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Pendulum of Justice
Turning the tables on Big Washington and Big Wall Street-
“Pendulum of Justice reads like a book on anti-gravity: impossible to put down! My main complaint is how come the next book in the series isn’t out already.”
Peter Cresswell
Publisher of NotPC
"Absolutely brilliant – that was my first thought after I finished reading this compelling novel."
Lit Amri for Readers’ Favorite
Meet the Lone Rangar-
With two high tech start-ups going gangbusters, former cyber warrior Hank Rangar has finally “made” it. His lab, “Made By Man,” has revolutionized cardiac procedures, potentially saving millions of lives and billions of dollars. But, the most important person in his life is very sick and his technology is suddenly stolen. Hank discovers two things: This lifesaving procedure may be the only way to save his sister AND Big Washington will stop at nothing to bury it.
"Convert this to a movie script and sell it to Hollywood. Excellent theme and plot."
The Magnolia Blossom
WOW! I feel like I just watched a movie in my head
Hines and Bigham’s Literary Tryst
“Pendulum of Justice reads like a book on anti-gravity: impossible to put down! My main complaint is how come the next book in the series isn’t out already.”
Peter Cresswell
Publisher of NotPC
"Absolutely brilliant – that was my first thought after I finished reading this compelling novel."
Lit Amri for Readers’ Favorite
Meet the Lone Rangar-
With two high tech start-ups going gangbusters, former cyber warrior Hank Rangar has finally “made” it. His lab, “Made By Man,” has revolutionized cardiac procedures, potentially saving millions of lives and billions of dollars. But, the most important person in his life is very sick and his technology is suddenly stolen. Hank discovers two things: This lifesaving procedure may be the only way to save his sister AND Big Washington will stop at nothing to bury it.
"Convert this to a movie script and sell it to Hollywood. Excellent theme and plot."
The Magnolia Blossom
WOW! I feel like I just watched a movie in my head
Hines and Bigham’s Literary Tryst
446 pages, Paperback
First published August 28, 2013
13 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 10, 2013
The Pendulum of Justice: Dale and Kaila Halling
A young woman whose life hangs in the balance as the book opens up with the fate of one woman in the hands of an invention that has been buried by the government. We meet Hank Rangar the head of Houdini Security as he takes the reader through his innovative security invention while pitching the idea to a company that he hopes will invest in his idea. Listening to him speak, understanding the demographics the ideas sound plausible, the monetary gain great and the prospect of higher earnings within the realm of reality. A technology whiz seasoned in handling government computers formerly working for the DOD, Hank’s skills are well known. Working for himself and helping other entrepreneurs develop their own ideas and get patents for their product, we meet him during this important meeting as he explains his thoughts, understands his limitations and realizes what needs to be done to succeed. But the author takes us deep inside the heart of what he plans to do and readers witness technology within a secret surgical unit where a new and innovative technique is being explored, cultivated and used on an unusual patient in order to save his heart. Heart surgery is delicate and what we witness is groundbreaking and the end result could really make a difference.
Within the prologue we meet and hear the voice of Hank and his brother in law Mark as his sister is the one whose life hangs in the balance as a mere patent holds her life ransom. Why would the government not sign off of this? Why would they let her die? What was the purpose of sacrificing her life? The Pendulum of Justice was tilted in the wrong direction as the scales tipped the wrong way. Can Hank even them out again?
The invention in question is the angiochannelizer and the technique was used in an unorthodox operating room on a pig. The end result was groundbreaking. But, the nature of the invention would save may lives the question of the patent still hangs in the air and that is where our story gets really heated.
As Hank hopes to close the deal with MedCon the question of the patent comes into play as we meet those in charge of the US Patent office and we learn what happens when the process is explained, the Examiner College involved and the role of this office and their position. Training of those handing out the patents is discussed, the statistics, the Type I and Type II errors and the MDF report on patent quality all come into play. The Director of the Patent Office is Morris and his agenda you might say is quite suspect as we overhear him speaking to several others within his office and we learn more about when and why the appeals group is overturning decisions made by the Patent Office. The end result and why that would cause problems for the Patent Office. Threats are made, innuendos implied and the end result costs lives.
Janine is Hank’s sister who witnessed the experimental operation and who is quite ill. A car accident left her with many injuries and upon further examination she has a problem with her blood. The surgery she will need will hinge on Hank getting the Patent for the human trials to use his new technology.
A simple signature on a patent could have saved the life of someone who was dying. The inner most workings of US Patent office and those running it are exposed as we learn the corruption behind their leaders, their motives for handing out patents to one start-up company and withholding it from another. When EWE does not receive its patent and another company steals its technology the investors go with the second one and leave the other to fall by the wayside. As the government plays God of these agencies and the bureaucrats are either paid off, receiving fringe benefits or don’t ware, the end result although said to be for the great good is really more harmful. Regulatory criteria arbitrary and the merit of an invention tossed aside, those in Washington hand some out to dry for monetary profit.
Hank’s company Made By Man will help heart patients that need stents and those where some arteries are too small for these stents. The author describes the areas of concern, relates them to Hank’s sister and when he realizes that his invention can save her life and prevent the clots forming I her heart he sets in motion what he hoped would be a series of meetings, financial discussions and events in order to get the funding for EWE or backing from Medicon. But what happens is heart breaking and the end result tragic. When a Senator is paid off and corrupt and bows to the wiles of a lobbyist, someone loses. Janine would be the first eligible for this experimental trial if the funding and patent came through. Convincing her doctor and the staff of the hospital as well as her husband Mark too quite a bit of testing, research and understanding that although successfully used on a pig, they were not sure if it would work on humans. Added into the mix is reporter Christine Patel who wants to break this open in the news but is blocked every step of the way.
Within the pages of this complex novel the authors bring to light the hidden world of corruption as we learn more about why one company EWE applied for a patent for their technology. The angiochallelizer technology would have closed part of the door on the need for stents. So, why not market it more even though it would or might cause the elimination of the need for stents? Greed, money, costs and profits find out how they come into play as the authors continue with the history of AltruMedical, how their founders stole the technology developed by the creator of the angiochallenizer, Dr. Cody and whaqt Hank would learn in order to uncover the truth. Throughout Chatper 14 the authors creatively and carefully outline how AltruMedical’s application was fast tracked while EWE placed before a board review. As Hank hacks into the emails of those involved we learn just how easy it is to access files, emails, records and follow the deception trail from start to finish. When one truth is found we learn just who profited from AltruMedical being acquired by MedCon, we learn why EWE’s patent never happened and the harsh reality behind Janine’s death.
As Christine Patel, the reporter for the Financial Reporter digs deep her life is turned upside down, threats are made as she unravels more than just the reason why MedCon wanted to keep the stent market alive. Why buy the new technology just to bury it deep? Within Chapter 16 all of the players are revealed and the money trails found. Just how they managed to do this and get away with it you won’t believe as Christine digs deep into her research, finds out who the real investors are and the end result has yet to be determined.
How far will Hank go to protect his companies, help his partners and avenge the death of his sister? You decide if justice was really done or not. Patents, technology, hacking, EMP technology in cars, fires set and arson involved the author brings to light just how many ways murders can be committed without a trace, how the government can track our moves and how powerful one man named Hank Rangar is and the lengths he goes to in order to even out that Pendulum. What’s next for him and where will his skills take him? The authors have already penned the next one: Trails of Injustice: 2014.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
The reader might ask themselves many questions regarding patents and the laws governing them: Can this really happen? Did it ever happen? What is fact and what is fiction? The plot is so cleverly created and the events so easily followed that whether this is fact or fiction will still give readers pause for thought. Would politicians really go to these extremes for profit? Is one life expendable?
Threats are made on both sides as Hank faces off with his opponent and directly threatens his future. What happens next is explosive as this one foe hires out some experts to make sure that Hank does not see the light of another day. The intricate plan in place but they never expected the end result as the security cameras and other high tech surveillance equipment allowed Hank to foil what someone started. The chain of events that follow will allow readers to know just how high up the corruption goes within many government agencies like the NSF, NIF, FBI, POLICE and even the IRS. But, Hank is dangerous in his own right and enlists the help of his friend Warren to undertake a task that readers will have to find out for themselves. The clock is ticking and someone has to pay for Janine’s death, what happened to the reporter and the other events that took away what Hank hoped would save the lives of so many. What is the final outcome for Made By Man, Houdini Security and EWE? Will the competition win and those involved will their pockets be lined with more gold? The pendulum swings back and forth and is suspended from a support that is fixed or solid so that it can swing freely back and forth under the influence of gravity.
The survival of all of the characters is not dependent on his/her own abilities to stay alive or faculties but in justifying their actions and the hope that each one will be able to fight to remain alive as explosions, knives, deaths, corruption, computer hacking, spyware and much more come into play in order to even out that pendulum and have it swing in a specific direction. But, whose?
A young woman whose life hangs in the balance as the book opens up with the fate of one woman in the hands of an invention that has been buried by the government. We meet Hank Rangar the head of Houdini Security as he takes the reader through his innovative security invention while pitching the idea to a company that he hopes will invest in his idea. Listening to him speak, understanding the demographics the ideas sound plausible, the monetary gain great and the prospect of higher earnings within the realm of reality. A technology whiz seasoned in handling government computers formerly working for the DOD, Hank’s skills are well known. Working for himself and helping other entrepreneurs develop their own ideas and get patents for their product, we meet him during this important meeting as he explains his thoughts, understands his limitations and realizes what needs to be done to succeed. But the author takes us deep inside the heart of what he plans to do and readers witness technology within a secret surgical unit where a new and innovative technique is being explored, cultivated and used on an unusual patient in order to save his heart. Heart surgery is delicate and what we witness is groundbreaking and the end result could really make a difference.
Within the prologue we meet and hear the voice of Hank and his brother in law Mark as his sister is the one whose life hangs in the balance as a mere patent holds her life ransom. Why would the government not sign off of this? Why would they let her die? What was the purpose of sacrificing her life? The Pendulum of Justice was tilted in the wrong direction as the scales tipped the wrong way. Can Hank even them out again?
The invention in question is the angiochannelizer and the technique was used in an unorthodox operating room on a pig. The end result was groundbreaking. But, the nature of the invention would save may lives the question of the patent still hangs in the air and that is where our story gets really heated.
As Hank hopes to close the deal with MedCon the question of the patent comes into play as we meet those in charge of the US Patent office and we learn what happens when the process is explained, the Examiner College involved and the role of this office and their position. Training of those handing out the patents is discussed, the statistics, the Type I and Type II errors and the MDF report on patent quality all come into play. The Director of the Patent Office is Morris and his agenda you might say is quite suspect as we overhear him speaking to several others within his office and we learn more about when and why the appeals group is overturning decisions made by the Patent Office. The end result and why that would cause problems for the Patent Office. Threats are made, innuendos implied and the end result costs lives.
Janine is Hank’s sister who witnessed the experimental operation and who is quite ill. A car accident left her with many injuries and upon further examination she has a problem with her blood. The surgery she will need will hinge on Hank getting the Patent for the human trials to use his new technology.
A simple signature on a patent could have saved the life of someone who was dying. The inner most workings of US Patent office and those running it are exposed as we learn the corruption behind their leaders, their motives for handing out patents to one start-up company and withholding it from another. When EWE does not receive its patent and another company steals its technology the investors go with the second one and leave the other to fall by the wayside. As the government plays God of these agencies and the bureaucrats are either paid off, receiving fringe benefits or don’t ware, the end result although said to be for the great good is really more harmful. Regulatory criteria arbitrary and the merit of an invention tossed aside, those in Washington hand some out to dry for monetary profit.
Hank’s company Made By Man will help heart patients that need stents and those where some arteries are too small for these stents. The author describes the areas of concern, relates them to Hank’s sister and when he realizes that his invention can save her life and prevent the clots forming I her heart he sets in motion what he hoped would be a series of meetings, financial discussions and events in order to get the funding for EWE or backing from Medicon. But what happens is heart breaking and the end result tragic. When a Senator is paid off and corrupt and bows to the wiles of a lobbyist, someone loses. Janine would be the first eligible for this experimental trial if the funding and patent came through. Convincing her doctor and the staff of the hospital as well as her husband Mark too quite a bit of testing, research and understanding that although successfully used on a pig, they were not sure if it would work on humans. Added into the mix is reporter Christine Patel who wants to break this open in the news but is blocked every step of the way.
Within the pages of this complex novel the authors bring to light the hidden world of corruption as we learn more about why one company EWE applied for a patent for their technology. The angiochallelizer technology would have closed part of the door on the need for stents. So, why not market it more even though it would or might cause the elimination of the need for stents? Greed, money, costs and profits find out how they come into play as the authors continue with the history of AltruMedical, how their founders stole the technology developed by the creator of the angiochallenizer, Dr. Cody and whaqt Hank would learn in order to uncover the truth. Throughout Chatper 14 the authors creatively and carefully outline how AltruMedical’s application was fast tracked while EWE placed before a board review. As Hank hacks into the emails of those involved we learn just how easy it is to access files, emails, records and follow the deception trail from start to finish. When one truth is found we learn just who profited from AltruMedical being acquired by MedCon, we learn why EWE’s patent never happened and the harsh reality behind Janine’s death.
As Christine Patel, the reporter for the Financial Reporter digs deep her life is turned upside down, threats are made as she unravels more than just the reason why MedCon wanted to keep the stent market alive. Why buy the new technology just to bury it deep? Within Chapter 16 all of the players are revealed and the money trails found. Just how they managed to do this and get away with it you won’t believe as Christine digs deep into her research, finds out who the real investors are and the end result has yet to be determined.
How far will Hank go to protect his companies, help his partners and avenge the death of his sister? You decide if justice was really done or not. Patents, technology, hacking, EMP technology in cars, fires set and arson involved the author brings to light just how many ways murders can be committed without a trace, how the government can track our moves and how powerful one man named Hank Rangar is and the lengths he goes to in order to even out that Pendulum. What’s next for him and where will his skills take him? The authors have already penned the next one: Trails of Injustice: 2014.
Fran Lewis: reviewer
The reader might ask themselves many questions regarding patents and the laws governing them: Can this really happen? Did it ever happen? What is fact and what is fiction? The plot is so cleverly created and the events so easily followed that whether this is fact or fiction will still give readers pause for thought. Would politicians really go to these extremes for profit? Is one life expendable?
Threats are made on both sides as Hank faces off with his opponent and directly threatens his future. What happens next is explosive as this one foe hires out some experts to make sure that Hank does not see the light of another day. The intricate plan in place but they never expected the end result as the security cameras and other high tech surveillance equipment allowed Hank to foil what someone started. The chain of events that follow will allow readers to know just how high up the corruption goes within many government agencies like the NSF, NIF, FBI, POLICE and even the IRS. But, Hank is dangerous in his own right and enlists the help of his friend Warren to undertake a task that readers will have to find out for themselves. The clock is ticking and someone has to pay for Janine’s death, what happened to the reporter and the other events that took away what Hank hoped would save the lives of so many. What is the final outcome for Made By Man, Houdini Security and EWE? Will the competition win and those involved will their pockets be lined with more gold? The pendulum swings back and forth and is suspended from a support that is fixed or solid so that it can swing freely back and forth under the influence of gravity.
The survival of all of the characters is not dependent on his/her own abilities to stay alive or faculties but in justifying their actions and the hope that each one will be able to fight to remain alive as explosions, knives, deaths, corruption, computer hacking, spyware and much more come into play in order to even out that pendulum and have it swing in a specific direction. But, whose?
October 9, 2013
Pendulum of Justice leads the reader into a corrupt world of pocket-lining bureaucrats who pick on the wrong guy. The result is an engrossing citizen-against-the-system tale of graft and revenge.
The hero, Hank Rangar (“that's Ranger with an A”), is a high-tech whiz with a history as a skilled warrior in the government’s computer warfare efforts. Now he’s in the private sector, helping innovative entrepreneurs develop new products in fields ranging from computer security to a groundbreaking new technique for certain types of heart surgery. Patent problems with the surgical procedure start the dominoes falling in Pendulum of Justice.
Hank’s critically ill sister, who needs the surgery, dies while the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is preventing human trials by suspiciously sitting on the patent application. (The novel’s Prologue reveals the eventual death of Hank’s sister, so providing this plot detail here isn’t a spoiler.) After his sister’s death about halfway through the narrative, Hank shifts from a frantic campaign to work with the bureaucracy, to a deadly assault against it.
Dale and Kaila Halling, the husband-and-wife writing team identified in the author line as “DK Halling,” have produced an entertaining first novel. It also communicates a disturbing message about the dangers of a federal bureaucracy that, regardless of its good or bad intentions, can effectively stifle innovation by picking “winners” and “losers” based on the government’s regulatory criteria rather than true merit. In the book, the bad guys in Washington sometimes echo Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged by rationalizing their misdeeds as measures to promote the “greater good.”
Pendulum of Justice is the first in a planned series of Hank Rangar novels, and a sneak peak of the second installment is provided at the end of this book. Thanks to the authors for giving us more to look forward to.
The hero, Hank Rangar (“that's Ranger with an A”), is a high-tech whiz with a history as a skilled warrior in the government’s computer warfare efforts. Now he’s in the private sector, helping innovative entrepreneurs develop new products in fields ranging from computer security to a groundbreaking new technique for certain types of heart surgery. Patent problems with the surgical procedure start the dominoes falling in Pendulum of Justice.
Hank’s critically ill sister, who needs the surgery, dies while the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is preventing human trials by suspiciously sitting on the patent application. (The novel’s Prologue reveals the eventual death of Hank’s sister, so providing this plot detail here isn’t a spoiler.) After his sister’s death about halfway through the narrative, Hank shifts from a frantic campaign to work with the bureaucracy, to a deadly assault against it.
Dale and Kaila Halling, the husband-and-wife writing team identified in the author line as “DK Halling,” have produced an entertaining first novel. It also communicates a disturbing message about the dangers of a federal bureaucracy that, regardless of its good or bad intentions, can effectively stifle innovation by picking “winners” and “losers” based on the government’s regulatory criteria rather than true merit. In the book, the bad guys in Washington sometimes echo Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged by rationalizing their misdeeds as measures to promote the “greater good.”
Pendulum of Justice is the first in a planned series of Hank Rangar novels, and a sneak peak of the second installment is provided at the end of this book. Thanks to the authors for giving us more to look forward to.
October 4, 2013
*I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review*
First of all let me say WOW! I feel like I just watched a movie in my head.
I have to admit the first half of the book was a little slow, but I understand the need for character development, and once all of the twists and turns and confrontations started to happen it was difficult to put down.
It dives into a world of business owners, inventors, patents, and government bureaucracies that is full of corruption, betrayal, and death. All the things a good techno-thriller needs.
Hank is a strong-minded, stay on track, stubborn kind of man, but he also has moments where you cross your fingers and hope things go his way because he just plain deserves it. He is surrounded by a strong support system including his family, a sister, brother-n-law, niece, and nephew, and his colleagues, Will, Warren, and Dr. Cody. Together they make you laugh, cry, and occasionally cringe.
All of the characters are well developed. Some you love, some you are born to hate, and some you feel sorry for. There's definitely no lack of emotional response to experience.
Most books I read the ending is usually obvious...not this one. I do not want to give anything away, but I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the ending. I'm looking forward to reading Trails of Injustice; scheduled to come out in 2014.
I would recommend this to anyone interested in a good techno-thriller.
My Confession: I had to make a cheat sheet to remember everyone’s names and which group of people they were part of so when I had to put it down I would remember who everyone was when I would see their name reappear.
First of all let me say WOW! I feel like I just watched a movie in my head.
I have to admit the first half of the book was a little slow, but I understand the need for character development, and once all of the twists and turns and confrontations started to happen it was difficult to put down.
It dives into a world of business owners, inventors, patents, and government bureaucracies that is full of corruption, betrayal, and death. All the things a good techno-thriller needs.
Hank is a strong-minded, stay on track, stubborn kind of man, but he also has moments where you cross your fingers and hope things go his way because he just plain deserves it. He is surrounded by a strong support system including his family, a sister, brother-n-law, niece, and nephew, and his colleagues, Will, Warren, and Dr. Cody. Together they make you laugh, cry, and occasionally cringe.
All of the characters are well developed. Some you love, some you are born to hate, and some you feel sorry for. There's definitely no lack of emotional response to experience.
Most books I read the ending is usually obvious...not this one. I do not want to give anything away, but I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the ending. I'm looking forward to reading Trails of Injustice; scheduled to come out in 2014.
I would recommend this to anyone interested in a good techno-thriller.
My Confession: I had to make a cheat sheet to remember everyone’s names and which group of people they were part of so when I had to put it down I would remember who everyone was when I would see their name reappear.
March 4, 2014
What happens when criminals run the government? In Dale and Kaila Halling’s riveting Pendulum of Justice, one victim takes the law into his own hands. Hank Rangar is a computer expert who tries to get start-up technology companies off the ground. His nemesis is the U.S. Patent Office, which interminably delays patent applications that are crucial for his companies’ business prospects and funding.
Behind the delays are the crony capitalism and corruption we’ve come to expect from our government. No crime is too heinous for the Brioni clad crooks who want to steal Rangar’s companies’ technologies and put them out of business―all in the public interest, of course. One of Ragnar’s start-ups has a technology that could cure his sister’s heart condition, but bureaucratic skullduggery threatens her life. Also in danger is his love interest, a beautiful reporter on the trail of behind-the-scenes criminality within the government.
It has been said that a person becomes a revolutionary when he is willing to lose everything, and you’ll cheer Ragnar’s chillingly ingenious revolt. The novel offers another reminder that as government gets bigger and more intrusive, it grows ever more arbitrary and corrupt. It could have been more tightly edited, but that’s a quibble against a fast paced, imaginative story with a refreshingly anti-statist theme. Pendulum of Justice, and the books that follow in the Hank Ragnar series, will find a widespread readership among the growing legions who distrust and despise our government and want to root for a hero who battles against it.
Behind the delays are the crony capitalism and corruption we’ve come to expect from our government. No crime is too heinous for the Brioni clad crooks who want to steal Rangar’s companies’ technologies and put them out of business―all in the public interest, of course. One of Ragnar’s start-ups has a technology that could cure his sister’s heart condition, but bureaucratic skullduggery threatens her life. Also in danger is his love interest, a beautiful reporter on the trail of behind-the-scenes criminality within the government.
It has been said that a person becomes a revolutionary when he is willing to lose everything, and you’ll cheer Ragnar’s chillingly ingenious revolt. The novel offers another reminder that as government gets bigger and more intrusive, it grows ever more arbitrary and corrupt. It could have been more tightly edited, but that’s a quibble against a fast paced, imaginative story with a refreshingly anti-statist theme. Pendulum of Justice, and the books that follow in the Hank Ragnar series, will find a widespread readership among the growing legions who distrust and despise our government and want to root for a hero who battles against it.
March 1, 2014
This review is for the Kindle edition ebook.
Disclosure: I was given my copy of this book by the author as a review copy.
Action, mystery, suspense, all rolled into one really good story.
A technological thriller, this is the story of how one man hoped to make a difference. What do you do when you have invented life-saving surgery that someone steals. How do you cope when the most important person in your life dies, because bureaucrats in government decide to help the thief?
I found this story particularly intriguing considering much of what is happening in United States government politics today. It is as much the story of "doing the right thing" as it is the story of government gone wrong. I love the persistence of the hero in this book, Hank Rangar. He never gives up, which would be so easy to do under the circumstances.
To be able a write a story of the latest or possible in the future technology and keep it in the modern age must be very difficult. The authors never state this technology is even plausible in today's world, but the reader is so drawn into the story that they might have difficulties separating fact from fiction.
If you enjoy modern technology fiction, this book fills that need nicely. It is fast paced, well written, and yet leaves enough to the readers imagination to hold their interest. I am looking forward to the next book by these authors.
Disclosure: I was given my copy of this book by the author as a review copy.
Action, mystery, suspense, all rolled into one really good story.
A technological thriller, this is the story of how one man hoped to make a difference. What do you do when you have invented life-saving surgery that someone steals. How do you cope when the most important person in your life dies, because bureaucrats in government decide to help the thief?
I found this story particularly intriguing considering much of what is happening in United States government politics today. It is as much the story of "doing the right thing" as it is the story of government gone wrong. I love the persistence of the hero in this book, Hank Rangar. He never gives up, which would be so easy to do under the circumstances.
To be able a write a story of the latest or possible in the future technology and keep it in the modern age must be very difficult. The authors never state this technology is even plausible in today's world, but the reader is so drawn into the story that they might have difficulties separating fact from fiction.
If you enjoy modern technology fiction, this book fills that need nicely. It is fast paced, well written, and yet leaves enough to the readers imagination to hold their interest. I am looking forward to the next book by these authors.
September 22, 2013
This suspense mystery novel was such a wonderful surprise. The hero is very cool, has to be handsome,sexy, clever and witty. Had enough romance to keep me involved in that plot as well. I couldln't put it down. I found it on kindle e books at amazon. There were plenty of exciting suspense filled moments. Her vocabulary was fresh and I liked the messages between the lines. The story was new. I couldn't figure out what was going to happen.Lots of high tech fun and adventure. I was cheering for the good guys. It reminded me of a mix of some of my favorite authors like Cussler and Patterson.
October 1, 2014
I received this book courteous of Goodreads First Reads in exchange for an honest review.
This is probably one of the fastest paced and exciting books I have read in awhile. The plot moved forward very quickly, especially in the latter half of the book. There was also quite of bit of geeky engineering and technology incorporated throughout the book, which I am a complete sucker for. Some of my favorite sections of the book were when they would get into the nitty gritty behind one of the inventions or technologies that Hank was working on.
Another criteria of mine for good fiction writing is emotional attachment to characters. Pendulum of Justice does a good job of making the characters relatable. I felt the characters triumphs and failures were my own. Also, the constant changing of point of view doesn't hinder the story at all, and I think enhanced some of the more suspenseful scenes.
Overall a great fast-paced read!
SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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The only reason I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5 was the questionable morality of Hank's decision to kill Morris. In Hank's mind he didn't have another option to deliver justice, but pacifist me just thinks that killing someone is never the right answer. While a complete sleazeball, Morris still had kids and a wife and people that cared about him, and the book barely questions Hank's "heroism" in killing a man in cold blood. Hank just gets to ride off into the sunset without consequences, and we're supposed to think he did the right thing? It's just not the message I would want to send to people if I were writing a book, that's all.
This is probably one of the fastest paced and exciting books I have read in awhile. The plot moved forward very quickly, especially in the latter half of the book. There was also quite of bit of geeky engineering and technology incorporated throughout the book, which I am a complete sucker for. Some of my favorite sections of the book were when they would get into the nitty gritty behind one of the inventions or technologies that Hank was working on.
Another criteria of mine for good fiction writing is emotional attachment to characters. Pendulum of Justice does a good job of making the characters relatable. I felt the characters triumphs and failures were my own. Also, the constant changing of point of view doesn't hinder the story at all, and I think enhanced some of the more suspenseful scenes.
Overall a great fast-paced read!
SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
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The only reason I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5 was the questionable morality of Hank's decision to kill Morris. In Hank's mind he didn't have another option to deliver justice, but pacifist me just thinks that killing someone is never the right answer. While a complete sleazeball, Morris still had kids and a wife and people that cared about him, and the book barely questions Hank's "heroism" in killing a man in cold blood. Hank just gets to ride off into the sunset without consequences, and we're supposed to think he did the right thing? It's just not the message I would want to send to people if I were writing a book, that's all.
December 21, 2013
Pendulum of Justice, while being a story, is a stark look at the realities of American government and its carnivorous impact on the individual, intellectual property and individual ambition. This story highlights many aspects of why America is in its decline.
January 20, 2024
What an excellent read! It took me awhile to get into it, probably the Christmas events got in the way but then I finished the bulk of the book in just two days. Was nearly impossible to put down. A great bunch of characters and a good amount of technical information that was fascinating. Loved Hank’s character and the fight he puts up against corruption, which unfortunately plagues us still. It was certainly an edge of the seat read and I can’t wait to read the next in the series. I am adding this husband and wife author team to my ‘authors I must read’ list! Highly recommended.
June 16, 2019
Reading this book was like watching the present day 'deep state or shadow government in action. This book was full of suspense and fast action. The characters were strong and well-developed. Once I started reading it was hard to stop. The hero in this book was wonderful and he wanted to do the right thing. A government full of corruption and self-absorption. This was a great book that I enjoyed very much. I read an arc and voluntarily chose to review.
June 19, 2014
Review in progress. (:
(Giving this book another chance despite the series of f-bombs in the Prologue...)
First off, I do not like the spacing used at ALL. It makes it very difficult to keep with the flow of the story, not to mention differentiate between scenes.
Secondly, this is not nearly as exciting as it sounded. Where's the heart-pounding movie-like action? It definitely isn't in pages 1-162.
Third, could not the character of Stanford Morris had his profanity bleeped out? Sheesh! F-bombs, much?
Overall, I'm sure some people will enjoy this book... I'm guessing mostly older guys, or technical-minded people who enjoy a plain read and aren't looking for any fantastical literary voyages to sweep them off their feet for an adventure (which there is nothing wrong with that, it just doesn't describe me personally).
(Giving this book another chance despite the series of f-bombs in the Prologue...)
First off, I do not like the spacing used at ALL. It makes it very difficult to keep with the flow of the story, not to mention differentiate between scenes.
Secondly, this is not nearly as exciting as it sounded. Where's the heart-pounding movie-like action? It definitely isn't in pages 1-162.
Third, could not the character of Stanford Morris had his profanity bleeped out? Sheesh! F-bombs, much?
Overall, I'm sure some people will enjoy this book... I'm guessing mostly older guys, or technical-minded people who enjoy a plain read and aren't looking for any fantastical literary voyages to sweep them off their feet for an adventure (which there is nothing wrong with that, it just doesn't describe me personally).
September 23, 2013
Who is Hank Rangar? He is a successful, innovative American man who finds himself, and the cure for his sister's medical condition, smack in the middle of D.C.'s corrupt, bureaucratic red tape. He soon realizes the forces that are supposed to protect his freedoms are actually working against him and everything he holds dear. What can a thinking, creative man do to fight such injustices, even while being hunted? Plenty! DK Halling did a superb job of writing a thriller which is not only eye opening and poignant, but also moving and motivational. A book that will make you stand up and take notice of things that have a way of staying below the radar.
Thank you DK Halling! I LOVED IT!
Thank you DK Halling! I LOVED IT!
November 28, 2015
I read the second book in the series first and thoroughly enjoyed it so I picked up this one as well. The author does a great job telling the story of Hank Rangar "with an A!" Halling's books seem to focus on technology and corruption which are my two favorite topics in a book. A must read if your into a thriller! I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
February 18, 2015
I think I would really give it 2.5 stars. It was a very interesting plot idea but way to much technical information. I also wanted more of a relationship with the main character and the reporter. I was surprised and maybe disappointed the way the main character chose to seek his revenge but I still liked him as a main character and would try another book in the series.
May 31, 2015
I could only judge this book OK.... Nothing wrong with the story, but the product (self published should not mean shoddy) was poor (by product I mean the way the book was physically put together.... Too many formatting, spelling and general mistakes kept leaping out to spoil my reading, plus some of the discriptions were poorly executed leaving me unable to picture what was going on.
November 11, 2013
This is the best god damn book I've ever read. Hank Rangar is a genius. This book shows you how ridiculous the government is. Whoever wrote this book must be a-god-damn-mazing.
October 25, 2015
A good adventure showing how politics destroys productivity and lives.
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