Tag: novels

Daddy Dearest by Paul Southern REVIEW

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Daddy Dearest by Paul Southern REVIEW
A good writer knows when to live on the edge of their genre and push the boundaries, taking a story in directions the reader would never otherwise have known to go. That is exactly what happens in author Paul Southern’s novel, Daddy Dearest. Here’s the official synopsis:
An estranged father’s weekend with his beloved five-year-old daughter turns into a nightmare when she gets into the lift of a city centre tower block and goes down without him. She vanishes without a trace. It sets off a race against time, and a nationwide manhunt, to find her. As the police investigation closes in, suspicion falls on those closest to her – with devastating consequences. Daddy Dearest is a terrifying story of love, obsession and psychological meltdown.
‘My daughter has always had a thing about lifts. There’s something about the thrill of pressing a button and seeing the lift doors close which excites her imagination. It terrifies me. Every time she walks in, I imagine it’s the last time I’ll see her. What if she hits the button before I get there? What if the lift doors close and I can’t get her out? It drives me nuts. There are eight floors in the Sears building, nine if you count the basement, and the lift is fast: more like a fairground ride, really. It does top to bottom in twelve seconds. I’ve timed it. Taking the stairs, I’ve done it in forty-two. That leaves a gap of thirty seconds. You’d be surprised what can happen in that time. I was.’
This book was a whirlwind read, taking the reader through twists and turns galore. The plot of the story is ever changing, as is the protagonist of the book. In one minute, you hate the man who narrates the story, revealing his prejudices and hatred as if they were simple facts of life. In the next instance however, your heart goes out to the guy as you learn about his close relationship with his daughter and the pain it causes him when she’s gone. The back and forth struggle with his character is a breath of fresh air in the thriller genre, as it depicts how often we view people in our own lives. So often our heroes become villains, and those we condemn end up being the people we need most in our lives. 
The writing from the author is superb, showcasing a talent for exploring the mind of people, and how a person is able to justify their actions to fit their own purposes. The pacing was perfect, delivering each twist with elegance and grace that allowed the reader to be surprised and yet able to accept each new reality with ease.
Overall, this was a fantastic read that any fan of the thriller genre should immediately read. The writing was phenomenal and by the end of the story, fans will be left breathless as the final outcome is revealed. Will this little girl be found? Who took her? Find out when you pick up your copies of Daddy Dearest by Paul Southern today!
Rating: 10/10
Daddy Dearest https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DC2EPOE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_H6ixzbGB1MFW2

Growth and Change Are Highly Overrated by Tom Starita Book Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

Everyone has a dream in their lives, but what are some people willing to do or willing to lose in order to accomplish that dream? That’s the question explored in author Tom Starita’s novel, Growth and Change Are Highly Overrated. Here is the synopsis:

Growth and Change Are Highly Overrated is a classic coming-of-age story that takes a unique and comic look at what we all fear— having to grow up and abandon our dreams. For a charismatic man like Lucas James, life is a breeze because everyone else provides the wind. This man-child front man for a mediocre cover band has been mooching off of his fiancée Jackie for years until she finally decides she’s had enough. Faced with the reality of having no income to support his carefree lifestyle, Lucas James abandons his principles and gets a job working in the stockroom at, “That Store.” How does he cope with this new found sense of responsibility? He casually steals… In a life spent bucking authority how will Lucas James deal with his manager, ‘Victor the Dictator’? How long can he survive Ralph, a starry-eyed coworker who desires nothing more than to be best friends? Will Lori, a twenty-something cashier, be like everyone else and fall for his charms? Will he ever find a place to live? And is “growing up” just another way of saying “selling out?” With this hilarious and engaging novel, author Tom Starita perfectly captures a character we have all met and perhaps some of us know all too well.
When you read this novel, you’ll quickly realize that we all know a Lucas James. He’s the kind of guy who abhors responsibility, challenges authority and is willing to use anyone to achieve their goals, and yet they work under the guise of being “free” and yet everyone around him feels drawn to him and his personality. That is who Lucas James is, and as he narrates his story, you’ll learn how he became the man he is today, and how he relates to those around him.
This is a journey of a man with a dream, and the consequences of pursuing that dream. The story itself is highly entertaining, and written with a fresh, unique voice from author Tom Starita. The brutal honesty of Lucas James to the reader while showcasing the lies he’s willing to tell to the people around him are a fantastic source of irony, and the very realistic depiction of not just a wannabe rock star, but of a person who’s dream trumps any and all relationships and responsibilities, makes this a must read novel that readers will not want to miss. 
Overall, this was a fantastic read. Often times it was funny, other times dramatic and sad. The tale of Lucas James is a familiar one, and yet it’s presented in a new and exciting way, and that’s why I give Growth and Change Are Highly Overrated by Tom Starita a 9/10 rating. Be sure to pick up your copies of this amazing novel today!
Growth and Change Are Highly Overrated https://www.amazon.com/dp/1520705816/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_5G3rzbMJZDS5C

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Don’t Say a Word (Strangers Series)  by Jennifer Jaynes Review:

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author and Booklover Catlady Publicity in return for a fair and honest review.
Many thanks!

Before I get into how amazing a story this book is, I feel I must make to notes at the beginning of this review. First of all, I love the work
of author Jennifer Jaynes and thought this was a fantastic book. Secondly, as I’m sensitive to how people can be triggered by reading certain
storylines, I feel I must say that if you find you are susceptible to being triggered by storylines involving mental health and plots involving
cutting, then be warned that this book delves into both these topics wholly. The book doesn’t use these topics haphazardly or force them into
the story without precedent, but I wanted to put that warning out there before anyone decided to read this book. Now that that’s done, let’s get
into the review.

This is the third book in the Strangers series by Jennifer Jaynes, and yet Don’t Say a Word can easily work as a stand-alone novel, doing a
phenomenal job of integrating the events of the first two books as a backstory in the character of Allie Callahan, a single mother who’s haunted
by her past, with both her mother and brother suffering from mental illnesses and made them into serial killers. Now with her son Sammy to keep
her focused, she finds herself with a fragile form of happiness living with her son and adoptive mother in East Texas. However, her world will be
put to the test when 12-year old twins Zoe and Carrie arrive on her doorstep, traumatized by the murders of their mother and father. When mysterious
phone calls and a rising body count come to light, and the girls remain troubled by what they witnessed, Allie must face her fears as she hopes
she won’t succumb to insanity and loose her happiness once and for all.

The book has a phenomenal mystery that does a wonderful job of delving deep into the true nature of mental health, and sheds the misconceptions
that mental disease equals bad or evil, which is something that has been distastefully used in popular media in recent years. The twisted thriller
explores some great themes, from family and genetic disposition to self-worth and motherhood. Fans of the series will enjoy getting this new
glimpse at protagonist Allie, while newcomers will enjoy the heart-pounding adventure as the truth behind the murders of the girl’s parents comes
to light slowly. This is a must-read novel that has phenomenal and real character development, and makes this writer excited to see more from
author Jennifer Jaynes in the future! Be sure to pick up your copies of Don’t Say a Word today!

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The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes by Cassandra Claire Review

The second novel in Cassandra Claire’s epic series, The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes, really ups the ante in terms of action, drama and
mythology. Having just completed it for a second time, the novel really builds on the foundations of the first book and makes a bigger, more
open world within the same confines of New York City.

Faced with a startling truth, Clary struggles with her new life, being caught between her friend and the life they once shared and the new,
terrifying reality that demons and monsters roam the Earth and go hidden amongst the humans. Jace Wayland also struggles with a new reality, and
faces the scrutiny of the Clave, especially the judging eyes of The Inquisitor, a woman charged with upholding the laws of the Shadowhunters.
However they both will come to learn that their new realities are the least of their concerns, as Valentine returns, and brings an unstoppable
army that threatens to overrun the Shadowhunters. They must find a way to stop him before he can raise his army, but along the way they’ll face
shocking revelations, and twists and turns that all lead to a massive action scene that builds up to the next book in the series.

The depth of these characters and the supporting cast is phenomenal. The rich mythology introduced throughout this book really serves to
bring to life the bigger plot, and it’s easy to see why this series is not only so massive, but has spawned countless spin-offs. The complicated
relationships between these characters really builds up the drama ten-fold, and the introduction of modern social issues, (family, sexual
identity, etc), helps makes this one of the most compelling YA series to date. Tune in for the upcoming review of TMI: City of Glass, coming
soon!

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Baby Please Don’t Go by Frank Freudberg Review

They say love is blind, but in this incredible thriller from acclaimed author Frank Freudberg, love is not the only thing that is blind in
“Baby Please Don’t Go”. No, so too is the desire for family, and for Child Protective Services investigator Lock, that desire will send him
down a dark path with no way of turning back.

When an anonymous report comes in reporting child neglect, Locke goes in to investigate, only to find the children in good health. Determining
the report to be false and suspecting a scheme to undermine the image of Natalie Mannheim, the children’s mother, in the midst of a divorce
case, Lock soon finds himself in the midst of a power struggle he cannot escape. Accustomed to the power addiction can have, Lock knows that
Natalie has a strong hold over him, one he cannot fight or deny. With an internal struggle between his desire to do what’s right and his
need for a family, Lock will fall down a hole so deep that he may not be able to find his way back from it.

The novel is one of the best suspense/thrillers I’ve read in a long time. The detail and character development that Mr. Freudberg integrates
throughout the story is ironically very addicting, and there are twists and turns throughout that will keep the reader on edge. The author
does a wonderful job of bringing to life a story that is not that unfamiliar in this world, and while sad to see that children often become
fodder in custody battles, it is a high-octane tale of lust, deceit and straight up murder that is so thrilling that one will find themselves
unable to put the story down until it’s finished. With a satisfying end that will both make you glad to see the story end and have you
clamoring for more, “Baby Please Don’t Go” is a must read novel and a fantastic candidate for suspense thriller of the year for 2015! Be sure
to pick up your copy of Frank Freudberg’s novel in either eBook or paperback now!

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author and Booklover Catlady Publicity in return for a fair and honest review.
Many thanks!

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Interview with Author Brendan Le Grange

A marine archaeologist
standing up for herself. A psychopath with mother issues.  A hitman who hates failure. A soldier with a
point to prove. And a treasure that tests every allegiance.

Brett Rivera has spent three years searching for the

Drachen

. The day she finds it is the day her life changes: there is
no sign of its legendary treasure and now a cold-blooded killer is hunting her.
What does he know that she doesn’t?

Brett is chased in Finland,
double-crossed in Tallinn, abducted in Lübeck, and shot at in Bremen as this
action-packed thriller dashes across northern Europe, barely pausing for breath.

A shipwreck.  A lost
treasure. A hell of a
race from one to the other.

***

First off, I want to thank Branden for speaking with us today.

1)  
Tell
us a little bit about yourself and your motivation to become an author.

For
the last six or seven years I’ve been travelling a lot, for work and pleasure,
first primarily in Europe and more recently primarily in Asia. This got me into
writing in two ways: the pull of wanting to read a good book while stuck in
airports and the push of stories I though could come out of some of those
places.

That’s
really where it started, or at least where it moved from writing work-related
articles to trying to write fiction.

2) Where did you get the inspiration for your debut novel, Drachen?

I
often joke that it was inspired by the carving of three dragons and the stained-glass
window that book-end most of Drachen’s
action.

While
living in Denmark I used to love visiting the Hanseatic towns of Northern
Europe. I knew I wanted to pull some of that charm and history into my first
book, but it was when I linked those two unusual dragon motifs that I got a
tighter theme and geography. And I knew it had to be fun and fast-paced because
I’d just finished my MBA and had had my fill of serious non-fiction. I decided
I needed to write the sort of book you could read in an airport or on a flight,
while not necessarily operation at your highest intellectual capacity!

With
those boundaries established, I started writing and largely followed where the
story took me, finally zooming in on the parts of longer story I really wanted
to cover.

My
earliest drafts included Brett’s discovery of Drachen, her ill-fated dive on the wreck, and her escape from the
armed gang that hijacked her boat – all scenes now on ‘the cutting room floor’
so that the reader hits the ground running.

3) How did your experiences in traveling through 40 different countries help
you with writing the book?

I
would have done it anyway, but it certainly plays a big role for my writing.
Personally it is a great way to capture some memories and to keep random walks
through new towns interesting. And for the story it adds a degree of realism
that you can’t get from Google. I actually don’t write all that much about the
towns in Drachen but still many
people comment on how nicely the locations play out – I think this is because
if you’ve visited a place and enjoyed it yourself, you’re better able to write
its essence not just its exterior.

I
have visited every location in Drachen,
the follow-up is set in the mountains above my new home, and the longer term
plans for the series include visits to the Philippines where I spend about 30%
of my time at the moment and India where I honeymooned so I hope the trend
continues.

4) Drachen fits in the historical-fiction/thriller genre. Is this a genre you
are interested in exploring further with future books, or are
there other genres that interest you as well?

In
the longer term I would like to write something more artistic, and if I let
myself dream up some talents I don’t yet have it’d be a whimsical fable inspired
by The Little Prince, but…

For
the moment I’ll be writing in the genre I think of as ‘adventure thriller’:
part action and adventure/ part thriller. The history side of things is
important for this as it allows me to lean more towards the ‘fun’ adventure side
of the thriller genre.

As
I hinted above, I have a few more books in the series planned but I also have a
new character I’m waiting to let loose in a slightly more quirky world.

5) Was there a character in the book that you could identify with or that you
particularly enjoyed writing in this book?

I
let myself have the most fun with Patrick I think, but all of them were fun to
write as I modeled them all on good friends: I worked with Brett for many
years, Matthys and I moved to Denmark at the same time, Roman is a mix of two
of my good friends, and Sam and his family arrived in Hong Kong the exact same
day we did.

The
same was true of Patrick but he had a head-start, being a real-life spy and
all… Okay, maybe he isn’t. He claims to be a mild mannered architect but after
a few drinks you’ll soon be undecided as stories from his travels to some of
the world’s wildest places emerge!  

6) Drachen focuses a lot on a revised history around the Hanseatic League. Is
there another historical period, event or place that you would
be interested in rewriting or molding into a new story?

There
are so many options, really, but the Middle Ages are nicely placed not so far
removed that there is no trace of them today, not so recent that we have complete
histories: Drachen’s follow up will
be built around a local legend of the demise (or not) of the Song Dynasty which
happened at a similar time, and a number of great Philippine legends come from
then, too.

When
I get around to starting the next series, though, it’ll examine some more
modern mysteries: there are some great conspiracy theories and legendary beasts
I’d love to write about.

7) For any aspiring authors out there, what would you say is the best piece of
advice you can give them?

Two
things stand out in my mind: start writing and join a critique group.

It
is really important to just start writing. I know I started by trying to read
books on writing but honestly, if you haven’t made the mistakes or run into the
hurdles it is hard to conceptualize them. So start. It doesn’t have to be any
good, but it gives you examples to work from. I scrapped many more versions of Drachen than I kept but ultimately it evolved
from the original unrecognizable attempt.

And
then share that writing with a critique group. I got lucky here, and have been privileged
to work with some great and experienced authors but even as a newbie I was able
to add value to their work too, so don’t be shy. I read a lot of self-published
books (the second half of last year I read them exclusively, and this year I’ve
been reading only my Twitter followers) and I can see the ones who haven’t had
enough eyes pass over them. Obviously a good editor can help, but if you’ve had
a few opinions throughout the process you’ll be better off, and that same
editor will be able to really make the finished product great.

8) When writing this book, which did you enjoy more: writing the plot out or
creating the characters and their backstories?

Because
I based my characters on a number of my friends, I had great fun dropping them
into unexpected situations – often having a chuckle to myself about what they’d
gone and done.

But
it’s no secret that at its core, Drachen
is a plot driven thriller. I think one of my strengths is the way I manage the
flow of ideas, smoothly leading readers from one point to the next, sometimes to
make the actions race, sometimes to lead them astray; and I really enjoy
playing around with that aspect of plotting.

What
I also enjoy about plotting is how it can grow organically. You can set-up a
scene, but once you start writing the characters can create unexpected dead
ends and unique solutions to them.

9) What authors or works of fiction helped inspire you and your writing career?

I
write in the genre dominated by Clive Cussler, and his books revived my
interest in action/ adventure as an adult, though I try to bring a snappier
style to bear so if I can channel some Lee Child then I’d be delighted.

But
writing starts with reading. I read a lot when I was younger but then stopped
for several years. I got back into it when I moved to Johannesburg for my first
job: in the days before Netflix and social media, books helped pass the time in
those early ‘settling in’ days. I remember getting caught up in a few South
African legends, JM Coetzee and Bryce Courtenay, mixed with whatever was lying
around or lent – in fact I was laughing about this with my friend the other
day, he gave me Matthew Reilly’s The
Contest on my very first day there.

10) Any upcoming plans or novels in the works right now?

Yes!
I am a working on the follow-up to Drachen – set in the green hills above rural
Hong Kong, yes those exist, it follows Matthys Rossouw as he gets an unexpected
chance to pick-up Hiko’s trail.

I
don’t want to give too much away, but the underlying legend is inspired by the
legend of how my local village once hosted the de facto heirs to the Song
Dynasty throne. I wondered what might happen if those princes hadn’t exactly
left, and what the Chinese government might do if they found out.

Thank you to Brendan for taking the time to speak with us today, and I hope you all will pick up your copies of his book, Drachen, out now!

You can find Brendan Le Grange at his sites listed below:

website: brendanlegrange.com

twitter: @brendanlegfacebook:

https://www.facebook.com/#!/Action.Adventure.Thrills/

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B0133U3HGC

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