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January 6: A Novel
The Anti-Hero Rebellions
Norman Brewer
2024 Finalist
228 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Political
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
January 6: A Novel by Norman Brewer is an alternative historical novel in which, on January 6, 2021, a coalition of far-right extremists and militias violently storms the U.S. Capitol to disrupt the certification of a contested presidential election. The aim is to incite chaos so the President will declare martial law. The attackers take several key figures hostage, including the Speaker of the House, using this leverage to escalate their demands and amplify their message. As this flares, a plan to orchestrate nationwide bombings and attacks on critical infrastructure arises to provoke broader unrest. As the situation deteriorates into widespread violence and conflict, the government struggles to respond effectively. The attempts to destabilize the country through violence, hostage-taking, and infrastructure sabotage ultimately lead to a critical showdown between the insurgents and authorities.
This domestic terrorism novel, January 6: A Novel by Norman Brewer, easily delivers one of the year's standout novels, brilliantly creating an alternative history with a chillingly plausible twist. Brewer’s writing is both polished and insightful, with great character development that is all the more impressive given the number of players presented. As a British reader who is ultra critical of political novels that scream about exceptionalism, Brewer was able to get me properly unsettled in a way that I haven't experienced since reading The Plot Against America by Philip Roth, or even the remarkable Sinclair Lewis’s It Can’t Happen Here. Brewer’s adept portrayal of "what could have been" forces readers to confront a nightmarish vision of how close the free world came to its downfall, proving the work to be both an entertaining and thought-provoking read. Very highly recommended.
January 6: A Novel by Norman Brewer is an alternative historical novel in which, on January 6, 2021, a coalition of far-right extremists and militias violently storms the U.S. Capitol to disrupt the certification of a contested presidential election. The aim is to incite chaos so the President will declare martial law. The attackers take several key figures hostage, including the Speaker of the House, using this leverage to escalate their demands and amplify their message. As this flares, a plan to orchestrate nationwide bombings and attacks on critical infrastructure arises to provoke broader unrest. As the situation deteriorates into widespread violence and conflict, the government struggles to respond effectively. The attempts to destabilize the country through violence, hostage-taking, and infrastructure sabotage ultimately lead to a critical showdown between the insurgents and authorities.
This domestic terrorism novel, January 6: A Novel by Norman Brewer, easily delivers one of the year's standout novels, brilliantly creating an alternative history with a chillingly plausible twist. Brewer’s writing is both polished and insightful, with great character development that is all the more impressive given the number of players presented. As a British reader who is ultra critical of political novels that scream about exceptionalism, Brewer was able to get me properly unsettled in a way that I haven't experienced since reading The Plot Against America by Philip Roth, or even the remarkable Sinclair Lewis’s It Can’t Happen Here. Brewer’s adept portrayal of "what could have been" forces readers to confront a nightmarish vision of how close the free world came to its downfall, proving the work to be both an entertaining and thought-provoking read. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Kiev Confession
Kathleen Hart
2024 Honorable Mention
364 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Political
Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite
Dmitry was starting to take too eagerly to the party's doctrine. He wanted to be a scientist like his uncle, and nothing would get in his way. Larysa and Vasyl are worried about their children, not just the increased tantrums by Dimitry but also the recently occurring disaster. What should they do to keep their children safe? Anatoly had been a director of a nuclear facility and a staunch loyalist of the Communist Party, even at the end of his brother's life. Was he a seeker of truth or a keeper of secrets? From Indiana to Washington, Vickie has to survive politics and the intrigues of Washington's journalism world. Her boss, who sees Vickie only as an assistant, doesn't make her life easy. But how does a lowly journalist in America relate to a nuclear disaster that happened miles away? To find out, get a copy of The Kiev Confession by Kathleen Hart.
This is a wonderfully written book and a page-turner. The plot takes you through endless adventures in the Soviet Union and America without you having to leave your couch. Kathleen has managed to use suspense to great effect. The reader can't wait to see what happens in subsequent chapters. I loved how the characters were developed and how realistic the dialogue was. The vivid descriptions of events and the characters' emotions will also capture the reader's attention. Despite this being a work of fiction, The Kiev Confession is thought-provoking, and as I was reading, I couldn't help but think about a government's role in keeping its citizens safe. This book is a must-read.
Dmitry was starting to take too eagerly to the party's doctrine. He wanted to be a scientist like his uncle, and nothing would get in his way. Larysa and Vasyl are worried about their children, not just the increased tantrums by Dimitry but also the recently occurring disaster. What should they do to keep their children safe? Anatoly had been a director of a nuclear facility and a staunch loyalist of the Communist Party, even at the end of his brother's life. Was he a seeker of truth or a keeper of secrets? From Indiana to Washington, Vickie has to survive politics and the intrigues of Washington's journalism world. Her boss, who sees Vickie only as an assistant, doesn't make her life easy. But how does a lowly journalist in America relate to a nuclear disaster that happened miles away? To find out, get a copy of The Kiev Confession by Kathleen Hart.
This is a wonderfully written book and a page-turner. The plot takes you through endless adventures in the Soviet Union and America without you having to leave your couch. Kathleen has managed to use suspense to great effect. The reader can't wait to see what happens in subsequent chapters. I loved how the characters were developed and how realistic the dialogue was. The vivid descriptions of events and the characters' emotions will also capture the reader's attention. Despite this being a work of fiction, The Kiev Confession is thought-provoking, and as I was reading, I couldn't help but think about a government's role in keeping its citizens safe. This book is a must-read.
Recommend this book:
On the Precipice
Brianna MacMahon
2024 Bronze Medal
315 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Political
Reviewed by Paul Zietsman for Readers' Favorite
On the Precipice by Brianna MacMahon is a political sci-fi thriller set in Imperium, a paradisiacal world of great success. At the core of this success is the god they worship, Mystia, and the seven Lord Regents, as they are called, who rule and manage Imperium's different divisions. Amid an important election, Levin Liston, Lord Regent of Diplomacy and leader of the Affiliate Party, seeks to ally with another planet, Civitan. Civitan had recently broken free from the stronghold of The Core, a great enemy of Imperium. However, Civitan had been an ally of the Core some decades ago, and millions of Imperials had died in what was known as the Glass War. Not everyone, including some in Levin's close circle, believes that Civitan can be trusted. The stakes are high, trust is gained or lost, and in many cases, deception proves to be the ultimate weapon.
Although On the Precipice is set in a fantasy world, it had me thoroughly glued to the reality of the dynamics of politics. For this novel to succeed, Brianna MacMahon created exceedingly complex characters who, by virtue or vice, roused me with their words and actions. The continuity of each one's character or nature is steadfast, making for authenticity and a hyper-immersive novel. The dialogue is also intriguing, ranging from meaningful conversations to sarcasm and, at times, hilarious wit. I also enjoyed how there was always an air of suspense leading up to major events and how I never knew what to expect next. This novel towers above many others for its exceedingly skillful craftmanship of characters in a world where the weaker will get by but the strong will thrive.
On the Precipice by Brianna MacMahon is a political sci-fi thriller set in Imperium, a paradisiacal world of great success. At the core of this success is the god they worship, Mystia, and the seven Lord Regents, as they are called, who rule and manage Imperium's different divisions. Amid an important election, Levin Liston, Lord Regent of Diplomacy and leader of the Affiliate Party, seeks to ally with another planet, Civitan. Civitan had recently broken free from the stronghold of The Core, a great enemy of Imperium. However, Civitan had been an ally of the Core some decades ago, and millions of Imperials had died in what was known as the Glass War. Not everyone, including some in Levin's close circle, believes that Civitan can be trusted. The stakes are high, trust is gained or lost, and in many cases, deception proves to be the ultimate weapon.
Although On the Precipice is set in a fantasy world, it had me thoroughly glued to the reality of the dynamics of politics. For this novel to succeed, Brianna MacMahon created exceedingly complex characters who, by virtue or vice, roused me with their words and actions. The continuity of each one's character or nature is steadfast, making for authenticity and a hyper-immersive novel. The dialogue is also intriguing, ranging from meaningful conversations to sarcasm and, at times, hilarious wit. I also enjoyed how there was always an air of suspense leading up to major events and how I never knew what to expect next. This novel towers above many others for its exceedingly skillful craftmanship of characters in a world where the weaker will get by but the strong will thrive.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/jake-fortina-and-the-roman-conspiracy&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/415JNVQSRUL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Jake Fortina and the Roman Conspiracy by Ralph R. "Rick" Steinke begins with Blake Conners, a former U.S. Army Special Forces sergeant, leading a team of international operatives to steal three priceless Caravaggio paintings in Rome, and orchestrated by Russian oligarch Anatoly "the Wolf" Volkov. Meanwhile, U.S. Lieutenant Colonel Jake Fortina and ...){kind=link}
Jake Fortina and the Roman Conspiracy
Ralph R. "Rick" Steinke
2024 Silver Medal
293 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Political
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Jake Fortina and the Roman Conspiracy by Ralph R. "Rick" Steinke begins with Blake Conners, a former U.S. Army Special Forces sergeant, leading a team of international operatives to steal three priceless Caravaggio paintings in Rome, and orchestrated by Russian oligarch Anatoly "the Wolf" Volkov. Meanwhile, U.S. Lieutenant Colonel Jake Fortina and his wife Sara, a Carabinieri officer, arrive in Rome for Jake’s new diplomatic assignment. Jake becomes suspicious of Conners, whom he recognizes from a past military operation. As the theft unfolds, Jake uncovers a broader criminal network involving the illicit movement of nuclear weapons, with the stolen paintings serving as a diversion. Conners and his team, including the cybercriminal Alexei, aim to launder their gains and destabilize geopolitical relations. Jake and Sara's investigation into the theft unknowingly brings them closer to uncovering a dangerous conspiracy.
Ralph R. "Rick" Steinke hits out hard with his international thriller, Jake Fortina and the Roman Conspiracy. Jake Fortina is a likable protagonist, with all the necessary power traits, but still flawed just enough to feel authentic. Steinke's writing is sharp and his skill lies in the ability to balance tense moments with some intentionally thoughtful social commentary. The standout to me is when Fortina confronts Lt. Colonel Beauregard Bragg's alarming, racially charged rhetoric. It was a pleasantly surprising juxtaposition of America's racial past with the unfolding international conspiracy of the plot. The dialogue is crisp and authentic, even Jake's fake Russian accent, and the pacing is fast and kept me fully invested throughout. Even though this book is the sequel to Major Jake Fortina and the Tier One Threat, it reads perfectly well as a standalone and is a satisfying and timely story. Very highly recommended.
Jake Fortina and the Roman Conspiracy by Ralph R. "Rick" Steinke begins with Blake Conners, a former U.S. Army Special Forces sergeant, leading a team of international operatives to steal three priceless Caravaggio paintings in Rome, and orchestrated by Russian oligarch Anatoly "the Wolf" Volkov. Meanwhile, U.S. Lieutenant Colonel Jake Fortina and his wife Sara, a Carabinieri officer, arrive in Rome for Jake’s new diplomatic assignment. Jake becomes suspicious of Conners, whom he recognizes from a past military operation. As the theft unfolds, Jake uncovers a broader criminal network involving the illicit movement of nuclear weapons, with the stolen paintings serving as a diversion. Conners and his team, including the cybercriminal Alexei, aim to launder their gains and destabilize geopolitical relations. Jake and Sara's investigation into the theft unknowingly brings them closer to uncovering a dangerous conspiracy.
Ralph R. "Rick" Steinke hits out hard with his international thriller, Jake Fortina and the Roman Conspiracy. Jake Fortina is a likable protagonist, with all the necessary power traits, but still flawed just enough to feel authentic. Steinke's writing is sharp and his skill lies in the ability to balance tense moments with some intentionally thoughtful social commentary. The standout to me is when Fortina confronts Lt. Colonel Beauregard Bragg's alarming, racially charged rhetoric. It was a pleasantly surprising juxtaposition of America's racial past with the unfolding international conspiracy of the plot. The dialogue is crisp and authentic, even Jake's fake Russian accent, and the pacing is fast and kept me fully invested throughout. Even though this book is the sequel to Major Jake Fortina and the Tier One Threat, it reads perfectly well as a standalone and is a satisfying and timely story. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
By Means of Peace
Don Johnston
2024 Gold Medal
247 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Political
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
By Means of Peace is a work of fiction penned by author Don Johnston in the political thriller, interpersonal drama, and suspense subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. In this thrilling novel set in 2148, we follow the story of charming politician Reuben Rogov as he ascends to the presidency, hailed as a sociopolitical messiah after achieving unprecedented peace and solving major crises. However, as Rogov secures his second term, skepticism arises about his methods, with some suspecting he created the very problems he solved. Caught amid this turmoil are Darien and Marisa, a young couple from Houston. While Marisa pursues a career in politics in Washington, Darien, a struggling sci-fi author, remains behind. Their relationship faces challenges amidst the chaos, exacerbated by Darien's grandfather's ominous interpretation of a biblical prophecy.
Author Don Johnston has crafted a suitably complex and enjoyable work that navigates intricate political dynamics and personal struggles, offering a compelling exploration of power, perception, and prophecy. The characters' intertwined journeys unfold against a backdrop of societal upheaval, inviting reflection on the nature of leadership and the consequences of blind trust. Through Darien and Marisa's tumultuous relationship and Darien's grandfather's cryptic warnings, I got a strong sense of characterization and the clever ways in which the author tells the tale naturally through their dialogue and actions without the need for lots of dry prose. Johnston's adept storytelling and strong creative lexis kept me engaged in the sights, settings, and emotions of the piece, leaving me pondering the implications of Rogov's reign and the timeless relevance of prophetic warnings in an ever-changing world. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend By Means of Peace as a thought-provoking experience that will immerse fans of political thrillers in a complex and highly engaging web of intrigue from start to finish.
By Means of Peace is a work of fiction penned by author Don Johnston in the political thriller, interpersonal drama, and suspense subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. In this thrilling novel set in 2148, we follow the story of charming politician Reuben Rogov as he ascends to the presidency, hailed as a sociopolitical messiah after achieving unprecedented peace and solving major crises. However, as Rogov secures his second term, skepticism arises about his methods, with some suspecting he created the very problems he solved. Caught amid this turmoil are Darien and Marisa, a young couple from Houston. While Marisa pursues a career in politics in Washington, Darien, a struggling sci-fi author, remains behind. Their relationship faces challenges amidst the chaos, exacerbated by Darien's grandfather's ominous interpretation of a biblical prophecy.
Author Don Johnston has crafted a suitably complex and enjoyable work that navigates intricate political dynamics and personal struggles, offering a compelling exploration of power, perception, and prophecy. The characters' intertwined journeys unfold against a backdrop of societal upheaval, inviting reflection on the nature of leadership and the consequences of blind trust. Through Darien and Marisa's tumultuous relationship and Darien's grandfather's cryptic warnings, I got a strong sense of characterization and the clever ways in which the author tells the tale naturally through their dialogue and actions without the need for lots of dry prose. Johnston's adept storytelling and strong creative lexis kept me engaged in the sights, settings, and emotions of the piece, leaving me pondering the implications of Rogov's reign and the timeless relevance of prophetic warnings in an ever-changing world. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend By Means of Peace as a thought-provoking experience that will immerse fans of political thrillers in a complex and highly engaging web of intrigue from start to finish.
Recommend this book:
Bucharest Legacy
The Rise of the Oligarchs
William Maz
2023 Finalist
434 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Political
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
Bucharest Legacy: The Rise of the Oligarchs is a political thriller by William Maz. CIA agent Bill Hefflin’s mission was to escort a KGB officer out of Romania. The mission went awry when Bill was suspected of being a KGB mole. The mole’s handler was a KGB agent known as Boris, the code name for Bill’s longtime KGB asset. This makes Bill the prime suspect for being the mole. Bill and his wife, a French intelligence agent, join forces to identify the real culprit. Bill was allowed the opportunity to prove his innocence by traveling back to Bucharest in Romania, where he was born. Bill had to find Boris and identify the mole, but Bill had a secret. Boris had been dead for more than a year, and Bill was the only one who knew.
Bucharest Legacy was a roller coaster ride involving the Cold War, spies, action, and betrayal. William Maz created a world of pursuit, deception, suspense, and intrigue. It was fast-paced, and the tension kept me on the edge of my seat. It was a spine-chiller of a read, and I could not put it down. I was intrigued from the outset and I just kept turning the pages, not knowing what to expect next. The twists and turns were captivating and engrossing. The characters were well-developed and authentic. Bill was resourceful and could easily adapt to any situation to carry out his duties. The story is excellently written, with a brief history of the story’s time frame and the prevailing political situation.
Bucharest Legacy: The Rise of the Oligarchs is a political thriller by William Maz. CIA agent Bill Hefflin’s mission was to escort a KGB officer out of Romania. The mission went awry when Bill was suspected of being a KGB mole. The mole’s handler was a KGB agent known as Boris, the code name for Bill’s longtime KGB asset. This makes Bill the prime suspect for being the mole. Bill and his wife, a French intelligence agent, join forces to identify the real culprit. Bill was allowed the opportunity to prove his innocence by traveling back to Bucharest in Romania, where he was born. Bill had to find Boris and identify the mole, but Bill had a secret. Boris had been dead for more than a year, and Bill was the only one who knew.
Bucharest Legacy was a roller coaster ride involving the Cold War, spies, action, and betrayal. William Maz created a world of pursuit, deception, suspense, and intrigue. It was fast-paced, and the tension kept me on the edge of my seat. It was a spine-chiller of a read, and I could not put it down. I was intrigued from the outset and I just kept turning the pages, not knowing what to expect next. The twists and turns were captivating and engrossing. The characters were well-developed and authentic. Bill was resourceful and could easily adapt to any situation to carry out his duties. The story is excellently written, with a brief history of the story’s time frame and the prevailing political situation.
Recommend this book:
Aggressor
The Aggressor Series Book 1
FX Holden
2023 Honorable Mention
556 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Political
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Aggressor is a work of fiction in the action-adventure, military, and thriller subgenres. It is the opening work to a new series of the same name and was penned by author FX Holden. Intended for mature adult readers owing to adult references including wartime violence, this intelligent technothriller gives us front-row seats to a terrifying conflict that could spark a war larger than the world has ever seen before. With China and Taiwan at the center of a maelstrom of political and international conflict, this near-future military tale explores the consequences of conflict from multiple viewpoints, from civilians to serving personnel and decision-makers who hold the lives of countless others in their hands.
Author FX Holden always knows how to craft a thrilling read, and this new series starts off with plenty of action, adventure, and thrilling scenes where the stakes could not be higher. Beyond this, there’s also a really intelligent level of plotting that takes a thread of terrifying realities that we currently face and pulls at them to create a nightmarish vision of things that could well come to pass in the future of our planet. It’s these sparks of realism that keep the story grounded, along with the sensitive and well-considered multi-perspective portrayal. I liked that this work didn’t just contain top minds and gung-ho action heroes but really showcased the hard work, dedication, terror, and hope of ordinary people caught up in unimaginable conflict. Overall, fans of the author will surely find Aggressor to be the best novel yet, and newcomers who love action-packed military thrillers are in for a treat.
Aggressor is a work of fiction in the action-adventure, military, and thriller subgenres. It is the opening work to a new series of the same name and was penned by author FX Holden. Intended for mature adult readers owing to adult references including wartime violence, this intelligent technothriller gives us front-row seats to a terrifying conflict that could spark a war larger than the world has ever seen before. With China and Taiwan at the center of a maelstrom of political and international conflict, this near-future military tale explores the consequences of conflict from multiple viewpoints, from civilians to serving personnel and decision-makers who hold the lives of countless others in their hands.
Author FX Holden always knows how to craft a thrilling read, and this new series starts off with plenty of action, adventure, and thrilling scenes where the stakes could not be higher. Beyond this, there’s also a really intelligent level of plotting that takes a thread of terrifying realities that we currently face and pulls at them to create a nightmarish vision of things that could well come to pass in the future of our planet. It’s these sparks of realism that keep the story grounded, along with the sensitive and well-considered multi-perspective portrayal. I liked that this work didn’t just contain top minds and gung-ho action heroes but really showcased the hard work, dedication, terror, and hope of ordinary people caught up in unimaginable conflict. Overall, fans of the author will surely find Aggressor to be the best novel yet, and newcomers who love action-packed military thrillers are in for a treat.
Recommend this book:
Cold Peace
Helena P. Schrader
2023 Silver Medal
679 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Political
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Cold Peace: Bridge to Tomorrow is a work of fiction in the historical, interpersonal drama, and wartime fiction subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and was penned by author Helena P. Schrader. In this highly immersive and engrossing historical tale, we find ourselves transported back to the post-war era following the Second World War. In Berlin, tensions run high as a cast of characters forms an air ambulance company, including female air traffic controllers and former RAF pilots. Carrying the scars of the last war with them, it’s not long before the threat of Stalin brews up trouble once more.
Author Helena P. Schrader has crafted a spellbinding work of historical fiction that brings a unique pocket of history to life with extraordinary detail and heart. I loved the premise and was so intrigued to learn about the Berlin Airlift, particularly through such a naturally told and engaging storyline that gives us all the richness of the period but never has a dull moment in the plot. I was particularly drawn to Kathleen Hart and her journey of self-discovery throughout the tale, but readers will all find different people to relate to as Schrader puts heart and soul into the dialogue and development of everyone from cover to cover. This keen sense of reality adds to the overall attitude of the piece, giving an authentic image of people caught in a very unsettling historical time. Overall, Cold Peace is a deeply engrossing novel that I would recommend to fans of military history, realistic drama, and suspense novels alike.
Cold Peace: Bridge to Tomorrow is a work of fiction in the historical, interpersonal drama, and wartime fiction subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and was penned by author Helena P. Schrader. In this highly immersive and engrossing historical tale, we find ourselves transported back to the post-war era following the Second World War. In Berlin, tensions run high as a cast of characters forms an air ambulance company, including female air traffic controllers and former RAF pilots. Carrying the scars of the last war with them, it’s not long before the threat of Stalin brews up trouble once more.
Author Helena P. Schrader has crafted a spellbinding work of historical fiction that brings a unique pocket of history to life with extraordinary detail and heart. I loved the premise and was so intrigued to learn about the Berlin Airlift, particularly through such a naturally told and engaging storyline that gives us all the richness of the period but never has a dull moment in the plot. I was particularly drawn to Kathleen Hart and her journey of self-discovery throughout the tale, but readers will all find different people to relate to as Schrader puts heart and soul into the dialogue and development of everyone from cover to cover. This keen sense of reality adds to the overall attitude of the piece, giving an authentic image of people caught in a very unsettling historical time. Overall, Cold Peace is a deeply engrossing novel that I would recommend to fans of military history, realistic drama, and suspense novels alike.
Recommend this book:
The Stolen Altarpiece
A historical crime mystery
Gabriel Farago
2023 Gold Medal
578 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Political
Reviewed by Saifunnissa Hassam for Readers' Favorite
Gabriel Farago's The Stolen Altarpiece is a psychological and suspense-filled thriller. Connecting ancient and modern times, this is the riveting tale of a quest to find a painting, an amulet, and an artifact, each of great religious and historical significance. The novel takes its inspiration from historical figures, events, and places. I liked the Author's Note, in which Gabriel Farago writes about current events, and how a Russian children's poem inspired him to write The Stolen Altarpiece. Jack Rogan is an acclaimed journalist and novelist who is drawn into a dangerous quest by a powerful adversary from the past. His enemy is a psychopath who will not hesitate to murder and manipulate people for his nefarious ends. Jack follows a trail of cryptic clues from Venice and on to other European cities. He must defeat his archenemy to keep his family and friends safe. The story twists and turns to the very end!
I greatly enjoyed Gabriel Farago's riveting The Stolen Altarpiece because of its remarkable character Jack Rogan and his extraordinary courage and love for his family and friends. I particularly liked the interweaving of the backstories of Jack and the other major characters into the quests. As I read the evocative and gripping descriptions, the characters sprang to life. I liked how Jack's dilemmas, fears, and hopes emerge throughout the story as he faces challenge after challenge from his malevolent and manipulative adversary. At the same time, Jack is committed to protecting his family and friends. I loved this intriguing multilayered story and how the complexity of human nature emerges through different characters, their actions, settings, and dialogues. Equally, I loved the details as Jack tracks the "journeys" of the historical artifacts, the different owners through time and geography, and of incomplete or lost records. Some of the most powerful and emotional moments were when Jack finds significant pieces of the puzzle. The Stolen Altarpiece is a fascinating, compelling, and thought-provoking historical crime mystery with extraordinary characters!
Gabriel Farago's The Stolen Altarpiece is a psychological and suspense-filled thriller. Connecting ancient and modern times, this is the riveting tale of a quest to find a painting, an amulet, and an artifact, each of great religious and historical significance. The novel takes its inspiration from historical figures, events, and places. I liked the Author's Note, in which Gabriel Farago writes about current events, and how a Russian children's poem inspired him to write The Stolen Altarpiece. Jack Rogan is an acclaimed journalist and novelist who is drawn into a dangerous quest by a powerful adversary from the past. His enemy is a psychopath who will not hesitate to murder and manipulate people for his nefarious ends. Jack follows a trail of cryptic clues from Venice and on to other European cities. He must defeat his archenemy to keep his family and friends safe. The story twists and turns to the very end!
I greatly enjoyed Gabriel Farago's riveting The Stolen Altarpiece because of its remarkable character Jack Rogan and his extraordinary courage and love for his family and friends. I particularly liked the interweaving of the backstories of Jack and the other major characters into the quests. As I read the evocative and gripping descriptions, the characters sprang to life. I liked how Jack's dilemmas, fears, and hopes emerge throughout the story as he faces challenge after challenge from his malevolent and manipulative adversary. At the same time, Jack is committed to protecting his family and friends. I loved this intriguing multilayered story and how the complexity of human nature emerges through different characters, their actions, settings, and dialogues. Equally, I loved the details as Jack tracks the "journeys" of the historical artifacts, the different owners through time and geography, and of incomplete or lost records. Some of the most powerful and emotional moments were when Jack finds significant pieces of the puzzle. The Stolen Altarpiece is a fascinating, compelling, and thought-provoking historical crime mystery with extraordinary characters!
Recommend this book:
Girls, Crimes & the Ruling Body
Barry R. Ziman
2022 Finalist
280 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Political
Reviewed by Grace Masso for Readers' Favorite
Girls, Crimes & the Ruling Body: A Novel by Barry R. Ziman is an engaging story with interesting and well-developed characters. Ryan McNeil works in Albany for Assemblyman Somatos, a powerful politician. He has plans of getting married to the love of his life, but Ryan unwittingly witnesses the abduction of a legislative intern while flirting. Everything about his life unravels in a way he never could have imagined, with Caroline Tierney leaving him so suddenly that he does not even have the time to process what is happening, and his dreams of a political career are dashed against the rocks. After seven years, Ryan, now married to Annie, finds himself in an act of infidelity and witnesses another kidnapping of a woman in Virginia, and this time, he is a prime suspect. Follow him as he deals with a pathologically lying wife with whom he does not feel any emotional connection, and fights to prove his innocence while figuring out where Caroline, the love of his life, fits into the picture.
Girls, Crimes & the Ruling Body is an engaging story that follows characters readers will stick with from beginning to end, especially the protagonist, Ryan McNeil as his life is overturned again and again due to his sexual infidelities. He just happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, or does he? This novel is an emotional ride with a strong appeal to fans of thrillers, and it explores themes of power and the connection it has to sexual desires, infidelity, and marriage. It is revelatory of the base natures of humans, especially those of the ruling class, and it shows readers how power can be used to manipulate others. Barry R. Ziman has an extraordinarily brilliant talent when it comes to weaving complex plot points and characters that readers can easily identify with.
Girls, Crimes & the Ruling Body: A Novel by Barry R. Ziman is an engaging story with interesting and well-developed characters. Ryan McNeil works in Albany for Assemblyman Somatos, a powerful politician. He has plans of getting married to the love of his life, but Ryan unwittingly witnesses the abduction of a legislative intern while flirting. Everything about his life unravels in a way he never could have imagined, with Caroline Tierney leaving him so suddenly that he does not even have the time to process what is happening, and his dreams of a political career are dashed against the rocks. After seven years, Ryan, now married to Annie, finds himself in an act of infidelity and witnesses another kidnapping of a woman in Virginia, and this time, he is a prime suspect. Follow him as he deals with a pathologically lying wife with whom he does not feel any emotional connection, and fights to prove his innocence while figuring out where Caroline, the love of his life, fits into the picture.
Girls, Crimes & the Ruling Body is an engaging story that follows characters readers will stick with from beginning to end, especially the protagonist, Ryan McNeil as his life is overturned again and again due to his sexual infidelities. He just happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, or does he? This novel is an emotional ride with a strong appeal to fans of thrillers, and it explores themes of power and the connection it has to sexual desires, infidelity, and marriage. It is revelatory of the base natures of humans, especially those of the ruling class, and it shows readers how power can be used to manipulate others. Barry R. Ziman has an extraordinarily brilliant talent when it comes to weaving complex plot points and characters that readers can easily identify with.
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