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Recommend this book:
Driving Toward Destiny
A Novel
Tim Scott
2023 Finalist
400 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite
Because Jack Higgins wants to avoid being recruited to fight in the Vietnam War and the career-oriented job his father recommends he interview for, he accepts an invitation from a college friend, Bill Markus. Bill had offered for Jack to live with him in his Berlin apartment, where he had moved to get away from home and gain new experiences. As a result, Jack goes on a trip of a lifetime around Europe, which includes his first sexual encounter, sharing memories with a German WWII soldier, hopelessly falling for a girl in a relationship, and barely escaping death on perilous routes. In Tim Scott's Driving Toward Destiny, a college graduate embarks on a journey of self-discovery that involves riding his dream bike, reading philosophical literature, and touring Berlin, Greece, Athens, France, and other European areas.
Driving Toward Destiny is a fictitious voyage to remember set in a historical time with realistic individuals who ask understandable questions and have deep life insights. The protagonist's physical trip is effectively described and seamlessly integrated with his psychological journey of growing up and discovering his place in the world. Driving Toward Destiny is filled with diverse experiences that keep the reader's interest from the first page to the last, such as lovely moments shared with friends while feasting on freshly baked bread, romantic and passionate moments with lovers, profound life discussions with war survivors, and frightening encounters with law enforcement personnel. Tim Scott's intriguing book includes various themes such as biking, love, philosophy, travel, the Vietnam War, using mind-altering substances, family strife, and more. As a fan of historical fiction and coming-of-age stories, Driving Toward Destiny is undoubtedly one of my favorites.
Because Jack Higgins wants to avoid being recruited to fight in the Vietnam War and the career-oriented job his father recommends he interview for, he accepts an invitation from a college friend, Bill Markus. Bill had offered for Jack to live with him in his Berlin apartment, where he had moved to get away from home and gain new experiences. As a result, Jack goes on a trip of a lifetime around Europe, which includes his first sexual encounter, sharing memories with a German WWII soldier, hopelessly falling for a girl in a relationship, and barely escaping death on perilous routes. In Tim Scott's Driving Toward Destiny, a college graduate embarks on a journey of self-discovery that involves riding his dream bike, reading philosophical literature, and touring Berlin, Greece, Athens, France, and other European areas.
Driving Toward Destiny is a fictitious voyage to remember set in a historical time with realistic individuals who ask understandable questions and have deep life insights. The protagonist's physical trip is effectively described and seamlessly integrated with his psychological journey of growing up and discovering his place in the world. Driving Toward Destiny is filled with diverse experiences that keep the reader's interest from the first page to the last, such as lovely moments shared with friends while feasting on freshly baked bread, romantic and passionate moments with lovers, profound life discussions with war survivors, and frightening encounters with law enforcement personnel. Tim Scott's intriguing book includes various themes such as biking, love, philosophy, travel, the Vietnam War, using mind-altering substances, family strife, and more. As a fan of historical fiction and coming-of-age stories, Driving Toward Destiny is undoubtedly one of my favorites.
Recommend this book:
Painter of the Damned
Painted Souls Book 2
Rob Samborn
2023 Honorable Mention
402 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
In Painter of the Damned: Painted Souls Book 2, Rob Samborn presents a devilish story of mystery and deceit when Nick and Julia O’Connor try to return home at the end of what was supposed to be an idyllic vacation. But returning home won’t be easy. They are arrested as a result of a skirmish and inappropriate behavior that involved Interpol -- as if the couple had committed an international crime. They try to explain to their interrogating officer what appear to be serious accusations: the police kidnapping Julia and a museum director killing a countess. It occurred to Nick that they have no shred of evidence to support their claims. Salvatore Della Porta, head of the Ancient Order of the Seventh Sun and murderer of Countess Baldessari, wants something from Nick. He believes that Nick is the key to finding an ancient book that could either change the world or destroy the Order.
Gripping. This is one word that comes to mind about this second installment. Rob Samborn can give Dan Brown a run for his money. He weaves a story in a web of psychological intrigue that takes his readers on a roller coaster ride with an ancient order, a framed couple, and a Renaissance painting with an eerie secret. But it doesn’t stop there. Samborn has eloquent prose that gives a level of sophistication to a story with a broad mass appeal. Painter of the Damned is an exciting novel and immensely stylish in the way the plot makes a twist before concluding. Adding color to this thriller is an assortment of interesting characters that contribute to raising the stakes that Nick and Julia are up against. This is a story of survival and ultimately finding peace. If you are into enigmatic thrillers, this book will leave you wanting more.
In Painter of the Damned: Painted Souls Book 2, Rob Samborn presents a devilish story of mystery and deceit when Nick and Julia O’Connor try to return home at the end of what was supposed to be an idyllic vacation. But returning home won’t be easy. They are arrested as a result of a skirmish and inappropriate behavior that involved Interpol -- as if the couple had committed an international crime. They try to explain to their interrogating officer what appear to be serious accusations: the police kidnapping Julia and a museum director killing a countess. It occurred to Nick that they have no shred of evidence to support their claims. Salvatore Della Porta, head of the Ancient Order of the Seventh Sun and murderer of Countess Baldessari, wants something from Nick. He believes that Nick is the key to finding an ancient book that could either change the world or destroy the Order.
Gripping. This is one word that comes to mind about this second installment. Rob Samborn can give Dan Brown a run for his money. He weaves a story in a web of psychological intrigue that takes his readers on a roller coaster ride with an ancient order, a framed couple, and a Renaissance painting with an eerie secret. But it doesn’t stop there. Samborn has eloquent prose that gives a level of sophistication to a story with a broad mass appeal. Painter of the Damned is an exciting novel and immensely stylish in the way the plot makes a twist before concluding. Adding color to this thriller is an assortment of interesting characters that contribute to raising the stakes that Nick and Julia are up against. This is a story of survival and ultimately finding peace. If you are into enigmatic thrillers, this book will leave you wanting more.
Recommend this book:
 from France vanquished Prince Conradin in 1269, Sicily became a shadow of itself. Re Carlu used his fierce Angevin soldiers to subdue, dominate, and make the lives of Sicilians unbearable. However, seven-year-old Aetna Vespiri and her elder brother, Cicero, enjoyed relative comfort and safety until one day, Aetna�...){kind=link}
Siciliana
A Novel
Carlo Treviso
2023 Bronze Medal
483 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite
After Charles of Anjou (Re Carlu) from France vanquished Prince Conradin in 1269, Sicily became a shadow of itself. Re Carlu used his fierce Angevin soldiers to subdue, dominate, and make the lives of Sicilians unbearable. However, seven-year-old Aetna Vespiri and her elder brother, Cicero, enjoyed relative comfort and safety until one day, Aetna’s life came to a grinding halt. The Angevins invaded her home, burnt it to the ground, killed her father, and took Cicero. But she escaped for years and learned to become a stiletto and combat master. The crossover of the Vespers heralded Aetna’s return as a new woman—Siciliana! Siciliana was ruthless, fearless, and on a mission to free Sicily. However, with unlikely allies and an unexpected enemy, will she succeed? Siciliana by Carlo Treviso has the complete details.
Siciliana by Carlo Treviso was an action-packed, suspense-filled, and captivating novel. If you love historical stories with formidable heroines, this is your book! Siciliana exposed me to medieval Sicily between 1269 and 1282, much of which history books do not cover. This novel effortlessly blended fact and fiction using descriptive writing. I enjoyed Carlo’s storytelling style, which was appropriately dramatic. I also loved the plot, storyline, and development. The unpredictability and twists worked for me. Siciliana got a standing ovation from me, but Manon and Tziporah were two other powerful women who held the fort. Both women made giant strides, never hesitated, and never missed a beat. Don Rapaci and Fra’Diavulu also kept me at the edge of my seat, regardless of where they stood. I enjoyed the power play, government politics, religious manipulation, and the desperation for power. Carlo Treviso is a talented writer, and this novel deserves a place on our screens.
After Charles of Anjou (Re Carlu) from France vanquished Prince Conradin in 1269, Sicily became a shadow of itself. Re Carlu used his fierce Angevin soldiers to subdue, dominate, and make the lives of Sicilians unbearable. However, seven-year-old Aetna Vespiri and her elder brother, Cicero, enjoyed relative comfort and safety until one day, Aetna’s life came to a grinding halt. The Angevins invaded her home, burnt it to the ground, killed her father, and took Cicero. But she escaped for years and learned to become a stiletto and combat master. The crossover of the Vespers heralded Aetna’s return as a new woman—Siciliana! Siciliana was ruthless, fearless, and on a mission to free Sicily. However, with unlikely allies and an unexpected enemy, will she succeed? Siciliana by Carlo Treviso has the complete details.
Siciliana by Carlo Treviso was an action-packed, suspense-filled, and captivating novel. If you love historical stories with formidable heroines, this is your book! Siciliana exposed me to medieval Sicily between 1269 and 1282, much of which history books do not cover. This novel effortlessly blended fact and fiction using descriptive writing. I enjoyed Carlo’s storytelling style, which was appropriately dramatic. I also loved the plot, storyline, and development. The unpredictability and twists worked for me. Siciliana got a standing ovation from me, but Manon and Tziporah were two other powerful women who held the fort. Both women made giant strides, never hesitated, and never missed a beat. Don Rapaci and Fra’Diavulu also kept me at the edge of my seat, regardless of where they stood. I enjoyed the power play, government politics, religious manipulation, and the desperation for power. Carlo Treviso is a talented writer, and this novel deserves a place on our screens.
Recommend this book:
Legends of Andolin
Adella of the Campos
A M Portman
2023 Silver Medal
393 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Samantha Gregory for Readers' Favorite
Legends of Andolin: Adella of the Campos by A. M. Portman tells the story of a young woman called Adella, who because of her status lives in luxury. But when raiders attack, she flees and ends up in a whirlwind adventure. In a bid to save her brother, Adella teams up with Kol, a mercenary, who is in trouble himself. As they search for her brother, Adella finds herself kidnapped and Kol is the only one who can save her. Their adventures move to the high seas as they both race against time to save the person they care about. A highly entertaining, fast-paced read.
A lot of fantasy books become bogged down with descriptions, especially early on in the plot, but Legends of Andolin: Adella of the Campos flows well. Adella is an interesting character and I cared about her plight. She hasn't faced any real hardship before, but she loves her brother and it drives her to do whatever is necessary to save him. There is a sense of family and loyalty throughout the narrative, which develops well. Although this is book 1 in a series, the author does wrap things up at the end, without leaving the reader wondering what happens next. The story can of course continue further and I would read more in the series when available. I think fantasy fans would really enjoy A. M. Portman's story. I would recommend it.
Legends of Andolin: Adella of the Campos by A. M. Portman tells the story of a young woman called Adella, who because of her status lives in luxury. But when raiders attack, she flees and ends up in a whirlwind adventure. In a bid to save her brother, Adella teams up with Kol, a mercenary, who is in trouble himself. As they search for her brother, Adella finds herself kidnapped and Kol is the only one who can save her. Their adventures move to the high seas as they both race against time to save the person they care about. A highly entertaining, fast-paced read.
A lot of fantasy books become bogged down with descriptions, especially early on in the plot, but Legends of Andolin: Adella of the Campos flows well. Adella is an interesting character and I cared about her plight. She hasn't faced any real hardship before, but she loves her brother and it drives her to do whatever is necessary to save him. There is a sense of family and loyalty throughout the narrative, which develops well. Although this is book 1 in a series, the author does wrap things up at the end, without leaving the reader wondering what happens next. The story can of course continue further and I would read more in the series when available. I think fantasy fans would really enjoy A. M. Portman's story. I would recommend it.
Recommend this book:
Coup de Grâce
Paul L Centeno
2023 Silver Medal
534 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Delene Vrey for Readers' Favorite
Kaimo de Morté is a trained optometrist but, living in a small town, he has to work in the mines to save money that will fund his planned optical emporium. Living under an emperor who is seen as a god, some revolutionaries fight for political freedom. When Kaimo and the insurgents cross paths and Kaimo rescues a girl from an imperial cargo train, his world changes. He and the girl embark on a quest to find a scholar who can tell her more about the aether in her veins that Lord Cazar wants. On their travels, they encounter countless dangers and suffer betrayal and trauma. Once they reach the insurgents and discover that they are regarded as rebels, there is no turning back. Together with a witty automaton, Kaimo and Zylpha have to face danger, loss, and celebrations of life against the backdrop of a steampunk industrial world filled with automatons and mechanical works of wonder, such as the traveling City Mystwalker and the steam-powered airships. Coup de Grâce by Paul L Centeno is an entertaining and cleverly written work.
In Coup de Grâce, Paul L Centeno delivers a story that is intricate in its plot and crammed full of adventure and danger. Kaimo, the main protagonist, has experiences that change his way of viewing the world. All the characters follow a steep development curve, and the story has you holding your breath and on the edge of your seat. As Kaimo takes on the Imperium to save Zylpha, he has to reconsider his moral values and, in the end, form an alliance that goes against his principles to ensure a future where he and Zylpha can be together. The novel throws a curved ball in the last chapters and offers an unbelievable and brilliant solution to the crisis in the story. As a fan of steampunk, I can recommend this book to all who are in awe of the creativity of authors who create the steampunk worlds and the technology in them.
Kaimo de Morté is a trained optometrist but, living in a small town, he has to work in the mines to save money that will fund his planned optical emporium. Living under an emperor who is seen as a god, some revolutionaries fight for political freedom. When Kaimo and the insurgents cross paths and Kaimo rescues a girl from an imperial cargo train, his world changes. He and the girl embark on a quest to find a scholar who can tell her more about the aether in her veins that Lord Cazar wants. On their travels, they encounter countless dangers and suffer betrayal and trauma. Once they reach the insurgents and discover that they are regarded as rebels, there is no turning back. Together with a witty automaton, Kaimo and Zylpha have to face danger, loss, and celebrations of life against the backdrop of a steampunk industrial world filled with automatons and mechanical works of wonder, such as the traveling City Mystwalker and the steam-powered airships. Coup de Grâce by Paul L Centeno is an entertaining and cleverly written work.
In Coup de Grâce, Paul L Centeno delivers a story that is intricate in its plot and crammed full of adventure and danger. Kaimo, the main protagonist, has experiences that change his way of viewing the world. All the characters follow a steep development curve, and the story has you holding your breath and on the edge of your seat. As Kaimo takes on the Imperium to save Zylpha, he has to reconsider his moral values and, in the end, form an alliance that goes against his principles to ensure a future where he and Zylpha can be together. The novel throws a curved ball in the last chapters and offers an unbelievable and brilliant solution to the crisis in the story. As a fan of steampunk, I can recommend this book to all who are in awe of the creativity of authors who create the steampunk worlds and the technology in them.
Recommend this book:
Foreign Land
This Foreign Universe Book 1
J.S. Sherwood
2023 Gold Medal
280 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Foreign Land is the first book in This Foreign Universe series by J.S. Sherwood. Chief Farmer Smith's attempts to colonize the planet of Aethera are off to a disastrous start when their ship blows up unexpectedly while entering the atmosphere, leading to the deaths of hundreds, including his wife, Evalee. Smith must now lead the survivors while dealing with an unknown creature on a hostile planet. Meanwhile, aboard the Ship of Nations, Smith's apprentice, Tashon, finds himself battling a radical group hell-bent on eradicating the human race. While attempting a rescue mission for the Colony Six survivors, Tashon and his crew unwittingly unleash an interdimensional monster on Aethera. Tashon, Smith, and a few other survivors must now put up a last stand to secure the future of the human race.
With an intricate and fast-moving plot, author J.S. Sherwood crafts an enthralling sci-fi survival tale that will ignite your imagination and take you on a wild rollercoaster through the cosmos. The premise is authentic and uniquely creative, providing the narrative with a sense of wonder and awe that makes it thoroughly entertaining to read. The characters are well-realized, with backstories that add an extra layer of depth to their personalities. The worldbuilding was particularly impressive to me, as it seamlessly incorporated some advanced theoretical concepts, which I found utterly captivating. Additionally, the unpredictable plot provides plenty of thrilling moments to keep you on edge. If you enjoy well-written sci-fi stories that push the boundaries of your imagination, check out Foreign Land from This Foreign Universe series.
Foreign Land is the first book in This Foreign Universe series by J.S. Sherwood. Chief Farmer Smith's attempts to colonize the planet of Aethera are off to a disastrous start when their ship blows up unexpectedly while entering the atmosphere, leading to the deaths of hundreds, including his wife, Evalee. Smith must now lead the survivors while dealing with an unknown creature on a hostile planet. Meanwhile, aboard the Ship of Nations, Smith's apprentice, Tashon, finds himself battling a radical group hell-bent on eradicating the human race. While attempting a rescue mission for the Colony Six survivors, Tashon and his crew unwittingly unleash an interdimensional monster on Aethera. Tashon, Smith, and a few other survivors must now put up a last stand to secure the future of the human race.
With an intricate and fast-moving plot, author J.S. Sherwood crafts an enthralling sci-fi survival tale that will ignite your imagination and take you on a wild rollercoaster through the cosmos. The premise is authentic and uniquely creative, providing the narrative with a sense of wonder and awe that makes it thoroughly entertaining to read. The characters are well-realized, with backstories that add an extra layer of depth to their personalities. The worldbuilding was particularly impressive to me, as it seamlessly incorporated some advanced theoretical concepts, which I found utterly captivating. Additionally, the unpredictable plot provides plenty of thrilling moments to keep you on edge. If you enjoy well-written sci-fi stories that push the boundaries of your imagination, check out Foreign Land from This Foreign Universe series.
Recommend this book:
Tree of Redemption
Jim Davidson
2023 Gold Medal
238 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Amy Raines for Readers' Favorite
In Tree of Redemption by Jim Davidson, after the death of his friend Armando, Chris decides to pay his respects to the family and visits his friend’s home. Even though Armando was seventy, he was relatively healthy, which made Chris wonder how he died. Eduardo informs Chris that Armando didn’t just wander into the desert and die. He has evidence that proved their mutual father figure was murdered. Instead of heading back to his home in Virginia, Chris stays to find the truth about Armando’s murder. Later, the car has been impounded, and Chris is in danger. Connections to an evil man surface. Why would the man kill Armando? Should they go on a manhunt to bring him to justice or come up with a more conventional plan?
Tree of Redemption by Jim Davidson is an adventure-filled story that explores American and Hispanic cultures in Brownsville, Texas. It is a beautifully constructed murder mystery that keeps the reader wanting more. The characters have unique personalities that range from kind and caring to cynical and evil, all of which make the main goal of finding and catching the killer come to life. I loved Chris Hamilton's inquisitive nature. The quick but deep bonds he forms with the people that were closest to his murdered friend, as they uncover clues and decide their next moves, make this story almost impossible to put down. I recommend this book to adults who love suspenseful mysteries that are both interesting and thought-provoking.
In Tree of Redemption by Jim Davidson, after the death of his friend Armando, Chris decides to pay his respects to the family and visits his friend’s home. Even though Armando was seventy, he was relatively healthy, which made Chris wonder how he died. Eduardo informs Chris that Armando didn’t just wander into the desert and die. He has evidence that proved their mutual father figure was murdered. Instead of heading back to his home in Virginia, Chris stays to find the truth about Armando’s murder. Later, the car has been impounded, and Chris is in danger. Connections to an evil man surface. Why would the man kill Armando? Should they go on a manhunt to bring him to justice or come up with a more conventional plan?
Tree of Redemption by Jim Davidson is an adventure-filled story that explores American and Hispanic cultures in Brownsville, Texas. It is a beautifully constructed murder mystery that keeps the reader wanting more. The characters have unique personalities that range from kind and caring to cynical and evil, all of which make the main goal of finding and catching the killer come to life. I loved Chris Hamilton's inquisitive nature. The quick but deep bonds he forms with the people that were closest to his murdered friend, as they uncover clues and decide their next moves, make this story almost impossible to put down. I recommend this book to adults who love suspenseful mysteries that are both interesting and thought-provoking.
Recommend this book:
True Teryn
Sci Fi Adventure of Lilla discovering the greatest secret in the Seven Galaxies (The Last Lumenian Book 2)
S.G. Blaise
2022 Finalist
311 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
True Teryn is a work of fiction in the fantasy and science fiction genres and serves as the second installment in The Last Lumenian series. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author S. G. Blaise. The book continues the story of Lilla as she attempts to recruit the deadliest army that the Teryn emperor can offer, but she will not be granted the boon without the blessing of the Teryn Guardian Goddess, Laoise. Laoise’s only condition is a quest for Lilla to recover the Heart Amulet but she quickly finds herself trapped and in danger, and the only way out is for her to uncover a secret at the heart of the Teryn people.
This book showcases excellent genre writing as it constantly balances action, danger, humor, and heart-warming character development. S. G. Blaise has managed to take an epic story of interstellar conflict and empires that span stars whilst also finding moments to zoom in on Lilla’s personal journey and development, always doing so with an excellent sense of pacing that keeps the story moving and interesting as it unfolds. The lore of The Last Lumenian series is rich and deep, and the author wisely included a glossary to help newcomers get up to speed with the universe in which the adventure takes place. Overall, True Teryn is a brilliant adventure story that takes readers on an exciting journey across the stars and into the heart of its lead character all whilst ensuring that series readers and newcomers alike will find something to love.
True Teryn is a work of fiction in the fantasy and science fiction genres and serves as the second installment in The Last Lumenian series. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author S. G. Blaise. The book continues the story of Lilla as she attempts to recruit the deadliest army that the Teryn emperor can offer, but she will not be granted the boon without the blessing of the Teryn Guardian Goddess, Laoise. Laoise’s only condition is a quest for Lilla to recover the Heart Amulet but she quickly finds herself trapped and in danger, and the only way out is for her to uncover a secret at the heart of the Teryn people.
This book showcases excellent genre writing as it constantly balances action, danger, humor, and heart-warming character development. S. G. Blaise has managed to take an epic story of interstellar conflict and empires that span stars whilst also finding moments to zoom in on Lilla’s personal journey and development, always doing so with an excellent sense of pacing that keeps the story moving and interesting as it unfolds. The lore of The Last Lumenian series is rich and deep, and the author wisely included a glossary to help newcomers get up to speed with the universe in which the adventure takes place. Overall, True Teryn is a brilliant adventure story that takes readers on an exciting journey across the stars and into the heart of its lead character all whilst ensuring that series readers and newcomers alike will find something to love.
Recommend this book:
Mayan Shadows
The Crystals of Ahrum (The Maxwell Barnes Adventure Thriller Series)
Craig A. Hart, S.J. Varengo
2022 Honorable Mention
292 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Debjani Ghosh for Readers' Favorite
A motley crew of characters, consisting of an archaeologist, Max, his best friend, Axel, a young Mayan sporting a skateboard, Bembe, and Isabel, a Spanish beauty, is out to find the lost crystal of Ahrum. It is rumored to possess the capability of restoring the long-lost Mayan Empire. However, an evil, delusional man, Estrada, desperately seeks the crystal too for his nefarious ends. Will Max and company succeed in their endeavor? Read Mayan Shadows: The Crystals of Ahrum by Craig A. Hart and S. J. Varengo to find out.
Mayan Shadows by Craig A. Hart and S. J. Varengo is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure tale. Not a single page is devoid of action. It has a gripping beginning and sets the tone for the entire book. Thanks to the duo's visually descriptive writing, it felt as if I was the one on the treasure hunt, trudging through the jungles of Guatemala. The book also has bits of romance. Moreover, I liked all the characters but Max and Bembe were my favorites. I liked Max’s fearless attitude. Despite several obstacles in the way, he never grew morose and kept on hunting for the treasure, albeit with help from his friends. On the other hand, Bembe’s funny antics injected humor into the story. Further, the dialogs between the characters pack a lot of punch and wit. Overall, I enjoyed reading this adventurous story set in Guatemala. I recommend this book to lovers of the action/adventure genre.
A motley crew of characters, consisting of an archaeologist, Max, his best friend, Axel, a young Mayan sporting a skateboard, Bembe, and Isabel, a Spanish beauty, is out to find the lost crystal of Ahrum. It is rumored to possess the capability of restoring the long-lost Mayan Empire. However, an evil, delusional man, Estrada, desperately seeks the crystal too for his nefarious ends. Will Max and company succeed in their endeavor? Read Mayan Shadows: The Crystals of Ahrum by Craig A. Hart and S. J. Varengo to find out.
Mayan Shadows by Craig A. Hart and S. J. Varengo is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure tale. Not a single page is devoid of action. It has a gripping beginning and sets the tone for the entire book. Thanks to the duo's visually descriptive writing, it felt as if I was the one on the treasure hunt, trudging through the jungles of Guatemala. The book also has bits of romance. Moreover, I liked all the characters but Max and Bembe were my favorites. I liked Max’s fearless attitude. Despite several obstacles in the way, he never grew morose and kept on hunting for the treasure, albeit with help from his friends. On the other hand, Bembe’s funny antics injected humor into the story. Further, the dialogs between the characters pack a lot of punch and wit. Overall, I enjoyed reading this adventurous story set in Guatemala. I recommend this book to lovers of the action/adventure genre.
Recommend this book:
Out Front the Following Sea
Leah Angstman
2022 Bronze Medal
334 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
Out Front the Following Sea by Leah Angstman is an epic tale that we don’t expect but definitely need. This is the story of Ruth Miner, who lives during the high period of voyages and discovery. It is also a time when superstition and blind belief are pervasive and a time when it is challenging to be a woman. Accused as a witch after the murder of her parents, Ruth’s life is about to take a turn as her irrational town demands her execution. Ruth flees and becomes a stowaway aboard a ship. She encounters Owen, a sailor who is aware of her innocence and has long been drawn to her from their years of friendship. But Owen will be facing his own challenge, too, as his French lineage doesn’t stand well with an English commander. They are in a time when King William is waging war between French and English settlers in 1689 New England. This places Ruth in a predicament between saving Owen or herself.
Out Front the Following Sea magnificently captures the color of its time and settings. Leah Angstman is an emerging voice in historical fiction that you should take note of. She is an old soul who writes with the same flair that Hawthorne displayed in The Scarlet Letter and Jack London in The Sea Wolf. She paints a past America without concealing its flaws, creating a lucid narrative that really takes you back in time. I can’t even begin to describe her facility in detailing the nautical exploits of which she shows a good grasp. On top of this, she manages to explore the romantic relationship between Ruth and Owen. This is a fascinating fusion of history, intrigue, adventure, action, and romance—an enlightening tale about the past that will immediately pull you in from the very first page.
Out Front the Following Sea by Leah Angstman is an epic tale that we don’t expect but definitely need. This is the story of Ruth Miner, who lives during the high period of voyages and discovery. It is also a time when superstition and blind belief are pervasive and a time when it is challenging to be a woman. Accused as a witch after the murder of her parents, Ruth’s life is about to take a turn as her irrational town demands her execution. Ruth flees and becomes a stowaway aboard a ship. She encounters Owen, a sailor who is aware of her innocence and has long been drawn to her from their years of friendship. But Owen will be facing his own challenge, too, as his French lineage doesn’t stand well with an English commander. They are in a time when King William is waging war between French and English settlers in 1689 New England. This places Ruth in a predicament between saving Owen or herself.
Out Front the Following Sea magnificently captures the color of its time and settings. Leah Angstman is an emerging voice in historical fiction that you should take note of. She is an old soul who writes with the same flair that Hawthorne displayed in The Scarlet Letter and Jack London in The Sea Wolf. She paints a past America without concealing its flaws, creating a lucid narrative that really takes you back in time. I can’t even begin to describe her facility in detailing the nautical exploits of which she shows a good grasp. On top of this, she manages to explore the romantic relationship between Ruth and Owen. This is a fascinating fusion of history, intrigue, adventure, action, and romance—an enlightening tale about the past that will immediately pull you in from the very first page.
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