The Inner Circle by Brad Meltzer

Typical Meltzer Government conspiracy novel. The Inner Circle is a story about an archivist who stumbles on a secret within our government that reaches all the way up to the Oval office. Murder, mystery and intrigue, this story pales compared to previous works by Meltzer.

The historical facts usually that dominates a Meltzer novel is interesting and compelling to look into. A bold story that relies heavily on historical fact instead of imagination that leaves you wanting more information about our government and the Office of the President of the United States than the telling of this weakly plotted story line.

 Purchase used or wait to see if you can borrow from a friend or maybe pick up at a flea market.

3 JAGS

The Servants of Twilight by Dean Koontz

The Servants of Twilight tells the story of Christine Scavello and her 6 year-old boy who are stopped and accosted by an old woman in a parking at a local strip mall. The woman claims that Christine’s son is the coming Anti-Christ and promises that he will meet his end by her and her follower’s hands.

Christine must take every possible measure to stop this psychotic cult from harming her and her child. She becomes a lioness to protect her child from the evil elements that seem to infiltrate not only law enforcement, but is able to know Christine’s every move before she can even make it. 

Huge fan of Koontz, but was not impressed with this story. As you can see this copy is old and dog-eared. I suggest if interested in picking up a copy, buy used instead of new. Not one of his best stories to date.

3 JAGS

Room by Emma Donoghue

Room is a disturbing and gripping story of a woman held captive in an 11 by 11 foot room and must raise her 5 year-old son Jack with little to no resources or outside help. Told from the point of view of Jack, this story reads like a feasible truth that woman experience all across the planet by the hands of their captures.

This heart-stopping story is proof positive of the definition of what it is to be a mother. Jack is left to explore the world through the limited understanding of the world through his mothers eyes and is oblivious to what is happening around him. He doesn’t question what he is missing, but instead accepts what his mother shares, because the bond between mother and child is strong.

Excellent must read for everyone-a beautiful exploration of empathy and triumphant resolve of the human spirit that should be a required read. Emma Donoghue has gripped the heart strings and presents a unique way of showing the beauty in even some of the worst situations.

8 JAGS

The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud

The Amulet of Samarkand, Part 1 of The Bartimaeus Trilogy, reads like Harry Potter, but just not as good. The story is about a young eleven year old magician’s apprentice, named Nathaniel who is learning the craft is wronged by Simon Lovelace, a powerful magician.

Seeking revenge, Nathaniel conjures the powerful djinni Bartimaeus to help him embarrass Lovelace by stealing The Amulet of Samarkand. Instead, both Nathaniel and Bartimaeus stumble upon a plot to overturn the government of magic.

Two parts Harry Potter, one part Aladdin and three parts unimaginative. Magic and mystery in the streets of London is better left to J.K. Rowling.

3 JAGS

American Subversive by David Goodwillie

American Subversive is a powerful thriller about the lines crossed between activism and anarchy. This fictional story follows two New Yorkers who lead the ideal American life and are in a head on collision with the underground movement.

Meet Aidan Cole, cynical blogger of New York’s elite, who’s is cynical postings of celebrities, new restaurants, and high rise parties is pulled into a plot of radicalism and unrest.  Without warning, a bomb explodes in downtown Manhattan and little does Aidan realize, he will become a part of more destruction to come.

In comes Paige Roderick, educated scientist suffering the loss of a brother in the service, fighting for a war she never believed in. Page is pulled into a new reality that convinces her that the only way to change the public perception is by force.

A thrill ride read, American Subversive sheds light on what we as a nation can perseve as the truth, when even our gut instinct tells us it is wrong.

Pick anywhere. Excellent

8 JAGS