Blog Archives
A Country Among Countries
![A Country Among Countries (Harmony Book 3) by [R.L. Dean, Crissha Figarella, J. N. McLaughlin]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51buLVGGwSL.jpg)
A Country Among Countries by R.L. Dean is a science fiction thriller with deep socio-political commentary. The lives of many characters are intertwined and move towards a satisfying climax. Tetsuya is concerned with ideas of justice and duties and carries the burden of his past mistakes as a cop. Misaki and Middleton are caught up in a complicated game of loyalty and trust where neither can give up their secrets without harming the other. Compton is a soldier struggling with the pressure of tough decisions that lay ahead of him. The UN is intending the economic ruin of Mars by creating a dependence on the businesses on Earth. All of them are connected through Ganymede, a planet where the assassination of Governor Jung had occurred.
There are interesting illustrations woven throughout by R.L. Dean that builds a delightful tension before the chapters. All the characters are given a rich inner life. All their motivations and behavior came from a natural place. I almost felt like I was part of their group, and that is definitely the biggest strength of this book. The characters are three-dimensional and feel alive that you can’t help but feel that this is happening somewhere in an alternate universe. The banter between Asha and her dad was endearing and adorable. There’s also a lot of diversity in the characters- even though some of their origins are not explicitly mentioned, a variety of cultures are portrayed in a realistic manner. In the science fiction that I have encountered, this is a pretty uncommon element, but greatly appreciated. On the flip side, there are hordes of characters present in this book. So it was a little hard keeping track of all of them, but I found that making a note of their names and the relations in a text file helped.
Of course, since it is a science fiction novel, there were some fantastic and fascinating gadgets and devices- like the air recycler systems and the “boxes of water” in hatch pads. I was intrigued by the descriptions of the different spaceships and the inter-space transportation. There are some parts of the story that felt like a commentary on the ongoing political situation in some countries. Especially when a character shares the same name as a leader of one of the most populous countries in the world. However, this didn’t bother me much as the fictional aspect is obviously kept at the forefront.
A Country Among Countries is a thrilling space adventure, with something in it for everyone, especially for people interested in examining the modern political world from a new perspective.
Pages: 265 | ASIN: B08PSBYZB2
Zero-Day Rising
![Zero-Day Rising (The BetterWorld Trilogy Book 3) by [T.C. Weber]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51C92KBXe8L.jpg)
Zero Day Rising is the third book in author T.C. Weber’s BetterWorld series. It is a futuristic cyber thriller that tackles the issues of data privacy, an increasingly controlling government, and the role of digital giants in our daily lives; all issues that are relevant today. It tells the story of sisters Kiyoko and Waylee who are caught up in a fight against an insidious and ever-growing media conglomerate and a corrupt government.
Kiyoko and her team are an intriguing and likable bunch. It’s set up such that it’s basically them versus a pretty depressing world, but somehow it’s easy to have faith in their ability to pull through. I have recently become interested in cybersecurity and the role it plays in today’s world, so the hacking scenes were my favorite parts. I thought that the technology and jargon used in the book felt authentic, and I enjoyed reading about the psychological element that goes on behind the scenes.
Some of the explanations of the devices, like the ‘polyflex neal interface’ or the multiple mentions of the ‘peer-to-peer network’, were a bit on the technical side but were so interesting, and placed in context, that they’re easy to roll with. Overall, there’s a great balance the author achieves by making the action convincing yet immensely readable.
I particularly enjoyed the relevance of the plot in today’s world. The idea of the media in cahoots with the government, working to control people via information, no longer seems like a science fiction story. I can easily think of many global political scandals that involved the unfair use of data by social media giants and other media networks. It is interesting that this has started reflecting in fiction novels as well, as it makes reading T.C. Weber’s novel an engaging yet scary experience. Either way, I appreciated the way the author managed to create what could easily be an “alternate-universe” version of our planet. Even more, I loved the fact that the protagonist was a girl who was equipped with technical skills that rivaled most hackers’.
Overall, Zero Day Rising is a gritty technothriller that i would recommend to anyone who is interested in examining the dangerous ways information can be used against humanity. Or even for anyone just looking for a thrilling cyber-adventure.
Pages: 353 | ASIN: B08PZBCZMT
A Bridge Too Far
Supreme Betrayal follows a woman who was assaulted and years later finds out that her attacker is nominated for the Supreme Court, and is determined to stop him. What was the inspiration for the setup to this thrilling novel?
The novel was, obviously, inspired by the Brett Kavanaugh hearings and other similar high-powered sexual assault cases. Literary Titan has reviewed my past work and reviewers know that I like to begin my novels with action sequences. Supreme Betrayal is no different. I researched dozens of actual sexual assault cases and testimony in those cases, especially those involving men or power and influence. The “party scene” at the beginning of the book is a compilation of those real cases, including the events testified to in the Kavanaugh confirmation hearings.
Hayley is a strong woman and represents young woman who often get caught in a bad situation. What were some obstacles you felt defined her character in your story?
Hayley’s “obstacles” are the same as any ordinary young woman who faces off against well-financed, politically placed, entitled, white men. She feels powerless against the rich and powerful and a criminal justice system that looks the other way for those in power. She, like the real women her character is based on, feels guilt and shame—”How could I be so stupid? How could I put myself in this situation?” Victims of sexual assault often blame themselves rather than their predators. For Hayley, “looking the other way” became a way to cope and move on, even though the events of her youth effected her relationships, even her marriage. The possible elevation of her assaulter, this sexual predator, is a bridge too far, and she decides to tackle the issue head on.
What were some challenges you set for yourself as a writer for this book?
I like to think I am a fair-minded, politically neutral writer. I am a staunch advocate of social justice causes. The challenge is to present important social justice issues, depict how the criminal and civil justice systems might handle these issues, try to present multiple perspectives, including political ramifications, and try not to display bias. What happened to Hayley could have happened to anyone.
When and where will this book be available?
Supreme Betrayal will be available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and all online booksellers, as well as on my website at http://www.markmbello.com
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Teenagers in various state of inebriation and consciousness packed the Walnut Lakefront home in West Bloomfield.
Hayley Larson wasn’t a bad girl; she wasn’t even a party girl. However, she was tired of always doing everything her parents ordered. They certainly would not approve of her being at this party.
Exiting an upstairs bathroom, Hayley was startled to see Oliver Wilkinson and Shane Marbury standing on the other side of the door. Barely coherent, seriously drunk, high, or stoned, the young men blocked her.
Over the next twenty years, Hayley told no one what happened behind closed doors that night. That is until now.
Oliver Wilkinson is the President’s nominee for a vacant seat on the Supreme Court. Hayley Larson can’t let that happen.
But Wilkinson will stop at nothing for a seat on the court . . . NOTHING!
A Stereotypical Bloke
Yearn To Fear follows a scientists with a world changing invention who finds himself surrounded by lies and spies. What was the inspiration for the setup to this thrilling story?
It was a story that just kind of developed quickly along from a very raw idea, and certainly didn’t end up being what was originally in my head in the first place! I wanted to create something different, something I hadn’t read about before in the 3 to 5 books I would consume a week pre-covid. Then relate that to the near future. It was not a linear process that’s for sure, and I wouldn’t say there was a single inspiration for the set up. Perhaps, it was a bit like the event business, you start with something and add layers as you go along, such that at the end everything has purpose.
Marcus is an intriguing and well developed character. What were some driving ideals behind his character development?
Marcus had to be likeable but an unlikely hero and someone who didn’t see himself that way. He had to be able to rise to the occasion, but not be conceited and dare I say, in some regards a stereotypical bloke, who has no idea about some things. There are some parallels between us both lol Meaning he ended up with most of my many faults!
What were some themes that were important for you to focus on in this book?
That’s a good question. It had to be believable and it had to tie up at the end, yet leave the door open for book 2. For those who have finished Yearn to Fear, hopefully they will appreciate that everything was done or said for a reason as small and large themes run through the book. Readers will be more of a wake up to my ‘style’ for next book, so I’m already trying harder to keep them on their toes. lol
This is book one in your Lamarr Series. What can readers expect in book two?
Book two is called Fear to Recall. It’s called that to align with book 1, but the contextual reasoning behind the name is different. Book 2 has already involved more research than book 1 and I’m happy to say, I’ve been enjoying the research side of things, discovering, for instance, a function of InfraRed jammers I wasn’t aware of and as of writing this, that function will make an appearance. I guess that means still more high tech in book 2. I’m a romantic at heart (probably overly so), so I enjoy writing the banter between characters, there will definitely be more of that too. 🙂
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
His seemingly trustworthy lab partner, Henry, is an unlikely Australian spy. His official duty is keeping tabs on the project and their Lamarr chips. But the whole project is now classified top-secret.
Marcus remains blissfully unaware of the many secrets surrounding him, until he witnesses the graphic murder of a colleague. Could this event reveal Henry as a master deceiver and ruthless double agent? Will the scientific discovery be fatal for Marcus, those he loves, and the one he yearns for? Marcus faces a soul tearing dilemma: is the only means of stopping the carnage to weaponise his prototype?
Foreign intelligence agencies realise the top-secret breakthrough is priceless. One particular spy leads the race to seize the invention. A psychological master of the long game, espionage, and extortion, his only rule according to Kung Fu: Win.
Friend and foe alike confront this psychotic mastermind. All will FEAR him, but is their FEAR real? Only the next six minutes will tell…
Yearn to Fear: Australian Spy Thriller
![Yearn to Fear: Australian Spy Thriller - The Lamarr Series Book 1 by [Chas Murrell]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/511aGG0LGML.jpg)
The Australian government is sponsoring research on the Lamarr chip, an invention that could improve data download speed beyond anything the world has ever seen. But right there at CSIRO, the agency spearheading the research, there’s a network of industrial espionage woven around the project. Project manager Sarah Pease, electronic engineer Marcus Hall, and their friends find themselves unwittingly caught in this web of conspiracy and espionage. As research into the Lamarr chip turns up startling results and unexpected discoveries, the scramble to take control of the resulting innovations heightens. In a race against time, the Australian government must protect its project from the vicious claws of clandestine forces while attempting to secure the lives of innocent citizens caught in the skirmish.
Chas Murrell’s Yearn to Fear is an Australian spy thriller brimming with political intrigue and nail biting situations. Murrell’s debut novel has all the workings of a typical tale of espionage. From conceited spymasters to accidental civilian detectives, lofty deceptions to astute deductions, the author throws in all the spy thriller ingredients but not without his distinct personal touch.
Author Chas Murrell spins a seemingly straightforward tale that quickly becomes anything but that – a very welcomed twist if you ask me. I mean, what’s a spy novel without some moments that will have you scratching your head? Don’t fret though, every move is well explained, and in the end, you’ll have answers to your questions.
The book is doused with several moments of tension that keep you dangling deliciously on the cusp of the truth. On the one hand, you want to scurry to the end of the page and find out what happens. On the other hand, you also want to prolong the suspense because it’s so exciting. I also love how an even-keeled plot suddenly switches to a story unfolding at neck-breaking speed.
I couldn’t miss the well-placed humor and banter too. The book includes delightful tongue-in-cheek moments and comments that add flavor to the story and provide much needed comic relief amidst the tension.
Reading this book is an excellent way to be entertained and learn a couple of fascinating facts about the human mind, tech, guns, and even whiskey. Somehow, our Aussie author was able to create a book with just the right dose of cool nerdy stuff to appeal to a wide range of audiences.
Yearn to Fear is the first part of a trilogy, and that revelation has me excited. If the sequels turn out to be half as good as this one, then the author’s getting a place on my list of “super-cool Australian authors to keep an eye on.” Inaugural entrant or not, getting on that list speaks volumes of his writing prowess.
Pages: 351 | ASIN: B08MTFMK6J
The Animal Court
![The Animal Court by [S. Faxon]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51d5KeFKGUL.jpg)
The Animal Court by S. Faxon is a fantasy romance novel following the political journey of Gertrude K, a noble politician in King Heron´s court. In a very divided country where the upper class thrives and the lower class starves, Gertrude is a prepared politician and close advisor to the king. When people from the lower classes start to get restless, Gertrude has to find a way to get through to her monarch, who’s blinded by luxury and vanity. Unfortunately for Gertrude, the arrival of the king´s brothers only add fuel to the flame, old feuds arise and rivalries emerge as the siblings disagree on most political issues and one brother desperately wants the crown. To make matters worse, the king is surrounded by greedy advisors, all who wish to maintain their luxurious lives at the cost of the people’s wellbeing. Will Gertrude be able to save the country she loves or will it succumb to the menacing games of the animal court?
The Animal Court is incredibly hard to put down. It will transport you to a country threatened by civil unrest, the tension is high and the stakes are even higher and it’s all delivered with eloquent descriptions of a more classic period in time. And though it is placed in a fictional country, the story closely resembles the political situation and dynamics of several real-world countries. The destitute lower class and the avaricious upper class reminds me of the French Revolution. The most impressive aspect of this novel is the authenticity of the characters. They are all incredibly well-developed, with motivations that are sometimes complicated but always understandable, which is important in a book about the human drama in a kings court. The main character Gertrude is particularly admirable. She’s a female leader in a male dominated world. She has fought for her right to study, work, and ultimately become a high-ranked advisor within the king’s court. She is strong and stubborn, the result of having to fight twice as hard to get her views heard. The author does a great job of balancing the book’s political nature with romance and drama, as it involves various romantic affairs making it a perfect mix for fans of both genres.
I enjoyed the authors references to the old Japanese fable and the smooth storytelling that will leave any reader intrigued until the very end. The Animal Court will appeal to fans of political thrillers or dramatic romance.
Pages: 370 | ASIN: B08K7X8LVL
Skies of Red Dawn
![Skies of Red Dawn by [Matthew Taylor]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41U96f3Ku0L.jpg)
Matt Taylor’s Skies of Red Dawn follows Robert J. Johnathan, a retired CIA agent who is framed for traitorous actions that result in a team of comrades dying during a mission. With his own team going after him he enlists his ally, British MI6 agent Captain Liam Thomas James Sterling, on a personal mission to uncover the source of the ambush, only to find himself tangled in the midst of a dangerous terrorist plot.
Skies of Red Dawn has all the makings of a great spy thriller. It has a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged, and the characters are dynamic and likable. The references to weaponry, reconnaissance language, and battleground tactics also imply that the author completed the necessary research to make this story believable.
While I enjoyed this compelling novel, I felt that there were a few punctuation and spelling errors that distracted from an otherwise stimulating read. If this book had a good proofreading, I have no doubt that this will be a top-notch book.
The story takes Johnathan and Sterling from English-speaking America to Cuba and Cyprus, where both agents encounter other individuals who speak non-English languages. As a Spanish speaker, I was able to fully understand the exchanges in Spanish. However, the exchanges in Greek left me feeling lost since I am unfamiliar with the language. The story keeps an air of authenticity in this way, but I do not feel as though I got a full understanding of each scene due to the lack of translation
Matt Taylor has written a story with action-packed narration, an intriguing spy theme, and a solid plot along with engrossing character development. With some helpful translation and proofreading I think the focus will remain on these solid pieces of storytelling. Skies of Red Dawn will be welcomed by readers that enjoy spy thrillers with an authentic feel.
Pages: 269 | ASIN: B08GM98LMB
1 Law 4 All – Gator
![1 Law 4 All - Gator by [Billy Angel]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Z8cCxnQmL.jpg)
1 Law for All – Gator is the third installment of a Billy Angel’s political thriller series. This book is a suspenseful crime fiction story set in modern times. There are two storylines that this book follows; Dominica and her upcoming nuptials, as well as the Fair and Freedom Foundation, which is an organization consisting of mostly millennials who fight against voter fraud. They have sought help from the 1 Law for All Foundation as the organization has drawn attention from dangerous people. With the backdrop of a wedding and the action-packed dangers of the political waters, Gator country is in trouble.
There is a lot to unpack in this book thrilling book. It felt like an alternate timeline to our current situation in the U.S. There was great detail put into the the plan to tamper with the election by the Democrats in this high stakes political thriller. They were heavily involved with having votes changed by various nefarious means, Russians were involved, and there was even mention of Clinton conspiracy theories at one point. All are uncanny portrayals of the extreme views both sides take in todays turbulent political climate and that same tension is successfully reflected on the page in Billy Angel’s riveting thriller. I appreciated how well thought out the plan was to commit election fraud as it made it feel real, which allowed me to get further invested in the story and the characters. This story utilizes right-wing conspiracy theories to great affect. Those theories in our current political climate can be dangerous and delegitimize our democracy, but Billy Angel, like any good fiction writer, asks the question of ‘what if’ and sets his story on a path that is entertaining.
1 Law for All – Gator is an intriguing fictional take on election fraud, even introducing nanobot technology at one point, which having a bit of science fiction infused in the story was surprising but welcomed. It was this futuristic take on how to change the votes that I enjoyed. Fans of political thrillers that like complex storylines and well orchestrated action scenes will enjoy this well written book.
Pages: 335 | ASIN: B08HVG8PT1
LITERARY TITAN 