Tag: action

Review: The Regression Strain by Kevin Hwang

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

Synopsis:

Nobody’s safe when the inner beast awakens…

Dr. Peter Palma joins the medical team of the Paradise to treat passengers for minor ailments as the cruise ship sails across the Atlantic. But he soon discovers that something foul is festering under the veneer of leisure. Deep in the bowels of the ship, a vile affliction pits loved ones against each other and shatters the bonds of civil society. The brig fills with felons, the morgue with bodies, and the vacation becomes a nightmare.

One by one, the chaos claims Peter’s allies. His mentor spirals into madness and the security chief fights a losing battle against anarchy. No help comes from the captain, who has an ego bigger than the ocean.

With the ship racing toward an unprepared New York, the fate of humanity hinges on Peter’s deteriorating judgment. But he’s hallucinating and delirious…and sometimes primal urges are impossible to resist.

The Regression Strain is a fast-paced medical thriller laced with psychological suspense, perfect for fans of Michael Crichton and Blake Crouch.

Favorite Lines:

“Right back into it, then. He was a kid on a roller coaster cresting the first big incline—the moment before the bottom fell out. He opened the closet and confronted his uniform. Sure, he’d paid for the ride, but that didn’t make it any less stomach-churning.”

“Funny how standards eroded in the face of devastation.”

“The holes in his memory were filling in like groundwater welling up in the paw prints of a rabid raccoon. Muddy and random.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

What starts as a slow simmer quickly boils over in The Regression Strain, Kevin Hwang’s debut that’s equal parts medical mystery, psychological spiral, and pandemic-era existential horror. It’s not a long book, but it’s the kind that lingers—creeping into your thoughts days after you’ve closed it.

The story follows Dr. Peter Palma caught in the chaos of a rapidly spreading fungal pandemic. But Hwang doesn’t just want to tell a virus-outbreak story. He wants to pick at your nerves. The plot slips between sanity, and reality in a way that’s deliberately disorienting. Think fever dream with a med school vocabulary. And I mean that as a compliment.

What makes this novel hum is the way Hwang blends scientific precision with narrative messiness. There’s an almost surgical attention to detail in the clinical scenes—no surprise, given Hwang’s background in medicine—but it never feels like a lecture. Instead, the book immerses you in the  high-stakes environment of a cruise ship in the midst of a mysterious illness, only to pull the rug out with unsettling shifts in tone and perception. At times, I questioned whether what I was reading was happening at all—much like the narrator himself. It’s a risky move, but it works.

Stylistically, it won’t be for everyone. The prose can be clipped and clinical one moment, then rush into sensory overload the next. It’s intentional and immersive, but it can make for a slightly uneven reading experience. That said, if you’re the kind of reader who doesn’t mind being dropped into the deep end—without floaties—there’s a lot to appreciate here.

Emotionally, The Regression Strain taps into something very now. The anxiety of being overeducated but powerless. The loneliness of a pandemic. The slow erosion of certainty. It’s not a comforting read, but it’s a relatable one, especially if you’ve ever tried to logic your way through a crisis and come out the other side more confused than when you started.

Summary:

Overall, is it horror? Sci-fi? Psychological drama? Honestly, it’s all of the above and then some. Hwang doesn’t seem interested in coloring within genre lines, and that’s part of the fun. The Regression Strain is sharp, strange, and surprisingly affecting. It’s not your typical outbreak story—It’s weirder (in a good way), smarter, and a bit sadder.

Can we also take a minute to acknowledge that Hwang is a whole father and doctor and still somehow found time to write this masterpiece, I am in awe! If you like horror, suspense, action, medical mysteries, sci-fi, and/or thrillers then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Check out The Regression Strain here!

 

Review: Coven of Andromeda by Ron Blacksmith

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

Synopsis:

When a powerful magical artifact disappears from the Tanner home, Bree uncovers her family’s true legacy: they’re descendants of witches who fled a dying world centuries ago. Now, Bree must forge an uneasy alliance with Sam Sorken, her mysterious neighbor who harbors secrets of his own—he’s a necromancer from that same world, sworn to protect the coven.

Together, they race against time to stop Kestral Drach, a vengeful voodoo witch preparing to breach the Realm of the Dead and consume the power of countless spirits. As ancient histories collide with present dangers, Bree must embrace her heritage and master unexpected magic that binds her family across generations, before Kestral unleashes forces that could destroy both worlds.

Favorite Lines:

“The timing of destiny is rarely convenient”

“Balance has never been particularly difficult to disrupt.”

“Different paths sometimes lead to the same destination, my boy.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

At first glance The Coven of Andromeda looks like two different novels stitched together: a high-fantasy apprenticeship set beneath lavender skies on Eldoria, and a contemporary tale of bayou folk-magic unfolding in rural Louisiana. The stitching, however, is deliberate. As dimensional rifts widen, necropolis spirits seep into southern swampland, and the narrative threads converge with satisfying inevitability.

Blacksmith frames the entire story around one idea—that so-called “life-magic” and “death-magic” are complementary halves of the same discipline . Sameril, a meticulous student of necromancy, and Bree Tanner, a reluctant heir to her grandmother’s coven, spend much of the book wrestling with that paradox. Their eventual alliance is persuasive because both characters must confront inherited duty: Sameril through the austere Codex Mortis , Bree through a family legacy that offers “truths we must face” rather than evade .

Structurally, the novel alternates measured training chapters with brisk set-piece battles; the rhythm reminds me of a well-paced anime season. The climax is undeniably crowded—multiple factions, a power-hungry voodoo queen, and a spirit of chaos invoked in a single ritual—but the ambition rarely tips into confusion. When the rifts finally erupt, Blacksmith delivers the promised spectacle without abandoning the quieter question of what balance between worlds should look like.

Stylistically, the writing alternates between lyrical description and colloquial banter. A paragraph detailing obsidian pillars flickering with ghost-light may be followed by a dry aside about who is responsible for bringing refreshments to the next ritual. This tonal flexibility works because the characters themselves embrace both gravity and levity; a sisterly bond forged late in the novel underscores that the real stakes are personal before they are cosmic .

Summary:

Overall, I would describe this as A Darker Share of Magic colliding with Practical Magic at a Cajun cookout. Readers who enjoy expansive fantasy with contemporary texture will find The Coven of Andromeda an engaging—and occasionally demanding—journey. Its length requires patience, but the reward is a robust exploration of power, responsibility, and the fragile equilibrium between the realms of the living and the dead. Happy reading!

Check out Coven of Andromeda here!

 

Review: The Mantle of the Past by Lewis A. D’Ambra

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

Synopsis:

The Mantle of the Past is a Literary Titan Gold Book Award winner and the first book in the A Scattering of Leaves Series. Set in the world of Kolgennon, a place where myth, legend and reality clash.

The King of Kings has fallen. His vast domain teeters on the brink of civil war as his generals squabble over his legacy, conquered peoples plot rebellion and old foes seek to reassert themselves.

The dust has only just begun to settle on the conquests of Tekolger, King of the Doldun, who exploded out of the east to forge an empire not seen since before the ancient cataclysm known as the Dusk. His body has not yet been brought home, his armies have not yet returned from his final campaign, but already plots have begun, factions are forming, and rivalries ancient and new are starting to stir.

All the while old powers thought long passed into memory, or simply fictions of fevered imaginations, are once again troubling the minds of men and showing themselves on the fringes of civilisation.

Will the rise of the Doldun prove to be a false dawn? Or will the conquests of the King usher in a new age of peace and prosperity for Kolgennon.

Favorite Lines:

“Strange how children can make such statements and misunderstand things with such enthusiasm.”

“She allowed herself to drift and be taken in by the sacred waters and time seemed to slip away, like none of the worries and stresses of the world above mattered anymore, a supreme ecstasy washed over her and with it came clarity. Just like a gentle hand, it seemed to take her in its embrace, the water wrapping around her. Sanae began to drift into a serene nothing.”

“Find your blood, find your home and you will know.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

As the first installment to the A Scattering of Leaves series, The Mantle of the Past takes place in the world of Kolgennon which seems to be inspired by the Mediterranean and Near East regions. The king of kings, Tekolger, has died and those he leaves behind suddenly find themselves locked in a power struggle over who will rule the empire in his wake. The Doldun are on the move to conquer as much of the world as they can while old powers thought to be only myths begin to awaken from their slumber.

This story had echoes of an epic to me and I was trying to recall the last time I read one such as this; all I could come up with was The Odyssey.  In this first book of the series, D’Ambra crafts a world where the interplay of war, politics, and divine forces shapes not only the fate of kingdoms but also the very identities of its characters. With a richly detailed setting and a sprawling narrative, the book invites readers to experience a world on the brink of transformation, where every action—whether personal or political—carries monumental weight.

At the heart of the story is the kingdom of Kolgennon, a realm teetering on the edge of both internal and external conflict. What sets this book apart is the depth with which D’Ambra builds his world—its history, cultures, and the subtle ways in which the divine and mortal realms overlap. The author’s extensive background in history, military service, and political experience is evident in the way he approaches the political landscape of Kolgennon. His world feels grounded, believable, and alive with tension, as characters grapple with the changing tides of power, ambition, and legacy. It’s a world that feels as if it could exist just beyond the pages, a product of meticulous world-building and a deep understanding of human nature.

D’Ambra’s ability to weave such a carefully crafted world with multiple, intricate character subplots is what really drove home the sense of this being an epic to me. The novel introduces several key protagonists, each of whom is navigating their own personal struggles amidst the broader political turmoil. D’Ambra doesn’t rush the story—rather, he takes his time to establish the setting, the conflicts, and the characters’ emotional landscapes. For some readers, this might feel like a slower progression, but for those who enjoy layered storytelling and deep world-building, this approach enhances the richness of the narrative. 

Summary:

Overall, this was a rewarding read. Touching on themes of loyalty, identity, politics, leadership, and what it means to be human, this book weaves personal struggles with a larger narrative that results in a story that resonates on both a character-driven level and a more epic, world-changing scale. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys stories with complex world-building, and intricate-driven plots revolving around political intrigue, divine mythologies and warring conflicts. If you enjoy epics, this book is for you. Happy reading!

Check out The Mantle of the Past here!

 

Review: Navigating Yesterday by Anthony Dean

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

Banner Dawson spends seventeen long years in cryosleep aboard the damaged Valkyrie-198 as it limps along towards the small void just beyond the orbit of Saturn. During those years, back on Earth…

Jack works with relentless determination to develop the skills and knowledge needed to rescue Laura from the cryogenic pod under the mountain….

Alexis rises through the ranks of the Independent Order of Valkyries…

Maestro seeks to help and then heal a king…

The leader of the Society authorizes increased activities in the Borderlands, and Ranger Stone is lost as a result…

Ranger Stone’s son Brian, the boy with one blue and one brown eye, comes of age and learns a family secret that places him at the center of a great conflict…

And Bucky the horse continues to chew on nothing.

At the end of Beyond the Lemon Tree Moon, Number One, Annabelle, and many from the Potato arrive in the Earth System. But what awaits them when they return to their ancestral home?

Find out in Navigating Yesterday.

Favorite Lines:

“Alpha, I have learned over time, often makes the most instantaneous and seamless shifts from one extreme to the other, and the opposite parts of her nature are equal parts of her. She is grace and she is brutality. She is discipline and she is rage. She is calculating and she is wild. She is beautiful and terrifying.”

“Can you fall in love in 100,000 words? If they are the right 100,000 words, it turns out that you absolutely can.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is book four in Deans’ The Voided Man series and this time we are reading from Brian’s perspective. If you haven’t read the other three books in this series, to get you up to speed without giving anything away, Prisoner Number One was exiled to space for eternity but ends up establishing a new life for himself amongst the cosmos. The family he left behind joins him in book two and we get to read about it with the perspective of his daughter, Cassiopeia. Book three continues the cosmos journey twelve years later from the perspective of some  of those from the extended family and leaves off with many from the Potato finally arriving in the Earth System. You can find my reviews to those three here: The Voided Man, Ascending the Hourglass, and Beyond the Lemon Tree Moon.

We are now in book four and still get to see many familiar faces that we are well acquainted with from the rest of the series with the addition of a new voice from Ranger Stone’s son Brian. The last time we saw Brian was in book three; he was just a baby back then and now he is grown and ready to be a part of the journey. This is a bit unique because in the past, the storyteller has always been a part of the family but Brian is not. As always, I trusted Dean’s process and he didn’t let me down.

While in Beyond the Lemon Tree Moon, we experience a society that is living in harmony, it seems that Dean is taking us on a complete 180 with Navigating Yesterday as society has seemed to revert to a Lord of the Flies-esque society full of conflict, corruption, and factions. As always, Dean is an excellent storyteller and as the world of The Voided Man expands, I am in constant awe at his ability to introduce new characters, themes, and ideas without them seeming too far fetched for the storyline. This world continues to be uniquely its own with refreshing introductions to complex, but relatable plot points and characters.

Summary:

Overall, this was another great addition to Dean’s The Voided Man series and I am excited to see where he takes it next. This book (and series) is for anyone who is interested in quirky and humorous science fiction, especially sci-fi that touches on space travel and what it means to be human. Happy reading!

Check out Navigating Yesterday here!

 

Monthly Features – November 2024

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

The Callista Alignment by Steve Gay

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: ‘No one remembers the moment they were born, but I do… the second time at least’.

Abducted and thrust into a bewildering alien world, Kali has no idea that she’s the only Earth-born ‘natural’ in a population of enslaved humans scattered across the stars. She’ll push the limits of her captivity, turn her owner’s life upside down, and challenge everything he believes about her species. Then, when the public spotlight suddenly turns to her, she’ll drag him into a revolution.

The Callista Alignment is the first instalment in a new science fiction series, an epic saga of prejudice, redemption, and human courage in all its forms. Join a new kind of heroine for an extraordinary adventure in an alien civilisation.

If you enjoyed reading ‘Divergent’ or ‘Silo’ you’ll be captured by The Callista Alignment and swept into a world you’ll never forget.

Meet the cast:

The Professor:
Yan Feyrsten is worried that he’s made a big mistake. The human he’s just bought is upending his quiet academic life. Kali won’t settle, won’t eat, won’t comply. She can’t even grasp that here on Antaris, she’s nothing more than an animal.

The Naturalist:
Henik Varkesen understands why. He’s imagined meeting an Earth-born ‘natural’ his entire professional life. But he realises the trouble Kali could bring, that she’s either a wonderous scientific discovery or the most dangerous human on the planet.

The Bounty Hunter:
Torsta Jai knows an opportunity when she sees one. Reduced to hunting feral humans in the Derelict Zone, the disgraced police chief is looking for a way to restore her position. She realises Yan’s human could give her the political leverage she needs, and will stop at nothing to possess her.

The Human:
Kali is just trying to get by in a baffling alien world. She’ll start with Yan, use her gift with language to confound his expectations, force him to reassess everything he believes. But when she is stolen away from him and thrust into the public spotlight, she’ll discover the truth, that a restive human population has been waiting for a sign, waiting for their moment. They’ve been waiting for her.

Summary: Overall, if you are a fan of science fiction that touches on philosophical and political topics surrounding prejudice, humanity, and what it means to be human, then this book could be for you!

See the full review here: The Callista Alignment
Purchase here

 

Rescue Me Twice by Melody Carson

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Bound by duty, torn by love—a cowboy’s struggle to choose between obligation and destiny.

I’m Clay, billionaire heir to a vast ranch, bound by an ironclad contract that requires my marriage by the tender age of thirty.

Josie’s gold-digging claws dig deep as the wedding chaos consumes me. Seeking some peace, I retreat into the wilderness, only for a riding accident to knock me out of the saddle and steal my memories.

Badly injured, found by Caitlin, a skilled Search and Rescue beauty, and her canine companion, Arro, I slowly recovered in the tranquility of her cabin. Robbed of my memory, I found a solace and love I didn’t know was possible. A searing love blooms, unknowingly putting Caitlin’s life in jeopardy.

But as my memory returns, so does the horror of the looming forced wedding, tearing at the seams of our newfound passion.

When the wedding bells toll, I’m forced to choose between honor and my heart. But who knew Arro would come to my rescue again? In an instant, he changed the course of our lives, exposing staggering deceit and reminding me that true love is worth risking it all.

Summary: Overall, this is an opposites attract, small town contemporary romance that features billionaire cowboys, mystery, love, and adorable canine companions. If you are a fan of any of those things then this book could be for you.

See the full review here: Rescue Me Twice
Purchase here

 

Beyond the Lemon Tree Moon by Anthony Dean

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Twelve years have passed since the events detailed in Ascending the Hourglass.

Persius remains restless and hopes to learn much more about the phenomenon he calls jumping. Jack and Banner are now young men, and they assist him in his research.

Al’s family continues to grow, and Pete develops a new love interest.

The moon that orbits the planet Royal has been an idyllic home for many years, but will it remain that way? And if not, is there any possible method by which Prisoner Number One’s family might return to Earth?

Discover what waits for them all Beyond the Lemon Tree Moon.

Summary: Overall, this was another excellent addition to Dean’s The Voided Man series and I continue to be impressed with where Dean takes this series in each book; I am excited to see where he takes it next! This book (and series) is for anyone interested in quirky and humorous science fiction.

See the full review here: Beyond the Lemon Tree Moon
Purchase here

 

Hustling the Mob by Don Spillane

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: What is the difference between robbing a bank and robbing a Mafia bank?

Sara and Joshua are about to find out.

Joshua is a world class hacker and his partner, the alluring Sarah, is a master safe cracker who make their living pillaging other criminal’s bank accounts.

An attempted assassination puts them on the run. In return for help from a middle Eastern spy chief, they’re tasked with disrupting an arms deal being negotiated by a crooked banker in the Cayman Islands. This same banker launders money for his main client, a New Jersey mafia boss.

A huge pot of money proves too big a temptation and, in this international, absorbing crime thriller, Sarah and Joshua must outsmart a growing list of bad guys.

Summary: Overall, this was quite a suspenseful story full of complex characters, a thrilling plot, and dangerous situations. I would recommend this to anyone interested in fictional espionage stories that involve organized crime, suspenseful thrillers, and action. 

See the full review here: Hustling the Mob
Purchase here

 

Light Locked by A.K. Chandler

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Humanity is about to unravel, and Clea Hart holds the final thread.

A light-wielding warrior known as a Veilin, she’s stolen the cursed Deadlock Medallion—an artifact of legend that could spell doom for mankind’s last three cities. Escaping from enemies she once called friends, Clea knows she has to destroy it, and that means returning home.

The forest of Shambelin is the only thing standing in her way, but it’s rife with traps, tricks, and beasts. She can’t survive it alone. In desperation, she accepts the help of a mysterious man named Ryson.

The forest is his domain, and Clea and Ryson are as different as the sun and moon that shape its illusions. Together, they face the wilderness, the medallion’s influence, and the woes of their declining world. These challenges unite them, but when Ryson’s secrets come to light, Clea realizes that the horrors of the forest are nothing but a playground to his past.

Their connection is undeniable, her mission is critical, but trusting him could be the last mistake she ever makes.

Summary: Full of emotional depth, thought provoking philosophy, fast-paced action, and unexpected plot twists, this book has it all for anyone who is interested in fantasy. I found this to be a refreshing take on some familiar fantasy themes and I am beyond excited to see what Chandler comes up with next. 

See the full review here: Light Locked
Purchase here

 

 

 

Review: Light Locked by A.K. Chandler

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

Humanity is about to unravel, and Clea Hart holds the final thread.

A light-wielding warrior known as a Veilin, she’s stolen the cursed Deadlock Medallion—an artifact of legend that could spell doom for mankind’s last three cities. Escaping from enemies she once called friends, Clea knows she has to destroy it, and that means returning home.

The forest of Shambelin is the only thing standing in her way, but it’s rife with traps, tricks, and beasts. She can’t survive it alone. In desperation, she accepts the help of a mysterious man named Ryson.

The forest is his domain, and Clea and Ryson are as different as the sun and moon that shape its illusions. Together, they face the wilderness, the medallion’s influence, and the woes of their declining world. These challenges unite them, but when Ryson’s secrets come to light, Clea realizes that the horrors of the forest are nothing but a playground to his past.

Their connection is undeniable, her mission is critical, but trusting him could be the last mistake she ever makes.

Favorite Lines:

“Her mother had always warned her that an injured mind could kill to.”

“I’m sorry, my deep interpersonal issues and dark past compelled me to do that.”

“Clea wanted to exist. The desire to die whole had never been about the cause of her death. She just didn’t want to die before knowing who she was. She didn’t want to die a fractured symbol, known to the world, but never known to herself.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This story takes place on a continent that is on the brink of extinction and follows Clea, a Veilin princess, and Ryson, a Kaletik warrior, as they embark on a treacherous journey to destroy the cursed Deadlock Medallion in an attempt to bring light and life back to a shadowed, dying land. Full of fantasy, adventure, action, magic, and much more, this book had me hooked early on and I had a hard time putting it down!

Chandler did an amazing job at creating a world that is uniquely its own. I felt transported to the world that came to life on the pages and, while an in-depth fantasy land, I didn’t feel lost in any concepts as can so often times happen with fantasy. Chandler’s descriptions were meticulous without dragging on and the pacing felt just right to me. I found that I was able to follow along as the story unfolded without difficulty and was quickly turning page after page to see what happens next.

I also really enjoyed the character writing throughout this story as Chandler has managed to craft complex but relatable characters that are truly the heart of this book. We get to follow along as we dig deeper into the characters of Clea and Ryson and watch as they develop throughout the story; I especially enjoyed their relationship evolving in new ways and found myself addicting to finding out what happens next between the two of them. Without spoilers ,Chandler I have a bone to pick with you on this.

I was shocked to discover that this is Chandler’s debut novel as I found it to be so masterfully crafted and well balanced. Chandler does an excellent job at weaving together elements of fantasy, romance, and philosophy to bring a refreshing and compelling new work to life. I cannot stress enough how talented and, quite frankly, beautiful I find Chandler’s storytelling abilities to be. Her ability to tell a story so poetically while still incorporating a compelling narrative was truly the highlight of this book to me.

Summary:

Full of emotional depth, thought provoking philosophy, fast-paced action, and unexpected plot twists, this book has it all for anyone who is interested in fantasy. I found this to be a refreshing take on some familiar fantasy themes and I am beyond excited to see what Chandler comes up with next. Happy reading!

Check out Light Locked here!

 

Review: Hustling the Mob: The Mafia, Malware and Murder by Don Spillane

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

What the difference between robbing a bank and robbing a Mafia bank?
Sara and Joshua are about to find out.

Joshua is a world class hacker and his partner, the alluring Sarah, is a master safe cracker who make their living pillaging other criminal’s bank accounts.

An attempted assassination puts them on the run. In return for help from a middle Eastern spy chief, they’re tasked with disrupting an arms deal being negotiated by a crooked banker in the Cayman Islands. This same banker launders money for his main client, a New Jersey mafia boss.

A huge pot of money proves too big a temptation and, in this international, absorbing crime thriller, Sarah and Joshua must outsmart a growing list of bad guys.

Favorite Lines:

“I love these Sigs, they feel so comfortable but what the fuck does Joshua think this is, World War Three?”

“Satisfied that good had prevailed, they turned the television off, nestled back together, and resumed their conversation on whether the ends justify the means. It was a long discussion, but they couldn’t agree on an answer that made them both happy.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This story follows spy duo Sarah and Joshua who work for Joshua’s uncle Sonny who is a part of a private intelligence organization. With Belgian police and criminals alike on their trail after they steal money from a bank account in Europe, they set up new lives in California and are put on a new assignment. What follows is a thrilling and intense story full of the mafia, malware, and murder. I do want to give a trigger warning as this book features violence and profanity that may not be suitable for everyone.

This is my first book from Spillane who was a detective with London’s Metropolitan Police, also known as Scotland Yard, in the 60s and 70s. He now writes thrilling novels inspired by his own experiences which I find to be fascinating just as I found this book to be fascinating.  Spillane did a great job at creating a world full of secrets and spies with two characters who don’t quite play by the rules, which just makes me love them even more.

Spillane left no stone unturned with this story’s plot. I thought it was a very well crafted story with well thought out details while still leaving room for mistakes, which only added to the realisticness of it all. I found myself feeling like I was watching a spy movie play out in front of my eyes and I could definitely see this being something that is adapted for the big screen someday.

I am a sucker for multiple points of view in a story so I really appreciated the alternative perspectives of each character, I found that it added additional depth to the story and I enjoyed getting to know other characters through their thoughts. I also really enjoyed the character writing and development in this book. The characters were not black and white, they weren’t perfect, and mistakes were made; I found this to bring a bit more humanistic realism to the story. 

If I had to nitpick one thing, it would be that I felt like we learned quite a bit about Sarah in this book but not as much about Joshua despite some chapters being from his point of view. Perhaps that is the point but if there happen to be more books in this series, I would love to learn more about him.

Summary:

Overall, this was quite a suspenseful story full of complex characters, a thrilling plot, and dangerous situations. I would recommend this to anyone interested in fictional espionage stories that involve organized crime, suspenseful thrillers, and action. Happy reading!

Check out Hustling the Mob: The Mafia, Malware, and Murder here!

 

Monthly Features – October

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

Mr. Bingley: Just As A Gentlemen Ought To Be by Brandon Dragan

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: “Finally, a novel that reveals the true Bingley! Heartily recommend to all Bingley-philes!” — Crispin Bonham-Carter, Mr. Bingley in the BBC Miniseries, Pride & Prejudice

For centuries Jane Austen’s classic novel, Pride and Prejudice, has been dearly loved he world over. However, few people know the hidden truth about Mr. Darcy’s closest friend, the affable Mr. Bingley—who is much more than he appears on first impression.

Mr. Bingley: Just as a Gentleman Ought to Be is the previously untold story of a young man who unwittingly uncovers an evil cabal among the British Empire’s aristocracy. Bingley finds himself confronting an enterprise so nefarious, he cannot help but act to redress it, even if it costs him his own reputation and the love of his life, the angelic Miss Jane Bennet.

Follow Mr. Bingley down a rabbit hole of intrigue and corruption, as he fights to protect the country’s most vulnerable alongside friends old and new. Can he set things right before he loses Jane forever?

Summary: Overall, I really enjoyed this book and thought it was a creative and unique twist to the familiar Pride and Prejudice world. I would recommend to anyone who is a P&P fan who wants a new take on a familiar character, and even those who are less familiar with P&P but love literature set in the 19th century that feature action, mystery, comradery, and a touch of romance.

See the full review here: Mr. Bingley: Just As A Gentleman Ought To Be
Purchase here

 

Her Dark Promises by E.H. Raven

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Stuck in a dead-end job and unable to afford independence, Jamila’s dreams of success fade daily. Desperate, she agrees to an arranged marriage orchestrated by her father, but it backfires, deepening her depression. 

She finds solace in horror movies about demonic possession, leading her to research real-life cases. Discovering some achieve success through dark means, she decides to summon her demon, hoping to change her fate. Possession grants Jamila immense confidence and success, but the dark alliance exacts a steep price.

The demon consumes her sanity, blurring reality and nightmare.

Can Jamila escape the darkness she unleashed?

Summary: Overall, while this was my first book from Raven, I am confident that it won’t be my last. This was the perfect blend of creepy, thrilling, and addicting and I would recommend to anyone who is a fan of horror and psychological thrillers.

See the full review here: Her Dark Promises
Purchase here

 

The Ultimate Baby Boomer Word Search by Hazel Woods

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Step back in time for a classic experience with “The Ultimate Baby Boomer Word Search Large Print.” This nostalgic large-print word search book features amusing historical facts and timeless fashion trends, sure to bring back cherished childhood memories. Your Time Machine is Ready to Go!

Summary: Overall, this is a fun word search puzzle book full of nostalgic and interesting facts from the 1940s-1980s. While this would probably be more appreciated by the baby boomer generation, I think it can be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys word searches. 

See the full review here: The Ultimate Baby Boomer Word Search
Purchase here

 

Focused on Love by Melody Carson

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Rodeo nights and a city girl who’s all trouble. I must protect this damsel at all costs.

I’m Shane, a lonely cowboy and billionaire bronc rider with a memory I can’t shake.
Then enters Zoey, a sexy city fashion photographer, stirring up dust in my private world.
Sparks fly as we’re instantly drawn to each other.

But, then Zoey unknowingly captures a kidnapping on film
and our attraction takes a very dangerous turn.
I must protect her from the shadows as we unravel an unspeakable
crime that threatens everything.

I’m not only wrestling with broncs,
but I’m protecting the only woman who’s ever stolen my heart.
Together, we’ll face the evil in this small-town mystery that threatens to tear us apart.

This rodeo holds more than bronc riding –
it may just be the place where two hearts find their way home.

But, first, we must outsmart the danger and find our love amidst the chaos.

Summary: Overall, if you like contemporary romances featuring cowboys, small town love, action, suspense, intrigue, and of course romance, then this book could be for you.

See the full review here: Focused on Love
Purchase here

 

Lost Grove: Part One by Charlotte Zang and Alex J. Knudsen

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: For fans of Twin Peaks and Stranger Things, Lost Grove is the first in a paranormal mystery duology that explores the twisted legends and mysteries in one small town.

In the eerie, enigmatic town of Lost Grove, where secrets whispered among the rustling pines are as thick as the fog rolling in from the sea, the discovery of Sarah Elizabeth Grahams’ lifeless body on the windswept beach is but the first note in a haunting symphony of mysteries.

Sergeant Seth Wolfe, the town’s tenacious lawman, penetrates the cryptic and labyrinthine secrets veiled beneath the town’s cheerful facade. A connection to Sarah Elizabeth, one he could never have fathomed, begins to take shape, blurring the lines between his own existence and the mysteries that enshroud the town. Suspects multiply like whispers in a haunted forest, but each lead unravels, and the mysteries of the case deepen.

Meanwhile, a group of local teenagers embark on their own harrowing mission, driven by a relentless desire to answer the riddle of their friend’s vanished brother and expose the sinister secrets harbored by an affluent institute nestled in the heart of Lost Grove. Further complicating matters, one teen’s father left town the morning Sarah Elizabeth’s body was found. With ties to a similar case seven years prior, he has become a prime suspect in the case.

As Seth dives deeper into the abyss of darkness gripping Lost Grove, an unsettling discovery threatens to derail his investigation and shatter the illusions of safety the town has harbored for far too long. A chilling web of malevolence begins to tighten its grip, ensnaring them all in a nightmarish dance that will test the limits of their resolve.

Readers who love the eerie, unsettling mystery of Stephen King’s The Outsider and the monstrous legends of Brian McGreevy’s Hemlock Grove will enjoy this twisty, taut thriller.

Summary: Full of horror elements, suspense, the paranormal, mystery, and much more, Lost Grove leaves no rock unturned while taking readers on an addicting dark and thrilling journey that will have them turning page after page desperate answers. If you’re a fan of Twin Peaks, and want to read something similar with a bit more of the supernatural and paranormal, then this book could be for you. 

See the full review here: Lost Grove: Part One
Purchase here

 

Cosmic American Rhapsody by Ray Sweatman

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Get ready for a wild ride as country-rock pioneer, Gram Parsons, struggles to survive, both physically and spiritually at the Lost Highway Motel. As his life flashes before him, several colorful characters try to help him find the meaning of life such as the ghosts of his parents, a strange policeman, a transcendentalist, and the animated animals from “Hee Haw.” With rich allusions to both popular and classical culture, it is at turns hilarious, poetic, tragic, and thought-provoking.

Summary: Overall. I can say this was an entirely unique biographical fiction and unlike anything I have read before. If you are interested in Gram Parsons, colorfully artistic writing, and/or biographical fictions, then this book could be for you. You can check out the book trailer here!

See the full review here: Cosmic American Rhapsody
Purchase here

 

We Meet Again: Book One by Brownell Landrum

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Separated by centuries… Reunited to change the world

Have you ever wondered if you met someone… before?
When she meets the Artist, his first words to her are, “We Meet Again.” Yet they hadn’t met before.
Or had they?

Brownell Landrum’s celebrated We Meet Again trilogy is an epic reincarnation mystery + love story about a famous couple from history reunited today to fulfill a prophecy that will change the world.
But is the world ready to change?
Follow the clues tracing back centuries, even millennia through this remarkable story of love, fate, and destiny against a backdrop of lifetimes from present day to 1930s Brazil, 1500s Renaissance Europe, the Middle Ages, and even ancient Greece.

In Book One, meet Marielle and Dante, a modern-day couple navigating a new relationship while re-living a previous lifetime as a nun and a priest in 1930s Brazil protecting a valuable artifact from a nefarious organization still on the hunt today.

Summary: Overall, this was an interesting reincarnation love story full of history, romance, and adventure. Part one of a trilogy, I am excited to see where Landrum takes the rest of this series. If you like romance, especially historical romances, adventure, mystery, suspense, and metaphysical fiction, then this book could be for you.

See the full review here: We Meet Again: Book One
Purchase here

 

Watercolors and Tears by José Orlando Castañeda

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Manuel, a young Ecuadorian, sells medicinal herbs in the market and paints watercolors in his spare time. In search of a better life, he emigrates to Port Chester (New York). Elvira, his wife, intends to join him by sea, but she is shipwrecked. Her plans change after her rescue, and she ends up in Madrid, where she is employed as a nanny. Antonio, the father of the children in her care, discovers her secretly reading a novel from his antique books collection. He slyly labels a passage with a strip of paper, intending for her to read it. Intrigued, Elvira responds by indicating her own phrases in the book. That’s the beginning of an innocent exchange of literary quotes through which love quietly slips in. While Manuel takes refuge in his paintings and herbal remedies on the other side of the world, Elvira finds herself falling for Antonio. When her hopes are dashed through a casual blunder, she seeks to regain her marital home and travels to Port Chester to be with her husband. Confronted by an unexpected tragedy, she discovers the watercolors that Manuel has painted in his solitude. His brushstrokes cut deep into her heart.

Summary: Overall, this was a very beautiful and elegant story about the complexities of life that tackled very real topics surrounding the realities of emigration in the pursuit of a better life for you and your family. Full of rich descriptions, love, loss, sacrifice, tenacity, and family, this book could be for anyone who is interested in the deeply honest portrayal of what it means to be human in this world.

See the full review here: Watercolors and Tears
Purchase here

 

The Clock and the Candles by Anthony Dean

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Roland, the Keeper of the Clock, and Gwen, the former crown princess of the Lands, are separated by 46 feet of stone. After seizing the throne from her father, King Adolphus had the Prison Maximus constructed around Gwen. She lives in a cell with no door that measures eight feet on every side, and which is centered in a structure that measures a hundred feet on every side.

One day in the seventh year of Gwen’s imprisonment, Roland returns home from his duties tending the Ebony Clock to find that someone has entered his cabin and left an unsigned letter on his table. The letter reads:

Dear Roland,

Consider five statements. Three of them are true. Two of them are lies.

1. You are the last of your kind.

2. King Adolphus is an immortal being.

3. The creatures who walk the Lands after sunset serve no master.

4. Gwen’s prison was not constructed according to specifications.

5. The Ebony Clock is not connected to anything at all.

Sort the truth from the lies, and you will be free.

With the help of allies that come to include an old friend, an elderly chemist, two disgruntled members of Adolphus’ guard, and an elf, Roland tries to make use of the new information in the beginning of a new epic from Anthony Dean, author of the Voided Man series.

Summary: Overall, this was a refreshing and original plot, as all of Dean’s seem to be. He took some classic fantasy themes and made them uniquely his own for this story which I really enjoyed. Only book one in this new series, this book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger and I am excited to see where Dean takes it next. If you like fantasy, mystery, action, and adventure, then this book could be for you.

See the full review here: The Clock and the Candles
Purchase here

 

Review: The Callista Alignment by Steve Gay

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

‘No one remembers the moment they were born, but I do… the second time at least’.

Abducted and thrust into a bewildering alien world, Kali has no idea that she’s the only Earth-born ‘natural’ in a population of enslaved humans scattered across the stars. She’ll push the limits of her captivity, turn her owner’s life upside down, and challenge everything he believes about her species. Then, when the public spotlight suddenly turns to her, she’ll drag him into a revolution.

The Callista Alignment is the first instalment in a new science fiction series, an epic saga of prejudice, redemption, and human courage in all its forms. Join a new kind of heroine for an extraordinary adventure in an alien civilisation.

If you enjoyed reading ‘Divergent’ or ‘Silo’ you’ll be captured by The Callista Alignment and swept into a world you’ll never forget.

Meet the cast:

The Professor:
Yan Feyrsten is worried that he’s made a big mistake. The human he’s just bought is upending his quiet academic life. Kali won’t settle, won’t eat, won’t comply. She can’t even grasp that here on Antaris, she’s nothing more than an animal.

The Naturalist:
Henik Varkesen understands why. He’s imagined meeting an Earth-born ‘natural’ his entire professional life. But he realises the trouble Kali could bring, that she’s either a wonderous scientific discovery or the most dangerous human on the planet.

The Bounty Hunter:
Torsta Jai knows an opportunity when she sees one. Reduced to hunting feral humans in the Derelict Zone, the disgraced police chief is looking for a way to restore her position. She realises Yan’s human could give her the political leverage she needs, and will stop at nothing to possess her.

The Human:
Kali is just trying to get by in a baffling alien world. She’ll start with Yan, use her gift with language to confound his expectations, force him to reassess everything he believes. But when she is stolen away from him and thrust into the public spotlight, she’ll discover the truth, that a restive human population has been waiting for a sign, waiting for their moment. They’ve been waiting for her.

Favorite Lines:

“Somehow the battle for survival, and the knowledge that she had taken lives herself had steeled her for further losses. Some would be warriors, but others were innocents like this one, knowing nothing of the forces that shaped the world.”

“Then followed the moment when he knew she’d gone, that his Kali had turned to nothing more than a falling object, mass subject to the force of gravity. And in that moment, he mourned, he felt the loss of her as if his whole world had tilted irretrievably, and what he’d found with her had gone forever.”

“It not be heart that do miss me in prison – it be stomach.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This story takes place in Antaris, a world where humans are considered feral, enslaved, and are looked upon as no better than wild animals. When Kali, a human woman from Earth is kidnapped and taken to Antaris, she is the first of what is considered a “natural human” in that part of the universe in a long time and sets off a chain of events that revolve around themes of both political and philosophical topics.

I will admit that I went into this a bit blind but as a lover of science fiction, I was excited to read it and it did not disappoint. I thought this was an excellently written story that takes a deeper look at some difficult subjects such as slavery and prejudices from a science fiction perspective.

At times, Kali reminded me of Leeloo from The Fifth Element and at other times, some plot points in this reminded me of Cloud Atlas, both of which I am huge fans of and, despite the reminders to those stories, Gay still managed to create a world and a story that is uniquely his own. I found this to be captivating, creative, and quite frankly, refreshing.

While I really enjoyed the creative world building in this story, I also enjoyed the character writing and the fact that the characters were not written as one-dimensional beings; I would say that there isn’t one character in this story that is simply black and white. Despite not being human themselves, a majority of the characters still had very relatable, very human traits and motivations, which I found added to the authenticity of the story and drove home some of the overarching points being made in the writing.

While this was my first book by Gay, it certainly won’t be my last. This story wraps up quite nicely at the end and I felt like I had pretty sufficient closure. However, I know that this is going to be a series so I am excited to see where Gay takes it next.

Summary:

Overall, if you are a fan of science fiction that touches on philosophical and political topics surrounding prejudice, humanity, and what it means to be human, then this book could be for you! Happy reading!

Check out The Callista Alignment here!

Review: The Clock and the Candles by Anthony Dean

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

Roland, the Keeper of the Clock, and Gwen, the former crown princess of the Lands, are separated by 46 feet of stone. After seizing the throne from her father, King Adolphus had the Prison Maximus constructed around Gwen. She lives in a cell with no door that measures eight feet on every side, and which is centered in a structure that measures a hundred feet on every side.

One day in the seventh year of Gwen’s imprisonment, Roland returns home from his duties tending the Ebony Clock to find that someone has entered his cabin and left an unsigned letter on his table. The letter reads:

Dear Roland,

Consider five statements. Three of them are true. Two of them are lies.

1. You are the last of your kind.

2. King Adolphus is an immortal being.

3. The creatures who walk the Lands after sunset serve no master.

4. Gwen’s prison was not constructed according to specifications.

5. The Ebony Clock is not connected to anything at all.

Sort the truth from the lies, and you will be free.

With the help of allies that come to include an old friend, an elderly chemist, two disgruntled members of Adolphus’ guard, and an elf, Roland tries to make use of the new information in the beginning of a new epic from Anthony Dean, author of the Voided Man series.

Favorite Lines:

“‘I’d pay a great price to find a love like that.’…’I think you will find that it does not require a great price or a small one.'”

“A man who will give comfort to a woman who has no ability to give anything in return is the kind of man who will find love easily, although such things work on their own timetable. You’ll see.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This story takes place in a fantasy world with hints dropped that it may actually be our own but something has happened to change it into the version we read about (I am waiting to see how this pans out) and follows Roland, a Keeper of the Clock, who returns home after a day of work to find a mysterious note left for him. What follows is an epic fantasy adventure while Roland tries to uncover the meaning behind the note.

While I have read several of Dean’s science fiction books, this is the first fantasy book from him that I have read so I was going into this a bit unsure of what to expect but as a fan of both fantasy and Dean, I knew I wasn’t going to  be disappointed and spoiler alert: I wasn’t. As always Dean’s writing tone comes off as creative and warm. He does a great job at giving you just enough information to keep you on the edge of your seat without giving everything away, leaving you wanting more and craving answers.

I thought that the pacing of this story was just right, we get enough details to understand what is happening without too much to get bogged down in. I also thought that that character writing was well done although some characters did seem a bit too straight forward and perhaps motivated a bit too much by either good or evil. I would have perhaps liked to see some more multidimensionality to them – although that might be the exact point of the story so I think I will just have to wait and see as more details come to light later in the series.

Summary:

Overall, this was a refreshing and original plot, as all of Dean’s seem to be. He took some classic fantasy themes and made them uniquely his own for this story which I really enjoyed. Only book one in this new series, this book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger and I am excited to see where Dean takes it next. If you like fantasy, mystery, action, and adventure, then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Check out The Clock and the Candles here!