Showing posts with label Book Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book Reviews. Show all posts

Friday, September 19, 2025

Science Fiction Political Thriller Review: Taming the Perilous Skies by Phil Marshall

This morning, I have a science fiction, political thriller to share! Learn about Taming the Perilous Skies, read my thoughts on the book, learn about the author & be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.


 
Book Title: Taming the Perilous Skies by Phil Marshall 
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 450 pages 
Genre: Hard Sci Fi, Thriller, Political Thriller, Sci Fi Adventure
Publisher:  Phil Marshall
Release date:  Sep 12, 2025
Content Rating:  PG-13: There is one suicide (distantly witnessed), and there are F words, and 47 million people die, but very little gore and no graphic violence.

 

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About the Book


Everyone said the sky could never fall. They were wrong.

In the year 2076, anti-gravity has ushered in a new era of peace, prosperity, and worldwide collaboration. Powered by the scientific marvel known as Persistence, aerial vehicles now replace roads, energy comes from ambient particles, and the world’s nations are connected by open skies and their reverence for The Fabric — the timeless, interconnected thread of all particles, past and future, that not only powers anti-gravity but redefines humanity’s understanding of the presence of God.   

But on an ordinary October morning, the impossible happens: passenger aerials start dropping/falling from the sky.

For Jack Woods, a national security official and devoted father, this tragedy is more than a historic anomaly. His son Erik was airborne when the world stopped. As aerials freeze mid-air across the globe like ticking timebombs and chaos erupts below/the death toll rises by the millions, Jack races to uncover what went wrong… and who may be responsible.

Meanwhile, Brian Medlock, the scientist who discovered anti gravity, prepares to leave this world only to be pulled into a political and spiritual firestorm threatening to unravel everything he built.

Blending science, political intrigue, and the primal human emotions that keep us grounded/connect us, Taming the Perilous Skies is a haunting look at a future world/ riveting journey through a world reliant/dependent on technology, and the people who must fight to save it/will stop at nothing to save it when it begins to unravel/falls apart. And how easily it can all fall apart.

My Review 
 

Taming the Perilous Skies by Phil Marshall Builds Slowly--But is Worth the Wait. I had a hard time settling into the drama and connecting the characters initially, as the author built his science fiction thriller. Once I organized the characters and the elements of science and crisis came together, the novel was very engaging, interesting, and well-paced through to the end. There are characters to love and hate--sometimes at the same time--that seem realistic and relatable as they move through the various scenes of the novel. As for the scenes of the book, the science and human nature blend well--once the elements connect--to create a believable, thought-provoking plot.

 

Taming the Perilous Skies Offers a Great Blend of Science, Mystery, and Political Thrills. For fans of political thrillers and rush-to-save-the-world science fiction adventures, this novel offers a perfect blend of both that doesn't create a tedious storyline in either respect. The science fiction angles are believable and well-developed to fit the twists and turns of the thriller as the plot moves along. I enjoy dystopian fiction--but sometimes find science fiction too focused on unbelievable science. This book is not overly scientific or overly political--it is a well-balanced blend of thriller, science, and human responses.

 

Would I Recommend Taming the Perilous Skies? I enjoyed the book once I settled into the world and the character connections. I did have some difficulty with that initially, but once the pieces clicked together, I really enjoyed the twists, turns and resolution of the novel. If you like believable science fiction that edges into philosophy, spirituality, thrills and drama--this is a book that is well worth a spot on your reading list. 

 
Buy the Book

Amazon
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Meet the Author 

Phil Marshall is a physician, scientist, and AI technology entrepreneur. Taming the Perilous Skies is his debut novel centered on his theory of persistence and a passion for how technology can transform our lives, and how it can go terribly wrong.

connect with the author: website 

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Thursday, July 31, 2025

Historical Military Fiction Review: Legacy of Honor - The Descendants by Larry A. Freeland


 

​Book Title:  LEGACY OF HONOR: THE DESCENDANTS by Larry A. Freeland
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +),  401 pages
Genre: Historical Military Fiction
Publisher: Publish Authority
Release date:  February 2025
Content Rating: PG + M: My book is a story of sacrifice, integrity, courage (moral and physical), love, family and war.​
 

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About the Book


In The Descendants: A Legacy of Valor, the McCormick family saga continues, plunging readers into the heart of 20th-century warfare. This gripping historical military fiction, written in three parts, follows Sean McCormick’s three sons—Alan, Lee, and Scott—as they confront the harsh realities of war and sacrifice.
In Part 1, Alan, the eldest, leads an Infantry Company with the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War. Amid brutal jungle battles, he faces the relentless toll of command.
Part 2 follows Lee, a U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, as he navigates daring missions and personal struggles, eventually participating in the First Gulf War.
In Part 3, Scott, the youngest, is drafted into the Army during the Vietnam era, stationed in South Korea, and later recruited by the CIA, where he undertakes covert missions across the Middle East.
From the jungles of Vietnam to the deserts of the Middle East, The Descendants—the powerful conclusion to The Legacy of Honor trilogy—explores the courage, brotherhood, and sacrifices of the McCormick brothers. Their intertwined journeys reveal the true cost of duty, family, and legacy.
 
My Review

The Author Takes Readers Beyond the Battlefield. This is the first book that I have read from the trilogy. I was hesitant to begin the series with the "end"--but the novel is certainly a stand-alone look at the lives of the three brothers (descendants) in a military family. I am not always a fan of military-based novels--but the author takes readers to, through and beyond the battlefields as he explores the personal tolls of war taken on his three main characters.  The novel is a very real look into the brothers' experiences. The tears, the pain, and the harsh realities are laid open on the pages. Written with a tone that is vivid and real, the novel reads more like stories from memoirs and journals. Readers will be drawn to this family and the stories of war and its aftermath from beginning to end.  
Legacy of Honor - The Descendants can be Read as a Stand-Alone--But... This is the best historical military fiction novel I've read. While this is the "end" of the series, I would certainly be interested in reading the first two books as well. You could read this novel on its own and have a complete reading experience--but you will want to stay with the family and learn about them and the legacy that preceded these three men. 
Would I Recommend Legacy of Honor - The Descendants by Larry A. Freeland? Whether you love military fiction--or enjoy emotional historical fiction, this novel (and series) is one for your reading list. While this novel is a stand-alone book, I would plan to pick up the series.  
 
Buy the Book
 
Check Out The Entire Legacy of Honor Series:
Praise for Legacy of Honor: The Patriarch
“Freeland weaves together an exciting, action-packed, and historically accurate tale of war and romance during and after World War 1.” - James Harvey, author of Grayton Beach Affair
“Freeland writes in nearly encyclopedic fashion as he includes background information about the World War I trenches, the history of the nursing corps, the big increase of cigarette use among American military personnel, the history of “Reveille,” and the meaning of “buying the farm,” among many other things. He also takes the reader on a 30,000-foot overview of a battle about to take place before dropping us down into the action. Freeland’s aim is for his trilogy to explore how this country treats its warriors and veterans during and after our wars. With Book One, The Patriarch, he’s off to a good start." - Bill McCloud - Vietnam Veterans of America

"Crawl through the trenches of France with American infantrymen and experience the horrendous brutality of WWI warfare … reminiscent of the carnage in Civil War battle scenes in The Red Badge of Courage. Then follow the “doughboys” as they assimilate back into American society, often with heartbreaking and unforgettable outcomes.” - Jameson Gregg, Benjamin Franklin Award Winner and Georgia Author of the Year
In his hometown in Wellington Ohio, Sam McCormick is on a path to follow in his father’s footsteps, leading a life of hard work as a factory manager. But in 1915, Sam loses his parents when the Lusitania is sunk by a U-boat. Soon after, Sam is called up during World War I as an infantryman with the Army’s American Expeditionary Forces and the first division to be sent to France to battle the very forces that killed his loved ones.
Now Sam’s aim is to seek vengeance for his parents’ death. He must survive brutal gas attacks, rapid machine gun fire, and relentless artillery strikes. As he and his troops repeatedly cross into “no man’s land” to take over German trenches, he will cross paths with notable leaders such as General Pershing, General Douglas MacArthur, Colonel George Patton, and Sergeant York, one of the most highly decorated American soldiers of WWI.
But Sam’s attitude changes as the war drags on, and the body count rises. Now Sam just wants the killing to stop. When he is wounded, he finds hope again to rebuild a life with his bride Marie, a witty and intelligent French nurse. But when he returns home, the United States that he loved as a civilian looks far different after the war as a veteran.
 Sam McCormick must become The Patriarch. His family and way of life depend on it.
A tale of courage, sacrifice, love and honor, this 20th Century historical fiction saga addresses the horrors of WW1 and the challenges that military men faced upon returning including mental trauma, and physical illness in addition to the hardships of the Great Depression as well as other historical events before WWII, including the Bonus Army March of 1932 and the Little Steel Strikes of 1937.

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Thriller Review Feature: Serves You Right by Orion Gregory

This morning, I have a mystery thriller in our book review feature spot! Learn about Serves You Right and author Orion Gregory, read my thoughts on the book and be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post. 



Book Title:  Serves You Right by Orion Gregory
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 300 pages 
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Publisher:  Publish Authority
Release date:   July 8, 2025
Content Rating:  PG-13 + M: No explicit sex scenes, a couple of f-words, one suicide.

 

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About the Book

Rookie detective Sydney Livingstone thought she’d left the chaos of her tennis career behind when she joined the small Walsh County Police Department. But a shadowy figure known as "The Enforcer" has other plans. On the dark web, a vigilante is waging their own brand of justice, pushing Sydney to confront a force that threatens to unravel everything she holds dear.

As she investigates a disturbing series of events, including a stalker targeting a seasoned officer, Sydney must navigate the twisted maze of corruption, deception, and a growing conspiracy within her own department. With the media spotlight on Walsh County and danger closing in, will Sydney uncover the truth—or become its next victim?​
 
My Review

 

Serves You Right Brings a Well-Paced, Page Turner. I love mystery/thrillers that actually keep readers guessing a little as the scenes play out. The author creates a very well-developed thriller that moves well and drops enough surprises that cause some second-guessing and a few surprises to hold reader interest from beginning to end. As the author builds the story around The Enforcer and a combination of tech and traditional police investigation, the scenes layer strongly and interestingly. While the story wraps up successfully at the end, there are some loose ends that will pull you into (hopefully) future books of the series.  

 

Expect to Enjoy Sydney's Character--but not all of the Conversation. I loved Sydney's character and the actual storyline development as the puzzle pieces unfolded to resolution. Some of the wishy-washy dialogue and character interactions seemed inconsistent with the other strongly written scenes. At times, the conversations made Sydney and the story seem a little unrealistic, like a "cozy mystery"; however, her actions would then seem more aligned with the other well-developed elements of the thriller.  

 

Would I Recommend Serves You Right? I enjoyed Sydney's character, and I loved the mystery development as the storyline moved along. Despite sections of the dialogue feeling unrealistic for some scenes, the strength of the novel as a whole made it a page-turner that truly kept me engaged in solving the mystery with the characters. It's a great page-turner for mystery lovers. 

 
Buy the Book 
 AMAZON
add to goodreads

Meet the Author

Orion Gregory spent the early part of his career as a writer in the newspaper, magazine, and advertising industries, where he was the recipient of several prestigious awards. The latter part of his working career consisted of more than 25 years in marketing/sales industry. He never forgot his love of writing during that time, and always vowed to return to his roots. Presently, Orion spends the majority of his time writing mystery/thriller novels when he’s not coaching or teaching tennis. He finds great pleasure in mentoring young people and improving the conditions of animals in need. His life revolves around his wife and two daughters, as well as the wonderful friends he has made along his journey. He subscribes to the theory that the only bad pun is the one left unsaid.

connect with the author: website x ~ facebook instagram ~ goodreads
 
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Thursday, July 10, 2025

Women's Fiction Review: The Things They Didn't See by Angela Shaeffer

This morning, I have an emotional family drama in our book review spotlight. Learn about The Things They Didn't See and author Angela Shaeffer, read my thoughts on the book and be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaawy at the end of this post.


 

Book Title:  THE THINGS THEY DIDN'T SEE by Angela Shaeffer
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 358 pages 
GenreWomen's Fiction, Family Saga
Publisher:  Wander Lane Press
Release date:   June 2025
Content Rating PG + M: Mild profanity with some mature themes (self harm, suicide attempt)   

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Mystery Review: A Table Rock Mystery by Tom Wood

I love finding mystery novels to share! Today, I have A Table Rock Mystery from author Tom Wood. Learn about the novel, read my review and be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.  



Book Title: A Table Rock Mystery by  
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 284 pages 
Genre: thriller , psychological thriller
Publisher:  BQB Publishing
Release date:   March 2024
Content Rating:  PG. My book is rated PG for the times some of the mob characters utter mild curse words     

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About the Book


A young couple decides to trade city lights for the twinkling stars of Branson, Missouri to fulfill their lifelong dream of owning a small-town tavern. But their idyllic country life filled with music and laughter takes a dark turn when a simple evening walk along the Ozark shoreline spirals into a whirlwind of chaos.

A forged loan application ignites a chain reaction of events leading to a shocking kidnapping and a string of murders that has the local sheriff's office scrambling to uncover the truth.

What started out as a dream quickly transforms into a nightmare as innocent people find themselves caught in a web of crime, betrayal, and one multi-million-dollar secret. With each twist more unexpected then the last, the real question is: who will make it out alive?
 
My Review

 

Expect a Fast-Paced, Small Town Mystery. I enjoyed the novel's smaller-town setting and could relate to the city-transplant couple as they navigated the realistic small-town community and law enforcement. The novel does a great job transporting readers to the slower-paced Branson, Missouri, while keeping the thrills moving with an assortment of crimes and surprises. The novel moves quickly and is never boring or confusing. While there are plenty of twists and turns, none of them seem misplaced or unbelievable. 

 

A Large Cast of Characters Brings Various Perspectives.  The novel brings together many characters as the individual pieces of the storylines connect and deliver pieces of the mystery puzzle. The characters, like the plot twists, serve purposes and are well-drawn to keep the pace moving from beginning to end. 

 

Would I Recommend A Table Rock Mystery by Tom Wood?  Fans of mysteries and thrillers will enjoy this fast-paced novel. There are plenty of surprises and much to learn as the novel progresses. I enjoyed the author's writing style, character interactions, and setting development. I would recommend this book to fans of light thrillers with believable twists and turns, and I look forward to reading more from this author. 

 
Buy the Book
Amazon
add to Goodreads
 
Meet the Author

Tom Wood became a reporter and byline journalist at four newspapers in suburban Chicago after retiring from the U.S. Postal Service. After Alone Along Writers' Roads, published in 2024, A Table Rock Mystery is his second published novel. 

connect with the author:  goodreads 
 



Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Mystery Review Spotlight: Calypso Blue by Brian Silverman

CALYPSO BLUE by Brian Silverman Banner

Len Buonfiglio Caribbean Mystery Series

CALYPSO BLUE

by Brian Silverman

 

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About the Book


CALYPSO BLUE by Brian Silverman

A Len Buonfiglio/St. Pierre Caribbean Mystery

In Calypso Blue, Brian Silverman crafts a gripping tale of mystery, revenge, and redemption set against the backdrop of New York and the Caribbean. The novel follows John Saint John, a man torn between his faith, past, and responsibilities as a father, as he grapples with a life-altering decision driven by a desire for justice. As his story unfolds in the shadow of a significant historical event, another narrative emerges—one centered on Leonard Buonfiglio, an American expatriate running a bar on the island of St. Pierre. When a legendary calypso singer, Lord Ram, dies under suspicious circumstances, Leonard is reluctantly pulled into an investigation at the behest of the island’s police superintendent.

Blending elements of crime, culture, and personal reckoning, Calypso Blue explores themes of loss, second chances, and the ghosts of the past that refuse to be forgotten. With vivid storytelling and rich atmospheric detail, Silverman transports readers into a world where music, memory, and mystery intertwine.

 

My Review

 

Expect Another Engaging Mystery. This book continues the Len Buonfiglio/Caribbean mystery series. While readers can read this novel as a stand-alone mystery, I think I enjoyed this book more because I could learn a little more about Len and his past as we meet some new characters and explore new relationships and plot lines. This novel blends New York City with the Caribbean in a well-organized, well-written style that is easy to read and entertaining. Readers learn more about Len, and the elements of faith, redemption, and second chances help create an interesting novel that is difficult to leave at the end.  

 

Calypso Blue Combines Mystery and Life Very Well. As with the first book in the series, the author does a great job keeping his characters real and even relatable. I enjoyed the mystery elements of the novel--but the characters and their side stories that combine to create the storyline make the novel believable and much more than a crime drama. Secrets and piecing together (and facing) pieces of the past create a very full story for readers. 

 

Would I Recommend Calypso Blue by Brian Silverman? I have enjoyed both books from this series and would definitely follow more of Len's adventures. I enjoyed the author's writing style, realistic characters, vivid settings and the well-written mystery plot. If you enjoy strong characters who jump in to find the truth--expect to love Len. Mysteries are my favorite genre--but I also love watching relationships unfold, and secrets reveal themselves. While you could read this novel as a stand-alone story--I would begin the series at the beginning. I think I enjoyed this novel even more than the first because I am building a better understanding of Len and the dynamics surrounding his story. 

 

Meet the Author

Brian Silverman

Brian Silverman’s writing career has spanned over 30 years. He has written about travel, food, and sports for publications including the New York Times, Saveur, Caribbean Travel and Life, Islands, the New Yorker, New York, and others. From 2004 through 2013, he was the author of the annual Frommer’s New York City guidebook series. He co-authored the acclaimed Twentieth Century Treasury of Sports with his father, Al Silverman.

His short fiction has appeared in numerous publications, including Mystery Tribune, Down and Out Magazine, and Mystery Weekly. His stories have been selected to appear in The Best American Mystery Stories in 2018 and 2019, and The Best American Mystery and Suspense Stories 2021. His other short fiction has appeared in publications such as Down and Out Magazine, Mystery Magazine, Dark Waters, and Vautrin. Freedom Drop is his first published novel. He lives in Harlem, New York, with his wife, Heather, and his sons, Louis and Russell.

 

Connect with the Author

www.BrianSilvermanWrites.com
Goodreads
BookBub
X - @BSsilverman

 

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