It’s Up to You, the Reader

Posted: December 22, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Book Review, Writing | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

New Years is almost here and what writer doesn’t include in their list of resolutions a resolve to improve their writing? In 2010, I had the privilege of reviewing many truly good reads, by some really awesome authors. With 2011 just around the corner, I thought it might be beneficial to take a look at those reviews to see what worked and what didn’t. The only problem is I don’t really have an unbiased opinion, so I thought that I’d leave it up to you. So, here are links to twenty-two book reviews, both here and on the Southern Colorado Literature Examiner. Please take a look at them, if you haven’t already,  and then vote for the ones that you think are the best in the comments section. You can choose more than one, but please include a brief explanation as to why you liked each particular review, or why you didn’t, so that I can identify areas that might need some work. If you read the book, do you agree or disagree with my review? I will approve all comments as long as they are not downright nasty. Next week I will publish a list of the top reviews, according to you, the readers. I couldn’t do it without you.

“The Ruby Notebook” holds the key to many secrets

When “Mosquito” gets hold of you, it sucks you in and doesn’t let go

Anna Strong is a force to be reckoned with in “Chosen”

Storyline in “The Truth Comes Out” keeps readers guessing

You’ll think twice about water after reading “Water Hazard”  

“Reprisal! The Eagle Rises” gives readers something to think about

“I’ll Be There to Write the Story” – A true tale that will touch your heart and stir your spirit

“The Last Lie”: a perplexing tale that will keep readers guessing

“Why Did This Happen to Me, Aunt Lou?” Inspires and Delights  

“Killing the Cobra” is packed with action

“The Midnight Ride of Blackwell Station” is delightfully entertaining for all ages

“The Secret to Lying” holds the key to more than one secret

“Raw Edges: A Memoir”: a journey of self discovery and revelation

“Star in the Forest”, a glimpse of reality through a young girl’s eyes

Pamela Clare brings another sizzling romance in, “Naked Edge”

“The Spirit Lens”, a spellbinding tale that will captivate readers

“From the Spleen of Fiery Dragons”, by Mishka Zacharin  

From the Old Blog to the New – Reviews of “Demon Hunter: The Chosen One” and “Demon Hunter: Seek and Destroy”

“The Fishing Trip: A Ghost Story”, by Chris Keys  

“Beneath the Mask of Holiness” depicts the human side of Thomas Merton

“The Secret of Everything” is an absolute must read

You’ll think twice about water after reading “Water Hazard”

Posted: October 11, 2010 | Author: | Filed under: Book Review | Tags: , , , , | 3 Comments

Water Hazard, by Tim Baker takes readers on a ride as wild as any water slide. When twelve year old Justin and his buddy heist a collection of CDs from a car parked in a construction area, they don’t realize what treacherous waters they are treading into. Included in the collection, are a pair of encrypted discs that contain valuable information about an illegal water pumping operation, that mean big bucks for the owners, and they will stop at nothing, including kidnapping and murder, to get them back. When the boys sell the CDs to a local music store, owner Steve Warwick and his friend Ike are plunged into the eddy, and they are determined to bring down the whole operation with a splash. It seems that the villains in this story have just been dog paddling, in an attempt to swim with the big sharks, and you’ll have to laugh as Steve and Ike outsmart the bad guys time and time again, as they slip and slide through all the loops, and watch the bad guys as they belly flop. Water Hazard is filled with back flips and cannon balls that will keep you guessing as to who will sink and who will swim, in this hilarious adventure of high jinks and intrigue.