Reviewed by Paul Johnson for Readers' Favorite

If I Should Die is the story of war torn Africa when nations were determined to throw off the last vestiges of colonial rule for self-determination. It is a story of violence set against the breathtaking beauty of the fictitious nation of Nyanga. Students of history will know the real country and remember the terrible misery imposed on its population when savagery and extreme viciousness was so often inflicted upon scores of peaceful farmers and farm workers.

This is not a story just about blacks against whites, since both were killed with equal cruelty. It is more of resistance to change on one side, and the righting of past wrongs on the other. This is a story of a war men fight, knowing in the end they cannot win, but they fight anyway, because it's their job.

As the fight unfolds, it becomes personal for two combatants, the best each side has to offer, and even more so when Sergeant Wilson is severely wounded and taken away for interrogation. Desperate efforts to rescue the Sergeant are made, as a band of comrades attempt from one side, and his fiancé tries another way. But, will they be successful?

Set in a time of terrible strife, the author has put together a very thorough, but intense look at Africa and its struggles. The characterization is first rate as both sides are shown as history reports them to have been. The plot is set as a work of fiction, but the author has indicated it is partially based on a true story. I have no reason to doubt this. Some readers may find the graphic violence and excessive brutality to be excessive; however, as history tells, that was the way it really happened. Very nicely done.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Red Smoke Rising is an action packed science fiction adventure. Rick Anthony has created a world filled with violence, trolls, zombies, ogres, dragons, shape shifters, enhanced humans and power hungry leaders. Many years ago the Myrmidon Empire invaded Muoro, Frimuor and Wild Lands to control Ku, a drug that allows the user great powers. The citizens of the occupied lands were enslaved and tortured.

An Underground movement is preparing to fight back. They have stolen the drug, learned how to use it and are training for battle. Most shape shifters have a Master, Mia is the exception. Mia is her own master, she can transform into a tiger, horse and eventually another very special beast. She is a young woman with compassion, intelligence and resilience. Along with Kale, Sheri, and Grere, she fights for her freedom and for her life.

Red Smoke Rising begins with an action packed theme that immediately captured my attention. I literally could not put this book down and read all 320 pages in one day. The plot is intense. The characters are wonderfully written. Mia is the lead character which I've already described. She played well with Kale. I could picture Kale in my mind. His strength of character was incredible. I have to mention Mir. She was very dislikable. She took pleasure in torture, pain and blood. Adon showed a bit of redemption toward the end. Rick Anthony is a master at characterization. He even fully developed the secondary characters. He skillfully used words to create a tapestry upon which the scenes played out. My one criticism and it is minor, is the cover. I do not think it fit well with this book. It is too suggestive. This book needs a cover that screams power, battle, shape shifter, etc. But a suggestively posed and dressed woman could give the reader the wrong idea. In no way does it fit with the plot. Red Smoke Rising is science fiction at its finest. Rick Anthony is now at the top of my list of new authors to watch.