LOST has ended it’s groundbreaking run and we’re here to break it all down. Listen in as Jake Chism, Tim George, James Andrew Wilson and novelist Rob Stennett (The Almost True Story of Ryan Fisher, and The End is Now) discuss their thoughts on the finale and the series as a whole.
This podcast episode can also be downloaded from iTunes.
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Genre: Thriller
Publisher: Zondervan
Released: May 2010
Reviewed by Josh Olds
Do u want 2 b my friend? It’s undeniable that we live in an age where technology is putting people in contact with one another more than ever. Social networking has become a multi-billion dollar industry – be it Facebook, Twitter, or any one of the number of social networking forums out there. It’s all really good technology. Friends can stay in touch with friends even though they may not be in close proximity. Relatives from far away can see little Timmy’s first haircut because Mom uploaded to her Facebook page. But like any good technology, the depraved mind of humanity can find a multiplicity of ways to use it for evil.
In Predator, Terri Blackstock treats us to such a terrifying tale. Fourteen-year-old Ella Carmichael was brutally kidnapped, raped, and then buried alive in a shallow grave after an online predator watching her every GrapeVyne update sees his opportunity. In the face of such evil, her sister Krista and father David determine to hunt down the killer before more girls find themselves prey.
Krista goes straight to the top – CEO and founder of the social network GrapeVyne, Ryan Adkins. At first reluctant to see GrapeVyne’s responsibility in the matter, as the predator continues his rampage, Ryan finds himself risking his own job and fortune to help stop the killer. Krista and Ryan team up, but when they get to close to the killer’s trail, he turns his sights toward them.
Predator carries the theme of an exploration of the quintessential problem of pain and how a loving God could allow such evil; through the plot of the story we are exposed to the stark reality of the potential dangers of irresponsible social networking; and in subplots we are treated to a father’s agony over such loss and trauma and a sister’s determination to help those destitute and downtrodden. And in and through it all, there is a God who knows, who cares, and who weeps alongside the brokenhearted.
My only real complaint with the novel is that it explicitly tells you its purpose a few too many times. I got it. Social networking can be dangerous, and those using it should be careful. Given that the story surrounded 2 dead, 1 injured, and a killer on the loose as a result of such, it was a mantra that, while important, did not bear that much repeating.
Quite obviously, Predator was written as a cautionary tale for those of the Facebook generation, who in their quest to be loved, in their craving for attention, and in their desire to have purpose have thrown out all notions of privacy and forgotten that all is not always as it appears, and that evil often comes masquerading as light. Though it did touch upon the benefits of social networking (consider that the link for this review shall be Facebook shared and tweeted), I would have liked to have seen it do more to show these positive aspects.
In the end, Predator is a riveting story that could easily have been ripped from tomorrow’s headlines. It has a strong spiritual message as well as a clear and practical earthly message. It’s a solid thriller from a good writer, and, as this was my first Blackstock novel, I must admit that she has gained a fan.
Review copy provided by Zondervan.
Genre: Children’s
Publisher: Tundra Books
Publication Date: January 2010
Reviewed by Jaci Miller
Filomena, a wedding dress seamstress, spends each day crafting exquisite creations for brides’ dream weddings. As she sews each dress, she stores away ideas and plans her own gown. When Rusty, the mechanic next door, pops the big question, Filomena pours all her ideas into her dress. But on the wedding day, Filomena’s dress is so frilled, fluffed and floofed, that poor Rusty doesn’t recognize her and flees the ceremony.
Originally published in Italian, Here Comes the Bride by Beatrice Masini seems to have lost something in translation. Upon hearing this book had won a few awards, this reviewer expected an enjoyable read. But something rang false. The book felt disjointed, Filomena’s relationship with Rusty, manufactured and the bride’s young sister, unnecessary. A sort of disconnect with the characters existed within the pages.
The illustrator incorporates distorted, almost caricature-esque illustrations and elements of “found” art (like samples of lace and of newspapers) into the illustrations; this made for an interesting, if not appealing, viewing experience. The huge-eyed, red-nosed toothy characters felt out of place in a book about brides and wedding dresses and created a creepy vibe, although the attempt to contrast the subject matter was noted.
The premise of a bride becoming carried away by the wedding and thus becoming unrecognizable to her groom is a funny one, recognizable to many who have encountered “bridezillas.” But Here Comes the Bride felt sorely lacking in endearing qualities. It might prove suitable as a curiosity piece, but I doubt the book would appeal to princess/bride/fantasy-minded little girls.
Review copy provided Tundra Books.
Genre: Fantasy/Allegorical
Publisher: Creation House
Release Date: September 2009
Reviewed by Josh Olds
Allon was a paradise until the Guardians fell to the Dark Way, led by the evil spirit Dagar. But prophecy speaks of a time when the Guardians would return and Allon would be restored, led by the rightful heir to the throne. That heir is Ellis, and pursued by King Marcellus’ soldiers, he must flee. Having fled to the Forest of Dorigirth, he is told his destiny and begins his training, under an ancient master, to overcome the king and the Dark Way he follows.
The story that Allon tries to tell is a good one, filled with intrigue and mystery, romance and great battles, betrayal and loyalty. It’s a story we’ve all heard and read before. It’s a story told in Eragon, Prince Caspian, even Star Wars – all of these considered iconic stories. So while not the most original novel I’ve ever read, Allon had the seed for a story that, if done well, could bear one more incarnation.
The picture of the supernatural as painted by Lamb is vivid and quite allegorical, with the depictions of the Guardians and the Shadow Warriors clearly being representations of the great battle between the angelic and the demonic, of good and evil. The portrayal of the Guardians was by far my favorite aspect of the book.
Despite that, I had a hard time following the storyline at times because at least once every chapter, I found myself introduced to a new character. While some of these characters came and went in the space of a few paragraphs and others stayed on, it proved to be rather disorienting to sort out who was who. It seemed to me like Lamb was attempting to flesh out an entire fantasy world on a grand scope, but trying to do so in one novel made it seem rather cluttered. In addition to this, the book needs better editing. While I realize that one or two errors may creep in amongst the array of words in a full-length novel, some of these errors were just too noticeable to overlook.
In the end, Allon is a story of a boy who discovers that as a Child of the King it is his destiny to defeat Evil. Though Allon tells this story – which I absolutely love – I feel that many other books tell this story much better, for having been derived from a tried and true storyline, that is the standard on which it will be seen. To read this same basic plotline as a part of a classic, I recommend Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis. If you’re looking for a lesser-known author that tells a similar story, I recommend Protect by Paul Watson. Allon has its charms to be sure, but in the end doesn’t deliver.
Review copy provided by Creation House.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Touchstone
Publication Date: May 2010
Reviewed by Jen Roman
In New York in the early 1900s, Ruby Thompson has faced many tragedies in her young life. By the time she is thirteen, her parents and brother have died from Spanish influenza. Her other brother, Nick, survives but has personality-altering damages from the flu. He and his wife, Evie, have two small girls, and they take in Ruby to live with them. Not long after, Evie is in a train accident and dies, leaving Ruby to fend for herself AND to care for the two girls, Allie and Amanda. She takes on a lot of unsafe factory jobs and does all she can to make ends meet. Finally, fed up with not being able to take care of her family, she goes to a side show owner and ends up getting a job. She has an amazingly fast pitch, so her new boss sets up a booth where people can come in and challenge her for the fastest pitch. She is so impressive that eventually she is asked to play on a minor league team, and in the process garners the attention of Babe Ruth, Lou Gherig, and the famous boxer Jack Dempsey. Even though she finds a good-paying job doing something she loves, she still has to face challenges: her brother, Nick, is caught up in bootlegging; the Klan is out to make her stop playing baseball because she is a girl; and a bookie blackmails her to throw some games or he will harm the girls. Rather than being a sad and depressing story, however, Diamond Ruby shows pluck, spunk, and smarts. She handles things with grace and nerves of steel.
It’s interesting to read a book about a female baseball player in the early 1900s because the reader sees just how far women have come. Rights and privileges we take for granted are not even dreamed of by those women. Diamond Ruby shows what people, no matter their gender, can achieve when they set their minds to it. They can overcome despair and manage to triumph even with the odds stacked against them. While there are people who succumb to tragedy, it’s nice to read about someone who overcomes the odds to manage and do well in life. Who doesn’t love to root for the underdog?
There is very little objectionable content in Diamond Ruby in the way of profanity and sexual situations. While there is not graphic violence, there is a lot of blackmail. People get beat up or knifed, and in one scene, Ruby is badly beaten. This is not described in great detail, but it is enough that it could upset people sensitive to violence against women. In general, however, most readers should not be offended by anything in this book. It is gritty and downtrodden at times, but it shows how the human spirit can overcome so many tragedies to succeed.
Review copy provided by Touchstone.
Genre: Children’s/Fantasy
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication Date: February 2010
Reviewed by Jaci Miller
Flory is a night fairy. But when flying one evening, she loses her wings in an accident with a bat. How does a fairy cope without wings? In Flory’s case, she becomes a day fairy and settles down in the garden of a giantess (human). There, she must battle hungry squirrels, spiders and other predators, all without the aid of her wings. In a huge, dangerous world, can she learn to survive?
In The Night Fairy, Laura Amy Schlitz presents the antithesis to most fairy stories—a feisty, fuzzy-headed fairy with a self-centered streak. Flory experiences remarkable character growth in this book, as she moves from a domineering outlook to one of selflessness. Her exploits fuel this growth.
At the beginning, the book’s voice feels a bit stilted, almost like an adult talking down to a child, as Schlitz sets her scene and fills in back story. But when the actual action begins, this tone seems to vanish as readers absorb the world she has, not so much created, but revealed.
This simply told story features a basic plot line that would serve intermediate readers well. Airy, ethereal illustrations and delicate descriptions emphasize the natural world in which Flory lives, a place both familiar and fantastic. So beautiful are these natural scenes that the reader longs to join Flory in her world to feast on the sights and sounds
Book after book, Candlewick Press continually offers captivatingly surreal language and illustrations: Cloud Tea Monkeys, The Magician’s Elephant and The Tale of Despereaux. The Night Fairy is no exception. An enchanting tale that little girls will cherish, especially at bedtime.
Review copy provided by Candlewick Press.
Genre: Romance, Mystery
Publisher: Berkeley
Publication Date: June 2010
Reviewed by Lori Twichell
Reagan has a big problem. But she also has a plan. With nowhere to go, no family in the world, and none of the normal concerns of a teenager, it seems like there isn’t a lot of hope in her life. But then there’s Harmony. The beautiful small town of Harmony houses a tight knit community of mostly kind hearted folks that all know each other’s business. When Reagan flees the hopeless nonexistent life that she has and comes to Harmony, she knows exactly what she needs to do to fit into the inner workings of this intimate community. She pretends to be the granddaughter of Miss Beverly Truman, one of the town’s residents who moved away long ago. Miss Beverly recently passed away at a nursing home where Reagan volunteered some of her time. During the last years of the old woman’s life, Reagan learned all about the town of Harmony and also grew to love the old woman. So when Miss Beverly passed away, Reagan knew what she needed to do. And that means the small town of Harmony is her future.
Being Miss Beverly’s granddaughter gives her an immediate ‘in’ to the town’s infrastructure, but it also gives her an instant family. Since Miss Beverly left behind an ornery old brother, that means that Reagan’s brilliant plan to insinuate herself into the small town life of Harmony also means she’s going to have to figure out what to do about grumpy old Jeremiah Truman.
Along with the trials that Reagan endures to become part of this community, we also get to meet Alexandra McAllen. McAllen is the local sheriff who is drowning in the agonizing pain of having lost her brother in a dreadful incident that she feels was her fault. Every Saturday evening she loses herself in a bottle at the local bar. And every Saturday night without fail, she’s saved from her self-destructive tendencies by her brother’s best friend who also happens to be the local fire chief. He also happens to be head over heels in love with her. Unfortunately she can’t see past her own pain to understand anything more than his annoying tendency to always be right and always be watching out for her.
Oh and did I mention that someone’s setting dangerous fires around town too? Yes. There’s mystery wrapped in this romantic adventure as well.
Welcome to Harmony is a beautifully woven tale of life in a small town. The residents of Harmony not only know each other and everyone’s secrets, but they also accept everyone’s, well, for lack of a better term, ticks. The things about people that make them odd or strange or crazy are readily accepted in this small town because that’s just what you do. No one blinks an eye that the local sheriff goes out every Saturday and drinks herself into a stupor. Everyone knows what it was like when her brother passed and no one questions her abilities because of this problem. There is no politically correct rambling, counseling or therapy in this book. People struggle with their issues and work through them the hard way. It may not always be the best way, but it works in the end. And it makes everyone tighter as a community.
I loved the characterization, the plot and the pacing. It never moves too slow or too fast and keeps you interested throughout the story. I devoured this book. I took it with me to a series of medical appointments my husband had and I finished it in a little over a day. When I was done, I felt satisfied with the conclusion of the story, but I wanted to know more. The small town and quirky characters worked their way into my mind until I, too, felt like I was a part of Harmony and when the book ended, I was sad to leave.
Review copy provided by Berkeley.
Don’t miss our recent interview with Jodi Thomas.
Genre: Literary
Publisher: Picador
Released: September 2009
Reviewed by Jonathan Schindler
What does it mean to be home in Gilead, Iowa? For Glory Boughton, it signifies a coming down in the world, a broken engagement, a forced retirement from teaching, and caring for her father—a retired Presbyterian minister—in his last days. For Glory’s prodigal brother Jack, whose return to Gilead after twenty years sets the town quietly abuzz, Gilead is a place of last hope, where grace might be found and new life begun.
Readers familiar with Marilynne Robinson’s Pulitzer Prize–winning Gilead will already know the basic plot of the Orange Prize–winning Home. Home takes place over the same time period as Gilead, and in the same place, but it follows different characters than the earlier book. Whereas Gilead was Reverend John Ames’s first-person account of the events surrounding Jack’s return, a letter of sorts written to his young son, Home is a third-person account specifically following Glory Boughton, a minor player in Ames’s record.
Readers desiring a plot-driven narrative may be bored with Home. But what Home lacks in plot it makes up for in rich characterization. The characters are slowly, methodically drawn. Robinson’s gift for subtle observation and nuance gives the characters a weight that convinces the reader of their reality. But much like relationships in the real world, the reader’s getting to know the characters is not a quick process. The reader must inhabit Gilead in order to understand its people. Robinson does not allow for snap judgments or easy dismissals; she lets the reader know her characters in all their humanity. For this reason, it is impossible to read Home quickly. It is a book that must be savored.
And the savoring brings its own rewards. For much of the book, I liked what I was reading, was interested in the relationships that were forming, and cared about the characters. But I didn’t realize how much I cared until the final third of the book. I found myself feeling the characters’ grief, laughing with them, and desiring their good ends. It is to Robinson’s credit that she was able to produce such emotion discreetly, without the manipulative methods we’re familiar with from Hallmark commercials and many human interest stories, which seek to manufacture sentimental feelings in brief snapshots. In contrast, the feelings that Robinson conjures are the direct product of her painstaking catalogue of the characters’ lives.
The book must also be savored because of its wisdom. Home explores what it means for the prodigal to come home. Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son tells us much about his heavenly Father, but how might the story look in an earthly context? In Robinson’s book we have a loving father, worn out from twenty years of waiting, still happy to have his son back but battling his own feelings of bitterness and regret. We have a son who, while trying to enjoy the pleasures of home, still hears the siren call of the world and feels the urge to continue his travels in a distant land. We have those outside the family who know the prodigal’s transgressions, and we have their reactions to his return. And we have a younger sister, the one who didn’t leave, who still has her inheritance, but who is able to bestow the grace that seemed out of the older brother’s reach in Jesus’ parable. Robinson’s novel is a multi-layered and powerful meditation on what it means to be lost and (possibly) found.
Home is a work of genuine beauty, but in some ways an ordinary beauty. It is an escape from the fast-paced world we live in, a reminder of an earlier time, but also a reminder that we inhabit a world of ordinary graces, where the magnificent suffuses the mundane, where we can appreciate the comforts of home.
Review copy provided by Picador.
Genre: Chick Lit
Publisher: Bantam
Publication Date: March 2010
Reviewed by Jennifer S. Roman
Orphaned after her mother’s death, Emily Benedict relocates to Mullaby, North Carolina to live with her grandfather in his sprawling house. It and the town have magical secrets: the moving lights in the garden at night, the wallpaper that changes themes, and why the townspeople hate Emily’s mother, Dulcie. Emily befriends her grandfather’s next-door-neighbor, Julia, who went to school with Dulcie. She is able to shed some light on Dulcie’s past, but it is the son of the mayor who can really tell Emily what she needs to know. In the process, he opens old wounds and shares some of his own family’s deep secrets.
This story, as described by other readers, is sweet. It’s magical. It’s charming. Readers will enjoy the secrets of an old Southern town. They will enjoy remembering the fun AND the pain of high school. They will love falling in love in the summer. The will love to hate the snobby, stuck-up “society” people in town who try to rule others over stupid reasons. The book is a quick and easy read that is sure to please the beach reader or the reader who just wants to enjoy something before turning in for the night. It’s not deep and it’s not profound. Instead, it’s a charming story mixed with a little magic. Yes, the reader needs to suspend disbelief for a while, but it’s all in fun. By the end, the reader experiences forgiveness and the triumph of the generosity of the human spirit.
The novel does not have a lot of objectionable content. There are a couple of romantic scenes at the end; one is a sweet kiss between teens, and but the other one is a bit more steamy between consenting adults. There is no offensive language or violence. All in all, it is a sweet story sure to capture a reader’s heart. Older teens and adults should be able to enjoy this book.
Review copy provided by Bantam.
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Drama, Supernatural
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: July 2010
Reviewed by Lori Twichell
In Shiver, Grace and Sam discovered each other and learned a great deal about how to overcome adversity. Now, Sam’s not changing anymore and they think they’ve got everything under control. That is until Grace nearly non-existent parents decide to step in and begin parenting with a very heavy hand. And on top of it all, Grace is sick. Really sick. And no one can understand what’s happening to her except maybe Sam. He’s not allowed to see her or speak to her. It’s dire. It’s painful. And it’s beautiful.
The bond that develops between Grace and Sam in Shiver is stretched, tested, tried, and nearly snapped in the circumstances that develop in Linger. Yet the two of them press on together with sheer will and determination.
And then there’s Cole. A new wolf that’s just been turned, Cole is still trying to figure the whole changing thing out. He wasn’t a fan of being a human. He wanted to disappear. So when he starts making connections as a human, he’s not necessarily all that happy about it.
Stiefvater has created her own fantastical universe that’s populated with mythical creatures that are realistic enough for us to believe in their existence without much encouragement. Her descriptions are beautiful. As you’re reading, you may find yourself re-reading descriptions and wondering why you never thought of it that way before. Her characters have dialogue that reads so smoothly that you can easily imagine them speaking the words directly into your ear.
As I did with Shiver, I deeply enjoyed Linger. The journey was beautiful, heartbreaking, and in many places I held my breath to see what would happen next. And once more, as I did with Shiver, I was annoyed beyond measure with the portrayal of Grace’s parents. Targeted to young readers, I have no doubt that this was an intentional move on Stiefvater’s part, but it still rankled me to see parents portrayed this way. Add to that the idea that there were no ‘good’ adult role models for kids going through some very serious situations and I feel like it’s an opportunity lost. It would have been nice if, after creating such a difficult situation for Grace, we could have experienced a good relationship between youth and their parents or another adult.
That said, I got to the end of this book and yelled out loud that I was going to have to wait to find out what happens next. Amongst bookshelves that are currently packed with supernatural thrillers and mythical creatures come to life, Stiefvater’s books stand out with exceptional writing and beautiful storylines that engage and entertain the audience.
Review copy provided by Scholastic.
Jake Chism talks with Tim Downs about his new novel, Wonders Never Cease. Plus, Tim gives us a sneak peek into the next Bug Man novel and shares his thoughts on the future of publishing. More about Tim Downs:
Tim Downs is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Indiana University. After graduation in 1976 he created a comic strip, Downstown, which was syndicated by Universal Press Syndicate until 1986. His cartooning has appeared in more than a hundred major newspapers worldwide. Tim’s first book was awarded the Gold Medallion Award in 2000, and his third novel, PlagueMaker, was awarded the Christy Award for best CBA suspense novel of 2007. Tim lives in Cary, North Carolina, with his wife Joy. He has been featured on many high-profile talk radio programs based on his expert knowledge, stemming from research for his novels.
Visit Tim online at www.authortimdowns.com.
Check out our reviews of Wonders Never Cease.
You can also subscribe to our podcast via iTunes.
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Genre: Suspense
Publisher: WaterBrook Press
Publication Date: May 2010
Reviewed by Josh Olds
When Caitlyn Brown escaped the theocracy of Appalachia, she thought it’d be over. She wouldn’t be hunted anymore. She could rid herself of her condition—her deformity—then she could live a normal life on the Outside. But she was wrong.
With her secret exposed while trying to assimilate into life outside Appalachia, Caitlyn must go on the run from the government, who wants to know her secret. She’s been separated from her friends Theo and Billy for a while now, and they can’t really help her. Enter Razor—fast, sharp dangerous—a man with enough tricks up his sleeve to save Caitlyn, at least temporarily. But his motives are mixed and vague, and certainly cannot be trusted.
Meanwhile, the government isn’t Caitlyn’s only problem. The bounty hunter that chased her through Appalachia in Broken Angel is determined to finish the job. As Caitlyn and Razor work together to team up with Billy and Theo, Caitlyn learns a lot about life on the Outside—and about herself. It’s not just her deformity, it’s her DNA. It’s a genetic makeup that grants her ultimate power.
In a tale of science unchecked and gone awry, Sigmund Brouwer places this suspense-filled chase in the middle of an apocalyptic future where the wars have left the Americas a system of walled city-states with a rigid and harsh social system. Caitlyn must find her friends, outwit her pursuers, decide who she can trust, and finally escape to a life of freedom.
Several motifs run through Flight of Shadows and its prequel, Broken Angel. Flight of Shadows builds on the foundation of science unchecked and unmasks the horror of what man is capable of when the sanctity of life is denied. But primarily, this serves as a focus to the general theme Brouwer is presenting. In Broken Angel, Caitlyn was on the run within Appalachia, a theocracy ran by Bar Elohim where every move was monitored and personal freedoms were not allowed. Bar Elohim saw all. Flight of Shadows introduces the reader to the Outside…but we quickly discover that things are not too much better here.
Here those born in affluence—Influentials—virtually enslave the lower castes of Industrials and Illegals. Those in power can do anything to those without it—and they will do anything to retain their power. It is society taken to the extremes, a foreseeable future that should scare readers into an appreciation for what society still is, and work to make it better.
Brouwer has crafted a top-notch novel of suspense where each page deepens the plot, heightens the intensity, and broadens the action. The page-turning action is coupled with thought-provoking concepts to create a story that pulls the reader in and doesn’t let go until the last page is turned.
Review copy provided by WaterBrook Press.
Genre: Suspense, Supernatural
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: May 2010
Reviewed by Josh Olds
Broken – That is probably an accurate one-word synopsis of the state of Lexi’s life. Seven years ago her sister was murdered. Then her drug-dealing husband walked out on her, leaving her to scrape out a meager existence and raise her daughter. Now Warden, a figure from Lexi’s past, someone with ties to her, her husband, and her sister’s killer has come back to haunt her. Either she testifies on behalf of the killer at his parole hearing or her daughter dies.
Never Let You Go is a story about many things, but mainly it’s a story of relationships – primarily the relationship between Lexi and her daughter Molly. Molly’s all Lexi has left. Her mother has little interest in her life; her father because mentally unstable when her sister died; her husband abandoned her. Molly is it – and now that relationship is being threatened. Lexi is a lonely, flawed, and broken soul, and Never Let You Go is her story of redeeming and restoring the relationships that were once broken.
Erin Healy, in her solo debut, crafts wonderful characters that drive this wonderful drama of redemption. The supernatural elements are subtle enough to not be overbearing but poignant and obvious enough to leave you wide-eyed with mouth gaping, leaving you with the realization that not all battles are between flesh and blood.
The back flap of the novel says it “defies easy categorization.” That’s definitely true. Supernatural thriller. Suspense. A hint of romance. Healy gives us a bit of everything and the result is a starkly realistic look into the broken relationships in the life on one troubled woman. In a culture that understands neither love nor forgiveness, Healy has created a novel that teaches us a bit about both. Both bitterness and forgiveness come at a high price, and Lexi is forced to choose between the two.
Whether you’ve been a fan of Healy since her co-authored novels (Kiss and Burn) with Ted Dekker, or are new to her name, with stories like Never Let You Go, Healy is sure to enthrall and entertain, and you might even gain some perspective along the way. This is the type of novel the world needs. Real people put in real situations stricken with doubt yet catalyzed by hope. My only caution is that once you pick this book up, you won’t be able to put it down.
Review copy provided by Thomas Nelson.
Jake Chism recently caught up with Jeremy Robinson to discuss his new book, Instinct. Listen in as Jeremy shares the idea behind the Chess Team series, his experience with self publishing, and a glimpse into his future projects. More about Jeremy Robinson:
JEREMY ROBINSON is the author of seven novels including PULSE and INSTINCT, the first two installments of his Chess Team series published by Thomas Dunne, and imprint of St. Martin’s Press. His novels have been translated into eight languages. He lives in New Hampshire with his wife and three children.
For more information, free podcast novels, video content, news and contests, visit his Web site at www.jeremyrobinsononline.com, where you can connect with Robinson via Twitter, Facebook, MySpace or e-mail.
Check out our reviews of Pulse and Instinct.
You can also subscribe to our podcast via iTunes.
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Genre: Mystery, Drama, Romance
Publisher: David C. Cook
Publication Date: March 2010
Reviewed by Lori Twichell
A killer is on the loose in Sophie Trace and it’s up to Police Chief Brill Jessup to figure out who it is and stop the killing. Worse than that, the situation hits a little too close to home when it involves Ethan Langley, her daughter’s boyfriend.
Ethan is home from school and hopes to spend the summer earning money to pay for school and getting closer to Vanessa, his girlfriend. Ethan’s summer plans are quickly shattered as his cousin’s roommate is murdered. Trying to cope with family issues on top of this, Ethan’s struggling to help his cousin past this horrible tragedy. Then a little girl’s body turns up and things really begin to go south in the small town. It’s not too long before things come right to Ethan’s front door and suddenly, Vanessa’s life is in danger as well.
Police Chief Brill Jessup is unhappy that all of this is happening on her watch. When her daughter (Ethan’s girlfriend) witnesses a murder firsthand, it gets way too close to home. She puts herself and her emotions aside and calls for help from another town. It’s not someone who has respected her in the past and some question her decision, but nothing’s going to stop her from solving these murders.
Since this is my first venture into Sophie Trace, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve loved J.D. Robb’s In Death books and was pleasantly surprised to find that this is a good comparison. With emotional ties that keep her closely connected to friends and neighbors throughout the book, Brill is able to systematically take the evidence apart and follow the trails wherever they may go. With just enough crime specific details to be believable, The Right Call is an emotional journey that will take you down the path of wondering how far you can trust someone when they’ve proven unreliable. It’s also a good balance of crime story/mystery and drama. With just enough danger to make you cringe, but not enough to be unrealistic, it’s a tight story with fast pacing and great characters you want to follow. The spiritual questions are solid without overwhelming the story and the mystery is complex enough to keep you interested until the very end.
I thoroughly enjoyed my venture into Sophie Trace and look forward to whatever Kathy Herman brings to the table for her next adventure.
Review copy provided by David C. Cook.
Genre: Suspense
Publisher: Fidelis Books
Publication Date: March 2010
Reviewed by Tim George
The hero of this story is a twenty-six year street agent of the FBI. During his storied career he has worked undercover helping rid the world of drug dealers, pedophiles, and contract killers. Before that he was both a Marine and a law school graduate. Did I leave out anything? Oh yes – Bob Hammer isn’t even a character in Enemies among Us; he is the author! Hammer’s personal knowledge of how the FBI works and the very real war on terror since 9/11 shines through in every single page of this thriller from Fidelis Books, the new imprint of B&H Publishing.
Now to the hero of the novel: Matt Hogan is a man’s man fighting a very unconventional war on the streets of Los Angeles. He is street smart, committed, and also has a penchant for getting in trouble with his superiors. When he wrecks a bureau provided Harley while pursuing an Arab drug runner Hogan ends up undercover at a charity medical clinic. First convinced he is chasing shadows in a dead-end assignment he realizes something is being planned by someone using the charity as a front. But who? If you want the answer to that you’ll have to get the book.
Matt Hogan is the kind of hero faith-based fiction so desperately needs. He is a real man. Hogan’s wife is a believer that loves her husband and gently nudges him in the right direction. He is a devoted husband that worships his wife but is yet to be persuaded to follow her path. Hogan has real emotions. There’s nothing sugar coated about him or this story. The battle to thwart the attempts of terrorist cells to carry out Jihad once again on the West isn’t pretty and won’t be won with flowery speeches or good intentions and our hero knows that too well.
Bob Hammer does a great job of presenting intense action, hard boiled dialogue, and not-so-nice realities without dragging the reader through Hollywood’s usual stereotypical language and gore. He proves it requires being far more creative as a writer to paint the indelible image of evil without warping the reader’s mind at the same time. He never once uses one of George Carlin’s famous seven banned words yet leaves the reader with no doubt what the stresses of this war can do to even to the best of the good guys. We also aren’t given paper cut out bad guys. Some are driven by ideology, some by fear of what will happen to their families in other countries, and some are only bad by association. In fact, even our main character is surprised by who comes to his aid along the way.
The author weaves the story of Matt Hogan’s wife, her faith, and the demons of his past masterfully into the tapestry of the novel without seeming forced. Undercover activities against terrorism and a child having heavenly visions don’t seem a fit but in Enemies among Us it all makes perfect sense – a testament to the power of this author’s voice. I can’t express enough that this is how faith-based fiction ought to be written. The characters act like people in the real world. Though much of the mainstream media ignores it, in the real world some people are kind, some are evil, some have a deep faith in God, and some have lost their way. In the real world those people walk the streets together, work together, and at times are thrown into horrible situations together. For our hero it is in such a situation he at last finds answers, or at least the hope of answers, to the sleeper cell within his own heart.
Review copy provided by Fidelis Books.
Lori Twichell recently had the opportunity to sit down with Andrea Boeshaar, author of the new book, Unwilling Warrior. Listen in as Lori finds out how Andrea works, who her favorite authors are, and what’s in mind for the future.
Read our review of Unwilling Warrior here.
More about Andrea:
Andrea Boeshaar has been married for over 30 years. She and her husband Daniel have 3 grown sons and 4 grandchildren.
Andrea has been writing stories and poems since she was a little girl; however, it wasn’t until 1991, after she became a Christian, that she answered God’s call to write exclusively for the Christian market. Since then Andrea has had more than 25 novels published as well as numerous novellas and nonfiction pieces.
Andrea served on the Advisory Board of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and is one of the organization’s cofounders. Andrea is represented by literary agent, Steve Laube.
In addition to her own writing, Andrea is a certified life coach and helps writers organize, prioritize, set goals, and work toward publication. For more on Andrea, visit her web site at: www.andreaboeshaar.com
You can also subscribe to our podcast via iTunes.
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Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Drama, Supernatural
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: August 2009
Reviewed by Lori Twichell
Grace has a deep connection to the woods behind her home. With self absorbed parents that rarely ever even know where their daughter is, let alone what she’s doing, Grace is much more comfortable in the open air. As she wanders through the woods she can hear sounds and taste elements in the air that most people cannot. She can’t explain this and really, it’s not something about which she’s concerned. It’s just a part of her. Just like the wolf attack she experienced when she was a small child. Though she should have died, she didn’t. She was saved from death by a wolf with golden eyes. Where most people would spend their lives concentrating on the horror of the attack, Grace spent her life concentrating on the act of grace that saved her life. It is this perspective that not only helps get Maggie through the difficult times of her life, but that also prepares her for the strange events that are about to take her life in a whole new direction.
Years later, Grace recognizes the same wolf that saved her life when she was a child. For some unknown reason, she sees the wolf outside her home often. He’s always watching her. Where she felt a connection before, she now begins to think of the wolf as her own. So when a boy from her high school class is attacked by the wolves, Grace virulently opposes the proposed wolf hunt. She’s worried for ‘her’ wolf. And her worries are completely justified.
She’s horrified one day when she discovers a boy with yellow eyes lying on her back porch bleeding. It’s the beginning of the rest of her life.
Stiefvater’s tale cannot escape comparisons to the other ‘supernatural teen romance’ series that’s on the market today. With several interesting similarities to Twilight, I was at first worried that I was just reading a knock off of the popular tale. Imagine my surprise when I was drawn in to a world that actually had some explanations, made sense, and had beautiful writing to boot. Where I was worried I’d find only teen angst and drama, I discovered a beautiful tale that drew me in and left me wanting more. I needed to know what would happen next.
One of my biggest issues with the story was that of Grace’s parents. Well, actually, all of the parents. They were, for all intents and purposes, non-existent. It would have been nice to see some good parental figures that stuck with the kids, listened, and helped them through trials and traumas. Instead we see parents so caught up in themselves that they have little to no impact whatsoever on the lives of their children. These are kids that are basically raising themselves without any adult input or supervision. In fact, when parents do get involved, they are more a nuisance and don’t understand. Teenagers are already of this frame of mind and it’s hard enough for adults to permeate this belief with real care and concern. I would have felt better if there had been at least one set of understanding parents who didn’t just comply with everything the kids told them to, but really genuinely helped the kids through their situations.
Other than that, the story remained tight and solid, the characterizations were vivid and beautiful and the descriptions literally leaped off of the page. This story gives you solid adventure in a supernatural universe where Stiefvater creates her own rules about life and how it happens and they actually make sense.
Shiver is a definite must read for those who like romance and teen drama with a little of the supernatural/fantasy world mixed in for good measure. If you’ve read that ‘other’ teen supernatural drama series, definitely give this a try. You may just like it better. I certainly did.
Review copy provided by Scholastic.
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Drama
Publisher: David C. Cook
Publication Date: March 2010
Reviewed by Lori Twichell
The story of Queen Esther is, perhaps, one of the most well known stories in the Bible. She’s a spectacular role model for young women on not only beauty, but grace and courage as well. A woman who could have it all, Esther was a simple girl who was taught how to exude beauty and grace but she was also wise beyond her years and had incredible faith. Quite simply, Esther is a voice for women through centuries. This would explain why Esther’s story has been the subject of so many books, films and stories throughout the years.
For those who don’t know Esther’s story, she was an orphan who was raised by a cousin named Mordecai. When she grows into a young beautiful woman, her life takes a fascinating turn and she soon becomes Queen of Persia. Having hidden her Jewish heritage for the duration of her marriage, she ends up taking her life into her own hands by approaching her husband, sharing her heritage, and ultimately, saving her people from destruction. That’s a really watered down thumbnail version of the story, so if you don’t know it or want to know more, please check it out. The fact that it is such a fantastic story is probably the reason that it has spawned books and films for decades.
Chosen brings a completely new spin to the life of Queen Esther. Imagine that Queen Esther kept a running diary of her story on scrolls and that, centuries later, these scrolls were found. This allows you to experience the hopes, dreams and fears of Esther from a first-hand perspective. Ginger Garrett does a brilliant job capturing the thoughts and the voice of the famous queen. Even as a queen, the frightened young girl shows through just enough for the reader to remember where Esther’s story began, but also gives you insight into the mind of a Queen.
Taking such a well known story and giving it a new spin is always a gamble. This can be especially difficult when you’re putting words into the mouth of a Biblical character. This is how I approached Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther. I grew up with Esther as that role model and, since she’s a favorite of mine, I approached this story with some trepidation. Thankfully, my worries and concerns over the possible downfalls of the story were not founded. Garrett managed to give this story a beautiful twist that allows faithful Esther devotees a new perspective on a beloved tale. Filled with beautiful description, amazing characters and, most importantly, the great queen’s voice, this is a story you don’t want to miss.
Review copy provided by David C. Cook.
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Supernatural
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: May 2010
Jake Chism’s Review:
Kemp McAvoy has pulled some fast ones in his time, but nothing like his latest brainchild. Movie star Olivia Hayden has just been hospitalized after a car wreck, and Kemp is the nurse assigned to her in the ICU. Disgusted with is own life and lack of wealth, Kemp develops a get rich quick scheme involving his famous comatose patient and his own impersonation of an angelic being. If all goes according to plan, Olivia Hayden will wake up with a message from an angel that must be published and Kemp and his fellow conspirators will make a fortune from the proceeds. Unfortunately, Kemp will soon find out that impersonating an angel isn’t always the best idea.
Tim Downs takes a break from bugs and cadavers to treat his fans with a quirky tale that is fun to read and impossible to put down. On the surface, this plot seems extremely far-fetched, but Downs really nails this one with his tightly woven storylines and unforgettable characters. Kemp McAvoy might just be the most annoying character I’ve ever read, yet at the same time I had so much fun following his every ill conceived move. Perfectly nestled amongst the shenanigans is a nice little love story and a subtle, yet strong theme about belief in things unseen. There isn’t a wasted word in this novel and Downs’ research really gives this story the depth it needs to hold the reader’s attention.
I had no idea what to expect from this story on the front end. To be sure this was a risky move on Tim Down’s part, especially after the cliffhanger ending of his last Bug Man novel. However, I’ve walked away from this one with an even greater appreciation for Down’s storytelling ability. Bugs and cadavers or angel impersonating con men….if Tim Downs’ name is on the cover you can be sure I’ll be reading it.
Tim George’s Review:
Kemp McAvoy is drop dead handsome, a medical school graduate, and a genius. If you don’t believe the genius part just ask him and he’ll tell you. Kemp is a nurse, which should give you an idea something went wrong after medical school. What he comes up with to finally make it big is also a clue our non-hero is only a genius in his own over-inflated ego. The scheme is simple – convince an actress in a drug induced coma after a car wreck to believe he is an angel come to give her a new message for the world, get her to write a book about it when she wakes up, and rake in the millions after the fact. Thus begins the funny and yet insightful Wonders Never Cease by Tim Downs. If you are one of those who get mad when a reviewer gives away the plot, take a breath; it’s the characters and how Downs tells the story that makes this novel worth reading.
Most of the people in this story are as vapid as the city they live in, Hollywood. Among them are the actress’s agent that has been watching his cash cow slowly dry up over the years, a book publisher desperate to find a replacement for his one best-seller (Lattes with God), and a loan shark from the east coast who has already extended far more credit to Kemp than he ever should have. Were it not for Kemp’s girlfriend, her six year old daughter, and a hospital custodian named Emmet one might give up on the whole human race.
Did I mention the little girl really does see angels? The irony is her Christian school insists she have counseling after she tells her story during a See and Say Session in class. One can hardly miss the satire of the whole thing. On one side we have a greedy confederation of users with no qualms about duping the whole world with fake messages from a fake angel and on the other side people who say they believe in the supernatural but fall all over themselves in questioning the validity of the girl’s visions. As the plot plays out we are given a too real vision of the consumer driven pop-culture religion of our day. Downs throws in everything from Oprah to Dr. Oz to make his point.
Tim Downs is best known for hard boiled suspense like Plague Maker, Head Game, and his popular Bug Man series. Good for him for stepping out of his comfort zone and giving us this sometimes charming, sometimes cutting parable of greed and faith. The writing is sharp with some of the best dialogue the author has ever written. Wonders Never Cease will make you laugh out loud and hang your head in shame all in the same moment. And the ending? I didn’t see it coming until it was almost on top of me. It will make you wonder if perhaps you have entertained angels unaware this very day.
Don’t miss our interview with Tim Downs.
Review copies provided by Thomas Nelson.
Genre: Suspense
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: April 2010
Reviewed by Tim George
Special Agent Nicole Hedges, Federal Prosecutor Allison Pierce, and crime reporter Cassidy Shaw are back in Lis Wiehl’s second installment of the Triple Threat series, Hand of Fate. If you missed Face of Betrayal, these three professional women are high school friends who reunited over a triple threat chocolate desert and now collaborate from time to time on cases of interest to each.
When radio personality, Jim Fate, is murdered in what at first appears to be a terrorist attack the three women find their careers and personal lives intertwined once again. Fate, a not-so- veiled replica of the Rush Limbaugh’s and Glen Beck’s of the real world, is murdered in his radio booth and the city of Portland is thrown into panic. The first chapters of the novel scream forward at a dizzying pace as we are given an inside view of how quickly mass hysteria can grip a city in our post 9/11 world. And, our three heroines find themselves personally sucked into the ensuing events.
As before, each of the main characters must face personal issues often more daunting than the murder they are investigating. Cassidy continues to face the reality of younger faces in the television journalism world and the consequences of how she has tried to defy age. Allison has yet to tell her friends she and her husband are finally expecting a child. Nicole is still raising a young daughter alone as she balances her FBI duties with motherhood. Issues of faith are presented through the eyes and hearts of each of these women: the shallow news reporter, the true believer, and the hardened agnostic. It is the complexities of this relationship that are most interesting about the series.
Though handled with more maturity than her debut novel, Lis Wiehl and her co-author April Henry give us an ending that still seems hurried. For such a great buildup the conclusion is a bit disappointing. Hand of Fate is what we call in my part of the world, a beach book. If you are looking for intricately woven plots and thought-provoking dialogue you may want to look elsewhere. But if you want a fun read, with strong female leads doing something more than falling for the first hunk that comes along, this one just might be the ticket.
With Heart of Ice coming next year, the Triple Threat Club isn’t finished so perhaps we will still see the satisfying ending I believe this writer is capable of. Until then, grab a chair, find something chocolate, take the afternoon off, and join Cassidy, Allison, and Nicole as they look for a killer.
Review copy provided by Thomas Nelson.
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Publisher: Doubleday
Publication Date: January 2010
Reviewed by Jen Roman
As her seventeen-year-old daughter announces, “I’m pregnant,” Susan Tate relives the exact same scenario as she tells her mother she is pregnant. As she finds out that her daughter and her friends have a “pregnancy pact,” she is dismayed because they are so young. The girls are all smart, accomplished, and headed to college—until this life-changing event. Susan, the local high school principal, has to deal with local outrage because of the “pact behavior,” and her job is jeopardized as people believe she is a bad role model.
Not My Daughter addresses several issues that have become hot topics today. She addresses teen pregnancy and family reaction. She addresses the role a mother plays in her child’s life, and how long a mother had influence over her child. There is the “pact” behavior, and just as important, the town’s judgment on someone in an authority position. While she addresses some well, there are others that miss the mark. For example, when the girls first tell their parents they are pregnant, the parents react with the expected shock, dismay, and disappointment. However, not long after, they start to look forward to the babies arriving. They in no way indicate that it is easy living with their daughters’ newborns, but they just seem to shake it off as though the girls got a bad grade on a test.
What are especially frustrating are the attitudes the girls have towards being teen moms. They think it will be “fun” to raise their babies together and think that because they served as nannies the summer before, that they will be “wonderful” moms. When one of the mothers points out how expensive babies are the girl replies that her parents have good jobs and good insurance. While it’s probably not the best move to throw a pregnant girl out into the street, the girl should understand just how much is sacrificed, both financially and emotionally. With the typical optimism of youth, the girls just don’t understand what an undertaking carrying a baby to term and being a mother can be. Sadly, in this writer’s opinion, these issues are only slightly addressed, and when they are, they all work themselves out. For example, the girls think that raising a baby will be easy. As it turns out, one experiences a scare regarding her baby’s health, but he turns out to be fine and is actually an “easy” baby. The girls have to forego attending college right away, and it feels a little odd when their friends return on breaks, but their college friends spend so much time cooing and paying attention to the babies, that it doesn’t seem to be that bad. Overall, I was disappointed that the consequences of the actions were thoroughly discussed. Reading this book as a teen, I would think that having a baby at seventeen is a breeze.
Besides the concerns mentioned above, there is little objectionable content in the line of foul language or inappropriate situations. There are a handful of implications toward sexual intercourse, but it is not graphic. The biggest caution in this story is the lack of seriousness when facing the consequences of being a teen mother.
Review copy provided by Doubleday.
Genre: Literary
Publisher: Europa Editions
Publication Date: March 2010
Reviewed by Ashley Barrett
At seventeen, Sascha Naiman has two goals in life: to tell the world about her mother’s life and death in a book and to kill her stepfather, Vadim, who brutally murdered her mother. While choosing the how and why of her stepfather’s murder, Sascha and her two younger siblings live a pretty normal life. Sascha is torn between her murderous hatred for Vadim (and the self-destruction that comes with it) and moving on after her mother’s death and escaping the terrible circumstances of her youth.
Overall, Broken Glass Park was a powerful read, somewhat similar to Steven King’s short story, “Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption.” Sascha is smart, engaging and her story resonated with me and lingered in my mind several days after reading it.
However, any readers who are sensitive to strong language, violence or sexuality should avoid this book. I found the graphic content necessary for readers to grasp the horrors of Sascha’s life.
Alina Bronsky’s German novel, Scherbenpark, was published in 2008. Tim Mohr translated it into Broken Glass Park in 2010. I look forward to reading more books by this author as they are translated into English. Sascha’s struggle is totally believable and this book vividly reminded me of the destructive power of revenge and the ever-present quality of hope.
Review copy provided by Regal Literary.
Genre: Thriller
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
Publication Date: April 2010
Reviewed by Jake Chism
The President of the United States is the most protected man in the world, at least that’s what President Tom Duncan thought. All pretense of security vanishes when he falls victim to a weaponized strain of Brugada Syndrome, a genetic disease that kills without warning. To make matters worse, it seems the President is just the beginning. Brugada will soon wipe out the world’s population if a cure can’t be found.
Enter the Chess Team, a Special Forces unit that is the best of the best. King, Queen, Rook, Knight, and Bishop have fought their fair share of enemies, but none as deadly as this silent killer. They are quickly dispatched to the jungles of Vietnam where this new strain originated. CDC agent Sarah Fogg joins the team as they traverse the rugged terrain in search of a cure. Standing in their way are the Vietnamese Special Forces who will stop at nothing to wipe them out. Unfortunately for the Chess Team, these VPLA Death Volunteers are the least of their worries. An ancient darkness is lurking and waiting to destroy them all.
Jeremy Robinson is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers and Instinct only furthers the cause. Our heroes from the Chess Team are back in grand style and in true Robinson fashion, the action and the thrills never let up. The jungles of Vietnam are the perfect backdrop for this all out fight for survival. Just when we think the environment couldn’t be more grueling and lethal, we’re treated to an ancient underworld that adds a creepy, yet fun dimension to the story.
Instinct is pure escapist fiction, the kind of novel that you love to get lost in. Jeremy Robinson sets out to entertain and he does so wonderfully, giving us a well researched plot laced with top notch action sequences. After reading Pulse I wanted to see the main characters fleshed out more, and I did walk away from this installment feeling like I had a better feel for each member of the Chess Team.
I was surprised at a major reveal in only the second book of this series, but on the other hand it’s refreshing to know that Jeremy Robinson is proving to be an author that rewards his readers. This reveal has the potential to really make for some intriguing storylines and I can’t wait to see what’s next. In the end, we’re also left with a nice little surprise that will leave fans hungry for more.
Review copy provided by Thomas Dunne Books.
Lori Twichell had a wonderful time catching up with novelist Erynn Mangum to discuss her new book, Cool Beans. Listen in as Erynn talks about her new Maya Davis series and gives some great advice to aspiring writers.
Check out our review of Cool Beans here.
More about Erynn:
Erynn Mangum is twenty-five and the author of the Lauren Holbrook series (Miss Match, ReMatch, and Match Point (NavPress 2007-2008), the Maya Davis series (Cool Beans, Latte Daze, and Double Shot (Navpress 2010)) and Sketchy Behavior (Zondervan 2011). She is a graduate of the Christian Writer’s Guild Apprentice and Journeyman programs. She’s a major chocoholic, loves chick-flicks, coffee, cold winter days and hanging out with friends and family. Erynn is married to her best friend, Jon O’Brien.
You can also hear this interview by subscribing to our podcast on iTunes.
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Genre: Historical
Publisher: Viking
Publication Date: May 2010
Reviewed by Jaci Miller
Mary Sutter, a young 19th century midwife living in New York state, wants more. She longs to be a doctor. Sadly, medical schools will not accept her because of her gender. In desperation, she turns to James Blevens—a doctor whose aid she came to during a dangerous delivery. But Blevens, who has enlisted as a surgeon in the approaching Civil War, turns her down.
Then Dorothea Dix, a national figure, issues a call to the North’s women: nurses are needed. Mary hurries to the capitol, despite the fact that she is too young for service under Ms. Dix. Rejected once again, she finds a role in the Union Hotel Hospital, a squalid, filthy hovel where she assists Dr. William Stipp, who, ironically, is the man who trained Blevens. There, Mary strives to care for the flood of injured and ill men who arrive, but with so little known about medicine, both Stipp and Mary struggle to save lives. Torn between returning home to help deliver her twin sister’s child and the overwhelming needs in Washington, Mary must make the difficult choice between familial duty and her dreams of medicine.
In My Name is Mary Sutter, a historical piece set during the opening of the Civil War, Robin Oliveira creates a bitter, chaotic world where blood, filth and perseverance dominate. The wounds of war scar everyone and she portrays this clearly in this work. Historical details abound, sure to please the most avid amateur historian—Lincoln, John Hay and McClellan are featured among the cast of characters included here—although, these scenes read more slowly and this reader hurried through them to reach Mary’s story.
A bit disappointing was Mary’s persistent stoicism; it prevented the reader from truly empathizing with this character at a deep level. Understandably, this is a prime trait of this character, but readers would have benefitted from an occasional lapse in Mary’s outer restraint as a means of character growth. However, the ending does show a crack in this demeanor which was a relief.
Oliveira’s debut novel offers a wealth of period details and is a well-crafted look at the horrors of the Civil War from the rare perspective of a female medical professional. Readers feel immersed in the wretchedness of the war; our sense of helplessness easily parallels what Mary feels as she tries to treat patients at a time when little is known about treatment.
Review copy provided by Viking.
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Drama
Publisher: Revell
Publication Date: January 2010
Reviewed by Lori Twichell
Sophie Ramsay has a problem. She’s the editor of the school newspaper. She’s an example of a ‘good kid’ to most of the other teenagers she knows. And, after a summer away from home being a counselor at a camp run by her church, she’s pregnant. She’s not a screw up. She’s not unintelligent. She’s simply a teenager who made a mistake and has no idea how to fix it. Can it even be fixed?
The story is simple, easy to understand and there aren’t any really big surprises as you’re reading. This does not, by any stretch of the imagination mean that the story isn’t enjoyable. The plot moves pretty quickly as Sophie’s teenage mind tries to absorb (in a first person perspective) what’s happening to her body, what’s about to happen, and what she really hopes happens. There are moments when you feel like yelling at Sophie (like when she doesn’t tell the truth) but more often than not, you just want to wrap your arms around her and give her a hug.
There is, throughout the course of the book, a raging debate. It is a chicken/egg concept that revolves around the very serious topic of teen pregnancy. What is the best way for a Christian to deal with a teen pregnancy? Is it by providing resources and loving the kids through their trials? Or will doing that provide an environment of acceptance that will create more and more teenage pregnancies? The heart of the debate is the central core of the story.
Melody Carlson brilliantly captures the mind of an intelligent, charismatic young girl caught up in a mistake of epic proportions. There’s no debate of what’s right or wrong. Sophie knows, without a doubt, that she should not have slept with Dylan. She understands this implicitly and it is very obvious throughout the course of the story.
Though the story delves brilliantly into the mind of a teenager in this situation, it feels empty in places. We meet Sophie after she’s already slept with Dylan and her view, in retrospect, is very obviously not one of a girl in love. The complete divorce from emotion or feeling and no description of the relationship that developed with Sophie and Dylan makes it a little more difficult to be empathetic to her situation. If we had been given more of a glimpse into the emotion of the moment, it might have been easier to have some sympathy. Although honestly, I’m not sure that Carlson intended for us to have that sort of sympathy for this main character. There’s an obvious tone of self-deprecation and guilty overtones throughout. Sophie knows she messed up and, as is often the case in reality, she has a harder time forgiving herself than other people have forgiving her.
The end of the book comes nearly crashing in on the reader. After following months of Sophie dealing with the ins and outs of pregnancy and trying to hide it from everyone, it feels as if things end anti-climactically. It’s almost as if the point of the book was not to really carry Sophie through her pregnancy, labor, and the difficult time after, but just to cover the debate mentioned above. The labor, delivery and adoption are all glossed over as well as a relationship that appears to be developing with another boy from school, despite her pregnancy. I would have liked to have seen what happens next, in the days and weeks afterward, and how Sophie is able to deal with the fall-out from her decisions. It also would have deepened the story to find out how Sophie moves on after such a traumatizing experience. What happens later at school? Church? With her parents? Perhaps this is something Carlson will look into exploring later. For now though, Anything But Normal was a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a teenager under immense pressure and life altering circumstances. I would recommend it for any teenage girl considering sex and any parent of a teenager or friends with someone who is pregnant. It definitely helps give a new perspective and one that might help minister to those dealing with this situation.
Review copy provided by Revell.
Genre: Thriller
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
Publication Date: May 2009
Reviewed by Jake Chism
The Chess Team has battled its fair share of monsters, albeit monsters of the human variety. Nothing can prepare Special Forces Commander Jack Sigler (“King”) and his team for the mythical nightmare they will soon face.
An ancient relic has just been discovered in Peru that contains the DNA of the legendary Hydra monster that was defeated by Hercules himself. Richard Ridley, head of Manifold Genetics, sets out to distract the DNA in order to bio-engineer an army of soldiers that have the ability to regenerate, thus making them immortal. The Chess Team is tasked with stopping Ridley before he can get his plans off the ground. If only it were that easy….
I love it when I discover a new author that knocks my socks off and leaves me wondering how or why they have previously flown under my radar. That’s exactly what was going through my mind when I tore through Pulse with reckless abandon.
Jeremy Robinson’s writing leaps off the page with his over the top characters, awesome action scenes, and stunning locations. This is pure adventure escapist fiction and as other reviewers have pointed out, all of the woman are gorgeous, all the men are bulked out GQ models, and all of the villains are as a nasty as can be. And Robinson’s writing is so great that we don’t even care.
Pulse does contain the type of violence, language, adult content and gore that you would expect from a hard core thriller and readers should not be surprised to find those elements here.
The thriller genre is bursting at the seams with authors trying to make their mark with their own unique style. Jeremy Robinson is a breath of fresh air in a genre that is at times saturated with unoriginality and cookie cutter plots. This guy is the real deal and deserves his share of the spotlight.
Review copy provided by Thomas Dunne Books.
Genre: Thriller
Publisher: Water Brook
Release Date: May 2010
Reviewed by Josh Olds
Imagine a future where you could know everything. Imagine a future where you could live forever. Imagine a future where technological innovation has created a synthetic brain capable of making all that possible. Sounds great! But imagine a future where Christianity is a thing of the past. Imagine a future where you just might be The Last Christian.
It’s A.D. 2088, and Abigail Caldwell is, for the first time in her life, emerging from the New Guinea jungle where she’d lived with her missionary parents among the Inisi tribe – Earth’s only remaining primitive people group. She is the sole survivor of a mysterious jungle disease that literally ate the brains of the afflicted.
She finds herself thrown into an alien culture of technology, where people are as apt to live out their lives in virtual reality as in physical reality, where with the Grid – the Internet’s great-grandchild – people can store their memories and their dreams for later viewing, a world where Christianity has died out.
Abby receives a message from her grandfather – sent 16 years prior but never received – that sets her on a path, a mission: To reintroduce Christ to America. But amid all of this is the hubbub around Bryson Nichols and his silicon brain. Humans, who were already living well into their hundreds, would now be able to download their neural networking into computer software and be implanted with a synthetic brain, allowing humans to virtually live forever.
Only one problem. When the brain goes, so goes the soul. And with the soul, the spirit of God in believers. And that might not even be her biggest problem. Abby teams up with Professor Creighton Daniels, and together they stumble upon a plot to convert all of humanity to this transhuman status, a plot that will kill millions and forever leave the living with no chance of connecting with God. Just from the jungle, Abby can barely comprehend this new technology before she is forced to run for her life while trying to uncover those behind this plot.
The Last Christian is one of the most unique books I have ever read. It’s fairly heavy-handed on the preaching element, even to the point of quoting Scripture several times, but it’s not preachy. Instead, it serves to naturally develop one of the characters. It delves into deep philosophical issues such as the connection between the soul and the body, but it doesn’t bog down the action. So while this novel is built very deeply on some very deep topics, Gregory doesn’t let these details get in the way of the story, rather he manages to make it enhance the story.
Despite its futuristic scenario, Gregory manages to plausibly depict a culture where technology is god, and God is dead, and what the ramifications of that might be. It’s superbly written and shows tremendous insight into the deeper issues of theology and philosophy that provide the book’s foundations. It’s a smart, intelligent thriller that will leave you gasping, but beyond that, thinking.
Novels written to critique modern rationalism and materialism, ponder the metaphysical ramifications of the connection of the brain and soul, or present the Gospel clearly and emphatically as a rule never, ever work. David Gregory must not have known this rule because The Last Christian combines all three and pulls it off magnificently.
Review copy provided by Multnomah/Waterbrook.
Genre: Supernatural, Mystery
Publisher: B&H Books
Publication Date: April 2010
Reviewed by James Andrew Wilson
Micah Taylor is set to become the next Bill Gates, raking in millions of dollars as a software tycoon in Seattle, living in a top floor pent house apartment, and traveling the world with a gorgeous female assistant.
Then he receives a cryptic letter from a great uncle who says he’s built a house for Micah. A huge, nine thousand square foot house in Cannon Beach, a place with too many painful memories that Micah can’t seem to escape.
So it’s a big house. He doesn’t need it. He’ll just sell it and move on.
But something about this house isn’t quite normal. Rooms are appearing that weren’t there before. There is a painting that seems to be painting itself. A voice speaking from the darkness. Mysteries and questions that probe into Micah’s soul and force him to examine his life as never before.
Rooms is a book that asks the question: What would you find if you walked into the rooms of your soul? It’s a compelling thought, and James L. Rubart does an admiral job mining its potential. But it wasn’t the supernatural concept that kept me reading as much as the fact that I enjoyed being in the head of the main character, Micah Taylor.
Too often in Christian fiction, non-Christian characters are presented as these tortured, unhappy individuals who know that something is missing but stubbornly refuse to accept the truth. Micah was happy before he inherited this bizarre house. He was sharp, witty, good-looking, a generally good guy. The rooms in the house turn him introspective, but not in a way that feels unrealistic or like a sermon crammed into a novel.
The book moves along at a brisk pace, though I found myself waiting for some big twist to happen that never really did. Maybe it was the eerie cover art, but I was under the impression that this was more of a suspense/thriller than a casual mystery/romance novel. Not necessarily a bad thing, as long as you understand that going in.
Rooms would make an excellent book to take to the beach or on vacation. It is entertaining and spiritually challenging. Other reviews have highlighted the similarities between this book and a certain little bestseller, but I will just come out and say it: Rooms is better than The Shack. It probes theological ideas in a way that doesn’t leave you confused and scratching your head, but instead examining your heart.
Review copy provided by B&H Books.
Recently Lori Twichell caught up with NY Times Bestselling novelist Jodi Thomas, author of Welcome to Harmony. Listen in as Jodi shares the idea behind this new series and her love for writing about Texas. Don’t miss our upcoming Welcome to Harmony Giveaway from May 24th-30th.
More about Jodi Thomas:
A fifth-generation Texan who once taught family living, Jodi Thomas chooses to set the majority of her novels in her home state, where her grandmother was born in the back of a covered wagon. With each new addition to her ever growing booklist, Jodi takes you to the heart of Texas.
With a degree in Family Studies, Thomas is a marriage and family counselor by education, a background that enables her to write knowledgeably about relationship dynamics. She is known for her expertise in historical research and genealogy, as well.
Honored in 2002 as a Distinguished Alumnus by Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Thomas enjoys interacting with students on the West Texas A&M University campus, where she currently serves as its Writer In Residence.
When not working on a novel or inspiring students to pursue a writing career, Thomas enjoys traveling with her husband, Tom, renovating a historic home they bought in Amarillo, and “checking up” on their two grown sons.
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