Review of The Beautiful Land by Alan Averill

The Beautiful Land  on Goodreads
The Beautiful Land on Amazon
Things Difficult to Say  -- Link to Alan Averill's website

I received this book through the Goodreads First-Reads program.

I'm not sure that I can adequately describe just how much I loved this book, but I am certainly going to try. Takahiro O'Leary and Samira Moheb are the most unlikely of heroes, but they set out to save the world just the same. The way that time travel and alternate realities are described like a stack of pancakes is brilliant. Samira is utterly one hundred percent believable as a shattered war veteran dealing with the aftermath of the atrocities she was made to witness. Tak is an amazing little Japanese-Irish kick butt hero. And the story of their love for each other just could not be more perfect.

In my opinion, The Beautiful Land is one of the best books of the year and I cannot wait to read more by this author. Utterly brilliant, breathtaking, perfection. Highly recommended!!

5/5

Review of Good as Gone by Douglas Corleone

Good as Gone on Goodreads
Good as Gone on Amazon

I received my copy of this novel through the Goodreads First-Reads program.

As far as fast paced thrillers go, Douglas Corleone has definitely made a name for himself with this book. I was hooked from beginning to end, wondering what new obstacle would be placed in front of his solid protagonist Simon Fisk. I think that my only gripe would be that the character seemed a little too commendable, and perhaps some rough edges would have rounded him out better, as odd as that may sound.

I have little to no knowledge of the places Corleone takes us in this book, but I was able to see everything through his characters' eyes. The heartbreak and sorrow surrounding families still living from the fallout of Chernobyl is only all to real, and a reminder of one of the most horrific accidents in history.

Fans of James Grippando and Brad Meltzer would probably appreciate this book. I will definitely be seeking out more by this author. Thanks to the author for giving me something so enjoyable to read!

5/5
Hardcover, 304 pages

Published August 20th 2013 by Minotaur Books

DouglasCorleone.com 

Review of Still Missing by Chevy Stevens

Still Missing by Chevy Stevens on Amazon.com
Still Missing on Goodreads.com

I received this book through the Goodreads First-reads program.

I could not put this book down! Chevy Stevens had me in thrall from beginning to end. I do have to warn you that this book can be incredibly graphic at times. The author doesn't hold back from anything and plunges the reader into this horrific world where a woman is abducted, raped, and tortured for over a year. Told from the perspective of the main character, Annie O'Sullivan, the reader experiences every moment with this woman first hand, which can be more than a little painful at times.

Not for the faint of heart or weak-stomached, this book grips the reader as Annie recounts in vivid and excruciating detail the year she spent locked away in a cabin on a mountain by the man who abducts her, as well as how she deals with the subsequent aftermath of life after the horrors she faced and the ensuing investigation.

Incredibly well-written, this debut novel is highly recommended to any lover of the thriller genre.

5/5

Hardcover, 352 pages

Published July 6th 2010 by St. Martin's Press

ChevyStevens.com

Review of Screamscapes by Evans Light

I received this book from the Goodreads First reads program.

First off-- book in its entirety-- Fantastic!

"Crawlspace" This story is wicked. A whole new way to get revenge.

"Whatever Possessed You" seems a little self indulgent. The reader is confused with the main character.

"Gertrude" eh?

"Arboreatum" Solid characters. Well written.

"Nose Hears" okay...??? Might be better in a comedic compilation.

"The Mole People Beneath the City" I loved the description. I felt like I was really there.

"Payback" I'm not a fan of. Could be good with a little more work.

"Curtains for Love" I love it. A pleasure to read. And the first ending is most definitely the best.

"The Package" I am not familiar with Landsdale. But the story was crude and unnecessary.

"Black Door" Good old-fashioned gentle scare. Perfect ending for the book.

You can find this book:
ScreamScapes  on Goodreads
ScreamScapes on Amazon

4/5

Mass Market Paperback, Standard Paperback Edition, 330 pages

Published June 1st 2013 by Corpus Press (first published January 1st 2013)

Evans-Light.com