Pachinko - Min Jin Lee

Author: Min Jin Lee

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Publication Date: February 7, 2017

Rating: 4/5

(This review is a part of the #BookReviewBlogChallenge organised by Great New Reads
Day 04, Prompt 4: Family)

About the book:

Profoundly moving and gracefully told, PACHINKO follows one Korean family through the generations, beginning in early 1900s Korea with Sunja, the prized daughter of a poor yet proud family, whose unplanned pregnancy threatens to shame them. Betrayed by her wealthy lover, Sunja finds unexpected salvation when a young tubercular minister offers to marry her and bring her to Japan to start a new life.

So begins a sweeping saga of exceptional people in exile from a homeland they never knew and caught in the indifferent arc of history. In Japan, Sunja's family members endure harsh discrimination, catastrophes, and poverty, yet they also encounter great joy as they pursue their passions and rise to meet the challenges this new home presents. Through desperate struggles and hard-won triumphs, they are bound together by deep roots as their family faces enduring questions of faith, family, and identity. 

Review:

      I first came to know about this book when I found it in the Goodreads Choice Awards Nominee list. Plot-wise, it reminded me of Pearl S. Buck's 'Good Earth', another one of my favourites. And I was right. It does bear a lot of similarities. Starting with Hoonie and his wife Yangjin, the novel follows the lives of four generations, in and out of Korea. Trials and tribulations, minor victories and periods of stability follow the family while they try to make a place in Japan.

      The author takes great care in developing each character and the story traces all their lives with great care. The setting and the time period brings additional incentives as we get to see how the second World War shakes the lives of these immigrants and all of Japan. The feelings of displacement and discrimination that even the fourth generation of the family endures are captured vividly with a sense of pathos.
      What is with the title then? Pachinko is a kind of arcade game which provided a living to many Koreans in Japan. Mosaszu, one of Sunja's sons made his fortune running this business. He makes adjustments in the machines to ensure that none of his customers can really win however well they played. Fate does the same with Sunja's family. 
      On the whole, 'Pachinko' is a book that makes lasting impressions. In nearly five hundred pages, this sweeping family saga breaks your heart open and sews it together many times.

Favourite quotes:

"History has failed us, but no matter" - 6

"Patriotism is just an idea, so is capitalism or communism. But ideas can make men forget their own interests. And the guys in charge will exploit men who believe in ideas too much" - 276

". . . life's going to keep pushing you around but you have to keep playing" - 449

Meet the author:

Min Jin Lee’s Pachinko (Feb 2017) is a national bestseller, a New York Times Editor’s Choice and an American Booksellers Association’s Indie Next Great Reads. Lee’s debut novel Free Food for Millionaires (May 2007) was a No. 1 Book Sense Pick, a New York Times Editor’s Choice, a Wall Street Journal Juggle Book Club selection, and a national bestseller; it was a Top 10 Novels of the Year for The Times of London, NPR’s Fresh Air and USA Today.


Min Jin went to Yale College where she was awarded both the Henry Wright Prize for Nonfiction and the James Ashmun Veech Prize for Fiction. She attended law school at Georgetown University and worked as a lawyer for several years in New York prior to writing full time.

From 2007 to 2011, Min Jin lived in Tokyo where she researched and wrote Pachinko. She lives in New York with her family. 

The First Date - Zara Stoneley (Blog Tour)

Date of Reading: 25/04/2020

Author: Zara Stoneley

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: April 24, 2020

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 4/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Rachel's Random Resources)

About the book:

Right place.

Right time.

Wrong guy …

After breaking up with her childhood sweetheart, clueless dater Rosie has found herself in a boyfriend-drought. So when she finally swipes right on a guy who seems interested, she can’t wait to meet up IRL.

Until she’s left standing alone. In a bar. Ghosted.

Enter Noah. Confident, funny … and a serial first dater. Offering to give Rosie a crash course in seduction, this could be just what she needs. Until her matchmaker turns out to be the best date she’s ever had – and Rosie wonders if she wants the fake dates to be the real ones after all …

A hilarious, heartwarming romantic comedy about what happens when the wrong guy turns up at the right time, perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Debbie Johnson.

Review:

    Before we begin let us be clear about one thing: there is absolutely nothing new in this book. Nope, not even a minor surprise, the plot is going to go exactly as you thought (if you are thinking like me that is). So why should you read it? For the same reason you pick any HEA novels; so that you can relive it again and again and again. Can we ever get tired of ice cream?

      A fake date trope. You know the drill; a damsel in distress, help from a handsome man on dating tips and ta-da! Feelings get involved. But there is always a hurdle and here it is called Daddy. Rosie is too aware of the disastrous effects of falling in love through her parent's marriage. So a serial first dater like Noah must never be the right person for her. Alright, I will let you figure out the rest.

      I loved the banter and the chemistry between Noah and Rosie and the way they avoid confronting their feelings is too adorable. There are some hilarious scenes, especially the one in the lingerie shop and we also get to meet a Great Dane, named Hugo. I would have loved a double POV, but it is pretty easy to guess what is going through Noah's head. Still, it would have been great to know his side of things. 

     Altogether a brilliant book that makes you laugh, relax and teaches you to make the most of every adverse situation.

Meet the author:

Zara Stoneley is the USA Today bestselling author of The Wedding Date.

Born in a small village in the UK, she wanted to be a female James Herriot, a spy, or an author when she grew up. After many (many) years and many different jobs, her dream of writing a bestseller came true.

She writes about friendship, dreams, love, and happy ever afters, and hopes that her tales make you laugh a lot, cry a little, and occasionally say 'ahhh'.

Zara now lives in a Cheshire village with her family, a lively cockapoo called Harry, and a very bossy (and slightly evil) cat called Saffron.

The Firm - John Grisham

Date of Reading: 23/04/2020

Author: John Grisham

Publisher: Dell

Year: 1991

Rating: 4/5

(This review is part of the #BookReviewBlogChallenge organised by Great New Reads

Day 03, Prompt: Golden Classics. Any book published before 1995)

About the book:

When Mitchell McDeere qualified third in his class at Harvard, offers poured in from every law firm in America. Bendini, Lambert and Locke were a small, well-respected firm, but their offer exceeded Mitch's wildest expectations: a fantastic salary, a new home, and the keys to a brand new BMW.

It was his dream job - but it was to become his worst nightmare.

Unravelling a complex trail of secret files, undercover surveillance, and millions of dollars of illegal mob money, Mitch stumbles across a shocking conspiracy and a horrifying truth: nobody has ever left Bendini, Lambert and Locke - and anybody who has ever tried has ended up dead.

Review:

       This is my first John Grisham book. What? Don't give me that look; it was never the right time. Now because of the Book Review Blog Challenge, I finally dusted off this popular book from my TBR. (It might also have to do with the fact that I am currently binge-watching 'Suits'). So, did I join the fan club? Not really, I will need some more books to decide on that.

     I have mixed feelings about this novel. According to one of the rankings I have seen, 'The Firm' is ranked twelfth in all Grisham's novels. I may have to agree with that now. The story was not as thrilling as I thought, partly due to the detached third-person narrative. I was never really worried about Mitch, just had this hunch that he will make it through. But by the time I reached the middle, the novel had me hooked. 

      A firm where no one is allowed to leave, unless in a coffin. It is a typical Godfather situation, aside from the fact that we are against them. That being said, I do really hope that the real FBI is much more capable, what I got here is not a favourable picture. I loved the way the story progressed with Mitch's crooked brain churning out ideas that quite surprised me. On the whole, a quick and easy read even with its massive size.

Meet the author:

Long before his name became synonymous with the modern legal thriller, he was working 60-70 hours a week at a small Southaven, Mississippi law practice, squeezing in time before going to the office and during courtroom recesses to work on his hobby—writing his first novel.

Born on February 8, 1955, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, John Grisham worked as an attorney and Mississippi legislator before becoming a best-selling novelist with works like The Firm, The Pelican Brief and A Time to Kill, all of which were turned into hit films. Grisham has continued to publish an array of titles, such as Bleachers and The Litigators, and has also worked in screenwriting, as seen with the 2003 baseball film Mickey.

The Little Teashop in Tokyo - Julie Caplin

Date of Reading: 22/04/2020

Author: Julie Caplin

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: June 19, 2020

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 4/5

(This review is part of the #BookReviewBlogChallenge organised by Great New Reads. 

Day 02, Prompt: Travel/Vacation)

About the book:

Grab your passport and escape to the land of dazzling skyscrapers, steaming bowls of comforting noodles, and a page-turning love story that will make you swoon!

For travel blogger Fiona, Japan has always been top of her bucket list so when she wins an all-expenses-paid trip, it looks like her dreams of the Far East are coming true.

Until she arrives in vibrant, neon-drenched Tokyo and comes face-to-face with the man who broke her heart ten years ago, gorgeous photographer Gabe.

Fiona can’t help but remember the heartache of their last meeting but it’s not long before the Japanese art of contentment and a special, traditional tea ceremony work their magic…

Amidst the temples and clouds of soft pink cherry blossoms, Fiona and Gabe start to see life – and each other – differently.

Review: 

      I selected this book for two reasons: one, the main character is a blogger and secondly, this is set in Japan, a country that merges traditions beautifully with technology and modernism. What is more? Fiona is also a passionate photographer, something I too love. Quite understandably, I was more invested in her photography experiments and the beauty and serenity of Japan that unfolded through her eyes than on the romance part.

     Usually, I don't prefer reading travel romances. The story part and the travelling rarely gel together but surprisingly, Julies Caplin has managed that feat incredibly well. There is ample tension to keep you focused and Japan with its tantalising dishes and scenic beauty fits beautifully within the storyline. The cherry blossoms, Mount Fuji, Digital museum and the silent trains . . . yup, Japan is added to my ever-growing bucket list.

      Fiona and Gabe have their own flaws and it took me some time to warm up to Gabe. I don't know which is worse, a man who sleeps around or the one who is under the leash of a manipulative woman. Both are despicable and Gabe belongs to the latter category. Sorry, if I didn't jump in joy on meeting him. But as a wise man once said, people are capable of change and grudgingly though it may be, I am happy that Fiona gave him a chance.

   I cannot conclude this review without mentioning Haruka, the kind but firm Japanese lady who owned the teashop. She is really a fairy godmother in a kimono and her tea ceremony was one of the most interesting part in the novel. Well, we could never really know about a country through a single book, but if you are interested in getting a taste of Japan along with a cute love story, then this is the perfect pick. What more can you wish for during this lockdown period?

Meet the author:

Julie Caplin is addicted to travel and good food. She's on a constant hunt for the perfect gin and is obsessively picky about glasses, tonic and garnishes. Between regular gin tastings, she's been writing her debut novel which is set in just one of the many cities she's explored over the years.

Formerly a PR director, for many years she swanned around Europe taking top food and drink writers on press trips (junkets) sampling the gastronomic delights of various cities in Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Copenhagen and Switzerland. It was a tough job but someone had to do it. These trips have provided the inspiration and settings for the trilogy, The Little Cafe in Copenhagen, The Little Brooklyn Bakery and The Little Paris Patisserie.

Sister - Kjell Ola Dahl (Blog Tour)

Date of Reading: 06/04/2020

Author: Kjell Ola Dahl

Translator: Don Bartlett

Publisher: Orenda books

Publication Date: February 29, 2020

Rating: 3/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Random Things Tours)

About the book:

The Oslo Detectives are back in another chilling slice of Nordic Noir … Frølich searches for the mysterious sister of a young female asylum seeker, but when people start to die, everything points to an old case and a series of events that someone will do anything to hide…

Suspended from duty, Detective Frølich is working as a private investigator, when his girlfriend’s colleague asks for his help with a female asylum seeker, who the authorities are about to deport. She claims to have a sister in Norway, and fears that returning to her home country will mean instant death.

Frølich quickly discovers the whereabouts of the young woman’s sister, but things become increasingly complex when she denies having a sibling, and Frølich is threatened off the case by the police. As the body count rises, it becomes clear that the answers lie in an old investigation, and the mysterious sister, who is now on the run…

A dark, chilling and up-to-the-minute Nordic Noir thriller, Sister is also a tense and well-plotted murder mystery with a moving tragedy at its heart, cementing Kjell Ola Dahl as one of the greatest crime writers of our generation.

Review:

      This is my first time reading something of the Nordic Noir, the genre of crime fiction largely following the police point of view. Well, the main character here is a former police officer now turned private detective. His business is not exactly booming but all the clients are drawn to him due to his anti-corruption stance. Yes, that is something remarkable about Frølich and his ideals shine throughout even with all the humiliations and the physical assault he is forced to endure.
     Beginning with the search of a lost sister, the story gradually turns into a murder mystery and the links all point to a previous incident. Along with this, the author also gives a glimpse of the corrupted political system of Norway and the condition of immigrants. From the very first page it will have you hooked in the guessing game, which I miserably failed. Hmm . . . not my first time failing to find the culprit.
      The book was not as fast paced as I expected and until the last part, things were going rather peacefully (apart from regular murders, that is). It could be the way of narration, but nothing really seems to shook us while reading, which was new. So if you are in search of some crime narratives this could definitely be a part of the list. Or if you want to read something out of your comfort zone (like me) then this is going to be a new experience.

Meet the author:

One of the fathers of the Nordic Noir genre, Kjell Ola Dahl was born in 1958 in Gjøvik. He made his debut in 1993, and has since published eleven novels, the most prominent of which is a series of police procedurals cum psychological thrillers featuring investigators Gunnarstranda and Frølich. In 2000 he won the Riverton Prize for The Last Fix and he won both the prestigious Brage and Riverton Prizes for The Courier in 2015. His work has been published in 14 countries, and he lives in Oslo.

      

My Oxford Year - Julia Whelan

Date of Reading: 19/04/2020

Author: Julia Whelan

Publisher: William Morrow

Publication Date: April 24, 2018

Rating: 5/5

(This review is part of the #BookReviewBlogChallenge organised by Great New Reads. 

Day 01, Prompt: Dreams & Ambitions)

About the book:

Set amidst the breathtaking beauty of Oxford, this sparkling debut novel tells the unforgettable story about a determined young woman eager to make her mark in the world and the handsome man who introduces her to an incredible love that will irrevocably alter her future—perfect for fans of JoJo Moyes and Nicholas Sparks.

American Ella Durran has had the same plan for her life since she was thirteen: Study at Oxford. At 24, she’s finally made it to England on a Rhodes Scholarship when she’s offered an unbelievable position in a rising political star’s presidential campaign. With the promise that she’ll work remotely and return to DC at the end of her Oxford year, she’s free to enjoy her Once in a Lifetime Experience. That is until a smart-mouthed local who is too quick with his tongue and his car ruins her shirt and her first day.

When Ella discovers that her English literature course will be taught by none other than that same local, Jamie Davenport, she thinks for the first time that Oxford might not be all she’s envisioned. But a late-night drink reveals a connection she wasn’t anticipating finding and what begins as a casual fling soon develops into something much more when Ella learns Jamie has a life-changing secret.

Immediately, Ella is faced with a seemingly impossible decision: turn her back on the man she’s falling in love with to follow her political dreams or be there for him during a trial neither are truly prepared for. As the end of her year in Oxford rapidly approaches, Ella must decide if the dreams she’s always wanted are the same ones she’s now yearning for.

Review:

       Whatever that I thought about this book, that is not this. Well, I don't even remember what I expected. So careless of me, not to be alerted by the warning in the blurb, the book being for the fans of Nicholas Sparks. Then I would not have been overwhelmed by this roller coaster of emotions. Yes, that is what this book is; it will floor you and leave you tongue tied. Remarkably and incredibly.

      From the age of thirteen, Ella Durran had dreamed of studying at Oxford, the City of Dreaming Spires. Now at the age of twenty four with her Rhodes scholarship, she is fulfilling her dream. Her background is politics, but she chooses English literature for her masters, the literature from 1830 to 1914 to be precise. And she finds herself with a group of students who live and breathe literature. Sure, it brings back some memories since I too did my masters in English Lit.

       The poems that started each chapter, literary jokes, essays and discussions . . . this was like slipping back into a familiar world. Poetry may not be my forte, but I love Tennyson and all the allusions to his life just made this story a lot sweeter. But this is not a mere academic story, this is the story of a dream that didn't go as planned. Then again, "if you are not surprised by life, what is the bloody point?"

       The surprise comes in the form of a teaching assistant; a gorgeous, funny teaching assistant, burdened with a life altering secret. There begins a tale of woe, sending Ella in a quest for her own identity. It is heartbreaking, enlightening and hopeful. Ah! I need more tissues. Five stars . . . without any doubt.

Favourite quotes:

"Everyone else looks very British about it, like this is where fun comes to die" - 43

"Open the bottle. Open every damn bottle you can, while you can. Then let me go. In love. That's what you can do" - 259

"But death without the process of dying is an abomination. It takes nine months to create life; it feels unnatural, a sin against nature, that the reverse shouldn't also have it time. Time to let go of the known as we take hold of the unknown." - 287

"It turns out, the act of making a choice, of choosing a path, doesn't mean the other path disappears. It just means that it will forever run parallel to the one you're on. It means you have to live with knowing what you gave up". - 291

". . . that being called upon to do something because you're good at it is not the same thing as having a calling" - 293

"The hardest thing is love, with no expiration date, no qualifiers, no safety net. Love that demands acceptance of all the things I cannot change. Love that doesn't follow a plan." - 296

Meet the author:

Julia Whelan is a screenwriter, life-long actor, and award-winning audio book narrator. She graduated with a degree in English and Creative Writing from Middlebury College and Oxford University. While in England, her flirtation with tea blossomed into a full-blown love affair, culminating in her eventual certification as a tea master. When not writing her own books, you can find her reading other people’s out loud into a microphone.

Project Hero - Briar Prescott

Date of Reading: 16/04/2020

Author: Briar Prescott

Publication Date: March 26, 2020

Source: BookSirens

Rating: 4.5/5

About the book:

What if you accidentally fell in love with the right guy?

Andy:

If my life was a movie, I would be the sidekick. Not an especially promising start when my plan is to finally let my best friend know I have a crush on him. No worries, though. I have a plan. I just need a complete makeover. Change everything about myself so that when Falcon returns from his summer vacation, he can finally see I’m the love of his life. I totally know what I’m doing here.

Well, not really.

If I knew what I was doing, I wouldn’t look like every nerd cliché wrapped into one awkward package.

In short, I’m screwed.

But then Law Anderson enters the picture…

Law:

It’s all very simple. I need somebody to tutor my hockey team, and Andy needs somebody to help him with his crush. Sounds like a match made in heaven.

Only the more time I spend with Andy, the more I like this quirky guy who makes me laugh, and pretty soon I’m the one who’s tutoring Andy in way more than we initially agreed upon.

It’s fine.

I have it all under control.

But as weeks pass and the chemistry between us turns explosive, I’m starting to think that I might be in way over my head with Andy.

If only I could make Andy realize that he doesn’t need to change himself for love. If only I could make Andy see that he just needs to be with somebody who has considered him perfect all along…

Review:

     Not recognising the right person right in front of you . . . definitely a tale as old as time, but it never loses its appeal. This story incorporates this particular trope in the cutest way imaginable. Romance involving a physics nerd with a wry sense of humour and a handsome (former) hockey player who is so down to earth is surely a recipe for a swoon worthy love story. And that is what 'Project Hero' delivers.

      The novel made me recall why I love reading romance. It's fun, light and within no time we get into an easy rapport with the characters. Narrated through dual POV, the novel will soon have you in a giggling fit, especially whenever Andy comes into the picture. Even with his low self esteem and fear of public speaking, the guy is nothing short of hilarious. Law Anderson is right: he doesn't need to change to find love.

      I loved the way story progressed culminating in a beautiful epilogue set after ten years. What didn't sit well with me is the sex education part, that felt too cliched. But apart from that minor blip, this had been a hugely enjoyable story. Highly recommended!

Meet the author:

Briar Prescott is a work in progress. She swears too much, doesn't eat enough leafy greens and binge watches too much television. It's okay, though. One of these days she'll get a hang of that adulting thing.

Probably.

Maybe.

She hopes.

You can contact Briar by email at prescottbriar@gmail.com. Seriously, she'd be so happy to hear from you.

You can also visit Briar's webpage at briarprescott.com

The Book That Gives Me Joy . . .

Hello guys, 

     I am participating in the #Book Review Blog Challenge organised by Great New Reads and today I get to write about the book that sparks joy in my life, a book that brings back fond memories. Ta da! That will be 'Jane Eyre' (Hmm. . . considering I revealed the cover already, that won't come as big surprise). 

     But why? It's simple. This is the first book I read online and that made me realise some things. First, we can enjoy a book even if it is not on paper. It also gives you some advantages since there is an option to enlarge the font size (comes quite handy when it comes to penguin books). And, most importantly, we get to save a lot of trees. So yes, this book had been a milestone in my bookish world.

The Eyes of Darkness - Dean Koontz (Review & Summary)

Date of Reading: 22/03/2020

Author: Dean Koontz/Leigh Nichols (pseudonym)

Publisher: Berkley

Year: 1981

Rating: 4.5/5

About the book:

A year after little Danny's death, his mother swore she saw him in a stranger's car... It was a mystery she could not escape. An obsession that would lead her from the bright lights of Las Vegas to the cold shadows of the High Sierras. A terrible secret seen only by... The Eyes Of Darkness.

Review:

      One of my friends suggested this book a while back but I just put it off. Then with the onset of Covid-19, the novel gained an unprecedented popularity and now I can't really keep it aside, right? 

     The novel started off like a ghost story with Danny's mother seeing her dead son in another car. Well, horror is my least favourite genre along with psychological thriller, so I did have a peek at some of the spoilers. Don't want to waste my brain work finding the criminal only to realise that it only happened in the protagonist's mind. Nope, definitely not my thing.

       The story tuned out to be a thriller with some elements of the supernatural. Packed with action, the narrative follows Tina Evans and Elliot Stryker on their journey to find what really happened with Danny. With just more than three fifty pages, the book can be finished in one sitting. The plot gives some old cinematic vibes, but it can only be expected since this was written way back in 1981.

    So to the million dollar question that is on everyone's mind: did this 1981 novel predict corona virus? Not exactly. But a virus named Wuhan-400 (so named since it is developed by the Chinese in Wuhan lab) is the crux of the problem. Fortunately for us, the virus that we experience is far from lethal compared to the one described in the novel. The author seems to have taken great care not to insinuate something against China and US, but may not have succeeded completely. It do blames both the countries, at least that is the way I found it.

Summary:

      Its been one year since Danny Evans died during a camping trip. His mother Tina is in the process of coming in terms with this tragedy, but then mysterious things begin to happen. First, she feels that she saw Danny in a car, and then a message appears inside Danny's old room -- "NOT DEAD". First she thinks this is a prank played by her ex-husband, Michael, but a meeting with him clears those doubts.

       Meanwhile, she meets Elliot Stryker, a lawyer who previously worked for Army Intelligence. There is an instant attraction between the two. Considering Tina's flustered state, Elliot decides to petition the reopening of Danny's grave. She had never seen Danny's body since the authorities advised against it. His body was too mangled to be recognised. Both believe that once she sees the remains of her son, she will be able to accept his death. Then her frequent nightmares involving Danny trapped in a pit about to be buried alive by a skull face also may stop. 

      Elliot approached Harold Kennebeck, a judge who was also his mentor in the Intelligence. He agrees to think about it and when Elliot is attacked at home, he realises that something is amiss. Someone needs to keep Danny's grave unopened and Harold has leaked Elliot's whereabouts to them.

      While packing all the things in Danny's room Tina finds an old horror comic which features the same skull faced man in her dreams. It is titled 'The Boy Who Was Not Dead'. She wracks her memory but cannot remember checking Danny's comics before. A worker comes to check signs of gas leak in her house and tampers with the pipes. Luckily, Elliot arrives on time to save her from the explosion.

     They lose their pursuers and another series of mysterious events convince Tina that her son is alive. It is Danny who is reaching out to them. Even as a boy, he is known to have strange telepathic powers, and it seems he has improved a lot. Since reopening Danny's grave is no longer possible, their only lead is a series of questions found in one of the attacker's body. They were supposed to question Elliot with it.

      The Sierra accident which supposed to have killed Danny seems to be linked to Project Pandora. They decide to talk with Luciano Bellicosti, the coroner who prepared Danny's coffin and fly out to meet him in Reno. Meanwhile, the head of the Nevada bureau of the Network, George Alexander, figures out their destination and things are set in motion to trap Elliot and Tina once they land.

     Elliot finds the coroner murdered in his house and his quick thinking helps them make a narrow escape. To find Danny's location Tina tries to channel his energy to pinpoint his location in a map. But her mind is too restless to cooperate. With the help of Billy, one of Tina's friends proficient in hypnotism, they manage to find the route eventually. 

Source: npr.org

     Borrowing Billy's vehicle they proceed to Project Pandora. With Danny's help they make a smooth entry. The guns of the guards failed to work and door opened leading the way. Danny is found in a lab, skeleton thin and full of tubes attached to his body.

     Dr. Carlton Dombey, one of the scientists in charge of the experiments on Danny takes their side to rescue the weak boy. It was a military centre dedicated to chemical and biological weapons. From a defected Chinese scientist they got the news of a deadly virus named Wuhan-400. The scientists in the institute managed to create a replica but one of them got infected. Instead of following the standard procedures on such an instance, he panicked and got away. On the way he met the scouts including Danny and they too got infected. No one survived except Danny. They kept him there to isolate the antibody and when that is accomplished, Dr. Tamaguchi, the director used him like a lab rat to test how many times he can withstand the attack of the virus. Danny beat it fourteen times so far.

       Tina and Elliot wrapped Danny carefully for the journey back. But Alexander and his cronies had followed them in a helicopter. Just before they land, Danny creates a storm to smash them to pieces. Finally, he is on his way home.

Meet the author:

Acknowledged as "America's most popular suspense novelist" (Rolling Stone) and as one of today's most celebrated and successful writers, Dean Ray Koontz has earned the devotion of millions of readers around the world and the praise of critics everywhere for tales of character, mystery, and adventure that strike to the core of what it means to be human.

Dean, the author of many #1 New York Times bestsellers, lives in Southern California with his wife, Gerda, their golden retriever, Elsa, and the enduring spirit of their goldens, Trixie and Anna.

Of Silver and Shadow - Jennifer Gruenke

Date of Reading: 09/04/2020

Author: Jennifer Gruenke

Publisher: Flux

Publication Date: May 26, 2020

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 4.5/5

About the book:

Ren Kolins is a silver wielder—a dangerous thing to be in the kingdom of Erdis, where magic has been outlawed for a century. Ren is just trying to survive, sticking to a life of petty thievery, card games, and pit fighting to get by. But when a wealthy rebel leader discovers her secret, he offers her a fortune to join his revolution. The caveat: she won’t see a single coin until they overthrow the King.

Behind the castle walls, a brutal group of warriors known as the King’s Children is engaged in a competition: the first to find the rebel leader will be made King’s Fang, the right hand of the King of Erdis. And Adley Farre is hunting down the rebels one by one, torturing her way to Ren and the rebel leader, and the coveted King’s Fang title.

But time is running out for all of them, including the youngest Prince of Erdis, who finds himself pulled into the rebellion. Political tensions have reached a boiling point, and Ren and the rebels must take the throne before war breaks out. 

Review:

       When almost everything in the fantasy genre tends to be a part of the series, I am really glad to find this rare gem where the story actually ends. Some of us have fragile hearts you know and cannot handle prolonged state of tension which may even last years. So thank you Jennifer Gruenke for keeping us in mind.

      What are the things I loved then? First there is the plot. Kingdom of Erdis is governed by a cruel king (practically a devil incarnate) and the country is at the brink of war. A revolution brews in the midst; many had attempted to overthrow the king before but this time it could be different. They have got hold of a silver wielder, a magic outlawed and is restricted to the royal family. 

     I loved the way Gruenke gradually built up a story of epic proportions. First half of the book is dedicated to character development simultaneously introducing us to a slice of what we have signed up for. The tension builds up gradually culminating in a short but well planned battle scene. Yup, I loved it all.

      Narrated through the perspective of four characters -- Ren, Darek, Adley and Prince Kellen -- we do get to see the action from all sides just like multiple cameras. My preference usually goes for dual POVs or first person narrative, but I enjoyed this too. Just like the narrators there are multiple couples (three in fact, and one of them is f/f), clearly the icing on the cake. 

       What I didn't quite buy is the revolution. Apart from the last part, it is clearly not well organised, and I doubt it would have survived if it is not for the authorial intervention. Considering the threat they are under, being a bit more secretive should have been necessary.

      So will I recommend this book? Without a doubt. Definitely, something to watch out for in May.

Meet the author:

Jennifer Gruenke is a graduate of UC Santa Barbara, where she studied communication and writing. She grew up among the redwoods of Northern California, and now lives in Charlotte with her books and the houseplants she hasn't killed yet. If she's not writing or reading, you're most likely to find her in a cafe, music venue, or the aisles of Trader Joe's. Of Silver and Shadow is her debut novel.

New Year, New Guy - Angela Britnell (Blog Tour)

Date of Reading: 07/04/2020

Author: Angela Britnell

Publisher: Choc Lit

Publication Date: February 25, 2020

Rating: 4/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Rachel's Random Resources)

About the book:

Out with the old life, in with the new …

When Laura’s bride-to-be sister, Polly, organises a surprise reunion for her fiancé and his long lost American friend, Laura grudgingly agrees to help keep the secret. And when the plain-spoken, larger-than-life Hunter McQueen steps off the bus in her rainy Devon town and only just squeezes into her tiny car, it confirms that Laura has made a big mistake in going along with her sister's crazy plan. 

But could the tall, handsome man with the Nashville drawl be just what reserved Laura Williams needs to shake up her life and start something new?

Review:

      Angela Britnell's stories are always a pleasure to read: easy to finish, unputdownable and full of wit and laughter. 'New Year, New Guy' is no different. What we have here is a transatlantic love story involving a devilishly handsome American named Hunter McQueen (alright, I confess; whenever his name popped up, the image that came to my mind was that of Lightning McQueen, huh . . . weird?). So Hunter it is.

      Now to the bits I loved. If you think this is just a girl meets boy, falls in love and then the happily after story, you are absolutely right. But what makes it different is the complex layers lurking underneath. Britnell has packed the story with some burning issues; marital abuse and unresolved trauma. And the way both Laura and Hunter tackle these issues creates enough tension  for a blossoming romance.

      The characters are well defined and easy to connect. Laura is a no-nonsense heroine and without a doubt lives up to her nick name, 'Enforcer'. Yup, the girl can take care of herself, she is no Cinderella as her ex-husband can vouch for by the end of the story. Hunter, with his mysterious and guilt filled past could not have hoped for a better ally.

       Being a short read, this novel can easily be finished in one sitting. The easy banter had me giggling throughout. Overall, the perfect quarantine read to relax and unwind.

Meet the author:

I was born in the beautiful county of Cornwall in southwestern England and grew up in a small village there. I return frequently to visit family and friends but especially to savor the cool rainy weather and hot tea. After school I joined the Royal Navy and served for nearly six years. I held varying jobs from being the only woman in the staff of a sports center to arranging social engagements for the Captain of the base. My last assignment was to Denmark where I thought I would spend a wild two years in Copenhagen only to discover I was being sent to a NATO Headquarters in a quiet town on the Jutland Peninsula. I was only disappointed for a while as I met my own tall, dark, handsome stranger there - a US Naval Officer named Richard who became my husband.

That was the beginning of an itinerant life as from Denmark we went to Sicily where we had our first son. Then it was on to Monterey, California and the birth of our second son. From there we headed to Patuxent River, Maryland where we had our third son. Richard's last assignment was to London where we spent a wonderful three years. Retiring from the Navy he took a job in Brentwood, Tennessee near where he grew up. Since 2008 we are empty nesters which allows more time for my writing.

I have always been a voracious reader, even at 5 years old my school reports show a keen interest in English and very little in math - some things never change! Although I enjoyed writing in school it wasn't until 2001 that I was tempted to take a creative writing class at a local recreation center which has sparked my new career.

When I'm not busy writing I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I try to grow English flowers in the Tennessee heat and succeed some of the time. I belong to the wonderful Red Bandanas Writing Group, Jubilee Readers Book Club, and volunteer at my local library so you can see that words are important to me.

I hope you enjoy reading my work as much as I enjoy writing it so sit back, make yourself a cup of tea and enjoy a break from everyday life.