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​book reviews

The Adventures of John the Pecan: A Tale of Three Parts by Seth Tomlinson

12/24/2023

67 Comments

 
Science fiction, fantasy, action and adventure author Seth Tomlinson introduces us to his debut book, “The Adventures of John the Pecan: A Tale of Three parts”:
 
Charlie Duffer has always been one for adventure. Or so he says. But living in the year 2112, where nobody likes to just sit and talk to each other anymore, Charlie hardly gets an opportunity to test this bold claim he makes about himself. However, after stumbling upon an unexpected new friend in his lonely Idaho town, strange turns of events force Charlie to reevaluate what is and what isn’t reality, both for the outside world and his inner self. Meanwhile, others who hide in the shadows just down the road start to wrestle with their own demons, having to come to grips with the past while keeping up with the unfolding of a local mystery that’s been hidden for a while.
If things on our planet aren’t always what they seem, the same can surely be said about the universe itself. And Charlie and his friends find themselves right in the middle of the confusion, fighting off a corrupt government leader with plans that reach towards eternity on one side, and a darkness created by the sins of the common people that threatens to destroy everything that one of their dear friends loves on the other side. As they make many friends along the way, the fight to figure out the answer to the chaos is not an easy one. And the answer is not what anybody expects.

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This story is a somewhat intricate plot with multiple threads. Trust me, hang in there and you will be rewarded with a nice surprise.
This story is also fun; a few kids who become friends and find more friends along the way wind up facing a large conspiracy that threatens the world and other worlds.
I don't want to say any more for fear of spoiling the story.
The author’s writing voice is quite interesting, it is homey and comfortable. I am certain I would enjoy sitting on the porch and discussing books and the world.
It's a good story, I laughed in many places.
You will enjoy it also.

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You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-John-Pecan-Three-Parts-ebook 
https://www.goodreads.com/-the-adventures-of-john-the-pecan 
 
 
Copyright © 2023 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction 

67 Comments

Project Threshold: Team Riker: Division A by Craig Crawford

12/10/2023

59 Comments

 
Multi-volume, science fiction horror author Craig Crawford introduces us to his third volume in the Project Threshold series, “Team Riker: Division A”:
In Alaska, all manner of entities and monsters cross into our world from other dimensions and Hannah Riker and her team are the gatekeepers. Riker has a personal score to settle, hunting the monster that slaughtered her parents when she was a girl. Neville, Toddy and Melissa McCoy have her back as they follow in the wake of beings dispensing justice and marking their victims. They intervene on a resort where people disappear even during daylight, fend off a tribe of furry humanoids claiming ownership of a valley, and they stumble upon an ancient, unkillable entity bent on the destruction of humanity.

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I love these stories, these case files! The book is fashioned as a collection of case files for a particular team. Each book is for a different team. These teams are part of a secret government program to protect the Earth from aliens and the supernatural. Anything unexplainable and unconventional.
The stories don't usually have a happy ending but sometimes they do. The author has a wonderful knack for telling an exciting story without using a lot of words. Descriptions are just enough; action is clearly described also. The dialogues carry the story along so well, the characters are cleverly delineated with economical wording.
You are going to love these fascinating and action-filled stories! 4.8 stars from me.

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You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Project-Threshold-Team-Riker-ebook 
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/Project-Threshold-Team-Riker 
https://www.goodreads.com/-project-threshold-team-riker 
https://www.thriftbooks.com/project-threshold-team-riker-crawford 
 
You can connect with the author:
https://twitter.com/CRAIGLCrawford 
https://www.facebook.com/CraigLCrawfordWriter 
https://craiglcrawfordbooks.com 
https://projectthreshold.com 
 
I reviewed the first book in this series here: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/p-t-team-berger 
I reviewed the second book in the series here:
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/p-t-team-talise 
I have reviewed the fourth book in this series: 
www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/project-threshold-finale 
I have reviewed the fifth book in the Project Threshold series, Season Two: "Team Berger": www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/p-t-season-2-team-berger 
I have reviewed the sixth book in the Project Threshold series, season two, "Team Riker": 
www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/project-threshold-season-2-team-riker 
I have reviewed the seventh book in the Project Threshold series, Season Two: "Team Talise": 
www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/project-threshold-s-2-team-talise 
I have reviewed the eighth book in the Project Threshold series, “Operation Rogue Weather”:
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/operation-rogue-weather-by-craig-crawford 


I have reviewed another book by the author:
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-beginners-guide-to-being-evil-by-craig-crawford 
I have reviewed another book by the author:
www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/zombunny-by-craig-crawford 

 
Tags: aliens, demons, ghost, paranormal, supernatural, science fiction, urban fantasy, horror
 
Copyright © 2023 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction 
59 Comments

Now Comes Grim by Grim and Caleb Wilcox

12/2/2023

74 Comments

 
Debut science-fiction authors Grim and Caleb Wilcox introduce us to their fantastic, science-fiction tome, “Now Comes Grim”:
​
Dive into an epic tale of interstellar exploration, human resilience, and the age-old battle between good and evil. Set against a backdrop that spans centuries, from the daring voyages of Earth's legendary explorers to the futuristic landscapes of Proxima b in 3000 C.E., "NOW COMES GRIM" is a masterful blend of history and fiction that will captivate your imagination.

Meet Grim, a character foretold by prophecy, navigating a world of loss, destiny, and profound moral choices. As the narrative unfolds, readers are treated to a thrilling combination of suspense, historical richness, and a deep exploration of the human psyche.

But this isn't just a story of space battles and otherworldly adventures. It's a poignant reflection on humanity's relentless pursuit of knowledge, the sacrifices we make for progress, and the indomitable spirit that defines us.

Join us on a journey that traverses time, space, and the very essence of human emotion. "NOW COMES GRIM" is more than a book; it's an experience that will linger in your thoughts long after the last page.
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Written in first person, this is an epic story in the sci-fi military genre and I love it. It rang so true for me with the descriptions of training and action.
I love that we really get to know the characters in this expansive tale. They become quite real. Liam might be one of my favorites because he does his job as ordered. Mouth is also a favorite because he can't shut up and has an opinion about everything. My mouth got me into a lot of trouble when I was in basic training.
I was sorry the story had to end. 4 stars.

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Caleb Wilcox and Grim
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You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/COMES-GRIM-Grim-Caleb-Wilcox-ebook 
https://www.goodreads.com/-now-comes-grim 
www.barnesandnoble.com/now-comes-grim-grim-caleb-wilcox 
 
You can connect with the authors:
https://twitter.com/GrimCalebWilcox 
https://twitter.com/grimbooksllc 
https://www.instagram.com/grimbooksllc 

I have reviewed the second book in the series "Whispers of Power" here:
www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/whispers-of-power 
​
​tags: warriors, military, action, planets, space travel, war, terrorists, special forces, traitors, monsters, magic
 
Copyright © 2023 Mark L. Schultz except for the authors’ introduction
74 Comments

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