Madam Tulip and the Knave of Hearts was given to me by author David Ahern in e-format for review.
Madam Tulip and the Knave of Hearts is the second book in the Madam Tulip series. I found this entry as good a read as was the first. Psychic Madam Tulip is the alter ego of Derry O'Donnell, a perpetually starving actress. She finds herself employed as the fortune teller at a party given by British royalty (no not the Queen, a bit lower on the royal roster). Her psychic abilities get her caught up in cloak and dagger goings on.
I like the Madam Tulip books because of the way all the players are presented. Derry is psychic, no big deal (at least to her). Her mother is a delightfully pompous art dealer, her father an equally delightful artist. The ongoing feud between her estranged parents is seriously funny. Her best friend Bruce is an ex-seal and by the way, gay. Though his sexuality rarely plays much of a part in the story.
A little different from the first book, Madam Tulip herself does not actually appear that much. Madam Tulip's appearance at the big party is kind of a sideline. This does not, however, take anything away from the story. The action and intrigue we enjoyed in the first book are here as well. A cleverly twisting plot sprinkled with psychic clues, gives us an entertaining mystery with just enough humor [(humour, it is a British oriented story after all) (a Scots (Roddy Piper said Scotch is a drink, Scot is a person) author is still British, right? I'm such an American) to keep the tone from getting too heavy and oppressive.
David Ahern does a great job of keeping the characters fresh and the story exciting. It is a wild ride and the minor royals are as goofy as anyone else.
No sex (don't really want too much detail on Bruce's activities, not that there's anything wrong there), apparently Derry is too busy getting caught up in mysteries for any amorous activities. Some violence (there are bad guys, and we all know how they are), not overly graphic.Enough twists and turns to keep mystery lovers hooked. Madam Tulip and the Knave of Hearts by David Ahern is an all around good read. Enjoy!
Mike
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Saturday, April 1, 2017
Phoenix Island
I was given a print copy of Phoenix Island by John Dixon by the publisher, Gallery Books. They sent me this book as an apology for not sending another book in a timely fashion.
It took me a while to get to this book because it didn't go through my usual channels. I have to say, I have mixed reactions to Phoenix Island. The book is apparently the inspiration for a tv show (at least that's what the cover says). I haven't seen the show and it doesn't really matter since I am reviewing the book not the show.
Phoenix Island is a good action/adventure. No lulls or slow passages, the action is nonstop and over the top. There is a romantic interest which softens the overall story a bit, but not much. It is a hard bitten, militaristic, testosterone filled ride.
With the exception of the main character Carl, most of the players in Phoenix Island are pretty one-dimensional. This is not necessarily a bad thing, it pretty much goes with the macho-military style of the story.
I said earlier that I had mixed reactions, so here we go: The story is exceptionally sadistic. When books go over an invisible line for me, it tends to turn me off. I was counting on an ending which would make the journey worthwhile, and I did get that, but I almost quit reading with about 100 pages left because it was just so cruel. The unrelenting cruelty probably more accurately describes what I have a problem with. I don't have a problem with graphic violence (Phoenix Island has that in abundance), or graphic anything for that matter. My personal limits don't change the fact that Phoenix Island is a well written book, good descriptive and engaging story telling. The action grabs the reader and doesn't let go. Even though I had my own issues with the tone, the story did keep me interested, so what can I say?
So if you are a fan of over-the-top, militaristic, action, and don't have too much of a problem with sadistic cruelty, Phoenix Island will fill your needs. Enjoy!
Mike
It took me a while to get to this book because it didn't go through my usual channels. I have to say, I have mixed reactions to Phoenix Island. The book is apparently the inspiration for a tv show (at least that's what the cover says). I haven't seen the show and it doesn't really matter since I am reviewing the book not the show.
Phoenix Island is a good action/adventure. No lulls or slow passages, the action is nonstop and over the top. There is a romantic interest which softens the overall story a bit, but not much. It is a hard bitten, militaristic, testosterone filled ride.
With the exception of the main character Carl, most of the players in Phoenix Island are pretty one-dimensional. This is not necessarily a bad thing, it pretty much goes with the macho-military style of the story.
I said earlier that I had mixed reactions, so here we go: The story is exceptionally sadistic. When books go over an invisible line for me, it tends to turn me off. I was counting on an ending which would make the journey worthwhile, and I did get that, but I almost quit reading with about 100 pages left because it was just so cruel. The unrelenting cruelty probably more accurately describes what I have a problem with. I don't have a problem with graphic violence (Phoenix Island has that in abundance), or graphic anything for that matter. My personal limits don't change the fact that Phoenix Island is a well written book, good descriptive and engaging story telling. The action grabs the reader and doesn't let go. Even though I had my own issues with the tone, the story did keep me interested, so what can I say?
So if you are a fan of over-the-top, militaristic, action, and don't have too much of a problem with sadistic cruelty, Phoenix Island will fill your needs. Enjoy!
Mike
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
The Reedsmith of Zendar
Author Daniel Side sent me a print copy of The Reedsmith of Zendar for review.
The Reedsmith of Zendar is the kind of fantasy I really enjoy getting into. Set in a low technology world (every civilization has some technology right?), we have a story that involves, at least peripherally, the hunt for the lost technology of their ancestors. But this story is about people, not technology.
The heart of The Reedsmith of Zendar is the quest of a father to rescue his daughter. Perhaps not a "quest" in the true epic fantasy tradition, but in my mind a quest none the less.
Our hero Andar is the reedsmith immortalized in the title. His daughter Dreanna is the focus of two different bad guys with two different motivations. Andar undertakes what can only be termed an epic adventure to save her. The world of Zendar can be a brutal one with many ways for the unprepared to come to harm.
Mr. Side does an excellent job of bringing the reader into the world of Zendar, we feel what the characters feel. Several times I felt my heart racing in response to the action I was reading.
We have two different peoples inhabiting Zendar and the only shortcoming of The Reedsmith of Zendar for me, is that the how and why of these two different groups is not more fully explained. Since it is not the main focus of the story, it doesn't detract that much.
What does keep the reader engaged is the character driven story; the love of a father for his daughter, his struggle to protect his family while helping them grow and mature, his sense of honor and proper behavior. He is, like most good fathers, infuriating and endearing, heroic and bumbling, harsh and nurturing by turns.
We have a tale of adventure and intrigue, sexual coming of age, hate, revenge, love, romance, and emotional rebirth. As such, we have graphic violence, a bit less graphic sex, physical and mental abuse, humor, friendship, loyalty and honor. A lot going on in one very good story.
The Reedsmith of Zendar is a thoroughly delightful read. If you are a fantasy fan (and if your not, you should be), epic or otherwise, I highly recommend you give The Reedsmith of Zendar by Daniel Side, a look. I think you will find a book worth spending some time with. Enjoy!
Mike
The Reedsmith of Zendar is the kind of fantasy I really enjoy getting into. Set in a low technology world (every civilization has some technology right?), we have a story that involves, at least peripherally, the hunt for the lost technology of their ancestors. But this story is about people, not technology.
The heart of The Reedsmith of Zendar is the quest of a father to rescue his daughter. Perhaps not a "quest" in the true epic fantasy tradition, but in my mind a quest none the less.
Our hero Andar is the reedsmith immortalized in the title. His daughter Dreanna is the focus of two different bad guys with two different motivations. Andar undertakes what can only be termed an epic adventure to save her. The world of Zendar can be a brutal one with many ways for the unprepared to come to harm.
Mr. Side does an excellent job of bringing the reader into the world of Zendar, we feel what the characters feel. Several times I felt my heart racing in response to the action I was reading.
We have two different peoples inhabiting Zendar and the only shortcoming of The Reedsmith of Zendar for me, is that the how and why of these two different groups is not more fully explained. Since it is not the main focus of the story, it doesn't detract that much.
What does keep the reader engaged is the character driven story; the love of a father for his daughter, his struggle to protect his family while helping them grow and mature, his sense of honor and proper behavior. He is, like most good fathers, infuriating and endearing, heroic and bumbling, harsh and nurturing by turns.
We have a tale of adventure and intrigue, sexual coming of age, hate, revenge, love, romance, and emotional rebirth. As such, we have graphic violence, a bit less graphic sex, physical and mental abuse, humor, friendship, loyalty and honor. A lot going on in one very good story.
The Reedsmith of Zendar is a thoroughly delightful read. If you are a fantasy fan (and if your not, you should be), epic or otherwise, I highly recommend you give The Reedsmith of Zendar by Daniel Side, a look. I think you will find a book worth spending some time with. Enjoy!
Mike
Thursday, March 23, 2017
When the Reaper Comes
Disclaimer: You know it; don't make me type it out.
When the Reaper Comes, authored by John L. DeBoer, is an exciting action/suspense/thriller pitting American security experts against American born terrorists.
The bad guys (that would be the terrorists) want to make a statement while killing a popular musician who said things about terrorists that they didn't like. The good guys are the security agents assigned to protect the musician.
A lot of supporting characters (on both sides) come together in a compelling chess game. Advantage shifts between players continuously, each trying to guess their opponents next move. Both sides are smart so the story shifts back and forth keeping the reader hooked. Like a chess game, targets come and go with the flow of events. Twists, turns, surprises, and questionable alliances abound.
The positive and negative in this story is the same; It is an extremely plausible plot. As the reader, I never said to myself, "that could never happen". The scary thing is that it really could happen, and there are so many variables which could lead to many different outcomes.
Violence (hello, terrorists), suspense, intrigue, and a bit of romance keeps this a taut, spellbinding, and eminently entertaining read.
When the Reaper Comes, by John L. DeBoer is a scary story that could be actually happening as you read it. I'll admit it scared me in a way that I'm not used to. If you like your thrills and chills on the more plausible and realistic side, When the Reaper Comes will get your blood pumping. Enjoy!
When the Reaper Comes, authored by John L. DeBoer, is an exciting action/suspense/thriller pitting American security experts against American born terrorists.
The bad guys (that would be the terrorists) want to make a statement while killing a popular musician who said things about terrorists that they didn't like. The good guys are the security agents assigned to protect the musician.
A lot of supporting characters (on both sides) come together in a compelling chess game. Advantage shifts between players continuously, each trying to guess their opponents next move. Both sides are smart so the story shifts back and forth keeping the reader hooked. Like a chess game, targets come and go with the flow of events. Twists, turns, surprises, and questionable alliances abound.
The positive and negative in this story is the same; It is an extremely plausible plot. As the reader, I never said to myself, "that could never happen". The scary thing is that it really could happen, and there are so many variables which could lead to many different outcomes.
Violence (hello, terrorists), suspense, intrigue, and a bit of romance keeps this a taut, spellbinding, and eminently entertaining read.
When the Reaper Comes, by John L. DeBoer is a scary story that could be actually happening as you read it. I'll admit it scared me in a way that I'm not used to. If you like your thrills and chills on the more plausible and realistic side, When the Reaper Comes will get your blood pumping. Enjoy!
Mike
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Hannah's Moon
John A. Heldt gave me an e-copy of Hannah's Moon for review. I stress the "A" in his name because on the Barnes & Noble book site they offer the works of a different John Heldt. They are really missing the boat by not carrying "A"'s books.
Hannah's Moon is the fifth and final entry in the American Journey series. As with all the books in the series it is not necessarily necessary to have read the previous books to understand this one. They all stand alone well.
I am a bit saddened to have come to the end of a series that I have enjoyed so much. Hannah's Moon is a spectacular end to the series. Mr. Heldt has done a beautiful job of tying all five books together and resolving any loose threads. But I am supposed to be reviewing one book not all five, so focus Mike.
Hannah's Moon is set in the waning days of WWII. The war is not the focus but does play a large role in the story. The story begins with a truly heartbreaking scene which becomes the impetus for the remainder of the tale. And of course, if you are a reader of Mr. Heldt's work, you know it is going to be a good one. As always, the characters are well developed, the story engaging. The reader is hooked from the beginning, and held in a comfortable grip of human drama throughout. As usual, I thought I had figured out what was coming and as usual, I was wrong (I gotta quit doing that).
Hannah's Moon is the darkest story John Heldt has given us so far. A bit less focus on romance and more dramatic story lines. I guess it is not a spoiler to share that the story revolves around a young couples attempt to adopt a child (it's in the blurb about the book) and the difficulties they encounter. Not quite as lighthearted as the other books in the series.
We also get a bit of a history lesson, and a minor culture shock, things that make a time travel story fun.
Personal comment time: For anyone who has read my reviews, it is apparent that I am a huge fan of Mr. Heldt's work. I have now read all ten of his books and given each of them highest praise. There are a lot of authors I really like and I haven't always done that with them. I thought about why these books in particular speak to me.
I read for escapist fun. I don't look for messages, lessons, or social comment. I just want to have fun. What I have found in Mr. Heldt's work is escapism to places and times I would really like to visit. Many books I read are escapist fun but I don't especially want to go there. I mean zombie plagues and post apocalyptic wastelands are fun to read about but actually go there? No thanks. Okay enough of that.
Hannah's Moon is, in my estimation, the best book of the series. That is saying something when you consider how good the whole series is.
Readers who are looking for good, clean, suspenseful, intricate, escapist fun, need look no further. Hannah's Moon by John A. Heldt will take you where you want to go. I'll bet that you too will become a fan of his work once you are introduced to his story telling skill. Bye the way, according to what I read on his blog, Mr' Heldt is working on a new book (Yay!) Enjoy!
Mike
Hannah's Moon is the fifth and final entry in the American Journey series. As with all the books in the series it is not necessarily necessary to have read the previous books to understand this one. They all stand alone well.
I am a bit saddened to have come to the end of a series that I have enjoyed so much. Hannah's Moon is a spectacular end to the series. Mr. Heldt has done a beautiful job of tying all five books together and resolving any loose threads. But I am supposed to be reviewing one book not all five, so focus Mike.
Hannah's Moon is set in the waning days of WWII. The war is not the focus but does play a large role in the story. The story begins with a truly heartbreaking scene which becomes the impetus for the remainder of the tale. And of course, if you are a reader of Mr. Heldt's work, you know it is going to be a good one. As always, the characters are well developed, the story engaging. The reader is hooked from the beginning, and held in a comfortable grip of human drama throughout. As usual, I thought I had figured out what was coming and as usual, I was wrong (I gotta quit doing that).
Hannah's Moon is the darkest story John Heldt has given us so far. A bit less focus on romance and more dramatic story lines. I guess it is not a spoiler to share that the story revolves around a young couples attempt to adopt a child (it's in the blurb about the book) and the difficulties they encounter. Not quite as lighthearted as the other books in the series.
We also get a bit of a history lesson, and a minor culture shock, things that make a time travel story fun.
Personal comment time: For anyone who has read my reviews, it is apparent that I am a huge fan of Mr. Heldt's work. I have now read all ten of his books and given each of them highest praise. There are a lot of authors I really like and I haven't always done that with them. I thought about why these books in particular speak to me.
I read for escapist fun. I don't look for messages, lessons, or social comment. I just want to have fun. What I have found in Mr. Heldt's work is escapism to places and times I would really like to visit. Many books I read are escapist fun but I don't especially want to go there. I mean zombie plagues and post apocalyptic wastelands are fun to read about but actually go there? No thanks. Okay enough of that.
Hannah's Moon is, in my estimation, the best book of the series. That is saying something when you consider how good the whole series is.
Readers who are looking for good, clean, suspenseful, intricate, escapist fun, need look no further. Hannah's Moon by John A. Heldt will take you where you want to go. I'll bet that you too will become a fan of his work once you are introduced to his story telling skill. Bye the way, according to what I read on his blog, Mr' Heldt is working on a new book (Yay!) Enjoy!
Mike
Monday, March 13, 2017
FEAR: Spine-chiller and romance too
I was sent an e-copy of FEAR: Spine-chiller and romance too by author Patrick Mccusker. He didn't actually request a review, but I figured he wouldn't mind too much (especially since I really like the book).
I was immediately surprised by Fear.... You see, Patrick Mccusker resides in Ireland (I almost said Scotland, good thing I rechecked). The book starts out in China (it never does get to Ireland, don't really know why I was expecting it to), and moves to America.
One of our heroes is a half Japanese woman named Pearl, and another Mick (maybe that is the Irish, is that racist? No), doctor and researcher respectively. They are part of a team trying to find the answer to a series of deaths in both China and America. So there is the spine chilling fear. Pearl and Mick constitute the romance as well. The title says it all.
Fear... is a full on epidemic of biblical proportion tale. subtly (very subtly) included are social comments about ecology, racial hatred, gender bias, politics and academic snobbery (really, very, VERY subtle; they may have been a figment of my imagination).
The spine chilling is definitely at the forefront of Fear..., it has one of the most clever and insidious contagions I have ever read about. If it were real we would be in serious trouble. The story does bounce between China and America but not a whole lot. There are twists, turns and surprises along the way.
The romance is more of a minor part of the story which was good for me (remember not a romance fan).
There is plenty of action and suspense to go around. Not over the top violent action, but very good none the less. The story moves along at a pace that keeps the reader hooked. I was so bummed; I had 8% of the book remaining and had to put my e-reader on charge (one of the reasons I will always prefer print books. Personal comment). The scenes depicting the effects of the contagion are very graphic (but shouldn't they be?).
FEAR: Spine-chiller and romance too by author (Irish author) Patrick Mccusker is a great read. So if you want a spine chiller with a little romance as well, this is definitely the book for you. Enjoy!
Mike
I was immediately surprised by Fear.... You see, Patrick Mccusker resides in Ireland (I almost said Scotland, good thing I rechecked). The book starts out in China (it never does get to Ireland, don't really know why I was expecting it to), and moves to America.
One of our heroes is a half Japanese woman named Pearl, and another Mick (maybe that is the Irish, is that racist? No), doctor and researcher respectively. They are part of a team trying to find the answer to a series of deaths in both China and America. So there is the spine chilling fear. Pearl and Mick constitute the romance as well. The title says it all.
Fear... is a full on epidemic of biblical proportion tale. subtly (very subtly) included are social comments about ecology, racial hatred, gender bias, politics and academic snobbery (really, very, VERY subtle; they may have been a figment of my imagination).
The spine chilling is definitely at the forefront of Fear..., it has one of the most clever and insidious contagions I have ever read about. If it were real we would be in serious trouble. The story does bounce between China and America but not a whole lot. There are twists, turns and surprises along the way.
The romance is more of a minor part of the story which was good for me (remember not a romance fan).
There is plenty of action and suspense to go around. Not over the top violent action, but very good none the less. The story moves along at a pace that keeps the reader hooked. I was so bummed; I had 8% of the book remaining and had to put my e-reader on charge (one of the reasons I will always prefer print books. Personal comment). The scenes depicting the effects of the contagion are very graphic (but shouldn't they be?).
FEAR: Spine-chiller and romance too by author (Irish author) Patrick Mccusker is a great read. So if you want a spine chiller with a little romance as well, this is definitely the book for you. Enjoy!
Mike
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Chase: The Hunt for a King
Author Thomas Dellenbusch provided me with an ecopy of Chase: The Hunt for a King for review.
The is the second entry in the Chase series and part of the German Kopfkino series of movie length books. I'm not sure if this is a creation of Mr. Dellenbusch or if he is part of a larger concern. These are books meant to be read in about the same amount of time one would spend watching a movie. Kopfkino translates in English as "mind theater" sound familiar?
Chase: The Hunt for a King is a political/action story revolving around an upcoming vote for the independence of Scotland. The hunt is for the proof of the hereditary claim for the man who would be offered as Scotland's rightful king.
Most of the characters from The Hunt for the Mute Poetess (reviewed earlier here) reprise their roles in this story. I would go so far as to call it an ensemble cast. We have kind of a Davinci Code meets 007 going on.
Great action, an interesting trail of history, and even a bit of romance (kind of like a good movie), makes Chase: The Hunt for a King a great way to spend a couple of hours. We don't get bogged down in unrelated plot lines or superfluous detail. We do get a story with laser focus on the story at hand. I find it a great way to read a story when I don't feel like getting caught up in a 700-800 page epic.
Kopfkino has built for itself quite a niche. If they continue to provide stories of this caliber they will go far (if they haven't already). Compliments to Richard Urmston for a clear, flowing translation that does not sound like a translation. No awkward phrasing or word usage.
Chase: The Hunt for a King by Thomas Dellenbusch is a great way to have an adventure in a limited amount of time without feeling that you have sacrificed story for brevity. I know I am already looking forward to reading more. Enjoy!
Mike
The is the second entry in the Chase series and part of the German Kopfkino series of movie length books. I'm not sure if this is a creation of Mr. Dellenbusch or if he is part of a larger concern. These are books meant to be read in about the same amount of time one would spend watching a movie. Kopfkino translates in English as "mind theater" sound familiar?
Chase: The Hunt for a King is a political/action story revolving around an upcoming vote for the independence of Scotland. The hunt is for the proof of the hereditary claim for the man who would be offered as Scotland's rightful king.
Most of the characters from The Hunt for the Mute Poetess (reviewed earlier here) reprise their roles in this story. I would go so far as to call it an ensemble cast. We have kind of a Davinci Code meets 007 going on.
Great action, an interesting trail of history, and even a bit of romance (kind of like a good movie), makes Chase: The Hunt for a King a great way to spend a couple of hours. We don't get bogged down in unrelated plot lines or superfluous detail. We do get a story with laser focus on the story at hand. I find it a great way to read a story when I don't feel like getting caught up in a 700-800 page epic.
Kopfkino has built for itself quite a niche. If they continue to provide stories of this caliber they will go far (if they haven't already). Compliments to Richard Urmston for a clear, flowing translation that does not sound like a translation. No awkward phrasing or word usage.
Chase: The Hunt for a King by Thomas Dellenbusch is a great way to have an adventure in a limited amount of time without feeling that you have sacrificed story for brevity. I know I am already looking forward to reading more. Enjoy!
Mike
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