Steve Manke
There is a visceral tension to this book that starts at page one and doesn't let up until the end of the story. The plot focuses on a force that is overwhelmingly dark and malevolent, but is offset by strong characters who manage to keep hope alive in even the most desperate of circumstances. Justin Macumber's writing style is perfect for this type of story because he manages to immerse the reader in the horror that is the town of Stillwater. You come to understand the place and its people, what fuels and drives them, even at it tears the town apart.
What results is a very effective horror novel that is incredibly difficult to put down.
The wise cracking Tallent and Lowery return for their second adventure. And while their relationship has changed, the trouble they find has not. I love how the mystery of this book builds on the events of the first while setting up book number three. From the truth behind Shakespeare, to hidden secrets of the bible, the couple manages to uncover incredible hidden truths even while Leah searches for a decent cup of coffee.
I love the idea of this short! Rise of the Dark Angel was so visceral and gritty, telling the story from the antagonist's perspective was a great idea. Knowing what motivated the “Evil Man” brings added depth to the first book of the series. It's depth that wasn't missing in the first place, but the trilogy is so much stronger for the inclusion of this short!
It's hard to title a book The Deceived without making a clear implication about the plot. That said, buckle in for a fast paced thriller that takes you from one side of the planet to the other. And while you know that deception is involved, don't expect to see the book's climax coming. This story takes some amazing twists that are guaranteed to keep you guessing and reading long into the night. The Deceived is another wonderful Quinn book that is thrilling fun from beginning to end!
This is, by far, one of the more unique genre fiction novels that I've had the pleasure of reading. And while the title implies a zombie based plot, the book is more distinctively science fiction than it is horror. Set in the not distant enough future, this is at its core a cautionary tale— an all too plausible, “what if” scenario that at first seems somewhat farfetched. But by the end of the book, odds are that you'll find yourself no longer considering the events of this book as implausible as they might have first seemed.
First and foremost, Xom-B is the tale of one man's wide-eyed and innocent discovery. It's told from the first person-present perspective. While at first this point of view was a little jarring and unfamiliar to me, it soon became more comfortable. I have no doubt that it was the right perspective from which to tell this particular tale. So much of what happens is made much more effective by the real-time first person point of view, and I think my initial discomfort from the perspective came simply from the fact that so few books utilize this perspective.
There's no question that every aspect of this story is creative and thought-provoking. But for as much as I enjoyed the first 75% of the book, nothing prepares you for the kickass ride that is triggered at the story's climax. Once you reach that point, hang on. Not only are ALL of your questions answered, but the book turns into a killer roller coaster ride that's just about impossible to put down until you reach that last page.
If you like zombie fiction, this book is for you. If you like quality science fiction, this book is for you. If you want to see the two paired in a single, fun thriller— Xom-B is the book for you!
This story worked brilliantly in a serialized format. And Seeley James does an excellent job of taking on a sensitive issue like human trafficking. Bring It is a fast paced thriller comprised of 6 episodes that are told from differing perspectives. This approach made the way that the story was told almost as interesting as the story that was being told.
This is a fast moving thriller that's built on top of a killer mystery. It's great summer reading!
Like science fiction? Are you a fan of old school action/adventure stories? If this is you, Haywire is a must-read book. This story is science for the sake of fiction, and that's what makes it shine. It's a fast paced novel that doesn't get bogged down in the technical aspects of space travel or try to sell you on the plausibility of technology that exists in this futuristic look at our world. The story doesn't spend time explaining the politics of the future or try to tell a less that subtle cautionary tale of what's to come. Haywire is, from page one, a quick moving story about interesting characters. Space is the setting for this book. There's no dull, heavy handed lesson in science or technology to slow the pace of the story. If you're looking for an in-depth explanation of space travel, or how wormholes helped humanity reach out into the stars, you won't find it here. That's not what this book is about. It's far more grounded in the lives of the characters, and that's what I loved about it.
When an alien race attempted to invade our solar system, the people of Earth created an army super soldiers who were powerful enough to drive them back to where they came from. What happened after that is entirely unknown. 100 years passed and no one on Earth knows what became of the aliens or Earth's super soldiers. At least, until one of those soldiers returns home. She is sick with an alien infection, and she is the only one with a chance of stoping the next great threat to Earth.
This is a brilliant and fun premiss for the novel. It's well executed, character centered, and high octane. It's the kind of book you're sort of sad to see end because you feel invested in the characters and the world. But there's good news. Rumor has it that Mr. Macumber is starting work on a prequel to Haywire. And after reading this book, I can see how that is absolutely a story worth telling. I look forward to the new book because Haywire feels like only the beginning of a much larger story. I can't wait to read about the events leading up to all that we read about in this book.
This is one of those books that you just sort of fall into and never want it to end. The characters are engaging and comfortable, so it doesn't take long before you feel like a part of their world. The chaos taking place under the city is fascinating, the conspiracy that's caused everything is engaging from beginning to end, and there's action and mystery aplenty.
My only regret is that book #2 is not yet available. Book one ends with a satisfying and fulfilling conclusion, but there's a hint of what's to come with the next installment and it's sure to leave you wanting to jump right into the next book.
An action packed conclusion to the Trench Coats episodes. This episode hits the ground running and maintains the same breakneck speed right till the end. And it's another edition that's told from Jacob's point of view, which really works! It's first person and edgy, told from the perspective of someone who is flawed and interesting.
Episode 6 makes for a great conclusion for this part of the series. I'm looking forward to the next novel.
This is a great launch for a new series. The story ultimately goes in a direction that I didn't anticipate, and I loved that. Brilliant stuff! It's hard to say more without spoilers. I will say this: I have some fear that King's regenerative powers will become cartoonish like everything immortal in Highlander 2. But so far, I'm happy to say that's not happening. Wall to wall action, and no Wiley coyote hijinks. :-)
Can't wait for the next installment!
This book borrows from existing vampire myth and lore, using the best of tradition before building on it in unique and interesting ways. But it's the unique choices of nuance, tone, and tradition, that turn this vampire story into something fun and fascinating. First of all, this book is very much a James Rollins thriller. The fact that there are vampires is just a bonus. Fans of vampire fiction will love this book. But fans of Rollins other books will find it every bit as action packed and meticulously plotted. That Rollins has teamed with Rebecca Cantrell for this new series was nothing short of brilliant decision because the end result is a smash hit. The two make a dynamic writing team and have produced a thrilling new first book in what I am now sure will be a powerful new series.
The first book in the series, Fragment was such an amazing novel that I couldn't wait to start this sequel. I was not disappointed. Pandemonium was an outrageous adventure from cover to cover. It used the events of Fragment as a foundation a built upon the events and characters of the book to create a story that was chilling and nearly impossible stop reading. I found myself reading late into the night on more than one occasion. If you loved Fragment, you must read Pandemonium. If you haven't read either, what are you waiting for? :-)
Influx, the latest novel from Daniel Suarez is certain to be another smash hit. Daniel's first book, Daemon was a bestseller and foretold technologies that are only currently seeing the light of day. Modern tech like Goole's still-in-production Google Glass, and lesser altruistic advents such as the recently dismantled Silk Road. Part two of Daemon was titled Freedom™, and was another massive success. This was followed by Kill Decision which proved to be only moments ahead of its time since it dealt with drone warfare and posed a question that is becoming crucial at this very point in time: should automated systems or artificial intelligence be allowed to make critical life and death decisions?
Book number four from Mr. Suarez, Influx, deals with a fictional government agency who's mandate is to police leaps in technology that are deemed disruptive. The BTC, or Bureau of Technology Control, is proactive in its efforts, striking at scientist and innovators before they can bring key innovations to market— innovations that are certain to change the world in some profound way. When such a technology comes to the attention of the BTC, the innovator behind the discovery is offered membership into the unique and secret organization. But only if he or she agrees to keep their discovery from the world and continues development while working for the BTC. But what happens when someone refuses?
Enter Jon Grady, a brilliant young scientist who has just invented a gravity mirror. He's concerned. Should such innovations be kept from the world? Is the world unprepared for breakthrough technology as the BTC claims? These are questions that Jon must face before making a decision about joining the BTC. And it's this decision that forms the plot for the rest of the book.
Daniel Suarez made a name for himself when he published Daemon because he wrote a tech-thriller than was unique in that it managed to get technology right. He described cutting edge current technology correctly because he, unlike many modern authors, actually understood it. Furthermore, the futuristic tech he described was also plausible and well conceived because he had a grasp on where today's technology is headed. But with Influx, Daniel takes on not only technology, but physics as well. And while I'm no physicist, from what I can tell, he's done an equally exemplary job of extrapolating the future of scientific research. For the geek audience, Influx will be another techno-thriller masterpiece.
But in addition to his firm grasp on technology and science, Mr. Suarez is also a skilled and talented author. Once again, he's managed to take what might have otherwise been a bunch of techno jargon and scientific gobbledygook and put it in terms that most readers will understand. If you're a tech geek, you'll love the topics that are covered and you'll be fascinated on some of the ideas that are touched upon. But if you're just a fan of the thriller genre, there's more than enough action, adventure, thrills, and chills to keep to riveted from cover to cover. I don't expect most readers to be slowed down by the science or the technology described in this book. Mr. Suarez has done and amazing job of writing a high-tech thriller that doesn't get tripped up by the technology. Influx is, first and foremost, a great thriller.
Episode 5 brings a lot of plot points together and accomplishes a great deal. So many questions are answered and there are hints at even greater revelations to follow. Also, where earlier episodes were told from either the first or third person point of view, book 5 brings those perspectives together and makes for a rich reading experience that is very natural given everything that has happened.
It's been too long since the last Nathaniel Cade book and this was a great tide-me-over while we wait for the next full length novel. The ending is a little abrupt. It's difficult to say how that might've been handled differently without giving anything away, but it's enough to say that this was a fast, fun read and worth the download if you enjoyed the earlier novels!
All great fiction starts by tempting the reader with a thrilling “what-if” situation. Fragment takes that situation in an inspired and amazing direction that kept me on the edge of my seat from cover to cover. Perhaps even more impressive than the thrilling action was the convincing science that was used to backup the wild experiences throughout the story. I found myself highlighting parts of the book for later reference. I found so many of the background and substantiating facts thoroughly fascinating.
This book was an amazing thriller and the perfect novel for fans of Michael Crichton style scientific adventures.
The people of Refuge face their nightmares in the most literal sense. The series is concluded as the towns people finally assert control over their environment and one of the characters faces his most dreaded inner demon. There's even a possibility that this might turn out to be season one of the serialized adventure. So keep your fingers crossed, there might be more from the town of Refuge coming in the future!
Book 4 brings in-your-face mayhem and more new twists. The mystery behind the town's trouble deepens and I can't help but wonder how this is ever going to come to any kind of a resolution with only one more installment left to go. Still, book 4 continues to build on existing characters while introducing a few interesting new ones. I read this entire book straight through! I couldn't put it down.
Things are only getting worse for the people of Refuge as book 3 brings entirely new terrors as well as more death and destruction. The mystery behind the town's affliction deepens and the action somehow manages to escalate further! With each release of the Refuge series, I find myself reading faster and faster. I love it!
Book 2 is everything you hope for after finishing book one. There's enough brilliantly conceived monsters and mayhem to keep the blood flowing. Then mystery a is added to the supernatural horror, bringing a twist that really makes the pages fly by. The chapters a short, and the pacing of the story continues to be nothing short of frenetic. Book 2 is 124 pages of chilling, edge of your seat fun.
Book 1 does more than build the world, it sets the hook and launches this five book series by setting an aggressive storytelling pace. For a book to be good, in my opinion, it has to be based on characters than you love and/or love to hate. Night of the Blood Sky makes good on the strong characters from chapter one. Plus, what impresses me about the overall tale is that each book is a self contained story of its own. While each contributes to the greater overall Refuge serial, each episode is a separate, digestible tale with its own beginning, middle, and end.
I fell in love with the series when I read books 1 and 2 back to back. I had impossibly high expectations when I started reading book 3. To the point where I was nervous... worried that the third installment couldn't possibly live up to my lofty expectations. Especially after waiting a year for the latest release.
All of my worries were for nothing. Book three was a smash hit that managed to surpass my expectations in every possible way. It was an action packed thrill-ride from beginning to end. But maybe even more impressively, the way book three ties into the events and characters from the earlier releases actually managed to pull at my heartstrings. While the book was an action thriller, it had more than a few touching moments that were brilliantly written.
Five stars. Bring on book #4! I can't wait!
