Review Tales
Trusted Reviews and Author Features Since 2016
CIA Assassin And Other Stories by Benson Grayson (Book Review #151)
“I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars.”
This book was an “OnlineBookClub.org Book of the Day.”
CIA Assassin and other stories is a fictional book containing a collection of three separate segments. The first tale takes the majority of the space, and the other two are on a smaller scale.
In the first story, Ed Kramer is a CIA agent and is on the verge of receiving his pension, however; the agency tells him that he has to do one last assignment in order to get it. Once he is done with the task, he comes back to claim the pension only to realize that there is no one in charge with the name of the person who gave him the task in the first place.
I found this story to be very compelling, exciting and well written. Although there were plenty of editing issues and sentence structures that could have been fixed, I still found the plot to be plausible.
In the second story, the CIA director, James Collins informs the President that the Saudi King is planning to seize control over the oil properties. I began reading with interest, however, noticed that there were several empty pages towards the end of the story. I was not sure why this was the case since I had bought the book directly from Amazon. There were, even more, editing issues and sentence structures that needed fixing. The plot was well thought out but how could one really understand a book when the ending is none existent?
The third story consisted of a very confused set of pages. The plot kept jumping from one thing to another. There was no consistency of flow between each section, and so this made it very hard to understand what it was about. What I eventually understood was that a Russian chief of US operations was sent to the United States to rescue one of their top agents. He ends up making choices in order to benefit himself. The ending had no big reveal and didn’t provide anything exciting to finish the book off.
This writer has great potential in delivering; great action-packed thrillers, however, he needs to hire a professional editor and also double check what he has submitted to Amazon.
Written by Jeyran Main
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Legends of Perilisc by Jesse Teller (Book Review #139)
Each of these stories provides the reader with a more in-depth understanding of the history in the realm. The preface provides the kind of dark richness that is to be expected in the coming pages as we enter the realm of legend and myth. One character reappears in most of these stories, Simon the Bard. Simon is a constant in this ever-changing landscape of Perilisc.
Liefdom by Jesse Teller (Book Review #118)
The stories take place at the beginning of the Second Age and moves along swiftly to a King battling, attempting to save the only man who can keep humanity alive, only to find something he wasn’t expecting. The story fleshes out past events that form the future and continually has you wonder what happens next in the story.
Each of these stories can be read as standalone tales or read all together. They are all connected through the ages forming the time, just before the escape. This book does not contain any happy endings, fairies, or celebrations of good triumphing over evil. It is intense, dark and full of sensitive topics that may not be appropriate for a younger audience.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading dark fantasy stories. I believe that this book is well suited as part of the world of Perilisc and lays a solid foundation for future novels.
Written by Jeyran Main
If you would like a book review click here
White Water, Black Death by Shaun Ebelthite (Book Review #373)
As Geneva discovers how Ebola managed to get on the ship, the story begins to unravel, and its thriller side is exposed. Besides the fact that you are trapped and feel isolated in every shape and form when you are on a ship in the middle of the ocean, in this case, just imagine being trapped with Ebola!
I found the concept of the entire notion to be quite thrilling. The literature was in good standing, and the character development was spot on. I believe that since the author has a background in cruise journalism, he used that knowledge in creating a very realistic form of a storyline and I enjoyed that.
The world setting in this book was small, and I believe that worked in its favor. I believe the author emphasized more on the conceptual idea of the outbreak rather than building a bond or connection through the reader and its characters, however, that did not take away anything from enjoying the plot.
I believe anyone that enjoys a fiction thriller will appreciate this book.
Written by Jeyran Main
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Hibernation by S J Epps (Book Review #149)
Hibernation is a fiction novel that focuses on multiple stories at the same time. Pastor Winter Sams and his family are dealing with many domestic issues. Earthquakes happen in the middle of the country where they least expect them, and Pastor Simon is in jail because he has refused to marry a lesbian couple in his church. There are legal issues and lawsuits involved, and the LGBT community is on everyone’s case reminding them of their rights and making public examples of anyone who speak out against them.
Everything begins with Pastor Winter living a lie. He has two children and a sick wife. His job is too important to lose, and if his secret comes out, there will be a lot at stake. Winter and his wife, Tabitha are hiding the truth about her condition to the kids. The dynamic between the members of the family and the way they deal with things were interesting to me. The relationship between Winter and Tabitha was implemented perfectly.
Pastor Simon is trapped in a prison cell and has to free himself somehow. He gets in contact with Spencer and Milton who are lawyers dealing with businesses that are now in trouble due to them refusing to serve the LGBT community.
I found the writing and the literary standard to be compelling to the reader inviting them inside the multiple stories within the content. The pace was always the same, and although it was not an action-packed story, it remained to keep the momentum and interest of its reader. It deals with many of the issues that the LGBT community face but in a reverse role as they have all the power of the law behind them. Due to the multiple interconnected storylines in the book, there are many character introductions but not as many characters developments.
The ending of the book remained something of a puzzle for me. It was in a way, left open for your own interpretation of how you wanted things to finish. There were several grammatical and punctuation errors within the book and in summary the book would have benefited more if the plot had been executed with a finale.
I recommend this book to fiction readers and anyone that likes to read drama related stories.
Written by Jeyran Main
If you would like a book review click here
Burner by J. S. Lenore (Book Review #149)
Burner is an urban fantasy novel writing about Kim Phillips, a Chicago detective that has powers to help release ghosts trapped between life and death. Due to the powers mentioned she is called a burner. Priya, a healer that died 50 years ago and was saved by Kim and Riley, the dashingly handsome meticulous homicide detective, all work together to save Chicago from a serial killer that only has his eyes on specific species.
I found the book to be an action-thrilling, nail –biting mystery novel that did not disappoint and kept me intrigued. The flow between the chapters and paragraphs were smooth. The literary stand was admirable and it was very easy to connect to the characters and to bond with them. I really enjoyed the additional drawings artistically made for the book, giving me a visual example of what the characters looked like.
There are scenes of violence and sensitive subject matters such as death and afterlife, however; none were to the point of making the story dull or depressing. This book is the first of the Affinity Series and it provides enough content and backstory for several interesting sequels afterward.
The ending is an absolute gem. Burner is a very beautiful book for the minds that are open to innovative urban style writing. This book does not disappoint.
Written by Jeyran Main
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Credit for the picture art piece goes to M. J. Erickson.
Song by Jesse Teller (Book Review #372)
I have read previous books from Jesse Teller, and so I was expecting the same standard and quality of literature to have applied in this book as well. I was not disappointed. I think the storyline or the concept of the idea for the plot may not be such a novel one, however, when Jesse Teller, cites it, you enter a whole other experience.
The story has many side plots alongside the main plot and so when you begin to read this book, you enter a multi-dimensional storyline and that in itself, displays talent and was much appreciated.
The imagination and growth of visual descriptiveness are one of the strongest aspects of this story. I recommend this author and his entire series to people who enjoy dark fantasy and have a particular regard towards strong literature.
Written by Jeyran Main
If you would like a book review click here
“Ghosts of Our Past” by Michael Phillip Cash
I’m sitting here in my den, laptop where it should be (on my lap), and I’m watching my new (old) favorite channel – MTV Live. I grew up on MTV. It was Channel 29 for the first 20 years of my life and it was 
on 24/7. Then, for some generation-killing reason, some corporate guy at Viacom decided to stop airing music videos, so they went full on into reality TV.
I don’t like anything about reality TV, except a Tony Robbins show on NBC that aired many moons ago. I love music, and I love watching live shows, so this channel has become my therapy for when I’m writing – which is what I’m doing now.
One of my favorite bands, Eagles of Death Metal, is on MTV Live right now. They’re playing live in Paris, and they’re wearing red feathers on their shirts. I liked the Eagles of Death Metal in the past, but watching them playing now, live, I LOVE THEM. Absolutely love them!
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I’m not one to point out something negative, but the Eagles of Death Metal were playing during the Paris terrorist attacks in November 2015 at The Bataclan. I remember watching the news thinking of the horror everyone at the concert was going through. People lost their lives that night because of a senseless act of violence. But now I’m watching this band play live on MTV and let me tell you they are tighter, better and stronger than ever. This band witnessed hell in front of their eyes and here they are, playing harder and louder than ever before.
Should the ghosts of our past stop us from moving forward from accomplishing what we were born to do? The answer is a resounding HELL NO! Nothing, absolutely nothing, should stop you from doing what you love. I’ve personally had some setbacks in life, sour life changes that made life a bit more difficult. Our past should not represent our future. Anthony Robbins said that. We must forge ahead and create our future.
When you write, it’s easy to get caught up in the emotions of the past. Your characters could have been people you knew, loved or hated. Stopping what you love because of a setback is not living. Curling up and not moving forward is not what we are intended to do. Everyone has setbacks. All setbacks are simply steppingstones to getting where you want to be. No past-life ghosts should haunt you for more than ten minutes. Life is too short to be dwelling on ‘what happened’ in the past. The past is prologue to your life now.
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If you are reading this, you are alive, and breathing, and well. Life is good and you should be grateful that you have an opportunity to wake up every day and thank everything and everyone for taking those first steps in the morning. Every day above ground is a good day. Anthony Robbins said that too.
Now, please excuse me. This live performance from the has gotten my blood so pumped up, I have to continue writing more of my current manuscript.
“And then we dance all through the whole night.” – Eagles of Death Metal
ABOUT MICHAEL PHILLIP CASH
Michael Phillip Cash is an award-winning novelist and screenwriter. His novels are best-sellers on Amazon under their genres – Young Adult, Thriller, Suspense, Ghost, Action Adventure, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance and Horror. Michael writes full-time and lives on the North Shore of Long Island with his wonderful wife and screaming children. You can follow him @michaelpcash.
God Smacked Back by Angela Perea (Book Review #371)
The entire story was humorous and interesting to read. The literature was witty and written with a wise choice of words in order to keep the reader intrigued, wanting to know more.
“Licking of human clients is strictly prohibited” the sign informs the soul collectors, implementing the new policy. That is just a small part of how funny this book was.
The chapters were short, and the content had a nice flow to it. I particularly enjoyed the way everyone had a certain personality, and the world setting was interesting to read.
The idea of how it feels to love or to be loved back was a nice additional concept for the storyline. The content did contain strong language and I believe would suit people that believe in the afterlife and enjoy funny stories.
Written by Jeyran Main
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If you would like your book edited click here
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Michael Phillip Cash – Author Interview
Please tell us about The After House:
My version of a haunted house tale told from the ghost’s point of view.
Where did the idea for the book come from?
I was watching Maleficent with my wife and I loved that the story was told from the “villain’s” point of view. I had an idea about a whale-hunting ghost named Eli for a while. After the movie was over, I started writing that night.
Many of your books have a paranormal vibe. Have you always been interested in the paranormal?
I love paranormal. You can write a good ghost story in a million different ways. I’ve had ghosts in my life since as far back as I can remember.
You’ve written several books over the years. How do you find the time to write?
During the day, all I do is research and development about my subject. Once my kids are tucked in and my wife goes to sleep I write every night until my eyes go – generally from 8pm to midnight.
What kinds of things do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Long walks on the beach. KIDDING! I love being with my wife and kids. I love to cook. Nothing wrong with a good poker game every once in a while. I also started lifting heavy weights.
What kinds of books are on your bookshelf? What’s on your TBR list?
Every screenplay imaginable. Anything by Joseph Campbell. The Save the Cat Series. Every book on The Law of Attraction and The Universe. All Michael Crichton. My TBR List: The Flat Earth Conspiracy, Tools of the Titans, Eat Bacon & Don’t Jog, the Revenant screenplay.
What would readers be surprised to know about you?
I haven’t eaten bread, rice, pasta or potatoes in 6 years. I haven’t eaten fruit or vegetables in 3 years. I only eat meat, dairy and butter – and I’ve never been healthier.
How can readers connect with you?
@michaelpcash. I’m a Twitter fiend. Via my website. Also on Facebook.
Can readers expect any new books from you soon?
Oh yeah. I have an amazing agent who is planning on some very big things for my upcoming books.
As a successful author and scriptwriter, what advice can you give aspiring authors?
Write every day. Have a journal on hand wherever you go, so if you hear someone say something intriguing you can use it in your next work.
ABOUT MICHAEL PHILLIP CASH
Michael Phillip Cash is an award-winning novelist and screenwriter. His novels are best-sellers on Amazon under their genres – Young Adult, Thriller, Suspense, Ghost, Action Adventure, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance and Horror.
Michael writes full-time and lives on the North Shore of Long Island with his wonderful wife and screaming children. You can follow him @michaelpcash.
Connect with Michael:
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