BROCK STEELE SPHERE BY ALEX BLOODFIRE
GENRE: THRILLER
REVIEW DATE: AUGUST 14, 2021
Brock Steele knows his name - and very little else. After a vicious attack in mysterious circumstances, Brock’s memory has abandoned him. He has no idea why he’s being hounded by a mysterious man with a gun or why bad things keep happening to the people he loves. And why are strange voices talking to him from the walls of his flat? When he’s forced to go on the run to save his life, he has to decide who to trust - and making a mistake could be fatal. Can Brock find out who he is, why he’s being hunted, and stay alive into the bargain?
Action, tension and drama can all be found in, Brock Steele Sphere. This thrilling story is written by Alex Bloodfire. This centers on Brock Steele who hardly knows anything about his past. A series of events straight out of an exciting spy movie unfolds before Brock. In order to get the answers he needs, he has to first figure out what his unknown past, a thumb drive and MI5 all have in common.
What I enjoyed.
Alex does a great job of building up tension throughout the entire book. Alex is able to bring Brock’s urgency to life, which adds that extra edge to this story. The high intense moments in this story like car chases, fights etc are remarkably put together. Instead of it just being word vomit on page, it’s very well crafted encounters. Alex makes Brock work for his answers. There are no dull or dumb moments within this story. Everything flows smoothly.
What I didn’t enjoy.
This can either be taken as positive or negative, depending on who are. This work of art is definitely for a niche audience. If you are a fan of stories like the Jason Bourne series, espionage, and other things of that same nature, then I high recommended this story. Would I still recommend this story even if you are not a fan of this genre, yes but it wouldn’t be my first go to.
Overall
Brock Steele Sphere is intense story telling that results in a sleek espionage thriller that is very well crafted and paced. This is definitely for a niche audience. For anyone into spy thrillers, I give this book a 5 out 5. Otherwise, still a good read, but not at the top of my recommend list, but definitely not the lowest. Sphere is the first book in the Brock Steele book series. Alex has a brilliant talent for writing espionage thrillers. Anyone who is a fan of this genre should add this work of art to their library.
Final Score
4 out of 5 stars
ISIGINALI BY SLOANE SWINTON
GENRE: THRILLER
REVIEW DATE: JANURRY 21, 2023
“It is only through the tragic lens of death that we may be able learn the beautiful meaning of life.”
Nowhere was the above-referenced quote more relevant than to the existence of MAVUTO LOYISO, a former South African officer turned gun for hire. Since adolescence—Mav—as the world had come to know him—was forced to endure.
Beginning with his father’s unsolved murder to making ends meet in present-day Johannesburg, some might gather that nihilism had a stranglehold on Mav’s consciousness. That it was the danger that he had become most attracted to.
His latest job promised that and much more as he was contracted with the responsibility of transferring and protecting NEVILLE SHEDD, a rogue British national with more aliases than clean pairs of knickers.
For one night, Mav must keep him safe until British authorities arrive in Jo-burg. Unbeknownst to him, there’s a substantial bounty on Shedd. His enemies are both far too many to count and determined to make sure the mercenary doesn’t make it off of the continent in one piece.
What began as an opportunity for some fast cash has been transformed into a dance with the worst the devil has to offer—putting Mav’s nihilism to the test. The signals may not be the only thing that have been crossed.
The past has a way of catching up to us all.
I had the pleasure of reading “Isiginali” by Sloane Swinton and it thoroughly impressed me. This action packed thriller follows the story of Mavuto Loyiso, a South African gun for hire. His latest job, protecting British national Neville Shedd. What Mavuto thought was to be a way to get some quick and easy cash comes with one major problem. Neville has a very pricey bounty on his head.
The book is well written and kept me turning the pages from start to finish. Swinton writing style is fast-paced and action-packed, making it impossible to put the book down. An obvious example of this would be the following passage:
Mav placed his left hand on the mercenaries left shoulder. He turned to Mav—leaving his neck exposed. The blade sliced across the merc’s throat. Blood gushed as the merc clutched around it to try and stop the bleeding, before doubling over. One down, two to go. Mav flipped the blade closed and slid it back inside his pocket. He would have to disinfect it later.
He raised the assault rifle and set his sight line. He located the exposed head of another merc. Mav waited an extra second before pulling the trigger. The second merc dropped to the ground. He switched his attention to the last merc who was raising his weapon. He must have seen what Mav had done.
Mav released three shots. He shot him through his right hand as the last merc fell back to the floor, dropping his weapon. The junkies appeared to be none the wiser to what was transpiring. Many were just too far gone. Mav pushed one out of the way in his pursuit of the wounded merc. Leaving any of the trio alive would’ve only increased the probability of him failing the mission.
The characters in the book are well-developed. With Mavuto being a particularly interesting protagonist. He is a complex and multi-layered character who is easy to root for.
Swinton does an outstanding job at turning Johannesburg, South Africa, into a character just like the protagonists themselves. The vivid descriptions transport the reader to the bustling streets, gritty buildings, and other one of a kind settings, making it easy to imagine oneself in the world of the book.
This book has it all, significant action and an even better setting. Isiginali is a great read for fans of fast-paced action and adventure. Swinton has crafted a well-written book that will keep readers guessing until the end.
Final Score
4 out of 5 stars
DOMESTIC DECEIT BY H.C. JOHNSON
GENRE: THRILLER
REVIEW DATE: MAY 5, 2023
Come along on this powerfully gripping investigation as reporter K.J. Corchoran unravels a secret psychological program that has government neuroscientists on the verge of cracking the brain’s synaptic code. Their discovery is stunning: Deep in the brain’s recesses, a small anomaly is creating an evil evolutionary defect in a growing cluster of the population—including the domestic terrorists responsible for attempting to overthrow democracy during the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. But to find a cure, Military scientists must test their hypotheses on volunteers—including children whose father’s participate in the experiments as part of unfolding Probate Court cases. Domestic Deceit will leave readers on the edge of their seats as Corchoran unveils the secrets and whether scientists—in their zeal to help mankind—have gone too far. Reminiscent of Stieg Larsson’s Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Domestic Deceit is a scintillating fast-paced suspense thriller with roller-coaster twists, full of political and psychological intrigue, dark, edgy elements, gut-punch conflicts and an emotional backbone.
Based on current cutting-edge research, author H.C. Johnson has created a believable, captivating, and, ultimately, a hopeful suspense drama, while exploring important cultural and societal themes with piercing clarity and satirical wit.
"Domestic Deceit" is a suspenseful psychological thriller novel. The story revolves around Claire, a housewife who has the perfect life with her husband and children in a wealthy suburban community. However, after the disappearance of her husband, she soon learns that he has quite a few skeletons in the closet, and she discovers the truth about what seems to be her picture-perfect life.
The realism of this gripping conspiracy thriller is brilliant. Johnson does a great job of displaying the complex emotions and dynamics of the crisis at hand in this book. For example, when Claire learns of her husband's secrets, she struggles with the emotions and thoughts plaguing her—emotions and thoughts like anger, hurt, confusion, and fear. Without giving away too much, Johnson tackles sensitive issues skillfully, adding that extra something to make the realism of this thriller truly pop.The realism of this gripping conspiracy thriller is brilliant. Johnson does a great job of displaying the complex emotions and dynamics of the crisis at hand in this book. For example, when Claire learns of her husband's secrets, she struggles with the emotions and thoughts plaguing her—emotions and thoughts like anger, hurt, confusion, and fear. Without giving away too much, Johnson tackles sensitive issues skillfully, adding that extra something to make the realism of this thriller truly pop.
I enjoy a good conspiracy theory, and this book has it. What makes a good conspiracy is the element of danger and suspense. The book will have the reader turning the pages. Claire uncovers new puzzle pieces, and the more she learns, the more the danger surrounding her intensifies. Another element that really makes this a good conspiracy thriller is how it touches on themes like corruption, power, and how far people will go to keep their secrets and stay in power.
The characters in this book are well thought out and add depth to the story. For example, Claire's husband is a well-developed character. On the surface, we see that he is a loving family man and a successful businessman, but as the story progresses, we peel back those layers and see that he has a darker side and is not who he seems to be. Johnson does a great job of exploring the characters' motivations and emotions. They have flaws, weaknesses, and their own personal demons to battle. These elements make them seem like real people rather than just characters in a book.
"Domestic Deceit" is a captivating and suspenseful thriller. Johnson will keep you on the edge of your seat with this story. The realism of this story brings it to life, making it easy for one to become deeply invested in the story. As the story progresses, we are confronted with shocking truths, issues that weigh on one's moral compass, and mind-bending questions. If you are a fan of conspiracy thrillers, psychological dramas, or simply looking for an exciting page-turner, "Domestic Deceit" will provide you with a gripping reading experience.
Final Score
3 out of 5 stars
HARVESTING EVIL BY CJ WHEELER
GENRE: THRILLER
REVIEW DATE: NOVEMBER 17, 2023
On the idyllic eastern shores of Lake Michigan, the quiet resort town of Port Orion, Michigan has become prime hunting ground for a serial killer.
One by one, young, beautiful women’s mutilated corpses continue to surface, and the timeline between each victim is shrinking.
As Sheriff Parker Anderson pulls her inexperienced team together to find the madman terrorizing her community, a third victim is discovered, and the Port Orion Sheriff’s department finds its resources stretched to the limit. As pressure mounts, Parker reaches out to the FBI for assistance.
Enter Special Agent Oliver Locke, who has seen more than his fair share of serial sexual homicide cases, though even he hasn’t encountered a psychopath with this level of violence. Working a serial case against a cunning criminal mind who leaves no evidence will test his expertise and his determination.
In little time, the investigation turns into a dangerous cat and mouse game, as Parker finds herself the target in this vicious killers’ cross hairs. And she has no idea how close he really is.
As the window of opportunity to prevent another victim closes, Sheriff Anderson and Agent Locke will need to set their personal differences aside to catch this maniac.
"Harvesting Evil" by CJ Wheeler is an exciting mystery thriller with elements of suspense and crime. The story revolves around Sheriff Parker Anderson and Special Agent Oliver Locke as they hunt down a serial killer in Port Orion, Michigan. As the plot unfolds, so does the web of twists and turns. In their pursuit of the elusive serial killer, Anderson and Oliver question themselves and wonder: will they be able to bring this person to justice, or does this sick and sinister game of cat and mouse have no end in sight?
The main character of this novel is the story; the mystery itself takes on a life of its own and evolves from just a plot device to a living, breathing entity that drives the narrative forward with nonstop suspense. An outstanding example of this would be when Anderson and Oliver discover a perplexing pattern that links all the victims together. Like an actual person, the mystery taunts Anderson and Oliver, leaving subtle clues for them as if to say, "You will never catch me." Another great example is in one scene where Anderson and Oliver find hidden messages left by the killer, once again teasing with cryptic clues, as if to say, "You will never catch me." The interactions between the characters and the mystery itself really transform this story into a gripping psychological thriller.
Wheeler's writing style is extremely engaging and immersive, making it easier to draw readers into the world of Port Orion, Michigan. The writing is very smooth and allows for a very easy and enjoyable read. With a combination of detailed descriptions and exciting pacing, it keeps the pages turning. The writing captures the unique voices of each character, giving them that extra spark of life.
"Harvesting Evil" by CJ Wheeler is a great page-turner. The mystery itself is a character in its own right. Wheeler's writing takes this story beyond your everyday crime thriller. Furthermore, her writing is detailed, immersive, and smooth, which makes for a great reading experience. "Harvesting Evil" is a gripping psychological thriller that is a welcome standout for anyone's library of mystery-thriller collection.
Final Score
3 out of 5 stars
THE SURVIVORS BY TC WEBER
GENRE: THRILLER
REVIEW DATE: APRIL 13, 2024
In a calamitous future, runaway climate change has made the planet nearly uninhabitable. Civilization has collapsed, and every day is a struggle. Lucy, a young mother of two, dreams of a better life by bringing back vanished knowledge. But the rest of her group is focused only on day-to-day survival—at any price. When a deadly hurricane destroys their home, Lucy’s group is forced on the road, where they must cope with hunger, searing temperatures, and vicious rivals. And their nightmare is just beginning…
"The Survivors" by T.C. Weber takes place in a post-apocalyptic world that has fallen victim to devastating climate change. The story follows Mary and her companions on a quest to find survivors and rebuild what’s left of a hellish world. As they navigate through a new world, they face countless challenges—threats that not only endanger their physical survival but also challenge their very humanity. From battling rival factions vying for scarce resources to grappling with demons of their past, the characters must confront their innermost fears and desires. Will Mary and her friends be able to endure the trials ahead and emerge victorious, or will they succumb to the unforgiving landscape of their shattered world?
The setting pulls readers into a dark and haunting post-apocalyptic world, with bleak landscapes serving as stark reminders of a lost civilization. Weber crafts a great sense of dread and desperation, immersing readers in the eerie remnants of a once-thriving society. The setting becomes its own character, casting a shadow over the narrative with its desolation and decay. It serves as a constant reminder of how swiftly human existence and the civilization it built can be destroyed. The setting of the world shapes the decisions and tests the resilience of the characters, transcending from a mere backdrop to a dynamic force.
The characters are far from one-dimensional, each evolving and revealing layers of complexity as the story unfolds. A great example of this is Mary, who initially appears as a determined but naive young woman thrust into a leadership role. As the story progresses, her internal struggles with survival demands, her relationship with her mother, and her leadership role add depth to her character. Similarly, Von and Karima undergo significant development, transitioning from mere soldiers to Mary’s trusted companions as they confront their own past traumas and motivations in this new world.
"The Survivors" is a gripping tale of resilience, adaptation, and the relentless pursuit of survival in a post-apocalyptic world. With vivid and hellish landscapes, multi-dimensional characters, and a thought-provoking narrative, it offers a compelling exploration of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Weber's storytelling skillfully navigates the complexities of survival, leaving readers questioning the true nature of resilience long after the final page is turned.
Final Score
4 out of 5 stars