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/

Jacob's Monkey- The Trouble with Lying by Kristi Sayles

Jacob tells his class he has a pet monkey. Jacob is fibbing and this story details the consequence of his lying and clearly demonstrates why it is wrong to lie.

I enjoyed the use of photos of real children for the illustrations in the story. I think it will enable the reader to better identify with Jacob and his dilemma.
Jacob discovers that one lie tends to lead to another and suddenly you are in a bit of a pickle. Jacob discovers that honesty is the best policy and reconciles with all those to whom he lied. It is a delightful story of right and wrong that clearly demonstrates the need for honesty.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of Kristi Sayles

Web site:

A Surprise for Grandmother Rabbit by Barbara J. Smith

Skipper is a bunny with a fondness for cherry pie. He must see a cherry pie get safely to his grandmother’s house. His experiences along the way comprise the story.

I read this story to my 5 and 3 year old grandchildren. They enjoyed the colorful illustrations. They were concerned about Skipper successfully getting the cherry pie to his grandmother. They were not convinced that he was going to get the job done. Smith successfully captured their attention and their concern regarding Skipper’s task. Skipper exhibited sharing and responsibility, always good lessons for this age child. The relationship Skipper has with his grandmother and his mother is well illustrated. This is a cute book and when I asked the 5 year old how she liked it she said, “I liked it, Skipper was cool.” I found the illustrations adorable; the three year old liked the bunny.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of Barbara J. Smith

Web site:

Coyote Rising by Allen Steele

Coyote Rising picks up where Coyote left off. A new planet being dictated to by a remote by time and distance government has the story potential for rebellion. Steele depicts the different types and personalities of the citizens of the planet and what leads them to making their very personal choice regarding their future. Steele does good characterizations of people you could know and like or despise. I don’t feel the book should be read as a stand alone. I would advise you to read Coyote prior to reading Coyote Rising. A good read, I look forward to the end of the trilogy and the ensuing two books that follow it. I recommend the book.

Body of work of Allen Steele

Review: http://www.scifi.com/sfw/issue401/books2.html

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