Monster Realm, by Nara Duffie

For as long as she can remember, Lillian has loved mythology stories, and the "monsters" that appear in them. When her sister, Bluebell, goes missing, Lillian realizes that those stories may be more fact than fiction, and life as she knows it may change forever.

I cannot even begin to express how impressed I was with this book. The author, Nara Duffie, completed this book 11 days before her 11th birthday. Yes, you read that correctly! She was 10 when she wrote this. Actually, she started writing it much earlier than that, and took her time polishing and perfecting it. You can tell that this book was written with a tremendous amount of dedication and precision. The characters are very well developed, and the back story unfolds brilliantly in the middle of the present action. I thought the book was full of rich imagery, and I admire the author's imagination.

This book will really appeal to fans of books like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. I think it is a wonderful book for both young adult and adult readers. Do not let the author's young age deter you; this is better writing than I have seen from may seasoned, adult authors. Bravo Nara!

Bait, by J. Kent Messum

Six strangers wake up on an island, not knowing how they got there, nor how they will get off the island.  It does not take them much time to realize they are all junkies, fiending for their next fix.  They find a box containing a small amount of food and a letter explaining that there is more food and drugs on the next island.  But as the group attempts to make it to the next island, they find the water is teeming with peril.

You know within the first few pages that this is not going to be your average thriller.  This book means business.  Sex, drugs, betrayal, violence, there is absolutely nothing dull in this story.  The plot rockets from the very beginning.  While the premise of the story is a little appalling, that is the very thing that keeps you glued to it.  The situation is so horrific, but like a traffic accident you just cannot look away.

What surprised me most was the amount of character development for the six primary characters.  Despite the fact that the book is relatively short, and mostly focuses on plot, the character development was super, and woven into the story seamlessly.  In very little time, you found yourself actually seeing the characters as people (even if they are unsavory) and wanting to know what happens to them.  That amount of character development is so rare in action based stories, so I found it really well done.

All in all, this book is an intense read, not for the faint of heart.  It is violent and graphic, but in a way that completely serves the story.  Still, if you have a weak stomach, be forewarned.  This book is probably most appropriate for adult readers, and perhaps not something you want to read at the beach.  Personally, I really loved the style and the story; well done.

I received a review copy courtesy of TLC Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.  See the rest of the tour here.

  

When the Stars Threw Down Their Spears, by Kersten Hamilton

In this final book of the Goblin Wars trilogy, we find Teagan and Finn fighting to save the their loved ones, and keep evil dark forces from escaping Mag Mell and entering the world.  Despite her tumultuous and conflicted heritage, Teagan has chosen to fight on the side of what is right and good, and seeks goodness in the creatures and people around her.  As Samhain draws near, it appears that all hell is going to break lose, literally.

I have had really mixed feelings about this trilogy.  They are wildly popular, incredibly creative, and totally original.  They pull heavily from Celtic mythology, but also incorporate aspects of romance, action, and the paranormal, so it is easy to see why they appeal to a wide variety of readers.  It is just, for me personally, the entire series is just a little too much.  Too many fantasy creatures from Celtic mythology with which I am wholly unfamiliar.  Too much darkness for the targeted age group.  Too many odd people and things to try to keep straight.  When I read, I like to picture people, places, and things in my mind.  I struggled with that during all three books in this series, because the concepts were just too foreign for me.

I think the writing and the story is very solid.  More than the first two books, the action and plot progress very rapidly in this story, which helped me quickly become engaged as a reader.  I found the characters to be very consistent with their earlier development, yet they do continue to develop throughout this story.  I was surprised by some of the turns the story takes in the end, some made me happy, and some made me sad.  Because I had already read the first two books in the series, there was no way I was no going to seek closure in the third book; I felt like that closure was received, and that it was well executed.  Off the entire series, this book was my favorite.  

I received a review copy courtesy of the Amazon Vine program in exchange for my honest review.

Doctor Who: Dreams of Empire, by Justin Richards

The second incarnation of the Doctor, along with his companions Victoria and Jamie, have traveled to an asteroid, which functions as a prison for the Haddron Empire.  While learning about the political environment and the reason the prison exists, the Doctor discovers a murderer is skulking around the prison, trying to gain access to the high profile prisoner.

This book was a whole new experience for me.  I have, historically, never been a fan of science fiction, aliens, all that jazz.  However, I recently fell in love with the modernized Doctor Who series, which has made me rethink the sci-fi genre.  I decided to give this book a shot.  It involves the "second" Doctor, from the original show.  His appearance was during the 1960's, and, having not watched the original series, I was totally unfamiliar with this Doctor, his appearance, his personality, his quirks, and his companions.  Yet, as soon as I jumped into this book, I realized, at his heart, the Doctor is the Doctor, regardless of his incarnation.

The book has a lot of political overtones, and very focused on strategy (with the recurring chess theme).  The action is fast paced, the dialog well written, and very imaginative.  While this story may seem different from the "original" feel of the series, with the modern continuation of the series, I felt like this story felt true to the heart of the show.  I could easily imagine the 9th, 10th, or 11th Doctors playing out this story, so to me, that means it fits well within the mythology of the show.  I think fans of the show should give this book a real chance.

I received a review copy courtesy of TLC Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.  See the rest of the tour here.

   

Blood Money, by Erika Mitchell

For years now, Azzam has been spying on his boss for the CIA.  Azzam works for a company that, on the surface, appears to just be an international conglomerate, but in reality, the company is redirecting funds to terrorist operations around the world.  Azzam hates the fact that the company is responsible for the loss of innocent life, so he becomes an informant.  When his boss begins to suspect there is a traitor in the company, Azzam flees London for America, inadvertently putting innocent lives at risk himself.

Typically, books involving espionage and terrorism are just not my thing, but this book really captured me from the start.  I think these types of books hit a little close to home, and make readers think about all the hidden terrorist cells around the world; it is a little scary.  But this book is well written.  I particularly enjoyed the character of Azzam.  I liked that the "good guy" is a Muslim born in Iraq.  It makes the reader really think about how there are good people as well as bad people in all religions and ethnicities.  I also like the complexity shown in the character of Shah (one of the "bad guys").  

The only thing that was slightly niggling to me was the dialogue surrounding the police intervention; it seemed a little naive to me.  At one point the cops even refer to the terrorists as "the bad guys".  I cannot imagine a cop in a large city like Seattle would use that terminology.  But that is a minor detail, overall I really enjoyed the book.  The story was fast paced, and kept me engaged from the start.  Fans of action, spy novels, and thrillers will enjoy this book.

I received a review copy courtesy of TLC Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.  See the rest of the tour here.

 

The Shadow Wars, by Rod Rees

Dystopian life in the Demi-Monde continues, and it continues to degenerate.  Norma Williams is stuck in the Demi-Monde as Aaliz Heydrich replaces her in the real world.  Ella Thomas has slowly become the Messiah, and as her power grows, her baser nature takes over, turning her into a completely different being.  Norma helps lead a resistance movement against Ella.  And it slowly becomes apparent that the Demi-Monde is something much more than just computer simulation.

The action of the first book is ratcheted up a few notches in the second book of the Demi-Monde saga.  So if book one was explosive, this book is Michael Bay-splosive.  Seriously, the word intense does not even begin to cover it.  The Demi-Monde continues to devolve into the very worst aspects of humanity.  I found every minute fascinating.

While I have always been interested in history, I have never actually been a scholar of the subject, so a good many of the real historical characters and concepts are slightly lost on me, which is a real shame; as much admiration as I have for these books, I bet I would have much more if I knew all the references.  However, the writing is incredibly clever and engaging.  I love the many plays on words and the reimagining of many historical figures.

The book is full of action, history, and psychological thrills, so it will appeal to fans of many genres.  Throw in some dystopia and paranormal aspects, and you have appealed to a wide variety of readers.  Personally, I cannot wait to see where this series goes next.

I received a review copy courtesy of TLC Book Tours in exchange for my honest review.  See the rest of the tour here.

  

Doing Max Vinyl, by Frederick Lee Brooke

Max Vinyl seems to have it all, a successful business, financial stability, an entire fleet of hot cars, and an even hotter girlfriend.  But Max made the mistake of finding that girlfriend from his employees.  When she loses her job for trying to expose corruption in the business, she dumps Max, and proceeds to make his life hell.  Add into this mix other bumbling employees who mess with the wrong veteran, and you have the makings of a nightmare for good old Max.

The best word I can use to explain this story is multifaceted.  There are so many layers to this plot, it was hard for me to sum it up in one paragraph, without giving spoilers or confusing people.  First off, let me describe the interesting and complex characters the author has created.  Of course, we have good old Max, who is a total slimeball, but you just cannot help to kind of like him.  He is amazingly unaware of his own weaknesses, which makes him such an easy plaything for his ex, Tris.  Tris was a little more complex; although she seems to delight in making Max's life miserable, I think she really did care for him, and is angry at herself for that.  The bumbling employees may just be my favorite characters, and their substory the best part of this book.  They are also the reason we get to meet the book's heroine, Annie.  I really liked Annie, and wish we saw a little more of her in the book.

As I said, the plot has many layers.  You have Max's business, which is a big scam, as well as his various relationships, stolen merchandise, shakedowns, breakups, messy divorces, accidental homicides.  See, there really is so much going on.  Which made for a fantastically complex and interesting book.  Not one time did the story lag, not one time did the multiple storylines get confusing, and not one time was the writing predictable.

I cannot say enough great thinks about this book.  Instead, I will simply say, read it for yourself.

I received a review copy courtesy of the author in exchange for my honest review.

Nobody Has to Know, by Frank Nappi

Cam is the favorite teacher in the high school.  Young, attractive, energetic, encouraging, and a real mentor for his students.  He connects with his students in a unique way.  However, when one particular student begins to connect with him on a deep emotional and romantic level, Cam heads down a path of self destruction that will take amazing twists and turns.

This was a really amazing story.  One part Lolita, one part Pretty Little Liars, and one part Twilight Zone.  While the story of a teacher getting involved with a student is nothing new, the author certainly puts a unique and thrilling spin on it in this book.  What I liked best about the story was just when you think you know where it is going, a new twist is thrown at you.  It keeps you on your toes as a reader, and I was really surprised at the ending.  The action moves quickly from the beginning, and kept me glued to the book.  I finished the book in about 3 hours, because I just could not put it down.  

The only drawback for the book, for me, was the character development.  I found the characters to be a little flat, not as robustly developed as I would have liked.  This is not a terribly unusual thing for thrillers, often developing the action is a higher priority, and the action was certainly well developed in the story.  However, I found myself unable to connect with the characters.  Had there been just a bit more development of them upfront, I think I would have felt the pain of the story a lot more intensely.  As it was, I had no pity for Cam, but I had no anger for him either.  This is just a personal preference, wishing for more character development.  The story certainly works as it is.

I received a review copy courtesy of Tribute Book Tours in return for my honest opinion.  See the rest of the tour here.

Five Days of Fear, by David Kovach

Life can chance in the blink of an eye, and that is exactly what happens to Jessica's family.  When her mother overhears a terrorist plot, she is kidnapped, and and while attempting to reach his wife, Jessica's father is shot.  Now, the authorities scramble to determine why the kidnapping happened, and to save Jessica's mother.  After growing close to the lead agent on the case, Jessica is not sure what scares her more, losing her mother or losing her heart.

This book had a really interesting concept.  I really liked the action. Just a couple of pages in, and the action starts right away.  While I normally like a lot of exposition, it is just not necessary in this book.  It is clear that this is a good family in a horrible situation.  The characters are well developed, and you actually find yourself caring for them quite quickly.  You root for them, and despise the bad guys.  I guess what I am saying, is, it does not take long to become invested in the story.  The plot has a lot of depth, tying terrorism with financial fraud and a touch of jealous old boyfriend for good measure.  It certainly is not a boring story.

The only aspect that I disliked was the romance between Jessica and the lead FBI agent.  I just found it a little difficult to believe that an FBI agent would ever cross that type of professional boundary, and it happens pretty much the moment he takes the case.  I would think that the FBI would frown on this behavior, particularly because the agent involves Jessica in the investigation process.  I know that with fiction, one has to suspend disbelief, but I just found that a little to much to suspend.  

All in all, this is a solid read, and while marketed as Christian fiction, the faith in the book is very subtle.  While there is some intense themes at play (terrorism, violence, kidnapping, etc) it is done in a way that is not gratuitous, so it would be appropriate for high school readers as well as adults.

I received a review copy of this book courtesy of TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.  See the rest of the tour here.

 

Gold Magic, by John Booth

His entire life, Paul has suffered mysterious illnesses.  During his most recent hospitalization, he meets Sarah, and realizes he has telepathic abilities.  When he realizes he is reading the thoughts of a terrorist planning a mass attack, Paul enlists Sarah's help in tracking down the terrorist and trying to stop the attack.  Clearly, something dark is afoot.  In the midst of the whole situation, it becomes apparent that Paul has an unusual connection to the Grange family.

This third installment of the Magic series is so much different from the first two, in my opinion.  We still have wonderful well developed characters, great storytelling, and tongue in cheek humor, the nature of the story is slightly different.  There are definite elements of espionage and political drama with in this story, and less emphasis on the supernatural.

Paul and Sarah are quite charming, as far as characters go.  I feel like the seem quite genuine, and imperfect, and that is what makes them so interesting to me.  I really loved their interactions, and the portrait of their blossoming relationship.  I found myself rooting for them.  In general, the characters are vivid and engaging, even the nasty ones.

The only thing I missed from this book was more interaction with the Grange children and the Dees.  They are not totally absent, but it takes quite some time before the story is connected to them.  Because I love them so much, I found msyself wishing for more of them.  In fact, I want another story, one starring the Dees, and focusing more on the Source, because I think there are still stories to be told there.

All in all, another great story.  It is interesting to see the story go in such a different direction, and it just goes to show Booth's versatility as an author.

I received a review copy courtesy of the author and publisher.

Red Herring, by J.D. Bowen

A change in political leadership had Calvin Stamps angry and suffering from a string of bad luck.  But would that be enough to cause him to go on a killing spree?  Someone is clearly framing him, but who, and why? That is what Jon Archer has to find out.  The shadowy man behind the killings will not stop until he gets all the way to the President, and Archer and his team are scrambling to stop the bloodshed.  Will they prevail?  And will they learn who put the shadowy man up to it?

When a book is titled Red Herring, you know for sure that you are going to be led down a path of mystery, suspense, and confusion, ending with an AH HA moment as the story reveals the truth.  This book delivers all that and more.  Once again, Bowen gives us a fast paced, thrilling story.  The story really takes of from the first page of the book and the action never stops.  You have a couple of different story aspects going on at once, and the juxtaposition of scenes makes the story race along.  Before I realized it, I had read the whole book cover to cover.  I was definitely pulled into the story.

I like that as the Jon Archer series continues, we get to see more and more of his personality.  We got to see some glimpses of his romantic life, as well as his interactions with his staff, that make him a more well rounded character.  Action packed books rarely have characters the reader cares about, they focus more on the action, but not with the Jon Archer books.  I love that not only is the story well developed, so are the characters.

All in all, I am calling this another win for J.D. Bowen.  Anyone who can make this Jane Austen lover into a Jon Archer fan has got to be talented.

I received a review book courtesy of the author.
 

Ask the Dice, by Ed Lynskey

Tommy Mack has had one real profession in his life,  as a hit man.  Now that Tommy Mack is getting older, he is worrying about things like cholesterol and retirement.Now he finds himself framed for murder, and suspects his boss is behind the frame job.

This book is a great blending of contemporary crime literature and classic noir fiction.  While the language and pacing are more contemporary than pulp novels, the themes and characters are reminiscent of old time noir.  I really enjoyed the character of Tommy Mack.  He is flawed, and that is part of his appeal.  He is resistant to change, likes poetry and jazz, reflects on his life as an adopted child, all while being a contract killer on the run for a murder he actually did not commit.  Talk about a paradox.  

I thought the story was really engaging.  This is not one of those books where you anticipate the plot from the get go; the storyline and characters are complex and surprising.  And for a book centering around a hitman, there was not as much violence as one would expect.  It was much more interesting that the books violence is subtle; to me that is so much more threatening and effective.  

I think fans of noir fiction will really enjoy the book, as well as fans of contemporary crime thrillers, since the book so skillfully weaves a story borrowing from both genres.

I received a review copy courtesy of the author.

Wendy and the Lost Boys, by Barbara Silkstone

Wendy Darlin, real estate agent, independent woman, modern day pirate?  Not really the life Wendy envisioned for herself when she promised to look after the criminal miscreant Charlie Hook.  When Hook basically holds Wendy, her friend, and an investigator hostage, they have no choice but to help him recover his ill gotten treasure.

Remember the old Rocky and Bullwinkle show, how there was a segment called fractured fairy tales?  That was my favorite part of the show.  So, to me, it is absolutely no surprise how much I adore Barbara Silkstone's "fractured fairy tale for adults" re-imagining of Peter Pan.  I found this book to be, in short, a hoot.  The writing is clever, and had me doing that really unattractive giggle-snort combination many times throughout my reading.  I love the way the characters embody the essence of the original classic characters, with snarky modern twists.  

Be aware, this is not the Peter Pan story you want your kids reading, it is clearly intended for adult readers.  Yet it appeals to the childlike part of us that loved the classic original stories.  Combine that childlike love with modern politics and technology, and you get this smart, snarky, hilarious mystery.  The story is richly developed and leaves you guessing until the very end.  I am liking this grown up version of Peter Pan even more than the original.

I received a review copy of the book courtesy of the author.

Killers, by Shaun Jeffrey

As a police officer, Prosper Snow is no stranger to dealing with murder, and he is always determined to solve his cases.  Sometimes, he gets a little to close to the case for comfort.  So, when people start taking his murder investigations away from him, he is determined to find out why.  He learns that the recent murders are tied to a scientific experiment got bad, and the agency in charge of solving the problem wants him on their team.  They will get his cooperation, even if it means blackmale.  But is the killer really the person they think it is?

I am a huge fan of thriller and crime literature, and I have a sick fascination with serial killers, so this book really appealed to me.  While this is the second in a series, I can say, having not read the first, that this book serves as a great stand alone novel.  The character of Prosper Snow, although a bit removed and mysterious, is well developed, and it is easy to find yourself rooting for him to get the bad guy.

I was quite intrigued with the story.  As a student of psychology, I was fascinated by the concept of the experiment at the center of the plot.  I was aware of some of the scientific concepts the study was being based on, yet it still felt like a new spin on old ideas, which I really  enjoyed.  I was surprised to learn who the real killer was, which is always a sign of a well written suspense novel.

Clearly, with a title like Killers, you know there is going to be some violence in the book, but I felt is was not gratuitous.  It served the purpose of driving the plot, and I thought it was well written.  All in all, I think fans of thrillers, crime dramas, suspense, and even mysteries will enjoy this solid novel.

I received a review copy courtesy of the author.

Wolf's Edge, by W.D. Gagliani

Nick Lupo is back, fighting crime as well as his inner demons.  His latest cases involve people being killed, but not just random people, each person or setting has something to do with the wolf, as if these murders are intended to send a message to Nick.  He finds himself spiraling into a world involving Nazis, mad scientists, and a seemingly invincible subspecies of werewolves.  What truths will be revealed as Nick tries to unravel the mysteries?

Nick Lupo never disappoints.  As with his past books, Gagliani gives us a book that is, well, raw to say the least.  In your face murders, overt sexuality, and the horrors on Nazi era Europe are delivered with a no holds barred fierceness.  Nothing is sugar coated here, and for that I am truly thankful.  Gagliani would never deliver wimpy monsters that sparkle or do an angsty emo pout.  His monsters are a wonderful blend of the supernatural and the real evil we see in the world.  And the grounding in reality is what makes his characters and stories seem so relatable.

I am excited that we learn a little more about Nick's family history.  While we already knew from earlier books in the Nick Lupo series how the werewolf curse came to rest on him, we now learn that this is not the first time his family has been under the lupine spell.  I liked that the past and present played out in turns throughout the book.  To me, it gave the story even that much more depth.  And as always, Gagliani's writing sent shivers down my spine.  A perfect read for a dark, dreary night.

I received a review copy courtesy of the author.

No One to Hear You Scream, by Julia Madeline

Brett thinks he has landed his dream home when he buys a foreclosed house.  He moves his wife, daughter Justine, and new grandchild into the home, hoping for a better life for them all. Each of them is damaged in some ways, and the house comes with its own set of baggage in the form of its homicidal past owner.  When the owner strikes up a relationship with Justine, her fragility makes for the perfect way for him to manipulate Brett into giving the house back.

Edge of my seat.  That is where this book had me.  There is a lot going on in this book.  You have the relationships between Brett, his wife Pamela, and Justine; Pamela dealing with the loss of her daughter as well as a huge secret; Brett dealing with a failing business; Justine having mental health issues; and Rory, the original homeowner, and his plethora of issues.  It is a lot to take in, but that is also what makes the story so captivating.

I thought both plot and characters were developed well, with nice even pacing.  My favorite character, the one I love to hate, is actually Rory.  He has a lot of depth and dimension, but you stop just short of empathy when you read about him.  He helps the story maintain its high level of reader engagement.

Have you ever had a moment where a loud noise sounds, and then, for a split second, the silence that follows is deafening, leaving your ears ringing?  That is what the end of this book was like for me.  I loved the themes at work here, the flawed nature of the characters, the emphasis on keeping secrets.  This one is well worth the read.

I received a review copy courtesy of the author.

The Egyptian, by Layton Green

Dominic Grey returns in this second book in the series.  This time, Grey is working as an employee of Viktor Radek, and he embarks on a case involving biomedical technology.  But what seems a clear cut case of corporate espionage and theft quickly reveals itself as something more.  Veiled hints at immortality through the elixir of life, purported mummy sightings, and the possibility of a newly established cult based on ancient principles are enough to keep any man busy; add to this a gorgeous woman and a bit of heartbreak and you will see why Grey ends up wrestling with many kinds of demons.

Once again, Layton Green blows readers away with a story that is both thrilling and relevant.  I myself know very little about biotech and various scientific advances, yet Green makes the topic understandable captivating by weaving it into a story that may or may not have supernatural ties.  I love that you are never completely sure about Green's stories.  Is there a rational explanation, or is there a bit of a mystical element at work?  It is open to interpretation, which I find completely fascinating.  Could these stories really happen, do they in fact really happen to some degree?  One is never quite sure.

I really enjoyed learning more about Dominic Grey as a character.  We revisit his past, and see its impact on his current life.  This is a man clearly engaged in an internal struggle far more taxing than any physical opponent he faces.  I like the addition of a new female character, and I hope in the future Grey is caught in a web between the two women he has encountered.

As with the first novel in the series, this book is extremely well researched.  Readers can tell that a lot of time and effort went into creating a quality story.  The writing helps propel the story, but the fiction and facts used to create the plot dance in delicate symbiosis to create something truly brilliant.  Once again, I am impressed with Green's ability to create a story that will appeal to both male and female readers, and fans of various genres, in subtly different ways.

I anxiously await the next Dominic Grey novel.

Note: The author is having a special on this book, as well as the first Dominic Grey novel The Summoner, each on sale for Kindle for 99 cents.  Today is the last day of the sale so be sure to get them now!

I received a review copy courtesy of the author.

The Hypnotist, by M. J. Rose

Art theft is big business, and Lucian Glass should know.  He is part of the FBI's crime team, and is investigating some strange happenings, all dealing with items called the Memory Tools. A group of reincarnationists believe that these tools will unlock the mysteries of past lives, and some will stop at nothing to find them.  When a large statue called Hypnos is discovered at the Met in New York, it becomes clear that different groups have different reasons for wanting the statue, and nothing will stand in their way of getting it.  The situation forces Lucian to deal with his very painful past.

I was concerned that I would be a little lost when reading this book, since it is the third in a series, but I must say, this is an excellent stand alone book.  The plot, while complex, is easy to follow, and draws the reader in to the storyline from the very beginning.  Past and present are woven together in such fluidity,  I never had difficulty seeing how all the pieces fit together, nor questioned the author's technique in changing time settings and narratives throughout the book.  It was like a delicate dance, and was executed perfectly.

I never felt as connected to the characters as I would have liked, but I think that this too served a purpose.  With a story this complex and intense, a reader cannot get too attached to any character; there just really is not time.  I certainly sympathized with many of the characters in the book, some major players and some minor.

I personally am skeptical about metaphysical topics, including reincarnation.  I thought the book did a nice job of including metaphysical elements in the story without being over the top.  Similarly, I know know little about the world of fine art, but its incorporation into the storyline was done in such a way that it made sense to me.  I think it is sheer brilliance when an author can take topics about which readers are unaware or uninterested and incorporate them into a storyline that still can draw that reader in to the book.  I am curious to read the other books in the series now.


I received a review copy courtesy of the author.

Lake Charles, by Ed Lynskey

Brendan's life is fraught with trouble.  First, he wakes up after a drug fueled sex romp to find his lovely date, Ashley, dead in their motel room.  Then, on a fishing expedition, his twin sister goes missing.  As he and his friend Cobb look for her, they soon get in over their heads.  He had no idea all the secrets that Lake Charles held.

From the first page of this book, you know you are in for something different.  We meet the character of Ashley only through memories, and her ghostly visits to Brendan's dreams.  Yet her character is well developed throughout the book.  She gives clues throughout the plot to the truth of her death, a mystery Brendan is determined to unravel.

The plot is fast paced, and full of twists and turns.  At times, I had trouble seeing where the story was going, but I stuck it out and was rewarded in the end.  The story wraps up nicely, and even ends on a hopeful note, which I greatly appreciated after quite a but of darkness throughout the story.

Fans of thrillers and crime mysteries will appreciate this book.  I often lack the patience for such genres, desiring to know immediately who "dunnit", and I certainly felt that way with this one.  However, I am glad I was able to stick it out.



I received a review copy courtesy of the author.

The Summoner, by Layton Green

When an American diplomat goes missing in Zimbabwe, Dominic Grey is put on the case.  Ever a man of facts and science, Grey has a hard time believing the story behind the diplomat's disappearance during a tribal religious ceremony.  It would seem that the man disappeared into thin air.  As Grey and his colleagues delve deeper into the world of Africa's different cultures and religions, Grey finds himself struggling with logic, as well as with his heart.

Wow.  This book, it packs a walloping punch.  There were times when I myself was not sure who or what to trust, including my own reasoning.  I can only imagine Grey felt the same way.  What a truly original story this was.  I was immediately drawn into the story and setting.  Although the story is set in a culture with which I am unfamiliar, the writing is so vivid, I was easily transported to Africa.  I was fascinated by the Juju religion as described in the book, and more than a little frightened.

I really thought the plot and the characters were extremely well developed.  I had no idea who the villain was until Green was ready to reveal it, and I love that.  I like being fooled by red herrings every now and then, and this book certainly had me fooled.

This is the first book in a series starring Dominic Grey.  I can't wait to see what he gets himself into next.


I received a review copy courtesy of the author.