JTHACK

Smashwords book reviews by JTHACK

  • Field of Vision on March 27, 2015

    Dark and sinister, as well as witty and funny, “Field of Vision” is a fast and furious novel that transports readers to another place in the blink of an eye. Michael Jarvis’s writing is razor-sharp and indicative of his amazing storytelling talent. The prose is effortless and lyrical, its descriptive qualities and “voice” making the reader forget that he is not really on the island. But this novel is also deep and introspective, travelling the depths of one man’s psyche as he faces external and internal conflicts. Some narration at the end adds that extra layer of complexity lacking in many other novels I’ve read of late. Something for everyone I think. Recommend
  • Connecting the Dots: Man, God, Angels, and Demons on Sep. 09, 2015

    If nothing else, this is a very entertaining and addictive read! Despite what your beliefs are, or how seriously you want to take the lessons from the Bible (if at all) there is no denying that Dave Shaw puts forth not only a well-crafted and engaging narrative arc re: Satan’s role in God’s Grand Plan, but combining it with some of the “juicier” parts of the Bible (in my opinion), and keeping it light with his own personal anecdotes (Golden Doodles are my favorite!) Makes this a great book to read, contemplate, and take away what you will. For me it was interesting hearing an (obviously) educated and well-informed man explain his own questions and what theories and conclusions he drew from analyzing them further. Never was I bored, although at times the amount of italics did wear on my eyes. Only minor editing things, nothing major at ll. Overall a book I’d recommend to Christians and Non-Christians alike, so long as they read with an open mind.
  • The Kidnapping of Inda Jackson on Dec. 09, 2015

    "The Kidnapping of Inda Jackson” is the first book I’ve read from this talented author Cher Foth, but I certainly hope it won’t be the last! :) I thought the storyline and the character development to be very well done and thought out. I feel like this level of complexity with the different times and places could have easily ended up badly, but instead I darn near gobbled the whole book down in one evening. Gorgeous prose and a heroine you can root for and watch grow. An impressive and original concept, especially for Young Adult/New Adult. Recommend.
  • Friend & Foe on May 01, 2016

    It has been a while since I have found a book that I wanted to read slowly so that I could soak in every detail in hopes that the last page seems to never come. When reading the synopsis of this novel, I never imagined that I would feel so connected to a book about prisoners or war or the Middle East! This novel was so much more than the above states. The idiosyncrasies of each individual character is so well defined and expressed in such ways that come across the page almost lyrically. I was invited into the pages and could not only imagine the atmosphere, but all of my senses were collectively enticed from the very first page until the last. An emotional journey not soon forgotten, full of danger, conflict, tension and drama… and one I will recommend to my family and friends.
  • Not Black and White: From The Very Windy City to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue on June 04, 2016

    I thought it to be very good—excellent writing and a compelling, realistic plot set against a familiar background. I like the fact that it is a fully-realized political thriller, action adventure without all the bloat that can sometimes weigh down a complex book like this one. Beller fills you in as we go without getting bogged down in describing every last thing, but still maintains great character and plot integrity. The story moves forward and you can't help but get sucked into Beller’s strong narrative, and liked “Mars’ Memoirs”. And I haven't even begun to talk about the characters, which were authentic and move the story forward nicely. Some similar themes and motifs found in political thriller/suspense lore, but G.A. Beller does a fantastic job of putting his own unique spin on them. Recommend for mature fans of literary drama/thrillers with a realistic angle.(
  • The Syndicate: Operation Valiant Exodus on Nov. 15, 2016

    fast paced, emotional, and with a very strong and powerful message throughout, once I started reading “The Syndicate: Operation Valiant Exodus” I didn’t want to put it down until I’d finished. Seemed never a good place just to stop for a while as the action continued to build and build. Some ‘not far out there’ scenarios that come to life, in a way that makes you wonder what is really going on out there and ‘behind the scenes’. I personally feel that there could have been a bit more depth to some of the characters, and some scenes seemed a bit too rushed. Liked the ending, though, and didn’t expect some things to happen that did. For those who enjoy realistic drama and thrillers this is a good one for you.
  • LUCID Nightmare on May 07, 2017

    I’ve read a lot of paranormal, and I’ve read a lot of suspense/horror novels. But I’m hard pressed to remember one that was not only crazy intense and gripping, but so well written, while some parts almost bordered on terrifying. This is a dark literary paranormal/thriller/ghost story that is both easy to read, yet deeply intense at the same time. I thought the story to be extremely well-rounded and the characters fleshed out where we understand Clay’s psyche and motivations, even if we don’t agree with his actions. The blend of dream/real life was a cool angle, and if this is ‘true’ then that is insane! Warning, this novel is dark and has its twisted moments. It can be downright disturbing. But it is a great read, one with an interesting payoff at the end. I would certainly recommend “LUCID Nightmare” for fans of literary suspense and paranormal/ghost. But it might make you afraid to go to sleep!