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Black Pearl
From the first page, Black Pearl sets itself up as more than just another political thriller. It follows Cody Musket Jr., his family, and their network of allies as they confront an unrelenting tide of child trafficking, terrorism, and political upheaval. The story is about family, blood and chosen, fighting to survive and protect the vulnerable. There are gun battles, high-stakes rescues, secret agents, and even quiet moments of faith that cut through the noise. The novel moves quickly between firefights in Puerto Rico, clandestine rescues, and tense personal confrontations, all while keeping the theme of courage, loyalty, and redemption alive.
This book was a wild ride. The action scenes are painted with raw intensity, the kind that keeps you turning pages even when your eyes are begging for rest. But what surprised me most wasn’t the explosions or the shootouts, it was the emotional weight behind them. The author doesn’t shy away from the uglier parts of humanity: abuse, betrayal, greed. At times it felt heavy, even bleak, but then a character would step in with an act of selflessness or an unexpected flash of humor, and it pulled me right back from the edge. I admired the way Miller balanced that darkness with hope, though I’ll admit there were moments when the dialogue felt a little too on-the-nose, almost sermon-like, when I wanted it to breathe more naturally.
The writing style kept me engaged throughout. The pacing is relentless, and the action sequences play out with a sharp cinematic eye that makes the story easy to picture. The prose moves between moments of beautiful simplicity and bursts of dramatic flair, creating a rhythm that adds energy to the read. I found myself deeply invested in the characters, especially the kids, and I often wished the narrative would linger longer with them before sweeping me into the next pulse-pounding scene. The insistence that love and faith can outlast evil came through with sincerity and left a lasting impression.
Black Pearl is a book I’d recommend to readers who love high-octane thrillers but also crave an undercurrent of heart and conviction. Black Pearl reminded me of the intensity of Tom Clancy’s political thrillers and the moral conviction found in Terri Blackstock’s Christian suspense novels. Like Clancy, Miller crafts action scenes that feel vivid and urgent, pulling you straight into the heart of danger. And like Blackstock, he isn’t afraid to weave faith and hope into the darkest corners of the plot. At the same time, his focus on family bonds and the resilience of children gives the story a warmth that sets it apart from more conventional thrillers.
Pages: 307 | ASIN : B08MDDZZJC
A Bit of Truth Mixed Into Fiction
Rock Band Roadie follows a sixteen-year-old girl growing up in the projects who dreams of becoming a singer in a band, only to have her dream become a nightmare. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I played the keyboard in the gospel rock band called Cross Road Band. The first couple of chapters were taken from real-life events, which set up the story.
Some events in the book were chillingly similar to real-life events. Did you take any inspiration from real life when developing this book?
Yes, the prison riot was a true event. I was one of the keyboardists who hid behind the curtain until it was over (but no one was kidnapped or escaped in the real event). The events in Patterson were also true. The projects and the park where we played as well as the occurrences written about it were true. We often had other teenagers come along (‘roadies’ if you will) to help pass out literature or help set up. The band traveled to maximum security prisons and juvenile detention centers to sing and play and then stayed in communication with a number of the inmates.
What was one of the hardest parts of Rock Band Roadie for you to write?
Probably the hardest part was staging the prison escape and making it believable. I consulted with a policeman and a military judge for details and accuracy. This started out as a short story and evolved into a book through the advice of these men. And the title is always one of the hardest tasks for me.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
There are a couple I’m mulling around in my head at this point. One will be a coming-of-age story about a pre-teen boy who migrates to the USA in search of his father.
The other will be about a child who yearns for a magic dress that will keep her from disappearing like her friend did. A story of terrible secrets of child trafficking.
When will they be available? Hopefully by fall of 2024
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Through a few twists and turns, Jemma overcomes her trauma as her dream is about to come true. Tonight she will sing with the band in a maximum security prison. Nerves on edge as she walks to the stage, she senses a man’s eyes following her every move. When the lights suddenly die, a riot breaks out and panic erupts. Cowering in the darkness, Jemma’s scream is stifled when an oily hand clasps her mouth shut and drags her into the deep bowels of the prison.
All she wanted to do was sing — she didn’t plan on being kidnapped and part of a getaway plan. Will she be able to talk her way out this time, or was she in on it the whole time?
Rock Band Roadie
Immersed in a profound love for music and the allure of the stage, Jemma finds solace in witnessing her favorite band perform the songs that resonate with her soul. Yet, her life is far from idyllic. Growing up in the projects, amidst the struggles of an addicted mother and a controlling boyfriend, Jemma knows all too well that dreams seldom manifest in such an environment. However, a chance encounter with Annie alters the trajectory of her existence.
Within the pages of the poignant yet inspiring novel, Rock Band Roadie by C.A. Simonson, we are intimately drawn into Jemma’s arduous journey. Unfolding through a traumatic event that thrusts her into a perilous situation, the narrative unearths the profound growth and coming-of-age of this resilient young woman. Despite projecting maturity, the author artfully reminds us that Jemma remains a sixteen-year-old adolescent.
The narrative style captivated me deeply. From the outset, we are apprised that this compelling story is grounded in real-life experiences, lending an added layer of impact to the tale. Skillfully alternating between the perspectives of Jemma and her boyfriend, Jimmy, the dual point of view enriches the narrative, allowing us to witness events from both sides before converging into a climactic moment at the story’s end. The prose flows effortlessly, making it a quick and engrossing read. One drawback I observed in the book was its brevity towards the conclusion. The story left me yearning for approximately 50 more pages to provide a more complete resolution. Notwithstanding this minor setback, the novel’s conclusion left a lasting impression on me. The story’s impact and emotional resonance more than compensated for the slight drawback, making it a compelling and memorable read.
Rock Band Roadie‘s ability to evoke emotions and immerse readers in the world of its characters is commendable, making it a compelling and worthwhile read.
Pages: 173 | ASIN : B0BYCCXXLS
Don’t Let Me Go
Don’t Let Me Go is a high school love story building up to marriage, but for Jenny and Adam, the true test starts after marriage. Jenny pushes Adam away for a reason unknown. Before she answers any questions, she gets kidnapped, and the chase starts. With Adam striving to find his love, a love who doesn’t want to be his wife anymore, this story will make you believe in real companionship.
Don’t Let Me Go by Jodi Artzberger is a romantic thriller that will keep you on your toes from the first page. The story starts with suspense and subtly weaves in romance while the plot maintains the thrill. The characters are relatable and interesting. Some parts will make you question the goodness of the characters. There is a clear distinction between good and evil, which supports the conventional story writing aspect but might lack the depth of characterization for some readers.
The author has taken her strong Christian values and infused her novel with a gospel-centered storyline. Faith plays a strong part in character development, as well as plot development. Readers that prefer a more Christian view on romance will find Jodie Artzberger has created relationships that center around God and model the values of the Christian faith.
As the story progresses, you can see faith building up. It aptly symbolizes how marital troubles are resolved in times of crisis. It also conveys that protecting our loved ones is done better by companionship. The book explores the themes of love, forgiveness, and faith. Many subplots run parallel to the main plot without interrupting its flow which adds depth to the narration.
Don’t Let Me Go is a suspenseful Christian mystery with a romantic story intertwined. The author is successful in building up tension and skillfully easing it out in the end. This was a great mystery, as well as a lesson on learning to forgive and trust the people you care about.
Pages: 251 | ASIN : B0B52F8T6T
Operation Jade Helmet
The world is falling apart–literally. Martial law has been declared, communication has been cut off, and citizens are being instructed to shelter in place. As the entire country struggles to make sense of what is happening around them, Skylar’s son is worried about one thing and one thing only–his video game. When his ties are severed, he is forced to see the grave reality of their situation. In a world where social media has become a way of life, chaos ensues when every platform collapses and the world is left to pick up the pieces of the destruction that follows.
Operation: Jade Helmet, by Ashely Fontainne, sets a scene of total panic and mayhem all based on the power of social media. When an unnatural heatwave occurs and citizens become increasingly confused, defensive, and violent, it becomes clear that the world is about to undergo a change–and not one for the better. No one is safe, especially gamers. At the top of the list? Those who excel at Operation: Jade Helmet. Skylar’s son, Brandon, is one of them.
Fontainne has managed to meld several different genres and literary elements successfully into one novel. What begins as a straightforward science fiction read soon takes on elements of faith-based work alongside choice bits of fantasy. There is an incredible amount of history woven into the plot, and this is what makes the author’s work as terrifying as it is entertaining. Fontainne has handed readers a book that is a testament to everything that is wrong with our world as we know it, and it makes for quite the ride.
I was blown away by the cast of characters in Operation: Jade Helmet. From those who set the stage in the first few chapters to the main players, Fontainne has done a remarkable job of developing a well-rounded and highly relatable cast to bring the pages to life. I was especially taken with Tyler; he is strong, loving, and full of surprises. He is the perfect addition to this book of mixed genres.
Operation: Jade Helmet is a riveting Christian-based science fiction and fantasy novel. Filled with suspense readers will be on edge following the mystery set out by the author. This thrilling novel will have readers thinking twice about the state of the world today and how social media impacts all of us. Kudos to Fontainne on an absolutely stunning piece!
Pages: 316 | ASIN : B08X1MHHDN
LITERARY TITAN 