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Recommend this book:
The Schwarzschild Radius
A Thriller
Gustavo Florentin
2016 Honorable Mention
292 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
The Schwarzschild Radius is a crime thriller written by Gustavo Florentin. Rachel Wallen is a brilliant science student at Columbia University who's embarked singlehandedly on a mission to rescue her missing younger sister, Olivia. Olivia volunteered at a mission for homeless kids which was run by the charismatic priest, Evan Massey, before she disappeared. Rachel is working undercover, posing as an underage runaway who knew Olivia, and she enters Transcendance House seeking shelter. She's told that Olivia was dismissed after her stripping and sex work was exposed. Rachel joins forces with a young woman who caters to men who like underage girls and child pornography in her attempt to find the man who's taken Olivia. The detective on the case, John McKenna, a veteran sniper whose marriage had floundered after his return from service, is unaware of Rachel's efforts.
Gustavo Florentin's crime thriller, The Schwarzschild Radius, is an awesome read. The Webmaster is genuinely scary, and Rachel is filled with naive optimism and determination that the reader just knows is going to get her in trouble. The New York City setting for this novel is inspired; I loved the chases along the highways that connect Long Island to the mainland of New York and shivered at the scenes that took place in the abandoned subway tunnels. John McKenna is a marvelous character. I'm hoping that this book is the start of a police procedural series featuring this complex and multi-faceted detective. The action in The Schwarzschild Radius is riveting and filled with suspense, and the ending is not at all predictable. I really enjoyed reading The Schwarzschild Radius and highly recommend it.
The Schwarzschild Radius is a crime thriller written by Gustavo Florentin. Rachel Wallen is a brilliant science student at Columbia University who's embarked singlehandedly on a mission to rescue her missing younger sister, Olivia. Olivia volunteered at a mission for homeless kids which was run by the charismatic priest, Evan Massey, before she disappeared. Rachel is working undercover, posing as an underage runaway who knew Olivia, and she enters Transcendance House seeking shelter. She's told that Olivia was dismissed after her stripping and sex work was exposed. Rachel joins forces with a young woman who caters to men who like underage girls and child pornography in her attempt to find the man who's taken Olivia. The detective on the case, John McKenna, a veteran sniper whose marriage had floundered after his return from service, is unaware of Rachel's efforts.
Gustavo Florentin's crime thriller, The Schwarzschild Radius, is an awesome read. The Webmaster is genuinely scary, and Rachel is filled with naive optimism and determination that the reader just knows is going to get her in trouble. The New York City setting for this novel is inspired; I loved the chases along the highways that connect Long Island to the mainland of New York and shivered at the scenes that took place in the abandoned subway tunnels. John McKenna is a marvelous character. I'm hoping that this book is the start of a police procedural series featuring this complex and multi-faceted detective. The action in The Schwarzschild Radius is riveting and filled with suspense, and the ending is not at all predictable. I really enjoyed reading The Schwarzschild Radius and highly recommend it.
Recommend this book:
The Rector
A Christian Murder Mystery
Michael Hicks Thompson
2016 Finalist
342 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite
The Rector – A Christian Murder Mystery is loaded with suspense, drama, twists and turns, and a good dose of godly religion. There is a large cast of characters and Martha McRae, boarding house and newspaper owner, is the leader. Oneeda, Mary and JJ need protection, but are also her companions in crime solving. Thomas Cain and Capp are the main bad guys. We arrive in the small Southern town in the late 1950s and all is as it should be until the local rector dies and Martha sets out to prove that perhaps he has been murdered. The story takes many twists and turns from this point until the conclusion. More murders take place, Mary is raped and gives birth to Michael, JJ's honey becomes a local sensation but that will cause more mystery, court cases will be heard and a new rector will arrive in town. There will be excitement on each page as the plot thickens and the suspects multiply.
As I sat and read The Rector, I was drawn into the book. Michael Hicks Thompson had just enough of everything to make it intriguing, exciting, likeable and then he added a perfect touch of good old Southern religion with Bible quotes and Christian ethics. It is the perfect blend for a Christian Murder Mystery and you will be very glad that you decided to read The Rector.
The Rector – A Christian Murder Mystery is loaded with suspense, drama, twists and turns, and a good dose of godly religion. There is a large cast of characters and Martha McRae, boarding house and newspaper owner, is the leader. Oneeda, Mary and JJ need protection, but are also her companions in crime solving. Thomas Cain and Capp are the main bad guys. We arrive in the small Southern town in the late 1950s and all is as it should be until the local rector dies and Martha sets out to prove that perhaps he has been murdered. The story takes many twists and turns from this point until the conclusion. More murders take place, Mary is raped and gives birth to Michael, JJ's honey becomes a local sensation but that will cause more mystery, court cases will be heard and a new rector will arrive in town. There will be excitement on each page as the plot thickens and the suspects multiply.
As I sat and read The Rector, I was drawn into the book. Michael Hicks Thompson had just enough of everything to make it intriguing, exciting, likeable and then he added a perfect touch of good old Southern religion with Bible quotes and Christian ethics. It is the perfect blend for a Christian Murder Mystery and you will be very glad that you decided to read The Rector.
Recommend this book:
The SHIVA Syndrome
Alan Joshua
2016 Honorable Mention
692 Pages
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Fiction - Paranormal
Reviewed by Carol Coetzee for Readers' Favorite
In The SHIVA Syndrome by Alan Joshua, we are thrown right into the action with the prologue. A test subject is in a liquid filled cylinder in a basement laboratory in Podol'sk in Russia. During the procedure, he experiences a seizure and chaos ensues in the laboratory. When everything settles down, all that remains in the tank is a formless, featureless black cloud. The cloud totally engulfs everything and disappears, leaving nothing but a massive crater. A team is quickly assembled to investigate the incident and the strange crater. Among these is Beau Walker, psychologist and empath. It is obvious that something very unusual has occurred in Podol'sk. What the team finds and experiences will shock, surprise and amaze you. As events escalate, Walker embarks on a journey dealing with his personal demons and must struggle to save humanity from itself. An engrossing read!
In The SHIVA Syndrome, Alan Joshua cleverly interweaves various genres. We deal with altered states of consciousness, parapsychology, genetics, paleontology, mythology, military intrigue, hard science and religion. This combines to produce a complex and exhilarating tale, twisting, turning and yet racing along at a blistering pace towards an intense climax. This story will certainly challenge everything we know, or think we know, about reality, life and the universe, and lead you to the ultimate conclusion that human consciousness does not end with the flesh, but continues well beyond, and humans have enormous potential for both creation and destruction.
The story is extremely well written, well researched and well-paced, and will keep you turning pages till your eyes close of their own accord. Whilst not a quick read, and containing some new ideas and concepts, for me anyway, there is never a dull moment. Walker is an extremely interesting character, and his empathic skills, as well as his genetic heritage, play an important role in the tale. Each character is interesting, well defined, and has flaws and strengths that are as fascinating as they are realistic. A wonderful read that I would love to see being made into a movie!
In The SHIVA Syndrome by Alan Joshua, we are thrown right into the action with the prologue. A test subject is in a liquid filled cylinder in a basement laboratory in Podol'sk in Russia. During the procedure, he experiences a seizure and chaos ensues in the laboratory. When everything settles down, all that remains in the tank is a formless, featureless black cloud. The cloud totally engulfs everything and disappears, leaving nothing but a massive crater. A team is quickly assembled to investigate the incident and the strange crater. Among these is Beau Walker, psychologist and empath. It is obvious that something very unusual has occurred in Podol'sk. What the team finds and experiences will shock, surprise and amaze you. As events escalate, Walker embarks on a journey dealing with his personal demons and must struggle to save humanity from itself. An engrossing read!
In The SHIVA Syndrome, Alan Joshua cleverly interweaves various genres. We deal with altered states of consciousness, parapsychology, genetics, paleontology, mythology, military intrigue, hard science and religion. This combines to produce a complex and exhilarating tale, twisting, turning and yet racing along at a blistering pace towards an intense climax. This story will certainly challenge everything we know, or think we know, about reality, life and the universe, and lead you to the ultimate conclusion that human consciousness does not end with the flesh, but continues well beyond, and humans have enormous potential for both creation and destruction.
The story is extremely well written, well researched and well-paced, and will keep you turning pages till your eyes close of their own accord. Whilst not a quick read, and containing some new ideas and concepts, for me anyway, there is never a dull moment. Walker is an extremely interesting character, and his empathic skills, as well as his genetic heritage, play an important role in the tale. Each character is interesting, well defined, and has flaws and strengths that are as fascinating as they are realistic. A wonderful read that I would love to see being made into a movie!
Recommend this book:
The Seer's Daughter
Beyond The Grave Series, Book 1
Athena Daniels
2016 Finalist
291 Pages
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Fiction - Paranormal
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
The Seer's Daughter: Beyond The Grave Series, Book 1 is a romantic paranormal thriller written by Athena Daniels. Sage has returned to her hometown of Cryton, South Australia to attend her grandmother's funeral. Nan was the most special person in her life. She had raised her since Sage was a small child after her mother died. Nan had encouraged her to leave the small town and go to work in Adelaide a few years ago. While she's enjoyed the relatively carefree existence she has in the big city, she couldn't help but wonder if Nan would still be alive if she hadn't left her on her own. Nan's friends were all at the funeral, and their conversation about something she should or shouldn't know was puzzling, to say the least. After the funeral, she attempted to keep herself busy by straightening out Nan's store and starting to pack her grandmother's belongings away, but she soon realized that something was very wrong.
Athena Daniels' romantic paranormal thriller The Seer's Daughter is fast-paced and exciting. It's also one of the spookiest paranormal stories I've read in some time and that's saying quite a lot considering I grew up reading Poe, Lovecraft and Machen. Daniels also weaves a police procedural, a government cover-up, a town with a deadly history and a sizzling hot romance into her remarkably scary story of ghosts, demons and other things that go bump in the night. I had a grand time reading The Seer's Daughter. Sage is a credible character whose intrepid nature makes her a perfect foil for the alpha male police officer, Detective Sergeant Ethan Blade, whose rugged looks and charm are just impossible for her to resist. The Seer's Daughter: Beyond Grave Series, Book One is highly recommended. I'll be watching for book two.
The Seer's Daughter: Beyond The Grave Series, Book 1 is a romantic paranormal thriller written by Athena Daniels. Sage has returned to her hometown of Cryton, South Australia to attend her grandmother's funeral. Nan was the most special person in her life. She had raised her since Sage was a small child after her mother died. Nan had encouraged her to leave the small town and go to work in Adelaide a few years ago. While she's enjoyed the relatively carefree existence she has in the big city, she couldn't help but wonder if Nan would still be alive if she hadn't left her on her own. Nan's friends were all at the funeral, and their conversation about something she should or shouldn't know was puzzling, to say the least. After the funeral, she attempted to keep herself busy by straightening out Nan's store and starting to pack her grandmother's belongings away, but she soon realized that something was very wrong.
Athena Daniels' romantic paranormal thriller The Seer's Daughter is fast-paced and exciting. It's also one of the spookiest paranormal stories I've read in some time and that's saying quite a lot considering I grew up reading Poe, Lovecraft and Machen. Daniels also weaves a police procedural, a government cover-up, a town with a deadly history and a sizzling hot romance into her remarkably scary story of ghosts, demons and other things that go bump in the night. I had a grand time reading The Seer's Daughter. Sage is a credible character whose intrepid nature makes her a perfect foil for the alpha male police officer, Detective Sergeant Ethan Blade, whose rugged looks and charm are just impossible for her to resist. The Seer's Daughter: Beyond Grave Series, Book One is highly recommended. I'll be watching for book two.
Recommend this book:
The Year Mrs. Cooper Got Out More
A Great Wharf Novel
Meredith Marple
2016 Honorable Mention
476 Pages
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Fiction - Realistic
Reviewed by Tina Gibbons for Readers' Favorite
The Year Mrs. Cooper Got Out More by Meredith Marple describes a group of people in the Great Wharf area. Several characters have had traumatic experiences that shape their behaviors in the book. Jean lost her husband, Richie's father, to an accident. Mallory has a childhood incident buried that she needs to deal with. There is a nosy, gossiping neighbor, an eligible doctor who refuses to give up bachelorhood, and a sexy redhead who runs a New Age business. The redhead wants the doctor. The doctor is in a friendship with benefits and his lover mysteriously dies. He finds himself attracted to Jean but they don't make their dating known to avoid the rumor mill. Mallory's husband grows weary of dealing with her paranoia and drinking, but he is supportive and loyal as the mysteries of her past and of the strange things presently happening are revealed.
Meredith Marple did an excellent job in this novel. I enjoyed all the characters and the Maine setting of The Year Mrs. Cooper Got Out More. Mallory and Jean's struggles were real. Empathy came naturally for them and I rooted for them to find happiness in their lives and success in their love lives. Doris was quirky and entertaining. I was impressed by the way Dwight handled his marriage troubles. Siren Angie really knew how to stir up trouble and spice up the plot. I couldn't put this book down. The mystery flowed smoothly and kept me curious. The story was addictive and I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. The author's voice was pleasing and constant and the polished prose stood out as stellar. This is one of my favorite reads this year. I strongly recommend it.
The Year Mrs. Cooper Got Out More by Meredith Marple describes a group of people in the Great Wharf area. Several characters have had traumatic experiences that shape their behaviors in the book. Jean lost her husband, Richie's father, to an accident. Mallory has a childhood incident buried that she needs to deal with. There is a nosy, gossiping neighbor, an eligible doctor who refuses to give up bachelorhood, and a sexy redhead who runs a New Age business. The redhead wants the doctor. The doctor is in a friendship with benefits and his lover mysteriously dies. He finds himself attracted to Jean but they don't make their dating known to avoid the rumor mill. Mallory's husband grows weary of dealing with her paranoia and drinking, but he is supportive and loyal as the mysteries of her past and of the strange things presently happening are revealed.
Meredith Marple did an excellent job in this novel. I enjoyed all the characters and the Maine setting of The Year Mrs. Cooper Got Out More. Mallory and Jean's struggles were real. Empathy came naturally for them and I rooted for them to find happiness in their lives and success in their love lives. Doris was quirky and entertaining. I was impressed by the way Dwight handled his marriage troubles. Siren Angie really knew how to stir up trouble and spice up the plot. I couldn't put this book down. The mystery flowed smoothly and kept me curious. The story was addictive and I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. The author's voice was pleasing and constant and the polished prose stood out as stellar. This is one of my favorite reads this year. I strongly recommend it.
Recommend this book:
Tourists of the Apocalypse
C. F. Waller
2016 Bronze Medal
466 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Tourists of the Apocalypse by C.F. Waller is a time traveling adventure. The novel is about Dylan Townsend, a man who has big plans and some of them now include traveling through time, or so it seems. The end is near and Izzy, who he has a massive crush on, turns out to be a travel guide for people who travel in time. He actually loves her, even though she already has a boyfriend. So you can imagine why he is spending time with her and believes her wild story, regardless of the fact that he could have his jaw broken by her boyfriend. The end is near anyway so why shouldn’t he spend the last day on Earth with the person he loves? But what if it is all true? What if he really does travel back in time with Izzy by his side? How would he survive? Or is he going crazy?
Nothing beats a good time travel novel and Tourists of the Apocalypse is one of the best I have read in years. It was awesome. Dylan is immediately likable. He is a guys’ guy, you cannot help but like him for his determination and his impulse to survive. Izzy is quite a character. She is among those characters that will have readers torn because they want to hear her side of the story as well. This is a great novel and I would love to read a sequel.
Tourists of the Apocalypse by C.F. Waller is a time traveling adventure. The novel is about Dylan Townsend, a man who has big plans and some of them now include traveling through time, or so it seems. The end is near and Izzy, who he has a massive crush on, turns out to be a travel guide for people who travel in time. He actually loves her, even though she already has a boyfriend. So you can imagine why he is spending time with her and believes her wild story, regardless of the fact that he could have his jaw broken by her boyfriend. The end is near anyway so why shouldn’t he spend the last day on Earth with the person he loves? But what if it is all true? What if he really does travel back in time with Izzy by his side? How would he survive? Or is he going crazy?
Nothing beats a good time travel novel and Tourists of the Apocalypse is one of the best I have read in years. It was awesome. Dylan is immediately likable. He is a guys’ guy, you cannot help but like him for his determination and his impulse to survive. Izzy is quite a character. She is among those characters that will have readers torn because they want to hear her side of the story as well. This is a great novel and I would love to read a sequel.
Recommend this book:
The Darkest Side of Saturn
Odyssey of a Reluctant Prophet of Doom
Tony Taylor
2016 Honorable Mention
492 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Tracy A. Fischer for Readers' Favorite
Wow! I just finished reading The Darkest Side of Saturn: Odyssey of a Reluctant Prophet of Doom, the newest work by author Tony Taylor, and I have to say it was completely worth the read! Follow the stories of spacecraft navigator Harris Mitchel and astronomer Diana Muse-Jones after their discovery that an asteroid appears to be on a collisions course with Earth, with likely disastrous effects, within the next twenty years. They aren't sure how to make their discovery known, and have a terrible argument regarding what to do. When Harris goes ahead and lets the disbelieving public know, and both he and Diana lose their jobs, it seems like their relationship will never be the same again. Harris becomes the unwilling soothsayer to a group of followers desperate for details regarding the coming end of days, led by a fanatical preacher. One thing remains uncertain, however, how will the world deal with the possibility of an asteroid strike? With the world be saved, or are we headed toward disaster?
I so enjoyed this book! Author Tony Taylor writes with authenticity that can only come from someone who has worked as a NASA navigator for most of his career. His knowledge and expertise come shining through in The Darkest Side of Saturn and his readers will certainly appreciate it! This book had me turning the pages from the very beginning, and I simply could not put it down until the end. The only piece of advice I have for readers, other than to be sure to read this book, would be to set aside enough time to read the entire thing. You simply won't be able to stop reading. Readers who enjoy science fiction, space, or simply a great read would love The Darkest Side of Saturn: Odyssey of a Reluctant Prophet of Doom, and I am so pleased to highly recommend it. I will certainly be keeping my eye out for more work by author Tony Taylor. If it's anything like his current offering, it will be an absolute must-read!
Wow! I just finished reading The Darkest Side of Saturn: Odyssey of a Reluctant Prophet of Doom, the newest work by author Tony Taylor, and I have to say it was completely worth the read! Follow the stories of spacecraft navigator Harris Mitchel and astronomer Diana Muse-Jones after their discovery that an asteroid appears to be on a collisions course with Earth, with likely disastrous effects, within the next twenty years. They aren't sure how to make their discovery known, and have a terrible argument regarding what to do. When Harris goes ahead and lets the disbelieving public know, and both he and Diana lose their jobs, it seems like their relationship will never be the same again. Harris becomes the unwilling soothsayer to a group of followers desperate for details regarding the coming end of days, led by a fanatical preacher. One thing remains uncertain, however, how will the world deal with the possibility of an asteroid strike? With the world be saved, or are we headed toward disaster?
I so enjoyed this book! Author Tony Taylor writes with authenticity that can only come from someone who has worked as a NASA navigator for most of his career. His knowledge and expertise come shining through in The Darkest Side of Saturn and his readers will certainly appreciate it! This book had me turning the pages from the very beginning, and I simply could not put it down until the end. The only piece of advice I have for readers, other than to be sure to read this book, would be to set aside enough time to read the entire thing. You simply won't be able to stop reading. Readers who enjoy science fiction, space, or simply a great read would love The Darkest Side of Saturn: Odyssey of a Reluctant Prophet of Doom, and I am so pleased to highly recommend it. I will certainly be keeping my eye out for more work by author Tony Taylor. If it's anything like his current offering, it will be an absolute must-read!
Recommend this book:
The Time Traveler
Volume 1
Joe Corso
2016 Finalist
243 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
The Time Traveler by Joe Corso is the story of a man named Lucky Campo. He can travel in time and experience things that no one else can. He was not always like this. He got this ability after a horrible accident which rendered him open to the fragile balance between present, past, and future. Lucky is recounting how everything happened to him and even takes a Professor Lindstrom with him to introduce to his medieval England family. In return, Lucky asks the good Professor to help him find the person who captured Lucky and why. Now, with the help of Professor Lindstrom, Lucky and his band of friends will take revenge and find the person who imprisoned and kidnapped Lucky. But can they protect Professor Lindstrom and his family? Or will they slip and let the evil mastermind behind this scheme get away?
I have to admit, I was a little skeptical about this novel. However, I could not help myself, I had to read it. I’ve heard great things about Joe Corso and the way he writes, so I thought this would be the perfect time to start a novel and see what he’s got. And you know what? I was so into this story that I did not even realize that I was almost halfway done. It was interesting and very refreshing. It was so good that I started to re-read it immediately after I finished it. Huge thumbs up for Mr. Corso for writing such a great story.
The Time Traveler by Joe Corso is the story of a man named Lucky Campo. He can travel in time and experience things that no one else can. He was not always like this. He got this ability after a horrible accident which rendered him open to the fragile balance between present, past, and future. Lucky is recounting how everything happened to him and even takes a Professor Lindstrom with him to introduce to his medieval England family. In return, Lucky asks the good Professor to help him find the person who captured Lucky and why. Now, with the help of Professor Lindstrom, Lucky and his band of friends will take revenge and find the person who imprisoned and kidnapped Lucky. But can they protect Professor Lindstrom and his family? Or will they slip and let the evil mastermind behind this scheme get away?
I have to admit, I was a little skeptical about this novel. However, I could not help myself, I had to read it. I’ve heard great things about Joe Corso and the way he writes, so I thought this would be the perfect time to start a novel and see what he’s got. And you know what? I was so into this story that I did not even realize that I was almost halfway done. It was interesting and very refreshing. It was so good that I started to re-read it immediately after I finished it. Huge thumbs up for Mr. Corso for writing such a great story.
Recommend this book:
Beyond the Horizon
Beyond Saga Book 2
Greg Spry
2016 Finalist
366 Pages
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Fiction - Science Fiction
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
“Ensign Maya Davis has had her sights set on the captaincy of a starship since she launched her first toy rocket into Earth's orbit at age four. But not long after she departs the solar system aboard humankind's first interstellar vessel, New Horizons, sabotage cripples the ship, killing a third of the crew and stranding the expedition light years from home under the siege of hostile forces. Without knowing who she can trust, Maya must risk her life to get the crew home and prevent the genocide of the very exospecies Horizons set out to contact.”
Beyond the Horizon is the second book of the sci-fi drama/adventure series Beyond Saga by Greg Spry. Having read the first installment, Beyond Cloud Nine, I looked forward to reading more about Brooke Davis and her niece Maya, whom Brooke had raised following the death of Brooke’s sister, Marie. Spry gives readers of the series another intricate and intriguing plot laced with conspiracy. The quality of the world-building is maintained and vividly described; the action scenes are as thrilling as its predecessor.
Personally, I feel the narrative is more solid compared to Book 1. Maya is not as flawed as her aunt, but no doubt she can match Brooke’s stubbornness and wit. I’m glad that both Maya and Brooke carry the story together as lead protagonists. It certainly makes the reading more exciting. Brooke is not meant to be a grounded civilian flight instructor anyway. Simply put, this is a great follow-up to Book 1. The story continues in Book 3, Beyond Yesterday.
“Ensign Maya Davis has had her sights set on the captaincy of a starship since she launched her first toy rocket into Earth's orbit at age four. But not long after she departs the solar system aboard humankind's first interstellar vessel, New Horizons, sabotage cripples the ship, killing a third of the crew and stranding the expedition light years from home under the siege of hostile forces. Without knowing who she can trust, Maya must risk her life to get the crew home and prevent the genocide of the very exospecies Horizons set out to contact.”
Beyond the Horizon is the second book of the sci-fi drama/adventure series Beyond Saga by Greg Spry. Having read the first installment, Beyond Cloud Nine, I looked forward to reading more about Brooke Davis and her niece Maya, whom Brooke had raised following the death of Brooke’s sister, Marie. Spry gives readers of the series another intricate and intriguing plot laced with conspiracy. The quality of the world-building is maintained and vividly described; the action scenes are as thrilling as its predecessor.
Personally, I feel the narrative is more solid compared to Book 1. Maya is not as flawed as her aunt, but no doubt she can match Brooke’s stubbornness and wit. I’m glad that both Maya and Brooke carry the story together as lead protagonists. It certainly makes the reading more exciting. Brooke is not meant to be a grounded civilian flight instructor anyway. Simply put, this is a great follow-up to Book 1. The story continues in Book 3, Beyond Yesterday.
Recommend this book:
All the Skies I Will Not See
A Novella (A Touch of Cinnamon Book 2)
Petra March
2016 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite
All the Skies I Will Not See by Petra March is a delicious book. Delicious? An unusual way to describe a book for sure, but it's delicious in that, like a beautifully prepared meal, all the dishes served work perfectly together. While the possibly slightly implausible plot line i.e. a young man writing this story as he draws close to death after a car accident might be unacceptable to those steeped in realism, All the Skies I Will Not See is actually quite feasible. If you look at this novella from the point of view that any person, in the last moments of life, may "write" a key part of their lives in their minds, then what happens in this book is acceptable.
And what a beautiful story it is! Through the protagonist, David Matthews, Petra March tells the sad tale of a young man who discovers he is gay in an unexpected way. After becoming close friends with Lily, who falls in love with him, he realizes that while he loves her as a friend, he doesn't respond to her sexually. But when he meets Lily's male friend, the artist, Ari, David feels drawn to him in every way. Ari captures the essence of David through his artwork, but when the two part, neither tells the other how they feel about each other.
What makes Petra March's book so delicious is her almost poetic descriptions, her ability to create an almost unearthly mood throughout the story, yet all the while depicting characters who are very real. All the Skies I Will Not See is classified as a Young Adult, but quite frankly, this is a story that will touch hearts of any age.
All the Skies I Will Not See by Petra March is a delicious book. Delicious? An unusual way to describe a book for sure, but it's delicious in that, like a beautifully prepared meal, all the dishes served work perfectly together. While the possibly slightly implausible plot line i.e. a young man writing this story as he draws close to death after a car accident might be unacceptable to those steeped in realism, All the Skies I Will Not See is actually quite feasible. If you look at this novella from the point of view that any person, in the last moments of life, may "write" a key part of their lives in their minds, then what happens in this book is acceptable.
And what a beautiful story it is! Through the protagonist, David Matthews, Petra March tells the sad tale of a young man who discovers he is gay in an unexpected way. After becoming close friends with Lily, who falls in love with him, he realizes that while he loves her as a friend, he doesn't respond to her sexually. But when he meets Lily's male friend, the artist, Ari, David feels drawn to him in every way. Ari captures the essence of David through his artwork, but when the two part, neither tells the other how they feel about each other.
What makes Petra March's book so delicious is her almost poetic descriptions, her ability to create an almost unearthly mood throughout the story, yet all the while depicting characters who are very real. All the Skies I Will Not See is classified as a Young Adult, but quite frankly, this is a story that will touch hearts of any age.
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