Patrick Dent's Blog, page 4
March 2, 2018
Review of the Color of Cold and Ice
The Color of Cold and Ice by J. Schlenker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Magnificent!
This book absolutely enthralled me. Interlaced between the chapters of the main story are seven vignettes, rich with metaphors and beautiful prose linking colors to all living things; the seven colors representing the seven Hindu Chakras.
As the characters face highly relatable human experiences (a midlife crisis, the loss of a loved one, the search for meaning, a bad diagnosis, the need for love, the angst of loneliness), the author weaves in the themes of colors, spirituality, courage, and the interconnectedness of our lives.
J. Schlenker is clearly an artist on every level and a brilliant writer. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever wanted to connect the dots of this confusing existence we all share.
February 28, 2018
5 Star Review of Execution of Justice
By rf on November 29, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
A terrific story with interesting well developed characters. The tension build perfectly. This is the perfect special ops book.
February 23, 2018
Review of Lord of Fire by Susi Wright
Lord of Fire by Susi Wright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Tolkein Fans, Meet Your New Favorite Author
In Wright’s brilliantly imagined universe, a magical race, the Gaians, is hated by humans and avoids all human contact. When one heroic Gaian, Luminor, sees a beautiful human girl, Fralii, captured by a gang of ruthless thugs and sold into slavery, he must disobey the rules of his people (and his father) to save her.
This is where the adventure begins. To return Fralii to her people, Luminor must fend off all manner of beasts as they navigate a hostile and vividly described world. Meanwhile, as Luminor and Fralii gradually become acquainted, the ancient rift between humans and Gaians begins to heal.
The action starts very quickly in this well told story, with a pace that steadily builds to a crescendo. The characters and their relationships are extremely well developed. Wright paints a vivid picture of a fantasy world filled with heroes, monsters, magic, romance, prophecy and destiny.
This is an excellent book by an excellent author. If you like Tolkein, Lord of Fire is a must-read.
February 21, 2018
5 Star Review of Execution of Justice
By lovebooks on November 22, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
This book is packed with everything you can imagine. The author did his research. My heart went out to the main character, John Drake, he’d lost his wife and his pain seemed to be the driving force to find a sex trafficking ring that has kidnapped a congressman’s daughter. Which is a huge challenge. This ring comes from all over the world. Drake digs his heels in with this assignment because of what happened to his wife. He is ruthless even to his those who are close to him. The story kept me on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t put it down. There were other plots on the side going on. This book is very compelling and it is violent but it is worth the time. Love the story!
February 20, 2018
February 16, 2018
Review of Milijun by Clayton Graham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Alien Invasion on an Entirely Different Level – Literally
Milijun is an incredibly well imagined alien invasion, unlike any first contact story I have ever read or seen in a movie. The scientific research that went into this book is impressive. Graham’s concept of how completely “alien” an alien could be is astonishing. Gone are the assumptions of “life as we know it”. Graham has conceived of life as we could not possibly imagine it.
The story opens with action, then takes a step back and steadily builds a head of steam while the key characters are deeply developed, then pitted against an unimaginable foe, as well as each other.
This is a must-read for science fiction fans who appreciate a hard scientific foundation, in the tradition of Asimov, Niven, or Heinlein.
February 14, 2018
5 Star Review for Execution of Justice
By Grady Harp HALL OF FAME TOP 500 REVIEWER on November 15, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
South Carolina native author Patrick Dent earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and his Masters in Chemistry. He went on to receive Advanced Infantry Training while stationed at Fort Benning. With detailed experience such as this it is no wonder this debut novel is such a fine thriller – opting to include the inside knowledge of political activity with military experience and a depth of knowledge about chemistry…
Strong self assigned challenges for a debut novel, but Patrick meets his goals. The tone of the book is apparent from the first paragraphs…
Exceptionally well paced, compelling prose, and a keen sense of immediacy pour out of every page of this impressive debut novel. Patrick Dent will likely become on of the more important authors of this genre. Grady Harp, November 17
View Execution of Justice on Amazon
February 13, 2018
What Advice Would You Like To Give Writers Who Are Struggling With Their First Novels?
Join online writer communities for advice and support. The authors in these groups genuinely want to help you.
Just start typing. The first draft may seem like garbage, but it gets all your raw ideas down on paper. There is plenty of time to rewrite, polish and get advice from trusted sources after you reach “The End” for the first time.
Don’t rush to market. When you think you’re done rewriting, put it down for a while, then rewrite again. There is a saying that you can’t edit a blank page.
February 9, 2018
Review of In Two Hundred Squared Words by Richard Bunning
In Two Hundred Squared Words by Richard Bunning
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Different Doesn’t Begin to Describe This Book
I have never read anything like this. Rather than a book, this is plugging a USB port directly into the author’s mind, a very fascinating mind, I should add. Bunning has managed to write 200 stories, each 200 words long.
Some are humorous, some are poignant, some are tragic, some are stream of consciousness, but all are intriguing. I’m reminded of the bar bet in which Hemmingway wrote a story on a napkin. “For sale. Baby shoes. Never worn.” A skilled storyteller can pack enormous meaning into very few words. Bunning has this talent.
In this modern world of social media and shortening attention spans, Bunning has written a book that can be read in 60-second intervals. I, however, polished it off in two sittings, always eager to see what came next. The structure of the book grabs the reader by the collar and constantly pulls forward. I felt no sense of time commitment consuming these tasty nuggets of prose, knowing I would reach the next stopping point in just a moment. I only stopped once, though, and that was to get some sleep.
This is a must read!
February 7, 2018
5 Star Review of Execution of Justice
By Drayvenn on November 13, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
A thrilling action story. I really enjoyed the way this story remained intense, while still filling me in on details about what was going on in situations that were foreign to me. Even though I am not well versed in military things, or weapons, or anything of that nature, I felt totally immersed and never confused.
There wasn’t a moment of pause as the story moved forward. There were a few things I didn’t see coming at all. Drake is a broken, reluctant hero, which added to the genuine tension. There was a real sense of uncertainty that kept me flipping pages fast and furious. His motivations were real, powerful, and so heartbreaking. There is a part with his wife that just gutted me. So powerful. The end was perfect, totally satisfying.
If you are a fan of action or military stories this is a must read.
View Execution of Justice on Amazon
