The Colony -R M Gilmour #BookReview #amreading @RMGilmour

"Jordan would always find me, and my soul

would always be waiting for him."

 

I had the pleasure of reviewing the SciFic Romance The Colony by R M Glimour.

What's the story?

Dimensions could not keep them apart, but to stay together, Lydia will need to overcome the A.I. that controls his world.

When Lydia is pulled through spacetime into Jordan's plane of existence, she finds herself immersed in a world controlled by the Guardian, an artificial intelligence.  The Guardian's sole purpose is to protect the power source that runs the planet; but it does so at the cost of all who live outside of its city.

Sheltered in the Colony, beyond the city's borders, Lydia is befriended by an advanced race of hunters and warriors, who do all they can to protect her and themselves from the Guardian. To survive in this new world, she must find courage and strength, and learn to face her fears.  But to save her soulmate and the colonists from the Guardian, she must overcome those fears and embrace her inner strength.


What did I think of the story?

 If you are a fan of Stephenie Meyers, The Host, then you are going to love this book.

The Colony draws you in from the beginning, and keeps your attention. The writing is super-engaging. Spellbinding. It is one of those books where you think you have it all figured out. Then BOOM! - something completely extraordinary and unexpected happens. However, you don’t have time to sit back and contemplate these change of events, because the story is so fast paced you have to keep reading.

The Colony is all about human emotions.  Love. Hate. Pain. Joy. Grief. Hope. This book explores every emotion you can think of. It was very gripping and very easy to relate to.

Gilmour paints a vivid portrait of her protagonist, Lydia. By the close of the first chapter I felt like I had known her forever. Lydia bled on those pages -- there is no other way to describe it. I felt everything that was happening, or had happened to her. Her fear became my fear, as did her joy, as did her love.

The supporting characters were equally well developed. There personalities shone through, it was all very believable and very well crafted.

The whole A.I. taking control of the world is hardly anything new, but The Colony is not a recycled story in any way.  Gilmour brings a refreshing new slant to the A.I. concept.  I thought it was great.

I really liked this book and I am hoping there is going to be a sequel, because I am sure Glimour is not done with this story, or this world, yet.

I Highly Recommend. 

Where can I buy this fabulous book? 

Amazon

 

Barnes & Noble

About the author.

RMGilmour was born and raised in Sydney, Australia, the middle of three girls, but is currently living in sunny Florida with her two children, two cats and a turtle.

Her love of Science Fiction began at a young age, through watching Science Fiction movies and television shows with her Mom, and her love of writing and crafting stories began in grade school with the encouragement of her grade school teacher.

Writing stories and creating characters has been her passion ever since. 

Useful links

Website:  http://rmgilmour.wix.com/rmgilmour

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14139929.R_M_Gilmour

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/author.rmgilm

#BookReview As Good As New - Jennifer Dawson

He was the high school hottie. She was the teacher’s pet. But in private, none of that mattered...
 
At the tender age of six, Penelope Watkins fell for her best friend’s brother, Evan Donovan, future hunk. By the time they were teenagers, they were having heart-to-hearts…and hot and heavy top secret make-out sessions. All that changed when Evan’s father suddenly died. Abruptly, Penelope lost him to grief—and to his true love: football. But now an injury had ended Evan's NFL career. The notorious bad boy was in a depression no one could penetrate, except maybe the one woman who still knew him best—and still wanted him most…

Penelope is the last person Evan wants to witness the wreck he’s become. So when she shows up at his door he’s less than welcoming—even though the sight of her brings back the same old rush of desire. As a teenager, the emotions overwhelmed him. Now, when he wanted to be overwhelmed, Penelope wasn’t playing. She was telling the golden boy it was time to man up. It may have taken a concussion for Evan to realize it, but that’s exactly what he wants to do—starting with her…


What did I think of the story?

Passion so hot - be careful you don't scorch your fingers on the pages!

What a fantastically passionate, romantic story As Good As New is. I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book. This story is about two very opposite people, who have loved each other forever.

I really relished the backstory of this book - there is nothing better than reading a romance novel when the protagonists have a past with each other. Back when they were 16, they kept their relationship a secret. Evan, despite having a promising career in front of him, never really thought himself good enough for someone like Penelope. She was too nice to be with someone like him. On the other hand Penelope could not understand why he would be interested in someone like her, when he could have anyone he wanted. But they loved each other – even if they never did say that out loud.

Evan broke Penelope’s heart and supposedly never looked back. However, Penelope is best-friends with his sister and works for his brother, so they crossed paths every so often - while pretending all along that they meant nothing to each other – but occasionally their eyes would betray them.

When they finally do get together again the passion is explosive. They may not fully trust each other, but their hearts tell them something different. I thought Dawson portrayed their relationship beautifully. It was totally believable and I am sure it will resonate with many of her readers - especially those who never really got over their first love.

Dawson explores a whole host of human emotions in this book. She deals with depression and the effect that has, not only on Evan, but also on his immediate family. She explores mistrust and guilt. Love. Loss. And she shows why it is so important to tell our loved ones what we are really thinking. It really is an emotional roller-coaster of a ride. But...it is worth it!

I thoroughly enjoyed As Good As New and I will definitely be looking for other books by Jennifer Dawson.

I Highly Recommend.

Where can I buy this fabulous book?

This title will be released on March 29, 2016.

About the author

Jennifer Dawson grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and graduated from DePaul University with a degree in psychology. She met her husband at the public library while they were studying. To this day she still maintains she was NOT checking him out. Now, over twenty years later, they re married and living in a suburb right outside of Chicago with two awesome kids and a crazy dog. Despite going through a light FM, poem writing phase in high school, Jennifer never grew up wanting to be a writer (she had more practical aspirations of being an international super spy). Then one day, suffering from boredom and disgruntled with a book she d been reading, she decided to put pen to paper. The rest, as they say, is history. These days Jennifer can be found sitting behind her computer, writing her next novel, chasing after her kids, keeping an ever watchful eye on her ever growing to-do list, and NOT checking out her husband. 

The Keresa Headdress - Larry Shackledford #BookReview #amreading @larrydshack

"How do you know that the Keresa and the headdress really existed?

I was very excited to be given the chance to review The Keresa Headdress by Larry Shackleford. Larry is no stranger to this blog, recently he wrote a post about his inspirations behind The Keresa Headdress - if you missed his post you can catch it here.

What's the story?

It’s just a routine case at the FBI’s Salt Lake City offices. The young woman’s boyfriend is missing, possibly dead. Agent Karen Adams thinks he’s probably just out with another woman—but then the Royal Canadian Mounted Police come calling. Why would they care about a wayward addict cheating on his girlfriend in Utah?

Soon, Karen is involved in a case like nothing she’s ever seen, navigating through an international criminal network of drugs, sex trafficking, murder, and the black market trade of priceless archaeological relics.

Her new partner Marcus “Playboy” McCoy—handsome, charming, and almost unbearably crass—is equal parts help and hindrance as she navigates a seamy underworld in the Utah desert.

But she also finds assistance from some unusual sources: a graduate student in archaeology, a dissatisfied sister-wife from a polygamous commune, and an undercover Canadian Mountie. Together they become entangled in the web of international crime and the only way out is to find the most priceless artifact of all: the legendary Keresa Headdress.


 What did I think of the Story?

Oh my days - what a story. From the opening passage I was gripped. I was seriously addicted to this book.

Let me set the scene...imagine, if you will, Lethal Weapon mixed with Indiana Jones, 24, Spooks, Little House on the Prairie (yes, I did just say that!) and I don't know...something similar to the beautiful romance that was in Water for Elephants -- I kid you not -- This was all in one book!

There is no doubt in my mind that Shackelford is a master storyteller - it was like watching a movie - it was that easy to read. The pace of the story did not once slow down. This book draws you in and keeps you there, right up until the end.

Karen is such a superb character. I think we all know someone like Karen. She was alive in this book. She was so real, so believably wonderful – in my opinion, the perfect protagonist.

In contrast, if there was ever a partner so unsuitable for Karen it had to be Marcus. They played so well off each other, Karen was smart, respectable, while Marcus was an oversexed.... I found myself cringing, alongside Karen, at Marcus's many antics and please don't get me started on those grossly inappropriate Hawaiian shirts!

The story has so many twists, turns and unexpected events that this is a sitting-on-the-edge-of your-seat type of experience. It is a full on action adventure, with archaeology thrown in. Bonus!

The story does deal with some really difficult issues. There is a dark underworld in this book which preys on the vulnerable. I thought Shackelford was very sensitive in his approach when he wrote about this.

The antagonists were, as you would expect - awful, but very, very clever. They were not stupid villains; they had connections, insiders. They were ruthless in their pursuit of their goals. They were in it for the money, and nothing, not even the FBI was going to get in their way. Indeed, for most of the book the FBI were chasing their own tails - always one step behind.

The book, as the title suggests, revolves around the Black-Market in stolen archaeological artifacts. I found this absolutely fascinating. I thought this was a tricky subject to explain without it becoming a mini-lecture, but Shackledford depicted his knowledge so well that I didn't realise it was being explained - it was just part of the story. Now that takes some talent

The Keresa Headdress is a truly remarkable book. I loved it! I will definitely be reading more books from this author.

I would Highly Recommend that you check this out.

Where can I buy this fabulous book? 

 

US

UK

About the author

Larry was raised in southwest Missouri where he received his college degree, but he received his education after he graduated and began working in a maximum-security federal prison. After spending two years behind bars, he continued his law enforcement career as a criminal investigator, residing and working in eight states and two foreign countries. Larry retired from law enforcement after twenty-five years of service and resides in Salt Lake City with his wife and cat.

Gyre (Atlas Link Series Book 1) #BookReview @JessGunnAuthor

Today I am checking out NA Author Jessica Gunn - Gyre

What. The. Hell.

Chelsea had not meant to teleport. She certainly had not meant to teleport across the ocean to a secret military research station where a guy she once met in an alley in Boston worked.

Before the whole teleport business, Chelsea had her life mapped out. She was going to be an archaeologist. Spend her days digging up the past and her evening devoted to her rock band. Damn it all, she was meant to be performing at the Battle of the Bands. She wasn't meant to be here, with Trevor - the guy who had stepped in when she was being mugged.

Trevor had never met anyone like Chelsea before, her eyes drew him in. He couldn't stop thinking about her. But the very last place he wanted her was on board eaSatellite5. And the fact that she teleported in meant only one thing – her ancestors are from Atlanta - his ancestors sworn enemy. He had to get her off the station - for her own protection and for his sanity.

Chelsea has no idea what has just happened to her, but there are people at the station that can help her with her new found superpowers. But an ancient war - she never knew existed - is still raging and Chelsea is of interest to both sides, for she can read a sacred map that could bring the war to an end once and for all.

Can Trevor keep her safe while a war, not of their making, threatens to destroy their lives?

 What did I think of the Story?

Ancient myths, fantasy, archaeology, time-travel and romance - this book had a bit of everything. I liked the idea of an ancient battle and time-travel - this really caught my interest. 

Chelsea was an interesting character. She acts rather childish to begin with - and has a very aggressive attitude that I didn't really take to. Yes, she has a past - her boyfriend betrayed her and is now making-out with her ex best-friend – there is no doubt that she was treated appallingly, but she just came across as too aggressive for my liking. Once she had teleported I began to warm to her more, and as her relationship developed with Trevor she became much more likable and  enjoyed reading about her. 

Trevor, however, I liked right from the start. He was a little unbelievable as a computer geek...he didn't seem to know what was going on with his own computer system - which I thought was slightly odd. But nevertheless he was endearing.  He kept far too many secrets, in a mistaken belief that he was protecting Chelsea. A bad decision. It was obvious that she needed to know who she really was and what that meant for her safety. Instead she found herself in impossible situations with no idea what was going on and what to do about it.

The plot was good. It was engaging - if not a little predictable and I felt it wasn't always fully developed. I am guessing that is because we will learn more in the next book. Can't wait for the next book!

What Gunn wrote exceptional well was the romance between Chelsea and Trevor. The idea that whenever she was in distress she would teleport to Trevor was sublimely beautiful and really appealed to me. Their relationship was very believable and I really enjoyed it when  these two characters were together and I got the impression that Gunn was most relaxed in her writing when her two protagonists were in each others company.

I will be checking out book 2 in the series, because I am interested in the world that Gunn has created. I would recommend.

 US

UK

About the author

Jessica Gunn is a New Adult author and avid science-fiction and fantasy fan. Her favorite stories are those that transport the reader to other, more exciting worlds. When not working or writing, she can be found binge-watching Firefly and Stargate, or feeding her fascination of the ancient world's many mysteries. Jessica also holds a degree in Anthropology.

Links

Twitter @JessGunnAuthor

www.jessicagunn.com.

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Threaten To Undo Us #BookReview @RoseSeilerScott

 "...We will exact a brutal revenge for all they have done..." 

 Soviet Marshal Georgi Zhukov

About the story.

As Hitler's Third Reich crumbles and Stalin's Army advances, German civilians in the Eastern territories are forced to flee for their lives.

Leaving her dying mother, Liesel and her four young children hope they can make it from their home in Poland across the Oder River to safety. But all that awaits them is terror and uncertainty in a brutal new regime that threatens to tear Liesel's family apart.

With her husband a prisoner of war in Russia and her children enslaved, Liesel's desire for hearth and home is thwarted by opposing political forces, leaving her to wonder if they will ever be a family again.

What did I think of the story?

What a stunning portrayal of life as a German living in Poland before, during, and after WW2. This story takes you from the tranquillity of living an ordinary life on a farm, to the horrors of the Soviet War Camps. This book truly blew me away.

The historical detail in this story is amazing -- In a past life, I tutored Modern History, so I know that Scott knows her subject well -- The story is well-crafted, epic and spell-binding.

The main protagonist, Liesel, is just an ordinary woman, who wants to be a good wife and a mother, but war changes everything. Her husband has to go to war and she is left alone on the farm with her aged parents and her young children. Her community is torn apart and things will never be the same again.

When the Soviets come, to free Poland from German rule, Liesel's struggle changes from trying to find enough food for her children to eat, to the simple task of trying to keep her children with her.

She is forcibly separated from her children -- which would be any mother’s worse nightmare -- but that is only the beginning of her ordeal. She suffers unimaginable horrors, however she has a quiet strength and a courage that could match any one of the Soviet Generals. She holds on to one thought -- she will reunite her family, no matter how long it takes. And when everything else falls apart, she clings to her faith.

There are many wonderful novels out there about the hardships faced during World War 2, but rarely is the story told from the German perspective -- this is the first time that I have a read a story about a German family in Poland. I thought this book was very refreshing and Scott has written a very believable story that delicately shows the suffering from both sides.

Scott reminds her readers that many ordinary Germans did not want to fight their neighbours -- they did not want to go to war -- but they had no choice. The fear of the German Regime and then the Russian one, was very real in the telling.

Scott has done a marvellous job putting flesh to her characters. She is, without a doubt, a truly wonderful writer. She made me care for Liesel and her family. As a reader I grieved with them. I felt their joy as well as their heartache. The plot was gripping to say the least - I did not want to put this book down.

I would highly recommend this novel to anyone interested in this period of history. But be warned, this story will stay with you for a very long time afterwards.

Where can I buy the book? 

 

US 
CA

UK 

 
Link

About the author.

As a story from the German side of the family unfolded over the years, Rose set out to make it into a novel. During the process she has realized that not only is truth stranger than fiction, but truth can also be told through fiction. THREATEN TO UNDO US (MAY 2015) is the result of years of research, revealing a history that few in the Western world are familiar with. 

Rose won a "His imprint" award for a short story in 2013, was short-listed for a Word Guild Award in 2012 and has been published in "Light Magazine." Two inspirational non-fiction pieces will appear in the HOT APPLE WITH CINNAMON compilation in Fall 2015.

Since fifth grade, Rose has known she liked to write, but her career path has taken several turns including bookkeeping, piano teaching and mother of four. She is a longtime resident of Surrey, BC. Her eclectic reading tastes include historical fiction, biographies, memoir, literary and inspirational.

You can find Rose at her blowww.roseseilerscott.com, FB Author Page: Rose Seiler Scott, Twitter: @RoseSeilerScott and Goodreads: https://goo.gl/4zfofH

Keeping Secrets (Timber Ridge Riders Book 1) #BookReview @maggiedana

Keeping Secrets (Timber Ridge Riders Book 1)  by Maggie Dana is a beautiful equestrian YA novel.

What's the story?

A valuable show jumper is dead, and it's all her fault, which is why 14-year-old Kate McGregor has put horses and riding out of her life. Forever!
But her new summer job as a companion to Holly Chapman, a former riding star who's now confined to a wheelchair, takes Kate back to the barn--the last place she wants to be. Can Kate keep her terrible secret from Holly, who is fast becoming her best friend? More important, can she keep her secret from Angela Dean who lives for only two things--winning ribbons and causing trouble? 
Then a riding accident forces Kate's secret into the open ... and it's just the moment Angela has been waiting for.

 What did I think of the Story?

What a fantastic story, just the right length for children who are just about to master reading a full length YA novel.

Kate is a really likable character and has been treated absolutely appallingly by the riding school where she used to ride. Her father, a scientist, does not have much time for her and she is spending the summer with her aunt - although Kate has other ideas about how she wants to spend her summer.

Holly, is the daughter of a riding instructor / yard manager. She was involved in a car accident, in which her father died. Since the accident she has been unable to walk – although the doctors can find no medical reason why not. Kate is employed to be a companion for Holly throughout the summer holidays.  I really liked how Dana portrayed Holly – she is such a bright, heroic young lady. She is determined to live life to the full and her goal is very clear. One day she will get back in the saddle. One day, she will ride again. 

Keeping with the tradition of most pony books, there is the one spoilt rich girl at the yard. Angela thinks everyone is beneath her and even though she isn’t, she believes that she is the best rider at the school. Although Angela is every person at the stables worse nightmare, there is a little sympathy towards her, for she has an incredibly pushy mother, who cares more about her daughter winning ribbons than anything else.

Kate comes across as very mature, especially when she is faced with Angela's spite. She does not rise to the bait, but remains calm and does her very best not to get riled-up by Angela's taunts and bullying behaviour.

The story was a real comfort read. It made me think of sunny-days and horses...what could be more perfect?! It reminded me greatly of the pony books of my youth -- The novels of author, Christine Pullen-Thompson, comes to mind. I can see that Dana's story would bring great enjoyment to readers age 9 and over. So if you have pony-mad children in your life - as I do - then you may want to check this book out!

Where Can I buy the book?

US 

UK 

  
About the author.

Maggie Dana's first riding lesson, at the age of five, was less than wonderful. In fact, she hated it so much, she didn't try again for another three years. But all it took was the right instructor and the right horse and she was hooked for life.

Her new riding stable was slap bang in the middle of Pinewood Studios, home of England's movie industry. So while learning to groom horses, clean tack, and muck stalls, Maggie also got to see the stars in action. Some even spoke to her.

Born and raised near London, Maggie now makes her home on the Connecticut shoreline where she divides her time between hanging out with the family's horses and writing her next book in the Timber Ridge Riders series.

Contact.
www.maggiedana.com
www.timberridgeriders.com

Wicked Path: Book Two of the Daath Chronicles - Eliza Tilton. #BookReview @ElizaTilton

'Shapeshifters, action, romance, and magic blend this fantasy/science fiction adventure into one epic tale.'

 Today, I have the pleasure of reviewing the Young Adult novel  Wicked Path: Book Two of the Daath Chronicles by Eliza Tilton.

What is the story?

Three months have passed since Avikar defeated the Reptilian Prince, and he still can’t remember his battle with Lucino. On the hunt for answers, he returns to the scene of the fight and discovers a strange connection between his family’s dagger and the mysterious kingdom of Daath, and it seems only his distant father can reveal the truth behind it all.

Before Avikar can travel back home, Lucy assaults him in the market and forces him to flee to Nod Mountains—a place few dare to enter, and even less return from. With Raven and her childhood friend by his side, they must survive the treacherous journey through the pass with a vengeful Lucy hunting them. If they don’t, they’ll never see home again.

Jeslyn’s new life in Luna Harbor is the perfect remedy for her confused and broken heart. But when a group of mercenaries kidnap her beloved Grandfather, interrupting her daily routine as his jewelry apprentice, she's forced to join forces with the one person from her past she tried to forget.

What did I think?

Wicked Path: Book Two of the Daath Chronicles should come with a “buyer beware” label attached to the cover - because this story is highly addictive. Once started, I could not put it down.

Having not read the other book in the series, I was a little lost to begin with. Thankfully, by the time all the protagonists had been introduced, I soon caught up with the story and was ready to read on....what an adventure awaited me. Tilton writes from various points of view. This did not slow the story down in any way. Not once did I find myself wanting to get back to a favourite character’s POV -- I was happy to read about all of them. There was nothing about this story that wasn’t engaging.

Tilton has created a very vivid fantasy world that runs along side the human one. The creatures were believable, as was the landscape. It was very easy to visualise.

I really enjoyed reading the romance and, without giving away the plot, there is one very poignant moment on a beach which I think demonstrates the power of love so beautifully, and with so much grace, that the scene will stay with me for a very long time. Love is love – no matter what world you come from.

I have gained a new favourite author and I will definitely be purchasing the first book in the series.

Where can I purchase the book?

 

US 

UK

About the author

Eliza graduated from Dowling College with a BS in Visual Communications. When she's not arguing with excel at her day job, or playing Dragon Age 2, again, she's writing. Her stories hold a bit of the fantastical and there's always a romance. She resides on Long Island with her husband, two kids and one very snuggly pit bull. 

*I received a copy of this book from Curiosity Quills Publishing in return for an honest review.*

Hunting the Eagle - Ben Kane #BookReview @BenKaneAuthor

If you are interested in the Roman era and enjoy reading historical fiction based around this time, then you may have stumbled upon The Sunday Times bestselling author, Ben Kane. I was lucky enough to get my hands on an ARC of Kane’s latest book, Hunting the Eagles.
Hunting the Eagles is the stunning sequel to Eagles at War.

What's the story?

AD 14

It is a terrible thing to lose one Eagle, let alone three. And to see 15,000 loyal soldiers of Rome butchered before your eyes is not something you are ever going to forgive or forget. 

Five years have past since the massacre in the wilds of Germania. Those who survived the carnage, now have to live with what they had witnessed, as well as the shame of losing their precious Eagles.

Centurion Tullas is one such survivor. His only consolation is that he saved as many lives as he could. But, instead of praise for his selfless courage, he finds himself demoted. There are two things he wants now…revenge on Chieftain Arminius – whose army slaughtered the three legions - and his old regiments Eagle.

Rome has had enough time to lick her wounds, she wants her Eagles back. It is time for revenge. It is time for war. The orders are clear, kill everyone and recover the Eagles. No mercy. But Arminius is not the type of man who will sit back and let such atrocities occur in his own kingdom. He slayed them once, can he do so again?

 

What did I think of the story?

It is difficult to write this level of fiction without it sounding like a history lesson, or without losing your reader to facts, figures and descriptions that they cannot hope to understand unless they have a degree in the subject. Ben Kane immerses you in the Ancient World, he doesn’t describe it – he does something extraordinary – he brings it back to life. He draws his readers into the thick of the action. Kane doesn’t let you get lost in the history, or leave you floundering around like a fish out of water. It is like having your own personal tour guide to the past. With Kane, I knew I was in safe hands.

Strangely, I did not feel that there was any one antagonist in this story – I was moved by the plight of Centurion Tullus and his legionaries, as well as his enemy, Chieftain Arminius. I cannot think of many books where my loyalty has been so split. Both characters had flesh on them; both had their own reasons to hate the other. The portrayal of these characters was sublime. Totally believable.

The battle scenes were vivid and were very real in the telling. It was like being there, without the threat of being brutally maimed or killed, of course!

Hunting the Eagles is part of a series, but not once did I feel that I had missed out on anything by not reading the prequel. Although, saying that, Eagles at War is now definitely on my ‘to be read’ list.

Publication date March 24th 2016

Where can I buy (Pre-order) the book?

 

 

US 

UK 

 

eBook 

 

About the Author.

Kenya born, Irish by blood and UK resident, Ben Kane’s passion for history has taken him to more than 60 countries, and all 7 continents. During his travels and subsequent research, including walking hundreds of miles in complete Roman military gear, he has learned much about the Romans and the way they lived. Seven of his nine novels have been Sunday Times top ten bestsellers, and his books are published in twelve languages. He lives in Somerset with his wife and children, where he writes full time.
Ben Kane was born in Kenya and raised there and in Ireland. He studied veterinary medicine at University College Dublin, but after that he travelled the world extensively, indulging his passion for ancient history. Having visited more than 60 countries and all 7 continents, he now lives in North Somerset with his wife and family.
He has been a full time writer since late 2008, and has loved almost every moment of that time. Apart from all things Roman, Ben loves military history of any type. Basically, if a book features men with guns and/or swords, he’ll read it. Other interests include rugby, walking, and beer. If an afternoon can include all three, it’s bound to be perfect.

Ben is also lucky enough to be the Treasurer of the newly founded Historical Writers’ Association.

Gone Wild Teen / Young Adult Fiction

Gone Wild by Jodi Lundgren is a compelling read about two teenagers.

One is running from the present and the other the future and, as fate would have it, they stumble upon each other in a wilderness park on Vancouver Island, where they quickly have to learn about basic survival, but more importantly, they learn about themselves.

Sixteen year old Seth spent his younger years being bullied in foster care. When he is adopted he believes that at last he had found what all children should have, love and a family. His adoptive father is loving and kind, but he is often away. His adoptive mother is neglectful and resentful of Seth. Seth's adoptive parents divorce and he is subjected to more abuse by his mothers new boyfriend. He has no other option but to run away.

Brooke's mother is controlling and disapproving. She is constantly compared to her perfect sister. At eighteen, Brooke rebels and provokes her mother by doing everything that she would disapprove of. Fearing she is pregnant with her inappropriate boyfriends child, Brooke decides to run away from her future - even if it is just for a couple of days while she goes backpacking.

Fate intervenes at Seth and Brooke's paths cross and the journey of discovery begins.

What did I think of the book?

I though this book took on some very real challenges that teenagers face today. Lundgren has created two really likable characters in Seth and Brook. They are easy to relate to and the story is very engaging. Lundgren is very direct with her language and does not shy away from some of the more difficult topics. She told it as it is.

The story is very much about Seth's and Brooke's emotional journey - although there is no happy ending, so to speak, because she is writing about life, not a fairy-tale.  But what Lundgren does leave her readers with is something far stronger than a happy-ever-after, she leaves them with hope.

I would recommend this book to anyone with middle-school aged teenagers. The writing is not difficult to read and the story is of a good length. An enjoyable book.

Gone Wild

By Jodi Lundgren 

Published by James Lorimer & Company Ltd.

Release date: Sep 1, 2016