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/

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/

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.

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

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