Tag: conspiracy thriller

END (The Dying of the Light Book One) by Jason Kristopher Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

The sole survivor of a zombie outbreak in a small town must work with an elite unit to face an even deadlier threat in author Jason Kristopher’s “END”, the first in The Dying of the Light series.

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The Synopsis

When 1,500 people die in Fall Creek’s zombie outbreak—including his fiancée—bookseller David Blake becomes the sole survivor. His escape catches the attention of AEGIS, an elite military unit that’s been secretly fighting the undead since 1873.

The truth is terrifying: walkers have been here for over a century. The government has been lying. And now the infection is evolving—turning victims in minutes instead of hours.

Recruited as a civilian consultant, David joins Major Kimberly Barnes and her squad of hardened soldiers. But as outbreaks multiply and humanity teeters on the edge, he discovers the walking dead might be the least of their problems.

The Review

I am a big fan of zombie apocalypse, dystopian-level horror novels, and this book was such a unique and compelling new direction to take the genre. Immediately, I was drawn into the massive world-building that the narrative takes, sharing a creative direction of taking the outbreak of zombies back hundreds of years, and showing the sudden evolution of the virus that brings about the apocalypse. How government agencies have tried to hide this outbreak for years added a fun conspiracy element to this horror thriller that will stay with readers. 

The depth of character development really was the driving force behind this story. The chemistry between the two protagonists, David and Kim, and their individual losses and traumas from their experiences made this such an emotionally driven narrative, and it helps balance out the novel with the heavy action sequences and horror elements. The detail the author poured into this story, too, from the different outbreak classifications and military systems, to the differing types of zombies and how the virus reacts in other people, made this feel like a cinematic quality experience in novel form.

The Verdict

Intense, character-driven, and entertaining, author Jason Kristopher’s “END” is a must-read zombie horror meets conspiracy thriller novel and a grand first entry in the Dying of the Light series. The twists and turns the story takes, the heartfelt and emotional balance to the action, and the unique ending that is both bleak and yet hopeful in many ways, make this a compelling zombie horror novel to get lost in. 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.

The Fire in our Heads

The Mascot: Ground Zero in the Cave Sun Series by Maria Ian Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

In author Maria Ian’s ” The Mascot, ” the first in the Cave Sun Series, a human rights attorney uncovers a secret war waging in Latin America by clandestine groups and finds himself the target of a band of assassins.

The Synopsis

Prostitution is not glamorous, but why is the undercover soldier so proud to keep up appearances?

Several contenders vie for power in the hidden, forbidden territory in Latin America. Their fighters are organized militaries; only their inner cores know the truth. To the populace, they appear as morally bankrupt criminal gangs.

Top candidates must undergo brutal training and conquer the tortuous race to destroy evil for the only livable land, the victorious state code-named Ara Pacis, or Altar of Peace. That one is led by an illusive insider. He is priceless, and not only in cash.

When Washington D.C. human rights attorney Craig Malcault’s investigations uncover connections to U.S. military intelligence and the mysterious wife of an international biochemical conglomerate’s founder, the assassins are dispatched. Craig’s job is to extract evidence from the hellish pitfall while the top candidate is en route to face and pass his final test. From the executive branch in Washington D.C. to devastating underground hide-outs, from all force of arms to one man alone, Craig is on the terror-stricken path to discover some of the world’s top intelligence secrets, while justice might be done … if Craig and his career can survive the lies and the hate.

The Review

This was a riveting and harrowing read. The author found a great balance between personal character development and conspiracy thriller. The slow-burn pacing yet thrilling events in the protagonist’s everyday life and the gripping drama that unfolds even in the earliest chapters of the narrative will stay with readers as they delve deeper and deeper into this new series.

The mix of courtroom drama, criminal investigation, and character growth will keep readers invested in this narrative. The protagonist is a compelling character, driving readers to engage not only with his legal actions but also with his personal development, from the friends and romances in his life to the clients he is willing to go the extra mile for to uncover the truth, with the truth being a prominent theme in this conspiracy thriller.

The Verdict

Harrowing, thrilling, and entertaining author Maria Ian’s “The Mascot” is a must-read conspiracy and crime thriller and the perfect introduction to this new series. The twists and turns in the story and the rich character growth will keep the shocking events of this narrative embedded in the reader’s minds as the human psyche becomes the novel’s focal point. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Maria wrote her first novel at the age of thirteen and has been writing ever since. She is the author of seventeen books, including an international bestseller. She has also served as editor of numerous books, including an Amazon health and fitness bestseller.

As a legal project manager for fifteen years, Maria assisted survivors of violence and torture from conflict zones internationally and wrote and published for trade publications. She also worked in PR and was host and producer for a regional public access TV show featuring interviews on current affairs.

Maria has a Ph.D. in political science, a JD in law, and is licensed in traditional Chinese medicine, trauma counseling, and physical fitness.

She created the crime and spy thriller Cave Sun series.

Why do I write? Listen to my interview here. 

https://caveofthesun.com/

Let Thy Children Come (Hammer and Sharpe Noir Mystery Thrillers: Book 1) by David E. Feldman Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A private investigator and an ex-con are brought together by different circumstances to face a local crime lord in author David E. Feldman’s upcoming noir, “Let Thy Children Come”, the first book in the Hammer and Sharpe Noir Mystery Thrillers series. 

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The Synopsis

Two days before Halloween, seven-year-old Kyle Robinson does not return home from school, and private investigator, recovering addict, and avowed cynic Sam Sharpe is hired by his parents, Sheila and Arthur Robinson, to find the boy. Sharpe soon finds himself entangled with local crime lord Wallace North and his savage enforcers.

Meanwhile, Judah Hammer, a tough ex-con with a good heart, is release from jail after serving three years for manslaughter, and returns home to his large and loving family. Judah’s father, a well-respected banker, is killed by a bomb that goes off at his bank, and Judah suspects that North is behind his father’s death.

This noir mystery thriller includes a strong cast of fascinating, ongoing supporting characters, from vicious killers to femme fatales, and multiple riveting interwoven stories.

Fans of Robert Crais, Lee Child, John Sandford will love this first in series, Let Thy Children Come, Hammer and Sharpe Noir Mystery Thrillers: Book 1, by the author of the 6-book award-winning Dora Ellison Mystery Series.

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The Review

What a genuinely mesmerizing and haunting noir thriller meets mystery read. The depths of layering the author did with this narrative were superb, allowing the reader to quickly get lost in the unfolding mystery as it unraveled before their eyes. The way the author constantly escalated the danger and story was excellent, starting rapidly with the case of the missing child and a bed of complex conspiracies being discovered on both sides of the law as time passed.

The incredible world-building and character development were terrific. The thought-provoking twists in the characters’ stories and the mesmerizing way the author presented new challenges that made each character suspect at times while also giving readers and the protagonists a familiar foe to face made the characters’ arcs that much more powerful. Getting multiple perspectives on the mystery allowed readers to be confronted by this haunting narrative on numerous fronts.

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The Verdict

Engaging, thrilling, and thought-provoking author David E. Feldman’s “Let The Children Come” is a must-read noir mystery novel. The plot’s twists and turns and the unraveled web of conspiracy will keep readers invested, and the heart-pounding action and suspense will have readers eager for the next entry in this fantastic new series. 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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David E. Feldman has written 10 books of his own and ghost-written many others. He has made several films, won 2 film awards and won a playwriting contest in 2022. His first in series Not Today – Dora Ellison Mystery Book 1 was a Best Mystery 2022 Killer Nashville Claymore finalist and was followed by five more Dora books. His novel The Neighborhood was a 2023 finalist for The Book Excellence Awards. He also writes essays and articles both digitally and for print.

He plays piano and sings professionally and loves to paint, which he does both for fun and commission. He adores his wife, two sons and their Yorkie. He has an MLS degree in Library & Information Science.

https://www.davidefeldman.com/books.shtml

Sky Curse (Book One): The Chosen Five by Janet Kravetz Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

In a futuristic world where climate change is worsening and mental health and population control have gotten out of control, one woman seeks a means of using technology to prevent a total apocalypse in author Janet Kravetz’s “Sky Curse: The Chosen Five”, the first book in the Sky Curse series. 

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The Synopsis

The Sky Curse series follows Cecilia Miller, a coder of artificial dreams living in the year 2045. It’s a time when climate chaos has become the norm and the collective mental health of humanity has fallen to a grave state. The world’s population has grown to a horrific twenty-five billion people, maxing Earth to its limit. Most are planning to abandon Earth and leave it to its fate as they colonize a new world through Titan pioneering (those beings are called Universalists). However, there are those who still hold on to hope for Earth and a humanity untainted by AI (those beings are called Localists). As humanity struggles to survive, it seems like only technology can help, and Cecilia is determined to be the one to bring it about. When planet Earth faces apocalyptic events, she must summon her resolve and resilience if she’s to have a chance to save this world.

The Review

This was such an intense, captivating conspiracy thriller that meets YA sci-fi and a dystopian novel. The novel read like a very mature story, with strong characters who represented the complexities of this novel’s themes. The tension and atmosphere the author creates in this novel were so palpable and captured the reader’s attention, allowing the narrative to shine through brightly. The characters felt organic and honed into the world around them so well, and each character, including the protagonist, became a vocal representation of the themes the narrative brings to life. 

What stands out in this novel are the incredibly complex themes and the rich world-building the author utilizes. The themes the author explores included the advancements in technology, climate change, humanity’s impact on the world, and the slippery slope between controlling humanity and curbing destructive behaviors. The reader is immediately treated to the themes through the advanced AI systems, virtual reality becoming virtual dreams and even the protagonist’s status as a Cyborg. The idea of a “big brother” state and the question of how much control humanity has on the impact of the world around them and how much is left up to fate was incredible to read and watch unfold on the page.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, adrenaline-fueled, and entertaining, author Janet Kravetz’s “Sky Curse: The Chosen Five” is a must-read sci-fi meets dystopian conspiracy thriller novel of 2022! The concept and execution of this narrative felt very much like George Orwell’s 1984 meets Issac Asimov’s expansive sci-fi collection, including I, Robot. The intimate way the author is able to capture the concept of finding one’s voice and stepping into your own power made this such a rich and unique story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Janet Kravetz (sometimes writing under the pen name Topaz Ruby) is an award winning author, poet and artist as well as a mental health advocate.   

Janet was born in Ukraine and grew up in Israel, where she had a career in legal research and public policy, joining the Israel Bar in 2009. Soon thereafter she immigrated to Nova Scotia, Canada and continued working in the field of legal research and public policy, while volunteering with various local committees for the promotion of diversity and inclusion. She speaks Russian, Hebrew and English. 

In 2013 she launched a career as an award-winning poet and in 2014 as an award-winning author, when her self-published book of poetry and art “Reaching Beyond Ourselves – Leading a Spiritual, peaceful and Diverse World” won the international Beverly Hills Book Awards for both content and presentation (under the pen name Topaz Ruby). In the following years Janet turned to writing more poetry and also a few unpublished manuscripts about topics of spirituality, mental health, diversity and the environment. She writes in plain language that children and immigrants can understand.

https://www.authorjanetkravetz.com/

Misadventure Memoirs Book One: Little Girl Scream by Al E. Boy and F. Carod Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

The young woman running her family’s best hotel finds herself immersed in police investigations as a series of deaths and murders hits the hotel, and with the help of an English professor she must thwart the sinister forces behind these crimes before its too late in the authors F. Carod and Al E. Boy’s “Misadventure Memoirs Book One: Little Girl Scream”.

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The Synopsis

Absolutely nothing can compare to the Hotel Amatista, Cancun’s premier luxury resort. The jewel in her family’s chain of 5 star hotels, Sofia Hernández is in charge, and the young woman takes great pride when she hears guests remark the hotel makes them feel like they’ve died and gone to heaven. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what’s been happening lately, Young guests vanish, only to turn up the next day…abused, tortured…and dead. Sofia suddenly has her hands full dealing with police investigations, trying to ease her guests’ fears, and doing her best to save the Amatista’s reputation. And, with no way of knowing if the sadistic culprit is a hotel employee or a guest, stopping the killings will be no easy task. With the help of Dale Mathis, a visiting English professor, she is able to thwart further abductions and murders, but her interference draw the ire of the sinister mastermind who decides Sofia must pay for her boldness. To make matters even worse, her new friend becomes the number one suspect of the Cancun police.

The Review

The author really did an incredible job of creating a captivating and creepy murder mystery and thriller. For personal context, my first introduction to Al E. Boy was through a children’s Christmas series of books, and so when I got this request to review his new adult thriller series, I was shocked. The chilling cover of the book immediately put me in a creepy vibes type of mood when starting the read, and the chilling opening chapter set the tone for this thriller.

I loved the balance the author found between the more disturbing and shocking horror/serial killer moments of this thriller with the more personal and heartfelt character development, especially between Sofia and Dale, whose friendship develops into something truly inspiring by the book’s end. The mystery is well developed over time and the detailed descriptions brought about a haunting imagery to the writing that will instantly draw horror fans into this thriller.

The Verdict

Gripping, mind-blowing, and entertaining, author Al E. Boy and F. Carod’s “Misadventures Memoirs: Little Girl Scream” is a must-read action/horror thriller and the perfect start to a captivating series. The imagery and haunting tone of the narrative, along with a brilliant narrative that twisted and turned with shocking developments that readers wouldn’t see coming, made for a story that is not to be missed.  Be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Through almost 40 years as a Santa Claus, Al E. Boy developed quite a repertoire of tales to explain and answer the many questions children ask about Santa, the North Pole, his reindeer, and his friends, the elves.

It was this collection of tales which prompted him to begin writing The Adventures of Fawn. Through the young daughter of legendary reindeer Comet and Vixen, he’s been able to weave an exciting, colorful, imaginative world which will delight readers of all ages!

Mr. Boy not only hopes you enjoy these tales, but make reading them part of your Christmas traditions, as well.

https://aleboysnowflake.wixsite.com/fawn

Vanished by Cynthia Fridsma Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A missing person’s case and a mysterious car found with a body inside lead to a complex mystery that will leave readers on the edge of their seat in author Cynthia Fridsma’s “Vanished”. 

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The Synopsis

Rose Gibbon’s husband has been missing for two years. Devastated, she sells her home. The next day, local authorities investigate an abandoned car at the intersection of Westland Avenue and Hemenway Street in Boston. All the blood recedes from her face; she knows it’s her husband’s car!

Meanwhile, Medical Examiner Natalie Principal arrives at the crime scene to inspect a charred body behind the wheel. The victim falls apart when she touches it. Since the car doesn’t show traces of fire, Natalie’s afraid the victim was exposed to a deadly dose of radiation. She informs the ATU—Anti Terrorism Unit—about a possible terrorist threat of a dirty bomb. As the investigation continues, digital footprints are erased, and people vanish into thin air . . . a deadly race to save Natalie’s friends is about to begin. 

The Review

A truly wonderful read! What beings as a simple missing person/murder mystery turns into something far more complex that will truly shock readers. A blend of classic murder mysteries with sci-fi and government conspiracies, the story takes readers through an emotional tale of a woman desperate to find out what happened to her husband, and the team of investigators who get sucked into the mystery alongside her. 

While the cast of characters were wonderfully written and kept the readers emotionally invested, it was the well thought out, carefully orchestrated and expertly driven plot that made this story what it was. The twists and turns the story takes are what make truly memorable mysteries and thrillers, and as more bodies begin to pile up readers will soon discover an entire world that no one ever knew existed. 

The Verdict

This was an amazing read that readers will not want to miss. A truly one of a kind tale, the author does a beautiful job of blending emotionally driven character development with complex plot building and action-fueled drama. If you like mysteries, thrillers and elements of sci-fi blended into emotional tales of loss, grief and struggle, then you will not want to miss author Cynthia Fridsma’s novel “Vanished”. Be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 8/10

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About the Author

As far back as she can remember, Cynthia has been listening to exciting stories told by her mother. She grew up reading books from Edgar Allan Poe, H. P. Lovecraft, and Philip K. Dick, among others.

It was Cynthia’s mother who inspired her to start telling—and writing—her own stories.

Ms. Fridsma’s writing career started after a handicap in 2014—she has a tremor in her right hand, numbness in the fingers, and pain in her wrist. She had to give up her other creative outlets, such as photography, computer programming, and gave up on juggling, so focused on what she could do rather than what she couldn’t do.

Besides writing, she sometimes plays guitar—in Jimi Hendrix style.

Cynthia lives with her husband and two pet bunnies in Amsterdam.

http://www.cynthiafridsma.com/

Collateral Carnage: Money. Politics. Big Pharma. What could go wrong? By Chris Saper Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A conspiracy thriller like no other takes center stage surrounding corporate espionage, cover ups, and a terrifying new treatment for US Veterans suffering from PTSD, with shocking results, in author Chris Saper’s novel “Collateral Carnage: Money. Politics. Big Pharma. What Could Go Wrong?”. 

The Synopsis

Money. Politics. Big Pharma. What could go wrong?As PTSD therapist Claire Wilheit is about to learn, a whole helluva lot. A chance after-hours encounter with a fellow therapist reveals falsified patient files and thrusts Claire into a conspiracy poised to revolutionize treatment for US veterans now and for future generations, with deadly collateral damage.Trapped in an avalanche of events over which she has no control, Claire is locked into a race against time in preventing the sweeping, irreversible and fatally flawed policies that Congress is about to set into play.Collateral Carnage is Chris Saper’s debut novel, a gripping thriller set in a future near enough to be all too terrifying.

The Review

From the book’s first pages the stage is set for a massive cover up, as files are discovered having been tampered with and one therapist’s day off turns into a life altering journey as she becomes part of a massive conspiracy involving several of her patients, (along with others), and discovers the lengths they are willing to go to in order to make money and cover up their actions. 

What really sold this story however was not just the action and suspense, but the very human element of the protagonists, especially Claire. The integration of the family drama Claire begins the story in and integrating the shocking turn of events Claire goes through, the characters driving this narrative home feel more personal and relatable than most espionage/conspiracy thrillers these days. What also set this story apart was the blend of this human element with the scary future that could always become a reality that the author integrates, using curfews within neighborhoods and privatizing organizations to patrol the streets apart from the police, making the world feel like it is on the brink of becoming a privatized police state. 

The Verdict

This was a massively entertaining, engaging and fun read. Fans of the great Tom Clancy will be on the edge of their seat throughout this fantastic novel. The fusion of conspiracy thriller with family drama and ordinary people thrust into dark tales of corruption and life threatening action like no other, author Chris Saper has done a wonderful job of reigniting this genre for the modern reader. With a shocking twist ending that leaves the door open, readers can only hope to see more of Claire and author Chris Saper in the future. If you haven’t yet, grab your copy of “Collateral Carnage” today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Chris Saper is a portrait painter, teacher and author. 

Author of North Light Book’s, Painting Beautiful Skin Tones with Color & Light and For Love or Money: A Business Handbook for Portrait Painters, Mostly Monochrome.

Saper has also been published in The Best of Portrait Painting, American Artist Magazine, Artist’s Magazine, Pastel Journal, and Pastel Artist International and International Artist Magazines. 

Her work is also featured in 

North Light Books’ Strokes of Genius: The Best of Drawing; and

Drawing & Painting People: The Essential Guide, 

Strokes of Genius 2: The Best of Light and Shadow.

Saper has two instructional DVDs available: “Painting Oil Portraits in Warm Light”, and “Capturing the Beauty of Monochrome Oil Portraits”, both available through North Light Books’ www.artistsnetwork.com.

Since becoming a faculty member of the Portrait Society of America in 2006, Chris has participated at the PSA’s annual meeting, “The Art of the Portrait”, in the capacity of demonstrator, panelist on topics of interest, portfolio critiques, and book signings. In the fall of 2007, Chris conducted a demo and workshop for the Society’s Academy, held at the San Francisco Academy of Art University.

Saper is a contributor to John Howard Sanden’s World of Portrait Painting, writing a regular column, “Portraiture and the Pursuit of Excellence.”

In addition to her full-time commissioned portrait practice, Saper is an active speaker, demonstrator and instructor, teaching regularly at both the Scottsdale Artists’ School and at the Mountain Artists’ Guild in Prescott AZ.

Chris Saper has studied with noted portraitists including Bettina Steinke, Burton Silverman, Harley Brown, William Whitaker, Daniel Greene, Phil Beck and Dan Gerhartz. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts and a Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration.