Book Reviews – Page 42 – Sassy Reviews

November 10, 2024November 18, 2024

The Compromise

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Compromise: A dark, underworld crime thriller 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Adam Loretz ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Compromise,” a gripping crime thriller by Adam Loretz, takes readers deep into the shadowy underworld of Stockholm, Liverpool, and Amsterdam. The plot revolves around a trio of gangsters—Blair, Mal, and Sparkie—on a relentless pursuit of young Little Al, whose father, Frank, has just been released from prison.

Following her sister Jackie’s tragic death, Sandie has devoted her life to raising Little Al, making countless sacrifices to keep him away from his criminal uncles and their tainted money. Meanwhile, Blair, haunted by memories of his former love Nina, struggles with his past as she now lives a quiet life in Saudi Arabia with her husband and children.

When Frank reenters the picture, Little Al finds himself on the brink of being pulled into the dangerous world his father once inhabited. Blair, determined to protect his family, teams up with the sharp-witted Aitch in a high-stakes mission to find Aitch’s missing girlfriend, Yazz, and his nephew Little Al. Their search takes them through Amsterdam’s notorious streets, where danger lurks at every turn. Along the way, secrets unravel, and new characters, like the enigmatic Cherry, add depth to the unfolding drama.

With its fast-paced narrative, unexpected twists, and vividly drawn characters, The Compromise keeps readers hooked from start to finish. Loretz’s straightforward language and engaging writing style make the story easy to follow, while the well-designed cover and fitting title perfectly complement the book’s tone. Balancing action and suspense, this novel is a thrilling ride that leaves no room for dull moments. A highly enjoyable read!

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

November 9, 2024November 9, 2024

Helena Flinn and the Secrets of the Night

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Helena Flinn and the Secrets of the Night 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Michael Sokolar ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Helena Flinn and the Secrets of the Night” by Michael Sokolar is a compelling novel that pulls readers into a world where mystery meets fantasy. The protagonist, Helena Flinn, hails from Chicago but moved to Vienna with her family when she was five after her mother received a job opportunity. However, for the past several years, Helena has been haunted by unsettling nightmares.

Years ago, during a home renovation, Helena discovered an old pocket watch hidden in the bathroom. She kept it as her own treasured secret, unaware of its hidden significance. This watch, once belonging to her grandfather, now holds mysterious power. Her father, determined to help her overcome her nightmares, takes her to the Institute for Juvenile Sleep Disorders. Then, Helena encounters a curious creature—a goblin named Drizzle Scrollpot. He hints that the world is far more intricate than she imagined and refers to her pocket watch as the “True Night Navigator.” Drizzle advises her to use the watch if she wishes to summon him again.

As Helena grapples with her nightmares and the strange revelations about her watch, readers are taken on an intriguing journey. Sokolar’s writing style is engaging, and the book’s pacing keeps readers hooked from start to finish. With a beautifully designed cover and a captivating plot, this story invites readers to escape into a fantastical world. Michael Sokolar has crafted a delightful read, and I eagerly look forward to his future works.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

November 6, 2024

The Life After

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Life After 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Deidra Lookingbill ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Life After,” crafted by Deidra Lookingbill, is an enthralling novel that takes readers on a journey with Penelope Porter. As her sixteenth birthday approaches, Penelope prepares for a family reunion to celebrate her Aunt Penelope’s birthday, who not only shares her name but also raised Penelope’s father.

In an unexpected twist, a sudden accident separates Penelope’s soul from her body, thrusting her into a realm beyond life. Facing the reality of her own death, Penelope meets a guide assigned to help her navigate the transition from the world of the living to what lies beyond. Though young, she learns she is destined to be recycled rather than remaining in the afterlife. Even though her body is not with her, she could feel the pain. Penelope visited her home to see her family. Read this book to know will her past weight be heavy on her.

This Young Adult fantasy novel is a must-read. It explores themes of life, death, and after-life, encouraging readers to reflect on the importance of kindness and integrity. Deidra Lookingbill’s writing captivates with well-developed characters and a storyline that keeps readers on edge, eager to uncover what awaits Penelope in her journey beyond. The pacing is well-timed, with each page sparking curiosity about what will happen next.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

November 5, 2024November 5, 2024

Days of Undoing

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Days of Undoing 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jonathan Walquist ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Days of Undoing” by Jonathan Walquist takes readers on an engaging journey with Tristan Baker, a high schooler whose life is about to be turned upside down. Tristan has a single, lifelong friend, Lex, and a host of casual acquaintances. On the first day of high school, Tristan was late. Lex was supposed to meet him after school but Tristan couldn’t find her anywhere.

That night, in his dreams, Tristan arrives at “Days Gate,” a mysterious realm where people can alter their past actions. Here, two choices await him: Re:live or Live:on. Desperate to save his kidnapped friend, Tristan chooses Re:live, rewinding his day to prevent Lex’s abduction. The next day, curious and more confident, he selects Live:on—unwittingly opening the door to a mystery involving a girl in a striking red dress. Who is she, and what secrets is she hiding?

Jonathan Walquist’s debut novel captivates from start to finish. Tristan is a well-crafted, relatable protagonist, and the plot feels fresh, with each page offering something new to discover. The book’s title fits perfectly, and the cover art is compelling. “Days of Undoing” left me reflecting on the choices I might make if given a similar opportunity. A fantastic read—highly recommended!

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

November 4, 2024November 4, 2024

Swirling Tides of Flames

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Swirling Tides of Flames 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Wooseok Park ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Wooseok Park’s “Swirling Tides of Flames” is an intriguing tale set in a world scarred by conflict. The protagonist, Solan, is a young orphan who has always believed his parents perished in the devastating Great War, much like so many other children who lost their families.

Solan’s mentor, Master Kaint, urges him to participate in the prestigious Olympiad—a competition renowned across the lands. Though Solan is initially unenthusiastic, Kaint reveals a startling secret: a birthstone that belongs to Solan’s father, along with a clue that the Lighthouse of Life could help locate its owner. Driven by the hope that his parents may still be alive, Solan resolves to join the Olympiad and gains an appointment with the UE, his best shot at reaching the mysterious lighthouse.

In the two months leading up to the competition, Solan throws himself into intense training. The birthstone begins to evoke memories and voices that Solan senses might belong to his father, filling his dreams with faint echoes of the past. Though a decade has passed since the Great War, its devastation remains widespread, with villages in the Democratic Republic of Crimson struggling to rebuild amid a shortage of resources.

With well-crafted world-building, Park’s storytelling pulls readers into a vibrant and tumultuous fantasy realm. Solan’s journey, fueled by hope and resilience, makes him an engaging protagonist, and the Olympiad promises thrilling challenges ahead. This book is a must-read for lovers of epic fantasy, combining gripping plotlines with rich, atmospheric writing.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

November 4, 2024

The Black Wall

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Black Wall: River to the Wasteland 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Brian Douglas MacLeod ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Brian Douglas MacLeod’s novel The Black Wall: River to the Wasteland takes readers on a haunting journey that begins in 1990. David, the main character, is trapped in a mysterious, dreamlike state, able to see only a pitch-black expanse around him. In his visions, he finds himself in a boat propelled forward by a shadowy figure, surrounded by an impenetrable black wall.

As David’s memories begin to resurface, he’s transported back to 1967, where his story intersects with John and Randy. Randy, hardened by a troubled home life, clings to aggression to cope and dreams of escape through military service, hoping to break free from the turmoil of his family. David’s mother, wary of Randy’s influence, tries to keep him away. Yet as events unfold, John’s tragic loss leaves a heavy mark on David’s family.

Now, as he drifts in his strange dream world, David feels the need to escape this endless river, fearing the constant presence of the black wall around him. Can he withstand more loss, or will his sister Sandra, who holds a special place in his life, also face danger?

MacLeod’s writing style grips readers with a well-paced plot that keeps the suspense alive until the end. The cover art alone draws you in, but the narrative holds you there, making this book an unforgettable experience for those looking for something fresh and original. Don’t miss the chance to dive into this story—it’s both a thrill and a haunting reflection on memory and resilience.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

November 4, 2024November 5, 2024

One Shining Soul

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: One Shining Soul 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Wayne L. Wilson ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
I love stories that capture the extraordinary, and Wayne L. Wilson’s “One Shining Soul” does just that. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Venice Beach on the 4th of July, the story follows Olisa, a young girl born with special abilities that her parents have kept hidden from the world.

The holiday takes a dramatic turn when a violent clash breaks out between Black and Latino gangs. Amid the chaos, Olisa steps forward to help Ernesto Padilla, a gang member who has been gravely injured. She touches his wounds, and to the shock of everyone watching, they vanish entirely, as if he had never been hurt. Known for her humility and kindness, Olisa hadn’t performed this miracle for attention—she simply acted out of compassion.

But now, Olisa finds herself thrust into the public eye. Journalist Eva Sanchez is determined to interview her, hoping to make Olisa a sensation. Her father, Joseph, is wary, but Eva persists, eager to tell the world about Olisa’s remarkable gift. Olisa, with her deep empathy and love for humanity, put her own safety on the line to help someone in need. But where will this newfound fame lead her?

The story moves at a rapid pace, with no slow moments. I was captivated not only by the compelling plot but also by Wilson’s choice of title, which feels perfect for the story. I couldn’t put it down! Wilson has woven in themes of media, deception, politics, miracles, secrets, and love, all in a narrative filled with vivid descriptions that fully immerse the reader.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

November 2, 2024

Scourge

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Scourge 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Rodney W. McWilliams ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Those who enjoy reading paranormal fantasy should get their hands on Scourge penned by the author Rodney McWilliams. It is the first book in the Triskellion book series. Angela Benson and Joe Anderson are the detectives who have recently partnered up and are working to investigate the chain of murders.

Angela’s father never liked the fact that she became a detective being a woman. According to him, the role of the protector suits men. But, Angela was lucky to have the support from her mother. Now, her partner Joe supports her well.

When Dr. Allen Palmer performed an autopsy on John Doe, Detectives Angela and Joe attended as representatives from the Homicide Division of the Police Department. Doctor informed that the victim was given facial trauma first and the damage to the torso is the cause of death. Angela was shocked to know about the murderer’s intent to remove the victim’s heart. Who is behind these murders and why is the killer so brutal?

This is a gripping story. Those who enjoy reading stories with many characters should get their hands on this book. The story is full of twists and turns. There are no dull moments in this book. I am eager to read the next book in the series. The author has done fantastic work with the storyline and the characters. The brutality with which people were murdered will leave you in shock.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

November 2, 2024

What a Beautiful Struggle: Thoughts from the Heart

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: What a Beautiful Struggle: Thoughts from the Heart 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Opio ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“What a Beautiful Struggle: Thoughts from the Heart” by Opio offers a deeply insightful perspective on turning life’s struggles into a meaningful and transformative journey. Through a collection of daily reflections, the author shares personal thoughts and meditations that encourage readers to find beauty and purpose in their challenges.

One thought, “Always Live by a particular “Creed” in life,” inspires us to focus only on what we can control.

“How do you do?” prompts readers to reflect on what they allow into their minds and hearts, understanding that these influences shape our actions and outlook.

Meanwhile, “Time to Get Motivated” serves as a call to make the most of our time, helping us avoid regrets about missed opportunities.

For anyone interested in personal growth and self-discovery, this book offers valuable insights. I plan to read a passage daily to help stay inspired and positive. The themes of character-building and introspection in Opio’s writing resonate deeply with me, and I’m grateful for his honest reflections. This is a truly worthwhile read for anyone on a journey of self-improvement.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

November 1, 2024

Jeff – Trust Me

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Jeff – Trust Me 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Barbara Eckhoff ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Jeff – Trust Me” by Barbara Eckhoff delivers a captivating tale with twists and turns that keep readers hooked. The story follows Jeff, a man seeking solace after a troubling final case in Washington that pushed him to resign and escape his old life. Haunted by nightmares, he checks into a cozy inn in Lexington, hoping for a quiet reprieve. But things take an intriguing turn when he meets Raven, the innkeeper’s daughter. Skeptical of Jeff’s intentions, she secretly investigates him, believing there’s more to his story.

Raven has her own complicated past, having left her modeling career to pursue a role as an FBI profiler. But as mysterious and disturbing news starts surfacing around her, she’s unsure if Jeff’s presence is a coincidence or if there’s a deeper connection between him and the recent events. Is Jeff a charming stranger simply looking to heal, or is there a darker truth beneath his arrival?

This book was an absolute page-turner. The chemistry between Jeff and Raven unfolds against a well-crafted, atmospheric setting, making the suspense even more intense. The writing is straightforward and accessible, while the plot’s pace and unexpected developments had me hooked from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and found it impossible to put down!

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon