William L. Stuart

author of The Gemstone Chronicles Series

Book Reviews, Thoughts, and Random Interesting Ideas

The Du Lac Chronicles by Mary Anne Yarde – My Review!!

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The Du Lac Chronicles – My Review!!

The Du Lac Chronicles by Mary Anne Yarde Cover

When I read the blurb for The Du Lac Chronicles by Mary Anne Yarde, I figured I had to read the book. After all, who isn’t interested in Lancelot’s offspring!

Synopsis (from the author):

“It is dangerous to become attached to a du Lac. He will break your heart, and you will not recover.” So prophesies a wizened healer to Annis, daughter of King Cerdic of Wessex. If there is truth in the old crone’s words, they come far too late for Annis, who defies father, king, and country to save the man she loves.

Alden du Lac, once king of Cerniw, has nothing. Betrayed by Cerdic, Alden’s kingdom lies in rubble, his fort razed to the ground and his brother Merton missing, presumably dead. He has only one possession left worth saving: his heart. And to the horror of his few remaining allies, he gives that to the daughter of his enemy. They see Annis, at best, as a bargaining chip to avoid war with her powerful father. At worst, they see a Saxon whore with her claws in a broken, wounded king.

What I liked about the Du Lac Chronicles:  

My favorite part of the story was the extension of the Arthur legend and Lancelot’s descendants. In addition, weaving historical figures (like Natanleod) against the backdrop of the story lent an authentic air to the tale. Annis’ character was believable, and Alden suffered enough to engender sympathy. The story itself was an entertaining one and full of intrigue, court politics, romance, and sacrifice. If you like historical fantasy fiction, check out this one!

What I didn’t like about the Du Lac Chronicles:

About the only thing I didn’t like was Annis’ continual fear of Alden leaving. Despite his pledge not to leave her, she lapsed back into the fear. For me, it was almost whining and that was a distraction. Despite the distraction, though, I enjoyed the book.

Overall impression of the Du Lac Chronicles:

The Du Lac Chronicles  is an excellent story with good characters, intrigue, and sacrifice. Although the book had a  predictable ending, I enjoyed this book! I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a bit of fantasy, a lush historical backdrop, and a great story!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with the author:

Have you read The Du Lac Chronicles? If so, please consider leaving a review. If not, give this one a try! I know Mary Anne Yarde would appreciate it. if you want to know more about Mary Anne Yarde and her books, check out her Amazon Author page or her website.

Connect with me:

Was my review helpful? Leave me a comment and let me know! As always, you can connect with me on social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads. Or, if you prefer, email me at bill@williamlstuart.com. I enjoy connecting with new friends!

Bentwhistle the Dragon by Paul Cude – My Review!

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Bentwhistle The Dragon  In A Threat from the Past – My Review!!

Bentwhistle The Dragon by Paul Cude Cover

I’ve seen buzz out there in social media for Bentwhistle the Dragon In A Threat from the Past by Paul Cude. Since I like dragons, I read the blurb, thought it sounded interesting, and gave it a read. Below are my thoughts!

Synopsis (from the author):

Ever been addicted? Most people have at some point, but it was different for these three. They’d become addicted to their respective sports: hockey, lacrosse and rugby. What’s wrong with that? Nothing, apart from the fact they’re DRAGONS, living in the present day, in a world in which dragons disguised as humans have infiltrated the human race at almost every level, to guide and protect them.

Three young dragons, a master mantra maker, and a complete dragon stranger with more than a little history attached to him, become caught up in an evil plot by a sinister newcomer to steal a precious commodity, vital to the dragon community. How will the reluctant hero and his friends fare against an enemy of his race from far in the past?

Fascinating insights into the dragon world are interspersed throughout the book. Ever wondered how dragons travel below ground at almost the speed of sound? Or how they use magical mantras to transform their giant bodies into convincing human shapes?

In an action packed adventure that features both human and dragon team sports, you’ll learn the true story of George and the Dragon, get a dragon-like perspective on human social issues and insight into what to do if you meet a giant spider grinning at you when you’re wearing nothing but your smile!

You’d be flamin’ mad to miss it. 

What I liked about Bentwhistle the Dragon:

Who doesn’t like dragons? Especially dragons who nurture and guide humans. And dragons who can change shape and pass for humans and live among us. That is what you get in Bentwhistle the Dragon! The dragon characters entertained me, the mystery of both Gee Tee and Manson intrigued me, and the laminium ball game reminded me of Quidditch! I liked the interplay among the characters, and the three major dragons in the story (Tank, Richie, and Peter) had a delightful friendship. Overall, a good read!

What I didn’t like about Bentwhistle the Dragon:

The story dragged in a few places. In particular, Peter’s indecision and Richie’s refusal to believe Manson’s evil slowed the book. In spite of those slow parts, none of them affected the read as a whole.

Overall impression of Bentwhistle the Dragon:

Good characters, an interesting take on dragons, cool games, and who knew dragons were techies? Couple those things with a good story, and you get a nice read! I recommend the book to anyone who likes dragons and anyone ages 10 and up!

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with the author:

Have you read Bentwhistle the Dragon In A Threat from the Past? If so, please consider leaving a review! If you haven’t read it, give the dragons a chance! In addition, visit Paul Cude’s website or his Amazon Author Page to discover more Bentwhistle books!

Connect with me:

Did you like my review? Please leave me a comment and let me know. If you want to connect with me on social media, I can be found on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads. Or, if you prefer, drop me and email at bill@williamlstuart.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

Submarines in Idaho!?!?!?!?… Yep, It’s True!!

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Idaho:

When you think of Idaho, what is your first impression? For me, prototype training in Idaho Falls as a US Navy Nuclear Reactor operator is first thought. For others, skiing, hiking, and amazing vistas come to mind. Still others think of potatoes. Many conspiracy theorists believe the US moon landing was actually filmed at Craters of the Moon National Park and we never set foot on the moon. All those things make Idaho uniquely Idaho. Today I want to tell you about a  Navy facility in the Idaho wilderness. At the facility, engineers experiment with the latest in submarine hull design! Yep, submarines in Idaho!

Submarines in Idaho?

What? Submarines in Idaho? Hey, we once trained to run submarine nuclear power plants in Idaho, so why not? And, it makes sense when you think about the facility. Called the Acoustic Research Detachment (ARD) in Bayview, Idaho, the site, located on the southern end of Lake Pend Orielle, performs research, development, test and evaluation of submarine acoustic stealth technology. Cool, you might say, but why Idaho?

According to Wikipedia, the lake, located in the Northern Idaho Panhandle, and fed by the Clark Fork and Pack Rivers is 43 miles long and 1150 feet deep in places (like near the test facility). At depths below 100 feet, the water is a constant 39F. The lake has a flat muddy bottom, and coupled with little boat traffic at night, makes it a perfect acoustic test location.

Why is this important? Well, as a former submarine sailor, I appreciate the need for silence on boats (yes, submarines are boats and surface ships are ships). While surface ships can operate quietly, stealth is especially crucial for submarines. The ARD helps in the mission.

ARD has its own fleet of submarines. An article by the LA Times says the subs are up to 88 feet long (roughly 1/4 size of a real submarine). The latest model, LSV-2 (large scale vehicle), is about 120 feet.  Cutthroat (LSV-2 modeled on the Virginia class), and Kokanee  (LSV-1 modeled on the Seawolf class) comprise part of the fleet. Rumors say at least 5 others call the site home. I read another article that named the boats. In addition to the boats listed above, the Dolly Varden, Pike, Whitefish, and Steelhead round out the fleet.

Submarines Kokanee LSV-1
Kokanee LSV -1 in water

ARD:

Officially, and according to the Naval Sea Systems Command website, the purpose of ARD is as follows.

These state-of-the-art facilities support a wide variety of research and technology development programs ranging from submarine propulsor development to the calibration of full-scale acoustic transducers. Detachment personnel supporting the experiments form a highly capable and versatile workforce providing ARD customers a timely and quality outcome. They work closely with project scientists, engineers and technicians throughout the Carderock Division and other Navy and private organizations, to plan and conduct operations and experiments on the lake.

The results obtained during past experiments have been extremely valuable to the Navy, especially in the area of submarine propulsor design, sonar dome development, submarine construction cost avoidance, and the development of several critical submarine design features. Future plans include critical support of current and future Navy submarine design in the area of structural acoustics, hydroacoustics, propulsor development, target strength reduction, and related experiments using the unique capabilities of the ARD.  The Large Scale Vehicle-2 (LSV-2), a large model of the VIRGINIA Class submarine, is being used extensively in the area of propulsor research. Large scale buoyant submarine models support testing in the area of submarine structural acoustic and hydroacoustic technology.  Target strength testing is conducted using the Intermediate Scale Measurement System (ISMS), which provides a unique acoustic test capability unsurpassed by any other available facility.

Surface Ships:

The ARD also houses a model of the Zumwalt class of destroyers. Officially the Advanced Electric Ship Demonstrator (AESD), they call the ship Sea Jet. As I mentioned before, surface ships like to be quiet, too, and this facility helps make that a reality.  As every submariner knows, there are only 2 types of ships – submarines and targets. If you are a target rider, quiet can help you, too!

Submarines AESD photo
Sea Jet Scale Ship in Water

Idaho and submarines seems an odd combination, until you look at why they exist. Then it makes perfect sense. Although almost 400 miles from the ocean, ARD makes great contributions to the submarine community. The improvements enhance the safety and effectiveness of US Navy boats. For that, and on behalf of submarine sailors former, current and future, thanks ARD!!

Have you been to Idaho? Maybe visited ARD or Lake Pend Orielle? Maybe prototype like me?  Are you a former submarine sailor? Despite the brutal winters, did you enjoy Idaho? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Connect with me:

Want to connect on social media? Please feel free to contact me on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads or just email me at bill@williamlstuart.com!

The Eyes of the Accused by Mark Tilbury – My Review!!

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The Eyes of the Accused – My Review!!

The Eyes of the Accused by Mark Tilbury Cover

I read Mark Tilbury’s debut novel, The Revelation Room. Because the book was so entertaining, I gave it 4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 Stars). When he released the second book of the Ben Whittle series, The Eyes of the Accused, it immediately went on my TBR list. Read on for my review!

Synopsis (from the author):

Fresh from the horrors of the Revelation Room, private investigators Ben and Maddie are plunged into a disturbing world of terror as they search for missing pregnant girl, Hannah Heath. Drawn to Frank Crowley, an original suspect in Hannah’s disappearance, Maddie is about to learn the true meaning of evil. But all is not what it seems. Crowley is just a small part of something unimaginable. Something so terrible and deranged it defies reason. After Maddie disappears, Ben is left in a desperate race against time to find her and uncover the truth.

What I liked:

Mark Tilbury creates another evil and twisted antagonist for Ben Whittle. Hannah’s character is believable as the kidnap victim. Geoff (Ben’s father), still recovering from his encounter with Edward Ebb (from Book 1) is he irascible self, and Maddie is as courageous and cute as ever. With flashes of Mr. Tilbury’s dark humor, interesting plot twists, and the blossoming romance between Ben and Maddie, The Eyes of the Accused is a worthy successor to The Revelation Room!

What I didn’t like:

In spite of how well written the book is, it drags in places, especially during Ben’s disagreements with Maddie and his father on Maddie’s involvement as an undercover operative.

Overall impression:

The Eyes of the Accused, like its predecessor, is a dark mystery thriller. Ben Whittle grows into his role, and Maddie is cute, spunky, and a delightful character. Hannah definitely engenders sympathy, and the villain is perfectly dark and twisted. If dark humor, and everyday evil is your thing, The Eyes of the Accused is a book for you!

My rating:

5 Stars   

Connect with the author:

Want to know more about Mark Tilbury and his books? Visit his site at marktilbury.com!

Connect with me:

If you liked (or disliked) my review, leave me a comment and let me know! We can also connect on social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads. You can also just email me at bill@williamlstuart.com.

Do You Believe? Bigfoot (Or Sasquatch if You Prefer)!!

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Bigfoot (or Sasquatch, if you prefer)!

Bigfoot picture

Bigfoot:

Frequent readers of this blog know that I have a fascination for conspiracy theories, mysterious places, and other such things. Along those lines, the legends of Bigfoot (or Sasquatch) intrigues me. Though my interest waned somewhat, I recently reviewed Revived by J M Northup, a book with a Sasquatch as one of the main characters, and I’m catching up with the latest in Bigfoot lore.

So, where do the legends begin? Our oft-consulted friends at Wikipedia say the legends mostly begin in the Pacific Northwest. Native American folklore tells us Bigfoot is a hairy bipedal humanoid. So where did the name Sasquatch originate? Again, Wikipedia tells us the name is the Anglicized version of the Halkomelem (the language of the British Colombia First Nation peoples)  word sasq’ets.

Why does Sasquatch attract such attention? And, why do so many people believe in the creature? First of all, Bigfoot is deeply entrenched in popular culture. The creature became popular due to a famous video (the Patterson-Gimlin Film) made in 1967. The video, as grainy as it was, fueled public fascination with Bigfoot. The picture above is a still captured from it. With the release of the video, different groups popped up to either support the idea of Sasquatch’s existence or to debunk the myth.

Evidence:

Despite the lack of physical evidence like bones, Bigfoot believers are legion. Footprints, unclear photos, and other such evidence abounds, but most of the footprints are from other creatures (often bears), and the photos in existence don’t provide indisputable evidence.

To illustrate the divide between believes and non-believers, let’s use the lack of bones as evidence. Believers say it is due to Bigfoots (Bigfeet?) burying their dead. While that makes sense, non-believers would argue there aren’t any bodies because Bigfoot isn’t real.

Where does Bigfoot live?

Believers maintain the creatures exist. And the beasts aren’t confined to the Pacific Northwest or even North America. In Florida, you have the skunk ape (although the US Park Service views this as a hoax). The Yeti inhabits the Himalayas, while the Yowie is Australia’s version. Mongolia has the Yeren and Japan the Hibagon. With all of the different versions of the creature, it’s no wonder belief runs deep. In addition, the stories about the creatures have been around since at least the 6th century (St. Brendan allegedly encountered one during his visit), so we have centuries for the stories to become ingrained in our psyche! We even have road signs!

Bigfoot X-ing Sign

And that belief has spawned an industry and is worth big bucks! Animal Planet produces Finding Bigfoot (6 seasons and going strong) and  Discovery Channel devoted a special to Bigfoot. We even have an organization devoted to scientific research about the creature – The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization! All of this translates into money for the networks,  donations for research, and fuels the mythology and legends.

Bigfoot and the Media:

Bigfoot also is an advertising, TV, and movie staple. The Messin’ With Sasquatch commercials from Jack Link Jerky come to mind, as does the TV show Harry and the Hendersons. There are tons of others, including the series and special mentioned above.

I know I haven’t answered the question about Bigfoot’s existence. I can’t and, in spite of years of tales and legends, no one else can either. Similar to UFOs, there is no definitive proof Bigfoot exists, yet believers in both abound. As with many paranormal and conspiracy theories, you have to make up your own mind. Or, to quote the X-Files “the truth is out there.”

What do you think about Bigfoot? Real or legend? Are the sightings just hoaxes or is there a species wandering the forests successfully evading capture and hiding its existence? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Connect with me:

If you want to connect with me on social media, find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads, You can always drop me an email at bill@williamlstuart.com, too!

Foreign Agent by Brad Thor – My Review!!

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Foreign Agent – My Review!

Brad Thor Foreign Agent Cover

Before I launch into my review of Brad Thor’s latest thriller, I wanted to talk about his book signing I attended in June 2016 in the Atlanta area. As a member of the Atlanta Writers Club, I received notice about the event, and made time to attend. Now,  I confess I’ve only been to one other book signing for a well-known author (my own don’t count yet, but I’m working on it), and the staff herded us through the signing like cattle. Because of my impression of that event, I try to spend a few minutes with whoever wants to buy a book or simply talk during my signings.

That was the most impressive thing about this event. Brad Thor started the event at 7:30 and spoke for about 30 minutes. A portion discussed the new book, but a larger part took questions from the audience. I was the 41st person in line for the signing and I stood there for about an hour before I got my turn. Mr. Thor took a few minutes to sign my book , talk to me, and have a photo taken, too.

Brad-Thor-June-17-2016

As an indie author, I probably won’t ever reach the audience Brad Thor has, but I learned a lot from this event. For that, thanks Brad Thor! Now on to my review!

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend Brad Thor’s book signing in the Atlanta area. I bought a copy of his latest thriller, Foreign Agent, listened to his presentation, and got the book autographed! I read the book and here is my review.

Synopsis (from the author):

Terrorism in Europe has spun out of control. The United States has decided on a dramatic response. Now, the CIA needs a very special kind of operative.

Scot Harvath has exactly the skills the CIA is looking for. He’s a former U.S. Navy SEAL with extensive experience in espionage. Working for a private intelligence company, he will provide the CIA, and more important, the President, with absolute deniability.

But deep within the Russian Caucasus, Moscow also has its own special kind of operative. As a child, Sacha Baseyev endured an unimaginable horror. Today, he lives and breathes for only one reason—to kill. And he will kill as many Americans as it takes to accomplish his mission.

When a clandestine American operations team is ambushed near Syria, all signs point toward a dangerous informant in Brussels. But as Harvath searches for the man, he uncovers another actor—a rogue player hell-bent on forcing America’s hand and drawing it into a confrontation deadlier than anyone could have imagined.

As the attacks mount, and terror is brought to the very doorstep of the White House, Harvath finds himself in the race of his life. From Vienna, Brussels, and Berlin, to Malta, Jordan, and Syria—he will push himself beyond the edge in order to confront one of the greatest evils the world has ever known.

What I liked:

As with the other Brad Thor novels I’ve read, Foreign Agent didn’t disappoint. The book starts with a bang and just keeps going full throttle. Scot Harvath is a familiar and amazing character, and Brad Thor skillfully blends real world headlines with his exploits. One of the best parts of this book is it can be read as a standalone or as the next installment of the series. Brad Thor frequently brings new characters into the fold, but still maintains the continuity of previous relationships. Foreign Agent is an excellent read, and one I highly recommend!

What I didn’t like:

The only criticism I have of Foreign Agent is one little thing. I have a thing about the word “snuck.” I don’t mind it in the dialogue, but in the narrative, it’s like hitting a reading speed bump. I counted it twice in this book. Not enough to detract from the book, but a tiny irritant.

Overall impression:

Foreign Agent by Brad Thor is a high-energy thriller. Filled with familiar characters doing what they do best, cool weaponry, and a story right out of today’s headlines, this book is a great read! I recommend it to anyone who loves thrillers, military action, and a good story!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with the author:

Have you read Foreign Agent by Brad Thor? What about his other books? If so, please consider leaving a review. If not, why are you waiting? And visit Brad Thor’s website to find all his books!!

Connect with me:

Have a comment about this review or my experience with Brad Thor’s book signing event? Leave the comment here, or contact me on social media. Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads. If you prefer, just drop me an email at bill@williamlstuart.com. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to the blog and share with your friends!