Wednesday, March 7, 2012

OTOLI By Bryony Allen

The author’s description; the story revolves around three main characters; Alice, Kieran and Jenny and a group of bullies known as the Popular's. Alice Turner is a year eight pupil at Stowton Middle School who has become a victim of bullying by the girl gang – the Popular's. Deeply unhappy, Alice finds herself wandering into a cafe called OTOLI that she has never noticed before. There she meets Jenny the mysterious waitress who always seems to be scrubbing the same table clean. Alice is initially excited to have a friend, but she soon realizes that this friendship may come at a price.

At times we depend upon one another and our life "depends upon" another, enough to manipulate someone into convincing you to make bad choices and live with regret. Accept your intuition and go with the thought that this is not right and everything has to be done to stop it. This reader believes the author is trying to alert the world that bullying is very destructive and has severe consequences and it should become a priority to stop it from continuing.

What if you found a friend who accepts you unconditionally but then begin to realize that something is not right here? We've all been there, question do you continue the friendship or walk away? It is hard to make choices when you're a teenager, events and challenges arise and an individual is on the outside looking in and needs to choose between being morally right or immorally wrong and go with the peer pressure or rebel against it. This is such a story about bullying and how each character, Alice, Kieran and Jenny decides to deal with the emotional consequences of being bullied.

It has a dark tinge with light humor to balance out the drama. It speaks about friendships and some that aren't what they seem to be, causing little flickers of doubt to creep into the victim's conscious as the Popular's , the high class girls of the school target the weaker students and taunt them to the point of desperation of becoming anti-social, and losing their dignity or pushing them over the edge to become obsessed with revenge. The plot thickens as the tables are turned and the torturers are bullied; and strange incidents begin to happen. The story is complete with suspense and mystery and "what if'" questions.

Alice, the main character and Kieran find that one special friend, Jenny who does not seem to judge them, just accepts them for themselves; as time passes they sense slight gestures and words from Jenny as strange and start to think twice about their friendship; does she, out of desperation and loneliness, accept her intuition run as far away as she can or deny the lies and overlook the slight hints of something more sinister at play. She is caught in a cat and mouse game and will have to make tricky decisions. So will Kieran, their maturity will decide their fate.

I am an American and this book is set in the United Kingdom but bullying is increasing throughout the world through social media outlets; Facebook, cell phones and other devices and to some it is a torture to be targeted and constantly whipped emotionally and physically, it erodes all self-confidence and destroys a bright future. The statistics for suicide and other things escapes these victims, sufferers though are rising and this story is a realistic perspective that other teens and adults should read and utilize to open up a community discussion on how to became an advocate and look for the warning signs of someone being bullied. All ages, diversity and genders are chosen as victims and it is only increasing.

This story is short, realistic and touches on the realities of bullying and describes a sensitive topic with a unique style.

I choose this statement off the internet for I believe it sums up the description of OTOLI.

This book is quite short, so I don’t want to give anything away. However, OTOLI will leave you realizing the shocking effects that bullying can have on people’s lives; both for the victims and also for the bullies. I also loved the supernatural twist to this book; it gives a whole new element to an otherwise very serious story. It is a YA book, a supernatural and fantasy book for all ages and a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the organization 'Bullying UK' which is a valuable reason in itself to buy the book and help stop bullying and save someone's life.

Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=childrens&action=display&thread=1188#ixzz1pxxzH34G

Monday, March 5, 2012

Intangible by J. Meyers

Is a supernatural, paranormal fantasy and the title fits this captivating story. It involves two teenagers’ twins who are not aware of their special powers, one is a healer and the other is a seer, a visionary who sees into the future. Sister and brother living a normal teen life hiding their gifts because the masses would not understand; Sera is a kind soul and cannot help another in misery, so over time they are discover due to rumours turning into truth. The adventure begins. They are stalk by others who want Sera's healing to touch them and others who were terrified by the healing hands and would stay away from her.

She and her brother Luke are the forces of light battling against the darkness; not aware they are under an evil mistress’s watch. They crossed paths with strangers with unknown mysterious agendas, be they friend or foe to rescue or hurt the twins. The question is who do they dare to trust and who could they expose their secrets too and not be consider freaks by everyone?

The story is light reading, flows with ease and it entertaining as the author mixes in budding romances, friendships and betrayals, lost and kidnappings and has the reader pondering how valuable is friendship, loved ones and life and how much would one sacrifice to protect another.

Here is an excerpt from the story; “He pressed his hands harder into his eyes. He had to be able to stop it. He couldn’t live with this vision coming true.

Across the room, Sera lounged on the couch, totally oblivious, sketchbook propped on her knees. She squinted at her drawing, three pencil laced through the fingers on her right hand, an eraser clutched in her left.

He couldn’t lose her. And he didn’t know how to save her. He was at a standstill and hadn’t a clue what to do.”

Every page is a delight for it has excitement etched into almost page; this reader could not put this book down; It is a YA fiction, but suitable for all ages. It has common sense, memories of being close to your siblings and the deep passionate love and rivalry that plays between Sera and Luke was a comforting memory. The blossoming of young love and how much to unveil to Marc and not have him running away screaming get away from me, lunatic was touching. The additional bonus of adding Faes and fighting forces in to the events kept this read rivet to the conclusion. This book is full of surprises and twists.

The author weaves various narratives from interesting perspectives and keeps the story flowing without any confusion. The twins, Luke and Sera; Marc who has his own hidden agenda which back fires and causing conflict for him; a powerful vampire named Jonas who is there to terrified or protects the gifted. The scene where one can be engrossed and can’t be forgotten is when Lilith and Fey, two opposing forces face each other in a death match to defend the gifted. .

This reader found myself rooting for and enjoying each character, even those who were more ambivalent than others. The light and dark forces in the battle to save their race and the world was addicting and this reader enjoys when there is imbalance that needs to be corrected for peace to reign. So if you are into many characters that are fighting for their existence and stories which flow smoothly then this author may be the one you are searching for.

The confrontation between Fey and her "Fae Fighters" And Lilith, the "Queen of the Damned was explosive and hints at future books being publish to continue the series which as a reader I will be watching for and put on to be read list

Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=childrens&action=display&thread=1183#ixzz1oIzLR0yG

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Shadows by Cheree Alsop

Is a powerful supernatural story that tugged at this reader's heart strings. It is an inspiring story about seeing beyond the surface and look beneath a creature/person's real essence. Treat one with respect, kindness and honor and it will be pay back with rewards. This tale is about creatures all that are separated and suspicion of each other. This is a folk-lore about discrimination and judging others because they are different from one another and need to learn to live in harmony because of dangerous foes and how heroes achieve that mission. It is full of excitement, adventure as the lovely Nexa is held prisoner because she is of the race that was born from two separate cultures and doom to a life of being a slave to the higher pure class of creatures.

She is feisty and rebellious and is whipped for every infraction she breaks. She has a strong will and challenges the guards every opportunity she can. Then one day she is exploring hidden caverns sneaking around breaking out of her cell hoping not to get caught and punished severely and a charming mysterious man hears her make a noise and looks behind the wall denies seeing her; she is relieved and sneaks back to her cell. Only to be punished over and over again, it does not break her spirit.

One night strangers come and kidnapped her, she is frighten but is feisty fighting back and her life is about to embark on a transforming journey through dangerous events. To experience life changing miracles of occurrences which make her realized she is not trash to be discarded but an powerful and beautiful creature whose purpose is to shatter all stereotyped beliefs about the various cultures and bring peace to their world. This author has extracted a tender subject and created a supernatural fantasy about seeing beyond the surface of an individual and see what is inside them and accepts them for who they are.

It is full with suspense as the races of Luminos or Nathos and Duskies will have to compromise to fend their lands and families against the fierce flesh eating cannibals creatures, the Sathen seeking their next meal. The Luminos, the Duskies and others gather together to defeat their enemies and protect their families and loved ones. Also the romantic scenes would make a girl sworn over the handsome prince Axon and his gentle ways. The fights between allies and foes and blood lust would attract the male readers.

The conclusion was so powerful and scary this reader was sitting on the edge of her seat, gasping in surprise at how close the characters came to losing their lives, the scenes were so real thinking how that was close, or that must of hurt, as they planted their sharp teeth into her or his skin and other blood curling scenes.

It was emotionally surging at points, climatic at others and sad at some when they lose their comrades to the battles. The plot is set in the ancient days of the Vikings conquering the lands. The Kings their Queens and royalty blood fighting in battles to protect their loved ones and lands. Kings and Queens and royalty blood that must be saved at all costs and the stranger no one accepts until she shows her true courage and defends her people and lands and proves herself worthy of her heritage.

In the author's words; I looked up sharply and he gave a small smile. “We heard about what you did at dawn to save the ship from mutiny. Who knows how many of the other boats would have followed if you hadn’t stopped this one.” He looked at his companions again, obviously embarrassed by the rush of words.

The one to his left held up a hand and the first Nathos shut his mouth gratefully. “What my friend is trying to say is that your act of bravery saving both the Nathos and Luminos aboard this ship has done much to ease the tension between our races and that of the Duskies.”

I stared at him. “Even after the attempted mutiny?”
He nodded. “You would be surprised. We come from a society where leaders are obeyed without question."

As the Amazon book description states this reader wholly agrees with the statement; "Epic, stunning, and absolutely mesmerizing, Shadows is the unique and original story you have been waiting to read". This is definitely a book that I would read again just to savor all the details I missed.

Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=supernatural&action=display&thread=1173#ixzz1o5MjVhuR

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Forgotten Manuscript

In this story the author Doug Lucas became a story telling master writing about a sensitive topic the author created a highly charged terrorist plot and wrote a story about the military and the terrorists in the early 1980's set in the Middle East and in-between brings in Cuba's threats. It is a suspenseful plot complete with espionage, conspiracy and intelligence data designed into a fast packed action tale about how the terrorists believe they are the final victors when they planned an attacked on an American military base; They as well as the foreigners discovered that Americans are not the weak soft underbelly slugs everyone thought they were before the attack; in the end the terrorists were served justice, the American way;

This writer describes with human emotion very graphic details of the before and aftermath of a horrific attack as if he was there in the midst of the chaos. He describes the events as they unfold; the details are sensitive which brings the reader to rally for the characters in the midst of the action, chaos and clean-up. The descriptions of human toil going through the range of personal agony to acceptance and about the loss of lives as well the urgency to bring justice to their fallen heroes, made this reader gasp.

The characters are written as if they could be your spouse, brother, sister, aunt and uncle. Your heart goes out to every family affect by this malicious vendetta against the friendly veterans who were there defenseless with unloaded weapons by the orders to be a peace ambassador or protector and not fire upon natives unless shot at first. Since the orders were lax; the compound was open to the enemies and they scheme to destroy their foes. The plan was hatched and the friendly lives were destroyed in less than 30 seconds when a crazy scheme is executed by the ruthless enemies.

As the story progressed every time the knock on the door from the military personnel and clergy came, it brought either tears or a leap of faith of Amen; yes one more veteran, loved will be coming home. Yet another family will be given the knowledge that they will be burying their child; one who dies before the parent. It is a tragedy yet at the same time the determination of the troops to respect the living and dead and bring their guys home to their families is a light in the darkness.

This story is written as if someone like a reporter was there on the scene; listening behind the doors in Washington D.C. as the President, his cabinet and all vital personnel are meeting about what action was necessary to investigated and conclude the incident before it becomes a major storm with too many casualties and finger pointing and more death. This author implanted a Wag the Dog theory into the tale where the higher staff of the POTUS OFFICE (President of the United States) and head commanders tries to distract the American public about this one horrific event and turns attention to another priority which was creating another threat to invade the homeland; so the story is not lacking adventure.

He also discussed the behind the scenes from the veterans fighting in foreign lands, to the commanders of the military personnel to the President to the cabinet and other staffers to the hidden threats to all involved parties that are involved; such as the UN and last to the news reporters asking where their loyalty lies; report the gripping details for the money or to defend America and keep the lid on the secrets until a calmer time. The plot goes further by showing the military personnel and clergy entering into average military homes to report to the families the state of their loved ones and it ends with victory and payback. It also touches upon personal lives experiencing regular day trials and their families and the decisions they need to decide for future generations.

It is a dedication and knowledge insider story about the danger threats which the honor proud men and women face every day, the danger they face when away from home and how they are brave veterans who serve and fight for world freedom every day, facing the unknown; It touches upon what fears they may go through every morning when they awake in a foreign land assigned as protectors or peace ambassadors. The author creates realistic and colorful characters and invites you to experience their everyday rituals of the life of a service person and their inner thoughts. Letting the reader senses the emotions and to know each individual in a special way. The additional bonus is the details about the team work of all people of all diversity coming together and supports each other when human tragedies become a reality and the faith they depend upon all to get through the darkness to save another life.

It explores the behind the actions of all the parties involved in protecting and supporting the veterans; from the President of each nation, to the tyrants, terrorists and service personal and all the other players needed to protect and guard the safety of the world. Discussing the factors involved for all who are there to be supported or possibly to abused their position to gain their own greedy benefits and how it is vital for all to cooperate together for the safety of all. The competition between the departments’ heads is somewhat witty as each director has their own show down guarding their authority.

Author's words; "The UN Envoy seemed to be barely grasping what Phillips had just told him. Richard decided that now was the best time to swing the UN's demands back towards negotiating an outcome acceptable to not only the UN, but to the White House as well.
"With the stroke of a pen, the President can issue an executive order to withhold all funding for the UN and refuse to allow our military to participate in any peacekeeping efforts the UN may attempt. I remind you that he can instruct the Ambassador to the UN to veto anything he feels is not in the best interest of the United States. These sir, are just some of his options. I can assure you our present president is not only capable of executing them, but if he felt he had cause would go even further."

The Envoy's repressed anger was replaced with complete understanding---the flushed anger drained from his face and was replaced with a calmer demeanor."
This story is an intense inside glimpse into the tragedy of terrorist attacks and how the victims do not retreat, but reinforced themselves with team work to not be defeated but to prove how strong defenders they are. The excitement of the characters that are committed to their urgent vow to execute payback to their enemies for their fallen heroes who dedicated their lives 24 hours, seven days a week protecting others adds stimulation to the plot. The plan for payback is the powerful conclusion to this story.

This story is broken down into easy reading chapters for there are numerous characters involved from the top to the bottom and behind the scenes in each of their lives and loved ones. It was impacting and gave insight to this reader how much we do not realized what the vets who defend our countries experience while we are sitting at home cozy, in denial or not involved . All service personnel should receive a thank you next time you see one passing you by.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

"THE MAN IN THE MOUNTAIN" BY DOUG LUCAS

The Man in the Mountain by Doug Lucas was more than I thought it would be; I was highly surprised delighted and immensely enjoyed this story. It is not the typical DEA story about a safe house, a witness and the agents assigned to protect her. It goes into depth using literary references relating to real and not famous authors and describes the trials each character experiences when in a sticky predicament and how they tapped into their reminisces about what this or that favorite author would have done in a tricky situation. It is full with adventure, "what if" good guys vs. bad guys and a wild chase across rocky terrain and dangerous water paths. The mysterious stranger that comes to the rescue from his mountain hideout and the strategic plotting to hunt the prey or captive the hunters keeps the reader turning the pages to see what will happen next.

This story was written to relate to the author and reader in each of us. The bonus is when each character adores or mocks the author he is thinking of expressing real life experiences or they are overzealous with their details of the truth; the agents expressed their appreciation or sarcasm with colorful language as they experienced being trek, shot at and chase and cornered like in a cat and mouse game; then they switched the game and the fun really begins. The literacy references are an added humor which this in itself is a treat of surprises and worth the time to read this story.

This story to this reader was a delicious tapestry of a plot of warm, sensual witty and clever characters who are full of common sense and knowledge to get away from their predators since the chase is on to kill the witness and agents protecting her and leave no evidence.

It is done with a flair of style that is thrilling, yet this author has a clever sense of humor and incorporates secret ingredients in the story; the jive at self and others; the details of the elegant hide-out with the beautiful scenery and the talents of each character is highlighted which creates a memorable tale. The conflict between agent and witness is a typical women cat fight that changes over time, hints of romance in the air too makes this a women's heart throb. As the adventure and masculine approach to live another day and escape their foes is a male's tonic.

As one is reading you are taking away absorbed into the plot and can imagine being one of the character; running and hiding; scoping out the landscape and thinking will this be the last breath taken. It goes behind the scenes of the conviction of the bad guys the trial and their weaknesses and how each one adjusts or is eliminated to the wind storm of their fateful destiny. It explores human nature and how individuals react when the desperate moment arrives and they face uncertainty.

It has it heroes and its villains and excitement. The human toil the good as well as the bad guys experience and the fight against the odds to achieve the possibility of living until their dying breath, desiring to enjoy just one more day is a teaser in their lives and with the literacy references this story makes this choice a stimulating read and I am becoming a fast fan of this writer.

There are other stories out there by this author and hopefully others in the works because this writing is like dipping into a refreshing mountain brook and relishing coming to the top and enjoy the sunshine of a beautiful day, mysterious and full of wonderment.

From the author' "Every time he tried to crawl closer to the tree line, Jorge and company made fear and the desire to grow older even more significant in his decision to stay right where he was. But he had decided that when he was down to ten rounds, he was going to try and shoot his way to safety. It would be an all or nothing effort, he damn well didn't intend to go gently into that good night, he intended to "Rage, rage against the dying of the light" as his favorite poem from Dylan Thomas read".

This reader also read the first book; Conversations with a Dead Man and they are like night and day; many hidden talents are rare to find but this one author seems to be able to change genre and still delight the readers. Highly recommend this author for readers looking for a rare undiscovered treasure and action packed stories that touch the soul then go be curious and Google for the Amazon page for this writer and see for yourself.

Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=thrillers&thread=1143&page=1#ixzz1nY9MGdKv

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Twisted Fate by John Boyd

Author's words' Castro was sure that this was a CIA plot to oust him from power. He’d decided to take the three Soviet rockets he hadn’t decommissioned and launch them at the U.S. He had instructed Raul to launch them on day six of the U.S. President’s deadline. They were on mobile launchers, well-hidden for forty years. His scientists had told him they could be prepared in three days and would cause great damage. He closed his eyes. Believing he was in the right, as always, he began to fall asleep"

Once again this story was compelling, suspenseful, and full of action; this reader enjoys this author because he has a refreshing style of writing about conspiracy behind the scenes as each country and nation tries to prove who is the most powerful. This book is one with Robert Davis and his experienced seal team and Washington contacts cooperate together as a team to solve a world threat within six days or the warning of a nuclear war. The refugees of the past Cuba who escape with the shirts on their backs and abandoned all their family land and treasures are tired of Castro, Cuba's dictator and want him to relinquish his position.

They have plotted to overthrown him but were not powerful enough so they scheme to betrayal the VIP's of each country and make them turned against each other. The plot creates a wild conspiracy plot, kidnapping American tourists, but not just typical visitors; Robert's close friend; Matt and three governmental officials.

When Major Robert Davis heard the news of his friend's disappearance he drops everything and schedules to gather his friends and resources to rescue him and the three US agents before the sixth day or all will be lost. The prisoners will be eliminated for they will be of no use to the kidnappers if war breaks out. The story is filled with action pack adventure spanning across the ocean and journeys into unknown territory and secret enemies.

Robert has to rescue the hostages, get them off the Island and still not finished he and his team have to sabotage Castro's plan to strike America with Cuba's hidden missiles.

It is not all military jargon, there is sentimental chapter about Major Robert Davis and his family heritage included, it made this reader warm and tearful to follow the struggle the generations experienced as refugees, foreigners and establishing their destiny as American citizens. There is even an event that tore at this reader's heart when a loved one is struck ill and how the family and loved ones rallying about to show their support.

Then the chapter with Robert's bother Luis and his adventures; I have read almost all of the series but this book hit all human emotions and it was a pleasure break from other genres.

This reader has developed an addiction to read more from this author. It is stimulating and fun to imagine what is behind the scenes of our powerful countries and the conspiracies that could be if concern citizens do not awake to the possibilities of the greed behind all mad brokers seeking absolute authority over humanity and what means they will go too to achieve their agendas. If you like good guys vs. bad guys and competition of meeting the deadlines before it is too late then this author and his various books are the right choice.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Walking for Peace an inner journey By Mony Dojeiji and Alberto Agraso

Walking for Peace was an inspiring story about two friends who frustrated with the rat race decided to abandon it and agreed to a challenge; walking across the European continent through 17 countries hiking along the path the apostle's and servants of the pass travelled seeking the mysteries of inner peace and question the unknown. Along their journey their beliefs are shatter and replace with strangers kindness and gifts of gratitude that brings tears and joy to their hearts and a new found knowledge of the spiritual truths.

The woman is bond to her beliefs deny all religious and faith beliefs stating she is walking only as a message that a person may change others inner thoughts and assist them to open their minds to the possibility of transforming the negative to the positive ideals and change the course of their destiny.

Mony is of Lebanon descent and was raised to be leery of all due to the conflict in the Middle East. She is skeptical and raised to be enriched with the simple pleasures of life; shelter, food, warmth and clothing; along her trek she is meet with obstacles that could of broke her will but acknowledges she needs to strip herself of all worldly opinions, beliefs and hurts and believe in her inner conscious to guide her to the right path of enlightenment and spread the message of peace.

The man, Alberto starts as a friend who is also called to abandoned the earthly realm and seek peace but also inner wisdom to the purpose of life and what is beyond the earthly realm. He walks as a pilgrim and declares his truth of finding the light, the Supreme Being inside each of another and to share it with others; break down the walls of hatred and distrust among the warring nations and people in general. There is conflict between the two characters which adds excitement to the story. This is a complex tale with many messages intertwined in the pages; the final message unconditional love will conquer all.

http://globalebookawards.com/