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As a long-time fan of the genre (WWII - Historical Fiction) and a real fanboy of author Ellie Midwood, I'm always excited to hear when she has a new book in the marketplace, being first in line to grab it. Her latest story revolves around a survivor of the terrible Auschwitz-Birkenhau death camp in Poland.
Helena, a Jew, was transported to Auschwitz, from her home in Czechoslovakia after voluntarily surrendering to the German occupation forces, believing she was being sent to work in a factory to assist the German war effort. On arrival at Auschwitz, she was immediately to be sent to the gas chamber and murdered, along with her entire transport. A chance encounter with Rottenfuhrer Wolff, would see her, instead, chosen to sing a birthday song to one of the guards in Auschwitz - Franz Dahler.
So taken by her singing and her beauty was Franz, he immediately ordered she be removed from the liquidation list and instead assigned to work in his section - the famous "Kanada" where the dead people's belongings (clothes, jewellery, money etc) were sorted and re-purposed for use by the German Reich.
The story switches back and forth between the Denazification Trial of Franz Dahler, in 1947, where he is accompanied by his "wife", the former inmate, Helena, from Auschwitz - to Helena's and Franz's actual time spent in Auschwitz and later Birkenhau. Overseeing the trial, from the sidelines is an American Psychiatrist, Dr Hoffman who is fascinated by the whole tale of the Dahlers' love affair and romance. How is it possible for an inmate of such a horrific place as a concentration camp to fall in love with the SS Guard appointed to oversee them? To Hoffman, it simply doesn't make any sense and he is sure there is something at play here, as yet undiscovered by modern psychiatry.
As with all of Midwood's novels, this story (based entirely on true events), despite it being set against such a hateful and depressing backdrop is all about love, survival and the indomitable human spirit. I felt Midwood captured perfectly what must have been the mindset of so many young, idealistic SS Nazis. Raised to believe that their superiors could NEVER be wrong, many of them must have looked at what they were doing to, principally the Jews, and wondered... even known, that it was wrong... and yet, it was their orders and orders were never wrong, even if they didn't understand them.
As always, Midwood's research is impeccable and her descriptive prose takes us right inside the horror and the evil that was Auschwitz-Birkenhau. While it is true that the "Kanada" was, as they put it, "a right kosher detail" and the girls there were well treated in comparison to the regular inmates, Midwood doesn't pull any punches in her descriptions of the conditions faced by Helena and even the regular inmates. Her descriptions of the systematic murder of an entire race are compelling, absolutely realistic and incredibly hard to read. But, like all her work there is an overwhelming sense of the dignity of humanity and the power of love, even among such unspeakable tragedy.
In my mind, Midwood is a superstar of this genre and Auschwitz Syndrome is just indicative of her immense talent at parading in front of our unsuspecting noses - "that which we must NEVER forget". I can't recommend this read highly enough. It is thought-provoking and mind-blowing and not something I'll forget in a short time.

To find Auschwitz Syndrome, or indeed any of this author's incredible novels, visit Ellie Midwood's Amazon page:

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a convenient fiction (parish orphans of devon book 3) by mimi matthews

20/9/2019

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

A Convenient Fiction (Parish Orphans of Devon Book 3) takes us back to the genteel, class-ridden society of mid-1800 England, the early Victorian years, where ladies were ladies, gentlemen were gentlemen and cads were damn bounders. Author Mimi Matthews brings us a romance of manners that takes us inside the genteel world of the wealthy landowners and all those who may aspire to be one. Alex Archer had a terrible start to life, as an abandoned orphan in a Devon orphanage, where he and his three best friends (brothers-in-arms) were there for each other against the cruelty and mistreatment of the orphanage manager. When Alex betrays his friends and runs away, at thirteen, he begins a life-long search for money, power, and most importantly position and land. His gambling prowess allows him to strike a deal with the drunken, wastrel son of an English Vicar who, to extinguish his debts to Alex will introduce him to his childhood friend and wealthy heiress, Henrietta. Alex will woo and marry Henrietta and finally have the place and position he has been seeking for some twenty years. Alex, however, does not plan on meeting another one of Henrietta’s childhood friends, Laura Hayes, who is down on her luck, let alone fall in love with the poor woman.

This was a fantastically easy read. I am an enormous fan of historical fiction anyway, but author Mimi Matthew’s accurate and telling portrayal of life for women and men of some privilege, in the early Victorian age was wonderful and compelling. A Convenient Fiction (Parish Orphans of Devon Book 3) is beautifully written and flows incredibly well. I found some of the scenes, especially the depiction of bathing at Margate to be hilarious and couldn’t help marveling at how on earth the participants of the time managed to actually get some enjoyment from the escapade. The romance and obvious electric connection between Alex and Laura was the centerpiece of this novel and I loved how their motivations changed over time and the almost shock when they realized their “marriage of convenience” was, in fact, so much more. Although I suspect I’m far from the author’s target audience, I really believe this type of story appeals to everyone. I think the highest compliment I can pay any author, especially one who has written a series is to say that her work has inspired me to read more of the series. This is a wonderfully, relaxing read of a gentler time and I can highly recommend it, to all.

You can find A Convenient Fiction (Parish Orphans Book 3) here, along with the rest of her extensive portfolio, here, on Mimi Matthews' Amazon Page:

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heart of steel (based on a true story) by kevin d. miller

16/9/2019

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Heart of Steel: Based on a True Story by Kevin Miller takes us back in time to rural Ohio in 1920 – to the Puchalski Farm just out of Southington, Ohio. Family patriarch George Puchalski, a Polish immigrant, has made a success of his “American Dream” as a respected businessman and farmer in the rural district. George, however, has his demons, with a wandering eye, a violent temper, and an alcoholic disposition, which are expressed with rage and violence against, his wife, and children. After one particularly violent episode in which his wife and daughter, Sophie are both viciously beaten, the family is in turmoil. When George is murdered in his bed, one night and his wife arrested for complicity in his murder, the five siblings suddenly find themselves as orphans. It falls on twelve-year-old Stanley William Puchalski to step up and become a “little man”, in order to protect his siblings from the abuses that are inherent in Orphanages of the time. We follow Stanley’s rights of passage into adulthood, as Stanley William Puchalski transforms himself into Stanley William Miller, as the five children seek to put their violent pasts behind them, forever.

Author Kevin Miller has taken a gamble in writing about such a hidden and violent past from his ancestors. This is never an easy task, as it is difficult to be objective when dealing with family histories, with so many sensitivities to be aware of. In Heart of Steel: Based on a True Story, Miller handles the difficult teenage years of his grandfather with clear pride, but also tempered with an understanding that this young man, forced to grow up so early, was also stalked by demons, similar to his father. He was able to give the character a wonderful balance between his clearly big heart and his burgeoning wild side. I particularly loved the determination and courage Stanley showed in taking responsibility for his four siblings at such a tender age. The author’s pride in his grandfather’s courage shines through this book like a beacon, as does the love between his grandfather and grandmother. This story is one, first and foremost, of love – a mother’s love for her children that would drive her to commit and unspeakable act and the love of five siblings for each other and ultimately both of their parents. I thoroughly enjoyed the overarching them of forgiveness that ran through the narrative. This is a fantastically easy book to read and one I would highly recommend to anyone who loves historical fiction and family drama, or simply anyone who loves a good tale, especially with a basis in fact.

You can find Heart of Steel, here, on Kevin D. Miller's Amazon page:

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it is all right now: inspired child by riki ella

14/9/2019

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

It Is All Right Now: Inspired Child by Riki Ella is a beautiful, little children’s book aimed squarely at the K-Grade3 age-group. Riki is a happy, young, girl but things begin to percolate in her mind as she imagines what it might be like to have all those things that she so desperately desires. Riki wants to change her eye-colour, to ditch her glasses and for people to like her and the way she looks. She also wants to be a Princess, who people look to for guidance, protection, and love. Materially she wants to have her own horse as well as a lioness to sit at the end of her bed and protect her from everything bad. Riki quickly discovers that focusing on what she doesn’t have is counter-productive and quickly her mood changes from happy to forlorn. It takes her mother, quietly explaining the realities of how powerful our subconscious is, at setting our moods, to allow Riki to fully understand the power of thought and perception.

Based on the principles of the Law of Attraction and the idea that “thoughts are things” and we become what we think; It Is All Right Now: Inspired Child is a sweet, touching, story of a little girl’s dissatisfaction with her life and how changing her mindset can suddenly make “It All Right Now”. Author and illustrator Riki Ella has done a marvelous job of bringing her own childhood and childhood insecurities, to life, in this lovely, little tale. I particularly enjoyed the note at the end which assured the reader that little Riki, one day became big Riki and achieved almost all of the desires she had wished for as a little girl. The illustrations are wonderfully done and walk a perfect line between the amateur and professional illustrator. The book’s design is superb and the colours will definitely attract the intended reader’s eyes. As a proponent of the Law of Attraction, myself, this book serves as the perfect way to introduce such important concepts to our young ones at an age when they are being bombarded, often unknowingly, with negative forces, comments, and thoughts about themselves. You are never too young to realise just how powerful your thoughts and feelings are, at changing your reality. I can highly recommend this for the age-appropriate audience.

You can find It Is All Right Here: Inspired Child by Riki Ella, here on her Amazon Page:

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skids by jeremy houghton

10/9/2019

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Skids is the colloquial term used to describe Street Kids; such a problem in many major cities around the world and certainly one in the major gaming capital of the world, Las Vegas, Nevada. In Skids, by Jeremy Houghton, the author takes us inside the mean life that is reality for the thousands of runaways and street kids in America. James was just six years old when his father began farming him out to people for payment and sexual abuse. By the time he was ten, James had decided to run and became just one of the many street kids trying to survive in the Las Vega underworld. Now, about to turn eighteen, James has not only survived but he has gathered a small group of similar kids around him, living together in an abandoned shopfront, as “family”. Life is tough for these children; forced into prostitution just to survive but they have each other and more importantly the have each other’s backs. James and his quasi-family are as happy, together, as any group in that situation could ever hope to be but that doesn’t stop James dreaming of a life that doesn’t require scrabbling, on the verges of society, to survive. James’ dreams of he, Harmony and the other three kids, just leading a “normal” life – that’s not too much to ask for, is it? Breaking out will not be easy though, as all five of them have an innate suspicion of adults who proffer assistance – they’ve all been burned by such people in the past.

In the past two weeks I’ve read two books that have touched me and moved me profoundly; Skids by Jeremy Houghton is one of those books. There is nothing pretty or pleasant about the disgusting trials and tribulations these innocent children have been put through and at times, Skids is a difficult read for that very reason. The author has, however, tempered the horror and sheer abomination of what was happening to the children with the loving and beautiful relationships built up between James and his four companions. I loved the humility that the author imbued in James’ character. Yes, he was the titular leader of the group by virtue, mainly, of his age but his lack of confidence in himself and in his abilities gave such a vulnerable and appealing edge to him that he shone through the story. This was one of those rare reads that I just didn’t want to end. As I got close to what was clearly the finale of the story, I was slowing down my reading just to keep these characters alive. The author’s unflinching and courageous effort to tell this story of innocence destroyed, in full, without pulling any punches, is to be greatly admired. I can truly rank Skids as one of the best books I’ve read this year. To be able to take such a subject and make it appealing and enjoyable, as a read, is a testament to this author’s abilities and I look for much more from him in the future.

You can find, Skids, by Jeremy Houghton, here, on Amazon:

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black beans and venom: carol sabala mystery #7 by vinnie hansen

7/9/2019

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Black Beans and Venom: A Carol Sabala Mystery by Vinnie Hansen takes us to the exotic island of Cuba, out of bounds for U.S. tourists, but private detective Carol Sabala wasn’t about to let something as minor as a technical illegality get in the way of a lucrative case, which she was well aware her agency badly needed. Wealthy socialite, Lucille has retained Carol’s agency to find her estranged daughter, Megan, who dying of cancer and ravaged by chemotherapy and radiation, had apparently turned to exotic and unknown possible treatments, only obtainable on the island of Cuba and involving the use of scorpion venom, endemic to the native Cuban scorpion. Megan’s worries, however, are not just her metastasizing cancer, she is also on the run from her psychopathic ex-boyfriend who she is both terrified of and still deeply attracted to. When Carol arrives in Cuba she is shocked by the backwardness of the country and must fight both her lack of language and the local’s indifference to her quest. This book is a standalone read, despite it clearly being part of a series relating to the main character, Carol Sabala.

I found Black Beans and Venom to be a fairly straightforward, sleuthing novel, with only the exotic location of Cuba lifting it above the genre in which it stands. The main characteristic that makes Black Beans and Venom: A Carol Sabala Mystery stand out from its competition is the feisty, lead, character in Carol Sabala. The idea of a female private detective, in what is essentially a man’s world, is not a new one for novelists but, for me, it did lend the narrative a distinctive freshness that it may otherwise have been lacking. Author Vinnie Hansen does weave the legend of Ernest Hemingway and his life in Cuba, into the story well, which was a plus for me, as a reader. A few neat little twists and turns in the story does add well to the overall plot of the novel. The sheer evilness and psychopathy of Megan’s ex-boyfriend Eric was a highlight for me but I felt there was more room for backstory of Eric and what made him tick. He was the star, for me, of the story and that possibly wasn’t the author’s original intention. That being said, this is a very readable and relatively gentle sleuthing mystery, that fans of the genre can well enjoy.

You can find Black Beans and Venom, along with the rest of Vinnie Hansen's extensive portfolio, here on Amazon.

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the legend of deputy jim: the last enemy series prequel by dan e. hendrickson

4/9/2019

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

The Legend of Deputy Jim: The Last Enemy Series Prequel by Dan E. Hendrickson takes us back in time to 1974, in small town Wyoming, Sheridan to be exact where a young, recently married and father of one, Jim Edwards is about to embark on his chosen career, as a Sherriff’s Deputy in the small town. Wyoming and other states in the region were prey to roving, violent, criminal biker gangs in the early 70’s, hell-bent on destruction and the establishment of drug-making and smuggling operations from both Mexico and for the infamous Medellin Cartel from Colombia. It is into this volatile world that the father of the “Hero of Cozumel”, Jacob Edwards, walks. Little was known of Jim’s two years with the Sheridan Sherriff’s Department and Tommy Williams, the ex-Navy Seal member who led Jim on their rescue of his son Jacob and his family, from captivity in Central America, decides it is time for him to discover Jim’s shrouded past and to tell the world that this now 70-something-year-old, was once just as much a hero as his much celebrated son. Jim’s new job with the Sherriff’s Department starts with a confrontation and physical beating of one of the biker gang’s most feared Lieutenant’s, an ex-special forces operative who goes by the moniker of Grinder. It’s personal now for Grinder as he and the gang plan to murder Jim, rape his wife, Linda, and then kill her and his son. One thing the gang needs to learn is; you don’t threaten Jim Edwards’ family and walk away scot-free.

If you haven’t read any of the Last Enemy Series, by Dan E. Hendrickson (I have read all three), it really doesn’t matter when it comes to enjoying this action-packed journey into a time so many of us remember, the 70’s. In The Legend of Deputy Jim, Hendrickson does an excellent job at dropping into the narrative important little bits of information to allow any reader, who hasn’t read the trilogy, context to allow them to make sense of the story. Bikie gangs, their violence and the fear they instilled in communities all over the U.S. just by their mere appearance, is the stuff of legends and this story is one that will resonate with many who lived through that period. I’ve read all four of Hendrikson’s books now and have watched the author develop and grow as a writer. This story is well-written and flows beautifully. The action is non-stop and makes it very difficult for the reader to want to put the book down. The character of Jim was well drawn and although clearly a brave and heroic figure, we are also privy to the weaknesses he carries that will ultimately lead him to abandon what had all the promises of being a stellar career in law enforcement. I particularly enjoyed the sweet synchronicities between the stories of Jim and his son, Jacob, which I won’t reveal any of, to keep the plot intact but needless to say, they tied this prequel, together with the Last Enemy Trilogy, beautifully. This is a fantastic read from an author who has much to offer in this action genre. I genuinely look forward to his next offer with excitement.

The Legend of Deputy Jim is so hot it's not yet available on Amazon, as I write this review, however, you can check out Dan E. Hendrickson's Last Enemy Series, here, on Amazon.

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the poker players by edward dreyfus

30/8/2019

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

The Poker Players by Edward Dreyfus takes us deep inside the mind of the male psyche, especially that fashioned by the era of the mid-20th Century prevailing attitudes. Growing up in the 50’s, there were two cardinal rules for men: 1/ Big Boys Don’t Cry and 2/ You Are What You Do for a Living – men are defined by their profession. Dreyfus examines these paradigms through the eyes of five septuagenarians, who all live in New York and have been meeting regularly for the past thirty odd years for their weekly poker game. When George announces that he is dating, the other four are shocked – after all, he’s married, how could he be dating? After George explains that he and his wife got divorced six months earlier, everyone begins to realise how little they actually know about their poker buddies’ lives outside of the game, despite meeting every week for over thirty years. What starts out as a pact to open up and share more with each other soon turns into a weekend away in the Catskills, where these five “buddies” will seek to open up to each other and maybe share some of the more intimate details of their lives and even long buried and frightening secrets from their pasts. Will these five “buddies” become real friends through this experience or will their instinctual, playing their cards close to their chests be the norm?

As someone who is not too far removed from the age group of these characters, the novel indeed hit close to home, for me. I was able to identify with the angst they all felt at revealing their innermost feelings to each other – hey, this just something we men of this generation, don’t do. The Poker Players was a truly inspirational read and author Edward Dreyfus has manufactured a wonderful selection of characters that perfectly portrayed the inner turmoil most men of a generation conditioned by their parents, their peers and society in general, carry inside of them. The emotion, the gut-wrenching fear of revealing your inner self and the horror these men felt at being thought less of, was palpable throughout the entire read. What I particularly enjoyed was the idea that just because these men were in their seventies, life didn’t have to be a process of “waiting for God” to take them. They were vibrant, vital, human beings who still had a lot to offer each other and society. In this world of dross, angst and division, a story like this is so uplifting and I commend the author on his insight into the emotions of men and the male psyche. This is definitely not a book exclusively for men, everyone can benefit from reading it and gain insight into the male psyche, plus it has a real New York humour and vibe, which I enjoyed. A book that lingers long in the memory after one has finished reading it, is a book of true quality and The Poker Players is very much such a book.

You can find The Poker Players by Edward Dreyfus here, on Amazon.

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the chocolate shop by j. j. spring

26/8/2019

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

When a typical, suburban socialite, Laura Beckman’s life is turned upside down by the premature death of her beloved husband she has to face some searching questions of herself and how she has conducted her life, especially with respect to her estranged, eldest daughter, Brooke. Laura’s husband died in hospital after months of pain amid his constant pleading to Laura to just let him go and help him to die. She was not able to accede to his wishes and she was forced to watch his slowly slip away, suffering the whole time. In the Chocolate Shop, author J.J. Spring shows us how Laura’s husband’s death galvanized her thought processes and forced her to consider what she had achieved in her “country-club” life. When the previously austere and conservative Laura commits a rebellious act, so out of character for her, in order to fulfill what she believes would have been her late husband’s final wish, her thought processes about her future direction change forever. Laura, along with her Aunt Gracie, decide to form the code phrase – “The Chocolate Shop” to assist other terminally ill adults to end their lives when they choose, with dignity and peace. They also seek to grant the patient’s last wish, for excitement, before their passing. Although wracked by both the legal and moral implications of what she is doing, the condemnation of her estranged daughter, Grace, and with the police potentially closing in on them, Laura decides what they are doing is ultimately for the greater good and their belief in the concept of the “right to choose when to die,” grows within them with each assisted suicide.

The Chocolate Shop was one of those books that crept up on me. Initially I wondered where Laura’s pain and angst would lead her but once I became aware of the direction the story was headed, I was hooked and as I’m sure was the author J. J. Spring’s intention, began to seriously think about the legal, moral and spiritual connotations of assisted suicide. I could not put this book down as we were led down the path of pain, suffering and angst, beautifully leavened by the sheer joy and thrill of these terminally-ill patients, as they were given the opportunity to fulfill their dying wishes. I won’t spoil the story by telling you the many and varied “last wishes” but they absolutely added the lightening that a story on such a serious topic desperately needed. The author’s greatest success, in my opinion was the ability to make such a controversial and sad topic so enjoyable to read. The little twists and turns the author threw into the story, along with the incredible emotions that was beautifully weaved through it, definitely made this one of the stand-out reads for me, this year. You always know when you are reading a book that grabs your heart and your emotions but also your intellect, because you simply don’t want it to end and The Chocolate Shop was one of those books, for me. I judge a good book in two ways – 1/ Did it move me and 2/ Will I still be thinking about the themes and the character days from now. The answer, in this case, to both questions, is a resounding, yes! One of the best books of the year, for me and although it is targeted mainly as “women’s fiction,” I would say poppycock to that – everyone should read The Chocolate Shop.

You can find The Chocolate Shop, by J. J. Spring, here on Amazon.

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victoria by john molik

26/8/2019

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Victoria by John Molik takes us to a dystopian earth, some four-hundred-odd years in the future, where humanity is struggling to survive, with the help of AI (Artificial Intelligence). A massive solar Micronova in the twenty-first century had almost wiped out all life on Earth but the few survivors, aided by AI have rebuilt a world based on the precepts of Artificial Love. Everything is transparent now, nothing is hidden and humanity’s baser instincts are kept in check by a force of artificial, genetically enhanced beings who police this brave new world, along with a system of chemical suppressors and rote-sayings that keep the humans under control. Not all humans, however, have adapted to Victoria’s “perfect world”, though and deep in the Cheyanne Mountains a group of rebels known as MH (Metal Heads) who have had their brains encased in metal to avoid Victoria’s transmissions designed to make human’s compliant, plot her downfall. MH’s wish to worship their own deity, as represented by the martyred, Rodolpho and want nothing to do with the idea of the “electronic beasts” controlling their lives. When Victoria proposes to pass the “animal rights act” which would essentially put all animals on the same footing as humans, it proves to be one step too far for the MH’s who launch a terrorist attack on the capital city of Astana. Victoria must call on her loyal scientist Claressa and her boyfriend Pierre to try and thwart the MH attack and preserve her “perfect society”.

The premise behind Victoria is interesting and particularly relevant now as we move into a period of relying more and more on AI to assist us in our daily lives. As AI becomes more “sentient” and able to make decisions independent of humanity, what does that mean for us as a society? I think author John Molik explores this concept exceptionally well. The idea of an “extinction event” that tips the balance in favour of AI control is also something that many people consider a real possibility in today’s world. It wasn’t to much of a stretch to draw parallels between the MH and the Luds, to today’s climate of differing religious fundamentalism. I guess, mainly because I’m a New Zealander, I was pleasantly relieved to discover one of the survivalist colony was in New Zealand and the familiarity with the locale certainly enhanced my reading enjoyment of this story. The author’s style is simple and straightforward and his descriptions of the new technologies that have developed were easy to understand and grasp, even for this scientific-simpleton reader, which is always the sign of a good author. I particularly did enjoy the human emotions and desires that manifested within Victoria and the responses of the humans to them. It was easy, at times, to forget that she was just a collection of AI, as she clearly showed many human characteristics. Overall, this is a very readable and potentially prophetic story that will find a large fan base amongst dystopian and science fiction fans, both.

You can find Victoria, along with the rest of John Molik's portfolio, here on his Amazon page:

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rage: Australian ya post-apocalyptic drama (seventeen series book two by suzanne lowe

23/8/2019

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Rage: Australian YA Post-Apocalyptic Drama (Seventeen Series Book 2) by Suzanne Lowe takes us into a dystopian environment, in part, in homage to Lord of the Flies, in Western Australia where the world is now populated by children. The mysterious KV17 virus, eighteen months ago had wiped out the entire adult population (everyone over the age of 17). Left to fend for themselves the young teenagers and children attempted to keep life operating and survive in the harsh environment that was the Western Australian outback. Lexi and Hadley, two sisters who had lived in Perth, had escaped the crime ravaged and vermin infested city to travel to Jasper’s Bay, a small rural town where they hoped they could link up with other survivors and somehow rebuild their lives. In the first book of this series there had been a violent confrontation between a bully-gang and the ordinary children that had resulted in deaths and the realisation that the now mutated KV17 virus would also infect those children when they turned 17, not killing them but altering their brain chemistry to make them emotionally unstable and dangerous. In this forbidding backdrop Lexi, Hadley and their friends have to try to eke out an existence whilst always be cognisant of the dangers of wild teenage enemies and equally, dangerous friends.

I found the premise fascinating and this is what drew me into this story. Could a group of children form a cogent society once all the adults had disappeared? William Golding suspected not, what would author Suzanne Lowe make of the opportunity? In Rage: Australian YA post-apocalyptic drama (Seventeen Series Book 2) she presents us with a wide variety of differing characters that generally ring true to form; from the “black sheep” of the family in the guise of the evil brother Kevin, to his brainless sycophantic girlfriend Cindy, right through to those characters determined to make the most of an impossible situation. I found the story to be well written and the flow and tempo to be totally appropriate to the setting. I particularly enjoyed the clear emotional connection between Braydon and Lexi and wanted very much to see with this would lead. The author’s target market is clearly the YA market however, this did not stop this sixty-year-old from, thoroughly enjoying the read. The author clearly knows her environment and this shows through in her work. As a New Zealander, the Aussie slang was second nature to me but even for others it just adds authenticity to the work rather than distracting from it. Lowe did an excellent job of filling in the backstory as we went along, so this can be read as a stand-alone book. The ending (although I’m not personally a fan of cliff-hangers) did nicely set up book three and I look forward to reading it.

You can find Rage, along with the rest of Suzanne Lowe's portfolio, here on her Amazon page:

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never the twain by t.e. hodden

20/8/2019

As a regular reader of Tom Hodden's books over the years, if there was one word that best summed up Hodden's approach to writing, that word would be - quirky. Not for him, the straight-forward narrative adventure or romance, he always needs to "quirk" it up a bit and Never The Twain is no exception to that. It's one of the reasons I keep coming back to Hodden's literature because he challenges me, as a reader, to think outside the box, consider other possibilities, other perspectives and different paradigms.

Tanner is a typical, quiet, shy, non-achiever, happy in his life and his routine, especially "Friday Movie Night", as owner and executive chef of a small restaurant, whereas Adam, his rival for Callie's affections, is the polar opposite. Mega-wealthy, self-indulgent, self-assured and also deeply in love with Callie, Adam is everything Tanner is not. Tanner's world is ripped apart when Callie breaks off their burgeoning relationship to return to her first love, Adam - but there the fun begins.

In two slightly different multiverses, Callie and Tanner play out differing scenarios. In one Universe, Tanner is killed by a hit and run driver and in another, Callie dies by drowning. What really causes problems for the pair, though, is when Callie finds that by using a new drug, called Drift, she is able to actually merge between the two Universes. What will happen when Alpha Tanner and Beta Callie meet up again in one of the parallel universes? Certainly, sparks will fly!

I thoroughly enjoyed Hodden's take on a inter-multiverse relationship and although at times I struggled with who was actually who and in which Universe they currently existed, that is one of the joys of reading Hodden's work. He makes you think, he makes you concentrate and he tells a ripping, good yarn.

If you like quirky, if you like something a little different, then Tom Hodden is the author for you. He has a massive portfolio of essentially quirky and oddball stories. Why not try diving into one today - I did and I've never regretted it.

You can find Never The Twain, along with the rest of Tom Hodden's extensive portfolio, here on Amazon

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cosmic swan by bill copeland

20/8/2019

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

The world is in a state of panic. Massive earthquakes are wracking the planet and it seems to originate deep under the Himalayas, where the Pacific plate crashes up against the Asian plate. In Cosmic Swan by Bill Copeland, USGS (United States Geological Survey) geologist Mark is dispatched to Tibet to try and figure out just what is happening underneath the Himalayas. Once there, Mark discovers a strange, but beautiful woman, high up in a cave on Mt Kailas, Kusoom. Kusoom is the leader of a religious cult gathered on the mountain to protect and ensure the safe birth of an alien creature, the Cosmic Swan, whose egg was buried deep in earth’s magma, some billions of years ago. Initially dismissing Kusoom as just another religious fanatic, Mark soon comes to realise that there is indeed something growing deep within the bowels of the earth and it is close to breaking out. What Mark doesn’t understand is he is about to learn of a potential extinction threat for earth and he will embark on a journey across the galaxies searching for a way to save his beloved planet.

Author Bill Copeland has presented us with a fanciful scenario in Cosmic Swan that allows the reader to embark on an adventure across interstellar space with Mark and his compatriots. The premise was an unusual and original one and the reader is quickly caught up in the race to save the planet. The author’s writing style is clipped and simplistic, with short, pithy sentences which leads me to believe this story would lend itself more to the teenage Science Fiction market rather than the adult one. The end was too abrupt and unexpected for my liking which leads me to believe there is more planned in this series. I did enjoy the relationship that developed between Mark and Kusoom and kept wondering when it would transform into as full-blooded romantic relationship. This sense of heightened tension certainly added well to the narrative. If I had one complaint about the writing style it would be the author’s tendency to overuse the main character’s name, as opposed to a personal pronoun. I did become repetitive at times and showed characteristics of a high-school essay – “Mark did this, then Mark did that and then Mark did this, again.” That apart, it was a novel read and as I said perhaps one more aimed at high-school students rather than adults.

You can find Cosmic Swan, along with Bill Copeland's other books, here on his Amazon page:

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soul scars (hidden hearts - protection unit #3) by mary crawford

17/8/2019

I often say that reading a Mary Crawford romance is like coming home. The characters are all familiar and although each story focuses on a different couple they are invariably surrounded by other characters who are familiar and comfortable with me, as a reader, from previous iterations of her series. The author has built a magnificent portfolio of interrelated and intertwined character who all have one thing in common - they are flawed (physically, emotionally, or mentally) but equally they are all seeking love and acceptance in a society they don't often feel a part of.

In the latest iteration of the Hidden Hearts - Protection Unit #3, SOUL SCARS, we meet Toby, a genius computer programmer who was kidnapped as a young boy and held hostage for five years by a manipulative and sexually exploitative woman, along with Detective Pauline Lawrence, a young woman born to be a policeman. Pauline's father was invalided out of the force when he was shot several years ago and it seems Pauline is determined to prove to her bosses and the world that she is not only a capable and efficient law-enforcement officer but that she is better than any man in the force. Her impetuosity and desire to prove herself have got her into trouble in the past and this episode will be no exception.

When Toby and Pauline meet, both realise there is something special between them but for differing reasons they both are unsure if they can cope with a full-time relationship and more importantly whether they are ready to commit their entire beings and trust to another person. Will their work, together, on child kidnapping, trafficking and child-sex rings bring them closer together or ultimately will their fears and past scars re-emerge in this white-hot environment and drive them apart?

I make no bones of the fact I love Crawford's work. Her simple, easy-to-read stories of love between individuals who have difficulties, mirrors real life for many of us and more than once, I've recognised myself in some of her characters. This is what makes her stories so compelling - they hit home hard, close to where we live.

To anyone procrastinating on whether to read Crawford or not, I would say she is so much more than a typical romance writer. Her stories are about life, life's complications, life's choices and battles but ultimately about the ability of love to lead to our salvation, from ourselves. Give it a chance and read one of her books even if you don't think they are your thing. I'm sure you will be genuinely surprised by how invested you become in her work. I know I have become on of her biggest fans.

You can find Soul Scars (Hidden Heartgs - Protection Unit #3) along with Mary Crawford's immense portfolio, here on her Amazon page:

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the ransom (Nicole graves mystery #4) by nancy boyarsky

17/8/2019

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

The Ransom: A Nicole Graves Mystery (Nicole Graves Mysteries Book 4) by Nancy Boyarsky takes us inside the world of private detective, Nicole Graves. Nicole’s boss gives her the task of researching the past of a kidnap victim, for one of the Agency’s more wealthy and important clients, the father-in-law of the victim, whose son was accidentally killed during the botched snatch. This is not the sort of work Nicole prefers; she would rather leave this sort of thing up to the police but the reality is when a major client asks for your help, the Agency needs to give it. Nicole, the surprised recipient of a two-million plus, unwanted and unexpected inheritance doesn’t realise that she is now in the direct cross-hairs of the kidnappers. It all becomes very personal, for Nicole, when her beloved younger sister Stephanie is kidnapped and her sister’s fiancée David badly injured, in order to seek a ransom payout from Nicole. She is torn between allowing the police to do their job, in the form of the rather dishy detective Arnault, or trying to negotiate the ransom payment and her sister’s safe release, direct with the kidnappers, especially when she realizes all the kidnappings may be linked and she may have a handle on the perpetrators.

Author Nancy Boyarsky has given us the fourth iteration of her Nicole Graves Mysteries series, with The Ransom: A Nicole Graves Mystery. It is not important to have read any of the previous books to enjoy this story (I haven’t). It stands alone as a case on its own, as I presume they all do. What the author has given us is nothing, new, startling, revelatory or indeed great literary prose – it is what it is; a straightforward crime mystery story but it is definitely one of the better offerings, of the ilk, that I have read. I always love a strong female lead, especially one who is performing in an area usually reserved for the macho male character. Nicole is a strong, independent woman who has carved out a successful career for herself in the rough and tumble world of the private dick. What I love, though, is that despite the pain and ugliness she must encounter regularly, she maintains her empathy, her humanity, and her ability to emote. She’s not afraid to allow her emotions to show and that gives her, as a character, a real balance. As a single woman, there is always the opportunity for romance and I was pleased the author left that opportunity open for Nicole, in the future. The plot and development of this book was clearly well thought out and took the reader on a number of twists and turns that placed various of the main characters in serious danger at times, which allowed the reader to root for the characters. I also liked the unusual background for Detective Arnault, for a police officer, which gave him much more colour, interest, and potential for future adventures. I can see a really close working (and personal) relationship developing between these two in the future. If crime mystery is your thing, this is one series you want to get your hands on and if it’s not your thing, well, you’ll love the read anyway. It’s well written and edited and I highly recommend it.

You can find The Ransom along with the rest of the Nicole Graves' Mysteries, here on Nancy Boyarski's Amazon page:

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el coronel: book two of the medium series by jerry gundersheimer

14/8/2019

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

El Coronel: Book Two of the Medium Series takes us inside the old conspiracy theory that perhaps the Third Reich isn’t truly over and somewhere in South America lurks the beginnings of a new atrocity ready to be foisted upon the world in the form of the Fourth Reich. Author Jerry Gundersheimer continues the story of medium Brody Whittaker and his lovely daughter Abby. Abby has been kidnapped by a ruthless child-trafficking ring spearheaded by one of Dr Mengele’s closest allies and partners from the horrific experiences that were the death camp of Auschwitz. Nonagenarian, Irving Crossman knows all about Auschwitz – he lived it and he was one of the few survivors, along with his recently departed wife, Marie. Whether motivated by survivor guilt or not, Irv had spent his life tracking down and capturing Nazi war criminals. When it becomes apparent that it is probably the evil, Ernst Claussen (El Coronel) who has kidnapped his darling Abby, Brody and Irv’s grandson Aaron, an Israeli special forces commando set out to recover Abby, capture Claussen and destroy the burgeoning Fourth Reich but they will face strong opposition and some very unexpected assistance along the way.

El Coronel: Book Two of the Medium Series is very much like a rampaging, “boy’s own” spy novel. Author Jerry Gundersheimer takes the reader on a non-stop adventure ride that is packed with thrills and spills. At times, the narrative reads like a James Bond movie and some of the “stunts” perhaps stretch the bounds of probability but, as a satisfying adventure read, this story cannot be faulted. The two main characters, Brody and Abby are both delightfully drawn and I was especially pleased that Brody, despite the obvious advantages his “gift” of seeing spirits and communicating with them, gives him, is still a humble man, fraught with his own weaknesses and failures. I particularly enjoyed the childish naivete of the Abby character as she began to come to terms with the realization that she had inherited her father’s abilities and perhaps even more than him. Clearly this is a long-term series built around these characters and this is book number two in the series. I haven’t read book one and it is in no way necessary to do so before reading this – it stands alone as its own stunning adventure story. The greatest compliment I, as a reviewer, can pay to an author is to say that reading his work has inspired me to read the first book in the series and to look forward to the next adventure of these characters. I can highly recommend this read, especially for all the action junkies out there – this story has action, in spade.

You can find El Coronel: Book Two of the Medium Series, by Jerry Gundersheimer, here on Amazon.

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Three sisters: a tale of survival (three sisters trilogy #1) by Nikki Lewen

12/8/2019

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Three Sisters: A Tale of Survival (Three Sisters Trilogy Book 1) is a deep dive into a dystopian world that may not be too far away. Author Nikki Lewen imagines an earth that has been struck by three tragedies, two natural and one very much of man’s own doing. When the world is hit by three almost simultaneous giant tsunamis (the tri-nami), billions of people and massive land areas are submerged underwater. What follows, as the survivors attempt to rally, is an enormous earthquake along the San Andreas fault line that changes the land that is left, dramatically. Of greatest concern to the survivors, though, is the marauding presence of an ex-military group called the “Splitters” who have split from and effectively taken over control of what was left of the military and the country. They survive by reverting to the old Viking methods of “raping and pillaging”. No pocket of survivors is safe from these vile, despicable, ex-soldiers. Sadie Larkin headed home to her parent’s mountain retreat before disaster struck but soon found herself left alone, as first her father and then her husband was taken from her. Resourceful and the daughter of a survivalist who had planned for such an eventuality, Sadie had lived alone, with no contact with anyone for over a decade when she discovers her old boyfriend, from college, almost dead at the hands of the Splitters, during one of her daily checks of her property. For the first time in many years, Sadie has to think of someone else’s welfare other than her own and so begins the adventures on this remote, (now an island) section of what was once Northern California.

I am a fan of dystopian fiction and author Nikki Lewen has written a realistic and believable tale in The Sisters: A Tale of Survival (Three Sisters Trilogy Book 1). I was initially intrigued by the premise but Lewen’s writing style quickly dragged me into the story and kept me bouncing along with her plot, the new revelations, and the new characters. Sadie was a perfect character for the role – strong, independent and resourceful (a female McGyver, if you like) but she also was softened by a tender side that had not seen much light over the previous decade spent alone. The scenarios painted in the novel were totally believable and, of course, as with most dystopian novels it was fascinating to watch how quickly the thin veneer of civilization fell away to be replaced by man’s basest instincts. There were still humans who cherished their humanity, though and this certainly helped to soften the violence and casual disregard for human life portrayed by the Splitters. I particularly enjoyed the way the author handled the rekindled relationship between Sadie and Caleb. It would have been so easy for her to fall into the cliched and expected with this but I felt she handled it beautifully. As this is the first in a trilogy, the author has definitely succeeded in investing her readers in the characters. I really care about what happens to these five main characters now and although I’m not a great fan of cliffhanger endings, it does make it almost certain I’ll be reading book two just to find out what happens next. A thoroughly readable and exciting novel that I can highly recommend.

You can find Three Sisters plus the second book in this trilogy on Nikki Lewen's Amazon page:

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in the company of strangers by awais khan

12/8/2019

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

In the Company of Strangers is the debut novel from Awais Khan. It takes us inside the elite classes of Pakistani society and exposes the hypocrisy and double-standards of Pakistani life, especially from the perspective of the women of that country. Mona, a forty-one-year-old Socialite in Lahore has been married to construction magnate, Bilal for over twenty years, who although he loves her dearly is a typically conservative, male Muslim Pakistani who firmly believes a woman’s place is in the home, demure, quiet and always ready to service her man whenever he requires it. If necessary, Bilal will reinforce his dominance with physical violence, although, of course there is no problem with Bilal having a string of girlfriends and affairs. Mona has everything materially she could ever wish for but she lacks the one thing she needs more than anything - love. With her children grown and studying in Canada, Mona struggles with the meaningless circuit of gossiping, backstabbing, society women. When she meets Ali, an aspiring young, male model, whose desire to help his mother and especially his brother, who lost his leg in a terrorist bombing now has him floating on the edges of the terrorist’s threat, their mutual attraction is undeniable. When her best friend during her student days, Meera, the successful owner of a modeling agency, returns to town, Mona finally feels emboldened to try to break free from her gilded prison.

In the Company of Strangers is an incredibly powerful story of love and loss in a country trying to come to terms with the juxtaposition of twenty-first century morality and conservative Muslim lore and law. Mona, as a character, was a bold effort, especially on debut, from author Awais Khan. He manages to successfully capture the many sides of this complicated character and the difficult, near impossible position she finds herself in. The author’s ability to capture the raw emotion of the characters and the horror of the terrorist’s actions is admirable and a credit to his writing abilities. For those of us who live outside of Pakistan he was able to provide a clear insight into the workings of a predominantly Muslim country and their social contracts, such as marriage. As I social commentary on modern-day Pakistan I was enthralled and as a story of love, loss and hope, I was captivated. Khan clearly has real ability and by concentrating for his debut novel on something he clearly knew, understood and had probably lived he was able to bring real urgency and believability to his work. Full of emotion and action, this is a thoroughly readable story that I can highly recommend. I look forward to more work from this clearly highly talented author.

You can find, In the Company of Strangers, here on Awais Khan's Amazon page:

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demons at war: urban fantasy by p. a. minyard

8/8/2019