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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
Kindle Edition
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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
Kindle Edition
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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
Kindle Edition
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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
Kindle Edition
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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:
Ninety-Five
Lisa Towles
2022 Silver Medal
266 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite
Barely accustomed to life as a student at the University of Chicago after transferring from NYU, Zak Skinner’s life takes one giant wild turn. It all starts with a fellow student, David Wade, introducing Zak Skinner to drugs. Before Zak knows it, he has developed a strong affinity for reality-altering substances. It is for this same reason that he allows David to take him to Jane’s house, where he consumes a powerful concoction that temporarily halts his ability to tell a hallucination and reality apart. This makes it especially hard for Zak to relate his encounters (after taking Jane’s concoction) to his best friend Riley later on. Soon, they both discover Zak had fallen victim to a dirty scheme driven by an underworld organization near the university. Somehow by getting them hooked on drugs and using blackmail threats, the organization forces its victims and targets to commit crimes. In a bid to find out more, Zak realizes he is being hunted by the organization. Get yourself Lisa Towles' Ninety-Five to learn more.
Lisa Towles does a remarkable job with Ninety-Five. The story’s fast pace and the quite complex plot blend very well. Lisa’s writing style is unique. Adopting the use of complex sentence structures, the storyline of Ninety-Five is quickly but steadily developed. Lisa’s ideas are aligned intriguingly. The story is told from the protagonist’s perspective, and this maintains a delicate line between the imagined and the real world. It was hard to tell whether Zak was experiencing things in reality or he was hallucinating. The transition between the many subplots and chapters is great. The plot is impressively engrossing and generally comprehensible. The details about campus life and the technology used in the story have depth and are convincing enough for the story. The characters are wonderfully developed. What I love most about Zak is his intelligence. Enthusiasts of fast-paced thrillers will love Ninety-Five. It is a magnificent piece of work.
Barely accustomed to life as a student at the University of Chicago after transferring from NYU, Zak Skinner’s life takes one giant wild turn. It all starts with a fellow student, David Wade, introducing Zak Skinner to drugs. Before Zak knows it, he has developed a strong affinity for reality-altering substances. It is for this same reason that he allows David to take him to Jane’s house, where he consumes a powerful concoction that temporarily halts his ability to tell a hallucination and reality apart. This makes it especially hard for Zak to relate his encounters (after taking Jane’s concoction) to his best friend Riley later on. Soon, they both discover Zak had fallen victim to a dirty scheme driven by an underworld organization near the university. Somehow by getting them hooked on drugs and using blackmail threats, the organization forces its victims and targets to commit crimes. In a bid to find out more, Zak realizes he is being hunted by the organization. Get yourself Lisa Towles' Ninety-Five to learn more.
Lisa Towles does a remarkable job with Ninety-Five. The story’s fast pace and the quite complex plot blend very well. Lisa’s writing style is unique. Adopting the use of complex sentence structures, the storyline of Ninety-Five is quickly but steadily developed. Lisa’s ideas are aligned intriguingly. The story is told from the protagonist’s perspective, and this maintains a delicate line between the imagined and the real world. It was hard to tell whether Zak was experiencing things in reality or he was hallucinating. The transition between the many subplots and chapters is great. The plot is impressively engrossing and generally comprehensible. The details about campus life and the technology used in the story have depth and are convincing enough for the story. The characters are wonderfully developed. What I love most about Zak is his intelligence. Enthusiasts of fast-paced thrillers will love Ninety-Five. It is a magnificent piece of work.
Recommend this book:
The Locket
Brittany Bessonett
2022 Bronze Medal
242 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by Tiffany Ferrell for Readers' Favorite
The Locket by Brittany Bessonett relates that nine years earlier Katie experienced a horrible sexual assault that changed her life. Constantly living in fear and dealing with the PTSD that followed, she kept away from the place where the attack occurred in the hope of living a relatively normal life. For this reason, she never stayed in one place for long, until she found herself in Victoria, Texas, finding a job that she enjoyed and a friendship she deemed worth keeping. Even her best friend's stepbrother is looking unthreatening, which is extreme growth on her part. Everything feels as if it’s falling into place until a stranger comes to her work, looking for her. Once again she’s on high alert and she is terrified that the man who destroyed her life was back to finish her off. Suddenly everyone she has come to know is being thrown into question, especially when the locket that was stolen during her attack turns up in an unexpected place. Will Katie ever get the closure that she needs, or will she be plagued to run from town to town having no one she can truly trust?
I found The Locket a very powerful read that puts you in the shoes of a sexual assault victim. As someone who has never personally had this happen, I found it realistic and you could understand where Katie was coming from and why she was the way that she was. Katie is a very relatable character because even if you have never suffered an assault, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can occur as a result of many different experiences or events in a person's life. I understood why it was hard for her to trust and make friends, as well as the need to keep moving. How it feels to have life finally seem to be going your way only to be shattered by something that triggers your memories takes you three steps back. I think Brittany Bessonett has done an amazing job bringing this subject to the fore and creating a character that many people can relate to in one way or another. I can’t wait to read more of Bessonett’s work.
The Locket by Brittany Bessonett relates that nine years earlier Katie experienced a horrible sexual assault that changed her life. Constantly living in fear and dealing with the PTSD that followed, she kept away from the place where the attack occurred in the hope of living a relatively normal life. For this reason, she never stayed in one place for long, until she found herself in Victoria, Texas, finding a job that she enjoyed and a friendship she deemed worth keeping. Even her best friend's stepbrother is looking unthreatening, which is extreme growth on her part. Everything feels as if it’s falling into place until a stranger comes to her work, looking for her. Once again she’s on high alert and she is terrified that the man who destroyed her life was back to finish her off. Suddenly everyone she has come to know is being thrown into question, especially when the locket that was stolen during her attack turns up in an unexpected place. Will Katie ever get the closure that she needs, or will she be plagued to run from town to town having no one she can truly trust?
I found The Locket a very powerful read that puts you in the shoes of a sexual assault victim. As someone who has never personally had this happen, I found it realistic and you could understand where Katie was coming from and why she was the way that she was. Katie is a very relatable character because even if you have never suffered an assault, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can occur as a result of many different experiences or events in a person's life. I understood why it was hard for her to trust and make friends, as well as the need to keep moving. How it feels to have life finally seem to be going your way only to be shattered by something that triggers your memories takes you three steps back. I think Brittany Bessonett has done an amazing job bringing this subject to the fore and creating a character that many people can relate to in one way or another. I can’t wait to read more of Bessonett’s work.
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