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Recommend this book:
Journey to the Dark Galaxy
Hannah D. State
2024 Finalist
502 Pages
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Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Journey to the Dark Galaxy is a work of fiction in the science fiction, adventure, and interpersonal drama genres, and is the second novel in The Dark Galaxy Series. It is intended for young adult readers and contains some mild scenes of sci-fi violence and serious themes. Penned by author Hannah D. State, this riveting sequel to Journey to the Hopewell Star continues the adventures of Sam Sanderson, a twelve-year-old with a knack for stumbling into extraordinary circumstances. Now facing an interplanetary ultimatum, Sam is drafted into the Great Alliance for Interplanetary Affairs, setting the stage for a harrowing journey into the unknown. Sam's journey to the Dark Galaxy is fraught with danger, secrets, and unexpected twists. The narrative explores complex themes such as power, responsibility, and the consequences of one's actions. As Sam navigates a maze of lies and dark secrets, the tension rises, and the stakes become higher.
Author Hannah D. State has crafted a superb novel that’s a really immersive experience with a deft combination of intriguing mystery, vividly described adventure, and larger-than-life characters leaping off the pages into action. What I found most compelling was the portrayal of Sam's personal growth, which is handled with emotional resonance, close personal narration, and a great sense of humanity in speech and thought presentation. The book raises thought-provoking questions about humanity, artificial intelligence, and the potential consequences of our technological advancements, and this is created as a solid backdrop to the tale without overtaking the action. Overall, Journey to the Dark Galaxy is a thrilling continuation of Sam's adventures, offering both excitement and introspection, and I would highly recommend it for YA sci-fi fans everywhere.
Journey to the Dark Galaxy is a work of fiction in the science fiction, adventure, and interpersonal drama genres, and is the second novel in The Dark Galaxy Series. It is intended for young adult readers and contains some mild scenes of sci-fi violence and serious themes. Penned by author Hannah D. State, this riveting sequel to Journey to the Hopewell Star continues the adventures of Sam Sanderson, a twelve-year-old with a knack for stumbling into extraordinary circumstances. Now facing an interplanetary ultimatum, Sam is drafted into the Great Alliance for Interplanetary Affairs, setting the stage for a harrowing journey into the unknown. Sam's journey to the Dark Galaxy is fraught with danger, secrets, and unexpected twists. The narrative explores complex themes such as power, responsibility, and the consequences of one's actions. As Sam navigates a maze of lies and dark secrets, the tension rises, and the stakes become higher.
Author Hannah D. State has crafted a superb novel that’s a really immersive experience with a deft combination of intriguing mystery, vividly described adventure, and larger-than-life characters leaping off the pages into action. What I found most compelling was the portrayal of Sam's personal growth, which is handled with emotional resonance, close personal narration, and a great sense of humanity in speech and thought presentation. The book raises thought-provoking questions about humanity, artificial intelligence, and the potential consequences of our technological advancements, and this is created as a solid backdrop to the tale without overtaking the action. Overall, Journey to the Dark Galaxy is a thrilling continuation of Sam's adventures, offering both excitement and introspection, and I would highly recommend it for YA sci-fi fans everywhere.
Recommend this book:
The Witchfinder's Serpent
The Witches of Windsor, Book 1
Rande Goodwin
2024 Honorable Mention
320 Pages
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Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite
The Witchfinder's Serpent is the first installment in The Witches of Windsor series by Rande Goodwin. In the mid-seventeenth century, Malleus Hodge, Witchfinder General, is thrilled to finally execute an honest-to-goodness witch. His only regret is missing out on catching the witch's daughter, who would have been a mighty grand find for his collection. Almost 400 years later, Nate and Marc Watson bury their father, who'd just died of cancer. Shortly after, Nate and Marc move in with their Aunt Celia and are given just one rule of the house to obey: the locked room on the second floor is strictly out of bounds. After hearing voices from the forbidden room, the boys give in to their curiosity and steal their aunt's key, unleashing a world they never thought possible. Everything beyond the door looks magical and mysteriously innocent, with trinkets and tools possibly relating to witchcraft. But after a snake buries its fangs in Nate's arm, and a bottle falls from its shelf, cracking and unleashing the deadly prisoner from within, the boys learn the hard way what true evil looks like.
The Witchfinder's Serpent, Rande Goodwin's first installment of the series, was captivating, mysterious, sad, and shocking, and it was not long before my loathing of the evil Witchfinder hit its peak. I enjoyed how the book's chapters jumped between the hysteria of the witch trials to the present day, as it helped me become immersed in the story quite nicely. The bullying aspect of the book was very well written and detailed what had caused the school bullies to become so vicious and spiteful at such a young age. Life is difficult for young teens at the best of times after the death of a parent, but putting bullying into the mix certainly added to the strain of trying to fit into a scary new world. I could easily relate to the two boys in the storyline, and my heart went out to them as they grieved. The fact that the boys could accept the new circumstances that life was now throwing at them made for a wonderful read, and I very much look forward to the second installment in The Witches of Windsor series—a tale that I truly believe fans of magic and witchcraft stories will most definitely enjoy.
The Witchfinder's Serpent is the first installment in The Witches of Windsor series by Rande Goodwin. In the mid-seventeenth century, Malleus Hodge, Witchfinder General, is thrilled to finally execute an honest-to-goodness witch. His only regret is missing out on catching the witch's daughter, who would have been a mighty grand find for his collection. Almost 400 years later, Nate and Marc Watson bury their father, who'd just died of cancer. Shortly after, Nate and Marc move in with their Aunt Celia and are given just one rule of the house to obey: the locked room on the second floor is strictly out of bounds. After hearing voices from the forbidden room, the boys give in to their curiosity and steal their aunt's key, unleashing a world they never thought possible. Everything beyond the door looks magical and mysteriously innocent, with trinkets and tools possibly relating to witchcraft. But after a snake buries its fangs in Nate's arm, and a bottle falls from its shelf, cracking and unleashing the deadly prisoner from within, the boys learn the hard way what true evil looks like.
The Witchfinder's Serpent, Rande Goodwin's first installment of the series, was captivating, mysterious, sad, and shocking, and it was not long before my loathing of the evil Witchfinder hit its peak. I enjoyed how the book's chapters jumped between the hysteria of the witch trials to the present day, as it helped me become immersed in the story quite nicely. The bullying aspect of the book was very well written and detailed what had caused the school bullies to become so vicious and spiteful at such a young age. Life is difficult for young teens at the best of times after the death of a parent, but putting bullying into the mix certainly added to the strain of trying to fit into a scary new world. I could easily relate to the two boys in the storyline, and my heart went out to them as they grieved. The fact that the boys could accept the new circumstances that life was now throwing at them made for a wonderful read, and I very much look forward to the second installment in The Witches of Windsor series—a tale that I truly believe fans of magic and witchcraft stories will most definitely enjoy.
Recommend this book:
The Living Legend
Dan E. Hendrickson
2024 Bronze Medal
246 Pages
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Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite
In August 1975, Ambassador Rodney Williams was shot dead at an outdoor cafe in Tokyo. This tragedy occurred in front of his son Tommy while they celebrated his graduation from Annapolis. The world-class assassin was a Russian called the Chameleon. Tommy couldn’t match his expertise just yet, so he switched career paths to undergo grueling training with the SEALs. In July 1979 in Gazi, Kenya, Makena, the great-granddaughter of the legendary Tumaini, continued her ancestor’s legacy. With the help of Undersecretary Bosher, Makena would foil kidnapping and slavery attempts by the Arab nations. The duo stepped on toes, and it spelled doom. Tommy was also on his first assignment at the same time against a kidnapping party, and his opponent was the Chameleon. Can anyone trap a chameleon? Find out in The Living Legend by Dan Hendrickson.
Few books provoke a standing ovation and applause from me, but The Living Legend by Dan Hendrickson cut it. Everything about this fantastic and action-packed page-turner was excellent. I was impressed by the continuity, plot, dialogue, writing style, pace, and unpredictable storyline. Dan tackled the story from two sides (Africa and the West) and merged them with finesse at the center. I enjoyed witnessing how the male and female protagonists determined the tide and balance of this novel. The characters were consistent, carefully developed, and made a lasting impression. This book drew me in, moving through themes like deception, politics, corruption, humor, love, bravery, integrity, determination, and more. I never imagined Bosher and Adessa. Wow! That woman made me proud, even though Tommy was my most favorite. I felt like Alysha was a little too much, and Captain/Admiral Fargo had my respect. This novel deserves a sequel.
In August 1975, Ambassador Rodney Williams was shot dead at an outdoor cafe in Tokyo. This tragedy occurred in front of his son Tommy while they celebrated his graduation from Annapolis. The world-class assassin was a Russian called the Chameleon. Tommy couldn’t match his expertise just yet, so he switched career paths to undergo grueling training with the SEALs. In July 1979 in Gazi, Kenya, Makena, the great-granddaughter of the legendary Tumaini, continued her ancestor’s legacy. With the help of Undersecretary Bosher, Makena would foil kidnapping and slavery attempts by the Arab nations. The duo stepped on toes, and it spelled doom. Tommy was also on his first assignment at the same time against a kidnapping party, and his opponent was the Chameleon. Can anyone trap a chameleon? Find out in The Living Legend by Dan Hendrickson.
Few books provoke a standing ovation and applause from me, but The Living Legend by Dan Hendrickson cut it. Everything about this fantastic and action-packed page-turner was excellent. I was impressed by the continuity, plot, dialogue, writing style, pace, and unpredictable storyline. Dan tackled the story from two sides (Africa and the West) and merged them with finesse at the center. I enjoyed witnessing how the male and female protagonists determined the tide and balance of this novel. The characters were consistent, carefully developed, and made a lasting impression. This book drew me in, moving through themes like deception, politics, corruption, humor, love, bravery, integrity, determination, and more. I never imagined Bosher and Adessa. Wow! That woman made me proud, even though Tommy was my most favorite. I felt like Alysha was a little too much, and Captain/Admiral Fargo had my respect. This novel deserves a sequel.
Recommend this book:
The Ghosts of Minera Springs
A Novel
Charles Franklin
2024 Gold Medal
223 Pages
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Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by Alex Ndirangu for Readers' Favorite
The Ghosts of Minera Springs is a young adult mystery by Charles Franklin. The book starts by transporting us to Minera Springs in the summer of 1982. When ten-year-old Tobi Sloan is sent to live with her grandparents at the farm, she can't wait to find adventure in her new home. Things get even more interesting when she meets Riley Cockerham, a witty ten-year-old boy with lots of spooky ghost stories about Minera Springs, one of which concerns an old bride who murdered her husband long ago. Rumor has it that she still roams the woods. For the next three years, Riley and Tobi spend most of their free time together on exciting adventures down by the creek until they head into a dilapidated old mansion rumored to be the residence where the Union Hill Bride brutally ended her husband's life. The ghost that Riley believed to roam the woods is as real as can be. Only this time, they are going back to help confront and vanquish the wickedness dwelling at the very core of Minera Springs.
I couldn't resist this classic. The book is packed with lots of action, not to mention the hilarious moments that will have you chuckling to yourself. Charles Franklin's well-constructed, vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue will seamlessly transport you into the narrative. So extensively narrated are the scenes that you can visualize the fireflies floating down by the creek bed as darkness sets in and almost smell Maw Blanch's bacon and eggs. My tranquil mood would shift to nervous alertness every time Riley was alone, quietly traversing the rough terrain, and hearing a stick snap behind in a thick patch of undergrowth. I couldn't shake the feeling that the creatures thought to live under the bridge, or that the witches rumored to be buried somewhere in the lake, were back and lurking. I commend Franklin's choice of the first-person point of view as the primary narration style. The unique characterization and storyline are better experienced first-hand. With heavy suspense, nail-biting twists of events, well-fleshed-out characters, thrilling action, and adventures, and the intricacies of young love, The Ghosts of Minera Springs has it all.
The Ghosts of Minera Springs is a young adult mystery by Charles Franklin. The book starts by transporting us to Minera Springs in the summer of 1982. When ten-year-old Tobi Sloan is sent to live with her grandparents at the farm, she can't wait to find adventure in her new home. Things get even more interesting when she meets Riley Cockerham, a witty ten-year-old boy with lots of spooky ghost stories about Minera Springs, one of which concerns an old bride who murdered her husband long ago. Rumor has it that she still roams the woods. For the next three years, Riley and Tobi spend most of their free time together on exciting adventures down by the creek until they head into a dilapidated old mansion rumored to be the residence where the Union Hill Bride brutally ended her husband's life. The ghost that Riley believed to roam the woods is as real as can be. Only this time, they are going back to help confront and vanquish the wickedness dwelling at the very core of Minera Springs.
I couldn't resist this classic. The book is packed with lots of action, not to mention the hilarious moments that will have you chuckling to yourself. Charles Franklin's well-constructed, vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue will seamlessly transport you into the narrative. So extensively narrated are the scenes that you can visualize the fireflies floating down by the creek bed as darkness sets in and almost smell Maw Blanch's bacon and eggs. My tranquil mood would shift to nervous alertness every time Riley was alone, quietly traversing the rough terrain, and hearing a stick snap behind in a thick patch of undergrowth. I couldn't shake the feeling that the creatures thought to live under the bridge, or that the witches rumored to be buried somewhere in the lake, were back and lurking. I commend Franklin's choice of the first-person point of view as the primary narration style. The unique characterization and storyline are better experienced first-hand. With heavy suspense, nail-biting twists of events, well-fleshed-out characters, thrilling action, and adventures, and the intricacies of young love, The Ghosts of Minera Springs has it all.
Recommend this book:
Alaska Deadly
J. L. Askew
2023 Finalist
380 Pages
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Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Alaska Deadly is a work of fiction in the crime thriller, mystery, and suspense subgenres. It is best suited to the mature adult reading audience for its theming and content and was penned by author J. L. Askew. In this excellent crime novel that packs a lot of storylines into its fast-paced plot, we meet private eye Race Warren as his caseload takes him to Alaska to track down a missing person. Whilst out in the deadly wilds, Warren uncovers a strange cult devoted to shapeshifting, a former cop hungry for justice, and a sinister sex trafficking ring headed by a dangerous Russian with an impenetrable fortress on a mountaintop.
Author J. L. Askew has crafted a fast-paced crime thriller that never lets up on clues, danger, and intrigue from cover to cover. One of the features I most enjoyed about the work was the relationship between Warren and Billings, who are well-crafted to be complementary allies but with very different approaches to getting what they want. This gives the novel a dynamic feel thanks to a lot of sharp dialogue and intelligent conversation, moving the converging storylines forward at a pace but still keeping readers involved in all the details of the cases at play. I really enjoyed the Alaskan setting, and I felt that it was more than just a backdrop, serving as an interesting cultural layer to the story and a moody, atmospheric place that added physical challenges to the mystery itself. Overall, Alaska Deadly is a highly recommended read for mystery fans everywhere, and I can’t wait to see what more this talented author has in store.
Alaska Deadly is a work of fiction in the crime thriller, mystery, and suspense subgenres. It is best suited to the mature adult reading audience for its theming and content and was penned by author J. L. Askew. In this excellent crime novel that packs a lot of storylines into its fast-paced plot, we meet private eye Race Warren as his caseload takes him to Alaska to track down a missing person. Whilst out in the deadly wilds, Warren uncovers a strange cult devoted to shapeshifting, a former cop hungry for justice, and a sinister sex trafficking ring headed by a dangerous Russian with an impenetrable fortress on a mountaintop.
Author J. L. Askew has crafted a fast-paced crime thriller that never lets up on clues, danger, and intrigue from cover to cover. One of the features I most enjoyed about the work was the relationship between Warren and Billings, who are well-crafted to be complementary allies but with very different approaches to getting what they want. This gives the novel a dynamic feel thanks to a lot of sharp dialogue and intelligent conversation, moving the converging storylines forward at a pace but still keeping readers involved in all the details of the cases at play. I really enjoyed the Alaskan setting, and I felt that it was more than just a backdrop, serving as an interesting cultural layer to the story and a moody, atmospheric place that added physical challenges to the mystery itself. Overall, Alaska Deadly is a highly recommended read for mystery fans everywhere, and I can’t wait to see what more this talented author has in store.
Recommend this book:
Valley Fliers
YA thriller set in the world of remote-control model aviation
David Boito
2023 Honorable Mention
240 Pages
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Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite
Valley Fliers by David Boito is a thriller written for young adult readers. Seventeen-year-old Jay Smalley loves flying remote control planes and lives near the San Fernando Valley miniature airfield. He is a member of the Valley Fliers Flying Club. The story unravels during the semi-annual pylon racing challenge, where he is placed second to newcomer Captain Oren Frazier. Jay is intrigued by a report that drones are used in crimes more frequently and the discovery that Oren owns a military-issued drone of the same model. He suspects the newcomer to be an assassin. He tries to convince his friends, the other members of the Valley Fliers Flying Club, to continue snooping on Oren’s activities but is met with skepticism. If Jay is not mistaken, hundreds of lives are at risk. Can he find out the truth and do something about it before it’s too late?
David Boito’s Valley Fliers is a coming-of-age story taking place in a unique setting. The book immerses readers in the exciting world of remote aviation through his extensive knowledge about flying model airplanes. Narrated from the point of view of the main protagonist, this is one of those books you want to finish reading in one sitting. With charming characters, a blossoming young romance, and a suspenseful plot, Valley Fliers certainly entertains. The nature of the strong-willed Jay Smalley is well-developed, and his actions are credible. This book explores fraternity and honor through a well-crafted plot of mystery and amateur sleuthing. I highly recommend it!
Valley Fliers by David Boito is a thriller written for young adult readers. Seventeen-year-old Jay Smalley loves flying remote control planes and lives near the San Fernando Valley miniature airfield. He is a member of the Valley Fliers Flying Club. The story unravels during the semi-annual pylon racing challenge, where he is placed second to newcomer Captain Oren Frazier. Jay is intrigued by a report that drones are used in crimes more frequently and the discovery that Oren owns a military-issued drone of the same model. He suspects the newcomer to be an assassin. He tries to convince his friends, the other members of the Valley Fliers Flying Club, to continue snooping on Oren’s activities but is met with skepticism. If Jay is not mistaken, hundreds of lives are at risk. Can he find out the truth and do something about it before it’s too late?
David Boito’s Valley Fliers is a coming-of-age story taking place in a unique setting. The book immerses readers in the exciting world of remote aviation through his extensive knowledge about flying model airplanes. Narrated from the point of view of the main protagonist, this is one of those books you want to finish reading in one sitting. With charming characters, a blossoming young romance, and a suspenseful plot, Valley Fliers certainly entertains. The nature of the strong-willed Jay Smalley is well-developed, and his actions are credible. This book explores fraternity and honor through a well-crafted plot of mystery and amateur sleuthing. I highly recommend it!
Recommend this book:
Good Girls Stay Quiet
Jo Cassidy
2023 Bronze Medal
340 Pages
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Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Good Girls Stay Quiet is a psychological thriller novel for young adults written by Jo Cassidy. Cora’s life was strictly controlled by her Daddy, but she realized that he was only thinking of what was best for her. Daddy had homeschooled her until the authorities insisted she attend high school. She liked school a lot but was always aware that she had to be on guard and never draw attention to herself. Daddy also warned her never to make friends or get involved. And she was lonely, so alone, with only her friend, Noah, the stuffed elephant Daddy bought her years earlier for company. Noah could talk, which was cool, but Daddy didn’t seem to be able to hear him. Good thing, that, since Noah often spoke his mind. There was a new guidance counselor at school whose questions almost made Cora wonder if she should actually tell the truth about Daddy and what her life was like. But the punishment would be more severe than even the worst beatings he had given her. And foster parents were the stuff of nightmares. No, better for her to be the good girl he had trained her to be, better and safer, or was it?
Good Girls Stay Quiet is a taut and compelling coming of age story that kept me reading until I had finished the book. This well-written and suspenseful tale grabs the reader and just doesn’t let go. One can’t help but fear for the well-being of Cora and wish that she’d speak out to someone who could rescue her from the deadly and escalating peril that is her home life with Daddy. Jo Cassidy’s plot is enthralling and all-too-real, and her characters, especially Cora and her friends, are expertly drawn and crafted. This is a marvelous book, which while geared toward a young adult audience, is well worth the attention of anyone looking for an enthralling psychological thriller. Good Girls Stay Quiet is most highly recommended.
Good Girls Stay Quiet is a psychological thriller novel for young adults written by Jo Cassidy. Cora’s life was strictly controlled by her Daddy, but she realized that he was only thinking of what was best for her. Daddy had homeschooled her until the authorities insisted she attend high school. She liked school a lot but was always aware that she had to be on guard and never draw attention to herself. Daddy also warned her never to make friends or get involved. And she was lonely, so alone, with only her friend, Noah, the stuffed elephant Daddy bought her years earlier for company. Noah could talk, which was cool, but Daddy didn’t seem to be able to hear him. Good thing, that, since Noah often spoke his mind. There was a new guidance counselor at school whose questions almost made Cora wonder if she should actually tell the truth about Daddy and what her life was like. But the punishment would be more severe than even the worst beatings he had given her. And foster parents were the stuff of nightmares. No, better for her to be the good girl he had trained her to be, better and safer, or was it?
Good Girls Stay Quiet is a taut and compelling coming of age story that kept me reading until I had finished the book. This well-written and suspenseful tale grabs the reader and just doesn’t let go. One can’t help but fear for the well-being of Cora and wish that she’d speak out to someone who could rescue her from the deadly and escalating peril that is her home life with Daddy. Jo Cassidy’s plot is enthralling and all-too-real, and her characters, especially Cora and her friends, are expertly drawn and crafted. This is a marvelous book, which while geared toward a young adult audience, is well worth the attention of anyone looking for an enthralling psychological thriller. Good Girls Stay Quiet is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Last Ark
Lost Secrets of Qumran
Guy Morris
2023 Silver Medal
390 Pages
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Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
The Last Ark: Lost Secrets of Qumran by Guy Morris is book two in the SNO Chronicles series. Derek Taylor is on the run. Hunted by a murderous cult, he is searching for SLVIA, a DARPA AI that has escaped. Meanwhile, the US national defense systems are being undermined by a new kind of hack, and, while Taylor knows he should be looking into it, he needs to find the third temple, a temple SLVIA warned existed. His journey leads him to the Vatican and on to Israel, where he finds a copper scroll leading to Moses’ Ark, lost for over 2500 years. In Washington, Jenn Scott’s father is killed by one of Putin’s men, and when she is kidnapped, Taylor faces an impossible choice. Whichever way he turns, things are about to change forever.
The Last Ark: Secrets of Qumran by Guy Morris is a fast-paced thriller packed with action in a fantastic plot. There are several stories here, all part of a bigger plot that our main protagonist must uncover, and each thread is woven steadfastly into the intricate story. The dialogue is tight and engaging, not filled with unnecessary fluff, and it all adds to the story. The characters are engaging, likable, and easy to relate to and you’ll soon find yourself rooting for Derek Taylor. It’s often difficult to balance action and violence in a thriller – this one has the perfect mix and is one of the most thrilling, heart-pounding stories I have ever read. Although this is part of a series, I believe it could be read as a standalone story. If you love high-action political thrillers, you will love this story.
The Last Ark: Lost Secrets of Qumran by Guy Morris is book two in the SNO Chronicles series. Derek Taylor is on the run. Hunted by a murderous cult, he is searching for SLVIA, a DARPA AI that has escaped. Meanwhile, the US national defense systems are being undermined by a new kind of hack, and, while Taylor knows he should be looking into it, he needs to find the third temple, a temple SLVIA warned existed. His journey leads him to the Vatican and on to Israel, where he finds a copper scroll leading to Moses’ Ark, lost for over 2500 years. In Washington, Jenn Scott’s father is killed by one of Putin’s men, and when she is kidnapped, Taylor faces an impossible choice. Whichever way he turns, things are about to change forever.
The Last Ark: Secrets of Qumran by Guy Morris is a fast-paced thriller packed with action in a fantastic plot. There are several stories here, all part of a bigger plot that our main protagonist must uncover, and each thread is woven steadfastly into the intricate story. The dialogue is tight and engaging, not filled with unnecessary fluff, and it all adds to the story. The characters are engaging, likable, and easy to relate to and you’ll soon find yourself rooting for Derek Taylor. It’s often difficult to balance action and violence in a thriller – this one has the perfect mix and is one of the most thrilling, heart-pounding stories I have ever read. Although this is part of a series, I believe it could be read as a standalone story. If you love high-action political thrillers, you will love this story.
Recommend this book:
Eve's Covering
Elsie McKenney
2023 Gold Medal
566 Pages
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Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
Eve's Covering by Elsie McKenney is a young adult mystery. Eve's cousin, Alice, dies under mysterious circumstances, but no one will take Eve's concerns seriously, least of all the police. When her family is drawn into a religious cult, Eve finds it hard to accept their ideas and the people who want control over her life, and she rebels against it all. Following threats to her family, Eve joins the cult's mission, a Soviet Union orphanage. Except that isn't the real mission. Eve stumbles over the cult's sinister secrets and decides to rescue her friends who have all been gradually disappearing. But she knows too much and it's all over for everyone if the cult leaders catch her. Can Eve save the day and bring down the cult?
Eve's Covering by Elsie McKenney is based on the author's personal experiences and may be disturbing to some people. It is a unique story with a strong plot and an even stronger female lead, a character who will immediately get inside your heart and mind. The writing is intriguing, drawing you in and making you want to keep reading without stopping. The twists and turns and heart-thumping action will keep you guessing and the subplot just adds more mystery to an already fantastic story. The other characters are just as well defined as Eve, and each plays their part in the ploy. This is a gripping tale suited to all ages of readers, not just young adults, and the fact it is based on real life and touches on very real subjects makes it a must-read book. I look forward to reading more from Elsie McKenney.
Eve's Covering by Elsie McKenney is a young adult mystery. Eve's cousin, Alice, dies under mysterious circumstances, but no one will take Eve's concerns seriously, least of all the police. When her family is drawn into a religious cult, Eve finds it hard to accept their ideas and the people who want control over her life, and she rebels against it all. Following threats to her family, Eve joins the cult's mission, a Soviet Union orphanage. Except that isn't the real mission. Eve stumbles over the cult's sinister secrets and decides to rescue her friends who have all been gradually disappearing. But she knows too much and it's all over for everyone if the cult leaders catch her. Can Eve save the day and bring down the cult?
Eve's Covering by Elsie McKenney is based on the author's personal experiences and may be disturbing to some people. It is a unique story with a strong plot and an even stronger female lead, a character who will immediately get inside your heart and mind. The writing is intriguing, drawing you in and making you want to keep reading without stopping. The twists and turns and heart-thumping action will keep you guessing and the subplot just adds more mystery to an already fantastic story. The other characters are just as well defined as Eve, and each plays their part in the ploy. This is a gripping tale suited to all ages of readers, not just young adults, and the fact it is based on real life and touches on very real subjects makes it a must-read book. I look forward to reading more from Elsie McKenney.
Recommend this book:
Project Evelyn
J.C. Lahoe
2022 Finalist
312 Pages
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Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
An ancient secret society is behind an advanced scientific technological corporation and pulling strings that entangle a doctor and a young woman in human experiments that could change the dynamics of civilization, in the mind-boggling novel Project Evelyn by J.C. Lahoe. When a drunk driver crosses traffic and kills her family, Evelyn loses her arm. Not expecting her to live, a robotic corporation swoops in and erases her presence from the hospital's records. Abducting Evelyn and conveying her to their facility, Dr. Tim Ezrick performs a surgical procedure and attaches a mechanical arm to her shoulder. Evelyn unexpectedly survives, and Tim takes a personal interest in her. As the days, weeks, and months pass, Evelyn starts assisting Tim with his experiments and becomes a part of the center. Tim's superior, Dr. Shepard, following protocols and directives from an elite group hidden behind centuries of closed doors, begins pushing for live human experimental subjects. Feeling expendable, Tim and Evelyn are confronted with a moral dilemma if they want to stay alive. What choices do they have? Can Evelyn and Tim survive what is to come?
Project Evelyn by J.C. Lahoe is a spine-tingling science fiction thriller. It is an exciting and mind-bending story that had me on the edge of my seat from the first page until the last. The intricacies of the storyline are so diverse and captivating that I was completely immersed in the story and couldn't put the book down. The plot flows at a brisk pace, building a compelling story arc to subsequently reach an electrifying conclusion. It is an impactful and eye-opening tale when taking into consideration how the medical and robotic technology portrayed is not so far-fetched as it once was. With the elements of drama and suspense combined with the antagonists' deviant intent and advanced technological aspect of the book, the author has created a riveting novel that will entertain and delight science fiction fans from young adults on up.
An ancient secret society is behind an advanced scientific technological corporation and pulling strings that entangle a doctor and a young woman in human experiments that could change the dynamics of civilization, in the mind-boggling novel Project Evelyn by J.C. Lahoe. When a drunk driver crosses traffic and kills her family, Evelyn loses her arm. Not expecting her to live, a robotic corporation swoops in and erases her presence from the hospital's records. Abducting Evelyn and conveying her to their facility, Dr. Tim Ezrick performs a surgical procedure and attaches a mechanical arm to her shoulder. Evelyn unexpectedly survives, and Tim takes a personal interest in her. As the days, weeks, and months pass, Evelyn starts assisting Tim with his experiments and becomes a part of the center. Tim's superior, Dr. Shepard, following protocols and directives from an elite group hidden behind centuries of closed doors, begins pushing for live human experimental subjects. Feeling expendable, Tim and Evelyn are confronted with a moral dilemma if they want to stay alive. What choices do they have? Can Evelyn and Tim survive what is to come?
Project Evelyn by J.C. Lahoe is a spine-tingling science fiction thriller. It is an exciting and mind-bending story that had me on the edge of my seat from the first page until the last. The intricacies of the storyline are so diverse and captivating that I was completely immersed in the story and couldn't put the book down. The plot flows at a brisk pace, building a compelling story arc to subsequently reach an electrifying conclusion. It is an impactful and eye-opening tale when taking into consideration how the medical and robotic technology portrayed is not so far-fetched as it once was. With the elements of drama and suspense combined with the antagonists' deviant intent and advanced technological aspect of the book, the author has created a riveting novel that will entertain and delight science fiction fans from young adults on up.
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