D.J. Weaver's Blog, page 4

Book Review of A NAUGHTY THING CALLED LIFE, The Complete Story by Papa Spyk

A NAUGHTY THING CALLED LIFE, The Complete Story was written by Papa Spyk and published through Tin Hut Tales Publishing in June, 2013. You may purchase the book at http://www.lulu.com/shop/papa-spyk/a-naughty-thing-called-lifethe-complete-story/paperback/product-21624305.html;jsessionid=6648FC42933A154529A3B73E49CC53D2 
 and you may read more about the author at http://www.papaspyk.com 
Professional South African rugby star, television personality, and Calvin Klein model, Edourd ‘Papa Spyk’ Gheur’s  lifestyle of cocaine abuse, alcohol abuse and hard partying came to an abrupt halt when he suffered a catastrophes aneurism that left him near death and paralyzed for two years. Bed-ridden and facing the end of his life, Spyk began to write… and to re-teach himself to walk and talk again.
This fascinating look into the tragic illness and eventual recovery of this well-known public figure will inspire and enthrall the reader. His writing is fluid and easy to read, and his story will have the reader crying in pain, and then laughing with joy as he overcomes it all.
With the birth of his daughter, something he was told would never be possible, Papa Spyk overcame the greatest of odds and moved on with his life, a changed and better person.
This story will make the reader ‘feel’… and that is what great writing, and surviving is all about.  A heart-warming read that we should all take a lesson from.
Five spiders for A NAUGHTY THING CALLED LIFE, and ‘Bravo’ to Papa Spyk…

DJ Weaver
This book is soon to be filmed as a major motion picture. For more information, please see Papa Spyk's movie site on FACEBOOK at: https://www.facebook.com/papaspyk13?f... 

Book Review of RESURRECTION BAY by Wayne McDaniel and Steven Womack

RESURRECTION BAY was written by Wayne McDaniel and Steven Womack and published through Midnight Ink in June, 2014. You may purchase the book at www.amazon.com  
Decatur Kaiser had a ritual he followed every spring for sixteen years… he called it his ‘summertime project’. Every spring he’d pack his wife and kids off to the grandparent’s, and then… he went hunting. Not for wild game or trophy heads for his wall. No, not Decatur. He hunted something much more interesting… innocent, young women, kidnapped, raped, beaten, and set free, to run for their lives on a woody, deserted island in the middle of Resurrection Bay. These women were his sport, and his favorite game, until he kidnapped the wrong young woman.
Based on the true-life events of the most famous serial killer case in Alaska’s history, RESURRECTION BAY is a story of murder, depravity, and insanity, but also, a tale of revenge at its most elaborate and pre-meditated. This story has it all.
Written in two parts, and told first from the view point of the hunter, and then from that of the hunted, RESURRECTION BAY will enthrall the reader with its masterful plot and original voice. McDaniel and Womack are collaborative geniuses, who have written a true-to-life horror story that will cut you to the bone and laugh while you bleed and beg for more. A hauntingly eerie tale that is awesomely and meticulously told.
Fast-paced, exciting, and ever so gruesome, count RESURRECTION BAY at the top of your summer reading list, and Wayne McDaniel and Steven Womack as two authors to watch in the future.  5 Spiders for this one.
DJ Weaver
For Suspense Magazine

Book Review of RED DEVIL 4 by Eric C. Leuthardt, M.D.

RED DEVIL 4 was written by Eric C. Leuthardt, M.D., and published through Forge Books in February, 2014. You may purchase this book at www.amazon.com and you can read more about the author at https://www.stlbeacon.org/#!/content/28322/leuthardt_profile_120412
Imagine a world where people are connected wirelessly to everything… from the internet to their homes, cars, jobs… each other. Set in the near-future, this sci-fi thriller will rock you to your core.
Neuroprosthetics… a simple chip implanted in the brain and the user is connected to everything and everybody. Thoughts become actions, people can live in a completely artificial environment… a virtual reality of life, and the drug of choice is a class of neuro-stimulating computer codes that could be brain-altering. Dr. Hagan Maerici, an expert and developer in the field is knee deep in a series of murders committed by well-known individuals with no motives. Could these deaths have been brought on by a code that will enable an Artificial Intelligence to think and act on its own?
When people start dying, Police Detective Edwin Krantz and ex-Navy SEAL Tara Dezner are called in to work with Maerici, but soon find that skirting the law may be the only way solve the mystery.
With a large, but interesting and relevant cast of characters, Red Devil 4 is the ultimate techno-thriller to date, and closer to being a reality than we would like to believe.
Neurosurgeon, biomedical engineer, and neuroprosthetic pioneer, Eric C. Leuthardt, M.D., spins a tale of the future and the scenario that could so easily come to pass. His knowledge of the subject matter translates well to the pages and enables the reader to understand exactly how the brain works and how this new technology could affect us all.
 Leuthardt’s characters are believable and the story flows well throughout, taking the reader on a harrowing adventure through the mind. Intelligent, awesomely frightening, and technologically credible, Red Devil 4 is a snapshot of a future gone decidedly wrong and a projection of chaos for all.
5 Spiders… Don’t miss it!
DJ Weaver
For Suspense Magazine

Book Review of CAVE DWELLER by William Nikkel

CAVE DWELLER was written by William Nikkel and published through Suspense Publishing in March, 2014. You may purchase this book from www.amazon.com and you may read more about William and his writing at www. williamnikkel.com 
A strangely glowing fog on the bay, a lost, sunken, World War II mini-sub, and a human skull the size of a grapefruit. Marine Biologist, Jack Ferrell is on the hunt for the legend of Hawaii’s famed Menehune people; a child-sized human species that lived 12,000 years ago. But Jack is convinced… they still live, and he thinks he’s figured out where.
Jack, along with a crack team of scientist, dive Kauai’s Na Pali coast, and into a lava tube that takes them to an underground beach complete with tiny huts, small footprints and lots of unanswered questions; until things turn dicey and people start dying.
With two of the team murdered, and Jack and the others captured by the Menehune, Jack believes they may all be sacrificed until he finds an ally among the small race of people. What happens next is suspense at its best.
William Nikkel has taken a tropical setting, a chance discovery, and a famous Hawaiian legend, and turned them into literary gold with his newest thriller, CAVE DWELLER.
Nikkel’s free-wheeling Jack Farrell character is intelligent, funny and likable with that touch of ‘bad-boy’ the ladies love. Just the man to lead the reader into this impressive story premise. Nikkel’s research and first-hand knowledge of Hawaii, and its many legends will mesmerize the reader, while his ability to spin a suspenseful tale, and his expert use of interesting characters to help move the story along, is top-notch.
Action, adventure, murder, and fear of the unknown, combine to make William Nikkel’s CAVE DWELLER, his best work yet, and put him in line for the top of the thriller genre heap.
Don’t miss this one… 5 spiders!

DJ Weaver

Cover Reveal for HOT-BLOODED by Kendall Grey

If Robert Rodriquez (Sin City), Tony Soprano, and David Lynch (Twin Peaks) made sweet love to a Hawaiian version of The Bride (Uma Thurman's character from Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill), the resulting spawn might look like Kendall Grey’s upcoming mystery/suspense/supernatural thriller, HOT-BLOODED.
The first installment in the Ohana series, HOT-BLOODED is set on the island of Maui and is wrapped in the light and dark watercolors of Hawaiian culture, history, and mythology. It's about guns, drugs, surfing, and tiki monsters. HOT-BLOODED tells the tale of a ballsy, half-Hawaiian angel-turned-demon, the duplicitous assassin who falls for her, and the blessings and curses of family—all wrapped up in freaky, supernatural gift paper.
Ohana is everything….
When an accident claims her mother’s life, Keahilani Alana must take charge of her ohana(family) or risk losing what little they have. With an underage brother to care for and no education, she has few options. The door to a heavenly hellish opportunity opens when she stumbles upon a valuable secret her mother left behind on the slopes of an extinct volcano—a legacy that tempts the family with riches beyond their wildest dreams. But the secret is much bigger and more sinister than they realize. As reality unravels and exposes eerie truths about the ohana that should have remained deep under the mountain, Keahilani must either resist the call of her blood or risk being consumed by its darkness.
Blake Murphy is an assassin working to infiltrate a new Hawaiian cartel. His investigation reveals that Keahilani, the sexy surfing instructor he pegged as an informant, is much closer to the drug ring than he thought. Passion ignites between them in the bedroom, but their ironclad ties to opposing interests pit them against each other everywhere else.
When tensions reach the breaking point and her ohana is threatened, the only cure for Keahilani’s hot-blooded fury is a loaded clip with a body bag chaser.They don’t call her Pele for nothing.
Here's the cover designed by Renee Coffey:
So, are you up for a steamy, violent descent into tropical-island madness with a supernatural twist? If so, you can add HOT-BLOODED to your Goodreads TBR here. The release date hasn't been announced yet, but Kendall is shooting for the end of June or early July. Stay tuned!
You can stalk Kendall on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Amazon, or her web site. 
 WARNING: HOT-BLOODED does NOT end with a happily ever after. It contains drug use and graphic sex, language, and violence. The story is intended to entertain, not to condone or glorify illegal or immoral activities. This book is unsuitable for sensitive readers and those under the age of 18.

Book Review of THE TIPPING POINT by Walter Danley

The TIPPING POINT was written by Walter Danley and may be purchased at www.amazon.comYou can find out more about Walter at http://walterdanley.com 
As a first novel I think Walter Danley has done quite a good job. This is an interesting, entertaining who-done-it with a touch of romance.

When Garth Wainwright's business partner and friend is killed while skiing in Aspen, the police call it an accident but checking the 'accident' scene, Garth believes otherwise. Warned to leave it alone, Garth's knows he's onto something. Convincing the other partners of the firm, however, proves to be more difficult until a case of fraud from inside the company is discovered and then, one by one, the partners are being murdered.

Garth and the few people he can trust, including his love interest, Lacey Kinkaid, a former prosecutor, find themselves chasing a killer (or killers?) and are led on a wild ride and put in certain danger trying to stop any more of them being picked off.

This is an entertaining read and I found myself looking forward to finding out who was behind it all. 4 spiders for this great read.
Cheers from Down Under,Jennie J.
Reviewer for WebbWeaver Reviews

Book Review of PHILISTINE by Steven Shrewsbury

PHILISTINE was written by Steven Shrewsbury and published through Seventh Star Press in January, 2014. You may purchase this book at www.amazon.comand you may read more from the author at http://sshrewsbury.wordpress.com/category/blog

Goliath… the gargantuan hero of the Philistine army whose very name leaves the bravest warrior trembling in his armor and wetting his loincloth… a warrior since birth… son of a god… slayer of kings, men, and beasts… champion to all who beheld him. 
 
PHILISTINE is an epic fantasy tale of the giant who became a hero to his race and a scourge to those who would try to rule over him and his kind. This action story is a bit different from those Bible tales we have heard before. Goliath is still the champion of the Philistine army, but in this telling, he lives to fight any and all who would try to kill him or enslave his people. Tasked by kings to expand their rule, Goliath must face all who would confront him, be they diabolical priests, evil gods, fanciful demons or mortal men. He must champion over them all even though he knows that death in battle will claim him someday. These exploits are the stuff of PHILISTINE.

Told with absolute realism and set down in the tongue of the day, the character of Goliath is strong beyond measure and invincible to all. His youth, spent in tyrannical training by those jealous of his parentage, is glimpsed by the reader through Goliath’s own tales told to those around him. His wisdom is seen through stories he tells of past battles and fallen comrades. His absolute knowledge that he is invincible, but that he will one day be bested and fall in battle, is what his life is destined for and that is how he prefers it.

Shrewsbury has written a tale of war and warriors, in a world long past, but more like the present than the reader may at first, realize. The addition of characters along the way, keeps the story fresh and the battles raging along nicely. And who doesn’t love a great battle for action and blood-letting realism? Goliath’s character is all-encompassing, powerful, intelligent and maybe a little bit bored with it all, but the story never stops entertaining as Shrewsbury pours on the evil bad guys and demonic minions and monsters, to keep our hero mowing them down in true fantasy fashion. This story leaps from the pages and will have the reader up all night, hating the meanies and rooting for the good guys.

 Excitement, adventure, debauchery, and battle after battle punctuated with realism, and true to life writing at its best… this is what the reader will find in PHILISTINE. Steven Shrewsbury is a master crafter of worlds and heroes in battle, and PHILISTINE is THE epic fantasy adventure of 2014.
5 spiders for PHILISTINE… Sword & Sorcery at its best!

DJ Weaver
For Suspense Magazine

EXCLUSIVE COVER REVEAL

*EXCLUSIVE COVER REVEAL*
FROM AVON BOOKS AND RANDOM HOUSE PUBLISHING GROUP
FIFTY FIRST TIMES:
Available for purchase
February 25, 2014


FIFTY FIRST TIMES: A New Adult Anthology    
Publication Date: February 25, 2014
Publisher: Avon/HarperCollins
Price: $2.99 (USD)
E-book
  Fifty First Times is a collection of fictional short stories from a variety of published Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult Romance authors aimed at a New Adult audience. Each story magnifies a moment in two characters' lives that shows the reader their decision to take physical intimacy to a new level, the events leading up to this moment and in some cases, the events that follow.   It’s about the couple who decides not to go through with it, the two boys who finally aren’t ashamed, the couple whose wedding night could very well be their last night together, the deaf pair who have no choice but to take body language to a new level, proving that love can exist underneath the external layers of humanity, and of course the two young people fumbling and laughing, getting everything wrong yet making a memory that will never fade.
 19 AUTHORS, 19 STORIESJulie Cross (creator)
J. Lynn
Molly McAdams
Sophie Jordan
Roni Loren
Tracy Wolff
Lauren Layne
Andrew Shaffer
Cole Gibson
Myra McEntire
Carrie Ryan
Mark Perini
Gennifer Albin
Lisa Desrochers
Hannah Moskowitz
Lyla Payne
Alessandra Thomas
Melissa Landers
Melissa West

Buy Links     
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Fifty-First-Times-Adult-Anthology-ebook/dp/B00F8P3A36/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391627900&sr=8-1&keywords=fifty+first+times

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fifty-first-times-julie-cross/1118477580?ean=9780062329707 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18513487-fifty-first-times




THIRD DEGREE
by: Julie Cross:
AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE
MARCH 25,
2014

http://www.randomhouse.com/book/237829/third-degree-by-julie-cross

Book Review of 3 GATES OF THE DEAD by Jonathan Ryan

3 Gates of the Dead was written by Jonathan Ryan and published through Premier Digital Publishing in October, 2013. You may purchase this book at www.amazon.com and you may find out more about Jonathan at www.authorjonathanryan.com  
After the untimely death of his parents, and the betrayal by his fiancé, Amanda, Assistant Pastor, Aiden Schaeffer is having a crisis of faith.

Then suddenly, Aiden is told that his ex has been brutally murdered in an apparent ritualistic manor, and she may not be the last. Aiden’s life begins to un-ravel as he is thrust into a strange world where he, and the people of his church congregation become victims of supernatural forces, weird dreams, texts, voices, and bare footprints in the snow.

Aiden meets rogue detective Jennifer Brown, who is working the eerie case, and Father John Neal, a priest who may have more information about what is going on than he is willing to talk about. Together with a team of paranormal investigators, they must find the answers to the killings before another life is lost, and evil escapes into the world.

Jonathan Ryan has written a masterpiece thriller that will eat away at your psyche and have you cringing at every turn of the page. His storyline is exceptionally frightening with all the paranormal darkness and unseen evil the reader can handle. His characters have that ‘flawed but human’ trait that gives them weight and makes them come alive on the page.

Ryan’s excellent writing style and attention to detail will have readers screaming (literally), and demanding the sequel, placing Ryan squarely in the top tier of the horror-writing genre’.

3 Gates of the Dead will scare you to death and make you rethink your ideas about ghosts, demons, and the after-life. If you are into horror, suspense and being thrilled, do NOT miss 3 Gates of The Dead by Jonathan Ryan… Horror Awesomeness!!

5 spiders for this outstanding horror read.

DJ Weaver (for Suspense Magazine)
   

Book Review of THE SHROUD KEY by Vincent Zandri

THE SHROUD KEYwas written by Vincent Zandri and published by Bear Media in September, 2013. You can purchase this novel at www.amazon.con and you may find out more about Vincent at www.vincentzandri.com
Chase Baker is exactly what he appears to be… a womanizing, ‘Indiana Jones’, without the degrees, who thrives on adventure and excitement. Add one damsel in distress, a missing professor, and a mysterious set of bones, and you have one more thrilling read from the masterful pen of International Best Selling author, Vincent Zandri.
The beautiful ex-wife of Chase’s former partner, Professor Andre Manion, enlists his aid in finding the kidnapped professor. Chase discovers that the professor could have vital information as to the location of the most important archeological discovery of modern times… the bones of Jesus Christ. He sets off on a search to recover the professor and locate the bones, before someone beats him to it or kills him first.
Zandri has brought back that wonderful ‘quest’ story that keeps the reader alert and pinging with anticipation from beginning to end. His ‘Chase Baker’ character is cocky, smart, and multi-talented, but with that brotherly quality that reminds you of a best friend in school. These are the types of characters we remember and follow, and Zandri does them with flair, along with non-stop action and a surprise ending. What thriller reader could not love that?
THE SHROUD KEYis a 5 spider read and well worth every minute.
DJ Weaver