Rise to that Occasion

     Mike Crenshaw is an ordinary young man who does his best to stay away from confrontation. When a fast-moving plague grips the world, he becomes the unlikely hero. Unprepared for any type of crisis Mike and his coworker friend, Brice search for anything that or anyone who can help them survive.

Abrahams first novel in The Scourge series, Unprepared is set in the early days of the outbreak within the US. It is the same world as The Traveler Series. Some of the same characters show up in their much younger version. This helps provide their backstory.

It’s a heart-wrenching tale that brings out the true nature of the characters. There’s no place to hide from this plague.

5 out of 5 stars.

Fast Learner

     Mark Josephson is the youngest person to ever make Detective on the Capital City Police Force. But, then again, he had the best mentor, Inspector Thomas Sullivan. What makes him tick? What is his story? Is he as hardnosed as Sully?

Sivils’ third novella in The Capital City Characters series, The Young Detective gives us insight into who Josephson really is. As much as he tries to emulate Sully, he still has a lot to learn. When Sully is off-world Josephson must put his skills to the test.

Another engaging, fast read from the Inspector Thomas Sullivan series spinoff.

5 out of 5 stars.

And Then There Were Three

     Sarah dreams of nothing but freedom from the lab in which she and her two identical sisters were created. They are clones, and therefore, illegal in their existence. Each of the sisters is gifted with special abilities unique only to themselves. Once they realize that Maria is scheduled for organ harvesting Elle and Sarah hatch a plan to escape.

Sivils’ fourth novella in The Capital City Characters series, The Girl Who Wasn’t There is a gritty look at the underworld of cloning. Set far into the future it is an in-depth look at Sarah, Inspector Thomas Sullivan’s partner, and her origins.

What sets this story apart from the others is the illustrations throughout. It wouldn’t take much to turn this into a graphic novel. It’s a fast read and well written.

5 out of 5 stars.

A Shift In Power

     Robert Hardwick is finally on his way home. Once there his family will finally be all together again. In this new post-apocalyptic world, they must work harder than ever to stay together and to stay alive. Some would do anything to take away everything.

Horton’s fourth book in The Locker Nine series, Blood Bought is a contrast in emotions. There is the joy Robert and his family experience once they are reunited. Then there is the grim reality of the outside threats they continue to face. They can never let their guard down as if things were back to normal.

Congressman Honaker failed in his attempt to overtake the compound he had scoped out for years in northern Georgia. He believes that since Robert is friends with the owner and writes post-apocalyptic novels for a living, that Robert must have a similar compound in Virginia. Never one to be denied, the congressman sets his caravan off to confront the Hardwicks.

Reminiscent of the David and Goliath story, Honaker is confident that he has the numbers on his side. Robert and his family know they will be overwhelmed if they don’t place some outlying deterrents in hopes of buying them time and element of surprise.

I read this book in one sitting on a Friday afternoon/early evening. It’s a fast read, enjoyable read.

5 out of 5 stars.

Where The Whiskey Drowns

     Joe Maynard runs the restaurant/bar that Inspector Thomas Sullivan takes his meals. But who is he really? What’s his story? Joe won’t tell you.

Sivils’ first novella in the Capital City Characters series, Friends In Low Places provides you with a look into how Joe came to Beta Prime and subsequently established Joe’s Place. He’s got a past that he’d rather keep there.

After reading the Inspector Thomas Sullivan series it was nice to get the backstory on one of the supporting characters. While Joe’s Place plays an important role in the series, Joe himself is mostly quiet and unassuming until he isn’t.

5 out of 5 stars.

A Paradise Built Upon Lies

     Thomas Sullivan has been asked to solve the death of a very wealthy man’s son. The remote location has Father Nathan unnerved. Sarah is the most scared she has ever been. Everything about the case screams ‘don’t take it!’ And for that very reason, Sully does.

Sivils’ latest novel in the Inspector Thomas Sullivan Thriller series, The Price Of A Lie is a study of mixed emotions. Father Nathan confronts his past. Sarah’s memories are rekindled. Sully just wants to find the truth.

P-42686 has the reputation of being the best place in the universe to work. So much so that workers rarely leave. The adage ‘what seems too good to be true usually is’ fits P-42686 to a t. Find out what has everyone on edge and see more depth to our favorite characters.

5 out of 5 stars.

Revenge: A Dish Better Served Cold

     Joe Branch’s celebration for the delivery of the cure to the Sembe’ virus is short-lived as the One World Alliance (OWA) extracts retribution on the resistance. Attacks are levied against two of the Continental Army’s strongholds. Fortunately, most were spread throughout the land and set about to reconvene at a yet to be disclosed location.

Bird’s second novel in the Breaking the Beast series, Revenge of the Patriots follows Joe as he and his best friend, Caleb travel to find Joe’s girlfriend, Tamara before rejoining their unit. Their quest is not an easy one. The OWA has a bounty on Joe and Tamara.

As with the first book, this story is told in the first person by Joe. The characters are so engaging that it is hard to put this book down. It is unpredictable and action-packed. Bird’s ability to spin a tale is so realistic that you can visualize what’s happening as you read it.

5 out of 5 stars.