Traitors Gate by Kate Elliott

Captain Anji and his Qin take the fight for the Hundreds to the false Guardians and their minions.   Whether the dauntless Captain is truly a mommy's boy is discovered.  Treachery on all fronts leads to the title of the book.

The main characters find their lives primarily wrapped up in this book.   The author definitely leaves the fate of the Hundreds open to a sequel.   The battle of good and evil is marked with various shades of gray.   Is order and peace a quantified good or can order and peace be characterized as benevolent dictatorship? 

The open question of the other races in the Hundreds is left as a question.  The potential for a series on each sub-group would be a welcome series.  Whether Wildlings, Mers or Firelings there lies a wealth of material for future stories.  

The author wrapped up the trilogy but leaves the reader famished for more.   I hope the Hundreds will appear again as a topic tackled by Elliott.   She creates believable characters and postulates interesting social conventions.  They may be historically based or purely subjective but they are believable.   If you question the believability, consider for a moment how wildly speculative it would have been twenty years ago to have marijuana legalized in some states.   Sociological theories run amuck in this series.

If you chose to look no further than the action and the adventure you will still be satisfied and possibly sated but if you want to ponder the implications of women's rights, sequesterization, homosexuality, might making right, legal prostitution, this series will  provide fodder for in depth introspection.

I highly recommend the book. 

web site: http://www.kateelliott.com/

  

 This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

The Innocent By Harlan Coben

 I have read several of Coben’s Mryon Bolitar books.  This was a departure and a captivating one.   An ex-con finds his life disrupted by unexplained attacks.  

Matt Hunter life is dramatically changed by one nights unforeseen circumstances.   Years later as an ex-con he discovers that the only constant in life is continual change.   Coben does a good job in portraying a man practically overwhelmed by circumstances.  Matt’s faith in his spouse and his own honesty provides him with the necessary resilience to survive a increasingly horrific scenario. 

The plot is intricate and almost confusing.  This is a book that you need to carefully read to keep abreast of the plot.  (pun intended)   There are enough twists and surprises to keep even the most jaded mystery aficionado delirious with delight.   Another hit by Coben who can’t seem to write a stinker. 

Web Site:  http://www.harlancoben.com/static/novels/nsc.htm

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Gods and Fathers by James Lepore

This is another excellent mystery from James Lepore. See my post of Sons and Princes review. This mystery aligns a hot tempered prosecutor against terrorists and criminals in an attempt to save his alienated son, ex-wife and new girlfriend from death and destruction.

Matt DeMarco is a good protagonist. He isn’t perfect, he has trouble controlling his temper and he has problems with relationships. In other words, his characterization is eminently believable. Pristine, perfect protagonists are no fun as they are so hard to identify with.

The story has plenty of twists and turns and a wealth of evil villains. I liked the fact that the main characters worked through their personal demons. Jade successfully faced her fears while Debra didn’t do as well. Another example of how Lepore both maintains interest in the characters but also gives a reality check that all can not be saved.

Having an old testament approach to justice myself, I appreciate Lepore’s willingness to delve out street justice in full measure. I’m aware of the rule of law and the need for it but there is some visceral satisfaction in seeing evil get it’s just deserts.

Lepore also clearly demonstrates how difficult parenting is in any circumstance, let alone in one fraught with peril.

I highly recommend it.

Body of work of James Lepore

Web Site: http://jamesleporefiction.com/

Dreams Of the Dead by Perri O’Shaughnessy

Nina Reilly is the main protagonist in this excellent mystery. It is the first story I have read featuring her as the main protagonist. It certainly won't be the last it was an excellent mystery full of twists and turns and a modicum of violence.

The two sisters that write the series do an excellent job of portraying an attorney who although she believes in the law also answers to a moralistic streak in her nature. Although this story stood alone quite well, I think that events in previous stories would provide greater enjoyment of the story.

The authors fleshed out the characters with enough detail and color to enable emotional attachment or visceral disdain. The scenes were set well the plot was certainly complex enough to capture the interest of the most discerning mystery reader.

I highly recommend it.

Body of work of Perri O’Shaughnessy

Web Site:http://www.perrio.com/~perrio/news

Racing in the Rain, My Life as a Dog by Garth Stein

 This is a painfully poignant story narrated by a dog.   If you like soupy books and love dogs, prepare your reading time with a full box of tissues. 

This is the story of a family and their dog.   A dog that just knows that his next revolution on the wheel of creation he is going to have opposable thumbs and vocal cords uses his insight and narrative skills to tell the story.

The story is moving and characterizes the value of perseverance, patience and tenacity.   Love can not conquer all but love can sustain life.    Driving race cars provide Denny and Enzo metaphors for living their lives.   This story can teach compassion and a willingness to help others. 

This is purported to be a kid’s book and admittedly the reading level is hardly taxing.   However it is emotionally charged and could be a bit intense for the younger reader.  (Remember Ole Yeller?) 

Although this book could easily be read by the literate first grader I would not recommend it for the primary grades.   I think it would be fine for the upper elementary grades and on up.  I enjoyed it but then there have always been questions regarding my maturity level.

I recommend the book, it is inspiring, sad and satisfying.

Body of work of Garth Stein

Web Site: http://www.garthstein.com/arr/

The Ice Princess by Camilla Lackberg

A murder or a suicide of one or perhaps two in the tiny village of Fjallbacka, Sweden is the focus of the book.  Erica Falck arrives in her home town to settle her deceased parents affairs.   She is soon immersed in intrigue, death and mystery.

Ms. Lackberg crafts an intricate tale of deceit.   She provides a great deal of information about her characters by having them investigated by either her protagonist, Erica, or the secondary protagonist, Patrik, a local cop.   Her details provide plenty of clues but she does not allow resolution of the mysteries until the very end. 

Winston Churchill’s out of context quote is an apt description of this book; “It is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.”  Just when you think you have puzzled out the solution, Ms. Lackberg throws a curve instead of a strike.  

This is an excellent, thought provoking, disturbing mystery that I highly recommend. 

Body of  work of Camilla Lackberg

Web Site: http://www.camillalackberg.com/biography

Revenge served cold by Jackie Fullerton

This is a complex mystery with a touch of the occult.  It has lots of action entertaining characters.

Anne Marshall has a strange relationship with her father.  He is dead.  Ann's relationship with a ghost also includes crime fighting.

Anne is likeable and incredibly naive.  Frankly the ghost was easier to believe than the fact that the cops accepted her egregious behavior.
We should all have friends as accepting as Anne’s friends.   

The author provided a very diverse cast of characters who supported Anne’s often reckless behavior.  Love, jealousy, anger and revenge provide a cocktail of interest and entertainment in this book.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of Jackie Fullerton

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

The Hypnotist" by M.J. Rose

A mayhem fest sets the stage for an FBI art crime investigator.  A search for memory tools to prove and facilitate reincarnation, leads to death, destruction and redemption.

Lucien Glass lives with loss.   His life has been defined by his loss.   Ms. Rose paints Lucien’s pain and pathos with diligence.   You have to be made of stone not to feel for the guy.   His perseverance in his work is fuel by his frustration and loss.   

The story had subtle levels of deception that touched on current events while titillating with the bizarre and macabre.   Iranian terrorists, monomaniacal philanthropists, demented movie moguls combine for a delightful bouillabaisse to tickle the literary palate.   And lest I forget, a poignant love story to round out this excellent book.  

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of M.J. Rose

Web Site: http://www.mjrose.com/content/index.asp

The Inner Circle by Brad Meltzer

A fast moving Intrigue set in Washington D.C. fraught with  treachery,  politics and unbridled loyalty.

Being overly fond of books I was delighted to see the major protagonist is an archivist in the National Archives.   Beecher White is not a man of action, more of a spectator than a participator in life when a female blast from his past, Clementine, storms into his life and turns it topsy turvey. 

The National Archives hold more than data, it holds secrets and those secrets prove deadly.    The characterizations are excellent and the personality quirks are believable and frustrating.   Political secrets are so believable because of all of the corruption and deceit we see in day to day real life in our elected officials.   The author’s premise is eminently believable.  

Meltzer did an excellent job and this book is right up there with Vince Flynn and David Baldacci, two of my favorite authors.  

I highly recommend the book.

Damaged by Alex Kava

I’ve never read a Maggie O’Dell novel before. I intend to read more. The book features profiler Maggie O’Dell and Coast Guard Swimmer Liz Bailey. The two women successfully challenge stereotypes in their respective careers. The impact of a hurricane and the mystery of floating body parts provides the setting for this compelling thriller.

Alex Kava puts together a blood stirring story. It was difficult to put this down and for those of us who read multiple books simultaneously it was even worse. The characters were both likeable and believable. I particularly enjoyed Liz’s father and his reaction to retirement. I guess due to my own life state, I found that very interesting. The action was sufficient and the plot complicated enough to hold your unwavering attention.

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of Alex Kava

Web Site:

Lay Down My Sword And Shield by James Lee Burke

This book details the rebirth of Hackberry Holland. He returned from the Korean War, rebuilt his life and now he is recreating himself. The hard panned setting and historic family background contribute to his reassessment of his identity.
Describing the book doesn’t really do justice to the story or it’s fluidity. The author reminds me of Pat Conroy and his poetry like prose. The descriptions of the countryside and people are thorough and beautiful. Hack’s experiences as a POW in Korea are horrific. His sublimation of both experience and emotions would fit quite well with PTSD victims in today’s conflicts. His drinking appears to be fuel by displaced anger. Hack’s reactions to his environment and his refusal to be what his family expects him to be as opposed to what he wants to be is a thumbnail of the book’s plot.

We tend to forget how recent equal rights are. There are parts of the book that seem practically fantastic that are supported by facts and recollection of the times. I suspect younger readers may even find some of the incidents hard to believe. Burke’s book was extraordinarily done.

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of James Lee Burke

Web Site:

The Bavarian Gate by John Dalmas

Curtis Macurdy becomes involved in World War II, meets some new aliens, returns to Yuulith, comes back to Farside(Earth) and settles some issues. Between action events, Curtis gets married again.

Dalmas writes a good story. Curtis is likeable and accepts his extraordinary powers without any difficulty. I like the way he cares about individuals and agonizes over the need to be violent and yet steps up to the plate when necessary. In an afterword, Dalmas states he writes to entertain and he doesn’t feel it necessary to over-research a topic. I did read some criticism in regards to his lack of detail on military equipment. My thoughts are if he was writing a historical treatise on the precise nature of military equipment he would be more accurate. His lack of pretensions and pontificating are positively refreshing after the self serving arrogance shown by some authors.

I liked the book, I like the series and I recommend it.

Body of work of John Dalmas

Review: http://www.amazon.com/BAVARIAN-GATE-John-Dalmas/dp/067187764X

Web site: http://www.sfwa.org/members/dalmas/

Fallen by Lauren Kate

Fallen is a romance story with gothic overtones. Luce Price is held responsible for inexplicable behavior. She is sent to the Sword & Cross boarding school which seems to be a thinly disguised reform school. The story plot involves the mysterious events that then occur.

Ms. Kate does a good job portraying teenage angst. Several of the characters were recognizable from my days as a counselor. Sadly I am not overjoyed with romance stories. I suspect this book will be a huge hit with teenage girls. Luce is a sad character that you would like to reach out and help.

Body of work of Lauren Kate
Author Info

Deep Kiss of Winter by Kresley Cole and Gena Showalter

This book is really two separate short novels, “Untouchable” by Kresley Cole and “Tempt Me Eternally” by Gena Showalter. Cole’s story details the frustrations that a Valkyrie and a Vampire have when trying to consummate their love in the face of severe difference and social disapproval by each entities subgroup. Showalter’s story is about a shape shifter’s lust for an alien and his lust for her.

Kresley Cole’s story was one of the best written racy stories I have ever read. It is moving in quite a few ways. The characters are well done, colorful and detailed. The frustrations that the two protagonists deal with are painted realistically if you consider the genre. The plot was intricate and well developed.

Showalter’s story on the other hand had a very loose plot with the exception of the relationship between the alien Breean and Althea/Macy. That apparently was the intent, to just focus on the tumultuous love/hate relationship. The trappings of science fiction seemed almost like an afterthought. I suspect those who revel in this in depth, two person interplay will enjoy the story.

Both of these authors have had books on the New York Times best sellers list so keep that in mind when reflecting on my take.

If you are suffering from some lackluster aspects in your love life these stories may help to fire up the old engine.

Body of work of Kresley Cole
Body of work of Gena Showalter


Web sites:
Web Site

Purged by Darkness by Michael Estepa Author

Life in a gang is depicted in an almost text book manner. The rise and subsequent disillusionment of a “boss” is depicted. Kai’s struggles with his self identity and his life goals smash against tradition’s harsh walls.

The book was hard to like. Estepa paints a sad portrait of young men pulled into a life by tradition and greed. The love and loyalty they have for each other and the disillusion with the life style provide a counterpoint to the casual acceptance of lethal violence as a business tool. Kai’s introspection and his eventual personal redemption by his own hand show the stark reality of how youthful indiscretion can lead to adult despair.

I recommend the book, it isn’t an easy read but it may provide better insight to the motivation of the young men who fill the ranks of gangs worldwide regardless of their society.

Body of work of Michael Estepa

Review

Site:

South of Broad by Pat Conroy

A love story with a city sounds preposterous but Conroy pull it off with panache. If Pat Conroy does not love Charleston, he writes rather convincingly that he does. The man defies typical literary comparisons due to the sheer majesty of his prose. I found myself moved to tears on some of his descriptions. His story is of a group of eclectic friends who grow and thrive together in a tumultuous time. Their maturation is fraught with often torturous progress.

The characterizations in this book are marvelous in their depth and color. Their realism surpasses the reality of some folks I know. Conroy doesn’t just paint a portrait or caricature, he grows a character from a carefully nurtured seedling to a full blooming thorny rose. Many of his characters are not likeable but you receive enormous insight to their motivation. It seems hard to believe that it has been 14 years since Pat Conroy has graced us with his treasured words and one can only hope the next installment in literary nirvana doesn’t take so long. Calling this book a mystery would surely be a misnomer but there are mysteries aplenty. I try to only read books that I anticipate liking, I seldom find books I truly love. “South of Broad” is a book that I love, I urge you to read it and introduce a little of Pat Conroy’s love into your life.

Body of work of Pat Conroy

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

Review: http://chaoticcompendiums.blogspot.com/2009/07/book-review-south-of-broad-by-pat.html

Last Light Over Carolina by Mary Alice Monroe.

This book examines the life of a low country shrimper family. The stresses of a dangerous, low paying occupation are contrasted with the love of independence and traditions of a multi-generational family occupation. It is a story of love, tests and growth of a couple struggling to redefine their relationship.

I honestly thought I would find the book boring. Boy, was I wrong! I grew up in a dying steel town and there were some surprising parallels between my past and the life of a commercial fisherman in a dying seacoast town. The characters were clearly defined, warts and all. The competition to earn a dollar and the incredible cooperation when danger threatened was eye opening and captivating. The desire to see your family safe and taken care of was another area of similarity. My own father worked in a job he hated to insure his family’s thriving. Bud Morrison loved his occupation even when it failed to provide him with the wherewithal to support his family. The frustrated interplay between characters and their need to be responsible and often lonely and the want to be closer physically, mentally and emotionally was sometimes draining. You end up really feeling for these people and their life altering dilemmas.

Monroe paints her environment with digital clarity; you can see the Miss Carolina in the Morrison colors, the smell of the sea and the discordant aromas of dying sea life and fresh ocean breezes.

I think this story will resonate with practically anyone who has ever held a job that was both demanding and exhilarating. I saw people I knew in an industry I knew nothing about. The book moved me and surprised me for how much I enjoyed it. I highly recommend it.

Body of work of Mary Alice Monroe

Web site: http://www.maryalicemonroe.com/

Lack of Love Hurts

Maybe I have been reviewing too many books that have relationships instead of swords, sorcery, lasers and space shuttles. I was talking to a friend recently who was bemoaning her social life. She is an attractive, intelligent, divorced mother of three. She is a registered nurse; she does volunteer work and wants to find somebody to love. She has concluded that our community is overrun with swine of many stripes. Her biggest outrage are the married swine who assume she is ripe for the picking. Trust me, she may be ripe but the picking will be done by her. From my perspective, some of the reasons she is still alone is she is not compliant, easy, stupid or needy. There are a lot of guys out there who are afraid of strong, self confident women. They want to be doted on rather than have a mutually satisfactory relationship.

Looking outside of our community has been tiresome. Taking a run to New York or Philadelphia is both time consuming and expensive it you are planning on looking for a mate. Plus, she has found the bar scene is hardly conducive to meeting someone looking for a commitment. She has talked about trying one of the online dating services but doesn’t know which one. The number of services and their claims are overwhelming.

There is hope for her and others. There is a site called Prime Dating Sites that has evaluated and reviewed a wealth of choice for the lovelorn. I checked out Friend Finder, Chemistry.com and eHarmony. There was a good review of each site and links to ten different matchmaking sites. Frankly I was surprised I hadn’t heard of a couple of them. I use Yahoo all the time and didn’t have any idea they had a matchmaking site called Yahoo Personals. I guess being happily married I haven’t paid a lot of attention to these kinds of sites. The TV ads that promote many of the sites are slick and well done but don’t tell you much. Prime Dating Sites, at least gives you some points to ponder and may help you narrow your search to a service that makes sense for you.

Being lonely truly hurts; frankly I can’t imagine life without my mate. There are a huge number of lonely people out there trying to find someone. Maybe these sites might help. If you have had experience with them, please comment on this blog. You too, might help someone find the person they can love.

Mother’s Day Flowers

Recently we moved my 94 year old mother to my brother’s home. She fell a couple of times last fall and no longer felt secure living on her own. Moving her stuff evoked a lot of past memories. The rocking chair in which I would squeeze in beside her while she peeled apples we shared seemed so small. Even at her current diminutive size, there is no way she or anyone else would be able to squeeze into that chair with me. The table, hand made by my Dad, that was in the corner by the window even after it moved from her home of 40 plus years to her apartment of 10 years ended up in my bedroom. The “blood” lamp sits on the table just as it did in her home. The “blood” lamp so named because a grateful store owner gave it to my Mother after she donated her rare blood to save his daughters life sometime in the 1940s. Mother was not upset about losing her “stuff” because it was going to good homes. Sons, daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren received the benefit of her largesse. That is hardly surprising, she is our Mom, Grandmother and Great Grandmother and that is what they do. They give, that is how they were raised to give to their families.

Mother’s day is one of the official times we should make sure we give back to our Mothers. Forget about what they say when they tell you don’t go to any trouble or it’s nothing special. It is and it should be. Check out the Mother's Day Flowers at http://www.1800flowers.com/ . They have beautiful arrangements for Mother’s Day that are sure to put a smile on any Mother’s face. Try and be there when she gets those Mother's Day Flowers, it will put a smile on your face too. Happy Mother’s Day!

The Chalice by Deborah Chester

This is the conclusion to the trilogy of “The Sword, The Ring and the Chalice”. Things get wrapped up nicely but the last 50 pages seemed kind of rushed. I think the book could have been another 50 pages and fleshed out the action of the last 50 pages. Overall the protagonist matured, discovered what was really important to him and found his true love. This was while fighting the forces of evil, dealing with severe bodily injury and rallying reluctant allies. I will be reading more of Chester as I found the trilogy excellent.

Body of work of Deborah Chester

Review: http://www.fantasyfreaks.org/reviews/alleandra/src.html

Web Site: http://www.deborahchester.com/about.html