I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Humanity’s survivors attempt to reclaim the surface world but find new threats emerging in author Jason Kristopher’s “Beginning”, the third novel in the Dying of the Light series.
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The Synopsis
The triumphant finale of the series called “the best since World War Z!”
He awoke and, for the first time in almost twenty-five years, remembered who he was.
Twenty years after Z-Day, humanity’s remnants prepare to reclaim the surface from underground bunkers. But as survivors venture upward, they discover a chilling truth: the world above has changed in ways no one anticipated.
When a new threat emerges that could trigger a second Z-Day, Eden Blake and the remaining heroes of AEGIS must make their final stand. In this race against extinction, the greatest enemy comes from within.
Heart-pounding action meets moral complexity in this explosive conclusion that fans of The Walking Dead and World War Z won’t be able to put down.
The Review
This was a compelling and gripping novel. The author did a fabulous job of creating a narrative that both allowed new readers into a harrowing world and paid off major storylines and character developments begun throughout the first two books of the series. The wealth of world-building and multiple POVs from various characters showcasing how humanity has divided and evolved in the years since Z-Day was both entertaining and thrilling, allowing readers to visualize the world the author created.
The heart of this narrative was the characters and their growth. From the first chapter, readers are on the edge of their seats as blasts from the past are revealed before the curtain is pulled back, taking them to a new time period to explore. The powerful imagery in the author’s writing style makes both the zombie and human threats the book reveals feel visceral, and the action more tense. The reader will instantly connect emotionally with the characters as they grow throughout the narrative.
The Verdict
Harrowing, enthralling, and compelling, author Jason Kristophers’ “Beginning” is a must-read zombie action and adventure thriller and a grand entry in the Dying of the Light series. The twists and turns in the narrative, the shocking revelations, and the emotional endings to many character arcs will stay with readers and leave them wanting more ways to dive into the vast world the author has developed. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Jason Kristopher is the award-winning author terrifying readers with zombies in THE DYING OF THE LIGHT, thrilling them with 1940s noir in LOCO MOCO, and harrowing them with boy-meets-gryphon-meets-robot adventure in WHEN IRON WAKES. With the love of his life and the dog that rescued him by his side, he plots his next traumatizing stories from Florida beaches.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Humanity’s survivors must find a way of surviving not only endless undead walkers but the threat of starvation in author Jason Kristopher’s “Interval”, the second book in The Dying of the Light series.
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The Synopsis
Return to the award-winning zombie series called “the best since World War Z!”
Becoming a zombie was much more painful than he had expected.
In a world devoured by chaos, survival hangs by a thread. Amidst the relentless onslaught of the undead, hope flickers dim. But beyond the horrors of the walkers lies an even graver threat. Massive bunkers crumble under unyielding assault, plunging into darkness.
Across icy wastelands, stranded scientists fight starvation’s cold grip. Can David Blake and the remnants of AEGIS rescue the salvation-bearing scientist from the frigid grip of Antarctica, or will humanity succumb to the merciless jaws of extinction?
Fans of The Walking Dead and Maberry’s The Dead of Night will love this action-packed, globe-trotting sequel. Don’t wait – grab your copy now!
The Review
This is a fantastic follow-up to the first book in this series, END, and capitalizes on the brutality and horror of the first book’s events by delving into the freezing depths of the Antarctic and the lengths humanity must go to survive. The balance the author finds in utilizing military protocol and language with the personal storytelling of the characters and their lives was as astounding as it was in book one, and the way the author explored how different militaries around the world responded to their own bases in the Arctic and how things advanced as the years wore on was so engaging from a reader’s perspective.
The world-building and action are so visceral and alive on the page, and the imagery is so compelling. The exploration of the effects the virus, aka the prion, has on the dead, mainly the reasons some become “runners” rather than “walkers,” is so enthralling. The way the author writes allows the pacing to feel punctuated and engaged in a fast-paced action thriller, keeping the reader invested throughout the entire novel.
The Verdict
Memorable, action-packed, and thrilling, author Jason Kristopher’s “Interval” is a must-read action horror thriller and a grand entry in the Dying of the Light series. The story is entertaining, the characters are relatable, intense, and emotionally driven, and the heartfelt, open-ended ending allows the reader to become fully immersed in this world and eager for the next entry in the series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Jason Kristopher is the award-winning author terrifying readers with zombies in THE DYING OF THE LIGHT, thrilling them with 1940s noir in LOCO MOCO, and harrowing them with boy-meets-gryphon-meets-robot adventure in WHEN IRON WAKES. With the love of his life and the dog that rescued him by his side, he plots his next traumatizing stories from Florida beaches.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A former Navy officer turned History professor faces a swarm of adversaries chasing the hidden treasure of a French and Indian War era general in author David R. Leng’s “Echoes of Fortune: The Search for Braddock’s Lost Gold”.
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The Synopsis
The race is on! A Gripping Historical Thriller Full of Action, Mystery, and Suspense.
Dive into a whirlwind of adventure, mystery, and danger with Echoes of Fortune, a historical thriller that will leave you breathless. Jack Sullivan, a history professor and former Navy officer with a knack for unearthing the past, stumbles upon a clue that might lead to General Braddock’s legendary lost treasure of 1755: gold to pay the troops and secure Native American allies.
Join Jack and his friends as they race against time and relentless and aggressive adversaries and embark on a dangerous quest to uncover the legendary treasure. Follow them as they decipher cryptic codes and navigate deadly traps. With danger lurking around every corner, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Discover a heart-pounding story filled with a mix of history, action, treasure hunting, and loyalty, with a touch of romance, where ancient codes and modern-day dangers collide. Will Jack and his friends’ loyalty successfully withstand the ultimate test, or will the pursuit of wealth cost them everything, including their lives?
For fans of historical thrillers, action-packed adventures, and suspense-filled mysteries, Echoes of Fortune seamlessly blends stories of the past and present. If you enjoy books by Clive Cussler or Dan Brown, this tale of codes, loyalty, treasure, and intrigue will keep you hooked until the very last page. Dive into a world where treasure hunting meets mystery and espionage, where heroism, loyalty, and sacrifice are tested. Experience the adventure of a lifetime—get your copy today!
The Review
What an engaging and thrilling historical fiction meets action adventure read. The author does a fantastic job of finding the right balance between the historical background that this mystery is based on and the modern-day adventure that sees the hunt for the treasure takes place. The reader gets a historical perspective of the events that led to this adventure and the mystery that drives many people in our modern era to search for hidden treasures and historical artifacts.
The themes this story explores and the rich character development allow for a more remarkable and connecting tale for readers. The author’s ability to infuse themes of loyalty, a sense of duty, and the cost to people at the expense of a person’s ambition was profoundly felt. The rich character dynamics allowed for tense interactions and deep personal growth within the characters. The imagery used in the author’s writing brought these locations and the historical background to life perfectly.
The Verdict
Thrilling, memorable, and entertaining author David R. Leng’s “Echoes of Fortune” is a must-read historical fiction thriller. The attention to detail, solid historical presence in the main story, and twists and turns in the overall narrative will keep readers invested in this author’s breathtaking tale. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
David R. Leng is the author of the International #1 Best Sellers – Insured to Fail, The 10 Laws of Insurance Attraction and Turning Premiums Into Profits, as well as Stop Being Frustrated & Overcharged By Your Workers’ Compensation Program. He is an accomplished and well know speaker, and performs as a Certified Risk Manager to many employers. David is also Executive Vice President and Partner of the Duncan Financial Group – he is a 30 year veteran of the Risk Management and Insurance industry and is regarded as one of the brightest minds in the industry due to his unique Risk Profile Improvement Process, which identifies, controls and reduces the risk factors inherent in any business that drive costs to an organization’s bottom line and hinders employee productivity. Since 2004, David has saved his clients well over $42,000,000 in premiums and overcharges.
David was awarded the Advisor of the Year for 2008 by the Institute of WorkComp Professionals and is a frequent contributor to Dynamic Business, Environmental Health & Safety magazines, and has been published in several other periodicals and association newsletters.
David, who has 16 years’ experience specializing in Risk Management, is an alumnus of Penn State where he received a Bachelor of Science in Insurance and Risk Management. His professional designations include Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Certified Risk Manager (CRM) and Charter Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Certified Benefits & Wellness Advisor (CBWA), and he’s been designated a Certified WorkComp Advisor (CWCA) by the Institute of WorkComp Professionals.
David is also Co-Founder of Keystone CompControl, the nation’s largest single network of Workers’ Compensation specialists, and is one of only 14 nationwide Level-5 Advisors of the Institute of WorkComp Professionals.
David is a frequent speaker for the Hardwood Manufacturers Association, Wood Products Manufacturing Association, National Workers’ Compensation Symposium, PA Society of Public Accountants, SMC Business Councils, Westmoreland HR Association, as well as other organizations; and was added to the faculty of the Institute of WorkComp Professionals in 2012.
David spends his leisure time boating in the summer and skiing in the winter with his wife, Lynn, and their two children. David and Lynn are active members of Emmaus and Autism Speaks, organizations that help support individuals with special needs, including their son, who was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 18 months.
David’s hobbies include woodworking and ice hockey, as well as donating considerable time to his local high school by helping to design and build sets for their musical productions.
David can be contacted at (724) 863-3420 ext. 3329 (toll free at 888-383-3420 ext. 3329), or emailed at dleng@duncangrp.com.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
An ambassador imprisoned in a castle prison somewhere in the Eastern Bloc tells his life story and keeps readers constantly changing whether his story can be trusted in author Lee Polevoi’s international political mystery, “The Confessions of Gabriel Ash”.
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The Synopsis
The Confessions of Gabriel Ash, a literary Cold War thriller with echoes of John Le Carre and A Gentleman in Moscow, alternates between the glittery backdrop of 1980s New York and the sinister grottoes of Eastern Europe. The story UN Ambassador Gabriel Ash has to tell—in a voice that’s sardonic, self-delusional, and uniquely his own—will result either in his release from captivity or the loss of his life.
The Review
This was a captivating and gripping thriller. The harsh Eastern European settings and the vibrant yet misleading glamor of New York not only elevated the narrative but showcased the fact that so much of our understanding of the world is based so much on perspective. The conflict between protagonist Gabriel Ash and his ties to his homeland with the life he’s built in America and the consequences that follow are rife with intrigue and tension that plays well into the Cold War Era setting.
For me, the heart of this narrative came with the fusion of genres with the powerful themes the author explores. The almost comic approach to the protagonist’s mindset and interactions with characters blended well with the dark and haunting realities of spy work and corruption within world governments, and the atmosphere of the novel provided enough room for romance, action, and suspense to reign supreme in a natural way. The themes of Communism versus Capitalism, perspective, and individuality all played major roles in the story and allowed the setting and tension to play out greatly as the story progressed.
The Verdict
Powerful, heart-pounding, and engaging, author Lee Polevoi’s “The Confessions of Gabriel Ash” is a must-read Cold War spy and political thriller you won’t be able to put down. The unique method of storytelling as a narrative device told from the character’s point of view worked so well in several of the scenes in this book and allowed the reader to analyze and work out the mystery behind the protagonist’s life and his struggles for themselves. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Lee Polevoi is the author of a new novel, The Confessions of Gabriel Ash, and The Moon in Deep Winter. He has received a Bread Loaf Writers Conference scholarship and a Chesterfield Film Project screenwriting fellowship, sponsored by Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment. A short film based on The Moon in Deep Winter screened at Cannes and New York’s Chelsea Film Festival. Lee is a graduate of Amherst College and the Warren Wilson College MFA Program for Writers.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Inspector William Fox must team up with an FBI agent to track down someone from his past who has stumbled into a massive treasure trove from 15th-century China and gets kidnapped by the Triads in author Peter Thomas Pontsa’s “Outfoxed: An Inspector William Fox Adventure”.
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The Synopsis
Sometimes Inspector William Fox likes to go off script, like when chasing gangsters in his cigarette boat on the St. Lawrence River. For one case, the RCMP officer with a penchant for luxury fashion finds himself teamed up with FBI Special Agent Patrick Reilly, an Irish lad who prefers absinthe to Guinness. The pair travel overseas to track down members of a gang who have kidnapped Tracy Jordan, an American academic and archeologist with teenage ties to William. In China, Tracy has been stealthily searching for evidence of Admiral Zheng He’s 15th-century connections to the area that would later be known as Nova Scotia. It’s here that Tracy and her team discover what might be Ming dynasty artifacts transported by Zheng He’s “massive treasure ships” left behind on Mi’kmaq peoples’ ancestral land.
Outfoxed — a William Fox Adventure is a slick, globe-trotting adventure that involves the RCMP and FBI chasing the Foo Dog Triad operating in Hong Kong, mainland China, and New York City. Like Tracy and Kevin Steptoe, a Mi’kmaq lawyer, the gangsters are after the ancient Chinese treasures. Outfoxed is also a political thriller, diving deeply into the power struggles of the Communist Party of China and its shadowy operatives. It wades into the Fox family’s political past in South Korea, where a tragedy took place that still haunts William years later.
The Review
This was such an incredible action thriller. The shifting perspectives between this cast of characters helped highlight the international intrigue that the narrative brought to life, and the fast-paced atmosphere kept the feeling of adrenaline pumping through the reader’s veins as the plot began to reveal itself. The tension was felt heavily early on, as with the protagonist’s encounter on his boat or when Tracy finds herself having to evade locals looking to imprison American travelers, especially those who begin to seek out information regarding ancient treasures.
However, for me, the heart of this thriller came from the balance of high-octane action with nuanced personal character development, especially when William Fox’s past and present began to collide. The way William’s previous life growing up begins to seep into his present and the conflict this brings into his life, as well as the intrigue, and the way the larger plot uses this personal development to add to the stakes at play made this so enjoyable to read as a fan of the genre. The imagery and emotional depth of these characters’ backstories and chemistry together allowed the reader to truly connect to the character and the journey as a whole.
The Verdict
Thrilling, heart-pumping, and entertaining, author Peter Thomas Pontsa’s “Outfoxed: An Inspector William Fox Adventure” is a must-read international mystery and suspense thriller filled with action, adventure, and romance. The twists and turns will keep the reader hanging onto the author’s every word, and the author does a wonderful job of leaving just enough breadcrumbs or loose ends to allow room for more adventures for fans of the next great international action hero in the literary world. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Now retired from his dental supply business, Peter Pontsa enjoyed sharing his knowledge through writing techno-clinical articles. He was also president of the College of Dental Technologists of Ontario, where he helped develop the quality assurance program. Now he combines his passions-British cars and writing. During his tenure as president of the Headwaters British Car Club, Pontsa wrote numerous stories about cars in its newsletter, “British Driven.” He’s currently a member of the Wordsmiths, a writing group based in Alliston, Ontario, and is also a member of the Crime Writers of Canada.
Peter Pontsa lives in Loretto, Ontario, with his wife, Angela, and their orange tabby, Mr. Tee.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A decade after faking his own death, a former mobster and criminal returns to NYC to find his daughter, and those who kidnapped her, no matter the cost in author J.L. Hill’s “Killer with Three Heads”, the second book in the Killer series.
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The Synopsis
It’s been ten years since the Banoa-Rocci war. It is all but forgotten in New York City. Then the unthinkable happens, someone has kidnapped Maria and her nanny Akilina, and resurrected the Devil.
Bulletproof Morris ‘Mojo’ Johnson has been missing for the last four years. He returns in a hailstorm of bullets looking for his daughter, and more importantly, her kidnappers. He is ready to reignite the old conflicts, or start a new one with whoever would be so bold.
Nicky ‘Nails’ Rocci is ready to ascend to the role of Godfather of his New York Family and take a seat on the board of the Syndicate. His friend can derail his entire plan and put him in the middle of a war with the other families, or worse, government forces.
The Review
This was quite the loaded and action-packed crime thriller. Although fairly new to the Killer Series by this author, the narrative works in a way that allows newcomers to enjoy the story without sacrificing the callbacks and story components from the first book for returning fans of this series. The book is definitely geared towards a more adult readership, as descriptive and lengthy scenes of violence and sexual activity take place. The vivid imagery the author’s writing evokes conjures to mind the 80’s crime stories that have become a part of our pop culture for years, bringing to life mobsters, drug cartels, shady government agents, and more to the table.
The heart of this narrative was the complexity of the protagonist and the emotional driving force behind the story itself. The kidnapping of the protagonist’s daughter reawakens the seasoned criminal within Morris, and his love and determination to save his daughter is matched by the ferocity and shocking levels of violence he is willing to inflict on others to find her and gain what he wants. The story also highlights the conflicting struggles of women in general, but in particular, this story the women who had to learn to survive in the criminal underworld through any means necessary, becoming both weapon and object of desire alike to not only gain access to information and targets but to survive the violent world that these men had created back then.
The Verdict
Shocking, adrenaline-fueled, and entertaining, author J.L. Hill’s “Killer with Three Heads” is a must-read crime thriller and a great second entry into the Killer Series. The twists and turns in the narrative and the international settings and timelines that showcase the growth and development of this cast of characters help elevate the classic story seen time and time again in organized crime stories, as a father and criminal must use his resources and power to save his daughter’s life, no matter how much blood he has to spill. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
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A native New Yorker, born and raised in the Bronx, James L Hill spent his adolescence years in Fort Apache, the South Bronx 41st precinct during the 60’s, during a time when you needed to have a gang to go to the store. Raised on blues, soul, and rock and roll gave him the heart of a flower child. Educated by the turmoil of Vietnam, Civil Rights, and the Sexual Revolution produced a gladiator. Realizing the precariousness of life gave him an adventurous outlook and willingness to try anything once, and if it did not kill him, maybe twice. 12 years of Catholic education and a couple of years in college spread between wild drug induce euphoric years, which did not kill him, gave James an unique moral compass that swings in any direction it wants. A scientific mind and a spirit that believes nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough guides his writings. He enjoys traveling to new places and seeing what life has to offer. James began writing short stories and poetry back in his early years. In his twenties moved on to novels. He worked in the financial industry and later got a degree in computer programming, his other love. James has a successful career as a software engineer designing, developing and maintaining systems for the government and the private sector. He has been programming for nearly forty years in various languages. After years in the computer world he returned to his first love, unleashing the characters in his head. Still a hopeless insomniac, he feels free to pound out plots. James L Hill is a prolific storyteller writing crime stories, fantasies, and science fiction, with a slant on the dark side of life. The next step on his journey naturally led to the business of publishing. He started RockHill Publishing LLC not only to produce his own work, but to give others access to the literary world. His computer background and experiences in word processing gives him insight into what it takes to publish good books.
I receive a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Two women who discover they are twin sisters must learn the secrets of their past after the only person with all the answers is assassinated and a trail of bodies begins to pile up in author Jocie McKade’s “The Line is Drawn”, the first book in the Mayson-Dickson Mysteries series.
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The Synopsis
WHEN NORTH MEETS SOUTH IT’S MURDER!
A secret twin sister? Who knew? Emme Mayson and Jackie Dickson discover they are twins, just before an assassin’s bullet kills the only man who knows everything.
Whisked away to an “off-the-books” witness protection program. With the aid of a wanted hacker, and another pitcher of margaritas, Emma and Jackie are determined to discover the truth about their parents’ secret past and why they were separated into North and South….Was it bad enough to have a man murdered to keep that secret?
Murder, mystery and family fuel the fire between two sisters so different the only thing keeping them from starting another war between the states is the need to solve the case, get their answers and stay alive.
The Review
This was an action-packed and gripping thriller. The author does an incredible job of really delving into the action and suspense right from the first page, pumping up the reader’s adrenaline and keeping the heart pounding as the immediate threat the newly introduced sisters face makes themselves known. The tension between the protagonists and the blend of humor and wit allow the atmosphere to have a sort of charm that meets the action feeling of the narrative that showcases the author’s ability to find balance within the story.
The heart of the story definitely rests within the bond and character growth of the protagonists. The attention to detail the author pays to each character and the amount of backstory the author infuses into both Emme and Jackie allows each of their personalities to shine brightly, and the conflict that arises from their stark differences and approaches to life keeps the reader invested in their story greatly.
The Verdict
Adrenaline-fueled, witty, and entertaining, author Jocie McKade’s “The Line is Drawn” is a fantastic first book in the Mayson-Dickson Mysteries series. The twists and turns in the narrative and the way these characters come together will have readers heart’s pumping, and the open-ended finale will keep readers eager for more of these dynamic sisters. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Jocie worked at several jobs before landing her ideal one as a librarian, a perfect segue to becoming an author.
With a soft spot for U.S. Veterans, she chaired her local Veteran’s Oral History Project, and her work with the program led to her speaking before the project committee at the U.S. Library of Congress. She has won several awards for her non-fiction writing on a multitude of subjects.
Her fiction writing has received the Author / Ambassador at Library Journal Self-e Authors, Winner Queen of the West Reader Favorite Award, Amazon Bestseller – Historical, Double finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards in the Mystery and Humorous Categories, and her novel Baer Truth received 4.5 stars from RT Book Reviews.
Writing humorous cozy mysteries, and romantic comedy, Jocie can find humor in most everything, even when she shouldn’t. She lives in the Midwest on Dust Bunny Farm with her family. When not writing, she grows ArnoldSwartzaWeeds in her garden and RVs whenever the opportunity presents itself.
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.
What begins as an attempt to infiltrate a large Japanese crime organization turns into an international nightmare as one man must protect his target and prevent a deadly plot from unfolding in author Humphrey Hawksley’s “Ice Islands”, the fourth book in the Rake Ozenna Thriller series.
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The Synopsis
Major Rake Ozenna faces dangerous choices and deadly consequences in this rip-roaring political thriller that takes you from the ice islands of Finland to the bustling streets of Tokyo via Russia and the White House . . . Buckle up, this is a thrilling ride!
Major Rake Ozenna’s mission is simple: gain access to the Kato family – Japan’s most dangerous crime empire – and stop the threat to America. But when the secret son of the Russian leader is executed and Rake’s target, Sara Kato, is implicated in the murder, a political crisis between Russia, Japan and the US is set in motion.
It’s a race to protect Sara and earn her trust whilst escaping the inhospitable terrain of the icy Aland island. Meanwhile, Russia wants revenge for the murder, a catastrophic move when it is revealed Japan have been stockpiling nuclear weapons.
As Rake learns the true extent of their deadly plans, he must draw on every ounce of his training to succeed. Because if he fails, it won’t just be his life that will be lost . . . the consequences will be global!
The Review
This was such a cinematic and captivating international thriller! The author ramps up the narrative of this series greatly by honing in on a mixture of global high-stakes action and intimate and more personal character-driven mysteries. The globe-trotting settings really made this feel like a modern-day Netflix action thriller movie, while the tension and balance of politics with organized crime in the narrative added such depth to the story itself.
Yet it was the rich character growth that the author utilized in this narrative that really made the action and setting pop on the page. The mystery surrounding this Russian President’s son’s murder and the daughter of a Japanese criminal all felt both engaging and yet realistic to the current political and criminal climates our world is facing. However, it was the protagonist’s story that really drew me in as a reader, showcasing his heroism and yet also showing his struggle with learning more about his family’s past and trying to separate himself from any feelings involving his target, making this such a rich and dynamic story to read.
The Verdict
Entertaining, thrilling, and brilliantly written, author Humphrey Hawksley’s “Ice Islands” is a must-read novel and a great addition to the Rake Ozenna series. The mystery and suspense the narrative picks up and the rich character development create a narrative that plays out greatly in the reader’s imagination through imagery and tone that captivates the audience immediately. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Humphrey is an award-winning author and foreign correspondent whose assignments with the BBC have taken him to crises all over the world. His Rake Ozenna series originated when reporting from the US-Russian border during heightened tension
He has been guest lecturer at universities and think tanks such as the RAND Corporation, The Center for Strategic and International Studies and MENSA Cambridge. He moderates the monthly Democracy Forum debates on international issues and is a host on the weekly Goldster Book Club where he discusses books and talks to authors.
The third in Humphrey’s political espionage Rake Ozenna series MAN ON FIRE came out in July 2021. The fourth, ICE ISLANDS, will be published in August 2022.
Rake Ozenna, a native Alaskan from Little Diomede on the Russian border, is fast making his mark as a hard-driving unusual character in thriller Fiction. Tthe great NELSON DE MILLE described Rake as ‘smart and tough, and we’re glad to have him on our side”
In MAN ON FIRE, a tense firefight on the Russian-American border heralds the start of a terrifying high-stakes mission for special forces agent Major Rake Ozenna in this gripping espionage thriller. Instructed to guide in a speed boat crossing from Russia in the Bering Strait, special forces Major Rake Ozenna watches in horror as the operation culminates in a fatal firefight – and the loss of vital intelligence of a deadly new weapon. A weapon of unimaginable power. A weapon that, if it were unleashed, would cripple civilization as we know it. But who sabotaged the mission? Who possesses the weapon – and what is their ultimate goal?
Rake’s search takes him to the remote outpost of Uelen on the Russian coast – and the discovery that he is up against a formidable enemy from his past. As world leaders gather in Bonn for the signing of the new European security treaty, Rake enters a desperate race against time to prevent a catastrophe beyond imagining. This fast-paced, impeccably researched, highly topical thriller is perfect for rreaders of CLIVE CUSSLER, LEE CHILD and ROBERT
LUDLUM.
Humphrey’s Rake Ozenna thrillers have been widely praised.
Library Journal on MAN ON EDGE — ‘A hard-as-nails hero, an out-of-the-ordinary location, and oodles of high-action encounters – everything readers want in a political thriller’
Booklist on MAN ON ICE — ‘Knuckle-whitening suspense, bloody violence, dirty tricks, and plenty of surprising twists make this a gripping, can’t-put-it-down read’ –
‘Authentic settings, non-stop action’, Steve Berry on Man on Ice
An up-to-the-minute, page-turning spy thriller with the atmosphere of a Cold War classic’ – Charles Cumming on Man on Edge
