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Sydney Rye Mysteries #7
Shadow Harvest
Dan looked at me like I was some kind of hero, someone he would die for.
We circled the runway, a strip of black in a field of green...Dan was down there. There was a time, I thought I was in love with him. A founding member of Joyful Justice and a computer genius with broad shoulders and a tapered waist, I imagine I could’ve been happy with him if I wasn't so screwed up.
But I doubted all that now. I suspected he'd betrayed me. That he'd been telling my secrets for years to the one person I'd tried to hide them from, Robert Maxim. Bobby to his friends. And now, weirdly enough, I could count myself as his friend. After years of hating him, of blaming him for taking my revenge from me. After knowing, for sure, for absolute sure, that Robert Maxim was the worst kind of man, I had now let him join Joyful Justice. I'd decided to trust him.
So Dan had betrayed me to Robert Maxim, but I'd found out after I'd decided to trust Robert Maxim. So how angry should I be? I laughed out loud. Blue, my dog, raised his head and checked my face, letting his tail tap against the floor. I smiled down at him and scratched under his chin. He tapped louder. "What do you think?" I asked him. "What should I do about this betrayal?"
As usual Blue did not have a response.
Wind battered the plane, whistling around the small vessel. The pilot's forearms strained to hold the plane steady. As we neared the ground one wing dipped for a moment before touching down with a jolt that knocked all anxiety out of my mind, sharpening my vision and pumping me full of adrenaline. The wind continued to push against the plane but we were down. We were safe.
When the plane came to a stop, I stood, grabbed my small bag from the seat next to me, and waited as the co-pilot opened the door. The stairs unfolded and met the tarmac as an open-topped Jeep Wrangler pulled alongside the plane. Dan was at the wheel. His hair was longer than the last time I'd seen him. It covered his ears and brushed the neckline of his worn cotton green T-shirt. His beard was shaggy, bleached from the sun and wild-looking. Dan smiled as he looked up at me. I couldn't help but return the grin.
Blue and I made our way down the steps. Dan embraced me; he smelled like sunscreen, salty sea, and a whiff of coconut. Blue tapped his feet next to us, waiting impatiently for his own greeting. I wrapped my arms around Dan's neck and pushed my face into his chest, breathing in his intoxicating scents.
Closing my eyes, I reveled in the final moment before I exploded our relationship.
P.S. The dog does not die.
**Beware: If you can’t handle a few f-bombs, you can’t handle this series.**
We circled the runway, a strip of black in a field of green...Dan was down there. There was a time, I thought I was in love with him. A founding member of Joyful Justice and a computer genius with broad shoulders and a tapered waist, I imagine I could’ve been happy with him if I wasn't so screwed up.
But I doubted all that now. I suspected he'd betrayed me. That he'd been telling my secrets for years to the one person I'd tried to hide them from, Robert Maxim. Bobby to his friends. And now, weirdly enough, I could count myself as his friend. After years of hating him, of blaming him for taking my revenge from me. After knowing, for sure, for absolute sure, that Robert Maxim was the worst kind of man, I had now let him join Joyful Justice. I'd decided to trust him.
So Dan had betrayed me to Robert Maxim, but I'd found out after I'd decided to trust Robert Maxim. So how angry should I be? I laughed out loud. Blue, my dog, raised his head and checked my face, letting his tail tap against the floor. I smiled down at him and scratched under his chin. He tapped louder. "What do you think?" I asked him. "What should I do about this betrayal?"
As usual Blue did not have a response.
Wind battered the plane, whistling around the small vessel. The pilot's forearms strained to hold the plane steady. As we neared the ground one wing dipped for a moment before touching down with a jolt that knocked all anxiety out of my mind, sharpening my vision and pumping me full of adrenaline. The wind continued to push against the plane but we were down. We were safe.
When the plane came to a stop, I stood, grabbed my small bag from the seat next to me, and waited as the co-pilot opened the door. The stairs unfolded and met the tarmac as an open-topped Jeep Wrangler pulled alongside the plane. Dan was at the wheel. His hair was longer than the last time I'd seen him. It covered his ears and brushed the neckline of his worn cotton green T-shirt. His beard was shaggy, bleached from the sun and wild-looking. Dan smiled as he looked up at me. I couldn't help but return the grin.
Blue and I made our way down the steps. Dan embraced me; he smelled like sunscreen, salty sea, and a whiff of coconut. Blue tapped his feet next to us, waiting impatiently for his own greeting. I wrapped my arms around Dan's neck and pushed my face into his chest, breathing in his intoxicating scents.
Closing my eyes, I reveled in the final moment before I exploded our relationship.
P.S. The dog does not die.
**Beware: If you can’t handle a few f-bombs, you can’t handle this series.**
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2015
614 people are currently reading
939 people want to read
About the author
Emily Kimelman
41 books883 followersI write because I love to read, but I have specific tastes...
If I was offered a job as a professional reader with no strings attached, I would take it. Getting paid to sit around and read while drinking tea all day—I'm there. Since that’s not possible, I became an author.
I write the books I want to read—stories that give me the immersive reading experiences I crave. When a series grabs me, and it's all I can think about, I'm SO happy. When my inner dialogue starts sounding like the protagonist of my current read, I think, Oh yeah, this is IT. This is what I love.
When I finish a book, and I NEED to immediately grab the next one in the series, that’s the intensity I crave. When I binge read an entire series, I want to feel like my own reality changed—as if the stories I read affected the real world just a little. After a great series I'm a little wiser, a little more grateful for my everyday existence, and a little more aware that my personal perspective is not everyone's.
Personally, I like to spend time in fictional worlds where justice is exacted with a vengeance, even though good and bad are not always black and white. Give me raw stories with a main character who occasionally makes me laugh, is flawed like we all are, and feels like a friend by the end of the first few chapters. They don’t have to be a friend I always LIKE, per se, but a part of me has to root for them.
For me, the sentence structure is important. Too much passive voice, and I'm out. I do not mind four-letter words at all though. Sex in books can go either way—fade to black or show me the details, but either way there has to be a reason it’s in the story. I'm also into heroic pets, plots that seem totally unhinged but all come together in the end with a BANG, and long series so I always have more to look forward to.
Those are the types of stories I love reading, so that’s how I write. If you’re into some or all of the above then I think we are going to get along fantastically.
If I was offered a job as a professional reader with no strings attached, I would take it. Getting paid to sit around and read while drinking tea all day—I'm there. Since that’s not possible, I became an author.
I write the books I want to read—stories that give me the immersive reading experiences I crave. When a series grabs me, and it's all I can think about, I'm SO happy. When my inner dialogue starts sounding like the protagonist of my current read, I think, Oh yeah, this is IT. This is what I love.
When I finish a book, and I NEED to immediately grab the next one in the series, that’s the intensity I crave. When I binge read an entire series, I want to feel like my own reality changed—as if the stories I read affected the real world just a little. After a great series I'm a little wiser, a little more grateful for my everyday existence, and a little more aware that my personal perspective is not everyone's.
Personally, I like to spend time in fictional worlds where justice is exacted with a vengeance, even though good and bad are not always black and white. Give me raw stories with a main character who occasionally makes me laugh, is flawed like we all are, and feels like a friend by the end of the first few chapters. They don’t have to be a friend I always LIKE, per se, but a part of me has to root for them.
For me, the sentence structure is important. Too much passive voice, and I'm out. I do not mind four-letter words at all though. Sex in books can go either way—fade to black or show me the details, but either way there has to be a reason it’s in the story. I'm also into heroic pets, plots that seem totally unhinged but all come together in the end with a BANG, and long series so I always have more to look forward to.
Those are the types of stories I love reading, so that’s how I write. If you’re into some or all of the above then I think we are going to get along fantastically.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
August 8, 2015
Best of the Sydney Rye series! Sydney shows much more depth of character and emotional growth - and continues to display an amazing relationship with her faithful dog, Blue. Definitely still written for adults with vigilante style justice and content, this edition seems to be rich with intrigue and details. Well-written with a riveting plot - be prepared to stay up late wanting to finish!
Shadow Harvest is a great read as a stand alone, and even more enjoyable if you read the entire series (Amazon is currently offering a great deal on books 1-6). I am thrilled that I made the investment so I could re-read the series from the beginning.
Shadow Harvest is a great read as a stand alone, and even more enjoyable if you read the entire series (Amazon is currently offering a great deal on books 1-6). I am thrilled that I made the investment so I could re-read the series from the beginning.
March 23, 2022
I enjoyed this book number seven in the Sydney Rye series. Good writing with a good plot. Sydney is out to find her friend Meryl, lost somewhere in China. enjoy.
January 23, 2019
Shadow Harvest - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Emily Kimelman's wonderful heroine Sydney Rye is globe-trotting once more - she's a real woman on a mission who won't take no for an answer when it comes to doing the right thing on behalf of the underdog and the forgotten victims of international crime and terrorism.
Shadow Harvest is Book 7 in the Sydney Rye Mystery series and what a series it is! Crossing the globe on the hunt for her missing MMA trainer and friend Merl leads to danger and excitement at every turn. Once he's found, Sydney will be able to help him locate his missing love-interest and mentor, Mo-Ping who's also missing in China.
Despite being handicapped by the lingering effects of her datura ingestion, causing hallucinations and agonising depression, Sydney is a never-say-die feisty heroine who's not afraid of the powerful enemies she must destroy at all costs - before they can eliminate both her and those whom she loves and works with at Joyful Justice. Can you stand the excitement of Shadow Harvest? Will Sydney win the battle against evil and live to fight another day in the next in the series?
Time to get your copy and find out for yourself - then tell all your friends about the amazing Ms Rye and her creator Emily Kimelman - why wait?
Emily Kimelman's wonderful heroine Sydney Rye is globe-trotting once more - she's a real woman on a mission who won't take no for an answer when it comes to doing the right thing on behalf of the underdog and the forgotten victims of international crime and terrorism.
Shadow Harvest is Book 7 in the Sydney Rye Mystery series and what a series it is! Crossing the globe on the hunt for her missing MMA trainer and friend Merl leads to danger and excitement at every turn. Once he's found, Sydney will be able to help him locate his missing love-interest and mentor, Mo-Ping who's also missing in China.
Despite being handicapped by the lingering effects of her datura ingestion, causing hallucinations and agonising depression, Sydney is a never-say-die feisty heroine who's not afraid of the powerful enemies she must destroy at all costs - before they can eliminate both her and those whom she loves and works with at Joyful Justice. Can you stand the excitement of Shadow Harvest? Will Sydney win the battle against evil and live to fight another day in the next in the series?
Time to get your copy and find out for yourself - then tell all your friends about the amazing Ms Rye and her creator Emily Kimelman - why wait?
July 18, 2025
Very action packed and added a nice layer of character development for our girl Sydney Rye!
Overall she will do everything and anything in her power to protect the ones she loves!
Can’t wait to start the next book
Overall she will do everything and anything in her power to protect the ones she loves!
Can’t wait to start the next book
May 17, 2025
Entertaining page turner.
July 11, 2017
I hated the way the author was turning this series into a trashy romance rather than an edgy thriller. I can only assume the author is trying to attract a different audience for this series. I much prefer my heroines to be independent and not to have their lives revolve around various men.
However, I liked most of the rest of the series so I thought I would give it another chance. After the first couple of chapters I began to wish I hadn’t.
Fortunately, Sidney heads for Shanghai to look for her friend Merl, this is more like the earlier books in the series and I quite enjoyed reading this part of the book until I came to the ending. This is just abysmal, first there is the stupid deal with Declan followed by the ‘none ending’ ploy to get the readers to buy the next book.
However, I liked most of the rest of the series so I thought I would give it another chance. After the first couple of chapters I began to wish I hadn’t.
Fortunately, Sidney heads for Shanghai to look for her friend Merl, this is more like the earlier books in the series and I quite enjoyed reading this part of the book until I came to the ending. This is just abysmal, first there is the stupid deal with Declan followed by the ‘none ending’ ploy to get the readers to buy the next book.
August 11, 2015
Sydney is a woman of power surrounded by men giving their respect in awesome ways. She can hunt, kill and have compassion in the same chapter. Joy is definitely gone, four years ago she couldn't hold a job or a boyfriend. Now, as Sydney, she has men desiring her on every continent and leading revolutionaries in battle. This series is truly the best action/adventure story with a female lead. Even with a man in the lead they cannot go near the intensity of the Sydney series. You could just dive into the series randomly but you would miss the progression, start with Unleashed and read straight through. My copy was given by the author for my honest review.
August 18, 2015
Okay book.
Have to read the next book in this series to find the ending for this book. Sydney always sees every men as sex objects and description of their body and clothing if they're dressed written. Even talking on the phone, how they sound sexy or feeling of their arms around her. These took away so much from the good she was doing. Also at the beginning she was taking care of her most valuable friend and protector, but Blue went without water or any food long day, but she was talking about being hungry herself and even ate a half sandwich that was given to her. Did liked the first book in this series, but...
Have to read the next book in this series to find the ending for this book. Sydney always sees every men as sex objects and description of their body and clothing if they're dressed written. Even talking on the phone, how they sound sexy or feeling of their arms around her. These took away so much from the good she was doing. Also at the beginning she was taking care of her most valuable friend and protector, but Blue went without water or any food long day, but she was talking about being hungry herself and even ate a half sandwich that was given to her. Did liked the first book in this series, but...
August 9, 2015
I absolutely love this series! Sydney changes with each book, sometimes for the better and sometimes not. I found the book to be fast-paced, and since Merl is my favorite character (not counting Blue), I was really invested in the outcome of this story. Also, I love a good cliffhanger, but now I am desperately waiting for book #8.
August 1, 2017
Shadow Harvest (Sydney Rye Mystery #7) — Emily Kimelman (21 [named] chapters) July 30-August 1, 2017)
Note: This book and series contains mature, adult themes, including violence, and sexual themes. Recommended reading audience is 18+.
I’m going to begin this review, as a long time reader of this series, with a rant.
I’m at the point in this series where I just want to finish the books I have and re-evaluate what I feel about this series.
The thing that really bothers me the most in the last couple of books is the unresolved Robert Maxim plot. It continues to boil under the surface. I don’t trust him, and yet he’s still there. Yes, he has been helpful, but I can’t help but think he’s after something more. You can’t keep taking something from a man like him and expect nothing in return.
I didn’t like how other adversaries are/where (quietly) dispatched and yet this one…yuck as he is…remains.
I understand there are always rubs like this in life, but sheesh. I don’t want to read an unresolved issue that keeps bubbling up never to be completely resolved. So far, the first three books in this series are my absolute favorites. Then it starts to fall off, definitely starting with the last book. /rant
This books follows the same formula as the last few books, (and maybe all previous ones, but the last one and this one is very obvious.) Sydney is sent to a new location, which occurred at the very end of the last book, and which we find more about at the start of the next book, only to be pulled into an adventure somewhere else in the world.
This time, it is China, where Merl is searching for his could be, possible girlfriend. Declan Doyle is bubbling in the background, but that secondary plot gets resolved .
These new locations are cool, but I’m starting to feel some fatigue with what each location is really trying to say.
This book is very well written, don’t get me wrong. I am not squeamish over the themes either. That’s not my stress. It’s that the honest story that was started in the first book feels so far away from where it is now, in this seventh book. It is oftentimes hard to keep a good plot going, but I’m thinking this one, as hard as it is for me, might be coming to an end sooner than later.
Ms. Kimelman is an excellent writer. I enjoy many of her series, but I am sad this one has evolved in a way that I don’t see ending well. But also, at the end of this book, in a terrible and happy way, I feel some hope that maybe a better story is coming in the next book. Maybe we aren’t yet done with Sydney and maybe she has another trick up her sleeve.
One more note: I keep forgetting to mention this. In the last two books, there were some punctuation errors. Mostly they occurred at the beginning. But this is to be expected with an independent writer.
Two stars.
Note: This book and series contains mature, adult themes, including violence, and sexual themes. Recommended reading audience is 18+.
I’m going to begin this review, as a long time reader of this series, with a rant.
I’m at the point in this series where I just want to finish the books I have and re-evaluate what I feel about this series.
The thing that really bothers me the most in the last couple of books is the unresolved Robert Maxim plot. It continues to boil under the surface. I don’t trust him, and yet he’s still there. Yes, he has been helpful, but I can’t help but think he’s after something more. You can’t keep taking something from a man like him and expect nothing in return.
I didn’t like how other adversaries are/where (quietly) dispatched and yet this one…yuck as he is…remains.
I understand there are always rubs like this in life, but sheesh. I don’t want to read an unresolved issue that keeps bubbling up never to be completely resolved. So far, the first three books in this series are my absolute favorites. Then it starts to fall off, definitely starting with the last book. /rant
This books follows the same formula as the last few books, (and maybe all previous ones, but the last one and this one is very obvious.) Sydney is sent to a new location, which occurred at the very end of the last book, and which we find more about at the start of the next book, only to be pulled into an adventure somewhere else in the world.
This time, it is China, where Merl is searching for his could be, possible girlfriend. Declan Doyle is bubbling in the background, but that secondary plot gets resolved .
These new locations are cool, but I’m starting to feel some fatigue with what each location is really trying to say.
This book is very well written, don’t get me wrong. I am not squeamish over the themes either. That’s not my stress. It’s that the honest story that was started in the first book feels so far away from where it is now, in this seventh book. It is oftentimes hard to keep a good plot going, but I’m thinking this one, as hard as it is for me, might be coming to an end sooner than later.
Ms. Kimelman is an excellent writer. I enjoy many of her series, but I am sad this one has evolved in a way that I don’t see ending well. But also, at the end of this book, in a terrible and happy way, I feel some hope that maybe a better story is coming in the next book. Maybe we aren’t yet done with Sydney and maybe she has another trick up her sleeve.
One more note: I keep forgetting to mention this. In the last two books, there were some punctuation errors. Mostly they occurred at the beginning. But this is to be expected with an independent writer.
Two stars.
August 26, 2020
Sydney Rye (Joyful Justice vigilante network co-founder) was reminiscing about all the people she had helped better their lives.
HS Agent Declan Doyle (former Detective NYPD Homicide) had planned on killing Sydney.
Robert “Bobby” Maxim (Fortress Global Investigations FGI owner) was making his FGI initial public offering (IPO).
Sydney & Blue (mutt) went looking for Sing (father) & Merl (BMF/mentor, martial arts trainer, Sun Style Tai Chi trainer) who went missing in Shanghai, China.
Loki was her jack-of-all tradesman.
Chang (driver) & Lennox Gold (Malina’s BMF, former human trafficker, former Senegal gigolo) enjoyed the stir fry Loki fixed.
Sing had been executed by the government for Organ harvesting.
Sydney called Robert “Bobby” Maxim (Fortress Global Investigations FGI owner) asking him for help in finding Merl (reeducation facility).
Sydney, Loki (m), & Blue were scoping out the secure compound.
Shots were fired inside.
Loki was dragging the Dr. (25, m) to safety.
2 of the other prisoners confirmed they thought Merl was still alive.
4 bodies had been gutted of their vital organs.
Merl told Sydney (Joyful Justice) & Mo-Ping son) he wasn’t sure who the whistle-blower was.
Declan Doyle is scheduled to give an interview on the TV show Deadline.
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
Warning: This book contains descriptive accounts of extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material (minor/adult verbally, psychologically, emotionally physically & sexual abuse, pornography, kidnapping/prostitution, human trafficking (slavery) for sexual exploitation) which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader. If you are especially sensitive to this type of material, it is strongly advised not to read any further.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written international crime thriller book. It was extremely easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great international crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
HS Agent Declan Doyle (former Detective NYPD Homicide) had planned on killing Sydney.
Robert “Bobby” Maxim (Fortress Global Investigations FGI owner) was making his FGI initial public offering (IPO).
Sydney & Blue (mutt) went looking for Sing (father) & Merl (BMF/mentor, martial arts trainer, Sun Style Tai Chi trainer) who went missing in Shanghai, China.
Loki was her jack-of-all tradesman.
Chang (driver) & Lennox Gold (Malina’s BMF, former human trafficker, former Senegal gigolo) enjoyed the stir fry Loki fixed.
Sing had been executed by the government for Organ harvesting.
Sydney called Robert “Bobby” Maxim (Fortress Global Investigations FGI owner) asking him for help in finding Merl (reeducation facility).
Sydney, Loki (m), & Blue were scoping out the secure compound.
Shots were fired inside.
Loki was dragging the Dr. (25, m) to safety.
2 of the other prisoners confirmed they thought Merl was still alive.
4 bodies had been gutted of their vital organs.
Merl told Sydney (Joyful Justice) & Mo-Ping son) he wasn’t sure who the whistle-blower was.
Declan Doyle is scheduled to give an interview on the TV show Deadline.
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
Warning: This book contains descriptive accounts of extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material (minor/adult verbally, psychologically, emotionally physically & sexual abuse, pornography, kidnapping/prostitution, human trafficking (slavery) for sexual exploitation) which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader. If you are especially sensitive to this type of material, it is strongly advised not to read any further.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written international crime thriller book. It was extremely easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great international crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book.
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
December 9, 2021
I started with this one of the series because it was free on kindle. I think it ended up worsening my experience, and my opinion of this series might be biased because I started basically at the end.
But apart from that, there was not really much that was a mystery about this? It felt like it threw in a bunch of action and attempts of intrigue and because you don't know who did the murdering at first this is called a mystery. But it's more of a police procedural than anything. The reader isn't exactly given clues as to what is happening before it happens, and I think this book is misclassified as a result. Additionally, and I don't know if this author has ever gone to China, but it's a really skewed view of China. (Not that I have high opinions of China in general.)
I also find one character's actions completely nonsensical because I don't think there is anyone who would know about China's firewall and severe censorship and then choose to stay in the country. I would jump at the first opportunity to get out. I personally know many people who would jump at the first opportunity to get out. I don't understand why that character did not.
But apart from that, there was not really much that was a mystery about this? It felt like it threw in a bunch of action and attempts of intrigue and because you don't know who did the murdering at first this is called a mystery. But it's more of a police procedural than anything. The reader isn't exactly given clues as to what is happening before it happens, and I think this book is misclassified as a result. Additionally, and I don't know if this author has ever gone to China, but it's a really skewed view of China. (Not that I have high opinions of China in general.)
I also find one character's actions completely nonsensical because I don't think there is anyone who would know about China's firewall and severe censorship and then choose to stay in the country. I would jump at the first opportunity to get out. I personally know many people who would jump at the first opportunity to get out. I don't understand why that character did not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2017
Shadow Harvest, Sydney Rye Mystery #7
by Emily Kimelman
Kimelman's Sydney Rye marches on. This novel is transitional, moving Sydney into being a board member on Joyful Justice, and detailing events that will lead into the next novel. Still, it managed to deliver on the action all it's own, character development and series plot development, with smooth pacing and excellent editing and proofing. An exciting and enjoyable read. I'm not a fan of cliffhanger endings, but I'm not sure that's what this was exactly. It certainly did end in an unsettled point as far as the series storyline and the main character's storyline go, yet the novel's own story was concluded.
Happily, I already had the 8th in the series on my Kindle, so although I'm not a lover of novels that feel a need to leave the reader in an unsettled place, I can move immediately into the next episode (but yes, I still marked a star off for that ending).
by Emily Kimelman
Kimelman's Sydney Rye marches on. This novel is transitional, moving Sydney into being a board member on Joyful Justice, and detailing events that will lead into the next novel. Still, it managed to deliver on the action all it's own, character development and series plot development, with smooth pacing and excellent editing and proofing. An exciting and enjoyable read. I'm not a fan of cliffhanger endings, but I'm not sure that's what this was exactly. It certainly did end in an unsettled point as far as the series storyline and the main character's storyline go, yet the novel's own story was concluded.
Happily, I already had the 8th in the series on my Kindle, so although I'm not a lover of novels that feel a need to leave the reader in an unsettled place, I can move immediately into the next episode (but yes, I still marked a star off for that ending).
July 24, 2019
We're Getting Into The Good Stuff Here
All of the Sydney Rye books have dealt with Sydney's exploits as she shoots her way out of the "predicaments" in which she finds herself. Predicaments that usually meant high body counts and lots of blood. But this volume gives us a look into what could/should happen when those predicaments, or encounters, cross Sydney's path. And that is fewer deaths, less mayhem, a lot less blood and gore and violence. But that doesn't mean that she's gone soft, just that she's working smarter now. The twists are still popping up here and there. The turns are no less severe. And the bad guys still come out on the short, uncomfortable ends of things. But now Sydney has a really difficult decision she's made that she must honor of renege on. What will she decide?
All of the Sydney Rye books have dealt with Sydney's exploits as she shoots her way out of the "predicaments" in which she finds herself. Predicaments that usually meant high body counts and lots of blood. But this volume gives us a look into what could/should happen when those predicaments, or encounters, cross Sydney's path. And that is fewer deaths, less mayhem, a lot less blood and gore and violence. But that doesn't mean that she's gone soft, just that she's working smarter now. The twists are still popping up here and there. The turns are no less severe. And the bad guys still come out on the short, uncomfortable ends of things. But now Sydney has a really difficult decision she's made that she must honor of renege on. What will she decide?
December 14, 2018
I am a little biased...
I started with Unleashed and have been hooked ever since. Emily has created a likable character in Sydney Rye and her every present companion Blue. Sydney encourages Merl, trusted friend, martial arts instructor and dog training expert, to travel to China to find out why his friend, Mo Ping has stopped answering his text messages. It isn’t long after Merl leaves that Sydney loses contact with him. As you can imagine, nothing is ever simple in their world and once agin they find themselves fighting against oppression and injustice. This time they have the extra help from the newest council member Robert Maxim, a wealthy and well connected business man. It’s a good read.
I started with Unleashed and have been hooked ever since. Emily has created a likable character in Sydney Rye and her every present companion Blue. Sydney encourages Merl, trusted friend, martial arts instructor and dog training expert, to travel to China to find out why his friend, Mo Ping has stopped answering his text messages. It isn’t long after Merl leaves that Sydney loses contact with him. As you can imagine, nothing is ever simple in their world and once agin they find themselves fighting against oppression and injustice. This time they have the extra help from the newest council member Robert Maxim, a wealthy and well connected business man. It’s a good read.
August 21, 2019
Shadow Harvest
I did not care for this book as much as I have in the previous books. Main character showed no patience or much common sense as she had in previous novels. If a person tells her to listen she shows her stupidly by saying why and trying to do things in her way not listening. Stupid acts could have really cost people their lives because she would not listen to people that knew more. She keeps saying why and really should be listening and trying t;o work inside circumstances that were dealt. Many things just kept repeating as if the author was just filling space.
Sorry I didn't like this book more but giving honest opinion. As always I purchased my book from Amazon.
I did not care for this book as much as I have in the previous books. Main character showed no patience or much common sense as she had in previous novels. If a person tells her to listen she shows her stupidly by saying why and trying to do things in her way not listening. Stupid acts could have really cost people their lives because she would not listen to people that knew more. She keeps saying why and really should be listening and trying t;o work inside circumstances that were dealt. Many things just kept repeating as if the author was just filling space.
Sorry I didn't like this book more but giving honest opinion. As always I purchased my book from Amazon.
March 16, 2021
Would make a better TV series
I liked the idea behind this book. I did realized when I picked it up to read it that it was part of a series. I think I would have been less confused about the background at the beginning if I’d known that. I feel like the idea for the story (vigilante fighting for justice) is appealing, but I wasn’t crazy about the writing style. Sydney is a strong female character, very likable. The book was short and the pace was good once I got going. It definitely felt like a series at the beginning because of the character development and background. Would read another but definitely think this would make a better Netflix series.
I liked the idea behind this book. I did realized when I picked it up to read it that it was part of a series. I think I would have been less confused about the background at the beginning if I’d known that. I feel like the idea for the story (vigilante fighting for justice) is appealing, but I wasn’t crazy about the writing style. Sydney is a strong female character, very likable. The book was short and the pace was good once I got going. It definitely felt like a series at the beginning because of the character development and background. Would read another but definitely think this would make a better Netflix series.
June 5, 2023
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title (Audible)
This episode has a couple of dramas going on. One of them was about Merl, Sydney Rye's original trainer, had a mentor in China who had stopped replying to Merl's correspondence. The telephone connected to the complex this person lived in was also disconnected.
He decided he needed to go to find out what was going on.
Eventually, Merl's internet connection, which was being monitored by Sydney's contacts, also went dark.
At this stage, Sydney needed to go in and find out what was happening with her dear friend.
This episode has a couple of dramas going on. One of them was about Merl, Sydney Rye's original trainer, had a mentor in China who had stopped replying to Merl's correspondence. The telephone connected to the complex this person lived in was also disconnected.
He decided he needed to go to find out what was going on.
Eventually, Merl's internet connection, which was being monitored by Sydney's contacts, also went dark.
At this stage, Sydney needed to go in and find out what was happening with her dear friend.
October 3, 2017
Sydney is back at it. Kicking ass and taking names with her best partner Blue. Sydney will do just about anything to help someone in need and more so when it’s a friend. So when she finds herself in China searching out an old friend who has dropped of the radar, she has a hard time just standing by waiting for proper tactics so to speak. China has a certain set of rules to follow and well, Sydney has never been one for rules.
I can’t get enough of these books! Action packed and gripping! I’m super excited to jump into the next one.
#Towanda #RighterOfWrongs
I can’t get enough of these books! Action packed and gripping! I’m super excited to jump into the next one.
#Towanda #RighterOfWrongs
August 22, 2018
Good and Better
Sydney goes to find her friend and ends up freeing more than just her friend. However, her deal with a devil or two maybe something that hurts her. I hate that she doesn’t fear death but fears happiness and love. The fight for justice where unfortunately standard or what normal people see a just and right doesn’t seem to work due to corrupt officials or no policing authority at all is good but has to walk a very tight rope to not become part of the corruption.
Sydney goes to find her friend and ends up freeing more than just her friend. However, her deal with a devil or two maybe something that hurts her. I hate that she doesn’t fear death but fears happiness and love. The fight for justice where unfortunately standard or what normal people see a just and right doesn’t seem to work due to corrupt officials or no policing authority at all is good but has to walk a very tight rope to not become part of the corruption.
March 9, 2023
In this book, Sydney is faced with her base distrust of - well, everyone. It gets in the way between her and Dan, raises its head in her deal with Bobby, and makes things tough for everyone at Joyful Justice. And on top of all that, Merle and his dog pack have disappeared in China. Just before she rushes off to China, Sydney is stopped by the Joyful Justice executive committee, and agrees to have some help - good thing, too. China isn't like other places, and Sydney has no Chinese language skills.
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Audio book, read by Sonja Field
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Audio book, read by Sonja Field
July 28, 2024
Everything seems to have swung 360° and Sydney is in non-negotiable positions. This story was the building blocks to the organization finally doing what it wanted to do all along. I don't envy Sydney any of her decisions; compromising in order to win at the bigger picture. She has definitely grown in so many ways realizing things about herself. "Your past came for you, because it was in you." The author has a very unique way of revealing truths about ourselves that are reflected in Sydney. Cannot wait to read the next book!!!
January 9, 2021
Fast Paced
I thought of my mother then. Her gray eyes so like mine and my brother’s. She believed in hell. She thought her gay son James was there, roasting in flames like the ones on the screen. And that I was headed there as well. What she didn't know is I was creating hell right here on earth. This is who we were. Creating infernal mayhem for our enemies. Eventually, there would be hell to pay. What kind of hell? I wondered. In my case, I’d know the answer in two weeks.
I thought of my mother then. Her gray eyes so like mine and my brother’s. She believed in hell. She thought her gay son James was there, roasting in flames like the ones on the screen. And that I was headed there as well. What she didn't know is I was creating hell right here on earth. This is who we were. Creating infernal mayhem for our enemies. Eventually, there would be hell to pay. What kind of hell? I wondered. In my case, I’d know the answer in two weeks.
October 25, 2016
A Great International Mystery!
Kimelman has a great creativeness to call upon that makes her novels riveting from the beginning to end. Adding to that her vivid descriptions of characters , places and scenes, plus her lovable dog Blue and you have a most entertaining story. In fact, any author who includes a dog as one of the characters is ahead of the game.
Kimelman has a great creativeness to call upon that makes her novels riveting from the beginning to end. Adding to that her vivid descriptions of characters , places and scenes, plus her lovable dog Blue and you have a most entertaining story. In fact, any author who includes a dog as one of the characters is ahead of the game.
October 25, 2016
Another exciting visit with Sydney Rye and her faithful dog, Blue. I enjoyed this book a lot. There's a lot of action and fights and a foray into the People's Republic of China in a search for a missing friend. Sydney is trying to find her place in the Joyful Justice organization and she's not sure where she belongs. Another good entry in the saga of Sydney Rye.
January 22, 2018
Good read!
Sydney seems awfully full of herself in this book, n I found myself getting annoyed at this development. I pushed past it and finished it because of the others in the story! I find myself wishing she would just turn herself in, and let the others finish. Then again it wouldn't be the Sydney Rye series then would it. Hopefully book 8 finds a more mature Sydney!!!
Sydney seems awfully full of herself in this book, n I found myself getting annoyed at this development. I pushed past it and finished it because of the others in the story! I find myself wishing she would just turn herself in, and let the others finish. Then again it wouldn't be the Sydney Rye series then would it. Hopefully book 8 finds a more mature Sydney!!!
June 12, 2018
Typical Sydney Rye story
Which means it’s a good read. Sydney is a thinking retrospective bad-ass. Not your typical female character. The series is developing very nicely. I wasn’t sure if I liked her in the first couple of books but have grown to like her. Have always agreed with her motivation. Recommended
Which means it’s a good read. Sydney is a thinking retrospective bad-ass. Not your typical female character. The series is developing very nicely. I wasn’t sure if I liked her in the first couple of books but have grown to like her. Have always agreed with her motivation. Recommended
June 30, 2019
Ok, so now we have an interesting twist in the series. Can't wait to read the next one to see how Syd maneuvers this new mission. Because let's be serious, Syd will out maneuver stupid Declan. Something's hinkey with him. He's running scared from Bobby so he has to manipulate Syd. Anyway, I'm sure the next book will be more of kick-ass Syd and Blue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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September 5, 2019An edge of the seat thriller!
As this saga continues, Sydney's life becomes more complicated. The action is non stop in this well written story and the drama is never ending. As she and her friends strive for justice, she does her best to keep those who are close to her from danger. Keep the books coming!
As this saga continues, Sydney's life becomes more complicated. The action is non stop in this well written story and the drama is never ending. As she and her friends strive for justice, she does her best to keep those who are close to her from danger. Keep the books coming!
October 11, 2019
I had been hoarding a bunch of the Sidney Rye novels and I decided that was foolish. I am binge reading the rest of the series and loving them. A strong female lead, fighting for right as she navigates her own life. Much stays the same, but much also changes and evolves, keeping these stories interesting instead of repetitive. I don't put them down until done, unless my eyes cease to focus.
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