Review My Thriller discussion

This discussion group is for all books that are being read or those that have been reviewed by one of our members. Please leave your thoughts, recommendations, and hopefully kind words to the authors.
Thank you

I have recently added a political thriller by Larry Temple 100 Days of Terror. This is his first book and just read the first 50 pages this morning. For a first book, thus far it is impressive. A full review on Amazon and Goodreads will follow. Please check it out on our Bookshelf.

Circumstantial Truth by Ian Welch:
After losing his future wife to his best friend, Zack Carmichael finds himself set up for murder he did not commit. After wrongly being sent to jail, he vows to clear his name and find the actual criminal who perpetrated the crime. However, the same best friend who stole his future wife is now involved with the people behind the crime. With a detective breathing down his back, Zack needs to both save his friend and catch the criminals without being sent back to jail by an overly ambitious detective wants to further his career.
Welch’s page-turning mystery thriller is a must read. It’s a well thought-out and exquisitely written novel that will keep your heart pounding throughout the entire story. I would highly recommend it!

Hi Stephen,

I have posted a review of The Final Reality on Amazon.co.ok, Amazon.com, and Goodreads. If anyone would like to read the review, here it is:

Brian O'Hare rated it 5 stars

My first thought on finishing The Final Reality by Steven Martino was that this writer has a monumental general knowledge and an imagination without equal. The author’s hugely fertile brain has enabled him to create precise and ornate scenes of the most alien nature. The book is full of such writing and it almost seems as if the author had visited some alien planet and was reporting back exactly what he saw there.

The Final Reality is the story of a ruthless megalomaniac, Jules Windsor, who wants to destroy part of the earth and become sole ruler of what remains. An old friend, but now an implacable enemy, Alex Pella, is all that stands between Jules and his insane plans. Alex, however, is facing a foe without a moral compass and who is, therefore, beyond pity or empathy. How can Alex, straight-jacketed by his own integrity, hope to gain advantage over such an adversary?

The book becomes an extraordinary chase through a surreal landscape that is both future earth and ancient earth, with a mind-boggling clash of technologies that were created millennia apart. Despite the danger posed by Jules as he remorselessly pursues his nemesis, the real threat comes from the disintegrating world around them. Windsor’s meddling with ancient artefacts has disrupted the balance of the world, and explosions, earthquakes, collapsing tunnels eons old, cause land to sink into seas and continents to be reshaped, threatening the destruction of the entire planet.

As the climax approaches, the warriors endure a long, tense, disintegration of Nan Madol. Tension is sustained throughout as the small team struggles to simply stay on the earth to battle on. But Alex has come into the possession of an ancient shield, a shield possessed of a technology beyond the understanding of even Alex or Jules, two of the towering intellects of their era. Can Alex and his team find the way to use this shield to prevent a global catastrophe and save humanity?

Not being a particular fan of sci-fi, I had trouble suspending disbelief to the extent that I could genuinely believe that in fifty years time, science will have so changed, that man will gain such control of the natural forces of the earth and its geography, that he could easily destroy it. But here is a story filled with real history, real technology, real science and real geography. Martino’s imagination takes the reader to places of unprecedented fascination. For some readers, the depth and detail of the descriptions might cause some interruption to the flow of the story and, perhaps, a little cerebral overload, but for the most part, one can only stare and admire.

This is a marvellous story, and a marvellous series, a must for sci-fi fans who like their fantasy mixed with erudition, truth, real science and real technology. An amazing literary achievement!

Brian wrote: "Hi Stephen,

I have posted a review of The Final Reality on Amazon.co.ok, Amazon.com, and Goodreads. If anyone would like to read the review, here it is:

Brian O'Hare rated it 5 stars

My first th..."
Thank you Brian. Your kind words are much appreciated!

I am interested in swapping reviews for my new Sundog Series Western No. 4. Ranger Creek & the Gunslinger.

https://www.amazon.com/Ranger-Creek-G...

From Eagles pass with a knife fight to the death of two half Cherokee mountain men. To brief encounters with Lopez the Outlaw and his torturous ways. Ranger Creek of the Laredo Texas Rangers encounters the challenge of his lifetime in the face of staggering odds against Kiowa Warrior Braves on the trail to hell along the River Rio Grande. On to confront the well-known Texan Gunslinger King Fisher and his gang. Finally chasing the woman outlaw and stagecoach robber Bella Star, west across the Texan Badlands. Ash Lingam has created a true old-style Western Lawman in the manner of such greats as Sergio Leone, Charles Portis, and Larry McMurtry with a taste of Quentin Tarantino. A true Western Adventure. (Sundog Series Vol. 4)

Contact me here at Good Reads or via

ashlingamwriter@gmail.com

I just finished reading The Steampunk-Electric Puppy. My review is as follows:

The Steampunk-Electric Puppy is a quick and fun read with some modern day political relevance. Though taking place in the future, current pop cultural and political references give this read an entertaining twist. The book follows a young ten-year old girl with extraordinary talents on an amusing quest to reclaim a mysterious relic from the past. Overall, it was an enjoyable read to which I would recommend.

I just finished reading this highly entertaining novel by David Tayler Origin of Chaos:
David Taylor’s Origin of Chaos is a masterful coming of age book where the main character first discovers his skills while being pummeled by a bunch of bullies. While so many of us wish we had some sort of special powers to help us through though our tough adolescent years, David learns of both his special gift and how he must use his talents to save humanity from an age-long war. This book was a remarkably quick read with an excellent plot, realistic dialog, and page-turning adventure. I would highly recommend this book to all those Harry Potter fans out there and those that enjoy reading hidden gems within the indie publishing industry.

On this snowy NJ day I finished this excellent political thriller by Brian Roberts: Silent Justice.
Roberts kept me spellbound with his latest novel, Silent Justice. The novel is a combination military/political thriller that blurs the line between protagonist and antagonist. When the President of the United States orders killings of United States citizens in the name of justice, a moral line is drawn that lets the reader debate both the ethical and humanitarian ramifications of such a decision. As the collateral damage rises and the assassinations spill into neighboring Mexico, the president’s entire covert plot begins to crash unceremoniously down both on him and all his accomplices. Silent Justice is a must read, and with a sequel seemingly in the works, I look forward to reading Roberts’ next novel.

I finished Deadly Atonement a novella by Dave Edlund last night.
The plot is intriguing: An agent marked by her past, who is now forced to play by her own rules to stay alive. Family and Loyalty vs Treachery and Evil. The story is filled with action and a sense of urgency, suspense spiced with intrigue, and technology straight from the headlines laced with a generous helping of terror. Something for everyone. The characters were unique, well-defined and believable. I found this novella exciting from start to finish and strongly recommend this book for anyone who loves a real page-turner. Couldn’t put it aside till I finished. You won’t be able to, either. (Posted: GR, Zon.us, Zon.uk)

Nice review!

I'd like to place a review of Edge of the Future: A Techno Thriller Science Fiction Novel. Though I write futuristic thrillers, I have not read a futuristic/military thriller in over 30 years. Luckily, I waited just long enough to find this gem:

Edge of the Future is an action-packed futuristic thriller. Taking place 150 years in the future, the Earth has essentially set aside its borders and countries are working together for a common goal after the last planetary war- much like Star Trek. However, not everyone shares in this utopian vision. Beth Coulter, a mastermind with the cunning, skill, and foresight of Sir Author Conan Doyle’s Moriarti, has been steeling military secrets and has amassed a small army of cyborgs and other future military inventions to pursue her nefarious goals. I had not read this genre in almost 30 years. However, I am very glad that I chose Edge of the Future by Andria Stone to rekindle my interest in it.

Stephen wrote: "I'd like to place a review of Edge of the Future: A Techno Thriller Science Fiction Novel. Though I write futuristic thrillers, I have not read a futuristic/military thriller in ove..."

Thank you, Steve. I am truly humbled by your kind words (especially liked the reference to "Moriarty"--priceless).
Andria

Andria wrote: "Stephen wrote: "I'd like to place a review of Edge of the Future: A Techno Thriller Science Fiction Novel. Though I write futuristic thrillers, I have not read a futuristic/military..."
Thank you

Good evening!

I am looking for some reviews of my thriller, The Chaos Of Change. Currently my reading queue is 0, and would love to set up some exchange reviews.

Let me know if you’re interested. Below are the details.

Cheers,

J. T. Riggen

A second revolution...A second civil war...New-age American heroes will rise and fall...The struggle in the new world begins.

Welcome to the imminent future: the American political gap is maximized; the individual states have begun clamoring for the disbandment of their federal government for its lack of stability; multiple power-hungry groups lick their chops at the thought of grabbing the reigns of the United States of America. And then a nation defining incident occurs, Article V of the U.S. Constitution is activated, and three sovereign territories come into existence.

But this hardly bothers Thaddeus Jackson – the son of a popular former president – who had money, fame, and a promising career in politics…until he ran away to the Alaskan wilderness to live in peace away from his family and the growing civil unrest.

What few know is that an elite group – led by Shane Wallace, Director of the CIA – has taken action. They recruit the very hesitant Thaddeus to be part of a diplomatic team tasked to negotiate the seemingly impossible peace between the liberal leaders of the North and his dysfunctional, republican family that now runs the South. The team includes Lozen Kyway, a highly-trained female agent turned bodyguard; Dr. Andreas Albrecht, a brilliant engineer and scientist who believes he’s discovered a truly sustainable, albeit dangerous, energy source; and Tomas Martinez, the former Vice President.

This elite group, and all its supporting team, will come together in a race against the clock to divert the territories away from war. New-age patriots will rise and fall, and new threats to democracy – never before imagined – will emerge from the shadows. Can the well-intentioned come together fast enough to ward off war in the states? Whose intentions are noble? Whose are full of malicious intent? Prepare yourself for an American era teeming with espionage, lies, murder, manipulation...The Chaos of Change!

https://www.amazon.com/Chaos-Change-t...

Hi J.T.
I actually already purchased a Kindle version of your novel. I'm half way through my current novel and plan to read yours next. It looks really good. I'd be happy to do an exchange for my newest novel, The Final Reality.
Thanks,
Steve

Stephen, sounds good! I’ll get your book today.

Talk soon,

JT

I am interested in swapping a read and review with someone for my new Western novel:

Texas Ranger Creek's Old West Adventures. Sundog Series 5

After surviving the battle of Kiowa Hill, Texas Ranger Captain Creek returns to Laredo to find the outlaw Bella Star is on the run and heading his way. Creek, his Texas Rangers, and two Tonkawa Scouts are on her trail giving chase across the State of Texas to the New Mexican border. Run-ins with Comanche Warriors, Liberty Valdez, and the gunfighter James Butler Hickok among other famous Old West characters. The lawman Creek continues to fight to keep the Texan violence at bay. From gunslingers to Mountain Men, these are the Tales and Western Adventures of Captain Creek and his Rangers. The period is the decade of eighteen-sixty. The location, Texas. Hell is coming to breakfast!
(Sundog Series Vol. #5)

https://www.amazon.com/Texas-Ranger-C...

If interested my email is ashlingamwriter@gmail.com Cheers...

I finished The New Reality by Stephen Martino this evening:
Seriously, The New Reality is a non-stop roller coaster ride medical thriller with touches of near-future technology (which I loved), and a likable MacGyver-esque scientist as the hero. It features a list of well-drawn characters, some humorous, others just the opposite. The plot weaves together geopolitical intrigue, manipulation of the world’s monetary system, and tops it all off with a planet-wide lethal pandemic wiping out entire countries—while the clock is ticking in a final countdown for the human race. Our hero and his friends must race against time throughout Europe, while trying to avoid by capture by nefarious anti-Western faction, as they follow a mysterious man promising a path to a cure. A great ending!
(Posted: GR, Zon.us, Zon.uk)

Loved Edge of the Future by Andria Stone
This futuristic thriller is set in the not-too-distant future when humankind is just beginning to settle space, beginning with the moon and Mars. Although I usually shy away from sci-fi, I found myself inextricably drawn into Edge of the Future with every page. Author Stone uses the Portland metropolitan area (Oregon) for some of the scenes, an appreciated homage to those readers (like myself) who hail from the Pacific Northwest. This story is rich with many important characters, and their relationships and personalities are developed nicely. But make no mistake, this is an action thriller, and it moves at a brisk tempo. It’s a nice change in pace from more mainstream plots, and highly recommended to thriller fans. Five Stars!

I just finished Immortal Descent and was pleasantly surprised by the author's well-refined writing-especially since it was her first novel:

I feel honored to have received and ARC copy of Immortal Descent. The story immediately captivated me from the first page. The author’s writing style and plot progression were that of a well-seasoned writer and not of one who is publishing her first novel. The main character, Ethan, is reminiscent of a young Harry Potter or Spiderman after just acquiring their special powers. After Ethan transforms into a “Lorn”, he is confronted by whole new world living in the underbelly of humanity. Not only does he have to confront the uniqueness of his new abilities, but he is also prematurely thrust into an age-old battle dating back to biblical times. Will Ethan learn to use his abilities wisely or be tricked into wielding them prematurely for those undeserving of his gift? The novel will keep you in suspense until the end. Immortal Descent is a must read, and I would highly recommend to all those who enjoy a good thriller.

Dave wrote: "Loved Edge of the Future by Andria Stone
This futuristic thriller is set in the not-too-distant future when humankin..."

Thanks a lot, Dave. I appreciate your warm review (especially glad you liked the Portland scenes--my family lived there).
Andria

Based on the book blurb, I had expected a plot that was roughly based on outlandish theories about the Voynich Manuscript and alien lifeforms, or undiscovered ancient civilizations. That is not this book. Instead, Lancashire delivers a thoughtful—as in Hitchcockian—mystery. The ending is sure to surprise. However, I found the lengthy dialogue in Albanian along with the excessive use of parenthetical clauses, to be both unnecessary and distracting. If you love a good mystery, The Voynich Deception is worth reading. But don’t be misled by the title, the Voynich Manuscript is not the foundation of this story.

I just read The Chaos of Change by J.T. Riggen. Though fiction, the plot unfolds as if it could really occur in today's world. It made me nervous to think of what the future may hold for our country:

The Chaos of Change provides an interesting glimpse of what the future may hold for an already divided United States. The scenario which eventually unravels the union seems more likely every time I read the news. As political differences among left and right-wing America increases and as the main stream media continues to politicize and denigrate American values, tensions are at an all high since the Civil War. Chaos of Change introduces a complex plot of what could possibly unfold if the federal government dissolves and the former United States dissolves into a second Civil War. Overall the plot was all too real and honestly made me nervous to think of what the future holds for our great country. I already look forward to the sequel and am anxious to read how this series will progress.

I know this was not a thriller but I had to put a review on this site. I had the pleasure of meeting the author Timothy Payne and heard some of his hard-hitting story first hand. His novel, Chosen, is a self published book in which recalls his military experience, catastrophic injuries on the battlefield, and spiritual transformation. Though not a professional writer, Timothy's story is certainly moving. I would recommend getting to know him better through his web page prior to reading the novel. I will give you more insight and appreciation of his book: http://www.chosenleadership.com/. My review is as follows:

Chosen by Timothy Payne is a hard-hitting firsthand account of how one man’s combat tragedy resurrected him from a physically and mentally broken-down soldier into a true messenger of God’s holy word. I was compelled reading about Timothy’s combat experience and the trauma he suffered after being blown up by an IED. What was more compelling was how he found meaning in his life through reading scripture and finding parallels in it to his own life experiences. The book will motivate you to become a better person, and you will begin to truly appreciate what dangers our soldiers face on the battlefield.

I feel honored to have met Timothy and heard some of his story first hand. He is a true American hero and will continue to serve both God and country as long as he lives.

Hey there, Thriller writers and readers!

I have a short-story thriller series out right now. Book one and two are available! I am looking for some early Goodreads and Amazon reviews, and have no problem doing a review swap! Let me know if interested.

This story takes place on a Native American reservation where an American 'business' family has built a city. What follows is nothing short of a modern day, Shakespearean tragedy. I think that Cassidy Parrish will go down as one of the best anti-heroines in present day literature (I may be, just slightly, biased :)

Book one: Freetown: The Life and Death of Cassidy Parrish. There has never been, nor will there ever be, anything as special as the love between a mother and her son. Cassidy Parrish will go on a journey, worthy of a Shakespearean Tragedy, and bring an entire city to its knees to prove just how strong that bond can be.

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Freetown-Life-...

Book two: Freetown: The Legacy of Trigger Finger. David Santos WAS a lot of things: a hero, a hard worker, big-hearted, a great detective, and a crack shot — the old “Trigger Finger”. Now, heʼs one of the many Native American reservation shadows living on the edge of poverty. His kids — gone. His wife — gone. His name synonymous with failure and weakness — the new “Trigger Finger”. One day, a con-woman named Cassidy Parrish stumbles into Santos's life, and his last viable chance to repair his legacy begins. What is Trigger Finger willing to do to restore credibility and respect to his name? This is Santosʼs story.

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Freetown-Trigg...

If you are interested in reading/reviewing, let me know,

J. T. Riggen

Hi J.T. No book swap needed. I just picked up the first book on Kindle. I am looking forward to giving it a read.

Thanks, Stephen! Appreciate it and hope you enjoy!

JT

Financed by a billionaire philanthropist, this elite team—a soldier, a historian, a computer whiz, a weapons expert, and a thief—is tasked with finding the world’s most legendary treasures.

Fearing a German victory in WWI, the Romanian government signed a deal with Russia to protect the country’s treasures. In 1916, two trains full of gold and the most precious possessions of the Romanian state—paintings, jewelry, and ancient artifacts—were sent to the underground vaults of the Kremlin. But in the turmoil of war, the Romanian treasure was scattered and lost.

The collection is now valued at over $3.5 billion. Despite several attempts to find it, its location has remained a mystery…until now.

Once it gets going, The Hunters moves at a good pace for an action thriller, and uses an interesting and diverse cast of characters. Hired by a mysterious and uber-wealthy patron to find a treasure secreted away from Romania at the turn of the 20th Century, our band of treasure hunters faces a daunting challenge. But if successful, they all stand to make millions. They follow a trail into the Carpathian Mountains and eventually on to the eastern edge of Siberia.

My only complaint is that it takes a bit too much time to get into the treasure hunt, as the reader is distracted by minor plots that, in my opinion, add little to the story. Overall, a very good read, and highly recommended. Five stars.