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Ribbon of Darkness
"A(n) edge-of-your-seat thriller plot . . ."---Meridian Magazine"If you like action, suspense, and international intrigue, you will definitely enjoy Ribbon of Darkness." ---Shanda, LDSWBR Kennedy Campbell has been running away for a long time, using her position as an international journalist to escape the ghosts of her family's past. She finds solace working in an Afghan refugee camp, until the Taliban attacks them and Kennedy is forced to flee. She is pulled into a terrorist's realm of darkness when she's taken hostage aboard a cargo ship in the Malacca Strait---and the only one who can save her is the man she can't trust.Ethan Barak leads a double life, helping MI6 bring down arms dealers all over the world, until his father is murdered by one of Ethan's old associates. Ethan makes his next mission a personal vendetta and infiltrates a terrorist organization in Indonesia to track down the killer. But when Kennedy Campbell is brought aboard ship as a hostage, Ethan realizes there is something much bigger going on---the terrorists plan to destroy the world's busiest shipping lane and throw the global economy into chaos. Now he'll have to make an impossible choice. If he saves Kennedy, he'll blow his cover, but if he can get her to trust him, maybe they could work together. With time running out and both of their lives on the line, can he convince her before it's too late?
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2011
9 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Julie Coulter Bellon
47 books589 followersAfter reading every Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, and Hardy Boys book her elementary school library had, Julie Coulter Bellon knew from a young age she wanted to write books and be a published author someday. That dream came true and she is now the author of thirty romantic suspense novels and two children's books. One nightmare that also came true was that she once tripped up the stairs going on stage to accept a book award and she thinks about that moment more often than she should.
Julie loves to travel and her favorite cities she's visited so far are probably Athens, Paris, Ottawa, and London. She is a former journalist and podcast host of Authors Off the Page. She loves to read, write, teach, watch Hawaii Five-O reruns, and eat Canadian chocolate. Not necessarily in that order.
If you'd like to be the first to hear about Julie's new projects and receive a free book, you can sign up to be part of her VIP Readers Group at juliebellon DOT com
Julie loves to travel and her favorite cities she's visited so far are probably Athens, Paris, Ottawa, and London. She is a former journalist and podcast host of Authors Off the Page. She loves to read, write, teach, watch Hawaii Five-O reruns, and eat Canadian chocolate. Not necessarily in that order.
If you'd like to be the first to hear about Julie's new projects and receive a free book, you can sign up to be part of her VIP Readers Group at juliebellon DOT com
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 22, 2011
Kennedy Campbell, renowned journalist, just wanted a story. Making her home at an Afghan refugee camp, she immerses herself in the lives of the people, coming to care for them like her own family, doing whatever she can to help them. Sending her camerawoman home with the promise to follow shortly behind, she says her goodbyes, only to get caught in a Taliban attack. She flees with some of her new friends and they nearly make it to safety, but she is captured by a wanted terrorist who decides to use her fame for his own purposes, demanding ransom from the United States government.
Ethan Barak knew he was putting himself in a dangerous situation when he agreed to work with MI-6 to bring down international arms dealers, and he was prepared to face that risk. But when one of his enemies kills his father, Ethan is pushed to the limit. No longer content to quietly gather information and pass it along, he wants to bring down the ringleader, and do it now ... in any way possible, including the man's death.
When Ethan and Kennedy meet up, both entangled in a web of danger, they aren't sure if they can trust each other. They've already been misled by so many people. But soon they realize they are working on the same side and come together as allies, determined to find justice in their situation and get themselves back to safety.
My Thoughts: Ribbon of Darkness by Julie Coulter Bellon is a fast, intense read, action-packed to keep you turning pages, but without vulgar language, which I appreciated. It's short enough to read in one sitting, but long enough to provide some good entertainment. The subject matter is timely in today's world political environment, and seems as though it could appear on a headline tomorrow. As I read, I thought that this book would make a good movie as I envisioned the action going from the Malacca Strait in Indonesia to a dark and smoky bar to an elegant home in the capital city and onto a ship headed to open water. Each scene played out vividly for me as I read, and I enjoyed the tense intrigue ... and I have to say, I enjoyed the kissing, too, which was in perfect balance with the suspense, giving us just enough without taking over the story. It was a great way to spend an evening.
You can get Ribbon of Darkness for your Kindle or as a hard copy.
I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for my opinion, was not compensated in any other way, and was not threatened by the Taliban to give a good review.
Ethan Barak knew he was putting himself in a dangerous situation when he agreed to work with MI-6 to bring down international arms dealers, and he was prepared to face that risk. But when one of his enemies kills his father, Ethan is pushed to the limit. No longer content to quietly gather information and pass it along, he wants to bring down the ringleader, and do it now ... in any way possible, including the man's death.
When Ethan and Kennedy meet up, both entangled in a web of danger, they aren't sure if they can trust each other. They've already been misled by so many people. But soon they realize they are working on the same side and come together as allies, determined to find justice in their situation and get themselves back to safety.
My Thoughts: Ribbon of Darkness by Julie Coulter Bellon is a fast, intense read, action-packed to keep you turning pages, but without vulgar language, which I appreciated. It's short enough to read in one sitting, but long enough to provide some good entertainment. The subject matter is timely in today's world political environment, and seems as though it could appear on a headline tomorrow. As I read, I thought that this book would make a good movie as I envisioned the action going from the Malacca Strait in Indonesia to a dark and smoky bar to an elegant home in the capital city and onto a ship headed to open water. Each scene played out vividly for me as I read, and I enjoyed the tense intrigue ... and I have to say, I enjoyed the kissing, too, which was in perfect balance with the suspense, giving us just enough without taking over the story. It was a great way to spend an evening.
You can get Ribbon of Darkness for your Kindle or as a hard copy.
I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for my opinion, was not compensated in any other way, and was not threatened by the Taliban to give a good review.
August 16, 2011
"RIBBON OF DARKNESS" IS A STAND-OUT READ PULLED FROM TODAY'S HEADLINES
Clean, action-intense mysteries are hard to come by in today’s market, but veteran suspense author Julie Bellon’s recent release, “Ribbon of Darkness,” puts your attention on notice in the first paragraph and holds it to the end.
When Al Qaeda terrorists overrun an Afghan refugee camp, International reporter, Kennedy Campbell, becomes embroiled in the story she’s covering. Shots ring out as Kennedy and her three friends attempt a final escape plan. All four are separated, each facing their own danger. But Kennedy has a secret—a secret that makes her a valuable hostage and an imposing opponent. This lady will not be waiting idly for someone to rescue her.
British covert operative, Ethan Barak, believes he is cursed—everyone he gets close to dies. Revenge is on his mind as he goes rogue from MI-6 to infiltrate a swarm of arms dealers who’ve ordered a hit on his father. Confused, angry, riddled with guilt, his life has hit a turning point, and he doesn’t much care what happens to himself anymore.
Like a spider web, paths cross and purposes get entangled in this every-man-for-himself community of ne’er-do-wells. Ethan lays eyes on Kennedy at a moment when her captor’s patience has been exhausted, and her fate is about to be decided. Faced with the choice to avenge his father’s murder, or blow his cover and attempt to rescue the girl, Ethan makes his choice, affecting Kennedy’s fate, and launching an internal struggle that haunts every oncoming decision he makes.
Bellon tantalizes her readers by allowing her characters to momentarily cross paths, and then denies them a full convergence of Kennedy’s and Ethan’s separate plot lines until half way through the book. And when that longed for meeting between between Kennedy and Ethan finally occurs, the full richness of these battered good guys emerges.
Julie Bellon develops her characters slowly and subtly. Case in point was a beautifully-crafted moment where Ethan secretly cuts the cuff from his sleeve to provide a cloth to clean Kennedy’s wounds. It was understated, but it spoke volumes about Ethan’s character. Character-driven readers will embrace Ethan and Kennedy, and action-driven readers will delight in how the plot moves from threat to threat, from challenge to challenge, keeping pages turning.
And just when you think things are finally resolved, Ethan and Kennedy discover the depth of the international threat they’re caught up in. Iran, secret arms deals, nuclear armament, and threat they pose to the fragile strait from which the world’s oil ships—it’s all in here.
Bellon has done her research, drawing on current events and timely topics while introducing the reader to many details of the region and culture, particularly the Malacca Strait, otherwise known as the Ribbon of Darkness, from which the title comes. That she has succeeded to pace a suspenseful thriller around these topics and keep it clean and moral is laudable, though these efforts occasionally become didactic.
Nevertheless, with topics pulled straight from today’s headlines, “Ribbon of Darkness” is a satisfying read for adults, and a safe read to hand off to their teens, and better yet, it would make a perfect family read.
Clean, action-intense mysteries are hard to come by in today’s market, but veteran suspense author Julie Bellon’s recent release, “Ribbon of Darkness,” puts your attention on notice in the first paragraph and holds it to the end.
When Al Qaeda terrorists overrun an Afghan refugee camp, International reporter, Kennedy Campbell, becomes embroiled in the story she’s covering. Shots ring out as Kennedy and her three friends attempt a final escape plan. All four are separated, each facing their own danger. But Kennedy has a secret—a secret that makes her a valuable hostage and an imposing opponent. This lady will not be waiting idly for someone to rescue her.
British covert operative, Ethan Barak, believes he is cursed—everyone he gets close to dies. Revenge is on his mind as he goes rogue from MI-6 to infiltrate a swarm of arms dealers who’ve ordered a hit on his father. Confused, angry, riddled with guilt, his life has hit a turning point, and he doesn’t much care what happens to himself anymore.
Like a spider web, paths cross and purposes get entangled in this every-man-for-himself community of ne’er-do-wells. Ethan lays eyes on Kennedy at a moment when her captor’s patience has been exhausted, and her fate is about to be decided. Faced with the choice to avenge his father’s murder, or blow his cover and attempt to rescue the girl, Ethan makes his choice, affecting Kennedy’s fate, and launching an internal struggle that haunts every oncoming decision he makes.
Bellon tantalizes her readers by allowing her characters to momentarily cross paths, and then denies them a full convergence of Kennedy’s and Ethan’s separate plot lines until half way through the book. And when that longed for meeting between between Kennedy and Ethan finally occurs, the full richness of these battered good guys emerges.
Julie Bellon develops her characters slowly and subtly. Case in point was a beautifully-crafted moment where Ethan secretly cuts the cuff from his sleeve to provide a cloth to clean Kennedy’s wounds. It was understated, but it spoke volumes about Ethan’s character. Character-driven readers will embrace Ethan and Kennedy, and action-driven readers will delight in how the plot moves from threat to threat, from challenge to challenge, keeping pages turning.
And just when you think things are finally resolved, Ethan and Kennedy discover the depth of the international threat they’re caught up in. Iran, secret arms deals, nuclear armament, and threat they pose to the fragile strait from which the world’s oil ships—it’s all in here.
Bellon has done her research, drawing on current events and timely topics while introducing the reader to many details of the region and culture, particularly the Malacca Strait, otherwise known as the Ribbon of Darkness, from which the title comes. That she has succeeded to pace a suspenseful thriller around these topics and keep it clean and moral is laudable, though these efforts occasionally become didactic.
Nevertheless, with topics pulled straight from today’s headlines, “Ribbon of Darkness” is a satisfying read for adults, and a safe read to hand off to their teens, and better yet, it would make a perfect family read.
August 3, 2011
Disclaimer: I bought this myself! The following is not a paid endorsement! Ahem . . .
First off I’ll let you read the book blurb.
Ribbon of Darkness by Julie Coulter Bellon
A split-second decision could change the world’s darkest hour to one of triumph--but who is willing to pay the price? Kennedy Campbell has been running away for a long time--using her position as an international journalist to escape the ghosts of her family's past. She finds some solace working in an Afghan refugee camp, until the Taliban attacks them and Kennedy is forced to flee. She is pulled into a terrorist's realm of darkness as she fights to save those around her, but will it come at the expense of her own life? Ethan Barak leads a double life, helping MI-6 bring down arms dealers all over the world until his father is murdered by an old associate. Ethan makes his next mission a personal vendetta by tracking down the killer to Indonesia. While there, he finds himself in a position to either avenge his father or stop a terrorist attack on the Malacca Strait that will jeopardize innocent lives across the world. Can he look past his father's murder to save others? The line between justice and mercy is blurred with each passing second, and international intrigue becomes intensely personal as the age-old struggle for redemption is brought close to home.
Sounds exciting? I thought so too, so I clicked and bought the e-book. In the very first pages I was literally pull into Kennedy’s struggle to stay alive, I felt like was soaking wet and being sucked under the water next to her. From the very beginning the action took off, leaving me annoyed when I had to break away from my computer to do little things, like, oh, eat! No, I’m not going to tell you what happens other than Kennedy and Ethan cross paths and sizzling sparks of attraction ignite between them. I finished reading this romantic suspense in one day—that doesn’t happen a lot for me.
Julie’s storytelling ability and writing skills has been honed razor sharp over the years since she had her first of many books published. Her soon to be released, THROUGH LOVE’S TRIAL, DANGEROUS CONNECTIONS, 2010, ALL’S FAIR, 2008, TIME WILL TELL, 2006, ON THE EDGE, 2005. This BYU journalism teacher won’t let you rest until the end of the book, so take a deep breath, get comfortable, and start reading. RIBBON OF DARNESS receives 5 STARS for suspense, excellent writing, and tender, sweet romance.
First off I’ll let you read the book blurb.
Ribbon of Darkness by Julie Coulter Bellon
A split-second decision could change the world’s darkest hour to one of triumph--but who is willing to pay the price? Kennedy Campbell has been running away for a long time--using her position as an international journalist to escape the ghosts of her family's past. She finds some solace working in an Afghan refugee camp, until the Taliban attacks them and Kennedy is forced to flee. She is pulled into a terrorist's realm of darkness as she fights to save those around her, but will it come at the expense of her own life? Ethan Barak leads a double life, helping MI-6 bring down arms dealers all over the world until his father is murdered by an old associate. Ethan makes his next mission a personal vendetta by tracking down the killer to Indonesia. While there, he finds himself in a position to either avenge his father or stop a terrorist attack on the Malacca Strait that will jeopardize innocent lives across the world. Can he look past his father's murder to save others? The line between justice and mercy is blurred with each passing second, and international intrigue becomes intensely personal as the age-old struggle for redemption is brought close to home.
Sounds exciting? I thought so too, so I clicked and bought the e-book. In the very first pages I was literally pull into Kennedy’s struggle to stay alive, I felt like was soaking wet and being sucked under the water next to her. From the very beginning the action took off, leaving me annoyed when I had to break away from my computer to do little things, like, oh, eat! No, I’m not going to tell you what happens other than Kennedy and Ethan cross paths and sizzling sparks of attraction ignite between them. I finished reading this romantic suspense in one day—that doesn’t happen a lot for me.
Julie’s storytelling ability and writing skills has been honed razor sharp over the years since she had her first of many books published. Her soon to be released, THROUGH LOVE’S TRIAL, DANGEROUS CONNECTIONS, 2010, ALL’S FAIR, 2008, TIME WILL TELL, 2006, ON THE EDGE, 2005. This BYU journalism teacher won’t let you rest until the end of the book, so take a deep breath, get comfortable, and start reading. RIBBON OF DARNESS receives 5 STARS for suspense, excellent writing, and tender, sweet romance.
September 9, 2011
This is one fast-paced, gotta-keep-reading novel. If you love suspense, this is one book you have to read. And, if you haven't experienced a suspense novel, this one will hook you for sure.
Page after page I kept thinking, "Okay, I have to go to sleep now," but I couldn't because I had to keep reading (or clicking since I read it on my Kindle). I had to find out if Ethan was going to be a good guy or not and if Kennedy would ever get out alive. I also had to see if there'd be enough smooching--there was. I kept finding my heartbeat speeding up either because of the action or because of the smooching.
I loved Kennedy, she was strong yet feminine. She wasn't about to take anything lying down and she was with Ethan throughout the whole ordeal despite his attempts to baby/protect her.
Bellon does an excellent job with her descriptions. I felt like I was right there handcuffed to a pipe in the bathroom or in the middle of the boat or hiding in a closet trying to keep my breathing quiet so I wouldn't get caught. I could "see" the setting and the people. Bellon is a master storyteller and this book will keep you hooked until the last page.
And, I love the cover, too.
I definitely recommend this book
Page after page I kept thinking, "Okay, I have to go to sleep now," but I couldn't because I had to keep reading (or clicking since I read it on my Kindle). I had to find out if Ethan was going to be a good guy or not and if Kennedy would ever get out alive. I also had to see if there'd be enough smooching--there was. I kept finding my heartbeat speeding up either because of the action or because of the smooching.
I loved Kennedy, she was strong yet feminine. She wasn't about to take anything lying down and she was with Ethan throughout the whole ordeal despite his attempts to baby/protect her.
Bellon does an excellent job with her descriptions. I felt like I was right there handcuffed to a pipe in the bathroom or in the middle of the boat or hiding in a closet trying to keep my breathing quiet so I wouldn't get caught. I could "see" the setting and the people. Bellon is a master storyteller and this book will keep you hooked until the last page.
And, I love the cover, too.
I definitely recommend this book
October 20, 2011
Another fantastic keep-me-on-the-edge-of-my-seat-suspense-thriller by Julie Bellon. This romantic/suspense/thriller had me invested from the very first page. The continual action had me thinking, "just one more chapter" until I finished the final words! Ethan is a broken man. Hollow and bent on revenge. Until he meets the stubbornly proud Kennedy and everything changes. Kennedy is running from ghosts of her own and has reasons to doubt her instant attraction and feelings for Ethan. Is he a man she can trust? I loved how strong Kennedy was, even when faced with certain impending death. She stayed strong, feisty and never gave in to her fears. I enjoyed the evolution of Ethan as he finally comes to terms with the man he is, and the man he wants to be. The secondary characters were great. The strong ones were strong, and the scary ones were scary. Julie's gift of placing you right in the thick of things makes this a visually fabulous read. I felt terrified- having trouble breathing and staying still in a cramped closet, and running, broken and bruised, for my life. Grab this book and enjoy the thrill ride!
July 6, 2011
I may be a little biased, but I loved this book! :)
Here's a thirty second blurb on what it's really about:
Ethan Barak sets out to find his father’s killers and ends up in the middle of a terrorist attack on the world's busiest shipping lane. He finds himself in an impossible situation when international journalist Kennedy Campbell is thrown into the mix. Ethan has believed for so long that he could never let anyone close to him because of his job as an MI-6 informant, but Kennedy is a woman who intrigues him with her courage in the face of danger. He wants to let her in, but is afraid to risk her life.
Ribbon of Darkness is a high stakes romantic suspense that will keep you turning pages all night long.
You can also read the first chapter here http://juliebellon.com/2011/07/04/rib...
Here's a thirty second blurb on what it's really about:
Ethan Barak sets out to find his father’s killers and ends up in the middle of a terrorist attack on the world's busiest shipping lane. He finds himself in an impossible situation when international journalist Kennedy Campbell is thrown into the mix. Ethan has believed for so long that he could never let anyone close to him because of his job as an MI-6 informant, but Kennedy is a woman who intrigues him with her courage in the face of danger. He wants to let her in, but is afraid to risk her life.
Ribbon of Darkness is a high stakes romantic suspense that will keep you turning pages all night long.
You can also read the first chapter here http://juliebellon.com/2011/07/04/rib...
Read
October 12, 2011A fast-paced multi-dimensional plot where Kennedy Campbell and Ethan Barak each have their own battles to fight. When their paths cross, there is unmistakable chemistry, but Ethan doesn't know if he can open his heart, and Kennedy doesn't know if she can trust Ethan.
They each have their own personal vendettas, but through meeting each other, and learning more about the power of the human heart, Ethan decides that the goals he was once determined to achieve no longer seem as important. And Kennedy, used to hiding from her past, now finds that there's someone she doesn't want to hide from.
Ribbon of Darkness is charged with emotion, intense action, and classic "Julie Bellon" intrigue, readers will enjoy becoming immersed in this international suspense.
They each have their own personal vendettas, but through meeting each other, and learning more about the power of the human heart, Ethan decides that the goals he was once determined to achieve no longer seem as important. And Kennedy, used to hiding from her past, now finds that there's someone she doesn't want to hide from.
Ribbon of Darkness is charged with emotion, intense action, and classic "Julie Bellon" intrigue, readers will enjoy becoming immersed in this international suspense.
May 16, 2013
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Julie's writings!
Her stories are SO GOOD!
This one is FABULOUS!
There is SO MUCH going on in this story!
Kennedy is running away from her past and has taken an assignment in a Afghanistan refugee camp. Forced to flee she is taken hostage by the Taliban when the boat she is on sinks. But she never gives up hope to help her friends that she has made.
Ethan is leading a double-spy life when is father is killed. Seeking revenge Ethan plunges into the depths of a personal vendetta. But then he sees Kennedy. Can he still take down the ones responsible for his fathers death and help her and her friends?
And on top of all of that al-Qaeda is seeking to obtain world dominance!
SO SO GOOD! A DEFINITE MUST READ!
Her stories are SO GOOD!
This one is FABULOUS!
There is SO MUCH going on in this story!
Kennedy is running away from her past and has taken an assignment in a Afghanistan refugee camp. Forced to flee she is taken hostage by the Taliban when the boat she is on sinks. But she never gives up hope to help her friends that she has made.
Ethan is leading a double-spy life when is father is killed. Seeking revenge Ethan plunges into the depths of a personal vendetta. But then he sees Kennedy. Can he still take down the ones responsible for his fathers death and help her and her friends?
And on top of all of that al-Qaeda is seeking to obtain world dominance!
SO SO GOOD! A DEFINITE MUST READ!
August 16, 2011
Ribbon of Darkness by Julie Coulter Bellon is a fast moving international thriller involving terrorists, pirates, bombs and a promise of romance.
The action never stops, jumping from one crisis to the next smoothly. I loved that Kennedy was a strong independent woman, and didn't cower in a corner waiting for Ethan to protect her.
Once I started reading I didn't want to put Ribbon of Darkness down.
There were some editing errors in the beginning that were a little distracting, but the story and the action helped overcome those.
I would recommend this to anyone, LDS and Non LDS who like adventure and action.
The action never stops, jumping from one crisis to the next smoothly. I loved that Kennedy was a strong independent woman, and didn't cower in a corner waiting for Ethan to protect her.
Once I started reading I didn't want to put Ribbon of Darkness down.
There were some editing errors in the beginning that were a little distracting, but the story and the action helped overcome those.
I would recommend this to anyone, LDS and Non LDS who like adventure and action.
Read
October 11, 2011I received a free copy of this book from the author. Publisher. Um??
It takes a lot to keep me guessing in a book, and Ribbon of Darkness surprised me more than once. The twists and turns and international intrigue were very good, especially considering most of the book takes place on one (big) ship. As I read some of her most suspenseful scenes, I was reminded how thrilling it can be to write that kind of scene, which definitely added to my enjoyment.
It takes a lot to keep me guessing in a book, and Ribbon of Darkness surprised me more than once. The twists and turns and international intrigue were very good, especially considering most of the book takes place on one (big) ship. As I read some of her most suspenseful scenes, I was reminded how thrilling it can be to write that kind of scene, which definitely added to my enjoyment.
July 20, 2011
If you like clean romance with suspense added, you will love Julie Bellon's latest book. Ribbon of Darkness starts off running and keeps up the pace. I could hardly put the book down. I loved the protective male in Ethan and the strong female character in Kennedy. If you haven't already, you need to add this to your reading list.
December 29, 2011
Okay, keeping in mind that the final edits are NOT always the author's fault--by the time they've read their own manuscript a zillion times they can barely see straight--I'll let that go. The story was fantastic! I can't believe the amount of research that went into it (not sure I'll ever tackle that issue) and the thrill-a-minute plot, I'll say kudos to Julie and keep it up!
August 21, 2011
Loved this book! It is a fast-paced suspense with a strong female character who refuses to run off and hide when things get tough. The romance was slow developed - much better than when they see each other and are instantly in love. Fantastic read and hard to put down!
June 21, 2012
Great book and 'clean' reading. Has a great element of mystery
plus romance.
plus romance.
January 6, 2024
great story!
I am not into flattery and have a hard time expressing myself in reviews so I don’t usually like to give them. Wanted to make this book review and all the books I’ve read so far from Julie Coulter Bellon, to say one word—Wow! I feel like I’m there! Stories are clean, and ones I’d recommend to my grandchildren and for me, they keep me on the edge and wanting to keep reading, even if it’s past midnight🥴and that’s something for me to say that as I’m quite the one to give up easy on a book. I have never given up on any of her books. Thank you!!!
I am not into flattery and have a hard time expressing myself in reviews so I don’t usually like to give them. Wanted to make this book review and all the books I’ve read so far from Julie Coulter Bellon, to say one word—Wow! I feel like I’m there! Stories are clean, and ones I’d recommend to my grandchildren and for me, they keep me on the edge and wanting to keep reading, even if it’s past midnight🥴and that’s something for me to say that as I’m quite the one to give up easy on a book. I have never given up on any of her books. Thank you!!!
June 23, 2014
Julie continues to take me on adventures to far-off lands where I’ve never been and will probably never go! Every one of her books whisks me away to some dangerous and exotic location to help save the world! Ribbon of Darkness was a nail-biter from start to finish. It never let up from the tension and danger that surrounds the two main characters, Ethan and Kennedy. The story never really let on what Ethan’s real ‘job’ was, nor did it explain his complicated past and how he got to this odd stage in his life where he ignores the advice of the man who seems to be his boss and walks straight into danger in a third-world country in order to avenge his father’s death. Maybe I need to re-read the first couple of chapters in order to more fully understand him. That happens to me sometimes; I get so caught up in the story that I miss certain important tidbits of character development. Luckily, this book was good enough that I would be willing to read it again just because I liked it so well. Kennedy was developed much more clearly in my opinion and Julie explained quite well why Kennedy feels compelled to live amongst refugees in Afghanistan to share their story with the world. She’s a strong, stubborn woman who won’t allow men to see her vulnerability even when her situation seems hopeless. The story is a bit predictable, but most stories are. It takes a really big plot twist to throw me off. I love Julie’s writing style and her ability to draw me in to a story in such a way that I want to rush home from work to read some more. Have you read Ribbon of Darkness by Julie Coulter Bellon? What’s your opinion? –Julie Spencer
Read more of my book reviews on my website here: http://opinions-are-just-that.blogspo...
Read more of my book reviews on my website here: http://opinions-are-just-that.blogspo...
October 21, 2011
Ok, so clearly I'm in the minority here. But this one simply didn't have what it takes for me. Just today a friend and I were bemoaning the reduction of quality of books since self-publishing became so accessible.
I waited for this one for a long time through the library. I am so glad I didn't spend money for it. Yes, it was clean, and I've been whining about the lack of clean books for a long time. But seriously? Didn't Ms. Bellon have anyone edit this? For example (and this is just one example quickly pulled from the many) on page 88 of my copy "Xavier hesitated a moment, then took one more step toward Xavier,his stance hesitant...." Didn't anyone pick up on this? The characters weren't even kept straight. Not to mention the sentences that had the wrong word so they didn't make any sense and you had to guess at the right word. And the misspellings, left out letters....
And this one:"The driver seemed to be zipping through the streets so fast that most of it was a blur." How does one zip so fast that everything is a blur - but only seems to be doing it? That's just plain poor writing.
I know that Ms. Bellon has been writing for awhile - and this is by no means her first book. And I'm sure she has a loyal following that will review her writing with high marks. And yes, there is a dearth of quality, clean books out there. But the key word here is "quality" and this one just doesn't have it.
No, I'm not a writer, and there's no way I could be. And I wish talented writers well in their pursuit of their craft. But give the readers some credit for having some brains, and don't write "down" to them.
I waited for this one for a long time through the library. I am so glad I didn't spend money for it. Yes, it was clean, and I've been whining about the lack of clean books for a long time. But seriously? Didn't Ms. Bellon have anyone edit this? For example (and this is just one example quickly pulled from the many) on page 88 of my copy "Xavier hesitated a moment, then took one more step toward Xavier,his stance hesitant...." Didn't anyone pick up on this? The characters weren't even kept straight. Not to mention the sentences that had the wrong word so they didn't make any sense and you had to guess at the right word. And the misspellings, left out letters....
And this one:"The driver seemed to be zipping through the streets so fast that most of it was a blur." How does one zip so fast that everything is a blur - but only seems to be doing it? That's just plain poor writing.
I know that Ms. Bellon has been writing for awhile - and this is by no means her first book. And I'm sure she has a loyal following that will review her writing with high marks. And yes, there is a dearth of quality, clean books out there. But the key word here is "quality" and this one just doesn't have it.
No, I'm not a writer, and there's no way I could be. And I wish talented writers well in their pursuit of their craft. But give the readers some credit for having some brains, and don't write "down" to them.
October 20, 2011
Reading Ribbon of Darkness is like being on a wild ride at an amusement park. You know the feeling, you head up the loop and race down, losing your breath, where you then go around a curve, finally breathing, only to head up again, left without air. This is how I felt as I read Julie Coulter Bellon's new book. You are taken on this wild ride along with the main characters Kennedy Campbell and Ethan Barak. Neither one of them get much of a chance to breathe as they are thrown in from one bad situation to another.
To read the rest of this review and an interview with the author please go to my blog at...
http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot....
October 24, 2011
I was a little confused at the beginning (and that may be my fault)--the story just right in and I felt like I should have know what was going on and who these people were, but it all came to light later in the book. I kept wondering if this was a sequel and I had forgotten the previous book or maybe hadn't read it.
That said, it was a pretty suspenseful/intense story about an international reporter, Kennedy, who gets herself mixed up on accident with a group of terrorists. Ethan, seeking revenge for the murder of his father, also gets mixed up in the group. It's up to them to stop these terrorists from striking again.
That said, it was a pretty suspenseful/intense story about an international reporter, Kennedy, who gets herself mixed up on accident with a group of terrorists. Ethan, seeking revenge for the murder of his father, also gets mixed up in the group. It's up to them to stop these terrorists from striking again.
July 24, 2011
I really liked this book, but I wish it had been copy edited better. I read it on my Kindle and reccomend it to anyone who loves action-packed suspense novels.
August 18, 2011
Julie Bellon has done it again -- kept me on the edge of my seat and created likable characters who survived incredible odds. Loved it!
October 19, 2011
This was a good book. I liked the characters. It was interesting to read about what happened on the ship and afterwards.
January 3, 2012
This took me forever to get into. I thought the story was cute, but full of really improbable and unrealistic happenings.
November 19, 2013
Fast-paced thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat! Jumped from on life and death situation to the next, and I wondered how everything could work out.
March 2, 2015
great book! love all julie's books! worth the read.
November 23, 2014
I enjoyed this book and look forward to more stories from Julie Coulter Bellon. She seems to be very thorough with details that make her stories richer.
February 5, 2016
not what I care to read. but clean.
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