Those Secrets We Keep by Emily Liebert

Release Date: June 2, 2015
Publisher: Penguin Group/NAL
Author Website: http://emilyliebert.com/

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Sloane possessed the perfect life. She lived in a great neighborhood, married to a successful husband and had a beautiful daughter. However, she felt something missing after the passing of her sister that nothing seemed to fill. Needing time away to think, she and Hillary, her best friend, took the offer to stay a few weeks at Lake George where Sloane's aunt kept a house.

When Sloane's oldest and closest friend from college invited herself along for the vacation, old wounds and new hurts came out. These left the women broken from the weight of their own secrets and seeking healing comfort from whatever source they could find. Would these three women be able to pick up the pieces of their lives? Would others pay the price for their decisions?


Review:
I tend to search through NetGalley's offerings whenever I can't sleep at night.  That was how I found the latest offering by the author. Something about the premise of women not happy with having the security that most crave tugged at my mind. When I read the first chapter, I related with Sloane's quest to fill the gaping hole that recent events created in her life. Not because I have a beautiful daughter or a great husband ready to do anything I asked, but because the sting of losing someone closest to me turned my own life upside down.

Most of the book centered around Sloane and her two best friends, Hillary and Georgina. Each women carried the weight of a secret on their shoulders as they joined together for two weeks at a beautiful vacation home in St. George. Interestingly enough, both Hillary and Georgina embodied the attributes that Sloane desired most. Hillary was calm, rational and provided guidance whenever the events of the book spiraled out of Sloane's control. On the other hand, Georgina was carefree, wild and ambitious - everything that Sloane thought was missing in her life. As the story went on, the women found that their similarities tied them together much more than their differences. The author didn't let the women hog the spotlight. The men in their lives also spent part of the time coming to terms with their own issues and inadequacies while the women were at the vacation home. This introspection on the men's part helped give the book a balanced feel.

There was a smooth buildup in the book's pacing, easing me into the middle of Sloane's life. By setting the book in modern times, the author created a seamless transition from the reader's reality to the that of the Sloane and her friends. Using the natural settings of the shoreline, rocky alcoves, and lush green areas also brought the story to life and added a sense of calm though much of the women's lives fell apart. As the secrets bubbled to the surface, they became characters themselves and drove the story forward until the women were forced to deal with the secrets or run. What the women couldn't outrun were the consequences of their secrets and their choices. Whether they came clean or chose to harbor the secrets longer, the payment for that choice was clearly laid out for them.

Overall, I liked this story because it was easy to put myself into Sloane's, Hillary's or even Georgina's shoes and carry their respective secrets. While I can't imagine making the same choices, I could understand why the women did with the way the author structured the timing of the book. The contrast between the perceived reality of Sloane's perfect world and the true reality of her crumbling world view drove home the point that a person can never really know another person simply by looking in from the outside. People are truly complex creatures that always find a way to surprise a reader by doing the opposite of rational thinking when emotions and beliefs are put into play as well. This book should definitely be on your TBR if you're looking for an examination of friendship, love and relationship or simply love a great story about longing in all its forms.

Those Secrets We Keep by Emily Liebert is currently available in either paperback or digital (Kindle) forms at several online retailers. The following link provides the book's Amazon page for purchase.
Those Secrets We Keep by Emily Liebert

Dark Hope (The Archangel Prophecies #1) by Monica McGurk

Release Date: July 29, 2014
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group
Series: The Archangel Prophecies, Book 1
Author Website: http://monicamcgurk.com

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
After living with her overprotective, religious father since her parents' separation, Hope thought living with her mother might just be the thing she needed. She was more prepared than the average teen to live with the long absences her mother's job demanded. That was until she was blindsided by Michael, a good-looking, well-talking guy who gave her more attention than she knew how to handle. He became a shield against the guys tormenting her on the bus and throughout her school day.

Once assigned to pair up with another student for a paper, Hope's life turned upside down as secrets about her past surfaced to impact her present. She and Michael set out on a journey to discover the answers before time ran out. Putting their lives on the line to fight prophecy and mankind's own type of evil, they traveled across country on the promise of answer. Can she keep herself safe as she followed her heart? Will they be able to save the world without killing themselves?

Review:
One of my favorite things about NetGalley has always been the emails they send to entice you to read something outside your usual genres. This book, as well as the sequel, were available for reading. These books intrigued me by their delving into the fallen angel theories. I anticipated the teenage hormones and angst that came with the setting of a high school, but was a little surprised to find Hope more mature in some ways and really naive in others due to her upbringing.

The very beginning of the book laid the groundwork for her past - a victim of a child abduction found safe inside a hotel room as the abductor was found dead within the bathroom. The only reminder was a tattoo on her back, near her neck. From that moment her parents took two different paths. Her father went overboard to keep her safe from further harm, going so far as to quit his job and research any and all friends. Hope's mother wanted her to have a normal childhood, unmarred by the abduction. When they couldn't find common ground, they separated. Hope lived a fairly isolated life with her father due to the long work engagements that her mother's job demanded. There weren't very many people in her life, so these characters became distinct, reacting in different ways to the events of the story. Other characters appeared toward the end of the story, impacting the book in slightly-anticipated manner. Still, I found most of the characters held their own as the action moved toward that ending. Hope and Michael's characters began to blend somewhat near the end, but I do think that was in response to some of the events and my remembering that she was a teenager unaccustomed to life as an average teen.

I found the book contained something for everyone - romance, action, hormones, prophecy and angst to spare. However, that wasn't all there was to the book. The author used both Hope's abduction and one of her classes to open the discussion about human trafficking and how widespread the issue grew to include men, women and children here in the United States. While the voices on behalf of these victims grew louder over the past decade, there remained more work to be done in order to help those trapped in some very serious situations. I could tell how passionate the author was about the subject by the way Hope devoured whatever information she found and stood resolute in helping one victim regain her freedom. A portion of the proceeds from the author's book sales goes to helping end human trafficking and the victims left behind.

While I enjoyed a good portion of the book, I did find one aspect of the story more disturbing than entertaining. There were many layers within this story as the author combined theology, prophecy and real life issues to create a world where one teen girl might make a difference. Her rich descriptions of places and people helped Hope's world to come alive and to deliver the emotional roller coaster expected in today's YA books. Despite many good things, I found the relationship between Hope and Michael to be on an abusive collision course. To be honest, I felt disheartened when I reached that point in the book, because I'd enjoyed the story until then. Reading the rest of the book, I understood why some actions were taken, given their situations, but overall, it left me feeling really mixed about the book. I was glad that one character picked up on the same feeling. I'm interested to see how the sequel deals with all the groundwork that's been laid. If you enjoy your YA with a hint of darkness, prophecy and what-the-heck action sequences, then I would recommend this book for your TBR list.

Dark Hope (The Archangel Prophecies #1) by Monica McGurk is currently available at several online retailers including Barnes & Noble, Kobo and Amazon. It can be found in paperback or digital (Kindle) formats. The link provided below is for the book's Amazon page.
Dark Hope (The Archangel Prophecies #1) by Monica McGurk

Trollhunters (Trollhunters #1) by Guillermo del Toro, Daniel Kraus

Release Date: June 30, 2015
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Series: Trollhunters series, Book 1
Author Website:  http://danielkraus.com/, http://deltorofilms.com/

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
The innocence of childhood was ripped away from the town of San Bernardino, California as more children disappeared during the lazy, summer days of the 1960s. Jack and Jim Sturges spent Jack's birthday playing their favorite games up to the moment that Jack vanished and Jim's world shifted forever. That moment defined life for the Sturges family.

Now decades later, Jim Sturges Jr dealt with the paranoia and aftermath of his uncle's disappearance with the nonchalance his teenage years allowed. When a series of weird events raised questions about the history of his family, Jim Jr found a group of people who had some answers. But these weren't the ones he thought he'd get. Can Jim Jr set things right within the time given?  Or will everything be changed forever?


Review:
NetGalley sent me an email alert to let me know that this book was available for reading and reviewing. I was excited for a couple reasons. First, I love being part of the start of a new series for many genres. The excitement about a new world and the uncertainty of how the story played out were always at the top of my list with books in a new series. Second, I didn't know that Guillermo del Toro and co-authors wrote different series of books. I know that I'm behind in that knowledge, but I made up for it slightly by diving into the realm of San Bernardino and the Sturges family.

From the very beginning of the book, the authors made it clear there were at least two types of beings sharing one world. Of course, they weren't sharing very well since one species constantly snatched and ate the other! The human world was largely ignorant of the Trolls. This ignorance lasted until an abundance of child abductions forced the town to become hyper-vigilant. Yet, even with all the curfews and layers of security, Jack Sturges disappeared while playing with his younger brother, Jim. Thus began Jim Sturges' lifelong ambition to seek out the other world in the shadows, find the monsters who tore his family apart, and destroy them. His son, Jim Jr., wasn't keen on carrying on his father's work until the day he saw the trolls himself for the first time.

Because the book fell into the children/YA categories, I kept in mind that many of the over-the-top descriptions and outrageous characters would capture the younger reader's attention.  They would be able to identify with Jim Jr. and the other teen characters due to the authors' use of modern technology and situations that kids find themselves - dealing with bullies, school, and worrying over parents or girl/boyfriends. Now, a couple of characters were exaggerated a little too much for me to like them, but I felt they'd be a good draw for the young readers. The trolls weren't the cute, little ones we've all seen in cartoons or the old dolls from the 1990s. These were mean, nasty and gross creatures who wanted nothing more than to chomp a good kid or two for dinner!

I thought the book's pace was steady and revealed a decent amount of information as action propelled the story forward. Not a lot of scenes were filled with gross descriptions, but I loved how the authors really created the world of the trolls by exploring what their homes might have looked like and how the trolls family dynamics would be. Overall, the story entertained me, pulling me from the real world and into one where the imagination can run rampant. If you love reading books that push your creativity or enjoy something otherworldly with a hint of ickiness, then you really should try this book! Kids should too!

Trollhunters (Trollhunters #1) by Guillermo del Toro and Daniel Kraus is currently available for purchase at several online retailers and bookstores. The book can be bought in hardcover, paperback, audio-book and digital (Kindle) formats. Below is a link to the book's page at Amazon.
Trollhunters (Trollhunters #1) by Guillermo del Toro, Daniel Kraus

The Sacred Flame: A Novel by Nanette Littlestone

Release Date: October 22, 2015
Publisher: Words of Passion
Author Website:  http://www.wordsofpassion.com

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
In Ancient Rome, the Vestal Virgins were seen as the harbingers of safety for all of the city. They maintained the Sacred Fire which could be seen by any Roman should he or she look its way, attended several important rituals during the year, and above all, provided Rome with the feeling that all was well. Livia, a Vestal Virgin, worked closely with the High Priestess for nearly thirty years, but was soon thrust into the leadership role as the High Priestess collapsed.

Even as she doubted her ability to lead the Vestals, Livia must confront her own growing desire to leave the world she'd known behind for one with her dearest friend, Keaseo. All seemed according to plan until the flame of desire for another took her attention away from her plans. Now Livia's entire world was thrust into turmoil as she fought to maintain control. Can she give up what she wants the most in order to keep Rome safe from Hannibal's clutches? Or will Rome fall with her?


Review:
I was presented the opportunity to read and give an honest review by the author through email. I really liked the cover when I opened the package. The thumbnail used in promotions didn't do the actually cover justice. It was another reason I was intrigued enough to read a story that wasn't my usual genre. Add to that my fascination with history and ancient cultures, I couldn't wait to start reading it. The author opened the book with a casual party setting where I found the characters were at ease with their places in the world. By end of the first chapter, that world was turned upside down in more ways than one.

Livia became the focus, not only of the book, but within the scope of Rome as the High Priestess of the Vestal Virgins. These women played an important role in making the citizens of the city and empire feel safe as they tended to an everlasting fire. It was up to them to also take part in various festivities and rituals during the year to ensure order within the city was maintained. The many castes of people were also explored in the book as well. From wealthy politicians to the lower classes which only carried one name, the author created a character from all walks of life that showed how divided that world was at the time and  how people from so long ago weren't so different from us today.  They squabbled over petty things, got jealous, and tried so hard to obtain the one thing they desired most. It was easy to put myself into those places throughout the story, especially through Livia.

While much of the book centered around Livia and her struggles, the author also included a bit of Roman history as well as their names for items or places. I loved learning the Roman names for things like the carriages or the different Roman baths that were available. The author slipped these in without making the reader aware that they learned something new. With a great pace set in the beginning of the novel, the characters became embroiled in the consequences of their actions or decisions quickly. Those consequences weren't always nice to endure, but I felt that some were necessary in order for the story to be told in a way that would have been true at the time. Humanity in all its forms, both good and bad, were put on display within the pages.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. To be honest, I didn't expect the ending at all. While I do think the ending served a greater purpose, I was definitely surprised at how everything played out. The story had so many layers, bits of action, and moments of romance that it was difficult to put it down. The ending did leave me with questions about the secondary characters, so I'm secretly hoping to hear that more will be coming down the line. If you enjoy historical romances or love exploring other cultures brought to life by a writer's hand, then definitely pick up a copy of this book!

The Sacred Flame: A Novel by Nanette Littlestone will be available for purchase on October 22, 2015. You can find more information about the novel by visiting the author's website ( http://www.wordsofpassion.com/the-sacred-flame.html ) where you can read an excerpt of the novel.

The Far End of Happy by Kathryn Craft

Release Date: May 5, 2015
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Author Website:  http://www.kathryncraft.com

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
With two young boys weighing on her mind, Ronnie Farnham fought to keep her marriage together despite how bad things continued to get. She reached her breaking point when his downward spiral began impacting the children, and forced her husband, Jeff, to pick a day to move out of the family home. Her anxiety grew as the day arrived. What she didn't expect was for Jeff to barricade himself inside their barn with a shotgun.

For 12 nerve-wracking hours the community of their small town waited for a resolution. The police secreted Ronnie, her two boys and her mother away as they surrounded the barn in order to talk Jeff from the barn without harming himself. As they waited, Jeff's mother arrived and joined the women in their vigil. Can the women come together as secrets unveil themselves? Will the police be able to bring Jeff out safely?


Review:
After reading the author's previous book, I was excited to receive an invitation to read this book through NetGalley. Events in the characters' lives took place within a twelve hour period of time, beginning with Ronnie waking and getting the kids ready for school until the final chapter. As each hour passed, the story became more complex and the characters delved deeper into their own fears and relationships. I found it very interesting when the pressure began to weigh heavily on each woman the longer the standoff continued. No matter the various differences, they were all mothers who had children that she wanted to protect from bad things the world would bring to their doorsteps.

Ronnie was the typical middle-aged woman who wanted nothing more than to be successful, married and to complete the picture with a few kids. She rediscovered a connection to Jeff when she went out on the town with her mother. Seeing an older man fall for a younger woman wasn't out of the ordinary, but the subtle ways Jeff would shift Ronnie into their own little world made the story more than an ordinary tale. The author made sure each of the characters were well-rounded and had their own set of flaws. These made them all easy to relate to - including Jeff. Not only did the author present how the characters viewed themselves, but as the story went along, each character was given a chance to know how others saw them as well.

The book opened with a typical setting and ordinary things to do. All that made the beginning chapter a little slow for me. However, the pace picked up by the next few chapters and kept steadily revealing things that hadn't been said for years. Hour by hour fears, feelings, and accusations created walls of anxiety and hurt between Ronnie, her mother and Jeff's mother. Even as their concern for Jeff and the two little ones swirled around them, they had to find a way through all the muck in order to come together. Now, what I didn't expect was the author shining such a light on Jeff's depression, how it drove him to do and say things that he might not have otherwise, and how easily he sunk to a point where there seemed to be only one way out of his particular situation.

Overall, the book quickly became one that I couldn't put down. The author didn't create a world for me to settle in while I read what the characters said or did. She used the world around us and slipped these characters inside everyday situations instead. After I finished reading the book, I discovered that portions of this book were inspired by the author's own real life experience with a standoff involving her husband at the time. It was no wonder that she could bring so many emotions and accusations to life. I have to admit that my own emotions got away from me a time or two (okay, many times). This book is on my to-buy list. If you're looking for an interesting examination of family dynamics or a peek into the darkness of depression, this book is one you need to consider.

The Far End of Happy by Kathryn Craft is currently available at several online retailers and local bookstores. It can be purchased in a variety of formats including paperback, audio-book and digital (Kindle) from the book's Amazon link below.
The Far End of Happy by Kathryn Craft

Someone I Used to Know by David J. Bell

Release Date: July 7, 2015
Publisher: NAL/Penguin
Author Website: http://www.davidbellnovels.com

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Nick Hansen's live was never the same after the loss of his college sweetheart in a terrible accident on campus. His only marriage fell apart, his connection to his step-son was lost and the only companion who withstood him was his dog. All this filled his time until the day he saw a young woman in the grocery store who was a carbon copy of his lost love. When he moved to talk to her, she bolted from the store and left him with a thousand different questions.

When the police arrived on his doorstep the following morning, Nick realized he was now in the middle of something far bigger than he ever imagined. As he followed his own leads, more pieces to the puzzle showed Nick that he may not have known the people he loved as well as he first thought. New questions about events in the past sent him into situations that threatened his mind and body. Can he discover who the mysterious woman in the grocery was before it's too late? Will he be able to free his name and reputation from the suspicions?


Review:
A good friend of mine introduced me to the author's work a year or so before NetGalley offered this title for reading and reviewing. Once I read the notice that this book was open for reviews, I immediately requested a copy. I honestly didn't know what to expect as the story unfolded with the main character, Nick Hansen, walking through his local grocery store after work. A regular, average person living a fairly boring life, Nick knew his day would end with a few brews and some quality time with his dog. That plan flew out the window when he noticed a young woman who was the spitting image of his college sweetheart. Now, that wouldn't be such a shock to the system except for the fact that his old college love had been dead for two decades.

Right away Nick's past came alive, impacting the present day in such a way that everything he experienced became a character itself. The ghost of his college love made her presence known in nearly every interaction that Nick had with someone else. Whether by name or recollection, she became central to the story in almost a "Six Degrees of Bacon" kind of way. Nick's attachment and reluctance to move on played major roles in his relationships. Most of the characters reacted as I expected they would, but a few of them felt a little flat. I'm not sure if I expected too much of them or if they were written that way on purpose. Possibly a bit of both.

Alongside the baggage Nick brought to the table, this book explored the depths of young love, its impact on the lives it touched, and how the effects last well past the expiration of the relationship. The way Nick's mind locked certain memories into place colored how he viewed the world and people around him. His outlook shifted into a black or white type of thinking. There was right and wrong, no matter what the circumstances that surrounded the choices. With such a narrowed world view, the new revelations shook his world and his confidence. Dark secrets revealed themselves and showcased how the consequences of a single action cascades over everyone tied to those involved. Those consequences came full circle as the book directed the reader through its maze of right or wrong choices.

Overall, I thought the book was really engaging from the first chapter. Once I started reading, I wanted to know more with the end of each chapter. Fewer principal characters made this story tight and kept it on course. For a majority of the book, I had an uneasy feeling that something major was hiding from view. It's similar to watching scary movies late at night with no lights on while you're alone. You just know someone's lingering in the shadows, but you can't quite make them out. There was a point when I began to suspect that I knew what was going to happen. Some of the theories I had in mind presented themselves, but I couldn't predict everything in the end. If you like a book full of twists and turns or want something to keep you guessing until that last paragraph, take a chance on this book!

Someone I Used to Know by David J. Bell is currently available in various forms at many online retailers and local bookstores. Copies can be purchased in paperback, audio-book and digital (Kindle) formats. The following link provided below brings up the book's page at Amazon.
Someone I Used to Know by David J. Bell

Hell (The Afterlife Series #2) by Mur Lafferty

Release Date: June 2, 2011 (first published 2007)
Publisher: Restless Brain Media
Series: The Afterlife Series, Book 2
Author Website:  http://www.murverse.com

Rating: 4 out of 5stars.

Synopsis:
Kate and Daniel came together once again as their duties in Heaven ended. Their mission to recover the remaining stolen souls directed them to wander through the various versions of Hell and deal with the rulers therein. One by one, the souls were sent to their rightful homes by both Kate and Daniel, but the duo found themselves dealing with long hidden secrets and feelings.

With each touched by the Divine in different ways, Kate and Daniel worked their magic upon the Underworld until they reached the end of the line. One last soul needed to be collected. It would decide the fate of the Cosmos, the Afterlife and their friendship. Can all the differences be reconciled before it's too late? Will Kate and Daniel be separated forever?

Review:
As with the other books in the Afterlife series, I first took note of them when they were released in audio-book form by the author on Podiobooks, a podcast reading of her written material. Once I saw them in Kindle format, I snagged each one of them. Reading through the books brought back all the feelings and excitement of listening to them for the first time. To be honest I found this book as good the second and third times as I found it the very first time.

While the second book followed the further adventures of Kate and Daniel, many other characters were introduced into the mix as well. The reader was given a front row seat to the many different versions of hell that exist within the various religions around the world and from past civilizations. As with their adventures in Heaven, the duo challenged the rulers of the different areas of the Underworld and began a significant change in the structure of the particular Hell they visited. In some instances they made such a difference that the Hell no longer existed after their intervention. Along the way Kate and Daniel had to deal with their feelings for each other that they revealed at the end of the first book.

They weren't the only players to wreak havoc in the Underworld though. Familiar faces reappeared in this book to reveal their own agendas that included Kate and Daniel from the very beginning. At one point Daniel faced one of his most guarded secrets. (No spoilers!) Not only did the stolen souls play a part in shaping the story, but Daniel's anger as well as Kate's sadness became characters in the latter part of the story. Toward the end of the book, everything they went through shaped them into the perfect vessels to complete the next stage of their journey through the Afterlife.

From the start there was action, drama and bits of comedy that maintained a steady pace throughout the rest of the book. I was surprised at how well the story continued from the first book. It was very evident that a lot of research went into the different layers and versions of Hell that the duo walked through. By the time I connected all the dots near the end, I was already invested into these characters. I wanted to see them succeed, felt sad when their darkest secrets came out to test them, and celebrated when Kate and Daniel were able to reach common ground. Overall, I enjoyed this story the third time reading it as much as I did the first time I heard it in audio-book version. If you're looking for a different take on the "downside" of the Afterlife or want to know what happens to Kate and Daniel, then you definitely have to pick up this book!

Hell (The Afterlife Series #2) by Mur Lafferty is currently available at several online retailers in digital formats including Kindle. You can purchase the book from Amazon at the link provided below.
Hell (The Afterlife Series #2) by Mur Lafferty

Jesse by Glen Alan Burke

Release Date: May 1, 2014
Publisher: Koehler Books
Author Website:  http://www.glenalanburke.com/

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
In 1960's rural Alabama, change came slowly to the town of Jess Rulam. When Jesse Savorie entered the elementary school, he stood out like a sore thumb. He was quiet, smart, big and beyond poor, but he stood out the most because he was a black boy in a white school. As the country marched toward equal rights and the children accepted the changes more readily than the adults, the clear divide between the people persisted.

Throughout his education Jesse taught life lessons to any and all who crossed his path. By using his uncanny knack for knowing what the person needed, he was able work miracles in even the hardest of hearts. Darkness and meanness lingered, festering among the townsfolk until it reached a boiling point where Jesse was concerned. Can he weather the harshest storm to work the biggest miracle possible? Will everything he worked for fall apart?

Review:
I also found this book when I searched through the offerings at NetGalley. Though historical fiction was not one of my go-to genres, I was pleasantly surprised by what I read in this book. To be honest and fair, the book started slow. It took a few chapters to settle into the world of Matt, the character who told a large portion of the story, and the town of Jess Rulam. Once I reached the third or fourth chapter, the story gained its bearing and continued a steady pace until the final chapter. To say that I wasn't expecting anything akin to the ending would be an understatement.

As mentioned above, the author used first person point-of-view for a large portion of the novel to tell the story through the eyes of Matt, a young, white boy who attended the local school system alongside Jesse, the odd boy who changed people and things wherever he went. There were also a number of chapters which featured third person point-of-view in order to give more history on the events, the town or particular characters. Though the switching between the two distracted me from the story a time or two, I wasn't put off by going back and forth. More than halfway through the novel, it didn't distract me at all.

The characters began showing their depth around the same time that the pace increased. Because this novel was set in Alabama during the 1960's and 1970's, the racial divide was much larger than today. Yes, discrimination and violence against both sides were present in the novel, but used to move the story along and provide context about the town, the people's deep-rooted beliefs and how change scared everyone. True to form the children adapted to change much faster and handled the impacts better than the adults of the town. More profound events were necessary to get them to understand how divisive the hatred or disdain was to the town at large. By the end of the novel, each of the characters had experienced a change that left them much more complex than the beginning of the book.

Overall, I was surprised when I recognized the fact that the book was a retelling of a much older story. Once that realization sunk in, I had to know the ending of the book and whether it came close to the original or not. Different emotions came to the surface at different times. Anger when I read how some of the characters were treated. Sadness when I realized that most of the treatment was based on real experiences. Joy when I saw that people began realizing they needed to change. For me, this novel hit the right buttons for an thought-provoking, enjoyable read. For those who enjoy well-written, updated versions of well-known stories or a book which makes you think, then I whole-heartedly recommend this book.

Jesse by Glen Alan Burke is available at many online retailers in either paperback or Kindle (digital) formats. The link provided below will take you to the book's page at Amazon.
Jesse by Glen Alan Burke

Go Down Hard by Craig Faustus Buck

Release Date: May 5, 2015
Publisher: Brash Books
Author Website: http://CraigFaustusBuck.com

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Nob Brown left his police job for the insecurity of freelance writing, found himself on the wrong end of a bad divorce, and came to the realization that his best friend/sometimes lover, Gloria Lopes, had her own definition of monogamy. In order to cheer him up, she lets him borrow the police file covering the homicide of Lana Strain, the smokey-voiced lead singer of Nob's teenage dreams. He accepted the file and began following leads in order to wring a story or two out of the anniversary and pay off his ex-wife.

What began as routine examination of the facts led deeper than anyone, including Nob, expected. Shady underworld characters, reformed rockers and more did their best to lead Nob astray from the truth. As he pushed to follow the trail, Nob found the truth was more disturbing than anything he could imagine. Could he figure out who really killed Lana? Will it cost him everything in the process?

Review:
Once again, late night cruising of NetGalley's genre tabs lead me to find this book among the Mystery & Thriller section. Not a book with a 'G' rating, this book included several adult situations, adult language and plenty of violence. Somehow everything clicked, creating an action-packed thrill ride on the darker side of Los Angeles and surrounding areas. I think part of the reason the story worked so well was based on the fact that the book was told by Nob in a first person point-of-view. This gave a front row seat to all of his thoughts, emotions and inner conflicts as the story unfolded.

So many eccentric characters filled out the cast and each had a corner market on a particular kind of crazy. Nob Brown first appeared as the typical down-on-his-luck guy who spent his days fighting to make ends meet by writing tabloid articles and running from the clutches of his best friend, a hard-as-nails detective with an overactive libido. Throw in several characters who partied like the rock stars they were decades earlier, and you've got a heady mix of ego, paranoia and self-loathing that made it difficult to uncover the truth about the victim, Lana Strain. Even her family members featured a certain level of anxiety. Both of her daughters were polar opposites. One was obsessed with maintaining her mother's image in a very distinct and different way. The other daughter chose to ignore the past and focused on the present. While Lana portrayed herself as a rock-n-roll goddess with a gritty voice and body to match, her father displayed an Ivy league lifestyle, complete with golf games and civil service to boost his credibility in the society pages.

The opening chapter left no doubt that this book was an in-your-face type of novel. Those first pages laid the foundation of Nob's inner circle and launched the struggling writer's investigation. Even with so many different characters to juggle, the structure of the book allowed the author to reveal the various twists and secrets at a steady pace and without losing my attention. Because the story was set in California, the author used the various landmarks in and around Los Angeles and its weather to both enhance the story and create situations that often showed Nob in a world of trouble.

Overall, this story was a wild ride from beginning to end. From ballsy characters to action-packed scenes, there seemed to be something for everyone in the novel. I found it entertaining because of the outlandish nature of the characters and the heartbreaking idea that someone could hurt their family so much that death was the only option. The murder of Lana Strain wasn't the only crime on tap to solve. As Nob delved further into his investigation, several more crimes floated to the top of the pile. Each had their time in the spotlight, but the focus remained on Lana. While there were the usual twists scattered throughout the novel, I felt happy when I didn't guess everything that was going to happen. If you like brash, in-your-face characters or multi-level mysteries, then I definitely recommend this book for your reading list.

Go Down Hard by Craig Faustus Buck is currently available at various online retailers in either paperback or digital (Kindle) formats. Click the link below to order from the book's page at Amazon.
Go Down Hard by Craig Faustus Buck

Ask the Dark by Henry Turner

Release Date: April 7, 2015
Publisher: Clarion Books
Author Website:  http://www.askthedark.com/

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
In his short time on earth, Billy Zeets did everything to get into trouble. Whether it was egging cars, stealing things from houses in his neighborhood or being an all-around menace, everyone knew he was no good. After back to back traumatic events shifted everything in his world, Billy knew it was time to change. He had responsibilities no fourteen year-old kid should, and he'd be damned if he didn't try to make ends meet.

Since many of the adults in town had long given up on him, Billy was able to slink around, noticing things that others might not. He noticed boys his age going missing, a strange car prowling around the neighborhood, and no one wanted to hear it unless he had proof. When the opportunity came to get that necessary proof and take care of his responsibilities, Billy didn't waste time in thinking things over because the decision was made for him. Can he escape the fate of the other boys? Can he do so and keep the vow he made so long ago?

Review:
This was one of those late night finds while searching through the Mystery genre at NetGalley. From the description and look of the cover, I figured it was going to be something akin to a haunted house story with a twist. What I found instead was a first person point-of-view account of one teen's survival against every parent's nightmare. The story took place in a rural town where jobs were hard to come by, but neighbors knew everyone and their business. Billy and his family were one of many that fell on hard times and faced some hard decisions after their lives took some dramatic turns.

Billy was a fourteen year-old boy who was left to raise himself after their family suffered a devastating loss and his father was involved in an accident. He shared the burden with his sister, Lezzie, in the beginning. However, she soon found a way out, leaving Billy to find a way to save the family home. As Billy scours the town for odd jobs to raise whatever money he can, he introduced several types of characters to the reader. The junker who prowled the alleyways for anything to sell for a buck, the drugstore delivery driver with a bum foot that let Billy help, the crazy old lady who rarely answered her door and wore tin foil under her clothes - they all had a role in the town. Even the kids knew their place in the town, so it was common for fights to break out among the boys. All the boys around Billy's age came under a spotlight the moment that two local boys went missing and one turned up in a creek.

The book's pacing and dialogue was determined by Billy's dictation. The words on the page became a transcript of what he was speaking, something reinforced by him in the last chapter. At times I had trouble understanding what Billy tried to say because a lot of the words featured the local 'twang' that he used. The story started slow, but ramped up as decision-making was taken from him. Like in many mystery books, certain elements of surprise and distraction appeared in their appropriate places. Though some were predictable, I did like that Billy's personality and stubbornness created a few unexpected surprises during the peak of the action.

To be honest, this book wasn't exactly what I expected to read. Now that I've finished the book, I don't think the story could've been told any other way than through Billy's experiences. He spoke with a child's honesty about everything, contrasting sharply with the adults in the town who held tightly onto their secrets. One more positive point to add to the book's column was the implied violence on the missing boys at the hand's of the suspect. Billy told how the boys looked before they went missing, and later related some of the injuries found on their bodies. While Billy mentioned all that he endured, the entirety of the evil done to them wasn't put into words. Overall, this book was a fairly quick read with a good amount of entertainment to keep me turning the pages. I'm curious to see if anything else happens to Billy in the coming years as the ending left a few doors open. Definitely put this on your reading list if you like a book which uses your imagination as a tool or simply need something creepy to fill those late night hours before dawn arrives.

Ask the Dark by Henry Turner is currently available at several online retailers. It can be purchased in either hardcover, audio-book or Kindle (digital) editions. The link below provides the book's Amazon page.
Ask the Dark by Henry Turner

Near Death by Glenn Cooper

Release Date: November 15, 2014
Publisher: Lascaux Media
Author Website:  http://www.glenncooperbooks.com

Rating: 3 out 5 stars.

Synopsis:
FBI Special Agent Cyrus O'Malley must balance an unexpected serial killing case, a new, lethal drug released on the streets of the world, and spending time with his ailing daughter. With such heavy weight on his shoulders, he poured everything he had into his work and set his sights on the top suspects. What he didn't expect was the grain of truth in the rumors on the street.

With a new drug spreading across the globe, people were given a glimpse of what prophets and theologians speculated for centuries. The comedown of the drug left many despondent and disillusioned, pushing some to the extreme. When a messiah appeared promising deliverance to the masses at the end of a thirty day countdown, Cyrus must move quickly to uncover the truths or pay the highest cost.

Review:
This novel was the third in a list of books by the author recommended for me to explore by NetGalley. Each of the previous book featured their own adventures and characters which explored different parts of the world and the cultures therein. The only thing linking these three books together was their exploration of the spiritual, religion and a person's belief in each. Whereas the other books were explorations of the past's influence upon the present, this title took what the future may hold and used it upon today's modern life.

Right away the cast of characters revealed themselves and what roles they'd play in the overall story. Cyrus O'Malley wasn't the only character that was under a spotlight in the story, but I try to keep these reviews spoiler-free. The other one you'll have to find out for yourself. While the progression of the story focused on two key characters, there were several who shaped the story and gave it a sense of completion. Not only did the characters come from different areas of belief and religion, they came from all walks of life. Whether intellectual or uneducated, white-collar or blue-collar, they all seemed to have a part to play in the events of the book.

The action in the book took a little while to get rolling. There was a lot of little pieces to explore in the foundation of the story. Once everything was in place, a natural momentum appeared. The author took advantage of the rhythm, utilizing the pacing to unfold different aspects of the story at the optimal time. Much of the book revolved the scientific and medical communities, so there was a lot of terminology that if unexplained well could leave the average reader out in the cold. However, the author used the characters to explain the difficult concepts in an educational and uplifting way that left me (the reader) wanting to know more. He did the same with the theological arguments presented in the book, utilizing both sides of the issues in order to reach some sort of consensus that impacted the characters' decision making.

While I found the book very entertaining to the last page, some of the plot and events were predictable. Some of the twists were easy to guess chapters before they occurred, but I was pleasantly surprised by the thought-provoking aspect of this novel. The subject matter and actions of a few select characters opened doors to questions that everyday type of people might not consider in their usual routines. If given the opportunity, would we really want to experience what may be waiting on the other side of death before our time in this life is through? What would we pay or sacrifice in order to have that experience if we said yes? How would this type of drug impact our theologies, beliefs and connections with people in general? All of these were very intriguing questions that lingered in my head long after finishing the novel. If you love the thrill of the chase in a suspenseful book or enjoy speculating what may happen should a number of events take place in a particular sequence, this is a book you definitely need on your TBR list.

Near Death by Glenn Cooper is currently available at various online retailers. It can be purchased in paperback, audio-book or digital (Kindle) versions. Visit the book's Amazon page by clicking the link provided below.
Near Death by Glenn Cooper

Trail of the Torean (Saga of the God-Touched Mage #2) by Ron Collins

Release Date: November 30, 2014
Publisher: Skyfox Publishing
Series: Saga of the God-Touched Mage series, Book 2
Author Website: http://typosphere.com

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Two sects of magic users, the Lectodinians and Koradictines, joined forces in order to rid the world of the Toreans, including Garrick, but they never counted on Garrick becoming an integral part of the Gods' plans. In order to either learn more about his newly-discovered powers or rid himself of the curse completely, Garrick accepted a contract alongside Darien, another hiding his true identity to be his own man.

As they journeyed together, they found themselves in the midst of turmoil at every turn. Whether they fought for their own lives or helped a fellow Torean escape the clutches of the others, Garrick struggled to find a balance between the part of him which wanted to heal and the part of him that sought destruction. Can he find a way to reconcile the two halves before time runs out for both him and Adruin?

Review:
I was thrilled to have time to get back to this series of books written by a local author. The second release, which began with Glamour of the God-Touched, continued Garrick's tale after the discovery of new powers, his master murdered, and his whole world turned upside down. This book revealed more about the three mage orders as well as some history about other mages who were also known to be God-Touched. Information about the God-Touched's full potential was shrouded in myth and lore. Each side of the magical triad had their own and wanted to be better than the others. Therefore, the reader was left to explore the limits and consequences alongside Garrick throughout the book.

As with the first book, Garrick was the central character in this tale, but he wasn't alone in his adventures. In order to complete a contract for coin, he agreed to ride with a companion, Darien, as an insurance policy that one of the riders would return with the merchandise. The differences between the two men were noticeable from the start. Where Garrick was quiet and guarded, Darien was jovial and likely to sing in order to pass the time. I really liked the relationship that grew between them as they were tested with several situations where trust played a factor. Along with these two, more individual mages were introduced. I got the feeling that these men and women weren't people who would be toyed with or taken lightly. They possessed great powers and each of them knew they were revered or reviled for those powers.

Not only did the book have new characters and meatier interactions to savor, but this book also featured new cities. While one appeared to be a larger version of the village Garrick lived near, the other was located in a desert-like place. These places and the landscape between offered several occasions for action and adventure for the duo and became character-like themselves.

From the first chapter the pace of the novel was quick, yet steady. As more secrets were revealed and action took place, the pacing gathered speed. I wasn't surprised at the end when the mad dash to freedom was matched by dialogue and what was occurring in the scene. The author did a great job allowing the reader time to breathe between battles before leading them into the fray once again. Even in the very last chapter, the pace mimicked the story in such a way that I felt the sense of acceptance that washed over the characters.

Overall, I found myself invested in both Garrick's history and his future now that new information was known. With well-thought fight scenes and descriptive spell work, the author continued laying the foundation of a series worth further exploration. New characters on all sides with their own agendas for Garrick impacted the story thus far, and possibly in the future as well. I'm curious to see how Garrick settled the war within himself while fighting continued all around him. What future role does Darien have in this whole thing? This book answered some of the questions I had after book one, but left me with new questions. I'm very much looking forward to delving into the next book. For those who love a great adventure tale full of political intrigue, gods who love using humans as playthings, and seeing the underdog fight his way to the top, I recommend this book be placed on your TBR as soon as possible!

Trail of the Torean (Saga of the God-Touched Mage #2) by Ron Collins is currently available online wherever books are sold. It can be purchased in either paperback or digital (Kindle) download. It's also available in a bundle package with all the books in the saga. The following link will bring up the book's page at Amazon for purchase.
Trail of the Torean (Saga of the God-Touched Mage #2 by Ron Collins

The Devil Will Come by Glenn Cooper

Release Date: November 14, 2014
Publisher: Lascaux Media
Author Website:  http://www.glenncooperbooks.com

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Elisabetta Celestino was one of Professor De Stefano's brightest pupils, delving into the unearthed catacombs to find more proof of the early Christian Church near the outskirts of Rome until she was viciously attacked. She turned to the Church to heal her wounds, physically and mentally. Her entire life became a routine of prayer and devotion until ten years later when her professor showed up on her doorstep a second time.

After the Pope's death and a cave-in at an excavation site unearthed much of the area and unsettling discoveries, she found herself back on the trail she wanted to explore years earlier. When strange accidents and shadowy figures began following her, it became clear something more sinister was at work and trying to keep her from the truth. Elisabetta must find the answers before her time runs out. Can she thwart the unseen evil before disaster strikes the city? Can she solve the mysteries in time? 

Review:
The book was included in a special invite from NetGalley along with two other books by the author. I've already reviewed one earlier this year (The Resurrection Maker: A Thriller). While the two books were written by the same author, they were separate stories and covered different mythologies and symbolism. This particular book centered around the theme of good versus evil and spanned centuries from pre-Christian Rome to 16th Century England to modern times. It was easy to tell there would be good guys and bad guys from the beginning of the book, but as the story continued, the lines became blurred. The only constant was Elisabetta and her faith.

Much of the book focused on Elisabetta and her intimate knowledge of pre-Christian societies of Rome. Initially she and her professor pushed to excavate a section of unearthed burial grounds outside of the city. With a swift denial from the Vatican, her whole life changed. She put her focus and energy into helping others in a different manner. Very quickly did her life change once again when it became apparent that she was the only person who could interpret what was unearthed. The discoveries set into motion a chain of events that no one could've imagined or control. Each of the characters, whether primary or secondary, possessed a distinct personality and had something physical that set them apart. This helped to keep all the characters straight as their names sometimes sounded alike. One particular group of people had such a distinct characteristic that it shocked any and all who discovered the difference.

Changes happened quickly at times. Other changes came about through elaborately laid plans that took weeks, sometimes months or years, to come to fruition. Since the book covered different eras, there needed to be a common thread linking them all together. The author did a really good job of taking these different moments in history and uniting them through one of the most common themes - good versus evil. On one side of the aisle was the Vatican and all the goodness that it could represent. Lurking in the shadows of the other side was a secret society which embraced its uniqueness and its lack of empathy for anything or anyone. Their main goal was to gain and hold onto as much power as possible in order to bring about the destruction of their greatest enemy - the Church.

Now, this book wasn't a simple rehashing of good guys fighting bad guys. It delved deeper into the history of signs, symbols and written works that were long speculated to hold secrets within their innocent pages. I liked how the author wove different times in history together without it seeming disjointed. I knew that the book would be a wild ride with many twists and turns, deaths and even opening a few Pandora's boxes. But throughout the book, I was impressed by the main character's firm grip on her faith and how dedicated she was to maintaining that grip despite whatever came her way. Believe me, a lot was thrown at her. Yet she continued to believe. I can't say that I agree with everything she did, but I did admire her for that fact. If you love twisted tales through history that impact the way we live today or simply want a good thriller to keep you awake at night, put this book on your to-read list.

The Devil Will Come by Glenn Cooper is currently available in hardcover, paperback or digital (Kindle) formats from many online retailers. The following link will take you to the book's Amazon page for purchase.
The Devil Will Come by Glenn Cooper

My Life in a Nutshell: A Novel by Tanya J. Peterson

Release Date: June 1, 2014
Publisher: Inkwater Press
Author Website:  http://www.tanyajpeterson.com

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Brian Cunningham knew he was the worst of everything - the worst employee, the worst son, the worst pet owner, the person alive on the planet. Whenever he attempted a simple task such as a five minute conversation with a coworker, his world tilted, chest tightened and his heart nearly beat out of chest. Working as a night shift janitor as a local school allowed him the freedom to ready the classrooms with pride but without all the interactions.

Without warning his whole world shifted. His best (and only) friend in the world left him. New management at the school watched his every move and added responsibilities were placed upon his shoulders. As the walls close in and left him floundering, a small hand pulled him from the edge. Can a child with so many problems of her own help Brian with any of his? Will he be able to save her at the moment she needed it most?

Review:
This book was one of those chance findings when I was looking through the various selections offered at NetGalley. I don't know exactly what pulled me toward this book, but I was glad I ended up reading it. Maybe it was because I identified with the main character to a certain degree. Maybe it was because I wished to see someone triumph over adversity. Whatever the reason, I can say with certainty that I was definitely intrigued and couldn't wait to discover what awaited me between the book's cover.

Told through Brian's eyes and experiences, the author gave a voice to all the worrying and the character's  anxious thought processes as he encountered various situations. From the very first chapter the high level of anxiety that Brian experienced on a daily basis was front and center. I could tell right away that he was painfully shy on top of all the other worries he admitted to within the first chapter. The bombardment of his thoughts could be off-putting for some readers. I can understand that as they were almost too much for me to continue reading because I could emphasize with Brian. So much so that I felt the anxiety and sadness roll off his character in waves. As the story continued and more characters were introduced, an increase in anxiety was evident and expected. For Brian the only reason to get up in the morning despite the exhaustive panic attacks he endured was a little girl who seemed more lost than he was.

The rest of the characters were well fleshed-out, giving a voice to different concerns and misconceptions as the story unraveled. In fact their behavior or dialogue affected the pace of the story. During some of Brian's panic attacks, the pace was fast and bordering on frantic. When other characters appeared with a calming presence, the pace slowed to allow time to breathe and process what happened. I could guess some of the events to be uncovered by the way Brian and his coworkers reacted, but I was also pleasantly surprised when a few didn't go the way I thought they would. My heart ached when pieces of Abigail's story came to light. She was the little girl who captured everyone's attention with her bright eyes, desire to fit in and the gut-wrenching history. Her small voice broke through defenses of many characters and brought needed change in all their lives. One character really annoyed me by her treatment of Brian despite the fact that she professed to do it out of love.

All in all, this book wasn't something I was looking for, but was one I needed to read. Anyone experiencing anxiety or other such disorders will be able to relate to what Brian's going through. In fact much of the book stayed with me long after I finished the final chapter. The whole journey felt overwhelming in the beginning. By the time I reached the end, I felt hope and happiness as some issues were completely resolved. Others needed more time, but I have no doubt they would be resolved as well. The author tapped into something that I think many people in today's world felt at one time or another. Even with technology connecting the world, people feel more alone and lost than ever before. If you're looking for a book with characters to root for or something that wraps its words around you and doesn't let go, this is a book you need to have on your list.

My Life in a Nutshell: A Novel by Tanya J. Peterson is currently available at a number of online retailers and local bookstores. This book can be purchased in either paperback or digital (Kindle) versions. Below is a link to the Amazon page for the book.
My Life in a Nutshell: A Novel by Tanya J. Peterson

Dark Prayer by Natasha Mostert

Release Date: October 16, 2014
Publisher: Portable Magic, Ltd.
Author Website: http://www.natashamostert.com/

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Eloise Blake knew someone was after her, but couldn't explain the weird things happening to her. She saw phantom figures, heard whispered conversations that made no sense to her and saw rows upon rows of numbers again and again. Whatever meaning they hold, she needed answers without the help of man who claimed to know her as someone else.

Jack Simonetti was your average trust-fund baby, a guy who played hard and loose with his father's money, until he was caught on camera for the umpteenth time. As punishment he must travel to England and help his father's friend find someone. Along the way he discovered people are sometimes the cruelest to those they profess to love.

Review:
Finding this in the Mystery & Thriller section at NetGalley, I wondered how a young rich playboy could be a good detective if he had no such skills. I mean, he didn't do much at all except make his father angry at his antics. How did that translate into being a super sleuth and finding the lost person? Not to mention the fact I was intrigued by Eloise's plight. The poor woman felt like she was going crazy from all of the weird things happening. These separate lines coming together was something I needed to read for myself.

Much of the book focused on the two characters mentioned above. In a way both of them were trying to find their true selves, but Eloise's condition worsened to the point that it became the primary focus. Several secondary characters moved the story forward and cemented their places in the action as their skill set became needed. I liked the fact that each character remained independent of one another despite sharing some similarities. Case in point, Jack's father and a group of friends began a secret society which they talk about in the first few chapters of the book. Every member of this society had his or her own specific field of study and yet, some of the areas overlapped. To keep the members from becoming muddled, each of them have distinct characteristics such as physical singularities, mannerisms or merely the way they pronounce their words. All of these things made it easy to believe that they could have been real people in a present day situation - though that would be a terrible reality for a person if it were true.

Once the story began, the pace was steady and consistent. There was a sense of urgency and need lying barely below the surface and initiated a lot of the character's actions. Of course, the lingering feeling that someone was out to stop Jack and Eloise from discovering the truth helped as well. I thought it interesting how Jack's initial feelings about Eloise shifted from something akin to annoyance into a sense of protection as he delved deeper into the reason behind her current state of mind. As everything unraveled and revealed who all had ownership in the horrible deed, I knew a few of the answers that the duo would find, but not everything. There was a factor that I didn't see coming until it was right in front of me. That was a pretty pleasant surprise, but I was also repulsed that the deed was even conceived in the first place. No, I won't be more specific. This is a spoiler-free zone!

Overall, I really liked this book. There were several different elements that came together and created an interesting and intelligent story that wasn't weighed down by lots of scientific terms that I couldn't understand. The author inserted the necessary information and explained the complicated matters through her characters in such a way that I thought it was simply a part of a conversation or a bit of book left open to the right page. The story had a bit of everything to take me on a thrill ride and a few surprises that left me happy at the end. From action sequences to sinister motives, there's a lot of ground for the book to cover, but it does it well. If you're looking for a book with a twisted mind, devious friends and soul-shattering revelations, then pick this book up!

Dark Prayer by Natasha Mostert is currently available for purchase at many online retailers in hardcover, paperback or digital (Kindle) editions. The following is a link for the book's Amazon page.
Dark Prayer by Natasha Mostert

We Regret to Inform You: Stories by Tim Fredrick

Release Date: March 31, 2015
Publisher: Tim Fredrick
Author Website:  http://www.timfredrick.com

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
A collection of short stories ranging from a few paragraphs to a constant stream of thought, Tim Fredrick offers up fourteen cases which explore the connection men have with the people in their lives. The stories hail from different genres and viewpoints to allow the read to see through a man's eyes. Not only is the connection explored, but everything that comes with it - anger, lust, happiness, disgust, fulfillment, love.

Come discover the boy who would break a world record, a father who slowly turned to stone, a cat's toy that finally finds its motivation and so much more. Each story presents a world in which someone either finds or loses that which is most important to them, leading us to shift how we think about our relationships with one another.

Review:
I used to think that short stories were a temporary fix when I didn't have a new novel to devour. Most were pure enjoyment without having to pay attention to every nuance of the story. Small vacations to other places or being swept up in an adventure for a few minutes appealed to me whenever I wasn't nose-deep into something longer. During a search of something new to read on NetGalley, I saw this offering by the author and wondered exactly how did a father turn to stone and what in the world did a cat toy want so much?

The fourteen stories in this collection focused on a man's part of a relationship. Whether it was as a parent, a friend, a lover or even catnip-filled mouse, the subjects of the stories tried to find a connection with another party. Many featured an one-on-one type of interaction between the main character and the object of their relationship. They were told from different vantage points as well. It was easy to find the overall theme in each of the stories, making this collection a more cohesive book. For me, there were a few characters that stood out for me. One was the cat toy which simply wanted to be an equal to his sister, the cat. It was interesting to see the toy have some of the same feelings and emotions that I've had in a few past relationships. Another was a male nurse in a futuristic hospice, caring for a recently thawed man from our century. His reactions to the thawed man's behavior and beliefs had me wondering what I would have done or said if I were in his place.

Each of these stories had their own pace. Some were quick reads that seemed to start and finish in a blink of an eye. One such story was called 'The Kind of Person'. This one struck a chord with me because I could relate to both people within that marriage. I understood their vantage points as well as that loneliness and frustration. The other selections in the book had a slower pace to them, but they moved forward that was enjoyable. My emotions rode the roller coaster that these stories provided. Not only did I laugh, cringe and smile at the events, I also cried when I read 'The Drawer'. I wasn't swept up by the story at first, but as the man at the heart of the story continued to do everything but go near that drawer, I was hooked. The last three paragraphs took my heart and ripped it. Such a sad situation for everyone involved.

All in all, I liked this collection a whole lot more than I anticipated. With so many different aspects to a relationship to explore, the author set a high bar for the collection to reach. However, I think he did a great job of hitting that bar. He imbued his characters with the flaws and failings that made it easy to relate to them. There was a little bit of the 'everyman' in each character. Their words and deeds could have easily been our own and that's what makes a great story last in our memories. If you're looking for a great collection of well-written stories to tide you over until your next novel fix, or simply enjoy connecting to the stories you read, this book should be on your list.

We Regret to Inform You: Stories by Tim Fredrick is currently available at many online retailers in either paperback or Kindle (digital) versions. Visit the following link to purchase from the book's Amazon page.
We Regret to Inform You: Stories by Tim Fredrick

The Great Zoo of China by Matthew Reilly

Release Date: January 27, 2015
Publisher: Gallery Books
Author Website:  http://www.matthewreilly.com

Rating: 4 out 5 stars.

Synopsis:
For over forty years, the Chinese government kept a secret while building what would be the rival of any great tourist attraction in the world. With their sights set high, the preeminent zoo officials invited journalists to view the zoo complex ahead of its grand opening. Dr. Cassandra Cameron was among those invited, due in part to her expertise in reptiles. She and the others were astounded the moment the true Great Zoo of China was revealed.

All too soon the excitement shifted to terror as the long-forgotten animals in the zoo launched their own type of welcoming party for the group. Secrets and hidden agendas pushed the limits of cooperation between CJ's group and the zoo staff and resulted in more pain and failed plans. Using all her wits and wisdom, she survived the first brushes with death at the animals' hands, but can she get out of the zoo alive? Will the animals find a way to free themselves and unleash their power upon the entire world before she can find a way to stop them?

Review:
Every so often I look through the titles offered at NetGalley and find something a little out of my comfort zone that still intrigued me. When I stumbled upon this book, I figured it would have some action mixed with a surprise or two inside the covers. Right from the first page, the author let loose a big secret. The zoo which China based its hopes to surpass the cultural impact of the US was no ordinary zoo at all. At the beginning of the novel, zoo officials covered up a disturbing incident. This opened the door for the author to introduce one of the strong lead characters, Dr. Cassandra Jane Cameron, commonly known as CJ. Her arrival on behalf of the National Geographic magazine coincided with another tour group of VIPs. Midway through her own tour, all heck broke loose as the animals attempted to take over the zoo.

As an expert on reptiles, CJ was both excited by the prospect of a newly discovered animal to research, but hesitant with so many unknown variables. She and her brother, Hamish, joined another journalist as well as the US Ambassador to the zoo for a informative tour of the zoo. The group arrived at the zoo in style where they met the zoo officials and other scientists. They were given the specifics of how the zoo came to be built and the basics behind the revival of a long-forgotten animal. It was clear from the beginning who had ulterior motives and hidden agendas, but the way the devious characters maneuvered people to do their bidding was subtle and effective. It all added up to a war between two sides, but not the sides you'd expect. These discovered animals were intelligent, fast and ruthless with plan of attack years in the making. Once put into action, the attack tested both animal and human alike.

Many of the characters seemed realistic, especially in the face of such overwhelming odds (or animals the size of jetliners). Some were resourceful and relied on their expertise or specialized training to help them through the various scenarios that they encountered. Others did little more than cower in the corner or follow the lead of the stronger characters. Much of the action really took off once CJ's group began the second leg of their tour. As I mentioned before, the animals were both intelligent and ruthless. Therefore, there weren't a lot of scenes where CJ and those with her could catch their breath. Staying too long in one place was often a very, very bad thing. One event after another kept the story moving forward until the end. The maps and diagrams included in the book helped me to keep track of what was happening and why it mattered.

Overall, I liked this book more than I thought for a couple of reasons. I was happy to see a strong female lead character that relied on her brains and training more than her being a woman. There was a scene toward the beginning of the book where the guests of the tour were given gift bags by the zoo staff. Each bag contained items that the zoo thought would be appropriate in a stereotypical fashion - blue bags with masculine-themed items for the men, pink bags with make-up and other such items for the women. CJ's reaction mirrored mine as I continued to read. The other reason I liked this book was due to the plausibility of something of its kind actually happening. A few months after this edition of the book was published, there was a discovery made in China of several dinosaur eggs. Could life imitate art in their building an actual Great Zoo of China? Time will tell. With believable characters, surprising discoveries and tons of action to keep your pulse racing, this book should be on your TBR list.

The Great Zoo of China by Matthew Reilly is currently available at various online retailers and local bookstores. It can be purchased in either hardcover or Kindle (digital) formats. The following is a link to the book's page at Amazon.
The Great Zoo of China by Matthew Reilly

Fire Heart (Broken Bottle #2) by Pamela Taeuffer

Release Date: September 8, 2014
Publisher: Open Heart Press
Series: Broken Bottle series, Book 2
Author Website:  www.pamelataeuffer.com/

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
Nicky Young thought she had her life after high school planned out. First, she'd graduate and attend Stanford. Second, she'd be free to explore all that college life had to offer. Yet, right before she put the plans into motion, she found herself torn between two men, Ryan and Jerry. As she explored the feelings that being with each bring out, her emotions range from pure bliss to reluctance and foreboding.

Spending time with either of them brought a sense of vulnerability to the fore of her mind. Nicky felt her walls immediately seal around her heart whenever either asked her to love them. Seeing the dysfunction of her parent's marriage and the phoenix-like revival of her sister's life after a devastating rape, Nicky wasn't sure that she could be intimate with anyone. Her newly-found feelings drove her forward, leaving her to decide which man will have her heart and where her future would led her.

Review:
Getting an email from NetGalley alerted me that both this book and the first, Shadow Heart, were available for reading. I took a step from my comfort zone of mysteries and thrillers to see what these two titles held. The first book left Nicky after a confusing and exhilarating night at a beach bonfire with Jerry while Ryan was away on a game tour. Today's book picked up the day after the events of that night and chronicled all the emotions on either end of the spectrum that both men brought out of her. Word of warning for this book - there was a large amount of information concerning sexuality and keeping oneself safe while engaging in adult activities. The information was very pertinent to a young adult in today's society, written to inform and empower both young men and women about their bodies. While the intimate situations between the young lovers weren't graphic, the instructional information was very much in the open between Nicky and her sister.

Once again, Nicky related her story through her point-of-view. The reader received a front row seat to the warring emotions and feelings that filled her mind and journal. Much of the cast of characters which made up the first book also appeared in this sequel. Both love interests, Ryan and Jerry, made her decision to choose very difficult by opening themselves up to her. Ryan allowed her to meet part of his family and revealed more of his own dysfunctional family. Jerry made his own attempts to capture her heart, but his focus was divided between Nicky and his budding baseball career. Nicky's family were more prominent in this particular book, especially her older sister. A few new characters made their way into the story and brought out some hidden secrets and set up future conflicts.

Much of the pacing seemed slow but steady for the entire book. For me, the only time events picked up speed was when Nicky was invited to go to L.A. with a girlfriend and that happened for a weekend. The slow pace did allow for a softening of Ryan's character and a deepening bond between Nicky and her sister, Jenise. The constant shift between still being a child and becoming an adult showed up many times in both dialogue and her thoughts/feelings as they appeared in the book. As with many confused young adults, she could wear the clothes and makeup, appearing much older than her eighteen years, but she still had the thought processes and feelings of a young teen. Without experiences to judge which direction to turn, she was smart enough to go to someone older for advice.

Overall, I thought the book was okay. It was a quick read that expanded on the themes and circumstances which began in the first book. I did like how Nicky grew stronger as the book progressed. While still low, her confidence level shifted and allowed her to voice her opinion more often, especially toward the end of the book. Dialogue filled a large portion of the character's interactions and provided most of the information necessary to move the story forward. The way the dialogue was broken into many paragraphs did distract me at times. It became easy to forget which speaker was talking. Some of the characters spoke in such a similar manner that it also contributed to the feeling that one person was speaking when the book showed two characters. All that aside, it was an okay sequel to the first book and set up a number of questions to be answered in the next book. This book should be on your TBR shelf if you've read the first book or if you're a lover of people overcoming dysfunction in order to find love again.

Fire Heart (Broken Bottle #2) by Pamela Taeuffer is currently available at all major online retailers in either paperback or digital (Kindle) formats. Below is a link to the book's page at Amazon for purchase.
Fire Heart (Broken Bottle #2) by Pamela Taeuffer