I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A man searching for the love of his life stumbles upon a dark conspiracy that forces him to go undercover to stop a nefarious plot in author Ki Hyun Park’s “This Isn’t Just a Souvenir”.
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The Synopsis
Sam ventures into Southeast Asia to find the love of his life when she vanishes after a tsunami. During his search, he uncovers a dark conspiracy by a group of extremists to assassinate the Dalai Lama. The only way to stop them is to join them.
The Review
This was a powerful and captivating literary fiction meets international thriller read. The author did an incredible job of weaving a story that was both entertaining and emotionally driven. The imagery was felt instantly, as this short read brought to life the international intrigue and suspense that this narrative was capturing.
Yet to me, the true heart of the novel was the character development and the themes the author wove into the narrative. The protagonist struggles back and forth between his love for this missing woman he hoped to spend his life with and the adrenaline-fueled adventure he finds himself in as he becomes a pawn in the U.S. government’s fight against deadly threats to world leaders and influential figures felt both intimate and worldly at the same time. The themes of love lost, love, letting go of the past, and speaking our truths were felt so strongly in this novel and made the action and adventure of the narrative feel more elevated as a whole.
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The Verdict
Thoughtful, fast-paced, and engaging, author Ki Hyun Park’s “This Isn’t Just a Souvenir” is a must-read international thriller meets literary fiction novel. The heart and emotions the author pours into this narrative reflect the protagonist’s emotional rollercoaster of an adventure. The twists and turns in the story will have readers hanging off of the author’s every word. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A group of boys must band together through the discovery of newfound abilities when a great threat faces the world in author K.N. Smith’s Urban Fantasy meets mystery thriller novel “Discovery of the Five Senses”, the first book in The Urban Boys Series.
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The Synopsis
Welcome or unwelcome. Fate has arrived.
“A captivating and poetic tale of mystery, fantasy, and reality tied together by action!” 5-stars, Lars Jackson, Amazon Customer
A suspenseful incident in a forbidden preserve heightens the senses of five friends. Sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell become super-gifts that forever change the world. But furious battles confront the boys as they try to understand their sensory super powers in a race to save mankind. With light beings and mysterious strangers complicating their plight, can the boys defeat the evil Druth before it’s too late? Get prepared for the twisting and grinding of this award-winning, action-adventure story — an edge-of-your-seat narrative for young and mature readers alike.
Book Details
Title: Discovery of the Five Senses
Book One – The Urban Boys Series
Genre: Young Adult Action-Adventure, Young Adult
Thriller, Urban Fantasy, Mystery/ Thriller
Rated: PG
Page Count: 340
Word Count: 53,490
ISBN-10: 0989474755
ISBN-13: 978-0989474757
ASIN: B015ZS01MI
Release Date of 2nd Edition: 9/15/21
Publisher: Two Petals Publishing (self-published)
The Review
This was an absolutely superb read. The author did an incredible job of world-building in this novel. Both Danville Heights and Sandry Lake came to life on the pages of this novel thanks to some incredible use of imagery and atmospheric tension in the narrative’s plot. Both towns became the perfect mirror reflection of one another, with Danville Heights embodying the symbol of strength, unity, and hope that was severely lacking in Sandry Lake after Druth’s attacks.
Yet it was the powerful character development that really stole the show here. The way the author was able to dedicate enough time to not only the five protagonists of the book, but to their allies and their enemies or antagonists in this novel was incredible to read, and allowed the reader to feel truly connected to the people of these towns as a result. The mystery surrounding Druth in particular was great to read, as it gave more depth and emotional basis for this villain’s downfall into absolute evil.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, action-packed, and entertaining, author K.N. Smith’s “Discovery of the Five Senses” is a must-read urban fantasy meets superhero action thriller for both middle age and YA fans alike. The novel felt very much like a spiritual successor to properties like Marvel’s Runaways and Stranger Things. The care and love readers will have for these characters, as well as the suspense over the connection some of these characters will have to their newfound “villain” makes this such a delightful new fantasy series I didn’t want to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
K.N. Smith, winner of the “Best of” in the category of “Outstanding Young Adult Novel” at the Jessie Redmon Fauset Book Awards, is an author and passionate advocate of literacy and arts programs throughout the world. Her lyrical flair sweeps across pages that twist and grind through action-adventure and urban fantasy in edge-of-your-seat narratives. K.N. has over twenty-five years’ experience in communications and creative design as an award-winning consultant. Reading is still her foremost hobby. K.N. inspires people of all ages to reach their highest potential in their creative, educational, and life pursuits.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A ruthless baron seeking vengeance for his nephew’s execution goes after an innocent woman, and the law bringers who brought his nephew to justice must fight to protect her in author Linda Thackeray’s “The Execution”, the second book in The Mimosa Tales series!
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The Synopsis
An innocent woman fearing for her life
A marshal trying to prevent her murder.
No one is safe when cattle baron William Cahill, enraged at the execution of his nephew Carlton, vows to take revenge on those responsible, especially Judge Evan Davis who delivered Carlton’s sentence. Judge Davis is going to suffer, and so is his widowed daughter-in-law, Holly.
Already foiled by Marshal Kris Jensen once before, this time Cahill finds sets into motion a wicked plan for vengeance..
Cahill wants his pound of flesh, and he wants anyone who stands in his way dead.
Can Kris and his men save Holly from her fate?
The Review
This was a brilliant follow-up to the author’s first book in the series. The author’s ability to capture the raw tension and gritty nature of the old west is without equal as this book shows. The author does a great job of following up on the world she crafted in her first book, taking readers into the town of Mimosa as it now begins to adjust to having some law and order thanks to Kris and his band of heroes. The harrowing journey the narrative takes the cast of characters on is so much more personal this time around, bringing new threats both on the outside and from within into the group.
The character growth highlighted this personal danger in the novel. The threat to Holly helped elevate the personal growth of Kris and Holly as characters, showing their chemistry and strength both on their own and together. The personal journey of Flynn was also deeply emotional, as he found love in his life and discovered a threat that threatened to undo him. The tension that built as a result of this threat amongst the group really did a great job of adding tension to the overall narrative.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, shocking, and heart-pounding, author Linda Thackeray’s “The Execution” is a brilliant action western and the perfect addition to The Mimosa Tales series. The brilliant storytelling and fast pace of action kept readers on the edge of their seats, and the personalization of the threat and the motivations of the villains of this tale made readers more emotionally connected to this novel and the characters. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Born in a village in Malaysia and delivered by underpaid midwife, and Ann, an irritable new mother (who wouldn’t be after 48 hours in labour?), X was named by a deranged grandmother with too much creativity for her own good. Once out of her pain-induced stupor, Ann decided to give her new daughter a proper middle name to avoid the risk of being put into a home later in life.
And so, she was called Linda.
Linda was an unremarkable child, save a few notable incidents, the discovery that a pot lid is not a substitute for Wonder Woman’s tiara (five stitches), four-year old don’t need to shave (no stitches but lots of toilet paper) and utility truck drivers are not necessarily qualified operators of their vehicles (seventy stitches).
At eight, Linda received religious enlightenment when she saw Star Wars at the Odeon Theatre and hence began her writing career.
For many years, the cages of various pets in the Thackeray household were littered with pages from Linda’s scribblings. Subjects usually ranged from whatever science fiction show was on television or at the movies. There was lots of Star Wars.
At 17, Linda moved to Sydney, Australia and was disappointed it was not occupied by Paul Hogan types with big knives and croc skin jackets but pot-bellied blokes with zinc cream and terry towel hats. Linda’s father (also known as that bloke who buys me stuff to piss mum off when she’s mad at him) settled in the town of Young, a community of 6000 people with no movie theatre.
Linda survived this period in the wilderness by raising kangaroos and writing original works but eventually got saddled down with the necessities of life and though she continued to write, work came first. Work, HBO, comic books and rent. It’s a kaleidoscope.
Even the kangaroos left out of boredom.
In 2014, Linda decided to start writing seriously again. Mostly because Australia’s strict gun laws make it very difficult to ‘go postal’ in the workplace. Moving to Woy Woy, which is Aboriginal for ‘Big Water’, she’s dipped her toes into the Indie pool and found she needs a pedicure. Her books are labours of love and championed by her friends on Facebook.
Eventually Creativia Publishers, appalled by Linda’s inability to conduct any marketing, offered to publish her books out of sheer exasperation.
Supported by two cats named Newt and Humphrey, she spends her days trying to write novels while having unclean thoughts about Michael Fassbender and Jason Statham, sometimes together.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A Marshall looking for a night of rest and relaxation finds himself forced to save a town from a band of roving renegades by rallying a ragtag group of fighters in author Linda Thackeray’s “The Siege”, the first book in the Mimosa Tales series.
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The Synopsis
The desert winds brought the marshal to town.
He rode out of the wilderness, his duster flapping like black wings, his hat concealing his face except for the scraggly growth across his chin. A pearl-handled Colt rested in the holster at his hip, and he seemed more shadow than man in his black clothes. Like all great things signaling a shift in the world, he arrived unnoticed by anyone, barely visible through the dust storm.
Kris Jensen only wanted a drink and a night with an accomodating saloon girl, but fate has much more in store for him when a renegade army set its sights on the town of Mimosa. Their purpose? To drive out the settlers and townsfolk from land coveted by a secret enemy.
With the help of wanted fugitive Flynn Brenner, old friend Jack Fenwick and a suicidal conman, Adrian Sharpe, Kris must rally the people of Mimosa to fight for their very existence before it’s too late.
Can Kris and his friends save Mimosa from the forces rallying against it? Find out in the first installment of this thrilling new series, The Mimosa Tales!
The Review
I loved the author’s atmosphere and setting to life in this story. The gritty world of Mimosa was so visceral and the use of imagery in the author’s writing really made this town feel alive on the page. The story itself was action-packed and did an incredible job of making the characters and the setting feels alive and realistic, allowing readers to connect to the story more closely.
The rich tapestry of characters that made up this novel was just outstanding to behold on the page. In such a quick and fast-paced read, the author did an amazing job of crafting some brutal and at times emotional backstories for these characters, while also showing the common ground and camaraderie that builds between them when faced with a common threat. Mix in some history and atmosphere that highlights the era of the story, and these characters simply jump off the page.
The Verdict
Captivating, exhilarating, and entertaining, author Linda Thackeray’s “The Siege” is a must-read Action-Western and somewhat romantic novel of 2022. A brilliant way to start off the Mimosa Tales saga, the characters were so complex yet relatable, and the setting made the story feel like an emotional ride through history that the reader just couldn’t put down. Be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Born in a village in Malaysia and delivered by underpaid midwife, and Ann, an irritable new mother (who wouldn’t be after 48 hours in labour?), X was named by a deranged grandmother with too much creativity for her own good. Once out of her pain-induced stupor, Ann decided to give her new daughter a proper middle name to avoid the risk of being put into a home later in life.
And so, she was called Linda.
Linda was an unremarkable child, save a few notable incidents, the discovery that a pot lid is not a substitute for Wonder Woman’s tiara (five stitches), four-year old don’t need to shave (no stitches but lots of toilet paper) and utility truck drivers are not necessarily qualified operators of their vehicles (seventy stitches).
At eight, Linda received religious enlightenment when she saw Star Wars at the Odeon Theatre and hence began her writing career.
For many years, the cages of various pets in the Thackeray household were littered with pages from Linda’s scribblings. Subjects usually ranged from whatever science fiction show was on television or at the movies. There was lots of Star Wars.
At 17, Linda moved to Sydney, Australia and was disappointed it was not occupied by Paul Hogan types with big knives and croc skin jackets but pot-bellied blokes with zinc cream and terry towel hats. Linda’s father (also known as that bloke who buys me stuff to piss mum off when she’s mad at him) settled in the town of Young, a community of 6000 people with no movie theatre.
Linda survived this period in the wilderness by raising kangaroos and writing original works but eventually got saddled down with the necessities of life and though she continued to write, work came first. Work, HBO, comic books and rent. It’s a kaleidoscope.
Even the kangaroos left out of boredom.
In 2014, Linda decided to start writing seriously again. Mostly because Australia’s strict gun laws make it very difficult to ‘go postal’ in the workplace. Moving to Woy Woy, which is Aboriginal for ‘Big Water’, she’s dipped her toes into the Indie pool and found she needs a pedicure. Her books are labours of love and championed by her friends on Facebook.
Eventually Creativia Publishers, appalled by Linda’s inability to conduct any marketing, offered to publish her books out of sheer exasperation.
Supported by two cats named Newt and Humphrey, she spends her days trying to write novels while having unclean thoughts about Michael Fassbender and Jason Statham, sometimes together.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young teen dreaming of becoming a rock star finds his world turned upside down when he must save a young boy with extraordinary powers and abilities from ruthless government agents in author David R. White’s “Thunderhead”.
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The Synopsis
Deadly powers, fearsome federal agents, and a shameful family legacy, Tom Hadley must battle them all if he’s to save his new friend from a fate worse than death.
Sixteen-year-old Tom Hadley’s dreams of rock stardom are put on hold when he meets Obie, a strange little boy with a terrible haircut and extraordinary powers.
Obie is a Super, and all Supers must register with a secretive government agency known as the Conservatory. Those that refuse face consequences ranging from the ghastly to the downright gruesome. Terrified that his lack of control will see him thrown inside Iron Mountain – a notorious prison with a dark and terrible history – Obie is desperate to keep his powers under wraps, a secret he entrusts to no one but Tom.
When Obie’s true nature is exposed, Tom must fight to save him from the clutches of a fearsome federal agent and his cold-blooded team of professional Super hunters. Even more formidable is the agent’s daughter; classmate, valedictorian, and aspiring megalomaniac, Nicole Milch will stop at nothing to prove herself worthy of her father’s reputation.
To save Obie, Tom will be forced to navigate a world of spectacular powers, all the while being drawn into a dangerous conspiracy involving a dead Super, powerful heroes, and a mystery that will bring him face to face with Iron Mountain’s most infamous inmate – his estranged father.
The Review
This was such a fun and thrilling YA action and sci-fi read. The way the author managed to infuse a tone of humor, wit, and adrenaline-fueled action into the atmosphere of the narrative was instantly captivating, as it separated itself from other superhero-style narratives by not going down the purely gritty and mature path some characters have gone, while still not going too campy or rigid in its delivery. Instead, readers are treated to a fantastic balance of coming of age drama meets quick-witted heroes and protagonists and complex dynamics between heroes and villains alike.
The amount of world-building and mythos that the author layered into the story was felt immediately, and what was so great to see was how natural and familiar the rules and history of this fictional world felt, introducing things like the Iron Mountain prison or the government mandates on those with powers, something only touched upon in other superhero series. The characters were refreshing and multi-dimensional, highlighting especially protagonist Tom’s evolution from a wannabe rockstar to a fully-fledged hero throwing his life on the line to protect this young boy from seemingly the world at large. The exploration of his father’s history and his connection to the government-run superheroes of the world was fascinating to explore to be sure.
The Verdict
Witty, adrenaline-pumping, and entertaining in its delivery, author David R. White’s “Thunderhead” is a must-read sci-fi and action/adventure story. Amazing character developments that see quite an evolution for the protagonist and an ever-evolving mythos and world full of hidden agendas and powerful organizations, the shocking yet anticipatory cliffhanger finale will keep readers hooked on the author’s every word. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
DAVID R. WHITE was born and raised in the small town of Maffra, Australia. He spent most of his childhood reading Asterix comics and fantasy novels. He has been a bartender, an optical mechanic, a salesman, a store manager, an English teacher, and survived a near twenty-year stint in customer service with most of his wits intact. His love affair with books began with Roald Dahl’s The Twits, but it was upon discovering the likes of David Eddings, Frank Herbert, Tolkien, and Douglas Adams that he was inspired to write something of his own. He currently lives in Spain.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Adventurer and history-searching hero Nicholas Foxe returns, this time racing against the clock to stop a guild of fire starters who trace their origins back to the days of Ancient Rome as a plot to target places in the United States in author Jackson Coppley’s “The Fire Starters”, the third book in the Nicholas Foxe Adventures series.
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The Synopsis
In The Fire Starters, Nicholas Foxe uncovers a guild of pyromaniacs that traces its roots to ancient Rome. Were these modern-day fire starters responsible for the fire at Notre Dame? Were they responsible for a firebombing at The London Eye? Do they now have targets in the United States?
Nick finds an important clue deep in the ruins of Nero’s buried palace and realizes the fire starters work has just begun. The lives of thousands are at stake. Can Nick and his team stop the fire starters before it’s too late?
The Review
Jackson Coppley has done it again! The perfect blend of deep dives into history and mythology from around the world and incredibly rich and complex character development, the third book in the Nicholas Foxe Adventures series was an instant hit. As a fan of history, I loved the author’s research and the highlight of Ancient Rome and the surrounding cultures of the age of Emperor Nero showing off during the early chapters of the book, while also adding very human and personal character connections to highlight the danger and mystery that our world houses.
The thing that always makes a Nicholas Foxe adventure stand out for me is that the protagonist, Nicholas, remains vital to the narrative, and yet allows the story to develop fascinating characters with backstories that feel solid and well-developed, whereas some thrillers tend to have rushed character development instead. Having Nicholas’s connection to newcomer Ray Woodward was an amazing way of introducing this mystery of the fire starters, and gave the narrative a much more rich connection between the history and the characters overall.
The Verdict
Indiana Jones meets The Da Vinci Code, author Jackson Coppley’s “The Fire Starters” is the perfect next chapter in the Nicholas Foxe series. The novels feel so cinematic and engaging, that one can only hope these stories make their way to the silver screen someday. The way the author makes history feel more alive and pronounced than it has in a long time in the literary world is great to see unfold, and I do hope that fans and I alike will be treated to more Nicholas Foxe Adventures in the future! If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Jackson Coppley weaves stories from a sophisticated knowledge of technology and a keen sense of adventure. Coppley travels the world with his vivid imagination at work to create exciting stories with characters readers feel they know.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
An unexpected family revelation and an even more shocking life or death situation lead a young man to discover a trove of family secrets that have put him and those he cares about in the crosshairs of a secret society hellbent on acquiring an ancient artifact in author Christopher Bowron’s “The Society of Necessities”.
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The Synopsis
In his lustful haste, he stepped off the curb behind a parked minivan. Turning, Daniel caught movement out of his left eye as the brown truck struck him. The impact was like a bug being hit by a fly swatter. He could feel his chest breaking-being thrown backwards onto the street, the back of his head hitting the pavement with a deadly force. All he could hear were tires screeching and his girlfriend Devi’s scream: “NO!”
Daniel St Croix is the beneficiary of his estranged grandfather’s estate-including a gold wedding band holding a powerful secret. The gold forming the band was originally given to a long-dead Egyptian Pharaoh from the gods who once walked the earth. Daniel must read Pierre St Croix’s well-kept journals to unravel the puzzle and imminent danger attached to his inheritance.
The Review
A fantastic blend of action, mythology, and sci-fi/fantasy style storytelling, author Christopher Bowron has crafted an incredible thriller for adult readers to enjoy. The story felt like a fantastic take on a modern-day Indiana Jones. The characters felt flawed yet realistic, while also showcasing incredible character growth that complimented the increasing mystery behind the sudden turn of events.
However, it was the mythos of the story that really stood out to me as a reader. From the book’s earliest chapters readers are treated to quite a shocking and enticing turn of events, as a brush with death itself sends the protagonist and his close circle careening into a series of events that are not only globe-trotting and death-defying, but mind-bending as well. The mystery itself is really engaging with the reader, and as each layer is peeled back in a fantastically paced read, readers will be shocked as new characters arise and the truth of not only the society but of Daniel’s family is fully revealed.
The Verdict
A mesmerizing, entertaining, and inviting action and adventure/thriller like no other, author Christopher Bowron’s “The Society of Necessities” is a must-read book for 2021 and one of the year’s contenders for best action and adventure novel. A great story with an inviting pace and twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, this is not a book you want to miss. Be sure to preorder your copy today and pick up copies wherever books are sold on July 10th, 2021!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
#1 Amazon Best Selling Author
Christopher’s roots are in Canada, and his two children make the fifth generation to live in Niagara-on-the-Lake Ontario described as The Prettiest town in Canada. His second home in Southwest Florida is in an area of the everglades and the ocean. Both provide ammunition for his imagination and his love of storytelling. The diversity of the everglades became the backdrop for his first published and best-selling novel Devil in the Grass and his soon-to-be-released sequel The Palm Reader.
Considering himself fortunate, Chris enjoys living his own personal great story. After earning a B.A. in History and graduating from Brock University, Chris is now surrounded by a wonderful family and runs a real estate brokerage firm. Whenever possible, he enjoys getting away to do some salt water fishing in Florida.
Like most writers, Christopher loves a great read and possesses the rare gift to spin tales of his own. His published work describes him as a mystery writer of dark thrillers. His readers love how his stories leave the humdrum train station of life and travels through dark tunnels to the unknown. They may need to buckle up and hold on tight as they ride along. He stories always go the distance to the sharp edge of reality, where they get to peer into of the paranormal.
Christopher is currently working on a sequel to Devil in the Grass, a thriller called The Palm Reader.Publication date is June 20th, 2018. Jackson Walker returns to find himself in another paranormal mix up. If you enjoyed Devil, this book certainly won’t disappoint. see christopherbowron.com for a better synopsis of this creepy story.
Waiting for Morning Time – Is a non-fiction book based on three men who were the longest known survivors in open water. Chris has spent over two years interviewing and piecing together the gripping tale.
The Body Thieves, is a medical thriller which portrays military doctor Dominick Tavano and his attempt to uncover the link between organ trafficking in third world Mexico and the United States’ medical establishment.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young boy who witnesses a horrific event is taken in and trained for the day he can deliver retribution in author Jackiem Joyner’s “Minor Assassin”.
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The Synopsis
Jon’s carefree life in the suburbs of Las Vegas is turned upside down by a horrific crime, but he’s only eight years old — how can a kid fight back and hope to win?
Taken in by mysterious strangers, Jon starts a new life in a secluded village, but can he trust them to help him do what needs to be done? When Jon learns what really happened back home, a terrible resolve hardens inside him.
Will he ever be able to deliver his retribution? Transformation — when it comes — is irrevocable. Will he find his enemy? And can he survive long enough to reunite with what is left of his family?
Features Spy tech, intense martial arts, and weaponry
The Review
A powerful blend of action, vengeance, and family, author Jackiem Joyner does a fantastic job of showcasing powerful character development and almost cinematic level action and adventure. The novel takes the classic vengeance story to new heights, exploring what happens when a young boy must quickly grow up faster than he should, and instead become a weapon to take out his enemies.
The unique part of protagonist Jon’s story is the fact that he experiences both painful loss and a mission to save the only family he has left, giving him a powerful motivation to not only endure the training he is introduced to but to put himself in danger to save the lives of the innocent. The author does a great job of utilizing powerful imagery to bring Jon’s story to life, creating vivid scenes of action and suspense throughout the narrative. From Jon’s emotional and bloody journey to his sister Jayna’s fight for survival and a detective’s mission to uncover the truth, the author has crafted a powerful new adventure like no other.
The Verdict
The Punisher meets Taken and Kick-Ass in author Jackiem Joyner’s bloody, action-fueled, and evenly-paced thriller “Minor Assassins”. The novel’s fast-paced character development and expert blending of imagery make this a memorable read, filled with gritty fight scenes, emotional scenes as Jon must grow up in the face of tragedy, and a heart-racing finale that will leave readers on the edge of their seat. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Jackiem Joyner has loved Science Fiction ever since he was a child, fascinated by all the stories and imaginations of futuristic worlds. But it wasn’t until later in his life, after experiencing huge success in the recording business, that he decided to put pen to paper – the result of which is his debut novel, Zarya.
Gathering from his experiences traveling the world as a recording artist, he developed a knack for good science fiction stories after reading several books a month. Having used and operated many devices from the future, he incorporated exciting equipment and imaginary scientific ideas into dramatic thrillers that are sure to keep readers on edge.
Jackiem was born in Norfolk, Virginia and spent most of his young adult life in Syracuse New York before moving to Los Angeles, California where he currently resides. In addition to writing fun stories, Jackiem Joyner has experienced huge success as a recording artist, with multiple songs peaking at number 1 on the billboard charts and 5 international records released.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
An artist and his recently murdered best friend find themselves thrown into a dangerous and chaotic world filled with ghosts, demons, magic and horror in author Daniel James’s novel, “Hourglass”.
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The Synopsis
Clyde Williams just wanted to draw comic books. Life and death have other plans.
Brooklyn-born artist Clyde Williams has spent his life obsessing over comic books and chasing his big dream to one day break into the industry as a hot new artist. But chasing the dream isn’t easy. It’s tiring, dispiriting work.
And that was before the ghost of his recently murdered best friend and roommate, Kev Carpenter, showed up at their apartment. Shocked and confused, the pair have been trying to establish some sense of their old status quo, of normality, but normality left town and isn’t coming back.
Instead, they get a knock at their front door. Rose Hadfield, agent of Hourglass, has some understanding of what it’s like to commune with the dead, living with the ghosts of her former military unit, and offers them the choice to educate themselves and train their abilities, or remain under Hourglass’ scrutiny in the name of public safety.
Clyde’s long-held distrust of all things military and federal, has him prepared to decline Rose’s offer. Kev, however, has other ideas. Being restless and detached from the world, he sees this as his only real option. A purpose. Wracked with sympathy for his best friend’s plight, Clyde accepts Rose’s offer on one condition: upon completion of his training, he will remain a civilian. A fair compromise.
Unbeknownst to Clyde and Kev, their acceptance of Rose’s offer has catapulted them on a collision course with an ex-KGB officer turned necromantic monk, and the ancient, wealthy, and morally dubious Cairnwood Society. Clyde and Kev will soon learn that death is only the beginning.
The Review
A fun, action-fueled horror adventure like no other, author Daniel James introduces readers to thrilling new mythology and world. The author does a great job balancing character development and relationships with the intense supernatural/government action-thriller themes the novel produced.
The bond between protagonists Clyde and Kev was the major backbone of this novel, having given readers two characters to follow into the fray with two very different perspectives or circumstances. The action was equally as entertaining as the more intimate and personal moments between the characters and the government agents they found themselves paired up with. Clyde’s transformation throughout the story was particularly interesting, as the man who dreamt of being a comic book artist found himself asking whether he had what it took to become a hero himself.
The Verdict
Fun, engaging, and out of this world entertaining, author Daniel James’s “Hourglass” is a must-read horror adventure. If Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Stargate SG-1 were to meet, it would become Hourglass. With a powerful and twist ending that leaves open the possibility for more books in a series, one can only hope readers will one day delve into the action-fueled world of Clyde and Kev once more. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Daniel James is the recipient of a Kirkus Reviews (starred review) for his action-packed urban fantasy novel, Hourglass, and the Literary Titan Gold Book award for his vengeance-fueled crime novel, Pigs.
An author of horror, fantasy, and fast-paced thrillers, he first began writing as a hobby to distract himself from the mundanity of completing his dissertation at Liverpool Hope University. When not writing, he loves reading genre fiction novels and comic books, watching movies, and listening to music (he also used to play bass in a few local rock bands).
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