Review: Great group of short stories...
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 30, 2012
Read three storylines so far.MIND GAMES by Susan K QuinnMIND GAMES YA (Mindjack Trilogy Prequel) by Susan Kaye QuinnMIND GAMES (found in the anthology In His Eyes) is the prequel short story to indie author Susan Kaye Quinn's new Mindjack Trilogy .Background:  Sixteen-year-old Kira Moore is a zero, someone who can't read thoughts or be read by others. Zeros are outcasts who can't be trusted, leaving her no chance with Raf, a regular mindreader and the best friend she secretly loves.In a world of mindreaders, Kira is an anomaly. She has yet to enter the change and is unable to read the minds of her fellow students. But at the same time, her mind is a blank to anyone who dares to enter.  To be forever branded as a zero is not the title Kira wants. As the end of the school year approaches, Kira is hoping that summer vacation will usher in some new changes in her life.Raf Santos is one of the most popular guys in school.  With the upcoming year end Gamesdance, Raf has only one girl in mind for his date, but the others have different plans that do not include Kira. When Raf's so called friends threaten to harm Kira, Raf will make a decision that could hurt Kira and destroy their fragile relationship that appears to be unraveling day by day. Once best friends with Kira, Raf will have to face the consequences of his actions, when Kira may no longer be a part of his life.Mind Games in the introductory short story in Quinn's Mindjack Trilogy.  An interesting concept that includes the ability to read minds, hear thoughts and the isolation of those who have yet to attain status in a world governed by the reality of truths.  Without the ability to be read, the zeroes cannot be trusted-for fear they hold secrets.  A concept based in prejudices and stereotypes, I look forward to reading Open Minds-Book 1 in the Mindjack Trilogy.~~~~~A VERY ALIEN VALENTINE'S DAY by Magan VernonA VERY ALIEN VALENTINE'S DAY by Magan Vernon is a short story found in the anthology In His Eyes.  As part of Magan's Alien Romance series, A Very Alien Valentine's Day is a sweet look at the confusion surrounding Ace's first Valentine's Day.As a Caltian, Ace found the practice of Valentine's Day unnecessary and a bit overwhelming.  To add to his dilemma, his best friend Monte claims that human girls expect a little something from their boyfriends on V-day, even if the boyfriend was from another planet.  But Ace had no idea what was expected and his girlfriend Alex seemed resistant to the idea of celebrating Valentine's Day.Like most females, Alex was hoping that Ace would remember the day for lovers, but she too, was not going to raise her expectations in case Ace wasn't willing to partake in the very human tradition of celebrating another useless holiday.  But a cold February evening would prove that Alex's fears were fodder for the wind.  To be loved as deeply and completely is the dream of every woman on this planet or the next.A Very Alien Valentine's is a quick read, basically a chapter in length and a welcome addition to Magan's Alien Romance series. Change the alien scenario, and you will find yourself smiling at the very real dilemma of celebrating your first Valentine's Day with a lover or friend.~~~~~~~UNSPEAKABLE (YA)  by S.R. JohannesUNSPEAKABLE is the Young Adult short-story (found In His Eyes anthology) written by S.R. Johannes. The introduction to the Nature of Grace series, Unspeakable follows two lost souls as they wander the forests hoping to find something or someone, told from a different POV.  The Nature of Grace series is told from the heroine's POV but Unspeakable looks at life from another's POV>Written in first person POV, the reader follows through the eyes of the narrator while he walks the terrain of the forest and land. When he chances upon a wounded fawn caught in a trap, he soon realizes he may not be alone.  Where there is a trap, the hunter is not too far behind.But it is the sight of a beautiful young woman, wandering and taking note of the land, that captures his attention.  When he returns the next day, hoping to find her again, he realizes the danger that she has quickly put herself in.  Trapped by the hunters, the young woman soon becomes both prisoner and prey, and there must be something that he can do, to prevent the inevitable from happening.Unspeakable is a quick read, basically a chapter in length that introduces some basic information about the Nature of Grace series.  At this point,  we are not privy to names or destinations, but as a prologue Unspeakable will leave you wanting for read what happens next.see all of my reviews at :  thereadingcafe.com