Resource Wars: The New Landscape of Global Conflict

Resource Wars: The New Landscape of Global Conflict by Michael T. Klare

By Guest Reviewer: Kaeru from The Technical Lens posted at Bookend Chronicles with permission of site owner.

Human conflict is as old as the story of Cain and Abel.  But what are the reasons for human conflict?  I know there are many from my researches that indicate causes stemming from one side to the other.  As I thought about it overtime, human conflict behavior really stems from two distinct, although real perspectives.  The book Resource Wars, the New Landscape of Global Conflict by Michael T. Klare supports what I believe is a two-perspective concept in human conflict behavior.

For most of the reporting I have witnessed throughout the world’s mass media outlets, the fight for control of oil has been a focus in the current Western conflicts in the Middle East.  While the Middle East is not the only places where the West, especially the United States, purchase its oil, oil itself is not the only sought after resource.  Resource Wars brilliantly exposes specific geographical regions of the world under constant conflict for critical natural resources such as precious metals, water, and of course, oil.  The perpetuating struggle over these elements are critical the survival of many, but a way of control for the few.  These are facts in this world and this fresh new insight about the changing world exposes truth about how conflict really has not changed in certain ways.  This reporting is real life and provides material less often exposed by the mass media you may be used to observing.  Resource Wars will keep you intrigued and may surprise you!

Resource Wars by Michael T. Klare, 2002 ISBN 978-0-8050-5576-4

Never Forget - A Saul Marshall Thriller (Book 2)

NEVER FORGET - A Saul Marshall Thriller (Book 2) by Richard Davis

A new offering of a modern-day warrior tale comes to life in the form of “Never Forget,” a second sequel in the Saul Marshall series. Saul Marshall is plunged into the harrowing machinations of evil which force him to pursue diabolical enemies. He is forced to face the calculated plans of a fatal agenda that anticipates absolute destruction.

The author has distorted the lines of questionable ethics and the bleak realization of impending catastrophe. The stakes have never been higher; and the reader is thrown between the precarious sectors of normalcy and the seedy underworld that the main character must blend into.

“I set my jaw. While I could pretend as though I was still just taking things one step at a time, and could extricate myself with impunity at any point, I knew this was a delusion.”

The research that Richard Davis incorporates into this novel lends another level of credibility that is deeply disturbing.

“ ‘...There’s enormous sensitivity in China towards anything that could constitute an encroachment on sovereignty. And America – the preeminent superpower, and a capitalist one no less – is perceived by China as a prime culprit…’ ”

The story escalates in a compelling crescendo of lies and bureaucracy. Davis has created a wide parallel of cautionary terror and thematic consequences that every reader is coming to associate with his writing.

Richard Davis is a Londoner and this is his second novel in the Saul Marshall Series. In 2011 he graduated from UCL and Cambridge University. He is currently published with Canelo.

Never Forget - A Saul Marshall Thriller (book 2) by Richard Davis, 2017 ISBN 9781911420255

Fool Whiskey Hero

Fool Whiskey Hero (Drunken Fool Thrillers) (Volume 1) by Jason T. Blundell

Two people are brought together under extreme circumstances. Nyah is a young lady who stands in the crossfire of corruption and almost certain death. Grady Fisk is an anti-hero who may be the only solution to Nyah's nightmare. As the unsettling journey takes place, Grady wastes no time doggedly searching for answers. 

Who do you trust?

As the plot thickens to reveal ostensible characters colluding to cover-up a deeper secret, Grady's efforts to clear his name and rescue Nyah becomes a battlefield of suspense. Layered in fast-paced dialogue, the author cuts into the facets of each character, pushing the darker aspects of daily life.

"To stiffen my resolve, and drown my conscience, I sat down with a bottle of rye. I drained the first glass before the ice had cooled it, burning my throat and warming my blood. I finished my second glass and my headache subsided. I stopped using the glass and drank right from the bottle."

Blundell uses a unique perspective of first person narration for Grady and a third person point of view for Nyah. Surprisingly, this does not take away from character development. As a matter of fact, Blundell is able to aptly display the tormented undertones of pain.

"Nyah ran on, still soaked in her mother's blood. She smelled it, and her sweater stuck to her, heavy with it. Her legs finally gave way, and she swerved off the sidewalk and ducked down in some big, leafy bushes at the edge of a property that had fallen into disrepair. Nyah sat down, bringing her knees up to her chin and hugged herself."

As the story progresses, the reader is given moments of pause with the bureaucratic parsings of true power and ethics.

"The police have little proof so they’ve resorted to extracting a confession by force."

The novel is a quick read and allows a measure of hope at the end, that perhaps a human being has the capacity for change. Blundell has successfully doled out an irrevocable challenge of resolution that is the epitome of this thriller.

Jason T. Blundell was born and raised in North Bay, Ontario. He played football for the University of Manitoba and graduated with a BA in English. He is currently published with New Pulp Press.

Fool Whiskey Hero (Drunken Fool Thrillers) (Volume 1) by Jason T. Blundell, 2016 ISBN 978-1945734052

Bess: A Pioneer Woman's Journey of Courage, Grit and Love

Bess: A Pioneer Woman's Journey of Courage, Grit and Love by Charles Cranston Jett

Frontier life would be difficult for a man or a family, but for the collective imagination to conceive of a lone woman braving such a stark and unforgiving land is nearly impossible. This is an engrossing tale about Bess, a highly motivated and determined young woman who lives on the frontier. The entire historical narrative is accurate and enthralling. There is something quite remarkable about Bess, she stands apart from the traditional pioneer woman. The lone image of Bess on the cover is suffused with a brave solitude that resounds within the pages of the story.

Charles Cranston Jett has created a phenomenal storyline that offers a radical challenge in disproving the stereotypical prototype of a woman in the early 1900's. The reader will follow the emotional roller coaster of the heroine's struggle in combating the tremendous changes throughout her journey.

"She lay in bed for a moment, taking deep breaths. Today is the day I will be leaving my home in search of another, she thought. She took a deep breath—and the thought did not frighten her—it excited her."

The research that Jett has done breathes a dual tone of truth and fantasy for the reader.

"Doc went inside the house and came out with the 30-30 rifle, but by the time he started down toward them, the coyotes had already run off. What was left of the sheep was mostly the hindquarters, so Doc brought the carcass back to the homestead and severed the hind legs because they had been untouched and could be used by the family."

There is an abundant cluster of hope and joy that the reader will hold close to his or her heart when reading this book.

"Afterwards, they held a social gathering right in the middle of the street in town. Everyone could get something to eat from the food that members of the audience had brought for all to share. It had been a great day in Haley. Life on the prairie is good. Thought Bess."

I was surprised at the way this book gripped my attention. The author allows for a sustaining exuberance and expressed devotion in his creative diction. There is a reminder of the legacy of traditions, principles, and commitments that exist in our history. This inspirational story engenders all readers to pursuing their dreams and evokes subtle reminders of the human struggle that never ends.

Charles Cranston Jett is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and the Harvard Graduate School of Business. He is the author of two other new books: "Wanted: Critical Skills!" and "Career Crises and the Doom Loop".

Bess: A Pioneer Woman's Journey of Courage, Grit and Love by Charles Cranston Jett, 2017 ISBN 978-1-4787-6486-1, 978-1-4787-6517-2

The Summoned King: Book One of The Kalymbrian Chronicles (Volume 1)

The Summoned King: Book One of The Kalymbrian Chronicles (Volume 1)  by Dave Neuendorf

A young man finds himself in the middle of a fantasy realm that holds every fear, joy, and desire that one can possibly imagine. James Madison Young, the protagonist of this story, is summoned into an uncertain place, where he must learn to adapt quickly and force an entire kingdom to rebuild itself against the powerful cabal of treachery and deceit that works to undo everything that James attempts to restore.

As James is married off to the naive princess and crowned king, the reader gets a glimpse of an innately sharp, well-read young man. 

" 'Our government should not be in the business of subsidizing religions. Every religious group should be responsible for raising its own funds. I understand that the network of temples is being funded with tax money. I’m going to proclaim a new law prohibiting use of government funds for religious purposes, and further prohibiting any government interference with religious observances or anyone’s application of religious principles in his personal or business life.' "

Dave Neuendorf clearly interweaves the politics within this fantasy realm with American history. The more the story continues to develop, we see James become a stronger leader with principled ideas that are not popular with the Council of Advisers. 

But what regime change was ever quiet?

" 'Regulating sin isn’t a function of government as I see it. Drunkenness, prostitution, drug use, and the like are unwholesome and harmful to society, but attempting to stamp them out by law only stimulates rebellion. Once a spirit of rebellion is accepted by the culture in one case, it paves the way for more serious rebellion. That’s what happened back in my home country when the government outlawed alcohol. Laws need to be enforceable.' " 

I was glad to see magic incorporated into this fantasy story. Neuendorf has captured the mythic and disruptive nature of a true teenager, intentionally setting a scene for an archetypal sense of righting a great wrong that can only be done by the untainted, idealistic view of a young adult. I look forward to the next installment that will give readers a further glance into this extraordinary realm that the author has created.

Dave Neuendorf is a Java software development consultant who published "The Summoned King: Book One of The Kalymbrian Chronicles (Volume 1)" in February 2016. He and his family live with their two dogs, a Samoyed and a Siberian Husky, in Aurora, Indiana.

The Summoned King: Book One of The Kalymbrian Chronicles (Volume 1) by Dave Neuendorf, 2016 ISBN 978-1523973569

False Prophet - A Saul Marshall Thriller

FALSE PROPHET - A Saul Marshall Thriller by Richard Davis

What do you do when you know you're right? A horrific sequence of events will manifest themselves into fruition.

Richard Davis has created an intensely spell binding story of one man's journey into the world of intrigue and deception. Davis presents a richly devious plot that will seduce the reader into the thrilling sequence of one man's struggle for truth and justice.

Saul Marshall is forced into action, leaving his job with the FBI to find his missing son. He races against the clock, using every resource imaginable to dig deeper into a crime-ridden world where the rules of society become nonexistent. The author's hard-hitting first person narrative keeps the pages turning.

"...if the message wasn’t a trap or diversion, and something was really set to happen at the theater, there were still a thousand possibilities as to what it might be: a bomb; a fire; a lone gunman; a mass hostage situation – to name a few."

The detailed rhetoric strikes a deep vein of profundity within the reader.

"My aim is to be the most inspired manipulator of men. I’m looking to exert true power through deception – to persuade my victims to act against their own best interests. After all, isn’t that the essence of con-artistry?"

But this novel is not so one-dimensional.

The subject matter is obviously well researched and there is a depth of moral obligation and personal connections that allows the reader to get lost in the complicated synergy of each character. Davis provides a satisfying yet bittersweet tale of redemption and deceit.

Richard Davis is a Londoner and this is his first novel. In 2011 he graduated from UCL and Cambridge University. He is currently published with Canelo.

False Prophet - A Saul Marshall Thriller by Richard Davis, 2016 ISBN 9781910859223

An Apology

I would like to offer a deep apology to everyone that tried to contact me in the last year and a half. My family and I were dealing with my son's health issues and I did not have the opportunity to continue reviewing any books. If I did not respond to emails or failed to contact you regarding your past requests, I apologize.

Bookend Chronicles will resume reviews posthaste. If you have a book that you would like to request to be reviewed, please look under "Contact For Reviews" for further information.

Thank you all for your understanding. Here's to the adventures of reading your incredible stories!

An Ordinary Toad's Extraordinary Night

An Ordinary Toad's Extraordinary Night by Joanne McGonagle, Illustrated by Rachael Mahaffey

What is the value of an individual?

It's a difficult question to quantify and yet, a question that each person has most likely asked at one point or another in their lives.

In this story, Andrew the toad comes to a crossroads in his life. He questions his worth as a toad, wondering why he had not been born a frog. He asks his mother the question and she sends him off to visit his wise grandfather.

" 'Toads and frogs are both amphibians, but why does it seem better to be green and shiny than brown and warty?' "

On the way to his grandfather's house, Andrew meets various animals who give him a different perspective on his own sense of worth. As his journey continues, it becomes apparent to the reader that Andrew is quite a smart toad.

"Andrew thought that tasting terrible to a fox might make even an ordinary toad, like himself, something special."

His encounter with three young bullfrogs stands out more than any other part of the book. Perhaps it is because of the boastful nature of the "Bug-Eyed Bullies".

"Deep down, Andrew knew he wasn't in any real danger from the young bullfrog army... Even worse, he began to wonder if they were right. Maybe it is better to be a frog than a toad."

Bullying is not new in any sense. It exists and most of the populous has experienced it to one degree or another. Yet the fabulist way in which this author decided to approach the circumstance was quite extraordinary.

Andrew reaches his destination and finds his own enlightenment through his grandfather.

McGonagle provides an interesting array of characters ranging from highly detailed to purposely nondescript. The environment that she provides in her writing assumes a fantastic whimsy while still keeping rooted in a realistic quandary.

The story teaches children that being different should not only be accepted, it should be welcomed. The visual component adds a deeper connection to the story. An Ordinary Toad's Extraordinary Night is humorous, educational, and entertaining.

Joanne L. McGonagle has an MBA from Ohio University and a Master of Zoology GFP from Miami University. She is the award winning author of The Tiniest Tiger, a children's book.

An Ordinary Toad's Extraordinary Night by Joanne McGonagle, Illustrated by Rachael Mchaffrey, 2013 ISBN 978-0989008808

The Interrogator's Notebook

The Interrogator's Notebook by Martin Ott

Danger is imminent in the title and stark cover of The Interrogator's Notebook by Martin Ott. The author evinces a treacherous cloak and dagger story line that is fueled by vengeance and frustration.

Norman Kross, a retired interrogator, finds himself teaching a class within his field expertise, perhaps feeling a bit bereft of his own path in life. In civilian life, he is going through the motions of a pseudo-proletarian existence. The aphorism "those who can't do, teach", rings with the banality of truth.

His family life is at odds with the successes of his professional life, and he is plagued with certain doubts.

"His bombshell Russian wife, her volatile violinist father, and his two headstrong sons stared at him from their framed family holiday photo. What did it say about him that he wan't in it? ... Did his family like having him around now that he wasn't traveling to the four corners of the globe..."

When Norman is commissioned with a job of interviewing a character actor, George Stark, concerning the death of a young woman, he suddenly finds himself walking a sinister tightrope that shatters his original assessment of the generic private sector.

"The actor paused and slyly looked over his shoulder. 'I'm going to like pulling the carpet out from under you and wrapping you up in it.' Stark tugged on the door handle, slid out, and casually reached back for the light switch, casting the room in total darkness."

With his own family now in certain peril, Norman must unmask the true threat that lurks just beyond the shadows.

I was impressed with the progression of The Interrogator's Notebook and the character development that portrayed a complex understanding (on the author's part) of human behavior. Snippets of the Notebook are added before each chapter, allowing a glimpse at the moral reckoning and experiences of the main character.

"As interrogators, we've all been instructed by our superiors to follow the rules with a wink. The subtext is the get results, that 'our' human lives are always more important than 'their' human lives. There are moral consequences, of course, to this approach, not just to a nation but to its citizens that commit themselves unequivocally to a cause."

There is a hard boiled quality to Ott's prose, it is allegorical and his narration is entirely transfixing. His references are dead on and, upon close inspection, his writing is quite profound.

Martin Ott is a former U.S. Army interrogator. He has published two books of poetry as well as dozens of short stories in publication. He also has a blog for writers: writeliving.wordpress.com

The Interrogator's Notebook by Martin Ott, 2013 ISBN 978-0983605881

If You Were Me And Lived In... South Korea...

If You Were Me And Lived In... South Korea... by Carole P. Roman

This is a fantastic immersion into a completely different world. From the author who took us on a whirlwind adventure to Mexico, comes an entirely new experience: If You Were Me And Lived In... South Korea... by Carole P. Roman.

There is a sense of expectation and excitement when viewing the cover of an If You Were Me book. Even before delving into the pages, the reader will know that they are in for a spectacular treat.

The book is filled with a rich and diverse introduction to a people who have "lived there for over two thousand years". It is a lesser known place that is deeply routed in tradition and formality. The little boy and girl will take the reader into Seoul, the capital city of South Korea. From there, visitors are given a peek into the wonders of Min Sok Chon (the Korean Folk Village) and taken to a restaurant to eat bulgogi (Korean barbeque) with kimchee (spicy fermented cabbage).

Roman fills the reader with a sense of culture by showing them crucial differences in currency: "...won, which is like a dollar bill..." and language: "When you call your mommy, you would say Omma. When you address your father, his name would be Appa."

It is important for every child to gain exposure to various cultures. This book provides a creative learning aid that is developed specially for children Pre-K to 8-years old, but has proven insightful for people of all ages. If You Were Me And Lived In... South Korea... educates the mind and dispels certain biases that stem from ignorance. It teaches children that there is an entire world out there, unknown to a vast degree, but, thanks to Roman, a bit easier to understand.

Case in point, my son, who loved every bit of the South Korean culture, especially Seol-nal (the Lunar New Year).

Roman has created an enticing tale that provides a delightful learning tool presented under the charming guise of a simple story. She has also provided a Pronunciation page at the end of the book.

This book will enlighten the mind and cultivate the imagination.

Carole P. Roman is also the author of the Captain No Beard series that deals with issues such as dyslexia, compromise, and leadership. Her new series explores the small world we live in as well as the different, complex cultures of the people around us.

If You Were Me And Lived In... South Korea... by Carole P. Roman, 2013 ISBN 978-1481062343

The Fugitive Grandma

The Fugitive Grandma by Dmitri Ragano

Rage against the system.

Physically? Mentally? Emotionally?

The Fugitive Grandma by Dmitri Ragano is an insightful, dark humored story. Something is seriously broken in our world. How often has a person considered going to the extreme to make a point? To right a wrong? To set aside fears instilled by the laws of society and let conscience dictate their actions?

Stella Valentine is a prime example of this broken system. Retired from Caruso's Grocery, she lives on a very fixed income. To top it all off, her benefits barely cover an experimental drug that allows her to stay cancer-free.

Stella is a fascinating character. She is the epitome of a time long past. There is an old fashioned moral code within Stella's heart that goes beyond fear, beyond hatred, and every now and then, it makes a ferocious appearance.

"It's just like that story with the girl, the grandmother, and the wolf. The wolf comes after all of us, Johnny. When my time comes, maybe there's someone there to save me and maybe I am on my own. So I got to prepare. You better believe that when the wolf come for me, he's going to get one heck of a fight."

The heavy hand of betrayal comes barreling through Stella's quiet life. She loses her benefits and her treatments almost overnight. Great American has absorbed Caruso's Grocery and has refused to honor any pensions or benefits. Dr. Whittier, who had been treating her with the experimental drug that has thus far proven quite effective, has refused to help her; instead, opting to let her die if she can't afford the "miracle cure".

Going one step farther, as Stella is hospitalized, her son Frank sticks her in an assisted living facility and sells her home and car.

Johnny Valentine is Stella's grandson. He's young and idealistic. Johnny's smaller stature makes him the target of bullying in school. Perhaps that is the putative reason for his deep desire to be a hero.

"Bullies do't go away when you get older... They just get bigger and meaner. So you got to know how to stick up for yourself. Nobody gets a happy ending guaranteed. When the wolf comes to get you, you can't count on some knight in shining armor. You better get ready to take the wolf out yourself."

Together, Stella and Johnny recognize the gaping void of betrayal and despair that have inundated their own lives. There is not a lot of philosophizing at this point. Consistent to Stella's character, the decision was simple and direct. They would steal from the corrupted individuals who had, under the guise of doing business within legal limits, stolen the lives of countless other struggling Americans.

Ragano's story is wholly original, yet the song is a tune that every reader has experienced from one degree to the next. It is the reason the book strikes a chord within each of us. His narrative comes off the page in a life-like manner and keeps the reader hooked in a fast-paced story.

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It's a simple irony that we tend to forget in the rat-race of life, it is preserved in our constitution and we are strangely reminded of those rights in books like The Fugitive Grandma.

This is the second book I have read by Ragano. His writing is strong and his theme stays central, on topic, and is always incredibly entertaining.

Dmitri Ragano lives in Irvine, California with his wife and daughter. He has previously worked as a journalist and technology consultant in San Francisco and Tokyo.

The Fugitive Grandma by Dmitri Ragano, 2013 ISBN 978-1470125370

The Last Sewer Ball

The Last Sewer Ball by Steven Schindler

A true dichotomy exists whence looking upon the past and dealing with the present. Memories hold a tenuous grasp upon mortal minds; even recalling growing up street savvy in a blue-collared neighborhood in the Bronx holds a charmed haze.

The Last Sewer Ball by Steven Schindler is a prime example of that remembered past. Mired firmly in rediscovering ones roots, the story presents the past and an all-too-real present.

The main character, Vinny Schmidt, is back to square one when he finds himself without a home, a family, or a job. As he returns to the Bronx after two decades and begins piecing himself back together, he finds something even more important... A gnawing curiosity about his childhood friend, Whitey Shelley.

As the story develops, the reader is taken back to Vinny's childhood; with all of the illogically optimistic meanderings of childhood up to the erratically angst-filled teenage years, awash with the nostalgic references of the 60's.

Schindler's narrative is quite unique, methodically moving from time and place, absolutely comfortable within the intimate surroundings of the Bronx. Old memories and new actualities perpetuate a deceptively simple prose, while precipitating complex emotions within the reader.

There is a certain amount of reflection within the pages of The Last Sewer Ball. Yet, passing through the bound pages of reminiscence, the reader will be given a harsh dose of reality. Schindler has succeeded in something immensely difficult, being able to present both ends of an emotional spectrum within the timeline of a character's life.

It is a gritty, memory-laden, heart-warming story that imprints itself upon the mind, long after the final page is read.

Steven Schindler was born and raised in the Bronx. He graduated Hunter College with a degree in Film and Theatre. He has been awarded four Chicago Emmy Awards and Best Fiction at the DIY/Indie Book Awards for From The Block.

The Last Sewer Ball by Steven Schindler, 2013 ISBN 978-0-9662408-9-4

Valley Of Thracians

Valley of Thracians: A Novel of Bulgaria by Ellis Shuman

There is a vivid, life-like element to Valley Of Thracians by Ellis Shuman. Perhaps it is because of the author's expertise on Bulgaria, or because of the timeline of history that is refreshingly accurate. Regardless of the reason, the end product has proved to be something quite special.

As the novel opens we meet Simon Matthews, a man on a mission. Simon's character evokes the reader's empathy as his heart-wrenching situation comes to light. He has traveled to Bulgaria to answer a question that had been plaguing him, what has happened to his grandson?

"It was a feeling he had -a gut feeling that was burning inside him and growing in intensity from day to day."

No body had ever been produced from his grandson's death. And as Simon begins his quest, digging into the truth behind the mysterious death, he uncovers something incredibly sinister.

"The bus speeds east through the dark and forbidding Bulgarian night. The rhythm of the tires on the asphalt pavement soothes my worries, and I close my eyes, eager to forget the strange happenings that have led me to this unexpected journey."

With the help of Sophia Ivanova, an expert in Thracian culture, he is able to traverse throughout Bulgaria on an amazing journey filled with the languid rhythms of culture, and subtle clues of muddled deception.

"Simon wiped away a tear that threatened to cascade down his face, something that surprised him each time he thought deeply about his beloved grandson even after all this time."

Shuman's writing style ensconces the reader in an intriguing plot-line that is chock-full of significant detail. His past experiences provide a compelling narrative. Valley Of Thracians is a riveting fiction debut that will enrich each reader to the savoir-faire of Bulgaria.

Ellis Shuman currently resides in Israel with his wife and children. He lived in Sofia, Bulgaria from 2009-2010. Ellis's first book was The Virtual Kibbutz and is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and at other online retailers. He writes regularly at: ellisshuman.blogspot.com .

Valley Of Thracians by Ellis Shuman, 2013 ASIN B00B68J114

Roxana's Revolution

Roxana's Revolution by Farin Powell

There is quite an unusual undercurrent within Roxana's Revolution by Farin Powell. It takes the reader on a transcendent journey through different continents, reliving a painful part of American and Iranian history.

The book commences on a tumultuous situation for Roxana, an attorney who receives a letter that could threaten the very fabric of her existence.

"Her American dream had just been shattered, like a house of cards blown away in the wind."

It becomes clearly evident during the initial chapters that this book carries a huge weight of political and emotional turmoil. The frightful events that become a national struggle are well delineated throughout the story.

"She began to feel as though she and all Iranians had been blamed for the hostage taking. Friends came to her with stories of attacks on Iranian students and businesses."

Roxana makes a complicated decision that ultimately throws her smack dab in the middle of an entirely different war. This book gives a new perspective to certain old prejudices and sheds light on an international incident that changed course of history in both Iran and America.

Powell has developed a bold, unusually rich tale based mainly on historical fact, her expansive research and knowledge is apparent throughout this novel. The narration carries the reader through several lives, showing a backdrop of cultural significance that has often gone missing. Sensitive issues are given a voice and displayed without hesitation.

The reader will follow a mesmerizing tale of love, identity, and circumstance; deeply symbolic in its painful recount of the Iranian revolution. I highly recommend this book.

Farin Powell practices law in Washington D.C. She is extremely talented and has published short stories and poems in various literary magazines and poetry anthologies. She is the author of A Piece Of Heaven and Two Weddings.

Roxana's Revolution by Farin Powell, 2013 ISBN 978-1475980622

A Sheltered Life

A Sheltered Life: Take It To The Streets by Jeremy Reynalds

Take a walk in another man's shoes.

That's what kept rolling around in my mind as I read, A Sheltered Life: Take It To The Streets by Jeremy Reynalds. There is an emotional resonance that filters throughout this autobiographical work of Reynalds. It represents the down-trodden and, oftentimes, anguished part of society that many choose to ignore.

This novel is deeply rooted in Christianity. The author finds his motivation and illumination from his own beliefs. This doesn't mean that he didn't struggle with the acceptance of religion itself. Having agnostic foundations as a child, he found himself climbing a difficult slope.

"I responded by letting my long-suffering instructor know that Christianity was a crutch for old women and the intellectually feeble... I remember scoffing at various religious posters I saw plastered around town. I proudly declared, 'I am not a Christian. I am an agnostic. You can't tell me if there is a God.' "

The turbulent parts of his own life, from a lonely and futile childhood to an intrinsically inspired leap of faith that took him from England all the way across the pond to the United States, displays a salve of inchoate realization.

Though Christianity is his ultimate stimulus for traversing throughout America as a homeless man, the reader is introduced to a transcendental vision. Something highly unlikely, yet incredible in its fruition.

"...this acquisition allowed the shelter ministry a sense of permanence and stability... To me, it also meant an increased hope that however hostile downtown business owners grew toward the homeless, and however large the homeless population grew in Albuquerque, we would be able, with the Lord's help, to be a part of the solution."

While telling his own story, Reynalds engenders throughout the book a growing epidemic around us. It reminds us that each individual has a past that characterizes a desperate attempt at normalcy; the plight of the homeless who, for various reasons, end up in "a deep homeless quagmire". It's appalling to read the injustices committed against people whose only crime is being indigent.

"When you're robbed of the possessions you have and the few dollars you might get for a day's labor, that just adds insult to injury... When our staff first heard about these incidents, we assumed that it was random street violence...happen quite frequently on the streets of downtown Albuquerque, every victim she spoke with said the perpetrator made some comment like 'You're homeless anyway. It's not like you have to pay rent with this money.' "

The author has composed an invaluable and gritty novel that evokes a sense of hope, if not in religion, than in human nature. It is an amazing story that is poignant and moving.

Dr. Jeremy Reynalds was born in England and immigrated to the US in 1978. He founded Joy Junction, now New Mexico's largest homeless shelter. He also writes for the ASSIST News Service and has authored several books.

A Sheltered Life: Take It To The Streets by Jeremy Reynalds, 2013 ISBN 978-1-4497-9020-2

Nightmarriage

Nightmarriage by Chad Thomas Johnston

The cover and title of Nightmarriage, by Chad Thomas Johnston, belies the delightful narrative contained within. Though there is a heart in the center of it all, the knives, ax and even the title itself, did give this reader a misleading image akin to a horror-laden story of despair.

That said, upon reading the first few pages, I was imbued with a entirely pleasant, autobiographical tale of the author and his wife, Becki.

Their meeting, courtship, and confusion of a long distance relationship is heartwarming. In recent years, especially with the advent of social media and great leaps in technology, the fundamental ideas of courting and romance have inevitably been changed.

"I began babbling to my friends at church and in my department at school about this woman who lived in Wisconsin. They looked at me as if to say, 'Everyone knows long-distance relationships are doomed to end up in the dating dustbin...' ...While I had attempted to date a few women in Lawrence... none of them were bumblebees in black stockings."

Johnston's recounting of the moments of dating and marriage are ensconced within a humorous voice that is both cleverly unique and earnest.

"I find it fishy, for example, that Becki remembers an eight-syllable word like trimethylaminuria, but forgets where she placed her purse. With the passage of time, I may have developed a hypothesis that may account for Becki's behavior: Maybe-just maybe-my wife is a black hole, incarnate."

There is something quite magnetic in Johnston's entire narration of the early years of marriage and parenthood. It is most certainly not easy to display one's life under a microscope for the world to see, yet each reader will be struck by the stark honesty in Johnston's writing.

Pictures, photographs of art, are distributed strategically before certain chapters, delineating a visual motif for the chapters they precede. Though they are engaging, I do not believe that they enhance the actual writing of this author or the book itself. As a matter of fact, I would have preferred reading the book without pictures and enjoying the art at the end.

The book obviously contains a deep religious theme but does not preach religion. Any person who reads Nightmarriage, Christian or Atheist, single or married, will find an amusing tale, whimsical at times, and completely charming.

Chad Thomas Johnston lives in Lawrence, Kansas with his wife, Rebekah, their daughter Evangeline, and five cats. He is a regular contributor to IMAGE Journal's "Good Letters" blog at Patheos.com. His writings have also appeared in The Baylor Lariat and at CollapseBoard.com.

Nightmarriage by Chad Thomas Johnston, 2013 ebook

Deadly Election

Deadly Election by Arthur Crandon

There is a certain amount of perceptible greed within every person. Unfortunately, that greed can become limitless when faced with the possibility of incredible fortune. War is something innate in human beings. When greed and war become fused, the human condition is tested, people will most likely choose the path of fortune built upon a foundation of corpses. Deadly Election by Arthur Crandon, displays the absolute path and, oftentimes, failure of mankind.

A rumor exists within the Philippines. A story told from one generation to the next, giving birth to a fantastic legend. It is one of untold riches hidden away within the Philippine jungle, by Japanese soldiers who had committed shockingly deplorable acts of violence and murder during the war.

"No one dared to live in the remote area for a long time... only the brave dared to venture anywhere near the cursed area."

As more than sixty years pass, the legend suddenly becomes a tangible reality.

"The boys were now only fifteen feet away and they could make out the glinting outline of the coins."

Drawing the attention of a decadent and immoral warlord, Senator Enrique Consuelo, a treacherous plan is hatched; murder any witnesses and steal the treasure. But there is one flaw in this misguided turn of events, the adage of Murphy's Law, anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.

" ... it was unusual for him to feel confused or uncertain and he didn't like the feelings. He was out of his depth in the dangerous situation he had created. He tried to think straight, soon his survival instincts began to take over... he wouldn't be safe..."

From Manila to Singapore, the reader is sent on an incredible adventure.

Crandon writes with marvelous aplomb and has devised an intricate tale of the cruel veracity of the human soul. From the beginning, the reader will be drawn into a simple and beguiling narrative. Deadly Election has proved to be a powerful story of lust, betrayal, and political deception.

Arthur Crandon was born and raised in the UK and currently lives in Hong Kong.

Deadly Election by Arthur Crandon, 2013 ISBN-13 978-1479236251

Thank You

I would like to take a moment to thank everyone for their incredible support and concern. My son was sick, frequenting the hospital for the past ten days (most certainly the ten longest days of my life). My husband and I appreciate the emails and messages!

I will be back to submitting reviews within the next 48 hours. Thank you all for your kindness and patience.

The Great Wild West

The Great Wild West by Jeff Appelquist

Nothing is freer than knowing that the land and sea in front of you continues on as far as the eye can see. There is a primordial feeling of not being able to truly grasp or even contain the world at large; thus, making possibilities seem quite limitless. The Great Wild West by Jeff Appelquist is a fundamental example of that ideal.

The main character, Jedediah Magnus West, grows up in 1950s and 60s America. He has a fairly normal upbringing within the dynamics of his nuclear family. There is a sense of nostalgic homage in Appelquist's engaging description of a simpler time during Jed's upbringing.

"There was a dad who worked in an office, a mom who stayed home with the kids and cooked and cleaned and showed concern, a sister, and two brothers who went to school and played outside... He went back to school in September as brown as a berry. The family ate dinner together in the evenings. They left the back door unlocked... They attended church every Sunday. They were Patriotic."

As the book progresses, the reader is drawn into an intimate portrait of the West family and friends. Beneath the pretty package of normality and the archetypal family life, each character is displayed with a glaring truth of the past, present and future. From the gloomy and dire recesses of past experience to the fruition of status quo, the reader is privy to an eloquent and succinct introduction of these unique, individual lives.

"Bringing up the rear in 1958, Jedediah Magnus West arrived, perhaps a planned baby, perhaps not. His parents never would say definitively one way or the other, which led Jed in later years to think that maybe his proper name should have been Jedediah M. (for Mistake) West."

The story contains a sharp, intuitive and hilarious narrative.

"Jack and Gloria West, like a lot of parents, were a damn sight more observant and sophisticated than any of their children ever gave them credit for... As she moved into adolescence, Jack and Gloria privately discussed the possibility that their daughter might be a lesbian."

Nothing is swept under the rug or ignored. Dealing with such issues as sexuality, race, and religion, the reader is given a realistic view of the many concerns that plagued most family values.

Following Jed's journey and evolution from Midwest schoolboy, to Marine officer, to family man, Appelquist outlines an amazing life that is indefinably American. An amazingly inclusive tale of "pulling oneself up by one's bootstraps", and adhering to a general sense of self-conduct and honor that seems almost a distant memory in this day and age; The Great Wild West is symbolic of what we as a nation seem to have left behind.

The book is heart wrenching, edgy, and beautiful: "Nothing is perfect, nothing is permanent... but anything is possible." The past does not define an individual, nor does the present circumstance stymie the hopes and dreams that one may choose to play out during an entire lifetime. It is most certainly our future choices that guide us, and our own principles that maintain our integrity.

Jeff Appelquist is a former college athlete, Marine officer, practicing attorney, and corporate executive. His first two books, Sacred Ground and Wisdom Is Not Enough, won a dozen literary awards between them, including multiple first-place prizes in the Writer's Digest International, National Indie Excellence, and Midwest Book Awards.

The Great Wild West by Jeff Appelquist, 2013 ISBN 978-1-59298-993-5

The Messiah Matrix

The Messiah Matrix by Kenneth John Atchity

Upon first viewing the title and cover of The Messiah Matrix by Kenneth John Atchity, my curiosity was certainly piqued. My mind instantly ran to a familiar literary bestseller, The Da Vinci Code. Of course, keeping comfortably to that frame of thought would have been quite an injustice.

As the book commences on a wholly vicious murder of a monsignor, the reader is thrown into the inner litany of Father Ryan McKeown's confusion and profound revelation.

" 'The monsignor said,' he gasped, 'Find Father Ryan... memory in the ashes of Jasius...in the Gesu.' Then the man's eyes closed as he breathed his last and made his way to the eternal gates that Ryan's absolution may or may not have opened for him."

"Not only was he wrestling with the shock of dual murders but Ryan's doubts about his faith now consumed his every waking moment and haunted his nights. It was mind versus spirit..."

Enter Emily Scelba, an archaeologist who joins Father Ryan in his quest for answers. From the death of Monsignor Isaac to the strangely evolving discoveries within the gaping questions about religion and faith, there is a certain aura of  determination in the danger laden journey of the main characters.

"He made his way through the labyrinth of shaded arcades and near-hidden passageways, so intent on his destination that nothing else fazed him."

Atchity has woven a brilliant story meshing the divergent lives of various characters within the fabric of this riveting novel. His careful approach in delineating the complex and, oftentimes, turbulent aspects of human nature are indicative of his immense writing skills.

There is nothing leisurely about this book. From the first sentence to the end of the last page, the reader is filled with an intense need to fill the subsequent divide that appears within the vivid narration of the story. The deft skill utilized in displaying the tangible sense of danger, the need for certain knowledge, and the question of faith, evokes the same emotions within the reader.

Kenneth John Atchity was a professor of literature and classics at Occidental College in Los Angeles 1970-87. He also represented writers of both fiction and non-fiction, accounting for numerous bestsellers and movies he produced for both television and big screen. He has drawn on his expert knowledge of Christian history and his classical training to write The Messiah Matrix.

The Messiah Matrix by Kenneth John Atchity, 2012 ISBN 978-095721-890-1