Book Reviews – Page 24 – Sassy Reviews

June 12, 2025

The Land of Promise , The Seven Seals

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Land of Promise, The Seven Seals 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Cathy Warshaw ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Land of Promise: The Seven Seals” by Cathy Warshaw is the second installment in the Secret Societies and the Sisterhood Sleuths series. In this thrilling continuation, Chloe and her younger sister Lily journey to Israel with Gil and his team.

Their adventure begins in a German colony in Jerusalem, where they learn more about The Society that has operated from the shadows for generations. Gil fears that if this group gains control of the Seven Seals, they could reshape the world in their own image. His investigation reveals that The Society plans to convene at the Dome of the Rock—one of the holiest sites on earth—beneath which lies the ancient Foundation Stone.

The team’s quest leads them to a hidden chamber, opening into a room filled with mysterious artifacts. Upon discovering the First Seal, they realize the immense responsibility of protecting it—and themselves—from those who seek its power.

Packed with suspense and unexpected twists, this story keeps readers on edge. The mission is fraught with danger, and the courage displayed by Chloe and Lily, who have placed their trust in Gil and Aaron far from home, is truly admirable. Warshaw’s world-building is vivid and immersive, showcasing her impressive imagination throughout.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

June 12, 2025

Killer with Ice Eyes

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Killer With Ice Eyes 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: J L Hill ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Killer With Ice Eyes” by J L Hill is a gripping crime thriller centered around Maria, the formidable leader of the Bright Skies Agency—an elite anti-terrorist and mercenary group. Working alongside her are Barry Thomas, a government intelligence agent, and her father, MoJo.

Maria has just completed a dangerous mission, one that required her to willingly be abducted and endure two weeks of torture while in captivity. She made this sacrifice to allow her BSA team to locate and neutralize their target, Commander Diambu. Once the mercenaries reached the location, they rescued several kidnapped girls and ensured their safe return to their village.

Barry later confronts MoJo about Maria’s increasingly aggressive tactics. He is disturbed by her decision to get herself captured and frustrated that a key arms dealer managed to slip away. MoJo defends his daughter, asserting that Maria has undergone intense training for years and is more than capable of handling herself—even better than Barry. He reminds Barry that the only way to be sure someone is dead is to “look them in the eyes and put a bullet in their head.”

Haunted by the elusive Sgt. Warren, Maria grows more relentless in her pursuit. With no body and no proof of Warren’s death, her past continues to torment her. Barry has begun to feel that Maria is becoming increasingly dangerous as time goes on.

“Killer With Ice Eyes” is a fast-paced, action-packed read that will appeal to fans of strong, fearless female protagonists. J L Hill’s writing is engaging, the cover is striking, and while this book is part of a series, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. Discover how far Maria is willing to go to draw Sgt. Warren out of hiding.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

June 11, 2025

Dissonance

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Dissonance 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Tabitha Winters ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Dissonance” by Tabitha Winters marks the gripping start to the SPKS series. The story centers around Ellie Brynne, a psychologist who was given the approval by Dr. Donnelly to do an emergency evaluation of Sonny Bonaventure—a man who claims to have murdered over fifteen women in a year. Sonny is terrified of Inspector Gérard Renault and insists on being admitted to Hopkins State Hospital to stay hidden from him.

Things take a darker turn when both the chancellor and Dr. Donnelly are found dead at Claremont University. Ellie is then partnered with Inspector Renault to investigate the string of murders haunting the campus. With bodies continuing to appear, she must act quickly to unravel the truth and stop the killer.

This is a suspenseful, twist-filled read that I’d highly recommend to thrill-seekers and mystery lovers alike. The author’s storytelling is engaging, and I found myself hooked right up to the final page. I’m already looking forward to diving into Book 2: Deception.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

June 10, 2025

Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Crime

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Crime 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: James Dunkay Conteh ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Crime: Awareness and Compliance” by James Dunkay Conteh is an enlightening and informative read. The book offers financial institutions and the general public valuable insights into the methods employed by money launderers, equipping them with the knowledge needed to detect and prevent such illicit activities effectively.

Conteh emphasizes the importance of continuous assessment, evaluation, and revision of regulatory frameworks to counter financial crimes on a global scale. He highlights the role of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and its collaboration with international organizations to enhance the stability and integrity of the global financial system. A robust Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) program, the book explains, should include key components such as transaction monitoring, customer due diligence, and comprehensive risk assessments.

The author also underscores the critical role of employee training and awareness in the success of AML/CFT efforts. Conducting thorough investigations is essential to dismantling criminal networks, recovering illicit assets, and maintaining public trust in financial institutions.

This book is both eye-opening and empowering. It encourages readers to be vigilant and proactive in the fight against money laundering. Through his writing, James Dunkay Conteh inspires us to become informed global citizens committed to combating financial crime. Packed with practical guidance and thought-provoking insights, this book serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to drive meaningful change on a global scale.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

June 9, 2025June 9, 2025

MacKenzie’s Last Run

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: MacKenzie’s Last Run 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Gayle Rosengren ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“MacKenzie’s Last Run” by Gayle Rosengren is a compelling and emotionally charged read. The story follows thirteen-year-old MacKenzie Lawrence and his twin sister, Tessa, as they navigate life after losing their father in a tragic mass shooting over a year ago.

During an Easter family dinner, their mother reveals that she’s planning to marry a man named Simon. Unable to accept this news, MacKenzie delivers an ultimatum: she can choose either Simon or him. His family dismisses his words, but Mac is serious. Determined to make his mother understand how he feels, he hatches a plan to run away from home. At dawn, he sneaks away and takes refuge in a secluded lake house.

What happens next? Does Mac’s plan go the way he imagined, or does something unexpected—and possibly dangerous occur?

This story is gripping from start to finish. The pacing is brisk, with never a dull moment. The cover art is eye-catching, and the book is sure to resonate with fans of children’s fiction. I especially loved Mac’s character—he’s relatable, brave, and full of heart. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

June 9, 2025June 9, 2025

The Last Chimaera

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Last Chimaera 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Kevin Moonn ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Last Chimaera” by Kevin Moonn is a captivating read that pulls you in from the very first page. The story revolves around two brothers, Renji and Abner, who live with their mother after their father abandoned the family. Despite their mother’s warning not to go outside—due to a string of recent child abductions—Renji and Abner sneak out to play.

Tragically, Renji is kidnapped by members of the mysterious Rika organization. Abner is consumed by guilt, blaming himself for not listening to their mother. Since the incident, their mother has grown distant from him. Meanwhile, Renji and other abducted children are subjected to experiments. Renji is mutated after choosing a tiger, and he begins to lose control of his own body. The fierce instincts of the tiger take over, turning him into something monstrous.

Will the brothers reunite? What becomes of Renji as the tiger blood courses through his veins?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The plot is refreshingly original, and the author’s world-building—especially the concept of the Rika organization and human-animal mutation—adds a thrilling layer to the narrative. Don’t hesitate to pick this one up!

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

June 9, 2025

Love Lost and then Found in the Civil War

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Love Lost and then Found in the Civil War 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: William Tirre ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Love Lost and then Found in the Civil War” by William Tirre is a compelling and emotionally rich novel. The story follows twenty-four-year-old Simon Albrecht, who is engaged to Emily, the daughter of a wealthy planter. When Simon refuses to enlist in the Army of Northern Virginia, Emily’s father, Henry Lee, forces her to break off their engagement.

Overhearing this, Josiah—a slave and the illegitimate son of Henry Lee—asks Simon to take him to Canada in pursuit of freedom. Disguised as Simon’s manservant, Josiah travels north with him. Though his papers appear legitimate when they’re stopped by slave hunters, suspicions linger. Eventually, Josiah is abducted—but later, he is reunited with Simon.

Along the way, Simon meets Gabrielle, a woman who has escaped from sexual slavery. The two fall in love. As the story unfolds, readers are left wondering: What becomes of Josiah? Will he gain his freedom? Will he find love?

Tirre’s writing is powerful and evocative. Simon’s courage and moral conviction are truly inspiring, showing us the strength it takes to stand firm in one’s beliefs. This gripping tale weaves together themes of slavery, abduction, love, and resistance—making it a truly unforgettable read.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

June 9, 2025

The Ascension

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Ascension 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: J.M. Shaw ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Ascension by J.M. Shaw is the gripping first installment in the Callum Walker Series. The story centers around Callum, a humble maintenance worker who lives a quiet life—until rumors surface of a monstrous, wolf-like creature with glowing red eyes attacking people. Instead of returning home one night, Callum sets out to track this terrifying beast.

Endowed with the rare gift of psychic perception, Callum uses his abilities to battle evil. He eventually defeats the creature, Amarok, and learns of a greater threat: Amarok’s master, Kincaid, whose dark plans are already unfolding. Despite his victory, Callum decides to keep his powers hidden, hoping for a chance at a peaceful life.

However, trouble brews at work. A new colleague, Liam, is determined to uncover proof that Callum is using magic. This suspicion arises from a vision seen in a “sight stone” belonging to Quinn, a high-ranking governor within an organization known as The Order. Quinn is eager to expose Callum, believing his powers could be instrumental in fighting an oncoming darkness.

Through a mystical encounter with a fairy, Callum hears a chilling prophecy: “A human with natural magic will arise at the darkest hour. This person will end the war and save us all.” But Callum feels unworthy of such a destiny—he knows nothing of any war and doesn’t believe himself to be powerful enough.

The novel features rich world-building, a fast-paced plot, and a cast of intriguing characters. Magic and mystery fill every chapter, leaving no room for dull moments. Callum is a compelling protagonist, and I found myself thoroughly invested in his journey—I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

June 9, 2025

The Obsidian Eye

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Obsidian Eye 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Cathy Warshaw ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Obsidian Eye is a Young Adult mystery thriller and the first installment in the Secret Societies and the Sisterhood Sleuths series. The story centers on two sisters, Chloe and Lily Hastings. During a visit to the Upland Public Library, they meet Evelyn Greene, a mysterious librarian.

Chloe shares that she’s been researching Upland, The Society. Together, they solve a cryptic puzzle that leads them to a hidden door. Inside the secret room, Lily discovers a drawing of a black gemstone labeled The Obsidian Eye. Concerned for their safety, the sisters learn of a Safe Haven located outside the city limits.

There, they meet Gil, a man who has been tracking The Society for years. He assures them that if they stand against The Society, he’s on their side. The Society seeks to reshape the world in its own image—one that excludes people like Gil, Chloe, and Lily.

Gil invites them to continue their mission in an underground tunnel known as the Safehouse. As Chloe and Lily dig deeper, they begin to feel like they’re part of something much greater than themselves.

The narrative is easy to follow, and the suspense kept me hooked until the very end. I especially loved the vivid world-building and the author’s imaginative take on this secretive world. Teen readers who enjoy solving mysteries and uncovering secrets will find this book an exciting read. The story is fast paced and there are no dull moments in it.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

June 7, 2025

Time Fixers

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Time Fixers 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Lee Matthew Goldberg ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Miles Hardy, a teenage detective about to enter tenth grade, is eager for his next big case—especially after recently saving his brother’s life. So when his brother Simon reveals a mission that involves traveling back to the year 1999, Miles jumps at the opportunity.

Although Simon is still running tests on the time machine, Miles can hardly wait. Their mother, a survivor of childhood abuse, relies heavily on medication and often behaves in disturbing ways. Determined to change her fate, Miles and Simon hope time travel will offer a way to rewrite the past and give her a better life.

With help from their grandfather Scoot’s journals, which offer crucial insights, the boys prepare for the journey ahead. I couldn’t put this book down—it’s fast-paced and thrilling, with Miles and Simon making a compelling team. Miles is a brilliantly crafted character, and if you’re a fan of time travel adventures, this one definitely belongs on your TBR list.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon