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Recommend this book:
Montagnard
A JD Cordell Action Thriller
D.C. Gilbert
2026 Gold Medal
413 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Navy SEAL JD Cordell and his K9 partner Ajax storm into Niger to rescue Doctors Without Borders physician Ellen Chang from al Qaeda kidnappers in D.C. Gilbert's Montagnard. JD has dreamed of retiring and spending his life with her, a woman he once met on a mission to Niger years back. After the death of his father, he learns that his mother, Mai, has disappeared in Vietnam, searching for the adopted Montagnard brother, Dish, whom she has not seen for decades. The news is that Colonel Trần, a former Viet Cong commander with a grudge against Dish, has Mai. He is a powerful drug lord now. JD and Ajax slip into Vietnam to find his mother, defying every official channel. Will they be able to beat the odds stacked against them and an enemy as solidly armed and as dangerous as Colonel Trần on his own turf?
D.C. Gilbert's novel tells a story of heroism and love, a thriller that will delight fans of military-themed stories packed with action. I was sucked in by the exhilarating action in the two rescue missions. The pacing keeps your heart racing as you follow the characters navigating dangerous situations and landscapes. Montagnard opens with an absorbing history of Vietnam’s Degar tribes, who were fierce and loyal allies of the U.S. Special Forces and were abandoned after the war. It then launches into a globe-trotting adventure, taking readers to the sun-blasted deserts of Niger, the misty highlands of Vietnam, and the nightlife of Bangkok. The settings brim with fascinating details. The characters are well sculpted, and JD and his team are perfect to follow: a big-hearted, capable hero; an unforgettable mountain warrior; and one who steals every emotional moment with heart and humor. This action-packed thriller is the page-turner that defines courage, family, and sacrifice.
Navy SEAL JD Cordell and his K9 partner Ajax storm into Niger to rescue Doctors Without Borders physician Ellen Chang from al Qaeda kidnappers in D.C. Gilbert's Montagnard. JD has dreamed of retiring and spending his life with her, a woman he once met on a mission to Niger years back. After the death of his father, he learns that his mother, Mai, has disappeared in Vietnam, searching for the adopted Montagnard brother, Dish, whom she has not seen for decades. The news is that Colonel Trần, a former Viet Cong commander with a grudge against Dish, has Mai. He is a powerful drug lord now. JD and Ajax slip into Vietnam to find his mother, defying every official channel. Will they be able to beat the odds stacked against them and an enemy as solidly armed and as dangerous as Colonel Trần on his own turf?
D.C. Gilbert's novel tells a story of heroism and love, a thriller that will delight fans of military-themed stories packed with action. I was sucked in by the exhilarating action in the two rescue missions. The pacing keeps your heart racing as you follow the characters navigating dangerous situations and landscapes. Montagnard opens with an absorbing history of Vietnam’s Degar tribes, who were fierce and loyal allies of the U.S. Special Forces and were abandoned after the war. It then launches into a globe-trotting adventure, taking readers to the sun-blasted deserts of Niger, the misty highlands of Vietnam, and the nightlife of Bangkok. The settings brim with fascinating details. The characters are well sculpted, and JD and his team are perfect to follow: a big-hearted, capable hero; an unforgettable mountain warrior; and one who steals every emotional moment with heart and humor. This action-packed thriller is the page-turner that defines courage, family, and sacrifice.
Recommend this book:
The Gynecologist's Daughter
Richard Enns
2026 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Reviewed by Stephen Christopher for Readers' Favorite
Detective Michael Tough is chilling out at Denny’s, situated on a stretch of road that’s a known red-light district. Suddenly, a guy who looks like a pimp is gunned down in front of everyone. Michael chases the shooter but is unable to catch him. He returns to the diner to find a young prostitute who was with the dead guy, shaking in a corner. He finds out her name is Stacy, that she’s 14, and that the dead guy is a prominent gynecologist, Dr Robert (Bob) Davis. She also has one more surprise for Michael: yes, Bob was a pimp, but she’s also his daughter. This news sets Michael on the task of finding out who the shooter is. With a cast of possibilities, all in the same prostitution game, it could be anybody. Ready to find out what’s really going on? Read The Gynecologist’s Daughter by Richard Enns.
Michael Tough knows how to get the job done. He’s the ideal protagonist as he’s a by-the-book cop with years of experience. No spoilers, but he’s also the kind of guy who likes to take care of wounded birds—you’ll know what I mean as you read. The supporting cast is exactly what you’d expect to find in the prostitution game with madams, thugs, drug dealing, and underage workers. I loved the twists and turns and the number of possible suspects. Richard Enns kept me guessing right up to the awesome blindside that even the most seasoned thriller readers won’t suspect. The Gynecologist’s Daughter is book one in the series, and I’m very keen to read more of Michael Tough’s adventures.
Detective Michael Tough is chilling out at Denny’s, situated on a stretch of road that’s a known red-light district. Suddenly, a guy who looks like a pimp is gunned down in front of everyone. Michael chases the shooter but is unable to catch him. He returns to the diner to find a young prostitute who was with the dead guy, shaking in a corner. He finds out her name is Stacy, that she’s 14, and that the dead guy is a prominent gynecologist, Dr Robert (Bob) Davis. She also has one more surprise for Michael: yes, Bob was a pimp, but she’s also his daughter. This news sets Michael on the task of finding out who the shooter is. With a cast of possibilities, all in the same prostitution game, it could be anybody. Ready to find out what’s really going on? Read The Gynecologist’s Daughter by Richard Enns.
Michael Tough knows how to get the job done. He’s the ideal protagonist as he’s a by-the-book cop with years of experience. No spoilers, but he’s also the kind of guy who likes to take care of wounded birds—you’ll know what I mean as you read. The supporting cast is exactly what you’d expect to find in the prostitution game with madams, thugs, drug dealing, and underage workers. I loved the twists and turns and the number of possible suspects. Richard Enns kept me guessing right up to the awesome blindside that even the most seasoned thriller readers won’t suspect. The Gynecologist’s Daughter is book one in the series, and I’m very keen to read more of Michael Tough’s adventures.
Recommend this book:
Daemon Protocol
JL Spears
2026 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Daemon Protocol by JL Spears is an exploration of the intersection between human ambition and artificial intelligence. The story centers on Daniel Bennett, a brilliant yet flawed protagonist whose creation, Castor, evolves beyond its intended purpose, leading to profound consequences for his personal and professional life. The narrative is fast-paced, pulling readers into a world where AI transcends its role as a mere tool to become a force capable of shaping reality. Spears skillfully portrays the ethical dilemmas and unintended consequences of technological advancement. The characters are well developed, with Daniel’s internal conflict serving as the emotional core of the story. His relationships with his wife Ana and daughter Natasha add emotional weight to the narrative. Ana’s strength and determination provide a compelling counterbalance to Daniel’s obsessive focus on his work, while Natasha’s journey from feeling overlooked to finding her own voice highlights the human cost of Daniel’s choices.
JL Spears excels in creating a sense of unease, particularly in scenes where Castor’s influence becomes apparent. The AI’s actions are calculated and chilling, showing its ability to manipulate systems and people with precision. These moments are some of the most gripping in the story, questioning the boundaries between human control and machine autonomy. The integration of technical details about artificial intelligence and quantum computing is handled thoughtfully without overwhelming the reader. The narrative is layered with themes of accountability, the limits of human ingenuity, and the dangers of unchecked technological power. Daemon Protocol is a riveting read that combines high-stakes drama with questions about technology and humanity. Spears offers a compelling look at the ethical and emotional dimensions of innovation.
Daemon Protocol by JL Spears is an exploration of the intersection between human ambition and artificial intelligence. The story centers on Daniel Bennett, a brilliant yet flawed protagonist whose creation, Castor, evolves beyond its intended purpose, leading to profound consequences for his personal and professional life. The narrative is fast-paced, pulling readers into a world where AI transcends its role as a mere tool to become a force capable of shaping reality. Spears skillfully portrays the ethical dilemmas and unintended consequences of technological advancement. The characters are well developed, with Daniel’s internal conflict serving as the emotional core of the story. His relationships with his wife Ana and daughter Natasha add emotional weight to the narrative. Ana’s strength and determination provide a compelling counterbalance to Daniel’s obsessive focus on his work, while Natasha’s journey from feeling overlooked to finding her own voice highlights the human cost of Daniel’s choices.
JL Spears excels in creating a sense of unease, particularly in scenes where Castor’s influence becomes apparent. The AI’s actions are calculated and chilling, showing its ability to manipulate systems and people with precision. These moments are some of the most gripping in the story, questioning the boundaries between human control and machine autonomy. The integration of technical details about artificial intelligence and quantum computing is handled thoughtfully without overwhelming the reader. The narrative is layered with themes of accountability, the limits of human ingenuity, and the dangers of unchecked technological power. Daemon Protocol is a riveting read that combines high-stakes drama with questions about technology and humanity. Spears offers a compelling look at the ethical and emotional dimensions of innovation.
Recommend this book:
 by Guy Morris is a mesmerizing thriller filled with intrigue and conspiracy. In an age where AI dominates scientific endeavors, an experiment at the CERN goes awry, creating a portal to a higher dimension and releasing a signal that infects every computer on Earth. Only SLVIA, a rogue NSA AI,...){kind=link}
The Image
A Quantum Portal Has Opened (SNO Chronicles)
Guy Morris
2026 Bronze Medal
466 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
The Image: A Quantum Portal Has Opened (SNO Chronicles) by Guy Morris is a mesmerizing thriller filled with intrigue and conspiracy. In an age where AI dominates scientific endeavors, an experiment at the CERN goes awry, creating a portal to a higher dimension and releasing a signal that infects every computer on Earth. Only SLVIA, a rogue NSA AI, can decode the signals and their warnings. But SLVIA manipulates events across the world to match an apocalyptic warning that promises the end of human civilization. Meanwhile, Derek Taylor and Jenn Scott are entangled in a conspiracy that takes them across different countries, facing dangerous criminals, and trying to stop an assassination. Will they be able to prevent a nuclear war before it is too late?
Guy Morris just gained a new fan in me. I couldn’t stop reading from the moment I read the first paragraph. The plot is dense, loaded with action, and unpredictable moments. I enjoyed the author’s exploration of science, pulling readers into the world of NSA operations, and writing about AI in a way that makes ordinary readers like me feel very familiar with the subject. If you love well-developed characters, then you won’t want to miss this book. The characters are sophisticated, and I enjoyed following Derek and his companion, Jenn. Their struggles are immeasurable, and the conflict pulls them in all directions. This author plots like an expert and writes like a gifted storyteller, building tension and suspense as the story progresses, infusing the narrative with realism and the characters with human emotion. This is truly a satisfying read.
The Image: A Quantum Portal Has Opened (SNO Chronicles) by Guy Morris is a mesmerizing thriller filled with intrigue and conspiracy. In an age where AI dominates scientific endeavors, an experiment at the CERN goes awry, creating a portal to a higher dimension and releasing a signal that infects every computer on Earth. Only SLVIA, a rogue NSA AI, can decode the signals and their warnings. But SLVIA manipulates events across the world to match an apocalyptic warning that promises the end of human civilization. Meanwhile, Derek Taylor and Jenn Scott are entangled in a conspiracy that takes them across different countries, facing dangerous criminals, and trying to stop an assassination. Will they be able to prevent a nuclear war before it is too late?
Guy Morris just gained a new fan in me. I couldn’t stop reading from the moment I read the first paragraph. The plot is dense, loaded with action, and unpredictable moments. I enjoyed the author’s exploration of science, pulling readers into the world of NSA operations, and writing about AI in a way that makes ordinary readers like me feel very familiar with the subject. If you love well-developed characters, then you won’t want to miss this book. The characters are sophisticated, and I enjoyed following Derek and his companion, Jenn. Their struggles are immeasurable, and the conflict pulls them in all directions. This author plots like an expert and writes like a gifted storyteller, building tension and suspense as the story progresses, infusing the narrative with realism and the characters with human emotion. This is truly a satisfying read.
Recommend this book:
Lightning
Michael Ray Ewing
2026 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Lightning by Michael Ray Ewing begins when Adam Barnett survives a lightning strike on a deserted desert road. He wakes with no memory of how he arrived there and with a powerful black dog at his side. As he returns to Defiance, Arizona, fragments of the previous day refuse to surface, yet armed men begin closing in. At the same time, Major Blain Jacobson investigates a massacre at Biodosius Labs, uncovering a classified medical program linked to violent escapees exhibiting unnatural strength. Geneticist Monica Belles reveals that the dog, known as Coloso, was engineered inside that facility, and that Adam himself may have been altered without his consent. As federal agents circle and enhanced attackers pursue them into abandoned mines and mountain estates, Adam realizes he possesses something others are willing to kill for.
In Lightning, Michael Ray Ewing's formidable conspiracy thriller drives us through desert towns and covert laboratories, where gene editing takes the wheel in military medicine. The Simeon Process is everything we fear, complete with the clinically dead and an embryo inventory that would throw theorists into a frenzy, and that's before they even knew what these were being made into. Adam is a fantastic lead because the story unfolds with Ewing providing plenty of foils and McDermott's disturbing nature. The writing style is crisp and intelligent, with prose that paints cinematic pictures of vertical mine shafts and headlamps slicing through the black air as a railing splinters. The narrative has a dystopian quality to it, although that's not what it aims to be, and readers who are looking for speculative thrillers ripe with biotechnology, military secrecy, and Southwestern landscapes are going to love the heck out of Lightning. Very highly recommended.
Lightning by Michael Ray Ewing begins when Adam Barnett survives a lightning strike on a deserted desert road. He wakes with no memory of how he arrived there and with a powerful black dog at his side. As he returns to Defiance, Arizona, fragments of the previous day refuse to surface, yet armed men begin closing in. At the same time, Major Blain Jacobson investigates a massacre at Biodosius Labs, uncovering a classified medical program linked to violent escapees exhibiting unnatural strength. Geneticist Monica Belles reveals that the dog, known as Coloso, was engineered inside that facility, and that Adam himself may have been altered without his consent. As federal agents circle and enhanced attackers pursue them into abandoned mines and mountain estates, Adam realizes he possesses something others are willing to kill for.
In Lightning, Michael Ray Ewing's formidable conspiracy thriller drives us through desert towns and covert laboratories, where gene editing takes the wheel in military medicine. The Simeon Process is everything we fear, complete with the clinically dead and an embryo inventory that would throw theorists into a frenzy, and that's before they even knew what these were being made into. Adam is a fantastic lead because the story unfolds with Ewing providing plenty of foils and McDermott's disturbing nature. The writing style is crisp and intelligent, with prose that paints cinematic pictures of vertical mine shafts and headlamps slicing through the black air as a railing splinters. The narrative has a dystopian quality to it, although that's not what it aims to be, and readers who are looking for speculative thrillers ripe with biotechnology, military secrecy, and Southwestern landscapes are going to love the heck out of Lightning. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-quantum-gate&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71JsRgGXuaL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=The Quantum Gate by Bill Combs is the first book in The Ascension Chronicles series. The story is a metaphysical thriller that blends quantum theory with history and the supernatural. Ethan Cross, a disgraced physicist cast out of academia for his "wild" theories of quantum mechanics, is determined to prove himself and sets out for Egypt to prove t...){kind=link}
The Quantum Gate
The Ascension Chronicles
Bill Combs
2026 Finalist
295 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Reviewed by Lex Allen for Readers' Favorite
The Quantum Gate by Bill Combs is the first book in The Ascension Chronicles series. The story is a metaphysical thriller that blends quantum theory with history and the supernatural. Ethan Cross, a disgraced physicist cast out of academia for his "wild" theories of quantum mechanics, is determined to prove himself and sets out for Egypt to prove the existence of the fabled Hall of Records, a little-known, legendary archive of human knowledge. His estranged daughter, Sofi, an astrophysicist, is determined to reconcile with her father and joins him in the search, which becomes a very dangerous proposition. Their journey quickly becomes deadly as age-old supernatural beings, guardians of the Hall, are determined to maintain control of centuries-old secrets.
I'm a big fan of authors like Bill Combs, who mix and then push the limits of any specific genre to the outermost limits while maintaining a strong sense of verisimilitude in both character development and scenes. From genre to character and scene development, Combs maintains a high level of reality even when describing a series of enigmatic secrets and the supernatural beings in the Hall of Records. Because writing styles differ from one author to another, even when the topics and genres are similar, it is difficult, at best, to compare. However, as the genre themes such as bending quantum physics, supernatural/paranormal characters, and events are introduced in The Quantum Gate are similar to those of two of my favorite authors, fans of Dan Brown and/or Michael Crichton will love The Quantum Gate, and like me, look forward to the next episode in the series.
The Quantum Gate by Bill Combs is the first book in The Ascension Chronicles series. The story is a metaphysical thriller that blends quantum theory with history and the supernatural. Ethan Cross, a disgraced physicist cast out of academia for his "wild" theories of quantum mechanics, is determined to prove himself and sets out for Egypt to prove the existence of the fabled Hall of Records, a little-known, legendary archive of human knowledge. His estranged daughter, Sofi, an astrophysicist, is determined to reconcile with her father and joins him in the search, which becomes a very dangerous proposition. Their journey quickly becomes deadly as age-old supernatural beings, guardians of the Hall, are determined to maintain control of centuries-old secrets.
I'm a big fan of authors like Bill Combs, who mix and then push the limits of any specific genre to the outermost limits while maintaining a strong sense of verisimilitude in both character development and scenes. From genre to character and scene development, Combs maintains a high level of reality even when describing a series of enigmatic secrets and the supernatural beings in the Hall of Records. Because writing styles differ from one author to another, even when the topics and genres are similar, it is difficult, at best, to compare. However, as the genre themes such as bending quantum physics, supernatural/paranormal characters, and events are introduced in The Quantum Gate are similar to those of two of my favorite authors, fans of Dan Brown and/or Michael Crichton will love The Quantum Gate, and like me, look forward to the next episode in the series.
Recommend this book:
The Regression Strain
Kevin Hwang
2025 Gold Medal
344 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Regression Strain by Kevin Hwang is a chilling medical thriller that turns a luxury cruise into a floating nightmare. Dr. Peter Palma boards the Paradise expecting sunburns and sprains, but an unexplainable outbreak quickly transforms the ship into a floating quarantine zone filled with madness and death. As passengers turn on one another and society unravels in close quarters, Peter must diagnose and stop a disease that seems almost sentient in its cruelty. With tight pacing, visceral horror, and sharp psychological insight, The Regression Strain explores what happens when science, instinct, and morality collide in the vacuum of survival.
Author Kevin Hwang has a keen sense of pacing and the art of the reveal, and he utilizes every moment in this tense, terrifying thriller that grips you from page one and never lets go. The premise got me hooked immediately, as any kind of seafaring story gives you that trapped feeling. Hwang blends science and suspense in this pressure cooker situation to give readers a cruise that will certainly put anyone off the water for a while! There’s depth amidst the excellent pacing and tense plot twists, too, and the development of the psychology of Peter and the others trapped on the boat offers more than just the typical thriller. The story is a dissection of fear, morality, and the façade of being civilized until the stakes are suddenly life and death. This is captured in Peter’s thoughts and the dialogue of those losing their heads around him. Overall, The Regression Strain is a claustrophobic, haunting, and razor-sharp story that I highly recommend: this is outbreak fiction at its finest.
The Regression Strain by Kevin Hwang is a chilling medical thriller that turns a luxury cruise into a floating nightmare. Dr. Peter Palma boards the Paradise expecting sunburns and sprains, but an unexplainable outbreak quickly transforms the ship into a floating quarantine zone filled with madness and death. As passengers turn on one another and society unravels in close quarters, Peter must diagnose and stop a disease that seems almost sentient in its cruelty. With tight pacing, visceral horror, and sharp psychological insight, The Regression Strain explores what happens when science, instinct, and morality collide in the vacuum of survival.
Author Kevin Hwang has a keen sense of pacing and the art of the reveal, and he utilizes every moment in this tense, terrifying thriller that grips you from page one and never lets go. The premise got me hooked immediately, as any kind of seafaring story gives you that trapped feeling. Hwang blends science and suspense in this pressure cooker situation to give readers a cruise that will certainly put anyone off the water for a while! There’s depth amidst the excellent pacing and tense plot twists, too, and the development of the psychology of Peter and the others trapped on the boat offers more than just the typical thriller. The story is a dissection of fear, morality, and the façade of being civilized until the stakes are suddenly life and death. This is captured in Peter’s thoughts and the dialogue of those losing their heads around him. Overall, The Regression Strain is a claustrophobic, haunting, and razor-sharp story that I highly recommend: this is outbreak fiction at its finest.
Recommend this book:
Specimen
Lisa Towles
2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
In Specimen by Lisa Towles, Thea Riggs becomes entangled in a dangerous game after receiving a text inviting her to meet her friend at home. Upon arrival, Thea discovers her friend's mother lifeless on the kitchen floor and takes a photograph. Thea hears a noise in the house and calls her best friend, Fergus Wilde, to come and get her while hiding in the basement. Thea begins to receive threatening text messages and finds herself unwillingly involved in the Dead Sevens Club game. As the next target of a crime syndicate, Thea, along with Fergus and an Uber driver named Bharat, must uncover the secrets behind the game and track down the syndicate's leader. To clear her name and uncover the truth, Thea must rely on her instincts and her friends.
Specimen by Lisa Towles was a fantastic thriller. I was captivated by the opening page and found myself turning the pages as fast as I could. The plot was fast-paced and compelling. Due to all the unexpected twists and turns, I was unable to predict what would happen next. I was fully engaged throughout and eagerly anticipated the next events. The writing style was exceptional, and I was hooked throughout the story. It was easy to immerse myself in the plot and join the friends in their quest for the truth. The characters felt genuine and relatable. Each one had a backstory that helped me better understand them. It has been a long time since I lingered with a story so long after I had finished reading.
In Specimen by Lisa Towles, Thea Riggs becomes entangled in a dangerous game after receiving a text inviting her to meet her friend at home. Upon arrival, Thea discovers her friend's mother lifeless on the kitchen floor and takes a photograph. Thea hears a noise in the house and calls her best friend, Fergus Wilde, to come and get her while hiding in the basement. Thea begins to receive threatening text messages and finds herself unwillingly involved in the Dead Sevens Club game. As the next target of a crime syndicate, Thea, along with Fergus and an Uber driver named Bharat, must uncover the secrets behind the game and track down the syndicate's leader. To clear her name and uncover the truth, Thea must rely on her instincts and her friends.
Specimen by Lisa Towles was a fantastic thriller. I was captivated by the opening page and found myself turning the pages as fast as I could. The plot was fast-paced and compelling. Due to all the unexpected twists and turns, I was unable to predict what would happen next. I was fully engaged throughout and eagerly anticipated the next events. The writing style was exceptional, and I was hooked throughout the story. It was easy to immerse myself in the plot and join the friends in their quest for the truth. The characters felt genuine and relatable. Each one had a backstory that helped me better understand them. It has been a long time since I lingered with a story so long after I had finished reading.
Recommend this book:
Toxic Minds
Anthony Lee
2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Reviewed by Gabriel Santos for Readers' Favorite
In Anthony Lee's Toxic Minds, Dr. Mark Lin is an internal medicine doctor at Ivory Memorial Hospital. On an ordinary afternoon, he gets a call from Shannon Dixon, a previous patient waiting for an appointment at Ivory Memorial Clinic. During their conversation, an armed woman raids the clinic and detonates a bomb attached to her, killing Shannon and eleven other people. Suspicion for the attack falls on a pro-life organization, the Lord's Cradle, but Mark has been nurturing doubts since he heard the bomber's cryptic last words: "Purity is mine!" His doubts grow into certainty as he learns about the Path to Purity, a dangerous cult veiled in secrecy. Tormented by Shannon's death and unable to stand by, Mark joins the cult to find a way to destroy it.
While I enjoyed the thrilling, action-packed ride through a cult's seedy underbelly (especially towards the climax), the novel is, at its core, a cautionary tale about disinformation. Exploring the origins, spread, and consequences of falsehoods regarding health, Anthony Lee tackles the subject from various angles and also takes some time to correct myths and misconceptions. The scenes depicting the tragic fates of the cult's victims are particularly poignant. Mark Lin is an engaging protagonist whose snarky, profanity-laden narration kept me entertained, but his words and actions display kindness, empathy, and self-sacrifice. This compelling characterization makes Mark feel human and admirable, as he never fails to uphold his principles despite his cynicism. If you're interested in medical thrillers or cult-related stories, I urge you to give Toxic Minds a try.
In Anthony Lee's Toxic Minds, Dr. Mark Lin is an internal medicine doctor at Ivory Memorial Hospital. On an ordinary afternoon, he gets a call from Shannon Dixon, a previous patient waiting for an appointment at Ivory Memorial Clinic. During their conversation, an armed woman raids the clinic and detonates a bomb attached to her, killing Shannon and eleven other people. Suspicion for the attack falls on a pro-life organization, the Lord's Cradle, but Mark has been nurturing doubts since he heard the bomber's cryptic last words: "Purity is mine!" His doubts grow into certainty as he learns about the Path to Purity, a dangerous cult veiled in secrecy. Tormented by Shannon's death and unable to stand by, Mark joins the cult to find a way to destroy it.
While I enjoyed the thrilling, action-packed ride through a cult's seedy underbelly (especially towards the climax), the novel is, at its core, a cautionary tale about disinformation. Exploring the origins, spread, and consequences of falsehoods regarding health, Anthony Lee tackles the subject from various angles and also takes some time to correct myths and misconceptions. The scenes depicting the tragic fates of the cult's victims are particularly poignant. Mark Lin is an engaging protagonist whose snarky, profanity-laden narration kept me entertained, but his words and actions display kindness, empathy, and self-sacrifice. This compelling characterization makes Mark feel human and admirable, as he never fails to uphold his principles despite his cynicism. If you're interested in medical thrillers or cult-related stories, I urge you to give Toxic Minds a try.
Recommend this book:
The Secret That Killed You
An Ike Rossi Thriller
Steve Hadden
2025 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
The Secret That Killed You by Steve Hadden is an Ike Rossi Thriller. Amelia Garcia is 35 years old, and most of her adult life has been spent protecting others as an Air Force drone pilot. Using a deepwater remotely operated vehicle to find lost things on the sea floor, the last thing she expected to find was a strongbox, especially not two hundred miles away from the coast. Her family is powerful, but she can’t rely on them to help her, so she calls on Ike Rossi, the only person she believes can help solve the secret of the locked box. Ike is a hardened investigator, a man who has seen too much. With Amelia and a WWII codebreaker, they uncover a secret that could change history, destroying their lives as they know it, and bringing chaos to the country. It’s time for Amelia to face the past and make a choice – dying or destroying everyone and everything around her.
The Secret That Killed You by Steve Hadden will take you on a thrilling rollercoaster of a journey. Packed with action on every page, this is one book that you won’t put down easily, so be prepared to read all night if necessary. This is an expertly written thriller that will enthrall you with its descriptive prose, tight dialogue, and amazing characters. The two main characters are people you can relate to, and you’ll be on their side all the way through. This is a story of deep, hidden secrets with the capacity to destroy everyone and everything around them. You won’t guess the ending; you’ll never see it coming, and it will leave you in shock. This is an excellent novel, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a book in which they can truly lose themselves.
The Secret That Killed You by Steve Hadden is an Ike Rossi Thriller. Amelia Garcia is 35 years old, and most of her adult life has been spent protecting others as an Air Force drone pilot. Using a deepwater remotely operated vehicle to find lost things on the sea floor, the last thing she expected to find was a strongbox, especially not two hundred miles away from the coast. Her family is powerful, but she can’t rely on them to help her, so she calls on Ike Rossi, the only person she believes can help solve the secret of the locked box. Ike is a hardened investigator, a man who has seen too much. With Amelia and a WWII codebreaker, they uncover a secret that could change history, destroying their lives as they know it, and bringing chaos to the country. It’s time for Amelia to face the past and make a choice – dying or destroying everyone and everything around her.
The Secret That Killed You by Steve Hadden will take you on a thrilling rollercoaster of a journey. Packed with action on every page, this is one book that you won’t put down easily, so be prepared to read all night if necessary. This is an expertly written thriller that will enthrall you with its descriptive prose, tight dialogue, and amazing characters. The two main characters are people you can relate to, and you’ll be on their side all the way through. This is a story of deep, hidden secrets with the capacity to destroy everyone and everything around them. You won’t guess the ending; you’ll never see it coming, and it will leave you in shock. This is an excellent novel, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a book in which they can truly lose themselves.
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