Jackson Coppley's Blog, page 2

The Angel Deception by David Leadbeater

Although David Leadbeater is another author who writes in my action/adventure genre, this is the first novel I’ve read of his. I need to...

Aztec by Gary Jennings

Thirty years ago, I read Gary Jennings' novel Aztec. Or, at least I thought I read it.   I’m currently writing a novel in which one of...

Fractured Verdict by L.T. Ryan

Fractured Verdict is a high-stakes legal thriller centered on Assistant District Attorney Alex Hayes, a seasoned prosecutor put on a case...

Strangers in Time by David Baldacci

This novel is a departure for David Baldacci, who is best known for his fast-paced thrillers, legal dramas, and series featuring...

Thriller Books You Can't Put Down

I am joining a group promotion of fellow authors who write Thrillers. The best part is: Most are Free! Click Here

Eleven Numbers by Lee Child

Eleven Numbers is the latest book written by Lee Child under an agreement with Amazon to produce for them short stories and novellas as...

Sunrise on the Reaping

Sunrise on the Reaping By Suzanne Collins We listened to the audible version of Sunrise on the Reaping on a long road trip. Not being a...

The Forest of Lost Souls by Dean Koontz

The Forest of Lost Souls centers on a young woman named Vida. Raised by her late great-uncle in the forests of a fictional Kettleton County, Vida makes her living, like her great-uncle before her, finding gemstones. She has a knack for it showing a bit of mysticism one would expect in a Dean Koontz novel.

However, you must wait a chapter or two to find all of that out. The first chapter is about an albino she-wolf, elegantly described by Koontz, but leaving the reader mystified what’s the book is about.

Then the story at last plays out. Vida’s lover, José Nochelobo, a local hero and environmentalist, dies under suspicious circumstances. As Vida delves into the truth behind José’s death, she confronts powerful men, including Terrence Boschvark, a ruthless psychopath involved in land development, and Deputy Sheriff Nash Deacon, who becomes a formidable adversary. Vida must use her connection to nature and her resourcefulness to protect herself and the land she loves from those who seek to exploit it. She faces these threats one after the other and with each played out as a separate story.

It's been some time since I read Dean Koontz, and I don’t remember his writing being as lyrical as in this novel. Opinions on whether it signifies an improvement vary. Critics often praise Koontz for his lyrical prose, meticulous word choice, and ability to blend suspense with philosophical depth. However, some argue that his style can feel overly polished or repetitive, relying on familiar tricks that longtime readers may find predictable.

I have read Koontz himself has expressed a commitment to developing as a writer, emphasizing the importance of stretching creatively and refining his craft through extensive revision. While The Forest of Lost Souls likely reflects these efforts, its reception depends on individual preferences for his signature style. Fans seeking fresh narrative risks may appreciate the novel’s depth, while others might find it consistent with his established approach rather than a significant leap forward.

If there were a Koontz wackiness meter, The Forest of Lost Souls would be low on the scale, leaving a sound believability to the story.

Recommended.

“The Ark Files” by Luke Richardson

I discovered “The Ark Files” by accident. I was reviewing Amazon Ad customer selections for my novel, “The Code Hunters,” and found many readers also enjoyed “The Ark Files.” I had to read it, or more correctly, I listened to the audio version read by Claudia Campbell.

 

The plot centers around a secret manuscript that could potentially change the world. This novel is based on real archaeological finds, with some names slightly altered to blend fact and fiction.

 

The story follows Eden Black, a professional treasure hunter who finds herself embroiled in a dangerous mystery after her father’s death. As she investigates, she discovers that his death wasn’t an accident, but part of a pattern of deaths connected to an archaeological dig from twenty years ago.

 

The novel blends elements of archaeology, action, and suspense. My novels are dialog driven. Richardson’s are description driven, and I tip my hat to Richardson for his brilliant depiction of action scenes.

 

He shares my emphasis on settings in his stories. His travels allow him to envision exciting scenes, such as chase sequences in markets or action on rooftops in various locations around the world.

 

So, I agree with readers. If you like “The Code Hunters,” read “The Ark Files.”

 

BTW: “The Ark Files” is the first in a series of Eden Black adventures.

"The Chimes" by Charles Dickents

"The Chimes" echoes A Christmas Carol with ghosts visiting a man who an attitude adjustment.

 

"The Chimes: A Goblin Story of Some Bells that Rang an Old Year Out and a New Year In" is a novella by Charles Dickens, published in 1844 as part of his series of Christmas books. The story revolves around Toby "Trotty" Veck, a poor elderly ticket-porter living in Victorian London.

 

The story begins on New Year's Eve when Trotty's daughter Meg announces her engagement to Richard. Their joy is short-lived after an encounter with Alderman Cute and other elites who discourage the marriage, claiming the poor are inherently wicked and undeserving of happiness.

 

Influenced by these negative views and a newspaper article about a destitute woman's suicide, Trotty begins to lose faith in the goodness of his social class. That night, he hears the church bells (the Chimes) calling him. Upon climbing the bell tower, he encounters the spirits of the bells and their goblin attendants.

 

The spirits reveal that Trotty has died from his climb and show him visions of a bleak future:

 

- Meg marries Richard, who descends into alcoholism and dies, leaving her widowed with a child.

- Their friends Will and Lilian face hardships, with Will repeatedly imprisoned and Lilian turning to prostitution.

- Meg, destitute and hopeless, contemplates suicide with her child.

 

These visions are meant to teach Trotty that mankind is not inherently wicked but strives for better when not crushed by circumstances.

 

Trotty awakens on New Year's Day, realizing it was all a dream. He finds Meg and Richard happily preparing for their wedding, with friends gathering to celebrate. The story ends on a hopeful note, emphasizing the importance of trust, hope, and belief in the goodness of humanity.