Voice of Crow
Jeri Smith-Ready
Luna, Oct 2007, $14.95
ISBN: 9780373802906
The people of the Spirits have the magic and wisdom of their Spirit guider that forms the person’s Aspect. Rhia has recently reconciled herself to the Aspect Crow, the harbinger of death. When the Descendents, the ancestors of the Spirit people who broke away from the primitive villagers to build great cities that became the Ilion Empire, invaded Asermos, many people from the village of Kalindos fought to defend their way of life.
They won, but in retaliation, the Ilion army wiped out Kalindos, killing the elders, and capturing many people to take back with them to their capital Leukos. Merek and Rhia marry and she is pregnant to both their euphoria. Several people dream of Raven bestowing her Aspect to move through space or time. This has never happened before so many believe that this Aspect is to save the people from extinction. The child will be the offspring of a crow, but Rhia is elated to have given birth to a healthy boy. When tragedy strikes, although knowing she might die, Rhia accompanied by warriors head to Leukos to regain what was stolen.
Readers will thoroughly enjoy this fabulous fantasy that is so creatively vivid, the audience will lose track of time and space. The people of the Spirit accept the will of the Aspect as their guides in their everyday lives; those who reject the Aspect are considered incomplete. Rhia plays a critical role, but unlike the VOICE OF CROW, the exciting story line is told from the perspectives of several other people as well; adding a freshness and insight to a strong epic.
Harriet Klausner
Monday, September 3, 2007
Sunday, September 2, 2007
The Night Climbers-Ivo Stourton
The Night Climbers
Ivo Stourton
Simon Spotlight Entertainment, Sep 2007, $24.00
ISBN: 9781416948698
Eighteen years old Tudor College of Cambridge University freshman James Walker is a bit awed at being at the prestigious school, but that will not preclude his desire to party with pretty coeds. Still he fears he will be left on the outside unless he befriends the in-crowd whoever they are.
James meets Michael Findlay and he leads the newcomer to a bunch of thrill-seekers who welcome him to join their group, the Tudor Night Climbers. Although he has some doubts about climbing buildings and other edifices at night he joins them. He quickly is attracted to Jessica Katz, but she seems to desire the dynamic leader Francis. When Francis’ father cuts off his funding (and consequently the group), they follow up on an idea by one of them, Lisa, to continue to finance their climbing way of life Emboldened by Francis; they remain naive that fourteen years later they will still be paying the price.
THE NIGHT CLIMBERS is a fascinating complex (perhaps too complicated with its myriad of subplots) group character study. The building climbing apparently is based on a 1960s fad (although this reviewer does not know of any Queens College climbers). Each of the key characters are fully developed and ultimately tied together by the scheme more than by the climbing or the attraction. Ivo Stoughton provides an appealing glimpse at the tentative bonds of friendship.
Harriet Klausner
Ivo Stourton
Simon Spotlight Entertainment, Sep 2007, $24.00
ISBN: 9781416948698
Eighteen years old Tudor College of Cambridge University freshman James Walker is a bit awed at being at the prestigious school, but that will not preclude his desire to party with pretty coeds. Still he fears he will be left on the outside unless he befriends the in-crowd whoever they are.
James meets Michael Findlay and he leads the newcomer to a bunch of thrill-seekers who welcome him to join their group, the Tudor Night Climbers. Although he has some doubts about climbing buildings and other edifices at night he joins them. He quickly is attracted to Jessica Katz, but she seems to desire the dynamic leader Francis. When Francis’ father cuts off his funding (and consequently the group), they follow up on an idea by one of them, Lisa, to continue to finance their climbing way of life Emboldened by Francis; they remain naive that fourteen years later they will still be paying the price.
THE NIGHT CLIMBERS is a fascinating complex (perhaps too complicated with its myriad of subplots) group character study. The building climbing apparently is based on a 1960s fad (although this reviewer does not know of any Queens College climbers). Each of the key characters are fully developed and ultimately tied together by the scheme more than by the climbing or the attraction. Ivo Stoughton provides an appealing glimpse at the tentative bonds of friendship.
Harriet Klausner
Midnight Clear-Jerry B. Jenkins and Dallas Jenkins
Midnight Clear
Jerry B. Jenkins and Dallas Jenkins
Tyndale, Oct 2007, $9.99
ISBN: 9781414316598
It is the day before Christmas Eve and five people do not feel that tomorrow will be any different than any other day; except maybe worse. Lefty has lost his apartment, his job and visitation rights to his children because of his habitual drinking. Evie is estranged from her children and feels there is nothing to live for; she plans to commit later that night. Mary and her son Jacob feel the loss of her institutionalized husband/his father Rick due to brain damage incurred when a DUI rammed into his car.
Mitch, a youth pastor at the church Mary used to attend before the accident, was in the vehicle when the drunk crashed into then. He is unable to visit Rick because he cannot cope with seeing his best friend with the mind of an infant. Suffering his own crisis of faith, Mitch considers quitting as the youth pastor. Kirk, the owner of a self-service gas station and convenience store, lives in a grey world.. These five people cross paths in a random way, but are changed by accepting the gift of grace.
This is a beautiful Christmas story filed with love, hope, redemption and a chance to turn one’s life around by accepting the gift of grace especially when things seem darkest and it feels as if God abandoned you. Each of the five prime players represents a cross section of the population yet everyone is fully developed so that the audience understands their depression that comes with their tribulations. Jerry B. Jenkins and Dallas Jenkins have created a delightful charmer that empathizing readers will appreciate as life is worth living.
Harriet Klausner
Jerry B. Jenkins and Dallas Jenkins
Tyndale, Oct 2007, $9.99
ISBN: 9781414316598
It is the day before Christmas Eve and five people do not feel that tomorrow will be any different than any other day; except maybe worse. Lefty has lost his apartment, his job and visitation rights to his children because of his habitual drinking. Evie is estranged from her children and feels there is nothing to live for; she plans to commit later that night. Mary and her son Jacob feel the loss of her institutionalized husband/his father Rick due to brain damage incurred when a DUI rammed into his car.
Mitch, a youth pastor at the church Mary used to attend before the accident, was in the vehicle when the drunk crashed into then. He is unable to visit Rick because he cannot cope with seeing his best friend with the mind of an infant. Suffering his own crisis of faith, Mitch considers quitting as the youth pastor. Kirk, the owner of a self-service gas station and convenience store, lives in a grey world.. These five people cross paths in a random way, but are changed by accepting the gift of grace.
This is a beautiful Christmas story filed with love, hope, redemption and a chance to turn one’s life around by accepting the gift of grace especially when things seem darkest and it feels as if God abandoned you. Each of the five prime players represents a cross section of the population yet everyone is fully developed so that the audience understands their depression that comes with their tribulations. Jerry B. Jenkins and Dallas Jenkins have created a delightful charmer that empathizing readers will appreciate as life is worth living.
Harriet Klausner
Suspect-Jasmine-Cresswell
Suspect
Jasmine Cresswell
Mira, Oct 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780778324775
Being a divorce lawyer Liam Raven is skeptical when it comes to relationships. However, his affluent father’s bigamy stuns even cynical Liam who had believed he heard everything from couples. Apparently his dad Ron had a household here in Wyoming and one in Atlanta for twenty-five years with kids in both cities. While his families, the Ravens and the Fairfaxes, are in the media fish bowl, Ron is MISSING.
Liam is elated to have a client Chloe Hamilton to distract him from his family issues as he has no idea how to help his distraught mom or his sister although the latter seems to have found a distraction in of all people a Fairfax. Chloe expects to be charged with first degree murder of her spouse, Denver Mayor Jason Hamilton. However, the case ties back to his family as the victim was a business crony of Ron’s partner and apparent the other brother-in-law Paul Fairfax. As Liam fights his attraction to his client, he obsesses with proving her innocence by seeking the real culprit.
Although lawyers acting like investigators especially on a capital case seem a stretch, readers will enjoy the exciting romantic suspense thriller SUSPECT, the second Ravens and Fairfaxes tale. The story line is action-packed and fast-paced as Liam and Chloe fall in love while he does field work to uncover the killer’s identity. As these type of cases are emotionally draining on lawyers without falling in love and take up enormous amounts of time (except in Texas), romantic suspense fans will appreciate the strong tale due to the fine lead characters, but also know his actions seem implausible. Still this is a fun thriller and PAYBACK is coming.
Harriet Klausner
Jasmine Cresswell
Mira, Oct 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780778324775
Being a divorce lawyer Liam Raven is skeptical when it comes to relationships. However, his affluent father’s bigamy stuns even cynical Liam who had believed he heard everything from couples. Apparently his dad Ron had a household here in Wyoming and one in Atlanta for twenty-five years with kids in both cities. While his families, the Ravens and the Fairfaxes, are in the media fish bowl, Ron is MISSING.
Liam is elated to have a client Chloe Hamilton to distract him from his family issues as he has no idea how to help his distraught mom or his sister although the latter seems to have found a distraction in of all people a Fairfax. Chloe expects to be charged with first degree murder of her spouse, Denver Mayor Jason Hamilton. However, the case ties back to his family as the victim was a business crony of Ron’s partner and apparent the other brother-in-law Paul Fairfax. As Liam fights his attraction to his client, he obsesses with proving her innocence by seeking the real culprit.
Although lawyers acting like investigators especially on a capital case seem a stretch, readers will enjoy the exciting romantic suspense thriller SUSPECT, the second Ravens and Fairfaxes tale. The story line is action-packed and fast-paced as Liam and Chloe fall in love while he does field work to uncover the killer’s identity. As these type of cases are emotionally draining on lawyers without falling in love and take up enormous amounts of time (except in Texas), romantic suspense fans will appreciate the strong tale due to the fine lead characters, but also know his actions seem implausible. Still this is a fun thriller and PAYBACK is coming.
Harriet Klausner
The Séance-Heather Graham
The Séance
Heather Graham
Mira, Oct 2007, $7.99
ISBN: 9780778324652
Everyone attending Christina Hardy's housewarming party is upset with word that the notorious "Interstate-Killer" has returned as a recent homicide parallels that of this serial killer, whose murderous spree was fifteen years ago. To return to the party mood, Christina brings out an Ouija board. However, instead of harmless fun, the board enables the former lead detective on the Interstate killer investigation, the late Beau Kidd to contact Christina.
He insists he was innocent although he became the prime suspect and that the real killer is back. Beau wants this murderer caught so his name is cleared and in turn he can go on to his deserved rest. Christina tells her childhood friend former cop turned true crime writer Jed Braden that the ghost of Beau visited her., Jed skeptically scoffs at her until he checks the accuracy of her information she provided him with the police even as more people are murdered. Hired by Kidd’s sister to prove her late sibling never committed the murders, Jed knows he needs to use Christina’s link to the deceased sleuth while also keeping the woman he loves safe.
Heather Graham's latest paranormal romantic suspense (see GHOST WALK and BEYOND THE GRAVE) is an entertaining serial killer ghost story. The three prime characters are fully developed, but the love subplot between the skeptic and the believer interferes with the tense inquiries except when Kidd interrupts their interludes with his demands. Fans will appreciate this fine romantic suspense ghost investigation into the return of a serial killer; perhaps from the grave as the evidence still points towards Kidd.
Harriet Klausner
Heather Graham
Mira, Oct 2007, $7.99
ISBN: 9780778324652
Everyone attending Christina Hardy's housewarming party is upset with word that the notorious "Interstate-Killer" has returned as a recent homicide parallels that of this serial killer, whose murderous spree was fifteen years ago. To return to the party mood, Christina brings out an Ouija board. However, instead of harmless fun, the board enables the former lead detective on the Interstate killer investigation, the late Beau Kidd to contact Christina.
He insists he was innocent although he became the prime suspect and that the real killer is back. Beau wants this murderer caught so his name is cleared and in turn he can go on to his deserved rest. Christina tells her childhood friend former cop turned true crime writer Jed Braden that the ghost of Beau visited her., Jed skeptically scoffs at her until he checks the accuracy of her information she provided him with the police even as more people are murdered. Hired by Kidd’s sister to prove her late sibling never committed the murders, Jed knows he needs to use Christina’s link to the deceased sleuth while also keeping the woman he loves safe.
Heather Graham's latest paranormal romantic suspense (see GHOST WALK and BEYOND THE GRAVE) is an entertaining serial killer ghost story. The three prime characters are fully developed, but the love subplot between the skeptic and the believer interferes with the tense inquiries except when Kidd interrupts their interludes with his demands. Fans will appreciate this fine romantic suspense ghost investigation into the return of a serial killer; perhaps from the grave as the evidence still points towards Kidd.
Harriet Klausner
Behind Closed Doors-Tara Taylor Quinn
Behind Closed Doors
Tara Taylor Quinn
Mira, Oct 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780778323952
In Tucson, Arizona an intruder with a gun invades the home of African-American history professor Harry Kendall and his white wife botanist Laura Clark. He beats up Harry before tying him up and raping Laura. Already irate, Harry becomes outraged at the police’s failure to make any progress on the case as he knows they are looking at a random act while the culprit made it clear it was racially motivated.
Fuming he decides to investigate. As he obsessively follows clues to the white supremacist serendipitously politically connected Ivory Nation, he places himself and his spouse in danger from an amoral racist (and his allies) who has no compunctions in killing him and raping a fearful Laura again at a time she is pregnant carrying who knows who’s child.
The keys to this powerful thriller are the reactions of the lead couple to the assault and rape, and the underlying concept that even BEHIND CLOSED DOORS, people are not necessarily safe from those who use force and fear especially to further a “sanctioned” cause. The action-packed story line focuses on the aftermath impact on the psyche of mostly an angry Harry, who seeks vengeance even legal reparations. However to a lesser degree fans see how Laura reacts as she is very frightened (almost agoraphobic) but tries to move on while worrying about the DNA of the fetus she carries; and somewhat on Bobby Donahue of Ivory Nation, who escaped justice IN PLAIN SIGHT as he shows a human side with his tenderness towards his infant son, who is his reason for doing what he does. This character driven thriller will hook the audience from the onset until the final new beginning.
Harriet Klausner
Tara Taylor Quinn
Mira, Oct 2007, $6.99
ISBN: 9780778323952
In Tucson, Arizona an intruder with a gun invades the home of African-American history professor Harry Kendall and his white wife botanist Laura Clark. He beats up Harry before tying him up and raping Laura. Already irate, Harry becomes outraged at the police’s failure to make any progress on the case as he knows they are looking at a random act while the culprit made it clear it was racially motivated.
Fuming he decides to investigate. As he obsessively follows clues to the white supremacist serendipitously politically connected Ivory Nation, he places himself and his spouse in danger from an amoral racist (and his allies) who has no compunctions in killing him and raping a fearful Laura again at a time she is pregnant carrying who knows who’s child.
The keys to this powerful thriller are the reactions of the lead couple to the assault and rape, and the underlying concept that even BEHIND CLOSED DOORS, people are not necessarily safe from those who use force and fear especially to further a “sanctioned” cause. The action-packed story line focuses on the aftermath impact on the psyche of mostly an angry Harry, who seeks vengeance even legal reparations. However to a lesser degree fans see how Laura reacts as she is very frightened (almost agoraphobic) but tries to move on while worrying about the DNA of the fetus she carries; and somewhat on Bobby Donahue of Ivory Nation, who escaped justice IN PLAIN SIGHT as he shows a human side with his tenderness towards his infant son, who is his reason for doing what he does. This character driven thriller will hook the audience from the onset until the final new beginning.
Harriet Klausner
Body and Blood-Michael Schiefelbein
Body and Blood
Michael Schiefelbein
St. Martin’s, Sep 2007, $23.95
ISBN: 9780312330194
When they were sixteen years old seminary students Chris Sieb struggled to hide his attraction to Jack Canston. He succeeded as no one knew how much he wanted to give up his body to Jack instead of the Lord.
For the next twenty-five years Father Chris Sieb hides in the closet his gay feelings as he never acts on them. Currently Chris lives in Kansas City where he successfully runs the St. John's Diocesan Center. However, Father Jack Canston has come to see him. Both feel the incredible attraction that makes Chris wonder whether he needs to give up his priesthood as in his heart (and loins) he fails the Christ. Both are stunned by the recent suicide of Father Eddie Gerhardt, who killed himself over his guilt closeted homosexual feelings that made him believe he was not pure for the Christ. Now Chris and Jack must confront what Eddie refused to face, can a gay preferential individual be a good Christian priest especially of they adhere to the celibacy vow?
Leaving his vampires behind, Michael Schiefelbein provides a powerful character study that digs deep into human psyche with the conflict between personal needs and desires vs. religious beliefs. As the suicide of Father Gerhardt affirms these are not necessarily compatible. Chris and jack struggle with their sexual preference, which is a double sin as their celibacy vow is under assault and being gay in their minds makes it even more of a transgression. BODY AND BLOOD is a superb look into faith when the human desires are in conflict with the heavenly requirements.
Harriet Klausner
Michael Schiefelbein
St. Martin’s, Sep 2007, $23.95
ISBN: 9780312330194
When they were sixteen years old seminary students Chris Sieb struggled to hide his attraction to Jack Canston. He succeeded as no one knew how much he wanted to give up his body to Jack instead of the Lord.
For the next twenty-five years Father Chris Sieb hides in the closet his gay feelings as he never acts on them. Currently Chris lives in Kansas City where he successfully runs the St. John's Diocesan Center. However, Father Jack Canston has come to see him. Both feel the incredible attraction that makes Chris wonder whether he needs to give up his priesthood as in his heart (and loins) he fails the Christ. Both are stunned by the recent suicide of Father Eddie Gerhardt, who killed himself over his guilt closeted homosexual feelings that made him believe he was not pure for the Christ. Now Chris and Jack must confront what Eddie refused to face, can a gay preferential individual be a good Christian priest especially of they adhere to the celibacy vow?
Leaving his vampires behind, Michael Schiefelbein provides a powerful character study that digs deep into human psyche with the conflict between personal needs and desires vs. religious beliefs. As the suicide of Father Gerhardt affirms these are not necessarily compatible. Chris and jack struggle with their sexual preference, which is a double sin as their celibacy vow is under assault and being gay in their minds makes it even more of a transgression. BODY AND BLOOD is a superb look into faith when the human desires are in conflict with the heavenly requirements.
Harriet Klausner
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