Review: IVD An Exciting Madcap Thriller!

IVD

By Greg Przywara
Eloquent Books
ISBN: 9781608601301
141 Pages

Greg Przywara has a successful future ahead of him in my opinion. With an exciting cover, IVD shares today's world in a madcap, explosive way--literally! Yet the main character is able to retain his basic integrity, at least during most events. Which is hard, since...

Mark Crizlanek is just an ordinary guy. He's a cashier at a local store where the formal but loose environment places him in difficult situations. He doesn't care that pressure is on the supervisor to keep a bad employee on--all he knows is that he constantly causes him trouble. Especially when he must endure a similar situation at home, only the players are different--his money-hungry wife and her dog!

His only happiness is the friendship of another employee, Crystal. But one day she asked if he would mourn her if she were dead, a weird kind of question. Except that, soon after that, she was. And so was their supervisor.

And Mark was the number one suspect based upon the lies told by, you guessed it, the bad employee!

Depending upon how you look at it, Mark was saved by the appearance of an old buddy who was willing and able to support him--sure he was, by helping him escape from a prison bus, introducing him to a high school killer and getting him involved with mob enterprises! As a hitman!

Of course, using him as a hitman in this case was possible; no weapon needed. An IVD would be used.

What is an IVD? Think DVD "garnished" with just a touch of powerful explosives...

Seriously, there is more action in this book than in many others, but there is one big difference, the chosen characters for all this action makes for times when you don't know whether to laugh at their ineptitude or to just go along for the thrilling ride! It's fairly hard to become sympathetic for a young murderer, yet somehow you do, especially when he actively works to help Mark through the nightmare in which he's been thrown.

Mark's one goal through all this was to find the man who had murdered Crystal. Who knew he loved her?! But through all that he went through, I never would have guessed what happened to Mark. A great ending for this multi-genre novel that will undoubtedly find many readers who will thoroughly enjoy what just might happen to change the life of a mild-mannered ordinary guy...

IVD by Greg Przywara is highly recommended for those who find enjoyment in having no idea where and how a novel is going to take you! I thoroughly enjoyed it! Cool!

G. A. Bixler

Review: Beautiful Mess - Guest Book Blogger Review by Janet Morris Grimes

Beautiful Mess chronicles the story of a group of six very different individuals who later became the country music sensation known as Diamond Rio. Highlighting the varied backgrounds of these men, their journey together as a group becomes even more inspiring as the reader discovers the obstacles they overcame to get to that point, right up until they changed their name and introduced their first single through Arista Records in February of 1991. That song, Meet in the Middle jumped to the Billboard number one song in the country, and vaulted the group into the hearts of millions of fans before even the members of Diamond Rio were ready for that level of attention.


As they triumphed with additional hits stretching out over two decades, such as One More Day and Beautiful Mess, they would grow to appreciate the decisions they made early on as a group that charted the course for their later success. They focused on their commitment to each other, the kind of music and lifestyle they would represent and their desire to reach out to others. As their list of accomplishments and awards grew, so did the list of those who benefitted from their success, notably through their partnership with Big Brothers, Big Sisters organizations across the country.

I enjoyed this book because it depicted Diamond Rio as one large, extended family. If one member suffered a hardship or tragedy, the others likewise shared in their pain.

Whether or not you are a fan of country music, if you are a fan of loyalty, overcoming hardships, parents who recognize and feed the talent they see in their children, and believing that God can be trusted to lead down unexpected and thrilling paths, you must read this amazing story.

Highlighting "The Colleague" by Helena Harper...

Although we were in a different profession, when I first read this, I immediately thought of my mentor and dearest friend, Bettie Eileen Tucker...

Dedicated to Bettie (With Permission)

The Colleague

Well established at the school,

a language teacher of much experience,

showing the way to a younger one

with new ideas

but just three years under her belt.

A gentle manner guiding the younger

and an open mind willingly receiving

fresh opinions and novel suggestions.

A partnership of equals develops

in a department of two,

work they evenly distribute and share

and discussions of trials and tribulations,

professional and personal,

big and small,

they handle with understanding and care,

each secure and certain

no one will ever betray

the confidences given in secret

hour by hour and day by day.

Full-time teaching combined with family,

children in difficult teenage years,

finding time to cope with both - how?

Working till two or three each night,

without complaint,

strength and stamina prodigious,

discipline of self enormous.

Heads and syllabuses come and go,

teachers, too,

but she remains,

faithful, quiet and diligent,

modest, unassuming,

reliable and efficient.

Twelve years long an ideal workmate,

but with children grown

retirement comes -

off to calmer days?

Maybe not,

with grandchildren increasing

and coaching demands

incessant and unceasing.

The professional ties change,

yet the bonds remain strong,

for the trusty colleague that once was

is now a friend, loyal and staunch indeed,

ever ready to laugh and smile in times of joy

and advise and help in hours of need.

The younger one hopes that she, too,

can grow to be equally caring and kind,

for she knows now the way to tread

and she'll keep going straight ahead,

aiming to pave new colleagues' paths

with the gentle understanding

her friend so generously gave to her.

~~~

Copyright Helena Harper

Family and More

Review: Family and More Ebook by Helena Harper Shares Beautiful Autobiographical Poetry!

Family and More –
Enemies or Friends?
By Helena Harper
Eloquent Books
ISBN: 9781606931271
80 Pages


Helena Harper’s poetry book, Family and More is autobiographical, but that does not detract from the feelings it engenders from readers! We are able to empathize with the author when she asks, which is my enemy? We are able to enjoy the stories she poetically shares about her family. Personally, I was, overall, impressed with the quality to the poetry and the skill that would be required to share these personal tales!

For indeed they are tales—the tale of her grandparents, her parents, and of herself as a baby. Surely we immediately know that Helena’s father is English and they were living there in England when she was born. And they were already hoping and praying that no war—no bombs or guns would invade the life of their child. Would their daughter be a symbol of hope for the future?

Soon we learn that Helena’s mother is from Germany and how that country was in her youth, only to have war enter that picture and the need to leave their country and escape, enduring “soup of water” for lunch or no food at all. Then we see the courageous woman grow and flourish, even while still under duress.

Will those of us who have never experienced war ever really understand? I think we can begin to by reading the words of those who are willing to share them so revealingly...

On she goes to share of her father, her grandmother, and even of her grandfather who she had never known. Yet her love shines through as she has gathered information and placed it carefully together to both learn of and tell others of his life.

I found myself in the story of “The Colleague,” as I remembered the woman who was my first mentor and who has remained my best friend for over 40 years!

...showing the way to a younger one

with new ideas

but just three years under her belt.

A gentle manner guiding the younger

and an open mind willingly receiving

And, alas I also could well relate to “The Boss,” that individual—or worse—those individuals we all have in our lives who turn out to be “a devil in disguise, ready to stab you in the back...”

Harper then includes medical staff, coaches, etc., who have supported her in some way! Surely, Family and More by Helena Harper is a rare tribute; however, it is also a sharing of poetic words that are both beautiful and thought provoking in how we should remember and realize the impact of family and friends...and even an enemy or two. A delightful trip for poetry lovers as well as those who wish to remember their own families through the experiences of others.

G. A. Bixler

Reviews: First Two Books in A. J. Tata's Threat Series! Fantastic Reading!

Rogue Threat

By A. J. Tata--Fiction or Prediction?

Other than for sleeping and eating, I read Rogue Threat straight through! I think the most chilling thing about this book is that the beauty of the author's words (e.g., "The ferns and shrubs reached up toward him like the hands of begging children." P. 84) are used for such a terrifyingly real chain of events! Every reader will immediately be caught up in the story and realize that this may very well be a book predicting our future.

Two sets of brilliant, brave brothers--Jacques and Henri Ballantine and Zachary and Matt Garrett, all fighting for countries they love. The Ballantine brothers had their names changed when their parents moved to France, but when they were old enough, they returned to their homeland to fight for their close friend, Hussein. It was there in Iraq that Lieutenant Zachary Garrett captured General Jacques Ballatine and during their struggle, Garrett had killed Henri as he rushed to aid his brother. Jacques was never able to forget the sight of his brother's head being blown apart as he ran to save him.

Matt Garrett, recovering from wounds received in the Philippines years later, also had nightmares, memories, and anger as the result of not being able to save his brother Zachary, who had been killed during combat against Al Qaeda rebels. Hatred and anger over the loss of loved ones are not soon forgotten or forgiven.

Worldwide hatred has become the norm. This story of two sets of brothers is merely a typical example.

Jacques Ballantine sought revenge; he would make Zachary Garrett understand what he had done by killing his brother. Revenge was always in the back of his mind, controlling his actions. And when Hussein asked him to continue his fight, even if he himself were captured or killed, Jacques agreed. He moved to Canada and started a fishing service. Flying a unique stealth-like small plane, he was able to work year in and year out to bring in supplies and build the complex necessary to fulfill his assignment. He became a major power force, more dangerous than either Hussein or Bin Laden, "because he not only had means, motive and the courage of his convictions, but he was on nobody's screen." (p.17)

And even when Jacques learned that Zachary was already dead, his revenge turned toward Matt Garrett.

Matt Garrett had a visitor, Peyton O'Hara, a beautiful, tough woman who rode in on a Harley Davidson Fatboy, and who had been sent by the Vice-President of the United States. She wanted to find out all he knew about the Predator project (eighteen lost unmanned aerial vehicles). Had he seen them in China? Did he know where they were?

Matt was still recovering from his injuries and was now being considered by the President to serve as a special assistant to the CIA Director. Matt kept quiet, not willing to share with this stranger--until the Vice-President phoned and directed him to meet him at the Dulles Airport in an hour. "Bizarre," Matt murmured, but he didn't think he could say no to the Vice President. . .even though he wanted to, for he had lost his fiancé after she had become a senior executive assistant for a vice-presidential program he was developing. As directed, Matt got on a plane, along with Peyton O'Hara. As Matt left the Vice President, he said "think about the term, `secular spiritual stagnation.' Then we'll talk later." (p.18)

Their plane was highjacked . . . Matt and Peyton then continued through an unbelievable chain of events that altogether make up one of the best action thrillers I've ever read! Rocke's detail is excellent, his graphic illustrations are perfect "he...could sense that he was ripping the man's shoulder out of its socket the way a father pulls a turkey leg off the bird on Thanksgiving." Perfectly gruesome sometimes! (p.31)

For, you see, Phase II had begun for America. Phase I had been 9-11.

· This time, malls, athletic facilities, and other people-gathering places were the targets.

· This time, more countries were involved, and even the drug cartels joined with them for their hatred of the rich Americans who consumed their drugs. While Americans bought drugs, the people from their countries still lived in poor conditions where there was much hunger and disease.

· This time, they also had a newly designed secret use for those Predators, a design that brilliantly digitized pheromones that allowed control without continued involvement of man.

· And, this time, they had a high-level inside U. S. government man."

Even though there had been the 9-11 attacks, most of the military personnel had been sent by the government to fight in other countries. Americans had joined together after that attack, but they had soon once again become complacent. Rocke has used the words of Walt Rostow in highlighting what has happened to Americans, that we are past the fourth stage of "High Mass Consumption" and that we are in his idea of the final stage, secular spiritual stagnation.

While some may argue against the application of Rostow's stages, many of us have questioned the increase in consumption and the seeming decrease in care and concern for people. Is the Rogue Threat merely another exciting and suspenseful action thriller or is the underlying storyline a real possibility of the future for us to consider?

For this reviewer, I found myself accepting it as both an exceptionally well written and exciting must-read tale, as well as a warning that tells important possibilities that should perhaps make it "mandatory reading" for all Americans!

What I do know is that I'm looking forward to Tata's next novel!

"The worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it." James Bryce

~~~

Sudden Threat


By A. J. Tata


When a professional in any field is also an excellent writer, the result is an outstanding novel! Sudden Threat by Army Brigadier General A. J. Tata is evidence of that statement and certainly, in my opinion, a must-read for thriller fans!

Sudden Threat presents an alternative history story with timely relevance. “Prime Minister Mizuzawa had chosen the proper course for his native land...Japan could not let a few radical Muslims divert the world’s attention away from what really mattered...it was a matter of national survival!” (p. 18, 23) Takishi was his choice to help him rule a new Japan; and as a major partner in “The Rolling Stones,” they were in the best position to take advantage of the 9-11 window of opportunity!

Fortunately, Takishi had friends in major positions in the United States government who did not agree that an attack against Saddam Hussein, his country and other surrounding countries was the right direction for America. The solution: create a “sudden threat” against America from an entirely different direction—somewhere where a small war could be encouraged which would force a delay for action.

Matt Garrett and his brother Zachary are the two main characters. While Zachary served in the service, Matt had been the CIA designated “hunter” for Osama bin Laden. Matt had already become suspicious, wondering why, when he was close to capturing one or more Al Qaeda members, he would suddenly be transferred somewhere else, on some pretext that his new assignment was much more important. Fortunately, he began to document his concerns, for when he is captured, his records become a major contribution in the later spunky and informative briefing presented to the president by Meredith Morris, the primary female character and the major person to research, analyze, and effectively present what apparently was happening.

The addictive hunger for power, found in every country, every nation, nearly always results in tragic events. Tata shows it better than any other author I’ve read! Nobody can trust these individuals, not lovers, not authorities, not entire populations! Tata takes us directly into the throes of a group of these evil men, who call themselves, The Rolling Stones” as they strive for “satisfaction,” individual power, no matter the cost!

Tata also brings a far more realistic approach to war scenes as well, sharing not only the action, but also the personal feelings of the individuals. One particular man, a good and honorable Japanese man who came to fight along with the Americans is one of the excellent scenarios that illustrates different race issues are really not the cause for wars, without someone, somewhere, thirsting for individual power!

As if you needed another reason to buy and read Sudden Threat, consider the fact that BG Tata is donating all of the proceeds to the USO Metro DC Hospital Services Fund for Wounded Warriors! Cool, right?

Needless to say, I think Sudden Threat is a fantastic read. Additionally, I have been fortunate to have already read Rogue Threat, Tata’s next book, so I can assure you that you need to add General A. J. Tata to your must-read author list! “Hooah!”

G. A. Bixler

Getting to Know the Brigadier General Author--A J Tata

Author of the Threat Series is With BRH this month...Let's find out a little about his background! Where are you from?


I was born in Norfolk, Virginia, but actually raised in Virginia Beach, Virginia, which I call home.

When did you start writing?

I have written ever since I can remember. I still have spiral bound notebooks with handwritten character development and book outlines from the time I was a cadet at West Point. I put my first manuscript together in the mid-nineties titled, The Last Gamble, about a West Point Heisman trophy running back who gets caught in a mob point shaving scheme.

Hmmm, looks like West Point inspired you to get serious! When did you know that you wanted to be a writer?

Ever since I can remember. The idea of being a novelist has been a life long goal. I can remember telling my father in response to the traditional, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” question that I wanted to write books. I was 12 and he said, as only the son of Italian immigrants could, “You’ve got to put food on the table.” Which gave way to West Point instead of a liberal arts college. Now I’ve got all this great life experience which I can weave into the stories. It has worked out perfectly.

Your first book was planned as a series? What happens next?

Rogue Threat is out in stores now. It is the sequel to Sudden Threat. Matt Garrett continues apace. Hidden Threat is with the publisher, as is Dark Threat, books 3 and 4. I’m currently working on Certain Threat, book 5. No shortage of material.

Wow, I'm already looking forward to reading your future books...You say, no shortage of material, but share a little more about where your ideas and subjects come from?

I’ve always had a pretty vivid imagination and it isn’t too hard for me to look at something rather ordinary and think, “Actually you could do this and it would make a good story.” Of course an author brings to the story his own filters and lens. I always ask myself a question at the start of every book. For example with Sudden Threat the question was, “Why didn’t anyone try to stop the run up to the Iraq war?” With Rogue Threat the question was, “Whatever happened to those nasty weapons of mass destruction in Iraq?”

But, of course, your military experience would lend support to your asking those questions! Did writing come natural to you or is it something that you had/have to work on?

Both. The process has always been natural. The mechanics I had to study. Learning about character development and narrative drive were the two key building blocks for me. I read books, studied screenplay development and developed my own style of writing. I think I have a unique voice in the thriller genre because of my experience and my writing style.

Do you see your future writing coming from your life or from other people?

My writing comes from everything around me. I can go on a vacation somewhere and say, “This is the location for my next book.” And begin to truly get into the culture, topography, etc.

Did you go to school for writing?

No, but did a lot of self study.

Did you ever think you would have a successful series?

I always believed it, yes. I don’t think you can succeed in this business not having absolute faith in what you are doing.

Well, I agree with faith, but I also think you have to have some natural ability to write--I guess I've seen too many examples of some who might have had faith, but did not do the necessary self-study.  Sooo, who were the people or person that inspired you to write?

I read a lot of Stephen King as a kid. I also liked Thomas Wolfe and Ken Kesey. Today I read Brad Thor, John Lescroart, Michael Connelly, among others.

I think I'm one of the few who seldom read King, really prefer Dean Koontz's for his form of horror, although he himself doesn't think of himself as a horror writer.  Michael Connelly has a special kind of talent that is worthy of anybody's study who wants to write fiction, in my opinion. You have three books in various stages of completion, but how many different drafts of a manuscript do you go through before you publish?

Too many to count. I don’t do a detailed outline, so I’m shaping wood continuously. I’ll get part of the way through, go back and restart or add. I know where I want to go and sometimes I write forward chapters first. It’s never fully chronological. Once I think I’m done, I ice it for a week or so and then come back to it.

What has been your favorite story/subject that you have written about and why?

That’s a tough question because I like certain aspects of every book. In Rogue Threat, for example, the introduction of Peyton O’Hara, the Irish-American tough girl is an exciting addition to the Threat Series. In Hidden Threat, we get to know Zachary’s daughter, Amanda, in a suspense-filled journey.

It appears you are somewhat character driven...I think in reading I am also. If I don't like the characters, I tend not to get into the story as much. With as much writing as you are undoubtedly doing now, what kind of environment do you prefer when you’re writing?

Easy. The beach on Vieques Island at Tradewinds Restaurant and Guest House, conveniently owned and operated by my wonderful in-laws.

Wow...how cool! That sounds wonderful and you even give your wife a chance to visit with her parents! Tell me, What tips do you have for aspiring writers?

Write.

Ahhh, the practice makes perfect...except for somebody like me who hasn't the creativity for fiction writing! What is your favorite part and least favorite part about being a writer?

I’m not a big fan of the editing process, but thankfully I’ve got a great editor in Shane Thomson, who makes it fun, actually.

Where do you see yourself and your writing in 10 years?

Tenth book coming out as a NY Times #1 bestseller. Just Threat? Famous Threat? Ghost Threat?

Fantastic! I love confidence in your own work. I wish you success in that goal! But, what do you do when you get stuck in writing?

If I’m feeling creative, I write. If I’m feeling less creative, I outline. But I’m always doing something relative to the story.

How do you become knowledgeable about the topic you want to write about?

Massive amounts of research, interviews, personal visits to the location. I try to make it as authentic as possible.

Have you ever wanted to quit? What did you do when that thought struck you?

Never occurred to me.

With that answer, I'm now also confident that you'll reach your goal! Tell us what are you working on now?

Certain Threat.

Does your story/subject change direction after you have begun writing it?

Frequently. It is a lot like I imagine acting may be. Once I have a character on the page, he/she takes me where they want to go in the scene. The dialogue is theirs, the action is theirs, I’m simply recording.

It always excites me when an author responds with something like your answer. For those of us who read about those characters, we love them, but just can't imagine how you reach a point where the character takes over!

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment to date?

Finishing four novels and having two of them published. Sudden Threat spent a great deal of time on the Amazon Top 100 best sellers list and Rogue Threat appears to be off to a good start as well.

Congratulations on the Top 100 List ranking! Readers, following is A. J. Tata's fantastic web site location (you can click the article title to get there right now!).

www.ajtata.com

Do you see yourself continuing to write?

I can’t stop myself.

Nothing to say after that response! Thanks so much for sharing with us today Tony! Talk to you soon!