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Cats in the City of Plague
A.L. Marlow
2022 Bronze Medal
138 Pages
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Fiction - Animals
Reviewed by Astrid Iustulin for Readers' Favorite
Meet Leander, a cat who lives in a small town in northern France in the fateful year of 1349. When the plague - later called the Black Death - breaks out, he and the other cats find themselves in a difficult situation. Suspected of being in league with the Devil and considered the cause of the spread of the epidemic, the cats risk being killed by suspicious inhabitants. Leander and the others temporarily hide in the cathedral's crypt, but to be really safe, they must leave the city at night to take refuge in the forest (where it is said they lived long ago). Will they succeed? Find out by reading Cats in the City of Plague by A. L. Marlow.
Maybe it goes without saying that I started reading Cats in the City of Plague because I love cats, but what I found was beyond my expectations. The story of Leander and his companions is one of the most original I have read about our furry friends. Readers will take the cats' fate to heart (I am sure everyone will hope they reach the forest unharmed), but they will also learn how humans treated these creatures in the past and what beliefs were associated with them. I loved this book so much because A. L. Marlow entertains readers with a great story while shedding light on what could happen to cats during a plague. I recommend Cats in the City of Plague to all cat lovers who want to go back in time with their favorite pets.
Meet Leander, a cat who lives in a small town in northern France in the fateful year of 1349. When the plague - later called the Black Death - breaks out, he and the other cats find themselves in a difficult situation. Suspected of being in league with the Devil and considered the cause of the spread of the epidemic, the cats risk being killed by suspicious inhabitants. Leander and the others temporarily hide in the cathedral's crypt, but to be really safe, they must leave the city at night to take refuge in the forest (where it is said they lived long ago). Will they succeed? Find out by reading Cats in the City of Plague by A. L. Marlow.
Maybe it goes without saying that I started reading Cats in the City of Plague because I love cats, but what I found was beyond my expectations. The story of Leander and his companions is one of the most original I have read about our furry friends. Readers will take the cats' fate to heart (I am sure everyone will hope they reach the forest unharmed), but they will also learn how humans treated these creatures in the past and what beliefs were associated with them. I loved this book so much because A. L. Marlow entertains readers with a great story while shedding light on what could happen to cats during a plague. I recommend Cats in the City of Plague to all cat lovers who want to go back in time with their favorite pets.
Recommend this book:
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The Stories of Our Lives
A Short Story Collection
Brandy Isadora
2022 Bronze Medal
220 Pages
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Fiction - Anthology
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
The Stories of Our Lives is a collection of short stories written by Brandy Isadora. "Bundle & Save" is about a lonely retired high school chemistry teacher who finds unexpected comfort in a unique laundromat. "Cloudburst" follows a couple of young friends as they struggle to survive in a post-apocalyptic dystopian society. In "Holy Water", a new employee at a call center is forced to compromise his integrity in order to make a sale in a hostile work environment. "Around The Fur" provides a glimpse into the headspace of a rockstar who feels trapped underneath his fame and environment. In "The Lovetts", an elderly couple tries to live vicariously by spying on their young neighbors. After going on a date with a transhuman, a career-driven woman questions her preconceived notions about what makes a "Real Man".
Author Brandy Isadora tells eighteen slice-of-life stories set in different environments, featuring people from all walks of life, to create a captivating collection that entertains you from start to finish. Each tale follows a seemingly ordinary person finding themselves in situations which impact their lives in ways they could never foresee. Every story feels unique and has something different to say. There is a sense of realism to the narrative, and it makes the characters easy to relate to. There is also an abundance of charm and humor sprinkled between the pages with more dramatic moments. Although I enjoyed them all, something about "Cloudburst" and "Holy Water" felt particularly appealing to me. If you love to read short stories, I highly recommend The Stories of Our Lives.
The Stories of Our Lives is a collection of short stories written by Brandy Isadora. "Bundle & Save" is about a lonely retired high school chemistry teacher who finds unexpected comfort in a unique laundromat. "Cloudburst" follows a couple of young friends as they struggle to survive in a post-apocalyptic dystopian society. In "Holy Water", a new employee at a call center is forced to compromise his integrity in order to make a sale in a hostile work environment. "Around The Fur" provides a glimpse into the headspace of a rockstar who feels trapped underneath his fame and environment. In "The Lovetts", an elderly couple tries to live vicariously by spying on their young neighbors. After going on a date with a transhuman, a career-driven woman questions her preconceived notions about what makes a "Real Man".
Author Brandy Isadora tells eighteen slice-of-life stories set in different environments, featuring people from all walks of life, to create a captivating collection that entertains you from start to finish. Each tale follows a seemingly ordinary person finding themselves in situations which impact their lives in ways they could never foresee. Every story feels unique and has something different to say. There is a sense of realism to the narrative, and it makes the characters easy to relate to. There is also an abundance of charm and humor sprinkled between the pages with more dramatic moments. Although I enjoyed them all, something about "Cloudburst" and "Holy Water" felt particularly appealing to me. If you love to read short stories, I highly recommend The Stories of Our Lives.
Recommend this book:
Cycles of the Phoenix
The Whole Interlaced Souls Series
C.A. Nicholas
2022 Honorable Mention
360 Pages
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Fiction - Anthology
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
Cycles of the Phoenix: The Whole Interlaced Souls Series by C.A. Nicholas is an anthology of surrealistic tales divided into three parts, written from the point of view of characters that reflect their inner struggles and test their mental and emotional states. Book 1, Sanity’s War contains seven tales about characters fighting monsters that are representative of an individual’s inner demons. It touches on issues like depression, sexual abuse, and PTSD. Book 2, Strange is a set of novellas with a theme running in the similar vein of people fighting against demons that take control over them and push them to commit suicide. Book 3, Kaya, Where Have You Gone? is a novella that centers on two schoolgirls, one of which has experienced sexual abuse at the hands of a relative.
Surreal. This is how I would describe C.A. Nicholas’s work. His narrative is inquisitive and exploratory as far as themes of mental and emotional struggles come into play. His characters appear helpless, yet they exhaust all means to fight and set themselves on missions of renewal—and they either win or fail. But what they discover is familiar, enlightening, and often strange. Nicholas may well be a surrealist writer who understands the disturbing dynamics of mental breakdowns and abuse and how this warps our lives. His plot and characterization present a hyper-reality that questions the border between normal and abnormal elements. His critical method in addressing sensitive social issues fuses actual representations with mythical and symbolic elements that give you a better understanding of what is being conveyed. The common ground in his metaphorical play is a magnified scrutiny of reality and brilliant social commentary. Moving in its poetic grace, this anthology deserves your attention.
Cycles of the Phoenix: The Whole Interlaced Souls Series by C.A. Nicholas is an anthology of surrealistic tales divided into three parts, written from the point of view of characters that reflect their inner struggles and test their mental and emotional states. Book 1, Sanity’s War contains seven tales about characters fighting monsters that are representative of an individual’s inner demons. It touches on issues like depression, sexual abuse, and PTSD. Book 2, Strange is a set of novellas with a theme running in the similar vein of people fighting against demons that take control over them and push them to commit suicide. Book 3, Kaya, Where Have You Gone? is a novella that centers on two schoolgirls, one of which has experienced sexual abuse at the hands of a relative.
Surreal. This is how I would describe C.A. Nicholas’s work. His narrative is inquisitive and exploratory as far as themes of mental and emotional struggles come into play. His characters appear helpless, yet they exhaust all means to fight and set themselves on missions of renewal—and they either win or fail. But what they discover is familiar, enlightening, and often strange. Nicholas may well be a surrealist writer who understands the disturbing dynamics of mental breakdowns and abuse and how this warps our lives. His plot and characterization present a hyper-reality that questions the border between normal and abnormal elements. His critical method in addressing sensitive social issues fuses actual representations with mythical and symbolic elements that give you a better understanding of what is being conveyed. The common ground in his metaphorical play is a magnified scrutiny of reality and brilliant social commentary. Moving in its poetic grace, this anthology deserves your attention.
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The Doctor's Dilemma
Stories
Daly Walker
2022 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Anthology
Reviewed by Jon Michael Miller for Readers' Favorite
The Doctor’s Dilemma: Short Stories by Daly Walker is a magnificent collection of stories about the vicissitudes of life and death as seen through the eyes of various physicians. Readers of the best works of literature will cherish these pieces. Mr. Walker is among the finest of writers, creating beauty out of the direst of circumstances. Keats wrote, “Beauty is truth; truth beauty….” Mr. Walker writes this wisdom. He realizes it is beauty that allows us to cherish life. His stories are about life-and-death medical conflicts and the salvation that love provides. Take for instance, the opening story of the collection where an old man is visited late in the night by a sheriff concerned about his welfare. They talk about old age, nature, and art as the old man recalls his wife and their sharing of nature’s beauties. The deputy describes him as “independence, longevity and grit.”
Most of the stories are seen from the viewpoint of aging and of nostalgic visions of the romantic past, especially the transcendent joy of earthly love. There’s a retired volunteer doctor with a lesion on his cheek, all bandaged, as he helps a younger woman deal with a breast amputation, even a suggestion of love between them in the future. Then there’s the horror of an army doctor in Afghanistan, the reunion of two lovers in Hong Kong during Vietnam; a young man’s life-changing discovery of his lineage during his wistful visit to the family home; the dilemma of a physician during the pandemic of whether to resuscitate a possibly terminal patient; a couple languishing over the possibility of the wife’s cancer returning. These are plot examples, but oh … the writing. Walker’s character and setting descriptions are exquisite, and the structure of his stories sheer perfection, knowing exactly where to end, leaving the reader a bit breathless and pondering the future, exactly what Keats intimated by his famous words. Life’s vicissitudes can be tragic but we are saved by its beauty. If you love art at its finest, do not miss The Doctor’s Dilemma: Short Stories by Daly Walker.
The Doctor’s Dilemma: Short Stories by Daly Walker is a magnificent collection of stories about the vicissitudes of life and death as seen through the eyes of various physicians. Readers of the best works of literature will cherish these pieces. Mr. Walker is among the finest of writers, creating beauty out of the direst of circumstances. Keats wrote, “Beauty is truth; truth beauty….” Mr. Walker writes this wisdom. He realizes it is beauty that allows us to cherish life. His stories are about life-and-death medical conflicts and the salvation that love provides. Take for instance, the opening story of the collection where an old man is visited late in the night by a sheriff concerned about his welfare. They talk about old age, nature, and art as the old man recalls his wife and their sharing of nature’s beauties. The deputy describes him as “independence, longevity and grit.”
Most of the stories are seen from the viewpoint of aging and of nostalgic visions of the romantic past, especially the transcendent joy of earthly love. There’s a retired volunteer doctor with a lesion on his cheek, all bandaged, as he helps a younger woman deal with a breast amputation, even a suggestion of love between them in the future. Then there’s the horror of an army doctor in Afghanistan, the reunion of two lovers in Hong Kong during Vietnam; a young man’s life-changing discovery of his lineage during his wistful visit to the family home; the dilemma of a physician during the pandemic of whether to resuscitate a possibly terminal patient; a couple languishing over the possibility of the wife’s cancer returning. These are plot examples, but oh … the writing. Walker’s character and setting descriptions are exquisite, and the structure of his stories sheer perfection, knowing exactly where to end, leaving the reader a bit breathless and pondering the future, exactly what Keats intimated by his famous words. Life’s vicissitudes can be tragic but we are saved by its beauty. If you love art at its finest, do not miss The Doctor’s Dilemma: Short Stories by Daly Walker.
Recommend this book:
Ignatius and the Swords of Nostaw
A Young Adult Fantasy Adventure
D.A. Mucci, Tim Campbell, St. Barts Publishing
2022 Silver Medal
Audio Book
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Fiction - Audiobook
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Ignatius and the Swords of Nostaw is a work of fiction in the fantasy, adventure, and action subgenres. It is intended for young adult and adult reading audiences, was penned by author D. A. Mucci, and is presented in audiobook format by narrator Tim Campbell. The title character, the reluctant and witty Iggy, finds himself embroiled in the fight of his life, despite having tried to run away from combat repeatedly his entire life to date. In the gorgeous and windswept Kingdom of Skye, a dark prophecy is returning, and Iggy is about to end up cast in the role of hero, whether he likes it or not.
Author D. A. Mucci has crafted a superb tale with plenty of twists and turns, and all the bloodthirsty, magical and mysterious elements one would expect from high-quality fantasy fiction. But much more than this, it was the expression of individuality in the central character of Iggy that really captivated me, and the clever little twists that really go against type and create something truly original in the genre. The Scottish setting was also gorgeously depicted and added a magical atmosphere to the whole tale.
In terms of its audiobook narration, I really enjoyed the variety of voices that narrator Tim Campbell was able to achieve in creating different attitudes, regions, and emotions amongst a wide array of characters. I felt there was a great balance in bringing characters to life with humor and vivaciousness without overdoing it, or making them so comical that the book would no longer appeal to adult readers. The audio editing and quality were also superb, making for a smooth listening experience all-round. Overall, I’d certainly recommend Ignatius and the Swords of Nostaw to fantasy fans of all ages who are seeking a thrilling and detail-packed tale of sword and sorcery with twists and turns to keep them entertained from cover to cover. And I would highly recommend getting the audiobook version to make the story truly come to life.
Ignatius and the Swords of Nostaw is a work of fiction in the fantasy, adventure, and action subgenres. It is intended for young adult and adult reading audiences, was penned by author D. A. Mucci, and is presented in audiobook format by narrator Tim Campbell. The title character, the reluctant and witty Iggy, finds himself embroiled in the fight of his life, despite having tried to run away from combat repeatedly his entire life to date. In the gorgeous and windswept Kingdom of Skye, a dark prophecy is returning, and Iggy is about to end up cast in the role of hero, whether he likes it or not.
Author D. A. Mucci has crafted a superb tale with plenty of twists and turns, and all the bloodthirsty, magical and mysterious elements one would expect from high-quality fantasy fiction. But much more than this, it was the expression of individuality in the central character of Iggy that really captivated me, and the clever little twists that really go against type and create something truly original in the genre. The Scottish setting was also gorgeously depicted and added a magical atmosphere to the whole tale.
In terms of its audiobook narration, I really enjoyed the variety of voices that narrator Tim Campbell was able to achieve in creating different attitudes, regions, and emotions amongst a wide array of characters. I felt there was a great balance in bringing characters to life with humor and vivaciousness without overdoing it, or making them so comical that the book would no longer appeal to adult readers. The audio editing and quality were also superb, making for a smooth listening experience all-round. Overall, I’d certainly recommend Ignatius and the Swords of Nostaw to fantasy fans of all ages who are seeking a thrilling and detail-packed tale of sword and sorcery with twists and turns to keep them entertained from cover to cover. And I would highly recommend getting the audiobook version to make the story truly come to life.
Recommend this book:
The Villain Institute
Megan Linski, Alicia Rades
2022 Bronze Medal
Audio Book
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Fiction - Audiobook
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Villain Institute is a work of fiction in the urban fantasy and paranormal romance subgenres. It is intended for the general adult reading audience but can also be enjoyed by mature young adults and was penned by author team Megan Linski and Alicia Rades. In this audiobook format, the narration is provided by Vanessa Moyen and A. J. Carter to bring to life Ava-Marie and Charlie, a pair of supernatural offenders sent to a reformatory. Charlie, a blind orphan, only finds himself stuck at the Institute because Ava shares a soul with him, but when a chance to escape rears its head, the pair must put aside their grudges and work together to win the Darke Games, and their freedom.
In terms of its storyline and construction, there’s plenty to adore in this truly epic fantasy adventure that readers are sure to lose themselves in. Author team Megan Linski and Alicia Rades provide two well-developed characters who each battle with disabilities and challenges that extend beyond their magical capabilities, and this diverse representation is done with genuine emotional resonance, not gimmicks. Charlie and Ava-Marie grow and develop together in both friendship and romance through evocative dialogue and triumphant action scenes that will really have your heart in your throat.
In terms of audiobook presentation, the emotional resonance and high-stakes drama of the plot are only further enhanced by the vibrant narration from both Vanessa Moyen and A. J. Carter. There’s wry, snarky humor to Ava-Marie that perfectly balances Charlie’s tough and reluctant exterior, and the narrators really understand how to complement one another and create sparks between them. Overall, I highly recommend The Villain Institute as an unmissable read for paranormal romance fans everywhere.
The Villain Institute is a work of fiction in the urban fantasy and paranormal romance subgenres. It is intended for the general adult reading audience but can also be enjoyed by mature young adults and was penned by author team Megan Linski and Alicia Rades. In this audiobook format, the narration is provided by Vanessa Moyen and A. J. Carter to bring to life Ava-Marie and Charlie, a pair of supernatural offenders sent to a reformatory. Charlie, a blind orphan, only finds himself stuck at the Institute because Ava shares a soul with him, but when a chance to escape rears its head, the pair must put aside their grudges and work together to win the Darke Games, and their freedom.
In terms of its storyline and construction, there’s plenty to adore in this truly epic fantasy adventure that readers are sure to lose themselves in. Author team Megan Linski and Alicia Rades provide two well-developed characters who each battle with disabilities and challenges that extend beyond their magical capabilities, and this diverse representation is done with genuine emotional resonance, not gimmicks. Charlie and Ava-Marie grow and develop together in both friendship and romance through evocative dialogue and triumphant action scenes that will really have your heart in your throat.
In terms of audiobook presentation, the emotional resonance and high-stakes drama of the plot are only further enhanced by the vibrant narration from both Vanessa Moyen and A. J. Carter. There’s wry, snarky humor to Ava-Marie that perfectly balances Charlie’s tough and reluctant exterior, and the narrators really understand how to complement one another and create sparks between them. Overall, I highly recommend The Villain Institute as an unmissable read for paranormal romance fans everywhere.
Recommend this book:
The Lighthouse
Christopher Parker
2022 Silver Medal
368 Pages
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Fiction - Chick Lit
Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite
The Lighthouse by Christopher Parker is centered around Amy, a young woman struggling with the recent death of her mother. Amy does not have a close relationship with her father and she is feeling very alone. When, in an effort to become closer, her father takes her along on an overnight trip to Seabrook, her world will never be the same again. Ryan lives in Seabrook with his father who has suffered a stroke and is unable to work their ranch. Ryan does it all but has kept the financial trouble they are in secret from his dad. The town’s main attraction is an old run-down lighthouse that is rumored to be haunted. Ryan and Amy soon find themselves drawn to each other, perhaps even falling in love. When the lighthouse suddenly sends a bright beacon into the sky, the whole town becomes involved in discovering why. As the magical answers are revealed, Amy must do the impossible and make things right.
The Lighthouse is a perfect combination of the mystical and real life. The Lighthouse offers the reader love, death, mystery, magic, and more. I found it really hard to put this book down and neglected my chores to find out how it ends for Amy and Ryan and was not at all disappointed when I got my answers. This is the first book that Christopher Parker has written but I am hoping there will be many more to come. The Lighthouse has a refreshing tone that can be enjoyed by young and old, male and female. You will have to read this for yourself because I do not want to ruin the story by telling you more. All I can say is you will not be disappointed. I truly believe that this is a must-read winner.
The Lighthouse by Christopher Parker is centered around Amy, a young woman struggling with the recent death of her mother. Amy does not have a close relationship with her father and she is feeling very alone. When, in an effort to become closer, her father takes her along on an overnight trip to Seabrook, her world will never be the same again. Ryan lives in Seabrook with his father who has suffered a stroke and is unable to work their ranch. Ryan does it all but has kept the financial trouble they are in secret from his dad. The town’s main attraction is an old run-down lighthouse that is rumored to be haunted. Ryan and Amy soon find themselves drawn to each other, perhaps even falling in love. When the lighthouse suddenly sends a bright beacon into the sky, the whole town becomes involved in discovering why. As the magical answers are revealed, Amy must do the impossible and make things right.
The Lighthouse is a perfect combination of the mystical and real life. The Lighthouse offers the reader love, death, mystery, magic, and more. I found it really hard to put this book down and neglected my chores to find out how it ends for Amy and Ryan and was not at all disappointed when I got my answers. This is the first book that Christopher Parker has written but I am hoping there will be many more to come. The Lighthouse has a refreshing tone that can be enjoyed by young and old, male and female. You will have to read this for yourself because I do not want to ruin the story by telling you more. All I can say is you will not be disappointed. I truly believe that this is a must-read winner.
Recommend this book:
The Other Side Of Good
E. A. Coe
2022 Silver Medal
298 Pages
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Fiction - Crime
Reviewed by Natalie Soine for Readers' Favorite
The Other Side of Good by E. A. Coe is a thrilling, suspenseful novel set in Cincinnati. Alleged drug dealer Theo Jackson offers to donate $5M for a new youth center and Officer Denton Jones, commander of the Cincinnati Central Business District police patrol, is assigned by Colonel Jack Fitzpatrick, chief of police, to negotiate the terms. Denton’s assignment leads him to believe that Jackson is protected by a dishonest bureaucrat. Theo uncovers evidence of an international criminal organization facilitating human trafficking in the city involving Chinese criminal Sun Yi who works for an organization called Santu. Together a pastor and city officials, Officer Denton and Theo hatch a plan to shut down Santu. In the process, the team is faced with the decision to do what is right or do what is easy, but will they make the right choices between good and bad when they are faced with the gray area in between?
Author E. A. Coe has certainly created a masterpiece. The Other Side of Good is filled with action, drama, and excitement. The story gives the reader a new perspective on what is right or wrong, good or bad. Coe’s writing style is fast-paced and smooth flowing from beginning to end. Theo and Denton’s relationship is intriguing and unusual, but it works for both the men and the story surrounding them. The numerous characters are all well-defined including law enforcement officials, criminals, and their associates. I mostly enjoyed the twists, turns, and surprises that Coe includes in this web of criminal activities and law enforcement. The Other Side of Good is highly recommended to all adults and is deserving of a place on any bookshelf.
The Other Side of Good by E. A. Coe is a thrilling, suspenseful novel set in Cincinnati. Alleged drug dealer Theo Jackson offers to donate $5M for a new youth center and Officer Denton Jones, commander of the Cincinnati Central Business District police patrol, is assigned by Colonel Jack Fitzpatrick, chief of police, to negotiate the terms. Denton’s assignment leads him to believe that Jackson is protected by a dishonest bureaucrat. Theo uncovers evidence of an international criminal organization facilitating human trafficking in the city involving Chinese criminal Sun Yi who works for an organization called Santu. Together a pastor and city officials, Officer Denton and Theo hatch a plan to shut down Santu. In the process, the team is faced with the decision to do what is right or do what is easy, but will they make the right choices between good and bad when they are faced with the gray area in between?
Author E. A. Coe has certainly created a masterpiece. The Other Side of Good is filled with action, drama, and excitement. The story gives the reader a new perspective on what is right or wrong, good or bad. Coe’s writing style is fast-paced and smooth flowing from beginning to end. Theo and Denton’s relationship is intriguing and unusual, but it works for both the men and the story surrounding them. The numerous characters are all well-defined including law enforcement officials, criminals, and their associates. I mostly enjoyed the twists, turns, and surprises that Coe includes in this web of criminal activities and law enforcement. The Other Side of Good is highly recommended to all adults and is deserving of a place on any bookshelf.
Recommend this book:
The Big Tilt
Peter O'Keefe Book 2
Dan Flanigan
2022 Bronze Medal
233 Pages
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Fiction - Crime
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
The Big Tilt by Dan Flanigan is the second book in the Peter O’Keefe series. Peter O’Keefe has had some close shaves in his life, not least the Vietnam War and a showdown with a crime boss called Mr. Canada in the Arizona desert. A year on from that, O’Keefe finds himself in deep trouble in his own hometown, when an old school crush is murdered. But something doesn’t seem right. A friend of O’Keefe’s, Mike Harrigan, is in serious trouble, accused of things he didn’t do and O’Keefe now has a price on his head. Going deep into the criminal underworld, O’Keefe begins to uncover things that some people would prefer stayed hidden and his life is suddenly in the balance. Can he uncover the truth in time or will he become another statistic?
The Big Tilt (Peter O’Keefe Book 2) by Dan Flanigan is a thrilling read. I did find the beginning a little confusing but I suspect that’s because I haven’t read the first book – this is one of those series where the books need to be read in order. There is more than one story here, at least three different ones, but they are woven together with all becoming clear at the end. It is written well, very clear and easy-to-understand language (no jargon, which is a bonus), and a great plot, albeit a little complex at times. There is plenty of action and the author’s legal background really shone through at times. A gripping tale, this has some great characters, believable, real people who grow throughout the story. With plenty of action, this is one story you won’t want to put down.
The Big Tilt by Dan Flanigan is the second book in the Peter O’Keefe series. Peter O’Keefe has had some close shaves in his life, not least the Vietnam War and a showdown with a crime boss called Mr. Canada in the Arizona desert. A year on from that, O’Keefe finds himself in deep trouble in his own hometown, when an old school crush is murdered. But something doesn’t seem right. A friend of O’Keefe’s, Mike Harrigan, is in serious trouble, accused of things he didn’t do and O’Keefe now has a price on his head. Going deep into the criminal underworld, O’Keefe begins to uncover things that some people would prefer stayed hidden and his life is suddenly in the balance. Can he uncover the truth in time or will he become another statistic?
The Big Tilt (Peter O’Keefe Book 2) by Dan Flanigan is a thrilling read. I did find the beginning a little confusing but I suspect that’s because I haven’t read the first book – this is one of those series where the books need to be read in order. There is more than one story here, at least three different ones, but they are woven together with all becoming clear at the end. It is written well, very clear and easy-to-understand language (no jargon, which is a bonus), and a great plot, albeit a little complex at times. There is plenty of action and the author’s legal background really shone through at times. A gripping tale, this has some great characters, believable, real people who grow throughout the story. With plenty of action, this is one story you won’t want to put down.
Recommend this book:
The House of Baric Part One
Shields Down
Jillian Bald
2022 Honorable Mention
438 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Amanda Rofe for Readers' Favorite
The House of Baric: Shields Down by Jillian Bald is a debut fictional novel set in 17th century Europe. Part one of a trilogy, it tells the tale of Mauro Baric, heir to a Venetian barony and his arranged marriage to Resi, the daughter of an Ottoman trader. Neither very keen to wed, they come to the marriage as strangers, having only met once. Mauro, with his small army, arrives straight from battle with little experience of love. His new wife, with no desire to marry a Venetian far away from the home she loves, is spirited and strong. She settles to her new position but finds her husband away more than he is at home. An historical romance, Shields Down portrays the life and times of the period as the Thirty Years' War comes to a close.
This is a captivating story of battle-weary men and wealthy pampered ladies who were used in marriage alliances to further family ambition. I was delighted with the exquisite writing and the two very engaging main characters. Jillian Bald provides an exceptionally well-researched account of the compelling lives of the aristocracy of the time. She includes intimate details of their style of dress, complex social conventions and a generous portion of political intrigue. Shields Down is thoughtfully written with a rich mix of history and romance. There is a timeless elegance to the writing which never faltered. If you like historical romance, you will absolutely love this book. I very much look forward to reading the remaining books in The House of Baric trilogy.
The House of Baric: Shields Down by Jillian Bald is a debut fictional novel set in 17th century Europe. Part one of a trilogy, it tells the tale of Mauro Baric, heir to a Venetian barony and his arranged marriage to Resi, the daughter of an Ottoman trader. Neither very keen to wed, they come to the marriage as strangers, having only met once. Mauro, with his small army, arrives straight from battle with little experience of love. His new wife, with no desire to marry a Venetian far away from the home she loves, is spirited and strong. She settles to her new position but finds her husband away more than he is at home. An historical romance, Shields Down portrays the life and times of the period as the Thirty Years' War comes to a close.
This is a captivating story of battle-weary men and wealthy pampered ladies who were used in marriage alliances to further family ambition. I was delighted with the exquisite writing and the two very engaging main characters. Jillian Bald provides an exceptionally well-researched account of the compelling lives of the aristocracy of the time. She includes intimate details of their style of dress, complex social conventions and a generous portion of political intrigue. Shields Down is thoughtfully written with a rich mix of history and romance. There is a timeless elegance to the writing which never faltered. If you like historical romance, you will absolutely love this book. I very much look forward to reading the remaining books in The House of Baric trilogy.
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