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Transcending Queen
Transcending is the act of rising above limitations of ordinary experience to pass through emotions that extend beyond our understanding, enabling one to emerge aware after great struggle.
Jack and Melissa find themselves in another challenging investigation of broken promises and lives manipulated by someone people should have been able to trust. They are hired to find the truth about Father Clayton and the communities' beloved church. He welcomes them under the assumption Melissa needs help after losing her husband, John. Problems arise when she falls for the priest in question while she genuinely desires a normal life. She tries to push through her emotional problems as her whole world seems to come crashing down around her. The more she struggles to do the right thing, the deeper she digs her own grave as her past haunts and the future is unknown. There comes a time when she has to face facts and try to rise above it all.
"They just want the truth," Jack demanded.
"The truth is never what is seems," Melissa cried out.
SK Thomas of "Pawned Queen" welcomes you to another novella in this thriller series forcing you to question belief and faith in humanity.
Jack and Melissa find themselves in another challenging investigation of broken promises and lives manipulated by someone people should have been able to trust. They are hired to find the truth about Father Clayton and the communities' beloved church. He welcomes them under the assumption Melissa needs help after losing her husband, John. Problems arise when she falls for the priest in question while she genuinely desires a normal life. She tries to push through her emotional problems as her whole world seems to come crashing down around her. The more she struggles to do the right thing, the deeper she digs her own grave as her past haunts and the future is unknown. There comes a time when she has to face facts and try to rise above it all.
"They just want the truth," Jack demanded.
"The truth is never what is seems," Melissa cried out.
SK Thomas of "Pawned Queen" welcomes you to another novella in this thriller series forcing you to question belief and faith in humanity.
143 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2014
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
S.K. Thomas
3 books57 followersLife Behind the Scenes ~ Storytelling & Telling Stories
SK Thomas is that unique, one of a kind person who takes life experiences to a new level, resides down the street in any town or neighborhood. She spent many years of her life traveling while in discovery of all life had to offer. These days, she can be found writing, editing and marketing while exploring other business ventures. She has published two books in her Pawned Queen Thrilling Mystery Series while residing in California. Both novellas were finalists in the 2015 Bookbzz Prize Writing Competition.
SK Thomas is that unique, one of a kind person who takes life experiences to a new level, resides down the street in any town or neighborhood. She spent many years of her life traveling while in discovery of all life had to offer. These days, she can be found writing, editing and marketing while exploring other business ventures. She has published two books in her Pawned Queen Thrilling Mystery Series while residing in California. Both novellas were finalists in the 2015 Bookbzz Prize Writing Competition.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 20, 2015
I really like the character of Melissa in this book. I think it was a good next book in the series. Transcending Queen started where the first book left off. If you like a little mystery and crime, you should check out this series. * This book was given to my by the author in exchange for an honest review*
May 22, 2015
Quickly this time, I am relatively new to Goodreads. Hopefully I am learning enough about this site to operate here transparently.
SK Thomas allowed me to read the first two novellas in her "Queen" series. This book follows after the original novella Pawned Queen, which should be read first (if you are so inclined... :-) ). Because I have previously reviewed both of these books on Amazon, what you see here is essentially identical to what I posted there.
First let me say that I was looking forward to this story. I read the first novella, Pawned Queen, and truthfully was a little surprised how much I liked it. This second in the series is better than the first. While this could be read as a stand alone story, it is much better if you have read Pawned Queen first. If you read them in sequence, you will discover that you have a better understanding of the characters, their foibles, and where they "fit" in the story. It's like having a chapter or two interspersed to add to the back story.
I don't review books and give away the plot lines. No spoilers here.!! So I will just say this. As much as I liked Pawned Queen, I like Transcending Queen more. It is tighter and smoother. The characters are developed better because we are already familiar with them. We know a little about them, and we can better understand their personalities and the "why" of what they do. This is important. In a feature length novel, we have plenty of time to gain understanding and to "mind-meld" with our characters. This is just not possible with works that are this abbreviated. We need to gain insight somewhere and our previous introduction leaves us better able to develop chemistry with the characters.
So, once again I am drawn to Ms. Thomas' story telling skills. I found this effort to be a rather engrossing read. The mystery kept me in a suspenseful state with sufficient excitement to keep me turning the pages. That's really all you can ask of a novella.
One item of interest to note. It is my understanding that Ms. Thomas has a third novella in this same series under construction (maybe a bit of a strange way to describe the literary process, but I think it is quite appropriate...). I am looking forward to reading the next book too!!
SK Thomas allowed me to read the first two novellas in her "Queen" series. This book follows after the original novella Pawned Queen, which should be read first (if you are so inclined... :-) ). Because I have previously reviewed both of these books on Amazon, what you see here is essentially identical to what I posted there.
First let me say that I was looking forward to this story. I read the first novella, Pawned Queen, and truthfully was a little surprised how much I liked it. This second in the series is better than the first. While this could be read as a stand alone story, it is much better if you have read Pawned Queen first. If you read them in sequence, you will discover that you have a better understanding of the characters, their foibles, and where they "fit" in the story. It's like having a chapter or two interspersed to add to the back story.
I don't review books and give away the plot lines. No spoilers here.!! So I will just say this. As much as I liked Pawned Queen, I like Transcending Queen more. It is tighter and smoother. The characters are developed better because we are already familiar with them. We know a little about them, and we can better understand their personalities and the "why" of what they do. This is important. In a feature length novel, we have plenty of time to gain understanding and to "mind-meld" with our characters. This is just not possible with works that are this abbreviated. We need to gain insight somewhere and our previous introduction leaves us better able to develop chemistry with the characters.
So, once again I am drawn to Ms. Thomas' story telling skills. I found this effort to be a rather engrossing read. The mystery kept me in a suspenseful state with sufficient excitement to keep me turning the pages. That's really all you can ask of a novella.
One item of interest to note. It is my understanding that Ms. Thomas has a third novella in this same series under construction (maybe a bit of a strange way to describe the literary process, but I think it is quite appropriate...). I am looking forward to reading the next book too!!
November 13, 2014
Transcending Queen by SK Thomas is the second book in the Pawned Queen series and a book that kept my interest from beginning to end.
It starts right where the first book leaves off. Melissa is grieving over the death of John, even though he was not the man she thought he was, she still loved him and misses him. John's friend, Jack (the private investigator) agrees to take care of Melissa after John's death and the two decide to work together on an investigation in another town. Melissa is again used as bait (a pawn if you will) in this new case that involves suspicions against a priest, Father Clayton.
At first, it would appear that Father Clayton is a nice member of the clergy, a man who sees Melissa's pain and offers solace to her during their counseling sessions. Melissa is vulnerable and questions whether she is falling for the caring priest or if he is just manipulating her.
As the story progresses, Melissa realizes that she must face the fact that her decisions of late have not been very good and that she should work a bit harder on who she puts her trust into. The development and maturation of Melissa in this second novel leads the reader to give a sigh of relief that maybe Melissa is on the right track now with her life.
Although this second book does stand on its own, I would recommend that the first book in the series, Pawned Queen be read prior to Transcending Queen. Many questions about Melissa's life are answered in the first book and are eluded to in the second.
Overall, this was a very good read and one I would recommend to those who appreciate a good crime mystery.
It starts right where the first book leaves off. Melissa is grieving over the death of John, even though he was not the man she thought he was, she still loved him and misses him. John's friend, Jack (the private investigator) agrees to take care of Melissa after John's death and the two decide to work together on an investigation in another town. Melissa is again used as bait (a pawn if you will) in this new case that involves suspicions against a priest, Father Clayton.
At first, it would appear that Father Clayton is a nice member of the clergy, a man who sees Melissa's pain and offers solace to her during their counseling sessions. Melissa is vulnerable and questions whether she is falling for the caring priest or if he is just manipulating her.
As the story progresses, Melissa realizes that she must face the fact that her decisions of late have not been very good and that she should work a bit harder on who she puts her trust into. The development and maturation of Melissa in this second novel leads the reader to give a sigh of relief that maybe Melissa is on the right track now with her life.
Although this second book does stand on its own, I would recommend that the first book in the series, Pawned Queen be read prior to Transcending Queen. Many questions about Melissa's life are answered in the first book and are eluded to in the second.
Overall, this was a very good read and one I would recommend to those who appreciate a good crime mystery.
November 11, 2015
Transcending Queen by S.K. Thomas is the second book in the Pawned Queen series and life has not been going smoothly for Melissa. She is in debt, feeling depressed and now Jack is at her door trying to get her to work on a new case with their detective agency. Even though she doesn’t feel like going back to work, she does what she has to do. Now Melissa has to go to a church and investigate Father Clayton who is being accused of manipulating the trust of the church goers. Things get complicated as Melissa takes a liking to Father Clayton and what’s going on at the church is not what it seems.
I loved the character of Melissa in this book, she has grown from the events in Pawned Queen. She goes from a woman who is meek and fearful to a woman who has issues but shows how tough she is in Transcending Queen. Melissa is a woman who does what she has to do to survive even though she is coming apart at the seems. In addition to some good characters in this book, SK Thomas also gives us another good mystery.
All the complaints I had about Pawned Queen were fixed in Transcending Queen, the writing was improved and the story was better than the first book. The story doesn’t go where you think its going to go and it was interesting watching Melissa decide what she wants to do about Father Clayton. Sometimes the difference between good and evil isn’t so clear-cut and deciding the right course of action isn’t easy. This was an entertaining read and as the Pawned Queen series keeps getting better, I’m left to wonder where the next book in the series will go.
I loved the character of Melissa in this book, she has grown from the events in Pawned Queen. She goes from a woman who is meek and fearful to a woman who has issues but shows how tough she is in Transcending Queen. Melissa is a woman who does what she has to do to survive even though she is coming apart at the seems. In addition to some good characters in this book, SK Thomas also gives us another good mystery.
All the complaints I had about Pawned Queen were fixed in Transcending Queen, the writing was improved and the story was better than the first book. The story doesn’t go where you think its going to go and it was interesting watching Melissa decide what she wants to do about Father Clayton. Sometimes the difference between good and evil isn’t so clear-cut and deciding the right course of action isn’t easy. This was an entertaining read and as the Pawned Queen series keeps getting better, I’m left to wonder where the next book in the series will go.
June 7, 2015
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
As I did not read the first book in the series, Pawned Queen, I felt lost at times when reference was made to characters which you would have presumably met in the first book.
There are a number of confusing sections in the book – it seems that sections were flung together with no explanation how to get from one scene to the next, e.g. in Chapter 6 we go from the conversation between Jack and Melissa, to the knock on the door and Joseph is standing there. Only a few sentences later do you realise that Joseph is standing at Father Clayton’s door talking to him.
I didn’t enjoy the book and I must say in all honesty maybe it is due to the fact that I didn’t read the first book in this series.
In short, Melissa is trying to establish what she wants from life, and her working environment does little to help her. She is trying to deal with the death of her husband, and finds herself in yet another confusing situation with streams of mixed emotions.
It is my believe that these books must be read in the order of which it has been written to get a clearer picture.
As I did not read the first book in the series, Pawned Queen, I felt lost at times when reference was made to characters which you would have presumably met in the first book.
There are a number of confusing sections in the book – it seems that sections were flung together with no explanation how to get from one scene to the next, e.g. in Chapter 6 we go from the conversation between Jack and Melissa, to the knock on the door and Joseph is standing there. Only a few sentences later do you realise that Joseph is standing at Father Clayton’s door talking to him.
I didn’t enjoy the book and I must say in all honesty maybe it is due to the fact that I didn’t read the first book in this series.
In short, Melissa is trying to establish what she wants from life, and her working environment does little to help her. She is trying to deal with the death of her husband, and finds herself in yet another confusing situation with streams of mixed emotions.
It is my believe that these books must be read in the order of which it has been written to get a clearer picture.
July 31, 2015
Melissa is still trying to come to grips with the death of her husband. It was shocking and violent. Jack, her friend, asks her to help him with a case. There is a priest who isn't who he says he is. Jack and Melissa use the fact she'd just lost her husband as their "in". She needed counselling. Things seldom go as planned. No one expected her to fall in love with the questionable priest. The next question is, can she still do her job effectively?
This story is a good one, it just needs a little help. I applaud Melissa. She's trying to deal with her personal issues and work a case. It is difficult at best. The lessons herein, whether she can remain on the side of law and order, or will she protect her priest. I felt her pain and her joy. It's a very quick read.
I did find issues. Conversations need to be made easier to read. Start a new paragraph for each person talking. It makes it hard to follow the way they are now. It also needs to show more clearly Father Clayton's misdeeds.
I gave this one 3 cheers out of 5 because the story is a good one. ~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~
This story is a good one, it just needs a little help. I applaud Melissa. She's trying to deal with her personal issues and work a case. It is difficult at best. The lessons herein, whether she can remain on the side of law and order, or will she protect her priest. I felt her pain and her joy. It's a very quick read.
I did find issues. Conversations need to be made easier to read. Start a new paragraph for each person talking. It makes it hard to follow the way they are now. It also needs to show more clearly Father Clayton's misdeeds.
I gave this one 3 cheers out of 5 because the story is a good one. ~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~
May 19, 2015
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This second book in Melissa's story is just as dramatic and suspenseful as the first. Melissa finds herself in another investigation that will test her emotional and mental health.
Her business partner and friend, Jack, coerces her into joining another investigation mission before she's come to terms with the loss of her husband. And she meets a priest suspected of shady activities. Despite what she's heard about him, she finds herself drawn to him and begins to trust him with her life and love.
I realized in this book that Melissa is only 19 and that brings what she's gone through to an entire new level. She keeps finding herself in relationships with manipulative men who use her to get what they want as opposed to looking out for her welfare.
I enjoyed this book and found my heart aching for Melissa. She's a great main character and I'm anxious to see how she continues to grow into adulthood as this series progresses.
This second book in Melissa's story is just as dramatic and suspenseful as the first. Melissa finds herself in another investigation that will test her emotional and mental health.
Her business partner and friend, Jack, coerces her into joining another investigation mission before she's come to terms with the loss of her husband. And she meets a priest suspected of shady activities. Despite what she's heard about him, she finds herself drawn to him and begins to trust him with her life and love.
I realized in this book that Melissa is only 19 and that brings what she's gone through to an entire new level. She keeps finding herself in relationships with manipulative men who use her to get what they want as opposed to looking out for her welfare.
I enjoyed this book and found my heart aching for Melissa. She's a great main character and I'm anxious to see how she continues to grow into adulthood as this series progresses.
June 29, 2015
If you enjoy twists and turns, unexpected situations, and a gripping story, this might be the right book for you. The story holds the reader is suspense in this second-in-the-series novella, and I was intrigued with the nontraditional priest from the start. The main character, Melissa, has recently lost her husband, who has left her in quite a bind. She gets involved in an investigation with Jack into a priest’s activities, whom she initially befriends but whom which she knows very little about. I won’t say too much as to not ruin the surprise of the story, but needless to say, it was a great read! It was short but delightful, allowing itself to be a perfect companion on a quiet night. The author managed to give depth and dimension to her characters with limited time and space, and did a wonderful job in doing so. I do have a few questions about the character and what happened in the first book, so I would recommend you read “Pawned Queen” first before beginning this one.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews