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The Patmos Enigma
Quest of The Wandering Jew
Ken Fry
2018 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Christian - Thriller
Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite
Two thousand years ago, as Jesus was making his weary journey to Calvary, he was cursed at and spat on by a shopkeeper. That man, who became known as the Wandering Jew, was cursed to walk the earth as an immortal for all times until the Second Coming of Christ, suffering all the pain and ravages of humanity but unable to receive the soothing balm of death. Two secret organisations, the Keepers and the Guardians, are vying for control of the legendary seven seals of John of Patmos, as revealed in the Book of Revelation. Caught in the middle of this millennial struggle for power is a group of Jewish archaeologists who have found six of the seven seals and now search for the seventh, which the Wandering Jew believes will signal the end of time, the return of Jesus Christ and, of course, his release from this hell on earth. Fry's book whips us, at breakneck pace, from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv and to Rome as the eternal struggle for the minds and souls of the faithful battle around the participants.
When it comes to biblical mysteries and conspiracies, author Ken Fry is one of my favourites in the genre. The Patmos Enigma: Quest of The Wandering Jew is an enthralling tale of mysticism, deception, murder and greed that will grab you from the very first page. You will not be satisfied until you finish the book with a groan of satisfaction and some sadness at having to leave behind the characters the author has created. Fry has a unique talent to take the reader there, to believe the unbelievable, and to invest heavily in the characters he creates and portrays. If you love conspiracy theories, if you're a Dan Brown fan, (Fry is better), or if you simply love a rollicking, racing, twisting, mystery story, The Patmos Enigma is a winner for you. This is a superb story, beautifully told by an ultra-talented storyteller. I cannot recommend this book highly enough and have no hesitation in awarding it five stars plus from this reviewer.
Two thousand years ago, as Jesus was making his weary journey to Calvary, he was cursed at and spat on by a shopkeeper. That man, who became known as the Wandering Jew, was cursed to walk the earth as an immortal for all times until the Second Coming of Christ, suffering all the pain and ravages of humanity but unable to receive the soothing balm of death. Two secret organisations, the Keepers and the Guardians, are vying for control of the legendary seven seals of John of Patmos, as revealed in the Book of Revelation. Caught in the middle of this millennial struggle for power is a group of Jewish archaeologists who have found six of the seven seals and now search for the seventh, which the Wandering Jew believes will signal the end of time, the return of Jesus Christ and, of course, his release from this hell on earth. Fry's book whips us, at breakneck pace, from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv and to Rome as the eternal struggle for the minds and souls of the faithful battle around the participants.
When it comes to biblical mysteries and conspiracies, author Ken Fry is one of my favourites in the genre. The Patmos Enigma: Quest of The Wandering Jew is an enthralling tale of mysticism, deception, murder and greed that will grab you from the very first page. You will not be satisfied until you finish the book with a groan of satisfaction and some sadness at having to leave behind the characters the author has created. Fry has a unique talent to take the reader there, to believe the unbelievable, and to invest heavily in the characters he creates and portrays. If you love conspiracy theories, if you're a Dan Brown fan, (Fry is better), or if you simply love a rollicking, racing, twisting, mystery story, The Patmos Enigma is a winner for you. This is a superb story, beautifully told by an ultra-talented storyteller. I cannot recommend this book highly enough and have no hesitation in awarding it five stars plus from this reviewer.
Recommend this book:
The Shepherd's Calculus
C.S. Farrelly
2018 Honorable Mention
272 Pages
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Christian - Thriller
Reviewed by Lex Allen for Readers' Favorite
The Shepherd’s Calculus by C.S. Farrelly reveals the machinations of incumbent Arthur Wyncott’s campaign office that’s losing their grip on the religious voter base, and those of Owen Feeney, head of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, as he contends with a sex abuse scandal that could cost the Church over a billion dollars in lawsuit payments to the victims. Both appear on the verge of losing until Feeney, an ally of Wyncott’s, devises a plan that could see them both through. Ally Larkin is a brilliant young woman new to the campaign trail on Wyncott’s behalf. While learning the ropes, she stumbles across several shocking indices that cause her to question her principles. Peter Merrick, a journalist, is asked to write a eulogy for Jesuit priest James Ingram. When his research reveals letters that hint of abuse, and clues to a huge cover-up, he becomes embroiled in a search for the truth that could destroy his faith and love for his long-time friend and mentor.
C.S. Farrelly has written a timely expose of the inner workings of a U.S. major political election, brilliantly intertwined with a sexual abuse scandal within the Catholic Church. Through protagonists Ally and Peter, Farrelly reveals the inner workings of powerful men whose obsessive faith and ambition overcome all sense of ethics and morality. The Shepherd’s Calculus is a character-driven mystery thriller that delivers a great reading experience and a realistic view of the inner workings of institutions of government and religion that control the lives of billions of people. Fans of political intrigue, religious mystery and novels that display the best and the worst of humanity, justice and faith will love The Shepherd’s Calculus.
The Shepherd’s Calculus by C.S. Farrelly reveals the machinations of incumbent Arthur Wyncott’s campaign office that’s losing their grip on the religious voter base, and those of Owen Feeney, head of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, as he contends with a sex abuse scandal that could cost the Church over a billion dollars in lawsuit payments to the victims. Both appear on the verge of losing until Feeney, an ally of Wyncott’s, devises a plan that could see them both through. Ally Larkin is a brilliant young woman new to the campaign trail on Wyncott’s behalf. While learning the ropes, she stumbles across several shocking indices that cause her to question her principles. Peter Merrick, a journalist, is asked to write a eulogy for Jesuit priest James Ingram. When his research reveals letters that hint of abuse, and clues to a huge cover-up, he becomes embroiled in a search for the truth that could destroy his faith and love for his long-time friend and mentor.
C.S. Farrelly has written a timely expose of the inner workings of a U.S. major political election, brilliantly intertwined with a sexual abuse scandal within the Catholic Church. Through protagonists Ally and Peter, Farrelly reveals the inner workings of powerful men whose obsessive faith and ambition overcome all sense of ethics and morality. The Shepherd’s Calculus is a character-driven mystery thriller that delivers a great reading experience and a realistic view of the inner workings of institutions of government and religion that control the lives of billions of people. Fans of political intrigue, religious mystery and novels that display the best and the worst of humanity, justice and faith will love The Shepherd’s Calculus.
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. This is the premise of Pete Conrad’s novel Survival of the Sparrows. A coalition of forces from Russia, North Korea and the Middle East has invaded the American homelan...){kind=link}
Survival of the Sparrows
Pete Conrad
2018 Bronze Medal
342 Pages
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Fiction - Action
Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite
Imagine, for a moment, an America that has turned inward, disrespected and disregarded the wishes and feelings of the rest of the world (not too hard to do in these times really). This is the premise of Pete Conrad’s novel Survival of the Sparrows. A coalition of forces from Russia, North Korea and the Middle East has invaded the American homeland and is pushing on with its plan to rule the USA. In rural Johnsonville, Georgia, May and Winston Sparrow, a middle-aged African-American couple, are worried the invading forces will pass through their small town on their way to take over Atlanta. Winston has constructed a false wall in his barn where he and May will hide out until the invading army has passed through. Things don’t go quite according to plan for the couple, though, and they are caught, trapped in their wall space as the Generals make May and Winston's smallholding their Southern headquarters.
Survival of the Sparrows is a chillingly frightening reminder of just how fragile our world order and peace truly is. Given the current situation in America and the rest of the world, the scenario painted by Pete Conrad is not too far-fetched at all. This book is a fantastic read, with Winston and May lurching from one crisis to another. Fast-paced, with just the right amount of stereotyping and violence, tempered by the true spirit of human kindness and understanding, this is a very enjoyable book. The two main characters, May and Winston, and their travails, trapped inside their tiny wall space, were incredibly easy to identify with and I particularly enjoyed the good ole Southern accent and slang in the dialogue. Intentionally or not, Conrad has hit upon a realistic scenario that was both believable and riveting to read. I truly couldn’t put this book down, even when I knew I should be doing other things. That is probably the best tribute I can give to author Conrad. A real bottler of a read!
Imagine, for a moment, an America that has turned inward, disrespected and disregarded the wishes and feelings of the rest of the world (not too hard to do in these times really). This is the premise of Pete Conrad’s novel Survival of the Sparrows. A coalition of forces from Russia, North Korea and the Middle East has invaded the American homeland and is pushing on with its plan to rule the USA. In rural Johnsonville, Georgia, May and Winston Sparrow, a middle-aged African-American couple, are worried the invading forces will pass through their small town on their way to take over Atlanta. Winston has constructed a false wall in his barn where he and May will hide out until the invading army has passed through. Things don’t go quite according to plan for the couple, though, and they are caught, trapped in their wall space as the Generals make May and Winston's smallholding their Southern headquarters.
Survival of the Sparrows is a chillingly frightening reminder of just how fragile our world order and peace truly is. Given the current situation in America and the rest of the world, the scenario painted by Pete Conrad is not too far-fetched at all. This book is a fantastic read, with Winston and May lurching from one crisis to another. Fast-paced, with just the right amount of stereotyping and violence, tempered by the true spirit of human kindness and understanding, this is a very enjoyable book. The two main characters, May and Winston, and their travails, trapped inside their tiny wall space, were incredibly easy to identify with and I particularly enjoyed the good ole Southern accent and slang in the dialogue. Intentionally or not, Conrad has hit upon a realistic scenario that was both believable and riveting to read. I truly couldn’t put this book down, even when I knew I should be doing other things. That is probably the best tribute I can give to author Conrad. A real bottler of a read!
Recommend this book:
Beyond the Cabin
Dana Ridenour
2018 Honorable Mention
376 Pages
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Fiction - Action
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
Beyond the Cabin by Dana Ridenour is a terrorist thriller that is skillfully plotted and written to perfection. The head of the Undercover and Sensitive Operations Unit needs an undercover agent who has experience working extremist groups, preferably a southerner, and Lexie Montgomery fits the bill perfectly. She is to investigate the extremist group in South Carolina Lowcountry called Earth Liberation Front. Her undercover gets blown and she finds herself fighting to survive. The bad guys now know who she is. The only problem is that she doesn’t know who they are.
The opening is powerful, starting with a gripping prologue that features the protagonist running from pursuers and lost in an unfamiliar and unfriendly landscape. The last words of this prologue offer readers something of the style of the author, a promise of a suspenseful story and great entertainment: “The harder Lexie struggled against the thick, sludgy pluff mud, the deeper she sank. Weak, bleeding, and up to her knees in unyielding pluff mud, she felt a large hand brutishly grab her shoulder.” The writing is gorgeous and tight, leaving the reader wanting more.
The author does an incredible job in writing focused scenes, exploring the emotions of the characters with great vividness and creating dialogues that sound natural. The narrative is filled with suspense and Dana Ridenour has the gift of arresting the attention of readers and keeping it throughout the narrative. Beyond the Cabin is fast-paced, suspenseful, and delectable, a story with a protagonist readers will stick with and root for.
Beyond the Cabin by Dana Ridenour is a terrorist thriller that is skillfully plotted and written to perfection. The head of the Undercover and Sensitive Operations Unit needs an undercover agent who has experience working extremist groups, preferably a southerner, and Lexie Montgomery fits the bill perfectly. She is to investigate the extremist group in South Carolina Lowcountry called Earth Liberation Front. Her undercover gets blown and she finds herself fighting to survive. The bad guys now know who she is. The only problem is that she doesn’t know who they are.
The opening is powerful, starting with a gripping prologue that features the protagonist running from pursuers and lost in an unfamiliar and unfriendly landscape. The last words of this prologue offer readers something of the style of the author, a promise of a suspenseful story and great entertainment: “The harder Lexie struggled against the thick, sludgy pluff mud, the deeper she sank. Weak, bleeding, and up to her knees in unyielding pluff mud, she felt a large hand brutishly grab her shoulder.” The writing is gorgeous and tight, leaving the reader wanting more.
The author does an incredible job in writing focused scenes, exploring the emotions of the characters with great vividness and creating dialogues that sound natural. The narrative is filled with suspense and Dana Ridenour has the gift of arresting the attention of readers and keeping it throughout the narrative. Beyond the Cabin is fast-paced, suspenseful, and delectable, a story with a protagonist readers will stick with and root for.
Recommend this book:
How A Loser Like Me Survived the Zombie Apocalypse
Steven Bereznai
2018 Honorable Mention
258 Pages
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Fiction - Action
Reviewed by Francine Zane for Readers' Favorite
In How A Loser Like Me Survived the Zombie Apocalypse by Steven Bereznai, Marty Melon starts off having a bad day. As if killing his lady-love-turned-zombie isn't bad enough, he finds himself fighting for survival with his bitch ex-girlfriend playing her same old underhanded self. With gay-best-friend Gary at his side and his childhood teddy bear, Teddy, giving him advice, he fights to survive both the zombies and the ex from hell.
I loved, loved, loved Marty Melon. You could set him down in the middle of any story and he would be the center of attention. Steven Bereznai has made him into a multi-dimensional good man who had to crawl out of the pit of juvenile dweebdom and recreate himself into a rock star boyfriend with a killer body, a loyal best friend, and just enough of a bad ass zombie killer to keep himself alive. His role in How A Loser Like Me Survived the Zombie Apocalypse adds just enough humor, compassion, fear, and vulnerability to take the book to a whole different level of entertainment.
Besides the human element, How A Loser Like Me Survived the Zombie Apocalypse provides a steady dose of horror, thrills, and well-thought out speculation as to how a population of zombies would act. The fact that some zombies maintained a degree of their humanity made what Marty and his crew had to do even more disturbing, but to some degree, the whole concept of being stuck in a zombie apocalypse with the one person he hated the most is even more horrific than the monsters outside.
In How A Loser Like Me Survived the Zombie Apocalypse by Steven Bereznai, Marty Melon starts off having a bad day. As if killing his lady-love-turned-zombie isn't bad enough, he finds himself fighting for survival with his bitch ex-girlfriend playing her same old underhanded self. With gay-best-friend Gary at his side and his childhood teddy bear, Teddy, giving him advice, he fights to survive both the zombies and the ex from hell.
I loved, loved, loved Marty Melon. You could set him down in the middle of any story and he would be the center of attention. Steven Bereznai has made him into a multi-dimensional good man who had to crawl out of the pit of juvenile dweebdom and recreate himself into a rock star boyfriend with a killer body, a loyal best friend, and just enough of a bad ass zombie killer to keep himself alive. His role in How A Loser Like Me Survived the Zombie Apocalypse adds just enough humor, compassion, fear, and vulnerability to take the book to a whole different level of entertainment.
Besides the human element, How A Loser Like Me Survived the Zombie Apocalypse provides a steady dose of horror, thrills, and well-thought out speculation as to how a population of zombies would act. The fact that some zombies maintained a degree of their humanity made what Marty and his crew had to do even more disturbing, but to some degree, the whole concept of being stuck in a zombie apocalypse with the one person he hated the most is even more horrific than the monsters outside.
Recommend this book:
Amie and The Child of Africa
Lucinda E Clarke
2018 Gold Medal
304 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Eric Smith for Readers' Favorite
Amie and The Child of Africa by Lucinda E Clarke is an adventure story set in the heart of Africa. This is the second book in the Amie series. Amie had just gotten married and was living comfortably near London when her husband, Jonathon, announced the news that his work was moving them to Africa. Amie was just settling into the new ways of Togodo when civil war broke out, further complicating the way of life in Africa. With politics and the war ongoing all around her, Amie sets off to find the child she was fostering before war erupted. But she’s up against a terrorist organization that has ties to many different nations. Amie doesn’t know whom she can trust. She faces many dangers, from the African wildlife to men of different political affiliations who would kill her in a heartbeat if she messed up their political plans.
I enjoyed the historical content within Amie and The Child of Africa. The setting is very well researched and Lucinda E Clarke obviously knows this area well. Her knowledge makes this a very enjoyable and fascinating read. I learned a lot about this culture and I was fascinated by the explanations Clarke had for things I had never even stopped to consider. The setting was beautifully described and really made this a wonderful read. I also enjoyed the politics and the danger that surrounded this area and Amie’s quest. I liked that heightened level of danger and felt it made the adventure part of the story that much more exciting.
Amie and The Child of Africa by Lucinda E Clarke is an adventure story set in the heart of Africa. This is the second book in the Amie series. Amie had just gotten married and was living comfortably near London when her husband, Jonathon, announced the news that his work was moving them to Africa. Amie was just settling into the new ways of Togodo when civil war broke out, further complicating the way of life in Africa. With politics and the war ongoing all around her, Amie sets off to find the child she was fostering before war erupted. But she’s up against a terrorist organization that has ties to many different nations. Amie doesn’t know whom she can trust. She faces many dangers, from the African wildlife to men of different political affiliations who would kill her in a heartbeat if she messed up their political plans.
I enjoyed the historical content within Amie and The Child of Africa. The setting is very well researched and Lucinda E Clarke obviously knows this area well. Her knowledge makes this a very enjoyable and fascinating read. I learned a lot about this culture and I was fascinated by the explanations Clarke had for things I had never even stopped to consider. The setting was beautifully described and really made this a wonderful read. I also enjoyed the politics and the danger that surrounded this area and Amie’s quest. I liked that heightened level of danger and felt it made the adventure part of the story that much more exciting.
Recommend this book:
Under the Approaching Dark
Anna Belfrage
2018 Silver Medal
432 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
Under the Approaching Dark by Anna Belfrage is a spellbinding fiction story with powerful historical references, set in the turbulent England of the 1300s. The death of Hugh Despenser and the rise to power of King Edward III could have made Adam de Guirande hopeful that the country would soon gain stability. He couldn’t be more wrong! The young king has no experience and is manipulated by Queen Isabella, his mother, and her lover, Roger Mortimer. A darkness hovers over the land; there is a lot of intrigue, stabbings in the back, and imminent upheaval. It is in this context that the author explores the role of an unlikely hero, a man who has to balance his loyalties to serve his king, his wife, and his country.
I got hooked on Anna Belfrage’s writing when I read the first book in the King’s Greatest Enemy series, In the Shadow of the Storm, which features Adam de Guirande and explores the themes of rebellion and loyalty. In the third entry in the series, the author raises the stakes and explores the depths of the protagonist’s pain on new and refreshing levels. I enjoyed the excellent prose and the diction which reflects the culture and language of the time. The intrigue, the powerful conflict — both internal and external — as well as the quick pace of the plot and the depth of character development are aspects of the story that readers will adore. Under the Approaching Dark is for readers who love historical novels that are laced with intrigue and conflict, with compelling characters and a sophisticated plot. Anna Belfrage never disappoints.
Under the Approaching Dark by Anna Belfrage is a spellbinding fiction story with powerful historical references, set in the turbulent England of the 1300s. The death of Hugh Despenser and the rise to power of King Edward III could have made Adam de Guirande hopeful that the country would soon gain stability. He couldn’t be more wrong! The young king has no experience and is manipulated by Queen Isabella, his mother, and her lover, Roger Mortimer. A darkness hovers over the land; there is a lot of intrigue, stabbings in the back, and imminent upheaval. It is in this context that the author explores the role of an unlikely hero, a man who has to balance his loyalties to serve his king, his wife, and his country.
I got hooked on Anna Belfrage’s writing when I read the first book in the King’s Greatest Enemy series, In the Shadow of the Storm, which features Adam de Guirande and explores the themes of rebellion and loyalty. In the third entry in the series, the author raises the stakes and explores the depths of the protagonist’s pain on new and refreshing levels. I enjoyed the excellent prose and the diction which reflects the culture and language of the time. The intrigue, the powerful conflict — both internal and external — as well as the quick pace of the plot and the depth of character development are aspects of the story that readers will adore. Under the Approaching Dark is for readers who love historical novels that are laced with intrigue and conflict, with compelling characters and a sophisticated plot. Anna Belfrage never disappoints.
Recommend this book:
The Secret of the Lost Pharaoh
Matthew Connor Adventure series Book 2
Carolyn Arnold
2018 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Eeva Lancaster for Readers' Favorite
In Carolyn Arnold's The Secret of the Lost Pharaoh, Matthew Connor is once again called upon to unearth a legend. A map possibly pointing the way to the mythical Emerald Tablets is discovered by a colleague in Egypt, along with the tomb of an unknown pharaoh, and Matthew is being invited to the dig site. He has been fascinated with the Emerald Tablets for years, and the opportunity is too good to resist. He convinces his friends, Cal and Robyn, to leave their current commitments and go with him on another adventure. The archaeologists are aware of the danger in case the Emerald Tablets are found. Soon enough, they find themselves in sticky situations, not knowing who to trust. With the promise of ultimate knowledge and unspeakable wealth, everyone wants to get their hands on the tablets. It's just a matter of who's going to find it first. Matthew is determined to be that person. But first, they must survive.
This is one of the most entertaining archaeological thrillers I've had the pleasure of reading. Right from the start, it gripped me and forced me to turn the pages as the author laid out the plot. I love ancient legends and Egyptology, and these are some of the things that prompted me to read this book. I'm glad I did. For four days I looked forward to the end of the day so I could go back and join the characters as they uncovered one clue after another, bringing them closer to the identity of the pharaoh and the Emerald Tablets. The background given on the various Egyptian legends and customs mentioned in the book satisfied the geek in me. The author made it real in my mind and strengthened my resolve to visit this country one day and see the historical sites myself. The Secret of the Lost Pharaoh is a polished, well-written, stand-alone novel that Indiana Jones fans will love. Carolyn Arnold has written a real page-turner, rich in history without being overly detailed, with a smattering of romance and suspense that will engage the reader from start to finish. The ending was bittersweet. Now, I'm off to read more of Matthew Connnor's adventures. I'm glad to give this book 5 well-deserved stars.
In Carolyn Arnold's The Secret of the Lost Pharaoh, Matthew Connor is once again called upon to unearth a legend. A map possibly pointing the way to the mythical Emerald Tablets is discovered by a colleague in Egypt, along with the tomb of an unknown pharaoh, and Matthew is being invited to the dig site. He has been fascinated with the Emerald Tablets for years, and the opportunity is too good to resist. He convinces his friends, Cal and Robyn, to leave their current commitments and go with him on another adventure. The archaeologists are aware of the danger in case the Emerald Tablets are found. Soon enough, they find themselves in sticky situations, not knowing who to trust. With the promise of ultimate knowledge and unspeakable wealth, everyone wants to get their hands on the tablets. It's just a matter of who's going to find it first. Matthew is determined to be that person. But first, they must survive.
This is one of the most entertaining archaeological thrillers I've had the pleasure of reading. Right from the start, it gripped me and forced me to turn the pages as the author laid out the plot. I love ancient legends and Egyptology, and these are some of the things that prompted me to read this book. I'm glad I did. For four days I looked forward to the end of the day so I could go back and join the characters as they uncovered one clue after another, bringing them closer to the identity of the pharaoh and the Emerald Tablets. The background given on the various Egyptian legends and customs mentioned in the book satisfied the geek in me. The author made it real in my mind and strengthened my resolve to visit this country one day and see the historical sites myself. The Secret of the Lost Pharaoh is a polished, well-written, stand-alone novel that Indiana Jones fans will love. Carolyn Arnold has written a real page-turner, rich in history without being overly detailed, with a smattering of romance and suspense that will engage the reader from start to finish. The ending was bittersweet. Now, I'm off to read more of Matthew Connnor's adventures. I'm glad to give this book 5 well-deserved stars.
Recommend this book:
Remedy (The Forgotten Legacies Series Book 3)
K.J. Simmill
2018 Honorable Mention
533 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Remedy is the third book in The Forgotten Legacies Series by K.J. Simmill, an epic tale that plunges the reader into a world of magic with hints of mythology. This is a story that follows the quest of an adventurer into the sealed and forgotten realm, into The Depths of Acheron. But he can’t get what he wants from this world without giving to the banished what they claim to be rightfully theirs. The reader is introduced to a cast of powerful characters, a world on the brink of perdition, and one who wants to manipulate the powers that be to make the future his own.
I loved the level of conflict in this novel and its originality. The author creates worlds that are in conflict with each other and concepts that will excite the minds of readers. As one reads on, there is that tingling feeling that something huge could happen at any moment, and a lot of things do happen, dramatic and breathtaking. The conflict is monumental and it drives the plot, making it move forward from unexpected angles. It takes a lot of skill to write about an imaginary setting and make it feel like some place readers are familiar with, and K.J. Simmill seems to have this skill. The writing is beautiful, punctuated by compelling dialogues, streams of consciousness that explore the internal conflict in characters, and vivid descriptions of the setting, scenes, and characters. Remedy is an entertaining story with a spell that will continue to haunt readers after they are done reading.
Remedy is the third book in The Forgotten Legacies Series by K.J. Simmill, an epic tale that plunges the reader into a world of magic with hints of mythology. This is a story that follows the quest of an adventurer into the sealed and forgotten realm, into The Depths of Acheron. But he can’t get what he wants from this world without giving to the banished what they claim to be rightfully theirs. The reader is introduced to a cast of powerful characters, a world on the brink of perdition, and one who wants to manipulate the powers that be to make the future his own.
I loved the level of conflict in this novel and its originality. The author creates worlds that are in conflict with each other and concepts that will excite the minds of readers. As one reads on, there is that tingling feeling that something huge could happen at any moment, and a lot of things do happen, dramatic and breathtaking. The conflict is monumental and it drives the plot, making it move forward from unexpected angles. It takes a lot of skill to write about an imaginary setting and make it feel like some place readers are familiar with, and K.J. Simmill seems to have this skill. The writing is beautiful, punctuated by compelling dialogues, streams of consciousness that explore the internal conflict in characters, and vivid descriptions of the setting, scenes, and characters. Remedy is an entertaining story with a spell that will continue to haunt readers after they are done reading.
Recommend this book:
Dolph the Unicorn Killer & Other Stories
Martin Lastrapes
2018 Honorable Mention
305 Pages
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Fiction - Anthology
Reviewed by Justine Reyes for Readers' Favorite
It is not often that I stumble upon a book with a title such as Dolph the Unicorn Killer & Other Stories. It isn’t often that the covers of such books feature a man built like a bull, holding the freshly severed head of a unicorn in one hand and a sword in the other. It definitely stood out and immediately piqued my curiosity. Because why on earth would anybody kill unicorns? Martin Lastrapes, the author of this comical anthology, will bluntly lay it down for you. Of course, Dolph the Unicorn Killer isn’t the only story in this book and, despite being in the title, it is one of the last chapters. Dolph the Unicorn Killer & Other Stories can be interpreted as both a satire and a bit of an homage to Sin City and supernatural fiction anthologies. Yet be warned, there are vampires, profanity, and a whole lot of laughter.
I don’t think I’ve ever read anything like Dolph the Unicorn Killer& Other Stories in this sub genre of science fiction and fantasy, at least nothing as profoundly imaginative. Lastrapes does not let the conventional boundaries of fiction writing tie him down. The development of each story is thoughtful and humorous. The plots are ingenious. Figuratively speaking, Lastrapes is a madman with a pen. His word usage is tastefully vulgar and necessary, and although the violence and profanity may deter some people from reading, they will only end up sorely regretting not taking a glimpse at the whimsical tales within the pages of this book.
It is not often that I stumble upon a book with a title such as Dolph the Unicorn Killer & Other Stories. It isn’t often that the covers of such books feature a man built like a bull, holding the freshly severed head of a unicorn in one hand and a sword in the other. It definitely stood out and immediately piqued my curiosity. Because why on earth would anybody kill unicorns? Martin Lastrapes, the author of this comical anthology, will bluntly lay it down for you. Of course, Dolph the Unicorn Killer isn’t the only story in this book and, despite being in the title, it is one of the last chapters. Dolph the Unicorn Killer & Other Stories can be interpreted as both a satire and a bit of an homage to Sin City and supernatural fiction anthologies. Yet be warned, there are vampires, profanity, and a whole lot of laughter.
I don’t think I’ve ever read anything like Dolph the Unicorn Killer& Other Stories in this sub genre of science fiction and fantasy, at least nothing as profoundly imaginative. Lastrapes does not let the conventional boundaries of fiction writing tie him down. The development of each story is thoughtful and humorous. The plots are ingenious. Figuratively speaking, Lastrapes is a madman with a pen. His word usage is tastefully vulgar and necessary, and although the violence and profanity may deter some people from reading, they will only end up sorely regretting not taking a glimpse at the whimsical tales within the pages of this book.
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