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Recommend this book:
Raven: Birds of Flight
Book 2
J.M.Erickson
2013 Honorable Mention
366 Pages
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Fiction - Action
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Alex Burns aka Falcon 5, is the type of operative you want on your side. He is the head of the Foreign Intelligence Agency and a group of operatives considered renegades. Burns has many enemies that would love to see him dead. Burns and his team have several stolen classified files that they are attempting to exchange for a peaceful life. They just want to be left alone. In an attempt to turn the documents over to the FBI Burns and his team come under attack. If the documents fall into the wrong hands the world as we know it will be destabilized.
Fans of Albatross will be thrilled to be reunited with their favorite operative, Alex Burns in this fast paced sequel, “Raven, Birds of Flight: Book Two.” Author J.M. Erickson brings readers a complex plot in his latest psychological thriller. I find it incredible the way Erickson managed to have high action from beginning to end and yet the suspense builds to a crescendo. This book stands well alone although it is the second book in this series. The plot has great depth making this a book you won’t want to rush through. There are more twists and turns than a pretzel. The actual events mentioned in this tale give the plot a feel of realism. Often character driven plots fall short of expectations but not In “Raven, Birds of Flight: Book Two.” This book not only meets expectations but surpasses expectations. Fans of thrillers will not want to miss this one.
Alex Burns aka Falcon 5, is the type of operative you want on your side. He is the head of the Foreign Intelligence Agency and a group of operatives considered renegades. Burns has many enemies that would love to see him dead. Burns and his team have several stolen classified files that they are attempting to exchange for a peaceful life. They just want to be left alone. In an attempt to turn the documents over to the FBI Burns and his team come under attack. If the documents fall into the wrong hands the world as we know it will be destabilized.
Fans of Albatross will be thrilled to be reunited with their favorite operative, Alex Burns in this fast paced sequel, “Raven, Birds of Flight: Book Two.” Author J.M. Erickson brings readers a complex plot in his latest psychological thriller. I find it incredible the way Erickson managed to have high action from beginning to end and yet the suspense builds to a crescendo. This book stands well alone although it is the second book in this series. The plot has great depth making this a book you won’t want to rush through. There are more twists and turns than a pretzel. The actual events mentioned in this tale give the plot a feel of realism. Often character driven plots fall short of expectations but not In “Raven, Birds of Flight: Book Two.” This book not only meets expectations but surpasses expectations. Fans of thrillers will not want to miss this one.
Recommend this book:
Code Name Sonny
K.E. Pottie
2013 Bronze Medal
202 Pages
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Fiction - Action
Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite
In 1940, General Charles DeGaulle sent a letter to his fellow Frenchmen urging them to resist the Nazis. And so began the famous French Resistance with its many unsung heroes. In the United States in 1944, teenage Joe and Raymond watch as the owner of the local Always Inn and Tavern is arrested as a Nazi spy with crates of ammunition found in his basement. Raymond is a prankster at school but Joe has a genius and has built a radio that blocked out the local radio station for hours. Now seventeen years of age, Joe is recruited to be a radio operator for a secret upcoming covert operation history now known as D-Day. He is flown to Scotland and then secreted into France by a Resistance hero known as Henri. He is coached to speak in perfect French, not the French Canadian spoken by his mother, and is taken to the basement of Henri's farmhouse where behind an old wine cellar lies a radio center for Allied communications. What lies ahead for Joe?
"Code Name Sonny" is a brilliantly written story of World War II and the valor of people in the French Resistance like Henri and young American men like Joe who grow into manhood overnight as they witness atrocities against innocent people. It is also a tale of modern day revenge carried out against deeds done long ago. Joe, or "Sonny" as his mother calls him, Joe's wife Claire, his son Jack and Jack's wife Emily, Henri, Marie and others from the time of World War II are totally believable. The suspense is first-rate as the plot unfolds to the story's end and will have the readers on the edge of their seats. "Code Name Sonny" should be on everyone's reading list as it is a remarkable, memorable book that will stay in people's minds for a long,long time.
In 1940, General Charles DeGaulle sent a letter to his fellow Frenchmen urging them to resist the Nazis. And so began the famous French Resistance with its many unsung heroes. In the United States in 1944, teenage Joe and Raymond watch as the owner of the local Always Inn and Tavern is arrested as a Nazi spy with crates of ammunition found in his basement. Raymond is a prankster at school but Joe has a genius and has built a radio that blocked out the local radio station for hours. Now seventeen years of age, Joe is recruited to be a radio operator for a secret upcoming covert operation history now known as D-Day. He is flown to Scotland and then secreted into France by a Resistance hero known as Henri. He is coached to speak in perfect French, not the French Canadian spoken by his mother, and is taken to the basement of Henri's farmhouse where behind an old wine cellar lies a radio center for Allied communications. What lies ahead for Joe?
"Code Name Sonny" is a brilliantly written story of World War II and the valor of people in the French Resistance like Henri and young American men like Joe who grow into manhood overnight as they witness atrocities against innocent people. It is also a tale of modern day revenge carried out against deeds done long ago. Joe, or "Sonny" as his mother calls him, Joe's wife Claire, his son Jack and Jack's wife Emily, Henri, Marie and others from the time of World War II are totally believable. The suspense is first-rate as the plot unfolds to the story's end and will have the readers on the edge of their seats. "Code Name Sonny" should be on everyone's reading list as it is a remarkable, memorable book that will stay in people's minds for a long,long time.
Recommend this book:
All the Evils
Stefan Vucak
2013 Silver Medal
317 Pages
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Fiction - Action
Reviewed by Fiona Ingram for Readers' Favorite
Working as a researcher in the Vatican’s Secret Archives, Father Garbaldi finds an ancient papyrus hidden in a codex from Alexandria. He has no idea about the imminent events that will turn his world upside down, making him a fugitive from his own church. What he does know is that the information contained in the papyrus holds terrible repercussions for the Roman Catholic Church worldwide and for Western civilization as a whole. He decides, as a scientist, to have the papyrus independently validated. Members within the Vatican also have their hidden agendas, and those include protecting the position of the Church at all costs, even if it means eliminating potential threats. The Vatican Secret Service, The Entity, a secret body dating from the sixteenth century, briefs an assassin to remove obstacles and retrieve the document before it is published. Knowing only the name Tom Meecham, an FBI agent he read about in the newspaper, Father Garbaldi involves the FBI in this minefield of drama and high tension.
This is a must-read novel involving an international trail of investigation, historical cover-ups, some damning evidence about the Catholic Church (sensitive readers may not like!), and a whole lot of action guaranteed to make readers rethink Dan Brown for gripping drama. The author has also kept links with two interesting characters from previous novels: Thomas Meecham, FBI agent, and Mark Price, Department of Homeland Security. This keeps a familiar thread running through from previous novels ("Cry of Eagles" and "Towers of Darkness") and generates extra interest. The wealth of background research and information certainly adds to a story that spans a few thousand years and draws the reader back into centuries-old theological battles without overwhelming the plot. An interesting, compelling novel, which I recommend highly.
Working as a researcher in the Vatican’s Secret Archives, Father Garbaldi finds an ancient papyrus hidden in a codex from Alexandria. He has no idea about the imminent events that will turn his world upside down, making him a fugitive from his own church. What he does know is that the information contained in the papyrus holds terrible repercussions for the Roman Catholic Church worldwide and for Western civilization as a whole. He decides, as a scientist, to have the papyrus independently validated. Members within the Vatican also have their hidden agendas, and those include protecting the position of the Church at all costs, even if it means eliminating potential threats. The Vatican Secret Service, The Entity, a secret body dating from the sixteenth century, briefs an assassin to remove obstacles and retrieve the document before it is published. Knowing only the name Tom Meecham, an FBI agent he read about in the newspaper, Father Garbaldi involves the FBI in this minefield of drama and high tension.
This is a must-read novel involving an international trail of investigation, historical cover-ups, some damning evidence about the Catholic Church (sensitive readers may not like!), and a whole lot of action guaranteed to make readers rethink Dan Brown for gripping drama. The author has also kept links with two interesting characters from previous novels: Thomas Meecham, FBI agent, and Mark Price, Department of Homeland Security. This keeps a familiar thread running through from previous novels ("Cry of Eagles" and "Towers of Darkness") and generates extra interest. The wealth of background research and information certainly adds to a story that spans a few thousand years and draws the reader back into centuries-old theological battles without overwhelming the plot. An interesting, compelling novel, which I recommend highly.
Recommend this book:
Methuselah's Pillar
W. G. Griffiths
2012 Gold Medal
416 Pages
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Fiction - Action
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Hakeem, a simple shepherd, discovered an incredible archeology find in a crevasse in Afghanistan. He had taken refuge in the fissure that had opened due to missile fire. The first thing that caught his attention was two steps leading to a flat stone that looked like an altar, behind which was a tall pillar. The flat stone had characters carved into it. The explosions caused the artifact to break into pieces. The artifact ended up in the hands of an interpreter. Could it be Methuselah’s Pillar? Legend tells of a pillar given to Methuselah by his great grandfather (by several greats) Adam, the first man. It is believed the pillar contains information on how to live a long life and Methuselah lived 969 years. The legend continues purporting that the pillar has supernatural powers. Many want possession of the pillar including the CIA and extremists. Archeologist Samantha Conway is caught in the middle while the world crumbles around her.
I love this tale. It has action, adventure, drama, suspense, intrigue, danger, and a bit of romance. Author W. G. Griffith utilized Old Testament stories as well as modern events, such as terrorism. He grabbed my attention from the first page and held me captive until the last. He expertly tied together the beginning and the end. The plot would make a great movie with Ryan Reynolds and Scarlet Johnson in the leads. The characterization is perfection. Samantha is a strong woman willing to take risks and to take care of herself. John Decker is the ultimate hero but he could use more than a little help. Griffith is a talented author. I love the way he brought in the ever-present truths by combining the past and the present. Of course these topics are not politically correct and we are not “supposed” to talk about such things. Kudos Mr. Griffith! This is one of the best books I have read in years!
Hakeem, a simple shepherd, discovered an incredible archeology find in a crevasse in Afghanistan. He had taken refuge in the fissure that had opened due to missile fire. The first thing that caught his attention was two steps leading to a flat stone that looked like an altar, behind which was a tall pillar. The flat stone had characters carved into it. The explosions caused the artifact to break into pieces. The artifact ended up in the hands of an interpreter. Could it be Methuselah’s Pillar? Legend tells of a pillar given to Methuselah by his great grandfather (by several greats) Adam, the first man. It is believed the pillar contains information on how to live a long life and Methuselah lived 969 years. The legend continues purporting that the pillar has supernatural powers. Many want possession of the pillar including the CIA and extremists. Archeologist Samantha Conway is caught in the middle while the world crumbles around her.
I love this tale. It has action, adventure, drama, suspense, intrigue, danger, and a bit of romance. Author W. G. Griffith utilized Old Testament stories as well as modern events, such as terrorism. He grabbed my attention from the first page and held me captive until the last. He expertly tied together the beginning and the end. The plot would make a great movie with Ryan Reynolds and Scarlet Johnson in the leads. The characterization is perfection. Samantha is a strong woman willing to take risks and to take care of herself. John Decker is the ultimate hero but he could use more than a little help. Griffith is a talented author. I love the way he brought in the ever-present truths by combining the past and the present. Of course these topics are not politically correct and we are not “supposed” to talk about such things. Kudos Mr. Griffith! This is one of the best books I have read in years!
Recommend this book:
The Gauntlet Runner
A Tale from the French and Indian War
S. Thomas Bailey
2012 Honorable Mention
220 Pages
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Fiction - Action
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
S. Thomas Bailey transports readers back to the time of the French and Indian War. It was a fascinating time in history. Our tale begins near Black Creek where Maggie Murray lived in the family’s small cabin. Alone Maggie ran the farm. Her husband had enlisted in the Virginia Provincial Militia leaving her unprotected. Maggie knew how to “use a rifle and skin a deer,” but the hardship of the farm work and raising their children alone was starting to show on the once beautiful woman. Maggie was the best female shot in the area and put her talent to use when a Huron raiding party aided by the French attacked the cabin. The Murray cabin was not the only one attacked that day. The savages burned the cabins and took settlers prisoner.
I was unable to put this book down once I had started it. Bailey has captured the essence of the era in his account. Maggie, Joshua and One Ear are characters with great depth that march off the pages of this book into the hearts of the readers. The savagery of the Huron was something I had heard of but in this book I all but experienced it. The Huron’s not only conquered but humiliated and destroyed the men. Some of the women would be sold into slavery. We often forget that our nation was formed during a time of great violence. Brave men and women lead the way for the forming of a new nation. It cost many their lives. There is a lot more to this book than I have been able to touch on in a short summary. There is the mission of the militia, the English “proper” way to fight, and the desperation of a husband to find his beloved wife.
Bailey is an incredible writer and his long hours of research are evident. I could easily see this plot on the silver screen. I grew up watching Hawkeye, Daniel Boone and Davy Crocket. It is wonderful to read a high quality work of fiction about our country’s turbulent history. Mr. Bailey do not keep me waiting too long for the next installment of the Murrays.
S. Thomas Bailey transports readers back to the time of the French and Indian War. It was a fascinating time in history. Our tale begins near Black Creek where Maggie Murray lived in the family’s small cabin. Alone Maggie ran the farm. Her husband had enlisted in the Virginia Provincial Militia leaving her unprotected. Maggie knew how to “use a rifle and skin a deer,” but the hardship of the farm work and raising their children alone was starting to show on the once beautiful woman. Maggie was the best female shot in the area and put her talent to use when a Huron raiding party aided by the French attacked the cabin. The Murray cabin was not the only one attacked that day. The savages burned the cabins and took settlers prisoner.
I was unable to put this book down once I had started it. Bailey has captured the essence of the era in his account. Maggie, Joshua and One Ear are characters with great depth that march off the pages of this book into the hearts of the readers. The savagery of the Huron was something I had heard of but in this book I all but experienced it. The Huron’s not only conquered but humiliated and destroyed the men. Some of the women would be sold into slavery. We often forget that our nation was formed during a time of great violence. Brave men and women lead the way for the forming of a new nation. It cost many their lives. There is a lot more to this book than I have been able to touch on in a short summary. There is the mission of the militia, the English “proper” way to fight, and the desperation of a husband to find his beloved wife.
Bailey is an incredible writer and his long hours of research are evident. I could easily see this plot on the silver screen. I grew up watching Hawkeye, Daniel Boone and Davy Crocket. It is wonderful to read a high quality work of fiction about our country’s turbulent history. Mr. Bailey do not keep me waiting too long for the next installment of the Murrays.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/promised-valley-war&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/517gD7GNqIL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Promised Valley War" transports readers back in time to a much earlier era. In this series we meet two prehistoric tribes at war for a beautiful fertile valley. Both tribes claimed the land as their own stating that their gods promised it to them. Previously a farmer saved the king's life, but the king refused to allow the prince to marry the farm...){kind=link}
Promised Valley War
Ron Fritsch
2012 Silver Medal
262 Pages
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Fiction - Action
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
"Promised Valley War" transports readers back in time to a much earlier era. In this series we meet two prehistoric tribes at war for a beautiful fertile valley. Both tribes claimed the land as their own stating that their gods promised it to them. Previously a farmer saved the king's life, but the king refused to allow the prince to marry the farmer’s daughter leading to the young people rebelling against what they felt was an unjust decision. The peasant farmers hated the rulers and respected the prince and his fidelity. Once again war breaks out between the Farmers and Hunters.
This is book two in what promises to be a four book series. I highly recommend reading these books in order. I have not read book 1 and felt I would have had a better appreciation of the plot if I had. The description of the valley was impressive; it felt peaceful and almost holy. The struggle of the young people against the king and counselor reminded me a bit of "Romeo and Juliet" or the Hatfields and McCoys. The author slowly leads the reader into the upcoming war. The reader can see it sneaking up on the land with no way of warning the inhabitants. I came to care for the people; they came to life on the pages of this book.
The plot was multidimensional and will have the readers comparing the dynamics of today’s world with the world of the farmers and hunters. This is a great tale, one to which the author lent his own unique perspective. I consider this book highbrow and classic with the use of symbolism and folktales. This is a series you won’t want to miss.
"Promised Valley War" transports readers back in time to a much earlier era. In this series we meet two prehistoric tribes at war for a beautiful fertile valley. Both tribes claimed the land as their own stating that their gods promised it to them. Previously a farmer saved the king's life, but the king refused to allow the prince to marry the farmer’s daughter leading to the young people rebelling against what they felt was an unjust decision. The peasant farmers hated the rulers and respected the prince and his fidelity. Once again war breaks out between the Farmers and Hunters.
This is book two in what promises to be a four book series. I highly recommend reading these books in order. I have not read book 1 and felt I would have had a better appreciation of the plot if I had. The description of the valley was impressive; it felt peaceful and almost holy. The struggle of the young people against the king and counselor reminded me a bit of "Romeo and Juliet" or the Hatfields and McCoys. The author slowly leads the reader into the upcoming war. The reader can see it sneaking up on the land with no way of warning the inhabitants. I came to care for the people; they came to life on the pages of this book.
The plot was multidimensional and will have the readers comparing the dynamics of today’s world with the world of the farmers and hunters. This is a great tale, one to which the author lent his own unique perspective. I consider this book highbrow and classic with the use of symbolism and folktales. This is a series you won’t want to miss.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/dark-mind&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Tv6RPY7yS._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Dark Mind", an Emily Stone Novel is a mystery-thriller story written by Jennifer Chase. Emily Stone and Rick Lopez are police detectives madly in love and on vacation in Hawaii when they stumble upon a sex ring operation and learn that Cassie Thompson, a 9 year old girl, has been abducted and is being held by her grizzly captors. Emily and Rick mu...){kind=link}
Dark Mind
Jennifer Chase
2012 Bronze Medal
329 Pages
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Fiction - Action
Reviewed by Rita Vetsch for Readers' Favorite
"Dark Mind", an Emily Stone Novel is a mystery-thriller story written by Jennifer Chase. Emily Stone and Rick Lopez are police detectives madly in love and on vacation in Hawaii when they stumble upon a sex ring operation and learn that Cassie Thompson, a 9 year old girl, has been abducted and is being held by her grizzly captors. Emily and Rick must use their intuition and keen detective skills to locate Cassie and save her before she becomes enslaved in a child sex ring. In Kauai, a ritualistic murderer, Keo, abducts young women and drugs them to begin his sadistic sacrifice to the gods. The thrill of the chase keeps him focused with an increasing hunger for his next kill. With a monster stalking the island, and the body count rising, Emily and Rick cut their vacation short and turn their attention to hunt serial killers, pedophiles and child abductors.
Jennifer Chase does not disappoint in this remarkable mystery murder novel. The plot is well thought out and the chapters flow nicely from one subject to the next. The descriptive words and the use of imagery immerses the reader directly into the story among serial killers and evil perpetrators. The tension build-up blew me away as I could not put down this novel because I was so entwined in the mystery and suspense. I felt as if I was right by Emily and Rick’s sides as they put the puzzle pieces together in tracking down a sadistic serial killer. This book had me on the edge of my seat in fear and contains many twists and turns that I had not seen coming. I absolutely love a great mystery murder novel and could easily see this novel turned into a television series or motion picture movie. I highly recommend this book for all avid mystery readers and am greatly looking forward to the next novel written by Jennifer Chase.
"Dark Mind", an Emily Stone Novel is a mystery-thriller story written by Jennifer Chase. Emily Stone and Rick Lopez are police detectives madly in love and on vacation in Hawaii when they stumble upon a sex ring operation and learn that Cassie Thompson, a 9 year old girl, has been abducted and is being held by her grizzly captors. Emily and Rick must use their intuition and keen detective skills to locate Cassie and save her before she becomes enslaved in a child sex ring. In Kauai, a ritualistic murderer, Keo, abducts young women and drugs them to begin his sadistic sacrifice to the gods. The thrill of the chase keeps him focused with an increasing hunger for his next kill. With a monster stalking the island, and the body count rising, Emily and Rick cut their vacation short and turn their attention to hunt serial killers, pedophiles and child abductors.
Jennifer Chase does not disappoint in this remarkable mystery murder novel. The plot is well thought out and the chapters flow nicely from one subject to the next. The descriptive words and the use of imagery immerses the reader directly into the story among serial killers and evil perpetrators. The tension build-up blew me away as I could not put down this novel because I was so entwined in the mystery and suspense. I felt as if I was right by Emily and Rick’s sides as they put the puzzle pieces together in tracking down a sadistic serial killer. This book had me on the edge of my seat in fear and contains many twists and turns that I had not seen coming. I absolutely love a great mystery murder novel and could easily see this novel turned into a television series or motion picture movie. I highly recommend this book for all avid mystery readers and am greatly looking forward to the next novel written by Jennifer Chase.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/duckegg&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51S41dLXo5L._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Nova Melia has created a fascinating cast of characters in her adventure novel entitled "Duckegg". The lead character is a confused teen who lacks direction and role models. He, his younger brother Billy, and sister Lucy live in poverty in a small New England town, which also appears to lack motivation and direction.
The plot thickens when a loc...){kind=link}
Duckegg
& Persons of Interest
NovaMelia
2011 Bronze Medal
330 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Action
Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite
Nova Melia has created a fascinating cast of characters in her adventure novel entitled "Duckegg". The lead character is a confused teen who lacks direction and role models. He, his younger brother Billy, and sister Lucy live in poverty in a small New England town, which also appears to lack motivation and direction.
The plot thickens when a local school teacher begins to suspect foul play when a local company is suspected of cruelty to animals during research experimentation. As the plot develops, there is considerable conflict between good and evil, bullies and the bullied, and the intellectual and the not-so-smart citizens of the town.
Primarily, the story concerns a coming of age theme in which young Duckegg begins to think beyond the confines of his own mind to a broader social interest. He develops a friendship with the protester teacher and he learns far more about life itself than he ever expected to gain from his hit-and-miss educational experience.
The characters are fascinating and the reader will find ample opportunity to identify and sympathize with more than one of the well-developed personalities. This is a good read for anyone wanting to challenge defined personality boundaries.
Nova Melia has created a fascinating cast of characters in her adventure novel entitled "Duckegg". The lead character is a confused teen who lacks direction and role models. He, his younger brother Billy, and sister Lucy live in poverty in a small New England town, which also appears to lack motivation and direction.
The plot thickens when a local school teacher begins to suspect foul play when a local company is suspected of cruelty to animals during research experimentation. As the plot develops, there is considerable conflict between good and evil, bullies and the bullied, and the intellectual and the not-so-smart citizens of the town.
Primarily, the story concerns a coming of age theme in which young Duckegg begins to think beyond the confines of his own mind to a broader social interest. He develops a friendship with the protester teacher and he learns far more about life itself than he ever expected to gain from his hit-and-miss educational experience.
The characters are fascinating and the reader will find ample opportunity to identify and sympathize with more than one of the well-developed personalities. This is a good read for anyone wanting to challenge defined personality boundaries.
Recommend this book:
No Greater Freedom
Tom Edwards
2011 Silver Medal
292 Pages
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Fiction - Action
Reviewed by Brenda Ballard for Readers' Favorite
No Greater Freedom is a page turning thriller set in Africa. From South Africa to Kenya, unscrupulous characters involved in gun running and animal poaching are intertwined and cross paths with the good guys who are investigating their goings on via land and water. Add unexpected romance to the pot, and you have drama and suspense. The author draws the reader into each plot line and incorporates the plight of the African dealing with government corruption, their hopes and dreams, the lows that people will stoop to in the name of money and power, and the highs of being in love.
Tom Edwards is a very talented wordsmith. No Greater Freedom is captivating; you will not be able to put it down as there is just no stopping point until the last word on the last page. Mr. Edwards writes of the lengths people go to for money and power, the sacrifices they will make in the name of love and the people of a land that has a history of war and famine. This story is believable and easy to fall into. The description of the landscapes, the scenes and characters are so vivid and real that the reader will find themselves easily able to visualize each page's words right down to the clink of a beer glass being set upon the ship's bar or the thud of the body as it finds its final fate...
No Greater Freedom is a page turning thriller set in Africa. From South Africa to Kenya, unscrupulous characters involved in gun running and animal poaching are intertwined and cross paths with the good guys who are investigating their goings on via land and water. Add unexpected romance to the pot, and you have drama and suspense. The author draws the reader into each plot line and incorporates the plight of the African dealing with government corruption, their hopes and dreams, the lows that people will stoop to in the name of money and power, and the highs of being in love.
Tom Edwards is a very talented wordsmith. No Greater Freedom is captivating; you will not be able to put it down as there is just no stopping point until the last word on the last page. Mr. Edwards writes of the lengths people go to for money and power, the sacrifices they will make in the name of love and the people of a land that has a history of war and famine. This story is believable and easy to fall into. The description of the landscapes, the scenes and characters are so vivid and real that the reader will find themselves easily able to visualize each page's words right down to the clink of a beer glass being set upon the ship's bar or the thud of the body as it finds its final fate...
Recommend this book:
Local Tribes
Thomas Hansen Hickenbottom
2011 Gold Medal
236 Pages
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Fiction - Action
Reviewed by Dr. Karen Hutchins Pirnot for Readers' Favorite
Local Tribes by Thomas Hansen Hichenbottom has a surfer on the cover, and this might discourage some potential readers from opening the cover. That would be a mistake. As the story begins, Santa Cruz native, Marco D'Giorgio, finds himself graduated from high school without any direction and somewhat lost because of the recent death of his father. His parents had a poor marriage, and Marco's mother took to alcohol to assuage her restless feelings. As if that were not enough, Marco then receives a draft notice. It is 1966 and the Viet Nam war is unpopular and a source of negative feelings in the community at large. Marco's father was a Navy veteran, and although Marco values the contributions of his father and other such veterans, he has fears of mutilation and death which are incomprehensible to someone his age.
Marco has just split with his girlfriend, someone who would generally be in a position to offer comfort and support. He turns to his buddy Jeremy and other surfer friends who feel unappreciated by the traditional "jocks" in the area. While there to help Marco emotionally, the friends can do little to assist Marco with his dilemma concerning the draft. He has already missed his draft physical, and now the Feds are after him. Marco is helped by his Uncle Joe and a mysterious person who brings him food and comforting messages while he attempts to hide from the Feds. When Jeremy and Marco then find themselves alone and afraid, they are both confronted with their worst fears.
This is a hard-hitting, often bitter and wild coming-of-age book in which a confused, angry and tortured youth must make decisions and bear the consequences of those decisions. At first, I found myself being angry at Marco's immaturity and indecision, and then, because of the lovely scripting and character development by the author, I found myself relating to the Marco character and wanting to help facilitate his growth to adulthood. This is seemingly a story about a surfer, and yet, it is far more than that. In the end, it is a story about chance, circumstance, emotional development and having to answer to the realities of life.
Local Tribes by Thomas Hansen Hichenbottom has a surfer on the cover, and this might discourage some potential readers from opening the cover. That would be a mistake. As the story begins, Santa Cruz native, Marco D'Giorgio, finds himself graduated from high school without any direction and somewhat lost because of the recent death of his father. His parents had a poor marriage, and Marco's mother took to alcohol to assuage her restless feelings. As if that were not enough, Marco then receives a draft notice. It is 1966 and the Viet Nam war is unpopular and a source of negative feelings in the community at large. Marco's father was a Navy veteran, and although Marco values the contributions of his father and other such veterans, he has fears of mutilation and death which are incomprehensible to someone his age.
Marco has just split with his girlfriend, someone who would generally be in a position to offer comfort and support. He turns to his buddy Jeremy and other surfer friends who feel unappreciated by the traditional "jocks" in the area. While there to help Marco emotionally, the friends can do little to assist Marco with his dilemma concerning the draft. He has already missed his draft physical, and now the Feds are after him. Marco is helped by his Uncle Joe and a mysterious person who brings him food and comforting messages while he attempts to hide from the Feds. When Jeremy and Marco then find themselves alone and afraid, they are both confronted with their worst fears.
This is a hard-hitting, often bitter and wild coming-of-age book in which a confused, angry and tortured youth must make decisions and bear the consequences of those decisions. At first, I found myself being angry at Marco's immaturity and indecision, and then, because of the lovely scripting and character development by the author, I found myself relating to the Marco character and wanting to help facilitate his growth to adulthood. This is seemingly a story about a surfer, and yet, it is far more than that. In the end, it is a story about chance, circumstance, emotional development and having to answer to the realities of life.
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