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The Copper Scroll: Masa Chronicles
The Copper Scroll by Nicholas Teeguarden follows Joshua “Masa” Bennett, a young archaeology student with a deep faith and a restless curiosity, as he embarks on a journey from Arkansas to Jordan to study the Copper Scroll, the most mysterious of the Dead Sea Scrolls. What begins as an academic interest quickly pulls him into a world of danger, conspiracy, and discovery. Alongside Noa, a sharp and guarded fellow researcher, Joshua navigates ancient clues, personal doubts, and very real threats that blur the line between history and myth. The novel blends scholarship with thriller pacing, offering treasure-hunt suspense set against the rich backdrop of Middle Eastern history and modern tension.
I found the writing to be immersive and full of sensory detail that made me feel the dust of the caves and the press of crowded streets. The style is lively and cinematic. The vividness held me, and I often felt like I was traveling beside Joshua, seeing what he saw, feeling his awe and his unease. The dialogue is sharp, and the interplay between Joshua and Noa kept me engaged. Their banter carried the spark of rivalry mixed with mutual respect, and I looked forward to every scene they shared.
What I liked most was the balance between faith and doubt. The book treats belief not as a simple comfort but as a constant wrestle, something that can drive discovery as much as devotion. Joshua’s hunger for truth, his stubborn streak, and his flashes of insecurity made him a character I could root for. At the same time, the story didn’t shy away from showing how obsession can tip into danger. I liked that complexity. It gave the book more weight than just a straightforward adventure.
I’d recommend The Copper Scroll to readers who enjoy thrillers with a strong sense of place and a dose of history. It will appeal to fans of Dan Brown-style puzzles but also to those who like characters wrestling with faith and identity. It’s heartfelt and ambitious. If you want a story that mixes archaeology, intrigue, and personal struggle, this book is a good fit.
Pages: 254 | ASIN : B0FF2CT6CF
An Ocean Life
T.R. Cotwell’s An Ocean Life is a character-driven novel chronicling the emotional and physical journey of Mark, a stressed-out tech entrepreneur, as he attempts to unwind with his family during a long-awaited trip to Maui. The story moves fluidly between vivid underwater exploration, tense family dynamics, and quiet introspection. While Mark tries to reconnect with his wife Cecilia and their daughters, old habits and personal ambitions resurface, threatening the fragile balance he’s trying to hold onto. At its heart, the book is about reckoning with aging, love, guilt, memory, and the pull of the ocean.
What I liked most about Cotwell’s writing was its intimacy. The prose is sharp but unpretentious, and there’s a warmth in the way he describes both the mundane and the majestic. The dialogue felt natural and unfiltered. Scenes like the failed dinner reservation or the late-night beach encounter made me cringe and laugh at the same time. I felt for Mark, even when he was being a bit stubborn. Cotwell doesn’t paint his protagonist as a hero, and that’s what makes him believable. The underwater scenes are particularly special. There’s a kind of reverence in the way Cotwell writes about the sea. It’s calm, awe-filled, and precise.
Some sections about startup life or diving gear got a bit long. I appreciated the detail, but occasionally it slowed the momentum. I enjoyed Mark’s inner monologue, and I wished Cecilia’s voice came through more. She’s clearly grappling with a lot. Still, their tension is what kept me hooked. They’re two people still in love, trying to remember how to show it, trying to find each other again in the chaos of family, work, and life.
An Ocean Life is tender and thoughtful. It’s for people who have ever felt torn between what they want and what they’ve promised. I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys quiet stories with emotional depth, especially readers who have weathered a few storms of their own.
Pages: 347 | ASIN : B0D2L2SBBL
Shanghaied
Shanghaied by Jon Howe presents a riveting tale set in the 1800s, focusing on Eamon, a local printer who unexpectedly finds himself at sea aboard the commercial ship Atalanta. The novel begins with a startling premise: Eamon, along with two other men from his town, is drugged, abducted, and forced into service as part of the ship’s crew. What follows is Eamon’s journey of adaptation, acceptance, and an unwavering determination to return home.
Throughout his voyages on the Atalanta, Eamon encounters a series of harrowing experiences, including a brutal beating, the kindness of strangers, a shipwreck, and the loss of comrades. Each moment offers a fresh lens through which Eamon views the world and himself, painting a vivid portrait of resilience and personal growth. The concept of resilience – the ability to recover from difficulties – is a central theme eloquently explored in the narrative. The author skillfully contrasts characters who succumb to their circumstances against the backdrop of Eamon’s steadfast perseverance, highlighting the transformative power of resilience. Jon Howe’s writing is notable for its meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the realms of historical and nautical knowledge. The narrative is rich with comprehensive descriptions and fluid dialogue, immersing readers in the intricate world of 19th-century merchant vessels. The vivid portrayal of life at sea is balanced with the stark realities of the era’s hardships and challenges. While the book excels in its authentic and contextually appropriate descriptive language, it is worth noting that readers unfamiliar with nautical terminology may find certain sections challenging. However, the author does include an extensive glossary of nautical terms at the back of the book.
Shanghaied stands out for its compelling storytelling and well-crafted characters. It’s a novel that will particularly resonate with enthusiasts of historical fiction and maritime adventures, offering a journey not only across the oceans but through the resilience of the human spirit.
Pages: 277 | ASIN : B0CGHY92J8
The Hunt for the Peggy C
The Hunt for The Peggy C, authored by John Winn Miller, is an engrossing narrative set against the dramatic backdrop of 1940s Europe amidst the tumult of World War II. This adventurous story acquaints us with the central character, Captain Jake Rogers, the courageous commander of a merchant ship, The Peggy C.
At the outset, one might anticipate a simple wartime tale charting the trials and tribulations of a merchant’s life. However, Miller ingeniously transcends this expectation, offering a richer and more intricate narrative. Captain Rogers finds himself entrusted with a mission transcending his standard maritime trade – safely transporting precious human cargo. He embarks on a perilous journey to help a Jewish family escape from Nazi-occupied Amsterdam, a mission that thrusts his ship and crew into an unceasing whirlpool of danger.
This narrative uniquely distinguishes itself from the many wartime stories that focus primarily on the experiences of combatants or civilian victims. Instead, it provides a fresh perspective, unraveling the war through the eyes of an unconventional protagonist – a merchant mariner.
While the narrative pulsates with action and suspense, Miller expertly weaves in moments of respite, allowing readers a deeper understanding of the characters. These contemplative intervals amplify the emotional resonance of the plot, providing insightful character development and building suspense before plunging back into action. Despite its fictional status, The Hunt for The Peggy C serves as a window into a segment of wartime history, bringing to life the atmosphere and challenges of the period.
Miller’s storytelling brilliance is especially evident in his ability to sustain intrigue, ensuring readers eagerly anticipate every subsequent chapter. This gripping novel is a must-read for those drawn to historical narratives and those who revel in the thrill of fast-paced, action-filled tales. So dive into The Hunt for The Peggy C and be prepared for an enthralling literary voyage that explores uncharted territories of the human spirit during war.
Pages: 264 | ASIN : B0BHLDBP5X
Exploration: The Stanfield Chronicles
The unpredictable hand of destiny can lead to fascinating journeys, as exemplified in Exploration: The Stanfield Chronicles. This adventurous saga chronicles the life of Isaac Stanfield, a character who, through a seemingly predestined path, encounters an abundance of self-discovery. Beginning his life’s voyage in 1613 as an assistant on the ship Sweet Rose, Isaac’s experiences accumulate to create a captivating narrative that is as profound as it is thrilling. The novel delves into his encounters with diverse individuals, his foray into the art of fencing, his face-offs against pirates, and his experiences living among indigenous peoples. Throughout it all, Isaac’s friendships remain a steadfast compass in his life, despite the vast distances that separate them. The evolution of Isaac’s character and the deepening of his world perspective form the heart of this engaging novel, making it a compelling read for anyone with an adventurous spirit.
Told predominantly through Isaac’s personal journals and letters, the story resonates with an intimate authenticity. This narrative format offers the reader a panoramic view of Isaac’s life, highlighting the most pivotal moments of his journey. In doing so, we become acquainted with an astute, courageous individual who never shies away from his responsibilities. Isaac embodies kindness and an insatiable appetite for learning, attributes that are evident in every locale he visits. His enduring friendship with Will, maintained through their letters, forms an endearing subtext throughout the narrative. David Tory’s exceptional writing shines in his meticulous descriptions of the locales and his respectful representation of the historical context. His skillful incorporation of nautical terminology related to Sweet Rose is a testament to this.
Exploration: The Stanfield Chronicles boasts a large cast of characters, with some being more impactful than others. The pacing sometimes seems rapid, possibly as a means to encompass the variety of experiences and locales. Despite this, the novel remains an exhilarating coming-of-age adventure. Each of Isaac’s voyages is infused with purpose, and Tory’s extensive research brings a credible realism to the characters and settings. This novel is an excellent choice for young adults and historical fiction enthusiasts, offering an intriguing plotline interspersed with moments of action and a dash of romance.
Pages: 398 | ASIN : B08LMT8M47
Raptor’s Revenge
Jamey Fallon has lived a sheltered life on his family’s farm until he returns home one day to find his family brutally murdered. Jamey’s journey takes him to meet a young Count’s daughter, who somehow gets him kidnapped and dumped on a ship. Proving himself to be a capable seaman, Jamey earns his own vessel and begins his hunt for revenge. Raptor’s Revenge by Jim Malloy is a classic adventure novel about a young boy looking to avenge the death of his family.
This book reminds me of many old adventure novels like Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson and Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne. Stories that appear like fantastical adventures for young children but with adult themes to appeal to an older audience. This novel has many graphic descriptions and mature content, making it excellent for older young adults and adult readers.
The way the author chose to write this book is something akin to Shakespearean dialogue but blended with bits and pieces of modern English to make it more understandable, immersing the reader into the story.
The story begins with a murder which immediately captivates and shocks the reader. I was instantly intrigued and couldn’t put the book down. The author provides smooth transitions and gives plenty of backstories for the reader to fully understand each character’s motives. However, I was left wondering if the hurt, the hate, and the destruction would continue into the next book. If there is a sequel, I am looking forward to reading it to have my questions answered.
Raptor’s Revenge by Jim Malloy is an exciting action and adventure novel with historical elements that will captivate readers. I highly recommend this suspenseful book to readers looking for a good sea adventure that will take them on a journey of vengeance, romance, and betrayal.
Pages: 576 | ASIN : B09M8FFQGB
A Reluctant Protagonist
Flotsam follows a diver that stumbles upon two murder victims. While assisting in the investigation she becomes the next potential victim. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I knew from the beginning that Ricky would be a reluctant protagonist and that it would be tied to her being a divemaster, so that was the first step. The second was that it needed to be something that was outside of the normal divemaster experience — dive accidents are something they train and any accident would reflect badly on Ricky, so it couldn’t be anything having to do with a diver. As I tried to figure this out, I decided that “place” might help in the decision. Once I decided on Palau, and its complex relationship with the Japanese, I began to research the yakuza and found a story about the yakuza kidnapping a South Korean politician with plans to weigh him down and throw him overboard into the Sea of Japan (spoiler alert: Japanese officials intercepted the boat just as the yakuza were bringing him up to the deck and he was saved)
Ricky is a complex character that even other characters have trouble understanding. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Ricky doesn’t think she’s complex. She is, at her core, conflict-averse. That’s why she tries to keep whole oceans between her and her family. But she has a trigger, which is an innate sense of responsibility. And when that trigger gets flipped, when others refuse to take responsibility and accountability that is theirs, she is stubbornly going to work to right the wrong. But there’s a better answer: Ricky is based on roughly a dozen women divemasters I’ve met over the years. They work and live in a male-dominated environment, 24 by 7. They have to know when to be conciliatory and when to be dominant. They are fun-loving but incredibly reliable once they step on the boat. For Ricky, the history that influences her decision of when to make that switch goes back to her teenage years in Hawai’i and her experience with a man who murdered her best friend.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Obviously, I’ve included a mix of local politics and environmental advocacy in the book. These are prominent in Palau’s everyday experience. In fact, when you enter Palau today, they take up a whole page of your passport with the Palau Pledge. It begins “Children of Palau, I take this pledge as your guest to preserve and protect your beautiful and unique island home.” Palau is at the forefront of the concept of shark sanctuaries and continues to expand that model. I don’t think you can tell a story about Palau without including that.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Most people will be disappointed to hear that it’s not called Jetsam. There are actually four categories in maritime law that relate to shipwrecks. Derelict and Lagan are the other two. Book two will be Derelict. I’m a big fan of Tana French and her concept of keeping the story fresh by maintaining certain elements but shifting others around in the Dublin Murder Squad. The sites change and the protagonists change. Minor characters become lead characters. I decided that I would use a primary characteristic of expat divemasters and that every book would be in a new locale. Derelict is based in the Sinai Peninsula in Dahab, a small town with a very famous (and dangerous) dive site. I went to Dahab on December 27 of 2012, one day after the new president imposed a new constitution, spurring protests and clashes throughout the country. Some of my experiences made it into the book. It will be available in June of 2022.
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When her morning dive is interrupted by a spinning tangle of chains and bodies, she is dragged into an international free-for-all. As authorities bicker, and rumors fly, the villains fight to eliminate loose ends, tracking Ricky through WWII tunnels, on a high speed chase through the lush tropical islands, and back to where it all began – the edge of her favorite cliff.
FLOTSAM
Flotsam, by Tracy Grogan, is a slow-burn thriller that follows an ex-pat to the Palau Islands named Ricky. Ricky Yamamoto is a divemaster for a local dive shop who enjoys her time underwater far more than life on solid ground. That is until she comes across two bodies during a leisure dive and gets herself tied up in a crime much bigger than originally anticipated.
Readers are introduced to the major plot almost immediately in this work of fiction. This suspenseful novel is richly detailed and builds readers curiosity leading them through the hair-raising adventures of Ricky while building up to an incredibly intense final act.
The story is broken up into specific times and wherever Ricky is currently at in terms of the story. Readers will find this type of story setup helpful in keeping track of the story setting as they try to follow the events of the investigation and Ricky’s personal life. This mystery novel presents facts and information leading the readers down many possible paths, not knowing what information will be useful to solving the mystery of the murders.
Readers who enjoy the thriller or mystery genre will be kept on their toes in this intriguing novel. This is an engaging story that readers will enjoy following just as much as they enjoy solving the mystery at the heart of the novel.
Ricky remains a mystery throughout most of the novel, leaving readers to draw conclusions until the author decides to reveal key characteristics and personality traits. This style allows readers to be their own judge of character and draw their own conclusions without the author explicitly telling them how to view a character, making the mystery more entertaining.
Flotsam is incredibly well-written and readers will find Ricky intriguing and likable. Readers of mystery and thrillers will love this travel adventure mystery that is filled with international crime and murder.
Pages: 386 | ASIN : B09KPZVJ81
LITERARY TITAN 