Camp Lake

John A. Heldt gave me the opportunity to read Camp Lake the fifth and final entry in the Carson Family Chronicles before its release today. He provided an ecopy for me.

Readers of my reviews know that I am an avid (weak term) follower of his work. Camp Lake is the fifteenth book I have had the pleasure of reading, and yes, it is by far the best he has written.

Heldt's work is so layered and nuanced. At first blush it reads like a simple feel good book about a family's adventures traipsing through time in an effort to reunite. But when the reader gets more involved, the layers unfold taking us deeper into the story. The depth here is nothing short of incredible. The second half of the book is so riveting, I couldn't stop reading. I wound up staying up much later than normal because I couldn't think of putting it down.

Sure we have a story of teens at camp (Camp Lake see?) but that is only the tip of the iceberg. Various family members, following their own leads, have scattered literally across the country in search of the wayward Carson elders. The strength of familial bonds and love individual characters share is so heartwarming. Author Heldt has the ability to manipulate our emotions at will. We move through the whole range of emotion; from deep despair to overwhelming joy and all points in between. The real trick though is that he can make us experience multiple emotions at the same time, kind of like real life family. 

One of the things I liked most about Camp Lake was that after resolving the main story line of the series, Heldt spends a good portion of the book taking the family beyond where many authors would stop. Not an actual epilogue in the usual sense but a comforting end to the story. How he wraps up a troubling story line floored me. Even though the resolution stares us in the face, I never saw it coming. After, I thought "Duh!  of course". 

As with all of Mr. Heldt's work, we have people behaving like people. Sometimes good sometimes bad, but always realistic. No violence in this installment but there are teenagers who acquire alcohol and sneak off for romantic interludes. I'm older now, but I remember such activities in my youth (don't you?).

I could go on and on about Camp Lake but I guess I've gushed enough. As I've said before; John A. (never forget the "A") Heldt has gotten better with each book I've read. He is such a great story-teller, I can't wait to read where he takes us next. He keeps setting the bar higher and higher. 

I am going to miss the Carson's, I encourage everyone to give this book and this author a read. I truly believe you will come to enjoy his work as much as I do. Enjoy!

Mike

When Blood Flowed as Water: A First Tale of Old Tombstone

I received an ecopy of When Blood Flowed as Water: A First Tale of Old Tombstone from author B. A. Braxton for review.

To start, I must admit to not being much of an expert on the whole gunfight at the o.k. corral story. I think my understanding of the story comes from the old Star Trek episode where Kirk and crew take the place of the Earp faction and then the movie with Kurt Russell. That being said, I found this telling very interesting.

The days leading up to the gunfight are told in great detail from several different points of view. We get the Clantons dishing dirt on the Earps and the Earps likewise trashing the Clantons. The author did an excellent job of filling out the characters well... character. Among the main characters there are no real good guys. Mostly they are downright nasty self-centered individuals who have no respect and little tolerance for anyone else. 

The depiction of historic Tombstone is stunning. In the summer it is a hot, dusty purgatorial existence. Not particularly surprising, but the descriptions of the monsoon season were great.  There is no Hollywood style glamorization of the town or its inhabitants. I found this very refreshing from a readers standpoint.  

Naturally even readers with my limited knowledge know what is going to happen. Lots of people die. But the human intricacies are engrossing. The author uses short chapters to move from viewpoint to viewpoint. This was both a plus and a minus for me. We get multiple views of the same incidents which makes for greater understanding. At the same time though it sometimes was difficult to keep track of whose viewpoint we were reading. I found myself having to go back and remind myself who was currently telling the story. Might be more of a comment on my short term memory though.

Anyway, When Blood Flowed as Water is an excellent retelling of the gunfight at the o. k. corral. It felt like a very well balanced and honest book. Enjoy!

Mike

Baltic Dance

I was fortunate to be given a print copy of Baltic Dance by Kevin Scott Olson for review.

Michael Quinn is the quintessential spy character. Olson has created a masterpiece series with the Michael Quinn short stories. I'll add my voice to all the others calling for a full length novel. Something we can spend some real time with.

The story itself: Fast paced action, intrigue and basically kicking butt and taking names. Quinn's task is to rescue a hostage being held in Russia. Off the books of course, which means no holds barred. Just the way Quinn, and his fans like it. Of course she's beautiful and of course no sex portrayed. 

Great espionage fun. Enjoy!

Mike

The Xeno Manifesto: Reclamation

I was provided an ecopy of The Xeno Manifesto: Reclamation by the author Brysen Mann.

The continuation of The Xeno Manifesto extends the story of Frank, the Committee, and the Tsiatko.

This story moves at a much faster and more intricate pace than the first installment. More political intrigue. Double dealing, triple dealing, a femme fatal, lots of violence and unchecked ambition. 

For me the story was a bit unbalanced, leaning more heavily to the political side of the story. It felt to me that the Tsiatko were relegated to a minor presence in the over all story when they should be the centerpiece. Just my reaction, judge for yourself. The story is still a good read. Enjoy!

Mike

Tasman: An Innocent Convict's Struggle For Freedom

I was provided an ecopy of Tasman: An Innocent Convict's Struggle For Freedom by Paddy Eger for review.

A story of survival for an innocent young man sent to the Australian Penal Colony. The author paints a detailed picture of the bleak existence of those sent to Australia in its early days as a colony. Ean McCloud is sentenced to the colony for theft. What follows is a struggle for survival in as hostile an environment as one can imagine.

Ean's love for his girlfriend maintains him for years as a convict. He is always focused on getting out of the colony. His life turns into what would be termed a grand adventure if it weren't so horrific. The stakes are of the ultimate variety. Probable death if he fails. 

What we witness as readers is the rebirth and renewal of Ean in the new land. We root for him and suffer with him throughout. I was engaged in this story from beginning to end. Good drama, survival action, hope and despair. Very entertaining. Enjoy!

Mike

Rattlesnake Wells, Wyoming

I won a print copy of Rattlesnake Wells, Wyoming by William W. Johnstone.

This first entry in the Rattlesnake Wells, Wyoming series has all the required elements of a good western story fest. 

We have the obligatory "Sheriff with a past", who, while being a crackerjack lawman, has little or no clue about relationships. He is your two-fisted "aw shucks" kind of man long on integrity and toughness. 

His deputy is less intimidating, but up to the task when called upon. Rattlesnake Wells is your basic frontier boom town, always teetering on the edge of anarchy. The town is inhabited by a mix of self-serving and sometimes self-centered people on both side of the track. Unlikely allies and foes are around every corner.

So, have we read this story before in other wrapping? Sure we have. Does that take away from its charm? To borrow terminology from the tale; Hell no! This is the story we are looking for when we pick up such a book. The cover prepares us for what's inside; a rough and tumble, shoot -em' up story of life on the wild frontier. Fans of the genre wouldn't have it any other way. Enjoy!

Mike

Mike

Apocalypse Chow

I was provided a print copy of Apocalypse Chow by David Julian Wightman for review.

Billed as "a remix of Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness", Apocalypse Chow does an admirable job filling that role. 

Any student in a college level literature course has probably read Conrad's work, as I did many many years ago. Movie buffs may also be familiar with the cinematic retelling Apocalypse Now. 

Rather than spending time (and words) on comparisons to the original, let's focus on this book. It is so much fun! Chefs, professional or amateur, will get a kick out of all the culinary references here. A rogue chef creating world class cuisine from indigenous ingredients builds a rabid following of customers and must be taken down. The restaurant establishment can't have him running loose so they send a fixer to resolve the situation. The tie-ins to the original story are many and brilliantly done. I found myself wodering "How is the author going to retell this or that scene". 

None of the sexual content of the movie, and of course not nearly so dark as Conrad. Apocalypse Chow is a must read for fans of the original or the movie, or for aspiring chefs and anyone who cooks. Enjoy!

Mike 

The Outcast

I won a print copy of The Outcast by Taran Matharu in a Goodreads Giveaway.

This is the fourth book in The Summoners series. And although I have not read the first three books in the series, The Outcast stands pretty well on its own.

Our hero Arcturus, has demonstrated the ability to summon demons, a talent thought to be reserved for the nobility. He is sent to an academy where he must deal with the disdain of noble born students as well as academy staff. 

This is a fairly familiar theme, overcoming the odds, overcoming the prejudice of the nobles and coming of age on his own. Familiar, yes but still very entertaining. Characters reasonably well developed, if a bit simple. 

As with most books of this genre, we kind of know what the final outcome will be, but the fun is in how we get there. The Outcast does a good job of keeping the story interesting and engaging. Enjoy!

Mike

Snakegod Vampirella #6

The second Vampirella book I found in a book giveaway (again attracted by the cover art). Authored by Ron Goulart, Snakegod is the sixth in his Vampirella series.

In this installment our scantily clad buxom beauty is out to save the day in the amazon jungle. She is pitted against followers of the snakegod Naga (actually a thing). Good action adventure. No sex, little vampirism, comic relief and romance.

A quick read at 139 pages, Snakegod is an example of 70's titillation. The cover art and blurb would lead one to believe the place to store this book is under the mattress or hidden in the sock drawer. Enjoy!

Mike

Deadwalk - Vampirella #3

I recently ran across a couple of Vampirella books at a local book giveaway. I'll admit I went for them because of the cover art (what can I say).

I had heard the name Vampirella back in the 70's but had never read any. 

Actually vampirism has very little to do with the story, and again a different origin for this vampire. Not a spoiler this time, it's on the cover. Vampirella is actually an alien! Where are the Ancient Aliens on this one?

The story is an action oriented adventure something like an Indiana Jones. Instead of an archeologist we have a hot alien out to save the day. 

No sex, plenty of titillation. We are reminded how hot our heroine is often, but it doesn't really do anyone any good. Except for the son of Van Helsing (yes that Van Helsing).

A fun, campy, quick read. Enjoy! (if you can find a copy)

Mike

The Curse of Judas

Cynthia Brandel provided an ecopy of The Curse of Judas for review.

A different take on the origin of the vampire, at least for me. Vampire aficionados will know more than me. The title pretty much explains that.

In a world where vampires pretty much, rule our hero Phoebe is trying is just trying to get by. She becomes the focus of the local ruling vampires and so the story begins. 

I found the story well written and interesting. It did keep me engaged throughout. But I will say it could have provided a bit more detail about the world the characters inhabit. More background and fleshing out would be welcome, but this is a minor complaint. 

The actual vampirism is handled in a unique way (spoiler). Some sensuality, some horror, some action, some suspense.

The story does leave itself open for continuation and I would be interested to see where it goes. 

Sadly for some unknown reason this book has disappeared from my ereader, don't know why.

Fans of vampire stories should find this entertaining. Enjoy!

Mike

Madame Vampire

Robin Burks provided an ecopy of Madame Vampire for review.

Although this review and the three to follow are vampire stories, such are not a part of my usual reading. The only other vampire book I have read is Bram Stoker's Dracula. 

This caveat aside, I found Madame Vampire quite interesting. The main character's vampirism comes from a different origin than I am familiar with. But that might be considered a spoiler, so you'll have to read the book for that info. Jeanne “Reinette” Antoinette Poisson,Madame de Pompadour, is a fairly sympathetic character (for a vampire). To her credit she only feeds on people who "deserve it". Not sure if that is really acceptable, but does make her actions a tad more palatable. 

The best part of this story is how the life of Madame de Pompadour is entwined with French history. She freely moves among the royals of the time while her background should ban her from such associations. Other less savory vampire characters come and go (and come again). 

Madame Vampire does not rely on graphic depictions of vampiristic feedings to maintain the readers interest. They are there of course, but not as a main theme. The author promised a different kind of vampire tale when requesting a review and I believe she delivered. 

Lots of history, mildly graphic sex, vampirism. Well developed characters, good writing. All in all a good story. Enjoy!

Mike

There There

I won a print copy of There There  by Tommy Orange in a Goodreads Giveaway.

I'll probably get hammered for this review, depending on how many people see it. 

I started reading There There hoping I was getting an uplifting story of breaking historical bonds and prospering in a hostile world. What I got was a tired rehash of victimology, poor little us, we have been so mistreated there is no way we can be successful. The author even admonishes the reader to not say "get over it" "move on". 

No doubt Indians (the author uses this term so I guess it's okay for me) were horribly mistreated historically, so were Africans, the Irish, Chinese, Japanese, Germans (yes Germans, my father was beaten daily as a school kid during WWII). If you go far enough back in history you'll find most if not all ethnic groups were abused and exploited at some time. The common denominator? They got over it and moved on and became a group to be reckoned with. 

I was starting to have a good reaction to the book when the author inserted his "Interlude". I'm not sure of the intention for including it, but it made me angry. I have great compassion for people who have been victimized, but that compassion quickly fades when people choose to wallow in their victimhood. I dealt with many such people in my years as a therapist. Sadly there are people who do not want to improve their situation, they choose victimhood.

There There became for me the consolation of an adult patting a whining child on the head. A child who can't have their way so they're going to throw a tantrum. 

To not be totally negative, I did find some of the characters sympathetic and I was interested in their well being. The author did provide well developed characters and painted a vivid picture of the community the story is placed in. No complaints about his ability to write. It was just the under current that got to me. It could have been so much more.

So, take this review with however many grains of salt you see fit. There There has been well received by many other readers.

Mike

Deviant: A Comedy

Justin Xavier provided a print copy of Deviant: A Comedy for review.

I have to say this book did not work so well for me. I have no problem reading sexually oriented material, even when it's "Deviant" (get it?). 

The writing was good, clear and descriptive. I can find no fault with it. I just didn't find the characters sympathetic and wasn't pulled into the story.

It may have something to do with my mood at the time I read it, but the comedy aspect kind of passed me by. I had a hard time sticking with it. So I guess all I can say is that it was okay, not great, certainly not awful, okay. Enjoy!

Mike

Necromancy Cottage

Rebecca McNutt generously provided an ecopy of Necromancy Cottage for review. 

Basically an occult fantasy, Necromancy Cottage hooked me from the start. A runaway teen goes to the most out of the way spot she could find to stay hidden. She gets caught up in a bizarre world of black magic. She finds herself in a situation where she doesn't know whom to trust or where to turn. 

Naturally, the situation is resolved (wouldn't be much of a story if it wasn't right?) ahh, but not in a predictable manner. I really enjoyed the ending, and many thanks to Ms. McNutt for providing a detailed epilogue. Epilogues are often a grossly overlooked part of the story.

The story is tight, but not minimalist. The authoress is very adept at descriptive writing. I've read a few of Ms. McNutt's works and she keeps getting better. 

An aside, our intrepid authoress is currently a full-time student pursuing a legal career. A laudable goal to be sure, but as a fan of her work, I truly hope she does not abandon what appears to be a successful writing career. Just sayin'.

Anyway Necromancy Cottage is well worth your time investment, I think you will enjoy it, maybe even as much as I did (that's a lot). Enjoy!

Mike

Construct 11 Part 2

Author Anna Lynn Miller provided a print copy of Construct 11 Part 2 for review.

Let's get right to the point, this book is great. Obviously part 2 means there was a part one (which I read and reviewed) and I think this continuation is even better than the beginning and the beginning was pretty darn good.

Although this book calls to mind the 70's movie Logan's Run, is in no way a rip-off of that story. It's more like a behind the scenes look at a Utopian society. Of course the decay of the society is being uncovered by the young people (who else). It is fun reading as the teenagers discover things from history that they just don't understand. Example that is not a spoiler; they find an old globe and they can't figure out what the blue parts are. Many of those kinds of discoveries.

I'm really impressed by the authors ability to stay in the new societies language and not use words familiar to us that are out of place int the world she has created. Excellent attention to detail. Good character development, eminently readable and interesting. It held my interest all the way through. I understand the third installation has been delayed,but I am eagerly waiting to see how the story unfolds. I'm hooked.

We have dystopia within utopia, romance (c'mon, teenagers), political intrigue, suspense, violence, basically all the things a utopian society should not have. Great fun to read. I recommend it. Enjoy!

Mike