The Show

I received an e-version of The Show from author John A. Heldt after I reviewed The Mine. He did not specifically ask for a review, but hey, it's what I do.

After enjoying The Mine as much as I did, I was intrigued that there was another book in the series focusing on character Grace Vandenburg. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from The Show, but wanted more about Grace. I guessed there would be some rehash from the first book, and there was. I don't think it was too much. Since I knew at least a part of what was coming, I got a little impatient waiting for Grace and Joel's reunion. I chalk that up to my own impatience rather than any great flaw in the book.

There were twists and turns that kept the story fresh and compelling for me. The story is an emotional roller coaster for Grace. It shouldn't be a spoiler to say that her life is once again thrown into turmoil. I suppose the readers reaction to Grace's dealing with her situation will be rooted in their own coping mechanisms. Yeah, I know, psychobabble, but the reader can respond to the situation in a few differing ways. To some, her actions will be seen as flighty, fickle, or maybe even selfish. To others, they will be perfectly reasonable given the realities she is faced with.

I usually do not try to delve too deeply into the psychological ramifications of the books I read, I just sit back and enjoy the ride. I consider myself to be somewhat cynical when it comes to deep emotions in the characters I read about. If the story is good, I acknowledge the emotions, but don't usually spend much time thinking about them, they're just part of the story.  That's one of the differences I find in John Heldt's work. I get so drawn into the story, I find myself, experiencing the emotional conflicts of the characters. I do get drawn into the best books I read, but Heldt is able to draw me farther than other authors. I look forward to reading more of his work. In fact, I have already started the next book in the series. More on that when I finish.

Since I didn't mention it before, The Show is, I believe, the third book of the Northwest Passage series of five books.

The Show is a great player in the time-travel genre for the audience that prefers emotional connections over technological wizardry. I do, so I say, "Great read!" Enjoy!


Mike