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A.J. Gregson #1
Amanda's Eyes
Waking up is the pits when you come to in a hospital with a broken arm, a colorful assortment of abrasions and contusions, and a face swathed in bandages. It's even worse if you can't remember what hit you.
The bad and the ugly are crime reporter Amanda "A.J." Gregson's business. But learning she had a ringside seat for an explosion that vaporized two federal agents, incinerated an entire block of warehouses, and peppered her eyes with so much shrapnel they had to be surgically removed? Well, that gives the darker side of life a whole new meaning.
Haunted by will-o-the-wisp nightmares, A.J. waits for her transplant and struggles to remember the events leading up to the fateful night of September 4, 2075. She isn't the only one who wants that information. Special Agent Jack "Iceman" Eagan is as determined to get the facts as she is to remember them. When memory floods back in brutal detail the night before surgery, fed and reporter form an uneasy alliance against the architects of her personal disaster, a lethal band of killers-for-hire known as Ferrymen.
A.J. is raring for a rematch with Hell's Boatmen, eager to come out swinging as soon as the bandages come off. But fate has a surprise in store for both her and Eagan. Before long, her new baby blues reveal a power that turns her world upside down--the power to see hidden dimensions of the human heart.
When the Sight unmasks the mastermind behind the Ferrymen, A.J. realizes she's onto a story no one will believe--least of all the ultra-cynical Iceman--and it propels her toward a second head-collision with evil. Will she survive the final encounter?
A paranormal fantasy that will appeal to those who don't normally read them, the near-future thriller Amanda's Eyes blends suspense, drama, and humor in an exploration of the capacities for good and evil in each of us, the cost of doing the right thing, and the push-me-pull-you relationship between the Fourth Estate and the Long Arm of the Law.
The bad and the ugly are crime reporter Amanda "A.J." Gregson's business. But learning she had a ringside seat for an explosion that vaporized two federal agents, incinerated an entire block of warehouses, and peppered her eyes with so much shrapnel they had to be surgically removed? Well, that gives the darker side of life a whole new meaning.
Haunted by will-o-the-wisp nightmares, A.J. waits for her transplant and struggles to remember the events leading up to the fateful night of September 4, 2075. She isn't the only one who wants that information. Special Agent Jack "Iceman" Eagan is as determined to get the facts as she is to remember them. When memory floods back in brutal detail the night before surgery, fed and reporter form an uneasy alliance against the architects of her personal disaster, a lethal band of killers-for-hire known as Ferrymen.
The Ferrymen. My not-so-magnificent obsession for more than a year. Only a cataclysm could have made me forget. I guess you could call them hitmen. You could also call Einstein a math whiz. Think ruthless. Think unstoppable. Think killers so proficient 'caught the ferry' was fast replacing 'bought the farm' in common usage, and you have the Ferrymen in a nutshell.
A.J. is raring for a rematch with Hell's Boatmen, eager to come out swinging as soon as the bandages come off. But fate has a surprise in store for both her and Eagan. Before long, her new baby blues reveal a power that turns her world upside down--the power to see hidden dimensions of the human heart.
When the Sight unmasks the mastermind behind the Ferrymen, A.J. realizes she's onto a story no one will believe--least of all the ultra-cynical Iceman--and it propels her toward a second head-collision with evil. Will she survive the final encounter?
A paranormal fantasy that will appeal to those who don't normally read them, the near-future thriller Amanda's Eyes blends suspense, drama, and humor in an exploration of the capacities for good and evil in each of us, the cost of doing the right thing, and the push-me-pull-you relationship between the Fourth Estate and the Long Arm of the Law.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2012
36 people are currently reading
455 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Disanto
7 books329 followersKathy’s publishing career dates back to 1997, when she published a two-book romance series with Bantam’s Loveswept line. The first book in the series, For Love or Money, won a 1997 Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award.
In 2012, Kathy published two thrillers. Amanda’s Eyes, the first book in a series featuring crime reporter A.J. Gregson, is a paranormal thriller that has garnered a 4.4★ average on Amazon and was a semi-finalist in Kindle Book Review’s 2014 Best Kindle Book Awards. Her second thriller, Why Live?, is dystopian science fiction.
In 2015, Kathy published sweet remixes of her two Loveswept romances. For Love or Money and Hunter’s Shadow are books one and two of what will be the Golden State Hearts Trilogy. The third book in the series, tentatively titled Not Far Enough, is slated for 2016.
The sequel to Amanda’s Eyes is also slated for 2016.
As a communications specialist with a major university and freelance writer, Kathy has written more than three hundred features and blog posts for print and the web. Now retired and writing full-time, she enjoys live performances by her sons, Leo and Nick (both professional musicians); meditation; yoga; reading; puttering around her ninety-plus-year-old American foursquare house; and brisk walks with her rescue dogs, Molly and Lucy.
In 2012, Kathy published two thrillers. Amanda’s Eyes, the first book in a series featuring crime reporter A.J. Gregson, is a paranormal thriller that has garnered a 4.4★ average on Amazon and was a semi-finalist in Kindle Book Review’s 2014 Best Kindle Book Awards. Her second thriller, Why Live?, is dystopian science fiction.
In 2015, Kathy published sweet remixes of her two Loveswept romances. For Love or Money and Hunter’s Shadow are books one and two of what will be the Golden State Hearts Trilogy. The third book in the series, tentatively titled Not Far Enough, is slated for 2016.
The sequel to Amanda’s Eyes is also slated for 2016.
As a communications specialist with a major university and freelance writer, Kathy has written more than three hundred features and blog posts for print and the web. Now retired and writing full-time, she enjoys live performances by her sons, Leo and Nick (both professional musicians); meditation; yoga; reading; puttering around her ninety-plus-year-old American foursquare house; and brisk walks with her rescue dogs, Molly and Lucy.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 38 reviews
January 12, 2014
I stopped reading futuristic books a while back due to the fact they were so 'far' out there, it made them difficult to read, so this is the first futuristic book I've read in a while, and I have to say, I was impressed!
The author is able to combine things we could possibly see in the future with things that are familiar, making it seem oh so real!
I was hooked from the first page of this book and did not put it down till I read the last word. This book will keep you on the edge, with a sense of anticipation, until the very end! The author is a master at combining genre's in this book.
If you are looking for a good read that will engage your imagination, keep your anticipation level up, and keeps you turning the pages, then this is one book you have to read!
The author is able to combine things we could possibly see in the future with things that are familiar, making it seem oh so real!
I was hooked from the first page of this book and did not put it down till I read the last word. This book will keep you on the edge, with a sense of anticipation, until the very end! The author is a master at combining genre's in this book.
If you are looking for a good read that will engage your imagination, keep your anticipation level up, and keeps you turning the pages, then this is one book you have to read!
February 11, 2014
I have never been the type of person to read books set too far in the future (aside from Brave New World which totally rocked my socks) and when I was approached about being a part of this tour I hesitated. I am so very glad I didn't hesitate too long and miss the opportunity to read this gem!
Set in 2075 I was expecting to read a lot of extreme futuristic scenes and I was pleasantly surprised at the realistic feeling of this story as not a whole lot "had changed" from present day aside from the technological and medical aspects (i.e. phones, computers, surgical abilities, etc.). Kathy Disanto developed this story in such a way that I couldn't help but be drawn in immediately!
The story centers around Amanda Joy aka A.J. Gregson who is a crime reporter working on the story of a lifetime about the "Ferryman" an assassin who has been able to kill people who are so protected they shouldn't even be able to get a cold. When A.J. uncovers some information and gives it to her contact in the CIIS (Continental Intelligence and Investigative Service) the Ferryman sets his sights on her next.
When she is injured during an explosion where she loses her eyes, A.J. wakes up and has to piece together her memories while adjusting to new eyes which come with a little kick!
This is definitely a great book and it has something for everyone so go grab it up and give it a try!!
Set in 2075 I was expecting to read a lot of extreme futuristic scenes and I was pleasantly surprised at the realistic feeling of this story as not a whole lot "had changed" from present day aside from the technological and medical aspects (i.e. phones, computers, surgical abilities, etc.). Kathy Disanto developed this story in such a way that I couldn't help but be drawn in immediately!
The story centers around Amanda Joy aka A.J. Gregson who is a crime reporter working on the story of a lifetime about the "Ferryman" an assassin who has been able to kill people who are so protected they shouldn't even be able to get a cold. When A.J. uncovers some information and gives it to her contact in the CIIS (Continental Intelligence and Investigative Service) the Ferryman sets his sights on her next.
When she is injured during an explosion where she loses her eyes, A.J. wakes up and has to piece together her memories while adjusting to new eyes which come with a little kick!
This is definitely a great book and it has something for everyone so go grab it up and give it a try!!
January 29, 2014
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. The year is 2075, cars no longer just drive on the roadways, they also fly in the sky. There's wonderful advancements in medicine which our main character, Amanda Gregson, has been a lucky recipient.
Amanda Gregson is a brilliant crime reporter. She stops at nothing to get her story. While doing a report on a group of criminals called "The Ferrymen", she uncovers an operation told to her by her informant. She tells the CIIS, and she along with two agents go to investigate. Little did she know it was a setup, and before she could warn the agents and get herself to safety, a bomb explodes killing the agents and leaving her blind. Thanks to modern technology, the doctors are able to replace her eyes. The only problem she has now is that she sees far more than she should.
This was a great suspenseful book. Everything happens so fast, and you wonder if Amanda was hallucinating. The chemistry between Jack and Amanda is instant. Although, nothing happens between them, I was certainly hoping there would be a connection. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, it was an edge of your seat page turner. If you like suspense novels, this is certainly a book for your To Be Read pile!
Amanda Gregson is a brilliant crime reporter. She stops at nothing to get her story. While doing a report on a group of criminals called "The Ferrymen", she uncovers an operation told to her by her informant. She tells the CIIS, and she along with two agents go to investigate. Little did she know it was a setup, and before she could warn the agents and get herself to safety, a bomb explodes killing the agents and leaving her blind. Thanks to modern technology, the doctors are able to replace her eyes. The only problem she has now is that she sees far more than she should.
This was a great suspenseful book. Everything happens so fast, and you wonder if Amanda was hallucinating. The chemistry between Jack and Amanda is instant. Although, nothing happens between them, I was certainly hoping there would be a connection. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, it was an edge of your seat page turner. If you like suspense novels, this is certainly a book for your To Be Read pile!
February 7, 2020
This was a great read. It is unfortunate that so many readers review's reveal a lack of understanding of the mixed up cliches that are being "used" in the future. Combining Alice in Wonderland with Jabberwocky, was Brilliant. This book did get me lost occasionally, but I would get up, move around, and get back reading. There were a lot of concepts to accept. I did not feel this book was too far out of understanding, not was it too heavily SCi-FI. Normal people can enjoy this book. I am looking forward to reading the sequel.
May 30, 2022
The future world following global economic meltdown and rampant crossborder drug wars. Sounds to me like the future is almost here.
But Kathy has spent the time necessary to describe her future world and the people who live there. For the first depiction of this world Kathy DiSanto has done an excellent job of creating a world to which you can relate, and she has worked hard to make you like her good guys" and hate her "bad guys".
The suspense and mystery of finding the Ferryman keep you glued to the pages. Toss in the paranormal vision of Amanda's eyes, WOW! I am hoping that this becomes a series because I want more."
But Kathy has spent the time necessary to describe her future world and the people who live there. For the first depiction of this world Kathy DiSanto has done an excellent job of creating a world to which you can relate, and she has worked hard to make you like her good guys" and hate her "bad guys".
The suspense and mystery of finding the Ferryman keep you glued to the pages. Toss in the paranormal vision of Amanda's eyes, WOW! I am hoping that this becomes a series because I want more."
September 24, 2017
I do not normally read Christian fiction and was surprised to find that this futuristic book was. I enjoyed the story, but I got frustrated with the holier than thou only I can save the world attitude of the heroine. Overall, this crime drama was worth reading.
January 29, 2020
Wonderful book
Excellent writing. The author really draws you into this story. Keeps you in suspense and waiting for the next shoe to drop. Great characters, with really good dynamics going on. If there is a next book with these characters, I am definitely going to read it.
Excellent writing. The author really draws you into this story. Keeps you in suspense and waiting for the next shoe to drop. Great characters, with really good dynamics going on. If there is a next book with these characters, I am definitely going to read it.
March 13, 2017
A very enjoyable and unusual mystery. I will look for other books by this author whom I had never read before today. A good surprise with an ass-kicking courageous reporter as the main character.
March 22, 2019
For a self-published book, it's surprisingly good. I liked the main character's soul searching at her moment of crisis and the truths that she discovered.
May 12, 2022
Amanda's Eyes in four words: Exciting. Futuristic. Paranormal. Thriller.
To say more might spoil the plot, so I won't.
To say more might spoil the plot, so I won't.
January 17, 2019
In the beginning, it was pitch black.
And there was pain. But distant, like a memory. Or a threat, prowling the far reaches of the darkness.
Weightless. Suspended in the void. No up, no down. Nowhere.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to wake up in hospital after an accident, with no clear idea of where you are or what has happened to you? It's an intriguing, if frightening, scenario, and one that is, understandably, rather beloved of writers and filmmakers. It's also the starting point of Kathy DiSanto's Amanda's Eyes, a pacy and exciting thriller set in the year 2075.
For a novel set in the near-future, Amanda's Eyes is not especially futuristic. Several references are made to technological advances and social developments, but these do not dominate the story; in fact, the fictional world in which the story takes place is, in essence, not so very different to our own. However, one area in which great advances have been made is in medicine, which is relevant to the protagonist and her story.
Amanda – or A.J. Gregson, as she is known professionally – is a police journalist. She has hitherto, by her own admission, had "a charmed existence. Smooth sailing, baby, for thirty-two years." Headstrong and brilliant, she is utterly devoted to her work, and seemingly unstoppable – until she finds herself in hospital, blind and weak and suffering from a mild case of amnesia. This section, rather impressively, never drags; in fact, as we learn about Amanda’s life and the incident that put her in hospital, it picks up an impressive pace. As it turns out, Amanda was badly injured in an explosion while investigating a ruthless group of assassins, known as the Ferrymen. Specifically, her eyes were destroyed; but, this being 2075, medicine is soon able to provide her with replacement eyes, created from her own DNA.
However, as Amanda soon finds out, a new pair of eyes is not the only thing she has gained. She has also developed something akin to "second sight", whereby she can – occasionally – see beyond the front people present to the world and glimpse the real person. (In case you're rolling your eyes at this point, don't worry: DiSanto is skilled enough to allow us to suspend our disbelief.) This new ability is crucial to the novel. Amanda's crusade against the Ferrymen is now personal – "Everybody says experience is the best teacher," she says, sadly, "but nobody tells you how ruthless she can be" – and it isn't long before, with her newfound ability, she receives an indication as to where the main power behind the Ferrymen lies. That power is in fact in the hands of someone completely unexpected, who's been hiding behind a façade of philanthropy and bonhomie for years, which sounds depressingly plausible in this day and age.
Teaming up with Agent Jack Eagan, Amanda sets out on the Ferrymen's trail, and what follows is something of a rollercoaster ride, involving elements of crime, sci-fi, mystery, and even a very slight hint of romance. DiSanto certainly knows how to command her readers' attention; the book pulls you in and won't let you go, dragging you along for the ride through each twist and turn. I found myself staying up late a couple of nights so that I could read on, oblivious to the fact that I was dead tired and had an early start the next morning – a sure sign of a successful thriller.
My only complaint about the book – and it's a very minor niggle really – is the unsatisfactory ending.
As I said, this is a small complaint, and shouldn't put anyone off. Amanda's Eyes is a fabulous, genre-bending, fun read, and well worth its price tag. Recommended.
And there was pain. But distant, like a memory. Or a threat, prowling the far reaches of the darkness.
Weightless. Suspended in the void. No up, no down. Nowhere.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to wake up in hospital after an accident, with no clear idea of where you are or what has happened to you? It's an intriguing, if frightening, scenario, and one that is, understandably, rather beloved of writers and filmmakers. It's also the starting point of Kathy DiSanto's Amanda's Eyes, a pacy and exciting thriller set in the year 2075.
For a novel set in the near-future, Amanda's Eyes is not especially futuristic. Several references are made to technological advances and social developments, but these do not dominate the story; in fact, the fictional world in which the story takes place is, in essence, not so very different to our own. However, one area in which great advances have been made is in medicine, which is relevant to the protagonist and her story.
Amanda – or A.J. Gregson, as she is known professionally – is a police journalist. She has hitherto, by her own admission, had "a charmed existence. Smooth sailing, baby, for thirty-two years." Headstrong and brilliant, she is utterly devoted to her work, and seemingly unstoppable – until she finds herself in hospital, blind and weak and suffering from a mild case of amnesia. This section, rather impressively, never drags; in fact, as we learn about Amanda’s life and the incident that put her in hospital, it picks up an impressive pace. As it turns out, Amanda was badly injured in an explosion while investigating a ruthless group of assassins, known as the Ferrymen. Specifically, her eyes were destroyed; but, this being 2075, medicine is soon able to provide her with replacement eyes, created from her own DNA.
However, as Amanda soon finds out, a new pair of eyes is not the only thing she has gained. She has also developed something akin to "second sight", whereby she can – occasionally – see beyond the front people present to the world and glimpse the real person. (In case you're rolling your eyes at this point, don't worry: DiSanto is skilled enough to allow us to suspend our disbelief.) This new ability is crucial to the novel. Amanda's crusade against the Ferrymen is now personal – "Everybody says experience is the best teacher," she says, sadly, "but nobody tells you how ruthless she can be" – and it isn't long before, with her newfound ability, she receives an indication as to where the main power behind the Ferrymen lies. That power is in fact in the hands of someone completely unexpected, who's been hiding behind a façade of philanthropy and bonhomie for years, which sounds depressingly plausible in this day and age.
Teaming up with Agent Jack Eagan, Amanda sets out on the Ferrymen's trail, and what follows is something of a rollercoaster ride, involving elements of crime, sci-fi, mystery, and even a very slight hint of romance. DiSanto certainly knows how to command her readers' attention; the book pulls you in and won't let you go, dragging you along for the ride through each twist and turn. I found myself staying up late a couple of nights so that I could read on, oblivious to the fact that I was dead tired and had an early start the next morning – a sure sign of a successful thriller.
My only complaint about the book – and it's a very minor niggle really – is the unsatisfactory ending.
As I said, this is a small complaint, and shouldn't put anyone off. Amanda's Eyes is a fabulous, genre-bending, fun read, and well worth its price tag. Recommended.
January 24, 2014
I was so happy when I started to read this novel and was hit with all my favorites in one read. This book has some mystery that goes along with a murder investigation, but it also has the futuristic element that I tend to gravitate towards sometimes. All of the characters were great. I don’t think that there was a single one that struck me as put off from them. I honestly did not even read all of the description before I agreed to review this book and was in for a surprise and treat. It was so much more than I expected, so I was glad that I signed up to tour this author’s book.
A.J. was great and so strong of a character to have woken up with no memories and then no eyes on top of that! I don’t know how I would have personally handled such an endeavor but she never wavered or panicked like I am sure that I would have. Since this was a futuristic setting, I was happy that A.J. led a speedy recovery. She was so positive throughout all of the trials that she was put through. I don’t believe that I ever mentioned that A.J. was a reporter so keeping her at bay and to herself was never going to happen. She begins to try and figure out exactly who The Ferrymen really are, but she does not want to put anyone at jeopardy in the process.
This book was an amazing ride and I do not want to say much more or I will ruin all of the fun and suspense. Just imagine what all you could read off of people if you were not just focused on what they looked like. She could sense all the hatred and anger that was in everyone. I recommend this book highly to anyone that enjoys a great thrill ride and a story that is not at all like anything else that they have ever read. Twists are always a great seller to me and this book had tons. Thanks so much to Kathy Disanto for writing an amazing story for me to fall in love with!
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
A.J. was great and so strong of a character to have woken up with no memories and then no eyes on top of that! I don’t know how I would have personally handled such an endeavor but she never wavered or panicked like I am sure that I would have. Since this was a futuristic setting, I was happy that A.J. led a speedy recovery. She was so positive throughout all of the trials that she was put through. I don’t believe that I ever mentioned that A.J. was a reporter so keeping her at bay and to herself was never going to happen. She begins to try and figure out exactly who The Ferrymen really are, but she does not want to put anyone at jeopardy in the process.
This book was an amazing ride and I do not want to say much more or I will ruin all of the fun and suspense. Just imagine what all you could read off of people if you were not just focused on what they looked like. She could sense all the hatred and anger that was in everyone. I recommend this book highly to anyone that enjoys a great thrill ride and a story that is not at all like anything else that they have ever read. Twists are always a great seller to me and this book had tons. Thanks so much to Kathy Disanto for writing an amazing story for me to fall in love with!
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
October 10, 2013
First off I'll say that I got this book free on amazon. I liked the cover and thought it had an interesting title; it's not my usual read but I thought I'd give it a try. I'm sad to say I was kinda disappointed with it. First off, the title barely has any connection to the story itself, in my opinion. Amanda was involved in a tragic accident where it left left having to have eye transplant surgery, but from then on, there really was not much of a connection of what her "eyes" had to do with her story. Yes, she started having these 'visions' after her eye surgery, but I think it's more of a 6th sense that got triggered after her accident, not really due to the eye transplant itself. To me it was more of coincidence than anything else, and Jack even comments to her that she had good instincts about people even before the surgery, and the 6th sense type of 'visions' that showed up after the transplant was just mere coincidence. Most of the book she spends it in hiding & trying to formulate a plan to bring down the 'Ferrymen', & the only time her 'eyes' and their special "sight' is even mentioned in a tiny connection to each other is towards the end, almost at like 88% or so into the book, (at least on my Kindle). Another thing I was a bit disappointed in was there was absolutely NO romantic interest in the book at all, & maybe it was meant to be like that, I can understand since it's definitely NOT a romance novel or anything, but I thought there was a tiny hint to romantic interest between Amanda & Dennis during her stay at the hospital and after she had her bandages removed, but it dies as suddenly as it was read. The ending was very quickly and we didn't even get to read what happened as it was happening, but read it from what Jack told her...(sigh). All in all, story was ok as a whole, not really sure what else to say about it, except glad it was free.
February 15, 2013
Review 6******
WOW! I was completely blown away (no pun intended!) by this story! I struggled to put it down!
Amanda (A.J.) is a fantastic character! She is a crime reporter, who has a penchant for finding leads where the police are unable. She is feisty, determined, passionate about her work and a loyal friend. However, one fateful night sees her in the right place but at the wrong time, and she is injured in an explosion.
Set in the future (2075), this is a fantastic, suspenseful thriller that grabbed my attention from the first page! Mind you, I'm a blurb girl, and it completely intrigued me! The cover is very striking too! That blue eye is certainly eye-catching! (pun intended this time!).
I fell in love with the entire story, as it was full of danger, intrigue, mystery, action and even a bit of romance! Even if there wasn't a paranormal aspect to this story, this book would still be a fabulous thriller in it's own right. The story is fast paced, without being rushed, and flowed fantastically. The head of the Ferrymen hides in the shadows, but once he is exposed, he's as deadly as a poisonous snake. I will say one thing for A.J. - she has guts! I'm not sure whether I wanted to cheer her on, or tell her off for taking risks! I was also interested in the future that the author painted so vividly. She made it seem so believable, and real, which scared me slightly! I would certainly love to read more of A.J.'s exploits in the future.
Kathy DiSanto has written an amazing paranormal thriller that has left me wanting more! I highly recommend this book to those of you who love thrillers, or are looking for a completely different kind of paranormal story. - Lynn Worton
WOW! I was completely blown away (no pun intended!) by this story! I struggled to put it down!
Amanda (A.J.) is a fantastic character! She is a crime reporter, who has a penchant for finding leads where the police are unable. She is feisty, determined, passionate about her work and a loyal friend. However, one fateful night sees her in the right place but at the wrong time, and she is injured in an explosion.
Set in the future (2075), this is a fantastic, suspenseful thriller that grabbed my attention from the first page! Mind you, I'm a blurb girl, and it completely intrigued me! The cover is very striking too! That blue eye is certainly eye-catching! (pun intended this time!).
I fell in love with the entire story, as it was full of danger, intrigue, mystery, action and even a bit of romance! Even if there wasn't a paranormal aspect to this story, this book would still be a fabulous thriller in it's own right. The story is fast paced, without being rushed, and flowed fantastically. The head of the Ferrymen hides in the shadows, but once he is exposed, he's as deadly as a poisonous snake. I will say one thing for A.J. - she has guts! I'm not sure whether I wanted to cheer her on, or tell her off for taking risks! I was also interested in the future that the author painted so vividly. She made it seem so believable, and real, which scared me slightly! I would certainly love to read more of A.J.'s exploits in the future.
Kathy DiSanto has written an amazing paranormal thriller that has left me wanting more! I highly recommend this book to those of you who love thrillers, or are looking for a completely different kind of paranormal story. - Lynn Worton
July 26, 2016
This book has it all! There is murder, mystery, investigations, futuristic settings with the tech to go along with that, a little of the supernatural, and really great characters.
I read this book because of its title, of course. With my name being Amanda, it was a given that I had to at least give it a try. I didn't even read all of the back. So I was in for a treat when I started reading it. There was so much more to it that I thought there would be.
A.J. is a great character. I think that she really held up well when she woke up with no memory and no eyes. I would have panicked and not calmed down the entire time I was in there. Luckily, this is set in the future, so it took little time to get her healthy and sighted again.
She is supposed to lay low after she gets released from the hospital, but of course our reporter is not going to do that! She is determined to get to the bottom of who The Ferrymen are. She is hopeful that she can do so without risking her family's lives in the process.
I can't tell you more than that, or I will ruin the book. Just let me say that the book is very well written, though I did have a glitch in my copy. The name of the doctor changed from one chapter to the next. Other than that, the book flowed smoothly and quickly. The characters were great and the story is very engaging.
I recommend this to anyone that loves a great story with murder, action, and a little extra twist thrown in.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. I was not required to leave a positive review.
December 14, 2015
A thriller set in the year 2075. The author's imaginative scene of the future and how mankind will travel and correspond is very clever .
The heroine of the story is a female reporter who is investigating a major criminal gang called the ferryman. When she is getting close to the truth and finding out who is the big cheese behind them she is caught in a fire blast which causes her to lose both eyes. The surgeons replace her eyes and give her sight back but the eyes give the reporter a special power. This drives the reporter to find the person who caused the heartache and bring them down.
The novel is very well written and the characters and scenes depicted are left open to the readers imagination and perception. The story-line follows one of greed and corruption which is common place in today's world. As the reader you feel as if you are a hologram in the background looking through a time wrap and want to help the heroine in her quest .
A page turning thriller with a lot of emotive feeling and passion as well as sorrow. In the pursuit of the truth and bringing down a criminal underworld how far would you go and put your life on the line to achieve your goal?
Books and stories that are set in the future are not normal my cup of tea because I am a very logical person but reading this book didn't cause or give me any problems. A well written novel with excellent explanations and food for thought for the future and how we will live and travel.
I look forward and hope I will get the chance to review more books by this author.
The heroine of the story is a female reporter who is investigating a major criminal gang called the ferryman. When she is getting close to the truth and finding out who is the big cheese behind them she is caught in a fire blast which causes her to lose both eyes. The surgeons replace her eyes and give her sight back but the eyes give the reporter a special power. This drives the reporter to find the person who caused the heartache and bring them down.
The novel is very well written and the characters and scenes depicted are left open to the readers imagination and perception. The story-line follows one of greed and corruption which is common place in today's world. As the reader you feel as if you are a hologram in the background looking through a time wrap and want to help the heroine in her quest .
A page turning thriller with a lot of emotive feeling and passion as well as sorrow. In the pursuit of the truth and bringing down a criminal underworld how far would you go and put your life on the line to achieve your goal?
Books and stories that are set in the future are not normal my cup of tea because I am a very logical person but reading this book didn't cause or give me any problems. A well written novel with excellent explanations and food for thought for the future and how we will live and travel.
I look forward and hope I will get the chance to review more books by this author.
January 16, 2014
I really am still trying to grasp how I feel about the book.
Amanda’s Eyes is definitely different from my usual read. I mean let’s face it, the last how many books I have reviewed have had romance somewhere and even though I could have sworn from the get go (seriously, the second Nurse Dennis was talking I for sure thought that was it) there would be some spark somewhere – I was wrong.
Not to mention the book is set in 2075 – future. Much future. All I can say is if it were me – I’d probably be living in Hobson’s Hope because the tech would be too up and up for me!
Fortunately, the techy futuristic wasn’t too far fetched. I was able to follow along and it didn’t seem so futuristic that it wasn’t believable.
I do have to admit that I felt the book was a little slow going (at least slower than I’m used to). Yet, while I felt it was slow, it still had me wanting to read it because I just wasn’t quite sure where we were going and in all honesty, I love a good action and mystery.
The middle is what really snagged me into keeping moving forward because as we discover (along with Amanda) is that she now has a gift and that gift kept me coming back for more!
Overall, I did enjoy Amanda’s Eyes and it is definitely a read that I think both men and women could get behind. It wasn’t too girly, it wasn’t romance – it was futuristic and mysterious. I liked it.
Amanda’s Eyes is definitely different from my usual read. I mean let’s face it, the last how many books I have reviewed have had romance somewhere and even though I could have sworn from the get go (seriously, the second Nurse Dennis was talking I for sure thought that was it) there would be some spark somewhere – I was wrong.
Not to mention the book is set in 2075 – future. Much future. All I can say is if it were me – I’d probably be living in Hobson’s Hope because the tech would be too up and up for me!
Fortunately, the techy futuristic wasn’t too far fetched. I was able to follow along and it didn’t seem so futuristic that it wasn’t believable.
I do have to admit that I felt the book was a little slow going (at least slower than I’m used to). Yet, while I felt it was slow, it still had me wanting to read it because I just wasn’t quite sure where we were going and in all honesty, I love a good action and mystery.
The middle is what really snagged me into keeping moving forward because as we discover (along with Amanda) is that she now has a gift and that gift kept me coming back for more!
Overall, I did enjoy Amanda’s Eyes and it is definitely a read that I think both men and women could get behind. It wasn’t too girly, it wasn’t romance – it was futuristic and mysterious. I liked it.
October 3, 2012
What a great book! The Author has outdone herself in portraying a futuristic crime novel that will have you captured from the start. Using the ground breaking science of today and fast forwarding it 60 years when it is all just common place is amazing. Drones, flying cars, nano-technology, credits instead of cash, stem-cell research...it is all there! The characters are living and breathing right along side you as they track down and solve one of the biggest crimes to hit the Tri-America's and the World.
Amanda (AJ) Gregson, is a Investigative Journalist who is more comfortable in the sleazy back alleyways of the darker sides of town then in any 5-star establishment her mother would wish her to be in. Her brothers saw to that by treating her always as an equal instead of a flower. Much to her parent's chagrin she is fearlessly chasing down some of the darkest criminals around, not to arrest them, but just for the story. One night her life changes in the blink of an eye, when she gets a little too close for comfort to the Ferryman's plans...
This book is full of action, mystery, a bit of paranormal and a whole lot of intrigue! I can't wait for a sequel!
February 10, 2014
When I first started reading this book, I thought it was just a crime story/mystery. But it turned out to be so much more then that. It is futuristic, intriguing and interesting. Yet it still had that old school mystery feel to it. I was hooked from Chapter One and could not put it down until I was finished.
I loved the main character, Amanda. She is a journalist looking for any lead she can get about 'The Ferryman'. A group of assassins that look to be unstoppable. But then a horrible accident happens in the middle of her investigation. Horrible damage is done to her eye's and she must have eye replacement surgery. Afterwards, she starts seeing weird things. Things she cannot explain and that she should not be able to see. I do not want to ruin the rest of the story for anyone... let's just say that she figures out a pivotal clue as the leader of The Ferryman.
From then on out, her life is in danger as well as the lives of those she cares about. The story moves along at a great pace. I was never bored and always interested. The book was very well-written. It was a very original story and I enjoyed it immensely. I urge you to check it out.
I loved the main character, Amanda. She is a journalist looking for any lead she can get about 'The Ferryman'. A group of assassins that look to be unstoppable. But then a horrible accident happens in the middle of her investigation. Horrible damage is done to her eye's and she must have eye replacement surgery. Afterwards, she starts seeing weird things. Things she cannot explain and that she should not be able to see. I do not want to ruin the rest of the story for anyone... let's just say that she figures out a pivotal clue as the leader of The Ferryman.
From then on out, her life is in danger as well as the lives of those she cares about. The story moves along at a great pace. I was never bored and always interested. The book was very well-written. It was a very original story and I enjoyed it immensely. I urge you to check it out.
October 7, 2012
This book cost me several hours of lost sleep & a couple of days of rushed tasks so I could continue to read it. I quite simply could not put it down. The plot twisted & turned in unexpected directions, the slighly futuristic setting was very cleverly portrayed--not too different from the present in most things, but then a few major world changes slipped in. It raises the female detective thriller to a new level in the genre.
In addition to being very well crafted with a touch of wry humor, it has a complex plot with a cliffhanger ending to every chapter, making it really hard to stop reading. Another thing I really enjoyed was that there was no romantic drivel, a refreshing change from the almost obligatory romantic complications usually found in this genre, & particularly restrained of the author since her previous books were romantic fiction. I think there was one "meaningful glance", which may be taken a step further in the next book, but maybe not.
In short, I loved this book & highly recommend it. In fact, I think I'll read it again! I am eagerly awaiting the next book.
In addition to being very well crafted with a touch of wry humor, it has a complex plot with a cliffhanger ending to every chapter, making it really hard to stop reading. Another thing I really enjoyed was that there was no romantic drivel, a refreshing change from the almost obligatory romantic complications usually found in this genre, & particularly restrained of the author since her previous books were romantic fiction. I think there was one "meaningful glance", which may be taken a step further in the next book, but maybe not.
In short, I loved this book & highly recommend it. In fact, I think I'll read it again! I am eagerly awaiting the next book.
January 21, 2014
Now this is a page turner which gets better with every page turned! Set in the future when body parts can be manufactured in the lab and when biological weapons are routinely made so tiny that no one even knows what hit them--Amanda, a crime scene reporter gives the CIIS (The US, Canada and Mexico are a combined country)a tip about the Ferryman-a killer that nobody can seem to stop. She was set up and loses both her eyes, which are replaced--but with a little something extra unbeknownst to anyone. Amanda is a feisty, no holds barred personality and no one, not her wealthy and politically connected family nor the CIIS agents can stop her from finding the Ferryman. But what happens when she does--will she make it out alive? How many people are caught up in this web of mystery and murder--and can Amanda's "gift" help find and capture the madman behind the Ferrymen? A 5 Star for sure!!Amanda's Eyes
January 23, 2014
As far as genres go, Amanda's Eyes is right up my alley. It's set in the near future (so it's a feasible reality to me), has a touch of paranormal and a LOT of mystery and suspense. However, I wasn't expecting it to grab me by the throat and keep me in its clutches! Amanda's Eyes opens with AJ in the hospital, in pain, blind and with amnesia of how she got there. Kathy DiSanto makes it so real and so terrifying that I was afraid to close my eyes at night, in fear I'd never open them again (since I don't live in 2075 doctors can't grow me new eyes yet!)
The story speeds along, with AJ being protected from the Ferrymen while busily trying to hunt them down at the same time. To top it off she discovers that her new eyes allow her to see people's true personality, their inner hatred and despair. Will AJ expose the Ferrymen before they hunt her down and make her one of their victims? It ends rather abruptly, but otherwise it was an amazing read!
The story speeds along, with AJ being protected from the Ferrymen while busily trying to hunt them down at the same time. To top it off she discovers that her new eyes allow her to see people's true personality, their inner hatred and despair. Will AJ expose the Ferrymen before they hunt her down and make her one of their victims? It ends rather abruptly, but otherwise it was an amazing read!
February 6, 2014
A scifi thriller set in a futuristic world where good still manages to overcome evil. Sounds like a pretty good start to a book, and it is. Amanda's Eyes by Kathy DiSanto is a suburb story of a crime reporter teaming up with law enforcement. I know, not a combo that one would expect to work, but work it does.
Amanda's new eyes come with an unexpected side effect (some might say benefit,some curse) that she must learn to live with and utilize for the benefit of all man kind. Can she do it? Does she want to do it, or is it all too much? Find out when you read Amanda's Eyes.
It's been a while since I've read anything except romance, and this is a nice change of pace. There is still a romantic undertow, but it simmers quietly under the surface. The main plot line is one of mystery enshrouded in science fiction. Come see what is possible when you set aside your skepticism and simply believe in the world created within the pages.
Amanda's new eyes come with an unexpected side effect (some might say benefit,some curse) that she must learn to live with and utilize for the benefit of all man kind. Can she do it? Does she want to do it, or is it all too much? Find out when you read Amanda's Eyes.
It's been a while since I've read anything except romance, and this is a nice change of pace. There is still a romantic undertow, but it simmers quietly under the surface. The main plot line is one of mystery enshrouded in science fiction. Come see what is possible when you set aside your skepticism and simply believe in the world created within the pages.
May 3, 2014
Amanda's Eyes is a fast paced action packed read. Could you imagine forgetting such a horrific event? I was pulled into the story and felt as I was living the full event as each sentence passed. I was a bit freaked out though, I have this "thing" about eyes- and well lets say my skin was crawling at points just at the thought of removing, replacing or messing with anyone's eyes. Ahh, the horror of just typing that!
The constant ups and downs of this book kept me wanting more. I found myself having to finish the book, just for the sake of finding out the mystery behind it all. You will find yourself submerged into the plot of Amanda's Eyes, each page bringing you to a new emotion, a tidbit of truth to solve the mystery, a leap forward to the unsuspected end. Will you see if there is rational in the irrational of A.J's story?
The constant ups and downs of this book kept me wanting more. I found myself having to finish the book, just for the sake of finding out the mystery behind it all. You will find yourself submerged into the plot of Amanda's Eyes, each page bringing you to a new emotion, a tidbit of truth to solve the mystery, a leap forward to the unsuspected end. Will you see if there is rational in the irrational of A.J's story?
December 21, 2024
I downloaded the free kindle version of this book, and I think there were pages missing because I was so confused.
I really enjoyed the writing style, and I thought the plot was unique and great; however, it seemed to jump to another scene, and I had no idea how it got there.
The worst part was at the end. [spoiler] At the end, the guys were coming towards her to take out her eyes, and then she said it went dark. That was the end, and then it was the prologue, which discussed how the evil dude died, but I didn't understand why he was outside on an atv in the first place nor did I get how they rescued Amanda because it never explained. [/spoiler] There were more moments like that in the book, so I really think pages were somehow missing from the version I downloaded or the author just liked to skip around....and not explain things...grr
I really enjoyed the writing style, and I thought the plot was unique and great; however, it seemed to jump to another scene, and I had no idea how it got there.
The worst part was at the end. [spoiler] At the end, the guys were coming towards her to take out her eyes, and then she said it went dark. That was the end, and then it was the prologue, which discussed how the evil dude died, but I didn't understand why he was outside on an atv in the first place nor did I get how they rescued Amanda because it never explained. [/spoiler] There were more moments like that in the book, so I really think pages were somehow missing from the version I downloaded or the author just liked to skip around....and not explain things...grr
January 7, 2014
Set in the future 2075 Amanda's Eyes gives you a look at law enforcement and the press working hand in hand to catch the bad guys. Amanda is a crime reporter and when she gets to close to the story she gets blown up literally. The Ferrymen (hitmen ) that Amanda is hot on their tails are bad bad boys. Amanda wakes up with no eyes but a positive spirit she keeps. I like this about her character. After an eye transplant Amanda jumps right back into things with the aide of Detective Eagen.
I would have liked to see things steam up with Amanda and the detective but that just was not in the cards here. After the transplant Amanda discovers a unique new gift and has to decide what to do with it. Does she share her new ability with the detective?
A.J Gregson is a great female character. She is strong , determined and lets nothing get in her way. A fun read! Great job Kathy Disanto.
I would have liked to see things steam up with Amanda and the detective but that just was not in the cards here. After the transplant Amanda discovers a unique new gift and has to decide what to do with it. Does she share her new ability with the detective?
A.J Gregson is a great female character. She is strong , determined and lets nothing get in her way. A fun read! Great job Kathy Disanto.
January 14, 2014
Amanda's Eyes is a mixture of science fiction, drama, and suspense. There were a couple twists where I thought the story was going to go one way and it went in a completely different direction, which I always like. There was no romance, which was surprising since Amanda is young and single spending time with good-looking single men.
The characters are interesting and described well. The story is told from Amanda's perspective so the reader gets to know her pretty well. She's headstrong, independent and more compassionate and moral than reporters are normally portrayed.
I enjoyed Amanda's Eyes even though the ending was disappointing. I liked the ultimate outcome but it would have been much more effective in real time rather than in an epilogue.
The characters are interesting and described well. The story is told from Amanda's perspective so the reader gets to know her pretty well. She's headstrong, independent and more compassionate and moral than reporters are normally portrayed.
I enjoyed Amanda's Eyes even though the ending was disappointing. I liked the ultimate outcome but it would have been much more effective in real time rather than in an epilogue.
January 24, 2014
Amanda's Eyes by Kathy DiSanto has made it possible for readers to understand what is going on in the future. Technology and gadgets but I guess certain things do stay the same. It is fascinating the way the story goes since Amanda loses her eyes and is able to have them replaced because of technology. With this new development, she is now able to pursue her goal and that is to find an assassin called Ferryman. I happen to like most genres and they were sort of combined in this storyline.
Amanda surprises the reader with her abilities while A.J. has different dreams. I do recommend this book as it will not let you down. The chase is on along with the adrenaline. Intrigue galore with mysterious scenes.
Adriana LG
Amanda surprises the reader with her abilities while A.J. has different dreams. I do recommend this book as it will not let you down. The chase is on along with the adrenaline. Intrigue galore with mysterious scenes.
Adriana LG
September 15, 2012
While working on an expose of the Ferrymen, a group that is responsible for some diabolical and perfect crimes, Amanda, "A.J." Gregson, a reporter is present during an explosion that killed two agents of the Continental Intelligence and Investigative Service (CIIS), incinerated an entire block of warehouses, and did so much damage to her eyes they had to be surgically removed. Although a Special Agent tries to sideline her, A.J. holds the key to finding and stopping the Ferrymen before they complete their ultimate mission. An exciting, fast paced book!
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