Blog Archives
The Horror Film Killer
The Horror Film Killer marks the second installment in Michael J. Bowler’s enthralling A Film Milieu Thriller series, featuring a fresh set of characters distinct from Book One. Centered around Cassie Stewart, a senior at Performance Arts Academy High School in Southern California’s San Fernando Valley, the narrative follows her collaborative endeavor with best friend Donovan Quinn. Together, they embark on co-writing and co-directing a feature film for their senior project in film class, with aspirations of entering their creation into the prestigious local Shriek Festival, renowned as one of the nation’s oldest and grandest horror film festivals. However, their aspirations are derailed when a sinister figure begins replicating the murders depicted in their script, compelling Cassie and her police officer father to join forces in a race against time to apprehend the killer before more lives are claimed.
I found myself engrossed in this tale, particularly relishing the illuminating glimpses into the behind-the-scenes aspects of film production. The story initially unfolds at a measured pace, acquainting the reader with an ordinary school day and the diverse cast of characters. However, the narrative takes a thrilling turn by the end of the first chapter, captivating readers as the first chilling murder transpires. Despite the sizable ensemble of characters introduced in the early stages, the author skillfully furnishes detailed descriptions for each, enabling readers to seamlessly distinguish and connect with them. An impressive feat of suspense-building ensues, notably evident during Marjory Quinn’s tense night rounds at the hospital. The author adeptly conveys the suspenseful ambiance, deftly surmounting the challenge of conveying tension through the written word without the aid of audio or visual cues present in film. The climactic unmasking of the killer occurs towards the story’s conclusion, followed by a final chapter that offers a glimpse into the characters’ lives as they endeavor to move forward after the tragic events. This additional insight into the students of the film class adds a gratifying dimension to the narrative. It’s worth mentioning that while the story maintains its allure, some readers, including myself, found the choice of third-person present tense a bit unsettling. At times, this stylistic approach may lead to a sense of disconnection and distraction from the unfolding events, pulling one momentarily away from the immersive experience. Looking ahead, They Know When the Killer Will Strike, the third book in the series, promises an exciting convergence of characters from both Book One and Book Two, interweaving their storylines. A preview of this next installment serves as a tantalizing teaser, piquing readers’ curiosity and anticipation for what lies ahead.
The Horror Film Killer delivers an engaging and suspenseful narrative adorned with invaluable insights into the intricate world of film production. While the third-person present tense may prove slightly disconcerting for some readers, the tale compensates with its compelling plot and well-developed cast of characters. Fans of this series will undoubtedly relish the upcoming installment, which promises to reunite familiar faces from previous books and elevate the thrills to new heights.
Pages: 187 | ASIN : B09B1F1FFF
The Undulating Shadows
In The Undulating Shadows by DC Eastman, readers are thrust into a world filled with enigma and longing as they follow the lives of three orphans—Justin, Raven, and Albert—united and then divided by fate but ever tethered by the haunting presence of a deadly specter.
From the outset, the tragic circumstances that land Justin and Raven in the orphanage offer a compelling foundation for the narrative. When they encounter Albert, who has spent his entire life within the institution’s walls, friendship blossoms. Eastman deftly captures the innocence of their childhood bond, as well as the complexities of growing up, as Albert and Raven’s adoption drives an inexorable wedge between the trio.
What really sets this novel apart is the slow unraveling of the mystery surrounding the specter. Eastman masterfully withholds key details, inviting readers to join the characters on their journey to discovery. This journey is one filled with twists and turns, and the realization that Albert is not who they believed him to be adds an unexpected layer to the story.
Eastman’s character development is particularly praiseworthy, particularly during the characters’ youth. His ability to make readers connect with these characters is skillful, playing on universal experiences and empathetic understanding.
The transition from childhood to adulthood, I feel, is somewhat abrupt, a jump that, while understandable, could have been smoothed for better narrative flow. Raven’s ‘other sense’ is an intriguing element that I would have liked to have seen explored more before becoming a key tool in solving the mystery. Still, this does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the novel. Eastman’s vivid imagination and skillful storytelling make The Undulating Shadows an entertaining read that is sure to satisfy fans of thrillers and mysteries.
The science fiction elements add another layer of intrigue, and although the beginning may seem slow, the patient reader is rewarded with a rich and interconnected story that unfolds beautifully. For those interested in a thrilling tale filled with mystery, suspense, and profound human connection, The Undulating Shadows is a compelling recommendation. I look forward to diving into more of Eastman’s work in the future.
Pages: 376 | ISBN : 0639763707
I Wanted To Give Him A Voice
Pontius Pilate: An Unexpected Memoir looks at Pilate’s family life, childhood, military and political careers, how he ended up in the crucial role of Jesus’s crucifixion, and what life was like after. What inspired you to tell this story?
For one of the central figures in the crucifixion story, little was known about the man Pontius Pilate. He was recalled to Rome after an incident involving rebels in a small village in Judea, but beyond that, little was known about him. My intent was to give this historical figure flesh and bones. To give him a loving family life beyond the military. To have him torn between staying at home or fighting another battle for Rome or expanding Rome’s territory. Most importantly, I wanted to give him a voice, not to vilify but to understand him and the need for him to be there at the Praetorium to wash his hands, because had he let Jesus go, scripture prophesy would not have been fulfilled.
What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
Readers have told me they were surprised at the depth of Pilate’s character that I portrayed, making him a man with feelings of love, kindness, and empathy, and that I depicted ancient Roman life so accurately and fully. I was most surprised when a producer of note told me she was moved to tears by the ending of the story.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?
Pablo has several more books that have been published and as many that have not yet been published. He keeps writing, so I keep falling behind in editing his manuscripts. We expect to submit another book soon.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Pilate’s roots ran deep in the Italian countryside, and as he aged, he yearned more and more for home and family, for vineyards and barley fields, and for the laughter of children. His beloved wife Claudia had a gift of discernment, an ability to forecast events and outcomes. When Pilate became governor of Judea, a loathsome assignment to him, he took Claudia with him. What transpired from then on was life-changing for both of them.
Pontius Pilate was the unwilling participant in the crucifixion of Jesus, so regretful of his act that he washed his hands over and over again. As American playwright Arthur Miller once said, “Maybe all one can do is hope to end up with the right regrets.”
Pontius Pilate: An Unexpected Memoir
Pontius Pilate: An Unexpected Memoir by Pablo Zaragoza is a captivating journey into historical fiction, tracing the intriguing life of Pontius Pilate and his lineage, from his humble beginnings to his end. In this meticulously rendered narrative, Zaragoza expertly navigates the tides of Pilate’s existence, illuminating his Roman citizenship, his ascension within the military, and the growth of his family lineage.
The novel provides a compelling exploration of Pilate’s transformation, encapsulating his rise from a mere boy to a celebrated soldier, earning the admiration and respect of Rome through his gallant efforts in battle. The tale takes an intriguing twist as Pilate matures, revealing a test of his unwavering loyalty to Rome when appointed as Judea’s procurator.
Immersed in the critical turning point of Jesus’s fate, the book masterfully depicts the circumstances leading up to Jesus’s crucifixion. It eloquently presents the political and religious undercurrents that characterized the era, as well as Pilate’s crucial role in this narrative.
Zaragoza’s storytelling prowess is evident throughout the book. He skillfully resuscitates this biblical and historical narrative, offering a fresh perspective on the well-documented crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The novel’s prose is crisp and compelling, drawing readers into Pilate’s world and fostering a unique connection.
Zaragoza’s remarkable research skills are fully displayed in this narrative, lending a well-rounded understanding of the Roman Empire’s history and culture. The author’s narrative finesse transforms a potentially austere subject into an enthralling tale brimming with war, politics, power, religion, and the unavoidable bloodshed that marked Rome’s expansive legacy.
In this riveting tale, Zaragoza subtly yet effectively captures the evolution of Pilate’s character, his moral compass, and his nuanced views on Rome’s governance. Zaragoza’s adeptness in emotionally engaging the reader is exemplary, providing a gripping experience from the opening to the closing lines. The novel expertly balances an engrossing narrative with a profound examination of the historical context.
Pontius Pilate: An Unexpected Memoir presents an insightful and enjoyable reading experience. Zaragoza’s novel is both a rewarding delve into historical exploration and an expertly crafted tale that proves to be a standout addition to the historical fiction genre.
Pages: 404 | ASIN : B09W431MZY
The Prophet and the Warrior: A Fictional History of Moses and Joshua
Richard Grabmeier’s The Prophet and the Warrior artfully interweaves the biblical narratives of Moses and Joshua into a compelling piece of historical fiction, drawing largely from the King James Version of the Bible.
Grabmeier transports us through time to accompany Moses from his humble origins as an infant set adrift in a basket to his transformative journey of leading the children of Israel out of Egypt’s suffocating grasp at the behest of God. Similarly, we journey alongside Joshua, the young warrior whose story intriguingly intersects with Moses’, painting a comprehensive tableau of their intertwined destinies.
In this riveting narrative, Grabmeier ingeniously humanizes these larger-than-life biblical figures, unmasking their strengths and weaknesses, their internal battles, and their personal metamorphoses. These heroes are presented as tangible, relatable beings beset by doubts and fears but also basking in moments of triumph and affirmation.
Grabmeier’s exploration of their individual motivations, coupled with the formidable challenges they encounter as leaders, provides readers with a rich vein of connection, making the characters’ trials and triumphs resonate on a deeply personal level. The author’s meticulous attention to detail and immersive descriptive prowess breathes life into the book’s diverse settings, be it the vast, formidable wilderness or the resplendent, promised land.
The authenticity of the dialogue deserves special mention. Grabmeier masterfully replicates the distinctive tone and speech patterns of the era, further enhancing the reader’s immersion in this fascinating period of biblical history.
The Prophet and the Warrior is a creative exploration of biblical narratives. This novel ingeniously draws upon biblical texts, inviting readers to venture into the narrative with a spirit of curiosity. Those seeking an innovative retelling of biblical tales may find the author’s fresh perspective and unique interpretations intriguing. The novel brings a fresh lens to examine events such as Moses’ actions against the Egyptians, showcasing the author’s intent to delve into deeper analysis and inspire thought-provoking discussions about the complexities of divine justice.
Pages: 380 | ISBN : 1643147196
Hans-Peter
Hans-Peter by David Poland is a fantastic piece of realistic fiction that explores the development of new technology and alien phenomenon. The story arc follows the development of a new type of aircraft invented by Han’s Peter, a genius inventor who has so far kept his inventions under wraps from both the public and the government. He has developed an aerospace plane capable of flying into orbit with a new type of tri-propellent engine and fuel that utilizes nuclear cold fusion.
We follow the story through the eyes of several high-profile technology journalists, the staff at a nearby military base, Cactus Patch, and the employees of the Federal Aviation Administration. The unfolding story is told from one of the story’s main protagonists, Trayparts’ perspective, written in a first-person narrative. Traypart is a well-respected technology and aerospace journalist who came to California to report on aerospace and spaceflight technology.
I really enjoyed this novel. It is written in a hyperrealistic fashion tackling the science of Hans-Peter’s new technology and the implications for the earth regarding this new type of technology. One of the underlying themes is the frontier of space, how emerging technology will affect our ability to travel to space, and the possibilities of what we may encounter if we do so. “Okay,” I said reluctantly. “So way back in college, he was talking about rockets and F-111s.” “Way back then, he told me he was thinking about how to blend a nuclear reaction into a liquid fuel rocket engine. Do you think that’s even possible?” p 13
The overall story develops slowly throughout the novel, with the plot being slowly revealed to the reader as the book develops. I particularly liked how the novel uses the different characters’ perspectives to relay the story as it develops. The main characters are well-written and appropriately complex, and they came across as extremely convincing in their roles. It worked well to have the different perspectives of the unfolding story. As the story progresses, the reader is introduced to possible sightings by the military of UFOs and a cover-up of previous alien contact. However, I felt the story was slightly too heavily focused on the character’s dialog in some parts.
We also witness a problem with the ISS space station after a meteor strike, leaving the astronauts onboard needing rescue. This development and the possibility of a daring space rescue by Hans-Peter and his new aircraft up the story’s stakes and add an effective extra level of interest for the reader. Toward the end of the novel, the author David Poland adds a big twist to the story, which left me genuinely surprised.
Hans-Peter is a riveting science fiction adventure novel that gives readers much to contemplate. The story is compelling and will hold readers’ interest till the end.
Pages: 295 | ASIN : B08NWB13PR
Faythe of North Hinkapee: The Saga of a Young Woman’s Quest for Justice and Love in Colonial America
Women have faced countless challenges and obstacles throughout history, with their rights and freedoms being significantly limited. In colonial America, societal norms dictated that women were to be viewed as property and that their future was limited to marriage and children. In his book Faythe of North Hinkapee: The Saga of a Young Woman’s Quest for Justice and Love in Colonial America, James T. Hogg introduces us to a diverse cast of characters living in the town of North Hinkapee. Among the characters are Faythe and her younger sister Chloe, whose lives are forever changed after Chloe falls victim to a brutal assault by two influential town members. The book sheds light on how the incident impacts not only Chloe but also her family and those around her, providing a stark reminder of how class and gender played a significant role in colonial America.
Told from various points of view, the author has written a comprehensive and compelling narrative of the tragedy at play. Hogg’s masterful handling of multiple perspectives allows the reader to gain insight into the perspectives of Faythe, the men who hurt her sister and their family, the pastor in town, and the natives who inhabited the area originally. The different viewpoints all work together cohesively, with Hogg delivering this almost effortlessly. Although Hogg’s writing is generally engaging, one area that could improve is the dialogue, which sometimes can distract the reader from the story. At times I felt the language sounded too modern and did not fit with the colonial period. Nonetheless, despite this drawback, this story remains a captivating and thought-provoking read.
Faythe of North Hinkapee: The Saga of a Young Woman’s Quest for Justice and Love in Colonial is a gripping woman’s historical fiction novel. Hogg does a remarkable job of handling multiple POVs and tackling complex topics gracefully. Anyone interested in colonial America, gender roles, or compelling historical fiction will thoroughly enjoy this novel.
Pages: 1,409 | ASIN : B0CWDRLS6C
Madly Deeply Wildly
Katherine Turner’s Madly Deeply Wildly is a poignant and emotionally charged story of a woman’s journey toward healing, self-discovery, and love. The novel follows Renata, a writer who has lost her words, as she finds the courage to leave her abusive boyfriend after several years of physical and emotional abuse. Renata moves back to her hometown and takes a job as a cashier at a local cafe, where she forms strong bonds with the people around her, who become her chosen family. Along the way, she begins dating Chad, a goofy yet observant baker, and slowly begins to disentangle her painful past from her present.
Madly Deeply Wildly is an engaging and well-written novel that adeptly captures the complex emotions of a victim of gaslighting, domestic abuse, and rape post-trauma. Renata’s journey is raw and authentic, with the readers rooting for her to overcome the scars of her past and live her best life. Turner’s portrayal of the conflicting thoughts and feelings that plague Renata on a daily basis is heart-wrenching and realistic, making it easy to empathize with her struggles. While the novel’s pacing is swift, with the story delving straight into grief and abuse at the beginning, the plot’s development is engaging and well-structured. The romantic subplot between Renata and Chad is undeniably adorable, although some readers might find the romance to be too fast-paced, given Renata’s past and ongoing PTSD. Furthermore, while Chad is written as the ideal book boyfriend, some readers may find his character to be too perfect, but he is precisely what Renata needs at the time.
Turner has written an uplifting and inspiring novel that illustrates the power of resilience, love, and self-discovery in overcoming past traumas. The supporting characters are endearing, and readers will find themselves invested in their lives outside of Renata’s story. Ultimately, Madly Deeply Wildly is a must-read for anyone who has experienced trauma and is looking for hope and inspiration to overcome their struggles.
Pages: 378 | ASIN : B0BZMQSZGV
LITERARY TITAN 