Fiction Addict

Press Release: Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol

DAN BROWN’S THE LOST SYMBOL TO BE PUBLISHED BY DOUBLEDAY THIS SEPTEMBER

New novel by the author of “The Da Vinci Code” and “Angels and Demons” will have a first print run of 5 million copies, the largest first print in Random House, Inc. history

New York, NY (April 20, 2009)— Dan Brown’s new novel, the eagerly awaited follow-up to his #1 international phenomenon, The Da Vinci Code, which was the bestselling hardcover adult novel of all time with 81 million copies in print worldwide, will be published in the U.S. and Canada by Doubleday on September 15, 2009.

The Lost Symbol will have a first printing of 5 million copies, and it will once again feature Dan Brown’s unforgettable protagonist, Robert Langdon. The announcement was made today by Sonny Mehta, Chairman and Editor in Chief of the Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group.

“This is a great day for readers and booksellers,” said Mehta. “The Lost Symbol is a brilliant and compelling thriller. Dan Brown’s prodigious talent for storytelling, infused with history, codes and intrigue, is on full display in this new book. This is one of the most anticipated publications in recent history, and it was well worth the wait.”

Brown’s longtime editor, Jason Kaufman, Vice President and Executive Editor at Doubleday said, “Nothing ever is as it first appears in a Dan Brown novel. This book’s narrative takes place in a twelve-hour period, and from the first page, Dan’s readers will feel the thrill of discovery as they follow Robert Langdon through a masterful and unexpected new landscape. The Lost Symbol is full of surprises.”

“This novel has been a strange and wonderful journey,” said Brown. “Weaving five years of research into the story’s twelve-hour timeframe was an exhilarating challenge. Robert Langdon’s life clearly moves a lot faster than mine.”

The audio version of The Lost Symbol will be published in North America in September by Random House Audio.

The Da Vinci Code, published by Doubleday on March 18, 2003, spent 144 weeks on The New York Times Hardcover Fiction bestseller list, 54 of them at #1—the position at which it debuted. The novel has been translated into 51 languages.

The film of The Da Vinci Code was a #1 box office smash when it was released by Columbia Pictures in May 2006 with Ron Howard directing and Tom Hanks starring as Robert Langdon. Box office receipts were $758 million. The same team will release Angels and Demons theatrically worldwide on May 15, 2009.

Following the publication of The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown’s earlier novels, Digital Fortress, Deception Point and Angels and Demons have all gone on to become multi-million copy international bestsellers.

The Lost Symbol will be published in the U.K. on September 15th by Transworld Publishers, a division of The Random House Group who has published all of Brown’s novels.

Dan Brown is represented by Heide Lange at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates, Inc.

Doubleday is an imprint of the Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc. whose parent company is Bertelsmann AG. For more information about Doubleday please visit our website at http://www.doubleday.com. For more information about Dan Brown please visit www.danbrown.com.

Genre: Thriller

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Publication Date: May 16th, 2006

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Jason Steadman is a hard-working sales executive for Entronics. He’s worked hard to get to where he is and while his wife wants to see him climb the corporate ladder, Jason doesn’t share her ambition. He is content with his mid-level management position and has no desire to dive into the foxhole of corporate world advancement.

One evening Jason runs his car off the road and befriends the tow truck driver, Kurt Semko. The two quickly hit it off as Jason is mesmerized by Kurt’s stories of his days in the Special Forces in Iraq. Soon Kurt is joining the Entronics softball team and hanging out with all the guys. When a corporate security job opens up at work, Jason pulls some strings to get the job for Kurt. Almost immediately good things start to happen for Jason. New contracts are being landed, competition is falling flat on their faces, and suddenly upper management wants to promote him. All is well until Jason begins to suspect foul play behind his sudden rise to the top. It seems someone is going to great lengths to see him succeed, even if it means that lives are being destroyed in the process. Jason must now find a way to stop this deadly game before his own life is at stake.

Joseph Finder has crafted a tantalizing thriller set amidst the intriguing backdrop of corporate sabotage. Written in the first person from Jason Steadman’s point of view, we see the story unfold at a methodical pace as Finder cleverly strings us along with a steady mounting tension. Finder treats readers with a revealing look inside major electronics companies and the competitive sales environment within. While there is an abundance of information regarding corporate structuring, never are these details boring or overbearing. Instead they add to the credibility of the plot, thus making the story more enjoyable and relevant. This is top-notch suspense that is absolutely impossible to put down.

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Young Adult

Publisher: WaterBrook Press

Publication Date: June 2011

Reviewed by Kaci Hill

A few years ago I fell in love with Donita Paul’s DragonKeeper Chronicles, recommended to me by a friend. Paul has a unique ability to combine fantasy, adventure, and faith in such a way as to explore deep themes in an inventive way that isn’t overwhelming. Truth be told, she’s one of three writers who really introduced and sold me on fantasy. Her primary audience is young adult, but “all ages” better suits.  The DragonKeeper introduced us to the complex continent of Amara, and The Dragons of Chiril sometime before the DragonKeeper, involves Wulder’s coming to the distant continent of Chiril in the same world. Here, an emerlindian girl named Tipper meets two Amarans who pull her into a plot that involves saving both her father and the world from a broken gateway (which behaves something like a wormhole or portal) threatening to suck everything in itself.

I’ll admit – the cover copy says none of this—it says, in fact, very little of the actual story, for the better, in my opinion. And I’ll admit Paul very cleanly veiled my eyes (either that or the sun fried my thinking abilities) to the ultimate purpose, so that I was just as blind as Tipper and her friends as to what in the world Wulder (and Paul) was up to. Regardless, Paul is a former teacher who has a magnificent command of her stories, weaving in a myriad of tiny details that dare not be overlooked, because those small things are very likely to involve a surprise. Her ability to thread together truth and creativity in such a seamless fashion has been and will be something I admire (and, who knows, maybe I’ll learn a trade trick or two).

The book does seem to rely a little bit on readers being familiar enough with Amara to understand some of the story world, but nothing distracting, I don’t think. The characters supply sufficient information. Also, Paul treated DragonKeeper lovers to two much loved characters (whom I will not name here), a nice little surprise to look forward to. And if you haven’t read either series, you really should.

Donita Paul has been and continues to be one of my favorites, and I look forward to whatever else she has up her sleeve.

(Originally published in 2009 as The Vanishing Sculptor)

Genre: Thriller

Publisher: Realms

Publication Date: May 5th, 2009

Reviewed by Frank Redman

“The Firstborn—three ancient religious orders gifted with the ability to see past, present, and future—have been divided since the death of Christ. But today, in an era of terrorism and globalization, it has become clear there is an atrocity coming that they must unite to prevent—because it is one of them who will perpetrate it.”

This is Conlan Brown’s debut novel. It is an exciting, action-oriented story with a strong message. Yet when I read a novel, I am evaluating elements from a technical viewpoint. These elements are not always pertinent with some readers. Thus, I want to point out, if you avoid FIRSTBORN strictly because of my criticism, you will be missing out on a good story with a good theme.

The story is imaginative and intelligent, but the writing is unimaginative. Nevertheless, Conlan Brown fans, before you come at me with pitchforks, let me explain. From a technical perspective, the writing itself is not creative. Bland description and characterization are prominent throughout. The novel feels like it was written in a hurry. There are several instances in which Brown uses the same word or phrase to describe an action or emotion. A few examples: Characters “expertly” do something with high frequency. When they are angry, they “clench fists.” When they are scared, they “shake” or “quiver.” When there is confrontation requiring communication, they state “We need to talk.” When a character gets hit in the mid-section, he falls to the ground with “air escaping his lungs.” Again, I am reading from a technical perspective. Many readers will overlook this repetition.

Some of the fight scenes are confusing, as it’s not always easy to discern which character is doing what, or what exactly is happening. In one scene, I am led to believe a gun is knocked away from a character, only to be fired several times by that same character a few seconds later, without having been retrieved.  There are other examples, but it is not the goal of this review to be negative.

The story is predictable, but I do not necessarily consider this a negative with FIRSTBORN, because the storyline itself lends to predictability due to the nature of the plot. It is largely a rapid description of events, chronicling the struggle of religious groups with supernatural abilities to thwart terrorism in America.

It is interesting to experience the hypocrisy among the characters, as they strive to create peace in the world, each believing their way is the right way, yet commit horrific acts of violence to promote that peace. I admired observing how characters dealt with conflicting desires and overcoming obstacles such as selfishness and pride. Even as disparate as some individuals (or groups) are, there are times when people need to act together, despite those differences, to accomplish a common purpose. FIRSTBORN is a wonderful story exemplifying this message.

Brown provides tension on every page, creating a blistering pace. Action lovers will enjoy this novel.

If you like novel-related videos, I suggest you visit Brown’s website, www.conlanbrown.com. He is also a talented video editor.

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: Bantam Books

Publication Date: November 25th, 2008

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Ryan Perry made a fortune after he created the internet’s largest social networking website. Only thirty-four years old, Ryan is one of the wealthiest men in the country and has everything a man could want. Even his love life is better than he could have hoped, and he has no doubt Samantha is the one he will spend the rest of his life with.

One fateful day while Ryan is surfing he feels an intense pain in his chest, scaring him enough to visit the doctor. His worst fears are confirmed when he discovers he needs a heart transplant to live. As Ryan waits for a donor his world is torn apart by strange events and suspicions that he has no answer for. He begins to believe that those who are closest to him may be responsible for his medical condition. His search for the truth will lead him down a dark road that could destroy him in ways he never imagined.

Your Heart Belongs to Me might be one of the most unique novels of Koontz’s career. Depending on your perspective, that can be good or bad. It’s hard to fit this story into one clear cut genre. While there are terrifying moments, this is not a horror novel. Much of the story is full of drama, emotion, and romance, yet this is not a typical love story. This novel is very suspenseful, but driven at a much slower pace than Koontz’s previous works.

Much of Koontz’s early career was highlighted by suspenseful stories with both supernatural and horror elements. Many of his die hard fans still want that from him, and subsequently are quick to turn on his later works that are full of powerful explorations of light overcoming the darkness. While I enjoy many of the vintage Koontz novels, I have also thoroughly enjoyed his more recent approach to storytelling. This latest offering is certainly no exception.

In my book, no one equals Koontz when it comes to prose and dialogue. Those strengths shine here, but what carries this story is the character of Ryan Perry. His journey is full of struggle, hope, torment, and redemption. Koontz gives us a rich guy that has everything, and he still makes us care for and hurt alongside him at every turn. We’re able to see through the riches and security Ryan has built up around him and look into the heart of a person who is frightened by the realities of life and death. As we’re drawn deeper into the story, we are effectively drawn deeper into Ryan’s life, making this a more profound, heartfelt tale.

While the pacing of this story is slower than we’ve come to expect from Koontz, in no way does it take away from the suspense. Ryan’s paranoia about his situation and his search for truth amidst a world of confusion makes for a very addictive read. This is also one of the most spiritual themed novels Koontz has written and maybe one of the most poignant. In the end, Koontz delivers a great little twist that is both powerful and sobering. Even if you are aching for some classic Koontz give this one a chance and enjoy yet another wondrously crafted tale from the master.

Genre: Sc-Fi

Publisher: Del Rey

Publication Date: March 24th, 2009

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Darth Caedus is gone but the Galactic Alliance is suffering from the aftermath of his dark reign. The Jedi have been shouldered with the blame and Luke Skywalker has been banished from Coruscant because he was unable to stop Jacen Solo’s turn to the dark side. To make matters worse, Jedi Knight Valin Horn is suffering from a psychotic break that brings even more unwanted attention on the Jedi. In a desperate move, the Galactic Alliance assigns official observers to every Jedi Knight to keep them in check.

After his banishment Luke and his son, Ben, decide to uncover the truth behind Jacen’s turn to the dark side and their search leads them to Dorin, home world of the mysterious Kel Dors. While there they uncover some startling revelations that bring a whole new set of problems. Meanwhile, back on Coruscant, the Jedi continue to struggle under the watchful eye of the government and the media. When a rogue Jedi appears suffering from Valin Horn’s same condition, the Jedi must find a way to capture him and get the answers they need. All the while they must outwit the government forces that have turned against them.

Outcast was a mixed bag for me because even though I flew through the pages, there were certain elements that didn’t work. One thing that works well throughout is Aaron Allston’s top notch writing. This story flows easily and Allston does a wondrous job of plopping us right into the middle of the civil conflict brewing around the Jedi. Throughout the story we are treated with a nice balance of action and character development that make this an effortless read. I especially enjoyed the fresh insights into the Kel Dors and it was fun to see grandparents Han and Leia up to their old tricks.

What didn’t work for me was how little actually happens in this story. I hate to even comment on this since I enjoyed Allston’s writing so much, but that is my straight up initial reaction. Granted, I have not read the Legacy of the Force series, and one could argue that perhaps that hindered my understanding and comprehension of everything going on in Outcast. Honestly, I feel like Allston did a great job of including the perfect amount of background info to set the stage for the story and besides, I didn’t encounter anything a little Wookiepedia couldn’t remedy. In the end it just seems like very little happened here and I never really felt like any of the heroes were in any kind of danger.

Don’t get me wrong though. As I stated earlier, the elements that did work, worked quite well and were enough to keep me going. Star Wars fans will no doubt find plenty here to rave about, but I won’t be surprised if many are left with the same impressions that I was. This is the first book in the series, and my hope is that as the series unfolds I will look back on Outcast and have a deeper appreciation for it. In the meantime I am eagerly anticipating the release of the second installment, Omen.

Genre: Thriller

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication Date: March 31^st, 2009

Reviewed by Jake Chism

It’s been one year since John Hutchinson battled Declan Page and his teen cronies in the remote Canadian wilderness. Back home in Denver, Hutch has been on a personal mission to bring down Declan’s father, Brendan Page, the man behind the horrors that took the lives of so many innocent people. Unfortunately, Page just happens to be the CEO of a major paramilitary organization with strong government support, and all of Hutch’s digging leads nowhere. Brendan Page soon decides that Hutch needs to be silenced and kidnaps his son. John Hutchinson must now fight the ultimate battle to save his son and bring down a maniacal madman who seemingly holds every card. Unfortunately for Page, he has underestimated the love and determination of a father armed only with a bow and an uncanny knack for survival.

In 2007 Robert Liparulo wowed fans and critics with his original and innovative thriller, Deadfall, where he took a peaceful camping trip and turned it into a hellish nightmare for Hutch and his buddies. Ever since the sequel was announced I have anxiously been waiting for what I hoped would be another rock solid thrill ride. Rest assured Deadlock delivers on every level.

Liparulo is known for his intense action sequences and sometimes gruesome violence, and once again I found myself fidgeting nervously and cringing throughout this story. It’s very rare that an author can make me wince involuntarily through sheer descriptive power alone, but Liparulo gets me every time. Good writers know how to drop the audience into the middle of the story, and that’s where I found myself throughout. I love the way Liparulo continues to use ground breaking technology to propel his stories. In Deadlock, virtual reality is taken to a whole new level that is both fascinating and terrifying when you consider the real life potential for military use. Fans of Deadfall will also enjoy the return of some favorite characters that bring a welcome depth to the story.

Brendan Page is one of Liparulo’s most ruthless and well crafted villains. This man is truly frightening with his distorted view of reality and his unwavering belief that he is right. Page’s character is the embodiment of so many infamous world leaders and people of influence who have sacrificed the lives of millions for their own warped versions of reality. Not only is he insane, but he is clever, highly skilled, and powerful, all working together to make him the ultimate bad guy.

Deadlock is by no means a light hearted tale, but Liparulo sets himself apart from other thriller writers with the level of emotion he brings to each story. Hutch is an endearing and imperfect character that struggles with the tension between being a hero and being a good father. Amidst all the flying bullets and whizzing arrows we are treated to a soul stirring story about fighting for your family at all costs. I love Hutch taking out bad guys with his bow just as much as the next guy, but it’s the heart in Liparulo’s storytelling that always brings me back for more. Bravo!!

Genre: Horror, Suspense

Publisher: Faithwords

Publication Date: May 28th, 2009

Frank Redman’s Review:

Dennis Shore is a successful horror novelist but has suffered one of life’s greatest tragedies in the past year, the death of his wife. “When stricken by a paralyzing case of writer’s block and a looming deadline, Dennis becomes desperate.” He plagiarizes an unstable fan’s manuscript, setting off a chain of events and the pursuit of violent revenge that threatens his sanity and the lives of his daughter and friends.

This was a difficult review for me to write. I’m a fan of the horror genre, but loathe the excessive profanity, sexual content, and gratuitous gore that so many writers in the genre depend on to make an impact with the reader. I had not previously read a Travis Thrasher novel, so I was excited to see what he had to offer.

It would be an injustice to the readers of this review, to myself, and ultimately to the author if I merely stated “This book is great—read it,” and was negligent in revealing some disappointment. The fan in me loved this story. The critic in me found some minor negatives.

I was concerned a few pages in whether I would truly enjoy it. The story took a while to develop and incidents occurred that seemed disjointed from the plot. The dialog felt forced. There are some editing errors, for example, the wrong pronoun used (p.17 “Did you threaten you?” The first “you” should be “she.”). To the author’s defense, it is tricky starting a novel, establishing the plot and characters, and simultaneously hooking the reader. If you stop reading this book because of these flaws, you’ll miss out on what simply can be defined as an extraordinarily good story. I’m incredibly grateful I stuck with it.

Yet there was still one more thing that frustrated me—I couldn’t wait to see what happened next! This… was a good feeling. For thrill-seekers, GHOSTWRITER is very much like the beginning of a monster rollercoaster. After climbing that first big hill (having time to look around, check your watch, shift around in your seat…), the rest flies at you in an eye-watering rush and your focus is dominated by what’s coming in the next stage of the ride. Kudos, Mr. Thrasher.

When you read a scary story and you’re not really sure what’s going on, but just when you think you’ve nailed it, something unexpected happens and your perception is shattered, that is the outline of a great horror story. That’s a great story, period. That is what GHOSTWRITER is.

It’s easy to develop compassion for Dennis Shore and identify with his grief, lack of faith, and his struggles with what’s real and what’s not. While it’s a remarkably frightening story, it is also an emotional love story. The reader feels Shore’s nightmarish fears and also his gut-wrenching sorrow.

Shore bounces in and out of lucidity so the reader cannot always discern what is real and what is the product of his poor mental health. This element can be difficult to pull off while mitigating reader confusion, but Thrasher makes good use of the technique, effectively keeping the reader guessing.

While this may sound like just a scary love story, do not be deceived. It is a full-on horror novel. Unspeakable supernatural evil tries to destroy the very essence of Shore’s life with an unhealthy serving of shocking violence.

GHOSTWRITER is an emotionally intricate masterwork of how evil can destroy us and love can redeem us.  Thrasher has proved to me to be an exceptional storyteller.

Do you believe in ghosts?

Jake Chism’s Review:

Dennis Shore has made quite a name for himself as a bestselling horror novelist. Every year his rabid fans anxiously anticipate the release of his new and terrifying creation. What his fans don’t know is that this year things aren’t what they seem with his new book. Sure it’s scary and addicting, some would even say his best work yet. Although his name may be on the cover, Dennis Shore didn’t write this book. Unfortunately for Dennis, the man who did write it is out to get him. And Dennis Shore will pay.

Like the fictional Dennis Shore, Travis Thrasher himself has begun to make quite a name for himself in the horror genre. Isolation proved that Thrasher has what it takes to scare the wits out of his audience while challenging them at the same time. Ghostwriter takes Thrasher’s writing to a whole new level of terror and heart.

From the opening lines we are effortlessly drawn in with Thrasher’s delectable prose and revealing insight into the mind of a novelist. Dennis Shore is an endearing character that demands our compassion because of the struggles life has thrown him. Yet on the other hand the more we get to know Dennis our compassion only grows as we realize how fallible he is.

The horror elements are very strong throughout as Dennis goes head to head with a madman that will stop at nothing to see him suffer. Ghostwriter truly offers some of Thrasher’s most disturbing scenes to date. Time after time I wanted to look away, but the quality of Thrasher’s writing made it impossible to do so. As the story progresses and truth is brought to life we are treated with a wondrous display of light in the midst of the deepest darkness.

Travis Thrasher only continues to astonish me with not only the quality of his writing, but his ability to tell powerful stories. It’s rare to find an author who can take us to places we don’t want to go in order to bring us to a place we long to be. Ghostwriter is the kind of gem that comes along far too seldom; displaying the kind of writing that deserves to be devoured by the masses.

GOOD NEWS FOR DEAN KOONTZ FANS:

FRANKENSTEIN #3 IS COMING

FROM BANTAM DELL IN JULY

Half of all the fan mail received by bestselling author Dean Koontz asks the same question: When is the third book in the Frankenstein series coming? The answer is now at hand: Bantam Dell will publish DEAN KOONTZ’S FRANKENSTEIN #3: DEAD AND ALIVE, in a premium mass market edition, on July 28.

The previous two volumes in the series—Book One: PRODIGAL SON and Book Two: CITY OF NIGHT —were published in 2005. Koontz’s re-imagining of the iconic tale of Frankenstein galvanized readers around the world and both were instant New York Times bestsellers. Now, at last, “one of the master story tellers of this or any age” (Tampa Tribune) delivers the final volume of his genre-bending, life-affirming trilogy.

Simultaneous with the publication of FRANKENSTEIN #3, Bantam Books is offering new editions of the first two volumes, available for the first time as premium paperbacks.

Visit Dean’s new Frankenstein website.

Welcome to our Author Spotlight! This is where you can find guest blogs from a vast array of writers. We’re thrilled that bestselling novelist Robert Liparulo is joining us for the Fiction Addict launch.

Robert Liparulo is a former journalist, with over a thousand articles and multiple writing awards to his name. Currently, three of his novels for adults are in various stages of development for the big screen: the film rights to Comes a Horseman were purchased by the producer of Tom Clancy’s movies; and Liparulo is penning the screenplays for Germ and Deadfall for two top producers. He is also working with the director Andrew Davis (The Fugitive, Holes) on a political thriller. Liparulo’s bestselling young adult series, Dreamhouse Kings, debuted last year with House of Dark Shadows and Watcher in the Woods. Book three, Gatekeepers released in January, and number four, Timescape, is in stores now. He is currently working on his next thriller, which for the first time injects a bit of the supernatural into his gun-blazing stories. The story is so compelling, two Hollywood studios are already in talks to acquire it—despite its publication date being more than a year away.

Why I Write Fiction

By Robert Liparulo

Stories are powerful, fascinating things. Good ones transcend cultures and even time. They mirror our emotions and lives. They show us, vividly, the world in which we live and how to navigate through it. They are sad and joyous, enlightening and, ultimately, thrilling.

I love stories, always have. I remember teachers as far back as elementary school telling my parents that my “learning style” was through stories. Laying out a mathematical equation and telling me someday I would need it just didn’t work. Put the same equation into a story (the old “One train leaves the station at 2:11 and travels at 90 miles an hours . . .”) —and bingo! Got it! I learned about hard work through Dickens, tenaciousness through Hemingway, the unfairness of life through Steinbeck (as if Dickens didn’t offer enough of that, too), the wonder of imagination through Tolkien and Heinlein and Bradbury.

My love for stories didn’t stop with books. Like Xander, the teenage protagonist of my Dreamhouse Kings series, I’m a lifelong movie buff. Before video tapes, I’d set an 8mm camera in front of the TV to capture movies. I use to host showings of movies in my parents’ basement. At 13, I started The Cinema Company, which purchased stills, posters and press kits from theaters and resold them to fans around the country. At 14, I made a documentary on the social impact of Jaws, which found its way onto a few PBS stations.

Of course, I was a comic book nut as well: Superman, Batman, Tales from the Crypt. I LOVED Plop!, which gave me my first glimpse of what happens when horror and humor have babies. I’m thrilled to be a friend of Larry Hama, who wrote the best of the Wolverine and G.I. Joe comics. Our conversations are naturally laced with stories: It happened like this . . . I love the way this author pulls you in by doing this . . . what do you think of this story idea . . . . He’s a man after my own heart.

Going a little deeper, where did my inclination toward stories come from in the first place? I like to think that’s just the way I was wired. But then I think of my mother. She is an incredible storyteller. Every trip to the grocery story or bank results in an elaborate tale of some crazy driver or someone who tripped, spilling a bag of whatever everywhere . . . it’s how she communicates, and that must have rubbed off.

No doubt this early and long fascination—obsession?—with stories shaped the direction of my writing. Even so, I can pinpoint the exact moment I vowed to become a novelist. When I was 12, I read Richard Matheson’s I Am Legend. For about half the book, the main character, Robert Neville, tries to get a sick dog inside his home. When he finally does, he spends the night nursing it and recognizing it as one of the last living things not affected by the virus that had wiped out humankind. Stroking the dog, he recalls the way things used to be. Then came last line of the chapter: “In the morning the dog was dead.” Not only was the dog cool, its death was symbolic of the death of life as it had once been. I started crying, and I thought, If words—WORDS!—can make a pretty tough 12-year-old kid cry, imagine their power. I want to do that.

What’s puzzling is how I ended up in journalism and magazine writing. Oh, I know why I started writing nonfiction, having to do with the short story market drying up as publications cut pages and sought brand-named authors whose monikers sold issues. But like the memory of your first kiss, fiction stayed in my heart and deep in my subconscious. Even my articles worked in stories: Bruce Springsteen didn’t just give audiences everything he had, he “came off the stage as out of a downpour. His clothes clung to him like wet leaves, his hair wild and dripping . . .”

Until finally, I came back to my first love. I didn’t want to be a seventy-year-old man in a rocker, daydreaming of the one that got away. I started getting up at three in the morning to work on a novel. At eight or nine, I’d return to my day job, writing nonfiction. I did that everyday for almost a year. What came out of it was my first published novel, Comes a Horseman. Eventually, its success allowed me write novels fulltime, and eight books later (after Horseman, came Germ, Deadfall, Deadlock, and the Dreamhouse series), I’m in storytelling heaven. I can only hope my passion for story—cultivated over a lifetime—comes through in every one I tell.

As for why my fiction leans toward thrillers and adventure . . . well, that’s another story.

Thanks for stopping by!  As you can see we still have some work to do before we go live on June 29th, 2009. In the meantime you can visit our About page to see what FictionAddict.com is all about! Be sure and come back on June 29th to enter our huge book giveaway. Spread the word!!

Genre: Young Adult, Thriller

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication Date: April 28th, 2009

Reviewed by Jake Chism

The last thing Charlie West remembers is going to sleep after one of the best days of his life. That morning he wowed his high school classmates with a black belt demonstration at school, only to have the girl of his dreams write her phone number on his arm. Later in the day Sensei Mike encouraged Charlie to follow his dream of being an Air Force pilot, and even an argument with his friend Alex couldn’t take away the buzz of an unforgettable day. Charlie falls asleep on top of the world only to wake up strapped to a chair battered, bruised, and bloody. As Charlie tries to make sense of the situation he soon discovers he is being held captive by men who want him dead. Using his black belt skills he finds a way to escape only to find out things are much worse than he could have ever imagined.

Edgar Award winner Andrew Klavan takes his first foray into young adult fiction with this riveting first installment of The Homelanders series. This is a fast paced thrill ride carried effortlessly along by the first person narrative of Charlie West. From the intriguing opening hook we are whisked along on an action packed jaunt that is full of twists and turns and is impossible to put down.

In the midst of the shootouts and riveting hand to hand combat scenes, Klavan builds character depth through Charlie’s flashbacks of the last day he remembers. We soon find out that Charlie is not just a good kid, but someone that has a strong faith and a great love for his country. It’s these solid foundations that help Charlie find the strength to face the overwhelming circumstances in front of him.

The Last Thing I Remember does everything the first book in a series should. It grabs our attention with a hero to root for and delivers a plot that will have readers begging for more in the end. Andrew Klavan gives action thriller fans a story they will love, laced with some powerful messages of honor, duty, and sacrifice. This is only the beginning for Charlie West and I can’t wait to see what’s in store next.

Genre: Mystery, Thriller

Publisher: Dutton

Publication Date: March 31^st, 2009

Reviewed by Jake Chism

It’s been ten years since Myron Bolitar has heard from his old flame, Terese Collins. She has become a suspect in her ex-husbands murder in Paris and pleads for Myron’s help. After arriving in Paris, Myron finds out troubling information about Terese’s past and the death of her daughter. Myron begins digging around for answers and discovers evidence that might prove Terese’s daughter is still alive. With the help of the ever faithful Win, Myron embarks on an international search for answers to the mystery behind Terese’s past. What they discover is more frightening then anything they could have imagined.

In Long Lost Harlan Coben sets out to satisfy the masses with his first Myron Bolitar novel in three years. Not only does he satisfy, but he gives his faithful fans what may be his most enticing thriller to date. What makes the Bolitar novels so addicting is the strong and quirky characters and of course they are all back in wondrous fashion. Myron himself is as endearing as ever with his unyielding desire to help those he loves. Coben would be shunned by his rabid fans if he didn’t give us a healthy dose of Windsor Lockwood III. Never fear. Win is back and just as psychotic and engaging as ever. Esperanza is as sassy as always bringing some welcome moments of humor and tenderness throughout.

Coben has long established himself as a master of the first person narrative and I don’t think anyone writing in the genre today compares. I love how Coben takes these characters that are so familiar and raises the stakes by placing them in a horrific conflict with global implications. This is a far cry from Myron’s mystery solving sports agent days, yet despite the raised stakes we still find the same old Myron and Win we fell in love with years ago.

In the end we are left with a truly terrifying conclusion that may surprise readers, but nevertheless fits the plot that Coben has so masterfully constructed. Harlan Coben consistently keeps me in awe with each new installment and Long Lost is certainly no exception. Even if you have never read a Myron Bolitar novel, Coben gives just enough background to keep you out of the dark. Pull up a chair and sit tight because you won’t be going anywhere once you begin.