Science Fiction
Sign of the Anasazi
Author
Marc Lieberman
Publisher
Emerald Book Company
Sign of the Anasazi is an action-packed mystery which suggests a link between the aliens encountered in the Roswell Incident and the lost tribe of the Anasazi, which seemingly, disappeared without any trace in the early days of the last millennium.
When Dr. Marcus Aaron, a brilliant linguist, steals an alien shuttle from the U.S. government, it triggers a series of events that could potentially threaten the entire universe.
My Thoughts: (Full Review found at my Facebook Group Page)
Lieberman proves an interesting tale of conspiracy, which leads to kidnapping, assault and murder. Dr. Aaron's daughter must try to reunite with her long lost father by using special clues he sends along the way to her, allowing them to meet for what could be one last time. Little do they realize that those they should trust are not exactly on their side. However, they inherit a group of allies along the way. All of these people have their agenda, but it all aligns in the same time and place with much action and thrilling suspense.
There is a second installment which includes some of these characters and their new friends and I would indeed look forward to reading it as I did enjoy this story and a few of the delightfully fun people introduced, but I especially enjoyed the 'pet' bears used with a sense of protection and their caretaker.
Review Date: April 8, 2010
Marc Lieberman
Publisher
Emerald Book Company
Sign of the Anasazi is an action-packed mystery which suggests a link between the aliens encountered in the Roswell Incident and the lost tribe of the Anasazi, which seemingly, disappeared without any trace in the early days of the last millennium.
When Dr. Marcus Aaron, a brilliant linguist, steals an alien shuttle from the U.S. government, it triggers a series of events that could potentially threaten the entire universe.
My Thoughts: (Full Review found at my Facebook Group Page)
Lieberman proves an interesting tale of conspiracy, which leads to kidnapping, assault and murder. Dr. Aaron's daughter must try to reunite with her long lost father by using special clues he sends along the way to her, allowing them to meet for what could be one last time. Little do they realize that those they should trust are not exactly on their side. However, they inherit a group of allies along the way. All of these people have their agenda, but it all aligns in the same time and place with much action and thrilling suspense.
There is a second installment which includes some of these characters and their new friends and I would indeed look forward to reading it as I did enjoy this story and a few of the delightfully fun people introduced, but I especially enjoyed the 'pet' bears used with a sense of protection and their caretaker.
Review Date: April 8, 2010
Anoka
Author
Rick Wallace
Publisher
Infinity Pub
ANOKA is the story of a couple who are confronted with strange and bizarre happenings, an unsolved murder, and the specter of a deadly drug ring, as they undertake to build a retirement cabin on a remote lake in Maine. As Tim and Joan Henry seek to discover the identity of the killer, they find themselves entangled in a web of danger and intrigue, and learn that the place has a deadly, and some say haunted, history. Tim’s risky plan to catch the killer culminates in a night of terror which changes his life forever.
My Thoughts: (Full Review found at my Facebook Group Page)
“Anoka” holds an interesting tale as it begins to unfold. It begins with a dream for the two main characters, Tim and Joan desiring to find some land to build a cabin to escape the daily rigors of life. They manage to find their perfect plot of land near Lake Pocosumoc. After their first official trip to their newly owned property, do they receive a visit from the sheriff that is investigating a murder of the previous owner which comes as a shock to the couple.
It is clear in Rick Wallace’s novel “Anoka” that he is a man of the great outdoors, as this story is based in a remote wooden area. The description of the forest and those that call it home is well captured. It is a wonderful story and I enjoyed how events flowed, however I feel the suspense was taken from me as there were hints that were dropped too often, so I was able to predict most of what was occurring before I reached it in the story. I would still recommend this to those that want a good tale to escape with. The characters, description and story line are well developed, but with the many hints I had a good idea what the mystery was. But I did enjoy as it as it is a good ‘fast pace’ read, making one want to continue on.
Rick Wallace
Publisher
Infinity Pub
ANOKA is the story of a couple who are confronted with strange and bizarre happenings, an unsolved murder, and the specter of a deadly drug ring, as they undertake to build a retirement cabin on a remote lake in Maine. As Tim and Joan Henry seek to discover the identity of the killer, they find themselves entangled in a web of danger and intrigue, and learn that the place has a deadly, and some say haunted, history. Tim’s risky plan to catch the killer culminates in a night of terror which changes his life forever.
My Thoughts: (Full Review found at my Facebook Group Page)
“Anoka” holds an interesting tale as it begins to unfold. It begins with a dream for the two main characters, Tim and Joan desiring to find some land to build a cabin to escape the daily rigors of life. They manage to find their perfect plot of land near Lake Pocosumoc. After their first official trip to their newly owned property, do they receive a visit from the sheriff that is investigating a murder of the previous owner which comes as a shock to the couple.
It is clear in Rick Wallace’s novel “Anoka” that he is a man of the great outdoors, as this story is based in a remote wooden area. The description of the forest and those that call it home is well captured. It is a wonderful story and I enjoyed how events flowed, however I feel the suspense was taken from me as there were hints that were dropped too often, so I was able to predict most of what was occurring before I reached it in the story. I would still recommend this to those that want a good tale to escape with. The characters, description and story line are well developed, but with the many hints I had a good idea what the mystery was. But I did enjoy as it as it is a good ‘fast pace’ read, making one want to continue on.
The Second Ship (The Rho Agenda)
Author
Richard Phillips
Publisher
Synergy Books
For sixty years, the National Laboratory in Los Alamos, New Mexico, has been investigating the powerful technologies of a damaged alien ship, an effort dubbed the 'Rho Project.' Now, the American government is ready to share the Rho Project discoveries with the world. But as the world scrambles to adopt the alien technologies, three people make another shocking discovery: hidden inside a cave in the New Mexico wilderness lies another alien ship. As the friends explore the second ship, they begin to unravel a decades-long secret involving an extraterrestrial war, government cover-ups, and secret experimentation using alien technology on humans. A battle has begun, and the secrets of the second ship may be the key to humanity's last chance for survival.
My Thoughts: (Full Review found at my Facebook Group Page)
The Second Ship (The Rho Agenda) is the first in what is to become a trilogy. This story introduces a wonderful set of strong characters that you can easily follow.
This was a very suspenseful and exciting story and the reader is left hanging as the story is to be continued. I personally love all stories that tie into the Roswell incident, as well as a fascinating science fiction story and this tale is no exception to that rule. The introduction of characters is easy to follow, even as the events begin to unfold. I found myself wrapped up in this story and along for the ride. With the events that occur, I felt that I saw a symbolism of what can happen when someone is allowed too much power in certain positions in life and career. I am anxious to see what happens as this story ends leaving the reader in suspense as the events that needed answers are left until the installments to come. I definitely recommend this as I feel Mr. Phillips will have ‘Roswell’ tale that will rival all others.
Richard Phillips
Publisher
Synergy Books
For sixty years, the National Laboratory in Los Alamos, New Mexico, has been investigating the powerful technologies of a damaged alien ship, an effort dubbed the 'Rho Project.' Now, the American government is ready to share the Rho Project discoveries with the world. But as the world scrambles to adopt the alien technologies, three people make another shocking discovery: hidden inside a cave in the New Mexico wilderness lies another alien ship. As the friends explore the second ship, they begin to unravel a decades-long secret involving an extraterrestrial war, government cover-ups, and secret experimentation using alien technology on humans. A battle has begun, and the secrets of the second ship may be the key to humanity's last chance for survival.
My Thoughts: (Full Review found at my Facebook Group Page)
The Second Ship (The Rho Agenda) is the first in what is to become a trilogy. This story introduces a wonderful set of strong characters that you can easily follow.
This was a very suspenseful and exciting story and the reader is left hanging as the story is to be continued. I personally love all stories that tie into the Roswell incident, as well as a fascinating science fiction story and this tale is no exception to that rule. The introduction of characters is easy to follow, even as the events begin to unfold. I found myself wrapped up in this story and along for the ride. With the events that occur, I felt that I saw a symbolism of what can happen when someone is allowed too much power in certain positions in life and career. I am anxious to see what happens as this story ends leaving the reader in suspense as the events that needed answers are left until the installments to come. I definitely recommend this as I feel Mr. Phillips will have ‘Roswell’ tale that will rival all others.
Immune: Book Two of the Rho Agenda
Author
Richard Phillips
Publisher
Synergy Books
Admiral Jonathan Riles, director of the National Security Agency, is dead, his covert special operations team now out in the cold, betrayed and hunted by their own government. Having failed to stop Los Alamos National Laboratory's dangerous Rho Project, their only hope is to find the secret informant within the Rho Project itself. But the clock is ticking as the U.S. government readies the release of a technological breakthrough, a nano-serum which holds the promise of curing all disease. And Africa is its first target.
My Thoughts: (Full Review found at my FB Group Page)
Phillips is phenomenal at adding in a few new characters, giving description of all things occurring and taking this story to another twisted, but enjoyable level. If you have an overly active imagination and find violence offensive, then I would suggest you pass as descriptions on some events are just enough to provoke the wildest imagination to take over. Yet for any sci-fi lover, or those that just love to read anything ‘alien’ related, this was amazing as it grips you immediately and the conspiracies unwrap and you find yourself rooting for the main characters to overcome! I am anxiously and impatiently awaiting ‘Wormhole’, the third in this wonderful series.
Richard Phillips
Publisher
Synergy Books
Admiral Jonathan Riles, director of the National Security Agency, is dead, his covert special operations team now out in the cold, betrayed and hunted by their own government. Having failed to stop Los Alamos National Laboratory's dangerous Rho Project, their only hope is to find the secret informant within the Rho Project itself. But the clock is ticking as the U.S. government readies the release of a technological breakthrough, a nano-serum which holds the promise of curing all disease. And Africa is its first target.
My Thoughts: (Full Review found at my FB Group Page)
Phillips is phenomenal at adding in a few new characters, giving description of all things occurring and taking this story to another twisted, but enjoyable level. If you have an overly active imagination and find violence offensive, then I would suggest you pass as descriptions on some events are just enough to provoke the wildest imagination to take over. Yet for any sci-fi lover, or those that just love to read anything ‘alien’ related, this was amazing as it grips you immediately and the conspiracies unwrap and you find yourself rooting for the main characters to overcome! I am anxiously and impatiently awaiting ‘Wormhole’, the third in this wonderful series.
Of Ghosts and Magic
Author
Alfred M. Albers
Publisher
Infinity Publishing
In 1973, Alex Holloman got a job as a courier and met a wonderful lady. Suddenly, his world fell apart; his parents were killed and then he inexplicably disappeared. When America's Foremost Magician, John Michaels, agreed to perform for his high schools 30th Anniversary Reunion in June 2000, he didn't know it would also involve searching for his friend, Alex Holloman.
Unlike creating a magic illusion, which is based on principles of mathematics and science, attempting to find a missing person would challenge John Michaels expertise to "create a miracle" in less than three weeks.
My Thoughts: (Full Review found at my Facebook Group Page)
‘Of Ghosts and Magic’ is indeed aptly named, but not in a haunting and overly mystical way. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters as they came into the story. John is recognized by all, but unlike those in the public eye, he relishes being noticed and even performs a small magic trick for all those he comes in contact with, and his laid-back style is refreshing. I also was able to understand the bond that was clearly there for all those related in this tale. For me, I was very caught up in the story, the emotions of those in it and enjoyed it immensely. The events unwind in a way so that the reader is left wondering and trying to figure out what will come next. The magic act that is done for the school reunion was so well explained, that I could easily imagine it. I found this so refreshing as so many have the child inside us and find ‘magic’ intriguing. At least I do, and the way all the tricks were pulled off in this story, I would enjoy witnessing them myself. The symbolism on the importance of remembering your friends and family, and the importance of relishing life came through for me. I did not find myself disappointed in any way with this story, and I highly recommend it.
Alfred M. Albers
Publisher
Infinity Publishing
In 1973, Alex Holloman got a job as a courier and met a wonderful lady. Suddenly, his world fell apart; his parents were killed and then he inexplicably disappeared. When America's Foremost Magician, John Michaels, agreed to perform for his high schools 30th Anniversary Reunion in June 2000, he didn't know it would also involve searching for his friend, Alex Holloman.
Unlike creating a magic illusion, which is based on principles of mathematics and science, attempting to find a missing person would challenge John Michaels expertise to "create a miracle" in less than three weeks.
My Thoughts: (Full Review found at my Facebook Group Page)
‘Of Ghosts and Magic’ is indeed aptly named, but not in a haunting and overly mystical way. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters as they came into the story. John is recognized by all, but unlike those in the public eye, he relishes being noticed and even performs a small magic trick for all those he comes in contact with, and his laid-back style is refreshing. I also was able to understand the bond that was clearly there for all those related in this tale. For me, I was very caught up in the story, the emotions of those in it and enjoyed it immensely. The events unwind in a way so that the reader is left wondering and trying to figure out what will come next. The magic act that is done for the school reunion was so well explained, that I could easily imagine it. I found this so refreshing as so many have the child inside us and find ‘magic’ intriguing. At least I do, and the way all the tricks were pulled off in this story, I would enjoy witnessing them myself. The symbolism on the importance of remembering your friends and family, and the importance of relishing life came through for me. I did not find myself disappointed in any way with this story, and I highly recommend it.
Beyond the Stars: Kataria
Author
Kelly Beltz
Publisher
BookSurge Publishing
When Samantha Gerris began working for the Space Island Group (SIG), she had no idea she was taking her first steps on a path to the ultimate adventure! Living in a time of rapid technological advancements, Samantha balances her family life with her career as a physicist aiding in the design of a luxurious space resort. Although she enjoyed the challenge of creating a popular destination for adventure seeking tourists, she was happy to keep her feet firmly planted on Earth. Yet after tragedy disrupts her conventional life, Samantha reluctantly travels to Space to join her family working at the space resort. Her new assignment leads to the discovery of a secret alliance between SIG and an alien race. After accidentally boarding the alien’s star-ship, Samantha is forced to travel across the galaxy to their home planet. The ensuing voyage reveals a new world—literally!—to Samantha, one filled with friendship, danger…and true love.
My Thoughts: (Full Review found at my FB Group Page)
Kelly Beltz did an amazing job by taking me on the ride with her main character, Samantha throughout this entire story. I was very pleased for a tale that includes encounters of alien life forms, there was nothing overly complex to create the feel of the species introduced. I have attempted a few other stories that introduce alien beings and the language, body descriptions and even names become so overwhelming that it can be annoying when trying to visualize what you read.
This novel (which certainly has a second part coming!) was hard to put down as I was very much sucked in. For me, it has quite the punch of romance, action, adventure and science fiction. And it was a treat to learn that the Space Island Group did indeed exist! While I find that some works of fiction can be hampered when an author mixes in some parts of ‘reality’, this idea only enhanced the tale for me.
Kelly Beltz
Publisher
BookSurge Publishing
When Samantha Gerris began working for the Space Island Group (SIG), she had no idea she was taking her first steps on a path to the ultimate adventure! Living in a time of rapid technological advancements, Samantha balances her family life with her career as a physicist aiding in the design of a luxurious space resort. Although she enjoyed the challenge of creating a popular destination for adventure seeking tourists, she was happy to keep her feet firmly planted on Earth. Yet after tragedy disrupts her conventional life, Samantha reluctantly travels to Space to join her family working at the space resort. Her new assignment leads to the discovery of a secret alliance between SIG and an alien race. After accidentally boarding the alien’s star-ship, Samantha is forced to travel across the galaxy to their home planet. The ensuing voyage reveals a new world—literally!—to Samantha, one filled with friendship, danger…and true love.
My Thoughts: (Full Review found at my FB Group Page)
Kelly Beltz did an amazing job by taking me on the ride with her main character, Samantha throughout this entire story. I was very pleased for a tale that includes encounters of alien life forms, there was nothing overly complex to create the feel of the species introduced. I have attempted a few other stories that introduce alien beings and the language, body descriptions and even names become so overwhelming that it can be annoying when trying to visualize what you read.
This novel (which certainly has a second part coming!) was hard to put down as I was very much sucked in. For me, it has quite the punch of romance, action, adventure and science fiction. And it was a treat to learn that the Space Island Group did indeed exist! While I find that some works of fiction can be hampered when an author mixes in some parts of ‘reality’, this idea only enhanced the tale for me.
Fiction
Betrayal Beneath the Spanish Moss
Author
Leslie E Stern
Publisher
BookSurge Publishing
Brilliant, wealthy, and beautiful Emma Weiss, PhD, moves to charming, moss-laden Savannah and buys her dream house. She meets gorgeous, sexy Jake Stanton, who appears to be her soul mate in every way. Before she realizes what's happening, she falls in love with him - and becomes entangled in a web of deceit, drugs, and the law when she learns that her sexy lover has been a long-struggling drug addict. Does Emma find the strength to overcome her addition to him and to deal with his addiction to drugs?
My Thoughts:
For me, I would classify this book more in the drama genre, something I do not often read. I cannot say if I enjoyed this, as reading of loving someone with an addiction and their actions towards someone they love can be depressing. Yet after I continued on, it was a very good and well-presented story. The story allows one to understand that if you are of pure heart and have the ‘saving everyone’ complex, then you need to develop a tough skin and look at yourself as a victim if you are in a relationship with someone suffering addiction.
Leslie truly captured the emotional roller-coaster ride that Emma rode while being used and betrayed by those she felt were friends. I think one could also learn from how Emma searched for a home that was for others enjoyment instead of for her own comfort. And in essence, that is a lesson many in life can take with them. It was interesting to see how this character endured these trials. If one desires a good read with drama and powerful emotions, this would be the book to pick up.
Leslie E Stern
Publisher
BookSurge Publishing
Brilliant, wealthy, and beautiful Emma Weiss, PhD, moves to charming, moss-laden Savannah and buys her dream house. She meets gorgeous, sexy Jake Stanton, who appears to be her soul mate in every way. Before she realizes what's happening, she falls in love with him - and becomes entangled in a web of deceit, drugs, and the law when she learns that her sexy lover has been a long-struggling drug addict. Does Emma find the strength to overcome her addition to him and to deal with his addiction to drugs?
My Thoughts:
For me, I would classify this book more in the drama genre, something I do not often read. I cannot say if I enjoyed this, as reading of loving someone with an addiction and their actions towards someone they love can be depressing. Yet after I continued on, it was a very good and well-presented story. The story allows one to understand that if you are of pure heart and have the ‘saving everyone’ complex, then you need to develop a tough skin and look at yourself as a victim if you are in a relationship with someone suffering addiction.
Leslie truly captured the emotional roller-coaster ride that Emma rode while being used and betrayed by those she felt were friends. I think one could also learn from how Emma searched for a home that was for others enjoyment instead of for her own comfort. And in essence, that is a lesson many in life can take with them. It was interesting to see how this character endured these trials. If one desires a good read with drama and powerful emotions, this would be the book to pick up.
