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Recommend this book:
Gravity Is Heartless
The Heartless Series
Sarah Lahey
2021 Finalist
360 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed By Francis Mont for Readers' Favorite
Gravity Is Heartless by Sarah Lahey is an adventure story playing out in 2050, with both technological advances and climate change reaching unimaginable levels. Following the exponential growth of both, the two are on a collision course, threatening the survival of the entire human species. The protagonist, Quinn Buyers, is a climate scientist who is thrown into the main conflict between warring factions in the age-old fight between conscience and greed. Throughout the novel, she is confused, scared, angry, desperate, lonely, and in love, in spite of herself. She is following the inevitable and “heartless” logic of her predicament and realizes that it is “hard work being not unhappy.” She is fully determined to do the right thing but doesn’t let anyone tell her what the right thing is. She is her own woman, and she will figure it out for herself and will pursue it with courage and determination.
This is an impressive first novel by Sarah Lahey with its scope, literary qualities, and philosophical insight. It has several accomplishments that contribute to the 5-star rating: highly entertaining, thought-provoking, intriguing, and meticulously researched. The intended target audience ranges from techno-geeks to political activists, addressing humanity’s main problems from social stratification to climate change. The language is clear and literate, employing a vast and varied vocabulary, displaying the occasional burst of humor. The psychology of the main character is finely drawn and quite believable, as well as endearing and sympathetic. The world-building is extensive, displaying an impressive depth of imagination, coupled with a vivid descriptive style. This makes reading it a very personal experience. What’s unusual in sci-fi books is the clearly defined ethical lines that the protagonist has to negotiate all through the novel. I highly recommend Gravity Is Heartless to readers who are looking for intellectual stimulation and, at the same time, an entertaining adventure in the not too distant future.
Gravity Is Heartless by Sarah Lahey is an adventure story playing out in 2050, with both technological advances and climate change reaching unimaginable levels. Following the exponential growth of both, the two are on a collision course, threatening the survival of the entire human species. The protagonist, Quinn Buyers, is a climate scientist who is thrown into the main conflict between warring factions in the age-old fight between conscience and greed. Throughout the novel, she is confused, scared, angry, desperate, lonely, and in love, in spite of herself. She is following the inevitable and “heartless” logic of her predicament and realizes that it is “hard work being not unhappy.” She is fully determined to do the right thing but doesn’t let anyone tell her what the right thing is. She is her own woman, and she will figure it out for herself and will pursue it with courage and determination.
This is an impressive first novel by Sarah Lahey with its scope, literary qualities, and philosophical insight. It has several accomplishments that contribute to the 5-star rating: highly entertaining, thought-provoking, intriguing, and meticulously researched. The intended target audience ranges from techno-geeks to political activists, addressing humanity’s main problems from social stratification to climate change. The language is clear and literate, employing a vast and varied vocabulary, displaying the occasional burst of humor. The psychology of the main character is finely drawn and quite believable, as well as endearing and sympathetic. The world-building is extensive, displaying an impressive depth of imagination, coupled with a vivid descriptive style. This makes reading it a very personal experience. What’s unusual in sci-fi books is the clearly defined ethical lines that the protagonist has to negotiate all through the novel. I highly recommend Gravity Is Heartless to readers who are looking for intellectual stimulation and, at the same time, an entertaining adventure in the not too distant future.
Recommend this book:
A River of Fortune
Paula Welch
2021 Honorable Mention
271 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed By Saifunnissa Hassam for Readers' Favorite
Paula Welch's action novel A River of Fortune is set in Friars Meadow, a small town in the county of Devon. Maggie Malloy, 27, loses her job at the Provincial Financial Solutions company when it closes its branch in the town. On a regular hike along the River Dart, Maggie finds a Provincial security case near the river's edge. She realizes it is the missing case from the hijacking and robbery of an armored security van. She makes a fateful decision to keep the 1.2 million pounds in the security case; she knows it's illegal, a crime. But with the money, she puts into action a plan to bring much-needed prosperity to her hometown. She reveals the source of money and her plan to her closest friends. With their loyalty and help her plan is phenomenally successful. But Maggie's success in reviving Friars Meadow attracts the attention of other people: vindictive politicians, criminals, and Special Branch investigators.
I particularly liked A River of Fortune for its principal character, Maggie Malloy, and the tight interweaving of the different threads in the story. I liked Maggie's character development; caring, compassionate, loyal to her close-knit group of friends, Eva, Chloe, Morwenna, Julie, and Anaya. Her decision to keep the money is reckless but she is determined to do good with the cash. She turns her ordinary life into an extraordinary one; she is no longer afraid to make new decisions and vows to take full responsibility for her actions if and when her crime is exposed. I liked the dialogues, the descriptive narrative creating a vivid picture of life in Friars Meadow. Through the detailed lives of Maggie's friends, I could imagine how Maggie's plan turns Friars Meadow into a strong, thriving community. But there is no escaping the continuous undercurrent of lurking danger, and crime and criminal characters are present throughout the story. A well-crafted novel by Paula Welch in which the action plays out in both deliberate and unpredictable ways!
Paula Welch's action novel A River of Fortune is set in Friars Meadow, a small town in the county of Devon. Maggie Malloy, 27, loses her job at the Provincial Financial Solutions company when it closes its branch in the town. On a regular hike along the River Dart, Maggie finds a Provincial security case near the river's edge. She realizes it is the missing case from the hijacking and robbery of an armored security van. She makes a fateful decision to keep the 1.2 million pounds in the security case; she knows it's illegal, a crime. But with the money, she puts into action a plan to bring much-needed prosperity to her hometown. She reveals the source of money and her plan to her closest friends. With their loyalty and help her plan is phenomenally successful. But Maggie's success in reviving Friars Meadow attracts the attention of other people: vindictive politicians, criminals, and Special Branch investigators.
I particularly liked A River of Fortune for its principal character, Maggie Malloy, and the tight interweaving of the different threads in the story. I liked Maggie's character development; caring, compassionate, loyal to her close-knit group of friends, Eva, Chloe, Morwenna, Julie, and Anaya. Her decision to keep the money is reckless but she is determined to do good with the cash. She turns her ordinary life into an extraordinary one; she is no longer afraid to make new decisions and vows to take full responsibility for her actions if and when her crime is exposed. I liked the dialogues, the descriptive narrative creating a vivid picture of life in Friars Meadow. Through the detailed lives of Maggie's friends, I could imagine how Maggie's plan turns Friars Meadow into a strong, thriving community. But there is no escaping the continuous undercurrent of lurking danger, and crime and criminal characters are present throughout the story. A well-crafted novel by Paula Welch in which the action plays out in both deliberate and unpredictable ways!
Recommend this book:
Masters of the Broken Watches
Razi Imam
2021 Bronze Medal
349 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed By Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite
Masters of the Broken Watches by Razi Imam begins with Vietnamese fisherman Pham Kai making plans to catch the rare su vang fish in the South China Sea and save his wife from cancer with its proceeds. While risking being captured and tortured by the Chinese Navy for trespassing, Pham Kai discovers a new species of fish that could validate Step Evolution. The story centers on this discovery, with different parties making efforts to destroy or secure the discovery. While the governments of China and the US race to seize the discovery, a group called the Paramarines, consisting of adventurers, linguistics, and scientists from the US, Pakistan, Israel, and several other countries acts to exploit it for the benefit of humanity. Will the Paramarines be able to fend off the two governments chasing after them while they search for a breakthrough?
Razi Imam adroitly merges sci-fi with adventure, nautical, and paranormal fiction to deliver a top-level narrative that grabs you by the throat and leaves you panting for more. There are so many brilliant, mind-blowing ideas, which have broadened my scope of imagination. From in-ear translation devices, laser-guided stealth missiles, dark matter particles to time dilation and medical breakthroughs, the concepts in Masters of the Broken Watches have done much more than satisfy my hunger for sci-fi for a good while. It was remarkably easy to read the book because of Razi's great writing style. The characters are portrayed strongly and realistically and the events are fast-paced and hard to predict. If you love a dynamic sci-fi narrative, Masters of the Broken Watches is one book you shouldn't miss!
Masters of the Broken Watches by Razi Imam begins with Vietnamese fisherman Pham Kai making plans to catch the rare su vang fish in the South China Sea and save his wife from cancer with its proceeds. While risking being captured and tortured by the Chinese Navy for trespassing, Pham Kai discovers a new species of fish that could validate Step Evolution. The story centers on this discovery, with different parties making efforts to destroy or secure the discovery. While the governments of China and the US race to seize the discovery, a group called the Paramarines, consisting of adventurers, linguistics, and scientists from the US, Pakistan, Israel, and several other countries acts to exploit it for the benefit of humanity. Will the Paramarines be able to fend off the two governments chasing after them while they search for a breakthrough?
Razi Imam adroitly merges sci-fi with adventure, nautical, and paranormal fiction to deliver a top-level narrative that grabs you by the throat and leaves you panting for more. There are so many brilliant, mind-blowing ideas, which have broadened my scope of imagination. From in-ear translation devices, laser-guided stealth missiles, dark matter particles to time dilation and medical breakthroughs, the concepts in Masters of the Broken Watches have done much more than satisfy my hunger for sci-fi for a good while. It was remarkably easy to read the book because of Razi's great writing style. The characters are portrayed strongly and realistically and the events are fast-paced and hard to predict. If you love a dynamic sci-fi narrative, Masters of the Broken Watches is one book you shouldn't miss!
Recommend this book:
Impermanent Universe
Vern Buzarde
2021 Silver Medal
286 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed By Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Impermanent Universe is a sci-fi thriller written by Vern Buzarde. Tess Carrillo, a lead computer scientist at NASA, loses her semblance of a normal life the day a mysterious software hack leads to the death of two astronauts, including her boyfriend Ryan Quinn, aboard the spaceship, Essex. After going through a depressive spiral, Tess gets her chance to redeem herself when charismatic billionaire Dr. Anton Satoshi offers her a job to create an advanced quantum supercomputer named Prajna. Meanwhile, ex-Silicon Valley tech mogul Milo Ackerman starts working toward ridding society of technology by using extreme radical methods. Things get complicated as Prajna turns prescient while harboring an inherent dislike for humans. Furthermore, the past springs up unexpectedly on Tess with the news of Essex's trajectory back to Earth.
Author Vern Buzarde weaves an intricate plot, seamlessly incorporating multiple scientific theories to create a pulsating sci-fi thriller that keeps you hooked throughout the pages. Impermanent Universe is an enthralling page-turner of a novel. The non-linear narrative fits in perfectly with the themes of the book, which explore topics such as the nature of reality, the state of sentience, nanobot technology, and much more. Most of the characters seem to be used as tools to move the plot forward and explore the themes in which the narrator is interested. But some of the major characters, such as Tess, Dora, Dr. Satoshi, and Prajna, are well-realized with distinct personalities, making them compelling to read. Impermanent Universe is one of the best sci-fi novels I've read this year. I highly recommend it to sci-fi fans.
Impermanent Universe is a sci-fi thriller written by Vern Buzarde. Tess Carrillo, a lead computer scientist at NASA, loses her semblance of a normal life the day a mysterious software hack leads to the death of two astronauts, including her boyfriend Ryan Quinn, aboard the spaceship, Essex. After going through a depressive spiral, Tess gets her chance to redeem herself when charismatic billionaire Dr. Anton Satoshi offers her a job to create an advanced quantum supercomputer named Prajna. Meanwhile, ex-Silicon Valley tech mogul Milo Ackerman starts working toward ridding society of technology by using extreme radical methods. Things get complicated as Prajna turns prescient while harboring an inherent dislike for humans. Furthermore, the past springs up unexpectedly on Tess with the news of Essex's trajectory back to Earth.
Author Vern Buzarde weaves an intricate plot, seamlessly incorporating multiple scientific theories to create a pulsating sci-fi thriller that keeps you hooked throughout the pages. Impermanent Universe is an enthralling page-turner of a novel. The non-linear narrative fits in perfectly with the themes of the book, which explore topics such as the nature of reality, the state of sentience, nanobot technology, and much more. Most of the characters seem to be used as tools to move the plot forward and explore the themes in which the narrator is interested. But some of the major characters, such as Tess, Dora, Dr. Satoshi, and Prajna, are well-realized with distinct personalities, making them compelling to read. Impermanent Universe is one of the best sci-fi novels I've read this year. I highly recommend it to sci-fi fans.
Recommend this book:
The Reunions
Tammy Mellows Series Book 3
Tina Hogan Grant
2021 Gold Medal
308 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed By Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
The Reunions is the third installment of Tina Hogan Grant's Tammy Mellows series. Tammy Mellows continues to fish for crabs off the coast of Malibu alongside her boyfriend, Dwayne, while raising her son, Matt. As the years pass by, Tammy is constantly reminded of her mother's wish to see her three daughters together once again after living separately since their parents' divorce. After a particularly unrewarding season, Tammy and Dwayne find themselves forced to give up fishing and relocate to the mountains. As family members die over the years, Tammy feels ever more determined to fulfill her mother's wish. But a cancer diagnosis puts Tammy's plans in disarray as she finds herself fighting for survival. Can she make her mother's wish come true? Will the sisters ever be reunited?
The Reunions is an entertaining slice-of-life novel that recounts the adventures of a tenacious woman who always finds a way to overcome every obstacle life throws at her. Author Tina Hogan Grant's immersive narrative puts the reader into Tammy's world, where you feel every momentous occasion in Tammy's life intimately. The characters are well-realized and have grounded realistic arcs that make them easily relatable. Tammy is a likable protagonist who holds her relationships with her close friends and family in the utmost regard. The narrative is somewhat of a slow burn, but it only makes the story more compelling. Despite being the third book of the Tammy Mellows series, The Reunions also functions seamlessly as a standalone. I will recommend it to readers who enjoy slice-of-life adventure stories.
The Reunions is the third installment of Tina Hogan Grant's Tammy Mellows series. Tammy Mellows continues to fish for crabs off the coast of Malibu alongside her boyfriend, Dwayne, while raising her son, Matt. As the years pass by, Tammy is constantly reminded of her mother's wish to see her three daughters together once again after living separately since their parents' divorce. After a particularly unrewarding season, Tammy and Dwayne find themselves forced to give up fishing and relocate to the mountains. As family members die over the years, Tammy feels ever more determined to fulfill her mother's wish. But a cancer diagnosis puts Tammy's plans in disarray as she finds herself fighting for survival. Can she make her mother's wish come true? Will the sisters ever be reunited?
The Reunions is an entertaining slice-of-life novel that recounts the adventures of a tenacious woman who always finds a way to overcome every obstacle life throws at her. Author Tina Hogan Grant's immersive narrative puts the reader into Tammy's world, where you feel every momentous occasion in Tammy's life intimately. The characters are well-realized and have grounded realistic arcs that make them easily relatable. Tammy is a likable protagonist who holds her relationships with her close friends and family in the utmost regard. The narrative is somewhat of a slow burn, but it only makes the story more compelling. Despite being the third book of the Tammy Mellows series, The Reunions also functions seamlessly as a standalone. I will recommend it to readers who enjoy slice-of-life adventure stories.
Recommend this book:
The Bus Ride
A Zany Busnapping Adventure
Joanie Chevalier
2020 Finalist
135 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed By Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
It's supposed to be another mundane working day for 46-year-old Doug, a driver for the Greyhound bus company. There's no more spark in his eight-year marriage and the overworked man is tired of fulfilling his luxury-hungry wife’s demands. However, his day is about to change when a young man named Devon boards his bus. Devon has a mission to fulfill; he's going to change the course of the route and take Doug, including the rest of the people on the bus, for a ride. Hilarious but emotional at the same time, Joanie Chevalier's The Bus Ride: A Zany Busnapping Adventure is the tale of an unexpected life-changing experience for passengers of bus No. 255 as their fates are intertwined, whether they like it or not.
As quirky as the story is, the diverse characters are definitely the main driving force for Joanie Chevalier's The Bus Ride. I personally know several overworked and unhappy 'Dougs', and bus hijacker Devon is easy to root for despite his desperation and lack of judgment. A woman named Gloria is almost like a Zen existence for everyone on board, and young rebel Autumn and Frankie's story - as well as the reason for them to be on the bus - is poignant. I gravitated towards another passenger, Dave, and the surprising twist on this 'Spyman's' identity is ingenious. With its multifaceted plot deftly developed and paced, this Zany Busnapping Adventure is an entertaining and uplifting contemporary tale about ordinary people experiencing extraordinary camaraderie in trying times. A commendable novella from Chevalier.
It's supposed to be another mundane working day for 46-year-old Doug, a driver for the Greyhound bus company. There's no more spark in his eight-year marriage and the overworked man is tired of fulfilling his luxury-hungry wife’s demands. However, his day is about to change when a young man named Devon boards his bus. Devon has a mission to fulfill; he's going to change the course of the route and take Doug, including the rest of the people on the bus, for a ride. Hilarious but emotional at the same time, Joanie Chevalier's The Bus Ride: A Zany Busnapping Adventure is the tale of an unexpected life-changing experience for passengers of bus No. 255 as their fates are intertwined, whether they like it or not.
As quirky as the story is, the diverse characters are definitely the main driving force for Joanie Chevalier's The Bus Ride. I personally know several overworked and unhappy 'Dougs', and bus hijacker Devon is easy to root for despite his desperation and lack of judgment. A woman named Gloria is almost like a Zen existence for everyone on board, and young rebel Autumn and Frankie's story - as well as the reason for them to be on the bus - is poignant. I gravitated towards another passenger, Dave, and the surprising twist on this 'Spyman's' identity is ingenious. With its multifaceted plot deftly developed and paced, this Zany Busnapping Adventure is an entertaining and uplifting contemporary tale about ordinary people experiencing extraordinary camaraderie in trying times. A commendable novella from Chevalier.
Recommend this book:
Sex, Drugs & Corruption
Welcome to Peru
Chad Vegas
2020 Finalist
302 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed By Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Sex, Drugs & Corruption: Welcome to Peru by Chad Vegas is a tale of unusual adventure by two carpenters from California who try to bring down the Peruvian government, a well-crafted story filled with action-packed scenes that will give readers the exquisite thrill of a rollicking adventure. Max and his companion, the narrator, have had an exciting experience working in the construction industry and have worked hard enough to have their own property in Peru. But they are about to lose it to corrupt government officials. In order to survive, they grow medical marijuana — a plant they like to smoke themselves — but this also means trouble for them. Follow them through a painful court case, but something incredible happens and they stumble on secrets that could change the entire plan. Can they use it to their advantage before a merciless verdict is delivered on their case?
Sex, Drugs & Corruption: Welcome to Peru reads like a great movie and readers will enjoy the characters in an exciting setting. I loved the story, which is character-driven and masterfully plotted. Readers will love the wonderful portrayal of the ambiance and the way the Peruvian culture comes alive in the narrative with images from the language, the pertinent social commentaries, and exciting locales like Quince Mil, described as the Wild West of the Amazon. The themes of sex, drugs, and corruption are masterfully handled. For instance, just at the very beginning of the story, the narrator gives readers a hint of corruption when he says: “Peru, a country with thousands of laws that are only applied to the poor and a few foreigners.” Chad Vegas knows how to make readers love his characters and setting, and for those who crave adventure, this one is irresistible.
Sex, Drugs & Corruption: Welcome to Peru by Chad Vegas is a tale of unusual adventure by two carpenters from California who try to bring down the Peruvian government, a well-crafted story filled with action-packed scenes that will give readers the exquisite thrill of a rollicking adventure. Max and his companion, the narrator, have had an exciting experience working in the construction industry and have worked hard enough to have their own property in Peru. But they are about to lose it to corrupt government officials. In order to survive, they grow medical marijuana — a plant they like to smoke themselves — but this also means trouble for them. Follow them through a painful court case, but something incredible happens and they stumble on secrets that could change the entire plan. Can they use it to their advantage before a merciless verdict is delivered on their case?
Sex, Drugs & Corruption: Welcome to Peru reads like a great movie and readers will enjoy the characters in an exciting setting. I loved the story, which is character-driven and masterfully plotted. Readers will love the wonderful portrayal of the ambiance and the way the Peruvian culture comes alive in the narrative with images from the language, the pertinent social commentaries, and exciting locales like Quince Mil, described as the Wild West of the Amazon. The themes of sex, drugs, and corruption are masterfully handled. For instance, just at the very beginning of the story, the narrator gives readers a hint of corruption when he says: “Peru, a country with thousands of laws that are only applied to the poor and a few foreigners.” Chad Vegas knows how to make readers love his characters and setting, and for those who crave adventure, this one is irresistible.
Recommend this book:
Seeds of Hope
Debbie Tremel
2020 Honorable Mention
338 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed By Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Seeds of Hope by Debbie Tremel is a dystopian eco-fiction novel that follows a group of Visionaries who return to the embrace of the wilderness after humanity has destroyed it. Looting and arson and violence are being perpetrated in the cities by a newly anarchist “civilization” and even the military. There is no order, there is no food, there is nothing human about what's left. “Humanity had recklessly borrowed from the Earth, never giving thought that the loan could be called in. And now the payment was due.” The book begins with the protagonist Daniel, who is forced to bury the group he's traveling with after a cataclysmic landslide spurred by an earthquake wipes all out but him. He must travel hundreds of miles to get to the Earth lodge and the rest of his family. Reuniting is just the beginning, as the group must establish their own new world order, preserving the best of what they know and doing all they can to ensure both their survival and the survival of what's left of the planet.
Seeds of Hope is a unique book that approaches a post-apocalyptic world with a collaboration of people who are not bent on pushing forward to restore what was, but one that stops in order to simply preserve what is left. This is, first and foremost, a poignant piece of eco-fiction, thwarting the survivalist skills of preppers and instead promoting the spiritual connection to Earth as people who are a part of it—not in control of it. This does not mean that Daniel and the rest of the group are passive to those who attempt to overtake them. On the contrary, they are willing to defend themselves to whatever extent necessary (and it certainly becomes necessary) as they work to rebuild a world that honors the planet, and the basic values humans have lost over time. I loved this book for its story and for its message, and I found it to be equally sad and inspiring, and altogether timely and relevant. Highly recommended.
Seeds of Hope by Debbie Tremel is a dystopian eco-fiction novel that follows a group of Visionaries who return to the embrace of the wilderness after humanity has destroyed it. Looting and arson and violence are being perpetrated in the cities by a newly anarchist “civilization” and even the military. There is no order, there is no food, there is nothing human about what's left. “Humanity had recklessly borrowed from the Earth, never giving thought that the loan could be called in. And now the payment was due.” The book begins with the protagonist Daniel, who is forced to bury the group he's traveling with after a cataclysmic landslide spurred by an earthquake wipes all out but him. He must travel hundreds of miles to get to the Earth lodge and the rest of his family. Reuniting is just the beginning, as the group must establish their own new world order, preserving the best of what they know and doing all they can to ensure both their survival and the survival of what's left of the planet.
Seeds of Hope is a unique book that approaches a post-apocalyptic world with a collaboration of people who are not bent on pushing forward to restore what was, but one that stops in order to simply preserve what is left. This is, first and foremost, a poignant piece of eco-fiction, thwarting the survivalist skills of preppers and instead promoting the spiritual connection to Earth as people who are a part of it—not in control of it. This does not mean that Daniel and the rest of the group are passive to those who attempt to overtake them. On the contrary, they are willing to defend themselves to whatever extent necessary (and it certainly becomes necessary) as they work to rebuild a world that honors the planet, and the basic values humans have lost over time. I loved this book for its story and for its message, and I found it to be equally sad and inspiring, and altogether timely and relevant. Highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Shadow of Athena
Elena Douglas
2020 Honorable Mention
394 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed By Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
In an exciting setting in ancient Greece, Shadow of Athena by Elena Douglas is a tale of adventure and romance, with hints of Greek mythology. Marpessa is a maiden chosen by lot to appease the goddess Athena for a sacrilege committed hundreds of years ago, so she must serve in Athena's temple in Troy for a year. She is taken away from her family at a time when she is betrothed to the powerful and cruel Klonios and he must wait to have her. The young slave, Arion, is charged to accompany her across the Aegean, but Arion has other plans. He wants his freedom and jumps ship. But then the city of Troy is attacked by barbarians, killing many, and Arion rushes to the citadel to rescue Marpessa, who is gravely wounded. He gets her out of Troy and heals her. The two give in to the attraction they have for each other, but can they really have each other?
Elena Douglas's novel recreates an exciting world that fans of Greek mythology will relish, with themes of love, war, freedom, and religion. The premise is interesting — a young man and woman who fall in love for each other and in very strange circumstances. But it is forbidden love, because he is a slave, and she is promised to someone else, someone powerful. While Arion and Marpessa worry about Klonios' revenge, there is still the goddess Athena, whose wrath isn't appeased. The setting creates vivid images and landscapes together with a culture that transports readers into ancient Greece.
The plot is sophisticated, filled with many twists and surprises. I enjoyed the strong plot points and how the author builds the tension for readers. She makes you care about the characters, then she puts those characters into very tight situations. Shadow of Athena is gripping, infused with emotion and skillfully written to be captivating. Your attention is grabbed from the very first page by the beauty of the prose and it doesn't waver till the last engrossing page. It felt like I was watching a movie, thanks to the author's gift for narrative and for creating a world that readers can easily visualize.
In an exciting setting in ancient Greece, Shadow of Athena by Elena Douglas is a tale of adventure and romance, with hints of Greek mythology. Marpessa is a maiden chosen by lot to appease the goddess Athena for a sacrilege committed hundreds of years ago, so she must serve in Athena's temple in Troy for a year. She is taken away from her family at a time when she is betrothed to the powerful and cruel Klonios and he must wait to have her. The young slave, Arion, is charged to accompany her across the Aegean, but Arion has other plans. He wants his freedom and jumps ship. But then the city of Troy is attacked by barbarians, killing many, and Arion rushes to the citadel to rescue Marpessa, who is gravely wounded. He gets her out of Troy and heals her. The two give in to the attraction they have for each other, but can they really have each other?
Elena Douglas's novel recreates an exciting world that fans of Greek mythology will relish, with themes of love, war, freedom, and religion. The premise is interesting — a young man and woman who fall in love for each other and in very strange circumstances. But it is forbidden love, because he is a slave, and she is promised to someone else, someone powerful. While Arion and Marpessa worry about Klonios' revenge, there is still the goddess Athena, whose wrath isn't appeased. The setting creates vivid images and landscapes together with a culture that transports readers into ancient Greece.
The plot is sophisticated, filled with many twists and surprises. I enjoyed the strong plot points and how the author builds the tension for readers. She makes you care about the characters, then she puts those characters into very tight situations. Shadow of Athena is gripping, infused with emotion and skillfully written to be captivating. Your attention is grabbed from the very first page by the beauty of the prose and it doesn't waver till the last engrossing page. It felt like I was watching a movie, thanks to the author's gift for narrative and for creating a world that readers can easily visualize.
Recommend this book:
Solstice Shadows
A VanOps Thriller
Avanti Centrae
2020 Bronze Medal
402 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed By K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Solstice Shadows: A VanOps Thriller is a work of adventurous and dynamic fiction penned by author Avanti Centrae. Continuing the VanOps series with another Tomb Raider style thriller, this new work combines an artifact from the time of Moses with the modern struggle of international relations and complex espionage. The threat is that of a U.S. invasion by Russia, which leaves our heroine Maddy Marshall and her intrepid VanOps team to track down the lost artifact and unlock its secrets, all whilst keeping it out of the hands of many different international interests who have their own dark plans for it. With assassins on their trail and a star chart to decipher, it is the beginning of a truly wild ride.
Fans of complex and highly detailed espionage and action thrillers are certain to dive right into this mixture between Indiana Jones and Dan Brown. Author Avanti Centrae pays close attention to the personal development of central character Maddy, whose physical expertise, royal connections and quick wits make her an interesting and capable hero for the tale. The remaining cast of the VanOps team gets more time to shine and develop as individuals as the plot progresses, bringing a more holistic team spirit to the missions and struggles they undergo. The action itself is superbly well described, and the novel makes excellent use of dialogue and true espionage techniques to unveil its plot without simply telling the audience. Overall Solstice Shadows is an intelligent action thriller that encourages readers to think for themselves and come along for the ride.
Solstice Shadows: A VanOps Thriller is a work of adventurous and dynamic fiction penned by author Avanti Centrae. Continuing the VanOps series with another Tomb Raider style thriller, this new work combines an artifact from the time of Moses with the modern struggle of international relations and complex espionage. The threat is that of a U.S. invasion by Russia, which leaves our heroine Maddy Marshall and her intrepid VanOps team to track down the lost artifact and unlock its secrets, all whilst keeping it out of the hands of many different international interests who have their own dark plans for it. With assassins on their trail and a star chart to decipher, it is the beginning of a truly wild ride.
Fans of complex and highly detailed espionage and action thrillers are certain to dive right into this mixture between Indiana Jones and Dan Brown. Author Avanti Centrae pays close attention to the personal development of central character Maddy, whose physical expertise, royal connections and quick wits make her an interesting and capable hero for the tale. The remaining cast of the VanOps team gets more time to shine and develop as individuals as the plot progresses, bringing a more holistic team spirit to the missions and struggles they undergo. The action itself is superbly well described, and the novel makes excellent use of dialogue and true espionage techniques to unveil its plot without simply telling the audience. Overall Solstice Shadows is an intelligent action thriller that encourages readers to think for themselves and come along for the ride.
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