The Moth and Other Tantalizing Tales by James L. Hill Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author James L. Hill shares a powerful collection of short stories in the book “The Moth and Other Tantalizing Tales.”

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The Synopsis

From the dark distant past to the far-flung fantastic future comes crimes of passion and hopeful heroes.

The world has fallen back into a more deadly Covid-19 pandemic. A journalist, Baron Beard, risks everything to uncover government secrets exposed by an internet troll known only as Veritas.

Harry, a brilliant but naïve computer hacker, finds himself drawn deeper into the underworld like a moth to a flame. Of course, there’s a woman holding the torch.

Dr. Energy has plans to save the world but only if he can avoid destroying it first. He’s 99% sure he can. Well, maybe 85%. But he still likes his odds.

You will be intrigued as you turn the pages and the plot twists in these eight amazing stories of mysteries, thrillers, and dystopian science fiction.

The Review

What a compelling and gripping collection of short stories. The pacing and world-building the author poured into the collection were astounding, with each story giving readers a chance to connect with the characters and feel the emotional weight of its consequences. The powerful imagery in these stories helped bring the grandiose, sci-fi elements to the narratives, while the character development grounded the characters, making for a truly balanced reading experience.

Yet at the heart of each story was a strong, thematic narrative that really stood out. The stories explored everything from man’s attempts to rewrite nature and the role of science versus religion, to a slave’s desperate escape to freedom and the cost that comes to those who enslave others, and so much more. The blend of science fiction, fantasy, and horror that the author introduces throughout the collection helps cement these characters and adds emotional depth, allowing the reader to invest in them so quickly.

The Verdict

Captivating, enthralling, and thrilling, author James L. Hill’s “The Moth and Other Tantalizing Tales” is a must-read short story collection. The twists and turns in each story, the heartfelt and compelling emotional beats each one hits, and the thought-provoking themes these stories encompass will stay with readers long after the collection ends, leaving them eager to explore more from this amazing author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

James L Hill, a.k.a. J L Hill, is a native New Yorker from the South Bronx, Fort Apache, of the turbulent 60’s. He earned a degree in computer programming, his other love. A multi-genre author, his experiences seasoned his novels and the worlds he imagined. James started RockHill Publishing LLC to publish his own work and give others access to the literary world.

https://amzn.to/4pxvoEZ

PRESS RELEASE: THE MOTH AND OTHER TANTALIZING TALES BY JAMES L. HILL RELEASES

The Moth

And other Tantalizing Tales

A new stunning short story collection by critically acclaimed author, James L. Hill

Released by Rockhill Publishing 

The book is available worldwide in digital and print format

From the dark distant past to the far-flung fantastic future comes crimes of passion and hopeful heroes.

The world has fallen back into a more deadly Covid-19 pandemic. A journalist, Baron Beard, risks everything to uncover government secrets exposed by an internet troll known only as Veritas.

Harry, a brilliant but naïve computer hacker, finds himself drawn deeper into the underworld like a moth to a flame. Of course, there’s a woman holding the torch.

Dr. Energy has plans to save the world but only if he can avoid destroying it first. He’s 99% sure he can. Well, maybe 85%. But he still likes his odds.

You will be intrigued as you turn the pages and the plot twists in these eight amazing stories of mysteries, thrillers, and dystopian science fiction.

https://bit.ly/themothtales

More from James L. Hill

The Killer Series:

             

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About James L Hill:

James L Hill, a.k.a. J L Hill, is a native New Yorker from the South Bronx, Fort Apache, of the turbulent 60’s. He earned a degree in computer programming, his other love. A multi-genre author, his experiences seasoned his novels and the worlds he imagined. James started RockHill Publishing LLC to publish his own work and give others access to the literary world.

PRESS RELEASE: KILLER WITH ICE EYES (KILLER SERIES BOOK 4) BY JAMES HILL

Killer With Ice Eyes!!

The newest installment of the Killer Series by Rockhill Publishing’s own, James Hill

Released by Rockhill Publishing 

The book is available worldwide in digital and print format

MoJo tells her and Barry the only way to be certain of death is to look a man in the eye and shoot him in the head. He also tells them the Sargent will not show himself while he is alive. Maria takes control of the businesses which includes arms dealing, money laundering, kidnapping/rescues.
Nicky tells Maria he is stepping down as the Godfather and she is going to head both organizations. She has plans to rebuild the mob as a legitimate business after the Commission Trials had decimated the five families. At her request, Nicky puts out a contract hit on her as if she is performing a hostile takeover. She thinks it will bring Sgt. Warren out of hiding. It brings out more than they bargain for. Maria kidnaps Warren’s daughter to use her as bait, as he had kidnapped her, to force him to face her.
Sgt. Warren will face off with Maria and her iron fist, the Ball Buster, in a fight to death.

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Other Books in The Series:

Killer Series (4 book series) Kindle Edition (amazon.com)

  

About The Author

James L Hill, a.k.a. J L Hill, is a native New Yorker from the South Bronx, Fort Apache, of the turbulent 60’s. He earned a degree in computer programming, his other love. A multi-genre author, his experiences seasoned his novels and the worlds he imagined. James started RockHill Publishing LLC to publish his own work and give others access to the literary world.

The four-part adult urban crime series, The Killer Series, is complete.Killer With A Heart, Killer With Three Heads, Killer With Black Blood have all received five-star reviews. Killer With Ice Eyes, the final chapter of the boys from the Bronx, is available now. He is currently working on a three-part historical fantasy Gemstone Series; The Emerald Lady is in publication to rave reviews. The Ruby Cradle and the third book, The Diamond Warrior, is coming soon. 

PRESS RELEASE: ROCKHILL PUBLISHING RELEASES THE RUBY CRADLE, BOOK TWO IN AUTHOR JAMES L. HILL’S GEMSTONES SERIES

The Ruby Cradle, Book 2 of the Gemstone Series

The critically acclaimed historical fantasy series continues by Rockhill Publishing’s own, James L. Hill

Released by Rockhill Publishing 

The book is available worldwide in digital and print format

New dragons come to power in Europe and now threaten the balance of power in the world. The world of dragons is one of total destruction. They take over an area and cause wars until the world is in ruins. The dragons can’t be killed but can be drained of power causing them to turn into ruby-like stones. Only a dragon can consume another dragon, increasing its power.

Apollonia becomes a sorceress and can retain her power for years out of water with the help of her sisters. She raises a champion in France to battle the dragons’ growing threat of England’s Vargrerot and Russia’s Deyhezas. After destroying a Castle in the Alps and capturing its dragon in the Ruby Cradle, Napoli, the Dragon Killer, confronts the English at the Battle of Hastings. Apollonia returns to the sea and spawns two more mermaids. Afterwards she returns to the world of men to continue the hundred year war and is burned at the stake as Joan of Arc.

Zabella knows she must prepare men to fight and destroy the dragons before the world is at war once more. She knows dragons can be killed.

The Ruby Cradle (Gemstone): Hill, James L: 9781945286810: Amazon.com: Books

RockHill Publishing LLC – RockHill Publishing LLC

Other Books in the series:

A fantasy Pirate/Mermaid love story set in the golden age of Pirates of the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Emerald Lady (Gemstone Series Book 1) – Kindle edition by J. L. Hill, Paris, Athina. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.                         

The Emerald Lady (Paperback)

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About The Author

James L Hill, a.k.a. J L Hill, is a native New Yorker from the South Bronx, Fort Apache, of the turbulent 60’s. He earned a degree in computer programming, his other love. A multi-genre author, his experiences seasoned his novels and the worlds he imagined. James started RockHill Publishing LLC to publish his own work and give others access to the literary world.

To request additional review copies or an interview with James Hill, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com

The Ruby Cradle (Gemstones Book Two) by James L. Hill Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A woman must learn her family’s lineage and history in the fight against ancient dragons as war threatens to bring them back into the world in author Jame L. Hill’s “The Ruby Cradle,” the second book in the Gemstones series. 

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The Synopsis

It is the turn of the nineteenth century. The industrial age has begun. Steam powered ships has taken over the oceans. Factories are going up across Europe and America. There is a resurgence of activity in the castles in the mountains and when the Crimean War breaks out Zabella is sent to her grandmother, Rehema to learn about the dragons.

Rehema mentally transcends the girl to the First Split (1000 A.D.), the wars her mother, Apollonia, fought to destroy the dragons as they had spread across Asia, Africa, and Europe. It began as they built castles and started controlling men with gold. The dragons led the Romans, Egyptians, and Chinese empires over the centuries. The dragons turn Molytans into Ogres as their generals that lead huge armies and protect them when their powers wane at night.

New dragons come to power in Europe and now threaten the balance of power in the world. The world of dragons is one of total destruction. They take over an area and cause wars until the world is in ruins. The dragons can’t be killed but can be drained of power causing them to turn into ruby-like stones. Only a dragon can consume another dragon, increasing its power.

Apollonia becomes a sorceress and can retain her power for years out of water with the help of her sisters. She raises a champion in France to battle the dragons’ growing threat of England’s Vargrerot and Russia’s Deyhezas. After destroying a Castle in the Alps and capturing its dragon in the Ruby Cradle, Napoli, the Dragon Killer, confronts the English at the Battle of Hastings. Apollonia returns to the sea and spawns two more mermaids. Afterwards she returns to the world of men to continue the hundred year war and is burned at the stake as Joan of Arc.

Zabella knows she must prepare men to fight and destroy the dragons before the world is at war once more. She knows dragons can be killed.

The Review

This wildly expansive and compelling world was so perfectly expanded upon from the author’s first book in the series. The author did an incredible job of world-building, crafting a book that felt both fantastical and steeped in history at the same time. The grand mythology of the dragons and their long history of influencing and bringing out the worst in humanity was fascinating to read, and the visceral nature of their bloodlust was haunting to discover.

Yet the true heart of the story was in the character development and world-building, as well as the strong themes that the novel touched upon. The way the story shifted focus between the present-day story of the Crimean War and the growing global conflicts that the now escaped dragons are taking advantage of, to the past where Apollonia must stop the constant dragon conflicts tearing apart everything from the Roman Empire and so much more was powerful to see come to life on teh page. The way the author touched on mankind’s perpetual war with itself and the death it brings was well utilized in this narrative.

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The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and thrilling, author James L. Hill’s “The Ruby Cradle” is a must-read historical fiction meets fantasy novel. The twists and turns in the story, the rich history and character developments across the centuries, and the thoughtful and natural incorporation of powerful themes made this story feel elevated and engaging all at once. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

James L Hill, a.k.a. J L Hill, is a multi-genre author, currently working on a three-part historical fantasy Gemstone Series, The Emerald Lady is in publication. The Ruby Cradle and the third book, The Diamond Warrior, are due soon. The four-part adult urban crime series, The Killer Series, is finished. Killer With A Heart, Killer With Three Heads, Killer With Black Blood, and Killer With Ice Eyes have all received great reviews. The last two novels were runners-up in the Killer Nashville’s contests of 2022. Then there’s the psychological dystopian science fiction thriller, Pegasus: A Journey To New Eden for your reading pleasure.

https://jlhill-books.com/index.html

Pegasus: A Journey to New Eden by James L. Hill Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Two people set on a course for a new world to escape the madness of Earth discover hidden secrets on the ship they call home in author James L. Hill’s “Pegasus: A Journey to New Eden”.

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The Synopsis

Zack and Zuri are set to embark on the Pegasus for New Eden, an unknown and unexplored planet four light years from Earth. For Zack, four light years isn’t nearly far enough from the madness that has been mankind’s history. For Zuri, it is a chance to have the family she has so long desired. Pegasus is humanity’s greatest invention, a modern day Noah’s Ark, set to spread civilization to the stars. But Pegasus has secrets which some will do anything to possess, and Zack and Zuri have yet to discover. A journey to New Eden is an emotional rollercoaster that will take the pair to the depths of despair, launch them beyond heavenly delights, and into the heart and soul of humanity.

Pegasus, the first starship, will take the best that the world has to offer and transplant it on another world. Readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster as the only two people to escape the escalating madness must wrestle control of the ship from its Artificial Intelligence and restore faith in human dignity. In this work, readers see a future that is just around the corner. Beware, technology advances faster than our knowledge of what to do with it.

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The Review

What a truly epic and engaging sci-fi read. The world-building was incredible in this book, as the author not only layered the narrative with futuristic technology and the space spiders and their terrifying power, but the hero’s journey itself that these characters went on spoke to the scope of the universe that the narrative resided in.

The character development was impressive to see come to life on the page. Zack is a fantastic protagonist forced to work for a corporation in a world where corporations have more power than governments. Zuri, his beloved, is a strong female protagonist who is the perfect partner, and he compliments Zack on their adventures together. The imagery and atmosphere the author develops as the ship travels to New Eden and the shocking juxtaposition between the ship’s A.I. and the humanity Zack and Zuri represent make this an incredible story.

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The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and remarkable, author James L. Hill’s “Pegasus: A Journey to New Eden” is a must-read sci-fi thriller. The thought-provoking nature of the narrative and our relation to corporations and technology made the story vibrant and alive on the page, and the twists and turns in the book’s final pages will keep readers engaged and eager for more from the author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

A native New Yorker, born and raised in the Bronx, James L Hill spent his adolescence years in Fort Apache, the South Bronx 41st precinct during the 60’s, during a time when you needed to have a gang to go to the store. Raised on blues, soul, and rock and roll gave him the heart of a flower child. Educated by the turmoil of Vietnam, Civil Rights, and the Sexual Revolution produced a gladiator. Realizing the precariousness of life gave him an adventurous outlook and willingness to try anything once, and if it did not kill him, maybe twice. 12 years of Catholic education and a couple of years in college spread between wild drug induce euphoric years, which did not kill him, gave James an unique moral compass that swings in any direction it wants. A scientific mind and a spirit that believes nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough guides his writings. He enjoys traveling to new places and seeing what life has to offer. James began writing short stories and poetry back in his early years. In his twenties moved on to novels. He worked in the financial industry and later got a degree in computer programming, his other love. James has a successful career as a software engineer designing, developing and maintaining systems for the government and the private sector. He has been programming for nearly forty years in various languages. After years in the computer world he returned to his first love, unleashing the characters in his head. Still a hopeless insomniac, he feels free to pound out plots. James L Hill is a prolific storyteller writing crime stories, fantasies, and science fiction, with a slant on the dark side of life. The next step on his journey naturally led to the business of publishing. He started RockHill Publishing LLC not only to produce his own work, but to give others access to the literary world. His computer background and experiences in word processing gives him insight into what it takes to publish good books.

https://www.jlhill-books.com/index.html