Book Review

The Pine Cones Writers Den is on fire…

Posted on April 3, 2015April 3, 2015 by Steven Konkoly

with awards, new releases and milestones reached.

What is the Pine Cones Writers Den? PCWD is a robust writers group based out of the Portland, Maine area. Comprised of ten members, spanning just about every genre you can imagine, each monthly meeting takes on a life of its own, as thriller writers critique memoir and chic lit writers critique post-apocalyptic tales. Without a doubt, the depth and variety of critique has led to vast improvements in my writing over the years, pushing me in directions that I likely wouldn’t have considered if I sat around, high-fiving with other thriller writers all the time. Not that I don’t like hanging out with other thriller writers!

The group is always busy; submitting to agents, publishing on their own and striking deals to expand their author footprints. Each meeting brings exciting news and new manuscript samples to the table. There’s never a dull moment. With that said, I’d like to highlight a few of the most recent accomplishments/releases.

First up, Tim Queeney, with his second release in two months! Seriously, that’s impressive. Starting with his Perseid Collapse Series Kindle Worlds release, The Borealis Incident, in February, he follows up with book 3 in his Perry Helion thriller-adventure series, The Ceres Plague. I just finished a review for The Ceres Plague, which sounds something like this:

“The Ceres Plague, Tim Queeney’s follow up to The Atlas Fracture, takes the Perry Helion series to the next level. The action is more intense, the plot is deeper and the scope is wider. Carrying elements from The Atlas Fracture forward, Queeney continues Dr. Randall Crandee’s diabolical plan to manufacture a genetically programmed virus to “save” humanity in the most unexpected way imaginable, landing Helion and his reluctant partners in the middle of a deadly international conspiracy.

The story starts with agent Perry Helion, DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agencey) agent, caught in the crossfire of a doomed salvage diving expedition. Never satisfied with the obvious, circumstances surrounding the diving operation lead Helion to dig deeper. What he uncovers sends shockwaves through the U.S. intelligence community, pointing to a shadowy international cabal with a reach so vast, Helion may no longer be able to trust the very people he’s relied upon for years. Cautious at every turn, he begins to assemble the devastating truth about the Paracelsus Group, and their burning obsession with Dr. Randall Crandee’s work.

Queeney’s vision for the series expands throughout The Ceres Plague, briefly exposing the demons and exterior motivations that drive the enigmatic DARPA agent’s actions—clearly opening a channel for future exploration. Supporting characters are further developed, and the story’s antagonist—the twisted, but insanely rational Dr. Crandee—is delivered with a stunningly, devilish brilliance.

The author has a penchant for cold, desolate settings, because the reader is once again taken to the end of the earth—Alaska and the Bering Strait—the perfect backdrop to hatch an apocalyptic plot. With a surplus of abandoned Cold War bases spread among hundreds of islands of Alaska’s coast, Queeney couldn’t have chosen a better backdrop for the type of scientific research Dr. Crandee has in mind. I couldn’t help imagine the types of nefarious activities that could be conducted today on these islands, never to be discovered. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination. For now, Tim Queeney has cornered that market. I can’t wait for the next installment in the Perry Helion series.”

Next up, Joseph Souza, award winning author and prolific writer. Joe’s most recent novel, Unpaved Surfaces, was selected by the prestigious Kindle Scout program for a publishing deal with Amazon imprint publisher, Amazon Press. Unpaved Surfaces is a bit of a departure from Joe’s recent reign of terror, which includes three zombie/undead novels and two post-apocalyptic plague thrillers (one is on the way). Unpaved Surfaces is vintage Joseph Souza, tapping into the core writing node that launched his career. Not that he can’t write a mean undead thriller…HE CAN. Trust me.

Check out my review of Unpaved Surfaces:

“Joseph Souza’s award winning novel, Unpaved Surfaces, is a hauntingly beautiful story of loss, redemption and reconciliation. Set in Portland, Maine, Unpaved Surfaces weaves an unforgettable tapestry of sorrow, guilt and struggle around Keith, the father of a young boy who disappeared one year earlier. With his life derailed in more ways than one, Keith is starting to come unglued. Surreal visions of his missing son, Auggie, start to fill this void, creating a tempest of doubt and renewed vigor to uncover his son’s fate. Keith’s story is just one of several told by Souza, in a tightly wrapped suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end.

Souza explores sach family member’s private journey through the aftermath of Auggie’s disappearance, masterfully putting the reader inside a family on the verge of falling apart. The experience is both heart-wrenching and rewarding—heavy and uplifting. Souza takes his considerable talents to the next level in Unpaved Surfaces, delivering an emotionally charged, exquisitely tuned suspense story.”

Last but not least, Bryan Wiggins. Bryan has hosted PCWD from the start, graciously opening his home to the group once a month. When he’s not writing, he’s a creative/graphic designer…the PCWD logo at the beginning of this post is Bryan’s creation. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. His graphic designs have become iconic Maine business logos.

Bryan recently finished Autumn Imago, a brilliantly constructed, exquisitely written literary fiction novel. Bryan delivers a powerful, emotionally charged story about loss, love and redemption set mostly in Baxter State Park, a raw, often chaotic wilderness in the shadows of Mount Katahdin—at the northern most tip of the Appalachian Trail. The setting, vividly and beautifully described by Bryan, is just as powerful as the narrative itself.

Bryan’s journey is about to take a serious leap forward…I can’t wait to see where he lands.

Executive Summary of The Perseid Collapse books by Simple Man

Posted on February 22, 2015 by Steven Konkoly

No, I didn’t just insult the owner of Backwoods Survival Blog by calling him a Simple Man. Like an author that uses a pen name, I can only assume that the creator of this comprehensive readiness/survival site desires privacy—in the form of anonymity. I can thoroughly appreciate that, since everyone within a 100 mile radius of me knows where to go if they run out of food and supplies when the SHTF. Rule one of prepping. Do not advertise your preps. Lesson learned.

With his identity protected, I wanted to draw attention to the amazing reviews he has put together over the past few months for ALL of my post-apocalyptic, prepper-themed novels. Simple Man hits the proverbial nail on the head with his reviews, in more ways than one. He intuitively roots out some of the deeper themes and plot devices I had buried in the novels, bringing them to the prospective reader’s attention.

His reviews truly form an executive summary of my novels. If you’ve been on the fence about reading my series, take a few minutes to read what Simple Man has to say about them, and don’t forget to check out the BACKWOODS SURVIVAL BLOG.

REVIEWS:

Book Review of A.R. Shaw’s Graham’s Resolution Series

Posted on January 14, 2015 by Steven Konkoly

I haven’t done one of these in a while, particularly due to time constraints, but I couldn’t help showcasing the writing talents of a featured author in The Perseid Collapse Series Kindle World. I was very excited to hear that A.R. Shaw would contribute a novella…here’s why. Forgive me if this review is a little rusty.

The China Pandemic (Book 1) and The Cascade Preppers (Book 2) spring from the post-apocalyptic tale of Graham Morgan, a sturdy, even-keeled survivor of a lethal, quick-killing pandemic that sweeps 98% of the world’s population off the map in the span of weeks. Graham has just buried his wife and father, finding himself without purpose, until a gift is bestowed upon him—the unexpected stewardship of a young child. With the promise to guard the child “like his own” recently forged, Graham departs on a journey to reach his family’s empty lake house in the rural Northwest, and the perceived safe haven of a secluded locale.

Needless to say, his journey and the following trials are not for the faint of heart. A.R. Shaw strikes a nice balance between menace and the post-apocalyptic environment that would ensue after 98% of the people essentially disappeared. Supplies are still available, to include food, medicine, and essential materials, and there’s an unnerving quiet blanketing the landscape. Very unsettling, because getting to those supplies often proves dangerous, and as a reader, you will cringe any time Graham’s crew sets out to scavenge. Shaw adds an unexpected, and often overlooked threat in this story…I won’t spoil it for you.

Shaw also embeds a high degree of survivalist realism. Emergency first-aid is featured prominently (not for the squeamish), while home remedies and extensive survival craft is solidly locked around the framework of an exciting, fast paced story. Fast paced, but not exhausting. A.R. Shaw gives you plenty of breathers, filled with raw human emotion and well crafted dialogue. Graham’s expanded crew spends a balanced amount of time cramped into tight quarters, and Shaw fleshes this out perfectly. But don’t get comfortable in the warm confines of the cabin, because just when you let your guard down…let’s just say that the author is not afraid to put her characters in harm’s way.

Cascade Preppers (Book 2) picks up shortly after the shocking conclusion to Book 1, sharing the series focus with a prepper-colony located across the lake. I don’t want to say more about the interaction between Graham’s group and the Cascade Preppers, but I will say that Shaw has created a fascinatingly unique prepper-camp, complete with detailed description of their operation, rules, society…it’s truly a blast to read about the camp. “Reading” doesn’t do it justice. Though the characters, the reader gets to live and breathe camp life. Shaw has put a ton of thought into their setup. This isn’t your typical bug-out location or compound. The Cascade Preppers have been hard at work for years preparing for a disaster like The China Pandemic. This camp provides an ideal backdrop for the series.

Once you dig into these novels, you’ll see why I’m excited to have A.R. Shaw onboard. Head over to her blog to learn more about what she has planned for The Perseid Collapse World, and book 3 in her series, The Last Infidels.

AND DON”T BE FOOLED BY HER PLEASANT COVERS! Trust me, there’s plenty of mayhem inside.

Doubleshot Reviews take on Event Horizon

Posted on May 25, 2014 by Steven Konkoly

A special thanks to Heather Faville for putting the time and detail into an incredible review. I figured she would enjoy the novel, but you never really know with Heather—or any reader. I change up just enough in each novel—even closely tied series—that the experience isn’t the same. The last thing I want is for readers to feel like they’re digging through the same book they just finished.

Doubleshot Review of Event Horizon.

Book Review of David Jacob Knight’s The Pen Name

Posted on March 5, 2014 by Steven Konkoly

Good horror is hard to come by—very likely because I don’t follow the genre as closely as I should. I love horror with a supernatural twist, which is why Stephen King has always been one of my favorites. With limited reading time, Stephen King’s bi-annual offerings have kept me fairly occupied, satisfying my “horror” craving. I guess I’ll need to make more time. David Jacob Knights first entry into the horror genre instantly earns him a place on my “to read” list. Check out my review of The Pen Name.

“The Pen Name takes the age old premise of the Faustian Bargain and fashions a unique, utterly horrifying contemporary tale. A devilish blend of psychological thriller and supernatural horror—this one will keep you turning the pages long into the night.

Meet Ben, a struggling writer on the verge of failure. Reality, both financial and family-related, is one step away from crushing his lifelong dream. Armed with his self-published novel, The Mark, Ben takes a chance on a book convention, ordering hundreds of copies of his novel. The books never arrive, crushing his hopes even further. The single bright spot of his day is a chance encounter with Jack Fleischer, New York Times bestselling author, who happens upon Ben at the convention. Fleischer has somehow procured a copy of Ben’s book and asks him to sign it. Ben’s career is about to take off—in a direction he never anticipated.

Knight captures the essence of Ben’s character. His hopes, dreams, frustrations and fears—all play a significant role is the terrifying suspense that unfolds after the “deal of a lifetime” is waved in front of him. The particulars of the deal are sketchy at best, the contract is several hundred pages long, and the Fleischer’s literary agent is impatient. Das Verlag Publishing needs an answer right away! Within the span of minutes, Ben has to make a choice. The rest is white-knucked ride through psychological hell, masterfully twisted and turned the moment you get comfortable.

Das Verlag is a force to be reckoned with, watching his every move—and if Ben violates the terms of his agreement, terrible consequences lie ahead. The problem is that Ben doesn’t have a copy of the agreement, and all efforts to secure one after signing it have failed. When his publisher’s requests start to cross the line of sanity, Ben is catapulted into a life or death struggle to uncover the shocking truth about his contract with Das Verlag.

The supernatural element is present, but never overdone. The scenes inside Das Verlag publishing are awesome…a skyscraper in the middle of the cornfields of Pennsylvania, reachable by taking an unmarked highway tunnel that doesn’t appear on any map. You have to take the trip with Ben to see it. The devil is in the details, and Das Verlag doesn’t disappoint.

I look forward to future offerings by Mr. Knight.”

Book Review of Michael McFarland’s BLOOD ON THE TRACKS and DUPLEX

Posted on March 2, 2014 by Steven Konkoly

Michael McFarland recently notified me that he released a new novel—apparently the first book he’d ever written. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed McFarland’s work in the past, so I was naturally excited to hear the news. Then it dawned on me that I haven’t shared my reviews of his work on my blog. Not sure how that slipped past my ever vigilant radar (not difficult, I suppose). Here is my review of Michael McFarland’s most intriguing novel to date, BLOOD ON THE TRACKS, plus a quick review of a novella he published a year or two ago, DUPLEX. Both excellent supernatural horror/thrillers. Trust me, either novel will impact your electric bill—you’ll find yourself turning on ALL of the lights to walk around at night!

Review of BLOOD ON THE TRACKS:

Michael McFarland delivers a brilliant supernatural horror novel with his latest release, Blood on the Tracks, landing him a place next to masters of horror like Stephen King and Blake Crouch, on my must read list.

The story terrified me from start to finish, leaving me afraid to walk around in my own home. This is not an exaggeration. There is something so menacing and chilling just behind the surface of the novel’s narrative, that my imagination ran wild, conjuring up images and concepts of what lurked in the Condon House.

McFarland primarily delivers the tale through the eyes of Detective Gary Murdoch, summoned to the fated Condon House to investigate the latest tragedy to cast a shadow over the house: The suicide of a rising musical artist, with eerie and inexplicable links to the house’s bizarre and twisted past. As evidence mounts to suggest horrible undertakings within the basement’s recording studio, the final pieces of the Condon House mystery start to fit together, culminating in a finish that left me speechless.

There is considerable history surrounding McFarland’s fictional mansion and its deceased inhabitants, starting with lumber magnate John Bradford Condon and focusing on controversial poet/songwriter Ian Ellison. The author does such a good job weaving this history into the story through old journals, news clippings and interviews, that I was left wondering what was real and what was fiction. I hope it was all fiction, because the integration is disturbingly realistic, which in my view is why the story scared the daylights out of me.

Like McFarland’s other work, the novel is well written, with vivid descriptions and natural dialogue. Well paced, building tension from start to finish, the story will keep you turning the pages or clicking the buttons. I am very eager to read McFarland’s next offering.

Review of DUPLEX:

Michael McFarland has created novella worthy of inclusion in any of Stephen King’s anthologies. The novella incorporates a perfect mix of supernatural suspense and pure human malevolence, to leave the reader reeling with a dominant sense of helplessness, and a sliver hope, even at the most disturbing moments in the story. For a novella, the plot is perfectly paced, launching the reader into immediate distress, and dragging it out just long enough until the ceiling caves in. I found myself attached to the protagonist, and intimately concerned with the family’s situation. What happens to the family, is for the reader to discover. As a huge fan of Stephen King’s writing, I stand by my statement, that this story has all of the elements I’ve grown to love and seek out in Stephen King’s short stories. Michael McFarland has a bright future in the horror genre, if “Duplex” is any indication of the stories rattling around inside of his head.

Book Review of Allegiance by Tom Abrahams

Posted on February 18, 2014February 18, 2014 by Steven Konkoly

My book reviews have shrunk over the past six months, mainly due to the time constraints of full-time writing. You’d think I’d have more time, but that hasn’t been the case. Size matters in Texas, but don’t judge the quality of Tom’s book by the length of my review. Allegiance is awesome, and I’ll let you in on a little secret—I’m reading an advanced copy of Allegiance Burned (Book Two). INCREDIBLE. Abrahams has put together a winning series, with memorable characters and serpentine plots.

“There’s a lot to like about Tom Abrahams’ recent release—beyond “Beer, Redheads, And Politics.” Sizzling storyline, snappy dialogue and fiercely intelligent twists are just a few of the elements that lift Allegiance out of the vast political thriller muck and establish Abrahams as one of my favorite authors.

Allegiance pits underdog, Jackson Quick, against a powerful cartel of Texas politicians, oil barons and multinational interest groups, in a brutal, high-octane cat and mouse game played out across the southwest United States. Abrahams quickly turns Quick’s comfortable, Texas lifestyle upside down, tossing him into the middle of a complicated conspiracy with the potential to bring the Oil Industry to its knees. Paired involuntarily with one of Abrahams’ most brilliantly notorious characters, Sir Spencer, Quick reluctantly embarks on a deadly mission to uncover the truth about his boss, the Governor of Texas.

Nothing is what it seems in this story, each situation and scenario shifting with a mercurial precision that will leave the reader stunned. The result is nothing short of a wickedly intelligent, breathtaking thriller.”

Grab a copy today!

Book Review of R.E. McDermott’s Deadly Coast

Posted on December 23, 2013 by Steven Konkoly

R.E. McDermott nailed it with Deadly Coast. Ripped from the headlines, his second installment in the Dugan series is a serious contender. If you act fast, you can grab both books in his series for .99 on Amazon. I know this is a limited time offer. Deadly Coast on Amazon.

“Equally as captivating as Deadly Straits, R.E. McDermott’s second novel delivers everything I had come to expect from this subject matter expert, master storyteller. Once again, McDermott’s inside knowledge of the maritime industry and its complex relationship to worldwide piracy lays the foundation for an international terrorism thriller like nothing I’ve experienced. How can McDermott bring an original extremist terrorism story into a market crowded with the same? Trust me. He nails it, with a finely researched, briskly paced, entirely satisfying thriller. From the opening chapters, McDermott had me hooked. As a former naval officer who served on naval vessels in the region described by McDermott, I can attest to the realism and authenticity of the setting and action…though I suspect the author could teach me a thing or three about maritime operations.

I eagerly await his third novel, which I know for a fact is in the works.”

Book Review of Russian Renaissance by Ian Kharitonov

Posted on December 23, 2013 by Steven Konkoly

It’s always a pleasure to discover an excellent Indie author, so I’ll spend a little more time explaining why I felt like a big winner discovering Ian Kharitonov.

“Ian Kharitonov’s debut thriller novel fires on all cylinders and delivers a high octane, intellectually gratifying experience. The novel’s premise is complex, with roots extending back to World War II and Stalin’s reign of terror. Serpentine tentacles from the past extend in every direction, their purpose exposed as modern events unfold and a horrifying world threat emerges.

As a native Russian, Kharitonov’s location descriptions are breathtakingly alive, giving you a ground level view. The final scenes in Kazakhstan are worth the price of entry alone. Character development is strong, especially with Sokolov, the story’s protagonist. His motivations are clear and I genuinely empathized with his plight. He’s skilled, but stands outside of the typical covert operative framework typically used for this genre. The author clearly plans to bring Sokolov back for follow on novels, and I look forward to experiencing further adventures.

A few reviewers felt distracted by Kharitonov’s lengthy narrative background passages regarding the Bolshevik Revolution and Stalin’s iron fisted rise to power. As a quasi-student of history, I found the passages to be utterly fascinating, describing the absolute tragedy and devious insanity of Stalin’s rule. Historically based, the detours into history served the book’s purpose, by matching the framework of Russia’s historical struggle to the motivations of the novel’s antagonists. I didn’t feel weighed down by these passages at all. They felt like a treat in the greater context of a worthy thriller.”

Check it out on Amazon

Book Review of Traitor by Murray McDonald

Posted on December 23, 2013 by Steven Konkoly

What can I say that hasn’t been said. Murray McDonald delivers another WINNER. He’s upped his game, if that’s possible.

“If you’re a Murray McDonald fan, you know what to expect from his thrillers. Solid character building, blistering action, expansive plot and ONE HELL OF A TWIST. With Traitor, McDonald not only delivers the goods, he blasts his previous efforts out of the water. This is a story, ripped from the headlines and catapulted right into the readers lap. McDonald turns the geo-political terrorism genre inside out, delivering a vicious punch to the worn out genre, in a deeply original and dare I say controversial thriller.”

Check out Traitor on Amazon

Book Review of The Liger Plague by Joseph Souza

Posted on December 23, 2013December 23, 2013 by Steven Konkoly

I’m woefully behind on posting reviews of books I’ve read, so I’ll start with Joseph Souza’s latest entry in the post-apocalyptic, horror genre. This isn’t a zombie novel, but the reader will detect (not so subtly) a strong influence from Souza’s The Living Dead Series. The Liger Plague entertains on a visceral level. If you’re a fan of relentless action, bio-conspiracies and devious villains, you feel right at home here.

“Maine writer Joseph Souza knows a thing or two about horror. His Reawakening series put a new spin on the undead genre, and Liger carries on his tradition of redefining “everything apocalypse.” No zombies in this one, but you might not notice the difference when the Liger is unleashed on an unsuspecting island population. Once the action starts, Souza doesn’t pull any punches in this high-octane, race against the clock to stop a deranged bioweapons scientist. Cooke’s Island will never be the same again, and neither will any of its inhabitants. Not for the faint of heart, The Liger Plague is a blistering start to a promising high stakes cat and mouse” thriller/horror series.”

Get The Liger Plague today on Amazon

Two amazing reviews for The Perseid Collapse

Posted on December 11, 2013February 10, 2014 by Steven Konkoly

I rarely post reviews of my own work here, but two writers have gone above and beyond the call of duty to bring The Perseid Collapse to life for potential readers. Joseph Souza (an award-winning writer and friend) and Devon Kodger (reviewer, blogger and writer) at triplemreviews have written, what I call “dream reviews.” The kind of review every author prays will materialize.

Don’t let these two scare you. Any review is a dream come true—good or bad, because it means that someone has read your work and cared enough to express an opinion. It’s all good in my book.

Joseph Souza’s review

Devon Kodger’s review

The Perseid Collapse goes live

Posted on December 1, 2013December 1, 2013 by Steven Konkoly

Not that this comes as a big surprise. Still, it’s a little surreal to know that another book is out there, for anyone to read.

It’s a little scary too, since this is what I do for a living now. Write books. I no longer have a convenient paycheck rolling into my bank account, on top of what Amazon pays me. It’s actually a lot more exciting than scary, and it couldn’t feel better.

With that said, The Perseid Collapse is now available on Amazon. You can download the ebook or pre-order a hardcopy(will be shipped Dec 6th), or wait for the audiobook in January—can you really wait?

Apparently, someone has already read and reviewed The Perseid Collapse. It’s an incredible review, capturing the essence of the story.

Check it out: First Amazon Review for The Perseid Collapse.

Another review just hit Amazon from award winning writer and apocalyptic author, Joseph Souza: Souza’s Review

Welcome to The Perseid Collapse world!

Deadly Straits by R.E. McDermott

Posted on November 5, 2013November 6, 2013 by Steven Konkoly

I had been eyeballing R.E. McDermott’s Deadly Straits for far too long, before I finally jumped in. This is an eye-opening, intense read. High quality all around. I can’t sing R.E. McDermott’s praise enough. If you’re a fan of my Black Flagged series, you’ll sink right into this novel. You can find Deadly Straits on Amazon, at Barnes and Noble and other ebook sites. They are also available as audiobooks through Audible.com or iTunes.

My official review:

“There are few reading experiences more rewarding, than delving into a well-written novel, by an author who is a subject matter expert in the “fictional” world presented. R.E. McDermott’s Deadly Straights justifiably earns a place at the top of my list of rewarding reads. Having served in maritime and petroleum industries for over thirty years, he knows a thing or two about maritime operations, world-shipping trends and the vulnerabilities of sea-lane chokepoints (Strait of Malacca, Panama Canal, Bosphorus Strait)—and it all comes out in crisp detail, providing the framework for an intricately balanced, international thriller.

Deadly Straits introduces the reader to Tom Dugan, a salty maritime executive, who prefers to spend more of his time in the field, inspecting ships, than managing shipping schedules from his desk. He has a quick wit and keen eye for the business—it doesn’t take him long to recognize that something is off with his long time business associate and friend, Alex Kairouz. A self-made ship industry mogul, Kairouz has displayed unusual signs of strain lately, concealing questionable business decisions from his employees and implementing sudden changes to long-standing procedures.

When a U.S. Navy contracted merchant ship is hijacked in the Strait of Malacca, and all evidence suddenly points to Kairouz and Dugan’s complicity, covert government agencies will make him an offer he can’t readily refuse, along with a chance to prove himself and Kairouz innocent. What follows is a roller coaster ride to unravel a conspiracy of epic proportions, with the capacity to cripple world economies and shift power into sinister hands.

R.E. McDermott masterfully combines the macro level details of international politics with an intensely personal story of struggle and desperation. Just the right mix of “chessboard” maneuvering with powerful first person action, as an all too realistic and frightening conspiracy unfolds across the globe.

Several scenes stand out, each well worth the price of admission. The Russian Spetsnaz shipboard assault is unbeatable, by far one of the most realistic close quarters battle scenes I’ve read in years, and the Panama Canal scene? Unbelievably realistic and intense. Only a talented author with an intimate knowledge of ships and the Panama Canal inner workings could have pulled it off.

Deadly Straights is a one of kind book. R.E. McDermott has found an incredible niche, with this gritty maritime conspiracy thriller. I look forward to Deadly Coast, and the continuation of the Tom Dugan’s character.”

Book Review of HOMEWORLD by Tony Faville and Eric S. Brown

Posted on July 20, 2013August 29, 2013 by Steven Konkoly

I rarely read military science fiction anymore. It’s more a function of time than anything else. Beyond beta reading works by other indie authors, I barely have time for my “favorite” standbys of old (Stephen King). Put it on television, and I’m there. The remake of Battlestar Galactica kept us occupied for hours on end (awesome show)…and I still rewatch episodes while pounding the pavement on the treadmill. When Tony Faville announced that he had co-authored a military sci-fi novel, I made the purchase and put it on my Kindle. It sat there for longer than it should have…I really had fun reading HOMEWORLD. It was a guilty pleasure to say the least. My official review follows. If this is your genre, you can pick up a copy HERE. It’s well worth the price of admission.

HOMEWORLD hits the mark on many levels, offering the military sci-fi reader the best of both “worlds,” in a near perfect blend of tactical and strategic action with a thoughtful, expansive plot. If this is your genre, the two authors’ collaboration will not disappoint. Reminiscent of Starship Troopers, Battlestar Galactica (the new version) and David Gunn’s Death’s Head, the gritty, often graphic detail brings a new level of realism to the action. The authors demonstrate an incredible imagination about futuristic combat technologies…and in the future, the weapons are deadlier and messier. This story is not for the feint of heart or those with a weak stomach. The very first pages will admittedly challenge both, but hang in there, HOMEWORLD is worth it.

The book moves back and forth logically between ground action sequences, epic space battles and the political machinations of the varying groups engaged in all out interstellar domination. I won’t go into the different factions and species in this review, but suffice it to say that the politics and motivations were clear in these scenes. The ground battles cycled from large scale battalion sized events to squad action, all intricately described…at times excruciatingly graphic (I’m good with that). Heroes are born from this baptism by fire, as you would expect.

While the ground pounding scenes were fantastic, my favorite parts of the novel involved the zero-gravity duels between starships of varying size and lethality. As a quasi-naval historian, I have read and re-read accounts of major sea battles, obsessed with the clashing of metal juggernauts. HOMEWORLD’s space battles gave me the same feeling…a sense of dread and commitment to the inevitable. When two ships close to engage, it is often understood that one, or both, will be lost…HOMEWORLD redefined this paradigm. The weapons systems onboard the spacecraft are the most innovative I have read, changing the rules of space combat forever in this genre. I can tell that the two authors spent a considerable amount of time contemplating zero gravity combat. Aside from the spectacular detonations of the ships’ reactors, death is unceremonious from the outside. Hulls are sheered apart by kinetic weapons, atmospheres are vented, crews die. Very well done.

Readers of the military sci-fi genre will find plenty to enjoy in this story. I would definitely read a follow-on story set in HOMEWORLD’s universe.

Review of Richard Stephenson’s RESISTANCE

Posted on July 14, 2013 by Steven Konkoly

Richard Stephenson’s follow up to Collapse will be available Monday, July 15th. If you like epic post-apocalyptic thrillers, Stephenson delivers. Fast paced, dystopian fun…let’s hope his vision of the future never comes to pass.

“Fans of Collapse will not be disappointed with Stephenson’s second installment to the New America series. Fast forward eighteen months after the Collapse of 2027, and Howard Beck, president of the Pacific States of America, is plotting to defeat the Unified American Empire and restore unity to a nation torn apart by the nefarious deeds of the Great Empire of Iran…and some particularly opportunistic buzzards in D.C.

The author spells it all out in macro detail, then starts to dig in where his strength truly lies…with street level action, bringing along the exceptionally developed cast from Collapse and introducing the reader to new characters. I was particularly happy to see Benjamin Black return with a major role in Resistance. He’s come a long way from the charismatic leader and Walmart destroyer we last saw in Collapse. Black is by far my favorite expanded character, along with a nefarious mystery saboteur/assassin that I couldn’t get enough of.

Stephenson treats the reader to just about everything in Collapse. From individual checkpoint battles to massive high tech combat engagement; political assassination attempts to complex coup d’état’s; macro level political maneuvering to psychotic leaders…all culminating in a twist that you will not see coming. The battle lines are drawn in Resistance…then redrawn when you least expect it. Resistance is as much a political/military/apocalyptic novel as it is a cautionary conspiracy gem.

From a purely mechanical point of view, Stephenson has upped his game. The writing is smooth and the descriptions are vivid. He moves back and forth from big picture to point of view action flawlessly. The author has clearly taken his writing to the next level.”

Review of Russell Blake’s Upon a Pale Horse

Posted on July 10, 2013 by Steven Konkoly

Fans of Russell Blake have a lot to celebrate with this novel. The prolific writer has been relatively quiet lately, for good reason. His latest thriller sizzles with intensity and combines the best of Blake’s worlds in one, “must read” novel. This one will leave you questioning everything. Grab a copy HERE.

“This is Russell Blake at his best. A perfect blending of Ludlum-esque international conspiracy, “The Firm” like intrigue and Crichton-level biomedical detail. Nobody can take a conspiracy theory and spin it into a convincing, high stakes “cat and mouse” game like Blake. If you think Upon a Pale Horse is just “another medical thriller,” you couldn’t be more sorely mistaken.

Blake’s ambitious, finely executed story pits a resourceful attorney, Jeffrey Rutherford, against a ruthless cabal, in a race against time to stop a jaw-dropping plot to unleash the apocalypse and cleanse the world. The background conspiracy fueling Blake’s plot is exquisitely (and frighteningly) weaved, leaving the reader with a well-founded sense of urgency and dread. Tightly staged across two continents, Rutherford’s plight will keep you affixed to the screen, as David takes on Goliath in an unforgettable end game.

The intrigue, deception, and twists alone are well worth the price of admission, along with a blistering plot; but as an author well versed in bioweapons, virology and pandemic research, I have to give Blake credit for doing his homework. His pandemic information is accurate, accessible and damn scary…his scenario will leave you sleepless, wondering what lurks around the next corner. Trust me, if Blake’s instincts are correct, you don’t want to know.”

Doubleshot Review of Black Flagged

Posted on July 2, 2013July 2, 2013 by Steven Konkoly

I’ll come clean on this one. Through the wonders of Facebook and the internet, I consider the reviewer and her husband friends…HOWEVER, I was biting my nails waiting for “Headshot Heather” to read and review Black Flagged. “Headshot” does not refer to photography (she’s a zombie genre fan…one shot, one kill) and I knew going in that she was a big fan of Jack Bauer and the series “24.” Big shoes to fill, or at least stand in. All of this produced a little “anxiety.” Headshot Heather is a straight shooter (bad pun…I know), so this could have gone sideways on me very quickly. Nothing risked, nothing gained. I’m breathing a little easier now.

Check out Doubleshot Reviews’ take on Black Flagged.

Review of Paul Antony Jones’ Exodus (Book Two of Extinction Point series)

Posted on June 28, 2013 by Steven Konkoly

Paul Antony Jones is the first “formerly” self-published author that I met when I started my own journey into writing. He has come a long way since then and serves as an inspiration. He truly defines the essence of a “successful” writer, having attracted the attention of Amazon with the self-publishes success of the first book in his Extinction Point series, Extinction Point. You can read my review of the first book in the series HERE. His model of success is simple. Write the best damn book you can, in a genre filled with hungry readers. He truly hit the mark.

“Exodus, the long awaited second book in Paul Antony Jones’ Extinction Point series takes his sweeping apocalyptic vision to the next level.

The reader catches up with Emily, as she heads north along the Hudson River, on the first leg of her journey to reach Alaska and rendezvous with the only other known group of survivors in North America. Guided by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station, Emily’s trip takes on sudden urgency, when she learns that a massive “red” storm rapidly approaches the eastern seaboard. With her trusty canine companion and an unexpected addition to her entourage, Emily battles her way west and eventually north, trusting that salvation lies at a remote station, on an island off the Alaskan shore.

Jones descriptions of the alien phenomena left me spellbound and frightened. The tree pod creatures in particular are horrifyingly marvelous, unlike anything I’ve ever read. The “red” terraforming is taken to an entirely new level with massive weather events witnessed from low earth orbit through a unique viewpoint. The alien lifeforms’ resilience is tested in colder weather, lifting the fog of hopelessness just enough to shine a light on the hope that humanity might have a chance of escaping extinction.

I noticed a significant shift in the author’s writing since Extinction Point. One of the most common complaints revolved around the exhaustive descriptions. Jones has trended away from this, and I didn’t detect any superfluous or extraneous exposition. The action was realistic, given the character’s capabilities. I think that Mr. Jones took this criticism to heart and made an excellent adjustment to the style he has adopted for the series.

Exodus similarly benefited from an improved flow. For such a “lonely” and linearly progressing story, involving a minimal number of characters, the pace at which the characters move along on their journey toward their destination in Alaska is believable and well timed. The mechanics of Emily’s travel work superbly in this novel.

I eagerly await the launch of the third and final book in the series, my only complaint being that I would like to read it now. The series is a hauntingly compelling vision of an extinction level event. Paul has seamlessly combined horror, science fiction and post-apocalypse in an epic series.”

Pick up a copy at Amazon today

Review of Tony Faville’s Avery Nolan, Private Dick of the Strange: The Case of the Zombie Menace

Posted on May 25, 2013 by Steven Konkoly

I’ll be the first to admit that the title is a little strange…purposefully. Anyone familiar with the hardboiled detective noire of the 50’s will get the play on words. While not a huge fan of the 50’s detective noir on paper, I have an affinity for modern adaptations. Think about the movie L.A. Confidential, and you’ll be headed in the right direction. This was a fun read, at a time when I had just started to dig into the zombie genre. Faville pulls this off brilliantly.

“Easing into the Zombie genre is no easy feat. The sheer volume of books can be overwhelming, and like any genre, quality can run the the full spectrum. Most of these books are released by small press publishers and are relatively unknown outside of the Zombie-genre community. Fortunately for me, I had a shepherd, who regularly edits for these publishers…and has apparently read every zombie book on the market. As a disclaimer, I have read World War Z…which I thoroughly enjoyed, so this isn’t my first zombie book.

Tony Faville’s Avery Nolan: Private Dick of the Dead came highly recommended as a primer, and based on the title, I was skeptical…but this novella exceeded my expectations. I was pleasantly surprised to find a hard-boiled 50’s detective story, merged with a cold-war conspiracy that involves the regeneration of the dead. The term “zombie” didn’t exist in the early fifties, and Faville, true to the era throughout the story, honors this detail. The characters, props and settings felt authentic for this era, and captured the essence of one of my favorite movies, LA Confidential.

So, what about the undead? They’re in the story from the start, but they don’t occupy the story’s focus. The novella proposes an interesting take on the emergence of zombies, related to a cold war military experiment…and the chaos that descends on private detective, Avery Nolan, as he searches for the key scientist involved in the controversial research…and starts to unravel the forces behind the rash of murderously bizarre behavior spreading through New York City.

Avery Nolan: Private Dick of the Dead is a quick paced, enjoyable read, merging two genres into a unique story that kept me entertained. Tony Faville has a great sense of humor, which shines at numerous points throughout the story, adding to the experience. I would not hesitate to read another book in this series, if written by the author.”

Review of R.S. Guthrie’s Blood Land and Money Land

Posted on May 22, 2013May 23, 2013 by Steven Konkoly

I’m going to review two books in one post, mainly because my back is against the wall in terms of getting my next book ready for launch. I read both of R.S. Guthrie’s book several months ago, more or less back to back. I had downloaded Blood Land to my Kindle at the recommendation of Russell Blake, and let it sit there for weeks, not sure if I’d care for the story. Murder, betrayal and intrigue in Wyoming? It didn’t give me the warm fuzzy feeling I needed to jump right in. Still, Russell Blake’s recommendation stuck with me and I decided to give it a try. I’m really glad I did. There’s nothing better than finding a new author. You can check out R.S. Guthrie’s blog at www.robonwriting.com or his official website at www.rsguthrie.com

“I was immediately hooked by Guthrie’s sparing prose and the flawless unravelling of an exquisitely layered story. He transported me right into the badlands of Wyoming and planted me firmly in the middle of a slice of Americana I didn’t know existed. You have to read it to believe it, and given the fact that the author grew up in this part of the country, I have no doubt it is authentic. The images and descriptions, all sparingly presented in a style reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy, left me spellbound, unable to stop the roller coaster ride of twists and turns toward the conclusion. Richly drawn characters, both deeply flawed and stubbornly heroic, with fixed and shifting loyalties or none at all. Guthrie’s protagonist, Sheriff James Pruett, is a character study in contrasts and tragedy, unable to let “sleeping dogs lie” when a murder shatters the tense calm blanketed over Wind River. The results are epic.

Money Land, book two in the James Pruett Mystery series takes place on the not so distant heels of the first novel. With Wind River still healing from the shocking conclusion to Blood Land, a new threat arrives bringing murder and mayhem in its wake, forcing the different factions of Wind River to band together in the ultimate showdown against an evil empire hell bent on their destruction…led by the good Sheriff Pruett. In Money Land, the reader is taken deeper into Pruett’s past, which is full of surprises…surprises for anyone threatening the good people (and bad) of Wind River. A captivating read, with international reach, Money Land continues the saga surrounding one of the most intriguing stretches of land I’ve read about in a long time. Isolated, stark, insulated from outsiders, the Wyoming landscape is a mesmerizing backdrop for Guthrie’s no holds barred thriller, Money Land.”

Review of Tim Queeney’s The Atlas Fracture

Posted on May 22, 2013May 22, 2013 by Steven Konkoly

Atlas Fracture

The Atlas Fracture is a solid entry in the Thriller/Adventure genre, the second in Queeney’s Perry Helion series. I’ll confess that I haven’t read the first…I jumped ahead in order, however, Queeney provides more than enough backstory to keep the reader in the game.

“Tim Queeny’s The Atlas Fracture is a refreshingly sharp adventure technothriller. Set mostly in austere Antarctic environs, the story’s plot, characters and action brought excitement and ceaseless amazement to the barren landscape. Queeny reignites the action genre with a strong blend of character development, technical detail and chain reaction adventure, pitting his protagonist Perry Helion against a diabolical group of terrorists in a nearly nonstop march to the book’s finish line.

Perry Helion, Tim Queeny’s protagonist from The Shiva Compression, is a hardened agent working for the Department of Defense’s enigmatic DARPA group, which is tasked with investigating new technologies and scientific discoveries for their possible military potential. When satellite imagery discovers that a scientific expedition to the Antarctic may have been wiped out, Helion is sent to investigate. It was no secret that the expedition had been drilling deep into the ice, in an effort to discover biological samples trapped miles below the surface.

What sets Helion apart from other “heroes” is his sense of humor and believable skill set. He’s handy with a weapon and not afraid of a little hand to hand combat, but he doesn’t excel in these areas like a Jason Bourne character. He’s a more rationale, analytical hero, often relying on his ability to make a quick, well-timed decision to throw off his enemies. Queeny cleverly injects this often-understated trait at critical times throughout the story, propelling the reader past some harrowing situations.

I particularly enjoyed watching the story’s progression through the eyes of antagonists. Queeny puts together an unholy alliance of twisted fiends, all hell bent on unleashing the power of the Atlas Fracture on an unsuspecting world for varying reasons. Money, revenge, scientific accolades…all combine to form a well-functioning evil coalition on the brink of imploding. Subplots and conspiracies abound within the coalition, adding to the suspense and intrigue…and the fun.

Without a doubt, Queeny did some solid research for this novel. He provided clear explanations of the scientific principles involved, without ever getting bogged down. I felt the same about his functional descriptions of the equipment and procedures employed by the different groups. I finished the novel thoroughly entertained, with an expanded knowledge of Antarctic operations.

The Atlas Fracture comes in shorter than most books in the genre, but while immersed in the story, I honestly didn’t notice the length. This is without a doubt, a complete story, with full background scenes and no plot holes on the way to the finish line. Queeny has effectively trimmed the fat and produced a rock solid adventure technothriller. I plan to read his first Helion Perry book, The Shiva Compression shortly.”

Review of Ian Graham’s Veil of Civility

Posted on May 22, 2013May 22, 2013 by Steven Konkoly

If you’re a fan of political/technothrillers, you’ll enjoy Veil of Civility. This plot is literally ripped from recent headlines…frightening that Graham made the Chechen connection to terrorism in this book long before the Boston Bombing.

“Ian Graham delivers a slick, well-executed thriller with Veil of Civility. The novel’s plot flows extremely well, with no gaps, and just enough back story to explain the motivations of a fascinating cast of characters. There’s a lot to like about this novel, and I found myself constantly stealing time to continue reading.

Declan McIver, former IRA commando turned legitimate business owner in the United States, finds himself embroiled in a conspiracy ripped from today’s headlines. An invitation from an old friend catapults McIver into a cat and mouse chase on par with Ludlum’s Jason Bourne series. His adversaries are relentless, employing technologies and ruthlessness that will leave you breathless. Spanning two continents, the chase is brilliant and worth the price of admission alone. Graham doesn’t let McIver off easy. Not in the least. The author paints a painstakingly realistic picture of how difficult it would be to go “off the grid” with the wrong people looking for you. He kept me in suspense throughout novel, never giving me the sense that McIver could rest, or that I could rest…I had to keep reading!

Declan McIver and his nebulous former IRA unit, Black Shuck, is exquisitely crafted from what appears to be exhaustive research on Graham’s part. Linked to a top-secret (and existing) Russian spetsnaz unit, Black Shuck is a devastatingly scary and utterly enthralling concept. Graham’s research is a strong point, and as a reader, I highly appreciated the way he weaved this research into the story. Though purely fiction, he integrates aspects of history into a speculative array of back story that is so convincing, that I found myself hopelessly immersed. Graham spends considerable time delving into Declan McIver’s background, giving the reader a well-redacted history of Ireland’s turbulent recent history. I’m hoping that Graham plans to bring McIver back for future novels. He is by far one of the most interesting and crisply drawn thriller characters I’ve read in a long time.

Veil of Civility succeeds on many levels. As a political thriller, it far exceeds expectations. Behind the gut wrenching at of terrorism at the story’s core, there is a sinister plot afoot, embroiling senior politicians and law enforcement agents. With unexpected plot twists lurking everywhere, these behind the scenes manipulators nudge (in many cases push) the plot forward toward its unthinkable conclusion. This is a conspiracy of the highest order, set in motion to satisfy a powerful agenda.

Ian Graham succeeds brilliantly with his first full-length novel. He’s captured the essence the political thriller genre, topping off his effort with enough technothriller aspects to satisfy the most demanding genre readers. I look forward to Graham’s future endeavors and plan to read his collection of short stories, Patriots and Tyrants, which features characters from Veil of Civility.”

Review of Tom Abrahams’ SEDITION

Posted on November 7, 2012January 15, 2015 by Steven Konkoly

Finding a book like Tom Abrahams‘ SEDITION is one of the true joys of being an Indie writer. Actually, this book found me. Tom found me. I love this genre and was more than happy to give his book a chance. Tom couldn’t have been more accurate in his introductory email. This book is “right up my alley.” While Tom winds down from covering the 2012 election, take a look at my review and consider approaching politics from a different view. Did I mention that his book features a plot to kill several politicians? Maybe hundreds? After being subjected to thousands of TV and radio ads, sit back and enjoy some escapism fiction, SEDITION style.

“Tom Abrahams delivers a tightly written, suspenseful thriller from start to finish. Drawing on the rich tapestry of U.S. politics, this timely conspiracy takes political maneuvering and secret cabals to a new level. Set in the hallowed halls of D.C.’s most ruthless powerbrokers, Abrahams draws on his rich experiences as a national political reporter to craft unforgettable scenes and shower the reader with “insider” details. In a rising sea of political conspiracy novels, Abrahams’ SEDITION stands out as one of best I’ve read in several years.

SEDITION is based loosely on a series of real historical events surrounding the Cato Street Conspiracy, in which a small group of radicals attempted to the British cabinet ministers and the Prime Minister in 1820. The new setting is modern-day Washington D.C., and Abrahams lends many of the historical names from the original conspiracy to the settings and characters in SEDITION. Taking a few moments online to research the original conspiracy adds another layer of enjoyment to the reading, but is in no way necessary to delve into Abrahams’ rollercoaster plot of twists and turns.

Abrahams’ strengths as a writer rise to the surface in character development, scene description and faithful plotting. SEDITION brings to life one of my new favorite characters. Sir Spencer Thomas. Cunningly ruthless, fiercely intelligent and arrogant to a flaw, I couldn’t get enough of his “received pronunciation” and dry wit. He is a scathingly hilarious and psychotic character that you will love to hate. The rest of the Abrahams’ characters are crafted with equal attention. Particularly, he pays close attention to the link between their motives and the “conspiracy,” which is important for the genre and this story in particular. One does not engage in SEDITION of the highest order, without the strongest personal motivations, which he captures for each conspirator.

The plot moves along swiftly and realistically. I detected no logic gaps or dreaded “leaps of faith.” The twists were well-timed and intensified the suspense, catching me by surprise a number of times, which is always rewarding. The final chapters were simply breathtaking. The sense of dread and urgency was palpable…I was reading as quickly as possible.

The final aspect I will mention is the exquisite detail. Tom Abrahams can paint an immersive picture with his words. From the artwork that adorns the Capitol Building’s walls to the feel of fabric in a character’s suit, he draws the reader in with remarkable detail and sets them loose in the scene without wasting pages.

In full disclosure, Tom Abrahams provided me with a copy of his novel, which I accepted with no preconceptions or conditions. From page one, I was absolutely hooked, and by page two, I knew the weekend would be lost. If you enjoy conspiracy-based thrillers, it doesn’t get any better than SEDITION. I look forward to further offerings from this author.”

Book Review of Blake Crouch’s PINES

Posted on July 29, 2012 by Steven Konkoly

This has been a blockbuster summer for Blake Crouch. Two incredible books released for the summer. I can’t thank him enough. This one will be released to the public on August 2oth. Make sure to reserve your copy now! Reserve a copy

PINES brought Blake Crouch’s writing to a new level in my view. The story combines several elements that I enjoy in a story. Fast-paced, horrifying, and suspenseful, Crouch’s story featuring a relentless protagonist thrust into a seemingly hopeless situation against over-whelming odds. I had a hard time classifying this book, since PINES blends several genres seamlessly, spending much of its time planted firmly in suspense horror. Still, mystery and thriller elements abound, along with a genre I will not mention, in fear of spoiling the book’s unprecedented reveal. You don’t want to miss this one.

PINES introduces the reader to Ethan Burke, a Secret Service agent who regains consciousness on a riverbank just beyond the outskirts of the idyllic town, Wayward Pines, Idaho. With little memory of why he is in the town, he starts to explore his surroundings, slowly adding pieces of this puzzle to a scrambled mosaic of fragmented explanations and inexplicable coincidences. Mystery turns to menace, as he slowly starts to accept the fact that he can’t leave Wayward Pines. All paths out of the town lead him back to where he started, and he starts to question the very perception of his own existence.

As he starts to more forcefully seek answers, the thin veneer of Wayward Pines starts to lift…and this is where the story started to far exceed my expectations. Mystery and suspense yields to the sheer horror that kept me returning to the pages as frequently as my schedule allowed. Although the incredible twist is foreshadowed at points later in the story, I kept guessing wrongly until Burke “escapes.” From that point forward, I couldn’t put it down until the book was finished.

Blake admits to paying homage TWIN PEAKS with this novel. He does more than that. He briefly captures the essence of the disturbingly surreal series, in an often gritty and often brutally frightening story reminiscent of the TWILIGHT ZONE. To me, this is by far Blake Crouch’s best book…which is a tough act to follow after RUN.

Review of Blake and Jordan Crouch’s EERIE

Posted on July 29, 2012 by Steven Konkoly

EERIE is a collaborative novel written by Blake Crouch and his brother Jordan. I refer to the author collectively as Crouch in this review. I’ve read many of Blake’s works…my favorite by far is RUN, which I reviewed here earlier. See Review for RUN. From what I can tell, crafting exceptional stories runs in the Crouch family DNA.

EERIE kept me riveted to the page until the very end. I honestly haven’t been this “chilled” or “goose bumped” by a novel since rereading Stephen King’s SALEM’S LOT after moving to Maine. I finished EERIE in a twenty-four hour period, constantly sneaking fifteen minutes here and there to get to the next scene.

I won’t retell the story in detail, though it is important to pay attention from the beginning. I love stories like this…where I often search back through the book to reread a scene for clues and hints. At one point in the book, I guarantee you will reread the first chapter. This may sound like a spoiler, but the book is so engrossing that you won’t think about it until the time has come. When it does, you’ll have that “Sixth Sense” moment, when everything falls into place.

Before that reveal, I was spellbound by the horror and darkness wrapped into the two main characters’ world. Grant and Page Moreton are estranged brother and sister, perpetual victims of tragic curveball thrown at them as children. No better off as adults, they are reunited through a menacing coincidence, which binds them together and forces them to confront an unspeakable presence.

The descriptions of the house and the presence they experience are unforgettable…and trust me…you’ll want to forget before you walk into any dark parts of your house. Many of the scenes were exponentially frightening, brought to life by Crouch’s prose and ratcheting suspense. I highly recommend that you read this book in as few sittings as possible. The imagery evoked will surface your most intimate fears. If you’ve recently come to terms with basements…get ready for some more therapy.

I rather enjoyed the ending to this book, in relation to the main reveal, however, I could have used a little more explanation of why the “original” event occurred. Why “he” was chosen for the experience. I won’t say more than that. It didn’t in the least bit diminish the experience for me. I thoroughly enjoyed Crouch’s first offering of the summer.

Review of Russell Blake’s SILVER JUSTICE

Posted on July 28, 2012July 28, 2012 by Steven Konkoly

Silver Justice showcases Russell Blake at his best. I’m not going to lie. When I heard that the protagonist for Blake’s newest release would be a divorced, single woman, juggling between duties as a senior investigative FBI agent and struggling mother…I was skeptical. I will never again doubt the literary capabilities of this prolific author.

Blake’s latest thriller combines all of the aspects he does best into one story. Fans of Blake’s conspiracy undertones will not be disappointed, however, Blake has matured in the way he injects his patented, research-based conspiracy theories into the story. Though the conspiracy weighs heavily, it propels the story from behind the scenes. Always present, but never overwhelming. In this story, the characters drive the drama…speeding along at breakneck pace. Silver Justice delivers plenty of action and suspense, but at its heart, this is a rock solid police procedural thriller.

Focused on tracking down a serial killer terrorizing Wall Street high rollers, Agent Silver Cassidy has her hands full. Her task force has no leads, a contract has been put out on her head, her slimy ex-husband has just filed for full custody of her daughter…and that same daughter isn’t making matters any easier on her. Add to all of this a subtle dimension of sexual discrimination/glass ceiling syndrome, and Agent Cassidy can barely keep her head above water. But she does….and Blake captures her essence masterfully. He kept me fully engaged in her character from start to finish.

Beside Silver Cassidy, there are several memorable supporting cast members: an intelligently humorous “consulting” agent, a sadistic biker gang leader, a nefariously wry Russian mafia boss, and my favorite, Agent Heron. I cheered every time he showed up. You’ll quickly understand why…if the FBI had one agent like this in every major city, crime would slow to a trickle within a week.

Blake clearly took his time with this one, shifting his focus and skills from the insanely paced, explosive Assassin series, to this thoughtful, exciting thriller.

Grab a copy today!

The Jakarta Pandemic earns 200th Customer Review on Amazon…

Posted on July 19, 2012July 28, 2012 by Steven Konkoly

and the statistics remain the same.

One reader out of five would trip me in the grocery store aisle if they got the chance. Of course, if they read Black Flagged, the last place they would ever consider accosting me, would be a grocery store…especially Whole Foods.

See the full spread here : 200 Reviews

All kidding aside, I anticipated “number 200” to be one of the “beauties” that seem to come up out of nowhere to put balance back into my life and remind me that it is impossible to write a story that everybody will like, nor should you try.

I’ve developed a thicker skin since publishing my first book in the fall of 2010, and learned some hard lessons about writing in a genre that can be politically polarized. Especially if you throw the occasional dig in either political direction. Hands down, the conservatives were the most sensitive, though I did have liberals weigh in on the protagonist’s actions as well. In celebration of my “200th review” being a positive review, I’m sharing the top ten negative comments “earned” over the past 20 months. To be fair, I won’t add any commentary.

1. “I tried to finish the book hoping there will be a shocking,exciting climax and revelation towards the end but was I utterly disappointed when I finished the book feeling empty.Is this a love story or what??It is so cheesy with the main character and his wife that it makes you sick reading it.How many times do I have to read how much they love each other?seriously once should be enough.I read his first book Black flagged that’s why I decided to read this next one but I can’t believe it’s written by the same writer.”

2. “The lead character is an arrogant know-it-all. He treated his parents and brother with impatience and superiority because they got their info from FOX News (gasp)!”

3. “I won’t discuss the liberal social bias of the characters other than to say it was a point of distraction, but perhaps they were intended to be social liberals. There was nothing about the main character or his wife that I liked, and the kids were just wooden props. “Ward and June Cleaver Versus the Virus” could have been a fitting title, based on their 50’s era mind-set, yuppie opinions and “better-than-thou” attitudes. By the time I reached the halfway point of the book, I was rooting for the virus!”

4. “I got about one third the way through and gave up. I rarely give up. I am astounded by the positive reviews. It makes me wonder if any of these reviewers are literate. To put it in a nutshell this book really stinks. You feel like you might lose IQ points if you persist in reading it. Please people for you own sakes don’t expose your brains to this drivel.”

5. “It’s a book written by someone who has no idea of what a real, independant-minded, ex-military man or woman is, and it’s beyond the bounds of my credibilty–as developed by my own military background, current law enforcement and survivalist mentality–that a man with his stated credentials, who has so much to lose and so many weapons and other resources could be such a milksop. I ran some of his scenarios across a female Army Infantry vet coworker and she was disgusted by his behavior. I’m beginning to suspect “Steven” may be a pen name for “Stevie” or “Stephanie”

6. “I’m sorry, but this whole theme of “liberal Marine” just didn’t sit well with me, and was completely unrealistic. However, if you are in the less than 20% of the people in this country who call yourselves liberal, you will probably love it.”

7. “I really like the subject matter and the story idea. I just couldn’t get very far because this book is replete with the usage of the Lord’s name taken in vain along with substantial foul language.”

8. “The author’s blurb describes the “Islamic Republic of Indonesia.” There *is no* “Islamic Republic of Indonesia.” That tells you all you need to know about the author’s bias. Only thing missing from this book is a forward by Newt Gingrich or Glenn Beck. If an author can’t get the name of a country right (it wasn’t a “mistake,” BTW), what else did he “not get right”?

9. “Don’t like the “hero” — he is mouthy and antagonistic, aside from being a thief. Needlessly provokes confrontations right from the beginning. Pretty much brags about being prepped while others did not or could not prep, which of course will guarantee resentment, plus he did not train his family. He makes several stupid mistakes and sets himself up for getting killed — and getting his obnoxious family killed.”

10. “not much there not really good he spends to much time dising fox news and not enough time getting a story that is less tan boring”

I eagerly await number 201. Statistically, if I had to bet…I’d bet on a bad one!

UPDATE: I beat the odds. #201 was a Five Star Review. My glass is half full again!

Review of Hugh Howey’s WOOL

Posted on July 19, 2012July 19, 2012 by Steven Konkoly

When I started to write a review for Hugh Howey’s sensational bestseller WOOL, I found myself with writer’s block. I never get writer’s block. So much has been said about the WOOL series that I struggled to find something new to say…maybe it’s not possible at this point. Hugh Howey is an inspiration to Indie writers like myself, as he continues to slug it out in the trenches, despite the wild success of this series. If you enjoy dystopian science fiction or apocalyptic stories, you can’t pass this one up. Destined to be a classic? I think so.

What more can be said about Hugh Howey’s WOOL, right? I suspect readers have just barely scratched the surface. WOOL is a delightfully wicked post-apocalyptic story, packed with an even flowing, inexhaustible supply of cleverly crafted allegorical and symbolic devices. From the Silo itself to the division of classes, Howey develops an irresistible world with a jarring number of eye opening parallels to our own pre-apocalyptic existence.

Beyond this lies an engaging dystopian science fiction story, filled with intrigue, deception and hope. The deeper you dig into the series, the better it gets, though I have to admit that the first book in the series was by far my favorite. The job of Sheriff within the Silo reminded me of Sean Connery’s role as Marshall O’Niel, in the early eighties sci-fi classic Outland.

I agree that Howey’s Wool is destined to be a science fiction classic in the same vein as Heinlein, Bradbury or Asimov. I know this sounds lofty, but Wool has all of the suspenseful, thought provoking, well-developed elements that drew me into the science fiction classics. I look forward to future installments of the Wool series and to catching up on Howey’s books.

Review of Richard Stephenson’s COLLAPSE

Posted on July 19, 2012 by Steven Konkoly

I’m a sucker for Apocalyptic Fiction, if you couldn’t already tell, so when Richard Stephenson offered me the opportunity to read an advanced copy of COLLAPSE, I couldn’t resist.

Richard Stephenson’s debut novel held me in its grip from start to finish. Based in the not so distant future, the background for Collapse is a frightening projection ripped from current headlines. In the context of today’s Western financial crisis and Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Stephenson’s dystopian setting does not come across as a far-fetched fictional ploy, but rather one of several worst case scenarios developed by Beltway think-tanks.

The year is 2027. The war with the new Empire of Iran is not going well. America’s heartland resembles a scene from Mad Max, with the newly formed Unified National Guard barely keeping control on the streets. The unemployment rate is no longer a relevant measure of the economy, because the employed are in the minority. America is still a super power, but that distinction is fading rapidly.

This is the backdrop for a fast paced, character driven story that explores the best and worst of humanity. The reader will be introduced to a host of characters, all with a role to play in the outcome of this sweeping apocalyptic tale. Character development is one of Stephenson’s strongest skills, bringing each character’s motivations and background to light at the right time, in the right place. You won’t find cardboard cut-outs in this story, but watch out…the author often spends time developing characters that meet an untimely fate.

Most of all, Stephenson tells a riveting tale that starts with a bang and doesn’t lose momentum. There is just the right amount of “telling,” where you learn about the background leading up to the war with the Empire of Iran or American’s financial collapse. Most of the story is told from the characters’ perspective, where you will find them battling through incredible circumstances…eventually winding up on the same journey. Stephenson effectively employs the popular, yet often poorly executed strategy of alternating between characters in different settings. The tension escalates in each of his scenes, culminating in several mini-finales. I found myself reading with rapt attention, but constantly looking forward to getting back to the other main characters’ stories.

I would give Stephenson’s debut 4.5 stars. My only complaint was that some of the technology available to one of the main characters seemed unrealistic for 2027. The character is Howard Beck, the wealthiest man in the world, and likely the most intelligent. Stephenson’s incredible imagination shines brightly here, but I found myself slightly distracted by the disparity between what I found inside his compound and outside. In retrospect, I understand what the author was trying to accomplish. In the face of abject dystopia, Beck’s wealth and genius has allowed him to keep pace with the world that “could” have developed. Likely far exceeding it. Perhaps it would be like walking into Bill Gate’s house today, which would be an experience nearly unrecognizable to most of us.

If you like post-apocalyptic scenarios, this story will fully satisfy your hunger for gritty, unapologetic “end of the world” literature.

Review of Craig DiLouie’s TOOTH AND NAIL

Posted on June 3, 2012June 4, 2012 by Steven Konkoly

I re-read most of Tooth and Nail over Memorial Day weekend. Oddly enough, aside from Black Hawk Down or Band of Brothers (or many more great military non-fiction reads), I couldn’t think of a more appropriate book to read. You’ll find out why in the review below. I read this book in pieces earlier this year, mainly trying to fit in time to read a compelling story between writing my third novel. I don’t get much personal reading done while deeply engaged in a project.

I was motivated to re-read Craig DiLouie‘s story following an announcement he made regarding the re-release of a pandemic story he had self-published prior to writing Tooth and Nail. I’m really glad I did, because I got so much more out of the story reading it in a few days. Simply an incredible story…reader discretion advised.

“Tooth and Nail is one of the most immersive experiences you can find as a fan of apocalyptic fiction. As a former military officer, I can attest to complexity and uncertainty of the difficult decisions faced by second lieutenant Todd Bowman and his men, as they encountered an increasingly deadly and nebulous viral threat on the streets of Manhattan. The buildup of tension, confusion and violence was expertly drawn from start to finish. Each soldier’s role in the story is examined and expanded through gritty action, well constructed conversation and personal narrative introspection. Although DiLouie’s story leans heavily on brutal action, which becomes a necessary way of life for the platoon, he takes the time to explore the bonds that strengthen this small community of warriors as they try to carry out their orders and makes sense of the madness that has descended on the world. This is one of the most realistic fictional representations of platoon interaction that I have read in this genre.

Beyond military realism is a well developed scientific scenario that gives you a break from the intense military action. I recently saw that the author re-released one of his previous works, called The Thin White Line, which is a research based, fictional account of an avian flu pandemic. I was not surprised to find out that he had started working on Tooth and Nail soon after publishing this work. The exhaustive research in The Thin White Line played out beautifully in Tooth and Nail, adding yet another layer of realism. This aspect is delivered in the form of a parallel, yet crucial side story about several virologists trapped nearby in a secure research facility. I appreciated the dichotomy of these two worlds: [Brute strength, flexible/quick decisionmaking and firepower] Vs. [Scholarly intellect, detailed research and organized thought] AGAINST the same enemy. Watching the two merge in this story is a bonus.

DiLouie’s story has been called Black Hawk Down meets 28 Days Later. I agree, but would add elements of Zulu Dawn and 300 Spartans to that list. What starts out as a relatively simple operations for 2LT Bowman’s platoon turns into an epic battle for survival, with more than just his platoon’s fate at stake.”

Review of Murray McDonald’s SCION

Posted on June 3, 2012 by Steven Konkoly

As a writer in the techno-thriller genre, you would assume that I have read just about every thriller out there, from both brand name and independent authors alike. Sadly, prior to starting the first Black Flagged book, it had been nearly a year since I had read a good techno/political thriller…mainly because I had grown tired of my previous favorites. Tom Clancy’s latest novels just fell flat (at what seemed like a million pages) and Ludlum’s recent releases have gone largely ignored (I stopped reading him long ago). The most recent book had probably been one of my favorite Forsyth’s thrillers. I re-read his novels frequently.

Joining the Indie book publishing revolution has opened a whole new world of authors to me, especially in the thriller genre. Murray McDonald joins these ranks with SCION. I have already started another book my Murray, which also hooked me from the page one. With writers like McDonald (and a few others) on the scene, I can comfortably fill my Kindle with excellent books that will never disappoint.

“Murray McDonald’s first novel took me by complete surprise. I had downloaded it several weeks ago, allowing it to be pushed further down my queue by newer purchases. Standard procedure for my Kindle. I’m really glad I didn’t allow this one to slip away, since the discovery of this author couldn’t have been better timed. With summer approaching, McDonald’s titles will keep me busy

SCION is a fast paced, no holds barred techno-thriller that will keep you on engaged from the very first page. The reader will be introduced to a number of nefarious characters, from the highest level politicians and government cabinet members to merciless, street level assassins, all of which play a role in a conspiracy so deep and omnipotent, that you will at first feel a sense of despair and hopelessness for the protagonists. As the story builds steam, the balance carefully shifts, putting you in the middle of an all out battle for domination. Unlike many conspiracy thrillers, there is a personal connection that transcends duty for the protagonist, which makes the plot all the more enjoyable and satisfying. Revenge is a theme I seek out in thrillers, and you will find no shortage in this novel.
The author makes convincing use of technology to support the plot, though it is important to note that the human elements drive the story. I particularly enjoyed the employment of weapons systems by The Unit, as directed by the upper echelon conspirators…I won’t spoil the fun, but McDonald puts some of the world’s best equipment to work against anyone that stands in their way. I loved it, particular the Strykers. The war against the drug cartels would be over tomorrow if the U.S. government could use assets like he portrayed.

Overall character development is strong. McDonald doesn’t make it easy for the reader to guess who will live or die. He gives good detail into the background and thought process of characters, even if they aren’t going to be around long. This gives the entire cast good depth and supports the rich narrative.

Gritty and unapologetic, this one will leave you wondering about the world’s chess board, and questioning the loyalty of the pawns moving across that board in support of the Kings.”

Review of Joseph Souza’s THE REAWAKENING

Posted on May 27, 2012 by Steven Konkoly

For those of you who still don’t believe I have eclectic tastes in literature, here is more proof. I like zombie stories. I especially like zombie stories with a twist, or in this case, re-imagined. Joseph Souza still brings us the undead, but the premise behind their existence is a unique, intelligent addition to a tiring genre. I’ll probably get slammed for saying that…some of the hardcore zombiephiles never get tired of zombies. My own editor is one of them.

Check out my review of THE REAWAKENING.

“I always start my zombie novel reviews with a disclaimer. I selectively dabble in the genre, reading stories suggested by my editor, Felicia A. Sullivan, who has read every book in the genre (and has had a hand in editing a vast majority of them). I’ll admit from the start that I’m not a major fan of the mindless gore fest, and Felicia passes on recommendations with that consideration in mind. It was with great pleasure that I could return the favor and send something in her direction. I have read Joseph Souza’s works in the past and know him from the local Maine writing scene. His detective fiction and crime stories have won awards and earned him New England acclaim. For several years, his work and writing advice has captivated my interest and kept me on the writing path. Several months ago, when he gave me his first draft of The Reawakening…out of nowhere, I was simply blown away. From the very beginning of the story, I sensed that I was in store for something sinisterly different. I hesitate to use the word refreshing for this genre. What an understatement. His story unfolded into the most unique interpretation of undead “literature” that I have ever encountered. The Reawakening carefully preserves many of the traditional elements of the zombie genre, while building a new, deviously intelligent post-apocalyptic platform. Putting Joe and Felicia together on this project was a hardcore win for the genre.

The story starts on a small farm in northern Maine, visited by novelist Thomas Swiftley and his troubled daughter, Dar. Swiftley’s brother (Rick) owns the farm, having suddenly traded his fast tracked career as a bio-genetics engineer, for the slower paced, self-sustainable lifestyle provided by the Maine countryside. Thomas couldn’t have picked a worse time to visit. The animals on the farm start acting strangely, aggressively attacking each other. Suspecting a widespread illness among his own stock of cows and pigs, Rick euthanizes the animals he raised from birth. After finishing the solemn task, everyone is stunned when they start to come back to life, one by one. Peaceful and loving for a few seconds, they quickly transform into murderous creatures with one goal. To kill and eat. The horror intensifies as they soon discover that the disease has consumed the surrounding town, and that the peaceful moment before the madness is not isolated to animals.

Souza’s descriptions are vivid, breathing life (or in many cases death) into each scene, without overdoing it. I always carried a solid picture of the setting and the action in my mind. Character development is strong, especially during the Long Winter, where the action slows and one of their biggest challenges emerges. The farm’s survivors emerge from the winter transformed. Some stronger, some weaker, some just different altogether. The reader will experience these transformations in perfectly balanced detail through Souza’s writing. I particularly enjoyed the scientist’s mental journey and the emergence of the group’s leader. As the snow thaws, nail biting, gory action washes over the newly transformed group and forces them to make agonizing decisions that propel the trilogy forward at rocket speed.

What really sets this book apart, is the scientific platform of Souza’s story. Rick Swiftely’s farm isn’t exactly what it seems. I won’t take it much further than that. I will say that Thomas’s brother has some interesting theories about the undead, which he can prove. Souza takes multiple scientific principles and wraps them neatly in one of the most fascinating explanations of undead physiology that I have come across to this point. What causes The Reawakening and rejuvenation of brain activity? What kind of brain activity? What effect does this brain activity have on the surrounding environment and other undead? Muscle activity? Souza really tackles these questions and breaks new ground in a way that doesn’t diminish the raw terror and visceral reaction to the constant threat of being consumed by the undead.”

Book Review of PROPORTIONATE RESPONSE

Posted on May 21, 2012 by Steven Konkoly

As you can probably tell, I have thoroughly enjoyed both books by this author. This one is chilling in many ways, and even the most steeled reader will cringe at a few points in this book. There are some nasty people out there and David Buschi has brought them to life in Proportionate Response. You’ll quickly wish he hadn’t…but once exposed, you can’t turn back.

“I haven’t read two back to back books by the same author in years. Dave Buschi’s second novel, Proportionate Response, ended this streak with a vengeance. I downloaded it immediately after finishing The Back Door Man and thought I would read a few pages. I was immediately sucked back into the fold for another incredible ride on Buschi’s techno-thriller bullet train.

Buschi showed his talent for merging the technical world with the physical one in The Back Door Man. He takes this perfectly balanced game to another level in Proportionate Response. You’ll be quickly introduced to Marks and Lip (nicknames), two former covert operatives from an extremely secretive, techno-paramilitary branch of the NSA. The kind of branch that never existed.

The action starts when their ex-NSA teammate’s wife shows up with a mysterious letter. Her husband has recently disappeared and left her with a set of very explicit directions. Directions that would put her in contact with Marks and Lips, while ensuring she couldn’t be tracked. They agree to meet in a Starbucks, a crowded, neutral location…a few minutes into the meeting, it becomes painfully obvious that they’ll have uninvited guests. Guests with bad intentions. The scene in Starbucks is incredible, as are all of the action scenes.

Without spoiling any more of the fun, let me say that the action continues at break-neck speed from this point forward. As Marks and Lip start to unravel the mystery and conspiracy behind their ex-partner’s disappearance, the story descends into dark, unapologetic territory. The men sent to “meet” them at Starbucks are part of a hideous network operating on U.S. soil. Their discovery is not for the faint of heart. It’s utterly frightening…and it’s only the tip of the iceberg, as they soon realize.

The master conspiracy propelling this novel forward is unlike anything I have encountered before. Within the framework of recent events, the plot is highly realistic and entirely believable. After doing some internet research on my own, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was already happening.

If you’re a fan of fast paced techno-thrillers, you can’t miss this one. You’ll especially enjoy Marks and Lip…unlikely partners that work seamlessly to survive against the odds.”

Review of Russell Blake’s Revenge of the Assassin

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Steven Konkoly

As a loyal reader and fellow author, Russell provided me with an advanced copy of his newest release, Revenge of the Assassin. How do I repay his trust? By taking forever to finally get around to a review. I did have a vacation to Scandinavia to enjoy…that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it. Check out my review of Blake’s follow up to the smash sensation, King of Swords. It goes without saying that I continue to be impressed by Russell Blake’s offerings. I know you will too.

“Russell Blake continues the blistering, “no holds barred” saga of El Rey in his smashing sequel to King of Swords. Demonstrating his unmatched versatility as a writer, he once again shifts gears and delivers a gritty, unapologetic look at the dark side of the Mexican drug war and its most feared instrument, El Rey. As a reader familiar with Blake’s works, I anticipated nothing less than an engaging thrill ride for this follow up to King of Swords. Blake clearly delivers more. Rarely has a sequel exceeded my expectations like Revenge of the Assassin. As I clicked past the last page on my Kindle, I said to myself…”@#!% if he didn’t do it again. Even better than the last one.”

As with every Blake novel, the description, settings and detail bring you right into the book. I hate to be repetitive in my reviews, but I felt it was worth mentioning again. Whether you are witnessing the stark brutality and ugliness of the drug cartels’ day to day “business” on the outskirts of a border town or sipping cold beers with the leader of the Sinaloa cartel at a plastic table overlooking a quiet cove on Zihuatanejo Bay, you’ll be immersed.

Where Blake raises the bar in this novel is the way he fully fleshes out the cat and mouse chase between El Rey and Captain Cruz. He builds on the history established between the two characters in King of Swords to bring the tension to new heights. For fans of Forsyth, Captain Romero Cruz is Claude Lebel…methodical and obsessed with bringing his assassin down against nearly insurmountable odds. Beyond this, I particularly enjoyed the behind the scenes politics between Mexican federal agencies, which adds another layer of complication for Cruz to navigate.

Blake’s Assassin series occupies a prominent place in my e-bookshelf, and I eagerly await the next installment…which is rumored to be close at hand. If your a fan of relentless action, unpredictable twists and immersive writing, this series is for you.”

Review of Dave Buschi’s The Back Door Man

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Steven Konkoly

I didn’t find nearly as much time to read during my vacation as I had anticipated. Shuffling between six cities and three countries pretty much eliminated any of the down time we normally experience while traveling. Jet lag kept me from waking up early…and put me to bed involuntarily. I still managed to finish two books in between museums, palaces and cafes. The Back Door Man was one of them. Once you start reading Dave Buschi’s first entry into the techno-thriller genre, you’ll quickly realize why I finished this one. It grabs hold and doesn’t let you shake loose…not that you’d try. This was a very addicting read from start to finish. Take a look at my review of this incredible find from a promising author. As a side note, I’m a little more than half way through his second book, Proportionate Response. I lost a lot of time over the weekend sneaking away to read a few pages at a time on my Kindle.

“Meet James Kolinsky, a mid level, low profile information security manager at ComTek, a market leader in providing information security to banks and large scale commercial companies. The future is uncertain at ComTek, as James and the rest of the company’s employees head home at the end of the day. Many of them don’t expect a job to be waiting for them in the morning, including James. When James’s credit card is rejected while trying to pay for gas on the way home, he returns to ComTek to retrieve some petty cash in his desk. He shouldn’t be in the building after hours. Neither should the company’s COO. ComTek’s emphasis on security extended well past the firewalls and systems provided to their customers. Come to think of it, security never carried firearms before. Something had changed at ComTek, and the last thing James suspected was that it all revolved around him.

David Buschi’s techno thriller, The Back Door Man, starts strong and never lets up. From the very first page, I was hooked. Think of the mayhem that caused by the sudden “wipe-out” of every major bank account worldwide, of every credit card and personal financial instrument. Then think deeper. Through James Kolinsky, Buschi brilliantly and patiently describes the high tech aspects that underlie this possibility…then he takes us out into the physical world, where the consequences aren’t limited to the invisible exchange of bytes along high speed communication wire. This is a world where the impact of such a catastrophic event threatens the very safety of family and friends.

The conspiracy goes deep in The Back Door Man and unleashes some of the most unsavory characters you have ever met in a thriller novel. Ruthless executives, brutal power brokers and apologetically sadistic organized crime syndicates. David Buschi takes terrifying to new levels as he weaves these characters into the story and pits them against James Kolinsky.

This was my favorite aspect of the story. When we meet James, he’s not much of a man…or maybe he simply resembles the average middle aged cubicle prisoner in corporate America. Either way, he was specifically targeted for a reason. They were convinced he’d roll over…that he was an easy target. I won’t spoil too much of the fun, but I had a blast watching James defy these expectations against overwhelming odds. It kept getting better and better.

One last note for this review. Buschi presented a lot of technical details about the information security world. I was transported back to Clancy’s older works, where I would get pleasantly lost in the details. Unlike Clancy, Buschi throws the reader a lifeline during these descriptions, keeping them manageable for non-techies like myself. I can honestly say that Buschi’s treatment and description of The Vault, a key setting in the story, is alone worth reading the book.

I look forward to future offerings from this author.”

Book Review of Paul Jones’ EXTINCTION POINT

Posted on March 11, 2012 by Steven Konkoly

If you’re a fan of Post-Apocalyptic fiction, you don’t want to miss this one. This is the first in a planned series reminiscent of The Stand, Omega Man and Invasion of the Body Snatchers…all wrapped into one. Check out my review.

”

Paul Jones has started a refreshingly unique Post-Apocalyptic series, unlike anything I have read in the genre. Set in the present day, Extinction Point starts out with news of an advancing world-wide phenomena… an intense red colored rain that falls mysteriously at 12:30 PM local time and abruptly stops a few minutes later. Emily Baxter, reporter for a Manhattan based newspaper, finds herself indoors when the thick crimson rain strikes the concrete jungle around her. Careful to avoid contact with the thick red fluid, she reports to work, expecting to find a flurry of activity. She finds the rest of her colleagues speechlessly glued to the news floor’s television monitors. Reports from western Europe are sketchy at best…Eastern Europe has stopped transmitting video altogether. As New York City descends into panic, Emily returns to the safety of her apartment, never to emerge into the same world again.

Extinction Point brilliantly increased the tension with each successive chapter, as the menace of Earth’s apparent demise slowly unravels around her. Nothing is what it initially seems, as Emily ventures into her new world. She is the apparent sole survivor of an extinction level event, but her loneliness is replaced by horror, as she starts to make inexplicable and disturbing discoveries.

The author has a talent for description, immersing the reader in the solace of an empty city. His true talents for description shine, as more of the “red rain’s” true purpose is revealed. Paul Jones’ ability to bring complex concepts to life through description and narrative is awe inspiring. Few authors could successfully create the world that emerges after the “red rain.” Even fewer could relate the experience to readers in such vivid detail.

I thoroughly enjoyed Emily’s transition into survivor mode. Shuttered in her apartment, she reluctantly comes to terms with the fact that she has to leave the city. The author chose to make this difficult for her…as a true New Yorker, she never learned how to drive. She is bicycle bound, which adds a whole new dimension to her survival story. Readers will enjoy watching her prepare for the trek out of the city, and may even argue with her as she shops empty stores and adds gear to the limited list she can carry.

The story is punctuated by realistic periods of slowdown and reflection, as the main character contemplates the strange phenomena outside of her apartment, but the author keeps the tension level high. The “new world” continuously changes around her, unveiling the alien-intelligent design of the world’s metamorphosis. I couldn’t wait for her to turn another corner.

I eagerly await the next installment in this series, which will clearly plunge Emily into an increasingly unfamiliar world, as she treks north.”

Review of Russell Blake’s The Voynich Cypher

Posted on March 10, 2012 by Steven Konkoly

It has been a been a little while since I posted to my blog…all for a good reason. I have dedicated most of my spare time to the completion of Black Flagged Redux, the second book in my Black Flagged series. More details will follow. For now, I want to share my review of Russell Blake’s new thriller, The Voynich Cypher. Russell is by far one of my favorite authors, and his new book takes the artifact hunting/thriller genre to a new level. Enjoy.

“Russell Blake comes out of the gate strong in 2012, with The Voynich Cypher, a refreshingly unique and thrilling addition to a genre worn thin over the past decade. As with all Blake novels, the plot accelerates rapidly, and cleverly devised twists hide around every corner, leaving the reader in a constantly satisfied state of suspense. The Voynich Cypher reintroduces Dr. Steven Cross (formerly Archer) from Blake’s critically acclaimed trilogy serial, Zero Sum.

After narrowly escaping with his life and a tidy sum of money, Archer assumes a new identity as Steven Cross and decides to spend the rest of his life pursuing less dangerous hobbies along the Italian coast. One of those hobbies, the study of cryptology, becomes an obsession for a technical mind like Cross’. Like every cryptologist in the world, he is fascinated by the Voynich Manuscript, an medieval parchment written wholly in indecipherable code centuries ago, and rumored to hold the key to a secret that could devastate the Catholic Church. All of his high tech attempts to unlock the code have failed, but one of his amateur theories have piqued the interest of the world’s premier Voynich expert, Winston Twain. When Twain is found dead with one of Cross’ letters on his desk, his innocent obsession with the Voynich Manuscript takes a deadly turn, as two ruthless and unstoppable factions compete to find him.

Russell Blake turns this genre upside down with The Voynich Cypher. In a cross between a modern-day Raiders of the Lost Ark and a high-tech Da Vinci Code, Blake brings strong, capable characters to a genre normally dominated by inept, pensive professors and confused female sidekicks. Outgunned and fighting against overwhelming odds, it is a delight to watch Steven Cross and Natalie Twain physically battle their way across Italy, while applying an equal level of rigorous, intellectual discipline to unraveling a series of clues related to the Voynich mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed the realistic interaction between these characters, and the development of their relationship throughout the story.

In terms of literary qualities, Blake’s descriptions of ancient Roman sites, Venice and the Tuscan country-side are luxuriously handled, bringing the reader right into each scene, where the action and tension is palpable. Still, at no point did the descriptions seem onerous or distracting, which is a difficult balance for any author to achieve. Blake has developed this skill considerably over the span of several books, culminating in this book with some of the most immersive scenes I’ve experienced in years.

The most satisfying element of this book is the end. Without giving it away, let me say that you will not be lead to the precipice of discovery, only to have the camera fade away while the characters nod their heads. Blake gives the reader what they have desperately sought in this genre for years…a close look at exactly what the characters have endured hell to discover. The Voynich Cypher was a pleasure to read on every level.”

Book Review of Russell Blake’s “King of Swords.”

Posted on December 13, 2011May 25, 2013 by Steven Konkoly

Russell Blake does it again! I can’t tell you how thoroughly impressed I am with King of Swords…well, I can try. Grab a copy, and lock yourself in the house.

“Russell Blake is no stranger to the thriller genre. His previous thrillers have turned the headlines inside-out, with gritty, no-holds-barred, edge-of-your-seat plots. With King of Swords, Russell Blake has clearly taken the best of his previous novels, and combined them into an honest, often brutal, heart stopping thriller, that left me gasping for air, and squirming on my couch. I know this sounds overly dramatic, but in reader-speak…this book kept me glued to the Kindle screen.

In King of Swords, the reader is taken on a journey through drug cartel ruled Mexico, where violence often trumps hard cash, as the dominant cultural currency. Blake clearly draws on his own knowledge of the political and cultural climate in Mexico, to present a realistic and stark backdrop to a thriller in the fast-paced, intelligent tradition of Frederick Forsyth’s “Day of the Jackal.”

The reader is quickly introduced to El Rey, the king of assassins, whose mysterious ways, and dramatic, unprecedented success as an assassin, has catapulted him to a legendary status on par with Carlos “The Jackal.” It has also increased his contract fee to exorbitant levels, only affordable to the ruthless Mexican drug cartel leaders…and maybe a few omnipresent government agencies that we’ll leave unnamed for now. Yes, a Russell Blake novel would not be complete, without the nefarious meddling of forces well beyond the scope of everyday Mexican life. Blake’s conspiracy angle is brilliant and believable at every level in King of Swords.

Following closely on El Rey’s heels, is veteran “narcotraficante” hunter Captain Romero Cruz, who has dedicated his life, at great personal cost, to dismantling what he sees as the greatest threat to Mexico’s future…the drug cartels. A seemingly futile, thankless task, that has cost him nearly everything. A spectacular raid early in the book, results in the capture of a high level cartel leader, who makes a boast that Cruz can’t possibly ignore. El Rey has been hired to do the unthinkable, and the deeper Cruz digs into the possibility of the truth, the more frightening and devastating the consequences of El Rey’s “final” contract appears.

In a race against time, and a cunningly ruthless assassin, Cruz and his admirably brave task force, take on nearly impossible odds to stop an assassination that could change the landscape of North America forever. I’ve read all of Mr. Blake’s novels, and feel that he has truly “hit his stride” with King of Swords.”

Review of Russell Blake’s Zero Sum trilogy

Posted on November 3, 2011November 3, 2011 by Steven Konkoly

Russell Blake has knocked it out of the park with his Zero Sum trilogy. He has masterfully created a high stakes, “low-intensity” conflict that spans the globe, and left me reading as fast as possible. Drawn from recent headlines, his visionary portrayal of Wall Street manipulation is brilliant, and his storyline’s complicit entanglement of certain shadowy government factions is explosive.

Steven Archer just complicated his life beyond repair. By exposing the repeated pump and dump schemes of nefarious Wall Street mogul, Nicholas Griffen, he has created a lifelong enemy. Unfortunately for Archer, Nicholas Griffen would like it to be a short life, and leans on some of his less legitimate customers to take care of the task. Griffen is in over his head with his latest stock play, and if it doesn’t play out right, his head could easily become detached from his body. Russian mob, La Cosa Nostra, Neo-nazi sex traffickers…take your pick, he’s laundered unforgettable sums of money for all of them through his Wall Street scam. He’s also in bed with Uncle Sam, providing outrageous investment returns that fund covert operations around the world. As long as Steven Archer continues to breathe, Griffen has a problem.

Archer quickly and painfully learns that the stakes are higher than he ever imagined, and goes “dark” with the help of unexpected, but very plausible sources. He plots his next move, while Griffen’s forces close on in on him. What ensues is an intense cat-and-mouse chase across three continents, where the stakes increase exponentially with every turn, and Archer carefully (or so he thinks) starts to take the battle to his enemies.

Zero Sum is a classic revenge thriller that evoked a strong sense of emotional outrage, followed by a deep sense of satisfaction. Exactly what I look for in a revenge scenario. What sets this book apart is the road between. It’s a long, arduous path for Steven Archer, fueled by a need for redemption and revenge, which kept me rooting for the protagonist through the thick of it. This is a protagonist that takes his licks and gives them right back, “Die Hard” style…coming out a little worse for the wear at the end of each scene. I also loved the complicated relationship between Nicholas Griffen and his less than “legitimate” silent business partners. The sense of impending bodily harm was palpable every time Griffen met with Sergei. I’m not kidding…these scenes made me cringe. Russell Blake captured the essence of this character’s capriciously violent nature perfectly. All of the main characters are finely crafted in a similar fashion, and left me with a solid picture and expectation of their behavior. This is one of Blake’s many strong points as an author, which gets better with each novel.

Another enjoyable aspect of Zero Sum, is Blake’s description of the more exotic settings. He took considerable time and effort to conjure vivid details in each locale. At first I didn’t fully appreciate the effort, since I was so focused on the action and “dark” men lurking around every corner, but it finally caught up to me, and I was able to thoroughly enjoy the rich description of some amazing locations. From Cuba to a quiet Caribbean island…a bustling Buenos Aires to a picturesque seaside village in Italy. This is a trip you don’t want to miss.

Russell Blake has quickly become one of my favorite authors, and like I’ve said before, with author’s like Blake on the market, I’m slowly replacing my need to buy books from the “branded” authors. While their books seem to get worse with time, Blake’s keep getting better, and more epic in scope and quality.

Book Review of Sebastian Breit’s Wolf Hunt (The Burning Ages)

Posted on August 22, 2011August 25, 2011 by Steven Konkoly

Sebastian Breit’s first novel, Wolf Hunt (The Burning Ages) absolutely took me by surprise. I can honestly say, that I have no recollection of downloading a sample of his book to my Kindle, but I found myself looking for something to read during an extended sailing vacation, and the sample was there…I burned through it in record time, and immediately downloaded the rest of the book. I knew within the first few pages that I had had stumbled upon a hidden gem.

Wolf Hunt is a brilliant modern warfare techno-thriller and political drama that seamlessly transitions into a compelling alternate history novel. Breit envisions a frighteningly believable near future, plagued by a worldwide economic crisis and pushed to the boiling point by crippling social pressures. New international alliances are formed to challenge NATO, and fleets sail toward an inevitable showdown, but one of them never arrives. NATO’s joint fleet of American, British, Dutch and German ships find themselves thrust back in time, to 1940, and are presented with a chance to alter the course of history. Two Captain’s, one German and one American, have the same goal in mind, to put a stop to the Nazi war machine, but they have radically different concepts of how to impact the war. The difference spells potential disaster for the combined fleet.

As a former surface fleet naval officer myself, I found Breit’s treatment of modern naval culture, operational procedures and capabilities is astoundingly accurate, but what truly propels his novel ahead of similar authors in this genre, is his capacity to envision breakthroughs in naval warfare and technology ten years into the future. Not so far that it appears foreign to the reader, but advanced enough to walk the line between science fiction and reality.

Breit brings in depth character development to his story, giving the reader a detailed look at character motivations and decision making. He incorporates many complex details and descriptions, but does not overwhelm the reader like Clancy. The passages of combat depict the true brutality of naval combat, where quick decisions, sensor superiority, armament numbers and chance combine to determine the difference between victory and defeat…often granting a mere Pyrrhic victory to the winner.

Beyond the action packed, fast paced thriller, Breit tackles many of the social issues confronting society today, starkly juxtaposing them onto a 1940 backdrop, with clarity and purpose.

Wolf Hunt is a first rate novel, by a sensational up and coming author who joins the ranks of indie authors rivaling todays brand name authors.

Book Club review of Noah Mullette-Gillman’s The Brontosaurus Pluto Society: Magic Makes You Strange

Posted on August 21, 2011August 25, 2011 by Steven Konkoly

Noah K. Mullette-Gillman latest book, The Brontosaurus Pluto Society: Magic Makes You Strange, is a delightful journey into the world of science fiction and wizardry, settingthe stage for what I can only hope is a series of books about the Brontosaurus Pluto Society, and the bizarre, but recognizable world the author has crafted.

Edward Whistman is the sole apprentice to renown magician, Nevil Dever, and has followed him for years, learning bits and pieces of his magic, but never really grasping the reality of Nevil secret. A dark secret that attracts the attention of aliens, and lands Edward onboard a spaceship headed toward Pluto. Confused, indignant, and slightly resourceful, Whistman defies the aliens with some otherworldly help, and returns to earth…many years in the future.

And so the hunt for Whistman begins, and the Plutonians are not the only group hot on his trail. Left with a single spell by his otherworldly accomplice, Edward starts to understand the true nature of magic, and the consequences it can wreak upon everyone, including the caster.

The author has created a fascinating world, with complex, well drawn characters and dangerous, beautifully crafted settings. The story is fast paced, well-constructed…and wonderfully strange. Noah’s story has the potential to extend into a successful series, appealing to young adult readers and adults alike. I look forward to the second installment of his story. Strange title, fantastic concept and story.

Book Club review of Russell Blake’s The Geronimo Breach

Posted on August 21, 2011November 16, 2011 by Steven Konkoly

The Geronimo Breach exceeded all expectations, and establishes Russell Blake as a first rate thriller writer.

Meet Albert, a degenerate, slovenly diplomat stationed at the U.S. Consulate in Panama City. Prone to gambling debt, plagued by chronic drinking and continuously undermined by a series of bad decisions, Al is a shambles of a human being, on the verge of self-destruction. He occasionally takes jobs escorting people to Panama’s borders, just to earn enough cash to cover his debts.

Meet Ernesto, a simple man, just trying to make a living as an illegal alien in Panama. A longtime private cook for a wealthy estate, he finds himself suddenly out of a job, with no explanation. No longer able to work in Panama, he needs to get back to Colombia, which is no easy feat.

Unfortunately for Al, he picked the wrong week to bet on a losing soccer team. Pressed for cash, he takes an easy escort job to the Columbian border.

Al…Meet Ernesto. Did I mention that Al has sticky fingers?

Ernesto took something that doesn’t belong to him from the estate, and ignites a no-holds barred, scorched earth search for the object, bringing the wrath of the U.S. government down onto the streets of Panama and the deadly jungles of Columbia.

Russell Blake delivers the goods in his second novel. Once again combining international conspiracy with a bluntly honest story of survival against a relentless enemy, Blake gives the reader a book that is hard to put down. His characters are finely developed and described, to the point of near perfection. I could thoroughly envision all of them, and grew to empathize or hate them. Albert Ross, State Department diplomat, is one of the best characters I’ve read in many years. Despicable, and barely redeemable, he continues to charm the reader to the very end. I laughed out loud on several occasions at his character’s thoughts and actions.

I highly recommend this fast paced thriller to anyone with two straight days to read.

Book Club review of Russell Blake’s FATAL EXCHANGE

Posted on August 3, 2011November 16, 2011 by Steven Konkoly

If you like thrillers…don’t miss this one. Fatal Exchange by Russell Blake

Fatal Exchange is a gritty,”edge of your seat” thriller by first time author Russell Blake. The author cleverly combines a well paced, CSI styled crime thriller, with a “no holds barred”, plausible international conspiracy. The story centers around Tess, a spunky, misplaced bicycle messenger, tirelessly working the Manhattan courier, who becomes entangled in both conflicts. Set squarely in the sights of an elusive serial killer and pursued doggedly by a ruthless, clandestine interrogation/murder team, Tess weaves her way through both worlds, as everyone around her starts to fall victim to the two very different, yet equally deadly threats. Detective Ron Stanford is stuck in the middle both conspiracy. A youngish detective assigned to a “special homicide” investigative unit, he initially meets Tess through his investigation of a set of serial murders targeting bicycle messengers, and soon becomes enmeshed another set of bizarre murders popping up throughout the city, all linked to a mysterious transaction completed by Tess’s father.

I felt like I was reading two parallel novels, each feeding into the other seamlessly. Even if you’re not a fan of detective fiction, you will thoroughly enjoy this book. The international conspiracy aspect is equally represented, and the two genres blend beautifully. I never once felt tired reading this book, and the only time I found myself skipping ahead, was to find out what happened next, then I’d go back and fill in the details. The story is seriously compelling, and the characters are well developed…just don’t get too attached.

Fatal Exchange is not for the squeamish. A demented serial killer and two Myanmar black ops agents that go to extremes to extract information from their victims…will leave you grimacing at times. However, there are plenty of breaks from the intensity, as Blake develops his characters and delves into their psychology and background. Even the killers are given human dimension, although disturbing. You will not find any cardboard characters in Fatal Exchange, which was a rare break from other books in these genres.

I can honestly say, that if I could find more books like Fatal Exchange, I would be left with absolutely no reason to read some of the “Brand” name authors on the market today.

Book Club review of Bob Mayer’s DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY

Posted on August 3, 2011August 25, 2011 by Steven Konkoly

Duty, Honor, Country is a must read for any historical fiction fan…and not just military historical fiction. This is an epic account of Westpoint’s influence on our early military leaders, from the Mexican-American War to the American Civil War. At it’s heart Mayer tells a compelling story about family, torn apart against the backdrop of two early major American wars. War takes center stage in the story, but the center is supported by rich character development and a well paced narrative.”

Bob Mayer’s recent foray into the historical fiction genre is not to be missed. The story starts during the early years of West Point, and follows the military careers and personal lives of several prominent figures who would play pivotal roles during the American Civil War. Mayer richly brings these characters to life, through their experiences at West Point, Mexican-American War exploits… all ultimately leading to a showdown between classmates at the start of the Civil War. The story paints a particularly interesting and stark picture of each characters’ family ties and loyalties,Union and Confederate, which are inevitably challenged as the Civil War escalates.

Mayer attention to detail regarding the historical aspects of each setting is impressive, and the painstakingly realistic battle scenes are experienced first hand through the characters, in a fashion unique to this genre. They can only be described as staggeringly authentic.

Overall, this is an epic, sweeping story of family loyalty and loss in time of war, with carefully woven conspiracy and intrigue at every turn. From beginning to end, I eagerly turned the page, and the book never disappointed me. The plot is carefully constructed, and every detail eventually comes into play during the incredible finale at The Battle of Shiloh.

If I had one complaint, I would ask Bob Mayer to continue the saga beyond Shiloh. It is simply a fantastic, well crafted story, that tops the military historical fiction genre.

Book Club review of Paul Antony Jones’ TOWARDS YESTERDAY

Posted on August 3, 2011August 25, 2011 by Steven Konkoly

Here is a hidden gem that I would probably have never found on my own…which would have been a true shame. Towards Yesterday by Paul Antony Jones. Towards Yesterday is an apocalyptic, science fiction thriller, that kept me sneaking away to read my Kindle for the entire Memorial Day weekend. Engrossing, thought-provoking, filled with lasting, vivid imagery, the story gripped me early, and didn’t let go through the very last page. Based around a future scientific experiment gone terribly awry (apocalyptic level destruction and death toll), the story ties together several strangers, as their post “event” paths collide, with potentially even deadlier consequences for humankind.

If you like post apocalyptic books, you will love this read. My only complaint about the book? It ended. Towards Yesterday is a relatively quick read, which will both satisfy and leave you yearning for more.

I highly recommend it! And at 99 cents…you can’t go wrong. Additionally, this is a self-published title that contains few, if any, of the grammar errors or typos that some earlier readers of MY book would have encountered. A fantastic first effort…I look forward to reading more of Paul’s work. You can find the link to his book under Book Club Links.

Book Club review of Blake Crouch’s RUN

Posted on August 3, 2011August 25, 2011 by Steven Konkoly

Blake Crouch isn’t kidding with his title. Imagine if the entire United States descended into a state of emergency, where seemingly ordinary people are murdering their neighbors, police are opening fire on the elderly at nursing homes and all you can hear at night is the sound of gunfire and screaming. Madness has overcome the public, and now they’re reading names off on the radio…names of people that need to be killed. While you’re listening, you hear them read your name and address. What can you do, but RUN!

If you’re a fan of relentlessly paced horror, this book will consume your day. I found many parallels between Crouch’s book and my own, which is probably why I liked it so much. Actually, I would have loved this book before I started writing. Think Stephen King and Cormac McCarthy, with a dash of David Morrell. It gets gruesome at times, just a warning, but overall, I found the book to have a nice balance. At it’s core, RUN is a family survival story (on several levels) propelled forward by a chilling “event.”

Like the big rides at Six Flags…you might want to sit this one out if you have a heart condition. Check out the Book Club Link to the right.

with awards, new releases and milestones reached.

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and the statistics remain the same.

I eagerly await number 201. Statistically, if I had to bet…I’d bet on a bad one!

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