Cruel Summer

Cruel Summer by Bernard Jan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A masterclass in storytelling...

Cruel Summer by award-winning Croatian born author Bernard Jan is a superbly written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this Y/A dystopian tale that will guarantee the attention of the reader. Skillfully constructed, this gripping and emotional drama had me turning the pages from beginning to end.

The plot is intricately sculpted as the synopsis suggests: ‘All he wants to do is skate. But they have other plans for him. Michael Daniels is seventeen and dreams to enter professional skateboarding contests. But beneath New Manhattan, a city under the oppressive shadow of climate change, exists another world altogether—secret laboratories which threaten society as he knows it… Those with power will get what they want. No price is too high, even if it means making someone special or robbing them of their dignity, freedom . . . or life. The price is too high for Michael, though. He has endured his stepfather’s abuse and mind games for almost as long as he remembers. Until one day he takes matters into his own hands, ruining the lives of those he loves most. And his skateboarding friends, Alien and Victor, are his only hope for freedom… When there is no hope left, friendship is what remains.’

I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a first-class multi-layered dystopian fiction with perfect pacing.

The beauty of this book is in the potency of the characters and the author’s command of the language. The originality of the story lies in the effectiveness of the characters and the author’s microscopic viewpoint of the human condition. The most outstanding features of the book are the impressively realistic characters in the story and the author’s eloquence and mastery with the use of the English language. The story is layered enough that there’s no one marketing umbrella formula that can lump it together other than original, creative and thought provoking. It entertains but grabs you and doesn’t let go until it threads into your mind and makes you think.

Cruel Summer had every element a good story should have. An intriguing plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well-illustrated scenes that make you feel like you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book. It’s one of those stories that come along once in a while that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader.

I was impressed with the insight and empathy of the writer into the spirits of his characters. Any aspiring fiction writer will learn a lot about character development by reading Cruel Summer by Bernard Jan. Highly recommended.

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Harness the Power of the Invincible Mind: Spatial Strategy to Success and Happiness

Harness the Power of the Invincible Mind: Spatial Strategy to Success and Happiness by Alex Neumann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An excellent self-help book...

I really enjoyed reading this book. Harness the Power of the Invincible Mind: Spatial Strategy to Success and Happiness by Alex Neumann is a very well written life improvement book. This book is intelligent, wise and packed to the rafters with practical common-sense advice. It becomes obvious as you read through this page turner that the author is imparting his wisdom and understanding as to what happiness and success really means. It’s an excellent guide for putting things into perspective.

Profound thoughts are explained here in the simplest of terms. That’s all I can say about this book. It is difficult to write a more objective review because the impact the author will have on you will make you see life and its problems in a wise and practical way. The book should NOT be read – it should be absorbed and reflected upon. It’s a book that will help you to clarify your thinking, process your feelings, and make better decisions. If you are you ready to stop drifting and design a life you love, this read with help you on your journey. The author has put his heart in the pages of this book that encourages and gives hope to the reader.

The overall tone was simply imparting knowledge, personal experience and wisdom in a gentle and generous way. The authors’ words will help to better equip you to interpret and handle life in a whole new way, which in turn will bring peace, love and joy into your life. If you are looking for inspiration and encouragement in the face of serious issues, this would come highly recommended from me.

No matter what your situation is today, this book will put you on the right path to better things. I’ve been around the block a few times myself and even I found this read to be very insightful. This wonderful new book will show you how to properly tune into life and the simple rules you must follow to achieve this. This by far is one of the best Self-Improvement books I’ve read in a long time. The author must be commended for his time and effort for producing such an insightful book. Also, the writing style is friendly which makes for an enjoyable read.

HARNESS THE POWER OF THE INVINCIBLE MIND is a wonderful read that will leave you feeling like a better person for having read it. It’s an impressive work for author Alex Neumann and I’ll certainly be looking forward to reading more from him in the future. I would highly recommend this perceptive and intuitive read. A well-deserved five stars from me.

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Crime Beat Girl

Crime Beat Girl by Geri Dreiling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Crime Thriller writing at its best...

If you enjoy reading crime fiction, you'll appreciate Crime Beat Girl by award-winning author Geri Dreiling. Crime Beat Girl is an exceptionally well written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this suspenseful crime thriller that will guarantee the attention of the reader.

The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘A girl is dead. A boy is locked up. Can Debbie Bradley discover the truth before more lives are lost…maybe even her own? … A series of deadly shootings. An outbreak of stolen cars. When journalist Debbie Bradley returns home to St. Louis, the summer crime wave has started. And she’s in the center: A witness, a reporter, a target… Debbie’s reasons for leaving behind her promising career in Washington D.C. were complicated. Her mother, a prominent lawyer, was diagnosed with cancer. Her engagement was cooling. When she got offered a job in St. Louis that she hadn’t been looking for, Debbie recognized an opportunity. Or an escape… But she didn’t expect to come home and see a girl die. Debbie never planned to investigate a boy behind bars. And she didn’t anticipate colliding with hostile cops and wary politicians… As her work gains attention, Debbie gathers enemies. Will her assignment to cover the St. Louis crime beat be her last?’

I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the story in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a well written crime thriller with perfect pacing.

Crime Beat Girl had every element a good story should have. A solid plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well-illustrated scenes that make you feel you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.

If you are looking for a well-written suspenseful crime thriller with amazing characters and a gripping plot then Crime Beat Girl will not leave you disappointed. Recommended to all fans of mystery, thriller and suspense. A well-deserved five stars from me.

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Black Ops: Zulu

Black Ops: Zulu by Arthur Bozikas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An action-packed thriller...

Black Ops: Zulu (Tom Stiles Thrillers Book 1) by Arthur Bozikas is a superbly written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are so expertly woven in this action-packed thriller that it guarantees the attention of the reader. Skillfully constructed and set against the backdrop of the hidden connections between espionage, international fraud and the deadly potential of information technology, this thriller will have you turning the pages from beginning to end.

The book description gives only a sneak preview: ‘Former black ops agent Tom Stiles is about to face the most personal - and deadly - appointment of his career… Returning to be with his partner and twin daughters, Stiles finally has a shot at a normal life. But soon, death wraps its claws around his life once more, as a member of the Chechen Mafia is demanding a dangerous favor from him… Trying to balance his new responsibilities and protect those he holds dear, Stiles is drawn into a criminal syndicate with links to international terrorism. But does he still have what it takes to finish the job, and make it out alive?’

I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the story in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a first-class thriller with perfect pacing.

If you are looking for a well-written thriller with amazing characters and a gripping plot then Black Ops: Zulu will not leave you disappointed. Fans who like their action and adventure infused with mystery and suspense will enjoy the ride! I’ll be looking forward to reading more in this series. Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.

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The Girl You Killed

The Girl You Killed by Leslie Wolfe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thriller writing at its best!

The Girl You Killed by bestselling author Leslie Wolfe is another fine example of thriller writing that will have you on the edge of your seat. The author again weaves another suspense filled crime thriller with plenty of twists and turns that easily draws the reader in from the opening chapter. It had every element a good story should have. A solid plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well-illustrated scenes that make you feel you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.

The plot is intricately carved, as the synopsis suggests: ‘Andrea Brafford’s life is nearly perfect. A passionate marine biologist, happily married to Craig, the man she loves, recently moved into a home commensurate with their success to enjoy a life many others only dream about, in one of Houston’s most desirable suburbs. But only a few months later, a trial that dramatically polarizes their town names Craig Brafford as a defendant in the murder of his young wife, shattering the serenity of the peaceful community… Andi’s name is on everyone’s lips, her relationships exposed and torn to shreds in a highly publicized case that has everyone’s eyes glued to the internet. Andrea’s life remains a mystery that investigators and public opinion equally fail to solve. Was she the happy, devoted wife she'd made everyone believe she was?... Only she can answer that question.’

There’s no doubt that The Girl You Killed is an exceptionally well written book. The contrast between tone and content is a characteristic talent of only a few authors. Wolfe pays as much attention to her sentences as she does to her plots, shifting or consolidating meaning with the use of a single word. Her writing is impeccably honed, full of juxtapositions and qualifications that help to create a suspenseful atmosphere throughout. Very highly recommended and a well deserved five stars from me.

If you’re a fan of crime thrillers, mystery and suspense, I would highly recommend anything by this author.

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The OTHER Computer History

The OTHER Computer History: Amazing, amusing, and experiencd Stories about the IT from the beginning to the Internet. by Hans Bodmer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Incredibly informative, engaging, and inspiring...

“The OTHER Computer History” is an incredibly informative, engaging, and inspiring read because it reveals the struggles and sacrifices that people with big dreams and even bigger ideas inevitably face on their way to realizing those dreams. Companies and individuals like Hans Bodmer, who isn't as well-known as some of the most illustrious names in the industry but who was nonetheless instrumental in the development of the supercomputers that changed the world, came together to create a new, spectacular reality for us today.

Swiss-born author Hans Bodmer recounts his adventures beginning in the early days of computer science and continuing all the way up to 2004. During that period of time, it was not yet known that this single event would bring about such a monumental sea change in the course of human history. The numerous in-depth explanations of technological processes are interspersed with some witty stories about everyday people.

Personal computers have completely revolutionized the way the world lives, works, and conducts business. In the past, it would take days for companies to do simple calculations not to mention companies that dealt with lots of material and inventory. Computers make this work simple and allow businesses and individuals to become more efficient on a day-to-day basis. For those interested in the history of computers and how it all began, this would make for interesting reading. Recommended.

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Solar Warden: Book Three – Genesis

Solar Warden: Book Three - Genesis by Peter Fuller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An epic sci-fi series that keeps getting better and better!

During his time as an employee at the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, award-winning author Peter Fuller spent eight years working in the Military History Department. He has spent many years learning about military history. In addition to this, he has written a large number of articles on the subject of military history and has delivered lectures on this topic at prestigious museums and universities. He is a frequent participant on panels at NORWESCON, which is known as the Premier Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention in the Pacific Northwest. Since he was in elementary school, he has been fascinated by the UFO phenomenon. He is a member of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), and according to urban legend, he's had a few "close encounters" of his own! It should come as no surprise that this book series was projected to be written after his most recent conversation with the son of a US military officer about his late father's work on several special access projects for the covert space program!

“Genesis” is the third installment in Peter Fuller’s Solar Warden series. It's another well-crafted and richly descriptive novel. The author continues to weave his military sci-fi series that easily captures the reader's attention from the beginning. This exciting and suspenseful saga will keep you turning the pages from beginning to end.

Summarizing the synopsis we are confronted with a ticking time bomb, an adversary who will not be deterred by anything, technology that has not been tried and tested, and a spy who targets Solar Warden in a way that they could never have imagined. The reptilians and grays have shifted their strategy and raised the stakes to a level of danger that Earth has never before encountered, putting the planet in the path of unprecedented perils and difficulties… The recently promoted Lieutenant Colonel Richardson is keeping a sinister secret from Scarecrow, and he is determined to uncover it. In the meantime, the team of Solar Wardens is keeping their fingers crossed that the discovery of a damaged enemy vessel will lead them to the origin of the recent deadly attacks. Additionally, the unexpected passing of a much-loved teammate has left the entire Solar Warden squad in a state of shock. Meanwhile, the humans have uncovered intelligence from an alien race that points them in the direction of a surprise that nobody saw coming… The third installment in the Solar Warden series continues the story with hostile alien wolf packs attacking the human fleet with lethal consequences. As Scarecrow and his allies learn more about the true nature of their adversary, they decide to exact their revenge. There will be no surrender, no treaty, and no quarter given in this conflict. The presence of evil has been recast in a new light...

Another incredible work of sci-fi, in my opinion. The reader will be blown away by the author's vivid descriptions of the settings, situations, and people. The author's use of natural dialogue contributed significantly more genuineness to the story's atmosphere as a whole. Few authors have the unique ability to create a striking contrast between the tone of their writing and the subject matter they cover. Fuller gives the same amount of attention to the plots of his stories as he does to the sentences that make up those stories, and he is able to shift or consolidate meaning with the use of a single word. His writing is exquisitely honed, and it is full of juxtapositions and qualifications that help to create a contemporary science fiction novel that is authentic and convincing.

This was such a fascinating and captivating read that it immediately drew me in and kept my attention throughout. There was a natural progression from one scene to the next, and the author demonstrates a remarkable ability in the art of storytelling. This captivating story has a lot of attention-grabbing moments that will keep the reader turning the pages. This is a fantastic find for science fiction readers in search of a series that is both suspenseful and entertaining. Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.

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