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Quest for Redemption
Placed on a medical leave of absence from the her job as an special agent in the National Protection and Investigation Unit, Mikala Flynn is a woman on the edge—guilt-ridden, depressed, battling war wounds and personal demons. The world and the relationships as she knew them no longer exist. Now, the streets of New York, the bottle, and anonymous sex have become her solace.
In the midst of a fire escape bender, Flynn overhears her crazy-like-a-fox grandmother and her art-world cronies planning a daring theft of a valuable historical document. Eventually Flynn crashes the party and agrees to take on the heist herself. Along the way, Flynn runs into, both literally and figuratively, her now wheelchair-bound best friend, an alluring, mysterious thief who throws multiple wrenches into the works, and the ex-love of her life.
Can Flynn pull off the job without falling victim to vodka and lost love…and somehow begin to find herself again along the way?
In the midst of a fire escape bender, Flynn overhears her crazy-like-a-fox grandmother and her art-world cronies planning a daring theft of a valuable historical document. Eventually Flynn crashes the party and agrees to take on the heist herself. Along the way, Flynn runs into, both literally and figuratively, her now wheelchair-bound best friend, an alluring, mysterious thief who throws multiple wrenches into the works, and the ex-love of her life.
Can Flynn pull off the job without falling victim to vodka and lost love…and somehow begin to find herself again along the way?
Unknown Binding
Published February 15, 2020
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24 people want to read
About the author
Jessie Chandler
20 books101 followers Jessie Chandler is the award-winning author of the Shay O'Hanlon Caper series, the Operation Series, and the Art Thief Series.
Chandler lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with her wife and two mutts, Fozzy Bear and Ollie. In the fall and winter, Jessie writes, and spends her summers selling T-shirts and other assorted trinkets to unsuspecting conference and festival goers. You can visit her at www.jessiechandler.com
Chandler lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with her wife and two mutts, Fozzy Bear and Ollie. In the fall and winter, Jessie writes, and spends her summers selling T-shirts and other assorted trinkets to unsuspecting conference and festival goers. You can visit her at www.jessiechandler.com
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 21, 2020
3.25 Stars. Interesting read and not what I was expecting at all. This was an odd mix for me. Parts I really enjoyed, others not so much. I have read Chandler before but this book felt very different than her others. Not because this wasn’t one of her mysteries, but because it had a really different feel. This is not an easy one to rate and I’m definitely torn.
In the Acknowledgment section, Chandler mentions that this book was a struggle to write that took her over three years. I think part of the issue is you can kind of sense that. While I like Chandler’s writing, she tried to tell this epic story and I think it was all too much. This book is actually about four different parts. Part one is a sweet YA story that I really enjoyed. Part two was about joining Homeland Security because of what happened on 9-11. Part three was agent Flynn dealing with deliberating PTDS and alcoholism. And finally part four was actually about an art heist. That is a lot right there. You take pick any one of those parts and that would be enough for a full book right there. Instead using all four was just so much to pack all in and I felt like the book was a little disjointed at times.
Another problem with packing so much into the book is that we are left with loose ends hanging all over. There was just too much to fit into an average length lesfic book. Unfortunately, two of the most interesting storylines, in my opinion, are left hanging. Not only that but a new mystery pops up in the last few pages, so the story feels even more incomplete. If a book ever screamed for a sequel, this would be one. My problem is I don’t know if Chandler wants to come back here. The way she had issues with this book does that mean she is done? I wish I knew for certain that this was the start of a series because it would actually affect my rating more positively if it was. Right now, not knowing if all these threads will be left hanging has to affect my rating.
Let me go on to the good parts. I really enjoyed part one which was the YA romance storyline. The main characters are both really likeable and their story is really sweet. It was tough to read about 9-11. After all these years it still affects me but it didn’t take over the book and most of part one was really sweet and not sad. While I am putting the romance tag on this book, it’s not a full length romance. Most of it is the YA romance and then the book changes with other parts. This is not a book to read looking for a romance.
I thought the PTSD and the main character Flynn drowning in alcohol was well written and realistic. Flynn’s character I liked from the beginning but she never had the self-confidence she needed, since being a child, so it was hard for her to fight the self-doubt demons. Because her character is likeable it was east to root for her and hope she will admit that she needs help.
The final part four was pretty fun and entertaining. I can’t help but enjoy heist type book and movies so I did like the end of the book. There was some light humor and the art history was really interesting too. Chandler had a chance to close a big storyline with the heist but didn’t and instead it left more questions than answers. So again it left me really hoping a book two is coming.
This is a bit of an oddball book and not an easy one for me to rate. Parts of the story I really liked, I just wished all four parts were not jammed into one book. This had the potential to be a book I loved but it didn’t come together for me. If there is a book two I will absolutely read it. I’m crossing my fingers and pinning my hopes on a sequel. This is not one I can really recommend but I would not say stay away either. There are parts here that I know readers will enjoy, it just has some issue too.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
In the Acknowledgment section, Chandler mentions that this book was a struggle to write that took her over three years. I think part of the issue is you can kind of sense that. While I like Chandler’s writing, she tried to tell this epic story and I think it was all too much. This book is actually about four different parts. Part one is a sweet YA story that I really enjoyed. Part two was about joining Homeland Security because of what happened on 9-11. Part three was agent Flynn dealing with deliberating PTDS and alcoholism. And finally part four was actually about an art heist. That is a lot right there. You take pick any one of those parts and that would be enough for a full book right there. Instead using all four was just so much to pack all in and I felt like the book was a little disjointed at times.
Another problem with packing so much into the book is that we are left with loose ends hanging all over. There was just too much to fit into an average length lesfic book. Unfortunately, two of the most interesting storylines, in my opinion, are left hanging. Not only that but a new mystery pops up in the last few pages, so the story feels even more incomplete. If a book ever screamed for a sequel, this would be one. My problem is I don’t know if Chandler wants to come back here. The way she had issues with this book does that mean she is done? I wish I knew for certain that this was the start of a series because it would actually affect my rating more positively if it was. Right now, not knowing if all these threads will be left hanging has to affect my rating.
Let me go on to the good parts. I really enjoyed part one which was the YA romance storyline. The main characters are both really likeable and their story is really sweet. It was tough to read about 9-11. After all these years it still affects me but it didn’t take over the book and most of part one was really sweet and not sad. While I am putting the romance tag on this book, it’s not a full length romance. Most of it is the YA romance and then the book changes with other parts. This is not a book to read looking for a romance.
I thought the PTSD and the main character Flynn drowning in alcohol was well written and realistic. Flynn’s character I liked from the beginning but she never had the self-confidence she needed, since being a child, so it was hard for her to fight the self-doubt demons. Because her character is likeable it was east to root for her and hope she will admit that she needs help.
The final part four was pretty fun and entertaining. I can’t help but enjoy heist type book and movies so I did like the end of the book. There was some light humor and the art history was really interesting too. Chandler had a chance to close a big storyline with the heist but didn’t and instead it left more questions than answers. So again it left me really hoping a book two is coming.
This is a bit of an oddball book and not an easy one for me to rate. Parts of the story I really liked, I just wished all four parts were not jammed into one book. This had the potential to be a book I loved but it didn’t come together for me. If there is a book two I will absolutely read it. I’m crossing my fingers and pinning my hopes on a sequel. This is not one I can really recommend but I would not say stay away either. There are parts here that I know readers will enjoy, it just has some issue too.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
February 27, 2020
Quest for Redemption by Jessie Chandler is an interesting read, though it is also quite different from the blurb that comes with the novel. This book actually tells about the life of Mikala Flynn from her teens in the early 2000’s until 2016. A good half of this novel is what I would consider a young adult book, and a very good one I would add. Its main purpose is to give the reader the information they need to understand Flynn’s choices and what happens in the second half of the book.
The second half is where the blurb comes into play. Flynn is now home from her job as a special agent in the National Protection and Investigation Unit. She is suffering from PTSD and all its symptoms as she tries to reintegrate back into everyday life. It is not easy and causes a lot of angst for her and those around her.
This is a well-written story, though at times it is hard to read. I kept wanting to slap Flynn on the back of her head and yell at her to open her eyes and see what she is missing. This means, of course, that I became invested in her which shows how well Ms. Chandler developed that character.
I liked the overall story. It is well written with realistic characters and plot. It felt a bit like I was reading two different books sometimes, which confused me for a while, but I eventually saw the connection.
I do need to mention a couple of trigger warnings. There is a part concerning 9/11 in the first half of the novel. In the second half, there is a lot about PTSD and its symptoms. If either of these would cause problems, I suggest you try another of Ms. Chandler’s novels. Otherwise, if you like a good angsty novel about a young woman growing up and overcoming some pretty big life traumas, try this book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections: http://rainbowreflections.home.com/
The second half is where the blurb comes into play. Flynn is now home from her job as a special agent in the National Protection and Investigation Unit. She is suffering from PTSD and all its symptoms as she tries to reintegrate back into everyday life. It is not easy and causes a lot of angst for her and those around her.
This is a well-written story, though at times it is hard to read. I kept wanting to slap Flynn on the back of her head and yell at her to open her eyes and see what she is missing. This means, of course, that I became invested in her which shows how well Ms. Chandler developed that character.
I liked the overall story. It is well written with realistic characters and plot. It felt a bit like I was reading two different books sometimes, which confused me for a while, but I eventually saw the connection.
I do need to mention a couple of trigger warnings. There is a part concerning 9/11 in the first half of the novel. In the second half, there is a lot about PTSD and its symptoms. If either of these would cause problems, I suggest you try another of Ms. Chandler’s novels. Otherwise, if you like a good angsty novel about a young woman growing up and overcoming some pretty big life traumas, try this book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bella Books for an honest review.
Rainbow Reflections: http://rainbowreflections.home.com/
February 20, 2020
As I write this, I am reminded of what Thumper said in that classic movie, Bambi.
"If you don't have nothin' nice to say, don't say nothin' at all."
I do have some nice things to say about this book, but I wish I had more.
First - the not so positive.
The blurb and most of the book don't match up. For the entire first third, I was wondering when the events in the blurb were going to transpire. I was beginning to wonder if a mistake had been made. Nope, no mistake. Eventually, we get there. I found it frustrating how long it took, though.
Because I believe in ending on a good note, I leave you with the best parts.
The growing relationship between Flynn and Kate was so sweet to watch. It was nice to see class disparity rise above the trope. I had no trouble at all visualizing and hearing the characters. In my opinion, the characters are the best part of this. I really did feel the angst and personal torture in Flynn's heart in the latter half of this book.
There are some humdingers of lines.
"Two months flew by like an open-throttled crotch rocket on a deserted highway."
"...slower than pine sap leaking from a wound in a tree."
They certainly do leave an impression!
Overall, it's an okay book that I wanted to love...but just couldn't. I liked it, but there's no love.
"If you don't have nothin' nice to say, don't say nothin' at all."
I do have some nice things to say about this book, but I wish I had more.
First - the not so positive.
The blurb and most of the book don't match up. For the entire first third, I was wondering when the events in the blurb were going to transpire. I was beginning to wonder if a mistake had been made. Nope, no mistake. Eventually, we get there. I found it frustrating how long it took, though.
Because I believe in ending on a good note, I leave you with the best parts.
The growing relationship between Flynn and Kate was so sweet to watch. It was nice to see class disparity rise above the trope. I had no trouble at all visualizing and hearing the characters. In my opinion, the characters are the best part of this. I really did feel the angst and personal torture in Flynn's heart in the latter half of this book.
There are some humdingers of lines.
"Two months flew by like an open-throttled crotch rocket on a deserted highway."
"...slower than pine sap leaking from a wound in a tree."
They certainly do leave an impression!
Overall, it's an okay book that I wanted to love...but just couldn't. I liked it, but there's no love.
February 19, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley and Bella Books for the early review copy.
Trigger Warnings: 9/11, past trauma, attempted sexual assault.
Mikala Flynn has been placed on medical leave from her job at the National Protection and Investigation Unit. Lost in a haze of alcohol and flashbacks, she spends her days aimlessly wandering New York City and staying with her quirky and whipsmart grandmother, “Tubs.” When she hears Tubs and her friends hatching a plan to steal an antique document, she gets roped into the scheme, and when she runs into her ex girlfriend, old feelings start bubbling to the surface.
Ok. So that’s the basic summary, right? Yeah. Okay. But it’s not the whole story. This book covers a lot of ground. In fact, we spend the first chunk of the book catching up on Flynn’s life. We follow her and her (now) ex, Kate, as they meet, become unlikely friends, fall in love, and break up. Though the heist is kind of the central story in the second half of the book, the first half doesn’t even mention it.
I enjoyed this book well enough. I am not sure if there will be a sequel, but it’s set up that way, and though I was a little disappointed with the resolution, most things got wrapped up okay. I loved Tubs and was rooting for Flynn to get her shit together and go after her lost love. Her best friend, Joey, was a great character, and more representation of differently abled people = more better.
This story has a little bit of everything. Love, tragedy, redemption, intrigue, a heist, so if you’re in the mood for something a little offbeat, check it out.
Trigger Warnings: 9/11, past trauma, attempted sexual assault.
Mikala Flynn has been placed on medical leave from her job at the National Protection and Investigation Unit. Lost in a haze of alcohol and flashbacks, she spends her days aimlessly wandering New York City and staying with her quirky and whipsmart grandmother, “Tubs.” When she hears Tubs and her friends hatching a plan to steal an antique document, she gets roped into the scheme, and when she runs into her ex girlfriend, old feelings start bubbling to the surface.
Ok. So that’s the basic summary, right? Yeah. Okay. But it’s not the whole story. This book covers a lot of ground. In fact, we spend the first chunk of the book catching up on Flynn’s life. We follow her and her (now) ex, Kate, as they meet, become unlikely friends, fall in love, and break up. Though the heist is kind of the central story in the second half of the book, the first half doesn’t even mention it.
I enjoyed this book well enough. I am not sure if there will be a sequel, but it’s set up that way, and though I was a little disappointed with the resolution, most things got wrapped up okay. I loved Tubs and was rooting for Flynn to get her shit together and go after her lost love. Her best friend, Joey, was a great character, and more representation of differently abled people = more better.
This story has a little bit of everything. Love, tragedy, redemption, intrigue, a heist, so if you’re in the mood for something a little offbeat, check it out.
February 18, 2020
This story...starts a bit slow, however there is purpose to it. As each story it needs a little explanation to what happens later. Flynn is amazing person with a lot on her shoulders! I love her character and I wonder if there is book #2 in the making! I cannot imagine the guilt and PTSD she had to deal with! Not to give out much, this story picks up and takes you places!
March 10, 2020
I’ve had the pleasure of reading other works by Ms Chandler so when I was given this book to review I thought, Great, I really like her books. But what I was expecting and what I got wasn’t what I was used to.
The blurb usually describes what, as readers, we have to look forward to but this time the blurb did not match what was written, which threw me off a bit but I preserved and managed to read the whole book. I admit there were times I just wanted to give up but something kept me coming back. I have a feeling you might feel the same way but after a few chapters I’m pretty sure you will want to continue.
Mikala Flynn works as an agent for the National Protection and Investigation Unit. That was until she’s put on medical leave,which some at the agency thought would help her and it probably would but for the dependence on alcohol along with anonmous sex, is Flynn’s way of dealing with her depression. Flynn joined the agency after being primely raised by her grandmother ‘Tubs’. And now that she’s on leave instead of turning her life around she finds life with Tub’s is exactly where she should be, seeing as her grandmother, along with her GM’s friends has decided to steal a valuable document.
Of course there are a few obstacles that impede Flynn in her quest including running into the friends that were once a part of Flynn’s life. This is where it gets really interesting.’ Ms Chandler’s book is a pretty good read if you can stick with it. I hope you can.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bella Books
The blurb usually describes what, as readers, we have to look forward to but this time the blurb did not match what was written, which threw me off a bit but I preserved and managed to read the whole book. I admit there were times I just wanted to give up but something kept me coming back. I have a feeling you might feel the same way but after a few chapters I’m pretty sure you will want to continue.
Mikala Flynn works as an agent for the National Protection and Investigation Unit. That was until she’s put on medical leave,which some at the agency thought would help her and it probably would but for the dependence on alcohol along with anonmous sex, is Flynn’s way of dealing with her depression. Flynn joined the agency after being primely raised by her grandmother ‘Tubs’. And now that she’s on leave instead of turning her life around she finds life with Tub’s is exactly where she should be, seeing as her grandmother, along with her GM’s friends has decided to steal a valuable document.
Of course there are a few obstacles that impede Flynn in her quest including running into the friends that were once a part of Flynn’s life. This is where it gets really interesting.’ Ms Chandler’s book is a pretty good read if you can stick with it. I hope you can.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bella Books
June 22, 2022
I found Quest For Redemption a very compelling read. I was pulled in from the very start (2001) at the relationship building of Kate and Flynn as teenagers, both engaging and appealing characters you want to root for as individuals and together. It does get dark, with 9/11 having a direct and tragic impact on them, and then going off in different directions after college (2007) to pursue very different dreams. Then it jumps to 2016 when Flynn is on leave after a horrific experience as part of her job in law enforcement and anti-terrorism. Her struggles with substance abuse, PTSD and self-blame are gut-wrenching. There is a fun “heist” story in the mix and it ends on a small upswing for Flynn’s struggles, with multiple open storylines begging for a next in series. I read it quickly, which is always how I know I really really like a book!
March 27, 2020
Jessie Chandler handed us a great read! Loved how she introduced us to Flynn in three parts. The early years and how Flynn got to where she is today paved the way nicely. Action-packed. Flynn draws the reader in...all the characters do, actually. Fully fleshed out characters that meld and carry the reader on the waves of action and bring us down to grab a breath before carrying us back up again. Love the Art Squad and Tubs! Dante is an enigma that we'll hopefully see again in future installments of the series. And will Kate and Flynn get back together? Superb writing...funny...dark...powerful. Jessie Chandler poured her all into this book...Loved it!
September 22, 2020
Great.
I enjoyed Quest for Redemption. A little strange. Gaps in the timing and narration. Unhandled PTSD. With a romance running thru.
I enjoyed Quest for Redemption. A little strange. Gaps in the timing and narration. Unhandled PTSD. With a romance running thru.
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