Showing posts with label action. Show all posts
Showing posts with label action. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Wild and Wonderful Chrome Mountain and The North Factor Chrome Mountain Saga Brought to Readers by Ben Schneider

Why do these bad dreams keep coming? he thought. This has been going on nearly every week since I started the invention. This last one was by far the worst of them all. Funny how it happened the same week my revolutionary device became operational. I could introduce it to the company and become one of the richest citizens of San Antonio. Plus, I’ve always wanted to make scientific history, like the ones who have inspired me––Darwin, Einstein, Hawking, even my dad. And now I could. However, could something like the dreams become reality? Could my contraption fall into the wrong hands and cost more lives than I can count? Of course, it could. 

Why have I wasted so much time on this scientific path? What was I thinking? I was thinking only about my future? What about the world’s future? Why have I never thought of that? The world’s future affects my future. If not mine, my kids’, if I ever have any. And what about my niece and nephews? Why did it never occur to me that anyone who would travel with a cloaking device, such as a chopper pilot, would never do so, unless…their intentions were evil? 

This can’t happen. It just can’t! I will not be responsible for any dark realities that are even remotely similar to those ghastly events haunting my dreams. As sad as it makes me, my goals of early retirement, making scientific history, and impressing my father will have to be forgotten. I’ll have to give those weaker projects at Envisiocom a shot instead. He got out of bed and went straight to his garage. When he flipped the light switch, fluorescent bulbs buzzed as they lit up the room, with his tan Toyota Corolla on one side, worktable on the other. Scattered about the table were science-related notes and tools that had aided his creation of the apparatus. Fastened to the old car’s hood was the cloaking device, an odd-looking stack of circuitry the size of a shoebox. The name of Trey’s creation was the VV1––Veiler, Version 1.

I have to end it now. I can’t take any more of those nightmares. A mallet was taken from a toolbox atop the table. He approached the Toyota with it, wanting to see the miracle gadget perform one last time. His hand felt its way through the multicolored wires for the correct switch and flipped it. A few scarcely audible bleeps could be heard as lights twinkled through the circuitry. After forty seconds, the red READY light came on. He flipped the second switch. Yellow radiance hummed, coating the entire Toyota. Then–– ––all signs of the vehicle were gone...

Next, Trey recalled the first eighteen years of his life. He’d been raised by good parents who’d brought him to church every Sunday. The church had constantly emphasized how important it is to love people. It’s so hard to love when there is so much to hate.

~~~

First, let me say that these books will not be for everybody. Language and violence are the hallmark of many of today's criminals--they are truly presented in these books! On the other hand, both of the main characters come to accept God as their Savior... And are often saved or act in accordance with His guidance... Given the issues confronting each of us in these days of chaos, prejudice and violence, I find I enjoy reading about how good always reigns over bad... So, you decide because I do recommend them as exciting sci-fi, action adventure stories mostly on bikes of all kinds, which will thrill you as every form of travel is exploited and used practically on every page!

Readers enter into the lives of two characters--one a former member of a biker gang and a genius scientist being hunted for his invention.  Trey had created something that would definitely change the world. He almost immediately, even though he'd worked diligently to achieve his dream, realized how criminals could use it for evil and decided to destroy it! He knew he'd done the right thing but that didn't mean he was safe. For his former fiancĂ©e was furious when she learned that he had destroyed the invention which would have made them all the money they would ever need. When she immediately left him, Trey realized that she had only been in it for the money...

Problem was, she had reappeared when Trey had been running from the evil group that knew what he'd built. And that's when the two main characters meet--Sonya had attempted to help this man who she immediately thought was cute...a good sign for the future! But even after many thrilling attempts to lose the enemy, both had been swept up into space by something that then disappeared, and taken into the secret location of a criminal group which was widely causing havoc all over--The Chrome Falcons.

This is an unbelievable futuristic criminal group who had already created a teleportation field. If they had Trey, they would make him recreate his invention through persuasion...or otherwise! And I don't think it is giving away too much when he learned that his "ex" was a member of the group and already involved with someone there and carrying a briefcase full of money and precious diamonds...

Sonya, who had escaped from the Screamon Demons Motorcycle Club immediately left town. Her grandmother, Iza had coincidentally (God Incident?) called and Sonya set out for home, living there for three years, staying even after her grandmother had died. Sonya had begun taking Iza to church and had finally heeded God's call... She now sought God's guidance in all things.

But that did not eliminate the danger that she had left behind when she was called the "old lady" of the leader of a dangerous and increasing murderous club. When her good friend risked her own life to call her, Sonya got on her low rider bike and soon was on her way...back into danger, but with God now as her co-pilot...

Sonya Radisson—formerly Sonya McCall—woke with a gasp. She was in her dark bedroom, not a parking lot. Instead of soaked blacktop, she was reclined on her soft, memory-foam mattress. Putting her sweaty hand between her breasts, she thanked God there was no shotgun hole there. Her racing heart was still intact and safe inside her rib cage. Her skull was not cracked, either. That’s not what happened last spring, she thought, annoyed. The rainy day in Fraser replayed in her head. When Levi was astride the police bike, he’d not been armed. Also, her flying kick had broken his neck. 

Where’d that awful dream come from? Her head spun to the clock on her bedside table. It was 5:51 A.M. She turned the other way, relieved to see she’d not wakened Trey, her husband of three months. They were married two weeks after she’d defeated Levi North. Levi was more than her vile ex-boyfriend; he was also the president of a lawless motorcycle club. They called themselves the Screamon Demons. Last December, the crime ring had disbanded after Sonya had spilled most of their secrets to the Feds. No one in the posse ever found out she was the rat—except Levi. Moreover, he was unlikely to find a chance to tell anyone who’d be a threat to his ex. Very few members of the MC had evaded arrest, but they’d stopped caring where Levi was and what he wanted. Sonya wondered if Levi was still alive. If he was, he probably wished he was not. Nova Krenshaw, Sonya’s friend in the FBI, had assured her and Trey that Levi would never be found. He would never be a free man, either. Being paralyzed from the neck down, he’d no chance of escaping from wherever he’d been locked up. 

Still disturbed by the dream, Sonya swept the blankets aside, baring muscular limbs and washboard abs. Her ivory skin starkly contrasted with her lacy lingerie, as gloss-black as her curly, mid-back-length hair. Feeling a slight chill in the room, she got off the bed and covered her shapely form with a fleece robe. Then she kicked into her slippers and strode from the room. The dark hallway led her to the great room of the spacious chalet-style house, located in the home rule municipality of Winter Park, Colorado. She flipped a switch, turning on a gas fireplace, and plopped down on an L-section sofa of soft gray leather. She faced a wall made mostly of large windows. The stunning, twilit view of the pine-cloaked Rocky Mountains was a vast improvement over the dull, flat scenery of Artesia, New Mexico, where Sonya had grown up. She sporadically told herself to return to the small town, someday. She could chat with old friends and set flowers on the graves of Derrick McCall, her late father, and Iza Gibbs, Derrick’s mother. She’d not seen Iza’s house for nearly a year, but had heard the Screamon Demons had torched it. Frank Giles, the pastor of the church she’d grown up in, had given her the bad news about the home. Last January, Sonya had called him to confirm all her friends in Artesia were extremely worried about her. Frank was more than happy to honor Sonya’s request of letting the church know she’d not gone missing. One night, almost a year ago, she’d had no choice but to leave town—without telling a soul. She’d had no intention of coming back, either. 

Days later, her friends and coworkers had grown concerned. They’d feared the worst once word got around of what had happened to her house. She’d had no time to think things over—not since that night Becky Lugo had called, warning her that Levi’s gang was coming to Artesia to look for her. Again, her brain reran the nightmare of her ex. Before heading to the kitchen to get hot coffee, she musingly eyed the majestic scenery for another minute. 

Was God trying to tell her something? Was someone with a grudge against her still out there, somewhere? Did the stench of Levi North still, somehow, linger in the world? And was it coming for her?

~~~

By the time of the second book, Trey and Sonya were in love and had married three months before. Once again, she had heard from her friend Becky, and needed to leave... Only to wind up in a hospital for the insane--and being called by another name and a complete history of that woman. But Sonya knew her real life, even though she'd been injured... Indeed, Sonya was soon to find out that she was not the only one who had been placed in that hospital under false names. There she met Judy and when it was time to escape, Sonya and Judy were helped by Judy's biker sisters.

Hoping to calm her frazzled nerves, Sonya turned on the radio. The selected station played “Hey Brother” by Avicii. The song helped swap her anxiety with a sense of triumph over her escape. But the feeling didn’t last; for ten more miles, her rearview mirror showed a single headlight a quarter mile behind her. Sonya was convinced she had a tail. She would need to somehow take her tail’s ride and ditch the crippled SUV. If she waited too long, either the steaming engine would die, or the vehicle’s damage would draw a cop’s eye. Either scenario would end badly for her. Seconds later, she grasped the best way to make her need a reality. With one of the switches on her door, she opened the front-right window. Then she tapped S-O-S on her “wristwatch,” activating the veil. Once the two-minute countdown started, she hit the brakes, pulled over, put the vehicle in park, and killed the engine. Without turning off the outer lights, she climbed out the open window, took the tranquilizer pistol, and waited by the front-right tire. As she’d suspected, the headlight belonged to a biker—one interested in the Outlander...

~~~

In both books, a connection had been established with the Federal Bureau of Investigations. In the first book, Trey and Sonya helped to bring down the Chrome Falcons. In the second book, Judy's MC had also been working with a local FBI agent. Sonya was honored to take a temporary membership in the Night Mares MC... who were helping gather evidence and then providing it to the FBI agent for legal actions...

But Sonya still did not understand how and why she had been placed in a hospital for the insane... Her greatest nightmare was yet to be revealed...

The two books are so action-packed that readers will be boggled by just how much havoc can be made by criminals in their search for revenge...or power and wealth!

And when most needed, prayer by those who are fighting evil, will be spoken and in miraculous ways, all that seems impossible is made possible...



Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Gray Retribution by Alan McDermott Keeps Series Exciting, Compelling!


He screamed.
"Tom!"
Gray  was immediately awake. His wife looked down at him
and despite the poor light, he could see concern etched on
her face. "Same Dream?" Vick asked, caressing his face.
Gray nodded. The same dream he'd been having for a year,
ever since his friend had been good enough to disclose
everything MI5 had on the virus Gray had been exposed to
sixteen months earlier.
~~~




Gray Retribution:
A Tom Gray Novel



September 30 2013
Tom Gray stared at himself in the mirror and wondered where the years had gone. Although his fortieth birthday was a year away, he already had a few flecks of gray peppering the light brown hair on his temples, and the plastic surgery he'd gone through hadn't done anything to make him look younger.
But then,  that hadn't been the intention...The more recent sessions spent under the knife had sought to undo what James Farrar had done to him just after the explosion two years earlier.
At least his six-foot-frame remained hard and fit, the result of his daily runs and his wife's cooking. Gray noticed a piece of fluff on his eyebrows and swatted at it, and was shocked to see half the hairs fall into the sink. The bald area above his eye appeared bruised, and as he touched it the skin came off, revealing the bone above his eye socket. He was staring at the lump of flesh between his fingers when the door opened and his son walked in. "Daddy, what's this?"
~~~






By Alan McDermott

Our hero is home both recuperating and enjoying his new baby girl. He is managing director of Viking Security services which provided bodyguards and combat training around the world, so after finishing a run and finding his two girls asleep, he went on to his office. Without going into details of what he had gotten into several years ago, he realized that he was losing clients, and it was probably because nobody wanted to work with him... Still, when his uncle called regarding a group of criminals who were requiring "protection payments" from his new grocery store, Tom had immediately checked it out and was there when they came to collect... They were demanding $300 a week! An impossible sum for a small grocer just getting started! 
Sese Obi drove into the camp just as the sun
reached its zenith and his men immediately
dropped what they were doing and gathered near
his Land Rover. One of his lieutenants Baako,
rushed to open the door and Obi climbed out of
the vehicle...
When he turned to face them, he could see that
he had their complete attention...
He got straight to the point.
"The Agbi people think they can take our land
and we'll just sit and accept it. But they are
wrong!"
A huge roar erupted from the crowd, and
he savored the moment.
~~~








About the same time, Tom gets word that his training consultants located near Malundi could be caught right in the middle of trouble! In fact, Nafari Cisse. the son of one of the soldiers with whom they are working has been taken! Unfortunately, Nafari is not the first child who has been stolen and taken to a camp to learn how to shoot and kill, all the while being given whoonga to become addicted and not eat much! At the same time they are being brainwashed that there is nobody for them anymore--that  there are no parents
"My father is..."
When the slap landed it felt like the skin had been
 torn from Nafari's face
"You have no father!" the guard shouted. He let
the news sink in for a few seconds.
"Who is your mother?"
Nafari was still reeling from the blow; and the
question was repeated.
"I...my mother..."
Another blow hits "You have no mother."
Nafari dropped the cigarette and the guard retrieved
it, forcing it into the boy's mouth.
"More!"
~~~

The men gathered round as he explained how they worked.
And Hansi took the opportunity to ease away from Smart
on a pretence of getting a better view of the devices.
Okeke took his place, putting his head close to Smart's ear.
"Don't be hard on him, Mister Len. He lost a son recently.
"Sorry to hear that."
Okeke nodded. "It happens more and more these days. His son
went to school in the next village and never came home. He was
only twelve.
"That's a shame," Smart said, suddenly feeling sorry for the man. Shouldn't he be out looking for him?"
"They are never found. In the last six months, eight boys have vanished from his village alone. It is happening all over...

When Tom got the word that his men were in trouble, he wanted to act immediately to get them out. But his wife asked that he not get involved this time--that he had others who could take care of it. But his loyalty to them was based upon their having saved both his and his wife's life. Now he couldn't not respond when they needed help!

But Tom's men also didn't want to leave and just let their new soldiers out on their own...and, of course, the soldiers didn't want to leave while the villagers would be tortured and killed...

So, you know what happened, right? They planned how to get the villagers out as well! And, of course, you know that is easier said than done. They did have a secret weapon in their sentinels. These were automatic weapons that could shoot live ammunition...while the trainers had only used blanks. But Tom was working with those who could help across the world and was pulling together ways to meet and take everybody out... What actually happened was much more scary and exciting...

In the meantime, those who owned the protection services for the local shops and markets knew they would have to make an example of the grocery store owners who had not yet been willing to pay... They planned it so that it would look like an accident...

If I had the time, I would surely go back and read from the first book in this series. This is the fourth book and it seems that nothing could top this one! I had earlier read about the child armies being developed in Africa, but this book provided many more details of what might be happening. Thankfully, there are always those who will fight the monsters who hurt children in this way... But Tom discovers that it's not just in Africa that criminals are willing to kill...whoever happens to be in the way...  

This series could easily end on this high note of excitement, terror and yet...hope and help...Do check this out. There was some reference to what had occurred earlier in the series, but this book can definitely stand without having read earlier stories.  Got to make this highly recommended!


GABixlerReviews


About the Author

Alan McDermott is a husband, father to beautiful twin girls and a software developer from the south of England. Born in West Germany of Scottish parents, Alan spent his early years moving from town to town as his father was posted to different Army units around the United Kingdom. Alan had a number of jobs after leaving school, including working on a cruise ship in Hong Kong and Singapore, where he met his wife. Since 2005 he has been working as a software developer and currently creates clinical applications for the National Health Service. Alan’s writing career began in 2011 and the action thriller Gray Justice was his first full-length novel.

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Kara Lynn Conyer First in Trilogy Creates Exciting Beginning!


“We don’t.” Her voice is stiff, suppressing anger. “By the charts, we’re some 100 miles from the Cubbarros. But both global positioning systems put us much closer, somewhere in the middle of the blackout zone.” We’re exactly where the Commission doesn’t want us to be.
"Dirk cuts Candace off in a booming voice before he even enters the salon. “OK. I need everyone to stay inside until we straighten this thing out. The Commission knows why we’re here. It’s not our fault. It’s all good.”
Lacey throws me a look that practically screams, “See, I told you!” I hope he is right. The Commission doesn’t admit to it, but everyone knows they sink any ship that wanders into restricted waters near the Cubbarros Islands. A few years ago, a navy fleet disappeared out here, and the Commission said they had nothing to do with it. Of course, no one believes them. Navy fleets don’t just disappear. The only reason we have permission to be here at all is that Dr. Warren thinks there may be something here to help stop the Fouling.

~~~

Restricted Waters

By Kara Lynn Conyer

This is the first novel in a Trilogy--one I highly recommend for YA to Adults! I loved it for a number of reasons, including that the author spotlights information about a major world issue--oil spills. But, even more important, she very effectively has identified the issue of discrimination, without even using the word... So while this is an important book for those reasons, the major reason to buy it is that it's fun, entertaining, and has much potential for exploring a major world resource, our oceans...


He nearly rips off his shirt and yanks on the fins.
As he pulls his mask down over his eyes,
 I round the stern and swim as fast as I can toward
 the bow. Jake catches up quickly.
So, I suck in a big gulp of air and dive below.
Hand over hand, I pull myself down
 the anchor chain. The bottom looks
 to be about 40 feet below the boat.
In the distance, a drop-off leads into deeper water.
I’m about 20 feet down when Jake catches up.
He grabs my fin to stop me. But then,
he stops and pulls himself down the anchor chain
 to me. He sees it, too. Just past the drop-off
a massive, dark silhouette. It looks like it could be
 the bow of an enormous ship
 reaching straight up out of the deep.
Jake grabs my arm and pulls straight to the surface.
I can’t hold my breath any longer,
so I don’t put up a fight.
“Did you see that?” I say as soon as we break
 the surface. “Shhh, be quiet,” he says.
“Jake, it was huge.” “Alannis, we didn’t
 just see that. I told you,
we’re not supposed to be here.”
~~~
 
Alannis  (which I thought was a cool name, reminiscent of Atlantis) Summers is 16 when she smartly contacts the head of a research expedition into an area around the Cubbarros Islands  in the Caribbean Sea. A crucial key about her being able to go was that she had worked hard, had the appropriate training, certification and dives to be accepted!

She would be assisting Dr. Candace Warren, who was a leading expert on marine invasive species. And, wow, right now an unidentified species was creating a major world-wide problem. Simply referred to as The Fouling, it was a black crust which hardened on surfaces, such as the underside of boats, and literally ate them...  It also consumed oil, petroleum, plastic... you get the idea! 

Ships were being lost, seafood activities had been stopped, restaurants were closing...and people were being killed...

The area around Cubbarros was being explored to see if they could find any sign of the fouling and determine if it was the same that was spreading into the Atlantic Ocean up the U. S. east coast. 

Alannis, was a normal teen who had a tendency to get involved, to seek out adventures, to get answers...and to get herself in trouble. On her first dive, she spots something that looks like a ship and immediately goes to check it out! Jake, the Captain's son follows and manages to get her back on board, rather than do what she wanted to do...go back down! They kept everything a secret so they wouldn't get in trouble...

But it was there, on that first dive that she thought she saw someone, but didn't know that somebody began to follow her...

While the team boat went on to their next location, he started to follow her underwater...

And so routine set in as they explored, looking for the black crust... But somebody was watching everything they did!

The Ocean Security Commission (The Commission) now controlled the Atlantic Ocean. They monitored all shipping. They determined where people could and  could not go. And when the expedition team needed supplies they had to get them from The Commission, by stopping in an area that was guarded at all times...

There, Alannis was taken in for questioning--about her parents, what she was doing on the expedition, how she had gotten permission to be there... 

It seemed to Alannis that too much attention was being paid to her...

But then again, there was a very good reason and The Commission already seemed to know about...the one who followed her underwater...

This is a really exciting water adventure, including diving into caves, into secret waters that were all being carefully controlled... But nobody knew who had created The Commission..or why... Action and suspense and lots of fantasy characters! I'm looking forward to the next story, because The Commission has already debriefed Alannis and "suggested strongly" that she plan on working for them after her high school graduation...Wow! What a ending! And what a hook for the next book!

Don't miss this one... and check out the links to the Trilogy site to learn more about this tale!


GABixlerReviews


Kara Lynn Conyer graduated from Syracuse University with degrees in journalism and anthropology. After many years as a writer and a science diver for an international research center, she has learned a few things about what it's like to be on an expedition in the middle of the ocean. When she's not gathering the facts, she likes to imagine what secrets might lie beneath them. Restricted Waters is her first novel.
You can reach Kara Lynn at the official Restricted Waters trilogy website: restrictedwaters.com or by email at klconyer at gmail dot com

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Monday, July 19, 2010

Review: Fast-Paced Action & Futuristic Setting Makes For A Winner!

The Fremont, Las Vegas, NevadaImage by Ken Lund via Flickr

Book One
Future Imperfect:
Crucifying Angel


By P.I. Barrington



On a discussion board at Facebook's Reviewers Roundup Group, the author stated: "I'm writing crime thrillers where action HAS to happen. I give my major characters HUGE interior conflicts to deal with and over or not overcome as they jump through physical hoops and various opposition."

All, I can say is--Whew, she certainly does!

Future Imperfect Book One: Crucifying AngelI just finished Book One of Future Imperfect: Crucifying Angel by P. I. Barrington this morning. As soon as I read the final words, I was ready for Book Two! Action-packed and thrills move the final climax of this explosive book on as quickly as you can scroll! (I was reading a PDF version.)

In the future, in the State of Nevada, the heat is high, the climate dry; the crime rises as the sun does, as people strive just to meet basic needs to keep living. And yet, they still flock to the Adult Disneyland where gambling and everything else goes on 24/7.

Payce Halligan is an experienced detective; however, she is just getting back into the routine. An accidental shooting had resulted in Payce killing her partner--and lover. Everybody had thought she would be too traumatized to come back at all; that she was back already was a testimony of the amazing woman she was.

But today wasn't going well; she had just been assigned a new partner, Gavin McAllister. and wasn't happy about it, assuming he was a trainee. In reality, he had been a high-placed officer before he had left his last job, his own country, his past life and arrived in Las Vegas Nevada. He, too, had faced loss--his wife and son. Immediately afterwards, he had gone a bit crazy and had developed a "ladies man" reputation which was already affecting his new location, as Payce's fellow workers were concerned that she not be hurt again.

Both might have recognized the attraction to each other, but there really wasn't time to even think about it...

They were already moving to the crime sites of women who had been murdered through reverse crucifixion. The letters C. A. were etched into their bodies. Because of the weapon that might have been used, Payce immediately thought of The Amazon, a casino where original costuming was used. By the time they made their rounds, they had found 4 bodies in 24 hours!

They lunched together at The Amazon and started discussing how to proceed, but Payce suggested that they split up, choosing what she wanted to do and giving grunt work to her new partner.

And then Payce discovered that one of the girls had been a member of a religious group in the desert, the New Creation. They learned that she had a friend, Edana. Calling Gavin to meet her there, they soon started discussion with Terrien Frye, the public representative. He was known as the Rattlesnake handler.

Two of the dwellers at the New Creation soon came, separately, to them to discuss further what was happening. Together with Edana, they returned to the Amazon; there was a security guard that might have a connection to what was happening. Leaving Edana in the car, Payce and Gavin entered The Amazon and once again Payce suggested they separate. The last time Gavin saw her was when she entered the ladies' restroom...

Gavin is given a hard time by his co-workers and he finds himself working alone to try to find his partner. Only James, a teenage dweller, comes and leads him to a very old research facility, that still functioned, but was not being used--for the original purpose that is.

There you have the basic storyline--the characters, the action, the adventures faced by Payce and Gavin, along with Edana and James, drive this book into a frenzy that is unstoppable.

Until the Crucifying Angel is stopped...

Futuristic equipment, inventions, computer control--all the things we love to read about are here for you! Just be careful--the snakes have been created with artificial jaw expansion... Enjoy!


Book Received Via
Facebook Reviewers Roundup

G. A. Bixler

Desert Breeze Publishing, Inc.

ISBN: 9781936000197
111 Pages










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Sunday, November 29, 2009

Review: Jerry Bayne Provides Another Great Novel - This Time Horror!

The Gatherer


By Jerry Bayne
ISBN: 9781419687365
330 Pages

 
If you love horror, then you need to read The Gatherer by Jerry Bayne! I loved this book! And I'm not even a true fan of horror...


Jerry Bayne is just a great writer...my first read of his work was Kill Me Twice and I was immediately ready to see that book turned into a fantastic action movie...

Readers, you really have to experience Jerry Bayne...his work is not only well-written, but a fantastic read, no matter what genre!

Let me tell you about The Gatherer. It reminded me of Relic, Reliquary and other great novels by the Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child team! The Gatherer's name is Zakaris. He was released by a descendent of a family who for many centuries were servants of Satan. Now as an archaeological site has unearthed the location of the rites that were used in ancient times, The Gatherer has come back to claim what cannot be claimed.

The souls of those working for God...

Detective Mike Sams is finding his handiwork as one after another mutilated body is found. Everybody is stumped but Sams is willing to look outside the box and starts a discussion with a priest who has studied the occult for many years.

At the same time, Dr. Cary Blake, who is an expert in ancient languages has been asked to work with the Catholic Church to transcribe an ancient scroll found at the site.

While each group conducts an extremely confidential investigation due to the strange circumstances, the two groups finally find each other as their work converges!

But the experiences along the way shares the horrific work, and the potential future, if Zakaris is not sent back...to where he reigns as second in command.

Spiritually Spooky! Especially the way The Gatherer does his job of gathering the souls - YOU could be next!

Really don't want to go any further into the storyline. I must admit I enjoyed the forensics and linguistics research required in this kind of tale--and Bayne has done an outstanding job of presenting the professional and technical expertise involved as well as the gruesome details!

And just to make it a little more interesting, there's a great little side romance that develops between Blake and Sams which helps to break the tension just a little... You got it--I call The Gatherer by Jerry Bayne a must-read and am going back to see what else he's got available! Yes!

G. A. Bixler

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Spotlighted Author: Brigadier General A. J. Tata With Acclaimed Threat Series!

BRH is Honored to Welcome A. J. Tata


Brigadier General (R) Anthony J. Tata

Author, TV commentator, Afghanistan expert,
columnist, and public servant, Anthony J. Tata
graduated from the United States Military
Academy in 1981 and retired after 28 years of
uniformed service on 1 June 2009 as a Brigadier
General in the U.S. Army.

Among his many assignments as a paratrooper and combat
infantryman, Tony commanded a paratrooper battalion in the
82nd Airborne Division and an air assault brigade in the 101st
Airborne Division. Most recently he was the deputy commanding
general of the 10th Mountain Division and Combined/Joint Task
Force-76 in Afghanistan. BG Tata has deployed on combat
missions and operations in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Macedonia,
Bosnia, Panama and the Philippines. He has been awarded the
Combat Action Badge and Bronze Star, is a Master Parachutist
and graduate of the U.S. Army's Ranger School.

Tony served as a National Security Fellow at Harvard University's
JFK School of Government, has an M.A. in International Relations
from the Catholic University of America, and earned a Master of
Military Art and Science from the Army's School of Advanced
Military Studies. Notably, he is listed as a distinguished member
of the 502nd, 504th, and 505th Parachute Infantry Regiments.
Tony is currently serving as a Broad Superintendent’s Academy
Fellow with the Eli Broad Foundation, which focuses on training
leaders around the country for service as superintendents in
large urban school districts. After a career serving his country in
uniform, Tony is finding his second calling in education reform in
America.

The author of the critically acclaimed Threat Series fiction novels
featuring the Garrett Brothers, Tony donates 100% of his Sudden
Threat book proceeds, so far $27,000, to the USO Metro DC
Hospital Services fund for Wounded Warriors at Walter Reed
Army Medical Center and Bethesda National Naval Medical
Center. BG Tata's story has garnered national attention with
appearances on FoxNews' The O'Reilly Factor, America's
Newsroom, Fox and Friends Weekday and Weekend Editions, The
WB's Daily Buzz with Andy Campbell, NBC's South Florida Today
Show, local television stations around the country, and scores of
nationally syndicated and local station radio interviews.

The second novel in the Garrett Brothers Threat Series, Rogue
Threat, was released on November 15 2009 following the
recent release of the Sudden Threat mass-market paperback in
September 2009.



Friday, October 23, 2009

Review: Second in Trilogy Tragic And Thrilling!





Oracle’s Legacy:
Shadows of Fate
By R. B. Holbrook
www.rbholbrook.com
ISBN: 9780557095889
478 Pages


“...perfection is fruitless...wake your eyes to mistakes, for they are catalysts of great knowledge, opening many roads that perfection can’t offer.” –1st Oracle

Yes, you could read R. B. Holbrook’s second book, Shadows of Fate, in the Oracles’s Legacy Trilogy as a stand-alone novel. After all, it’s nearly 500 pages of action-packed supernatural adventure! But why would you want to? Check out my review of the first in the Trilogy, Children of Sun, and begin right from the beginning! I know you will be glad you did! Remember to use the Glossary to understand the civilization into which you will enter for this short time.

Bones, a young boy, was the reason Ollie had died. She allowed her energy to be transferred, much as you would blood, to keep him alive. She knew that Bones had a special role to play in the future!

Ollie had been brought back to life when she had died as a small child. Jamili, her father had used his energy at that time. This time, however, she had been dead for four days and the House of Moon being known as Demon’s Wrath had pulled her back from death. He wanted her as his own and for many reasons.

But first he had to break her to his will...

Violence was part of those in the Structure, but readers should be aware that what happens to Ollie will be difficult to read. This book has violent content and parental guidance should be used. But if you enjoy following the lives of powerful, fascinating, sexy women, picture one who has the capability to use energy as a tool and the guts to use it, and you’ll know that Ollie fought to give as good as she received, considering the torture she was forced to bear! No matter how much, each of her brothers and sisters were experiencing problems resulting from Ollie no longer being there to support them.

Few in Ollie’s family knew that she was alive. But many of them, especially Vlad who was able to track her bloodline and Cee who was a healer, began to have dreams and/or could feel her energy, each feeling that they were only suffering from their personal loss. And in the Moon complex where she was held captive, only one woman, a healer, was assigned to help her through her days of beatings and resulting anger and pain.

Ollie’s twin brother had changed the most since her death. Mainly he had also learned what his future role would be. Now, as Ollie strives to regain her strength and escape, the rest of her family and loved ones were also looking toward a dangerous future that was being foretold.

But none of them knew at that time that the danger would be Ollie...

Science Fiction? Yes but once you enter the Structure you will become spellbound, flinching when beams of energy are used, waiting breathlessly while buildings crash down, trees are uprooted and thrown as spears, walls are destroyed and one member of the Structure strikes down another and another!

For imaginative genius, I’ve not read anything like Oracle’s Legacy: Shadows of Fate by R. B. Holbrook!

G. A. Bixler


Review: Enter This Surreality Only If You Dare!

Oracle’s Legacy:
Children of Sun
By R. B. Holbrook
www.rbholbrook.com
ISBN: 9780557112883
310 Pages


It takes awhile to create the story of a civilization that exists alongside humans, without their having any knowledge of those within its “Structure.” That said, as you begin to read the science fiction trilogy, Oracle’s Legacy, by R. B. Holbrook, take the extra time to read or refer to the Glossary at the front of the book and get to know a little about this civilization. Once you have a fairly basic understanding... start reading and enjoy!

First in the trilogy is Oracle’s Legacy: Children of Sun. The Oracle, who is the leader and most powerful of the structure is of the House of Sun. She is very old and close to death. Already, there are those from other Houses who are gearing up for proposing that the next Oracle be selected from their respective House! An election? Well, not quite. Many of those proposed will be assassinated before they have a chance to be selected!

The structure is made up of seven houses that seek enlightenment by attempting to understand the nature of energy. The type of energy that it uses characterizes each of the houses. For example, the House of Blade embodies physical energy and uses much of it for military purposes, while the House of Stone embodies environmental energy. Many of Stone are engineers, architects or those who work in agriculture.

Although there are only 8 million people in the Structure living amongst the billions of humans, each one is born with certain gifts—gifts that allow them to use or manipulate energy in some particular way and identifies their respective house. Each of the entities strive to reach various levels of enlightenment which requires understanding the balance between all things and how they are connected. As each individual matures, they develop what is called a “seal” that expands across their skin surface, which reveals the type of power they use.

Ollie is the first main character readers will meet. She works under Geo, the oldest brother of a family of the House of Sun. Many have been brought into the home and they become family; specifically they are under the protection of the family and call the head of the home Mama. Many of the children there have the same father, but not all children are of the House of Sun.

Ollie was brought into the home to save her life. In fact, she had died from the abuse she suffered as a child, but was brought back to life. Her twin brother Ellis was traumatized by having Ollie chosen by a sexual predator and now is totally devoted to protecting his sister as much as she is willing to allow. For Ollie has developed into a much-feared, but much-loved woman (depending upon whether she’s protecting you or hunting you)!

This review provides an overview of the book; however, once you are into the story, the characters are wonderfully unique and full of surprises to delight readers. Imagine telepathy, extraordinary brilliance, telekinetics, those who can heal using energy, those who can see in the past, present or future.

Then consider the range of actions that could occur as these supernatural individuals strive to win the top position when a new oracle is named! Exciting action like none other awaits you in R. B. Holbrook’s Oracle’s Legacy: Children of Sun! Enter this surreality, only if you dare! If you love Science Fiction, this just may be a must-read for you!

G. A. Bixler

Monday, August 10, 2009

Review: Rome Sims - An Adventure in Scientific Discovery!

Inside Awake
Rome Sims
Eloquent Books
ISBN: 9781606939123
161 Pages

Starting with an enticingly beautiful cover depicting an underwater scene, a futuristic ship, and a strange statue, I moved quickly to start reading Inside Awake by Rome Sims.

Near Lake Eyasi, Tanzania, a group of scientists noticed a bright light, but they were just there to collect random blood samples from migratory birds. Then members of the Mamoya clan also saw the pulsating radiant orb. Hunters, animals and the scientists perished as they stood watching it rotate. They had instantaneously died from extreme thermal shock.

Readers meet Dr. David Woodall in a Particle Physics Complex in Switzerland where he is so deeply involved with the "mysterious artifact," which is 13% beryllium, 2% niobium and 85% unknown, he pays no attention to anything else, including his boss who is pressing for quick information!

But, when Geri calls, he finds time to talk...

The major action and adventure is taking place in the Indian Ocean Sunda Trench where Dr. Sharon Geraldo (Geri) and her team are on an oceanographic survey expedition. The research vessel had passed across the Malacca Strait when Dr. Geraldo spotted a huge statue. It had taken eleven years and a billion dollars to build the USS Argo and it was packed with any innovative technology available. And this trip would allow the team to use them fully!

At the same time in Polanco, Uruguay, paleontologists had found a remarkably preserved skeleton of a forty-foot beast as a result of a flash flood. But they also found a grey octagonal-shaped box with strange symbols that resembled hieroglyphs.

While in Antarctica, a giant circle, slightly raised off the ground had appeared since the last site visit two days ago... But one of these scientific explorations has led to the biggest mystery of all. Dr. Geraldo and her entire team has disappeared! At least, they aren't where they landed underwater, in the same year!

The Commission has collected artifacts and relics for centuries--but a woman known only as Madam is now in charge and their activities have become much more dangerous...

The trips to these sites, such as Tanzania and Antartica are wonderfully detailed so that you enjoy the trip as if you were the scientists making these discoveries. Brilliantly detailed, readers are caught up into these individual mystery discoveries. In fact, readers become so involved that they want more...

And that just might be the only shortfall of Inside Awake by Rome Sims. As with many other serial stories, readers are left hanging, maybe even more so in this book because of the various locations and artifacts, which are involved, and being investigated. I would have preferred to have both books and spent the weekend in this adventure...So, Mr. Sims, burn some midnight oil to get The Commission to us quickly! I'm looking forward to seeing what happens to Madam!

G. A. Bixler

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Review: New Thriller by David Levien, Hits UK on July 2nd! I loved It!

Where The Dead Lay
By David Levien
Transworld Publishers
ISBN: 9780593059340
315 Pages

Lee Child named David Levien as the new must-read thriller writer...I totally support that assessment! After reading Levien’s latest book, Where the Dead Lay: How Far Will One Man Go To Avenge A Friend’s Murder? due out on July 2nd (UK), I promptly ordered his first book!

Frank Behr is a fantastic character! A former cop who, as oftentimes happens, lost his job because his boss didn’t like him. Now that boss has come to him seeking his help! Frank had been offered a job with a large corporation to find two of their staff who had disappeared. But Frank wasn’t interested, a good friend of his, Aurelio Santos, had just been murdered. Aurelio had been Frank’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu trainer and though not many words had passed between the two, still a friendship had developed between them that had been very important to Frank—and he intended revenge. His former boss wanted him to work undercover for the corporation to find the missing men, hinting that, if he was able to help, he might be able to get him back on the force. Frank knew that if he ever wanted to reclaim his life, getting his old job back would be a big step in that direction. So he decided he could work both investigations, but his priority was Aurelio’s murder.

First of all, Frank knew that it would have taken more than one man to kill Aurelio, given his size and expertise. As he became involved and studied the scene, he knew it had to be at least three men who had taken him down. He started the routine of talking with all of the students who had trained at Santos’s Academy. Little by little names were thrown out and, in turn, it became known that Frank was “looking” to take down those that had killed Aurelio.

The murder of Aurelio Santos had not been a pretty one—and it was not the only one! There were others across town that were similar and it turned out that they were all related to private "pea-shake" gambling houses that were being “closed” through the death of those who hosted the houses. Soon Frank realized that he didn’t have two separate cases!

Most of the action in Where the Dead Lay is physical—using the moves that were being taught in Jiu-Jitsu. Frank, however, had merged those skills with street smarts that made him an opponent able to take on anybody. A good thing, because the ones who were behind the trouble used ball bats, heavy flashlights, guns, knives and anything else that could be used to hurt or kill.
In the midst of Frank’s turmoil and concentration on his cases, his lover, Susan, confirms that she is pregnant and does not plan to take care of their child alone! This only increases Frank’s frustration because he had already lost his son and his former wife had divorced him after their child died. Could he handle going into another family situation?

After all of the dangerous close encounters among the good and bad guys, you would think some explosive, thrilling final fight would have Frank standing alone over the bodies! Not so! The closing is an ironic tribute to “live by the sword, die by the sword” that creates a surprising, final impact that is much more memorable!

David Levien is one of the top screenwriters in Hollywood, and co-writer for Ocean’s Thirteen and Runaway Jury; his writing is superb! Where the Dead Lay is his second novel featuring Frank Behr. May Frank live well and continue long as one of the most formidable characters you will find in a long time! Yep! I loved it...and can’t wait to read his first book, City of the Sun!

G. A. Bixler

Click on the article title to buy direct from Random House UK!

Friday, June 19, 2009

Review: End of Grace Exciting Technothriller!

End of Grace
By K. Thomas Murphy
MC2 Inc.
ISBN: 9780578020624
385 Pages



"Somebody's trying to kill us. My Church is trying to kill us." (p.352)


Just finished End of Grace by K. Thomas Murphy...Wow! What a great thriller!

Rick Macey had once been in love with a young woman whose parents refused to acknowledge him as a possible suitor for their daughter. Actually the couple had been dating secretly for quite some time, so when Ashley received their response, she hurriedly decided to leave home to go and be with Rick. On the way, she was killed in a car accident.

Many years later, Rick has nothing that keeps him more involved than the revenge he seeks for losing the woman he loved so much. No, he doesn't go after her parents; he goes after the church that had created such a restrictive environment that rules prevented his obtaining her parents' blessing.

Rick's best friend stood by him and listened to his angry rants and when Rick announced his plan, Clay agree to participate. His plan was quite simple:

Become a licensed pastor and create a church that opposed and spoke against Ashley's church!

Actually, the plan was very good and because of Rick's expertise, he was able to move forward quickly once the scam had been conceived.

The method:

Whenever a church member died, Rick's church would send the grieving family a letter, notifying them that his church had baptized the family member into...the Church of the Disciples of Moroni...

Kay Summers who was a personal assistant for one of the high-ranking leaders of the church was sent to investigate. She was surprised to be chosen, as a single woman she was one of the few who actually worked in the church administration and most of the others were in clerical functions. Brian, a somewhat irreverent friend known as "computer man" worked along with her trying to find anything and everything about this new church. A web site was found; the church had been in existence since the late 1800's and well over a million had visited the site! Finally, it was discovered that M & A publishing company was handling the letters. Kay went to meet with representatives of that company first. And that's when everything started to happen!

Caught in the avalanche of a large corporation whose only goal was to make this new group go away, Kay finds that she has not only become attracted to one of the employees of the publishing company, she is beginning to question the actions of her own church!

If you're looking for a new book, with new ideas about "old" rules and regulations, this book may be just what you are looking for! I have no idea how much of the church information was factual; but I did check the hierarchical structure online and it seemed to follow it closely with a change of a few words, and the addition of a group called the Danite Knights. It is obvious that the author did significant research in order to support the establishment and credibility of the Church of the Disciples of Moroni. The book was a page turner for me; a technothriller with exciting action that captures readers immediately. I hope to see more from this author; fiction readers, frankly, I loved End of Grace by K. Thomas Murphy!


G. A. Bixler


Monday, June 1, 2009

Review: Jesse's Girl - Wow!

Jesse’s Girl
By Gary Morgenstein
CreateSpace
ISBN: 978-1441492241
339 Pages


Wow! I love to spend a weekend with a book that keeps me reading, happy and enthralled! Jesse's Girl by Gary Morgenstein kept me turning pages this week!

I think the thing that was so fascinating for me was that the book sounded like it was true! It is written and told as if the main character, a parent, is sitting across the table from you, having a cup of tea, and sharing about the latest issues he is facing with his son. Given that Jesse is 16, on drugs, drinking and smoking, and has gotten into trouble with the law, I think all parents will relate to much of this story. The novel is broken down into three parts about the three main characters; however, Teddy, Jesse's father, is the primary character.

Teddy had lost his wife in a car accident, but it was after they had already separated. So Jesse's opinion is that he left the family and caused everything that happened thereafter, including sending him to a boys' institution!

When Jesse runs away from that facility and Teddy is not happy with how they are handling his disappearance, he first asks to have leave time, is refused, and then goes anyway, only to be later fired.

It is quite apparent that Teddy loves his son, even though Jesse does not see it or is willing to accept it. Teddy does an admirable job in searching and finally finding Jesse. However, when Teddy learns he has a girl friend and was going to Kentucky where she lived, Jesse is quite surprised when Teddy volunteers to drive him there. Actually I was too and think most parents would be unsure whether this was what he should have done.

Actually Teddy wasn't sure either--in fact, the book effectively covers his internal debates and thoughts so well that you suffer along with him for each quandry!

Teddy is surprised when they get to Kentucky to find that Theresa, Jesse's girl, is 21. Theresa welcomes both of them into her home and wins Teddy over almost immediately. Of course, it helped to see his son smiling and happy and talking with everyone in a normal voice.

Up until this point, readers are enjoying a story about a parent-son relationship. Thereafter? You won't believe it until you read it! For all hell breaks loose! All because Beau comes home from work...

Beau is introduced as Theresa's brother; they have dinner. Beau rides off with his friend on a bike and then Teddy goes back to the hotel while the young people have some private time. When Beau comes home, a fight takes place and Jesse and Theresa believe they've killed Beau and make their way finally back to Teddy's room. But Beau is not dead and he's coming after them! Leaving bodies as he goes from place to place where Theresa, Jesse and Teddy have gone, the police have no luck with his capture.

One surprise after another has Teddy wondering what to do. It is Teddy's basic good character and honesty that results in his making the best decisions possible, except maybe for the last decision, when he decides to go after Beau on his own!

I loved this book! Highly recommended for those who enjoy action and thrills, along with real-life situations into which it is so easy to escape! A Must-Read recommendation for Jesse's Girl by Gary Morgenstein!

G. A. Bixler

Friday, May 29, 2009

Review: New Fantasy Series Begins with Chrysalis: The Awakening

Chrysalis: The Awakening
By M. L. Lacy
AuthorHouse
ISBN: 9781438959856
589 Pages

Note: Check out the author site by clicking on the title of this article!


Book 1 of a new series by M. L. Lacy, Chrysalis: The Awakening, is an intriguing addition to the fantasy genre. With nearly 600 pages, that read very easily and quickly, I highly recommend you start this series right now, as Bree awakens!

No, Aubrey Marie Campbell has not been “asleep;” rather, she has been a mortal since birth and now is her time to “transition” into the magical realm. You see she is A Chosen One—in fact, she is the “last” of the Chosen Ones and if she fails in her mission, both the mortal and magical worlds will ultimately be destroyed. I plan on following this series! It is well written and Book 1 has established a firm understanding of the storyline, the primary characters, and what will be happening; and entertains and pulls readers in so that they want more. I personally hope we don’t have to wait too long for the follow up!

As the last Chosen One, Bree’s life has been in danger since she was born. Her parents were constantly threatened so that Bree’s childhood was constantly more and more confining and restrictive. She was separated from her “intended” and, instead, married to a sadistic mortal that constantly abused and tormented her, even to the point of “sharing” her with his male friends. Finally, when she became pregnant, was beaten, lost the baby and was then unable to have further children, Bree gathered her strength and filed for divorce.

While Bree was made to suffer during her childhood, she was not left totally on her own. There were many that stood guard over her, even at night while she slept—although they could not be seen!

Now her grandmother has invited her to a “reunion” of old friends and although she was not interested in going, fearing that her friends would all be the same age as her grandmother, she finally gives in and, once there, finds that there are many of her own age. One in particular greatly attracts her. Oops, shall I highlight here that memory of her old friends, especially Steven, her intended mate, had been magically erased, so that when she now meets them, she does not remember their earlier relationship. Actually, it was the interaction between the characters at this point that I especially enjoyed since Bree had felt for many years that there was perhaps something wrong with her—she heard voices, she healed quickly, even from the continuous abuse from her husband, and she had been restricted from so much activity by her parents, she had assumed that she was mentally ill! This part is funny and sad—sad to realize what parents, even parents with magical abilities, can do to a child.

For Bree’s rival, Esmeralda, did indeed threaten—and everybody knew that she would follow through on her threats! But now Bree was finding her own strength and much of her early life had been explained. Bree’s first confrontation with Esmeralda is excitingly funny—because by now of course, readers are all supporting Bree’s new reign and looking forward to her final transition, when she gains her full powers!

Hey, everybody needs a little magic in their lives—you know, clans of vampires, a few werewolves, a giant or two, witches, elves, and wizards—Oh My! Seriously, readers, if you love fantasy, then you will indeed enjoy Chrysalis: The Awakening by M. L. Lacy!


G. A. Bixler

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Review: Texas Rangers in Terrific Techno-Thriller!

Strong Enough To Die
By Jon Land
Forge Books
ISBN: 9780765312587
351 Pages


A “western” flavor with great historical information and action from the Texas Rangers is merged within an exciting techno thriller, in Jon Land’s Strong Enough To Die. In my opinion, it’s a must-read out this month!

Caitlin Strong, a fifth-generation Ranger, has had one too many close calls--the last one resulting in the death of a dear friend and partner. Leaving the Rangers, she goes back to school to get her degree for counseling and gets a job at the Survivor Center for Victims of Torture. Although the director is unsure about her working with victims, when Caitlin is brought in to see one of her potential patients, and recognizes him, she is pulled into an experience to be faced like no other she has ever known and assures the director that she will work hard to handle the job in order to be able to care for the man.

As she begins her new job, she learns that Cort Wesley Masters, the man who had been the leader at the ambush where her partner was killed, has been released due to a new test for the DNA that had proved him not guilty, and he was coming after her for revenge. They meet when he finds out where she is working and goes to the Survivor Center, only to find that the facility is under attack and Caitlin is the only staff member left alive and she is fighting to save her patient. In a split-second decision, Cort forgets his original plan and works along with Caitlin to eliminate the attackers!

Reclaiming her Ranger’s badge is one part of Caitlin’s first acts after this massacre. As Caitlin discovers that Cort was set up and wants to find out who falsely accused him, she also learns that, by protecting her patient, who others are trying to kidnap, she, Cort, and his two children, are now all under attack. Cort and Caitlin are forced into an uneasy alliance as they discover more and more about everything happening.

Caitlin and Cort are terrific characters and I hope they will be in future books; however, one minor character, Guillermo Paz, stole a lead role for me—a mercenary/hit man, Paz visits various churches and confesses his actions to the dismay of local priests. His latest job has brought him from South America by the “head man” and is told to get rid of all witnesses. However, when he finds Caitlin, protecting the sons of Cort Wesley, he leaves without killing them—and later revisits a local church. Paz has found his role in life!

Strong Enough To Die by Jon Land is refreshingly different as the role of Texas Rangers is blended with hi-tech murder. One of the best I’ve read!

G. A. Bixler

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Review: S. G.Craft's The Gold Machine!

The Gold Machine
By S. G. Craft
First Impressions Last Press
ISBN: 9780614240060
281 Pages

“There’s gold in them there hills!” was a cry that excited many years ago. But in The Gold Machine by S. G. Craft, we can be excited to learn that there is gold everywhere! All you have to do is use Professor’s machine, which will identify and sort various minerals, including gold, from common compounds including dirt, sand and water...

Of course, the complete machine has not yet been finished, albeit the model does indeed work. Professor Parsons, a brilliant mathematician had invented the machine based upon the concept that these elements could be separated by the use of sound waves. The machine had much potential to improve the environment, in addition to the separation of small gold particles. Of course, it was necessary to keep everything confidential—even the government did not want the machine built. However, Professor, with a few very carefully chosen individuals were financing completion.

And then Professor died. It looked like a natural death; many questioned those findings!

His death “coincidentally” happened immediately before the investors were to meet and see the first working demonstration of the gold machine. And the plans, drawings, the location...and any remaining money were now gone. Three of the group--two very close friends of Professor, together with the largest investor of one-half million dollars--began a search to follow Professor’s steps and find the location of the machine. Amanda, an investigative reporter and former student of Professor Parsons took the lead. During her school years Professor and his wife had become close and Amanda considered him a father figure, leading to a trust and belief that the Gold Machine actually existed and that it was not the scam that some of the investors were beginning to declare.

And, after much research and searching, indeed, the machine was found! And as soon as Amanda found it, she was captured, to be murdered exactly as Professor had been!

Perhaps because I had just previously read a fable, or perhaps because of the surprise ending, I found that I began to look upon the book as something more than a “whodunit.” There are many personal revelations in the book and soul-searching by the main characters, while others rejected family members or grew to be resentful of those who participated in get-rich quick schemes, separating the families. Still others, for their own reasons chose to murder and steal, to take the results without any of the work. So, I began to wonder whether the ending was what was needed--what we must all realize in today’s world. Is the ending “the moral of the story?”

Still, where were the plans and drawings for The Gold Machine that had not been found? Personally, I’m hoping there is a follow up to the book...I don’t think Amanda is done with this mystery yet!

This is a fun book and if you enjoy hunting for “the gold” S. G. Craft’s The Gold Machine is highly recommended for mid-teens and adults.


G. A. Bixler
IP Book Reviewer

Click on the title to learn more and purchase!

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Review - Your Honor is Safe With the Major!


Honor Defended
A Citizen Warrior Novel
By D. H. Brown
Big River Press
ISBN: 9780979874468
304 Pages


Honor Defended, the second book in the Citizen Warrior series by D. H. Brown is not only just as exciting an adventure as the first book, Honor Due; but, in many ways, it more effectively illustrates the power of citizen warriors!

Wouldn’t it be an amazing thing if citizens were able and willing to share and be responsible for curbing and eliminating violence in our communities? Oh yes, there are programs like neighborhood watch. There are methods by which you can report crimes you’ve seen. But what if, by using our former professional soldiers, who have been trained for combat and law enforcement, we really did have brave citizen warriors “protecting our backs”? I, for one, would quickly relocate to the northwestern part of the United States where the Major resides!

There really was no choice for the Major! When he learned that a soldier, home from Iraq, had been beheaded and then burned, and his wife had been kidnapped, the only thing that he could do was just what he did. He took the challenge, began his investigations, pulled together his team, and went after those that had invaded his territory.

And indeed they had invaded. A small cell of 12 terrorists had landed near the home of the soldier. While it might not have been planned, it was clear by what had been done, that they had enjoyed their actions while stealing a vehicle and taking the soldier’s woman.

Reading D. H. Brown’s novels is not so much about “who” did it. It is truly fascinating to see him go into action, make his contacts, select what personnel will be needed, and who is in the area that can fill those roles. There are a number of carryover characters brought forward from the first book, including Black Dog, the Major’s woman, a neighboring couple in whose lives the Major has brought excitement, and many former professional soldiers who live nearby or are flown in for the “exercise.”

Carmen had been kidnapped and Jimmy, her brother, had sought the Major’s help. Carmen’s two children were with Jimmy. The first success for the major was to find their dog, who had been wounded, and take him immediately to the children, so they could begin to hope again. He called in a friend to work on the dog...a doctor who would be needed to serve as medic for what was coming. Of course, doc was not too thrilled that his first patient was a dog but he goodheartedly fixed him up!

And therein lies the secret! The Major calls upon goodhearted citizens to use their best personal skills to aid a neighbor in trouble. As the team assembled, the Major discovered that he had a stowaway recruit—Carmen’s son, Ward Junior, was determined to help. And so the Major adjusted the plan and immediately identified how and what this young man would be doing. In many ways, he was the star character in this novel, for he did much more than had been expected of him before the mission was completed.

Indeed, Carmen herself was a strong character, much to be admired as she faced all that happened, being captured by 12 terrorists, well, actually, 11, after she had had enough!

D. H. Brown’s Honor Redeemed is coming soon. Readers, if you like action and adventure, have a love for the USA, and enjoy great characterization of our citizens, then you’re already behind. I advise you to get Honor Due and this book, Honor Defended at the same time and spend a long weekend with The Major—you gotta love him!

G. A. Bixler
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