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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.
Recommend this book:
The Measure of Ella
Toni Bird Jones
2020 Silver Medal
338 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Gobi Jane for Readers' Favorite
The Measure of Ella by Toni Bird Jones is a mix of crime, romance, and adventure, a story that follows a strong female character in her pursuit of the dream of her life. Having lost her father a year ago, Ella Morgan is ready to realize her dream of opening her own restaurant. Selling her father’s tugboat is the one thing that will help her. Alone and away from her home in New England, she is determined to succeed, but the tugboat turns out to be junk and Ella sees her hopes dashed. But she won’t give up. Davis, a man she’s been dating, gets killed by pirates during a raid and when Rich, her co-sailor, makes her an offer to help him pull off a drug run, she sees an opportunity to make quick money that will contribute to her plans to start the restaurant. But things quickly turn bad and she finds herself fighting for her life in a deadly world of pirates and drug lords.
This is a beautiful story and I loved the way the author crafts the characters. Ella is a sophisticated character, a sailor, flawed in many ways, which makes her relatable. She’s suffered loss, she is an orphan, and she has a strong determination to succeed in starting her restaurant business. It is a motivation that is at the heart of the conflict, for she will do anything to raise funds for her business. The plot is filled with adventure and those who enjoy the high seas will love it. The author demonstrates a unique understanding of the underworld of drugs and crime and allows it to come alive in the narrative. The Measure of Ella is an engaging story and Toni Bird Jones’ characters are compelling.
The Measure of Ella by Toni Bird Jones is a mix of crime, romance, and adventure, a story that follows a strong female character in her pursuit of the dream of her life. Having lost her father a year ago, Ella Morgan is ready to realize her dream of opening her own restaurant. Selling her father’s tugboat is the one thing that will help her. Alone and away from her home in New England, she is determined to succeed, but the tugboat turns out to be junk and Ella sees her hopes dashed. But she won’t give up. Davis, a man she’s been dating, gets killed by pirates during a raid and when Rich, her co-sailor, makes her an offer to help him pull off a drug run, she sees an opportunity to make quick money that will contribute to her plans to start the restaurant. But things quickly turn bad and she finds herself fighting for her life in a deadly world of pirates and drug lords.
This is a beautiful story and I loved the way the author crafts the characters. Ella is a sophisticated character, a sailor, flawed in many ways, which makes her relatable. She’s suffered loss, she is an orphan, and she has a strong determination to succeed in starting her restaurant business. It is a motivation that is at the heart of the conflict, for she will do anything to raise funds for her business. The plot is filled with adventure and those who enjoy the high seas will love it. The author demonstrates a unique understanding of the underworld of drugs and crime and allows it to come alive in the narrative. The Measure of Ella is an engaging story and Toni Bird Jones’ characters are compelling.
Recommend this book:
Better Endings
Can be read as a stand-alone (Tammy Mellows Series)
Tina Hogan Grant
2020 Gold Medal
272 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
Better Endings is the second book in the Tammy Mellows Series by Tina Hogan Grant; an engrossing novel with a strong female protagonist. Having had her share of heartache and abuse, Tammy Mellows finally escapes from Steven, the heroin-addicted father of her son. Now she thinks she can rebuild her life on her own terms. But then Dwayne comes into her life and a new love blossoms. The only problem is that Tammy can’t trust herself; haunted by memories of a bad relationship and her own woes, she is uncertain. But she wants to do it right this time. The choice to become a commercial fisherwoman gives her the opportunity to test her strengths, face her deepest fears, and craft a path that leads her to herself. But in a male-dominated business, a unique set of challenges await her. Can she achieve inner freedom and also nurture the love that is already taking center stage in her life?
Better Endings is a beautiful story that explores a woman’s heart and I enjoyed the way Tina Hogan Grant builds resilience in the protagonist. The journey that Tammy makes is inspirational and will give hope, especially to female readers who have suffered abuse and have experienced unhealthy relationships. Tammy's character is well handled and the growth process that happens in her life is well-captured in the story. Tammy grows from someone who is prone to fear to a woman who takes control of her life, creating the kind of life she wants. Themes of family, love, and adventure are deftly handled and it is easy to develop a fondness for the sea after reading Better Endings. Great prose, exciting characters, and themes that evoke the realism of everyday life.
Better Endings is the second book in the Tammy Mellows Series by Tina Hogan Grant; an engrossing novel with a strong female protagonist. Having had her share of heartache and abuse, Tammy Mellows finally escapes from Steven, the heroin-addicted father of her son. Now she thinks she can rebuild her life on her own terms. But then Dwayne comes into her life and a new love blossoms. The only problem is that Tammy can’t trust herself; haunted by memories of a bad relationship and her own woes, she is uncertain. But she wants to do it right this time. The choice to become a commercial fisherwoman gives her the opportunity to test her strengths, face her deepest fears, and craft a path that leads her to herself. But in a male-dominated business, a unique set of challenges await her. Can she achieve inner freedom and also nurture the love that is already taking center stage in her life?
Better Endings is a beautiful story that explores a woman’s heart and I enjoyed the way Tina Hogan Grant builds resilience in the protagonist. The journey that Tammy makes is inspirational and will give hope, especially to female readers who have suffered abuse and have experienced unhealthy relationships. Tammy's character is well handled and the growth process that happens in her life is well-captured in the story. Tammy grows from someone who is prone to fear to a woman who takes control of her life, creating the kind of life she wants. Themes of family, love, and adventure are deftly handled and it is easy to develop a fondness for the sea after reading Better Endings. Great prose, exciting characters, and themes that evoke the realism of everyday life.
Recommend this book:
New Horizons
Host Saga Book 4
Michael Farlow
2019 Finalist
340 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
New Horizons is the fourth book in the Host Saga series by Michael Farlow, a fantastic science fiction story that features a phenomenal conflict, higher levels of weaponry, and technology. Humanity is facing the most devastating threat ever: the Arkon attack is imminent! Aided by an AI companion and teacher left on Earth by the Galactic Host, Van Childs prepares for the ultimate assault from the Arkon, seeking allies and developing the Host technology that could withstand the assault. But the progress in allied shipbuilding is impaired by piracy and something more disturbing happens — an unexpected attack engineered by the Arkon that destroys the allied fleet and Zarminia. Can the cruiser New Horizons help, and can Van Childs get the New Horizons ready before it's too late?
New Horizons is one of the best things I have read in science fiction for a while now and I was left with the impression that this author is a shipbuilder in real life. First, the reader is introduced to a phenomenal conflict, a monumental threat looming over humanity. The plot is intricately done and readers will enjoy the complexity in the relationships — humans with humans and humans with artificial intelligence entities. The language is beautiful, crisp, and enriched by the witticism that flows through the exciting dialogues. The novel is action packed, intense, and emotionally charged, one of those books readers would enjoy on screen. The concept of the book is bold, the language confident, and the plot so cunningly done it keeps the reader's imagination gripped. You'll fall in love with the characters and you will care about them so much you want to see where they move from here. New Horizons is engrossing with the complexity of a chess game.
New Horizons is the fourth book in the Host Saga series by Michael Farlow, a fantastic science fiction story that features a phenomenal conflict, higher levels of weaponry, and technology. Humanity is facing the most devastating threat ever: the Arkon attack is imminent! Aided by an AI companion and teacher left on Earth by the Galactic Host, Van Childs prepares for the ultimate assault from the Arkon, seeking allies and developing the Host technology that could withstand the assault. But the progress in allied shipbuilding is impaired by piracy and something more disturbing happens — an unexpected attack engineered by the Arkon that destroys the allied fleet and Zarminia. Can the cruiser New Horizons help, and can Van Childs get the New Horizons ready before it's too late?
New Horizons is one of the best things I have read in science fiction for a while now and I was left with the impression that this author is a shipbuilder in real life. First, the reader is introduced to a phenomenal conflict, a monumental threat looming over humanity. The plot is intricately done and readers will enjoy the complexity in the relationships — humans with humans and humans with artificial intelligence entities. The language is beautiful, crisp, and enriched by the witticism that flows through the exciting dialogues. The novel is action packed, intense, and emotionally charged, one of those books readers would enjoy on screen. The concept of the book is bold, the language confident, and the plot so cunningly done it keeps the reader's imagination gripped. You'll fall in love with the characters and you will care about them so much you want to see where they move from here. New Horizons is engrossing with the complexity of a chess game.
Recommend this book:
Cucina Tipica
An Italian Adventure
Andrew Cotto
2019 Finalist
281 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Charles Remington for Readers' Favorite
Jacoby Pines loses his job as a result of a text message finding its way unintentionally to his boss. He is fortunate to have a well-heeled fiancée who has a commission to spend a year in Italy researching off-the-beaten-track eateries for an English travel journal. But the best part is that the now unemployed Jacoby is invited to accompany her. She is unaware that Jacoby is in possession of an old photo of a woman seated outside a Tuscan villa which he found in his mother’s effects, and has wondered ever since if there could be any family connection. So commences Cucina Tipica (a typical dish or recipe), subtitled An Italian Adventure, by Andrew Cotto. Jacoby and his fiancée Claire take up residence in an old converted barn located in the hills above Florence, and very quickly start to explore the rustic cantinas and sample the delectable food and wines of the area. All does not go well, however, and Claire decides to continue her exploration without Jacoby. Although disappointing, the unfortunate circumstance enables him to concentrate on exploring the possibility that he may have family connections in Italy – a land in which he immediately felt at home.
Through a number of culinary adventures and helped by local people who become friends, the narrative, drenched in the Tuscan sunshine and steeped in the local wine, slowly delivers an enticing story along with a satisfactory ending to the puzzle. The book really got going once Jacoby was left to his own devices and began to interact with the local people. Tuscany and the surrounding area are beautifully described, as is the ‘cucina tipica’ of the area. The wines also play a large part in the storyline and the characters are solid and well-drawn. The narrative necessarily contains a lot of Italian and I was impressed with Cotto’s command of the local language and idioms. An impressive piece of work which I am sure will find a ready audience with those dreaming of lazy days in the Tuscan sunshine and heady nights in the Florentine trattorie.
Jacoby Pines loses his job as a result of a text message finding its way unintentionally to his boss. He is fortunate to have a well-heeled fiancée who has a commission to spend a year in Italy researching off-the-beaten-track eateries for an English travel journal. But the best part is that the now unemployed Jacoby is invited to accompany her. She is unaware that Jacoby is in possession of an old photo of a woman seated outside a Tuscan villa which he found in his mother’s effects, and has wondered ever since if there could be any family connection. So commences Cucina Tipica (a typical dish or recipe), subtitled An Italian Adventure, by Andrew Cotto. Jacoby and his fiancée Claire take up residence in an old converted barn located in the hills above Florence, and very quickly start to explore the rustic cantinas and sample the delectable food and wines of the area. All does not go well, however, and Claire decides to continue her exploration without Jacoby. Although disappointing, the unfortunate circumstance enables him to concentrate on exploring the possibility that he may have family connections in Italy – a land in which he immediately felt at home.
Through a number of culinary adventures and helped by local people who become friends, the narrative, drenched in the Tuscan sunshine and steeped in the local wine, slowly delivers an enticing story along with a satisfactory ending to the puzzle. The book really got going once Jacoby was left to his own devices and began to interact with the local people. Tuscany and the surrounding area are beautifully described, as is the ‘cucina tipica’ of the area. The wines also play a large part in the storyline and the characters are solid and well-drawn. The narrative necessarily contains a lot of Italian and I was impressed with Cotto’s command of the local language and idioms. An impressive piece of work which I am sure will find a ready audience with those dreaming of lazy days in the Tuscan sunshine and heady nights in the Florentine trattorie.
Recommend this book:
The Angriest Angel
Chris Halt
2019 Honorable Mention
443 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
The Angriest Angel by Chris Halt is a compelling and neatly written science fiction story with powerful psychological underpinnings. The Caelans are a race that has advanced in technology and possesses great mastery of anger and interstellar travel. They have lived among humans for decades and have succeeded in blending in. But now something terrible has happened at their base and some of them are getting infected with anger, the one thing they have conquered long ago. When their leader, Regulus Lafaye, is hit by the disease, he loses control and gets so violent to the point that he begins to use his powers of “psying” to control others. Avery is one of the uninfected Caelans and he encounters Chase Madison who has ADHD and is immune to the “psy” of the Caelans. While Avery hopes to use Chase to find a cure, this also puts Chase’s life in the gravest danger.
Chris Halt is a great writer and one of the things I enjoyed about this story is the author’s ability to create vivid scenes. The writing is crisp and hugely descriptive and this makes it easier for the psychological and emotional connection readers make with the characters. Character development is elaborate. I enjoyed the multilayered characters. Chase has ADHD, but he is a character whose life is a mystery. While he has a psychological condition, he also has a unique gift, one that makes him immune to the influence of the Caelans’ psy. The plot is filled with surprises and from the very opening page, the reader’s curiosity is aroused. One of the things I enjoyed about this novel is the author’s ability to combine mystery with the mundane, to mix sci-fi with strong psychological themes. The Angriest Angel is a huge achievement and a delightful read for fans of psychological thrillers and well-crafted science fiction.
The Angriest Angel by Chris Halt is a compelling and neatly written science fiction story with powerful psychological underpinnings. The Caelans are a race that has advanced in technology and possesses great mastery of anger and interstellar travel. They have lived among humans for decades and have succeeded in blending in. But now something terrible has happened at their base and some of them are getting infected with anger, the one thing they have conquered long ago. When their leader, Regulus Lafaye, is hit by the disease, he loses control and gets so violent to the point that he begins to use his powers of “psying” to control others. Avery is one of the uninfected Caelans and he encounters Chase Madison who has ADHD and is immune to the “psy” of the Caelans. While Avery hopes to use Chase to find a cure, this also puts Chase’s life in the gravest danger.
Chris Halt is a great writer and one of the things I enjoyed about this story is the author’s ability to create vivid scenes. The writing is crisp and hugely descriptive and this makes it easier for the psychological and emotional connection readers make with the characters. Character development is elaborate. I enjoyed the multilayered characters. Chase has ADHD, but he is a character whose life is a mystery. While he has a psychological condition, he also has a unique gift, one that makes him immune to the influence of the Caelans’ psy. The plot is filled with surprises and from the very opening page, the reader’s curiosity is aroused. One of the things I enjoyed about this novel is the author’s ability to combine mystery with the mundane, to mix sci-fi with strong psychological themes. The Angriest Angel is a huge achievement and a delightful read for fans of psychological thrillers and well-crafted science fiction.
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