Crimson Angel by Barbara Hambly

Benjamin and Rose January are back in a new adventure.  The evils of slavery and greed are the major themes in this book.

Rose's past intrudes on the life that Rose and Ben are trying to build.   Rose's brother brings the Crimson Angel into their life and that leads down a path of death and destruction.   The mystery of the evil Dr. Maurir is defined by his similarity as  an early rendition of the equally evil Nazi Mengele with a similar penchant for experimentation on live subjects. 

Hambly very graphically illustrates the often ignored atrocities that accompanied slavery.  She also points out the astounding number of deaths that also accompanied slavery.  If nothing else, this book hammers home the dreadful impact of slavery on both the slaves and the destruction of character in the slave owners.

This is a good story with a very impactful depiction of slavery. 

I recommend.  

Site: http://www.barbarahambly.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.

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/

Thawed Out & Fed Up by Ryan Brown

Sam Bonham is a no account grifter who discovers internal depths he didn’t realize he had in himself in a pseudo western style.

There were some bizarrely interesting aspects to this book.   Interesting really doesn’t cover it.   Sam Bonham finds himself immersed in a culture he thought died out years before.   Sam is a disagreeable character that you see grown into a likeable human being.  

The set for this play is a western town held hostage by a gang of throw back thugs.   The premise is mildly preposterous and yet still entertaining.   John Wayne and the rest of the characters merely provide scene dressing for the personal redemption of Sam Bonham.  

I recommend it.

Body of work of <a type="amzn"> Ryan Brown </a>

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

Pompeii: City on Fire by T. L. Higley

This is a journey of discovery for a patrician and a slave set in Pompeii just prior to it’s devastating eruption.

I just finished Soldier of Rome: The Legionary by James Mace.   You wouldn’t know that the same Rome is being described.   This book focused far more on the short comings of the Roman Empire than the strengths of their military.  

A classic take of good versus evil with a religious overview characterizes the plot.   The main characters of Cato and Ari are well developed.   Each characterization is suffused with overt angst.   The evil is obvious and the dirty politics are familiar.  In some ways it is always surprising how little the world has changed in human interaction.  

I recommend the book.  

Body of work of T. L. Higley

Web Site: http://nopassportrequired.tlhigley.com/

Elijah Lovejoy’s Fight for Freedom by Jennifer Phillips

Having once taught history, I was somewhat embarrassed to have never heard of Elijah Lovejoy. This children’s book gives a clear and concise history of Elijah Lovejoy and his fight for freedom of speech. Ms. Phillips does a good job in providing background and information in a manner acceptable to the younger reader.

I liked the way Ms. Phillips interspersed quotes and illustrations. It is important to provide extra stimulus to keep the interest of the younger reader, particularly in subjects like history. Ms. Phillips also provides interesting personal aspects on Elijah that helps the reader to stay involved with the drier historic facts. I found the message very clear that Elijah Lovejoy fought for the right to publicly express opinions and ideas. His courage allowed other editors to grow and further the entire freedom of the press tradition.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of Jennifer Phillips

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