Second Chance Gone Wrong

Caught by Lisa Moore piqued my curiosity: a novel featuring a drug smuggler, marijuana to be specific, recently escaped from prison and stupid enough to try it again. Last year I read a novel, Mules, a fictional account of the brutality within the drug trade, and I thought Caught might be something like that. Nope. Moore does a great job of writing about a common subject, but with an original voice and style that stands out in this particular sub-genre.

David Slaney, a 25 year old Canadian convicted of marijuana possession, busts out of his cell, evades the cops and tracks down his business partner, only to find himself attempting the same job he was arrested for in the first place. His character comes across as an intelligent guy, but he seems hellbent on making one bad decision after another. However, Slaney has some amazing luck ditching the authorities every time they get close to nabbing him again. The 1970s setting really captures the atmosphere surrounding this endeavor.

There's a heavy sadness that weighs over Slaney, living in his secret world with fake identities and relationships that fall apart as a result of his life choices. But, what really makes the main character fascinating is the tapestry of complications and emotional conflicts which eventually lead to a rather quiet, understated ending.

If you enjoy well-written fiction, simply for the pleasure of a solid story, I recommend taking a chance on Caught.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Monday Mystery: The Deepest Secret

Twelve years ago, Eve Lattimore’s life changed forever. Her two-year-old son Tyler on her lap, her husband’s hand in hers, she waited for the child’s devastating diagnosis: XP, a rare genetic disease, a fatal sensitivity to sunlight.

Tonight, Eve’s life is about to change again, forever. It’s only an instant on a rainy road—just a quick text as she sits behind the wheel—and another mother’s child lies dead in Eve’s headlights. The choice she faces is impossible: confess and be taken from Tyler, or drive away and start to lie like she’s never lied before.

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The Deepest Secret by Carla Buckley lived up to its name, as several secrets are revealed within this novel. Unfortunately, the characters themselves didn't really have any depth to them and the storyline moved at a very slow pace from beginning to end. As if that combination wasn't bad enough, the ending wasn't much of a resolution to the key issue and, with a few loose ends remaining, I failed to be impressed with any of it.

I think if Buckley put as much effort into her characters as she did setting up each scene, the interactions could have been more dramatic. There isn't much suspense to speak of and virtually no action...just one superficial conversation after another. Even when the reader is privy to the thoughts and emotions of the characters, I personally had a difficult time feeling anything for any of them, aside from Tyler's struggle with his disease. If not for Tyler and his role, I'm not sure I could have finished this novel.

I think Buckley attempted to say something about the value of relationships or how far a mother would go for her child, but the message is lost in all the dragged out scenes in which the character interaction is always strained. I couldn't appreciate this novel because it simply didn't make me feel anything, aside from wanting to reach the end, so I wouldn't have to read anymore.

It's not a story I will be recommending to anyone I know.

As always,
AstraDaemon

When Alchemy Meets Genetics [Review]

In Victorian London, the fates of physician Simon Bell and apothecary Gaelan Erceldoune entwine when Simon gives his wife an elixir created by Gaelan from an ancient manuscript. Meant to cure her cancer, it kills her. Suicidal, Simon swallows the remainder--only to find he cannot die. Five years later, hearing rumors of a Bedlam inmate with regenerative powers like his own, Simon is shocked to discover it's Gaelan. The two men conceal their immortality, but the only hope of reversing their condition rests with Gaelan's missing manuscript.

When modern-day pharmaceutical company Genomics unearths diaries describing the torture of Bedlam inmates, the company's scientists suspect a link between Gaelan and an unnamed inmate. Gaelan and Genomics geneticist Anne Shawe are powerfully drawn to each other, and her family connection to his manuscript leads to a stunning revelation. Will it bring ruin or redemption?

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The Apothecary’s Curse by Barbara Barnett is definitely a mix of genres, both classic and modern. The story follows two main characters struggling with immortality: Simon Bell, once a physician, now an author writing about Sherlock Holmes, and Gaelan Erceldoune, former apothecary, currently a bookstore owner. In the past, Bell attempted suicide multiple times, while Erceldoune was captured and tortured by a mad scientist. Eventually the two unite and spend centuries searching for an ancient manuscript that might hold the key to reversing the elixirs which turned them both immortal. Not only does the book contain the secrets of alchemy, but it’s the only remaining link to Erceldoune’s long-lost family.

The storyline moves back and forth in time, delivering the backstory in pieces. At first, the pace is slow and frustrating, but as more mysteries are discovered, readers are drawn further into a spectacular web of conspiracies and drama. The glimpses from the past explain how Bell and Erceldoune come to know one another, while also explaining their shared affliction. The moments in present time reveal the danger of history repeating itself in the form of a corrupt pharmaceutical company hunting down Erceldoune.

I enjoyed the intrigue throughout the story, both in their past lives, as well as their present circumstances. When Erceldoune crosses paths with the geneticist Dr. Shawe, the addition of her character brings just the right twist, leading to an unexpected ending. I was so enthralled by the mix of drama and suspense, I had to read the novel in one sitting.

I think anyone who enjoys mystery-thrillers will enjoy this book.

As always,
AstraDaemon

Making A Comeback

It would seem that I've abandoned my review blog, but I didn't...I just had to put the entire review process on hold for a few months.

This year, I've had one family emergency after another: cousin needing liver transplant, cousin with kidney failure, aunt in coma, just to name the events from the past month alone...I think you understand now.

I feel terrible because I have authors that have been waiting several months for me to review their work, but, in addition to family emergencies, I've had my own issues to deal with as well. A long break was needed.

Happy to say, September will be different. I have an interview coming up, the sequel to a great zombie series and plenty of mystery-thrillers to set the mood before Halloween.

Thank you for standing by...

As always,
AstraDaemon

Revenge In The Old West [Book Review]

Robert Dean

The Red Seven by Robert Dean was first released in January 2016, but is quite comparable to a classic western, complete with the lone rider on a mission of revenge to hunt down a villainous posse. There is no complicated storyline. A bounty hunter known as The Ghost finds his family murdered by The Red Seven. Although the group of desperados have disbanded, the main character is determined to kill them all.

I’m not sure I can do this book justice, since I'm not a fan of westerns (unless zombies are involved), but I am impressed with Dean’s ability to keep readers hooked with nonstop action. Not only does he provide a brutal justice with each death, but each showdown is unique. The fight scene with Warchief is my favorite. From one page to another, Dean mixes heartache, despair and the battle of wills.

As much as I was entertained, I had a couple of reservations about The Red Seven. I’m not sure if Dean’s intention is to paint The Ghost as a cold man who is all about business, but he remains something of a mystery. Aside from sympathy for the loss of his family, it was difficult for me to muster any feelings for The Ghost. I also wish there had been a little more physical interaction between The Ghost and his love interest. Maybe Dean was trying to avoid using sexual content as a plot device, but even when The Ghost makes a personal connection with some of the other characters, he seems to remain distant

To be honest, the story reminded me a little of The Outlaw Josey Wales, and I think anyone who enjoys those type of movies will love The Red Seven. The author delivers so many fierce confrontations, readers will feel as if they made the cross-country journey themselves. Robert Dean leaves the novel with an opening for what could be a great western series and allowing The Ghost to be further developed into a true legend of the genre.

As always,
AstraDaemon

All Dogs Matter

Just Life by Neil Abramson is more than just a drama-suspense story centered on animal shelter. This novel is filled with conspiracies and political agendas, with the mystery of the virus as the nexus. The main focus is on the POV of veterinarian Samantha Lewis, owner of a no-kill shelter, but the other POVs include Andy, a 19 year old who works at the shelter; Father Gabriel, whose church is next door to the shelter; and Kendall, a local cop.

I love the way the lives of the main characters correlate with the lives of the dogs: the comparisons make the plight of the canines more personable to the readers. Great detail is given to the dogs' appearances, personalities and canine histories. I would have liked the novel to have at least one opposing POV, such as Morgan or even one of the politicians, just fort he contrast.

Having recently lost a dog who was part of my family for 18 years, this was a difficult story to get through. However, you do not have to be a dog owner to appreciate this novel. Anyone who has a respect for all life will find this story enthralling. The ending in particular had me on the edge of my nerves.

I'd love to read more of Abramson's work.

As always
AstraDaemon

Top Ten Movie List For Childhood

The following ten movies had the biggest impact on my imagination as a child in the 1980s. To this day, they remain favorites of mine, and I have made it a point to watch all of them with my child.

I truly believe no childhood can be complete without watching these films, and they are best enjoyed with the family.

Originally my Listmania collection on Amazon, I give you my Favorite Fantasy Family Movies From the 80s:

LABYRINTH
"This movie is great for families with toddlers because the goblins are silly, obnoxious puppets, instead of the slimy, scary ones in other movies.  David Bowie entertains the adults as the Goblin King, singing songs he wrote just for this movie. I also recommend getting the soundtrack."

THE DARK CRYSTAL
"Henson comes together with artist Brian Froud to create an elaborate cast of puppets, while still maintaining a live action film.  This movie does have a some darker moments that had my child concerned for the characters, but nothing that actually scared him.  The depth of the plot combined with the various characters makes this a family classic."

THE NEVERENDING STORY
"First, I was never impressed with the sequels. The original Neverending Story is a movie that mixes fairytale elements with action & adventure for all ages. Children, especially, will love the luck dragon, Falcor, who resembles a big white dog. The plot involves a boy reading an old book, only to discover that he was part of the story all along, & our imaginations are more powerful than we think."

WILLOW
"Willow is an excellent choice to ween your kids away from animation & CGI, and get them interested in a live-action film. The score is beautiful orchestral music, as opposed to modern music. The characters look like they just stepped out of a fairytale, & Val Kilmer is just a sample of the talent. The most interesting fact about the story is that it is based on an actual Celtic myth."

THE PRINCESS BRIDE
"This is a movie based on a book that was written by a father for his daughters, so you are guaranteed an excellent bedtime-story.  The movie begins with a grandfather visiting his sick grandson, and we watch as the story unfolds, and takes a life of its own.  Do not let the title fool you, this movie is perfect for girls and boys!"

LEGEND (Theatrical version, NOT Director's Cut)
"This is one of Tom Cruise's best movies, but you'll never hear him admit it. Tim Curry also stars as the evil Darkness, but you can't recognize him. His goblin servants are the scary-looking kind. My then 3yr old was not frightnened at all, but it's not for those who do scare easily. It's a great story about a wild boy, & some elves trying to save a unicorn. (For some reason, the director's cut removes the famous Tangerine Dream score and adds a lot of unnecessary slow scenes.)"

KRULL
"This movie might not be able to hold the attention of a younger child, unless he or she is crazy about sword-fighting, horses, and questing. It is live-action with limited special effects, but never a dull moment. While the movie has elements like a castle, and a cyclops, the bad guys happen to be aliens trying to take over the universe. This movie mixes sci-fi & fantasy quite well."

THE GOONIES
"Not exactly a fantasy movie, but a great kids' adventure. A bunch of kids use an old map to hunt treasure, while evading bad guys.  (I think National Treasure stole their ideas from this movie.) Of course, the villains chasing them are far from scary. The theme song is sung by Cindi Lauper. I also recommend keeping some Baby Ruth candy bars nearby...when you watch the movie, you'll understand."

THE MONSTER SQUAD
"A group of kids, obsessed with monsters, form their own club --just in time to fight some real monsters.  This is the perfect movie to introduce Dracula, the Mummy, Frankenstein's monster (who turns out to be a good guy), and the Werewolf, without scaring your little ones.  My favorite scene from the movie is when the youngest boy writes a letter in crayon to the 'Army guys.'"

TIME BANDITS
"This movie is about a young boy who travels through time and space with some of God's creation assistants who have stolen a map of doorways. The humor is much like Monty Python for kids, but it also teaches a valuable lesson about what is most important in life. I love the twists on famous historical moments."

Any of these movies would be great for family nights or slumber parties. Perfect for all ages!

As always,
AstraDaemon