Posts Tagged ‘fiction’
Proof Evident – Book Review
Proof Evident is a newly released crime fiction novel by lawyer and controversial psychologist, John Dicke. The story line is based around a criminal case for Judge Avery Jackson who coldly murdered Sheriff Hardacre during his speech to 150 city officials. The problem is, Mr. Jackson has no memory of the event at all…
Jack Maine leaves the public service and starts up a private practice with the assistance of his talented wife while taking on this difficult and seemingly doomed case. His dedicated and patient staff includes a master investigator and a phenomenal young novice lawyer &ndash both of whom are fully aware they may not see a paycheck for some time. Jack’s nemesis is the quick-witted and well-financed defense team led by an ambitious attorney that is set on becoming “seen”. Death follows this case everywhere. Just when the lawyers feel they are getting somewhere – people start dropping like flies. Soon a CIA scandal is discovered that threatens national security, which powerful people are desperate to cover-up; meanwhile a drug ring threatens to take control of every aspect of the community.
John Dicke addresses the issue of pleading Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity, which is a much larger issue than I had previously been aware of. Even mentioning the plea will turn off a jury, who are hardened by the preconception that the plea is repeatedly used to falsely gain sympathy, and therefore, receive a lighter sentence for a crime they are guilty of committing.
John also shows the intense stress of an exhausting case, which can be exhilarating to intrigued lawyers bored with the mundane courthouse activities, and the temptations that could destroy those that have more desire than sense. Mr. Dicke uses elements of real life, historical events &ndash including the government scandal.
It is my opinion that Proof Evident is a book for deep-thinking individuals who favor courtroom drama – because there is a lot of it. I found myself wanting to skip through those sections, but had I done so the ending would have left me shocked and baffled. I loved the eventful conclusion and was surprised by a few characters as well. Overall, I think John Dicke has created an interesting novel that deserves to be given a chance by readers of this genre.
ISBN#: 0-9764981-5-4
Author: John Dicke
Publisher: Synergy Books
Providence Pond – Book Review
Author, Beresford McLean brings a new novel to his fans, this one delves into a time when British culture dominates over those within Jamaica. Providence Pond’s 500 pages are divided into four parts; each involves four generations of the King family between 1880-1920. The book closes with an afterword that provides insight into some of the issues in Jamaica over the years. Readers may want to read this section first, as it will definitely enrich the experience.
A mysterious Wiseman suddenly appears to a small group of seven individuals from Providence Pond just when matters were about to get out of hand. Asa, an aged shaman-like character, intends to begin a new branch of his “Family” within their community, and this scares some folks who are intimidated by the persecuting officials. But Asa leaves and does not return until much, much later &ndash bringing Congo King and Miss Hene along with him. There are numerous characters in Beresford’s novel but Congo, the co-leader of the new branch of Asa’s Family, is the leading role.
When I began this project, I was under the mistaken impression that it would be about a cultural clash between two peoples. Instead, the story seems to be more about a small group of people in a rural area who have children and the children have children &ndash the readers witnessing all the drama from adultery, romance, jealousy and greed.
Anticipation of a mistaken impression could have lead to my disappointment with some sections of the book. But the transformation of Detective Graham was something I wouldn’t have wanted to miss and I am glad that I read the book through to the end. I was certainly intrigued by the beliefs, culture and drumming &ndash perhaps due to our home-based business, Drum-it Percussion. Sadly, the story did not delve deeply into these subjects. However, the brief glimpses were certainly bright points for me.
Providence Pond is Mr. McLean’s second novel &ndash the first being Broken Gourds &ndash and is currently working on a third book. He is a generous man, deeply involved in numerous charities. Beresford actually emigrated from Jamaica to the United States roughly 36 years ago, and so writing about his homeland obviously slips easily into his novels.
This book would certainly appeal to readers who enjoy rural romance.
Publisher: Anancy Books
ISBN: 0-9753297-1-5
Quest for the Source of Darkness – Book Review
Quest for the Source of Darkness, Patricia Perry’s first novel, has an action fantasy story line with a strong mystery theme and an interesting romantic twist. This is no short novel, at 422 pages you’ll be kept entertained for quite a while.
The main hero character is a strong and gifted woman who is stricken with a form of memory loss. Little flashes of memory come to her, but she is frustrated with not knowing who she is and what her origins are. All she can remember is her name, Ramira.
Baffled in a tumultuous world of elves, dwarves and desert nomads, whose inability to co-exist peacefully could spell doom for all. They are forced to work together to battle the evil Mahn and his minions, a variety of demons from the low demons called Kreetch to the terrifying Vox, who are capable of possessing a body and torturing its soul for centuries.
The Elf Kings, Alyxandyr and Gard, and their royal peers – the Dwarf King, Seven, and the rulers of the Herkahs, Zada and Allad – converge together at the gates of grand city of Bystyn. Together their people find solace in numbers while they prepare to battle the sourcerous evil. Ramira discovers her power and learns that she is not meant to be alone. There is also a powerful seer and the hidden elf magic to aid her &ndash but they all must grow in strength if there is to be any hope at all.
Patricia does not explain things in this novel. Instead, the book expertly unfolds little tantalizing bits to the reader at just the right pace. Quest for the Source of Darkness is a larger-sized book that will take the reader on fantasy adventure for many days.
ISBN#: 141377427X
Author: Patricia Perry
Publisher: Publish America
Reality Checked – Book Review
Reality Checked &ndash Life through Death, is a moving saga about finding meaning in a world of suffering and pointless hate based on the color of skin. Former school teacher and Theologist, Victor Waller has incorporated many of life’s issues through the lives of his characters who were forced to make decisions in hopeless situations. Racism, revenge and hate are rampant in this book. Domestic abuse and the dangers hidden within our society’s foster care system are also addressed.
There is only one main character &ndash Catherine Brown &ndash along with a host of supporting characters. Catherine grows up under the terrible threat of racism – which many use simply as an excuse to harm another human. In fact, her father and uncle were orphaned at a very young age through a racist attack. The fairy-tale romance of her parents slid away as fears of her father’s suspected infidelity enforces her mother’s accusations that she is being poisoned. Never really knowing the truth, Catherine stumbles through her youth and into adulthood.
Unfortunately, a disturbed individual brutally murders her family and Catherine is dragged away by the police and incarcerated for many years. She survived the harsh environment through the friendship of her cellmate &ndash and their hunger for revenge.
As an old woman, Catherine is only free from the bars of her prison. Her body is now her jailer &ndash it is discovered that she inherited her mother’s mysterious illness. Thinking she had no family remaining alive, Catherine is surprised when she is invited to a family reunion. This reunion proves to be one of Catherine’s greatest challenges. As she seeks to repair the family discord, she is contacted by a person from the past and her chance for revenge is handed to her on a silver platter.
Victor Waller has created an important and meaningful story in Reality Checked. In fact, the work is well titled. The novel provokes the reader to question their own choices in life – and possibly, to release some of the pessimistic inner voices which influence their decisions.
I give this 377 page novel the highest of ratings with no hesitation, what-so-ever.”
ISBN#: 0976498103
Author: Victor Waller
Publisher: Turn Key Press
Second Eden – Review
Carlton Austin has crafted a wonderful piece of work in Second Eden – an action-packed suspense thriller with a little romance and some elements of science fiction. Its beautifully designed cover incorporates gorgeous images depicting scenes within the plot and the book is available in both hard and soft cover. I recommend the hard cover, folks. This book is sure to be one that you keep among your favorite authors on your bookshelves. Second Eden is destined for a talented director to take big screen fans on its roller-coaster ride.
Best of friends, Peter (an intelligence agent) and Bo (an astronaut), have a bond that even Peter’s affair with Bo’s wife could not break. Bo and some other scientists perish in a mysterious fire just after completing an assignment. The government cover-up pushes Peter to find out what really happened and he becomes torn between patriotism and humanitarianism. He never loved a woman until he met Molly &ndash but can he trust her? In fact, he wonders if he can trust anyone at all.
This is definitely an intelligent read; the author incorporates incredible alien artifacts, mysteries, murders, government espionage and complex cover-ups, cat and mouse chase scenes, archeological finds and ancient societies, deceit and a love story that transcends this life into the next.
Second Eden certainly has a plot that will make its readers think deeply about our world. Carlton shows us the dangers of where our science could lead. His story teaches that there are repercussions for every single choice that we make – both as individuals and as a society. He brings up social issues, like reminding us of the importance of recognizing the value of women who choose to be mothers &ndash as a career, rather than as a side project. He even includes enlightening views of what might happen to a soul when the body can no longer serve it.
I really cannot say enough about Carlton’s novel. Truly, I could barely put it down to go to work or prepare meals! Second Eden will remain on my bookshelf for years to come and will, no doubt, be read many times by my family.
ISBN#: 0595316530 &ndash soft cover 0595663567 &ndash hard cover
Publisher: iuniverse, Inc.
Author: Carlton Austin
Silent Lies – Book Review
Silent Lies is an action romance saga, that takes the reader through decades of a tumultuous time between the end of World War I and the beginnings of World War II. Excellent and intelligent use of actual historical events makes this piece both educational and entertaining.
Leo, a young Hungarian boy who sees too many horrors and deceit, barely survives while family and friends are slaughtered. He finds himself alone, again and again. Subsisting on his uncanny ability to mimic behavior and languages, a gift that keeps him alive &ndash and in serious trouble, he travels from Hungary to Paris. Leo is innocently trapped by very ruthless and influential people and he is forced to run for the sanctuary of Shanghai. There, both his greatest hopes and greatest fears come true.
This is an endearing story of a love that many can only experience in dreams. It is about self-sacrifice &ndash of enduring when all hope is gone and strength is fading. Readers witness the consequences of the political and personal choices that Leo is forced to make. Personally, I had to brush away a little water from my eyes a few times in the story.
Without hesitation, I give Silent Lies high ratings because the author has provided an exceptional piece of work. I look forward to the second book to find out what else will happen in Maggy and Leo’s adventurous lives.
ISBN#: 1563527502
Author: M.L. Malcolm
Publisher: Long Street Press
Star – Book Review
Tom Peters crafted a moving, educational animal adventure story in his novel Star. This is a dog-lover’s fiction – written for a young adult audience. Any young person who loves animals, or wants to own a dog should read this book.
Without preaching, Tom enlightens humans to the plight of dogs. He brings understanding to how they see things and why they behave the way they do. The most moving moral to the story for me was shown through the main character (a dog named Star) whose owners had school, work, play and friends &ndash while Star has only them. It really puts their world into perspective. I was torn and sorrowed by the incidents in the kennel and animal shelter. I definitely feel for the plight of animal shelters and because of this book, I feel compelled to try and do a little more to help.
Star is a courageous, loving lab-rottweiler cross who goes through many adventures from being ‘rescued’ from a puppy mill, abandoned in a forest, being stolen by a trucker and used by jewelry thieves. Star ensures a place in the readers’ heart through his self-less rescue of a little boy and his generous, loving heart.
I do not think a reader could put down this book without being moved by the great heart that Star displayed repeatedly. There are many lessons here for young adults from the dangers in the world, to the plight of pets and the strength of love.
ISBN#: 1553521927
Author: Tom Peters
Publisher: Tree Side Press
Ten Times Guilty – Book Review
Brenda Hill’s passion for the world of writing and her experiences as an editor, proofreader and educator have definitely worked exceptionally well together to develop her book – Ten Times Guilty. This suspense thriller is truly an outstanding novel. I do not mean to sound clich
The Adventures of Willowby Went: Book Review
This is definitely a fantasy novel. Being a Tolkien fan, I found many days of enjoyable reading here in J.S. Harrison’s world. This is a place that is crowded with Fairies, Leprechauns, friendly Trolls and Ogres, Wizards, Knights, Dragons, Vampire assassins, large evil black rabbits and ghouls along with Men, Dwarves, Elves and Trofkins.
With an anti-racist sentimism, the author places many different races together to embark on a journey that may bring hope to the people of Werdanbabadood and to save their world from the Evil Wizard, Sardego. This strange mixture of people go through many trials and adventures to find the Knights, only to arrive at a time when so few were able to come to their aide. Regardless of the odds, they carry on and work together in a desperate effort to break the magic staff of Sardego and end his war mongering.
Though everyone plays a very important part in the interwoven web of events, it is the Trofkins, a tree-dwelling people of writers and lovers of food and mischief, who are the heroes of the world. This race was thought unlikely to produce heroes, being a people of many social constraints and clear definitions of what is proper or not. Yet with war on their doorstep, they had little choice but place their only hope in their young chieftain-to-be, the one Trofkin who seemed the least likely to be responsible enough to accomplish this dangerous task. Young Willowby goes far beyond any expectation the Trofkin could have had for even the greatest of their kind. He proves his worth to himself and his people and gains the necessary confidence to rule with a fair, yet just hand.
I very much enjoyed J.S. Harrison’s writing style. It was like being drawn into a big sitting room with a large fireplace, where a deep grandfatherly voice tells the story of Willowby Went. Then without realizing it, I felt sucked into the scenery and it was if I had become the cameraperson at a real, live historical event. It was an effort to put aside the book to carry on with my own tasks!
Keep an eye out for future work by J.S. Harrison folks! I have a feeling he’s going to be one of the ‘great’ writers of our era.”
The Bubblegum Babes
This is one book that I would have cherished as a little girl. The Bubblegum Babes’ Guide to Sixth Grade is the first in a series designed for young people growing up in today’s fast-paced and high-pressure world. Doreen Lewis wrote it so that each chapter can be read as a complete story on its own – perfect for pre-teens that like to read small sections at a time. An award winning author and mother of two, Doreen writes with clarity and energy and draws upon her life for inspiration in her work. Her own personality is revealed nicely in the Acknowledgement and About Author sections in the book.
The main character, Kelly, takes the reader through adventures with her three best friends. They dub themselves the Bubblegum Babes after an evening of giggles and make-up. The four girls experience and discuss many things that aren’t easy to talk about in everyday life. Excellent advice is interwoven into each tale from how to maintain friendships, the mysteries of menstruation and the complexity of discovering an interest in boys.
Starting with their nervous beginnings in a new school year right through to the graduation dance, The Bubblegum Babes will have you wishing you were one of them.
ISBN#: 0976919303
Author: Doreen Lewis
Publisher: Helm Publishing