Thank goodness for the little glimmer of hope this novel ends with – small though it is! For me this book instigated a non-stop reading session, and a...moreThank goodness for the little glimmer of hope this novel ends with – small though it is! For me this book instigated a non-stop reading session, and almost caused DH to venture into the unfamiliar territory that is known as our kitchen so he could scrounge himself dinner. Nothing, absolutely nothing was going to divert my attention from this story once I started reading. It is that good and that terrifying! Continue reading
Flavored with an authentic western flavor this book also presented a clear message for today. This book held my interest throughout and was well-told....moreFlavored with an authentic western flavor this book also presented a clear message for today. This book held my interest throughout and was well-told. Unlike Brokeback Mountain, however, there is no explicit sex scene, nor even any amorous smooching. This book is less about lesbianism than about the prejudices and narrow-minded attitudes that can blight an entire community, especially when spearheaded by an influential busybody with an ax to grind. Continue Reading my full review on Night Owl Reviews
Jason’s world-view is dealt a savage blow. Rescued by a beautiful, mysterious woman after he is accosted and attacked by two goons, Jason is flummoxed...moreJason’s world-view is dealt a savage blow. Rescued by a beautiful, mysterious woman after he is accosted and attacked by two goons, Jason is flummoxed by her outrageous claims. Emphatically disregarding her advice he tells her to beat feet.
Later that night, however, Jason has another strange encounter with another shady character; he brusquely turns down another weird proposition. However, events continue to spiral out of control, and Jason reluctantly begins to accept that he has a pivotal role to play in an ongoing battle.
Deftly interweaving mythical and magical elements, the story begins simply enough but rapidly gains complexity as the reader is challenged to re-examine long-held beliefs. Some historical events are presented from a fresh perspective. The short historical scenes and episodes provide context and motivation that otherwise would surely have been lacking. Jason is a likeable, albeit snarky, hero with an intriguing voice in this novel. At times, I found some of the mythical references confusing, but that is most likely because I am not particularly knowledgeable on the subject. Overall, I enjoyed the read, and hope there will be more adventures to come. (less)
Accidentally witnessing something she never should have seen, Kelly is approached a few days later and offered a dangerous job along and enough money...moreAccidentally witnessing something she never should have seen, Kelly is approached a few days later and offered a dangerous job along and enough money to help her family through their current financial problems. However, as she begins training and learns more about the monsters she has been hired to kill, Kelly must try to make sense of conflicting information.
A very fast, entertaining read, this book was a page-turner for me. Kelly is funny, smart and tenacious. The relationship she has with her husband and kids felt real to me and, sometimes, very emotional. I appreciated and understood much of Kelly’s inner turmoil but sometimes it seemed to drag the story down a little.
This is the first book in a planned series. The next installment, Hell Hath No Fury, is also available. I purchased it immediately after I finished reading this one as I am fully invested in Kelly and her supporting cast. Bill Blais has done a superb job building an alternate reality that is complex and mesmerizing. (less)
An elite panel of specialists joins together under the leadership of Cale Walker, a wealthy entrepreneur, to study a perplexing phenomenon they call T...moreAn elite panel of specialists joins together under the leadership of Cale Walker, a wealthy entrepreneur, to study a perplexing phenomenon they call The Radiance. Over the course of just a few years most of Earth’s population has become smarter. The cause is undetermined, and it is unknown if the mental improvements will be temporary or permanent.
As the story begins Cale’s brother, Travis is a near-broke farmer struggling to hold onto his farm. His childhood friend and ranch hand Lester has always been mechanically inclined even though he is no mental giant. Lester, though, miraculously undergoes a transformation that Travis never expects and is at a loss to explain. Later Travis undergoes a similar experience when he discovers he has learned an entire new language over the course of a few short hours.
Travis receives a summons from his estranged older brother and ends up reluctantly joining The Radiance Group. As frightening projections about the breakdown of societal structure become reality the group quietly prepares for the worse.
This unusual, thought-provoking story is entertaining and well-told. At times it stretched my capacity to suspend disbelief to its limits, but still, I anxiously clicked through my kindle screens because I had to find out how the story would end. The ending was satisfactory, but certainly left me craving a sequel. (less)
My Rating 3.5 stars As an infant, Maija is torn from her mother’s arms and thrust into the guardianship of two brothers. The brothers, both powerful ma...moreMy Rating 3.5 stars As an infant, Maija is torn from her mother’s arms and thrust into the guardianship of two brothers. The brothers, both powerful magicians with an unusual type of shared magic, quickly became disappointed when, as a young child, Maija fails every test they force upon her, and continuously rebels against their tyranny. Maija is then abandoned; left for dead at an early age. Unknown to Jarik and Callib, Maija somehow survives and is later rescued and adopted by a kind-hearted man named Gregor.
As the years pass Jarik and Callib became ever more powerful and god-like. Bound together by their magic, the brothers’ sphere of influence and control continues to expand. However, several years pass and the magicians learn that Maija actually survives and prospers. They dispatch assassins who kill Gregor. Now, Maija is more determined than ever to track down the evil brothers and exact vengeance for her beloved guardian’s untimely, horrific death. Thus the story begins as Maija sets upon her blood quest, following clues, building alliances, and earning the loyalty of new friends and strange denizens.
An enjoyable read that kept me entertained and guessing, this story unfolded with multiple twists and unexpected moments. I loved the flow and musicality of the descriptive phrases. Maija evolves, and we learn more about her background as the narrative progresses. Indeed, most of the characters, including the brothers, become more complex as their motivations and fears are uncovered. By the end, the reader ultimately recognizes the black beast for exactly what it is. (less)
Hanging out at an old mall one day, three teens are surprised when something comes hurtling down from the sky. Even stranger, they...moreMy Rating 3.5 Stars
Hanging out at an old mall one day, three teens are surprised when something comes hurtling down from the sky. Even stranger, they are greeted by a glowing, fiery entity, and given some surprising news. The friendly being promptly regulates his appearance, and introduces himself as Alan, before advising the fascinated trio of a galactic battle. He explains that Earth has become the staging area for the next phase in the ongoing struggle. Cadence, JD and Orlando are told they have hidden superpowers that will be unlocked, and that they are being recruited – training to begin forthwith.
I am a mature reader, and while I found the read entertaining, I definitely feel it should appeal more to tweens and younger teens. The kids were likable, and I thought the author did a good job fleshing them out; giving them different motivations and personal quirks. A few places, some pivotal action scenes could have used a little better build-up than they received. Dual mysteries are introduced in this episode and, I am sure, will be continued in the next. Overall, the action and discovery portions of the story are paced well and move along swiftly, though I thought it bogged down just a little in the middle. This is an imaginative start to what will become an exciting science fiction adventure series for the younger set. (less)
Nick Lupo is a homicide detective. Bitten when he was a boy by a werewolf, Nick has always tried to restrain his beast; it is a constant battle. He wo...moreNick Lupo is a homicide detective. Bitten when he was a boy by a werewolf, Nick has always tried to restrain his beast; it is a constant battle. He worries that he will be forced into a change, and thus reveal his carefully guarded secret. He has tried for years to understand and control his condition but the results of his efforts have been inconsistent, usually failing.
For years, Nick has led a solitary existence, ever since he accidentally killed his first love, Caroline. When an unlikely friendship develops between Nick and a vivacious call girl, he becomes cautiously optimistic that perhaps this time he can control his inner beast.
When Nick’s friend is viciously murdered, he is overwhelmed by grief and guilt. Somebody from his past wants Nick dead – eventually. But first, he aims to make him suffer.
This story is told from Nick’s perspective, and I enjoyed the way in which it unfolded. It jumps back and forth between the past and the present several times but I found it easy to follow, and thought both story lines were told quite well. While I could have done without some of the redundancy regarding Nick’s tremendous burden of guilt, I actually enjoyed the second half of the book even more than the first; the clicks to flip the pages on my kindle got faster, always a sure sign of a good book for me. A warning, though, this book is graphically gruesome in some places. I enjoy well-scripted horror, always have. This is the best book of its kind I have read in a while. (less)
Just before leaving for the much anticipated annual family vacation, Caitlin receives a cryptic, threatening message. Determined to...moreMy Rating 2.5 stars
Just before leaving for the much anticipated annual family vacation, Caitlin receives a cryptic, threatening message. Determined to enjoy her holiday, she tries to shrug it off as a prank, or someone disgruntled over her recent decision to hire a scientist with a tarnished reputation. However, when the family arrives on the small Caribbean island they find out their home has been burgled. Trouble has followed Caitlin. As the threats escalate, Caitlin is forced to confront some issues in her past that she thought were behind her.
I wanted to love this book. Just the thought of reading a mystery set on a beautiful, secluded island appealed to me, and I began reading it with high expectations. Unfortunately, the setting faded into the background as painfully contrived conversations took center stage. A least two separate characters had extended conversations with themselves; a transparent attempt to convey information to the reader. For me, there were entirely too many characters. I never did figure out who all of them were, and, after a bit, I gave up really caring who they were. We are asked to believe that Caitlin is this strong, self-assured person, but she often acts impetuously and without any consideration for others. Frankly, I did not ever warm up to her. The awkwardly contrived conversations, Caitlin’s obtuse stubbornness and occasional outright stupidity, and the myriad of aunts, uncles, cousins and siblings made reading this book more frustrating than enjoyable. (less)
Sarah has spent her young life attempting to suppress the traits inherited from her father. She is a living miracle – a child half vampire, half human...moreSarah has spent her young life attempting to suppress the traits inherited from her father. She is a living miracle – a child half vampire, half human. Then she meets a young man who seems to step right out of her dreams. Immediately drawn together, the pair is soon on the run, one step ahead of a trio of evil seekers. William and Sarah are preordained to restore balance in both the Underworld and the world of the living. However, forces are at work to prevent them from fulfilling the prophecy.
The premise of this book was exciting and technically, the story flowed smoothly. I thought the characters were richly portrayed; their motives sound and believable. William seemed too perfect. I think a couple of flaws would have made him more remarkable. I just thought he was a bit bland. My personal preference would have been to stick with a single point of view throughout. For me, the frequent narrative changes were disruptive to my overall enjoyment of the story. I also disliked the continual chest thumping that went on. For me, it just seemed overdone.
I enjoyed the adventure and thought the ending was well-done. I was afraid, for a while, that I would be left dangling with a cliff-hanger ending, but happily that was not the case. I think the mid-section could have been tightened up a bit, because, at times, the action seemed to bog down unnecessarily. This story should hit the sweet spot for a wide demographic of fantasy romance lovers. (less)
A compelling story that is rich in historical fact, it is also technically well-scripted and contains enough humor to mitigate the darkness that could...moreA compelling story that is rich in historical fact, it is also technically well-scripted and contains enough humor to mitigate the darkness that could have become depressing had Ms. Dillon not kept such a tight rein on the central tragedies around which the story is woven.
I liked that both romantic leads were portrayed with a few flaws. I also enjoyed the fact that their relationship, particularly in 1943, was given space to grow. It was fun watching them through the eyes of their guardian angels. Their relationship evolved from its rather antagonistic and inauspicious beginning to a deep and abiding selfless love. I thought the ending was particularly poignant.
I felt as if I were there when Pompeii was buried under tons of volcanic ash. It was that easy to become invested in the lives that were cut so tragically short. Then, in 1943, once again, Ms. Dillon easily pulled me into the escalating drama. The hardships that were an integral part of daily life in war-torn Italy – the politics, attitudes, and flavor of life - come through brilliantly as the backdrop to the romance that manages somehow to find a toehold, against all odds. That love then flourishes even amongst the rubble of devastating bombs, lies, and patriotic duty.
Out of the Ashes is a book that will capture your imagination. It is crafted with deliberate precision, and will appeal broadly to readers who love romance set in exotic times and places. (less)
In this futuristic thriller Michael Locke is a homicide detective who gets an unheard of promotion to Govicide Agent, an elite corps responsible for m...moreIn this futuristic thriller Michael Locke is a homicide detective who gets an unheard of promotion to Govicide Agent, an elite corps responsible for maintaining world peace, tranquility and compliance.
Locke’s perseverance in chasing and ultimately capturing a serial killer ostentatiously earned him this promotion. However, it is not long before he begins to get disturbing glimpses of an underlying rot within the exalted, error-free government. Locke searches for answers, even as he must come to grips with the unwelcome realization that he has committed a crime; one he is desperate to keep hidden.
I greatly enjoyed the concept of this story. It appealed to me strictly on an entertainment level, but it also captured my imagination on a deeper, more visceral level. About midway through, however, the book began to slow down. Later, it just dragged, and I felt cheated that many of the same issues were rehashed. I wanted it to move along faster. I wanted more action and a little less cognitive discourse. Still, I could not help but become mired in the nightmare of uncertainty that relentlessly punches holes in Locke’s perceptions, until he undergoes a hitherto unimaginable paradigm shift. This book is the first in a planned series, and while I was somewhat disappointed with the cliff-hanger ending, it did end logically. (less)
Fast-paced with lots of action throughout, this was a fun and entertaining read. I particularly enjoyed the many scenes that held m...moreMy Rating 3.5 Stars
Fast-paced with lots of action throughout, this was a fun and entertaining read. I particularly enjoyed the many scenes that held me entranced in their gothic eeriness. That creepiness was entwined masterfully within the descriptive passages.
The story kept my interest, but there were a few things I would have liked to have seen conveyed or handled differently. That Sarah learns she is a rare being called an Indigo Child, and that her indigo colored irises marked her as such I could accept. But then, later, that specialness lost much of its credibility, in my mind, when Evan learns that he is a Sapphire Child. Really??? Certainly, he is unique and has special gifts, but I would have preferred a more macho label for him.
I also would have liked to have learned more about Evan’s mother, her history and why she went to such lengths to try to protect Evan as a child. I do not understand why she did not try to escape with him when he was a baby. Her motives could have been explored more fully.
The book ended satisfactorily, without a major cliff-hanger, but with plenty of opportunity for another adventure. Sarah and Evan are a likable pair, well-suited to each other. Evan’s tortured past, the miserable childhood he endured, makes him quite sympathetic and redeemable.
This book kept me awake, reading way past my normal bedtime. The protagonist is clever, funny, and speaks with a compelling voice t...moreMy rating 3.5 Stars
This book kept me awake, reading way past my normal bedtime. The protagonist is clever, funny, and speaks with a compelling voice that drew me in to her story. Three years earlier, on Iris’s 14th birthday, there was a devastating event. When she awoke in the hospital, her life changed as suddenly she could see the evil at work in the world, represented by shadowy forms that clung to the living. Bright light forms also became visible only to her. Fewer in number, the light forms fought in opposition to the shadows.
This book solidly brings home the theme that evil is actively at work in our lives. It is imperative that we remain vigilant against the dark forces that seek to undermine us at every opportunity; beware those sneak attacks that confound and surprise, as well as other prolonged assaults that often masquerade as chronic, lingering malaise.
Fortunately, the shadows may be defeated. This book explores a young woman’s physical and spiritual growth as she is guided by some powerful friends. She undergoes the process of understanding her gift and learning how to use that knowledge in beneficial ways. It’s a clarion call to all of us, but most specifically our young people. Towards the end of the book, I personally felt the message got hammered home with less subtlety than I would have preferred, but the mystery and conflict leading up to the revelation was exciting, thought-provoking, and in full-measure, entertaining. (less)
There is something strange about Evangeline. She is like a magnet where trouble and accidents are concerned. To protect her friends, she tries to keep...moreThere is something strange about Evangeline. She is like a magnet where trouble and accidents are concerned. To protect her friends, she tries to keep them at a distance, usually without much success. Yet, Evangeline has a spirit that seems to have a boundless, quiet reserve of strength and fortitude. She has been relatively successful at blending in for years, but now she is being forced to unravel the mystery of her sudden, unexpected inheritance, while trying to free her mentally ill mother, and complete some other difficult challenges in order to satisfy the last wishes of an old man claiming to be her grandfather.
I loved Evangeline’s voice in this story – often snarky and darkly humorous, her strange quirks come across as real and sometimes heart-breaking. As she gets pulled deeper into the dark, supernatural world, I marveled at her tenacious persistence to get the job done. This story does a wonderful job of introducing Evangeline and has whet my appetite for further adventures. (less)
This is a quite enjoyable read that hooked me immediately. P.J is a seer who is just turned eighteen and is coming into her special powe...moreMy Rating: 3.5
This is a quite enjoyable read that hooked me immediately. P.J is a seer who is just turned eighteen and is coming into her special powers. She is a member of a secretive order of humans gifted with supernatural powers in order to protect unsuspecting normal humans. There exist gates between the dimensions that are guarded at all times so that creatures from outside can not access Earth.
P.J. has grown up with Bryn. He is her best friend and one fateful night she realizes he is more than just her friend. However, Bryn is destined to be P.J.’s guardian. It is forbidden for P.J. and Bryn to marry, or to have any sort of romantic relationship. Breaking all the rules sets them on a wild journey of discovery neither could have ever anticipated.
I loved the adventure and excitement of this story. The author has imagined a world filled with all manner of supernatural beings; one fraught with danger and intrigue. Bryn and P.J. are likable characters, but I got a little weary of her constant declarations of love when she seemed to be kissing almost every eligible, and in-eligible, male, she encountered. So much drama and angst! For me, a mature reader, it seemed a bit excessive. P.J. subjected her parents to a couple of tantrums that, frankly, set my teeth on edge. I think I had an easier time relating to her parents during those episodes. Still, this story has top-notch entertainment value and I am looking forward to further adventures.
This is a captivating book that utterly caught and maintained my undivided attention throughout. I loved the gothic undertones and...moreMy Rating 4.5 Stars
This is a captivating book that utterly caught and maintained my undivided attention throughout. I loved the gothic undertones and suspenseful way in which the story unfolded. I have never read a story before that is even remotely like this one – fresh subject matter that is presented within the framework of a technically superior, spellbinding read. Each character within the book is fully realized with motivations and personalities that I could easily understand and relate to, even when those traits were wholly out of the realm of any of my own personal experiences. I was fascinated and repelled by the hoarder, for example.
Delilah is a complex individual who seems confounded by the situation in which she finds herself. She has suffered heart-breaking loss, is alone, and sometimes seems to be totally invisible. In spite of her general clueless nature, she is likable and sympathetic, and I was 100% “for her” as she struggles to come to terms with her situation and unravel the mystery that seems to have such a stranglehold on her. The friends she meets often seem to be at cross-purposes to each other, but they all play an indelible role in her journey of discovery; they provide support and incentive she so desperately craves.
This is a book in which the division between life and death seems as thin as a strand of hair, as confusing as a muddled memory, and as transparent as a pane of glass. The complexity of the spiritual realm, existing right along side the physical plane, is handled with astute perception, and goes far in explaining what makes this story both inspiring and unforgettable.
Matt Barrett is on the trail of a serial killer. Hired to locate Tammy McClane, a runaway, by her wealthy mother, Matt locates the...moreMy Rating 3.5 Stars
Matt Barrett is on the trail of a serial killer. Hired to locate Tammy McClane, a runaway, by her wealthy mother, Matt locates the young woman outside the small desert town of Sunset City in a shallow grave. But as he tries to unravel the mystery of her final days and death his inquiries are met with silence, and he is warned to back off.
A fast read with lots of action, this book easily kept me engaged throughout. I loved the setting and the way I felt as if I were there with Matt in the small, out-of-the-way desert community. Matt’s a hard-boiled, old-school private investigator. He’s very much a lone wolf, and not especially sociable, but, he is loyal and certainly has his own standards of justice – right and wrong.
That said, I never connected with Matt. It seemed to me that he was too trigger-happy. I particularly did not like the way he dispatched a couple of blameless guard dogs. The man who owned the dogs may have been a dislikable hoodlum but the dogs were just being dogs. I think this story might appeal to men better, perhaps. Matt seemed to have enough testosterone for two tough-nosed PI’s.
The story flowed well. The dialogue seemed natural for the most part, except when Matt’s impatience or anger seemed to take over, then his words and actions would seem too over-the-top for me to accept easily. I guess I prefer my heroes to have a bit more couth and sensitivity.
This was an entertaining story that was a quick read for me. Kady is a young protagonist who is quick-witted, likable and sharp. Sh...moreMy Rating 4.5 Stars
This was an entertaining story that was a quick read for me. Kady is a young protagonist who is quick-witted, likable and sharp. She’s a bit older than her years, but that is quite plausible given her past experiences. I loved the way in which the community was portrayed in this book. I live in a lake community in East Texas, and while we do not have any killer fish here, there have been numerous sightings of a six-foot alligator. It does not seem to have curtailed many of our lake activities and events, however. It was easy for me to get caught up in the story. This is a book about a small community struggling against an adversary that threatens the entire town, but it is also about a lonely young girl and some people who enter her life at a pivotal juncture who will ultimately help her to become more self-assured and confident. It is a marvelous coming of age horror story.
This is one of the most imaginative and captivating stories I have read in a long time. There is mystery, adventure and more than enough twists that I...moreThis is one of the most imaginative and captivating stories I have read in a long time. There is mystery, adventure and more than enough twists that I became caught up in Theodore Baker’s life, and could not tear myself away until I reached the conclusion of the novella. There are some intensely gothic elements woven throughout that I thought were just exceptional – described with haunting melancholy. The darkness, though, is leavened with some humor and a generally optimistic outlook. Theo’s sidekick, Frick, is quirky, loyal and eccentric – and a dedicated family man, too. I loved him! Beautifully structured, and carefully edited; this is a unique monster story that is also a delight to read.
This is an unusual ghost story that is beautifully written. Aida Brassington’s debut novel grabbed me from the first – it is 1970 and Patrick Boyle su...moreThis is an unusual ghost story that is beautifully written. Aida Brassington’s debut novel grabbed me from the first – it is 1970 and Patrick Boyle suffers a fatal accident. Ms. Brassington charmingly weaves some of the headlines, fads, and divisive politics of that turbulent decade into the young man’s story. I remember that time well, as I graduated from high school in 1971. I loved the little trips down memory lane; to see how Patrick, even as a ghost, remains shaped by the events of his lifetime. The comparisons between then and now are astutely demonstrated and, for me, add another layer of entertainment.
Sara certainly is an odd duck and I had trouble connecting with her, especially at first. For me, the story occasionally bogged down somewhat in the morass of her peculiarities, and I wanted to hurry it along. But, once she and Patrick finally connected, the story took off, and I shook off my exasperation.
The ending is so satisfying and well-thought out. While not totally a surprise, I was impressed with the congruency of the resolution, given the supernatural nature of this tale. Looking for an unusual blend of sweet romance and benign haunting? This unique novel should fit the bill nicely.
Aiden is a rare being, born half vampire, half witch; his supernatural powers were suppressed by means of a complicated spell for h...moreMy Rating 3.5 stars
Aiden is a rare being, born half vampire, half witch; his supernatural powers were suppressed by means of a complicated spell for his safety and the safety of others when he was just a few days old. When he turns nineteen, the suppression spell finally dissipates, and Aiden discovers that he is a possible lynchpin in an ongoing battle that has raged for eons. Then he meets Tess, a human unlike any he has ever known, and Aiden realizes that no challenge is too great when it comes to protecting Tess and ensuring her safety.
This story began extremely well. It hooked me quickly. Aiden is a fantastically likeable hero who is lucky to have an extended family both supportive and protective of him. I always enjoy the idea of a hidden supernatural society and this story is no exception to that. The main characters felt real to me even though most of them are immortal. There is some humor throughout that I enjoyed, as well. I felt the descriptive detail was quite suited to the overall slight gothic flavor of the novel.
About three-fourths of the way into the book, I felt as if the story dragged a little bit. I still enjoyed reading it, but some of the conversations began to feel somewhat stale and stilted, and some of the actions foolhardy and rather contrived. Soon, though, the story picked up again, and then ended with a fabulous confrontation that was both unexpected and exciting.
Three unsupervised youngsters traipse around the country to find a magical ring lost for centuries, ending up at an ocean side cave...moreMy Rating 2.5 Stars
Three unsupervised youngsters traipse around the country to find a magical ring lost for centuries, ending up at an ocean side cave set into a craggy cliff-face. The ring is reputed to have the power to turn hate into love. That is exactly what Kynan needs so he can facilitate a reconciliation between his parents.
When his unhappy parents drop the divorce bomb on him, Kynan is devastated. The next day, on a school field trip, he encounters an odd priest who confides the story of a powerful relic that has been lost for centuries. Enlisting the help of his best friend, and later, a beautiful girl, fluent in several languages, who he has a secret crush on, Kynan embarks on a quest to recover the ring and bring harmony back to his shattered family.
The trio serendipitously uncovers a cryptic prophecy that leads them to a series of clues. Each new piece of information brings them closer to discovering the location of the missing ring. The adventure continues as unlikely pieces of the mystery are found and conclusions are drawn, leading inevitably to the goal.
I would have liked to see the issues and problems given a bit more depth of discussion. The problems get resolved too easily. In some cases, I was astounded by the imaginative leaps taken to decipher the ring’s location. The biggest issue I had with this book, though, was that these kids roamed about freely with little adult knowledge, let alone supervision. The lackadaisical consideration for the children throughout the story did not seem to match up well for me given the story’s ending.
As a mature reader, I often enjoy books geared primarily to the young adult or even the middle grade demographic. This book is the exception, which is fine since I am not in the target reader group. Unfortunately, however, I also would not want to encourage my children or grandchildren to read this book because I feel the lack of any meaningful adult involvement, at least until the “calvary to the rescue” ending, is alarming. The opportunity for the children to learn from this experience seems too trivialized, as illustrated by the comment Kynan makes near the end of the story that he is “grounded forever”. (less)
I enjoyed this thrilling adventure that is actually the 2nd in a series featuring the cool, indomitable Dominic Grey. This book stands a...moreMy Rating 3.75
I enjoyed this thrilling adventure that is actually the 2nd in a series featuring the cool, indomitable Dominic Grey. This book stands alone quite well, but the author cleverly manages to pique my interest for his first book, The Summoner, by the way in which he doles out brief glimpses of Grey’s previous assignment during the course of this one.
There were numerous secondary characters, and I felt that most of them were endowed with personalities, quirks and traits; making each memorable. I was disappointed that often the story transitions were difficult to follow – sometimes even occurring within the same paragraph. It was jarring to be invested and following a scene in one sentence and then to be suddenly jettisoned across the world to an entirely different, though connected, story line in the following sentence.
A complex story, rich in historical detail, and played out in exotic locations around the world, this book appealed to me on several levels. At times, though, I felt inundated with just too much trivia; I would have preferred a little less background and a little more action – particularly in the middle. All the players come together near the end for a final tumultuous show-down that left me breathless.
Drawn into the story immediately, I was amazed at the wonderful originality of thought within the sentences. Mr. Blakely conveys id...moreMy Rating 4.5 Stars
Drawn into the story immediately, I was amazed at the wonderful originality of thought within the sentences. Mr. Blakely conveys ideas with uniqueness rarely encountered; no worn-out, tired clichés. I absolutely fell in love with this author’s voice and style. The sentences are particularly well-constructed, fluid, and contained phrases that helped me visualize the story and the characters’ personalities especially well.
The whole idea of sentient steel fascinated me, and the ramifications of such a technology kept me trying to second-guess where the story was headed. There were multiple twists and the whole escapade finally unfolded to an ending that was logical, though somewhat of a letdown to this Fox Mulder fan.
This is an exciting story of industrial espionage, trendy technology, shifty villains, and an intelligent courier. Told in first person, I was kept entertained and fully engaged as Sonny Busco figured out smart solutions to the difficulties he faced while responsible for the contents of a briefcase that could potentially revolutionize society. I hope Sonny returns in future adventurous frolics.
Reviewed by Laurie-J Reviewed for Night Owl Reviews
An inmate’s deathbed confession turns Ben Keller’s life upside down. Fourteen years earlier a horrific act of violence shattered B...moreMy Rating 4.25 stars
An inmate’s deathbed confession turns Ben Keller’s life upside down. Fourteen years earlier a horrific act of violence shattered Ben, but slowly, over the years, he has remade himself. Ben knows all about safety and gets paid generously for his expertise. Now, however, he finds himself at a crossroads – risk everything or follow the safe, sane path.
This complex and riveting story had me literally biting my nails at times. The novel is suspenseful and entertaining; it unfolds ingeniously, slyly packing sucker punches in the places least expected. A few times, I thought the pacing became bogged down in slightly too much trivial information. There were times, also, when I cringed at some of Ben’s actions and choices – silently begging him to get a grip. But then I would chastise myself because, after all, severe stress can trigger uncharacteristic behaviors. As Ben’s life spirals out of control, those closest to him also discover truths about themselves. This is a book that will keep your mind racing until the final page.
This short novella tells the story of a young woman who wakes up disorientated and with amnesia, alongside a road. She remembers her name, but everyth...moreThis short novella tells the story of a young woman who wakes up disorientated and with amnesia, alongside a road. She remembers her name, but everything else is lost to her. Walking down the road, she comes to a town that seems somewhat familiar to her and meets a small group of people in the otherwise deserted town. The group takes her in, warning her to be careful because there is another mysterious group whose aim seems to be to kidnap vulnerable, careless survivors.
This is a haunting, beautifully rendered tale that throws a solid punch at the end. I wish it had been longer and fleshed out with more character back story, but that is just because Sonnet never fails to amaze me with her creativity and imaginative subject matter. I did not want the adventure to be over. Pick up this bittersweet story and discover for yourself Sonnet’s gift of fluid prose.
My Rating 4.5 Stars Jasmine James is a well-know radio personality in Seattle who has attracted a creepy stalker. Nick Winston meets Jasmine during the...moreMy Rating 4.5 Stars Jasmine James is a well-know radio personality in Seattle who has attracted a creepy stalker. Nick Winston meets Jasmine during the course of his investigation into a peculiar murder. Nick is smitten by the breathy beauty and her non-too-subtle hints that she finds him attractive, as well. When Jasmine is abducted, Nick is tenacious in his efforts to locate and save her. He and his partner, Pat Strom, pull-off an astonishing feat and manage to capture the stalker, but Jasmine’s where-abouts remains unknown. Finally, though, their dogged investigation produces results. But meanwhile, more men are dying; each with surprising similarities in circumstantial and forensic evidence. Pressure mounts on Nick and Pat to solve the murders. Then the unthinkable happens.
With enough twists to keep even the most experienced armchair sleuth guessing, this novel is an unusual and exciting foray into the seedy side of jealousy, revenge, and desire. I thought the character development throughout was outstanding. Even though the murderer’s identity becomes obvious to the reader about 75% into the book the story remained spellbinding to the very end. Well-written, intense, and savvy; this mystery will not disappoint.
Reviewed by Laurie-J Reviewer for Night Owl Reviews
Told from the viewpoint of a young teen, this story easily captured my imagination. Mankind has spread to the stars. With the discovery of Kn...more4.5 stars
Told from the viewpoint of a young teen, this story easily captured my imagination. Mankind has spread to the stars. With the discovery of Knaught Points, ships are able to enter ports in space and emerge into whole new galaxies. These areas in space are beautiful, mysterious, and deadly. Now, though, humans everywhere are under attack by an aggressive and formidable alien species. Bain Kern is an orphan on a colony world that has been targeted by the aliens. He is among a group of orphans being evacuated from the colony. The captain of the ship, Sunsinger, takes a liking and interest in Bain offering him an opportunity he had dreamed of for years, if he can prove his mettle and show her he can learn quickly.
I loved the description of the Sunsinger, an old trader vessel. I felt as if I were aboard the ship experiencing the many wonders of an infinite space for the first time, too. The aliens remain a decidedly malignant and frightening force throughout this book. Mankind is being systematically exterminated. We are given the idea that in other places the fight for the very survival of our species is taking place; we are desperately fighting against a stronger, merciless invading force. But this book does not take us to those struggles, rather it focuses on the evacuation and the attempt to get the orphans safely away to a place called Refuge. It is a well-told coming of age adventure that should not be missed.
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