A Book A Week

Sometimes, a fast-paced, absorbing story is just what the doctor ordered. While I love intricate plots and well-drawn characters, every so often, I crave a book that lets me unwind and dive into pure, effortless escapism. This week, I needed that, and no one delivers on this front quite like James Patterson. His updated take on the classic hero Doc Savage in Murder Island was the perfect, easy page-turner I hoped for.

Professor Brant "Doc" Savage and his girlfriend, Kira Sunlight, think they've found paradise on a secluded island, hoping for a much-needed escape from their crime-fighting exploits. But their peace is short-lived. In a brutal ambush, the two are torn apart and transported to opposite corners of the world. Doc, determined to reunite with Kira, embarks on a relentless quest, traveling across the Brazilian coast, through northern Europe, and into the depths of the Congo jungle. He faces ruthless adversaries along the way and uncovers a sprawling global conspiracy, forcing him back into a world of danger he thought he’d left behind.

In Murder Island, James Patterson and Brian Sitts set out to revitalize the classic action hero Doc Savage, giving him a new series for modern readers. As the second installment, diving in without reading the first book is easy. The story stands well on its own. Doc Savage himself isn’t exactly a nuanced character—he’s the archetype of every action hero rolled into one, with flawless looks, a razor-sharp mind, and an unwavering moral compass. As for the plot, it’s a whirlwind, taking readers to far-flung locations and into over-the-top scenarios. I found myself eagerly flipping pages, hooked by the sheer energy of it all. It’s unapologetically pulp thriller fare, perfect for those looking to escape into fast-paced action. While it’s not the most memorable read, Murder Island never pretends to be anything more than escapist fun—and it delivers precisely that.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 84)

After watching the latest Indiana Jones movie, I found myself questioning the necessity of its existence. It seemed like a lackluster conclusion to a franchise that didn't require further continuation. Craving more thrilling archaeological intrigue, I turned to Douglas Preston's latest work, The Lost Tomb, which his publisher kindly provided me a few months ago. This book compiles Preston's articles spanning several decades, each delving into captivating true mysteries of the ancient world. It was the perfect remedy to shake off the disappointment of the uninspiring Indiana Jones film, offering a quick and exhilarating read.

Douglas Preston is widely recognized for his collaborative works with Lincoln Child, producing gripping adventure novels that captivate readers. However, his lesser-known role as a journalist has led him to embark on intriguing journeys to distant lands, where he unravels mysteries that rival the fiction he co-creates. This collection showcases some of his most perplexing encounters, demonstrating that historical narratives can be as compelling as fictional tales. Preston recounts his exploration of Egypt's Valley of the Kings, where he ventured into the most prominent tomb, and his discovery of a different kind of tomb—the remains of animals killed by the asteroid that marked the conclusion of the Cretaceous period. Additionally, he shares insights from a years-long investigation that resulted in his prohibition from entering Italy. For this seasoned adventurer, such endeavors are all in a day's work.

Like many collections, I discovered that the stories in The Lost Tomb varied in quality and intrigue. The narratives mentioned earlier stood out as the most captivating to me, while some felt more like filler. Across all these stories, what remains evident is Douglas Preston's profound appreciation for the individuals, locations, and events he discusses. It is easy to see where he draws inspiration for his bestselling fiction, and I was struck by the respect with which he approaches his subjects. This collection is easy to read, featuring some genuinely compelling stories. Adventure enthusiasts and history buffs will likely find plenty to enjoy within its pages.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 10)

The enduring fascination between humanity and the vast sea has a rich literary history. Renowned authors like Ernest Hemingway and Jules Verne delved into its mysteries, while Herman Melville, most famously, crafted his monumental fictional quest for the great white whale within the unforgiving oceanic expanse. Now, Daniel Kraus joins this literary tradition of exploring the depths of the sea. His work, Whalefall, stands as an epic tale, not unlike the classic tomes before it. It is distinguished by a contemporary, scientific angle that is gripping the hearts and minds of readers. I was immediately captivated by this narrative and couldn't put it down until I had reached the final page.

Jay Gardiner has spent his entire life immersed in diving. His father, Mitt, a notable diver in his own right, ensured that Jay became intimately acquainted with the ocean's depths. Their relationship flourished beneath the waves, with Mitt imparting knowledge about the vastness of the sea, its beauty, and its perils. While these lessons instilled in Jay a profound respect for the ocean, Mitt's almost compulsive obsession with oceanic facts sometimes seemed to eclipse everything else. It was a surprise when Mitt defied all the rules he had instilled in his son and embarked on a solo dive from which he never returned. Jay and his family were left grappling with why an experienced diver like Mitt would undertake such a reckless expedition.

Haunted by guilt and unanswered questions, Jay resolves to undertake a daring dive of his own. His mission is to retrieve his father's remains from the depths of the Pacific Ocean, a seemingly impossible task. While searching the deep waters of Mitt's last believed location, Jay becomes entangled in a swarm of squids escaping from a hungry sperm whale. In a whirlwind turn of events, he is swept away by a powerful current directly into the maw of the massive mammal. With a rapidly depleting oxygen supply, Jay realizes he has only one hour to confront his inner demons and make a harrowing escape from the belly of the whale.

In Whalefall, Daniel Kraus plunges readers into an oceanic adventure that's as much about survival as it is about self-discovery. Yes, it revolves around a man's unlikely ordeal of being swallowed by a whale, but this incident also serves as a catalyst for a much deeper exploration of his past, his intricate relationship with his father, and his sheer determination to endure. Admittedly, one must embrace a certain suspension of disbelief from the start, but once engrossed in the narrative, any reservations become inconsequential. The novel boasts its "scientific accuracy," though I have some reservations about this claim. Nonetheless, the story's entertainment value is undeniable.

Whalefall reads like a hybrid of Moby Dick and The Martian, blending the epic scope of the former with the survivalist science characteristic of the latter. This unique blend culminates in an emotionally gratifying conclusion that compliments the unfolding grand adventure. Ultimately, Whalefall delivers a captivating oceanic odyssey that skillfully harmonizes thrills with a profound emotional undercurrent, leaving a lasting mark as an unforgettable adventure.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 7)

January brings many thrilling releases this year, unveiling new works from esteemed authors such as Rachel Hawkins, Stacy Willingham, and Adam Michaelides. The thriller I started with this year hails from a new voice in the genre, one who has lived a captivating life of his own—a life that undoubtedly infuses his fiction with riveting excitement. Adam Plantinga, a seasoned law enforcement veteran with twenty-two years of experience, has previously authored two non-fiction works about the profession. In The Ascent, Plantinga leverages his insider knowledge to craft an unconventional prison break story that signals the emergence of a promising career in fiction.

The narrative begins with two distinct storylines. The first follows Kurt Argento, an ex-cop still grappling with the profound loss of his wife to cancer. Consumed by the injustice of her senseless death, Kurt becomes obsessed with seeking retribution and addressing the grievances he perceives in the world. His deep-seated need for justice prompts him to intervene when he witnesses a young girl being dragged into an alley. This act results in Kurt being brutally beaten and confined to a maximum-security prison.

Simultaneously, the story introduces Julie, a graduate student and the governor's daughter. Despite her father's pleas to avoid visiting the prison, Julie is determined to tour the facilities and gain firsthand knowledge of the treatment and rehabilitation of inmates for her studies. Acutely aware of the facility's notorious reputation, Julie commences her tour just as Kurt is being processed as the prison's newest inmate. Things take an unexpected twist when a security system malfunction occurs, unleashing a horde of violent criminals and initiating a countdown for a full system reset that will unlock every door on the premises. Now, Kurt must join forces with a small group of staff and civilians, including Julie and her two state trooper handlers, to navigate six perilous floors filled with the state's most dangerous convicts and reach the rooftop for safety.

Adam Plantinga makes an impressive fiction debut in The Ascent, seamlessly blending a sense of familiarity with refreshing innovation. Drawing from his real-world encounters, Plantinga meticulously constructs a prison setting infused with dark, intricate details that only someone with firsthand experience could envision. The storyline is irresistibly suspenseful, revolving around a simple yet intense objective: ascend to the prison's summit before a timelock unleashes a horde of malevolent beings, sealing the fate of every innocent soul left behind. The prison transforms into a nightmarish battleground, with each floor presenting new and terrifying challenges. The main character, Kurt, channels the spirit of Bruce Willis in Die Hard—a cop caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, compelled by a sense of duty to navigate an extraordinary and perilous situation. Paired with the innocent Julie, the characters provide readers with an emotional anchor as they navigate the story's thrilling climb. The Ascent proved impossible to set aside, leaving me eagerly anticipating Plantinga's next thrilling story. 

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 2)

"I've lived my whole life with a land mind. Thinking land thoughts. But I want to think sea thoughts. I want to have a sea mind."

What defines a summer read? For me, summer reading is a mindset, a shift to addictive page-turners that pull on my emotions through either strong character drama or twisty thrills. I think a good summer read should also have some relationship to the season. That could be as simple as a book taking place in the summer or even just a tropical or vacation-like setting. The best even have both. As I've had more time to read than ever before (thanks COVID-19), I've ventured into the kinds of books I normally wouldn't read. Usually, my reading time is so limited that I choose books that I'm certain I will love. Now I have the time to explore those titles that I would normally be on the fence about. As the summer reading season begins to set in, I've vowed to be more adventurous and try to redefine what a summer read means to me.

Sea Wife by Amity Gaige is the perfect starting point for this endeavor. I mean, look at that lush tropical landscape on the cover! I'd much rather be exploring that island than being quarantined at my house, but at least I can turn to a book to transport me there. Sea Wife adheres to some of my preconceptions of a summer read while simultaneously redefining them.  This is the literary tale of a family who decides to escape the banality of suburban life by purchasing a sailboat and sailing across the waters of the Caribbean. It combines the adventure of a high seas expedition with the more intimate reflections of family life and the drama that comes within. In short, a truly riveting read that won't soon be forgotten.

"Sometimes life just writes you tiny, awful poems."

Juliet traded her dreams of earning her advanced degree in poetry for a life as a wife and mother. Her life just turned out so conventional and ordinary. She was a bright student brimming with promise when she met Michael. One marriage and two children later, and Juliet just couldn't get around to finishing her dissertation. She kept pushing out the deadline until it could be pushed no more. Finally, she had to succumb to the inevitable. The life she planned to live wasn't going the be the life she was given. That's a hard fact for a woman with a history of depressive episodes to face. Her marriage is beginning to strain under the pressure of her perennial disappointment, and Juliet is not sure things can be saved. Then Michael comes to her with a crazy idea.

Michael has a life that most men would envy. He's got a good enough job, a beautiful wife, two healthy kids, and a house in a nice enough neighborhood. Still, he can't shake the feeling that something is missing. His marriage isn't what it used to be, and he fears he is wasting the best years of his life. Inspired by fond childhood memories of sailing with his father, Michael uses his lunch breaks to escape to the local marina. He stares out at the boats, recollecting and wishing for something more. At the marina, Michael befriends an elderly man who quickly takes to talking about boats, the open sea, and the life that could be. Eventually, he presents his plan to Juliet. They can buy a sailboat, take a year off of work, and sail with the family to Panama. Life at sea would give them a chance to break from the rut of their lives, show their children a different part of the world, and maybe even help them begin to mend their broken relationship. Juliet hesitantly agrees. After all, life can't get much worse than what it already is.

"This is it. This is what a life is. A journey with no signposts. The seas roll out in every direction. There but for the grace of God."

In Sea Wife, Amity Gaige writes of a family's emotional journey that is as harrowing as the physical journey they have undertaken. In fact, the adventure at sea can almost be seen as a kind of analogy to the internal story of Juliet and Michael's emotional exploration. Gaige reveals her narrative from two separate perspectives.  The first is of present-day Juliet reflecting upon her time at sea. She is in one of her depressive states spending her days in the bedroom closet, struggling to deal with the ramifications of the family's time at sea. Nestled into this perspective is that of Michael in the form of a captain's log that Juliet is slowly reading. In this log, Gaige presents the time at sea as it chronologically unfolds, allowing her two divergent threads to slowly make their way to convergence. She veils her challenging, emotional story into that of a seafaring adventure, the kind of read that I normally gravitate to this time of year. This combination allows Sea Wife to be both a page-turner and intimate character study, the likes of which had me facing emotions I wasn't prepared to feel. I think I related more to this story because of our current quarantine situation. It was hard not to sympathize with a four-person family confined to the small space of a sailboat. It is safe to say that Sea Wife has helped me to challenge my own perception of what constitutes a summer read by forcing me to expand them. I still need the adventure and the strong character drama, but now I'm more apt to seek out the more introspective emotional aspects too. For that reason, I think Sea Wife is a must-read for any serious summer reader.

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2020, 22)

We are at a point in pop culture where nostalgia seems to be the hot topic. Star Wars and Jurassic Park rule the box office while revived shows like Hawaii Five-0, Roseanne, and the upcoming reboot of Murphy Brown play on our televisions. I mean, even American Idol, which saw its historic run end only two years ago, has been brought back for another go. Not everyone is on board with the constant reboots and revivals that we seem to be obsessed with, but you can't deny that they are selling.

In his blockbuster novel Ready Player One, Ernest Cline presents a highly original adventure set in a future that is steeped in the nostalgia and throwbacks that we can't get enough of. The year is 2045 and all of Earth has been explored. The ever-expanding human population has stripped the planet of most resources. Teenage Wade Watt lives in the stacks, a large collection of stacked trailer homes that tower throughout what used to be bustling major cities. To escape the stress and downright bleakness of their lives, people spend the majority of their time in the digital playground known as The Oasis.

The Oasis was the brainchild of the late genius James Halliday. It serves as a center for education, entertainment, and commerce. Essentially, anything that can be dreamt can be programmed into The Oasis. Upon his death, Halliday announced that he programmed an easter egg into the world. Whoever finds the egg will gain complete control of The Oasis. Naturally, large corporations are stopping at nothing to retrieve the egg and control. If the unlikely hero Wade Watts has anything to do with it, he'll find the egg first!

After waiting for years to read this novel, I was finally inspired to pick it up before seeing the movie adaptation. Both book and movie differ in huge ways, so I'm definitely happy I read the book. I'm a huge nerd, so I especially enjoyed the references to video games, movies, and Dungeons and Dragons. While many of the plot points hinge upon pop culture references, I don't think you have to know about the references to enjoy the book. The plot works completely on its own as a fast-paced race to discover the easter egg. This is the perfect summer read that seems to have hit at the perfect time in our culture. Ready Player One is pure escapist fun that will have you reading late into the night.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.

(2018, 24)

In 2011, I was introduced to the religious conspiracy thriller, Sanctus, by Simon Toyne. While Sanctus shared some similarities with the Robert Langdon series by Dan Brown, I was impressed with the way Toyne was able to take the phenomenon that was surrounding religious thrillers and make something uniquely his own.

In The Tower, the third and final novel in Toyne's Sancti Trilogy, we meet Joe Shepherd. While still a student at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Shepherd is temporarily given the qualifications of a full FBI agent, in order to allow him to assist with an investigation. Recently, a cyber-attack was mounted against the command center for NASA's Hubble Telescope, leaving the orbiting machine unusable. Even worse than the attack itself is what investigators discover at the center. The American scientist who oversaw the Hubble project is nowhere to be found. Left behind is a countdown clock and the message on his computer, "Mankind Must Look No Further."

Shepherd investigates with his teacher turned partner, Benjamin Franklin, and uses his unique knowledge of the scientific community (he was once a student working as a NASA intern) to uncover clues to the mysterious events. But as he begins to find answers, more questions arise. There seems to be a religious connection to events that occurred months earlier, at the Citadel, a monastery that lies within the Turkish city of Ruin. All signs point to these strange events, leading Shepherd to race against the clock to discover secrets that could potentially lead to the end of the world.

Readers of the previous novels will recall the American reporter, Liv Adamsen and the ex-special forces operative, Gabriel Mann, who were the main focus of those stories. They appear in this novel, as well, and we begin to see the connections of their story to the events taking place in America. As the novel progresses, we see Gabriel struggle to fight against the strange blight, a plague like disease that originated in the Citadel and slowly spreads through Ruin, and find Liz, trapped in the deserts of southern Asia. All three characters face their own troubles, as they soon intersect into a thrilling end.

Throughout this trilogy, Simon Toyne has managed to successfully maintain a commitment to relatable characters, thoughtful plotting, and page-turning pacing. This combination has made his novels thrillingly entertaining to read. The opening of this novel takes a bit of time to get rolling, especially as it introduces the new character, Joe Shepherd. Fortunately, Shepherd continues the Toyne tradition of being believably flawed while still being interesting. As his story begins to take shape, the momentum of the inevitable ending begins to mount, and the story becomes completely engaging. While Toyne does a nice job of subtly providing some backstory, to fill in readers who missed the first two installments, there are parts of this story that simply will not work for readers who are coming into this novel without reading the others. Despite this, there are enough new characters and plot points to grab a new reader's attention. Overall, this series may not be perfect, but it is a remarkably effective form of entertainment by an author who has quickly become one of my favorites.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and GoodReads.

Charlie Davis is a man who has settled. Six years ago, he was living a life of excitement and purpose. As a journalist, he was based out of Uzbekistan, chronicling the people's turmoil from government oppression. While there, he met the love of his wife, Julie. A native of London, Julie worked in Uzbekistan, helping citizens and trying, like Charlie, to raise awareness of their situation. This life of excitement peaked one day during a protest demonstration.

A very pregnant Julie attended the demonstration with Charlie and her old friend and romantic flame, Alisher Byko and his wife and son. In the heat of the demonstration, a passionate Byko stood on the statue of the Uzbekistan leader and begin to speak in resistance. In that same instant, the government's police arrived and began shooting at the protesters. Charlie climbed a tower to get a better vantage point for photographing the horrific scene. From this higher view, Charlie witnessed Byko's wife and child being murdered. He felt a shot of pain in his back and soon realized that he too had been shot.

Fortunately, those days are behind them now. Charlie accepted a position at the LA Times and Julie stays home, raising their two children. Everything seems to be normal. But as is often the case, especially if you're reading a thriller, turmoil rests just below the surface.

Julie has recently returned from a trip to New York to visit her sister. To celebrate, she decides to take the family for a day of fun at Disneyland. In a rather terse exchange, Charlie states that he has to go into work, so Julie ends up taking the kids herself. In this moment, we are first given a glimpse into a bit of tension in their marriage. At the LA Times office, Charlie is informed by his boss that he will have to start traveling for overseas reports, as a means to justify him keeping his job. Charlie is fearful of the change, especially after his experience six years ago, but agrees to discuss it with Julie.

But he never gets that chance. On their return trip from the happiest place on earth, Julie and the kids get stuck in typical LA traffic. She is on the phone with Charlie, discussing alternate routes, and agrees to call him as soon as she escapes the largest part of the traffic. But the call doesn't come. Fearful for her safety, Charlie races to the area he sent her to. There, he finds police surrounding her car. The kids are both safe, but Julie is nowhere to be found.

Distraught, Charlie quickly learns that Julie never visited her sister in New York. Instead, she flew to London. What drew her to her old home country? Even more troubling, what caused her to lie to him? The police are convinced that Julie was having an affair. They suspect that Charlie found out about the affair, and, enraged, murdered his wife. Determined to find his wife and clear his name, Charlie sets out on an international investigation that forces him to relive the darkest parts of his past to guarantee a safe future.

This is the debut novel of author Hank Steinberg, the mastermind behind the hit television series Without a Trace. Steinberg brings that television sensibility to his writing by keeping a quick pace and suspenseful plotting. His characters all seem genuine, and I immediately felt for Charlie as a kind of average guy just trying to ensure the future of his family. The opening two thirds, in particular, are a really stellar example of what a thriller should do. We are given just enough history on the characters to be interested in their actions, and the narrative moves just fast enough to keep us wanting to continue. Unfortunately, the last third of the novel takes a turn into the ridiculously unbelievable. In the moment of what could have been a shocking reveal, we are instead treated to a twist that betrays the fantastic writing that precedes it. This does not, however, stop the action and entertainment factor. Steinberg's television experience ensures a good ride throughout the entire novel. I only wish that the ride wasn't interrupted by a momentary bump of disappointment.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and GoodReads.

Author Joe hill has been on my radar for quite some time. Years ago, I read his fantastic collection of short stories and have been following him ever since. His works usually combine his erie sensibilities with fan-boy pop culture throughout. With the release of his latest novel, NOS4A2, Hill has crafted his largest and most ambitious novel to date.

The story mainly follows the character Victoria McQueen. We first meet young Vic as small child. One day, as her parents argue over a lost bracelet, she discovers her secret power. While riding her bike, she rides over the Shorter Way bridge. She comes out on the other side, in the parking lot of the fast-food joint where she ate with her father, hours before. A bit shocked, she enters the restaurant and finds that her mother's lost bracelet was left there. Quickly she returns, traveling again across the bridge, and gives her parents the bracelet.

Over the next few years, Vic's family life goes downhill. After years of witnessing her father's abuse against her mother, Vic continues to use her bike as a kind of escape. Even after the old Shorter Way bridge is torn down, Vic can still ride her bike across it and end up exactly where she needs to be. Fearing that others won't understand this strange gift, she keeps it secret.

One day, Vic has a huge argument with her mother. Her father has since left the family for a younger woman, and Vic lashes out at her mother for searching her room and invading her privacy. Furious, she  rides off on her bike, over the Shorter Way bridge, and away from her troubles. But this time, she ends up in the clutches of the evil Charlie Manx. Like Vic, he too can conjure alternate worlds by driving in his antique Rolls Royce. Unlike Vic, however, he uses his power to abduct small children and take them to his created world, Christmasland.

Through determination and luck, Vic is able to escape from his morbid "Sleigh House" and, with the help of some local citizens, put Manx into custody. While in prison, Manx enters a deep coma and remains there for many years, all but forgotten.

Fast forward many years, and Vic has a child of her own. Through therapy and various treatments, she has come to terms with her past, and has mostly written off the strange details as childhood fantasy. But all of that changes when Charlie Manx passes away in prison. Of course that in itself is not such a surprise, but the fact that his body then goes missing, after the autopsy, causes a police and media firestorm. But after her experience with Manx, Vic knows what really happened. Manx escaped from the prison and is coming to her for revenge!

At nearly 700 pages, this novel goes into great depth with each character, but never feels long. In fact, this story had me staying up into all hours of the night, just to finish a section. Hill creates flawed characters that you can't help but relate to and root for. The surreal elements of the story are made believable by his detailed descriptions and character reactions. He draws on many elements of pop culture, even devoting part of his mythology to an element from the Harry Potter novels. The juxtaposition of the normal feelings associated with Christmas and the horrific actions that take place at the warped "Christmasland" effectively horrifies and delights at the same time. NOS4A2 is Joe Hill at the top of his game, and I certainly recommend it to anyone looking for a great read.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and GoodReads.

(2013: week 21, book 19)

Author Neil Gaiman has earned both critical and commercial success with his original stories and ability to adapt to various mediums. His 1998 novel Stardust is perhaps his most famous work. With the story released as a serialized comic, graphic novel, novel, and film adaptation, Gaiman's Stardust has obviously connected with audiences around the world. After years of seeing the novel in book stores and hearing positive comments about Gaiman, I decided to finally read the story for myself. The beautiful gift edition of the novel, that I had the pleasure of reading, instantly sets the tone for the "grown up fairy tale" that you are about the read. It is a bound, hardcover version that is made to look as if it is very old and well loved.

The story itself immediately begins with a timeless feel. The novel begins in the city of Wall. Literally, the city lies within the confines of a large wall. Only one opening exists in this structure, and it is diligently guarded by the local men of the town. Insiders are let out of the city every nine years when a traveling market sets up in the meadow outside of the city. Outsiders rarely enter Wall, and so the people of Wall live a peaceful, but sheltered life.

 We learn of young Tristan who is, like most young men his age, madly in love with a girl who wants nothing to do with him. As he walks the young Victoria home from the store at which he works, he begins to plead for her love, offering anything he can think of in return. As this kind of pathetic attempt continues, the two notice a star shooting across the sky. In a final plea of desperation, oddly similar to the scene in the film It's a Wonderful Life where George offers Mary the moon, Tristan offers Victoria the Star in exchange for her heart.

So begins the magical story of Tristan's journey to recover the fallen star. Of course, he is not the only one who is searching for the star. As he exits the safety of wall and embarks upon this fantastic voyage, he comes into contact with evil witches who long for their lost youth, embattled princes who fight for the rights to their father's throne, and a strange merchant lady who may hold the answers to Tristans mysterious past.

Gaiman expertly captures the timeless feel that all good fantasy stories have. His characters are all unique and Tristan in particular is one who you can't help but root for. Rather than try to forge a story with all original content, Gaiman embraces the history of the genre and simply puts his own style into it. From beginning to end, this story held my interest, and kept me genuinely invested. If I had to make any complaint, it would be that the ending could have been fleshed out a bit more. Other than that, this is a masterful display of storytelling that is everything it sets out to be.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and GoodReads.

(2013: week 15, book 12)

First time mothers are supposed to spend the nine months before birth in a blissful state of anticipatory preparation. With only a few weeks before the arrival of her newborn, Amanda is feeling anything but bliss. After discovering her husband's infertility, Amanda undergoes the grueling process of in vitro fertilization. A couple miscarriages later, she finally carries a healthy child. Despite all of this, she and her husband are fleeing for their lives. A few weeks ago, she received anonymous notification, indicating that the life of her child was threatened. Now, off the coast of Africa, the couple is aboard a yacht, fleeing for the safety of their child. Under the cover of darkness, a group of Somali pirates hijacks the ship, killing the crew, her husband, and kidnapping the pregnant Amanda. This story alone would be enough to capture American headlines, but there is one more detail that makes this an even bigger story. Amanda is the daughter of the President of the United States!

In "Bloodline", the latest installment in the popular Sigma Force series by author James Rollins, Sigma, a secretive US military group, is tasked with finding the kidnapped Amanda. Gray Pierce, field leader of the covert team, is dealing with problems of his own. His mother was caught in the crossfire of his previous mission, in which his pursuit of the elusive organization, The Guild, led to her murder, leaving his father, who is slowly declining into dementia, to live alone.  By straddling his protagonist with the guilt of his mother's death, Rollins turns what could have been a mindless super-human warrior into an everyman with genuine emotions.

Sigma enlists the help of a highly trained, army dog, Kane, and trainer, Tucker, to assist with the search. The sequences featuring the dog allow Rollins to flex his creative muscles, as he narrates entire passages from the perspective of the dog. Through this inventive method, Rollins successfully portrays the authentic relationship of trust between man and animal where the lives of both completely rests in the hands of the other.

As the investigation continues, the team uncovers a shocking connection between the kidnapping and the elusive Guild. Coming closer to discovering the motivation behind the abduction, Gray is fueled by both a desire to return the missing woman and unborn child safely to their family and by an urge to seek revenge for the brutal killing of his mother.

Despite being the eighth novel in the series, "Bloodline" has enough back-story to stand on its own. Writing with an authoritative confidence, Rollins provides the perfect combination of thrills, emotion, and fact. With an abundance of characters and story lines, he keeps the story sailing in the right direction, never allowing the focus to shift from the impending conclusion. His accessible language allows for a quick pace and an easy read that packs action, science, and intrigue into a smart and entertaining novel.

For more information, visit the author's website http://www.jamesrollins.com/,
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/review/R1B858FTVQCD57/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm
and http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13148921-bloodline.

(week 26, book 30)

I have a soft spot for anything that has to do with World War II. Ever since first learning about the events that took place during that time, particularly the horrific genocide in Germany, I have been fascinated by the history. It seemed only natural, therefore, that I should read Paul Grossman's debut novel, The Sleepwalkers.

As a Hitler led Nazi party threatens to take control of the German government, Berlin detective Willi Kraus finds himself at the center of a strange murder investigation. A mysterious young woman if found, dead in a Berlin river, head shaved and legs seemingly turned in the wrong direction. As Willi, a Jew, begins to investigate the death of this savagely deformed young women, he begins to face a strange lack of support from his superiors. With little help from his agency, his stress only increased as he is called to investigate the disappearance of Bulgarian princess. As he looks into both cases, he discovers a connection between the two, and finds that a large amount of women have disappeared, under similar circumstances, over the past year. As Willi digs deeper and deeper into these events, he begins to uncover the prelude of what the Nazi party was preparing to do and must try to save his family, himself, and his country before it is too late.

In his debut novel, Grossman masterfully weaves historical fact with his engaging world of fiction to make a heart pounding thriller, and to bring a new perspective to the WWII genre. The detective, Willi, as well as the supporting cast of characters all contain qualities that make me invest heavily in their endeavors. It seems that, because I was familiar with what was going to happen historically, I couldn't stop reading to see how these characters lives interacted with the history. This novel was the perfect companion for a rainy afternoon, and appealed greatly to my love of history and mysteries.

For more information check out the author's website,
http://www.paulgrossmanwriter.com/ the publisher's site,
http://us.macmillan.com/thesleepwalkers/PaulGrossman and,
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10962217-the-sleepwalkers

(week 6, book 7)

I came upon this book through the recommendation of a friend. He warned me that it would be unlike any novel I had read before, so I entered this story with excitement and curiosity. In Cloud Atlas, author David Mitchell has proved that he has the technical capabilities to write anything that his heart desires. A master of construction and dialect, Mitchell combines six separate stories into a fascinating novel that spans from the 19th century to a distant future.

The novel begins with the story of Adam Ewing, an American notary who is on a ship, headed home. Presented as Ewing's personal journal, Mitchell wonderfully captures the voice of a homesick man, full of religious zeal. When a black, foreign stowaway is discovered on board, Ewing fights to keep the man away from the harm and racism of the captain and crew. When Adam begins to feel ill, his only friend on the boat, Dr. Henry Goose, begins to treat him for a "poisonous worm" living inside of him. With the threat of death, Ewing struggles to maintain his morality in the seemingly sinful environment of the ship.

Abruptly, the novel jumps to the early 20th century with the letters of a young aspiring English composer, Robert Frobisher. He finds himself in Belgium, short of financial stability and a clear musical direction. He seeks out local composer Vyvyan Ayers, whose music he sees a revolutionary, to become a kind of understudy to the ailing composer. Ayers accepts the offer and begins to have Frobisher assist him in writing new music. Unfortunately, Robert finds himself in the middle of a forbidden affair, and begins to feel that Ayers is taking advantage of his own musical ideas.

The story of young American journalist Luisa Rey, reads like a fast paced thriller. The year is 1975 and Luisa, who is struggling to overcome the shadow cast by her famous journalist father, believes she has found the story that will provide her with her big break. As she attempts to uncover the reported corruption of a local nuclear company, she finds herself entangled in a web of conspiracy, love, and murder.

Timothy Cavendish is a sixty-something publisher who finds unexpected success after his client, a gangster who recently published his memoirs with Cavendish's company, murders a critic at a local event. The client, of course, is sent to jail, and the novel becomes a bestseller. With his newfound wealth, Timothy seems to be living the high life. When the brothers of his client attempt to violently persuade Cavendish to give them the money from their imprisoned brother's book, he flees the city. Unfortunately, he mistakes a nursing home for a hotel and finds himself unable to escape.

Sonmi-451, a genetic fabricant, created to serve food in a fast food restaurant of the dystopian future, is being interviewed about her escape and rebellion of the established society. She tells of how she was able to leave the restaurant, and discover how she, and others like her, have been taken advantage of by the established society. As she amasses knowledge she was never supposed to posses, she begins to feel emotions and make human connections that were never intended to be possible.

In the very distant future, we find Zachary, a primitive member of a tribe who is learning to face his fears in this strange world. After the death of his father and the capturing of his sibling, he blames himself for not preventing the attack. When a woman, a visitor from another group of people who seems to have more "knowledge" than Zachary's tribe, moves in with his family, he must face new threats to his tribe's beliefs and ways of life.

The stories, except for the one about Zachary, are all interrupted in the middle, giving the novel a kind of ABCDEFEDCBA arc. Mitchell ties this all together by making each new character the witness, mostly through reading, of the previous character's story. I think that each character could also be interpreted as a reincarnation of the previous because they all seem to share a similar birth mark. With each story, the author adapts to a different style of narrative, making some of the tales read easier than others. Notably, the strong dialect of the middle character makes his story nearly impossible to comprehend. Despite his ingenious presentation and construction, I couldn't help but feeling a bit disappointed at this end of this. The novel can be such a chore to read, that I didn't feel that I got some revolutionary message at the end of this, otherwise, expertly crafted story. Despite being glad that I took the time to read this unique novel, I can't help but wonder if my time would have been better spent reading something with a deeper meaning.

For more information, visit the authors website,
http://www.thousandautumns.com/cloud-atlas/ and
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49628.Cloud_Atlas.

(week 5, book 6)