Genre: Historical Mystery
Setting: London, England in 1879
First Sentence: She was alone now.
This novel is the first in a planned series featuring the main characters: Farrow and Flint. Billy Farrow and Norman Flint together form a music hall act. They are definitely not sleuths. But through tenacity and luck, they find a way to unravel the clues to solve a rather complex mystery.
In the first few chapters of this novel, the author introduces several parallel plot lines. The challenge for the reader is to discover how the seemingly random plots would intersect.
Farrow and Flint are falsely accused with murder. The fact that Farrow has the blood of the murder victim on his clothes is damning evidence.
Playing at the same theater as Farrow and Flint is a beautiful French chanteuse. Who is she running from? And why?
In the audience watching Farrow and Flint are two shady characters. They seem to be planning a spectacular assassination. Who could be the target of their explosive plans?
And how does the murder of an innocent young flower girl lead Farrow and Flint to discover the horrible secret that brings all the plot lines together in an action filled conclusion?
Along the way Bagworth has spiced up his novel with several unique characters. The interesting characters and unexpected plot twists made for an enjoyable read. I was interested to see how the author would resolve his plots. He did so in spectacular fashion. His conclusion was definitely unexpected.
For me, this novel was a fun read.
Check out my ebook!
Friday, October 18, 2013
Thursday, October 10, 2013
In Her Name: First Contact by Michael R. Hicks
Genre: Science Fiction
Setting: In a future time where humans travel through space to other planets.
First Sentence: Owen McClaren was extremely tense, although a casual observer would never have thought so.
This novel is the fourth in Hicks's In Her Name series. It is a prequel to the first three novels.
In this novel humans make their first contact with an alien civilization. Unfortunately, they meet the Kreelans. The Kreelans are so advanced that they could destroy all of humanity if they desired to. However, the Kreelans believe that they honor their Empress not by destroying their enemies, but by battling them on relatively equal terms.
So, the Kreelans give the humans fair warning about where and when the first battle will be.
The novel follows the preparations both sides make for the initial battle. The humans try to utilize their most advanced technology. And the Kreelans study ancient texts to build weapons and warships sufficiently primitive to compare with the humans.
And then there is the battle which takes place on the planet and in the vacuum of space. There are incredible acts of bravery by the humans. And there are inexplicable rituals of one-on-one combat orchestrated by the Kreelans.
Hicks's writing style moves the action along. We follow characters on both sides of the battle. There is enough description to visualize the action. And we understand the motivations of the characters.
In the Kreelans, Hicks has created a unique civilization. They are not mindless killing machines. Within their culture, their actions make sense. Their unusual sense of fair play, in the midst of battle, surprises and confuses the humans.
Readers of the first three books in the series will enjoy this return to the Kreelan universe. If you are new to the Kreelans, this novel would be a great place to start.
Check out my ebook!
Setting: In a future time where humans travel through space to other planets.
First Sentence: Owen McClaren was extremely tense, although a casual observer would never have thought so.
This novel is the fourth in Hicks's In Her Name series. It is a prequel to the first three novels.
In this novel humans make their first contact with an alien civilization. Unfortunately, they meet the Kreelans. The Kreelans are so advanced that they could destroy all of humanity if they desired to. However, the Kreelans believe that they honor their Empress not by destroying their enemies, but by battling them on relatively equal terms.
So, the Kreelans give the humans fair warning about where and when the first battle will be.
The novel follows the preparations both sides make for the initial battle. The humans try to utilize their most advanced technology. And the Kreelans study ancient texts to build weapons and warships sufficiently primitive to compare with the humans.
And then there is the battle which takes place on the planet and in the vacuum of space. There are incredible acts of bravery by the humans. And there are inexplicable rituals of one-on-one combat orchestrated by the Kreelans.
Hicks's writing style moves the action along. We follow characters on both sides of the battle. There is enough description to visualize the action. And we understand the motivations of the characters.
In the Kreelans, Hicks has created a unique civilization. They are not mindless killing machines. Within their culture, their actions make sense. Their unusual sense of fair play, in the midst of battle, surprises and confuses the humans.
Readers of the first three books in the series will enjoy this return to the Kreelan universe. If you are new to the Kreelans, this novel would be a great place to start.
Check out my ebook!
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