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Broken by Truth by Dr Jeri Fink and Donna Paltrowitz
The beginning starts off with talking about the Perfect talk show; a Dr Phil kind of thing. Unravelling people to bring out the truth and entertain.
It’s quite an interesting perspective to see behind the scenes of these types of shows. The people behind it had to be ruthless, ready to get at any story, at any cost.
One of the unique aspects to this book is the images included, literally being able to see some of the locations talked about in the book.
There was something about the way the author wrote that had me fixated on what was going to happen next…
Dr Hanya, a psychologist for the show is prepped to expose a story that will alter many people’s lives, and test the morals of many people.
Pandemonium filled the set when something unexpected occurred, beginning the ‘domino effect’.
Vivid imagery provides a clear picture of the scenes around the doctor, knowing that there was more to come.
With Dr Hanya speaking in the first person, it is easy to establish a connection. Although, unsure whether to like the main character or not.
Unfortunately, after the main event, it slowed rapidly. Being questioned by police, videoed, every thing put in front of the public. Catching a glimpse of the ruthless world they we were.
The novel switches to another character, Sage, the doctor’s niece, getting her view on things.
Very rare to find well thought out images to go alongside the story, which keeps it entertaining.
The story again picks up pace as the consequences of their actions haunts them. No one is safe.
Sexual tension between Sage and Robert, the Senator’s son; and the man who documents everything that happens, he uses his position to push all the boundaries.
There is a large amount of dialogue, which at times enables the reader to be immersed into the story. However, I don’t feel there was enough action or tension to be called specifically a thriller. It’s more about the lives of these different women, and the consequences of their actions. More about the build-up of something else that is about to take place.
Everyone is a suspect, no one above positions, and the real chance of someone close to the characters, may be behind it all.
The sexual aspect definitely caught my attention, well written and executed.
With both Dr Hanya and Sage playing with fire, who could get burned?
Consequences of past actions begin to catch up with the characters, and Sage has to fight not too lose control.
Manipulation, lies, money and sex are just a game to some.
One tip over, and the dominos fall… Knocking anything in its path.
And revving up again for the next book in the series.
4/5
I Will Never Forget by Elain EC Pereira
The story tells of the true story of Elaine’s mother going through the trails of dementia. The true story outlines Elaine’s childhood experiences, loves and losses. Beginning with Elaine’s christmas experience. Not exactly sure where it is heading.
As time slowly progresses, and Elaine grows into a woman, her mother’s health slowly declines.
The characters go through their own trails, loves, illnesses, and losses.
The fascinating journey of mother and daughter, revealing that although at times it can be difficult, their relationship stays strong. The reader enabled to have an in-depth insight to what it would be like to experience this terrible illnesses, and what one can do to change their own destiny.
However, I found it difficult to stick with. The story at times was touching, and of course because it is a true story, and the author didn’t want to leave any important details out, but for my personal taste of wanting something more to stick out for me, I found it lacking a bit.
The author does display a lot of courage to write such a personal tale.
3/5
Purified by Brian Robert Smith
The start chucks the reader into the events quickly, as two men are working alongside a Doctor Harlow. It took a little while to reveal that they are stealing a body from the morgue.
Quickly, the novel takes you to another scene with a funeral taking place filled with police.
Body snatching. A woman supposed to be dead, a grieving husband, all appeared in just the first chapter.
The next chapter brings in Mason, a man taken by Doctor Harlow, and whom was being experimented on in some kind of way. Trying desperately to escape, the drugs messing with him.
The novel keeps focusing on Mason, his escape, his attempt to get back to his old life. And how what happened to him affects him in so many ways. And of course, the real twister in this novel, is that everyone that knew Mason thought he was dead.
Warren, the detective whose wife supposedly died, encounters Mason. No one believes Mason; his wife, his friends, all thinking that he is an imposter, and Warren is no different.
The characters are easy to connect with, the plot line an interesting one. The thought of this possibility certainly made it an interesting read. The events moving quickly, each connecting the dots and unravelling the concepts.
As events swiftly come to a climax, Mason must choose whether he can face his demons and return to his inner hell.
The ending took me in a direction I didn’t think it would, into something unexpected.
I was surprised how much I enjoyed the novel, and the events that unfolded. It wasn’t tidied up in a neat package, which I personally liked. The characters were still messed up, and I had a feeling this wouldn’t be the end…
4 out of 5 stars
Little White Lies by J.D Selmser
The beginning had me hooked, causing me to wonder how everything came to be, and what actually happened. The author tempts you with the story of a long-lost love, that the main character – Rayne can’t quite remember, but the niggling feeling of a life lost lingers.
Rayne, a published author; on the outside, successful, rich and somewhat arrogant. But in the inside, knowing that he once had another life, but cannot remember it.
Gradually events started to unfold as Rayne chances upon a sick child that is a fan of his books, and her mother. As the child brings to his attention of the love in his book, it causes him to reminiscence over this old flame, and the chances he missed. This child holding an original copy that speaks about this lost love.
Rayne has to struggle with the reality of not remembering this intense love he once had. De ja vu reoccurring, but not knowing why. As you continue reading, Rayne gradually becomes involved with the sick girl and her mother. Fulfilling his lack of purpose. As the story progresses, he slowly begins to unravel his old life.
One thing that is very obvious, and that is the editing. It needed some serious work. At some points quite distracting.
I wanted to become involved in the story, as the title created hinted at a tempting tale, but unfortunately, the whole story didn’t quite fit the title. The author gradually filled in the details about the characters. However, I struggled to fully connect with them, or become invested in what actually happened.
The ending pretty much did what I expected, and even though it was a short book, it felt long, it felt like something was missing.
2 ½ out of 5
In the Clear by Ayami Tyndall
Arne is on a space craft with her employers, brought on to fly crafts in space. Her backgrounds an angel, and being part of the Angel Corp, brings the attention of Mel and Po, wanting her to fly their craft, Aeolus. The clearly detailed scene made it easy to imagine what it would be like.
Moving through the hologram of the space craft, the reader gets a distinctive impression of what it would be like.
Based from another planet, Simon, her rigger that used to be from Mars, is going to be returning home to Saturn. While Arne is once again tempted by to fly an experimental space craft in the Clear. But part of her hesitant, too many died flying in the Clear, one close friend forever lost to her in the Clear.
It’s quite an interesting to read as Arne once again steps into angel wings, the technology literally connecting with her vertebra.
The author does an excellent job of gradually building up to impact. You feel something is coming, but you don’t know what. The suddenly, Arne finds herself in a place she doesn’t expect.
The author doesn’t give the reader much of a break, as the intensity of what is happening builds.
Arne finds herself in a place unfamiliar to her, surrounded by extreme forces, and voices calling to her.
As secrets come to the surface, and past expeditions exposed. Arne, Po and Mel either have to trust each or die.
I was certainly gripped by the story and characters. As more events unfold, Arne comes closer to the truth about what happened to her friend, Damian.
Each set of events had me riveted, and quickly built up the story without bogging it down with too much detail.
An fascinating and thrilling ending to an imaginative tale. And I was pleasantly surprised by the somewhat unexpected ending.
3 ½ stars
Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold by Simon Jericho
Kitty hawk, the pilot whose own personal mission to fly the route that Emilia Earhart travelled presents quite an interesting tale. Finding herself in the same predicament.
The chapter then takes Kitty into another adventure, travelling through the gold mines and finding herself in yet another bad situation.
Instantly the character pulled me in and I wanted to find out more. Although, it did take a while to get where it needed to be.
Suddenly, the novel covers parts of her life as a child, written as though talking directly to the reader.
The novel goes into somewhat tedious detail about Kitty before her adventures. A lot of what was written probably wasn’t needed, as it didn’t really cause me to become more invested in the character. And at times caused the other events to dwindle out.
Finally, the speed of the novel picks up pace, as Kitty is too curious for her own good. Her adventure puts her in a dangerous situation.
As the story progresses, so too the characters. Developing their own characteristics.
Kitty ventures into the unknown, her strong will to survive kicks in and changes everything. Through her adventures she meets interesting characters.
When I thought I knew what was going to happen, it changed direction. And I was surprisingly drawn in about ¾ of the way through.
It slowly progresses. But a bit too slow for my taste.
3/5
Wraith by Arielle Strauss
The author certainly knows how to pull a reader in, the beginning immersed me into the words, the scene set before me, and intriguing me from the start.
As more begins to develop, Ophelia, the main character is stunned at the revelation suddenly set before her. What had happened to her?
The story takes a different turn, and suddenly when I thought I knew what was happening, it all changed.
The plot line is fascinating, causing me to want to keep on reading. It was very easy to connect with the characters. And eager to find out what happened
As more events take place, more things unravel, and left wondering, what exactly is going on? And who exactly is responsible?
All is not what it seems, and as Ophelia comes face to face with the person she thought was guilty, she can’t be sure. Torn for seeking revenge and trying to have a normal life causes her to question, how far will she go?
Coming closer to the end, Ophelia sees what really happened to her, and why her life would never be the same.
The ending is somewhat sad, but a reminder of how important it is to embrace the life you have, and make the most of it.
4/5
Dear Maude by Denise Liebig
The story begins with the main character Emily, her life in college, and the people she meets.
Her room-mate, Sophia, brings her into a world she could only imagine about. And to meet Gerd, a man she could only dream about.
The book regularly goes backwards and forwards between her entries in her diary, and the actual events occurring in her life.
Since meeting Gerd, her entire life begins to change. But is it has it seems?
As secrets begin to emerge, the more Emily’s life changes. But she still struggles with everything happening.
The character’s voices come off quite unique, and I wanted to keep on reading to see where all of this was going.
Emily’s life goes down a path quite unexpected, as more events take place, shaping her into a different character… And a different era.
The story kept on having unexpected turns, not sure where this would head.
A certain amount of the novel was based in the present, but then jumps back to 1910, where Emily experiences a whole other life, in a somewhat bizarre time-travel plot.
If a reader likes a book to go into a lot of detail about the surroundings and the culture of certain eras, then this book doesn’t disappoint. However, for me, the details, although interesting, bogged down the story.
As the novel progresses into the historical era of 1910, the culture of the place comes alive. But I still struggled to completely put it in the era of the time. It still felt like reading a present day novel, despite other references.
A somewhat unusual love story is entwined with the plot.
Coming closer to the end and I surprisingly was suddenly immersed into what finally occurs. The perfect ending to rather an unusual tale.
3/5
Link: http://www.amazon.com/Dear-Maude-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B00OSHOI1I/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1433318121&sr=1-1&keywords=Dear+Maude+by+Denise+Liebig
Thimble down by Pete Prown
A quite peculiar start to somewhat of a different type of book. The names of the characters take a bit of an imagination; however, names and descriptions sound all too familiar.
It feels like a bit of a hobbit tale, slightly weird, slightly intriguing.
The writer beginning to talk about these unusual characters and their adventures.
Dorro, the book keeper in Thimbledown, largely resembles Bilbo Baggins of the Shire in Lord of the Rings, writing style feels similar, taken to another world.
Dorro, not only the book master, but the village sleuth, who secretly helps the local sheriff with solving crimes.
When an unwelcome villager returns and a murder takes place, along with theft, Dorro works alongside the sheriff to uncover the culprit.
It’s quite a simple tale, as described, a mixture of a range of different books combined into one.
Unfortunately, if you are a fan of Tolkien’s work, or citizen sleuths, this does fall a bit short.
Some humour filters in and out, but lack of character connection makes it harder to become fully immersed.
Every now and then, a sparkle of excitement enters into the story.
I did want to become fully riveted, but because I am a fan of the books this novel represents, I may be slightly biased, but it lacked the darkness or the variety of characters that other books had.
I do feel this is an interesting tale for children, maybe a bit long. Short stories with Darro would be better; because he is an amusing character.
A slightly non-dramatic ending, but an amusing story nonetheless.
3/5 stars
Links: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1482510383/ref=cm_sw_su_dp
Broken by Truth by Dr Jeri Fink and Donna Paltrowitz
The beginning starts off with talking about the Perfect talk show; a Dr Phil kind of thing. Unravelling people to bring out the truth and entertain.
It’s quite an interesting perspective to see behind the scenes of these types of shows. The people behind it had to be ruthless, ready to get at any story, at any cost.
One of the unique aspects to this book is the images included, literally being able to see some of the locations talked about in the book.
There was something about the way the author wrote that had me fixated on what was going to happen next…
Dr Hanya, a psychologist for the show is prepped to expose a story that will alter many people’s lives, and test the morals of many people.
Pandemonium filled the set when something unexpected occurred, beginning the ‘domino effect’.
Vivid imagery provides a clear picture of the scenes around the doctor, knowing that there was more to come.
With Dr Hanya speaking in the first person, it is easy to establish a connection. Although, unsure whether to like the main character or not.
Unfortunately, after the main event, it slowed rapidly. Being questioned by police, videoed, every thing put in front of the public. Catching a glimpse of the ruthless world they we were.
The novel switches to another character, Sage, the doctor’s niece, getting her view on things.
Very rare to find well thought out images to go alongside the story, which keeps it entertaining.
The story again picks up pace as the consequences of their actions haunts them. No one is safe.
Sexual tension between Sage and Robert, the Senator’s son; and the man who documents everything that happens, he uses his position to push all the boundaries.
There is a large amount of dialogue, which at times enables the reader to be immersed into the story. However, I don’t feel there was enough action or tension to be called specifically a thriller. It’s more about the lives of these different women, and the consequences of their actions. More about the build-up of something else that is about to take place.
Everyone is a suspect, no one above positions, and the real chance of someone close to the characters, may be behind it all.
The sexual aspect definitely caught my attention, well written and executed.
With both Dr Hanya and Sage playing with fire, who could get burned?
Consequences of past actions begin to catch up with the characters, and Sage has to fight not too lose control.
Manipulation, lies, money and sex are just a game to some.
One tip over, and the dominos fall… Knocking anything in its path.
And revving up again for the next book in the series.
4/5
The God Particle by Daniel Danser
The story starts off in Nazi occupied Norway, 1942
The professor called in front of the who’s who of the third Reich to discuss the makings of a uranium bomb.
Professor Reinhardt is trying to convince them that it isn’t feasible, purely on the basis he knows how detrimental it could be to the enemies of Germany.
The next chapter takes place in the present day; however, I had to read a bit further before realising what year it actually was. The book would benefit to have the year and the location at the start of the chapter, so the reader knows exactly where they are.
Katashi negano is in charge of the team for the containment of hazardous materials at the Fukushima power plant.
Quickly, it comes apparent of the significance of the time period – in the time in which the earthquake and subsequent tsunami occurred in Japan.
The author does a great job of detailing the events and the consequences of the tsunami; I was easily swept up with what was taking place.
The next chapter jumps to Professor Erik Moratz in Atlas.
The professor, employed by the CERN to create the largest machine in the world to discover one of the world’s greatest mysteries – the Creator, or God particle to unearth how the earth was created.
Deiter, who works alongside Morantz, is clearly focused on this research for another purpose.
As the story progresses, the connection between the Japanese tsunami and their search for the god particle are linked.
The author creates quite a picture of the devastation of the tsunami.
The story really had me fixated. The destruction. The deaths, the corruption, and the lengths a person is prepared to go to find out how the earth was created.
Tom Halligan, a professor is brought into CERN to find the god particle after his predecessor suddenly committed suicide.
As more events unfold, an organization comes into play, their motives and methods dubious. And the more Tom is involved with the corridor project, the deeper he falls into the conspiracy.
Lines are blurred, who is right, and who isn’t…
As Tom gets closer to the explosive truth, more is unveiled that could completely change the world.
Racing away from danger only causes him to look guilty, but knowing he isn’t left with much choice.
The ending not surprising, a decent amount of action, but perhaps a bit slow in parts as well.
3 ½ out of 5
Link: http://www.amazon.com/The-God-Particle-Daniel-Danser-ebook/dp/B00HEODK1G
Plaster scene by Michael J Holley review
The novel begins in June 1968 with two girls, one called Bronwyn, the other Celia. Celia the more experienced, and perhaps more attractive of the two, seems to have a bit of boldness. And potentially gets herself into trouble.
At first appearances these girls are dealing drugs in the clubs, experiencing the party lifestyle.
The next chapter takes the reader to June 2013. And to George Spencer.
A lot of mundane talking in the pub about women. Nothing really jumps out about this character.
All characters appear quite unforgettable.
Next stage brings Crystal Lyons into the picture. Having a one night stand with George. All the while I am wondering what point all of this has? How do all these rather plain characters connect?
Next character to be introduced is Henry Siddington. Again, something rather ordinary about these characters.
The novel seems to just be short character plots, characters with uninteresting lives, not real substance.
Every now and then events happen that quicken up the pace; however, too many conversations quickly cause the book to lose stream.
A variety of characters fill the plot; so it’s difficult to tell who are the main characters, and what they have to do with it all.
It’s a bit difficult to relate or connect with the characters because there are so many.
Writing could be more creative to make it a more interesting read. I can sort of see what the author is trying to do with the story, and certain elements are interesting with the unique sub-plots.
A long-winded quest to find buried treasure takes the new characters, Claudia and Henry through murky and slightly dangerous terrain. Henry, an ancestor of Celia, one of the girls in the beginning of the book, makes it her mission to get what she thinks she is owed, or deserves. And will go to all lengths to get what she wants, at any cost.
Although it’s supposed to be a bit of a mystery comedy, any suspense or action quickly fades, bogged down with meaningless dialogue. Admittedly, the entire plot is humorous; undecided if it is humorous in a bad way or not…
Past characters collide, events come crashing together.
It’s difficult at times to piece everything together; scenes jumping to and fro without giving the reader any clear idea of where they’re at, so struggling to get fully immersed.
Slightly humorous in parts, but still lacking much substance.
The tale slightly picks up pace closer to the end, the ending somewhat unexpected, but for what it took to get there, the ending got lost with everything else.
2/5 stars
Dissolution by Roger Ruffles.
The author quickly creates a descriptive scene of another world, destroyed by war.
The Red Imperium fighting the False emperor; complete destruction of an empire sets the scene.
Captain Gavain is the first character to be introduced, one of the survivors of the carnage. Many lives lost, but yet a certain amount of distance is felt within this character. He is built to almost resemble a robot, supposed to not have any feelings, but the fear of the unknown is still within him.
Major Ulrik Andryukhin, is another character brought into the plot. His ship lands in the Red Imperium capital on Mars – Olympus mons. Fighting with the rebellion against the false emperor.
As many lie dead, Captain James Gavain and the major still have to focus their attentions on what is next to come.
Although the false emperor is dead, there are others waiting in the wings. The author clearly concentrates on making sure the descriptions of the scenes on Mars and the cities can be visualised by the reader. Although good for getting a picture of what the place is like, it does weigh the plot down a bit.
Trying at times to become immersed with the plot and characters
Although glimpses of excitement occasionally occur throughout the plot, there is a lot of dialogue for a novel that I would have thought would contain more action.
The novel goes into great detail of the weaponry and other advancements in this other world.
I have to admit, this story took a lot of creativity. Something very unique, the characters, almost robotic with some human characteristics; as well as the places that appear realistic.
Although a lot of battles take place, there is a lack of connection to take sides, I couldn’t really invest in the characters.
The ending not particularly dramatic, the results of the war spoken of instead of actually been acted out.
I felt there was a possibility for a continuation; however, because this book was too long, it could be shortened, or more action to take place instead of constant dialogue.
2 ½ stars
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