imaginative character than most powerful sci-fi aliens I encounter.

Early in the story, humans are helpless. A gamma ray burst is headed toward Earth and there’s absolutely nothing we can do, but luckily, an alien race has decided to save us. But Thursby’s not the only alien around. An invasion is underway by beings that are not actually alive, and not humanoid in appearance, except when they want to be, and they terrify our protector.

Problems multiply for the agents, who are believable characters I enjoyed. Who can they trust as the invasion accelerates? Separating friends and enemies is harder than expected, and the tale expands beyond Earth into the galaxy. As one reader on Amazon said, “fun read that reminds you of the best of the Twilight Zone.”

I read every word of this story, and I’m an incorrigible skimmer. If you enjoy science fiction, I recommend Mr Thursby.

I found Mr Thursby on Amazon, but I see you can also buy the book at imusic.uk.

Tags: Science fiction, Alien Invasion, First Contact, gamma rays, book review, book recommendation, scifi book

6Mar2026

UFOs over Cape Cod – Debunking? Believing? And what about that dog? High Strangeness by Eric Bickernicks with Jan Brady #BookSky #sciencefiction #UFO

Posted in Science Fiction by Kate Rauner

From my bookshelf… Are UFOs real? Really extraterrestrial, I mean, because unknown things certainly fly in our skies. In High Strangeness, a skeptic, believers, spandex-clad cultists, and a small town reporter tackle weird sightings and crackpot theories on Cape Cod. There’s humor too, as the characters pursue their lives and loves while searching for the truth behind mass sightings. Also, keep an eye on the dog.

The story occurs today, with people, towns, and a military base that feel real. I didn’t pull up a map of Cape Cod, but I’m ready to believe the authors know the peninsula.

I’m happy to recommend this light scifi read – a terrific story set right here on Earth that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The characters are relatable – you may know people like this yourself. I was eager to follow them, not knowing which point of view would ultimately be proven correct (despite the funny cover – look closely.) Then there’s that dog again, but no spoilers here.

Notes on the format: The book contains profanities that are common today, though your grandmother might be shocked. Chapters are in first person, each told from the perspective of one of the principle characters.

Tgas: science fiction, humorous scifi, UFO, UAP, Cape Code fiction story, book review, book recommendation, science fiction book