Archive for October, 2013

	Hardcover: 544 pages Publisher: Scribner (September 24, 2013) Language: English ISBN-10: 1476727651 ISBN-13: 978-1476727653	Order book here:
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Characters:

Danny Torrance – Middle Aged, recovering alcoholic with psychic abilities.
Abra Stone – A young girl with psychic powers of her own, powers that make her a target for evil.
Rose – Leader of the True Knot, a band of traveling, “spirit sucking” vampire types.

Synopsis:

The last time we saw Danny Torrance he was escaping the burning Overlook Hotel. Now he’s much older and following in his father’s tragic footsteps. A young girl named Arba is being discovered to have her own special abilities, much like Danny did when he was young. This young girl though is in danger from a group know as the True Know who wants to feed on her energy.

Review

This novel is a sequel to, and one I consider a worthy successor to The Shining. You can feel the terror emanating from the True Knot, and see how vicious they can be when they are turned lose on one of their victims. At the same time, you see a now middle aged Dan Torrence, trying to recover from alcoholism, while working in a hospice. In this hospice, he’s became known for being able to help those who are dying cross over. Then he is contacted by a young girl named Arba. This is when he’s pulled into something very reminiscent of his young childhood.

This has actually been one of my favorite Stephen King novels so far, though I’ve only read this, the Shining, and Carrie. I found there to be a lot of tension, dark characters in The Knot, and you really care about the main characters and want them to survive. After reading this, I’m very interested in going back and reading other novels such as It, and Under the Dome. However, with the Halloween Season coming up, I’d definitely recommend this for all you horror fans, particularly you fans of The Shining who have wondered what became of Dan Torrance.

About the Author

Stephen King is the author of more than fifty books, all of them worldwide bestsellers. His recent work includes Doctor Sleep and Under the Dome, now a major TV miniseries on CBS.

His novel 11/22/63 was named a top ten book of 2011 by The New York Times Book Review and won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Mystery/Thriller as well as the Best Hardcover Book Award from the International Thriller Writers Association.

He is the recipient of the 2003 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. He lives in Bangor, Maine, with his wife, novelist Tabitha King.

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	Paperback: 288 pages Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin; Reprint edition (June 4, 2013) Language: English ISBN-10: 1250028884 ISBN-13: 978-1250028884	Order book here:
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Characters:

Josh Lee Hamilton – Former Executive Chef, Survivor of Zombie Apocalypse
Lilly Caul – Apocalypse survivor and friend to Josh Hamilton
Phillip Blake – Governor and ruler of the community of Woodbury.

Synopsis:

A small group of people are ostracized from the community of Apocalypse survivors that they’ve been living in. They find themselves on the run, and trying to survive from hordes of Zombies roaming the countryside. When they find the small community of Woodbury, the thinking their nightmare is over, but it may just be beginning.

Review

I’m a huge fan of all things Walking Dead. I’ve read some of the comics. Read the first novel in this series, and watch the TV show every week. I loved the first book in this series, and I wanted to love this one. I ended up merely liking it. It was good, it was a nice horror story, and there were parts that were very suspenseful. However, it often felt disjointed and I think that may have been because of two writers. There were parts that were very great at building the suspense, and then there were others where the suspense was ruined by too specific text. One example was “he failed to notice the smells of rotting flesh getting closer.” That was much less suspenseful then times where the attacks weren’t telegraphed.

Overall it wasn’t a terrible story. The characters were likeable and many were straight out of the comics. The character of The Governor though, while you get to see his viciousness, you don’t get into his head as often as in the previous book. For a great Halloween story though, you can’t beat it for just good old zombie action. I’d rate it as being for older teens and adults due to a lot of carnage, death, and destruction. But grab a copy for your Halloween festivities, curl up, and don’t worry about that scratching at the door, it’s probably just the cat. Be sure to drop by and let us know what you thought of The Road to Woodbury.

About the Author

Robert Kirkman is best known for his work on The Walking Dead and Invincible for Image Comics and SKYBOUND.

He is one of the five partners of Image Comics and is an executive producer and writer on AMC’s critically acclaimed television series The Walking Dead.

THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE says, “Jay Bonansinga has quickly and firmly established himself as one of the most imaginative writers of thrillers. His twisting narratives, with their in-your-face glimpses of violence, are set in an unstable, almost psychotic universe that makes the work of many of his contemporaries look rather tame.”

Jay also proudly wears the hat of indie filmmaker: his music videos have been seen on The Nashville Network and Public Television, and his short film CITY OF MEN was awarded the prestigious silver plaque at the Chicago International Film Festival. In 2008, his feature-film debut, STASH (based on his short story of the same title collected in CANDY IN THE DUMPSTER), won the Gold Remi at the Houston International Film Festival and Best Comedy at the Iowa City and Queens International film festivals. STASH was shot in Chicago and stars Tim Kazurinsky (POLICE ACADEMY) and the late Marilyn Chambers (INSATIABLE), and has appeared on On-Demand nationwide in 50 million households. Jay has also worked as a screenwriter with horror legend George Romero, Will Smith’s production company Overbrook Entertainment, and Dennis Haysbert (THE UNIT).

The holder of a master’s degree in film from Columbia College Chicago, Jay currently resides in Evanston, Illinois. He is also a visiting professor at Northwestern University in their Creative Writing for the Media program, as well as the Graduate Writing Program at DePaul University. He can be reached at jaybona@aol.com.

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	Paperback: 688 pages Publisher: Anchor; Reprint edition (August 27, 2013) Language: English ISBN-10: 0345806786 ISBN-13: 978-0345806789	Order book here:
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Characters:

Jack Torrance – Winter Caretaker of Overlook Hotel.
Wendy Torrance – Jack’s Wife.
Danny Torrance – Their 5 year old son with a special ability.

Synopsis:

When Jack Torrance set out with his family to spend the winter being caretaker for the Overlook Hotel, he never anticipated the horror that would be hiding within it’s walls.

Review

I had never read this novel before, it’s length was a bit of a deterrent. But with the sequel, Doctor Sleep, looming on the horizon, I decided to break down and give it a shot. I wanted to have a small Halloween Special of some horror themed novels. While the book started out a little slow, once it picked up, and Jack started his descent into madness, I was hooked.

The reader gets into the minds of the different characters. With Jack you get to see his gradual loss of sanity, and the reader is left to wonder based on events prior to the books setting, if maybe Jack didn’t have a firm grip on sanity to begin with.

While I’d seen the movie numerous times, it failed to do justice to the eerie events going on around the Torrance family. For a great story to welcome in the dark Halloween eve, whether you’ve read it before or not, grab a copy of The Shining and enjoy the fright. For obvious strong situations and topics, I’d gear this towards much older teens and adults. If you give it a read, be sure and drop back by to let us know what you thought.

About the Author

Stephen King is the author of more than fifty books, all of them worldwide bestsellers.  His recent work includes Doctor Sleep and Under the Dome, now a major TV miniseries on CBS.

His novel 11/22/63 was named a top ten book of 2011 by The New York Times Book Review and won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Mystery/Thriller as well as the Best Hardcover Book Award from the International Thriller Writers Association.

He is the recipient of the 2003 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. He lives in Bangor, Maine, with his wife, novelist Tabitha King.

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	E-Book Publisher: Witness Impulse (October 1, 2013) Language: English ISBN-10: n/a ISBN-13: 978-n/a
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Characters:

Conor Riordan – Vicious Psychopathic Killer.
Margaret “Maggie” Savage – Portland Maine Detective, Crimes Against People Unit.
Detective Michale McCabe – Maggie’s Boss, Partner, Head of the Crimes Against People Unit.

Synopsis:

Five Million Dollars worth of Oxycontin disappears from Canada. Authorities say it was lost at sea. However, Oxycontin presumably from Canada begins surfacing in Maine. One man is behind it all, Conor Riordan. He’s determined to kill anyone who gets in between him and the money. Will Maggie Savage and McCabe find the killer before innocent people die, and who is really Conor Riordan. To find out, read Darkness First.

Review

This was a very intense thriller. From the first few opening pages, you get a sense of how far Conor will go for money. When he begins killing people, you get to see his sadistic personality. Then you throw in Maggie Savage, who is doggedly determined to be involved in this case. I wasn’t able to find anything I didn’t like about this novel. While it was part of a series, I was able to dive in without having read any previous entries.

The subject matter and content is definitely not for younger audiences. When someone is killed, the description can be quite vivid, and more timid personalities might find it offensive. However, for your average reader, I think you’d find it a great thriller and one you are unable to put down. I’d definitely recommend this for all you thriller fans out there.

Thanks to Danielle At Harper Collins we can offer our readers one of 3 ebook copies. See our Giveaway here and enter for your chance to win.

About the Author

Like McCabe, I’m a native New Yorker. He was born in the Bronx. I was born in Brooklyn. We both grew up in the city. He dropped out of NYU Film School and joined the NYPD, rising through the ranks to become the top homicide cop at the Midtown North Precinct. I graduated from Brown and joined a major New York ad agency, rising through the ranks to become creative director on accounts like the US Army, Procter & Gamble, and Lincoln/Mercury.

We both married beautiful brunettes. McCabe’s wife, Sandy dumped him to marry a rich investment banker who had “no interest in raising other people’s children.” My wife, Jeanne, though often given good reason to leave me in the lurch, has stuck it out through thick and thin and is still my wife. She is also my best friend, my most attentive reader and a perceptive critic.

Both McCabe and I eventually left New York for Portland, Maine. I arrived in August 2001, shortly before the 9/11 attacks, in search of the right place to begin a new career as a fiction writer. He came to town a year later, to escape a dark secret in his past and to find a safe place to raise his teenage daughter, Casey.

There are other similarities between us. We both love good Scotch whiskey, old movie trivia and the New York Giants. And we both live with and love women who are talented artists.

There are also quite a few differences. McCabe’s a lot braver than me. He’s a better shot. He likes boxing. He doesn’t throw up at autopsies. And he’s far more likely to take risks. McCabe’s favorite Portland bar, Tallulah’s, is, sadly, a figment of my imagination. My favorite Portland bars are all very real.

*Disclaimer* A special thanks goes out to Danielle at Harper Collins for a review copy of this book. It in no way influenced my review. You can discuss it here or join my facebook page and discuss it there.

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Thanks to Danielle @ Harper Collins I’m able to offer my readers 3 copies of this e-book. To enter, follow these simple rules:

1) One Entry if you’re a follower [You can follow through Google Friend connect to the right, you can also sign up to follow through Twitter or Facebook].
2) An Additonal Entry if you blog about this contest.
3) An Additonal Entry if you’re a new follower.
4) One entry each for posting on facebook and/or twitter.
5) Must leave a comment letting me know how you follow me, blog link to this post, facebook/twitter link, etc.
6) Contest will continue until 10/28/2013.
7) This giveaway is open to residents of US and Canada. No PO Box addresses (street mailing only).

See our review here.

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	Paperback: 304 pages Publisher: David C. Cook (August 1, 2013) Language: English ISBN-10: 1434704920 ISBN-13: 978-1434704924	Order book here:
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Synopsis:

An Evangelical Christian looks at Violence from a Christian perspective and according to biblical scripture.

Review

While I don’t typically follow the Evangelical model of religion, a dear friend purchased a copy of this book for me, so I decided to read it. I found myself agreeing with the author on almost every issue he brought up. He begins with the Old testament and follows through co erring topics such as whether Hitler should have been killed, whether or not it’s right to join the military, and mostly about the American Christian view of militarism.

I found the book very informative, and wasn’t able to put it down. While I may disagree with Mr. Sprinkle on the political level, on this level I find myself in complete agreement with him. Regardless of which side of the Christian spectrum you fall on, you should read this book. I think you would find it very eye opening and informative and it may cause you to think about some of your own beliefs.

I highly recommend it. I’d rate it PG-13 for biblical violence.

About the Author

I’m married to a beautiful wife and we have four kids (3 girls and a boy). I’ve been teaching college level Bible and Theology classes for a few years now (since 2007), and currently teach Old Testament and Bible Backgrounds at Eternity Bible College in Simi Valley, CA.

I enjoy hanging out with my family, running, surfing, and life in SoCal. Before I became a teacher, I was in school. Lots and lots of school. I did a B.A. and M.Div here in SoCal, and then did a Ph.D. in Scotland in NT studies.

Before coming to EBC, I taught at Nottingham University for a semester, and Cedarville University for a couple of years. Along with surfing, I also love to research and write, and I’ve written a few things on Paul, Early Judaism, Hell, Violence, and Grace.

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	Hardcover: 320 pages Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books; Fifth or Later Edition edition (October 11, 2011) Language: English ISBN-10: 0312547730 ISBN-13: 978-0312547738	Order book here:
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Characters:

Phillip Blake – Leader of a small group of survivors of the Zombie Apocalypse.
Penny Blake – Phillip’s seven year old daughter.
Brian Blake – Phillip’s Older brother. Has an aversion to killing.
Nick Parson – Religious friend of Phillips.
Bobby Marsh – Old High School friend of Phillips.

Synopsis:

Part one of a trilogy details the rise of Phillip Blake from survivor to being Governor over the entire town of Woodbury.

Review

I love The Walking Dead. I’m a faithful viewer of the TV show and read a large part of the comic series. That made me very familiar with the character of the Governor, and the character was captured well in novelization form. A lot of the events that occurred off screen or outside the comic series we get to witness as Philip begins his reign against the Zombie army.

While I was somewhat confused at times on whether this was the comic governor or the TV show governor, I think those answers were settled by the end of the novel. There are all the usual surprises, ie. Zombies popping out of nowhere and some characters you get attached to may not make it to through the wholes story.

Overall, it was a great novelized prequel to both the comics and the TV show that I’d highly recommend to any Walking Dead fan, or to someone just wanting a decent Horror novel to read for the Halloween season.

I’d rate it PG-13 or stronger due to the violent and horrifying content. For older teens and adults though, grab you a copy and enjoy. Be sure to drop back by here and let us know what you thought. I look forward to the next entry The Road To Woodbury and entry 3 The Fall of the Governor should be out soon if not out now.

About the Author

Robert Kirkman is best known for his work on The Walking Dead and Invincible for Image Comics and SKYBOUND.

He is one of the five partners of Image Comics and is an executive producer and writer on AMC’s critically acclaimed television series The Walking Dead.

THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE says, “Jay Bonansinga has quickly and firmly established himself as one of the most imaginative writers of thrillers. His twisting narratives, with their in-your-face glimpses of violence, are set in an unstable, almost psychotic universe that makes the work of many of his contemporaries look rather tame.”

Jay also proudly wears the hat of indie filmmaker: his music videos have been seen on The Nashville Network and Public Television, and his short film CITY OF MEN was awarded the prestigious silver plaque at the Chicago International Film Festival.  In 2008, his feature-film debut, STASH (based on his short story of the same title collected in CANDY IN THE DUMPSTER), won the Gold Remi at the Houston International Film Festival and Best Comedy at the Iowa City and Queens International film festivals.  STASH was shot in Chicago and stars Tim Kazurinsky (POLICE ACADEMY) and the late Marilyn Chambers (INSATIABLE), and has appeared on On-Demand nationwide in 50 million households.  Jay has also worked as a screenwriter with horror legend George Romero, Will Smith’s production company Overbrook Entertainment, and Dennis Haysbert (THE UNIT).

The holder of a master’s degree in film from Columbia College Chicago, Jay currently resides in Evanston, Illinois.  He is also a visiting professor at Northwestern University in their Creative Writing for the Media program, as well as the Graduate Writing Program at DePaul University. He can be reached at jaybona@aol.com.

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	Hardcover: 368 pages Publisher: William Morrow; First Edition edition (September 10, 2013) Language: English ISBN-10: 0062134671 ISBN-13: 978-0062134677	Order book here:
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Characters:

J. P. Beaumont – Investigator with Seattle Special Homicide Investigation Team.
Mel Soame – J. P.’s wife.

Synopsis:

While recovering from surgery, a Seattle Investigator is drawn into a cold case that goes back to the beginning of his career.

Review

The story starts out with J.P. Beaumont getting ready to undergo knee replacement surgery. As he’s coming out of the anesthesia, he sees a young woman who just happens to resemble the victim of a homicide during the early part of his career. Determined to solve the case, as he’d promised her mother, he coerces the help of some superiors to get an officer assigned to help him. As his investigation continues, the story bounces back and forth through time laying out the murder.

This was my first time reading Ms. Jance’s novels, and it was a good novel to break into the story with. It’s not only the newest in the series, but function’s as a prequel story as well. The characters were very well designed, and the situations were pretty realistic. Whenver you think you know the story, it gets twisted and goes in a different direction.

Ms. Jance has definitely made a fan of me on this series, and I will be checking out other entries to see what Mr. Beumont has been up to. I’d give it a PG-13 rating due to typical violence and strong situations. But I recommend it, and think you will enjoy it as well. Check it out and be sure to drop back by and let us know what you thought.

About the Author

J. A. Jance is the New York Times bestselling author of the J. P. Beaumont series, the Joanna Brady series, the Ali Reynolds series, and four interrelated thrillers about the Walker family.

Born in South Dakota and brought up in Bisbee, Arizona, Jance lives with her husband in Seattle and Tucson.

*Disclaimer* A special thanks goes out to Gina at Partners In Crime for a review copy of this book. It in no way influenced my review. You can discuss it here or join my facebook page and discuss it there.

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	Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages Publisher: Harper (July 30, 2013) Language: English ISBN-10: 0062025074 ISBN-13: 978-0062025074	Order book here:
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Characters:

Harlan Donnally – SF Court Special Master
Ramon Navarro – San Francisco Police Officer

Synopsis:

The body of a San Francisco Lawyer is found hanging in the shadows of the Golden Gate Bridge. The body is that of Mark Hamlin, his pants are down around his ankles, and he is in a rather “excited” state.

Review

This was a novel where you had to pay attention, there was a lot of background and a lot of character development. The plot was rather simple. Harry Donnally is appointed the position of Special Master in an investigation to determine who killed Mark Hamlin. As the investigation unfolds, there are twists and turns galore.

This is the second novel in what is said to be a trilogy. Having not read the first novel, I can’t tell how they all fit together. However, after reading this one, I would definitely consider going back to read the first. While the basic plot was rather simple, the characters, their history, motivation, and other puzzle pieces end up making it a rather complicated and intellectual mystery thriller. For thrillers fans, I’d definitely recommend this. Rated PG-13 for adult situations and content. Grab a copy, give it a read, and drop back by and let us know what you thought.

About the Author

Steven Gore is a former private investigator whose thrillers draw on his investigations of murder, fraud, money laundering, organized crime, political corruption, and drug, sex, and arms trafficking in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Gore has been featured on 60 Minutes for his work and has been honored for excellence in his field. He is trained in forensic science and has lecturedto professional organizations on a wide range of legal and criminal subjects.

*Disclaimer* A special thanks goes out to Heidi at Harper Collins for a review copy of this book. It in no way influenced my review. You can discuss it here or join my facebook page and discuss it there.

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	Hardcover: 432 pages Publisher: William Morrow (July 23, 2013) Language: English ISBN-10: 0062248774 ISBN-13: 978-0062248770	Order book here:
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Characters:

Jim Chapel – Captain – Military Intelligence
Julia Taggart – Veterinarian
Angel – Chapel’s Cyber Assistant

Synopsis:

In a secret base, four genetically altered human beings are being held prisoner. Then they escape. What secrets are being held by the CIA and the Military regarding these individuals. Jim Chapel is called in to track them down, one side wants them dead, who knows what the other side wants.

Review

This was a great blend of thriller and science fiction. The brutality of the Chimera’s set the dark tone for the story. Not only does Chapel have to be concerned with the Chimera’s, but someone is out to kill him, and Dr. Taggart. This leads to a lot of narrow escapes and great action scenes.

I’d not read Jim Chapel adventures before, but if this is any indication, I think I’ll be going back and seeing what else he’s done. If you are into novels like Jurassic Park where they blend action with science fiction, then Chimera would be right up your alley.

I’d say it’s for older teens and adults due to some violent content. But it’s one I recommend, and if you read it, be sure to drop back by and let us know what you thought.

About the Author

David Wellington was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The acclaimed author is most famous for his online serialized zombie novel, the Monster Island trilogy, later published by Thunder’s Mouth Press. In 2006, he began serializing Thirteen Bullets, a vampire novel. He lives in New York City. His previous Jim Chapel missions include Chimera and Minotaur.

*Disclaimer* A special thanks goes out to Danielle at Harper Collins for a review copy of this book. It in no way influenced my review. You can discuss it here or join my facebook page and discuss it there.

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