Required Reading

Life is complicated enough without getting into hotwater with federal agencies so: TAKE NOTE Many things I review I got at no charge in exchange for an honest review. Consider this as informing you that ALL things I review may have been gotten at no charge. Realistically about 60% but in order to keep things above board just assume that I got the stuff free. I do not collect information on my readers. If cookies or other tracking stuff is used on my blogs it is due to BLOGGER not ME. Apparently the European Union's new rules state I need to inform you if cookies are being use. If they are it isn't byu me, consider yourself INFORMED.
Words like, “sponsored,” “promotion,” “paid ad” or even just “ad” are clear ways to disclose that you’re being paid to share information and links so BE AWARE that some of what I write can be described as an AD by the government. BTW I will NEVER say a product is great, super or even acceptable if it isn't, whether I got it free or NOT!

Books I have authored.

Many times I receive books for FREE to give them an honest review. I do not get paid to give a good or bad review. Spotlights are promotional and should be regarded as advertising for the book spotlighted. Regardless of where or how I got a book, my review will be as honest as I can make it.

Monday, February 27, 2012

GiveAway of The Searing Wind by W. Michael and Kathleen O'Neal Gear

To Celebrate the Release of
A Searing Wind

The Third Book in The Battle For America Series
I am having a GIVEAWAY
of the
ENTIRE 3 Bo
ok Series
Running from Today until March 4th.
Winner announced March 5th.

Any comment on any of my blogs will add an additional entry to the contest.





Thursday, February 23, 2012

A Searing Wind by W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear


Now available, Book Three of the Contact: The Battle for America series...

A SEARING WIND

BY W. MICHAEL GEAR AND KATHLEEN O’NEAL GEAR

Fire the Sky, Book Two:

“As always, the adept Gears embed a large amount of fascinating historical, anthropological, and cultural information into the narrative, illuminating another forgotten chapter in Native Americana as they leave readers eagerly anticipating the next episode in the compelling saga.”

—Booklist

“Powerful…Historical accuracy and political parallels with present-day events lend additional drama to scenes of domesticity, politics, and battle.”

—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Coming of the Storm, Book One:

“An irresistibly intriguing story that brings the past vividly to life…Nobody does Native Americana better than the Gears.”

—Booklist

“The riveting plot leaves the reader intensely engaged and thirsting for the next book.”

—Library Journal

New York Times bestselling authors W. Michael and Kathleen O’Neal Gear richly portray a clash of cultures and a native peoples’ struggle to protect their world in the eagerly awaited third installment of the Contact: Battle for America series, A SEARING WIND (Gallery Books; March 6, 2012; $26.00). Set against the tragic war sparked by Hernando de Soto’s brutal invasion of the American South, A SEARING WIND heightens the historical action in this series hailed as “magnificent” (Douglas Preston) and “exciting, skillfully crafted, and fast-paced” (Publishers Weekly).

Black Shell is an exile, banished by his people for his cowardice in battle. To his fearsome patron spirit, Horned Serpent, however, he is imbued with the courage and keenness to stop the Kristiano onslaught. He and his beautiful wife, Pearl Hand, have fought them from the Florida Peninsula through the very heart of native America. A trader by profession, Black Shell now dedicates his soul to destroying the invaders, with their impenetrable armor, their swift cabayos, and their flashing, razorsharp swords.

Black Shell and Pearl Hand have seen the shackled, naked, starving slaves, heard the broken promises—and learned de Soto’s plans. While the battle of Mabila cost many Kristianos life and limb, the marauder does not retreat. Now he heads for Chicaza and the people from which Black Shell was once exiled.

Wounded and pursued by memories and visions, Black Shell is obsessed with setting the perfect trap. To do so, he must use the Chicaza and their stockpiles of food and supplies. And he must gamble everything on his people’s pride, traditions, and failings. As winter sets in, new dangers abound—that of a family’s shame, a woman’s anger, and a betrayal that may force Black Shell to forfeit his last chance to save their world from utter destruction. But, worst of all, he and Pearl Hand must walk boldly into de Soto’s camp and engage the cunning monster in a desperate game of wits that will decide the fate of a continent. Powerful and pulsing with authenticity, A SEARING WIND is an unforgettable tale of humanity and cruelty, passion and ignorance—and of historical events burned into America’s history and soul.

ABOUT KATE EMERSON:

W. MICHAEL GEAR and KATHLEEN O’NEAL GEAR are the New York Times bestselling authors of Coming of the Storm and Fire the Sky, the previous books in the Contact series, and more than thirty international bestsellers that have been translated into twenty-eight languages. Their novel People of the Raven won the Golden Spur Award. In addition to writing both fiction and nonfiction together and separately, the Gears operate an anthropological research company, Wind River Archeological Consultants, and raise buffalo on their ranch in Wyoming. W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear welcome visitors to their website at www.gear-gear.com.

Book I Book II Book III

A SEARING WIND by W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O’Neal Gear

Gallery Books; March 6, 2012; ISBN: 9781439153901; $26.00

Gallery Books is an imprint dedicated to publishing a wide variety of must-read books on a wide array of topics. The imprint was designed to showcase established voices and to introduce emerging new ones—in both fiction and nonfiction, and across a variety of genres. Some of Gallery Books’ bestselling titles include Gunn’s Golden Rules by Tim Gunn, High on Arrival by Mackenzie Phillips, Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me Chelsea by Chelsea Handler, Uncharted TerriTORI by Tori Spelling, Assholes Finish First by Tucker Max and Left Neglected by Lisa Genova. Upcoming titles include Lothaire by Kresley Cole, I Am Better Than Your Kids by Maddox, and Fairy Tale Interrupted by Rosemarie Terenzio.

Simon & Schuster, a part of CBS Corporation, is a global leader in the field of general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for consumers of all ages, across all printed, electronic, and audio formats. Its divisions include Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, Simon & Schuster Digital, and international companies in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit our website at http://www.simonandschuster.com.

Watch for a GIVEAWAY of the Three (3) Book Series HERE!

Monday, February 20, 2012

No Remorse by Ian Walkley



This is a no holds barred international intrigue thriller. A Delta Force operator, Lee McCloud, finds himself facing not only drug dealing, child slavery but nuclear terrorism as well. He finds himself trying to decide who he can trust and if his own government is out to get him.

Lee McCloud (Mac) is a very uncomplicated protagonist. He has a steroid sense of right and wrong. He is astoundingly loyal and aggressively defends those who guard his back. In addition he is able to ruthlessly dispatch those who threaten his tasks and his friends. Frankly, I like that and it made the book more entertaining.

I’m not sure entertaining is the correct word to use as the book has so many horrific subplots. Mac has to deal with despicable types abducting children for sexual slavery and organ reaping while trying to avoid being stabbed in the back by the people who are supposed to be helping him. It isn’t exactly a relaxing book but it sure is exciting. Red Bull and Jolt should be so lucky to provide the rush you get reading this thriller.

Action, treachery, redemption and revenge abound in measures almost unbearable. I really enjoyed this thriller and the stalwart companions of Mac.

I highly recommend.

Body of work of Ian Walkley

Web Site: http://www.ianwalkley.com/

Thursday, February 16, 2012

The Seventh Angel by Jeff Edwards



Wow, I know I am repeating myself but Jeff Edwards is going to be a major force to reckon with in the genre of military fiction. I have always been fond of the down to the sea in ships war stories. This time, Mr. Edwards crafts a plausible story of a runaway Russian province that has control of some nuclear weapons and threatens the world.

The tension of this book was practically palatable. The story moves quickly but still manages to craft detailed characters not all of whom you will like. The Tower, a stealth destroyer, is back and still commanded by Captain Bowie. Ann Roark a cybernetic genius is the cynical counter point to Bowie’s unbridled patriotic responsibility.

A sad note, which rang true, is Bowie’s nightmare over the lives lost under his command in the first book, Sea of Shadows. I am fortunate to have never been in that position as the author so clearly portrays the angst and pain of those who are responsible for the lives of others. I felt that pain painted the reality of command responsibility powerfully poignant.

I also like the way Edwards tells many short stories and ties them all back to the body of the plot. He gives each facet a turn in the spotlight and integrates all of those scenarios in a heart pounding, anxiety producing, hate to put down thriller.

I mentioned in my last review of Sea of Shadows that I really enjoyed Edward’s science fiction novel Dome City Blues and I am delighted to see he brought that expertise to the military fiction arena as well.

I highly recommend this book!

Body of work of Jeff Edwards

Web Site: http://navythriller.com/



Sunday, February 12, 2012

Shame on Book Boycotter Barnes and Noble.

The sad truth is that the actions of Barnes and Noble and others boycotting a specific publisher, regardless of whom, is analogous to the isolationist philosophy of government. We are in a world wide economy and publishing is discovering the down side of open competition. I write two book blogs reviewing books. Many of those books are written by authors who were never able to get picked up by the “legitimate” publishing community. I have found books written by independent authors, often self published, that compare favorably with anything I have read coming from those self styled legitimate publishers. The publishing world has been mired in tradition and arrogance, denying many worthwhile voices the opportunity to be heard. ALL publishers regardless of their self styled legitimacy need to recognize the world is changing. Embrace the change, become dynamic and compete successfully. Simply trying to bar the door is short sighted and bound to fail.

BTW, Amazon does have their own arrogance but sadly any corporate entity of any size often exhibits distain for their customers. The survivors will recognize the need to keep their customers happy.

A caveat, I also write books for children. My books attempt to explain the myriad of emotional situations that children can face. “Mommy’s Black Eye” is self published by Amazon’s Create Space. Sadly it sells well and hopefully it is helping people. That book would not exist without Amazon so I am predisposed to their brand of competition.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins



This is a mystery that is complicated by the number of victims, perpetrators and participants.

Amaryllis, Mississippi is a small town that will be recognized by anyone who has lived in a small town. Ms. Collins does an admirable job in portraying small town life, where everyone knows your name and has their nose in your business.

The use of a trio of characters to narrate the story provides an interesting perspective to a murder mystery. This book is about ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances. These are people that most likely would be described as the working poor. They struggle to make ends meet and that struggle is compounded by a serial killer.

Ms. Collins provides excellent background on the three protagonists. She makes them “real” people, who you may know or speak to regularly. Ms. Collins is an American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year Award winner but I did not feel that there was any proselytizing in the book. She merely presented characters that had a belief system.

The murders and mystery were presented in a folksy manner and were complicated and convoluted. I like that, I am disappointed when I can figure out the ending. I enjoy an author that can keep you guessing.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of Body of work of Brandilyn Collins

Web Site: http://brandilyncollins.com/next.html


Saturday, February 4, 2012

Injustice for all by Robin Caroll




Sometimes book titles make no sense when you read the book. In this case the title of the book captures its very essence. The book is both a murder mystery and a tale of redemption.

Ms. Caroll does a great job intertwining and weaving character's stories into a complex tapestry of deception and murder. She provides a depth of character and overview of their lives that gives you sufficient insight as to their motivations. Some aspects of the book could be considered evangelical. There are definitive overtones of Christianity but they do not detract from the enjoyment of the book.

I don’t feel the author is proselytizing merely presenting a story using her particular point of view and creating a compelling read and a good mystery.

I recommend it.

Body of work of Robin Caroll

Web Site: http://robinmillerbooks.com/Newreleases.html

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Sea of shadows by Jeff Edwards



Jeff Edwards is going to be a force to reckon with in the genre of military fiction. I have always been fond of the down to the sea in ships war stories. Mr. Edwards crafts a plausible story considering the conditions of the Middle East and the world’s economic conditions.

In the US we are all aware of our dependence on foreign oil for energy needs. Mister Edwards uses energy dependency as the fuel for the plot of the story. There are clear underlying political considerations that make this plot so plausible and frightening. Although the underpinnings of the story have the ring of truth they in no way detract from the intense actions and heroic feats.

The book shows the complexity of a world economy and how economic conditions impact the closest of allies. This is an excellent action adventure story. It is not a political or economic treatise but it is clear that Edwards did a serious amount of homework to write this book.

I particularly enjoyed the character development and the depictions of real to life people. Edwards showed both heroic and normal behavior in a compelling style. The stresses of command decisions and the facing of loss were palatably portrayed as was the ponderous and pandemic motions of bureaucracy. One has to wonder how many military disasters were created by the lavish display of the “peter principle” and the dependency on rank as opposed to talent.

I really enjoyed Edward’s science fiction novel Dome City Blues and I am delighted to see he brought that expertise to the military fiction arena as well.

I highly recommend this book!

Body of work of Jeff Edwards

Web Site: http://navythriller.com/