Publisher: Harper

Publication Date: November 2011

Reviewed by Josh Olds

It’s everywhere, but you never see it; it could kill you, but you don’t even know it’s there. It’s another world completely, one you’re a part of even though you hardly ever realize it. It’s Micro and what you find there will be nothing like what you expect. Is this posthumous thriller, Richard Preston builds on the manuscript left by the late Michael Crichton to throw readers into a world every bit as terrifying as Jurassic Park. Only much, much smaller.

When seven graduate students jump at the chance to take a job with the startup company Nanigen MicroTechnologies, they think it’ll be a great opportunity to pad their resumes. They’re promised tools and funds unlike anything academia could offer. And Nanigen delivers in a big way. Of course it’s not all about science. Nanigen has a dark side as well, one that’s much more profitable than scientific discovery—at least in terms of cold hard cash. The students see Nanigen as an opportunity to discover the undiscovered, to explore where no one else has explored. But Nanigen CEO Vincent Drake has other applications in mind.

A few of those students uncover Drake’s plans and end up in a battle for their lives—shrunk to the size of the insects in the micro world. David versus Goliath plays out on a grand scale across the island of Oahu as the students must not only deal with their minute size, but the terrifying Micro world they’ve been thrown into. Each of their specialties and skills come in handy for their survival, but not all will make it back alive. It’s only a matter of a time before the effects of being shrunk kill them, so it’s a race against the clock to get back to Nanigen and somehow reverse the process. And even then they’ll have to find a way to stop Drake.

Micro is a truly immersive thriller, taking readers to a place they’ve probably never been before and showing them the true terrors that surround them and would certainly kill them if they were only smaller. Sometimes this causes the plot to get bogged down in explanation as readers need to be able to understand this new world. Sometimes the action gets broken down to explain some sort of scientific fact. But it does a have a purpose and overall the science of the book does not get in the way of the story and rather adds to its interest.

The group dynamic—these seven grad students who aren’t exactly the best of friends and have to figure out how to work together—is sometimes good, sometimes poor. Crichton and Preston do a good job of showing their struggles, idiosyncrasies, and petty feuds, but at points their pettiness just seems unbelievable given the fact they know that they need one another to survive. (Or maybe I somehow have some faith left in the human race.) Each character is also more-or-less an obvious achetype (The Leader, The Bully, etc.) rather than being three-dimensional.

In the end, Micro isn’t the instant classic the inside flap promises. The writing suffers at points (for example, at one point, a character who has had an arm paralyzed by a wasp sting is said to remove the stinger with both hands), the dialogue is somewhat stilted at points, and character development is somewhat weak, yet I still found myself drawn into the journey and kept turning pages. Micro isn’t Crichton’s best, but if you’re a fan of science or a fan of Crichton, you may want to pick this one up.

Genre: Drama, Romance

Publisher: WaterBrook Multnomah

Publication Date: September 2011

Reviewed by Elizabeth Olmedo

Karen Kingsbury’s Forever Faithful Trilogy brings together three heart-wrenching stories that confront readers with some of life’s most difficult trials. Kingsbury takes her readers on an emotional rollercoaster ride they will not soon forget.

In Waiting for Morning, Hannah Ryan’s closest companions are bitterness, anger, and hatred. A drunk driver took the life of her husband and oldest daughter. Propelled solely by revenge, Hannah is determined to see the driver pay dearly for his actions. In the process, she shuns God, alienates her only surviving daughter, and rejects anyone who doesn’t support her agenda. Soon her life has spiraled so far out of control that Hannah is not sure she can find her way back. It will take a kind prosecutor called Matt, a widow, and her husband’s dying words to set Hannah on the path to healing.

The second novel, A Moment of Weakness, follows the lives of Tanner and Jade, two childhood friends, who are separated only to find each other again as adults. They enjoy a wonderful summer together falling in love, growing in their faith, and learning who they are. Nonetheless, bad choices tear them apart once more. This time, it appears that all their dreams are gone for good. However, ten years down the road, Jade’s cheating husband wants to destroy her in a custody battle that is obtaining national attention and the only person who can help save her son is none other than Tanner himself.

Halfway to Forever, the final novel in the trilogy, reunites the readers with Hannah, Matt, Jade, and Tanner. Hannah has rebuilt her life with Matt. They are in the process of adopting a little girl, but when new information comes to the light, Grace is ripped from their home and lives. After having lost two loved ones already, Hannah isn’t sure she can survive losing yet another daughter. Meanwhile, Tanner and Jade are fighting a life-threatening illness. After years of waiting for the woman he loves, Tanner could still lose her and this time forever.

With these two couples, tears will be shed and lessons learned. In Waiting for Morning, Kingsbury explores the world of drunk driving and its devastating effects for everyone involved. She also shows that when hate and bitterness creep in, they corrode the soul like rust. Suicide is another topic touched in this novel. In A Moment of Weakness, Kingsbury expertly tackles the issue of sex outside of marriage and all the pain and suffering caused by stepping outside of God’s perfect plan for our lives. The last book, Halfway to Forever delves into life-threatening illnesses, abortion, and adoption. All three novels cover themes such as repentance and forgiveness. They show us, as the name of the trilogy so clearly states, God is Forever Faithful. This series is not a light read. It is for those who are willing to be challenged and confronted with truth. One doesn’t have to experience these specific issues for the books to apply. I was continually amazed at how many times I felt like the lessons or scriptures were written just for me.

The novels are infused with raw emotions and gritty reality that seize the reader. Relevant themes make the stories relatable. And while the author embarks upon controversial issues, Kingsbury handles them delicately from a faith and love-filled stance. Be prepared for tears. I had to pull out a Kleenex on more than one occasion. Many of the characters wiggled their way under my skin as I rooted for some and became utterly frustrated with others. Each book in this series forced me to stop, think, and analyze experiences in my own life. I recommend the Forever Faithful Trilogy to readers who are looking for happy endings without completely sacrificing realism.

Be sure and check out our review of Warm Bodies and our podcast interview with Isaac Marion.

Genre: Science Fiction

Publisher: Marcher Lord Press

Publication Date: October 2011

Reviewed by Tim George

Man is man regardless of the century. Every struggle is ultimately with one’s self. Every decision a choice. An opportunity to be either zero of one. More often than not, we choose zero. But sometimes we don’t. Sometimes we win over the darkness. Exceed our specifications. He stoops. Touch the steam. Be a one.

(from Freeheads)

Sandfly is a debugger. For all us freeheads that means he serves at the whim of my masters, the Abduls, to correct whatever goes wrong with their machines. And they have many machines, all designed to do their work for them. But is hard for us to understand that since we are freeheads, unhindered by the constraints of an implant that prevents us from disobeying our masters in any way.

Sandfly is sent by his master to a place few of his world ever go – space. There he discovers a fantastic secret tool of interstellar exploration known as Dark Trench. What happens next is left for you to find out. You, meaning all you freeheads that dare read A Star Curiously Singing. People like Sandfly have paid a terrible price for instant and direct access to all the information of the world, freedom to think for themselves. And, freedom to know the truth.

More importantly it leads the reader to consider what Sandfly discovers on Dark Trench. “A” is not God. There is another. One who is so much more. He is “A³”.^. Does “A” stand for Allah in this story? We are never told. But there is no doubt who “A³”is. He is the One “who stoops” down to man and becomes one of us. He is the One who created all. The One who the stars sing about.

Continuing Sandfly’s story in The Superlative Stream, Nietz carried us on an adventure with Sandfly and his female companion, Hardcandy that is both dazzling and introspective. What they discover when they reach their destination challenges everything they have ever believed and known. With Dark Trench disabled, Sandfly and Hardcandy find themselves on a world of seeming blissful perfection. On this planet, the beings all seem to work in perfect harmony with no laws or implants to force them to do anything. But like many things in life, Sandfly comes to wonder if there might some hidden agenda in the beings’ interest in earth. What follows is beyond description.

Completing the Dark Trench Saga, we now have Freeheads. Sandly is determined to return to earth and see what has become of those he sent back with his revelation of a Star Curiously Singing. But Einstein was right about the speed of light (more or less). The 300 or so days Sandly has been on his journey equates to 40 years when he returns. Much has changed – much has not.

In spite of a brief stop on the moon and a reunion with an old friend, Sandfly can’t shake the calling he feels to take his newfound freedom to Earth. He’s been found by the One who Stoops – one totally opposite to “A”, the tyrannical god invoked to enslave earth’s masses. Now faithful to the true God, A Cubed, he determines to stoop as low as required to free mankind. In the words of Eric Wilson, “Burroughs and Bradbury, it’s a thrilling, deeply intelligent and deeply spiritual journey through a future that is all too real.”

Review copy provided by author. 

Genre: Romance

Publisher: Little, Brown & Company

Publication Date: October 2011

Reviewed by Jennifer Roman

A far cry from his usual fast-paced, gory, psychological thrillers, James Patterson’s Christmas Wedding instead focuses on family, love, and happiness. Gaby Summerhill, widowed at a young age, has decided to get married again. In a surprise twist, though, she is not revealing who the groom is- not even to the potential grooms! She has three dear friends, each of whom has asked her to marry him. Only when she walks down the aisle will she reveal her new husband. Of course, her adult children have to arrive at her home in time- and safe and sound. Each child’s arrival brings a back story that brings life to the characters.

Since it is such a sharp contrast to Patterson’s usual storyline, it takes the reader a few chapters to become accustomed to the different format. Obviously, Patterson is not a romance or family drama writer, but he manages, along with the help of DiLallo, to do a decent job crafting a nice family story. The only thing that is somewhat distracting is the fact that Gaby believes it is fun to make such an important decision all by herself. By not telling anyone else who the groom will be, she appears a bit self-centered and spoiled. Readers will get to know her warm and caring personality as the story progresses, but this one major point keeps sticking out as well. Of course, the story has a happy ending, so everything is neatly tied up with a bow by the last page, which is probably what most readers of this genre want. In this particular situation, it works.

The Christmas Wedding deals with spousal abuse, alcohol abuse, and drug use, so it is intended for mature readers only. Otherwise, it is full of quirky family love. Patterson and DiLallo understand that families are not perfect, and they demonstrate that in the Summerhill family dynamics. While not everything will be resolved, there is definitely a strong sense of family love and support that makes the reader happy with how things go.

Review copy provided by publisher. 

Publisher: Howard Books

Publication Date: November 2011

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Thomas Brandt and his family have had a rough year. Because of his Dad’s drinking and abuse, his Mom was forced to move Kevin and his sister to a new town with a new school and a not so new trailer. Try as he might to fit in, he’s become the target of the school bully and to make matters worse, his mother can’t even afford their Christmas this year. Desperate for help, she reluctantly decides to sign her kids up for the Salvation Army Angel Tree program.

Kevin Morrell can’t believe his bad luck. With Christmas just around the corner and the birth of his twins on the horizon, he finds out his business might be forced to close. As Kevin swims around in a sea of self-pity and worry he tries to be strong for his family. He wants to have the faith of his wife, but he feels farther away from God than ever before. Despite his doubts, he decides to do one small act of kindness that will unknowingly change the lives of two families.

Paper Angels is one I’ve been anticipating for some time. Jimmy Wayne’s hit song, “Paper Angels“, has been a source of inspiration to his fans for many years and I couldn’t wait to see how Thrasher and Wayne translated that message into novel form. Fans of both will instantly be aware of the dual story line throughout the novel that subtly (and sometimes not-so subtly) reflects the personal experiences of both. For this reader at least, those personal touches made the story lines and characters that much more intriguing.

Despite how much or little you may know about this partnership, rest assured Paper Angels can be enjoyed by all. The timeless messages of sacrifice and hope are on beautiful display throughout, all set perfectly against the backdrop of the Salvation Army Angel Tree program. Yes, this story tries hard to bring awareness to that program, but it also accomplishes much more in the end. As a parent I walked away from this story with a greater appreciation for my family and how blessed I truly am. More importantly, this story has stayed with me throughout this holiday season reminding me that true joy comes from giving.

Review copy provided by publisher. 

Genre: Young Adult

Publisher: Lucas Lane Publishers

Publication Date: December 2011

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

Travis Thrasher hit his stride when he began releasing The Solitary Tales a year ago. With both Solitary and Gravestone, Thrasher set up a complex and multi-layered world for Chris Buckley to enter and explore, while dealing with his own heartaches. So many mysteries surround the small town of Solitary, North Carolina, and many of them have yet to be solved in the first two books of the series.

So, keeping readers happy while waiting for the next installment in this astounding series, Thrasher has released this “b-sides,” Something I Can Never Have. If you have not read both Solitary and Gravestone, stop now and go back to read those first. I promise you won’t be disappointed. But for those who have finished those dark and creepy tales, read on.

Something I Can Never Have is a collection of letters written by Pastor Jeremiah Marsh, who is introduced in Solitary and continues to scare throughout Gravestone. Some dark mysteries circle around the pastor, and here, we have a glimpse into his life before coming to pastor the large church just outside the main town of Solitary. What follows is definitely a frightening collection, and truly begins to show Marsh’s slip toward madness and suddenly chilling recovery. There are definitely a few surprises lurking here, and while not solving the greater mysteries of Solitary, this short novella does give us a few bits of information about Pastor Marsh.

Since Jeremiah Marsh is penning the letters comprising each chapter, the writing style differs from the main books. It doesn’t come across as choppy, but instead flows in the unsettling manner you’d expect from Marsh. Parts of this one reminded me more of Thrasher’s Isolation, and the letters definitely dive into some deeper topics and very disturbing scenes.

In some ways, reading this short book was cruel: it truly reminded me why I loved The Solitary Tales, and it also reminded me of how much I couldn’t wait before Temptation, book number three, is released. It would be great if Thrasher released more “b-sides” – more short tales of various characters from the series. Fans will definitely eat it up. I know I did. And maybe, Pastor Marsh did too…

Book purchased by reviewer.

Genre: Military Suspense/Thriller

Publisher: Barbour

Publication Date: January 2012

Reviewed by Elizabeth Olmedo 

Nightshade protects those in need.

But who protects Nightshade?

Someone has dismantled the covert group, scattering its members around the globe. Kazi Faron accepts the task of rescuing and reuniting the team. Her plan is to get in and get out. A plan that is easier said than done. Those who don’t want Nightshade back in operation will stop at nothing to keep the group apart. Kazi brings her own ghosts to the mix and if Nightshade’s enemies don’t finish her off, they will.

Griffin “Legend” Riddle sits in a maximum-security prison, charged with a murder he did not commit. When a mysterious woman shows up to break him out, he only has seconds to make his choice. He decides to follow. What comes next is a journey across countries and continents to bring home his team and uncover the threat to their lives. But can he depend on this independent, hot-blooded woman who likes being in charge?

Ronie Kendig hit a grand slam with the writing of Firethorn. It is the fourth book in the Discarded Heroes Series and she did not disappoint those of us who eagerly awaited her next turn at the plate with the bases loaded. The first three books were definitely hits, but Firethorn delivered the much-anticipated homerun.

Be prepared for a tear jerker. Kendig brings home the horrible and unfair cruelty of war, making readers aware of what our real, true life heroes and their families face every day. This book requires a box of Kleenex at your side. Saying goodbye to these characters who have become like best friends throughout the series is not easy.

Through Griffin and Kazi, two individuals with serious faith issues, Kendig shows the reader the importance of learning to trust, not only those around us, but God—the Ultimate Protector. Kendig’s fans won’t want to miss the conclusion of the Discarded Heroes Series.

Lis Wiehl joined FOX News Channel as a legal analyst in 2001 and she is Bill O’Reilly’s sparring partner in the weekly “Is It Legal?” segment of The O’Reilly Factor. She is a Professor of Law at New York Law School, writer of the weekly “Lis on Law” column on FoxNews.com, host of “Wiehl of Justice” seen on Fox stations, and she appears weekly on Imus in the Morning.

Her bestselling Triple Threat novels published by Thomas Nelson won praise from many colleagues in the professions of media and law, including Pam Veasey, writer and executive producer of CSI NY; Nancy Grace, Headline News host and former prosecutor; Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Michael Bolton; as well as FOX News colleagues Bill O’Reilly, Megyn Kelly, John Gibson and Alan Colmes

This interview can be downloaded via iTunes or streamed below:

Genre: Young Adult

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Publication Date: August 2010

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

I knew going in that Mockingjay wasn’t necessarily a happy-go-lucky ending to an action-packed and highly controversial series about teenagers killing each other. The Hunger Games and Catching Fire were both equally bleak, and painted a world seemingly devoid of any sort of moral compass. Things ended badly in Catching Fire and with some major twists. And now, Katniss Everdeen returns to face her biggest challenges yet. The question remains: will the forces against a young girl from District 12 make her stronger? Or will they break her completely?

Suzanne Collins picks Mockingjay up right where Catching Fire left off – with Katniss flying in a hovercraft to the mysterious District 13 – a place where a revolt against the evil Capitol has been brewing for some time now. The new society is stark and organized, and offers much more to people like Katniss and her family, but the question keeps egging at the back of her mind: where exactly is her freedom? Sure, she has food to eat now. She has quarters assigned to her family in a hospital-like environment. But still there are those in authority even in 13 that would control her. That would seek to use her. And now she has to decide which path she will take: Revolt against everything, or join a revolution that merely views her as a pawn? With her friend Peeta captured in the Capitol, and a war looming on the horizon, death is only right around the next corner.

I will say this up front: I highly dislike Collins’ first chapters. They seem to take too much time setting things back up and often seem highly over-written. But once this book takes off in the second and third chapters, things just don’t let up. Katniss is faced with one terrifying decision after the next, and as every bulwark in her life is torn down, she has to learn to rely on herself to make it. Her character evolution is very interesting. In The Hunger Games, she begins as an idealistic and brave girl who will save her sister’s life. As she grows in Catching Fire, she begins to seek independence, but comes to see everything requires dependence – her dependence on others, on the Capitol, on the hope of a resistance, on Peeta. On Gale. But in Mockingjay, those things are slowly stripped away, until all she has left is herself. With Peeta captured and Gale caught up in the resistance, Katniss doesn’t know where her place is. And this book is her struggle to find that place.

Collins, as always, shines in the action. I couldn’t help turning pages faster and faster as Katniss and Gale enter wartime situations to battle the Capitol. The writing was charged with excitement, and with some of the plot twists right up to the very last few chapters, it really did leave me breathless. Panic overcame me many times as I wondered: Who is going to possibly survive any of this? I began to dread the ending, wondering if Collins would finish painting her depiction of society in a bleak way or not. While I refuse to spoil the end, I will say that I was satisfied with it. Collins does wrap things up in a beautiful way, the perfect ending that she could have chosen for such a trilogy.

Readers who enjoyed the actual Hunger Games in both books one and two, will probably come to Mockingjay expecting more of the same. What is here is very different. The whole series had to change positions and switch over to this sort of a finale. Collins has been building her viewpoints on what war and an oppressed society does. In so many ways, the Capitol reflects Western Civilization – a place that has everything and wastes everything, while the Districts mirrors places the West relies on for food and exports. It’s a fascinating look at the way societies interact and work with each other, and it definitely is sobering to the reader to consider the possibilities of such a society in the real world.

Dystopian fiction can’t find a better series than The Hunger Games. It truly is an epic trilogy that will be around for ages to come. And while Mockingjay slips a little with momentum, the end of Katniss Everdeen’s story is one that must be read. For when the end comes, then a new beginning can truly start to grow.

Book purchased by reviewer.

Dragons of the Watch 

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Adventure

Publisher: Waterbrook Press

Publication Date: October 2011

Reviewed by Kaci Hill

Several years ago, Mrs. Paul introduced us to the world of Amara with The DragonKeeper series.  It was instant love. Two years ago, though, Mrs. Paul went back to a time before the Dragon Keeper with two of her characters, the wizard Fenworth and his librarian (and unwilling partner in crime) Librettowit. She tells of a time they hopped continents a place called Chiril who had never heard of Wulder, Paladins, dragons, or dragon keepers.

Book one of this new series, now called The Chiril Chronicles, was originally titled The Vanishing Sculptor but has been renamed The Dragons of Chiril, where we were introduced to the lovely emerlindian Tipper, an emerlindian prince named Jayrus, and a tumanhofer artist named Bealomondore. It’s through this band of oddball questers that Wulder is introduced to Chiril and a world literally coming apart. Book two, Dragons of the Valley, took us further in-country and into a plot of treason, enemy invasions, war, and a flavoring of a love triangle, wherein the cruel Oddidodex tries to take advantage of the outcome of the previous book.

Dragons of the Watch, however, is a bit of a different bird. It centers around the artist-turned-soldier, Bealomondore, a couple years after the war.  Now, I have to admit: Bealomondore has probably been my favorite throughout The Chiril Chronicles, and I’ve always felt he got a bit shortchanged in the previous installments (other characters’ faults, not Mrs. Paul’s).  He’s a lover first and a fighter second, reserved and comfortable with his sketchpad. By Dragons of the Watch, though, dear Bealomondore has transformed from starving artist to well-renowned sculptor, painter, military hero, statesman, and friend of Prince Jayrus and Princess Tipper.

We’re introduced first, however, to the female lead of this story, Ellicinderpart (Ellie), a tumanhofer goatherdess  living in the hills some distance from the Amber City. She’s a sweet, determined little thing with a big heart. Her family receives an invitation to the royal wedding, and her aunt and uncle agree (or, rather, insist) to take her.  No sooner have they started out, though, then one of the goats gets loose, and she’s got to get him back on her father’s land. Ellie hops off the wagon, intending to rejoin her aunt and uncle in a few hours, and then finds herself inside an invisible, enchanted glass bottle in a giant city, being chased by giant six-year-olds.  A dashing, slightly gruff, young man saves her from these rude enemies. Oh, yes, it’s Bealomondore, also headed to the wedding, also trapped, and hiding in a giant library. And that’s just the beginning.

Again, Mrs. Paul creates fully developed, lovely characters and spins a dense story laced with themes of justice and mercy, honor, and family.  She’s always been elegant in her ability to weave truth naturally into a story, and she does so this time, too. Reading her books is much like visiting with an old friend, and I look forward to whatever she’s got next.

Genre: Legal / Horror

Publisher: Pinnacle

Publication Date: August 2011

Reviewed by Tim George

Mallory Caine is a lawyer with a taste for intelligence in her men.  She goes for the brainy college types- especially the brain portion.  Being a zombie will do that to you.  But Ms. Caine isn’t your average, stiff-armed, head-cocked, moaning zombie.  No, a healthy dose of night cream applied liberally every morning helps keep the decomposing flesh at bay.

Mallory is not a zombie without a conscience, either.  Every life, every meal haunts her.  But she must feed in order to keep the fraction of life she has.  Otherwise, she would die without her soul, and she can’t do that.  No, Mallory must stay alive in order to find out who murdered her, who turned her into the monster she is now, and why.  Is there any cure for being a zombie?  Pay Me In Flesh puts a whole new spin on leading a double life, with its main character trying to make her living by defending in the court of law and getting her meals by picking up men on the street.

It’s tough to catch a break in a city like L.A., especially when Mallory is hearing voices and constantly getting dive-bombed by birds.  Things get complicated when her vampire friend Traci Ann is framed for murder- a murder that Mallory knows her client didn’t commit.  How does she know this?  Because Mallory herself was responsible for the policeman’s death.  When Mallory decides to defend the shape-shifting supernatural, she must go head to head with her ex-boyfriend and prosecutor, Aaron Argula, in a battle of wits and desire.  Whether the desire stems from hunger or passion, Mallory couldn’t say.

As she progresses, Mallory must deal with a corrupt system of police, lawyers, and judges who thwart her at every turn.  At night, the battle rages on to a fight for her undead life against a sword-swinging, head-slicing zealot with a vendetta against zombies.  Will Mallory be able to defend her friend without revealing her own secrets? A wry read, the story dips and twists at every turn, keeping the elusive conclusion just out of sight.  The gore is kept at minimum, with our heroine using her trusty hook-nosed pick instead of the traditional zombie method of biting.

The book promises more to come, as Mallory Caine’s story is far from over at the end.  She has yet to solve her own murder, or come to any sort of resolution with her ex or the green-eyed detective that she quarrels regularly with.  Pay Me In Flesh will keep you intrigued until the end, with its wit and unpredictable plot.

K. Bennett displays a broad knowledge of his home city, Los Angeles, as well as the law profession he once worked in.  This is his first zombie book, following his bestsellers Deadlock and Try Fear, published under a name familiar to many, James Scott Bell.

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Sci-Fi

Publisher:  Putnam Adult

Publication Dates: Sept 13, 2011

Reviewed by Lori Twitchell

Eve Dallas is a woman of strength, courage and above all, honor. These are not traits that she learned during her childhood or her formative years. Instead, they’re traits picked up, honed and sharpened to a deadly point in the years since becoming a police officer. And each and every one of them are about to be tested.

On her rookie assignment, just out of the academy, Eve had the misfortune to come across Isaac McQueen, a sick, foul and deeply disturbed man whose favorite hobby was taking young girls, using and abusing them and then killing them. He also kept careful track of each one with a number carved into their chests. Dallas was baptized by fire with the McQueen case and she was beyond relieved when she was able to put him away. Now years later, Dallas is a seasoned homicide detective –the best on the force. But it still rattles her to the core when she discovers that McQueen has escaped prison and that he’s got a personal vendetta against her. More concerned for the others in the case than herself, Dallas dives headfirst into the investigation with her team and loved ones all close around her for support. Little does she know that the case that pushed her to be the exceptional cop that she is today is about to
take an even darker and more personal turn than she’d thought possible.

McQueen, knowing just enough of Eve’s past to be dangerous, takes his talents to Dallas which requires Eve to leave behind her comfort zone and go back to the place where she earned her name. With Roarke in tow to keep her safe, Eve throws herself heavy and hard into bringing McQueen down.

Just when I think that J.D. Robb has taken me everywhere she can with Eve Dallas, another layer is pulled back, revealing more depth and history for an already complex and well beloved character. This book brought Eve, Roarke, and everyone around them to a new level of intrigue, danger.  Mixed through it all Eve has to deal with a lot of self introspection. How did she become the woman she is today? How did she evolve? Is it something wrapped in her DNA or is it choices she made along the way?

I loved this book. I had only just decided that Robb’s earlier outing Treachery in Death, was my favorite Dallas book but now, Robb has handed me a dilemma. Rich with backstory and history of Dallas and the struggles of everyone around her on how best to protect and love her, this book opened up my favorite characters and gave me even more respect for each of them. I could not read this book quickly enough and have already recommended it time and time again to people that I know would love it. Though it’s heavy in backstory, you can still enjoy the murder mystery without knowing all of the fine details of Dallas’ early life. If you have read any books though, and are a Dallas/Roarke fan like myself, this book will tear your heart out, stomp on it, and then slowly piece it back together and hand to you completely remade.

If you like murder mysteries, futuristic books or romance, this one’s for you.

Genre: Romance, Suspense

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

Publication Date: October 2011

Reviewed by Elizabeth Olmedo 

Megan Connors lives in a man’s world. As part of the secret service, she’s constantly fighting to prove she’s just as capable as her male counterparts. And for the most part, Megan has succeeded. She is being considered for an opening in the PPD (Presidential Protective Division). However, before any decision is made she has one more assignment—protecting the vice president’s daughter. In order to do this, she must work under the command Ash Zanders who is known for being tough, critical, and completely against women in the special service. To make matters worse, he’s vying for the same PPD promotion she is.

Ash has been on Lindsay Hall’s protective detail for a couple years. He has watched as drugs and alcohol have spun her life into a downward spiral. Her years of running with the wrong crowd have caught up with her and someone wants her dead. To keep Lindsay safe, they secretly transport her to a ranch where she can undergo rehabilitation. But, protecting Lindsay from herself will present as great a challenge as finding the person or persons behind the threats. Ash isn’t happy either with the new agent assigned to his team. Megan may have an impeccable record, but the secret service is no place for a woman.

When those after Lindsay discover her location and make it clear that they can reach her whenever they want, Ash and Megan will be forced to work together to keep her safe. In the process, the two will come to understand and respect the other and with that will come feelings and emotions neither one is prepared to face.

In Attracted to Fire, Diann Mills delivers everything you would expect from a suspense/romance novel. The characters are likeable. I found myself especially rooting for Lindsay as she struggled to regain control in her life and make the difficult journey of self-discovery. Ash is the classic “woman-hater” and Megan the typical woman who breaks through his defenses and eventually takes over his heart. Though I didn’t find any shocking twists, I did enjoy reading Attracted to Fire. This is novel for those looking for a story with romance, suspense, and faith.

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Publication Date: August 2011

Reviewed by Jen Roman

Just in time for our own “doomsday” predictions, The Leftovers allows us to imagine what would happen if the Rapture, or End of Time, really did happen.  In Perrotta’s version, there is a Sudden Departure in which people absolutely vanish in the middle of whatever they happen to be doing.  Some entire families disappear, but in most cases, only one family member or close friend disappears.  Kevin, the mayor of his small suburb, doesn’t lose anyone directly, but his wife joins a cult-like group in order to deal with these changes.  His teen daughter becomes despondent at losing her mother, and his college-student son quits school and follows a corrupt evangelist.   While Kevin’s family is the main focus of the story, Perrotta introduces us to other characters who are intertwined in the lives of Kevin’s family.

I have never read one of Perrotta’s books and didn’t know what to expect, and to be honest, at first, I was confused.  Each chapter focuses on a different character, and at times it was difficult following who was who and what he or she was doing.  I also had a hard time understanding how the concept of the Sudden Departure was explained; it left me wondering what exactly happened.  I am glad I stuck with it, however, because the characters quickly developed and established relationships with each other.  The whole notion of the Sudden Departure made more sense, and I was able to see the thought process behind the characters’ decisions.  I don’t necessarily agree with some of the decisions the characters made, but I can understand their motivation.

Due to the topic of the book, some people may be offended by its content.  Readers interested in seeing how people react to such a tragic event will appreciate the storyline.  The whole plot was thought-provoking and managed to keep my attention, once I got into it.  Because it does address cult-like behavior, some readers may not enjoy this.  Additionally, Kevin’s daughter Jill starts rebelling and engaging in promiscuity, which may also offend some readers.  While not described in graphic detail, readers will get an eyeful of sexual situations.   For those able to overlook the sexual content, give it a chance.  The Leftovers grows on the reader and engages in a completely offbeat manner.

Kirk DouPonce of DogEared Design has been designing and illustrating book covers for the past 15 years. During those years he’s gotten to work for some of the biggest (and smallest) publishing houses in the US and the UK. His work has graced the covers of books by authors such as Frank Peretti, Ted Dekker, Steven James, Karen Kingsbury, Brandilyn Collins, John MacArthur, and Max Lucado. Kirk lives in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado with his wife and four children.

You can view his portfolio at DogEaredDesign.com

This interview can be downloaded from iTunes or streamed below:

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: New Hope

Publication Date: September 2011

Reviewed by Jaci Miller 

Enslaved in the sex trade for nearly ten years, Mara’s daily life is filled with brutality inflicted on her by her clients, Enforcer and Jefe (the boss).

Jonathan, a high school senior destined for Bible college, is more focused on earning enough money to keep his car running than he is on the horrors in his own neighborhood. That is, until he delivers a pizza to a hotel and encounters a half-naked girl fleeing from one of the rooms. The awareness of a sex trade in America comes crashing around him.

Deliver Me from Evil by Kathi Macias is the first in the Freedom series and one of those books that reviewers long to recommend. For its addressing of social justice issues, for the love that has been so evidently poured into the pages, for the good it could do in society. However, the book has a problem. Jonathan’s family feels stilted and one-sided. Their lives and discussions revolve around sex trafficking and little else. It feels as if this is all the family thinks about. They come across as boring, perfect Christians, a big no-no. This reviewer found herself hurrying through the sections about Jonathan and his family to reach the far more compelling stories told through the eyes of the trafficking victims.

These scenes drove home the reality of prostitution rings and offered insight into how such things can happen. And it is here that Kathi Macias shines. She manages to convey the atrocities inflicted without being graphic. The numbness of the seasoned “prostitutes” is especially well-conveyed.

Macias manages to give a face to countless unknown victims, and although flawed in style, the book should be read for awareness’ sake.

Review copy provided by publisher. 

Genre: Children’s / Young Adult

Publisher: Hyperion Book CH

Publication Date: October 2011

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

Percy Jackson has no idea who he is. Where he has come from. What has happened the past sixteen years of his life. All he knows is that an unnamed force keeps drawing him south. Drawing him to a place where Roman demigods – children of the Roman gods and humans – train for battle against any foe that might threaten Camp Jupiter. Percy arrives, and soon finds himself thrown in with the outcasts:  a bumbling would-be soldier named Frank, and a mysterious, and somewhat deadly girl named Hazel. And now, the three of them have to embark on a quest to save Camp Jupiter from the evil threatening to erase Rome’s mark from history forever. The only problem is the mission is suicidal. All of them – Percy, Frank, and Hazel – have been destined to die.

Rick Riordan’s return to the world of Percy Jackson and the Olympian gods is a very welcome one. Riordan knows exactly what he’s doing as he leads Percy through danger after danger. Long gone are the days of random Greek monsters cropping up to fill in the action. Riordan uses every encounter for a reason – to build up the quite complicated characters, or to deliver some devastating plot twists. With The Son of Neptune, book two in the Heroes of Olympus, Riordan definitely delivers more of his trademark myth and mystery.

Once again, Riordan splits up the chapters between his three lead characters – each chapter from one of their points of view. And unlike with The Lost Hero, where I found myself slightly annoyed (wanting to get back to my favorite character), in this book, it seemed to work much more seamlessly. All three characters are highly enjoyable, and fun to follow along as they deal with their own demons of the past.

Frank Zhang and Hazel Levesque, two new characters to this novel, provide some very interesting character arcs for Riordan to explore. Percy has been through so much character development, that most of his time is spent on action or developing more of the overarching plot of the series. But Frank and Hazel are very different. And their pasts and ancestry were quite intriguing as Riordan laces their story lines throughout. They both felt like very real characters, dealing with very real emotions, although Piper and Hazel did seem somewhat similar in ways – both tortured and guilty. Frank’s character arc is perhaps the strongest, and as the reader comes to the end of the story, it’s hard not to feel some emotion throughout his development.

The action is top-notch as usual, with some shining scenes near the beginning of the book regarding Camp Jupiter’s war games. Riordan really lets loose giving us some super fun stuff to follow – and it felt very cinematic as the pages and battle shrapnel flew. It was hard not to read through those chapters without a big smile at just how fun the entire book begins. Things do darken up by the end, and leave it hanging for the next installment, The Mark of Athena. It was hard not to turn the last page and wish the next book was within easy reach.

Humor is something that Riordan also does well, and some of the stuff he comes up with this time had me bursting out laughing. From hippie goddesses to a very interesting take on Amazon.com itself, to some typical Percy-like sarcasm and a couple of cracks against Harry Potter perhaps, he’s really done his best to give us a good laugh along the way.

In some ways The Son of Neptune has a middle-of-the-series syndrome. Parts of it felt like it was gearing us up for the final huge quest and battle. But it was still just as enjoyable as The Lost Hero. The entire time I kept thinking about the final quest and finally bringing these characters together. The Roman life of Camp Jupiter is very interesting and gives a stark contrast to the Greek Camp Half-Blood, and it will be exciting to see the two ways of life clash as they struggle to work together in the next book.

The Mark of Athena can’t come quickly enough. The future has been foretold. Gaea – the goddess of the earth – waits for her final chance to strike and then rise to rule over everything. The Romans are on edge with Greeks coming their the way. Only time will tell if the demigods can join with their parents and fight against the overwhelming evil facing them. And only then will we know if Rome and the gods themselves will stand or fall.

Book purchased by reviewer.

Read our review of The Queen here.

More about Steven James:

Critically acclaimed author Steven James has written four other award-winning Patrick Bowers novels as well as many works of nonfiction. He has a master’s degree in storytelling and has taught writing and creative storytelling on three continents. He lives near the Blue Ridge Mountains of Tennessee with his wife and three daughters.

To learn more about Steve visit him at: stevenjames.net 

This interview can be downloaded via iTunes or streamed in the audio player below.

Check out our podcast review of Forbidden here and our print review here.

More about Ted Dekker:

Ted Dekker is a New York Times bestselling author with more than five million books in print. He is known for stories that combine adrenaline-laced plots with incredible confrontations between unforgettable characters. You can find him online at Teddekker.com and Facebook.com/teddekker.

More about Tosca Lee:

Tosca Lee is the author of the critically acclaimed DEMON: A MEMOIR, HAVAH: THE STORY OF EVE, and the Books of Mortals series with NY Times bestselling author Ted Dekker (FORBIDDEN, September 2011; MORTAL, June 2012; and SOVEREIGN, October 2012).

This interview can be downloaded via iTunes or streamed below.

Genre: Mystery

Publisher: Touchstone

Publication Date: July 2011

Reviewed by Josh Olds

Rosemary Thomas is about to face death. Execution. Lethal injection. Found guilty of murdering her estranged husband—God (and the jury) knows she had the motive—but she didn’t commit the crime. At least that was her claim. Of course, that’s what they all say.

Christopher Thomas had been the curator of San Francisco’s McFall Art Museum, which, by all appearances, should have been a rather posh and cushy job, relatively free from worries or stress. He, was a philanderer, yes, and used his wife only to gain power within the world of art, but really, she should be the one thanking him for putting her higher up on the social ladder. In the end, it would matter for nothing, as both ended up dead.

But ten years later, the cop who oversaw the arrest of Rosemary Thomas is now convinced of her innocence. Somewhere, a killer still lurks, and his investigation reveals a tangled web of lies, deceit, and double-crossings. Jumping between timelines of the present and ten years prior, No Rest for the Dead, takes what seems to be an open-and-shut case and peels back more and more layers to reveal a grand scheme that could implicate any number of people. Christopher Thomas was a ruthless man with shady dealings in both his personal and professional lives. As Nunn unravels the case, he finds himself shocked by how deeply tied and twisted his new suspects actually are.

No Rest for the Dead is a unique collaboration of twenty-six top-notch writers, each submitting a chapter or more for the book. The old saying goes that too many cooks spoil the broth, but editors Andrew and Lamia Gulli do an excellent job of bringing the novel together into a cohesive whole. A few chapters here and there stand out as mildly out of place in technical areas such as character vocabulary or tone, but overall the authors do well in understanding the characters they’re given.

As David Baldacci says in the book’s introduction, the mystery genre is “the sole arena on processed paper where the reader can match wits with the creator.” No Rest for the Dead goes blow-by-blow, prodding the reader to make guesses yet still managing to completely surprise. I’ll admit it: I didn’t see the end coming. Engaging and unique, this novel’s not just a good read; it’s also done for a good cause. After all, getting 26 bestselling writers together is no easy task. All proceeds, minus contributor expenses, go to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Authors: Jeff Abbott, Lori Armstrong, David Baldacci, Sandra Brown, Thomas Cook, Jeffrey Deaver, Diana Gabaldon, Tess Gerritsen, Andrew F. Gulli, Peter James, J.A. Jance, Faye Kellerman, Raymond Khoury, John Lescroart, Jeff Lindsay, Gayle Lynds, Phillip Margolin, Alexander McCall Smith, Michael Palmer, T. Jefferson Parker, Matthew Pearl, Kathy Reichs, Marcus Sakey, Jonathan Santlofer, Lisa Scottoline, R.L. Stine, and Marcia Talley.    

Review copy provided by publisher. 

Genre: Drama

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Publication Date: September 2011

Reviewed by Elizabeth Olmedo

Austin and Mercy’s lives collide in the wake of September 11. Pain, anger, and regret threaten to wreck their lives. Austin Finley is a New York City cop haunted by the horrifying images of that day and the phone call he had ignored. Mercy Samara is the shrink who holds his job in her hands. When she deems him unfit for active duty, Austin resigns from the department, refusing to be trapped behind a desk.

Years later, Austin has built a new life for himself in Baltimore where he now works as an EMT. With the help of his new found faith in God, Austin has gathered the broken pieces of his life and released the hurt and hatred that held him back. While responding to a 911 call at a high school, his path intersects once more with Dr. Samara who works as a guidance counselor there. This time, the interest they feel toward the other is immediate as they embark on a somewhat unconventional relationship. While their reunion resurfaces old scars, their biggest challenge is her lack faith in his God. Despite their love for each other, this is one area neither one seems willing to compromise on.

From Ashes to Honor is a story of endurance and of rising from the ruins. Loree Lough delivers characters that are both flawed and loveable. The reader can easily relate with them. She tackles the gritty and age-old quandary of mixed-faith relationships. Lough’s thought-provoking novel forces the reader to examine his/her own priorities and commitments, both to God and others.

The shocking end met me with an astounding sucker punch, happily deflating my pre-conceived notions of the story. I can’t imagine any other ending that could have afforded more strength to the novel. I recommend the first book in the First Responders Series to anyone ready for a story about tackling a not-so-perfect world head on, and realizing that with faith we indeed have what it takes to rise From Ashes to Honor.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Read our review of One Step Away here.

About Eric:

In college, Eric took journalism courses and served as contributing editor for the newspaper. He also published travel and educational nonfiction pieces in periodicals during the early ’90s, but his first novel wasn’t published till 2004. Since that time, he has published nine additional titles.

Eric accepted Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior in 1971. In the following years, he traveled with his parents in Eastern Europe, smuggling Bibles during the time of the Iron Curtain. Back in the States, Eric attended a Christian high school and did youth group missions trips. After graduation, Eric worked with Operation Mobilisation and YWAM in Europe and China, where he again served the Suffering Church. When his parents divorced after twenty years of marriage, however, it challenged Eric to know what he truly believed and to cling to God more than ever. Back in the US, he completed four years at a Bible college and worked as a youth pastor for five years.

Both Eric and Carolyn have a heart for the destitute, abused, and depressed. They hope to serve again on the mission field in the years to come, while still writing and using the talents God has given.

This interview can be downloaded via iTunes or streamed below.

Genre: YA

Publisher: Harcourt

Publication Date: September 2011

Reviewed by Jaci Miller

The story of Theseus and the Minotaur has come down through the ages relatively untouched. Now, Dark of the Moon by Tracy Barrett turns this myth on its head by relating the tale as if it was actually lived by the humans of that time—the real story, if you will. Much like the film Ever After puts a realistic spin on the tale of Cinderella; Dark of the Moon does the same for this myth.

Ariadne embraces her destiny as future goddess of the moon, but she longs to learn more about the world outside her home of Krete. When a shipment of slaves arrives as a tribute fromAthens, she sneaks down to the ship to see what she can learn of other lands. Instead, she meets Theseus, the son of the king ofAthens, a young man destined to die at the hands of a monster beneath the palace. If he is to live he must kill the beast. In a twist, this monster, Asterion, is Ariadne’s brother and not a monster at all, but a freakishly strong, mentally childlike human—not a bull-human creature. Ariadne is caught in the middle of a budding friendship, her religious responsibilities and her brother.

At first glance, this book sounds intriguing and action-packed, but honestly, the story languishes a bit as it expounds on the religious underpinnings that inform Ariadne’s daily life. Dumps of information and complicated theology make this an unlikely read for adventure seekers as the book is less concerned with Theseus’s adventures and more with Ariadne’s internal struggles. Indeed, the book is a coming-of-age story with a young would-be goddess learning to find her place as goddess.

For readers who relish myth and retellings, Dark of the Moon provides an imaginative re-telling of what could have happened. The unusual shifting in points-of-view from past tense to present is a bit unsettling, but interested readers will surely overcome this. The pacing slows at points due to Ariadne’s explanations of her duties. But again, those fascinated by ancient religions will find those discussions enjoyable. Barrett has essentially crafted a new religion for her story and has done so thoroughly.

Review copy provided by publisher. 

Genre: Children’s / Young Adult

Publisher: Scholastic

Publication Date: August 2011

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

The Cahills are back in the new 39 Clues series, Cahills vs. Vespers. And this time the stakes are higher than they’ve ever been before. The team of authors behind this ground-breaking, multi-media book series have really outdone themselves in kicking things off with The Medusa Plot. With six new cards, more hidden puzzles, and danger behind every turn, Gordon Korman brings us the latest, and perhaps best, entry yet.

Amy and Dan Cahill thought they could return to their normal lives after the massive globe-trotting clue hunt. And two quiet years have gone by. Years filled with training for Amy… and a sinking depression for Dan. Then the Vespers strike – kidnapping various members of the Cahill family. Every moment Dan and Amy waste could cost them one of their family members. The clue hunt never prepared them for this. Not even Grace Cahill – the family mastermind – prepared them. For the first time, they are truly alone. And unless they follow the Vespers’ instructions to the letter, people will die.

Nothing could have prepared me for The Medusa Plot. Each chapter and page held new secrets. New surprises. Korman is at the absolute top of his form, and this easily bests any of his previous entries in the series. In fact – this new set of books promises to be worlds better than the first eleven. After a couple books, it wasn’t too hard to guess what the 39 clues might be for. But this time around – things are much more mysterious. And the hidden codes in the book make things even more intriguing. As usual, pieces of history are intertwined with the plot, taking Amy and Dan on some wild excursions and into some very deadly places.

Korman has amped up the action – with some great sequences, and also some rather frightening ones as well. The tone of this new series is definitely a bit darker than before, with issues between Amy and Dan, as well as a few unnerving plot developments. While there’s no explicit gore, there are a few scenes that might make younger readers squirm.

Dan and Amy have changed too – and it’s interesting to watch their progression from their innocence in The Maze of Bones to now. Within the first few books, it seemed as though many of the characters were fairly one-dimensional. That problem has been fixed along the way, as the varying authors have fleshed out both heroes and villains – making for a very complex cast. And the Cahill siblings continue to grow throughout this volume. Amy and Dan are drifting apart, and Amy doesn’t know what to do about it. And with the added stress from the Vespers, they might tear completely apart.

Newcomers to The 39 Clues would do best to go back to where it all started: The Maze of Bones. While a very savvy reader might be able to dive in – a lot of the subtle hints and nuances of the series would be lost.

The Medusa Plot is definitely the best so far. Everything we’ve known about the Cahills has been shattered. The Vespers have struck. And now the clock is ticking…

Review copy provided by publisher. 

Genre: Thriller

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Publication Date: June 2011

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Nick Heller is a guy you want on your side. Former special ops, now making a living as a private spy, he uses his unique skill set to help those who want a job done right. When a family friend’s daughter goes missing Nick is only too happy to get involved, especially when the captors send a live internet feed of the girl buried underground. Nick is now in a race against time to find her and those responsible for this unspeakable act of torture.

With only two books released in this series, I can safely say that Nick Heller is one of my favorite characters in thrillerdom. Joseph Finder always excels in keeping his audiences hooked with perfectly crafted plots, relentless suspense, and endearing protagonists. But there is just something about Nick Heller that easily places him head and shoulders above other veteran series’ characters that we’ve come to love in the ever expanding thriller genre. Much of this is due to Finder’s masterful use of the first person that makes this book simply impossible to put down.

Of course the break neck pacing of the story and the terror of Alexa Marcus only helps draw us in deeper. Even in some of the darkest scenes where we are plunged into the nightmare of being buried alive, I couldn’t take my eyes off the page. At nearly 400 pages, this novel only feels like half of that and never is there a dull moment or a wasted word.

Joseph Finder and Nick Heller are making huge waves and the potential for this series is through the roof. My only hope is that we don’t get another long break between novels. The Finder-Heller combo is too good to remain buried for so long.

Review copy provided by publisher. 

We’re also giving away 2 copies of Warm Bodies and we give all the details on how to enter the giveaway in the podcast. Enjoy!

Read our print reviews of Warm Bodies here.

More about Isaac Marion:

Isaac Marion was born in north-western Washington in 1981 and has lived in and around Seattle his whole life, working a variety of strange jobs like delivering deathbeds to hospice patients and supervising parental visits for foster-kids. He is not married, has no children, and did not go to college or win any prizes. Warm Bodies is his first novel.

This podcast can be downloaded via iTunes or streamed below:

Genre: Romance, Horror, Suspense

Publisher: Atria

Publication Date: April 2011

Jake Chism’s Review:

R is a zombie, but R is so much more. He certainly looks the part with his trademark gait and rotting flesh.  Sure he loves to munch on human brains as much as the next dead guy, but something is changing inside. He just met this human girl named Julie on a hunting raid and instead of eating her, he’s decided to save her life and hide her from his friends. In this post apocalyptic world where zombies prey on human survivors, this is certainly a no-no. But R can’t help himself. Julie is causing him to do something he didn’t know he was capable of doing: to feel.   For the first time in his death R has found a reason to live.

The plot summary above does no justice to Isaac Marion’s breathtaking debut. Neither do the “zombie love story” nor “zombie Romeo and Juliet” monikers others have given it. Like its main character, R, Warm Bodies is so much more than what we see on the surface.

The story is told in the first person from R’s POV and (I can’t believe I’m saying this) I’d place this first person narration on the level of Dean Koontz’s Odd Thomas. Marion writes like a seasoned pro, making this the kind of story that will send aspiring novelists and veterans alike into fits of jealous rage. Not only is this Isaac Marion’s debut, but he sold the movie rights before the book was even written, much less published. Yeah, the kind of stuff that only happens in publishing fantasy land, but nevertheless the final product is more than worthy of the hype.

Marion infuses the well balanced plot with beautiful themes of compassion, creativity, and humility. R’s “courting” of Julie is beautiful to behold, leaving us with countless scenes that will sear in your mind long after reading. For example, I will never forget R’s Frank Sinatra record skipping serenade that is nothing short of literary genius.

Fans of the zombie mythology will find plenty here to satisfy, but Marion deftly avoids the pitfalls of gratuitousness and overindulgence that one might expect in a zombie tale. There’s more than enough gore, violence, adult content, and language here to warn sensitive readers, but the journey is more than worth it for readers who long to be moved by their fiction.

To say much more would run the risk of spoiling a truly phenomenal reading experience. Suffice it to say that this “Romeo and Juliet Zombie Love Story” that you may or may not have heard so much about is definitely worthy of the buzz. Isaac Marion is a name to watch and one I hope we have not heard the last of.

Lori Twichell’s Review:

Hold on to your socks here folks. This is a different kind of review for a very different kind of book. (Yes it has a cover, title, pages with words strung together into sentences…like most other books. And it even has an amazing romantic love story in it. But that’s where everything that you might recognize in a book stops.) This book is about dead people. Fleshies. That’s a zombie that you can’t really tell is dead because they still have flesh on their bones. And yes, if you connect those sentences that makes this a zombie love story. No, really.

BUT BEFORE YOU LAUGH AND MOVE ON…WAIT. This is one of the most amazing, beautiful and gorgeously written stories that I have ever read.  I do not say that lightly. I was immediately drawn into this story and couldn’t stop myself from reading even though it took me into very late night hours.

Let me fill you in briefly on the story itself. The main character, R, is a zombie. The book is written from his perspective and even though we know a lot about his daily life and we can guess some things about what life was like ‘before’ we still don’t know much. What we do know is that he knows he’s dead but he doesn’t know how he became a zombie. He’s well dressed and well preserved. We also know that he longs for more. He wants more than to just eat brains every now and then to live again. (Brains cause a reaction in zombies that allow them to re-live the lives of the owner.) He understands the dilemma of killing people to survive. He wants more. And then he eats the brain of Perry and it changes everything for him.

This book was not a book I wanted to read. When we got the standard email with the trailer, I saw zombie love story and blinked out. (Probably like a lot of people reading this review have.) I sent it off to Jake and asked if he was interested and I was shocked when he wrote back an enthusiastic YES! I thought he was kidding but then I went and watched the book’s trailer.  Here. Check it out for yourself. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBv7cC_qU30 I was immediately interested. Some of my favorite authors were endorsers of this book.

And then I got the book in the mail and found it to be so much more than what ‘zombie love story’ would make you think. With entire passages devoted to what existence is supposed to mean versus what it actually does mean – all from the mind of a zombie, it’s more difficult to dismiss this book.

Even if you aren’t a fan of the zombie genre, this book will engage you in ways you never imagined. It’s sharp and witty with syllable counting dialogue that will stick with you long after you’ve read it. It’s revolutionary, beautiful and engaging in brilliantly imagined ways. This book has settled firmly onto my favorites of 2011 and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Do not miss this book. You’ll be glad you took the time for it.

Don’t miss our interview with Isaac Marion. 

Review copies provided by publisher. 

More about Andrew Gross:

In 2009 New York Times bestselling author Andrew Gross received the most horrifying phone call of his life — his deeply troubled nephew’s body had been found at the base of a cliff on the Californiacoast. Haunted by this tragedy, Gross turned to his own form of therapy – writing novels. The result is EYES WIDE OPEN (Harper Collins; July 12, 2011) his break-out novel that tells the story of a family haunted by a secret past.

Andrew Gross is the author of The New York Times and international bestsellers The Blue Zone and The Dark Tide, and coauthor of five No. 1 bestselling novels with James Patterson, including Judge & Jury, Lifeguard, and The Jester. Gross lives in Westchester County, New York, with his wife, Lynn. They have three children.

This interview can be downloaded via iTunes or streamed below:

Genre: Military Suspense/Thriller

Publisher: Barbour Publishing

Publication Date: July 2011

Reviewed by Elizabeth Olmedo

Canyon “Midas” Metcalfe has made many mistakes. The scars on his wrist are proof to his pain, desperation — and failure. He couldn’t even take his own life without messing it up. But that was two years ago. Now he’s part of Nightshade, a covert group of men who are in the business of restoring life and peace to the broken parts of the world — if only it would work for him too.

For the past six months, Danielle Roark has lived every woman’s biggest nightmare. Taken captive by a Venezuelan war lord, she’s been raped, tortured, and broken. Managing to escape only leads her into another living hell. Her government, the people meant to protect her, accuses her of fabricating the story and committing treason — a crime punishable with death. Returning is her only option. But how can Dani survive the jungle that nearly killed her? And what does she hope to find when some of the best secret ops have returned empty handed?

Canyon and Dani’s lives intersect at her court hearing. Their connection is instantaneous.  Now it is up to Nightshade to escort her safely back to Venezuela and secure the evidence needed to prove her innocence. But can Canyon keep his focus with a beautiful, tragic woman threatening to steal his heart? He can’t afford not to, because this is one mission some will stop at nothing to make sure fails.

Ronie Kendig is brilliant in the third installment of her Discarded Heroes series, Wolfsbane. Heart-pounding suspense and adrenaline-pumping action keeps the reader pinned to the edge of the chair. Kendig carries her audience through the dangers and perils of the Venezuelan jungle as Nightshade fights to save Dani.

I greatly admire her for tackling the sticky issue of sex outside of marriage. While many Christian authors dance around the issue, Kendig doesn’t shrink away from the challenge, and shines. She addresses it in a clear and love-filled way.

Her fans will not be disappointed, and for those who haven’t read her novels, Kendig gives them one more reason to start. Once more, loveable characters tugged at my heartstrings as I rooted for them to succeed. The ending shocked me senseless as Kendig delivered her best cliffhanger yet. Wolfsbane is one book you will not want to miss!

Review copy provided by publisher. 

Check out our reviews of some of the winning novels (for a full list of winners go here):

Sworn to Protect by DiAnn Mills (Contemporary Romance)

The Reluctant Prophet by Nancy Rue (Contemporary Series)

The Bishop by Steven James (Suspense)

To Darkness Fled (Blood of Kings Book 2) by Jill Williamson (Visionary)

Motorcycles, Sushi & One Strange Book by Nancy Rue (Young Adult)

Genre: Romance/Suspense

Publisher: Penguin Group

Publication Date: June 2011

Reviewed by Elizabeth Olmedo

Dead bodies are a dime a dozen in Lucy Trask’s world. She’s a medical examiner and death holds no surprises for her. All that changes when she stumbles across the mutilated corpse of a friend while jogging through the park. When a trail of tortured bodies is left for Lucy to discover, one thing is certain. Someone is out for revenge, and Lucy is somehow at the center of the killer’s endgame.

Death and violence are nothing new to Afghanistan war veteran J.D. Fitzpatrick. He has seen his share of gruesomeness. However, the mutilated bodies that keep appearing reach a whole new realm. With each murder, J.D. is convinced the killer is reserving Lucy for his/her grand finale. As J.D. struggles to protect the beautiful and independent ME, he finds himself losing control of his heart and emotions. Protecting her becomes as much a personal task as it does his job. But how can he keep Lucy safe with all the secrets she’s keeping? Somehow, he must convince her to trust him.

You Belong to Me by Karen Rose is a gripping novel that stole my breath as my heart beat faster. I enjoyed how Rose masterfully toyed with my emotions, pumping a dose of fear into my veins (without ever making it too uncomfortable). The reader’s adrenaline will flow as a deranged killer exacts revenge while staying a step (or two) ahead of the police. This is a novel for those looking for a good thriller — one that makes the hairs on the back of your neck prickle as you shut off the light at night. You Belong to Me will draw the reader into a dangerous web that will make the book hard to set aside. Strong writing makes the 512 pages race by in sync with the reader’s heartbeat. However, the reader should be prepared for some colorful language, graphic details and explicit sexual scenes. While I would have preferred having these toned down, I did enjoy figuring out the mystery.

Review copy provided by publisher. 

Genre: Spy Thriller, Political Thriller

Publisher: Putnam Adult

Publication Date: February 2011

Reviewed by Josh Olds

John Wells isn’t sure whether he follows trouble or trouble follows him. He’s no longer a part of the CIA, true, but international espionage is like a high-speed car wreck—you can’t just walk away from it. When you’re one of the best, people keep dragging you back into the fray and this time it’s someone no less than King Abdullah, the aged leader of Saudi Arabia.

Abdullah is old and talks of who will succeed him as king are rampant. The king fears that if the wrong man—someone like his brother Saeed—takes the throne, it would be the end of the House of Saud’s reign and the rise of radical Islam. The king is a devout Muslim, yes, but terrorism is not the way of Allah.

With treachery coming from inside his own family, the king cannot rely on anybody—anybody except Wells, who finds himself thrown into a delicate and dangerous political situation. As events unfold and Wells seeks to unravel the ever-deepening mystery, he discovers a plot that goes way beyond the confines of political rumblings in the oil-rich nation all the way towards sparking the final battle between America and radical Islam.

There are literally thousands of novels on terrorism and you think you’ve read one you’ve read them all. Bad guys, Allahu Akbar, bombs, and kick-butt spies and Delta Force teams to save the day. But Berenson works hard to make his novel stand out and achieves it with great success. First, John Wells is a moderate Muslim fighting against radical Islam. This factor isn’t played out too much in The Secret Soldier, but alludes to a fuller treatment in previous novels. Second, Berenson knows his history. With his journalist background, Berenson treats the reader to a fully fleshed out, but not boring or overdone, treatment of Saudi Arabian history and politics. It brings a flavor and authenticity often lacking in these types of novels.

From start to finish, The Secret Soldier had me hooked. My one criticism is that Berenson makes liberal use of the third person omniscient perspective, giving the reader scenes from secondary characters that disrupt the flow of the main storyline. In Berenson’s defense, he does a brilliant job of tying in all the varying threads, but his use of the style seems more fit for the movies than a novel. (And this would make a great movie.)

Whether you like espionage thrillers or political intrigue, The Secret Soldier is bound to enthrall. Combining current events, political insight, and a plot that doesn’t let up, it’ll have you reading late into the night.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Genre: Romance/Historical Fiction

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication Date: June 2011

Reviewed by Elizabeth Olmedo

The world holds hope and promise for young Esther. As a Jew, she may be considered inferior to her Persian counterparts, but she has a freedom they can only dream of. That is, until she is presented as a candidate for the king. Suddenly, Esther is not only a prisoner to the Persian regulations, but to protocol too. The difference between her and the other girls in the harem is that she doesn’t want to be chosen queen.

King Ahasuerus is tired of the same flighty women and their power grasping families. Then he meets Esther. For the first time, he has met someone who eases his loneliness. Esther sees him for who he is, and not what he is. She is too good to be true.

That is what tortures Esther the most. She isn’t true. Not only has she concealed her Jewishness from her husband, but also the fact that she was sent to the palace in hopes of having a Jewish advocate in the king’s ear. When Haman, the king’s right hand and best friend, issues a decree that calls for the annihilation of the Jewish people, it is up to Esther to speak. If she does, Esther could lose the husband she has come to love. If she doesn’t, thousands of innocent people — her people — will die.

A Reluctant Queen by Joan Wolf is the story of Esther as never told before. And I mean, as never told before. This novel left me with very conflicting emotions. On the one hand it’s a great story that maintains a comfortable pace and keeps the reader’s interest from cover to cover. Wolf creates likeable and convincing characters that will attract the readers. That said, it is not historically or Biblically accurate. While I still would have read it, I wish I’d known this beforehand. If I had been prepared for all the liberties the author took with the story of Esther I don’t think I would have felt so let down. I understand that in historical fiction, an author has to fill a lot of gaps with just that…fiction. But when the writer starts changing actual facts that are known, then I have a problem.

The story of Esther is one of my favorites, which only made the inaccuracies all the more disappointing.  And though Wolf crafts good, strong characters, many are so far removed from those in the Biblical account they almost seem like completely different people. Haman for instance, acted more like the kings spurned lover who hated Mordecai (and consequently the Jews) out of jealousy and not because of a centuries old feud between the Agagites and the Jews.

While I still recommend this book to romance and historical fiction fans, I would advise you to go into it, aware of the differences. I truly enjoyed Esther’s innocence, simplicity, and strength as well as the dazzling king who won her heart. The beautiful relationship Wolf creates between King Ahasuerus and Esther definitely makes A Reluctant Queen worth reading.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: Zondervan

Publication Date: May 2011

Reviewed by Tim George

A church cannot be as big and influential as Diamond Point … and not harbor some ugly secrets. Immorality? Manipulation? Fraud? Abuse of its tax-exempt status? Hypocritical pastors cashing in on the gullible flock? He was looking for a new investigative project … something Pulitzer worthy. As painful as this thing … was, it couldn’t come at a better time.

The Ambition is a story about just one thing – unbridled ambition. And, the best way to introduce it is through its cast of characters and the one ambition that drives each of them.

Tom Ryan O’Sullivan – second rate attorney son of a first rate Chicago legal legend whose one ambition has come to be paying off a gambling debt to people you don’t want to be in debt to.

Gary Strider – investigative journalist whose one ambition is to get that Pulitzer that he has come so close to in the past.

Eric Snow – one time head of a software empire and now CEO of an enterprise of a different sort, Diamond Point Fellowship. Though head of a mega church, his ambition is to do have a bigger stage for his vision of the Gospel.

While The Ambition is Les Strobel’s first novel, he is certainly no newcomer to the world of writing. And his credentials for writing this kind of story are beyond comparison. Strobel was legal journalist for the flagship paper, The Chicago Tribune, of a city known for strong arm politics. He was an atheist turned staff pastor in two of the cutting edge mega churches in America, Willow Creek and Saddle Back. And he has written numerous defenses of the faith seeking to answer some of the deepest questions of the human experience.

That firsthand knowledge permeates the pages as Strobel weaves a story of political power and greed, personal failing and hopes for redemption and a very real plot that has played out all too often among those who look to the political arena as a stage to carry out the Great Commission. Though Eric Snow, the pastor of Diamond Point Fellowship, at first seems to be the lead character he is really more like a leaf in the wind carried along by forces much greater than him. His ambition to be appointed interim senator of Illinois quickly removes him from the scene of real power – a church where God has decided to do something in spite of its leader.

The ending does seem a bit rushed leaving me to wonder if a sequel is not in the future. But, perhaps the ambiguous ending is intentional to the story. The reader is left to imagine how successful the characters are in finding their way after allowing ambition to rule over them. Even though there are some weighty elements to The Ambition, it is first and foremost a great story of suspense and intrigue. The plot is tight and the dialogue first rate.

There is no doubt this story will make some people uncomfortable while others will cheer, but be careful how quickly you see any one person as the villain. Strobel does a great job of pointing out how ambition and hypocrisy is not the sole property of any one element of the American political, journalistic or religious scene.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Read our review of False Witness here.

More about Randy Singer:

Randy believes it’s important to simultaneously hold a number of different jobs so that if he gets fired by two employers the same day, he can still avoid the unemployment line. He splits his time and divides his personality between Randy Singer, critically acclaimed author, Randy Singer, veteran trial lawyer, and Randy Singer, ministry leader and preacher. When he grows up, he will decide what he really wants to do.

This interview can be downloaded from iTunes or streamed below:

Don’t miss our print review of Gravestone here.

This podcast can be downloaded from iTunes or streamed below:

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: Waterbrook Press

Publication Date: June 2011

Reviewed by Tim George

Crocket Grey is a school teacher, a divorced weekend dad and a man on a collision course with his own inner demons. His story begins with his annual drunken binge held in honor of a daughter whose death a few years earlier left Crocket missing a piece of himself. But on this night before the Scotch Whiskey has had a chance to completely dull his pain or senses, he sees the ghost of his lost daughter at the window. What follows will change everything about the way Crocket Grey perceives the world and life.

In the Canary List, Sigmund Brouwer, immerses the reader in the story of a man forced to rethink everything about his life and reality. The image at his window is not a ghost but rather, Jamie, a 12 year foster child from his school class. Jamie’s request to spend one night in peace can’t be refused. And even though Crocket has the sense to have his elderly neighbor keep the girl for the night, the die is cast for his world to be turned inside out.

Jamie feels Evil. Not evil in some generic form but rather Evil personified in certain people she comes into contact with.  As a result she has come under the guidance of a psychiatrist seeking to help her and a representative from the Vatican who has answered the doctor’s call for help. Before Crocket knows what is happening he is ensnared in a web of deception, cover-up and an incredible plot that threatens to either save or destroy the Catholic Church.

What makes this story work is its ambiguity. Crocket doesn’t believe in God, the supernatural and certainly not demons. The reader can’t miss the irony of a man who memorializes his dead daughter and failed marriage by drinking himself into oblivion but dismisses the possibility of demons without a thought. When he becomes a captive of a plot within the Vatican to “fix” the selection of the next Pope, he meets Cardinals just as conflicted, including an official exorcist who doesn’t believe any more than Crocket Grey.

If you are beginning to think this is a horror tale with little girls’ heads twisting in the wind, forget it. The Canary List is not that kind of a story. Instead, it is a story of intrigue that will leave you guessing to the very last page what really happened.

Some will take offense to Brouwer’s pulling back the curtain of secrecy on decades of sexual abuse by some officials within the Church. And, to further suggest chronic pedophilia among some priests is the result of even darker influences operating secretly within the Church will surely lead others to cry foul. Those that are offended need to read the book again! Hard answers are never offered. Instead, what the author does is tackle a difficult subject that deserves some explanation but too often has been covered up.

On a side note, the main character also leads the reader to consider how easy it is for someone’s life to be ruined by false accusations of child abuse. Crocket learns early on what even the hint of sexual abuse can accomplish. His nights in jail and dimming chances of reconciling with his ex-wife are testament to that. The moral of this story is that nothing is ever as it seems and simplistic answers to complicated problems can be as dark as the evil they claim to combat.

Aside from the difficult subject matter this is a great tale of suspense, intrigue and a frantic search for truth. It has all the elements this kind of suspense needs and in the tradition of Hitchcock leaves room for readers to debate among themselves what really happened.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Genre: Mystery, Horror, Psychological Thriller

Publisher: Kensington

Publication Date:  February 2011

Reviewed by Jennifer S. Roman

This book has been sitting on my pile of books to review for a while, and since I have already read Funaro’s The Sculptor, I was getting antsy to get to The Impaler.  It was definitely worth the wait.  It’s not written in the typical murder mystery style; rather, there are three parts to the story.  In the first part, Detective Markham and the reader are introduced to the gruesome murders that start appearing in rural North Carolina.  People are impaled with large stakes through their rectums and out through their upper torsos.  At first glance, all the victims appear to be gang members, but some sleuthing turns up another connection.  In part two, the reader is introduced to The General, who is the Impaler.  He refers to himself as the General because he is the leader of the army meant to take out certain people in order to reconnect with loved ones on “the other side.”  Obviously, this person has severe mental issues and a lack of connection to reality.  This portion focuses on his history and how he became the General/Impaler.  Finally, in the third part, the reader is treated to the General’s final plans and Markham’s tracking down of this killer.  Where a usual murder mystery would leave the reader guessing until the end to find out who the killer is, Funaro uses a different tactic and decides to let the reader know by the second part.  A great deal of story is written from the General/Impaler’s perspective, which really lends a shot of creepiness to the whole thing.

I have been a fan of some other psychological thriller writers for some time, but they have become old hat compared to Gregory Funaro.  They may sometimes put some more surprises out there, but Funaro manages to get into the sickness, the madness, of what is going on in these killers’ heads.  He terrorizes us readers by showing us what motivates those killers.  I am not an expert on psychopaths, and I don’t know how accurate this rendition of one is, but if a real psychopath is anything like what Funaro depicts, I don’t ever want to meet one in person.  The General/Impaler scared me out of my wits.  I like being scared in books, so this was an amazing experience.  However, this book is not for everyone.  There is a great deal of gore, angry violence, including violence against children and animals.  There are a couple of scenes in which sodomy is described.  There is a great deal of profanity, and there is a suicide.  Readers who can’t tolerate such scenarios should be warned.  I am still reeling from some of the scenes.

A reader who can tolerate a lot of violence and who enjoys psychological thrillers should be very happy with Funaro’s latest installment.  He’s got a great imagination and manages to relate even the most mundane activity to a crime.  He’s writes cleanly and doesn’t include unnecessary details, but does include details that are creepy and that make the story.  He shows that he has done a lot of research to get details just right.  I also like that while Markham is important to the story, the reader doesn’t get a lot of details about his life.  Some people want the hero to be developed, but in this case, all eyes should be on the villain.  I can’t wait to read Funaro’s next book.

Review copy provided by author.

Genre: Historical, Romance

Publisher: Risen Books

Publication Date: May 2011

Reviewed by Lori Twichell

Professor Cassie Larson’s life isn’t spectacular. It’s not glorious or amazing. It just is. She’s got a husband she depends on, students she mostly enjoys and there’s a pattern to her life. It all runs with simple expectation and understanding. Even if it’s not perfect or heart pounding, it’s still her life and she’s okay with it. Until the day she meets the man with the brooches. Then everything turns upside down. Literally.

Her husband tells her he’s leaving her. As she tries to absorb this devastating news, she ends up in the water with her brooch and in the arms of a 10^th century Viking named Alarik. Of course he can’t speak English and she understands barely enough to get by, so the initial meeting between the two doesn’t exactly create textbook teaching material.

Soon Cassie realizes that she’s not having a dream and that she’s not going to wake up from this. She’s really honest to goodness in the 10^th century and she’s experiencing history up close and personal.

As for Alarik, he wishes that he was in the middle of a dream too, but he’s not. He’s being blamed for a murder that he’s sure he didn’t commit. At least he’s mostly sure. See when he woke up, he couldn’t remember anything that happened and he knew that he was angry when he went to bed the night before. So is he guilty? Or no? Until he figures it all out, he sees escape as the best option. It will give his faithful friend Ragnar the opportunity to do some investigating and keep Alarik out of further trouble. That is until he meets Cassie. Their destinies become intertwined and neither of them is very happy about it.

I’m a sucker for time travel. It all started with my deep and abiding affection for Quantum Leap and it hasn’t stopped since. If a book has time travel in it, I’m on board. This was a fun romp through time that provided adventure, romance and a lot of fun. The best part was the unexpected twist. I was certain when I started reading that Cassie was going to end up with…  Well wait. I won’t spoil you. You’ll have to read the book for yourself.

Griep’s adventure was a fun weekend read that gave me a great escape for a little while from the pressures and responsibilities of modern life. Of course after reading I had a much heartier appreciation for a bathroom with running water and electricity, but I think that’s part of the point.  (Even if it’s not part of the point, it’s a good side effect.)

If you’re looking for a weekend getaway with hunky men and damsels in distress that has some wit, wisdom and laugh out loud moments, this is the perfect book for you.

Review copy provided by publisher.

More about Steve Berry:

Steve Berry is the New York Times bestselling author of the Cotton Malone series featuring The Jefferson Key, The Emperor’s Tomb, The Paris Vendetta, The Charlemagne Pursuit, The Venetian Betrayal, The Alexandria Link, and The Templar Legacy. He also has three stand-alone thrillers: The Third Secret, The Romanov Prophecy, and The Amber Room —- and two e-book original short stories, The Balkan Escape and The Devil’s Gold. He has 12 million books in print, which have been translated into 40 languages and sold in 51 countries. Steve’s road to publishing was long and arduous, spanning 12 years and 85 rejections over 5 separate manuscripts. He’s also an accomplished instructor, having taught writing to audiences across the globe. When Steve’s not writing, you can find him either on a beach, a golf course, or traveling — discovering more things lost — thinking of the next novel. He lives in the historic city of St. Augustine, Florida. Steve and his wife Elizabeth have also started a foundation, History Matters, dedicated to aiding the preservation of our heritage.

This interview can be downloaded from iTunes or streamed below:

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication Date: May 2011

Reviewed by Tim George

Nick Polchak is a forensic entomologist who understands one thing well … bugs. Everything else about life and people, not so much. And that is what has made Dr. Polchak such an interesting character in all of the novels in Tim Down’s, Bug Man series (Shoo Fly Pie, Chop Shop, First the Dead, Less Than Dead, and Ends of the Earth).

Author, Tim Downs left readers twisting in the wind at the conclusion of his last installment of his “Bug Man” series with Nick was facing the most terrifying crisis of his life. He had faced murderers and examined countless dead bodies but nothing had prepared him for that one. On the last page of Ends of the Earth, Nick asked someone to marry him. Unfortunately we didn’t know who. Nick of Time answers that question.

As we begin Nick of Time we now know Nick and Alena are preparing for their wedding. At least Alena is. Nick is still Nick. He is determined to attend a monthly meeting of experts who assist law enforcement in solving cold cases. Adding fuel to the fire of his determination is a message from an old friend that indicates there is a mystery to solve. So, amidst the protests of his wife-to-be he heads off with a promise to return in just a day. Their wedding, he reasons, isn’t until the weekend and he will be back in plenty of time. If you believe that you haven’t read the other Bug Man stories and you don’t know Nick Polchack.

Like Downs’ other novels in this series it is impossible to say more without ruining the fun. There are plenty of twists and red herrings in the mystery so I will leave those for the reader to discover and enjoy. It is better to focus here on the character that rises to the foreground and that is Alena. She is a woman who lives alone with her amusing crew of highly trained dogs that become important bit actors in this drama. If Nick has no focus, outside of bugs and mysteries, Alena is totally focused. She now knows what she wants and who she wants it with. She will not let go of Nick regardless of how distracted he may be.

With Nick failing to call for days (that’s another story in itself) Alena heads off in her truck to find him. Along the way she faces down would be molesters, a serial thief and an FBI agent. But you don’t need to worry about her. He canine companions are better protection than most heads of state have. If you know anything about Nick, Alena is the only woman on earth that could love him or live with him.

One of my favorite things about this series is the time Tim Downs has taken to develop Nick’s character. Like Dr. House in the popular TV show by the same name, Nick is one of those people that fascinate and frustrate all at the same time. Thankfully the publisher has allowed Downs the time to develop this character over time. There is a payoff in Nick of Time. We learn what happened early in Nick’s life that caused his disconnection from people and fascination with bugs. We get to see Nick have a couple of epiphanies of sorts. And we finally get to see the light bulb go on in Nick’s heart about what loving another human being, namely Alena, really means. But if you are expecting a neatly packaged ending you haven’t read the other Bug Man novels. There are always surprises in store when Nick Polchack does anything.

Review copy provided by publisher.

This podcast can be downloaded via iTunes or streamed below:

Genre: Young Adult / Children

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Publication Date: May 2011

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

Excitement cannot begin to describe Rick Riordan’s newest powerhouse The Throne of Fire. Blazing with action, humor, surprises, and a very blatant theme — the newest book in The Kane Chronicles really sets a standard in YA fiction. Riordan brings back all the adventure from The Red Pyramid in his take on Egyptian mythology. And fans will not be disappointed.

Carter and Sadie Kane have fought gods, demons, and magicians from all over the world before — and now they have to do it again. Apophis — the evil Lord of Chaos is rising, and everyone is panicked: who in their right mind would ever be able to stand against such a force? Even just being near the prison of Apophis is enough to disintegrate a mortal. But the Kanes know that they have to do something — anything — to unite the House of Life and all its magicians in the coming battle. And the only way to do that is on a risky gamble: bring back the king of the gods: Ra. But wakening Ra might not be as easy as Carter and Sadie think — and there are rumors that have them both nervous: Ra left for a reason. And he might not want to come back. With the clock ticking down to doomsday, evil villains and insane gods out to kill them, and secrets and lies everywhere, how can the Kanes even expect to survive?

The Throne of Fire picks things up right away — and I had to go back to The Red Pyramid to remember some of the storyline. Riordan does fill in a few blanks from last time — but it’s wise just to skim back over The Red Pyramid to catch some forgotten details. The writing is fairly crisp and well-oiled. Riordan has mastered the art of storytelling: the characters are fleshed out well. In fact, Carter and Sadie are much more complicated than Percy Jackson ever was. Their issues are much deeper and it seems as though Riordan has made them more realistic than some of his other characters. Some of what really shines through here is the amazing side cast — from gods to evil demons to fellow magicians. I busted up laughing a number of times — and found myself really enjoying every moment.

The plot is more linear than some previous Riordan books — which made switching viewpoints from Carter to Sadie much easier to swallow. In The Red Pyramid, I was often confused as to what exactly was happening and who it was happening to. Carter and Sadie’s voices are stronger here — and much more recognizable. The story unfolds near perfectly. Typical intense action scenes abound — and the finale is one of the best yet — and promises more for the future.

This book does have a very strong theme — which was interesting for a Riordan book. Normally the themes come in much more subtly, such as in The Last Olympian with its roots in home and family. But even though the theme had been strong — it was very subtle and woven into the quieter parts of the story. For The Throne of Fire, the theme of identity is very prevalent — not to the point of being overwhelming or preachy — but a reader definitely knows it’s there. Riordan’s commentary on the idea of identity is interesting and definitely a topic a lot of his core audience will relate with.

The Throne of Fire should definitely please eager fans of Riordan — and those who might have been skeptical about Egypt over Greece should look no further. This one pulls it all out and leaves nothing behind. All I can say is a year is too long to wait for another book in The Kane Chronicles.

Book purchased by reviewer.

Genre: Mystery

Publisher: Ransom Note Press

Publication Date: March 2011

Reviewed by Elizabeth Olmedo

Miss Scarlett with the revolver in the billiard room.

To my fellow Clue game lovers, who relish the opportunity at putting their sleuthing skills to work, I have just the book for you! Nine graduates of a detective-training agency receive a mysterious invitation to spend their class reunion in an isolated inn. When the body of their host is discovered, they realize a deadly weekend awaits them. As a ghost-like killer eliminates the guests one by one, the investigators must use their wits in an attempt to survive. Stranded and with the knowledge that the murderer is one of them, suspicion and fear run high. With secrets flowing thicker than blood, some to kill for, who will be the last one standing?

Eric Keith’s, Nine Man’s Murder is like playing Clue, but this time with the background story. The question is, can you figure out the mystery? Keith creates a maze of betrayal, deceit, and death that will keep the reader tense and jumpy as the clock steadily ticks toward the final hour. While I suggest the reader not become too attached to the characters (you never know who will be next!), Keith makes it very difficult not to. Even as their dark pasts surfaced, I couldn’t help wishing for the impossible — their survival.

Nine Man’s Murder reminded me of the TV show that aired in 2009, Harper’s Island, thankfully, without all the blood and gore. In a story where everyone is guilty of something, who can you trust? With a strong Agatha Christie feel to it, this is one book her fans will devour. I hope Keith continues to write suspense-filled plots with twists around every corner.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Don’t miss our review of the book.

Jason Lethcoe has worked as an animator, director, and storyboard artist at several studios including Walt Disney Studios, Sony Feature Animation Warner Bros., and Dreamworks SKG. Amazing Adventures from Zoom’s Academy was his first foray into juvenile fiction, and was produced as the movie Zoom starring Tim Allen in 2006. (Zoom trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flrwVS3T-xg). His second series, the bestselling Misadventures of Benjamin Bartholomew Piff, is currently in development as a feature film – and No Place Like Holmes, published by Tommy Nelson, is garnering Hollywood interest prior to the book’s release. See more about this author, award-winning animator, and family man at jasonlethcoe.com and join his Facebook page.

This interview can be downloaded via iTunes or streamed below:

Genre: YA, Mystery

Publisher: Tommy Nelson

Publication Dates: May 2011

Reviewed by Lori Twichell

Griffin Sharpe isn’t quite sure what to think of his uncle. Never having met him before, he’s only heard a few things from his mother about what life was like growing up with her brother. So when she sends Griffin off to stay with him for the summer, he’s certain there will be lots of adventure and fun. And with his uncle’s very famous address of 221 Baker Street in London? Griffin’s absolutely certain that he knows precisely who his mysterious uncle is. After all, Griffin has an incredible eye for detail and a photographic memory. His mother and father don’t, so he must have gotten it somewhere in the family. A detective at 221 Baker Street? His uncle MUST be Sherlock Holmes!

Imagine his deep disappointment when he discovers that Mr. Holmes resides at 221 B Baker Street. His uncle is, instead, a beaten down, dirty, crude and rude man named Rupert Snodgrass. And Uncle Rupert is not happy at all about having a little boy he doesn’t know on his doorstep.

Instantly, the two of them get along like oil and water. Though Griffin does his best to do every single thing he can to keep his uncle happy, it doesn’t seem to matter. Griffin prays and seeks God’s will at every turn for how he can reach his uncle and at the same time, he tries to survive this trip to London without starving to death or getting himself in trouble.

On Sunday morning after his arrival, Griffin takes some of his very own hard earned cash, hails a carriage to take him to church, and finds himself smack in the middle of a mystery begging for the considerable talents of Mr. Sherlock Holmes. A woman sobbing in the street is begging for Mr. Holmes and needs to know where and how to find him. Griffin knows what he must do and he takes the woman immediately back to 221 Baker Street. He runs upstairs and bangs all over the door, but Mr. Holmes appears to be gone.

This is how Uncle Rupert and Griffin soon became the lead detectives on a huge case involving a missing clockmaker, the Loch Ness monster and missing Chinese fireworks.

Lethcoe’s adventure is fantastic, incredible, delightful, and one of the best reads I’ve had in a long time. Griffin’s character is brilliant. I loved him from the very first second for his keen eye and tender heart. His uncle is a wonderful antithesis to the incredibly spotless paradigm of perfection that is Sherlock Holmes. With a tight paced fast running adventure, witty and fun dialogue and plot twists that are sometimes breathtaking, Lethcoe has created a nearly perfect adventure. When I got to the end, I definitely wanted more. (Despite the fact I wanted to throw the book across the room too!) I was so glad to hear that Griffin’s next adventures are expected soon. The Future Door is slated to release in December and I guarantee I’ll be first in line for that one.

Don’t miss our recent podcast interview with Jason Lethcoe.

Reviewed copy provided by publisher.

Genre: Religious

Publisher: Howard Books

Publication Dates: May 2011

Reviewed by Lori Twichell

When a loved one passes, it’s always hard. Cleaning out their house is almost always difficult and pulling it off in one weekend might seem almost impossible. But three sisters who barely know each other and only get together when it’s absolutely expected of them? Yeah, that sounds like a fun weekend. Throw in an affair, an impending divorce and the fact that one of the sisters is secretly plotting suicide and you have a fun filled adventure packed weekend don’t you? Yeah, I know. That’s what I thought too.

Ginger, the eldest sister, has always been more mother to the other two sisters. She has never learned how to let go of the control and really love her sisters.  Penny, in the middle of the bunch, has always strived to find the man that would make her complete and perfect. Since this won’t ever happen, she’s been through several marriages and may be ending the current one. And last comes Rosie, the youngest daughter who is convinced that she’s not worth anything and that her death will be best for everyone all around.

I wasn’t sure what to think of this book when I got it. Reading heavy material about sisters and death and dysfunctional relationships was not high on my list. I’m an only child and trust me, even that came with its own kinds of dysfunction that weren’t anything like what these three sisters were experiencing.

But Angela Hunt is a virtuoso of emotion. She is able to not only explore and explain feelings, but draw you into them with a deftness that’s nearly magical. All too soon, you’re reading these chapters and unable to put the book down. You need to know what happens next. Will Rosie succeed in her plan? What’s happening with Ginger’s husband? And will Penny meet her Mr. Wonderful?

Delightful, engaging and rich with emotion, Angela Hunt’s story of three sisters will make you want to reach out to your own sisters. Or at the very least, get your hair colored. (Yes, a conversation in the book made me realize that I was overdue for an appointment with my colorist! I can honestly say I’ve never gone and gotten my hair done after reading a book, but I guess there’s a first time for everything.)

If you’re looking for a good weekend read or perhaps a book that will help bring you closer to your own family, this one is it. Angela Hunt hits it out of the park.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Read our review of 40 here.

Travis Thrasher is the author of over a dozen critically acclaimed novels diverse in tone and style. He and his wife, Sharon, live with their daughters in Chicago.

This interview can be downloaded via iTunes or streamed below:

Genre: Drama

Publisher: Atria Books

Publication Date: July 2010

Reviewed by Chrystal Dorsey

Susan Fales-Hill is an award winning television writer and producer who has worked on shows ranging from The Cosby Show to Suddenly Susan.  She is the author of the critically acclaimed Always Wear Joy.  And now, Susan Fales-Hill has written a fun, New York story that has all the elements a good novel should have, love, lies, lust, betrayal and perhaps hope – readers won’t want to put it down, not until the very end!  One Flight Up is a dramatic-comedic romp through the boardrooms, and bedrooms of Manhattan and Paris.

Atlanta, New Jersey and New York housewives meet the wives in, One Flight Up. India, Abby, Esme, and Monique this intelligent spirited foursome have been friends since their days at Manhattan’s Sibley School for Girls.  All grown up now—they seem to be living ideal lives, until the happily ever after fades and they find themselves at the crossroads of their lives, each with her own set of troubles, and suddenly craving more.

It’s not a throw your head back and laugh until you get a cramp in your side, nor is it a grab the box of tissues and boo-hoo type of story – what it is, is a refreshing diversity of characters who at first glance appear to be nice, wholesome and a lot of fun to be around, but perception and truth are miles apart when it comes to this foursome – lying, deceitful adulteress women of means, is a more accurate description.   The author provides a lesson in high-end fashion as she continuously name drops throughout the novel: Chanel clothing, Frette sheets, Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags, Cariter watches, Verdura Maltese Cross bracelet, Van Cleef & Arpels  – as well as taking the reader on a very descriptive tour of  Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore an exclusive fashion street in Paris.

The story follows the straitlaced main character, India Chumley, a super smart divorce attorney with a charming French boyfriend, Julien.  India is initially offended by her friends’ illicit activities.  Yet when her ex-fiancé, the love of her life and the destroyer of her heart, resurfaces in New York – she finds herself caught between the dependable man she thought was her future and the man she never quite got over. Although she’s taken the plunge by moving in with French chef Julien, she’s also keeping her own apartment – and keeping it a secret from Julien.

Abby Rosenfeld Adams is a devoted wife, mother, friend and irrepressibly upbeat gallery owner who married her college sweetheart, a passionate but tormented sculptor. After confirming her husband’s affairs, she finally realizes that perhaps there’s more to life than reassuring her husband of his artistic brilliance and she does so, by committing her body to another man, on a regular basis.

Monique Dawkins-Dubois, a successful gynecologist, is married to a powerful but dull financier who barely notices her. But when an attractive coworker summons, Monique can’t help but be flattered.   She throws caution and almost her career to the wind as she satisfies her sexual desire for attention.

Esme Sarmiento Talbot is a Colombian Scarlett, who is bored with her proper Connecticut life and her, tame, all American-husband.  Esme lives life on her terms at full speed and to satisfy her hellacious sexual appetite, she escapes to Manhattan and indulges herself with casual encounters in a style similar to a man with an out of control libido.

Although none of the women seemed overly burdened by a conscience telling them to stop their extramarital activities – Eventually, all of the women just may have to face the consequences of their actions – but do they really and will their relationships survive? The answer to those questions, lie between the pages of One Flight Up, as something for the reader to discover.

Because the story starts out featuring intelligent strong-will independent women with purpose, I would have preferred that the story had not succumb to the stereotypical chick lit mode by having the women weaken and salivating over a romp between the sheets – and almost incapable of thinking because they are totally engrossed in a man, a man that’s not even their significant other.  However, the author may have chosen that route in an effort to show that even the strongest women may still have insecurities.

One Flight Up is an insightful and easy read that has appeal for intermediate and adult readers, alike.  Interestingly, Hill treats her subject with a dose of humor, but also reaffirms the value of morality and love – giving this book all the elements needed for a Lifetime Movie. But until that happens, it might be a good idea to pick up a copy of One Flight Up, for a light summer read.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Genre: Children’s

Publisher: Scholastic

Publication Date: April 2011

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

To all Cahills:

Warning! This review is for your eyes only. If you fear Vespers are tracking you, immediately shut off your laptop, mobile, or other wireless device. Once you’ve gone a safe distance be sure to delete your browsing history. The Vespers are everywhere, and they’re now beginning to make their final moves. And I don’t think I need to warn you just what is at stake if the Vesper family gets their hands on all 39 Clues and Gideon Cahill’s mysterious ring. The world is in your hands, Cahill agent.

Rick Riordan, Peter Lerangis, Gordon Korman, and Jude Watson team up to bring the latest installment in The 39 Clues saga with book eleven: Vespers Rising. Meant to be a transition between the first ten books and the upcoming series, Cahills Vs. Vespers, this volume offers four stories by the authors. There are no chapters exactly, but instead long “short stories” about four different Cahill family members. Newcomers to the series should really go back to book one, The Maze of Bones, instead of trying to tackle the subtle references and mysteries that would not make much sense otherwise.

Riordan starts things off with the story of the night Gideon Cahill died. Riordan takes us back to 1507 and the Madrigal family base off the coast of Ireland, and we finally get our first glimpse of the evil Damien Vesper — who wants the clues badly. Vesper can see just how powerful he will become if he assembles them all, and he wants it. The story works well, and Riordan is at his usual top form giving us adventure and mystery along with revealing a few interesting key points in the Cahill story.

The second part picks up with Madeleine Cahill, grown up and attempting to infiltrate the court of King Henry VIII. Lerangis writes this story, and does a fairly decent job showing us two of the Cahill siblings and their journeys. This story, set in 1526 is exciting enough, with jousting and dungeon escapes, and a few twists. It’s interesting to read these sorts of back story with ten books already in print and providing a lot of information on how the different branches of the Cahill family interact. Keeping everything together while still bringing in the threat of the Vespers must have been quite a bit of work, but Lerangis manages to keep things flowing nicely.

Gordon Korman, who wrote books two and eight, One False Note and The Emperor’s Code, really surprised me here. Book two was one of the weakest of the series, but his short story about Grace Cahill and her adventures in 1942 during the World War was absolutely amazing. Grace is thirteen and wondering if her mysterious father James will ever come home from his trips abroad. And suddenly, before she even realizes it, Grace is thrust into an insane adventure tracking clues and coming up against powerful Vesper enemies. This part was so fun to read with great side characters and puzzles that it made me want an entire book just about Grace.

The final story brings us back to the present with Amy and Dan. I was excited to see Watson taking part in Vespers Rising. Her two books from the series, Beyond the Grave and In Too Deep, were two of my favorites. She leads Amy and Dan on a crazy adventure through school, Boston, and then the Swiss Alps. It was interesting to see how Amy and Dan are returning to “normal” life after their globe-trotting, and seeing them interact with Fiske Cahill was great. My only complaint here is the virtual absence of Nellie Gomez, but the typical 39 Clues action still made me excited for the upcoming first book in the new series.

Six cards in The 39 Clues card game are included in the front cover, and there is also a secret message to be decoded as usual. The light smattering of illustrations of key events and clues help make this volume just as great as any previous installment.

Scholastic has done something really brilliant: bringing together so many different authors on a project with good characters, plotting, and well-written action scenes. And now with the new enemy of the Vespers, things are about to get much more dangerous for the Cahills.

Protect your clues, and watch your back. And read this newest report on the Cahill family. The Vespers are rising.

Best of luck,

–A Fellow Clue-Hunter

Review copy purchased by reviewer.

Jimmy Wayne is an American country music singer and songwriter. He released his self-titled debut album in 2003 on the DreamWorks Records label. Four singles were released from it, including “Stay Gone” and “I Love You This Much”, which both reached Top Ten on the Billboard country charts. A second album, Do You Believe Me Now, was released in August 2008 via Big Machine Records subsidiary Valory Music Group, and its title track became his first Number One hit in late 2008.

Travis Thrasher is the author of over a dozen critically acclaimed novels diverse in tone and style. He and his wife, Sharon, live with their daughters in Chicago.

This interview can be downloaded via iTunes or streamed below:

Mike Dellosso authors fast-paced, gripping thrillers that keep readers turning pages. He is also a columnist, feature writer, and instructor at writing conferences. He lives in southcentral PA with his wife and four daughters. When he’s not writing he’s usually home with his family, his favorite place to be.

This interview can be downloaded via iTunes or streamed below:

Travis Thrasher is the author of over a dozen critically acclaimed novels diverse in tone and style. He and his wife, Sharon, live with their daughters in Chicago.

Read our review of 40 here.

This podcast can be downloaded via iTunes or streamed below:

Read our review of 40 here.

More about Travis:

Travis Thrasher is the author of over a dozen critically acclaimed novels diverse in tone and style. He and his wife, Sharon, live with their daughters in Chicago.

You can download this interview via iTunes or stream the audio below:

Read our reviews of The Priest’s Graveyard here.

More about Ted Dekker:

Ted Dekker is a New York Times bestselling author with more than five million books in print. He is known for stories that combine adrenaline-laced plots with incredible confrontations between unforgettable characters. You can find him online at Teddekker.com and Facebook.com/teddekker.

This interview can be downloaded from iTunes or streamed below:

Read our review of Threshold here.

More about Jeremy Robinson:

JEREMY ROBINSON is the author of seven previous thrillers including Pulse and Instinct, the first two installments of the Chess Team series. His novels have been translated into eight languages. He lives in New Hampshire with his wife and three children.

This interview can be downloaded from iTunes or streamed below:

Genre: Young Adult

Publisher: Philomel

Publication Date: March 2011

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

Anthony Horowitz has led readers on incredible journeys — across continents, through city streets and beneath them, from the stale halls of MI6 headquarters to the greasy oil rigs of the Pacific. And now, he brings us to the final chapter in Alex Rider’s story: Scorpia Rising.

Twice before Alex has foiled the criminal organization known as Scorpia. And now they want revenge. They want to take Alex Rider down and make sure he never has another chance to spy for MI6 again. And this time, they will stop at absolutely nothing to make sure Rider comes back to England in a body bag. And Alex has no idea the incredible amount of evil that has joined forces with Scorpia to make sure it happens — enemies from the past join with new ones. Old friends come to help, but will it be enough to keep Alex alive?

From the very beginning, Scorpia Rising felt like the end. Horowitz pulls out a style that ends up being very final in every sense. The book is split into two sections — Part 1: the buildup and Part 2: the payoff. Alex is definitely in over his head, and it was fun to see some of the interesting connections Scorpia Rising has to previous installments in the Alex Rider series. And Horowitz does something that is insanely fun this time: he sends Jack Starbright and Smithers on the mission along with Alex. Jack has always been one of my favorite characters in the series, and she was fun to follow as she tries to help Alex. And having Smithers along was definitely a major highlight — and not without a few surprises.

Alex has grown up a little and the series has grown with him. The entire book had a very dark feel to it, reminiscent of book five: Scorpia. The action scenes are really gritty as usual, and there is a bit of coarse language splattered in. Alex has to face real evil, far worse than many of the other villains of the past.

This is a spoiler free review, but I must say that the only part I was slightly disappointed with was the very last page and the strange note that Horowitz leaves the book on. It didn’t feel quite resolved in the end, although this is apparently the last time we will be seeing Alex Rider.

I still have yet to find a Horowitz book I didn’t like. He brings everything together — excellent plotting, twists, characters, action — to create something that truly transcends other YA fiction.

Book purchased by reviewer.

More about C.J.:

C. J. Darlington won the 2008 Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel contest with her first novel, Thicker Than Blood. She has been in the antiquarian bookselling business for over twelve years, scouting for stores similar to the ones described in her novels before cofounding her own online bookstore. In 2006 C. J. started the Christian entertainment Web sitewww.TitleTrakk.com with her sister, Tracy, and has been actively promoting Christian fiction through book reviews and author interviews. A homeschool graduate, she makes her home in Pennsylvania with her family and their menagerie of dogs and cats. Visit her Web site at www.cjdarlington.com.

This interview can be downloaded from iTunes or streamed below:

Genre: Fantasy, YA

Publisher: Marcher Lord Press

Publication Date: April 2011

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Achan Cham has fully embraced Arman’s will and is ready to take the throne once and for all. As war stirs around him he faces an enemy that is as mysterious as he is dark. To make matters worse, rumors abound that Esek has survived and is still planning to steal the crown. Amidst the turmoil Achan is broken hearted and tossed and turned by his emotions. Even though he is engaged to Lady Averella of Carmine, his heart still lies with Vrell Sparrow. While he questions Arman’s will in regards to his heart, he still has no idea that Lady Averella and Vrell Sparrow are one in the same.

Vrell wants to give her heart to Achan and reveal her true identity, but she refuses to fall in love with a man who does not follow Arman. Seeking to both distance herself from her complicated love life and find a way to serve Arman, Vrell sneaks away to serve as a healer in the upcoming war. Things quickly spin out of control and Vrell finds herself lost in the Veil.

Now Achan and Vrell find themselves in over their heads as darkness is spreading and threatens to overtake all of Er’Rets. They’ve always known that without Arman all would be hopeless, but the sacrifices are greater than they ever imagined and the odds are seemingly stacked against them. Can they find the strength to submit fully to Arman’s will and put an end to the reign of darkness?

From Darkness Won is exactly what I wanted it to be. Throughout this trilogy Jill Williamson has kept us churning the pages with anticipation that answers and closure were coming. Fans of the series get a huge payoff here and not only that, but Williamson also saved the best story for last. From the epic battles, to the jaw dropping journeys into the Veil, to the trademark witty banter between Achan and Vrell, there is really nothing about this final tale that fans won’t be cheering about.  We’re even treated to some surprising revelations that shed even more light on Achan’s past and tie in well with the story.

I also love the way that not everything is tied up into a nice little bow in the end. Yes, we get the closure we’ve longed for, but a lot of sacrifice and loss pave the way for it. In the end, there are still questions unanswered and characters undecided, but those elements only work to keep the story balanced.

The added element of “veil warfare” in this novel really heightens the action and suspense. This showcases a whole new angle to the bloodvoicing ability, making these battle scenes some of the most exciting in the whole series.

Finally, for fans out there that have been less than patient with Vrell’s indecisiveness and reluctance, just hold on a bit longer. You’re almost there.  Trust me. Vrell Sparrow soars in this story and she will win you over (if she hasn’t already).

With the Blood of Kings trilogy Jill Williamson has more than succeeded in creating a story that challenges readers to think seriously about their faith, all the while entertaining at the highest level. For this final installment the title could not be more fitting. This one is truly a winner.

Review copy provided by author.

More about Jon:

As a writer, Jon has published over a dozen novels including four Lawson Vampire adventures (2002-2003) with Kensington’s Pinnacle Books, the Jake Thunder mystery/thriller DANGER-CLOSE (2004) with Five Star Mystery/Thorndike Press, and eight installments in the internationally bestselling adventure series Rogue Angel (2006-present) with Harlequin’s Gold Eagle line. His latest thriller PARALLAX debuted in March 2009 as an exclusive ebook. Praised by bestselling authors like Robert B. Parker, Douglas Clegg, and Thomas Monteleone, Jon’s novels will continue to thrill readers for many years to come. His short fiction story “Prisoner 392″ (appeared alongside Stephen King in FROM THE BORDERLANDS, 2004, Warner Books) earned him an Honorable Mention in 2004′s Year’s Best Fantasy & Horror edited by Ellen Datlow. Jon has also co-authored two non-fiction books: LEARNING LATER, LIVING GREATER with Nancy Merz Nordstrom (2006, Sentient Publications) and THE COMPLETE IDIOT’S GUIDE TO ULTIMATE FIGHTING with Rich “Ace” Franklin (2007, Alpha Books/Penguin/Putnam). Jon’s next Lawson vampire novel, THE KENSEI, debuted in January 2011 from St. Martin’s Press.

You can subscribe to our podcast via iTunes or stream the audio below:

Genre: Historical, Romance

Publisher: Berkley

Publication Date: April 2011

Reviewed by Lori Twichell

Lewton Paterson is a gambler with a wild reputation. He’s grown up on the streets and he knows all the different ways of the law – inside and out. But as he’s begun to edge farther away from his teens and deeper into his manhood, he’s realized he’s bored with the life of a gambler. He’d like to settle down, marry into a respectable family and become a respectable man. The problem is that as much as everyone in town likes him, they also see him as an unsavory gambler with few honorable qualities. This makes it hard for Lewt to step into the life he so desires.

Duncan McMurray is one of the only men that Lewt can even begin to call a friend. He’s a Texas Ranger and he loves his life in the outdoors. When he bumps into Lewt, he has two things on his mind. One is his unmarried female cousins. Duncan had just put a plan into motion to bring several eligible bachelors into town by train to meet his cousins so that he could get them married off and consequently, out of his hair.  Duncan’s task was to escort these fine gentlemen to his family’s ranch. The other thing on his mind was the group of Mexican criminals that his unit was in the middle of pursuing. In his mind, the fine gentlemen could find their own way to his family’s ranch. The criminals and the men he served with wouldn’t wait.

So when these strange men started arriving in town, Lewton Paterson took it upon himself to help his friend Duncan with his problem. He would meet these fine gentlemen, figure out what it was that they had (and he didn’t) and he might just be able to catch himself a McMurray wife in the process. He sends one of the ‘fine gentleman’ packing after a hard night of gambling and takes his place. Hopefully by the time Duncan finds out, it’ll be too late.

Emily McMurray has a completely different plan in mind. Uninterested in being married off to some stranger, her only hope is to stay on their family’s ranch. Unfortunately, that’s something that women just don’t do so she needed to take extreme measures. Asking one of her friends in town to pretend to be her for the duration of the gentlemen’s visit, Emily has every intention of missing the marriage parade. But there is something about that one man that has her flustered. And that annoys her to no end.

Jodi Thomas, the master of romantic escapades, has hit another one out of the ballpark with this period piece. With situations that will make you laugh out loud, characters that are as loveable as they are fascinating and drama that has you catching your breath, this adventure is fun, sweet and has all of the heart that Jodi can pull together. And trust me, that’s a lot.

Once again, I found myself transported into the world that Jodi created with very little effort. The beautiful Texas landscapes are described in perfect detail and the family McMurray is charming, funny and too clever for their own good. I love the way Jodi crafts her world and populates it with not only entertaining characters, but genuine, honest, hardworking folks. Jodi’s books have proven to be a delightful escape and Texas Blue is no different.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Genre: Literary

Publisher: Europa

Publication Date:  April 2011

Reviewed by: Jennifer S. Roman

Poor Rosa has to do everything.  When her daughter, “dumb Sulfia” becomes pregnant at 17, Rosa makes the efforts to take care of things.  Unfortunately, in her eyes, there were twins, and only one baby was aborted.  Now Rosa has to take care of her dumb daughter and her granddaughter, because she knows that Sulfia isn’t capable of taking care of herself, let alone her new infant.  She takes care of her husband, Kalganow, and helps him to boost his career.  On top of all of this, Rosa holds down a full-time job as an educator.  As the story progresses and the family faces over-the-top drama, Rosa again tackles the responsibilities and makes sure that the family is safe.  She even goes so far as to find husbands for Sulfia.  How can it be possible, then, that her husband no longer appreciates her and ends up leaving her for a Russian literature professor?  How can Sulfia be so avant-garde and stupid as to leave, with the baby, and go to nursing school?  How can her granddaughter, Aminat, run away from Rosa and become famous without ever speaking to her grandmother?  Nobody appreciates the sacrifices Rosa has made.

Of course, we readers learn that Rosa is the narrator of the story, so of course we see things from her perspective.  We see how beautiful and smart she is, how resourceful and clever she is, and how hard-working she is.  We see how devoted she is to her family.  We catch just slight glimpses of how others really see her.  It’s always interesting to see how people view themselves versus how others see them.  Sulfia actually sees her mother as overbearing and meddling.  Kalganow sees Rosa as being cold, rigid, and always right.  Eventually, Aminat becomes an orphan but still runs away from Rosa.  Rather than being “abused” and belittled by her grandmother, she would rather be on her own with nothing and try to make something of herself.  She does not want to be the rich and famous surgeon her grandmother aspires her to be.  Clearly, Rosa is a piece of work, and most likely, most readers will be able to relate to having a family member similar to her.  If she weren’t so entertaining, Rosa would be absolutely annoying with her high esteem.  Instead, one has to laugh at her ideas and her beliefs of how she can fix absolutely everything.  This book is highly entertaining because we do not have to live with her.  Instead, we can peek at a family’s dynamics and watch the drama from a safe distance.

This book does deal with a lot of the gritty facets of life.  The story takes place in modern-day Russia and Germany, with the former being nowhere near advanced as the latter.  In fact, it took this reviewer quite some time to distinguish what era the story takes place in because of lack of pretty much anything we are accustomed to in the West.  With that being said, Rosa’s life reflects how it really is in a former Communist society.  She scrapes by in every aspect of her life.  She sees robberies, rapes, and disasters and tells about them frankly.  She stereotypes many ethnic groups because that’s just the way she is and that’s how she sees them.  The opening chapters discuss how Rosa gets a neighbor to perform an abortion on Sulfia, and needless to say, it is very rough.  This story may not be appropriate for people who do not like to read about such things.  If one can stomach this, it should be a good story.  There is other adult material, however, so this book is not recommended for young readers.

Review copy provided by Regal Literary.

Genre: Thriller

Publisher: The Fiction Studio

Publication Date: March 2011

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Marcus Williams is trying to start over after his controversial dismissal from the NYPD. He escapes to small town Asherton, TX, where he has inherited a ranch from his aunt. While Marcus settles into his new surroundings, he quickly stumbles into a living nightmare. Francis Ackerman, Jr., a notorious serial killer, has also set his sights on Asherton and has begun one of his trademark murder sprees. Marcus wants to lend his experience to the local police, but nothing is as it seems in Asherton. Marcus now finds himself caught in the middle of a madman’s crosshairs and a conspiracy with deep roots in the government. As Marcus tries to make sense of the chaos around him, he strives to hold on to the integrity and honor that have always driven him. Marcus must now balance that goodness with the shadows of his past in order to stop the evil that has invaded Asherton.

The Shepherd is a nice twist on the familiar serial killer genre, bringing loads of surprises and twists around every corner. Francis Ackerman Jr., is one sick man and Cross excels in transporting the reader into his depraved persona. This is one villain who will make your skin crawl as you find yourself hanging onto his every diabolical word. Indeed, this character may be too much for some readers, but I thought he really fit with the tone of the novel.

Marcus Williams is the perfect hero to root for, complete with flaws and a sordid past. I love characters who follow their heart despite the world around them, and that’s exactly what Cross gives us here. Nothing makes sense around Marcus, but he never stops fighting for what is right. This is the perfect character to build a series around, and the ending seems to point us in that direction.

These dynamic characters carry this story, giving us some great dialogue throughout, balanced by a well executed plot. Some readers will feel like the scope of the conspiracy and the horrific past of Ackerman are a bit far-fetched, but in the end I just had a lot of fun with those elements. So much fun in fact, that I can’t wait to see what Cross delivers next.

All in all, this a solid debut for Ethan Cross, an author who looks to have a bright future in the thriller genre.

Warning: This novel does contain scenes of graphic violence.

Review copy provided by the author.

Genre: Young Adult

Publisher: Aladdin

Publication Date: February 2011

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

The end of a book series is always bittersweet. There’s the excitement of finally seeing what happens, but also the sadness of leaving a world behind. And now P.W. Catanese brings readers to the finale of The Books of Umber trilogy with the last installment, The End of Time. I wondered if the ending would live up to the previous two books, Happenstance Found and Dragon Games. But I have to say: The End of Time is the best one yet.

Umber has sunk deep into another depression, and things in the kingdom are grim with Prince Loden looking to claim the throne. Happenstance, Umber’s ward, dreads the moment when he will be faced with the challenge of saving an entire world – all while old enemies are drawing close. And that’s when the whispers begin: something powerful and unknown is coming across the ocean from the mysterious Far Continent. To make things even worse, deep beneath the Aerie, an evil is growing, biding its time before striking. Everything is coming to the pivotal moment when Happenstance must face his true fears and powers: can he save his friends? Or will he led them all to a fate worse than death?

The book reads like an epic, action-packed finale, and it’s easy to see Catanese pulled out all the stops with this one. It felt like the author was at his top form as he plowed through. I could barely put the book down — I kept wanting to pick it right back up and keep going. I wondered how anything could ever turn out well by the time the last pages were getting closer. We learn more about Happenstance and what he is meant for, and some of the mysteries strung along throughout the series are solved. When I closed the book, I sat back and thought about it — it was like finishing a good movie and wishing there was still more. It wasn’t that anything felt unresolved; I just wanted to spend more time in this fantasy world.

It felt like Catanese wanted to work with the character of Happenstance a little more this time, and those developments show through. With all the pressures pushed onto Happenstance, he naturally begins to break, and Catanese takes him through a very interesting process that didn’t feel forced, but definitely felt much different than other character story lines I’ve seen. At first I wondered if it would work, but as the epilogue comes around, it felt right.

Catanese has also included some of the most disturbing scenes I’ve ever read in a children’s book. There were a couple that made me grimace and feel a little taken back. One particular scene involved a deer being eaten alive — which was pretty gruesome and definitely nightmarish. The slightly darker tone did fit The End of Time, however, since things have gotten progressively worse and worse for Happenstance and the world around him.

Overall, The Books of Umber was a fantastic series, one that I can hardly find anything to complain about. It surprised me with twists often, and the characters drew me in. It’s also fun, because Catanese ties these books into earlier titles, such as The Thief and the Beanstalk and The Eye of the Warlock. Fans of this newest trilogy should go back and read Catanese’s other works for little winks the author gives at the universe he’s created.

If you’re looking for a top notch fantasy series with some incredible plotting and characters, don’t look any further than P.W. Catanese’s The Books of Umber. You won’t be disappointed.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin

Publication Date: January 2011

Reviewed by Josh Olds

Vampire ninjas.

Need any more really be said? Lawson is a hundred and fifty year old vampire known as a Fixer. It’s his job to maintain the shaky balance between humans and vampires—which most humans, of course, don’t know exist. After a prolonged time in the trenches, Lawson is finally given a reprieve for some R&R and advanced ninjutsu training in Japan, and that is where The Kensei begins.

Of course, a sanguine tale about a vacationing vampire would hardly be worth writing about—even if he is a ninja vampire. That’s probably why author Jon Merz wastes no time in messing with his protagonist’s vacation plans. From an encounter with an assassin on the train ride in, to becoming involved in a Yakusa turf war that’s a front for much more, Lawson barely has time to catch his breath as he tries to unravel the mystery and understand why the vampire known as the Kensei wants him dead.

The answer leads him down several dark corners and reunites him with an old flame, Talya, who is working on shutting down an organ harvesting ring. As the pieces fall together, Talya and Lawson converge on what appears to be their common enemy—an enemy bent on taking over the world.

Merz’s writing is sarcastic, light-hearted, and witty even while touching on deep themes such as honor and justice. Lawson comes across as cocky and confident with a sarcastic attitude—the James Bond of vampires—yet capable of deep introspection. Definitely not the sparkly kind. Merz’s take on the vampire mythology stays true to the core of mythology while giving it a nice, fresh flavor. The martial arts elements come into play throughout the novel and are well-done, a testament to Merz’s own experience in ninjutsu.

Pacing is fast and furious with a number of plot twists and surprise reveals. Even though this was Lawson’s fifth adventure, Merz did well at structuring his story so that it worked as a standalone while piquing my interest in the previous events. Lawson makes the story work with his witty banter; something Merz takes advantage of through his first person storytelling. In the end, The Kensei is just an absolutely fun story that manages to tackle issues such as honor and justice even as the characters engage in bone-crushing and bullet-dodging battles.

Did I mention there were vampire ninjas?

Review copy provided by author.

Genre: Mystery

Reviewed by P.J. Coldren

Beth Kennedy is a single working mother, so her plate is plenty full.  Her two kids are finally getting used to her marital situation.  She’s making a go of her independent bookstore in the small town of Rynwood, Wisconsin.  When her best friend Marina suggests she run for secretary of the local PTA, Beth is less than excited.  Marina is good at arm-twisting; Beth agrees to run.  As anyone who has ever lived in a small town knows, there are no such things as elections for PTA officers.  One mentions one might consider it – one is sworn in at once.  So it goes with Beth.

At her first meeting as official secretary, the principal of the elementary school drops a bombshell.  Agnes Mephisto is approaching retirement age, and there doesn’t seem to be a soul in the town who would mourn that day.  She has an uncanny knack for rubbing people the wrong way, alienating parents, wearing down teachers, going around the school board.  Her news?  She has come up with private funding for an addition, and has already consulted an architect, who has drawn up plans for this addition.  The crowd goes wild, and not in a good way.

Because Beth owns the children’s bookstore, every parent in town comes to her to complain and kvetch.  Not that she can do anything, as she keeps telling everyone.  Then Agnes is killed.  The suspect list is huge.  Marina and Beth decide they must find the killer, although their reasons for making this decision are quite disparate.

This is Alden’s first book, and it has been nominated for an Agatha Award.  Rightly so.  Alden creates believable characters acting and reacting in believable ways.  The actual situation might be a stretch, but not a very big one.  The motive, when it becomes apparent, is as old as time.  There are the beginnings of a romance for Beth; Alden seems to be taking her time with this story arc, which bodes well for the reader and for the series.  All in all, a commendable book for a new author.

Review Copy provided by the publisher.

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication Date: March 2011

Reviewed by Tim George

In that moment I felt pity for her, a woman whose spiritual quest was destined to circle back to hopelessness and despair. She searched without listening. She wanted truth only if it was convenient. But something bothered me even more. Who was more despicable, Claire the lost soul, are the one manipulating her?

Special Agent Raleigh Harmon has been a lot of places in her career with the FBI. Since author Sibella Giorello first introduced us to Raleigh in The Stones Cry Out, she has been shuttled from Virginia to Seattle and back again because of various issues with superiors. Now engaged, Raleigh is still battling a certain restlessness as she embarks, minus her fiancé,  on a cruise to Alaska with her mentally failing mother, her caring but misguided Aunt, and her aunt’s wacked out new age clairvoyant friend by the name of Claire. That’s right, Claire the Clairvoyant. While that and other snippets of The Mountains Bow Down are as humorous as Claire’s name, don’t mistake this story for a lighthearted adventure. As in all of Giorello’s novels, this is a tale both of an unsolved crime and of the mysteries of the human condition.

Raleigh’s vacation to see Alaska’s grandeur and escape thoughts of her approaching wedding is cut short when a woman is found hanging from the ship as an apparent suicide. To complicate matters more, the woman is the wife of an actor staring in a movie being shot on the ship. A movie for which Raleigh’s aunt is a “spiritual” consultant. What follows is a classic mystery as Raleigh races the clock to prove this was no suicide and to find a killer hiding among 2000 passengers before the ship reaches port.

At every turn Raleigh is stymied by suspects, family and the crew of the ship. The captain is so concerned with his reputation he refuses to believe there has even been a murder. The cast and crew of the movie are too caught up in themselves to care about anything else. Claire the Clairvoyant is a thorn in Raleigh’s side. And of all things, Raleigh is joined by Jack an agent who gave her nothing but grief the last time they worked together. As the case progresses Raleigh becomes more certain the killer is among them, more conflicted between her career and her mother’s failing mental health and less certain about the future to which she is committed.

Every time I begin a novel by this gifted author I always think, “This isn’t the kind of book I usually like to read.” But it never takes more than a couple of pages for me to forget such a misguided notion and find myself sucked in by Giorello’s first-person immediacy, unvarnished honesty, and determination to peel back the façade of human goodness to reveal what lies beneath. It isn’t just the vain lives of the Hollywood elite who are being exposed in this story. Raleigh Harmon, a believer, is having yet another layer of duplicity scraped away in a painful process of self-discovery. And it is the depth of her character and the power of the author’s prose that keeps me coming back.

Captain Geert’s disdainful “Arnold Swartsinagerish” pronunciation of California will amuse you. Claire the Clarivoyant’s silly predictions of the obvious will give you relief after scenes filled with painful insights into the things that unite and rip families apart. The veneer of celebrity that unsuccessfully covers the ugliness of human nature will make your shake your head. The mystery of the who, how, and why of a murder will keep you guessing. But it is Raleigh’s story that will keep you reading. She is a unique woman who is honest about her own duplicity. She wants to do the right thing, has an undying faith in the one she follows, loves her family with sincere passion and yet is still working on solving the greatest mystery of all – the mystery of the why’s of her own heart.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Jeffrey Overstreet’s The Auralia’s Thread

More about Jeffrey:

Jeffrey Overstreet is the author of three previous books in The Auralia Thread. Publisher’s Weekly called Auralia’s Colors a story “precise and beautiful… masterfully told,” and it was a dual finalist for a Christy Award. An award-winning film reviewer, he has written a moviegoer’s memoir, Through a Screen Darkly, and contributes regularly to Image and other journals. He lives in Shoreline, Washington and works at Seattle Pacific University. Find him online at lookingcloser.org.

Click here for your chance to win the entire series in our Auralia Thread giveaway.

You can subscribe to our podcast via iTunes or stream this interview below.

Genre: Thriller

Publisher: AmazonEncore

Publication Date: February 2011

Reviewed by P.J. Coldren

Shaken flips back and forth from present day Chicago to Chicago twenty-five years ago, and stops at various times in between.  Present day finds Jackie Daniels tied up in a storage locker, the next victim of Mr. K, a serial killer she’s been hunting for (you guessed it) twenty-five years.

The flashbacks give us a lot of history about Jackie, about her experiences on the force, about the people on the force and the relationships that were forged so long ago and where they are now.  There are some mistakes in Jackie’s past, both personal and professional; the effect those mistakes have in the long-term is quite serious.

A significant portion of the book deals with the hunt by the Chicago Police, and Jackie’s friends, to find her before she is killed in a most horrendous and painful fashion.  This hunt leads directly to people involved in some of the less brilliant of Jackie’s decisions and previous cases.  Most of these people are not people anyone really wants to get up close and personal with, at least not without a serious death wish.

Konrath had written another suspenseful thriller.  Although the reader knows from the beginning that Jackie is rescued (there’s a “From the Author” forward, so there is no giving anything away here), Konrath is still able to build great suspense.  He also offers several choices for “the bad guy”; again keeping the reader guessing up to the very last minute.

Shaken, as a title, is an obvious play on the way the novel is structured; Jackie’s life is given to us in bits and pieces, not in consecutive order.  It’s also a play on Jackie’s emotions during her captivity; the killer wants to break her will, and almost succeeds.  There is the continuing play on drink-related titles.  As with the title, the book plays on the reader’s fears and emotional attachment to this character – a strong woman with a lot going on in her life.

Warning: While very well written, this book is definitely not for people with queasy stomachs or people with an optimistic view of the probability of real evil being non-existent. Konrath can be very violent and sexual, either implied or explicit.  For mature audiences only.

Review copy provided by the author.

Genre: Literary, Comedy

Publisher: The Dial Press

Publication Date: January 2011

Reviewed by Jonathan Schindler

Why would Cyrus Ott, a wealthy businessman known for his savvy investment skills, leave his family and his home and sink a substantial fortune into an international newspaper doomed to fail? The answer to this question, while known to the reader, is hidden from Ott’s descendants, who assume his love of the news is what has compelled him to start this venture in Rome. They double their efforts to keep the newspaper afloat for over fifty years in Ott’s memory. Their misunderstanding provides the backdrop to The Imperfectionists, Tom Rachman’s hilarious novel-in-stories that catalogues the misadventures of the final batch of employees at Ott’s newspaper.

The Imperfectionists is divided into eleven stories, each bearing a headline from the newspaper and each story following a different character in some way connected to Ott’s newspaper. The stories follow editors, correspondents, a reader, an accountant, one of Ott’s descendants—a motley cast of characters, to be sure, but one that reveals the broad scope of the newspaper’s reach. After each story follows a short bit of history about the founding of the paper. I liked this shift from the present back to an earlier period because it allows the story to develop and gain momentum, rather than revealing the necessary facts at one shot.

What I really appreciate about The Imperfectionists is not only the breadth of characters included but also the range of situations in which we are able to see them. Characters amble in and out of each other’s stories, and a character we meet in one is likely to appear in another. I like this approach because it mirrors real life in many ways: the people we meet wear many different hats, and who they are at work is not always who they are at home. Seeing the characters in different lights fosters empathy where it might otherwise be absent.

I said at the beginning of this review that The Imperfectionists is hilarious, and it is. There are several lines and situations that had me laughing out loud, and several dry sentences that perfectly captured the working-in-an-office experience. (One of my favorites, for example: “Nobody throws anything away here; nobody knows whose job that is.”) But for a book that is in many ways comedic, The Imperfectionists is surprisingly poignant. Rachman shows the reader the funny side of life and work at a subpar paper, but he presents the characters honestly, exposing all their failings and weaknesses yet without passing judgment on them. Sometimes readers will laugh, sometimes they will want to cry, but they will always feel, and normally they will feel with the characters.

In conclusion, I will say that part of the reason why I loved this book is how I related to it. I’ve had some experience with newspapers and editorial curmudgeons (and might even be one myself), and as far as my (limited) experience will take me, I can see the accuracy (or at least the caricatured accuracy) of Rachman’s account. Sensitive readers should be warned that there are some adult situations and language in The Imperfectionists, but for readers desiring an entertaining, well-written, and character-driven look at the underbelly of a fading, albeit well-respected, institution, I can’t recommend The Imperfectionists enough.

Review copy provided by the publisher.

Genre: Fantasy, YA

Publisher: Living Ink Books

Publication Date: April 2011

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Hadyn Barlow and his brother, Ewan, have never wanted to live in the middle of nowhere Missouri, but after the tragic loss of their mother that is just where life has brought them. Making the best of the situation they set out to help their father with some chores while on Thanksgiving break. Amidst their work they discover a mysterious stone formation hidden on their land. The discovery is highlighted by a frightening encounter with four large birds that seem to be delivering them a message. It seems the formation they have uncovered is an ancient rune stone that serves as a portal to another world. As the brothers explore this fascinating new land they soon discover that their arrival is anything but coincidence. Darkness threatens to destroy the ancient world of Karac Tor and Hadyn and Ewan have been called to fight it.

The Book of Names is everything you could want in an epic fantasy adventure: Good vs. evil, wondrous landscapes and settings, intriguing characters, mysterious magic, and action scenes galore. D. Barkley Briggs works his own brilliant magic as he weaves all of these elements together into a dazzling journey that leaps off the pages as each new chapter unfolds.

Briggs will no doubt be lauded for his clever writing and delectable prose, but his strength is his ability to tell a story. We are given characters that we care about and clear cut heroes and villains that we love to cheer and loathe. Themes of faith and redemption ring loud and true without seeming manufactured or irrelevant to the story. In the end Briggs gives us a delightful taste of what is to come with a brilliant twist that will surely send this series in an altogether exciting new direction.

Young and old alike will be charmed and captivated by D. Barkley Briggs and his exceptional storytelling prowess. The Book of Names is certainly worthy of your attention and the perfect first installment to what is sure to be a groundbreaking new series.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Read our review of Konig’s Fire here.

More about Marc Schooley:

Marc Schooley is a Texan, which may be empirically verified if you ever hear him speak. He is a Christian philosopher, theologian, Bible teacher, speaker, musician, and Christian fiction writer who welcomes you to communicate with him at marcschooley.com. MS Quixote—which may or may not be Marc’s alter ego (a special commission has been established to investigate this matter)—wouldn’t mind a note every now and then as well. With regard to alter egos, MS Quixote wears glasses and Marc does not, so the mystery is a bit difficult to unravel.

You can subscribe to our podcast via iTunes or stream this interview below.

Genre: Young Adult

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication Date: January 2011

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

Thomas Nelson has been hitting YA gold lately. With their wildly good Dreamhouse Kings by Robert Liparulo, The Homelanders by Andrew Klavan, The Lost Books by Ted Dekker & Kaci Hill, the publisher has been a real powerhouse in putting out solid fiction with solid stories and characters. And now, Jon S. Lewis enters the fray with his equally great Invasion, book one in the C.H.A.O.S. series.

Colt McAlister’s parents are dead. And he doesn’t understand what’s happening. Especially when he has to move in with his grandfather in Arizona. Things aren’t quite what they seem to be, and soon more questions are flying around than Colt has answers for. And then things get really crazy as Colt learns the truth: this planet isn’t alone. And there are evil forces threatening to invade. And now it all falls to Colt — can he save the world and keep his friends alive at the same time?

Lewis isn’t a stranger to the YA world. With his popular Grey Griffins books, he definitely knows what he’s doing. And he creates a fun universe filled with all kinds of strange stuff from shape-shifting aliens to flying motorcycles and jet packs. The writing moves along swiftly, and Lewis balances character and plot well. The chapters are fairly short, but don’t feel too stunted or quick. Some of the action scenes are top-notch, often reminiscent of Anthony Horowitz’s Alex Rider books. Things leave off well at the end of the story, but not so much that Lewis has nowhere to go next time around. A sketchbook of sorts is included detailing different characters and highlighting possible future mysteries to be solved.

But this isn’t just a straight-up, non-stop action extravaganza. Lewis takes some time to dive into the emotions behind Colt losing his parents, and issues of revenge and being open to others. Colt’s character is well explored and given enough depth to keep things interesting. A couple of side characters do tend to seem similar, but overall, Lewis does a good job with his supporting cast.

At times Invasion almost reads like a fun nostalgic throwback — mixing elements of stories like The Rocketeer, Captain America, and 1940′s action-adventure serials into something new and fun. Lewis will definitely gain many new fans through this series. I know I’m one.

Book purchased by reviewer.

Genre: Religious, YA

Publisher: Risen Books

Publication Dates: March 2011

Reviewed by Lori Twichell

Robyn is a typical Christian teenager. She loves her friends, her youth group, and she’s generally happy with her life. One day, when she arrives at school, she sees one of her friends in the middle of a very large group of people and realizes she’s being interviewed by a local news reporter. Her friend isn’t in a good place and Robyn can tell she’s very uncomfortable. Without even a thought for herself, Robyn wades into the fray to help her friend and consequently, into the middle of a very dangerous spiritual battle.

The news reporter turns all of Robyn’s words upside down, the new boy at school is suddenly very interested in who she is, and her little show of courage has caused her Bible study to vote her as their new leader. Now she’s in the sights of the Principal, the caustic reporter, and forces that are far more dangerous than she realizes.

I’ve been reading a lot of YA books lately and some of them have really hit the mark. Others, unfortunately, have not. I had mixed feelings about this book right away. I liked where she was going, but I wasn’t sure how I felt about the tone of the book. It took me a little bit of time to get into it and really enjoy the story. Once I did, I devoured the rest of the book very quickly. (One evening actually.)

When I got to the end I realized I’d liked the mystery, the characters, and the way that she built the story. The plot moved quickly, kept you guessing and threw a few twists into the middle. The characters seemed spot on for teenagers and the situations were realistic.

I thought to myself though that this is a book that really should be ready WITH a parent or a spiritual leader as a mentor. That way some of the situations and more tense scenes can be discussed and talked through so they’re understood.

These situations are serious and could be heavy for a young person. This could be especially so with one who has just become a Christian or who is young in their walk. Don’t get me wrong. This is a good book. Shellie Neumeier pulls no punches in what spiritual warfare is about and she writes some really good creepy scenes. Some of her situations gave me goose bumps and I was reading during the daylight hours surrounded by people. It was GOOD stuff. But because of the subject matter, I’d recommend parents realize that this could open some heavy topics of conversation and in some cases, might open up some fears in young people.

If you decide to read it or gift it to a young person – get two copies so you can have one for yourself. It’s well worth the read and everything she addresses needs to be discussed. But it’s not for younger readers (under 15/16) and it needs follow up from a good adult mentor/parent/role model that can help answer any questions that may pop up.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Jake Chism

More about Douglas Preston:

Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child are coauthors of the bestselling novels Relic,Mount Dragon, Reliquary, Riptide, Thunderhead, The Ice Limit, The Cabinet of Curiosities, Still Life with Crows, Brimstone, Dance of Death, The Book of the Dead,The Wheel of Darkness, Cemetery Dance, and Fever Dream. Preston’s bestselling nonfiction book, The Monster of Florence, is being made into a major motion picture. His interests include horses, scuba diving, skiing, and exploring the Maine coast in an old lobster boat. Lincoln Child is a former book editor who has published four bestselling novels of his own. He is passionate about motorcycles, exotic parrots, and nineteenth-century English literature. The authors welcome email from their readers; visit their website at www.prestonchild.com

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Read our review of Gideon’s Sword here.

Genre: Thriller

Publisher: Grand Central

Publication Date: February 2011

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Gideon Crew is out for revenge. When he was twelve, his father was accused of treason and gunned down. Years later, as his mother is moments away from death she reveals the shocking truth: Gideon’s father was betrayed. Using his unique skill sets Gideon sets out to clear his father’s name and bring the murderers to justice. And succeed he does. So well, in fact, that a covert agency wants to recruit Gideon to work for them. Reluctantly Gideon sets out on this new mission that will place him in more danger than he could ever fathom.

Preston and Child are giants in the thriller genre. From the beloved Agent Pendergast novels to the edge of your seat stand alones, this dynamic duo has long been frontrunners in the ever expanding genre. With Gideon’s Sword they introduce fans to not only an intriguing new character, but also an electrifying start to a new series.

Gideon Crew could have easily been a clichéd character with his reluctant hero persona and the almost unnatural set of “tricks” up his sleeve. However, early on Preston and Child take a huge risk with the revelation of a major personal dilemma with Gideon that only serves to heighten the intrigue and intensity. Without spoiling anything, let me just say that I can’t wait to see how they pull this off as the series unfolds. In this initial installment Preston and Child more than accomplish what they needed to do: giving us a character we want to follow.

Thriller fans will enjoy the swift pacing of this story, interspersed with some great action sequences and creative plot twists. Social engineering plays a major role here and readers will love Gideon’s use of his wits and charm to manipulate his way through and around obstacles.

In the end, it all leads to a grand finale on Hart Island (New York’s real life “potter’s field”) complete with a duel you just have to read to believe, body parts galore, and a towering confrontation. The climax truly is the perfect combination of wacky, thrilling, and fun. Gideon’s Sword is not just a good read, but also a bold, confident first step in a series that is bound to be a fan favorite.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Listen to our interview with Douglas Preston here.

Genre:

Publisher: David C. Cook

Publication Dates: February 2011

Reviewed by Lori Twichell

Gabriella Bettarini is a typical seventeen year old who is trying to find her way through life since her father passed away. For her and her younger sister, Lia, the struggle has been to figure out where they fit in their mother’s life since her father’s death. An archaeologist who devoted herself to her husband and her work, Gabi’s mother has spent more of her life studying the past than connecting with her present.

When Gabi, her mother and her sister go on another trip to Italy to explore Etruscan remains, Gabi’s bored and trying to figure out how to have some fun. When she wanders into an ancient tomb that her mother discovers and puts her hand on a really interesting handprint, she and her sister are suddenly transported to sixteenth century Italy. Seriously.

A 17 year old girl in skinny jeans, cami top and thin cardigan lands in the middle (literally) of a battle between two separate groups of knights. Oh and one of the knights? Total hottie. Yup. She’s 17 – what are we supposed to expect?

So Gabi, rescued by aforementioned hottie, now has to figure out not only how she got into 14^th century Italy, but if Lia, her sister came with her and how they can get back. In many instances, this becomes a fight for her life as she struggles with new customs, clothes and the daily grind of violence and death that many romanticize out of medieval romances.

I’m going to cut to the chase. I loved this book. In fact, I loved it with a deep abiding passion. When I finished it (in less than 2 days) I slammed the cover shut and pronounced to my whole family that I loved the book. If you’ve read any of my previous reviews you know that I’m a little vocal when reading books that I enjoy. I was frantic to try and get my hands on the next book. I immediately went online and began searching for more information. Lest you miss what I’m saying here, I LOVED THIS BOOK.

The characters were fabulous. Spot on teenagers for the modern day girls mixed with what I can only assume are wonderful characterizations of teenagers in medieval times. (Hey- I grew up in the 80’s… I’m not that old!) I loved the parallels between 17 year old girls of the time mixed with modern day girls. The differences in the way that they see themselves, their futures and handle their daily lives are wonderfully described by Bergren. What I loved the most was that she also showed how teenage girls aren’t that different. As anyone who has been a teenage girl can attest, they aren’t always all sunshine and roses. In fact, in some instances, they can be scheming, manipulative and very much not nice. Bergren hits on this pretty quickly as Gabi begins to work her way through her time travel dilemma.

Where she could have created clear cut enemies and friends, she didn’t though. All is not black and white with Lady Rossi, the potential enemy of Gabi. She’s obviously calculating (the hottie mentioned above is her betrothed) but she also doesn’t hesitate to give credit where it’s due and reach out the olive branch when needed.

Full of action and adventure that keep the plot moving forward at a good clip, Bergren’s tale of romance out of time delights, enthralls, and leaves the reader yearning to find out what happens to these beloved characters. Oh and did I mention ROMANCE? Seriously. Lots of romance. Good, clean, romantic, heart rending romance. Bergren filled this book with so much goodness that I can’t highly recommend it enough.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Genre: Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Publisher: Putnam Adult

Publication Dates: February 2011

Reviewed by Lori Twichell

Eve Dallas loves being a cop. She loves the ‘blue line’ and as difficult as it can be sometimes, she does love investigating homicides. Putting the pieces together to bring justice to homicide victims is more than her job. It IS Eve Dallas. So when her partner, Peabody, stumbles across a dirty cop ring in Eve’s precinct, there’s no question that she’s going to do something about it.  As she says, “The blue line breaks for wrong cops.”

Instead of working this through her division as she normally does, Dallas has to walk cautiously. How can she get involved in what should be an internal investigation? Her opening comes when one of these dirty cops calls for a hit on an informant, assuming that no one will care about a dead junkie on the street somewhere. It’s set up to look like a suicide, but Dallas knows better and this is where she’s going to drive Renee Oberman absolutely mad.

Oberman, the daughter of a famed and revered police chief, has taken everything that her father held honorable and turned it on its head. Respect, honor, dignity and justice all have completely different meanings for Oberman and Dallas is determined that she’s going to go down.

In this Dallas mystery, Robb takes everything that we’ve learned about Eve Dallas over the past 30+ books and creates the exact mirror image of her in Oberman. In a very literal way, Oberman and Dallas are two nearly identical cops on the opposite sides of everything. Where Dallas is less worried about her clothes and her appearance, Oberman is precise, perfect and always in order. Where Dallas is always concerned about justice and truth, Oberman couldn’t care less. Her world has an order and you must fall into that order.

Robb’s storytelling is, much like Oberman’s appearance, precision at its best. Every piece of the puzzle fits together into a glorious end result that will leave you reeling with the adventure you’ve just experienced. If you would have told me six months ago that I would have been delighted and even giggling at a female cat fight witnessed by officers in a police station, I would have categorically insisted that you were wrong. That is not me and it’s not something that I enjoy. Yet Robb’s accounting of these two women is spot on, brilliant, and by the time you’re halfway through this book, you’ll be just as eager as Dallas to see Oberman’s fall.

You would think that with 30+ books in this series alone, that there’s no way Robb can keep up the pace of excellence. She shatters that idea with this book. Though I haven’t read all of the Eve Dallas mysteries, I can say that of the ones that I have read, her books seem to be getting better and better. Treachery in Death was my favorite thus far and I am thrilled to say that Robb appears to be nowhere near slowing down.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Genre: Thriller, Horror, Suspense, Speculative

Publisher: Marcher Lord Press

Publication Date: October 2010

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Sascha Konig has just been assigned to a mysterious Nazi torture center buried deep in a Romanian forest. Konig is a man of science possessing the skill sets needed to master the furnace used to snuff out Nazi dissenters. Indeed, he is soon dubbed “Nebuchadnezzar” for his uncanny ability to maximize the heat. As Konig tries to feel at home in this chamber of death he makes friends and enemies amongst the soldiers assigned. Despite differences they must learn to band together against the supernatural monsters that threaten to break through their defenses and tear them to pieces.

The threats from outside are nothing compared to the fears and struggles Konig faces within. Despite his faithful service to Hitler, Konig has secretly despised the infamous Führer, always struggling with how to remain faithful to Christ. As Konig bands together with his new found friends he discovers that they too are Christians, fighting the same inward battle that ensnares him. As dangers escalate this remnant of believers must find a way to survive the onslaught of supernatural terror while trying to save those they have been charged to kill.

Told in the gripping first person narrative of Sascha Konig, this novel leaps out of the gates in a rapid pace that is intoxicating to say the least. With every turn of the page I was giddy with excitement while I wondered what Schooley could possibly throw at me next. Creepy plant men, gory man VS monster battles, otherworldly characters that both haunted and enthralled…every surprise was fresh and every plot twist executed masterfully.

Marc Schooley uses his skillful pen to easily transport readers into the madness his characters are drowning in. Just when you think the story is smothered in darkness, we quickly realize that true evil is deeper than we can imagine. Fortunately, Schooley doesn’t leave us wandering around blindly in despair. In the end the light shines through in a way I never saw coming, lifting this story from great to superb.

If you long for fiction that will move you and linger long after reading, then give Konig’s Fire a try. Marc Schooley is a new name to me, but one I will follow with eager anticipation.

Review copy provided by publisher.

More about Vicki Hinze:

Vicki Hinze is an award-winning author of more than twenty novels (including Forget Me Not), three nonfiction books, and hundreds of articles. Hinze is active in Romance Writers of America and serves as a vice president on the International Thriller Writers board of directors. Vicki lives in Florida with her artist husband, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel. Visit www.vickihinze.com for more about Vicki’s books, blogs, and writing programs.

Don’t miss our review of Deadly Ties and enter here for your chance to win a copy.

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Genre: Religious Fiction

Publisher: B&H Books

Publication Dates: February 2011

Reviewed by Lori Twichell

Kaylee loves words. She keeps them in a box in her room and in a special place in her mind. She loves the shape of the letters and the way that words can convey meaning. As much as she loves words, she doesn’t ever speak them. She hasn’t since her mother left so long ago and she believes that she never will speak them again.

Trapped in an abusive relationship with her father, Kaylee escapes her reality by reading the dictionary and memorizing the definitions. She was told once that she has a photographic memory. She doesn’t know that. All she does know is that she retreats into the words in her mind when things get really bad.

Sierra Dawn is an artist who is trapped in grief that she supplies to herself in spades.  Twelve years ago she was using drugs while she was pregnant and that ultimately killed her newborn daughter. Since then, Sierra has spent her life wrapped in guilt. She knows that she was to blame for the death of her daughter and she can’t let go of that pain.

On the anniversary of her daughter’s passing, Sierra goes to visit her daughter’s grave and then afterward, overcome with emotion, heads out to a place near the coast to be alone and cry. It happens to be the same place where Kaylee escapes to her ‘safe place’ when she’s having a bad day with her father.  From deep inside a massive redwood tree, Kaylee watches the beautiful artist crying and sobbing and wonders what could hurt a woman that way. She stays still, worried that she’ll be discovered and she thinks for a moment that she might have been. But then the artist leaves.

Sierra knows she saw something but she’s not ready to acknowledge that she did. After the idea that a little girl may have been stuck inside the tree doesn’t let her go, she goes back to the tree multiple times – soon meeting Kaylee face to face.

Thus begins a gorgeous relationship and journey of healing and depth that transcends simple storytelling. How does a broken women help protect a shattered child? How can the two of them make their way through what should, by all rights, be a terribly dysfunctional relationship? By the blood of Jesus, the realization of redemption and healing, and God’s ever present mercy.

When I saw what this book was about, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to read it. It sat on my stack of books mocking me. Being a writer and an avid reader, I love words, so the title and the cover drew me, but each time I picked it up, I wondered if it would be too heavy for me to enjoy. Though I’ve been a reader all my life, I’m a mom first. When a child is injured or deliberately hurt, it’s difficult for me to read. But I heard such great and beautiful things (and I got a couple of copies in the mail- that’s usually a good sign I should give it a shot) that I decided to give it a chance.

I am so glad that I did. Yttrup’s journey of healing, redemption and faith is gorgeous, uplifting, difficult at times, but oh so beautiful and stunning. I loved Kaylee and the mom in me wanted to reach out, love her and give her peace and comfort. I’ve got three children and I could understand the doubts that Sierra had. Was she doing the right thing? Did she give her what she needed?

And on top of all of this, a beautiful, tentative and redeeming romance is built into the book as well.

I loved this book. It’s far too deep and powerful to be considered simply a story. It’s a life changing journey not only for the main characters, but for the readers who join the travels as well.

Give this one a try. It might be difficult in places, but trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Genre: Legal Thriller

Publisher: Dutton

Publication Date: January 2011

Reviewed by Josh Olds

I knew I’d like this book when, ten pages in, it refers to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals as “renowned for its bizarre rulings.” Even though the statement itself isn’t a major part of the story, it does set the stage for everything that happens while making subtle (or perhaps not so subtle) political commentary.

Damage centers around Ro Curtlee—a convicted murderer and rapist—and his ultra-wealthy family who sees no qualms in using their billions to pervert justice. When Ro was first convicted nearly a decade prior, the Curtlee’s wrath was swift and harsh. Using their money and influence, they made sure that those who prosecuted their son would never have success in the professional world again.

But after a decade, Ro’s lawyers won him a retrial thanks to the Ninth Circuit, and now the convicted felon is out on $10 million bail. Immediately things begin to go wrong. The original trial’s star witness is killed and her home destroyed. Another fire claims the life of the jury foreman’s wife. Abe Glitsky, the former head detective in Ro’s case is convinced that the psychopath is out for revenge. Unfortunately, Ro is covering his tracks well and, using his parents’ influence, making the police out to be the bad guys in the story. He’s cocky and convinced that he can get away with anything  It all boils down to one final chance and one surprise twist.

John Lescroart is a long time New York Times bestselling author, but this is the first of his novels it’s been my pleasure to enjoy. More than just a fast-paced and entertaining story, Lescroart hits upon themes such as judicial activism, media sensationalism, and the raw power of money. Damage serves as an affront to our senses, because with the reader’s perspective we know that justice is being perverted, and it drives us to ask the tough questions about how our justice system can be improved. Perhaps most compelling in these regards are the intermittent asides written as newspaper articles from the paper owned by the Curtlee’s. Brilliantly written, they show just how much power the mass media has in persuading the people to a certain view.

Overall, Damage is a winner. Combining three-dimensional characters with an intriguing storyline and unforeseen twist ending, Damage makes Lescroart one of those authors I’ll have to start following more closely.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Genre: Thriller

Publisher: Scribner

Release Date: March 2011

Reviewed by Josh Olds

They call him The Priest because he makes the sign of the Cross as he mutilates them. They call him The Priest because he seeks out those who wear the Cross. They call him The Priest because he burns symbols of the Cross all over his victims’ bodies. But he is The Priest because he will not allow God to be mocked.

Mike Mulcahey is supposed to be a drugs crime cop. But after a lengthy job with Europol in Spain ends abruptly, he finds himself hung out to dry. And when he’s called in to serve as an interpreter for the Spanish victim of a sex crime—the victim is the daughter of a prominent foreign politician—he soon finds himself in quite unfamiliar territory. The case proceeds as usual, with Mulcahey struggling to learn the process. But as he does, he becomes convinced that the sex crimes unit he’s now temporarily attached to is sniffing down the wrong rabbit trail.

His colleagues aren’t convinced, leaving him with no option than to seek out the real killer on his own. As the Priest burns more victims—even crossing the line from assault to murder—and the press gets wind of Dublin’s serial rapist and murderer, Mulcahey and the sex crimes unit are under even more pressure to find and prosecute a killer. In order for justice to be served, Mulcahey must strike an uneasy alliance with Siobhan Fallon, the reporter who’s been the bane of the investigation. She’s been the one leaking information about the supposedly secret investigation since it started, but teaming up with her is the only way he’s going to figure things out. Everything leads to a final showdown that brings Mulcahey and his reporter friend right into the Priest’s lair.

Gerard O’Donovan creates a great character-driven novel, which, despite the title, is centered around Mike Mulcahey. Mulcahey is crafted into a likable character that is both tough and fair, and even though this gig isn’t something he wants, he turns out to be the only one truly seeking justice. The novel is a bit dialogue-heavy, which is a mixed bag. It slows down the action a bit (it takes well over a hundred pages for the investigation to really get rolling) but allows for O’Donovan to mix in plenty of Irish word usages that give the novel distinction and flavor.

While a bit slow and plodding to begin, The Priest—just like its namesake killer—soon picks up in pace and intensity. O’Donovan slowly fleshes out the killer’s character well, helping the reader understand his deranged religious and psychological motivations. The result is a thrilling journey through Dublin filled with red herrings, plot twists, and an exciting and explosive ending. As the first in a series, Gerard O’Donovan has given me good reasons to be looking forward to the next Mike Mulcahey adventure.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Genre: Fantasy, YA

Publisher: Marcher Lord Press

Publication Date: April 2010

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Having discovered his true identity, Achan Cham flees to Darkness from those who would destroy him. By his side are Vrell Sparrow, Sir Gavin, and his fellow Kingsguard Knights. Their mission is to break into the Ice Island prison to free their imprisoned comrades. Esek is hot on their trail and they will need an army if Achan is to successfully claim his throne.

All the while Achan and Vrell grow closer, which makes it more difficult for Vrell to hide her true identity. She must balance her emotions if she is to help Achan embrace his destiny. Arman’s path has never been easy, but this leg of the journey will test her faith more than anything that has come before.

Jill Williamson is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors and this brilliant second offering further proves why. As much as I loved the first book in this series (By Darkness Hid), I found myself even more captivated this time around. Much of this story takes place in the Darkness side of Er’Rets, taking us on a pulse pounding journey filled with new locations, eerie villains, and even more adventure. Indeed, this book is much darker than the first allowing Williams to showcase her uncanny ability to plunge her characters (and readers) into despair without losing sight of the light that is always within reach.

Having Achan and Vrell together for the majority of this story really pays off for fans who want more interaction between the two.  Vrell’s struggle to keep her identity brings just the right amount of humor to the story, balanced with the emotional and spiritual turmoil she finds herself in. In the end, we are left with an intriguing glimpse of what is to come, all but ensuring that the “tension” between Achan and Vrell is only just beginning.

Even though this series is full of lovable characters, grand adventure, and surprising twists it all only works together to display the powerful spiritual messages Williamson has carefully woven throughout. Never preachy, yet always relevant and stirring, this is the kind of faith based fiction I love. The final book in the series, From Darkness Won, is just around the corner and you can be sure that I will fight my way to the front of the line.

Review copy provided by author.

Don’t miss our review of By Darkness Hid and our podcast interview with Jill Williamson.

Genre: Political Thriller, Suspense

Publisher: Dutton

Publication Date: February 2011

Reviewed by Josh Olds

“I’m a meat-eater. My existence allows the plant-eater to contribute. Some plant-eaters, living in a so-called civilized world, call me evil, but at the end of the day, when the bad man comes and the plant-eater’s praying for a miracle, I’m what shows up.”

That’s Pike Logan’s worldview in a nutshell. Evil is not something to play around with. Instead you have to grab it by the face the snap its neck. As a team leader in an unofficial paramilitary organization called the Taskforce, this outlook on life and death, good and evil, is absolutely imperative. Pike’s team exists by Presidential order but isn’t subject to Congressional oversight. They are altogether necessary to thwart terrorism on a global level, yet absolutely illegal. No doubt about it, Pike Logan is One Rough Man.

But even the toughest men fold under the harshest of tragedies. While away on a mission, Pike family is murdered, leaving Pike feeling responsible for their deaths. He leaves the Taskforce and goes off the grid. But trouble has a way of finding Pike. Through a series of unlikely circumstances, he finds himself compelled to kill once more.

The situation unfolds rapidly as Pike discovers that Jennifer—a girl he’d literally just met minutes ago—had some loose ties to a major smuggling operation in Guatemala. Pike reluctantly finds himself roped in to helping her out of predicament, and finds that he’s just struck the tip of the iceberg. The story that follows races along at a breakneck pace, unveiling a terrorist plot that could have global implications. But Pike doesn’t have his Taskforce any more: it’s just One Rough Man against everyone.

Debut author Brad Taylor has a storied past that could itself be a book. Taylor spent over twenty-one years in the U.S. Army including eight as a part of the 1^st Special Forces Operations Detachment-Delta—the vaunted Delta Force. Needless to say, that experience shines through into the novel, leaving the reader wondering how many bits of conversations and events had their origins in the Taylor’s real-life past.

One Rough Man is compelling and intriguing, building the foundation for what is apparently a new series centered around Pike Logan. Taylor is at his best when he relies on his special-ops background to tell the story from the first-person perspective. Things get a bit convoluted because Taylor throws in a number of scenes from a third-person omniscient perspective that, without carefully discernment on the reader’s part, can completely throw the reader off-track. The core of the plot—that there is actually a WMD hidden in an ancient Mayan temple—could also have been developed a bit more, but the novel’s ending leads me to wonder if readers might not find that answer in the sequel.

In the end, One Rough Man is a decently-written, pulse-pounding tale of a modern day Rambo. Though written mostly for entertainment, Taylor also manages to educate his readers on current thought in terrorist as well as the bureaucracy and its involvement on clandestine affairs. While not flawless, this debut novel is a solid read.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Genre: Mystery, Drama, Religious

Publisher: Tyndale

Publication Date: March 2011

Reviewed by Lori Twichell

Roxi Gold has never understood stability. From the time she was a young child she knew that she was not only unloved but unwanted and completely unnecessary. Foster homes, abuse and constant fear make up her daily life and the only thing she really wants is a family and a home. So when she gets an offer to travel the country in an RV with a roof over her head and food in her stomach, she jumps on it. Even if it means that every now and then, she may need to do something illegal, she’ll do what she needs to do for acceptance. She’s not happy about it and she knows it’s wrong but she sees no other options.

Abby Dawson is a police officer with a chip on her shoulder. Her ex-husband left and remarried and when he did, he took their daughter with him. Now all she has is her job and even that isn’t filling the gaping holes that she has in her life. She’s left with no direction and not a single goal. Then a phone call in the middle of the night sends her flying back to the small hometown that she thought she’d left behind years ago and embroiled in a police case that threatens everything she thought she understood about life.

C.J. Darlington’s sophomore release marks her first venture into publishing after winning the 2008 Christian Writers Guild’s Operation First Novel contest. Her first book, Thicker than Blood, was an excellent glimpse into the world of antique book collecting and selling. Now she has continued this story in a fascinating new way, focusing on external characters while, at the same time, returning to the familiar favorites that we loved from the first book.

Though her career started out as a contest winner, with this release, Darlington has firmly established her reputation as a respected author with a great future. The characters, the plot and the description once again show us that Darlington’s talent extends far beyond expertise in book selling and reviewing. C.J.’s characters are heartwarming and genuine with real questions, real mistakes and no ‘Christian-ese’ answers.

Roxi’s journey is so real that at times, it begs the question as to how C.J. could have possibly captured this story with such vivid clarity without living on the street herself. I loved watching how this young girl experienced very real and painful guilt over actions that couldn’t be reversed and consequences that needed to be owned. I cried as she struggled with self value and always feeling unwanted and unloved. And I rejoiced in the journey when I got to the end. This book was nothing short of fabulous.

If this book is any indicator, C.J. Darlington is someone we’ll all want to watch in the future. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next and what God’s going to be doing with this fantastic new writer.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Genre: Suspense

Publisher: Realms

Publication Date: February 2011

Reviewed by Tim George

Ruby woke more than a dead boy, and the secrets she unleashed threaten to destroy them all.

Reverend Ian Clark is in the midst of a spiritual discovery – the discovery that he is unsure of everything he ever claimed to believe. He has hidden his doubts from everyone save an ethereal uninvited guest that mocks him in the confines of his pastor’s office. Ironically, the good reverend doesn’t believe in the supernatural yet is unknowingly being pulled into a secret religious order led by his old professor from seminary days. A man who has long since given up on things he once said he believed himself.

What taunts Ian Clark in secret places is just a foreshadowing of what lies lurking in the dark corners and hidden places of the heart among the good and not-so-good people of the city of Stonetree. Overlooking the city in a graveyard looms a petrified oak reminding all who know the story of monstrous things that occurred a century earlier. Things thought buried but very much alive.

A wonderful trio of praying women led by Ruby Case don’t know it but they are about to shake things up in their town long held in the unseen hand of evil. Ruby has a limp but she is certainly no cripple. One spring morning Ruby prays for God to visit her city – to do something, anything, to wake everyone up. She had no idea how literally that prayer would be answered until she visits the casket of a dead boy at the local funeral home and he sits up, alive to all. Needless to say, The Resurrection throws the sleepy town into chaos. Some see Ruby as a celebrity while others, even within her church, are less than pleased by the event. What follows propels both Reverend Clark and Ruby on separate quests for answers. That quest will rip the town’s quaint facade to shreds and unleash a battle that has been brewing in the shadows of Stonetree for centuries

The conclusion will be satisfying to most and leave others with questions and I suspect the author intended it that way. Too much faith based fiction wraps everything up in a neat package at the end leaving no room for ambiguity. Not so with The Resurrection. Instead we are shown the lives of real people who struggle on the path much like Bunyan’s Pilgrim. Some, like Ruby, become stronger in the battle and others leave us shaking our heads wondering if they will ever rest in the arms of a faithful God.

Mike Duran’s debut novel will undoubtedly be compared to another pair of books that practically created faith-based suspense a generation ago. Many have sought to match what Frank Peretti accomplished in This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness but few like Mike Duran have accomplished it. The characters (in particular Ruby) are memorable, the plot never lets you rest, and the conclusion will leave you thinking long after the book is put away. Duran masterfully blends fear, evil, hope, and redemption to paint a memorable portrait of how even the least of the servants of the Light can overcome the prevailing darkness around them. The Resurrection is a debut novel that promises many more are sure to follow.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction

Publisher: Realms

Publication Dates: January 2011

Reviewed by Lori Twichell

When Brian Sinclair was lost at sea, everyone believed he was dead. Little did they know that he was being nursed back to health by a beautiful woman with a scarred face and a painful past.  Unfortunately, this is something that even Captain Sinclair doesn’t realize.  A case of amnesia mixed with blindness that everyone hopes is temporary.

Nurse Lorenna Fields knows that she’s not pretty. She knows that she isn’t marriage material. The horseshoe shaped birthmark that covers the side of her face has assured that. People don’t often see past the birthmark. If they did, they’d see a capable strong woman who is stunningly beautiful through and through. Yet as she cares for her patient, she feels herself drawn to him, not even knowing whether he is a Christian or not.

As Brian Sinclair begins to remember his previous life, he knows that he’s not a good man. He also knows that his accident wasn’t something that happened by chance. The accident at sea that took the life of his mother and his fiancée was something that was crafted by someone. His life and the lives of his family might still be in danger.

Having read several of Andrea Boeshaar’s previous books, I felt that I had a pretty good grasp of what to expect. I was wrong. The characters, the dialogue and the plot twists were all so much better than I’d imagined.  I loved Lorenna Fields needing to explore her own insecurities before she could move forward in her romance with Brian. I enjoyed the experience of Brian, a former scoundrel, leave his past behind and work through his new faith. The writing was easy to read but at the same time, the subject matter challenged. Who doesn’t understand the feeling of not being worthy of the life they’ve been given or the blessings they’re receiving? And all of us know what it’s like to stumble at some point in our faith and perhaps have our past confront us in an unpleasant way.

With each successive book in this series, Boeshaar’s writing seems to strengthen, building to what I’m sure will be a fantastic climax to the series in the next book. I’m excited to see how she draws out the series finale.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Genre: Fantasy, YA

Publisher: Marcher Lord Press

Publication Date: April 2009

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Achan Cham has been held captive his entire life, but his heart has always longed to be free. Day after day his master heaps abuse on him, maiming his pride, but never quenching his spirit. When an aged Kingsguard Knight offers to take him as his squire, Achan begins to believe that things are indeed turning around. As Achan takes up the sword to train he also discovers he has the unique gift known as bloodvoicing that allows him to communicate with his mind. Achan’s life is indeed changing, but nothing can prepare him for the journey ahead.

Vrell Sparrow is on the run and has disguised herself as a boy to escape an arranged marriage to an evil tyrant. A strong follower of Arman, the Creator, Vrell longs to serve Him at all cost, even if it means giving up her life of privilege. Vrell also has the ability to bloodvoice and recently she has heard the thoughts of Achan as he tries to master his newfound ability. Even though she doesn’t know him, she can tell he is far more powerful than he realizes. As Vrell sets out on her own journey she begins to sense that Arman has great plans for Achan, and she may be the only one who can help him become who he was born to be.

As a kid I cut my teeth on epic fantasy. Terry Brooks, Tolkien, Terry Goodkind, even a dash of Piers Anthony here and there. I love sweeping adventure, with complex plots, deep characters, and grand battles of good VS evil. I had high hopes for this series going into book one, but I never expected to enjoy it as much as my childhood favs. Jill Williamson has just pulled the rug out from under me with this highly impressive debut.

Solid characters are the backbone for any great story, and Achan and Vrell more than fit the bill. Williamson effortlessly alternates between their story lines throughout the book giving us a balanced approach that never lags or wanders too far off the map.

The pacing of this story is a wonder to behold. Williamson manages to balance the action, humor, suspense, and emotion in such a way that the reader forgets about the massive page count. Indeed, anyone reading this book on an e-reader will be shocked to know that the hard copy is 500 plus pages.

What I love most about this story is how the spiritual message shines through without seeming forced or manufactured. You will find no squeaky clean characters or glossed over violence in this book. However, the portrayal of darkness only makes the light shine brighter, and Jill Williamson does this with a style and grace that is wondrous.

By Darkness Hid does everything the first book in a series should, giving us heroes to love, villains to loathe, and the promise of great story to come. I can’t recommend this one enough.

Review copy provided by author.

Don’t miss our review of To Darkness Fled and our podcast interview with Jill Williamson.

SPOILER WARNING! Major plot details from By Darkness Hid and To Darkness Fled are discussed in this interview.

More about Jill:

Jill Williamson is a novelist, dreamer, and believer. She grew up in Alaska with no electricity, an outhouse, and a lot of mosquitoes. Thankfully it was the land of the midnight sun, and she could stay up and read by the summer daylight that wouldn’t go away. But in the winter, there was nothing better to do than daydream. Both hobbies set her up to be a writer. Her debut novel, By Darkness Hid, won an EPIC Award, a Christy Award, A Carol Award nomination, and was named a Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror novels of 2009 byVOYA magazine. Jill has served alongside her youth pastor husband for the past twelve years and loves working with teenagers, especially to encourage young writers. She gives writing workshops at libraries, schools, and churches. Learn more on Jill’s website :www.jillwilliamson.com.

This interview can also be downloaded from our iTunes page.

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance

Publisher: Realms

Publication Date: October 2010

Reviewed by Lori Twichell

Sarah McCabe is ready for a different life than what she’s had. With older brothers who love and adore her, but stifle her just a little and a small town that doesn’t give her room to stretch and grow, she’s ready for adventure. So she takes a job in a big city being a governess for the children of Captain Brian Sinclair.

Captain Sinclair is everything that Sarah’s never experienced before. Handsome to a fault, wealthy, dashing and an adventurer to the core, Captain Sinclair has had little to no time for his children since the death of his young wife. His hope is that Sarah will become not only a governess for his children, but part of his family as well. This is an odd wish considering the state of Captain Sinclair’s family. His mother, striving to be young and beautiful, refuses to be called grandmother and only takes the children once a week. There’s little love and affection in her time with the children and they well know it. Captain Sinclair, a man who reminds me of Captain Von Trapp from The Sound of Music, has little knowledge of his children and what they need, though he does hope the best for them.  All of these things add up to a strange situation that has chased an alarming number of governesses not only away from the Sinclair home, but completely out of town as well. (At one point, she’s offered credit at a prominent store and when it’s discovered that she’s a governess for Captain Sinclair, it’s immediately revoked because there’s no way of knowing if she’ll even be in town next week!)

Sarah is overwhelmed with life in a big town. Saloons populate many more corners than what she’s used to and a home with a housekeeping staff, cook and even indentured servants running around makes her feel out of place and unsure of her position. Yet she promises to do what she can with the children. When they begin to flourish under her tutelage, everyone realizes how special she truly is, including Captain Sinclair’s indentured servant, Richard Navis, who has befriended Sarah. Richard helps Sarah through her transition into big city life and becomes a close friend. But is there a chance he could be more than that? And what about the affections that Sarah feels coming from the Captain? Can Sarah handle all of this or will she have to give in and call to her very protective brothers for help?

Boeshaar’s second outing in the Seasons of Redemption series manages to outdo the initial outing by a long shot. Though I enjoyed reading the first story of Valerie Fontaine and her adventures with the McCabe family, I absolutely fell in love with this book. Full of adventure, romance and the very real question of how one knows who they really love, this book was a delightful journey. In fact, I’ve already purchased a couple of copies of the book for friends of mine as gifts. I loved the voice that Boeshaar gave Sarah and the quandaries in which she found herself. Though it’s historical fiction, the situations can be very easily compared to a dating situation today.

The voice, the plot, the characters and the consequences to Sarah’s choices were all well written and played out with fantastic pacing in this book. If you’re looking for a good romance with Biblical values, Boeshaar has hit a home run with this one. I must admit though, the ending and the tease into the next release has left me chomping at the bit for more.  Thankfully, my advanced copy of Unexpected Love, the next book in the series, arrived this weekend!

Review copy provided by publisher.

Genre: Drama

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Release Date: November 2010

Reviewed by Josh Olds

You don’t even have to have ever read a book to know the name Stephen King. Probably more so than anyone in the past generation, King has managed to make his name almost ubiquitous in American society. Because of this, King’s latest offering—Full Dark, No Stars—immediately launched onto the bestseller’s lists. Frankly, King could write a terrible book and get away with it, because he’s earned the respect from previous work that people associate the name Stephen King with great storytelling. Of course, writing a terrible book just does not seem to be King’s style. While there might be some who will have issues with the themes and content of Full Dark, No Stars, they certainly can’t bash it for poor writing. King sucks the reader in from the very beginning and takes them on an extremely dark journey through the blackness of the human soul.

Rather than telling one novel, King uses the long story form to tell four tales of a common theme. The first—and best, in my opinion—is 1922. Set in Nebraska in the years preceding the Depression, 1922 tells the story of a man and his son who must face the awful effects of murdering their wife and mother. Wilfred James and his fourteen year old son Henry didn’t want to murder Arlette, but when she insisted they up and move to the city something had to be done. While Wilfred and Henry are never arrested for their crime, the murder’s affect on the two is extraordinary. A gut-wrenching tale of how one sin can spoil all, told in the form of a first-person letter of confession, 1922 evokes images of Poe’s The Tell Tale Heart while capturing the reader with its vividness.

Big Driver is a drastic change in setting, telling the story of Tess, a female author who is raped and left for dead after being stranded on the side of the road after a book signing. Instead of going to the police, Tess takes matters into her own hands to seek her own revenge. Violent and graphic, this is probably the most overall disturbing of the four stories. King’s point seems to be that evil can invoke evil. Drawing the reader in, King makes us cheer that Tess is seeking revenge and then shatters us with an electrifying plot twist. Even while seeing the evil—or as King calls it “the stranger”—inside Tess we also see how it creeps up in us.

The third story is the shortest and shows off King’s wry humor. In Fair Extension, George, a man with terminal cancer is sold a 15 year extension on life by a shady street vendor named Elvid (you figure it out). The cost is a percentage of George’s annual income, but as a bonus he gets to watch the life of someone he secretly hates—in this case his best friend—be destroyed. Lives flip in an instant as George prospers while his friend’s life, family, and business fall apart. But this doesn’t bother George. After all, he concludes at story’s end: “Life is fair.” Here, the stranger is seen in what seems to be a normal guy whose conscience is not in the least bothered by the knowledge that he is secretly responsible for his friend’s demise.

Full Dark, No Stars concludes with a story called A Good Marriage. Darcy has had a better marriage then most, but that all changes when she discovers a perverted magazine hid by her husband. But that turns out to be just the tip of the iceberg. Her poster boy husband just might be the serial killer who calls himself Beadie. A chilling look into one woman’s discovery that her husband isn’t who she thought he was, A Good Marriage is a fitting conclusion to King’s quartet of stories, for in discovering the stranger inside her husband, she might find that some of it lurks in her as well.

In conclusion, the title really says it all: Full Dark, No Stars. No light. No hope. No redemption. Darkness and darkness alone defines King’s stories. Human depravity plays out on a grand scale and even those trying to right wrongs find themselves ensnared by the Stranger they’re trying to defeat. Such is the human dilemma. King’s content and language are often harsh, which only underscores his theme. For most of the book, my constant thought was “where is the Hope?” After reading King’s afterword, I think I understand the point a bit better. The Hope isn’t in the novel; the Hope lies in us—in the reader’s realization of evil and subsequent shunning of it. Unrequited in the novel, our sense of Hope has to be satiated with how we view life. Taking it beyond the pages, King’s story is intense, gripping, and will leave you thinking about your view of evil long after you turn the last page. It’s not a book for everyone—King takes his reader places many do not want to travel—but for those who don’t mind an uncensored look into the darkness, by all means, Full Dark, No Stars is the thought-provoking and emotions-engaging place to find it. My conclusion? Full dark, five stars.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Genre: Science Fiction

Publisher: Marcher Lord Press

Publication Date: April 2010

Tim George’s Review:

In a Star Curiously Singing, author Kerry Nietz introduced us to the world of Sandfly, the debugger. Sandfly lives to obey the will of his masters and fix machines that have malfunctioned. He, like all debuggers, also has been controlled by an implant in his brain that erases free will and ensures his obedience. All that changed when Sandfly was summoned to a space station and introduced to a secret ship by the name of Dark Trench. Something else was out there in the stars, a different voice on the stream of information that flows directly into debuggers’ consciousness. Sandfly’s ordered world of Muslim fundamentalism had been challenged by the possibility there is one greater than the god of his forced obedience.

Now, in The Superlative Stream, Nietz carries his readers on an adventure with Sandfly and his female companion, Hardcandy that is both dazzling and introspective. What they discover when they reach their destination challenges everything they have ever believed and known. The only way to describe the race of beings they discover is to tell you to read the book. With Dark Trench disabled, Sandfly and Hardcandy find themselves on a world of seeming blissful perfection. On this planet the beings all seem to work in perfect harmony with no laws or implants to force them to do anything. But like many things in life, Sandfly comes to wonder if there might some hidden agenda in the beings’ interest in earth. What follows is beyond description.

Once again, written in first person, one is drawn into the story until it seems no more science fiction than the changing world around us. The Superlative Stream expands this method by offering the first person experiences of Hardcandy. The twist is she wanted to become a drone of the Abduls. Seeking to escape a miserable future and ensure her place in Paradise she willing became what she is. Now Sandfly, free of his controlling masters must find a way to free his friend as well.

This is a story about discovery and redemption providing a valuable gateway into deeper issues of faith and redemption. Sandfly calls the people back on earth without implants freeheads. The irony, of course, is all are controlled in more subtle ways than some object implanted in their brain. They are still slaves of their own fallen hearts and the stifling nature of works oriented religion. There can be no doubt another chapter of this story is ahead because Sandfly and Hardcandy have heard the voice of A-A3 on the Superlative Stream and the people of earth need to know what it seems all have long forgotten.

Kerry Nietz writes in a way that makes me wonder what the masters of the genre like Asimov and Heinlein might have written had they known A-A3 (you’ll have to read the story to understand that). And The Superlative Stream also leads me to speculate what C.S. Lewis might have done differently with his Space Trilogy had he better understood the genre. All that is to say this is a masterful piece of fiction because it does what the genre should do; it paints a big picture and asks big questions through a medium that is neither boring nor hard to grasp.

Jake Chism’s Review:

Sandfly’s world has been turned upside down. Life was simpler back when he just performed his duties as a programmer and obeyed the rules that were forced upon him. Back then he didn’t question ideas of religion and freedom. The implanted “stops” from his masters ensured such thinking wasn’t a possibility. However, everything changed when Sandfly encountered a malfunctioning bot that opened his eyes and pointed him toward true freedom. Now Sandfly and his dear friend HardCandy are on an intergalactic mission to find the source of the superlative stream that beckons them towards hope and truth.

Ever since I closed the pages of A Star Curiously Singing, I’ve longed to return to Sandfly’s fascinating tale. Kerry Nietz continues to pour talent onto the page through the engaging first person narrative of Sandfly. There is so much going on inside this character: the search for truth, a budding romance, overwhelming feelings of doubt. Once again I’m pleasantly surprised to find such depth and emotion within the pages of a hardcore sci-fi novel.

Again we are introduced to a splendid supporting cast. HardCandy shares the majority of the spotlight this time around and some of my favorite scenes were flashbacks of how she became a debugger. Nietz effortlessly switches to the female first person narrative in these scenes, so much so that I began to love this character as much as Sandfly. Throw into the mix a sidekick space cruiser and a mysterious alien trio with questionable motives, and we have the makings of some great storytelling.

As the story draws to a close Nietz gives us the right amount of suspense to keep the pages flying. Amidst the tension and chaos we are left with a powerful message of sacrifice and a hint of more to come. I’m head over heels for these characters and their encounter with the One who stoops. This is science fiction like I’ve never experienced and Nietz proves again what a great talent he is.

Review copies provided by author.

Genre: Adventure, Mystery

Publisher: Little, Brown & Company

Publication Date: September 2010

Reviewed by Lori Twichell

Jack is five. When he went to bed yesterday, he was four and then a magical switch flipped and made him five before he woke up. Jack thinks that’s cool and he’s very excited about it. He even gets to make some big boy decisions now because he’s five. He has no idea that he’s going to face one of the biggest and most scary things in the world this year. You see this is the year that Jack will be leaving Room.

Room is where Jack has lived his whole entire life and he’s never once left it. He’s quite comfortable with Bed, Table, Chair and with Ma. He sleeps in Wardrobe and he loves Blanket. Jack’s happy where he is. To Jack, everything outside of Room is Outer Space and it’s not real. There are no other people in the world. There’s no other place. Everything on TV is imaginary. There’s nothing Real but Jack, Ma, Room and Old Nick. Old Nick is the man who built Room for Ma and Jack. He’s the one that visits them almost every night and he’s the one that brings them toys and food and clothes and stuff.

One night when Jack makes the mistake of scaring Old Nick with one of his toys, Old Nick leaves big purple marks that look like hand prints all over Ma. That’s when everything changes and Ma decides it’s time to try to get out of Room. She hasn’t tried since before Jack was born, but now Jack’s big enough to help.

Room is an amazing journey through a life that’s anything but ordinary. The exceptional narrative of a five year old and his journey through the only life he knows captures your imagination immediately. Donoghue has created a masterpiece of a five year old’s understanding that is stunning at its core. With brilliant description, spot on voice of a five year old and plot twists that will have you laughing, crying and cringing, Donoghue is an artisan of the written word. She skillfully weaves us not only through a five year old’s mind, but as an outside reader who understands Jack’s situation, she is able to relay Ma’s horror and fear, and give us our own moments of terror as we live Jack’s story.

When the plot turns in a new direction, we can’t help but ride along with Jack, our hearts in our throats, as this new chapter of his life begins. Donoghue has so fully immersed the reader in Jack’s tale that at times we may want to scream at the callousness of people who don’t understand and we may cringe at normal every day things that we’d never imagined could be frightening or scary.

Incredible. Amazing. Emotional. Powerful. Before I picked this book up from my stack, I knew what it was about. I looked at it with some trepidation. Since becoming a mother, my world has changed tremendously. Movies that would have frightened me earlier in my life are now too terrifying to even consider. You see, I empathize entirely too much with parental characters in stories where bad things happen to children. So when I pulled this book out (on the day that my six year old was having surgery even!) I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to read it. But Donoghue has created not only a suspenseful tale of a little boy’s survival in extreme circumstances, she managed (much like Jack’s Ma) to give us joy, happiness and innocence in the midst of terrible horror. Though we know how difficult Jack’s life is, he doesn’t. He knows what he knows and his mother, in doing whatever it takes to keep him safe, has given him a beautiful childhood with play and adventure.

If you haven’t read Donoghue’s brilliant story, get a copy today. I guarantee that it will change the way you look at life around you and at your children. It’s well worth the price of admission and is, without a doubt, one of the best pieces of fiction to be released in 2010.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Genre: Military Suspense/Thriller

Publisher: Barbour Publishing

Publication Date:  January 2010

Reviewed by Elizabeth Olmedo

Colton “Cowboy” Neely is broken. Years of faithful service to the military have shattered his mind. He can’t differentiate reality from the vivid flashbacks. When an episode ends with Colton pointing a gun at his own daughter, he knows something has to change. Hoping to save Colton, a friend recruits him into the covert group Nightshade.

While things look better, Colton has come to grips with the knowledge that he can never share his life with a woman. He is fine with that decision until he meets Piper Blum. Somehow she manages to make the war-weathered soldier’s heart melt. But who would want a broken down cowboy? Definitely, not her. Still, the harder he fights his feelings, the deeper they grow.

When things don’t turn out to be what they appear, Colton finds himself on a mission that will take him to the Promised Land — a place he never wanted to set foot in again. In Israel, Colton must battle more than just bad guys; he must fight for his heart, soul, and mind. Maybe there he’ll find the promise of hope and love.

Just when I thought Ronie Kendig’s books couldn’t get any better, she wows me once more. In Digitalis, the second book of her Discarded Heroes Series, Kendig offers a story full of suspense, love, and faith. Though faith is an integral part of her stories and characters, I never feel preached at. Saying they have faith is like saying they have brown eyes. It’s a part of who they are. Kendig is the Karen Kingsbury of Christian Suspense.

In a world where loving Israel is so unpopular, it is refreshing to find an author who truly values and respects God’s land. I also thoroughly enjoyed that some of the characters were Messianic Jews. As one myself, I could really identify with them.

While Digitalis can stand alone, you won’t want to miss any part of the series. This book is a must read for those who enjoy suspense and romance all wrapped up in one.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Genre: Thriller

Publisher: Bantam

Publication Date: December 2010

Reviewed by Frank Redman

Alton Blackwood is killed after murdering John Calvino’s family when John was 14. John fired the fatal shot. Blackwood’s reign of terror is over.

Over the next two decades, Calvino progresses from the shock and horror of witnessing his family murdered, to starting a family of his own. He lives in splendid happiness with his wife and three children and builds a solid career as a homicide detective.

Then someone copies the Blackwood murders in uncanny detail, killing entire families. Again. Calvino investigates, and clues begin to make him fear for the safety of his own family. He can no longer deny facts suggesting the murderer is a supernatural being. Blackwood has returned, as a ghost.

How do you kill a ghost?

When I learned this novel was Koontz’s creepiest in several years, I was thrilled. I’ve enjoyed his recent stories, but infusing his latest with supreme evil of supernatural origin increases the suspense and the fear you feel for the characters.

Blackwood is completely void of any morale substance, and may be Koontz’s scariest antagonist since Phantoms. His physical description conjures a monster in the imagination, but a monster that was human and now ghost. To me, that is a scarier character type than one that is presented as a genuine monster.

Koontz is phenomenal at characterization. The reader easily cultivates empathy for the characters, feeling emotions as they feel. That is key to really immersing yourself into the story.

If you enjoy scary ghost stories, give this one a read. You’ll find yourself thinking about What the Night Knows well after finishing it.

Review copy provided by author.

More about Joe:

Joe Schreiber is the author of Star Wars: Death Troopers, Star Wars: Red Harvest, Chasing the Dead and several other non-Star Wars titles.   He works as an MRI technologist in Hershey, Pennsylvania where he lives with his wife and two young children.  His favorite Star Wars character is and remains Salacious Crumb.

This interview can also be downloaded from our iTunes page.

More about Homer:

Homer Hickam is known worldwide for his New York Times #1 bestseller ROCKET BOYS, made into the feature film OCTOBER SKY starring JAKE GYLLENHAAL as Homer.  Hickam is a former NASA engineer and astronaut trainer, nationally known speaker and DINOSAUR HUNTER.  Hickam has authored and co-authored a dozen non-fiction AND fiction best sellers. For more information, visit his official website: http://www.homerhickam.com/.

This interview can also be downloaded from our iTunes page.

Genre: Fantasy, YA

Publisher: Scholastic

Publication Dates: September 2010

Reviewed by Lori Twichell

Jacob Reckless never planned to enter another world. Even though this one seemed to be crumbling around him with the disappearance of his father and the subsequent decline of his mother’s health, he still didn’t expect to actually leave the life he’d always known. But when the mirror beckoned to him, the pull was too strong for him to resist.

So now Jacob spends his time as a treasure hunter. Renowned in the other world for his abilities, he now knows that all the fairy tales and children’s stories that he’d heard growing up weren’t just stories. He’s experienced the reality of sleeping beauty and seen the home of Hansel and Gretel’s witch.  Through all that danger, he has learned how to take care of himself. What he hasn’t learned is how to keep his brother, Will, safe. And Will is in a miserable situation right now. He’s turning into a Goyl. That’s a person made of stone for those of us who live on ‘this side.’ Each day Jacob can see more and more of the stone taking over his brother’s body.  Legend says that there’s no way to halt the change, but Jacob also knows that legends aren’t always fact. This is why he sets out to reverse the course of his brother’s existence.

Jacob, known as a famous treasure hunter in this world, relies on some of the contacts he’s made over the years to get information that may help his brother. In the meantime, he’s got to fight off people who want to kill his brother for turning into a Goyl, keep his brother’s girlfriend safe, and work with Fox, a beautiful young woman who can change, at will, into a fox. (Actually she prefers this form over her human form.)

Once again, Cornelia Funke has allowed us a glimpse into a new world. As with previous books, it’s a world that is delightful and frightening all at once. As readers, we can sit comfortably in our homes and experience a world that is populated with familiar fairy tales and stories from our childhoods but isn’t quite as bright and cheery as our big picture books might have led us to believe. There are some dark moments that could be scary in these books. For the appropriate age though, they are perfect.

Cornelia Funke has a talent for creating vividly beautiful settings and worlds that are also exceptionally dangerous. Full of intrigue, adventure and a lot of action, this book is certain to kidnap the imagination of the reader and take it on a journey that won’t soon be forgotten.

Funke’s writing seems to live and breathe on its own. With words that wrap around you and tease you deeper and deeper into the story like a butterfly in flight, this is a definite must read for fans of Funke’s work. And if you’re not already a fan, you have no idea what you’re missing.

Review copy provided by publisher.