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Intercessor
John Robert Still’s Intercessor takes readers on a journey through the haunting streets of New Orleans, introducing our protagonist, Jim Hampton, who is wrestling with the void left by abandoning his career as a lawyer. This reflective and eerie novel weaves together themes of personal reinvention, spirituality, and the seductive yet ominous allure of a city steeped in mysticism. Still’s evocative prose paints vivid scenes, blending the supernatural with the struggles of a man caught in existential limbo.
Right from the start, I found myself drawn into Still’s rich depiction of New Orleans. The city almost feels like another character in the story, teeming with life and shadowed by ghosts, both literal and metaphorical. Still’s portrayal of New Orleans—from gas-lit streets to lively Bourbon Street bars—is immersive. One passage that stuck with me describes Jim walking through the French Quarter: “The old houses seemed to shimmer with an energy from centuries of sheltering eccentric occupants, their lives absorbed into the woodwork.” This line encapsulates the novel’s ability to merge physical setting with emotional resonance.
The protagonist, is a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, his internal monologue—filled with regret, longing, and self-doubt—is relatable. On the other, his frequent moments of indecision and his awkward interactions, particularly with Myriam, a young and mysterious bartender, can make him frustrating to follow. There’s a scene where Jim misinterprets Myriam’s kind gestures as pity, and while it’s painfully human, it also underscores his tendency to overanalyze. Still captures the restlessness of midlife crisis well.
One of the novel’s standout elements is its eerie, almost gothic tone. From Jim’s unsettling encounters with shadowy figures to the foreboding whispers of a brewing storm, Intercessor expertly builds tension. A particularly gripping moment comes when Jim stumbles into a seedy underworld masquerading as a party. The scene’s descent from intoxicated excitement to outright menace is chilling and heart-pounding.
The book switches between being a spiritual allegory, a character study, and a supernatural thriller. As the story unfolds, it’s clear that Still wants to explore big ideas: faith, redemption, and the battle between good and evil. Myriam’s steadfast Catholic faith and her role as a beacon of hope juxtapose Jim’s cynicism and spiritual fatigue.
Intercessor is a moody and thought-provoking read that will resonate with those who appreciate character-driven stories laced with a touch of the supernatural. Its vivid settings and ambitious themes make it worth picking up. If you’re drawn to stories about personal growth, faith, and the mystery of the unseen, this book has much to offer.
Pages: 305 | ASIN : B0BS1PPT5H
Dreams and Illusions
Tragedy strikes Gabrielle Dorian when her sister, Tina, is arrested for murder. Desperate to help, Gabby is thrust into a maelstrom of lies and corruption, unsure of who to trust. As she fights to clear her sister’s name, Gabby’s dormant, unsettling dreams resurface, offering cryptic clues but keeping her teetering on the brink of a deeper truth.
Dreams and Illusions captivates with its intricate plot and complex characters, crafted with love, frustration, and an authenticity that pulls readers into a journey of faith, family loyalty, and forgiveness. Olmstead’s story resonates deeply, particularly for those who have faced adversity, as it carries an inspiring message about holding on to faith through difficult times. Readers will find themselves reflecting on the real-life parallels within the narrative, and the reminder of spiritual endurance is ever-present. One of the standout elements for me was how Olmstead weaves faith into the story without making it preachy. The way the theme of forgiveness plays out, particularly through her relationship with Tina, adds emotional weight to the story. I found myself rooting for Gabrielle, even when she made questionable decisions because her emotional journey felt so genuine. While the initial pacing and portrayal of characters and time shifts may feel slightly disjointed, the humor and charm embedded in Olmstead’s writing style quickly draw readers in. Once attuned to the rhythm, the novel’s wit and cleverness shine through, adding a delightful edge to the storytelling.
Dreams and Illusions is perfect for readers who enjoy a blend of mystery and spiritual reflection. It’s a compelling read, especially for those who appreciate stories of personal growth wrapped in suspense. While it’s not a fast-paced thriller, it’s a thoughtful and emotional mystery that will appeal to fans of faith-based fiction and family dramas.
Pages: 253 | ASIN : B0CJ3S3BJH
Rock Step Triple Homicide
In Rock Step Triple Homicide, author Doug Dorsey delivers a captivating and intriguing read that merges two distinct genres. Detective Evann Myrick, the protagonist, has retired from law enforcement after solving The West Coast Swing murders. At the urging of his friend and love interest Victoria, Evann embarks on a dance cruise to take a break from his routine. However, what was supposed to be a leisurely and enjoyable trip turns into a perilous game of murder and deception.
Dorsey expertly weaves a complex plot that is fraught with suspense, surprises, and unexpected twists that will leave you guessing until the very end. The story immediately grips you with its intense and ominous opening scene, making it difficult to put the book down. The author’s innovative approach to incorporating dancing into a murder mystery adds an element of fun and originality to the genre. The book’s immersive descriptions of the various dance styles and techniques create a vivid picture of the cruise’s atmosphere, giving dance enthusiasts an extra layer of enjoyment. Dorsey’s attention to detail in creating well-rounded and unique characters makes it challenging to identify the real killer until the book’s final pages. In particular, Victoria’s character adds levity to the narrative and encourages Evann to explore new experiences outside his comfort zone.
In conclusion, Rock Step Triple Homicide is a refreshing and enjoyable read that blends murder mystery and dance genres seamlessly. Doug Dorsey’s writing style keeps you engaged and entertained throughout, making it an ideal choice for readers seeking a gripping and captivating story that will keep them on the edge of their seats. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting and engrossing read.
Pages: 271 | ASIN : B0BYP45YQS
The Genesis 6 Project
The Genesis 6 Project is a fast-paced action spree from author Michael Ferguson. A mix of sci-fi and biblical fiction, the story centers around a United States research team and a newly rediscovered dangerous threat to man: the Nephilim–powerful creatures born of fallen angels who once ruled the earth. Tamir-Benob is one such creature. He is a giant who has lived for thousands of years and dispatched armies of men throughout history. The capture, understanding, and, most importantly, militarization of this being will impact the balance of world power for ages. Different factions come to a head as Tamir-Benob rampages through rural Montana, leaving soldiers and tribal Crow warriors broken in his wake.
Paced exceptionally well, The Genesis 6 Project is a really tight read. The action ramps up early and is pretty much non-stop. The different characters from the rival factions, especially Dr. Kathryn Ryan and Indian Affairs agent Ironhorse Whitman, really stand out. Ferguson does an excellent job of switching perspectives between the hunters and the hunted, and those roles reverse many times throughout the story.
At times the novel really reminds me of Rambo: First Blood, and that’s not a bad thing. But unlike John Rambo, Tamir-Benob is a genuinely menacing villain who has plans to lay biblical waste to mankind. The action is fun, and there is also a delightful amount of cloak-and-dagger intrigue. Different individuals are each vying for the power they believe the Nephelim holds. Seeking to use science to unlock the ancient mysteries of what they believe is the descendant of an actual angel, there is plenty of backstabbing and treachery.
The Genesis 6 Project is a suspenseful Christian thriller that blends seamlessly with science fiction themes. This novel will captive readers looking for an action-packed story that keeps them on edge from the open pages till the exciting end.
Pages: 301 | ASIN : B0BN2NWL4L
A Pastor’s Pit
Preston Curtis could not have predicted the hint of what awaited him in the name of the city when he accepted the pastorate at Grace Bible Church in Pitfall, Oregon. Being a passionate believer in the Bible’s truth, he has no inkling that he would be prosecuted for a religious hate crime for exercising his religious freedom in preaching the Bible’s words. Judge Roy Sparkman’s A Pastor’s Pit is Preston’s fight against what he considers false religions and politically charged circumstances for a Christian in the U.S., dismissing constitutionally protected religious liberties and, thus, the virtue of the Bible.
A Pastor’s Pit depicts the dilemmas a Pastor has to overcome as a minister and counselor to people as a representative of God. Pastor Curtis is shown to be revered and admired, but he is equally criticized for conduct infringing on the consciences of previous supporters and admirers. He is shown as a devoted husband and father, as well as a true friend, delighted in the love and companionship of friends and family as anyone would, while also determined not to compromise his teachings of word-for-word Bible translation regardless of what the court ultimately determines. On the other hand, R.T. Glassman, his attorney, and best friend, does not retreat when defending his friend from prison, showing a beautiful example of what a loyal friend should be.
With the author being a former judge and practicing attorney, the court hearing with all of the legal terms, rhetoric questions, and cross-examinations by attorneys come across as authentic, without overdramatic and unreal situations. As informative and rhetorical as they are intriguing, the court hearings in the fiction greatly captivated me.
The topic raised in the novel is deserving of attention and explains laws molded for political ends. The novel brings to light the type of interference there is in religious liberties, no matter what the religion is. The book contains three examples of religious liberties being exercised or dismissed: the exercise of religious liberty in Pastor’s teachings and Umran’s choice of faith; dismissal of liberty in the persecution of Pastor and the threat of hell on infidels.
The novel deftly implement legal terminology, court hearings, and political intrigue to great dramatic effect and emerges as an informative work of fiction. A Pastor’s Pit is a riveting legal thriller with provocative questions at its core and an intriguing protagonist that lures you into this riveting novel.
Pages: 237 | ASIN: B08SDYCQ6X
LITERARY TITAN 