Real Steel

When you hear the term 'fighting giant robots' you immediately picture Michael Bay's Transformers Trilogy but this is definitely not that. Real Steel is definitely a different brand of metal-on-metal action. Based on Richard Matheson’s 1956 short story “Steel,” Real Steel isn’t an action adventure about giant war robots, it’s a much more intimate story about an estranged father and son – as well as their not-so-giant boxing robot.


The greatest achievement in Shawn Levy’s Real Steel is building the world of robot boxing. The term “robot boxing” sounds incredibly stupid when you hear it and flashes of Rock ‘Em, Sock ‘Em Robots. But Levy does a tremendous job for showing not just the hi-tech wonder of the World Boxing Organization (WBO), but he takes us to the back-alleys, run-down theme parks, and country fairs where a punching robot and its owner can make some cash and win some glory. Paired with well-choreographed fights that wisely make heavy use of animatronics and practical effects, Real Steel almost has an unbeatable combination.

Charlie Keaton (Hugh Jackman), former boxer had to step outside the ring to make his living off the boxing robots that basically took his job. However, his impatience, ineptitude, and poor business acumen have left him heavily in debt and scrambling to find any robot that can put up a fight. Lucky for Charlie, his ex-girlfriend dies and he finds a chance to make some quick money by selling custody of his estranged son Max (Goyo) to Max’s aunt (Hope Davis) and her rich husband (James Rebhorn). Charlie cuts a deal to take Max over the summer while the aunt and uncle go to Italy and when they come back, Charlie gets the rest of his money, Max doesn’t have to put up with his deadbeat father, and everyone is happy. But the father-son duo get behind ATOM, a sparring bot and well well well they finally begin to bond with Max providing the voice of reason against Charlie’s general incompetence.

There have been a lots of attempts at such a story but keep all that aside. The real reason for the success of Real Steel is the chemistry between the father-son duo of Jackman and Goyo. As mentioned, there are some self-indulgent moments and the progression is probably going to be pretty predictable for anyone who has ever seen an estranged father/son relationship in a film before, but Real Steel deserves a lot of credit for not gumming up the plot with too much melodrama. The relationship is worked into the story in a competent way – it’s rarely manipulative and both parties are instrumental in moving the story forward, not just reacting to external events. It doesn’t hurt that Jackman and Goyo, unlike many onscreen father/son combos, actually have believable chemistry – which helps elevate the tension and/or humor in several key scenes.

And no doubt the biggest and some of the best sequences come from the robot vs. robot action. For the most part these sequences live up to expectation with some very believable CGI work as well as an enjoyable mix of robots that each feature different fighting styles. While not every bot is as interesting as some of the featured fighters, each of the combatants offers a different insight into the world of Real Steel. Whether competing in underground fighting arenas, backyard brawls, or the glitz and glamor of an official WRB ring, it’s clear that Levy wanted the robots to flesh out this near-future world – not just beat each other into nuts and bolts. Unfortunately besides the few glimpses on the robot boxing levels we are not shown as to the back story for the development of the scenario. 

While the lack of information does make for compelling Real Steel 2 potential, there’s no doubt the current narrative gets short-shrift and some of the established plot lines could’ve been more fully realized in this film. It isn’t a case of unreasonable expectations or wishing Levy had gone deeper into unexplored mythology, it’s a matter of wanting the film to address existing story threads, instead of intentionally withholding, just to have a starting point for a sequel.

But the real question is if this new flick is going to survive or not.....and the answer is yes. Story and characters are the most important elements of almost any movie, and they’re serviceable enough to make Real Steel function. There’s not a disinterest in those crucial elements as much as poor execution through sloppy dialogue. Thankfully, the movie plays to its strengths by bringing the audience into a rich and fascinating world filled with exhilarating fight scenes. Despite a few problems in there Real Steel proves a great entertainment movie. That is clean and family oriented.

Real Steel

The Body Finder #2: Desires of the Dead

Less creepy and more as a message conveying what is to come, I present before you allThe Body Finder #2 Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting.

Here is the summary of the book:

Violet can sense the echoes of those who've been murdered—and the matching imprint that clings to their killers. Only those closest to her know what she is capable of, but when she discovers the body of a young boy she also draws the attention of the FBI, threatening her entire way of life. As Violet works to keep her morbid ability a secret, she unwittingly becomes the object of a dangerous obsession. Normally she'd turn to her best friend, Jay, except now that they are officially a couple, the rules of their relationship seem to have changed. And with Jay spending more and more time with his new friend Mike, Violet is left with too much time on her hands as she wonders where things went wrong. But when she fills the void by digging into Mike's tragic family history, she stumbles upon a dark truth that could put everyone in danger.

What would life be without a few spices in its wake? Pretty boring don’t you think? But if that spice turns out to be an ability that is creepy, disorienting and danger magnet - well you might hope to actually have a life of normally….although that might not be the option available to you, at all. With a sense of righteousness and lack of self-preservation is just the added bonus to the mix don’t you think?

All of the above lines greatly describe the protagonist of our tale, Violet Ambrose. And this is where we pick up the reigns after the first book The Body Finder where we are introduced to Violet and her ability to sense the dead, un-rested souls. Although her ability proved very much helpful in tracking a hunter on the loose, it was also because of this that she almost lost her life. Oh and not to forget Jay Heaton who has been her best friend for so many years is now her boyfriend….hmm.. Somewhere along the line friendship turned into love I suppose.

This is where Desires of the Dead picks up after a harrowing year of hunters and stalkers life at the moment seems to be perfect for Violet. She has great friends, an awesome family, a great boyfriend (who is also her best friend) and they are going steady. The days seem to be mundane at best, well not mundane enough if you consider all the “homework” sessions (notice the double quotes?) that Violet and Jay have together.

And like always the calm is about to be shattered – Jay has got a new friend Mike upon whom Chelsea seems to have set her eyes. So now Jay spends so much time with Mike that Violet seems left out. And would you look at that Violet seems to have a new stalker up her tail (sorry not going to disclose the name as the person has already apologized). Along with all this Violet has a lot of things of her own going on. She found another dead body – a little boy this time. And something or the other makes somebody else find out about her ability. Mistakes are made, trust issues are raised and Violet and Jay decide upon an important step of their life.

Desires of the dead if described in a few words as a right to passage, simple enough Violet, Jay and the whole crew is growing up, puberty stage if you call. Everything is confusing, different, heightened, a new sense of meaning in everything around them. This is a stage to make the important decisions that could change their lives forever.

As I had stated in the previous review of the body finder, this book is all about a normal, high school life with a hint of paranormality. This element definitely does not rule the story but enhances its vigor. A major plus point for the series and the author Kimberly Derting in my books. Dividing and telling the story from two POV makes it even more interesting to read and enjoy. Definitely a favourite, it is enough to understand that whatever happens in here is most certainly a precursor to the next book “The Last Echo”.

The Body Finder #2: Desires of the Dead

Lorien Legacies #2: The Power of Six

Sequel better than the series pilot?....Definitely. This is Lorien Legacies #2 The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore (Jobie Hughes & James Frey).

Here is the summary of the book:

I've seen him on the news. Followed the stories about what happened in Ohio. John Smith, out there, on the run. To the world, he's a mystery. But to me . . . he's one of us. Nine of us came here, but sometimes I wonder if time has changed us—if we all still believe in our mission. How can I know? There are six of us left. We're hiding, blending in, avoiding contact with one another . . . but our Legacies are developing, and soon we'll be equipped to fight. Is John Number Four, and is his appearance the sign I've been waiting for? And what about Number Five and Six? Could one of them be the raven-haired girl with the stormy eyes from my dreams? The girl with powers that are beyond anything I could ever imagine? The girl who may be strong enough to bring the six of us together? They caught Number One in Malaysia. Number Two in England. And Number Three in Kenya. They tried to catch Number Four in Ohio—and failed. I am Number Seven. One of six still alive. And I'm ready to fight.

I am Number Four ended with four a.k.a. John Smith loosing Henri, confronting the Mogs, meeting number six, finding love in the form of Sarah Hart, becoming best friends with Sam Goode and deciding to go find the other Loric - regroup and battle the Mogs once and for all with Sam, Six and his chimera, Bernie Kosar.

These lines pretty much say it all and this is where the next book power of six picks up. Our little band of the merry men....and women are on the run and doing all they can to evade the authorities and find all the remaining numbers....yes the police and the FBI have now instigated them as the terrorist as fake ids were found at their last residence in Paradise, Ohio....

And its one hell of a journey I tell you.....

That is not all there is to this book. Wait for it.....new characters. The book definitely introduces us to a horde of new characters. We meet seven and her Cepan who are in hiding in a remote area in Italy and trying to evade the notice of the Mogs. But even that is too good to last. Trouble seems to find them everywhere.

All that aside lets talk about the characters we meet here. Hector Ricardo, oh I simply loved him. He is a great friend to Seven, he is reliable, he is drunk (don't think too much about it), and he is what is you call a kindred spirit. Then there is number seven herself and she is feeling rather rebellious as she comes of age - developing her legacies and sense the deja vu.....her situation is somewhat the same as John's was.

John is every bit of tough and strong but he misses Henri and feels rather lost without his Cepan to take care of him. Add to that he misses Sarah.

The Power of Six, is for a lack of a better word, something you all shouldn't miss. A must read for all who are fans and who are readers. Pittacus Lore is the man, although the concept of an alien sci-fi tale but I must say it is the level of creativity involved here that makes it possible. You definitely can't miss this one.

And before I forget the title definitely doesn't seem the power of number six.

Lorien Legacies #2: The Power of Six

The Sleepwalkers

Is it just or recently we have been getting a lot of movies and books in the horror genre of literature?.... Anyways I present before you all the review of The Sleepwalkers by J. Gabriel Gates and thanks to both netgalley and the publishers for providing its galley.

Here is the summary of the book:

A chilling and masterfully crafted teen horror novel guaranteed to keep the pages turning, the mind reeling, and the lamp on any reader's bedside table on long after midnight. Privileged and popular Caleb Mason is celebrating his high school graduation when he receives a mysterious, disturbing letter from his long-lost childhood playmate, Christine. Caleb and his jokester friend Bean decide to travel to his tiny hometown of Hudsonville, Florida, to find her. Upon arrival, they discover the town has taken a horrifying turn for the worse. Caleb's childhood home is abandoned and his father has disappeared. Children are going missing. The old insane asylum has reopened, and Christine is locked inside. Her mother, a witch, is consumed with madness, and Christine's long-dead twin sister whispers clues to Caleb through the static of an a.m. radio. The terrifying prophesies of the spirits are coming to pass. Sixteen clocks are ticking; sixty-six murdered souls will bring about the end of the world. As Caleb peels back layer after layer of mystery, he uncovers a truth more horrible than anything he had imagined, a truth that could only be uttered by the lips of the dead.
William Caleb “Billy” Mason has graduated from school and is about to go for a journalism degree in college but at his graduation party he gets a letter from a childhood friend named Christine Zikry about the strange on-goings of his hometown – people are going missing every time and the authorities could care less. Decided his course of action Caleb and his best friend Bean decide to go to Caleb’s hometown to see what the fuss is all about and to help Christine in whatever mess she has landed herself in.

But reaching these they find that it’s a whole new different story. Something is happening there. Something is going on that has all the town folks scared. The haunted old asylum building where the kids were forbidden to enter has now been reopened as the dream centre; basically a new asylum and the patients at the general hospital are all told to go the dream centre, even if they are not mad.

And to top off all that Caleb’s dad is also missing and there has absolutely been no reports about that or any other disappearances at all. In these troubled situations Caleb’s investigative attitude comes to the foreplay and he and Bean try to do all they can to find the true cause of the horror or the nature of the paranormality that is Caleb’s hometown; but these secrets might just shake the foundation of Caleb and Bean’s world.

The Sleepwalkers is what you might call an atmospheric horror story. Although there are lots many actually points that make it an actual horror saga but yes it is the atmosphere and the strange darkness that surrounds the story that shapes that shapes that jaw-dropping conclusion. The Sleepwalker is what you call an ideal speculative and splendidly written paranormal plot by J. Gabriel Gates.

It is every bit mysterious, strange, dark and apocalyptic as it can get in one single story; that just goes to show the level of creativity and the hard work that went into incorporating all the elements and making it into one cohesive tale. The Sleepwalker is a definite must read for any horror and paranormal reader who love to be surprised.

The Sleepwalkers

The Body Finder #1: The Body Finder

What would you do if you ever developed the ability to sense the dead and un-rested souls? Not really a power one wants but let’s see how it is dealt with in The Body Finder #1 The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting.

Here is the summary of the book:

Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes that the dead leave behind in the world... and the imprints that attach to their killers. Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find the dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him. Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer... and becoming his prey herself.

Superhuman strength; Lab experimenting turning you into the ultimate soldier; the ability to see the past, present and future; the x-genes giving you the ability to shoot flames, ice, x-ray vision, telekinetics, heightened brain cells, mind reading, manipulating iron etc. All very clean and healthy abilities to have but what if you instead have the ability to sense the echoes of the dead un-rested souls, crying for help, for someone to hear them and put them to their proper resting place; definitely a very creepy ability to possess and this is where we meet Violet Ambrose, the protagonist of the body finder series. She can sense the dead, the un-rested wailing to quench them of their gory end.

Violet is what you call a normal high-school student, a teenager going through and pushing through in the busy throngs of school, experiencing every hormonal need a teenager does and has great friends. But she has a secret, a secret that might get her unnecessary attention – she can sense the dead – not just any dead – she can sense them the un-rested the worst – for these souls have not been put to rest but covered up in the most gruesome of ways possible. It can be animals, and it can be human dead bodies. Only her family and her best friend Jay Heaton know that she possess this ability and know to keep quiet about it.

Throw in the mix her best friend since childhood (already mentioned) Jay Heaton. Not only did they both grow up together but now Violet is starting to feel different about him. The strange butterflies in the stomach, catching her breath whenever he smiles at her, her insides doing somersaults at the thought of the guy, daydreaming about him, getting jealous when any other girl fawns over him, all the symptoms point to the burgeoning feelings of love and attraction to the opposite sex. Yes, her best friend has developed to be quite the hottie and they had thought would never be possible between them, disgusting even, is becoming true.

Every girl in school wants him now and are secretly looking for ways attracting his attention towards them but somehow Jay seems oblivious of all this…..not for long I assure you. Circumstances, well hormonal teenager related circumstances lead both Violet and Jay to realize their feelings for one another.

Something is going on among all this day-to-day routine. Teenage girls…beautiful even are turning up dead and covered up and buried in forest floors, left in the waters even buried in pits. There is a serial killer on the loose and girls are not safe anymore. But searching the essence of the victims or the imprint of the hunter, Violet might just be playing into their trap.

All this said The Body Finder has an amazing and it really sets you in the mood with both the ebook and audiobook at the same time. The writing is very well done. We find both Violet and Jay along with their friends are really easy to connect with. All of them are just as normal and sane as any other person…. well excluding Violet’s ability to sense the dead un-rested souls and the imprints on the hunters that is. The one thing that is a major plus point for Violet is that she knows that she is no superhero but is very brave and rather lacks the quality of self-preservation for herself and Jay is also well written and their chemistry and all their interaction is very well…..adorable and cute.

What should I say about the conclusion and the case going on through it? Definitely sets the mood, we are always anticipating what might happen next, who would be the next victim. And all the portions in the killer’s might of view really drove the nail hard of the coming storm.

Overall Kimberly Derting has done a great job with this one and like in every other paranormal story where the plot is always shaped around the abilities of the character here it felt as if the person (Violet) was running around with an extra ordinary sixth-sense and going through life as a mundane day would be like.

The Body Finder #1: The Body Finder

Lorien Legacies #0.5 I am Number Four: The Lost Files : Six's Legacy

A prequel tale that deals with the background of the independent and foxy number 6, how she came by her legacy, who was her guardian, what happened to her. I present before you all The Lost Files: Six's Legacy by Pittacus Lore.

Here is the summary of the novella:

Number Six—when John meets her in I Am Number Four she’s strong, powerful, and ready to fight. But who is she? Where has she been living? How has she been training? When did she develop her legacies? And how does she know so much about the Mogadorians? In I Am Number Four: The Lost Files: Six’s Legacy, discover the story behind Six. Before Paradise, Ohio, before John Smith, Six was traveling through West Texas with her CÊpan, Katarina. What happened there would change Six forever….

Who is number 6? How did her legacies developed? Why did she not have her CÊpan with her when she met Number 4 - John Smith in I am number Four? And why was she searching for the others? -- All the questions are answered in here. The Lost Files is an account of the circumstances leading to the meeting of Number 4 and 6. We have 6's back story in here; how she met the Mogs and how her CÊpan Katarina dies.

And there is only word to describe number 6 - BADASS - yes she is badass - as we have already seen in Number four she is strong, fearless, a little reckless. This novella tells where she was, how she was captured and the death of her CÊpan. What I liked best was how the story drove home the point of how dangerous all of their lives are. The first book was more matter-of-fact, "Numbers 1, 2 and 3 were killed." It never really felt that John was in danger until the climax. But the harrowing saga of Number 6 really drives a hard nail. She kills without mercy and she also kills with vengeance. Now, all alone, she wants to meet her other kind. Three already died and she's pursuing the Fourth.

All in all Jobie Hughes and Jamie Frey aka Pittacus Lore did a great job. It was short - it was interesting - it was informative - and it was action packed. What more do you need?

Lorien Legacies #0.5 I am Number Four: The Lost Files : Six's Legacy

Crossroads

After vampires, zombies and post-apocalyptic scenarios nephilim and the heavenly beings seem to be heavy on the teen book scene. So I present before you all Crosseds by Mary Ting.

Here is the summary of the book:

Claudia Emerson has a good friend who shares the same first name and last name. That friend unfortunately dies in a tragic accident during homecoming dance. Claudia is distraught at the loss of her friend, but is even more disturbed by her dreams, which seem to take her to another place called Crossroads. Unknown to her, Crossroads is like a second heaven, a place between heaven and earth. It is where the souls of humans in comas or near death experiences may wander. Where, Claudia meets Michael, a nephilim, a half angel, half human, whom she often meets in her dreams. It turns out that this isn’t her first visit to Crossroads, which is an enigma for no human can ever travel there until Claudia. Now the fallen and demons are after her, suspecting she must be special and it is up to Michael and the other nephilims to protect her. Her dream becomes a nightmare as more secrets are revealed, about who she really is, and the true identities of the people she loves most. Can Michael fight his growing feelings for Claudia and protect her as a guardian angel should?
Claudia Emerson is a simple teen who leads a some of about mundane teenage life but with weird dreams. Although she does not realize it but the place she dreams of is called the crossroads. Crossroads is by standards a place that lies between heaven and Earth, it is where the souls of humans in coma or near death experiences may wonder. In all of her dreams she somehow makes it there which is rather weird because humans are not known to always wander there. It is at the crossroads where she meets a handsome Nephilim or alkin by the name of Micheal, who she meets in her dreams often. And it might not be the first time she visit the place.

But now danger is upon her, the fallen angels and demons are after her for something. Suspected that Claudia must be special it is upon the Nephilim and Micheal to protect her and see that she encounters no harm. Her dreams have now become nightmare and secrets about her identity are revealed. But can Michael control his growing need for her and protect her as a guardian angel should that waits to be seen.

Crossroads is one easy and a quick read. The first part of the book was lovely in all points of view but the second part felt like it could have used a bit of more work. But forget that I still loved the book. It was definitely a refreshing read and the interactions between Claudia and Micheal or with the other Nephilim was nicely done and exciting to read.

Claudia is a very down to Earth person and very likeable. Micheal on the other hand is well handsome and sexy and can easily be seen as to why she is attracted to him. The burgeoning relationship between them both is very gripping and rather very serene to the touch. Besides our lead couple we also have a great ensemble cast with us. Davin, Vivian, Caleb, Gamma, Philip, Patty and everyone else leaves an imprint upon us. And after reading so many vampire and every other Paranormal or supernatural genre it is very refreshing to read about all the myths and lore related to angels. Also the setting of the environment for the novel and the in-depth knowledge Ms. Ting provides about the Crossroads is very refreshing and nicely done.

"Love really knows no boundaries."

Crossroads

The Demon Lover

The one compelling reason i picked up this book was this cover and i was glad cause this was different and although there may be a lot of books like these today but this one was great, The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark.

Here is the summary of the book:

I gasped . . . or tried to. My mouth opened, but I couldn’t draw breath. . . . His lips, pearly wet, parted and he blew into my mouth. My lungs expanded beneath his weight. When I exhaled he sucked in my breath and his weight turned from cold marble into warm living flesh. Since accepting a teaching position at remote Fairwick College in upstate New York, Callie McFay has experienced the same disturbingly erotic dream every night: A mist enters her bedroom, then takes the shape of a virile, seductive stranger who proceeds to ravish her in the most toe-curling, wholly satisfying ways possible. Perhaps these dreams are the result of writing her bestselling book, The Sex Lives of Demon Lovers. After all, Callie’s lifelong passion is the intersection of lurid fairy tales and Gothic literature—which is why she finds herself at Fairwick’s renowned folklore department, living in a once-stately Victorian house that, at first sight, seemed to call her name. But Callie soon realizes that her dreams are alarmingly real. She has a demon lover—an incubus—and he will seduce her, pleasure her, and eventually suck the very life from her. Then Callie makes another startling discovery: He’s not the only mythical creature in Fairwick. As the tenured witches of the college and the resident fairies in the surrounding woods prepare to cast out the incubus, Callie must accomplish something infinitely more difficult—banishing this demon lover from her heart.
Callie gets a job as an assistant professor in Fairwick College in upstate New York and gets in a teensy wit of trouble in her relationship. Her boyfriend and they had decided to get job in the new york together not be hundreds of miles apart where only Thanksgiving or Christmas where they might be able to see each other but there is also a small pesky problem Callie has a demon lover - an incubi - visiting her dreams and all the desires. This starts to be a problem and when the local witches intervene to put a stop to the incubus, not only Callie must get together with them and try to banish him from the area but also banish her demon lover from her heart.

Juliet Dark is the pseudonym of Carol Goodman. She writes historical gothic fiction and literary mysteries. This is her first romantic paranormal fantasy and she succeeds beautifully. Now the prose is really a thing to die for. The way she compares and writes is marvelous. It shows her literary penmanship. Also every scenario shows Callie as she struggles with life, its meaning, her new role in society and maybe try to banish this mysterious lover who visits her dreams. Secrets are revealed - twists are present and the erotic needs are there too. Not to mention all the traditional witchcraft, the folk-lores and the old Gods. All the details and information very intriguing indeed.

An extremely easy and exquisite read.(Warning sexual content!) The Demon Lover will take you in and shows you wonders.

The Demon Lover

The Iron Fey #3: The Iron Knight

Feel like saying thousand thank you(s) to netgalley. If I had never gotten the email alert all those months back that they were putting a galley of it there, then I would never have picked up the Iron Fey series from my 'to-be-read' pile so soon. Thank you netgalley and thank you to the publisher for putting it on there. May I present an early review of the upcoming book in The Iron Fey #4 The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa.

Here is the review of the book:

Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing. Unless he can earn a soul. To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought. Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive. With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side. To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale. And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.
As I stated above if not for netgalley I never would have picked up the Iron fey books from my tbr pile so soon......and to think would have missed out on so much. So lets get on with the review then. The Iron Knight picks up straight where the Iron Queen and upto some extent Summer's Crossing finishes.

After the defeat of the false king Meghan has taken over or well accepted her destiny as the sovereign ruler of the Iron Court and in order to save her beloved Ash, who had sworn to be her knight had banished to save him from being poisoned by the Iron. Why? Because Iron is a kryptonite for the oldworld fey and Ash belongs to the Unseelie Court. In doing so not only is she saving Ash but also sacrifice her love for him(or so she thinks).

But all is not over Ash has sworn that some way or another he would be with her in the end and would do anything in his power to get his happy ending with Meghan.

And this journey is what we find within the pages of The Iron Knight. Ash along with Puck, Grimalkin and a certain "hunter" take the most peculiar adventure through Nevernever. What do they search for? A way for Ash to be with Meghan without the iron interfering between them. A jorney for Ash to gain a soul. A journey that stands the test of time for many have tried but failed. So can Ash, Puck, Grimalkin and "the hunter"succeed what had never been achieved?

The very first page of the book quotes "Team Ash, This one is for you" and for all those Team Ash it is. While Meghan was sorely missed (although is in background here) but we understand The Iron Queen was the conclusion to her story but for Ash it was just beginning.

The Iron Knight offers us a glimpse of the complexity that is Ash. We get to see in Ash's mind, his struggles to attain his promise that he had made to Meghan, his dark past, the nature of his relationship to Puck and with his past lover Ariella. For an Unseelie prince it is weakness to show emotion and Ash knows it. Not only is he loyal but there are true horrors in his past that he definitely never shares with anyone. Never giving in to his inner darkness ever.

You all might even start questioning if Ash deserves redemption or not. His journey is a lot more that just finding his soul but becoming somebody else entirely. The harrowing steps of his journey break the Winter Ash bit by bit and out leaves an Ash who is free of the burdens of the past.

Not just Ash but Puck also comes entirely as a new person here. When Ariella died he lost not one but two of his dear friends and inspite of lashing out he has held the pain inside and as you say it 'taking it in turns'. Puck is as fun loving as he is loyal and Iron Knight shows us a rather very serious side of him. Grim is still the same as ever with his cat-ly annoying "know-it-all" attitude.

Julie Kagawa is the boss....for this definitely does not disappoint in the slightest. Twists and turns, coming to terms with your past, resolving centuries long enemity and seeing your promise till the end. This book definitely does not disappoint.

The Iron Fey #3: The Iron Knight

The Locksmith

Very few memoirs interest me and so it goes I present before you all, The Locksmith by Lafe Metz (as told by Kurt Mann).

Here is the summary of the book:

Kristallnacht. Midnight. Sixteen-year-old Kurt Kann hurtles 300 miles across Germany on a motorcycle to protect his family from the unbottled fury of the Third Reich. But he arrives too late. Kurt finds their apartment ransacked and his family gone. His mother has been brutalized, his little brother traumatized, his father imprisoned in Dachau. With daring and ingenuity, Kurt suppresses his own terror to defy the Nazi regime in a desperate struggle to win his family's freedom and secure passage to America. Years later, as a Sergeant in the 203d Engineer Combat Battalion, Kurt leads his squad onto Omaha Beach. He marches across the continent, leaving dead Germans and broken hearts in his wake. Nothing will satisfy him but a final showdown with the Superintendent who betrayed his family that fateful night in November, 1938. In the battle for one man's soul, will Kurt succumb to blood lust and vengeance, or transcend cruelty and injustice to achieve understanding and something like love?

Told through the pen of Lafe Metz by Kurt Mann, it speaks of the locksmith - a true story of a young Kurt, Jewish in the Nazi Germany. Our tale begins in Kristallnacht hurrying home to in order to protect his family but he is a little bit too late. His apartments have already been searched and ransacked and his family in shambles with his father imprisoned in Dachau. Hearing of the wrong done upon his family Kurt is upset but rises to the occasion and is determined to get his father out of the concentration camp and avenge her mother's embarrassment.

After successfully getting his family to America through the bribe money they decide to start anew there. But trouble arises again with the pearl harbor under attack and revenge against the superintendent who had betrayed his family to the Nazis in mind, Kurt returns to Germany to attain his goal.

The two world wars were a difficult time, certainly I was not born then but I had read enough history books to know that war times are the harshest and WWII is well by far a disastrous time of the age. Nazi Germany were not only a ruthless bunch but every thing that had happened under Hitler's rule definitely does not paint Germany in good light and especially against the Jews there. So to get to read a true count of Mr. Mann who was successful enough to evade that and escape to America and there after returning to Germany as an American soldier, well the details speak for themselves - those were harsh times.

Although at times certain points could have used a bit more details but nevertheless the book truly had us transferred to the Nazi era and all of Kurt Mann's struggle against them in order to keep his family safe were awe-inspiring. A true encounter to look at.

The Locksmith

The Arranger

Thriller, suspense, futuristic and cunningly crafted, I present before you all my views The Arranger by L.J. Sellers.

Here is the summary of the book:

The year is 2023 and ex-detective Lara Evans is working as a freelance paramedic in a bleak new world. She responds to an emergency call and is nearly killed when a shooter flees the home. Inside she finds the federal employment commissioner wounded, but she’s able to save his life. The next day Lara leaves for the Gauntlet—a national competition of intense physical and mental challenges with high stakes for her home state. She spots the assailant lurking at the arena and soon after, she lands in deep trouble. Who is the mysterious killer and what is motivating him? Can Lara stop him, stay alive, and win the Gauntlet?
Set in 2023 USA our story by far revolves around two arcs. One shows of ex-cop and current paramedic Lara Evans who as her duty states much respond to every distress calls and responds to an emergency but is nearly killed when a shooter flees from the scene of crimes and who would she find as the victim but the federal employment commissioner. Co-incidence, think not - on the eve of her leaving for the Gauntlet - a national competition of intense mental and physical prowess and high stakes for her home town, the winner not only gets a huge prize money and a line-up of advertisements to showcase her but also wins jobs for her hometown - which is a rather good way of earning in the future when due to deflation numerous people face unemployment and the working few try to hold onto their post with a long list of replacements in tow. So Lara wants the jobs to return to her state and is determined to win the competition.

She sees that assailant at the gauntlet games and lands herself in trouble with the Gauntlet managing committee. Can she stop this person before something worse happens and also win the games....well read on...read on.

Lara Evans is our typical heroine, 42 years old, ex-cop a homicide detective and now a freelance EMT is rather a reckless person rushing into scenes without thinking and is a rather determined and point to be noted wants to win at the Gauntlet games and breaking the notion that woman don't win there. But as usual trouble follows and after her roommate is found dead she must do all she can to stay alive and simultaneously try to catch this mysterious attacker.

One arc done the next one follows simultaneously of a nerdy-geeky who is the one arranging the mishaps. Rather lonely and an attention seeker would do anything to gain the affections of a girl he likes.

So the future is rather bleak don't you think? Well the government is still the same. Corruption is abound in all fields of society. The federal government in the USA has been radically downsized, unemployment is high, health insurance is rare and a lot of government services, including basic EMT and police services have been cut to the bone. There are elements of dystopian near future sci-fi afloat as well. Corporations and big business are the true powers, as they control all government agencies and control who works where and the position they can occupy. Salary raises and advances are a part of the pages of history books.

A nice setup to the Gauntlet games as well. A part that is rather very well written and very exciting. And vaguely resembles The hunger games(Suzanne Collins) but to a 9 out of 100% mark. Since the money is scare it is a good setup and there is the grant money as well. The winners bring home money for their home state, which can be used to generate jobs. This devotion of hers to bring back the jobs to her state is a cause to cheer for.

There are some elements of surprise as well and it is how the two arks co-relate is the point that makes the story work. Miss Sellers has done a very great job with it.

The Arranger

The Iron Fey #3.5: Summer's Crossing

Finally gaining some ground on Puck. I present before you all The Iron Fey #3.5 Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa.

Here is the summary of the novella:

A Midsummer's Nightmare? Robin Goodfellow. Puck. Summer Court prankster, King Oberon's right hand, bane of many a faery queen's existence—and secret friend to Prince Ash of the Winter Court. Until one girl's death came between them, and another girl stole both their hearts. Now Ash has granted one favor too many and someone's come to collect, forcing the prince to a place he cannot go without Puck's help—into the heart of the Summer Court. And Puck faces the ultimate choice—betray Ash and possibly win the girl they both love, or help his former friend turned bitter enemy pull off a deception that no true faery prankster could possibly resist. An ebook exclusive novella from Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series.

Summer's Crossing is a bridging gap between 'The Iron Queen' and 'The Iron Knight' and in Puck's point of view. Ash has too many debts needed to be paid off and one comes to collect her side of the contract. It is the duty of the fey to complete their sides of the contract and Ash must follow even if it means entering enemy realms to retrieve stolen items or being or anything as required. And for that he needs his once-friend-now-turned-enemy Puck's help. But true to his nature and little nudge from his master Puck has decided to lay trouble in Ash's way of going through his end of the deal. Both fell for the same girl and both want her....well this can't be good can it?

Aside from Ash and Meghan and the usual, the one character that I really like and respect is Robin Goodfellow a.k.a. Puck. He is the one character that balances out all the seriousness and the mushiness between Ash and Meghan and is everything a jester should be. This novella sheds some light upon the inner workings of the mind of Puck. He clearly still loves Meghan...well can't be blamed, she did return his feelings for sometime before deciding on Ash. And its a good change from all the emotional drama that surrounds the two lovely couple.

Thumbs up for Ms. Kagawa! So psyched about reading "The Iron Knight" now.

The Iron Fey #3.5: Summer's Crossing

The Iron Fey #3: The Iron Queen

Another fast record. OMG! I'm on a roll. Oh well.....so I present before you The Iron fey #3 The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa.

Here is the summary of the book:

My name is Meghan Chase. I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it. This time, there will be no turning back.

So Ash and Meghan have been sent to exile never to return to nevernever ever, well until announced otherwise at least by their sires. Their crime fall in love with one another. Its a rule or should I say law that a Summer Fey and a Winter Fey are not meant to be together. But danger still lurks around the corners. The false iron king has declared open war on the Seelie and the Unseelie Courts and as they myth goes these two 'oldworld' feary can't even turn a hair off from these abominations (iron fey), simple iron does not bode well for them. So naturally Ash, Meghan and Puck (who was later also exiled by the Erlking) are called back because well they are the only ones or better yet Meghan is the only one who can enter the Iron realm without being poisoned by its effect and as her knight and lover (Prince Ash) and her best friend (Puck) tag along as well on this new quest to put a stop to the false king's advent. With loads of help from yours truly Grimalkin.

The Iron Queen *kicks-butt* literally. Its not only the level of details that gives it a positive leverage and staying true to the old saying but its only about the way the characters co-relate with one another. This book is definitely about Meghan, about how much she had grown in the span of time she spent in the feary. Witnessing so many things that normal humans are meant too(well she isn't normal, she is half-fey) and growing into a sensible and an unselfish Queen. Towards the end of this book Meghan finally comes to embrace her destiny, which is a rather huge task to accomplish. As well as uniting them all and accepting the good and the bad.

Not just Meghan but Ash and Puck play a huge role here as well. Now I'm always for Team Ash since it was blatantly obvious from the start and well he is rather gorgeous as well....well Puck could have gone there too but he waited too long to make his move and I have to say he sound rather like a best friend material to me. Both are on a constant change in the character scale. Ash out of the bondage of the Winter court has started to show another side of him or has finally decided to drop the indifferent mask he wears all the time. He is now well rather very sweet, he cares a lot for Meghan. He is more open now and rather very lovey-dovey too. That is definitely a 360 degrees change we get to see in few. The extent to which Ash and Meghan would go to be together is rather heart-wrenching(definitely not another Romeo and Juliet....thank God).

Puck on the other, as mischievous as ever (he is Oberon's jester after all) but also shows a certain level of maturity. He knows he has got no chance with Meghan now and has decided to go the way of 'her happiness is my happiness'. Pretty smart of him and very sacrificing. He could easily fight for her love with the elusive Ash but he knows that Meghan loves him(Ash) and would never be able to return his feeling.

Three of them - Meghan, Ash and Puck along with Grim journey to the Iron realm and stop the false king before the whole of the nevernever is destroyed and helping Meghan along the way as she struggles with both her summer and iron powers. Since I have already finished 'Summer's Crossing' as well, I'd say this one was the best yet. Julie Kagawa really has done it again because like a fairy this Iron Fey series manages to enchant you and you can never break free off it strong hold.

The Iron Fey #3: The Iron Queen

The Iron Fey #2: The Iron Daughter

Finished this in five hours. God a new record for me! I present before you all The Iron Fey #2 The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa.

Here is the summary of the book:

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her. Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.
This one starts starts of where Winter's Passage leaves off. As part of the contract between Meghan and Ash, she would willingly go to the Winter realm if Ash helps her to get back who was kidnapped by the Iron King and replaced by a violent changeling.

So Meghan is now in enemy territories a.k.a the winter court and she must tread with caution. Even if she puts one foot out the Unseelie Court, be it the Queen of the court or any of her subjects wouldn't think for a second before turning her into an icicle for the simple reason that she is the Erlking Oberon's daughter (half-daughter). Ash, the mysterious and gorgeous Ash is of no use because well he is loyal to his queen and would have to keep his pokerface on there even if it hurts to watch Meghan be mistreated there. Worst of all Meghan's Summer powers are locked away there in the winter realm.

But the worst is yet to come. During the handing over of the scepter of seasons to the winter court from the summer court the scepter is stolen by the Iron fey. And since no one believes Meghan and Ash about the existence of these new fey species no the blame is put on the summer court. War is upon the horizon for the two courts and the iron fey are on the rise again but this time acting under a false King. So only Meghan and Ash know that the Iron Fey have the scepter and that it must be brought back in order to avert the storm but first they must find out a way out of the Winter court undetected....Will they be able to get the scepter back in time?.......Worry not Puck and Grimalkin are there too.

So The Iron Daughter came as a total surprise. While the previous books of the series both Iron King and the novella Winter's Passage were awesome but this was even better and not to question that I finished it five hours. But Iron Daughter really changes our perceptive around to the corner.

All of our characters evolve her even more. We see new shades of Ash's character - his loyalty - even times when he is angst ridden - his time in the Winter Court with an indifferent mask over his face and even the passionate Ash when he is with Meghan. And his declarations of love for her enough to walk in exile leaving the life of the court behind for her. (Ideal boyfriend material don't you all think? Kinda hard to come by these days unfortunately)

Puck, as mischievous as ever. Definitely living up to his reputation rather thoroughly enough. But even Puck shows more in here. All of his disobeyed orders from Oberon regarding Meghan. Well he's in love with her too. He'd do anything for her but he knows he's late for Ash got there first and he is content to play the over protective best friend for now. Grimalkin as mysterious as ever with all of his "I am a Cat" talk and that tail held high and strutting along.

Don't forget Meghan, she definitely grew ten-folds as a character here. Nevernever is new to her so she is still clueless about the fey realms but she is more wiser now. She is rather the ideal heroine who has absolutely no clue about a thing called self-preservation and definitely has got a giant streak of stubborness in herself. Meghan is faced with some rather important decisions here and some pretty ginormous responsibilities not to mention making calculating moves when dealing with the fey. Its rather interesting to watch all this unfold not to mention her deciding between Puck and Ash (both rather strong contenders for her love).

Thus once again Julie Kagawa astounds us with her lovely writing and all the excitement she has infused in the pages of The Iron Daughter for her readers. I highly recommend to all read the Iron Fey and prepare to be sucked into the nevernever.

The Iron Fey #2: The Iron Daughter

The Iron Fey #1.5: Winter's Passage

Short and to the point. I present before you all, an interim scene between The Iron King and The Iron Daughter, Winter's Passage.

Here is the summary of the scene:

Meghan Chase used to be an ordinary girl...until she discovered that she is really a faery princess. After escaping from the clutches of the deadly Iron fey, Meghan must follow through on her promise to return to the equally dangerous Winter Court with her forbidden love, Prince Ash. But first, Meghan has one request: that they visit Puck--Meghan's best friend and servant of her father, King Oberon--who was gravely injured defending Meghan from the Iron Fey. Yet Meghan and Ash's detour does not go unnoticed. They have caught the attention of an ancient, powerful hunter--a foe that even Ash may not be able to defeat.... An eBook exclusive story from Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series.

Meghan by the end of 'The Iron King' has defeated King Machina and had got her brother back. But she must now honor the end of the deal she had made with the gorgeous winter Prince, Ash.

This scene serves as the account of their journey to the Unseelie Court. And its not a bed of roses. Meghan wants a slight detour from this final departure of sorts - she wants to visit Puck. But this detour does not get unnoticed by an ancient hunter. A hunter who neither belongs to the Seelie or the Unseelie Court. How would Meghan and Ash evade being deleted by his ferocious being?

Winter's Passage is the goods. Every page spews of the anticipation that something is about to happen. Every turn of event speaks of coming horrors. A short scene but Julie Kagawa has out done herself. You'll be surprised - Winter's Passage is really good.

The Iron Fey #1.5: Winter's Passage

The Iron Fey #1: The Iron King

This one has been pilling up for sometime and good enough that it delivers everything it says it would. Lets hear it for Julie Kagawa's The Iron Fey #1 The Iron King.

Here is the summary of the book:

Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined. Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home. When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change. But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

As the vampires and dystopia, the fae seem to be in vogue in the YA book scene. Although I love all things magical but the iron king would be the first book I have read that is of the YA genre. Literary I have come as far as the Shakespeare's 'Midsummer Night's Dream' to the fae lore.

It starts of like this - its Meghan's 16th birthday and definitely nothing can go wrong in her mundane day-to-day life as she like every other highschooler hustles with school with her best friend - well protective best friend Robbie Goodfell to be exact. So its her birthday and like every other day of her life her birthday is nothing different. Even her best friend who is the only one who remembers the day can't repair the dullness of it all. But maybe something is going on and why is she seeing such strange things these days? Well when her younger brother Ethan is kidnapped and replaced by a changeling - a creed of faerie known to be violent - Meghan wants answers. Robbie Goodfell is the one to take charge and he explains the deal about the fae world and that he is King Oberon, the lord of the Seelie (Summer) Court and that Meghan is co-incidentally the only living off-spring of the King of the Summer court - well half-blood.

So with Puck leading the way Meghan enters the Nevernever to only get her brother back. But to her surprise Nevernever is definitely not as the fairytales proclaim them to be. Its tricky, its dangerous and definitely not a place to go joyriding. Aside from being cautious Meghan must be aware of what she says and what she does - for if not careful then by the time she finds her brother she'd be under heavy burden of debts - well nevernever does work on debts doesn't it? Enter Ash, the youngest prince of the Unseelie (Winter) Court. Gorgeous and handsome. Hails from a land frozen in show as the heart is. While his character is enough to give someone a whiplash but Meghan seems to be drawn in to him. And Grimalkin, the mysterious talking cat who is as sharp-witted and cat like as ever.

With the help of Puck, the winter prince and the cat Meghan must navigate the customs and traditions of this unknown land and find her brother before it is too late.

First of all i'd like to say The Iron King delivers the goods. Not only is the Fae lore present in its elements as the beliefs have it without changing the details at all. Second Grimalkin - well i'm not well versed with what the books say about him but he strongly reminded me of the Cheshire cat....yes a strong resemblance to Alice in Wonderland and not to forget Midsummer Night's Dream and Peter Pan too. The plot is intriguing enough. And a lot of twists and turns that will make you sit on the edge of your seats throughout and mystical enough to fill in the quota of like minded Fantasy lovers.

Well a tale this magical tale is never enough without a romantic ark. So yes we have the burgeoning relationship between Ash and Meghan is sweet and beautiful and heart warming. Add to it a jealous best friend Puck and you get a triangle. If you ask me well i'm Team Ash from the first instance. He is tall, he is dark, he is icy and with those silver eyes what is not to like? His feud with Puck was a nice twist in the story. Puck according to me is more of a loyal best friend instead of a love interest. 

As far as the characters go - Ms. Kagawa had nailed them to the spot. Each portrayed a different characteristic and a provided a level of complexity to the plot. Our heroine, Meghan Chase is also fun to follow. She is strong, tentative and emotional, genuine enough. Puck as I already stated a goofball and Ash a forlorn gorgeous prince. Ms. Kagawa has indeed captured every curve and aspect needed to maintain such a humble rhythm on the plot.

The Iron King is a great promising start, with great characters, intriguing plot lines and devious tendencies. Oh hopefully i'll get to start THE IRON DAUGHTER soon.

The Iron Fey #1: The Iron King

Silas

Dogs are a man's best friend. A though astutely established by Robert J. Duperrein his book, Silas.

Here is the summary of the book:

Robert J. Duperre, author of The Fall and Dead of Winter, now presents Silas, a contemporary fantasy novel. Ken Lowery is a man at odds with his life. He hates his job, is disappointed in his marriage, and feels resigned to leading a mundane existence. That all changes when his wife brings home a rambunctious Black Labrador puppy named Silas, who forges a remarkable connection with Ken and begins to heal his inner turmoil. When some neighborhood children start to go missing, he takes it upon himself to protect those around him and is thrust into a surreal world where monsters roam. Not everything is what it seems to be, he soon discovers, including his new best friend.

As I just stated Dogs are a man's best friend, so its the case here. As titled SILAS, is actually the name of the Labrador and who definitely plays a pivotal role with the plot.

The book begins with Ken Lowery who is well at odds with his life and well bidding his last days on a hospital bed. Ken knows he doesn't have long to live but he also desires closure. Closure with what had happened to him in the past. Him and his faithful companion, Silas. Who had walked with him through his toughest times and even had gone to hell and had come back with him.

Try not to get confused by all this though - SILAS may revolve around the dog of the same name but yes the story also part paranormal and part post apocalyptic and dystopic. How?....Well read on....

SILAS, the book can be divided into two parts. The first part deals with the ups and downs of Ken's life on present day Earth. And the second part deals with his adventures in what would be a futuristic alternative reality to Earth, a place suffering from apocalyptic scenario where horrid creatures rule the land.

SILAS is a very moving book. While I admit its a little long but it serves its purpose nonetheless. Not only does it enforce the fact that our pets - well gi-faht (read the book you'll know what i'm talking about here)(well primarily dogs) not only being cute but also form a close bond with their masters but it also makes us wonder - 'What if there is really an alternate reality?' - I definitely don't have an answer to that but yes what I do know is Time is one element that is like a vast to ocean - much is still left to be explored.

It goes to the credit of the author that he had me captivated until the very end. Every pain and every moment of joy clearly resonates with us. Not only the beginning with the end also speaks volumes. Well for one Ken Lowery it was - life is too short to be a jerk for the whole while. But at the heart its a tale of growing up, and learning what is important in life and to value it.

Great job Mr. Duperre!

Silas

Keeping Grace Alive

I love a good thriller but it is a good senile thriller that I prefer much better than the all around actions. So here I present my views of Keeping Grace Alive by Annie Lee.

Here is the summary of the book:

Rudy Talbot, head of one of America's largest organized crime rings, hires his main hit man, Jessie Conners, to kill his step-daughter Grace. Jessie Conners is a seasoned hitman who has never missed a hit before. That is, until he met "Gracie" five years ago and fell in love with her. Gracie is a rebellious socialite in her mid-twenties. Refusing to marry the current Senator's son, Phillip Proctor, Gracie stands in the way of Rudy Talbot and his political dreams. Rudy knows both Jessie and Phillip have feelings for Gracie. Attempting to play the two men off of each other, Rudy's plan backfires when Jessie stages an abduction to whisk Gracie to safety. But Conner's had no idea that falling in love with Gracie would lead to the seemingly impossible task of keeping Gracie alive as her own medical conditions and step-father threaten her every move. Hiding her in his Pocono Mountain cabin, it soon becomes apparent that the only person who can keep Gracie alive is herself. And the only thing that guarantees her safety, going back and facing her past, will most likely get her killed. Jessie Conners goes against everything he knows in a struggle to save the love of his life. Suspense, mystery, and romance await readers of Keeping Grace Alive.

While thriller is maybe a form of fiction that well explains the idea of adrenalin rush but it is adrenalin rush in more way than the action aspect of a thriller novel.

The story picks up with Jessie Conners is a seasoned hitman who has never missed a hit before of Rudy Talbot, one of the most ruthless head of one of America's largest organized crime rings. He hires Jessie to remove his pesky rebellious step-daughter Grace "Gracie" Talbot out of his forever. For refusing to marry the current senator's son she stands in his way of his political gains. Jessie on the other hand has his own agenda at hand. At the previous three attempts Jessie had purposely botched them. Why? Simple he loves her....he fell for her five years prior at a chanced meeting.

But Rudy may be onto something this time. He even has something of his own planned out. Jessie is down to the last straw. This may be the last chance to save Gracie. And yes Rudy's plan to play off Jessie and the senator's son knowing both to have feeling her backfires when Jessie stages an abduction and takes off with Gracie to safety. What follow is a turn of events...well you can say roller coaster ride of emotions and circumstances that lead to the conclusion that only Jessie can keep her safe....and well step-up to the ultimatum if he wants that safety to be prolonged.

Keeping Grace Alive is the first of the Pocono Mountains series and it is well written. While a lot of things at first may seem impractical and fictitious but when you come to think about it you'd say...'well there are exceptions to the rule....come on imagine a huge, 6 foot plus black guy who cries at Hallmark commercials...kinda sounds ridiculous but there are exceptions. So it works for me.

If the relationship between Jessie and Grace be mentioned. Well I'd say they make a unique pair. A lot of the readers might connect them to Shakespeare's starcrossed couple Romeo and Juliet but I won't compare them to that - well melodrama (Well Jessie and Gracie do get a happy ending while Shakespeare's pair get not a kind happy ending but peace I suppose). Every interaction between them is endearing and sweet and up to a certain extent sensual. Jessie maybe this big bad hit man but he falls deeply in love with this fragile woman and completely submits himself to her. He's also not ashamed to tell her that he loves her from the moment he saw her, and gives her a chance to see if she feels the same.

Also as I had already mentioned before and i'll say it again - it is well written. The biggest complement an author expects is that his/her readers are able to connect to her writing and enjoy the tale. So, in context i'd like to congratulate Miss Annie Lee for a job well done.

Keeping Grace Alive