Gordon A. Long (Author of Out of Mischief)

Gordon Long rated a book really liked it The Awkward Out of Sync Half Life of Funk: A sci-fi novella by Nick Brewster (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Let’s get it straight from the start; this is not a book about zombies. I say this to clear up any possible misunderstandings caused by a 20-page introductory chapter that is pure zombie. This generation’s version of, “then he woke up and it was all ...more
10 hours, 15 min ago · 1 like · like · see review
Gordon Long rated a book really liked it Finding Penrose: Based On A True Story by Paula Sheridan (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
This book is Historical Fiction, meant to celebrate the life of a much-loved friend and relative. During this process, it also draws us into a society and teaches us the ethics and feelings of its people. The strength of the writing is the way it reac ...more
Apr 26, 2026 04:32PM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Finding Penrose by Paula Sheridan. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Finding Penrose by Paula Sheridan <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Gordon Long rated a book really liked it One Day Lucky by D. Benedict Dold (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
We need a new sub-genre. Maybe there already is one. It’s for stories based on the supposition that at some time in the (near ?) future, people will be able to escape into a virtual world for long periods of time, trusting the corporation that market ...more
Apr 19, 2026 04:51PM · like · see review
Gordon Long rated a book really liked it The Very Mad Science of Dr. Morcant Hollow: Vol 1: The Paradoxical Incongruities of Slingshot Time Travel (Novelette) by Hamilton Kohl (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
This is a very mad book in many senses. It is a light hearted spoof that maintains the macabre sense of the Horror genre by making fun of it. Be prepared for a complete lack of logic or veracity. The only connection to reality is that every event con ...more
Apr 06, 2026 09:59PM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The Very Mad Science of Dr. Morcant Hollow by Hamilton Kohl. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The Very Mad Science of Dr. Morcant Hollow by Hamilton Kohl <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Gordon Long rated a book really liked it Battle Beyond the Veil by Cassie Sanchez (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Apr 05, 2026 08:22PM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Battle Beyond the Veil by Cassie Sanchez. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Battle Beyond the Veil by Cassie Sanchez <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Gordon Long rated a book liked it Discovery (D Notice, #1) by Louise McLaughlin (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
This novel is a blend of Sci-Fi and Fantasy, with magic blended with modern science. It’s a risky proposition, but it would work except for the weakness of the writing style. Unfortunately, the author’s self-conscious intrusion between the reader and ...more
Mar 29, 2026 02:26PM · 1 like · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Discovery by Louise McLaughlin. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Discovery by Louise McLaughlin <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Gordon Long rated a book liked it Navvy Dreams (Tales From a Stinking, Star-Crossed Milky Way #1) by H.M.H. Murray (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
This is a difficult review to write, because the author has made a bold attempt at a complex writing style, and hasn’t been completely successful. To put it simply, he has tried to replicate the nuances of a socially and politically advanced culture, ...more
Mar 22, 2026 02:01PM · 1 like · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Navvy Dreams by H.M.H. Murray. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Navvy Dreams by H.M.H. Murray <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Gordon Long rated a book really liked it Cristobal Ritter (German Edition) by Mijo Rebic (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
This novella updates the old Noir Detective form with a modern and subtly humorous twist. The electronic cityscape blends in with reality, which I assume is the intended effect, but in places (especially flashbacks) the readers could wish for clearer ...more
Mar 01, 2026 01:14PM · 1 like · like · see review
Gordon Long rated a book liked it Hypgnosium: The Herculus Trilogy Book 1 by J.E.R. Sanderson (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
This novel shows an example of an author who has planned a book of great scope but then doesn’t have room in a single volume to “show” readers everything, and thus is reduced to “telling” all the creative details. Characters are carefully thought out ...more
Feb 22, 2026 01:02PM · like · see review
Gordon Long rated a book it was amazing Dad V.S Evil: A Detroit Tale by William T.D. Feeley	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book in a Paranormal/Sci-Fi/LitRPG series. There are a lot of books coming out in this style, but this one stands head and shoulders above the rest. Many of them are written for gamers, and the results read like a play-by-play annou ...more
Feb 15, 2026 03:18PM · 2 likes · like · see review

Gordon Long rated a book really liked it

The Awkward Out of Sync Half Life of Funk by Nick Brewster

The Awkward Out of Sync Half Life of Funk: A sci-fi novella
by Nick Brewster (Goodreads Author)

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Let’s get it straight from the start; this is not a book about zombies. I say this to clear up any possible misunderstandings caused by a 20-page introductory chapter that is pure zombie. This generation’s version of, “then he woke up and it was all ...more

Gordon Long rated a book really liked it

Finding Penrose: Based On A True Story
by Paula Sheridan (Goodreads Author)

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This book is Historical Fiction, meant to celebrate the life of a much-loved friend and relative. During this process, it also draws us into a society and teaches us the ethics and feelings of its people.

The strength of the writing is the way it reac ...more

Gordon Long rated a book really liked it

One Day Lucky
by D. Benedict Dold (Goodreads Author)

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We need a new sub-genre. Maybe there already is one. It’s for stories based on the supposition that at some time in the (near ?) future, people will be able to escape into a virtual world for long periods of time, trusting the corporation that market

We need a new sub-genre. Maybe there already is one. It’s for stories based on the supposition that at some time in the (near ?) future, people will be able to escape into a virtual world for long periods of time, trusting the corporation that markets the program to keep their corporeal bodies alive while they retreat from reality. This book relates some of the grittier aspects of this proposition.

It’s a reasonable topic for discussion and this author has spent a lot of careful thought on the subject. Much of the action takes place in the virtual world. The main character’s job is in the control of that world, so a lot of the conflict involves the narration of complicated programming, which is problematic for developing suspense. It is impossible to show the problems and their solution, so the author is reduced to telling readers what is happening.

On the other hand, the live action sequences are conceived and laid out in meticulous detail, and here the book has its appeal: sympathetic characters facing comprehensible problems and solving them through their own talent and ingenuity. Plenty of action, some of it gory, some with macabre humour.

The characters are varied and believable, although I found the point-of-view switches in the early part of the book to be disorienting. The last half of the book takes a more restricted POV, and everything flows along smoothly

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention some editing problems, especially with sentence structure, which distract us from our connection with the story.

“She turns back to Hux when the loud clack of the container latch being undone cuts through the noise isolation of her helmet and watches as he swings the door open.”

And on top of its other creative touches, this book is written in present tense. Unfortunately, there is a lot of past tense narrative in the dialogue, and the constant switches are distracting.

The bottom line in all this is a hint for creative novelists. For each new kink you introduce, ask yourself if this particular adaptation will aid in the communication of emotions and ideas to the reader, or if it is a gimmick put in to prove the author’s creativity. This novel could use the assistance of a good editor to help answer that question.

A good story with sympathetic characters and thoughtful ideas, in need of polishing. Recommended for fans of computer Sci-Fi who like their plotlines complicated. ...more

Gordon Long rated a book really liked it

The Very Mad Science of Dr. Morcant Hollow by Hamilton Kohl

The Very Mad Science of Dr. Morcant Hollow: Vol 1: The Paradoxical Incongruities of Slingshot Time Travel (Novelette)
by Hamilton Kohl (Goodreads Author)

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This is a very mad book in many senses. It is a light hearted spoof that maintains the macabre sense of the Horror genre by making fun of it. Be prepared for a complete lack of logic or veracity. The only connection to reality is that every event con ...more

Gordon Long rated a book really liked it

Battle Beyond the Veil
by Cassie Sanchez (Goodreads Author)

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Gordon Long rated a book liked it

Discovery (D Notice, #1)
by Louise McLaughlin (Goodreads Author)

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This novel is a blend of Sci-Fi and Fantasy, with magic blended with modern science. It’s a risky proposition, but it would work except for the weakness of the writing style. Unfortunately, the author’s self-conscious intrusion between the reader and
This novel is a blend of Sci-Fi and Fantasy, with magic blended with modern science. It’s a risky proposition, but it would work except for the weakness of the writing style. Unfortunately, the author’s self-conscious intrusion between the reader and the story, making sure we get all the jokes by explaining them, rather spoils the spontaneity of the wit.

The “show, don’t tell” rule ought to have a corollary; “whatever you do, don’t do both, one after the other.” Examples:

“I do miss the orgies,” said Eros, dreamily reminiscing about his glory days.

The author is telling us what the character is doing, having just showed us through dialogue.

Likewise,

“No, thank you,” Eros declined politely and slightly disappointedly,” also adding three adverbs to the mix.

Part of the joy of reading witty dialogue is the reader’s “Hah! I got it” feeling of accomplishment, Having the author immediately explain the humour spoils this.

This sort of writing adds up to an opening section long on description and low on suspense.
The story then glides merrily along on a creative path of mild humour, mostly of the non-sequitur style, depending on elements of farce, but the constant explanations destroy the quick pacing required.

And a different problem: when you mix Sci-Fi with Fantasy, the two genres have different rules of premise creation. Fantasy is allowed more leeway: you can have magic of any sort you want, and if anyone complains about the unlikelihood of it, well, it’s just magic.

Sci-Fi can also have just about any premise you want, but there has to be an underlying scientific believability or it sounds lame. So, for example when you state that a being’s blood actually boils when it is cooled below ten degrees, Fantasy readers will accept this premise, but the average Sci-Fi reader says, “Huh? Fluids boil when you heat them. They go solid when you cool them.”

Fortunately (as we often find in books of this type), once the conflict gets moving, the author stops adding characters and explaining what each one is doing and why. At this point a decent story develops, and the final battle is a well-orchestrated conflict, complete with a tense “final countdown” to a satisfying conclusion.

Except for the Epilogue, which sets us up nicely for what I hope is a less explanatory sequel. ...more

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Navvy Dreams (Tales From a Stinking, Star-Crossed Milky Way #1)
by H.M.H. Murray (Goodreads Author)

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This is a difficult review to write, because the author has made a bold attempt at a complex writing style, and hasn’t been completely successful. To put it simply, he has tried to replicate the nuances of a socially and politically advanced culture, This is a difficult review to write, because the author has made a bold attempt at a complex writing style, and hasn’t been completely successful. To put it simply, he has tried to replicate the nuances of a socially and politically advanced culture, where the art of diplomatic conversation is paramount. This results in long sections of conversation with a large number of people we have never met before, all talking about events we don’t know about, and everything is laden with double or triple entendre.

“Hindsight shows so many undercurrents in that conversation. But I bobbed above them all like a piece of jetsam.”

Parenthetical explanations of hindsight only serve to confuse us further. If the dialogue doesn’t communicate the information, no amount of narrator explanation will fix it. We bob along in more profound ignorance, and a joke explained is no longer so funny.

Complicating the read further is the multi-level narration style, including regular chapters, many of which start with a preface where the main character talks directly to a person called “Sam,” before the present-day action resumes. About every five chapters there is an “apologue,” a separate scene with a slightly different cast, usually occurring several years in the past. There are also dream sequences at various levels. Readers have a lot of trouble knowing where and when the story has taken us.

Another interesting factor in the writing: in this society pilots, from the nature of their lives, have a very casual attitude towards sex. This is carried to extremes, to the point where liaisons become a bargaining chip in the social conflict, and there is no sexual tension at all. In fact, the discussion becomes more like a character going on about brushing their teeth.

On the positive side, the main character is a complex, sympathetic everywoman who attracts our empathy as she tries, as all of us do, to make sense of a senseless universe. The writing is clean and well-edited, and the dialogue is natural.

There are many clever ideas in this novel and a lot of good writing, but unfortunately the average reader will have trouble following it. ...more

Gordon Long rated a book really liked it

Cristobal Ritter (German Edition)
by Mijo Rebic (Goodreads Author)

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This novella updates the old Noir Detective form with a modern and subtly humorous twist.

The electronic cityscape blends in with reality, which I assume is the intended effect, but in places (especially flashbacks) the readers could wish for clearer ...more

Gordon Long rated a book liked it

Hypgnosium: The Herculus Trilogy Book 1
by J.E.R. Sanderson (Goodreads Author)

Rate this book

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1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

This novel shows an example of an author who has planned a book of great scope but then doesn’t have room in a single volume to “show” readers everything, and thus is reduced to “telling” all the creative details. Characters are carefully thought out ...more

Gordon Long rated a book it was amazing

Dad V.S Evil: A Detroit Tale
by William T.D. Feeley

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This is the first book in a Paranormal/Sci-Fi/LitRPG series. There are a lot of books coming out in this style, but this one stands head and shoulders above the rest. Many of them are written for gamers, and the results read like a play-by-play annou This is the first book in a Paranormal/Sci-Fi/LitRPG series. There are a lot of books coming out in this style, but this one stands head and shoulders above the rest. Many of them are written for gamers, and the results read like a play-by-play announcer from a hockey game.

Mr. Feeley goes in the other direction. He takes first person point of view one step further, playing a self-conscious author who breaks the fourth wall and talks directly to the readers, making us aware of the games he is playing with our heads. What makes it all work is that Mr. Feeley knows his priorities. Novel first: characters, emotions, conflict, suspense. Then — a long way down the list — paranormal and sci-fi in the background where they belong.

Rick, the main character, is a normal guy: likeable, charismatic…well, sort of a loser, but too capable to be in this sort of trouble. Rather suspicious… Many of the other players are portrayed in a stereotypical way, but we gradually realize the reason for that.

There is a general rule in Sci-Fi and Fantasy that you don’t mix genres, but somehow this author makes it work, having the paranormal features function like video game characters and the people like people. The world building does not contain creative physical setting, depending rather on the social, legal, and scientific background to support the plot.

There is less violence than you would expect from this sort of book, although we are treated to a few over-the-top fight scenes. The conflict is more strategy than action, like a chess game in which Rick is definitely a pawn. The main story arc is his growth from Plain Old Dad to Hero Dad.

There are a few plot glitches in the MS I was sent. You don’t drop to one knee to hug a sixteen-year-old. There was one page that appears twice, and some confusion whether he has to do one or three jobs to fulfill his legal responsibilities.

As Rick tells us, it’s not a “happily ever after” ending. But this first book has fulfilled its purpose; it has created a hero for the rest of the series.

This story will appeal to a wide audience. It is unfortunate that the graphic language puts it into the PG-13 range of readers. Highly recommended. Five stars.

This review was originally published on Reedsy Discovery. ...more

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	Out of Mischief (World of Change #1) 3.90 avg rating — 10 ratings — published 2014 — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Innkeeper's Husband (Petrellan Saga #5) it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 7 ratings — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Factory 4-80 (Freighty Series Book 1) 3.89 avg rating — 9 ratings — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Zoysana's Choice (Petrellan Saga #4) 4.25 avg rating — 8 ratings — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Why Are People So Stupid? 2.75 avg rating — 12 ratings — published 2011 — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	A Sword Called…Kitten? 4.43 avg rating — 7 ratings — published 2010 — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Ocean of Grass (Petrellan Saga #1) 4.67 avg rating — 6 ratings — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Into Trouble (World of Change #2) 4.50 avg rating — 4 ratings — published 2014 — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Mountains of Mischief (World of Change #3) 4.50 avg rating — 4 ratings — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Storm over Savournon really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 4 ratings — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

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