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