Author John Heldt provided me with an ecopy of Let Time Fly for review. Disclaimer: I have read all of John Heldt's books (I believe there are now 26 books) and consider myself  one of his most ardent fans. 

Let Time Fly is the conclusion to his Stone Shed series. I try to not engage in hyperbole in my reviews, so when I say that, in my opinion, John Heldt has reached a pinnacle with this book, I'm not speaking lightly. 

First, he took on an historic time that I would think is very intimidating. The American Revolution is not a small backwater of limited interest in the historic record. Heldt's dedication to research is always evident in his work, but the level of rigor necessary for this subject requires such a high level of commitment to his research, demonstrates his courage in tackling a setting for his story that other authors would likely avoid.

Second, he skillfully maintained his trademark focus on relationships and family without letting the historic aspect of the story overwhelm the personal story. I found this to be a true testament to his ability to maintain balance in the overall story. 

Let Time Fly is probably the most somber story Heldt has presented to date. How could it not be, set as it is, during one of the most pivotal times in American history? He still was able to tell the story of two young men who fell in love, courted and built lives during a tumultuous time. 

I found Clan Maclean's family story to be much more intricate than in previous series and Heldt's manipulation of time, warping it and folding it back on itself to be masterful. 

Readers of my reviews know I do not indulge in spoilers, I believe readers should experience the book without my interpretations. They should enjoy it for themselves. But I feel more tempted than ever to abandon this self imposed restriction, give me strength.

This story started somewhat simply but quickly evolved into one of the most intricate and complex stories I have had the pleasure of reading. One aspect of John Heldt's writing that I have always appreciated is his ability to craft a satisfying epilogue. When he resolves the main challenge of his stories he always give the reader a truly fulfilling ending, not just: problem solved see ya!. Though he does not identify this point in his work as an "Epilogue" it's there.

In Let Time Fly our intrepid author shows that he has the chops to rival any author's ability to bring their story to a satisfying conclusion. This is the most satisfying epilogue I have yet to read anywhere. It's intricacy fits perfectly with the overall tone of the book and it's touching humanity left me feeling completely at peace with the story. I can't remember a book touching me on such a profoundly personal level, I'm not just referring to it made me laugh or made me cry. It was on a much more personal level than that. The story touched me. It can't get any better than that.

I find myself emotionally exhausted (in a very good way) after finishing Let Time Fly. I don't have the usual feeling of: I wish I had more time with these characters. I am emotionally sated. I don't need anything more. I wouldn't be surprised to find that John Heldt was equally exhausted as he finished this book. To appropriate a sports metaphor, it feels like he left it all on the field this time. I know I am kind of going on and on here but I find myself having difficulty adequately sharing how this book affected me. I'll stop now.

In this readers opinion John Heldt has achieved a level of excellence authors aspire to with Let Time Fly. 

A lot more can be said here, but I encourage you to find out for yourself and read this series and especially this book. You won't be disappointed. 

Enjoy.

Mike 

PS. If I post this review as written on Amazon I am sure to be scolded and threatened with banishment for violating community standards. They never say what standard is being violated. I deduce that there is too much personal info. So be it. This is my honest reaction to this book. I'll post something more impersonal, and therefore less useful on Amazon, their loss.

 REPOST

 

I have the opportunity this time to do something I rarely get a chance at: Review a book that has not yet been released. I often receive books prior to release but usually too close to release to get a review in.

Author Kel Paisley gave me a look at The Great Hunter though it is not yet available. 

The story is set in prehistoric England. The story of Garetto in his quest for the antlers of a great stag. The acquisition of which will earn him the coveted moniker Great Hunter. There are several subplots interwoven into the main story, several of which could seemingly be spun into subsequent books. When I questioned the author as to this possibility, I was informed that such is possible if the story does well. 

Given the quality of the writing, the story's ability to engage the reader, and as a reader, the desire to hear more of Garetto's story, I think we will be hearing more from this author. I told him I believe Garetto wants more of his story told as well.

Author Paisley does a great job painting a vivid picture of life during this time period, 10,000 years ago. It is harsh at times and often uncomfortable, but genuinely exciting. A very intricately woven tapestry. The portrayal of a "primitive" society avoids the pitfall of building a simplistic world with little depth. Paisley builds a society very in-tune to the environment and the humans place in that broader world. Very spiritual and reverent.

I enjoyed this story immensely and eagerly anticipate more from this author. One of the best parts of reviewing books is when I get introduced to a new author and get to see a new talent in the literary world. I've had that pleasure a few times and I have a feeling I'm experiencing it again. 

Though I don't know the actual release date for The Great Hunter by Kel Paisley yet, have no fear, I will announce it here and repost my review in the usual places. Get ready for a new star. Enjoy!

Mike

Happy Day! The new installment of The Stone Shed series is out!

A bit lengthier offering than readers may expect, which just means the reader gets to spend more time in a different time with the characters we quickly connected with. A hallmark of author Heldt's work. He has the ability to connect the reader with characters with whom an immediate emotional bond is formed. Reading subsequent installments of any of his series is like reconnecting with old friends. The Winding Road is no exception.

The Winding Road clearly demonstrates John Heldt's continuing growth as a writer. Here he blends history with which every reader will have at least a passing familiarity and the lives two brothers and the people they encounter. Weaving the story of time travelling young men who decide to make that era there new home. No room here for any errors relating to the history of the time. But then, Heldt is no stranger to research and attention to detail. Some very bold twists keep the story engaging. Without spoiling anything, readers will be surprised to read of serious threats to history and how they are reconciled. Heldt has really amped up the suspense and action in this continuation of the time jumping adventures of the Maclean family. This story line is much more than a plot device, it is a story in itself of not just two young men but generations of an adventurous family.

Revolutionary War history is brought to life with a day to day exploration of life for the average person. How the war affects people on a personal level makes the history we all know come to vivid life. It is not a dry impersonal recitation of dates and battles. 

A more serious and at times somber story. Although romantic relationships still are a big part of the story and light hearted humor is judiciously used, the realities of war are the main focus here. Our author does not give short shrift to his setting. The American Revolution is front and center, it is much more than window dressing. Kudos to author Heldt for deftly balancing an engaging fictional story with historic reality.  

John Heldt continues entertain readers with sympathetic characters placed in at times heartwarming and at times perilous situations. The Winding Road is another outstanding example of John Heldt's storytelling ability. His growth as a writer has been a treat to watch. Enjoy!

Mike

 

 Author Garth Pettersen provided me with an e-copy of Ravens Hill : The Atheling Chronicles #5 for pre release review.

Starting with the only negative: the chapters are too long for this reader. Longer chapters sometime discourage me from continuing to read because I prefer to pause at a new chapter. This book rendered this complaint moot. After completing 60% of the story, I was unable to stop until I finished the book. It was so engaging I literally could not stop reading.

The continuing saga of Harald and Selia is so engrossing. It captures the reader and refuses to let go. Author Pettersen immerses his readers in a long passed time and culture the reader will be loathe to leave. Set around 1030 AD, the reader is brought into the environs of a land ruled by kings or their vassals. We experience the day to day lives of the commoner as they interact with or react to the rulers of the time. Harald and Selia fully participate in the community they literally own. They draw the reader into the minutia of life in those times. Characters to love and others to despise are judiciously scattered throughout the story. Accurate? I'm not the one to say. Entertaining? You bet!

Court politics, questionable loyalties, personal trials and tragedy, evildoers and heroes. All are well developed in this epic tale. As the title identifies, this is the fifth installment of the story of Harald son of King Cnute, the somewhat unwilling hero. Unlike many multi installment stories, The Atheling Chronicles focus on different aspects of Harald and Selia as they experience different challenges and upheavals in their quest for a stable life. Each installment is a completely new and independent (but not unconnected) story. The narrative is rich, the characters are skillfully developed and even the most mundane details are fully explored. Pettersen is a master storyteller.

I strongly encourage you to give this series and especially this installment a look. I think you will be happily hooked. I eagerly await what is to come in this chronicle, so will you. Enjoy!

 

I won a print copy of Psyche and Eros by Luna McNamara in a Goodreads Giveaway. 

At first I had a bit of trouble reading this book as some of the things I remembered from college courses on mythology didn't seem to match. I skipped ahead to the author's note (something I rarely do) and got some clarity enabling me to sit back and enjoy the ride. 

Though not a romance fan, I did enjoy reading about mythic gods being petty and stupid at times. This aspect made the story much more palatable and engaging. The story starts a bit slow and builds in intensity, action and drama as it progresses. By the end I was thoroughly enthralled. 

So, readers of mythology may have a bit of trouble reconciling currently held ideas about these characters with some of the license this author has taken in her telling of the story, i.e. mixing Greek and Roman settings and names and varying story details. The author explains this in her notes when she shares that "Myths are not written in stone. They are organic, evolving structures...". Probably not an outlook popular in a college lecture hall where it is harder to quantify students absorption of the material if such license is allowed.

Given this idea that mythological stories can and do, evolve, author Luna has done an admirable job of retelling this long standing love story, making it engaging and fresh. Enjoy!

 

Author Adam Fike provided me with a print copy of Lights Along The Interstate for review. This book seems to me to be an exposition on the human condition. The author uses the many characters to explore various aspects of life choices and the consequences of such. Reasonably then, at times the narrative becomes quite depressing and at others, uplifting, humorous, frightening but overall satisfying. I will admit that I could not read it in one sitting though it is not long at all. It is just so intense. Lights Along The Interstate is not a light read. Be prepared to do some thinking with this one. You may even find some of your beliefs challenged. If you are in the mood for a deeper experience with a book, this one is for you. Enjoy

 

I have the opportunity this time to do something I rarely get a chance at: Review a book that has not yet been released. I often receive books prior to release but usually too close to release to get a review in.

Author Kel Paisley gave me a look at The Great Hunter though it is not yet available. 

The story is set in prehistoric England. The story of Garetto in his quest for the antlers of a great stag. The acquisition of which will earn him the coveted moniker Great Hunter. There are several subplots interwoven into the main story, several of which could seemingly be spun into subsequent books. When I questioned the author as to this possibility, I was informed that such is possible if the story does well. 

Given the quality of the writing, the story's ability to engage the reader, and as a reader, the desire to hear more of Garetto's story, I think we will be hearing more from this author. I told him I believe Garetto wants more of his story told as well.

Author Paisley does a great job painting a vivid picture of life during this time period, 10,000 years ago. It is harsh at times and often uncomfortable, but genuinely exciting. A very intricately woven tapestry. The portrayal of a "primitive" society avoids the pitfall of building a simplistic world with little depth. Paisley builds a society very in-tune to the environment and the humans place in that broader world. Very spiritual and reverent.

I enjoyed this story immensely and eagerly anticipate more from this author. One of the best parts of reviewing books is when I get introduced to a new author and get to see a new talent in the literary world. I've had that pleasure a few times and I have a feeling I'm experiencing it again. 

Though I don't know the actual release date for The Great Hunter by Kel Paisley yet, have no fear, I will announce it here and repost my review in the usual places. Get ready for a new star. Enjoy!

Mike