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Recommend this book:
Remedy (The Forgotten Legacies Series Book 3)
K.J. Simmill
2018 Honorable Mention
533 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Remedy is the third book in The Forgotten Legacies Series by K.J. Simmill, an epic tale that plunges the reader into a world of magic with hints of mythology. This is a story that follows the quest of an adventurer into the sealed and forgotten realm, into The Depths of Acheron. But he can’t get what he wants from this world without giving to the banished what they claim to be rightfully theirs. The reader is introduced to a cast of powerful characters, a world on the brink of perdition, and one who wants to manipulate the powers that be to make the future his own.
I loved the level of conflict in this novel and its originality. The author creates worlds that are in conflict with each other and concepts that will excite the minds of readers. As one reads on, there is that tingling feeling that something huge could happen at any moment, and a lot of things do happen, dramatic and breathtaking. The conflict is monumental and it drives the plot, making it move forward from unexpected angles. It takes a lot of skill to write about an imaginary setting and make it feel like some place readers are familiar with, and K.J. Simmill seems to have this skill. The writing is beautiful, punctuated by compelling dialogues, streams of consciousness that explore the internal conflict in characters, and vivid descriptions of the setting, scenes, and characters. Remedy is an entertaining story with a spell that will continue to haunt readers after they are done reading.
Remedy is the third book in The Forgotten Legacies Series by K.J. Simmill, an epic tale that plunges the reader into a world of magic with hints of mythology. This is a story that follows the quest of an adventurer into the sealed and forgotten realm, into The Depths of Acheron. But he can’t get what he wants from this world without giving to the banished what they claim to be rightfully theirs. The reader is introduced to a cast of powerful characters, a world on the brink of perdition, and one who wants to manipulate the powers that be to make the future his own.
I loved the level of conflict in this novel and its originality. The author creates worlds that are in conflict with each other and concepts that will excite the minds of readers. As one reads on, there is that tingling feeling that something huge could happen at any moment, and a lot of things do happen, dramatic and breathtaking. The conflict is monumental and it drives the plot, making it move forward from unexpected angles. It takes a lot of skill to write about an imaginary setting and make it feel like some place readers are familiar with, and K.J. Simmill seems to have this skill. The writing is beautiful, punctuated by compelling dialogues, streams of consciousness that explore the internal conflict in characters, and vivid descriptions of the setting, scenes, and characters. Remedy is an entertaining story with a spell that will continue to haunt readers after they are done reading.
Recommend this book:
There is Always a Tomorrow
The Graham Saga Book 9
Anna Belfrage
2018 Bronze Medal
365 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite
Alex Graham may have ended up in 17th century Maryland by a quirk of time, but she has made her home there with her husband Matthew, their ten children and innumerable grandchildren. There is Always a Tomorrow by Anna Belfrage is the ninth book in The Graham Saga, which follows Alex after her journey back through time and her life in the 1600s. The Grahams farm an area in Maryland, which was once a Catholic stronghold, but has now been taken over by the puritanical Presbyterians who are rabidly anti Papist. Against this backdrop we also travel to England, where two of the Graham children are living and being looked after by Matthew’s brother. We also follow Samuel, another Graham child who has been adopted by the local Indian tribe. The Grahams close friend, a Catholic priest, Carlos Munoz, has been betrayed to the authorities by one of their own sons and the hunt is on to catch and deal with the one-legged priest.
Although There is Always a Tomorrow is the ninth book in this series, there is no need to have read the earlier books to enjoy this one. It stands alone as a self-contained story. I found Anna Belfrage’s characters to be well created and to each have a respective place within the story. My only problem was the sheer number of characters, with the children, grandchildren and sundry relatives often making me pause and ask, “Now who is that?” Without being an expert on the period under writing, I felt the setting was authentic and the research done by the author comprehensive in understanding the locale, the feeling of the population and the general ambiance of 17th century Colonial America. I haven’t read any of Belfrage’s work before, but this was easy to read and exciting enough to keep me fully engaged throughout. I have little doubt I will read more of this author in the future.
Alex Graham may have ended up in 17th century Maryland by a quirk of time, but she has made her home there with her husband Matthew, their ten children and innumerable grandchildren. There is Always a Tomorrow by Anna Belfrage is the ninth book in The Graham Saga, which follows Alex after her journey back through time and her life in the 1600s. The Grahams farm an area in Maryland, which was once a Catholic stronghold, but has now been taken over by the puritanical Presbyterians who are rabidly anti Papist. Against this backdrop we also travel to England, where two of the Graham children are living and being looked after by Matthew’s brother. We also follow Samuel, another Graham child who has been adopted by the local Indian tribe. The Grahams close friend, a Catholic priest, Carlos Munoz, has been betrayed to the authorities by one of their own sons and the hunt is on to catch and deal with the one-legged priest.
Although There is Always a Tomorrow is the ninth book in this series, there is no need to have read the earlier books to enjoy this one. It stands alone as a self-contained story. I found Anna Belfrage’s characters to be well created and to each have a respective place within the story. My only problem was the sheer number of characters, with the children, grandchildren and sundry relatives often making me pause and ask, “Now who is that?” Without being an expert on the period under writing, I felt the setting was authentic and the research done by the author comprehensive in understanding the locale, the feeling of the population and the general ambiance of 17th century Colonial America. I haven’t read any of Belfrage’s work before, but this was easy to read and exciting enough to keep me fully engaged throughout. I have little doubt I will read more of this author in the future.
Recommend this book:
The Secret of the Lost Pharaoh
Matthew Connor Adventure series Book 2
Carolyn Arnold
2018 Bronze Medal
324 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Eeva Lancaster for Readers' Favorite
In Carolyn Arnold's The Secret of the Lost Pharaoh, Matthew Connor is once again called upon to unearth a legend. A map possibly pointing the way to the mythical Emerald Tablets is discovered by a colleague in Egypt, along with the tomb of an unknown pharaoh, and Matthew is being invited to the dig site. He has been fascinated with the Emerald Tablets for years, and the opportunity is too good to resist. He convinces his friends, Cal and Robyn, to leave their current commitments and go with him on another adventure. The archaeologists are aware of the danger in case the Emerald Tablets are found. Soon enough, they find themselves in sticky situations, not knowing who to trust. With the promise of ultimate knowledge and unspeakable wealth, everyone wants to get their hands on the tablets. It's just a matter of who's going to find it first. Matthew is determined to be that person. But first, they must survive.
This is one of the most entertaining archaeological thrillers I've had the pleasure of reading. Right from the start, it gripped me and forced me to turn the pages as the author laid out the plot. I love ancient legends and Egyptology, and these are some of the things that prompted me to read this book. I'm glad I did. For four days I looked forward to the end of the day so I could go back and join the characters as they uncovered one clue after another, bringing them closer to the identity of the pharaoh and the Emerald Tablets. The background given on the various Egyptian legends and customs mentioned in the book satisfied the geek in me. The author made it real in my mind and strengthened my resolve to visit this country one day and see the historical sites myself. The Secret of the Lost Pharaoh is a polished, well-written, stand-alone novel that Indiana Jones fans will love. Carolyn Arnold has written a real page-turner, rich in history without being overly detailed, with a smattering of romance and suspense that will engage the reader from start to finish. The ending was bittersweet. Now, I'm off to read more of Matthew Connnor's adventures. I'm glad to give this book 5 well-deserved stars.
In Carolyn Arnold's The Secret of the Lost Pharaoh, Matthew Connor is once again called upon to unearth a legend. A map possibly pointing the way to the mythical Emerald Tablets is discovered by a colleague in Egypt, along with the tomb of an unknown pharaoh, and Matthew is being invited to the dig site. He has been fascinated with the Emerald Tablets for years, and the opportunity is too good to resist. He convinces his friends, Cal and Robyn, to leave their current commitments and go with him on another adventure. The archaeologists are aware of the danger in case the Emerald Tablets are found. Soon enough, they find themselves in sticky situations, not knowing who to trust. With the promise of ultimate knowledge and unspeakable wealth, everyone wants to get their hands on the tablets. It's just a matter of who's going to find it first. Matthew is determined to be that person. But first, they must survive.
This is one of the most entertaining archaeological thrillers I've had the pleasure of reading. Right from the start, it gripped me and forced me to turn the pages as the author laid out the plot. I love ancient legends and Egyptology, and these are some of the things that prompted me to read this book. I'm glad I did. For four days I looked forward to the end of the day so I could go back and join the characters as they uncovered one clue after another, bringing them closer to the identity of the pharaoh and the Emerald Tablets. The background given on the various Egyptian legends and customs mentioned in the book satisfied the geek in me. The author made it real in my mind and strengthened my resolve to visit this country one day and see the historical sites myself. The Secret of the Lost Pharaoh is a polished, well-written, stand-alone novel that Indiana Jones fans will love. Carolyn Arnold has written a real page-turner, rich in history without being overly detailed, with a smattering of romance and suspense that will engage the reader from start to finish. The ending was bittersweet. Now, I'm off to read more of Matthew Connnor's adventures. I'm glad to give this book 5 well-deserved stars.
Recommend this book:
Under the Approaching Dark
Anna Belfrage
2018 Silver Medal
432 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
Under the Approaching Dark by Anna Belfrage is a spellbinding fiction story with powerful historical references, set in the turbulent England of the 1300s. The death of Hugh Despenser and the rise to power of King Edward III could have made Adam de Guirande hopeful that the country would soon gain stability. He couldn’t be more wrong! The young king has no experience and is manipulated by Queen Isabella, his mother, and her lover, Roger Mortimer. A darkness hovers over the land; there is a lot of intrigue, stabbings in the back, and imminent upheaval. It is in this context that the author explores the role of an unlikely hero, a man who has to balance his loyalties to serve his king, his wife, and his country.
I got hooked on Anna Belfrage’s writing when I read the first book in the King’s Greatest Enemy series, In the Shadow of the Storm, which features Adam de Guirande and explores the themes of rebellion and loyalty. In the third entry in the series, the author raises the stakes and explores the depths of the protagonist’s pain on new and refreshing levels. I enjoyed the excellent prose and the diction which reflects the culture and language of the time. The intrigue, the powerful conflict — both internal and external — as well as the quick pace of the plot and the depth of character development are aspects of the story that readers will adore. Under the Approaching Dark is for readers who love historical novels that are laced with intrigue and conflict, with compelling characters and a sophisticated plot. Anna Belfrage never disappoints.
Under the Approaching Dark by Anna Belfrage is a spellbinding fiction story with powerful historical references, set in the turbulent England of the 1300s. The death of Hugh Despenser and the rise to power of King Edward III could have made Adam de Guirande hopeful that the country would soon gain stability. He couldn’t be more wrong! The young king has no experience and is manipulated by Queen Isabella, his mother, and her lover, Roger Mortimer. A darkness hovers over the land; there is a lot of intrigue, stabbings in the back, and imminent upheaval. It is in this context that the author explores the role of an unlikely hero, a man who has to balance his loyalties to serve his king, his wife, and his country.
I got hooked on Anna Belfrage’s writing when I read the first book in the King’s Greatest Enemy series, In the Shadow of the Storm, which features Adam de Guirande and explores the themes of rebellion and loyalty. In the third entry in the series, the author raises the stakes and explores the depths of the protagonist’s pain on new and refreshing levels. I enjoyed the excellent prose and the diction which reflects the culture and language of the time. The intrigue, the powerful conflict — both internal and external — as well as the quick pace of the plot and the depth of character development are aspects of the story that readers will adore. Under the Approaching Dark is for readers who love historical novels that are laced with intrigue and conflict, with compelling characters and a sophisticated plot. Anna Belfrage never disappoints.
Recommend this book:
Amie and The Child of Africa
Lucinda E Clarke
2018 Gold Medal
304 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Eric Smith for Readers' Favorite
Amie and The Child of Africa by Lucinda E Clarke is an adventure story set in the heart of Africa. This is the second book in the Amie series. Amie had just gotten married and was living comfortably near London when her husband, Jonathon, announced the news that his work was moving them to Africa. Amie was just settling into the new ways of Togodo when civil war broke out, further complicating the way of life in Africa. With politics and the war ongoing all around her, Amie sets off to find the child she was fostering before war erupted. But she’s up against a terrorist organization that has ties to many different nations. Amie doesn’t know whom she can trust. She faces many dangers, from the African wildlife to men of different political affiliations who would kill her in a heartbeat if she messed up their political plans.
I enjoyed the historical content within Amie and The Child of Africa. The setting is very well researched and Lucinda E Clarke obviously knows this area well. Her knowledge makes this a very enjoyable and fascinating read. I learned a lot about this culture and I was fascinated by the explanations Clarke had for things I had never even stopped to consider. The setting was beautifully described and really made this a wonderful read. I also enjoyed the politics and the danger that surrounded this area and Amie’s quest. I liked that heightened level of danger and felt it made the adventure part of the story that much more exciting.
Amie and The Child of Africa by Lucinda E Clarke is an adventure story set in the heart of Africa. This is the second book in the Amie series. Amie had just gotten married and was living comfortably near London when her husband, Jonathon, announced the news that his work was moving them to Africa. Amie was just settling into the new ways of Togodo when civil war broke out, further complicating the way of life in Africa. With politics and the war ongoing all around her, Amie sets off to find the child she was fostering before war erupted. But she’s up against a terrorist organization that has ties to many different nations. Amie doesn’t know whom she can trust. She faces many dangers, from the African wildlife to men of different political affiliations who would kill her in a heartbeat if she messed up their political plans.
I enjoyed the historical content within Amie and The Child of Africa. The setting is very well researched and Lucinda E Clarke obviously knows this area well. Her knowledge makes this a very enjoyable and fascinating read. I learned a lot about this culture and I was fascinated by the explanations Clarke had for things I had never even stopped to consider. The setting was beautifully described and really made this a wonderful read. I also enjoyed the politics and the danger that surrounded this area and Amie’s quest. I liked that heightened level of danger and felt it made the adventure part of the story that much more exciting.
Recommend this book:
 by Andy Peloquin centers on young Viola, a child sold to pay her father's debts. Viola becomes Seven, training years for the Night Guild as a skilled thief under the harsh tutelage of M...){kind=link}
Child of the Night Guild
Queen of Thieves Book 1
Andy Peloquin
2017 Silver Medal
397 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
“Forget your homes. Forget your families. You will never see them again. You belong to the Night Guild now.” Child of the Night Guild (Queen of Thieves, Book 1) by Andy Peloquin centers on young Viola, a child sold to pay her father's debts. Viola becomes Seven, training years for the Night Guild as a skilled thief under the harsh tutelage of Master Velvet. She eventually earns the name Ilanna and a place in the House Hawk. Yet her challenges never cease, as the cutthroat ways of the guild and the outside world await her.
The premise has some immediate familiarity as I’ve read fantasy stories regarding thieves’ guilds several times before. On the other hand, it’s structured differently so the story and the plot have an originality to them. Characterization as a whole has enough depth. Initially, Ilanna was not easy to root for. I expected her to be a bit more mature, personality wise, given her hard life in the Night Guild in order to become a worthy member. She can be somewhat impatient and easy to give in to her anger when things don’t go her way.
However, she has proven her worth and survives many obstacles. I like Werrin and Willem, Ilanna’s fellow Hawks, as they bring some wittiness to a harsh and dangerous life. The prose is clear-cut, which contributes to the flow of the plot. Although I personally didn’t like some of the events that happened to the female lead as she had been through so much, Child of the Night Guild is a good read.
“Forget your homes. Forget your families. You will never see them again. You belong to the Night Guild now.” Child of the Night Guild (Queen of Thieves, Book 1) by Andy Peloquin centers on young Viola, a child sold to pay her father's debts. Viola becomes Seven, training years for the Night Guild as a skilled thief under the harsh tutelage of Master Velvet. She eventually earns the name Ilanna and a place in the House Hawk. Yet her challenges never cease, as the cutthroat ways of the guild and the outside world await her.
The premise has some immediate familiarity as I’ve read fantasy stories regarding thieves’ guilds several times before. On the other hand, it’s structured differently so the story and the plot have an originality to them. Characterization as a whole has enough depth. Initially, Ilanna was not easy to root for. I expected her to be a bit more mature, personality wise, given her hard life in the Night Guild in order to become a worthy member. She can be somewhat impatient and easy to give in to her anger when things don’t go her way.
However, she has proven her worth and survives many obstacles. I like Werrin and Willem, Ilanna’s fellow Hawks, as they bring some wittiness to a harsh and dangerous life. The prose is clear-cut, which contributes to the flow of the plot. Although I personally didn’t like some of the events that happened to the female lead as she had been through so much, Child of the Night Guild is a good read.
Recommend this book:
A Deep Thing
A. K. Smith
2017 Gold Medal
372 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
A Deep Thing by A.K. Smith is a suspense novel about a young widow searching for her lost husband's secrets. Kendall Riggs lost her husband, Tim, over sixteen months ago in a diving accident in a cenote. She is still feeling the pain of her loss and is unable to overcome the grief that wracks her being. Life holds no meaning for her anymore. One night, in a moment of intense pain, Kendall takes a handful of pills to end it all. Realizing what she has done, Kendall runs to the bathroom and empties her stomach. When she exits the bathroom, her wedding picture falls off the wall. Kendall takes it as a sign and recognizes it is time to start living again.
The next morning she starts removing Tim's items from the house. Keeping only the most important and meaningful mementos of him, she stores the rest. During the cleaning process, she discovers a metal briefcase hidden under a bookshelf. The same day, she receives a call from a dive shop in Mexico. A diving trip that Tim had planned two years ago is ready. They need Tim's confirmation of his arrival date. It soon becomes apparent that Tim had secrets that may have gotten him killed. Kendall now finds herself caught between two covert groups. They are contending with each other to acquire what they suspect Tim has discovered and hidden.
A Deep Thing by A.K. Smith is a suspense story that is as exciting as a James Rollins novel. Kendall travels between Maryland, the jungles of the Yucatan and the waters of Mexico to decipher and fulfill her husband's wishes. Despite the animosity and heartache her stepson gives her, she valiantly forges ahead to finish what her husband has charged her to do. The characters were outstanding, including the villains. I found them easy to relate to. The plot is interesting and the storyline is fascinating. This is a captivating and engrossing story and I loved every bit of it. Reading this story was a pure pleasure. I recommend it to anyone who loves a good suspense novel with some ancient legends mixed in.
A Deep Thing by A.K. Smith is a suspense novel about a young widow searching for her lost husband's secrets. Kendall Riggs lost her husband, Tim, over sixteen months ago in a diving accident in a cenote. She is still feeling the pain of her loss and is unable to overcome the grief that wracks her being. Life holds no meaning for her anymore. One night, in a moment of intense pain, Kendall takes a handful of pills to end it all. Realizing what she has done, Kendall runs to the bathroom and empties her stomach. When she exits the bathroom, her wedding picture falls off the wall. Kendall takes it as a sign and recognizes it is time to start living again.
The next morning she starts removing Tim's items from the house. Keeping only the most important and meaningful mementos of him, she stores the rest. During the cleaning process, she discovers a metal briefcase hidden under a bookshelf. The same day, she receives a call from a dive shop in Mexico. A diving trip that Tim had planned two years ago is ready. They need Tim's confirmation of his arrival date. It soon becomes apparent that Tim had secrets that may have gotten him killed. Kendall now finds herself caught between two covert groups. They are contending with each other to acquire what they suspect Tim has discovered and hidden.
A Deep Thing by A.K. Smith is a suspense story that is as exciting as a James Rollins novel. Kendall travels between Maryland, the jungles of the Yucatan and the waters of Mexico to decipher and fulfill her husband's wishes. Despite the animosity and heartache her stepson gives her, she valiantly forges ahead to finish what her husband has charged her to do. The characters were outstanding, including the villains. I found them easy to relate to. The plot is interesting and the storyline is fascinating. This is a captivating and engrossing story and I loved every bit of it. Reading this story was a pure pleasure. I recommend it to anyone who loves a good suspense novel with some ancient legends mixed in.
Recommend this book:
Sanyare
The Last Descendant
Megan Haskell
2017 Bronze Medal
306 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by J. Aislynn d'Merricksson for Readers' Favorite
Sanyare: The Last Descendant by Megan Haskell is a bright, refreshing read. Haskell has opened the door to some rather unique fae realms and introduced us to beings such as the blood sidhe, who share many characteristics with vampires, but they are vibrant, living beings rather than undead ones. Rie is a human changeling, serving in the messenger corps of the Upper Realm’s High Court. She is accompanied by a posse of tiny yet lethal pixies, who are both friends and guards. Due to a series of unfortunate events and hidden ploys, Rie ends up on the run, framed as a traitor. In an effort to clear her name, Rie finds herself in the forbidden Shadow Realm. Here ‘help’ finds her in the form of Braegan, a blood sidhe, and Daenor, a prince of the Shadow Court. In the Shadow Realm, Rie finds a bit more than she bargained for, including information about her ancestry.
Haskell has done a marvellous job of bringing scenes to life. I found myself quickly immersed in the story, as if there with Rie, Braegan, and Daenor. Exquisite detail to setting added to the immersion, making for a wonderful experience. I particularly liked that you get to meet all kinds of fae, from the pixies, to gremlins, to fire elves, and more. I am looking forward to reading more in this series. Haskell’s Sanyare is a great read, full of unexpected turns and complicated relationships. If you enjoy forays into the realms of D & D, and the Forgotten Realms, á la Wiess/Hickman and RA Salvatore, you are sure to find this to your liking.
Sanyare: The Last Descendant by Megan Haskell is a bright, refreshing read. Haskell has opened the door to some rather unique fae realms and introduced us to beings such as the blood sidhe, who share many characteristics with vampires, but they are vibrant, living beings rather than undead ones. Rie is a human changeling, serving in the messenger corps of the Upper Realm’s High Court. She is accompanied by a posse of tiny yet lethal pixies, who are both friends and guards. Due to a series of unfortunate events and hidden ploys, Rie ends up on the run, framed as a traitor. In an effort to clear her name, Rie finds herself in the forbidden Shadow Realm. Here ‘help’ finds her in the form of Braegan, a blood sidhe, and Daenor, a prince of the Shadow Court. In the Shadow Realm, Rie finds a bit more than she bargained for, including information about her ancestry.
Haskell has done a marvellous job of bringing scenes to life. I found myself quickly immersed in the story, as if there with Rie, Braegan, and Daenor. Exquisite detail to setting added to the immersion, making for a wonderful experience. I particularly liked that you get to meet all kinds of fae, from the pixies, to gremlins, to fire elves, and more. I am looking forward to reading more in this series. Haskell’s Sanyare is a great read, full of unexpected turns and complicated relationships. If you enjoy forays into the realms of D & D, and the Forgotten Realms, á la Wiess/Hickman and RA Salvatore, you are sure to find this to your liking.
Recommend this book:
Drift and Hum
The Great Canadian-American Novel
Robert O. Martichenko
2017 Bronze Medal
512 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Drift and Hum: The Great Canadian-American Novel by Robert Martichenko surprised me in many ways. This is a story that beautifully showcases the themes of love, friendship, family, and the search for meaning, a story that spans fifty years. Readers are introduced to the incredible “Beaver Brothers,” a group of four kids who embrace life as an adventure, seeking to find a foothold, facing all sorts of challenges and difficulties in the far North. As the young men evolve into adults, the bonds of friendship and love become even clearer and stronger.
Told in a fascinating voice that interacts with the reader sometimes, Drift and Hum: The Great Canadian-American Novel is warm, humorous and, at times, reminiscent of the joys and perils of living, believing, and loving. I was pulled in from the beginning by the arresting narrative voice: “I don’t want to die,” are the opening words of this beautiful story, and the words catch the reader off guard. Of course, no one wants to die, except if he was a nutcase. But hearing the words from the narrator hooks the reader, who immediately thinks something is at stake.
The stream of consciousness into which the reader is pulled gives powerful glimpses of the state of mind of the character and the reader is keen to find out what happens. Robert Martichenko has the gift of pulling the reader irresistibly into the mental climates of his characters and reminding them of their hopes and fears, their joys, their pain of simply being human. From the prose to the characters to the gripping plot, readers will have so much to savor in this beautifully told story. For a debut, this story is a success on many counts.
Drift and Hum: The Great Canadian-American Novel by Robert Martichenko surprised me in many ways. This is a story that beautifully showcases the themes of love, friendship, family, and the search for meaning, a story that spans fifty years. Readers are introduced to the incredible “Beaver Brothers,” a group of four kids who embrace life as an adventure, seeking to find a foothold, facing all sorts of challenges and difficulties in the far North. As the young men evolve into adults, the bonds of friendship and love become even clearer and stronger.
Told in a fascinating voice that interacts with the reader sometimes, Drift and Hum: The Great Canadian-American Novel is warm, humorous and, at times, reminiscent of the joys and perils of living, believing, and loving. I was pulled in from the beginning by the arresting narrative voice: “I don’t want to die,” are the opening words of this beautiful story, and the words catch the reader off guard. Of course, no one wants to die, except if he was a nutcase. But hearing the words from the narrator hooks the reader, who immediately thinks something is at stake.
The stream of consciousness into which the reader is pulled gives powerful glimpses of the state of mind of the character and the reader is keen to find out what happens. Robert Martichenko has the gift of pulling the reader irresistibly into the mental climates of his characters and reminding them of their hopes and fears, their joys, their pain of simply being human. From the prose to the characters to the gripping plot, readers will have so much to savor in this beautifully told story. For a debut, this story is a success on many counts.
Recommend this book:
When The Jaguar Sleeps
A Jungle Adventure
J.A. Kalis
2017 Honorable Mention
309 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite
When the Jaguar Sleeps: A Jungle Adventure is an exciting story by J.A. Kalis. Didier and Florent are the only survivors of a plane crash in a remote section of the Amazon jungle known for its hostile tribes. After giving up hope of being rescued, the injured men, frustrated by the sweltering heat, venture into the mosquito-infested jungle, looking for villagers to assist them. They come across a few murdered Indians and a gold artifact that Florent takes. The men eventually find shelter in an ancient Inca ruin rumored to contain Emperor Atahualpa’s treasure, interrupting the digging of a gang of ruthless looters.
When the Jaguar Sleeps is an engaging book by J.A. Kalis. He wrote an exciting treasure-hunting tale that I enjoyed immensely. The main characters, Didier and Florent, are interesting and very different in personality. Didier is more levelheaded and has survival skills while Florent constantly complains and makes rash decisions. The other characters are also convincing. I like the general pace of the story, which has terrific action in a nice jungle setting, and surprising twists in other settings with good visuals. When the Jaguar Sleeps: A Jungle Adventure is realistic and very well developed by the author, and it has a great beginning. The appealing cover illustration represents the story nicely as well. This book comes highly recommended.
When the Jaguar Sleeps: A Jungle Adventure is an exciting story by J.A. Kalis. Didier and Florent are the only survivors of a plane crash in a remote section of the Amazon jungle known for its hostile tribes. After giving up hope of being rescued, the injured men, frustrated by the sweltering heat, venture into the mosquito-infested jungle, looking for villagers to assist them. They come across a few murdered Indians and a gold artifact that Florent takes. The men eventually find shelter in an ancient Inca ruin rumored to contain Emperor Atahualpa’s treasure, interrupting the digging of a gang of ruthless looters.
When the Jaguar Sleeps is an engaging book by J.A. Kalis. He wrote an exciting treasure-hunting tale that I enjoyed immensely. The main characters, Didier and Florent, are interesting and very different in personality. Didier is more levelheaded and has survival skills while Florent constantly complains and makes rash decisions. The other characters are also convincing. I like the general pace of the story, which has terrific action in a nice jungle setting, and surprising twists in other settings with good visuals. When the Jaguar Sleeps: A Jungle Adventure is realistic and very well developed by the author, and it has a great beginning. The appealing cover illustration represents the story nicely as well. This book comes highly recommended.
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