I had the great pleasure of reading John A. Heldt's newest offering The Fountain in its mobi iteration.

As one of those many readers who have enjoyed all, now 21, of his works, I was excited to check out the newest book. As always, Mr. Heldt's work does not disappoint. The Fountain does take a different tack from previous works. 

Here we find our main characters, the Carpenter siblings, travelling back in time to 1905. The difference is that they do so via a fountain of youth. I found this an intriguing idea. They are able to live a new life as young adults without losing the accumulated knowledge of their advanced chronological ages. Taking a line from Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome :"Think of the possibilities."

One of Mr. Heldt,s gifts as a writer is to endear the reader to his characters quickly with seemingly minimal effort. I was immediately engaged, I was invested in these three siblings. The second chance they are given is such a thought provoking theme. I could put myself in their places easily and consider (fantasize actually) what I would do. Though I usually lose myself in Mr. Heldt's work, The Fountain took me deeper than usual. I was immersed in this story. 

I have commented on other books by Mr. Heldt, how often there is some part of the story that relates directly to my personal experience. Most of the time it is physical locations where I have lived and have some personal connection which makes the story more personal to me. This time however, the connection is more personal, I truly identify with one of the characters. I won't share which one here, this is supposed to be about the book after all. But I am somewhat mystified as to how Mr.Heldt's work so often ties to my personal life. 

I said I was immersed in this story and an example is when Cassie tells her beau Bill "I made You look" she actually made me look too. I bet she made a lot of people look. 

Set around the historic San Francisco Earthquake, The Fountain begins another compelling story arc I can't wait to continue. Enjoy!

Mike

I just finished reading A Blurred Estuary of Demons by Rebecca Maye Holiday. Having read a fair amount of Ms. Holiday's work I was eager to get into this collection. So eager that I actually purchased it. It was not submitted for review. 

I usually steer away from short story collections for a few reasons, One, how to review a collection of varied stories, some of which the reader may or may not understand. Additionally, I have also had the experience of short stories not being able to adequately develop characters. Finally, I enjoy getting lost in books, difficult to do in a variety of short stories. Reading stand alone stories not in a collection format is perfectly fine with me and I've read several of Ms. Holiday's stories this way.

I must admit, there were a couple of stories I probably missed the point on. But it was only a couple and didn't diminish my overall reaction the the collection. 

My second concern was a nonstarter from the beginning. Each story, even with its limited length did not scrimp on character development in the least.

I did not get lost in the book. But I did get lost in some very very powerful tales. Her no-frills writing style does not waste time with superfluous verbiage. Characters reach out and grab the reader by the heart and/or throat. I believe most of these stories expanded to book length would be more than I could probably handle.

Many of the stories evoke a feeling like the old Twilight Zone, One Step Beyond or The Outer Limits. I don't think I can give this book any greater praise than that. Those old tv shows entertained, at times disturbed and often terrified the watcher, usually making one ponder the issues explored. Ms. Holiday's stories do no less. So, while my criticisms of short story collections are still valid in my mind, this collection avoids those pitfalls admirably. I would not hesitate for a moment to read another if she produced one.

I am so glad I set my preconceived prejudices against short story collections aside. Like I said, I've read several of her stories and wanted more. For a while her earlier works were not available, so I jumped at the opportunity to be able to read these. They are DARK don't for a moment believe they aren't. The title does include the word Demons after all. I enjoyed the h-e-double hockey sticks out of it. If you enjoy stories that give you a tingle on a dark night A Blurred Estuary of Demons is for you! Enjoy!

Mike

 

 

I got to spend some time with friends over the last few days. The Lane family, at least that's what it feels like when I get to read one of Mr. Heldt's books. Crown City is the latest of his works and it represents a couple of significant milestones: First, it completes the five book series Time Box, Second, this is the twentieth book he has written. Consequently, the twentieth title I have read by him.

Frequent readers of Mr. Heldt's work will understand when I say that completing one of his series is a bittersweet experience. This author is adept at drawing readers into the story so well that the characters experiences feel like our own. I am sad that a particular story line concludes and then am intrigued by what may be coming next. Crown City is certainly a shining example of this ability.

Having read all of Heldt's work over the last several years, I have had the pleasure of watching his evolution as a story teller. On a personal note I have often been pleasantly surprised when stories or parts of stories are set in geographic areas familiar to me. I happen to live in the area parts of the Northwest Passage series is set, only four miles from the setting of one of the books. Crown City is set in Coronado California, near San Diego. I grew up in North San Diego County during the time frame of this book. Yeah, I know, so did a few million other people, but it's still cool.

As all the storylines converge and resolve, Crown City gives us family in flux, not unreasonable for a family that has been present for two presidential assassinations, the entry of the U.S. into WWII and having to adapt to several different American cultures based on the different time periods they visit.

As is the case with the rest of the series, Crown City focuses mostly one one family member. Others are not ignored by any stretch but in this case fourteen-year-old Ashley is given center stage. Heldt does an admirable job of portraying teen-angst and youthful rebellion. Ashley is a well developed real character, as are all of his characters. She has strengths and weaknesses and some of those weaknesses cause real problems. 

The focus of the whole series has been the Lane family's trek through time trying avoid the contract killer pursuing them to kill the family and retrieve the time boxes they absconded with to prevent an unscrupulous ceo from using for illicit purposes. This is where I see the growth of Mr. Heldt's talent, The Time Box series was to my mind darker and more violent than his other work. Not overly dark or extremely graphicly violent by any means. I still walk away feeling good, but we do see a new side of Mr. Heldt's repertoire, demonstrating his ability to avoid falling into formulae, keeping his work new and fresh.

Readers of my reviews know I don't spend a lot of time rehashing the storyline in my reviews. I leave that to other reviewers. I try instead to focus on what about the writing moved or didn't move me. Hopefully some readers find this approach helpful. I find that dialogue is often a weak spot for some authors. Not so for John Heldt, he is great at using dialogue to set a tone and evoke a response in the reader. With just a few lines he can make the reader feel warm and fuzzy, agitated, frustrated, fearful, heartbroken or elated.

Crown City is worthy of your time. It is a well told story part of a master-crafted series. John Heldt continues to provide solid entertainment that relies on a well told story over the literary crutches used by other authors (Foul language, graphic sex and violence, dysfunctional/disrespectful families). His stories are tight and uplifting and I recommend them highly. If you haven't yet had the pleasure of reading his work, do yourself a favor and give his work a look, you won't be disappointed! Enjoy!

Oh yeah, five stars for sure!

Mike

Fractured Throne

 

Author Lee Haywood provided a print copy of Fractured Throne for review.

It is interesting to note that the cover art for this book on Amazon shows the same artwork but with the added title The Promise of Dragons. My deduction; an early printing. No matter, the book is great.

Your basic fantasy quest tale, but very well presented. Good character development and enough background that the reader does not feel lost jumping directly into the heart of the story. 

Our hero, Emethius, is a Soldier of the Faith, a group that sounds somewhat Christian although not specifically so. He is tasked with finding the cure to the Blackheart, a plague destroying the population without regard to station or status. 

All the best aspects of the quest are here including a partner who provides the comedy relief. No sex, good action, intrigue and political maneuvering.

If you like medieval quest settings this should be your cup of tea (or pages of a book if you prefer).  Fractured Throne does appear to be the first in a series. As evidenced by the fact (SPOILER ALERT!) that our hero does not find the cure in this volume. The detective in me figured that out all by myself!

Anyway, good escapist fun for fantasy enthusiasts like me. Enjoy!

Mike

The Refugee: Valiant

 

I was provided a print copy of  The Refugee: Valiant for review.

Regular kid Valiant is struck by lightening and transported to another world where he turns out to be someone very special.

He finds himself hunted by the authorities who want him for nothing he will like. On the run he is aided by an eclectic group of people sworn to help his kind.

This is the first book in a series and not much is resolved at this point. A lot of "Oh look what I can do" moments. Some of his helpers are less than enthusiastic participants in the adventure. Lots of great action, no romance even between teenagers. Intrigue, deception and hot pursuit are the fare of the day.

I did overall enjoy the story, but had a bit of trouble with the rancor demonstrated by those we assume are allies. This, for me, is what held back the fifth star.

Still a very good read worthy of your time. I am interested to read how the story plays out in future volumes. Enjoy!

Mike 

The Wizards of Central Park West

 

I received a print copy of The Wizards of Central Park West from author Arjay Lewis for review.

This book surprised the "H-E-double toothpicks" out of me. I'm not sure what I was expecting but the NYC setting kind of threw me. Author Lewis does an outstanding job of blending myth and magic with a contemporary setting.

Our reluctant hero Eddie (the detective) doesn't just think outside the box, he seems to live there. He takes in stride (more or less) the bizarre goings on of his magical mystical new colleagues while investigating a murder. He definitely becomes the alpha male in his new group, whether they like it or not. 

He winds up in a fight to (you guessed it) SAVE THE WORLD from the EVIL ONE. While offered many opportunities to compromise his values he holds fast. Great supporting characters like his wife and his partner, flesh out the story and provide relief from the intense drama. 

Lots of action both normal and paranormal, interoffice politics, mythic/magic politics, some sexuality though very mild.

This would make an awesome movie, I think Delroy Lindo would make a great Eddie Berman.

Great sword and sorcery in a contemporary setting! Enjoy!

Mike

The Refuge

 

I finally get to review this book! I am on the road on an extended trip and internet has been very sketchy at best. I've actually been sitting at my computer for over an hour waiting to be able to post. Apologies for the poor quality of the cover art, I can't seem to improve it.

But enough of my whining.

Author John A. Heldt provided me with an e-copy of The Refuge for review. I am a great fan of Mr. Heldt's writing. It's hard to believe this is the 19th book I've read of his.

The Refuge continues the story of the Lane family as they try to protect themselves from an unscrupulous businessman bent on their destruction. 

This time the story took a few interesting turns. The bad guy, Silas Bain shows a new and interesting side, making him almost an object of pity or at least some compassion. We also see an increase in the resolve of at least one Lane in turning the tables on their pursuers. There is a bit less focus on the light romance than in earlier installments, a bit more dramatic. To be expected on the eve of the attack on Pearl Harbor. I don't think the story would have played as well any other way.

Mr. Heldt has not lost his ability to manipulate our emotions however. Several times I had strong emotional reactions to the action. Jeremy's emotional struggles in particular elicit my strongest reactions. It is great fun watching his writing talent grow and evolve.

Although our intrepid author did not use the dreaded cliffhanger ending (a fact for which I cannot truly express my delight), I did feel less settled at the end of this book and find myself even more anxious to read the fifth (and if he follows established procedure) final installment of The Time Box series.

Before the internet goes away I will just say, Read this book, read this series, read all of John A. Heldt's work. Good clean light romance/ comedy/drama, action, intrigue, adventure and even a fair dose of history. What more could a reader want?  The Refuge, as all his work will leave you feeling satisfied and even uplifted. A lot of value from one book. Enjoy!

Mike