atonement by b.j. daniels

Title: Atonement
Author: B.J. Daniels
Pages: 235
Rating: 4.5/5
Cover rating: 4/5
Summary:
Just how far are people willing to go to keep their secrets? Protecting the citizens of Beartooth, Montana, is never an easy job. It's been one year, and Sheriff Dillon Lawson still feels guilty that he couldn't save his twin brother, Ethan. But the biggest test of his bravery comes when Tessa Winters arrives, claiming to be pregnant…with Ethan's baby. At first, Dillon can't decide if this beautiful woman is a con artist or a victim. If Ethan didn't die in that car crash, then where is he—and why is he hiding?

Now, Dillon is prepared to do anything to uncover the truth—anything except admit his growing feelings for Tessa. But with violence threatening, Tessa and Dillon must trust in each other to save not only themselves…but also Tessa's unborn child.

My Two Cents:
This is my first book of BJ Daniels, and I like it. The story is like something like revolves around us. It might be fantasy but it could be a reality of life. This could happen in real world.

I always have a thing for twins. I love it since I watched Full House Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen. But that was girls, and to have male twins, are even better!LOL.

At first, I thought the story would a typical love story and everything related to it. But this was much more. There’s intriguing elements in it. Mysteries and thrill are also included in the story line. I bet this is not just a romance book, but a thriller romance. The characters are natural and not so trying too hard, if you know what I mean. They played their roles effortless, like every word the author wrote seems natural to me. Of course, I love the Tessa’s character the most. She’s strong-will, independent and even she has her soft part, she tried to not make it shows. Being pregnant while all that situations and trauma happened made me saluting her.

Other secondary story of Nettie and Frank is a bonus to me. They are sweet couple and they are some desserts you don’t want to miss for your dinner. I hope that is not a very bad to picture them. Wink.

All in all, I love the whole package of the story. The ending is so-so for me anyway. Maybe just because near at the end of the story, I can guess what is coming? However, that doesn't mean the ending is bad, but kind of acceptable. Hope you all will enjoy it too.

About the Author

B.J. DANIELS, a USA Today and New York Times bestselling author, wrote her first book after a career as an award-winning newspaper journalist and author of 37 published short stories. That first book, ODD MAN OUT, received a 4 ½ star review from Romantic Times magazine and went on to be nominated for Best Intrigue for that year. Since then she has won numerous awards including a career achievement award for romantic suspense and numerous nominations and awards for best book. Daniels lives in Montana with her husband, Parker, and two Springer Spaniels, Spot and Jem. When she isn’t writing, she snowboards, camps, boats and plays tennis. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Thriller Writers, Kiss of Death and Romance Writers of America.
website: http://www.bjdaniels.com/
twitter: @bjdanielsauthor

Please join us on BookTrib for an engaging Live Chat with Western Romance author B.J. Daniels on March 10 @ 4 PM ET. B.J. is the writer of the Cardwell Ranch series and most recently, Atonement. Daniels draws inspiration for her novels from the beautiful natural surroundings in her home state, the Big Sky Country of Montana. Her stories are a mix of romance, suspense and of course, cowboys! Bring your questions to the Live Chat and please feel free to share this invitation on your social media pages!

rasputin's shadow by raymond khoury

Title: Rasputin's Shadow
Author: Raymond Khoury
Rating: 3/5
Summary:
On a cold, bleak day in 1916, all hell breaks loose in a mining pit in the Ural Mountains. Overcome by a strange paranoia, the miners attack one another, savagely and ferociously. Minutes later, two men—a horrified scientist and Grigory Rasputin, trusted confidant of the tsar—hit a detonator, blowing up the mine to conceal all evidence of the carnage.

In the present day, FBI agent Sean Reilly’s search for Reed Corrigan, the CIA mindcontrol spook who brainwashed Reilly’s son, takes a backseat to a new, disturbing case. A Russian embassy attaché seems to have committed suicide by jumping out of a fourth-floor window in Queens. The apartment’s owners, a retired physics teacher from Russia and his wife, have gone missing, and further investigation reveals that the former may not be who the FBI believe him to be.

Joined by Russian Federal Security Service agent Larisa Tchoumitcheva, Reilly’s investigation of the old man’s identity will uncover a desperate search for a small, mysterious device, with consequences that reach back in time and which, in the wrong hands, could have a devastating impact on the modern world.

My 2 Cents:
Let me get this straight, I had so struggle so much to while reading the book. There was time when I felt giving up to read, but thank god I keep on reading it to the end. Patience was what I need. The book for me, at the beginning of it, too hard to feel connected to. It was like so much things going on and with lack of my understanding of different language, I need more help to understand. English is not mother tongue and leave me quite a time to understand other language as well. But, no pressure.The good part is, this book had so much intrigue and elements of interest.I actually liked the fact that the author chose to incorporate the life of Grigory Rasputin into the story. He's really is something. Mystery and sometime mean. The whole story is quite slow for me, not that fast-pace and all. But the fact that there's so many facts incorporated in it, made me wants to know all and everything about the characters. All in all, it was a new experience for me. Might as well check his other books to check his other writing styles.

About the Author

RAYMOND KHOURY is a New York Times bestselling author of several novels, including The Last Templar, The Templar Salvation and The Sanctuary. Born in Beirut, Khoury and his family fled to Rye, New York when he was 14 to escape Lebanon’s civil war. Khoury worked as an architect and investment banker before becoming a successful screenwriter and producer for networks such as BBC. Today, he focuses on his writing career. Rasputin’s Shadow is his sixth book.

the summoner by layton green

Title: The Summoner
Author: Layton Green
Series: Dominic Grey #1
Rating: 4/5
Cover Rating: 4/5
Summary (Add to Goodreads):
A United States diplomat disappears in front of hundreds of onlookers while attending a religious ceremony in the bushveld of Zimbabwe. Dominic Grey, Diplomatic Security special agent, product of a violent childhood and a worn passport, is assigned to investigate. Aiding the investigation is Professor Viktor Radek, religious phenomenologist and expert on cults, and Nya Mashumba, the local government liaison. What Grey uncovers is a terrifying cult older than Western civilization, the harsh underbelly of a country in despair, a priest seemingly able to perform impossibilities, and the identity of the newest target. Himself. The first work in a globe-hopping series whose protagonists investigate the world’s most bizarre and dangerous cults, The Summoner is a stylish, haunting novel of mystery and suspense that will linger long after the last page is turned.

My 2 Cents:
It is quite a while for me to read a thriller type of books. I love these kind of books, but the problem is, I cant put it away to stop for a while. If I do that, I would be so frustrated. One thing for sure, a thriller books need your attention more than anything. It's grabbing you and you cant abandon it just like that, like continue reading it later. It will kill the mood totally.

Layton Green's novel The Summoner is one of those thriller books to die for. Yes, it is complicated, action-packed and attention grabbing. If the book provide these kind of things, why would you stop reading and continue later. Such a waste. The plot is thrilling, so intense and made me nervous every time I flipped the pages. Plus, Zimbabwe as location of the story, is something very very interesting. I always find Zimbabwe as an exotic place. As the story deepens, so many secrets that are so intriguing and I kept asking why and what? It's predictable for me because there must be a twist and turns at the end.Of course I am right and always being surprised of the twists. However, I think the characters are so-so, not really that developed like the story. Everything was there, but I dont think I know the protagonist that well, and something missing about other character as well. That being said, I think the book has a good package of good thriller book, excluding the character flaws. A recommended read for sure.

About the Author

In addition to writing, Layton attended law school in New Orleans and was a practicing attorney for the better part of a decade (even though he still resents having cut his hair for that first interview). He has also been an intern for the United Nations, an ESL teacher in Central America, a bartender in London, a seller of cheap knives on the streets of Brixton, a door-to-door phone book deliverer, and the list goes downhill from there. He has traveled to more than fifty countries, lived in a number of them, and has a burning desire to see every country, city, beach, moor, castle, cemetery, twisted street and far flung dot on the map. Religion and cults, as well as all things spiritual and supernatural, have also been a lifelong interest.

Find him here: Website | Goodreads

Note: I got a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. It's a long due review. My apology.

the eighth scroll by laurence b. brown

Title: The Eighth Scroll
Author: Laurence B. Brown
Pages: 332
Rating: 4/5
Cover Rating: 4/5
Published: August 2012
Summary (GoodReads):
Stirring the flames of age-old controversies, The Eighth Scroll by Laurence B. Brown draws on the three Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam to create an unbelievably dynamic and powerful story. Set in a world that teeters between orthodoxy and heresy, this thriller is packed with intrigue and adventure. When a Roman Catholic scholar involved in the Dead Sea Scrolls Project hides one of the scrolls because of the heretical message it contains, no one is the wiser until decades later, when a prominent archeologist discovers reference to the scroll in an archeological dig. This discovery spurs the world religions into a dangerous game of cat and mouse, in which all who seek the hidden scroll are mysteriously silenced, leaving the salvation of humankind to a father and son, who must either find the hidden scroll . . . or die trying.

My Say:
Yeah, I think he has things that is similar to the non other Mr. Dan Browm. However, this author also has his own style of writing. It's so complicated and sometimes I need to turn to previous pages so that I cant recall or see a better picture of it. Not because I'm having short-memory but it's tricky when it comes to history, myths and religions. But the book is not as hard time as I had with Dan Brown's books, and you don't want to know I confused I am with his books because he is freaking genius! The author also has his good quality of being a good storyteller. I feel like the plot line was well-researched and the mysteries are so intriguing. I dont have a problem of any other religions even I am a Muslim/Islam. It did made me some thinking and kind of made me understand better and sometimes I felt how easy a writer can twist everything to make things spicy and interesting. Oh, maybe that's why we call it fictions! And the book is also packed with actions and adventures, and so many places mentioned! I say, anyone who loves a good mystery/thriller/suspense, to give the book a try. I did, and I like it.

Note: I received a copy of the book for an exchange of an honest review.

godonism by theo von cezar

Title: Godonism
Author: Theo Von Cezar
Pages: 358
Published: July 15th, 2010
Rating: 3.5/5
Buy at: Amazon IndieBound

Summary (Goodreads):

The dystopian novel ‘Godonism’ is set in the year 159, Nebula Era - a future of apocalyptic times. Ahma and Jovian, in order to survive, sign a contract with Black Petal and thus they start to sell redemptive tickets for Hereafter. Most of the people have to pawn their dreams, thoughts, memories in order to survive and therefore pay their debts to MondoCash – a half-statal, half-private bank, whilst the State deals with religo-science – the science that plans the lives of all people in advance.

My Two Cents:
It really takes a while for me to write a review for this novel. The truth is, I have a mixed feeling about the book. I love the thought of apocalyptic times, but at the same time, there was too many things going on. Somehow it felt like a scientology preaches. Yeah, it has something new and exciting about it but it is quite crazy for me; not in a bad way, and not in a good way either. Maybe dystopian is not my thing. I appreciate the author's imaginations and ideas but for me, it was a so-so story. The idea of converting souls and mind for cash is way too much (though my sister said it was cool). Perhaps the way it's being told was quite complicated and very much into details. I wish some simplicity in it. However, I still want to give it a try, and did finished it, but with doubts.

Disclaimer: I received this book from the author for an exchange of fair review. These are my honest review and receiving a copy in no way will ever reflected my review.

interview: Author Andrea Kane

About the Book

Each day is a struggle for Amanda Gleason’s newborn son as he battles a rare immune deficiency. Justin’s best chance for a cure lies with his father, who was brutally murdered before Amanda even realized she carried his child. Or was he? One emailed photo changes everything, planting a seed of doubt that Amanda latches onto for dear life: a recent photo of a man who looks exactly like Paul. Could Justin’s father be alive? The mother in her is desperate to find out. But tracking down a ghost when every second counts is not for amateurs. Forensic Instincts is the one team up for the challenge. The manhunt is on for the elusive father. Yet the further the team digs into Paul’s past, the more questions are raised about whether the man Amanda fell in love with ever really existed at all. Dark secrets. Carefully crafted lies. From the Congressional halls of Washington D.C. to exclusive Hamptons manors, there are ruthless people who would stop at nothing to make Forensic Instincts forget about the man Amanda desperately needs to find. Little do they realize that once Forensic Instincts takes the case, nothing will stop them from uncovering the shocking truth that transcends THE LINE BETWEEN HERE AND GONE.

So here's the interview with Author Andrea Kane. Enjoy!

D: What are you in relation to your siblings? Are you the middle child? The baby of the family?


A: I’m the baby of the family. Establishing my own identity was the challenging part, but being referred to as “baby” when you’re an adult has its perks!

D: Describe your latest book in 15 words or fewer.


A: A mother is desperately searching for the father of her newborn baby – hoping that he’s alive and is a donor match to save her critically ill son. What inspired you to write THE LINE BETWEEN HERE AND GONE? A: As with all my books, THE LINE, started out as flashes of the characters' lives playing out in my head. I saw a flash of an important male character who vanished without a trace and a critically ill infant whose life was integrally tied to his. But I didn't know why or how that would factor into FI's caseload. Those answers came later, after the baby’s mother crystallized in my mind.

D: What sort of attachment do you have to your characters?


A: They become part of me, like family. The ending of a book is bittersweet. My characters are fully formed, have achieved some resolution in battling the trials and tribulations of life. Just when I’m ready to enjoy their creation, it’s time to say goodbye. Fortunately with Forensic Instincts, I get the chance to stay attached and further the FI team’s characters and stories in their next book. 


D: Where do you do most of your writing?


A: Wherever my Pomeranian lets me. It’s amazing where he can place his snout, his paws, his tail and his body on my laptop to prevent me from writing. 


Book Excerpt 

“Ms. Gleason?” A young nurse touched her gently on the shoulder. “Why don’t you get something to eat? Maybe take a walk? You haven’t done either all day.” She reached for the baby. “Justin will be in good hands. You’ve got to take care of yourself or you won’t be able to take care of him.”

About the Author

Andrea Kane’s psychological thriller The Girl Who Disappeared Twice became and instant New York Times bestseller, the latest in a long string of smash hits. It introduced Forensic Instincts, and eclectic team of maverick investigators, each with different personalities and talents, all with one common bond: a blatant disregard for authority. The Line Between Here and Gone is the next exhilarating installment in the Forensic Instincts series. Armed with skills and talents honed by years in the FBI and Special Forces, and training in behavioral and forensic psychology, the team solves seemingly impossible cases while walking a fine line between assisting and enraging law enforcement.


For more info, CLICK HERE.

softly and tenderly by sara evans, rachel hauck

Title: Softly and Tenderly
Author: Sara Evans, Rachel Hauck
Pages: 304
Rating: 4/5

Summary (Goodreads):

Jade Fitzgerald's hope for a perfect marriage shatters when her husband confesses he has an illegitimate son who he wants to raise in their home. With the help of her family and her faith, Jade comes to understand her future doesn't rest on the power of her past, but in the goodness of God's mercy.

My Review:

The book is about an unexpected occasions that occurs in life. I think everyone has their own regrets, redemptions and losses. The story evolves around Jade, who is happily married to Max and owns 2 boutiques and unfortunately still fails to conceive. There is a lot of things going on around her. Her mom is fighting leukemia and refuse to go through another chemotherapy. I think I can understand her mom well since one of my cousin died of luekemia, and she went through a lot of chemotherapy. I can also understand how Jade's feel, to fight for everything so that she could bring her family together no matter what happens. A great thing she has is the ability to forgive, and yet forgiveness is something so difficult for us to handle if it is as big as knowing your husband kind of had cheated on you. I wont give that kind of forgiveness that easy. Or maybe I would. But I guess that is why there is a saying of 'It's easy to forgive but hard to forget'. Jade ran from everything a while and try to compose herself, think of how to move on in the best possible way without losing or hurting others that so dear to her even if it will hurt herself. What I love the most of Jade character is that she always find that there will always be silver lining even in the darkest day, in the hard way. She knows that she should not lose hope and only God knows what's the best for His servants.

I only have one complain for the book, the name Jade and June is likely quite similar and it kinds of making me loses track of the characters. It is obviously sounds like the same, literally. Overall, the book is quite a catch.

When the book ended, I just realized it was actually the second book of Songbird Novel. The first book is The Sweet By and By, followed by the 3rd book, Love Lifted Me. I should try the other two books in the series. You should too.

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. These are my honest review and receiving a copy in no way will ever reflected my review.

lovesick by spencer seidel (arc)

Title: Lovesick
Author: Spencer Seidel
Pages: 376
Rating: 4.5/5

Summary (from arc):

THERE’S SOMETHING WRONG WITH LEE…

Late one night out on the Eastern Promenade Trail in Portland, Maine, the police discover an incoherent teenager sitting in a pool of blood, holding the body of his best friend and the murder weapon. The girl they both love has been missing for weeks. Dr. Lisa Boyers, forensic psychologist, receives a call from an old friend, a connection to her troubled past. Attorney Rudy Swaner wants her to interview the young killer, Paul Ducharme, who is claiming he doesn’t remember the events leading up to the murder.

In her jailhouse interviews, Lisa helps Paul to recover his memories. But Paul’s disturbing love story forces her to confront her own ugly, violent secrets. Lisa soon finds herself the focus of an over-zealous reporter and media hype that drags her unwilling into the spotlight and threatens to uncover secrets she’d rather not share.

My Two Cents:

I'm totally glad to have such a hope from the author. Since his debut novel; The Dead of Wynter, I knew the author is someone so promising with these kind of book genre.

Maybe the best part of his book is that they sound like a psycho books that will grab your attention real quickly with so many assumptions, doubts and feel like, " I knew it!". His style of writing does not differ much from The Dead of Wynter but I could tell that Lovesick consists like two parts of story. Either way, the book is still good. Psycho thrillers are the best because even though you like the story, you will at least felt that the book is violating your minds, but in a good way. You can't stop hating and loving the same the character at once! Other good part is that, reading the book also was like puzzling your mind to keep guessing what will happen next, and what's the ending would be. I think you can guess it right, it's very spot on, but tricky as well.

I have o complain for the book because I love it just the way he wrote it. You'll love it immensely once you start reading it too. I highly recommend it!

Disclaimer: I received this review copy from publicist Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc. for an exchange of a review. These are my honest review and receiving a copy in no way will ever reflected my review.

dead of wynter by spencer seidel (arc)

Title: Dead of Wynter
Author: Spencer Seidel
Pages: 272
Series: Stand alone
Published: May 1st, 2011
Rating: 4/5
Buy at: Amazon | IndieBound | Barnes & Noble

Summary (Goodreads):

“Dolly, it’s your mother.” Dolly. Jackie Ruth Wynter had called Alice that for years. The conversation that followed led her right back to the place she had run from for years. Her twin brother, younger by just a minute or so, had been fading, transforming into an image of their drunken, narrow-eyed father. Now her father was dead, and her brother, Chris, missing. Alice resigns herself to return, helping her mother and the local police with the mystery surrounding the crime. But there are some family secrets her mother would sooner take to the grave than reveal. Reacquainting with her past brings fresh pain and new friendships as she struggles with who to trust with the details of her father’s murder and brother’s disappearance. As the authorities come closer to solving the mystery of the men in her family, she begins to realize her past life as Alice Wynter is the missing part of the puzzle.

My Two Cents:

I'm glad to get an ARC of the book. It's a debut from new author, Spencer Seidel and this book is a keeper. I totally love a family secret and when the gave a full details and dig in into the secret, it's a wow. This book is something that I'm looking for. A book that is a book that you can't put down, totally absorbed as it makes you to keep reading and find what will happen in the end. The story has a mix between the present and the past but it easily to keep it on your reading track. I love the elements of mysteries, secrets that being kept tightly for years. What is very interesting for me about the story is that it's about family secret, being haunted with guilt and chasing them back causing murders. I was intrigued with the mystery till the end, with a shocking conclusion. I love the writing style with the author succeeded to portray each characters with a realistic feelings, but a few of characters are kind of off to me. All in all, the book is a very great mystery debut from Spencer Seidel. I personally think he's very talented, and he has a little bit writing style like Neil Gaiman, the kind of chilly and creepy. As that being said, I recommend this book to all mystery lovers and looking forward to read his next work.

Disclaimer: I received this review copy from publicist Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc. for an exchange of a review. These are my honest review and receiving a copy in no way will ever reflected my review.

the healing by oana

Title: The Healing
Author: Oana
Pages: 258
Series: Stand alone
Published: November 8th, 2010
Rating: 4.5/5
Source: Author
Buy at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indiebound

Summary (Amazon):

"The Healings" offer a pleasing marriage of humor and seriousness of life's situations. A story of a depressed male - the universal human being in search of his own Self and his place in the society and, on a deeper level in the world. In his quest for healing, he is accompanied by his one and only partner, his talking cat. The thoughts and dialogues, naive and hilarious as they seem, offer a deep insight into life, death and what's in between. Written in the first person, the short stories depict his encounters with those whom he calls "sources of wisdom," from shamans to scientists, from dream interpreters to psychiatrists, from flesh-and-bone creatures to illusory entities or just bizarre life situations.

My Two Cents:

I have quite a mixed feelings on this book, at first. I thought it was a non-fiction, more like a motivation book that I rarely read. Look at the title; The Healing could have so many other synonyms of to get better for some kind of disease or sickness. And I never thought that it serves more than that. At first, I'm having a hard time to analyse and understand the story but it would get to your sense eventually. The more I read the more I want to know what is actually all about, the more I was hoping to know and wonder how it's going to end. The author introduced us with a nameless guy, which I think it actually would be anyone, or myself. He went for many shamans and healers, hoping that his whatever problems of life could be solved and go away. I think he actually felt cheated when there's no absolute solution and choices that would ease him from the tension he has. This brought him back to his cat, where he felt more centred, focused and he never to lonely to tell anything to his cat when his cat do nothing or even say anything. He can be open to his cat, or actually we can be open to ourself when we take the time to point out what actually is wrong with our inner self. Sounds funny and crazy but somehow he's healing. The author really knows her character, her book, and how to make the reader understand how to open up ourself instead we search for stranger's help in the first place. The writing is good, with a lot of humour, a little bit sarcasm, funny, and well-developed. I fall in love with this book. It may not have the best plot line, but the story made me feels something to heal myself from daily basis of work, school and my relationships. It's very easy to relate to. The book deserves the best attention from all of us and I personally think it's quit a silent healer itself. It makes us discover our personalities and self-awareness. Fully recommended!

About the Author:

Born in Bucharest, Romania, Oana lived twenty years under the grotesque dictatorial regime of Ceausescu. After the fall of the communism in 1989 she studied languages at the University in Bucharest, then received her Master’s at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland. English is her third language. She has worn many hats, working as a translator, as a teacher, and eventually caring for animals both domestic and wild. She volunteered and worked for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centers both in the US and Canada. She lives in Arizona, where she continues to dedicate most of her time to her animals and to writing.

Visit her at: The Healing Website | Facebook

Disclaimer: I received this book from Author Oana for an exchange of a review. These are my honest review and receiving a copy in no way will ever reflected my review.

the last will of moira leahy by therese walsh

Title: The Last Will of Moira Leahy
Author: Therese Walsh
Pages: 288
Series: Stand alone
Published: October 19th, 2009
Rating: 5/5
Source: Received from author

Buy at: Amazon | IndieBound | Barnes & Noble

Summary (Website):

“I lost my twin to a harsh November nine years ago. Ever since, I’ve felt the span of that month like no other, as if each of the calendar’s thirty perfect little squares split in two on the page.”

Maeve Leahy is a busy professor of languages at a university in upstate New York. So busy that she leaves little time for memories—the memory of her lost twin, Moira, and of her many lost opportunities. Until a childhood relic and a series of anonymous notes changes everything—resurrects her long-dead dreams, a lost language, her most painful recollections, and prompts her to cross an ocean in search of ancient history. There, Maeve will learn new truths about her past, and come face to face with the one thing she truly fears. Only then can she choose between the safe yet lonely life she's built for herself and one of risk, with bonds she knows can be both heart-breakingly delicate and more enduring than time.

My Two Cents:

The Last Will of Moira Leahy for me is quite a difficult read, in a good way. I was easily immersed in the story, intrigued and the whole summary really got me intrigued. It started quite slow though, with Maeve keep herself so tight and avoiding to tell us what's going on with her. She's mysterious, which made me don't understand her but it kind of weird when I think she's so connected with me as the story goes on. Walsh deserves credit for writing a character whose personality leaps off the page. There were so many times in this novel that I thought I knew exactly what action Maeve was going to make, and eventually twisting the book's journey. I got surprised a lot by Maeve, which always turned me down when I was wrong.

So when she got the keris, everything went back to her and she wants to discover the truth behind it. I don't think I ever read something like this before; a mix of mystical and mysteries in a contemporary fiction. I was fascinated by the keris itself, because I myself has Javanese blood (even my fiancee is Javanese). Keris for real has mystical power which holds thousands mysteries to the owner of one. As that being said, I kind of truly understand the connection of the keris and Maeve's past. If you don't know this, when you read the book, there will be the part where you will learn the truth of the keris function in the story. You maybe think it's nothing but I got the chill on my spine. So this book got me an impact.

There's some flash backs of Moira and Maeve that told us how close they were and how they became apart. It tells a lot even though it's less than two pages each time. The bond of twins fascinated me, which I truly adored their relationship, mostly when they can read or block their mind on each other. However, because of some tragedy, Maeve became the Maeve we know right now in the book; well-kept, mysterious, hurt, and pessimistic. I wish she could enjoy her life because she really deserves it. Not to waste it for nearly a decade after her sister's death.

And I love Noel! (thank God there's some romance in it!). I thought the book would be a heavy and depressing read after all. Noel is tender, gentle and a great guy. He waited for Maeve for as long as he knows her. And funny too. In this, I was glad for Maeve, Noel is someone who will complete her. Teenage Moira was the best. I don't know why, but I think I love her wittiness and how she wants to do what she wants despite of being so different from Maeve like their mother wants. I dislike her mother for separating their likeness into something so-called identities just because she can't tell which is which between the twin.

That being said, I like the book so much. Walsh really did an excellent job bringing the mysteries of keris and a woman's past that we keep pondering until Walsh ties the two threads together beautifully at the end of the book. There's a bit of suspense elements, but it kind of worked okay to me. But I cried when I learned the truth and how she and Moira let go the worst past in their life and forgave the person who come between them. This book was ultimately about healing from grief, siblings relationships, and about remembering past and yet letting it go forever. Highly recommended.

the emperor's tomb by steve berry

Title: The Emperor's Tomb
Author: Steve Berry
Pages: 480
Series: Cotton Malone #6
Published: November 16th, 2010
Rating: 4.5/5
Source: Receive for review
Buy at: Amazon | IndieBound | Barnes & Noble

Summary (Publisher):

The tomb of China’s First Emperor, guarded by an underground army of terra-cotta warriors, has remained sealed for more than 2,000 years. Though it’s regarded as one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world, the Chinese government won’t allow anyone to open it. Why?

That question is at the heart of a dilemma faced by former Justice Department operative Cotton Malone, whose life is shattered when he receives an anonymous note carrying an unfamiliar Web address. Logging on, he sees Cassiopeia Vitt, a woman who’s saved his life more than once, being tortured at the hands of a mysterious man who has a single demand: Bring me the artifact she’s asked you to keep safe. The only problem is, Malone doesn’t have a clue what the man is talking about, since Cassiopeia has left nothing with him. So begins Malone’s most harrowing adventure to date—one that offers up astounding historical revelations, pits him against a ruthless ancient brotherhood, and sends him from Denmark to Belgium to Vietnam then on to China, a vast and mysterious land where danger lurks at every turn.

My Say:

I read Steve Berry's book a few years ago and how I forget how great writer he is. Reading The Emperor's Tomb (the 6th book in Cotton Malone series) is very easy to understand without reading the previous books. The story is brilliantly told and well-mixed with Chinese history which I found it very amusing. It started with an incident that will bring readers curiosity, a fair length and details of history with also great characters. I personally love Chinese history and mythology which really intrigued my interest to learn how Berry will craft and blend it to make a good fiction. Berry succeeded in both plotting the story line together with the history and archaeology, producing an extraordinary story. Even though some details of history might bring boredom, but don't worry because it is entertaining with this book, and very knowledgeable too. He also provided his note on separate chapter about his writing process, a time line of Chinese Dynasty and maps. I believe that readers will quickly drawn into the story as the character's quest and obstacles to solve the political conflict that involved the sake of the future. There will be too many characters but I don't give it a big deal because you'll love the story more than you need to know the secondary characters. There's quite a few of action packed scenes which is very engaging and filled with suspense. Of course, there is twist and turns at the end of the story which I am truly glad with the ending. In addition a little bit of romance which I found it quite essential and bring excitement in the story. I love the book and would be happy to recommend this book to all thriller readers.

About the Author:

Steve Berry is the New York Times bestselling author of The Emperor's Tomb, The Balkan Escape, The Paris Vendetta, The Charlemagne Pursuit, The Venetian Betrayal, The Alexandria Link, The Templar Legacy, The Third Secret, The Romanov Prophecy, and The Amber Room. He has 11 million books in print, which have been translated into 37 languages and sold in 50 countries. Steve's road to publishing was long and arduous, spanning 12 years (1990 - 2002) and 85 rejections over 5 separate manuscripts. He's also an accomplished instructor, having taught the concepts of writing to audiences across the globe. For more information visit his website at http://www.steveberry.org/

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc. for an exchange of fair review. Receiving a copy in no way will ever reflected my review and these are my honest review.

the end of marking time by c.j. west

Title: The End of Marking Time
Author: C.J. West
Published: May 2010
Pages: 284
Rating: 4.5/5
Source: Provided by the author
Buy at: Amazon | The Book Depository

Summary (Goodreads):

Gifted housebreaker, Michael O'Connor, awakens inside an ultramodern criminal justice system where prison walls are replaced by surveillance equipment and a host of actors hired to determine if he is worthy of freedom. While he was sleeping, the Supreme Court declared long term incarceration to be cruel and unusual punishment and ordered two million felons released. The result was utter chaos and the backlash from law-abiding citizens and police departments reshaped the United States. Felons now enter reeducation programs where they live freely among the population. At least that's what they think. In reality they are enslaved to an army of counselors and a black box that teaches them everything they failed to learn from kindergarten through adulthood. Michael believes he's being tested by the black box, but what he slowly begins to realize is that everything he does is evaluated to determine whether he lives or dies.

My Thought:

The setting of the book is set up in the near future, when US justice system has been renewed to minimize or demolish prison system, in which the prisoners or re-learners are re-educated to learn to be law abiding citizens. It started out intriguing, the plot line is compelling and very straight forward. However, it succeed to maintain the puzzles till the end which I have to think the rational behind the story the whole reading time. West did an amazing job portraying the character, Michael which is a career criminal, as a very troubled young guy he was and quite forcing me as a reader to look down at the character. At some moment, I feel anxiously angry but yet sympathy at Michael. Although his crime maybe not violent, harmless and what he did to support his life is utterly wrong, I can't help thinking that how sorry I am to him. The character's thinking is so simple, yet resulting him to pay for what he did along the re-education period.

The writing was entertaining and I was absorbed with the story but not totally. Its story is engaging and continue intensifying the thrills until the climax. I have such a high hope for the character to successfully graduate from the re-education program and free from the questionable process of getting a 'certificate' to live among the citizens. I like the ideology of the story and really for some moment I can accept the re-education experiments. But when it comes to the ending and twisted in such way, it turned my stomach and I felt totally horrible. I never see it's coming but it is brilliant! It is mind blasting and yes, very original. I don't think I've ever read something fresh like this. Totally recommended.

Request an e-copy of THE END OF MARKING TIME in .mobi, .pdf, .epub and .lrf. If you would like a copy, contact him at: authors@22wb.com.

Disclaimer: I received a review copy courtesy of Author C.J. West in exchange for a fair review. Receiving a copy in no way will ever reflected my review and these are my honest review.

the life o'reilly: a novel by brian cohen

Title: The Life O'Reilly: A Novel
Author: Brian Cohen
Pages: 266
Rating: 4.5/5
Source: Provided by the author

Summary (Author website)

On the outside, Nick O’Reilly has it all: a high-flying legal career, as a partner of an elite Wall Street law firm, and financial security, with an apartment overlooking Central Park. Having grown up in a working-class family, as far back as Nick can remember this was his dream. But at the age of thirty-six, after several years of sacrificing his personal life for professional gain, Nick has started to ponder his future and consider the mark he wants to leave on society both professionally and personally—his legacy.

After being chastised in the press for turning a cold shoulder to the community, the firm calls upon Nick to help rehabilitate its image by handling its first pro bono case. Nick is asked to represent Dawn Nelson, a domestic violence victim who is fighting for custody of her young son, Jordan. A far cry from Nick’s specialty of defending the misdeeds of Corporate America, it is up to Nick to set Dawn and Jordan on a path to a better life. But Nick gets much more than he signed on for, as Dawn forces him to reassess his life choices and, ultimately, be true to himself. Only when Nick finally realizes what is truly important in life does he face his toughest—and possibly final—challenge: a battle for his own survival.

My Thought:

I've just finished reading the book few days ago and I have to admit I'm quite reluctant to write the book's review. I have a little mixed feeling about the story and I couldn't find the word to express it. It's truly is some what a different story than I expected from the beginning when the author approached me to review his book. I read a few reviews about the book from other online sources and a couple of fellow blogger friends and they really gave good praise to the author. It makes me wonder why and when some of them comparing him to Nicholas Sparks, I know that I have to read this book.

When I'm about to read the book, yes, I really have this "this is Nicholas Sparks' book aura" feeling. Little did I know, it really was nothing like Nicholas Sparks. It was way better than that. I like all the heart-gripping, tear-jerking and heartfelt feeling in Nicholas Sparks books, but Brian Cohen's is an unexpected distinct warm feeling that lingers longer not only in your heart but also in your mind. I felt like I have to be strong to face any obstacles in life and I keep cheering in silence for Nick and hoping that everything will be okay. I think it's because Nick O'Reilly's character is so real and believable. Every words about the character seems so honest and so true which makes me wonder if the story is based on a true story.

The story is all about Nick O'Reilly and his life to begin with. He has everything, promising career, big paycheck, a partner of a well-known firm, you name it. Everything seems so perfect until he realizes he misses so much of other things when he represents a pro bono, domestic violence case of Dawn Nelson and her son. Half of the books literally about the case and his feeling towards his client and half to the end is about how he makes it through to gain what he thinks he has lost before by fulfilling each day with better way to enjoy it. At first, I thought it would be like a thriller (seems like any story involved with lawyers ends up that way). However, it has a little bit of thrill, suspense and mystery about his life which keep me guessing and can't wait to keep turning the page as soon as possible. And one thing I like most; I can't even predict what would have happened, I never see it's coming!

The Life O'Reilly is very well-written, compelling, beautifully told and left such a warm feeling at the end of the story which I really like. I'm really lucky to read this as it left me thinking about my own life path that I've chosen till this day. You know, when you think you have and follow everything according to the plan, without even think in a blink about the possibilities that you might have something you've missed along the way until you're standing at where you're standing now. It gives me more than I what need rather than a light read because it serves everything for you to think about love, sadness, sharing, giving and most important of how to enjoy life that we have now. It some kind of a motivation for me. I was amazed reading the book, and still am. I think I have found another great author as good as Nicholas Sparks!

Disclaimer: I received a review copy courtesy of Author Brian Cohen in exchange for a fair review. Receiving a copy in no way will ever reflected my review and these are my honest review.