Recommendations and Reviews

As my readers are aware, I am a former submariner. A friend recommended a submarine novel titled The Sharpest Point of the Triad by D. W. Hardin and Orval Sweeney, and it piqued my interest. Here are my thoughts about the book.

Synopsis (from the author):

The Sharpest Point of the Triad is an engaging narrative of two superpowers using their nuclear submarines to vie for global supremacy. Political maneuvering, espionage, betrayal, and intrigue are driving the Cold War and international tension to a dangerous breaking point. America’s nuclear submarines demonstrate their superiority, forcing the Soviet Union to the negotiating table, signaling the end of the Cold War.

What I liked about The Sharpest Point of the Triad:

First, I appreciated the book’s realism and its well-written nature. Having ridden a submarine during the Cold War years, the book brought back some decades-old memories (most of them good, a few not so much).

Secondly, the characters and scenarios were both frightening and plausible, and I could feel the tension generated by the situations.

Lastly, in the interest of full disclosure, Orval Sweeney was my first CO aboard USS Sand Lance (SSN 660). He also pinned my dolphins on me, and he was my final qualification interview for reactor operator. Reading the book offered interesting insights into the mind of a fast-attack submarine captain.

What I didn’t like about The Sharpest Point of the Triad:

There really wasn’t much to dislike about the novel. Perhaps some parts were overly dramatic, but that didn’t detract from the book’s overall impact.

Overall impression of The Sharpest Point of the Triad:

The Sharpest Point of the Triad was a great page-turner. Well-written, realistic, and filled with Cold War tension, D. W. Hardin and Orval Sweeney crafted an excellent story. I’m usually skeptical of submarine novels, but this one was a pleasant surprise. If you enjoy military novels or submarine stories, read this one. Bravo Zulu, gentlemen!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with D. W. Hardin:

Find D. W. Hardin on his website or his Amazon Author page. Discover all of his books, including The Sharpest Point of the Triad, and consider buying one or two. If you do, please leave a review where you purchased the book(s).

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I stepped away from my normal fantasy books for a romantic suspense with hints of paranormal. The author, Chariss K. Walker, is also new to me, but she is a fellow recipient of the BRAG Medallion. Here are my thoughts about Kaleidoscope (The Vision Chronicles Book One)!

Synopsis (from the author):

Mike Lewis is a man with a secret that he doesn’t want to share. The life of the 44-year-old geophysicist is one that most would envy. He’s handsome, well-paid, and well-traveled, but he can’t tell anyone about his psychic ability. Such an admission would put him and anyone he told in harm’s way.
He has always wanted a loving relationship like the one his parents had, but he refused to enter into a committed relationship like that without being completely honest. Can he find a woman to love who will accept his paranormal ability and keep his secret? He wants that more than anything else, and his biological clock is ticking.

After spending fifteen years denying his gift of visions in silence, he can no longer cope with keeping this secret. While home after his latest job assignment, he decides to confide in Nelson, a psychiatrist friend of 25 years. Nelson recommends that Mike keep a journal and passively observe the visions rather than being part of them. This exercise allows the pair to explore the visions in a controlled setting. However, shortly after confiding in Nelson, all hell breaks loose! Mike learns that his home and electronics are bugged. His friends are in danger. A young woman dies. After two failed abduction schemes, and not knowing what else to do, Mike decides he must learn to protect himself. He studies close combat fighting techniques with the determination to fight as long as he can, and then run!

What I liked about Kaleidoscope:

I liked the premise of the story, and the plot was well done. Mike Lewis’ journey to accept his gift and use it made for interesting twists and turns, and figuring out who to trust added a lot of mystery. I thought the characters were well-developed and believable. Mike’s dedication to defending himself and his friends plays a critical role in the story (no spoilers from me), and the romantic developments round out a nicely paced and entertaining novel!

What I didn’t like about Kaleidoscope:

Though I enjoyed the book, there were places where the dialogue didn’t flow well. I understand this is the first of eight books in the series, but I didn’t enjoy the cliffhanger ending.

Overall impression of Kaleidoscope:

Kaleidoscope by Chariss K. Walker was a well-paced, character-driven novel and the first book in an eight-book series. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and most have issues that are explored in the book. The premise was unique, the action almost non-stop, and Mike Lewis’s exploration and acceptance of his gift lent a paranormal feel to the story. Overall, I enjoyed the book (except for the cliffhanger ending).

My rating:

4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 Stars)

Connect with Chariss K. Walker:

Find Chariss K. Walker on her Goodreads page and Amazon Author Page, and discover more about the author and her many books. If you’ve read one, consider leaving a review. If you haven’t, Kaleidoscope might be a great place to start.

Connect with me:

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Sorry it has been a while since my last review, but sometimes life gets in the way. Today, I present my review of Tombs of Dross (The Lorian Stones #1) by Lew Anderson. Read on for my thoughts on this BRAG Medallion and Readers’ Favorite Silver Award winner!

Synopsis (from the author):

When Isaac, Zac, and Breezy chance upon a mysterious stone pillar in the hidden corners of their farm, they unknowingly awaken an ancient force. Thrust into a perilous world where danger haunts, the young teens quickly learn they must fight to survive.

Hunted by an immortal warlord who will stop at nothing, they forsake all to pursue an ancient quest. Banding together with some misfit rebels and a giant lynx, they battle over land and sea, hoping to help their new friends and return home.

But as the gravity of their quest unfolds, so comes a chilling truth—escaping this world may require the ultimate sacrifice.

• A fallen kingdom on the edge of hope…
• An epic quest fraught with heartless foes and ravening creatures…
• A compelling tale of faith, friendship, and relentless courage…

Come… enter the hidden realms of Loria… if you dare!

What I liked about Tombs of Dross:

There was a lot to like about this book. First, the characters were compelling and relatable. The story entertained me, and the world-building was done well. The other characters that became part of the quest had interesting backstories that added to the tapestry of the tale. I also appreciated how Lew Anderson wove faith and virtue into the story. Overall, Tombs of Dross was an excellent read.

What I didn’t like about Tombs of Dross:

There wasn’t much for me to dislike in the book.

Overall impression of Tombs of Dross:

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I liked the characters, the story, and the setting. Good world-building, a well-paced tale, and high stakes made for an engaging and entertaining book. If you like fantasy that resembles Narnia, give Tombs of Dross a try!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with Lew Anderson:

Find Lew Anderson on his website, Amazon Author page, or Goodreads page, and find out about The Lorian Stones Trilogy and his other books. If you’ve read any of them, please consider leaving a review!

Connect with me:

I’m on X (formerly Twitter), Goodreads, Facebook, and Pinterest. Find me and let’s connect!

Time for a new review! This time it’s the multi-award-winning Odriel’s Heirs (Odriel’s Heirs, #1) by Hayley Reese Chow. As I often do, I found the book on Bragmedallion.com. Read on for my thoughts!

Synopsis (from the author):

The brave, burning with fire, harnessed the Dragon’s Rage….

As the Dragon Heir, seventeen-year-old Kaia inherited the power of flame to protect her homeland from a godlike necromancer’s undead army. But after centuries of peace, the necromancer has faded to myth, and the Dragon Heir is feared by the people. Persecuted and cast out, Kaia struggles to embrace and control her seemingly useless gift while confined to her family’s farm.

But when the necromancer’s undead terrorize the land once again, Kaia runs away to join the battle.

With the help of her childhood rival, the handsome Shadow Heir, and a snarky, cursed cat, Kaia must figure out how to control both her fire and her confidence in time to save Okarria. If she fails, she will sacrifice her family, her new friends, and the enchanting world she has only just begun to see.

And time is running out.

What I liked about Odriel’s Heirs:

First, I liked the world-building. It was excellent. Secondly, I liked Kaia and the other characters (especially the ragehound). The story moved along nicely, and the touches of romance added a lot to the tale. The plot was a little bit predictable, but not enough to detract from the story. Overall, an entertaining and enjoyable book!

What I didn’t like about Odriel’s Heirs:

Other than a few typos, I didn’t find anything to dislike about the book.

Overall impression of Odriel’s Heirs:

Odriel’s Heirs (Odriel’s Heirs, #1) by Hayley Reese Chow was an excellent start to the fantasy series. Good characters, wonderful world-building, and a well-paced plot kept me turning the pages. If you enjoy fantasy, a little romance, and an entertaining read, check out this one!

Connect with Hayley Reese Chow:

Find the author on her website, Amazon Author page, or Goodreads page. Check out Odriel’s Heirs, the rest of the series, and her other books (and maybe buy a few and leave a comment or review)!

Connect with me:

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I was looking for a new book and found The Wickwire Watch (The Riverfall Chronicles # 1) by Jacquelyn Hagen on BragMedallion. Here are my thoughts on the first book of the series!

Synopsis (from the author):

TRUST NO ONE.

It’s the first and greatest rule Inkwell Featherfield ever learned. It’s also the only way he knows how to survive—besides picking pockets, dodging the law, and using every ounce of his plucky charm. But none of this will be enough to save him now.

If only he’d never snooped around a dead man’s house. If only he’d never found that pocket watch full of strange magic. If only he’d known the old man had snuffed it at the hands of the ghostly Spektors, or that such dark spirits even existed, because now they’re after him.

When Ink is approached by an enigmatic group offering to keep him safe, he accepts—only to discover his rescuers are a band of infamous fugitives. Who knew they had a flair for winemaking? Or a penchant for sing-a-longs?

Thrust into a world of arcane horrors, powerful politicians, and dangers on every side, the boy has no choice but to finally break his rule and decide who to trust. But with all the secrets, magic, and mystery thickening around him—and the stakes so much higher than he ever imagined—it might just be downright impossible.

What I liked about The Wickwire Watch:

There was much to like about The Wickwire Watch! Inkwell was an engaging character. Going from an orphan who struggles to make his way in the world to a player in an increasingly bizarre cat-and-mouse game between the Colonists and the Eutrians, the book was entertaining! In addition, the other characters varied enough to keep me guessing who was right and who was wrong. The magic and steampunk fantasy elements added nicely to the tale and kept me entertained.

What I didn’t like about The Wickwire Watch:

Although I liked the book, The Wickwire Watch dragged in places. It also took a long time for the characters’ relationships to develop, and made the pace a little slow.

Overall impression of The Wickwire Watch:

Overall, I enjoyed The Wickwire Watch! The story differed from most fantasy books I’ve read and the added steampunk elements enhanced it. The characters were interesting, and Inkwell made for an excellent main character. If you want to find a new series, start with this one!

My Rating:

4 Stars

Connect with Jacquelyn Hagen:

Visit Jacquelyn Hagen on her website, on her Amazon Author Page, or her Goodreads page. Discover all her work and maybe pick up a couple (or leave a review)!

Connect with me:

I’m on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Find me and say hi. Let’s talk about books, submarines, and gemstones!