Now this could definitely be a movie! Dark Autumn is fantastic action-packed futuristic thriller that had me riveted for days. The energy was kept very high throughout the book. Occasionally Clint Dunshee’s characters performed seemingly super-human tasks, similar to James Bond or Dirk Pitt. However, the reader is also shown their flaws and the strength of intimate friendships – bonds that are so deep they are willing to risk their lives for them. The abilities of these characters are made more believable because of the incredibly difficult training scenarios the author leads the reader through.
The theme is set in the future when space travel and space science is a part of life. Earth is contacted from another planet when one of the science probes is picked up by alien humans. As it turns out Earth is only one of hundreds of planets with intelligent life, only some were human. Many planets in the universe helped bring Earth’s technology up to par in exchange for the planet’s rich agriculture and minerals. Most planets worked on a good trade relation in relative peace, but the trouble-making Marvonians were on the edge of acceptance. This planet took it upon themselves to steal from Earth and attack their ships within a few light years of Marvon.
The main characters of the book, Alan, Bill, Carrie, Julie and Angela are all highly intelligent youth that are singled out for highly trained positions. Despite their youth and inexperience, they were considered Earth’s only chance to avoid a war with a technologically superior race. Bounty hunters and sabotage plays a part in a deadly scavenger hunt while plans are laid to rescue the hostages held by Marvonians. Earth has a chance to destroy their image of being a young planet and elevate into more sophisticated, honorable one that the other planets can respect and hold trade with more readily.
In order to do this, Earth must play the game carefully and honorably - at the same time the team must eliminate the dangerous problems with Marvon and free the Earthling prisoners before it is too late.
I believe this book deserves the highest ratings and I would recommend it to anyone, anytime, anywhere.
Jumat, 27 Januari 2012
Daddy I Forgive You
This true account of domestic sexual abuse does not horrify the reader with graphic details of incest – rather it shares the repercussions of it. C.J.Wilke's personal reactions, her recovery and interactions with family members are well documented here.
In the beginning, the survivor is counseled into finding something healthy to hold on to their sanity. For some, like the author, this crutch becomes religion; many find a passion for task, craft or artistic endeavor – for others, their hate and anger are the only things that keep them alive.
Her experiences show us that it is most important for the survivor to gain the right kind of friends. To a survivor with a desire to resist succumbing to the incredible haunting emotional and physical distresses, a good friend can help them make the first steps to recovery. A friend that shows the survivor as a valuable person worthy of friendship can be a huge healing step. Rather than friends that bring further harm and insult which only increase the victims suffering. The difficulty is having the skills to recognize the friend who really cares, as opposed to the one who ‘cares’ to the extent as what you do (or might do) for them. Recognition is only one part of it, however. One must also have the skills to deal with the situation and take on the terrifying aspect of change.
For C.J., getting married and changing her name was part of her healing process. She married a good, loving man who was also her best friend. By shedding the family name and taking her husbands’, she felt like she was refreshed, no longer the victim. Her difficult task was only beginning as she tried to learn to forgive herself. Once she had done this, she could deal with her family, as long as her strong husband was by her side.
If I was to say one thing about this book it would be that it is a very moving tale, because of its authenticity.
In the beginning, the survivor is counseled into finding something healthy to hold on to their sanity. For some, like the author, this crutch becomes religion; many find a passion for task, craft or artistic endeavor – for others, their hate and anger are the only things that keep them alive.
Her experiences show us that it is most important for the survivor to gain the right kind of friends. To a survivor with a desire to resist succumbing to the incredible haunting emotional and physical distresses, a good friend can help them make the first steps to recovery. A friend that shows the survivor as a valuable person worthy of friendship can be a huge healing step. Rather than friends that bring further harm and insult which only increase the victims suffering. The difficulty is having the skills to recognize the friend who really cares, as opposed to the one who ‘cares’ to the extent as what you do (or might do) for them. Recognition is only one part of it, however. One must also have the skills to deal with the situation and take on the terrifying aspect of change.
For C.J., getting married and changing her name was part of her healing process. She married a good, loving man who was also her best friend. By shedding the family name and taking her husbands’, she felt like she was refreshed, no longer the victim. Her difficult task was only beginning as she tried to learn to forgive herself. Once she had done this, she could deal with her family, as long as her strong husband was by her side.
If I was to say one thing about this book it would be that it is a very moving tale, because of its authenticity.
Crest of Eagles
Jocelyn has an excellent knowledge and understanding of the writing craft. The author interweaves multiple, strong, leading characters and two completely different time frames masterfully. Crest of Eagles reminds me of some of the great works of Wilbur Smith. This book certainly ranks with some of the best that I have reviewed to date and I would not hesitate to give Crest of Eagles the highest rating available.
Mandhla is taken prisoner by terrorists during an attack of a mission run by white people with generous hearts for children who had no one to turn to. Everyone was mercilessly killed except those who could not be turned into soldiers or whores.
Peter Kennedy, leader of the top military team, set out to save the children, but in fouling the job, Peter earned the revenge of one very mixed-up boy. Kuru joins Peter in the war against the terrorists with the hope of saving his brother – never dreaming that when he did meet Mandhla again, it would be as enemies.
Ancient tribal religion works its way into present day. The lives of Tcana, a high priestess, and Rebecca, a bombshell journalist, are connected in some kind of cosmic manor - though they live centuries apart.
Romance, adventure, suspense, ancient tribal history and modern day action – this book has it all! Crest of Eagles is destined to be one of the most dog-eared fiction books in my collection.
Mandhla is taken prisoner by terrorists during an attack of a mission run by white people with generous hearts for children who had no one to turn to. Everyone was mercilessly killed except those who could not be turned into soldiers or whores.
Peter Kennedy, leader of the top military team, set out to save the children, but in fouling the job, Peter earned the revenge of one very mixed-up boy. Kuru joins Peter in the war against the terrorists with the hope of saving his brother – never dreaming that when he did meet Mandhla again, it would be as enemies.
Ancient tribal religion works its way into present day. The lives of Tcana, a high priestess, and Rebecca, a bombshell journalist, are connected in some kind of cosmic manor - though they live centuries apart.
Romance, adventure, suspense, ancient tribal history and modern day action – this book has it all! Crest of Eagles is destined to be one of the most dog-eared fiction books in my collection.
Cremator's Revenge
Author, Margaret LeNois demonstrates excellent story-telling capabilities in her 272-page fiction novel, Cremator’s Revenge.
The title was perfect choice for the book. Here we have a very disturbed serial killer working as a cremator at the very graveyard where his beloved grandmother lay. Obsessed with her death, a twisted kind of religion, a benevolent hate for destitute people and being a loner, took a toll on him. It seemed, for a while at least, that refuge could be found in tending his beautiful gardens out in the Florida sunshine.
The author is brutally realistic and shows a true understanding of people in less privileged situations and the life circumstances that brought them there. We are shown how street people, or "streeters", survive the elements, avoid dangers and locate food. The huge benefits that the meals, clothes, showers and comfort that volunteers provide is a gift that cannot be measured for those who have no access to these things. The "streeters" creation of tight and protective substitute families, aid against the prejudice within society. And those that aim for greener pastures face huge challenges.
The heart-thumping pace is kept steady with the author’s skilled use of fear, righteous wrath and revenge - emotions that today’s society can relate to and on some level, even cheer. A tense romance triangle between a feisty reporter, a frustrated cop and a destitute military veteran really spices things up. There were sections of such chilling horror that I shivered, but couldn’t break away from reading just one more page.
I absolutely loved reading this psychological thriller and highly recommend it to readers who like a book that is hard to set down.
The title was perfect choice for the book. Here we have a very disturbed serial killer working as a cremator at the very graveyard where his beloved grandmother lay. Obsessed with her death, a twisted kind of religion, a benevolent hate for destitute people and being a loner, took a toll on him. It seemed, for a while at least, that refuge could be found in tending his beautiful gardens out in the Florida sunshine.
The author is brutally realistic and shows a true understanding of people in less privileged situations and the life circumstances that brought them there. We are shown how street people, or "streeters", survive the elements, avoid dangers and locate food. The huge benefits that the meals, clothes, showers and comfort that volunteers provide is a gift that cannot be measured for those who have no access to these things. The "streeters" creation of tight and protective substitute families, aid against the prejudice within society. And those that aim for greener pastures face huge challenges.
The heart-thumping pace is kept steady with the author’s skilled use of fear, righteous wrath and revenge - emotions that today’s society can relate to and on some level, even cheer. A tense romance triangle between a feisty reporter, a frustrated cop and a destitute military veteran really spices things up. There were sections of such chilling horror that I shivered, but couldn’t break away from reading just one more page.
I absolutely loved reading this psychological thriller and highly recommend it to readers who like a book that is hard to set down.
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