Review: Rift by Steven James

About the book:

Some doors were never meant to be opened. Some tales were never meant to be set free. When seventeen-year-old Sahara O’Saughnessy discovers a rift into the realm of lore, the most haunting stories she’s been telling her friends come to life, and she must find a way to stop them before they tear her world apart. RIFT explores loss, longing, and courage with spine-chilling suspense. Set within the Appalachian Mountains, it walks the boundaries between the known and the unknown.

My rating:
4 stars

(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

Rift was a fascinating YA read! I found the story chilling and difficult to guess what was happening. The setting was creepy and the characters were amazing. I felt for Sahara and how she was grieving her dad's death. The story had so many twists and the ending was jaw dropping. 

There were a couple minor things that I didn't love, but overall Rift was a very good read. I was shocked by one of the twists and can hardly wait until I'm able to read the next book, Portal, to see what happens next.

I recommend Rift to fans of YA supernatural/thriller/horror type books. A great read!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Review: Fatal Domain by Steven James

About the book:

When the past scratches its way into the present, it can leave deep scars.

A series of cryptic clues leads Department of Defense redactor Travis Brock to suspect that a grim chapter from his past is not yet over. With the help of his eidetic memory and his newly formed team, he must unearth the truth and stop a terrorist group from stealing one of the military’s most highly guarded technological breakthroughs. With it, the group commit a daring act of espionage that could upend the work of one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical firms and impact millions of people worldwide.

In a high-stakes story of action and intrigue that reaches from a refugee settlement in Uganda to the shores of the Potomac in Washington, DC, shattering secrets from the past will be revealed, loyalties tested, and intimate betrayals brought to light as Brock is forced to decide how to forgive what he cannot forget.

From a novelist that Publishers Weekly has called a “master storyteller” comes an intricate and taut thriller that will have you guessing until the final page.

My rating:
5 stars 

(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

Fatal Domain is the second Travis Brock book and it was such a thrilling read!

I originally read book one, Broker of Lies, last year and reread it shortly before starting Fatal Domain...both times it was an amazing read and I definitely recommend reading the series in order.

Book one ended with a major twist, so I was eager to see how this story continued that element. It was very well written and kept me on the edge of my seat.

The characters were amazing. I loved the main ones (Travis and Adira), but Gunnar was also a favorite. I like how the romance is progressing and am curious to see what happens next. The story had a heavy theme of forgiveness and I loved that - it was a deep subject, but well done.

All in all, I loved Fatal Domain and the ending has me excited about the next book, whenever it releases. I can hardly wait!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Review: Broker of Lies by Steven James

About the book:

The man who knows all our secrets has a secret of his own.

When Travis Brock, a high-level Pentagon redactor with an eidetic memory, finds a clue to solving the tragic arson that took his wife from him, he risks everything to find the truth—and chances losing himself in the process.

With a terror attack looming on the horizon and a pair of assassins on his tail, Brock drops off the grid and joins forces with a disavowed Homeland Security operative. Together they race to stop the attack before Brock is neutralized by the people he trusts the most.

From critically acclaimed, bestselling novelist Steven James comes a smart, wire-tight, and emotionally resonant thriller that asks just how far across the line we might go to see justice carried out.

My rating:
5 stars

(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

Broker of Lies was one of the books I was most excited to read this year and I'm so happy that it lived up to my expectations. The characters were great and I felt for Travis right away. I was curious about what really happened with the fire and what was going on now.

The story was an intense read. There were several moments when I found myself catching/holding my breath. It was SO good! I personally didn't find anything too graphic, but if you are squeamish you might. 

All in all, Broker of Lies was amazing. At first I wasn't sure how much I'd enjoy the story, because of some of the technical terms, but it was pretty easy to follow the storyline. I loved all the twists in the book and I was so happy that I ended up guessing a BIG one right before the reveal. 

If you are a fan of thrillers and aren't squeamish, I recommend Broker of Lies. It is a wild ride and I am eagerly anticipating the next Travis Brock thriller!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Review: Synapse by Steven James

About the book:

Thirty years in the future, when AI is so advanced that humans live side by side with cognizant robots called Artificials, Kestrel Hathaway must come to terms not just with what machines know, but with what they believe.

Soon after experiencing a personal tragedy, Kestrel witnesses a terrorist attack and is drawn into a world of conspiracies and lies that she and Jordan, her Artificial, have to untangle. With a second, more brutal attack looming on the horizon, their best chance of stopping it is teaming up with federal counterterrorism agent Nick Vernon. But the clock is ticking—and all the while, Jordan is asking questions Artificials were never meant to ask.

Deftly weaving suspense and intrigue into a rich, resonant tale that explores faith and what it really means to be human, Steven James offers us a glimpse into the future—and into our own hearts.

Synapse is an unforgettable, gripping story of dreams shattered, truth revealed, and hope reborn.

My rating:
4.5 stars
(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

Synapse was a very good read. I've read all of Steven James fiction books and, while this one is different from his previous works, I still found it to be a fascinating read and it held my attention.

The book had suspense and intense action. I found the characters endearing and the whole Artificial aspect was intriguing -- definitely made you think about things and how they could go.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed Synapse and recommend it. I can't wait for this author's next release.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon, Goodreads

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Review: Every Wicked Man by Steven James

About the book:

A criminal mastermind's chilling terrorist plot forces FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers to the brink in the latest thriller from bestselling novelist Steven James. 

When a senator's son takes his own life and posts the video live online, Agent Bowers is drawn into a complex web of lies that begins to threaten the people he loves the most. As he races to unravel the mystery behind the suicide and a centuries-old code that might help shed light on the case, he finds a dark pathway laced with twists and deadly secrets that touch a little too close to home.

A fast-paced, intelligent thriller, Every Wicked Man will have readers racing through the pages to its thundering conclusion.

My rating:
5 stars
(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

Every Wicked Man surpassed my expectations, which were incredibly high, and was a thrilling ride. You may already know this, but the Bowers Files is my favorite series and I have loved all eleven books. When I heard about this new release, I instantly added it to my "must read" list. I heard that this is the final Bowers book, but I'm holding out hope for more someday as I absolutely love these characters and am not ready to say goodbye forever.

The suspense in Every Wicked Man was heart-pounding. There were scenes that had me so nervous about what was to come; but, what surprised me the most was how emotional I got while reading this story. It actually brought tears to my eyes at one point.

I loved getting this glimpse of Patrick while he was married to his wife and seeing his relationship with his stepdaughter, Tessa, during the "early years".

I could list several other things that I loved, but I will end with this: Every Wicked Man was a phenomenal read and, if you enjoy thrillers, I highly recommend it. This is my favorite read of 2018 by far.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Find the book on:
Amazon, Goodreads

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Top Ten Tuesday: Books By My Favorite Authors That I Still Haven’t Read

Top Ten Books By My Favorite Authors That I Still Haven’t Read

1-Every Wicked Man by Steven James. In my defense, this book just released this month and I do plan on reading it very soon. Cannot wait! :)




2-Dead Drift by Dani Pettrey. I have no excuse for not reading this one...I have been eager to pick it up and definitely plan on reading it within the next couple weeks.


3 & 4-Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer / To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer. I love Karen's historicals, but haven't read either of these books mainly because they aren't review books and I haven't had a reason to read them yet. I know that once I do finally start the books, I'll probably have a difficult time putting them down (that seems to always happen with Witemeyer's books).


5-More Than Meets the Eye by Karen Witemeyer. This one is a review book and I have it coming up on my review schedule. I just finished a different Witemeyer novel and loved it, so I am looking forward to this read.


6-The Frontiersman's Daughter by Laura Frantz. This is the only novel I haven't read by Laura Frantz. I had started it several years ago, but never finished. I keep meaning to start it again, but then other books get in the way.


7 & 8-Keep Holding On by Melissa Tagg / All this Time by Melissa Tagg. I think these are the only two novels (I could be wrong) that I haven't read by Melissa Tagg. I have them on my Kindle, but haven't gotten around to reading them yet.


9-Happily Ever After by Susan May Warren. I have yet to read books 1-4 in the Deep Haven series.


10-Nightingale by Susan May Warren. I haven't read this book, even though I have been wanting to for years.

This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.

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Review: Every Deadly Kiss by Steven James

About the book:

FBI special agent Patrick Bowers grapples with a baffling series of murders in Detroit—and discovers a terror plot with roots that stretch back centuries.

Called in by an ex-girlfriend to consult on a case, Patrick encounters the work of a killer who displays a stunning degree of ruthlessness. Bowers is shocked to find that the slayings are linked not just to his own history with a known terrorist, but to his former lover as well—and that her secret past might hold the key to stopping the crime spree. As layers of intrigue peel away, the city is pushed ever closer to a seemingly unstoppable bioweapon attack.

Unnerving and laced with breathtaking suspense, Every Deadly Kiss is a surprising and complex thriller that will keep readers obsessed to the final page.

 Bowers Files: The Early Years Series 
 
Patrick Bowers Files Series

 
My rating:
5 stars

(View my rating system)

My thoughts:

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