Greed, Altruism, Action adventure and Love
921163
This is an interesting novel of intrigue, crime, some mystery, and some science fiction.  A scientist has discovered an age retarding agent.  It can improve/restore a person's health and give a longer life.  He has moral concerns about releasing it for use, but the corporation he is associtated with is interested in profit at any price (including mayhem and murder).

This becomes a battle between various groups, some known and some unknown, that want the information.  There are moles in the organization, and double dealing.  A lot of people know about the discovery, and some get into things over their heads. A hardened criminal ex-cop named Frick is hired by the corporation as head of security and given free reign to get the information; but is he working for the corporation or for himself.

An assortment of spear carriers are drawn into the plot on both sides.  Some are expendable (on both sides).  Frick is willing to execute anyone he finds inconvenient, including disobedient henchmen.  The action picks up with various chase scenes and shootouts.  Frick has managed to become the dominant male in local law enforcement.  Attempts to bring in outside help are hindered by people's tendency to tell the truth, which sounds like a fairy tale.  A little less truthful story might have been better (drug lab, fight between drug cartels, use your imagination and explain things after the cavalry arrive).

Sam, a mysterious man with an unknown past, is on the island recuperating from injuries.  He has some talents and contacts of his own, but a tendency not to kill anyone unless pushed to the limits.  The white hats know the territory and the people, a decided advantage.  The black hats are mostly imported bad guys from Vegas who sometimes trip over their own feet, and are sometimes lucky that Sam does not permanently put them down.

The main problem I found with the novel (the reason I won't give it five stars) is the author's tendency to show off his knowledge by including technical information that can leave a reader glassy-eyed when the reader just wants to get on with the story.  This is a bad tendency some authors have.

The novel contains a small amount of sexual content and a lot of violence.  I would put it at the PG-13 level.  It is somewhat James Bondish type content with potential for a motion picture along those lines.  I was somewhat disappointed that the Epilogue did not account for everyone, e.g., the scumball scientist inside the corporation who was helping the black hats.

One can hope that Glacous made it to safety and a long life.  I had hoped that Glacous might pull Frick into the water as a meal, but I guess Glacous did not like the flavor.
4315795
Cole and Savannah are embroiled in machinations aplenty. Savi's father has done some despicable things as has her supposed best friend, Lynn. The American has bought her into servitude as planned all along. This is a fast-paced action story with murder, kidnapping, and human trafficking. It's also a story of the deepest love between two people and unconditional love and acceptance by a family-by-choice.
1037213
Simply a great read with great characterization. Greed, selflessness, love, hate, forgivable, unforgivable. It runs the gamut of humanness and lack of humanity, Highly recommend for escape reading.
2327166
A very good story action packed with all the usual suspects. Good guys, extremely bad guys, visits to places all over the globe and a unique series of events devised to keep the readers heart beating! A strong 5!
3798885
A tale of rescue and love, this story has the good brother, the bad brother, the selfish, egotistical rogue, and the understanding hero.
2227366
Jack Slade and Sam Healey are business partners in Alaska.  They own a plane and do all kinds of flying--passengers, freight, etc.  Sam is greedy and doesn't much how he gets his money.  Jack loves the country and finds just the place he wants to settle -- on a glacier.  Sam gets in a fight and leaves Jack holding a gun that kills another man and then runs.  Jack finally gets to stake a claim on the glacier and years later Sam shows up again.  This time he wants to undermine Jack to get the oil on the land.  The story is packed with adventure and excitement.
3054812
A young Chinese Triad leader, Dragon Chang, travels to the small Canadian town of Jackfish to solve a riddle written on a scrap of paper and left to him by his great grandfather. He believes the riddle points to great wealth.

I enjoyed this fast paced, action-packed read. The story is woven of three distinct threads.

1. The Chinese mafia who want the treasure left by Dragons great grandpa and will stop at nothing to attain it.

2. A lone wolf, Phil Hardy, who has set up camp on a remote cliff, which just happens to overlook the treasures hiding place. Phils isolation is a self-imposed therapy while he strives to escape a haunted past life as a Toronto police officer who was involved in a deadly gunfight (also with Chinese mafia). Phil suffers flashbacks when hes under stress, mostly triggered by his guilt - he blames himself for the death of two undercover operatives.

3. April Harrison the local police officer. Jackfish is within her territory. April was a likeable character, and I strongly associated with her as a similar to the policewoman played by Francis McDormand in the Coen brothers movie, Fargo. Shes independent, capable, and although out of her depth when faced with murderous gangsters, manages just fine on a solid diet of common sense.

The first few chapters give backstory that explains how the treasure came to be in Jackfish. Im not much of a back story kinda guy, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading how Dragons great grandpa marshalled the Chinese workers as they built the railroad that skirted the banks of Lake Superior.

The plot is often driven by misunderstandings and this is nicely conveyed by the way the author switches between the threads giving different viewpoints of the same events. For example, when the Chinese arrive in Phil Hardys vicinity, he assumes they're here to take revenge on him. The Chinese assume hes after the treasure. April gets involved just because she wants to know why these strangers are in her district, and even to the end has no inkling about the treasure, or who the gangsters really are.

A number of interesting side stories involving cougars, bears, and drunks mesh the plot together and add to the richness. The writing is sharp, but it could benefit from an editor. Not for proofing, but just to straighten out some minor point of view slips that kicked me out of the story on occasions.

Disclaimer: This review was originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. I may have received a free review copy.
4437965
Very good story line which included the art of allowing the reader to feel the emotions of characters and emotions instilled by places (environment) of the story. Unlike many action stories that jumps from one perilous situation to the next, the breaks for locale description, fly fishing, bird dogs, etc enforced the humanness of the characters. It reinforced my hope that there are protectors among us who must resort to violence to save the unwitting populace (elected officials) from the evil intents of other beliefs or political intents.
929385
An awesome story, filled with love and self sacrifice for the greater good of the human race. One mans greed for power which is his ultimate downfall, and one womans' sacrifice of the person she truly loves and her child so that freedom and equality can be enjoyed by all the citizens of the post war world. A story of how honesty and love will always conquer when you do the right thing, and stand up for what you believe no matter the consequences.
2213521
This is truly an ACTION adventure with emphasis on action. Jason King, our main character, tries to escape his past as a Black Force (off the radar opt.) member. He ends up in the tiny town of Jameson deep in Australia. It is not long before he finds that he has walked right into the middle of an adventure that rivals those experiences he faced as a Black Force member.

Along the way he meets Kate who he has to rescue from the bad side; could there be a romance developing in Jasons life? In the process, Jason finds he is in a life and death battle with an evil force consisting of mercenaries led by a diabolic individual with dreams of grandeur. This adventure will test all Jasons skills. Jason King discovers that the leader possesses a device of mass destruction; a device of mass destruction that Jason failed to eliminate during his last assignment.

The reader will find that there are some odd spellings in this book; remember it takes place in Australia. As the reader you will face to lots of violence and death. However in the end you will discover what the DMD is; could it be broccoli? Will Kate and Jason become an item or will Jason ride off into the sunset. How many will meet there end by the time the author decides to end the story. Or maybe it doesnt end!

Even though this book captured my entire world once I started reading it, I am going to give it just a Four Star Review. Why only a four star review? Because there id really too much violence for some readers.

If you enjoy action adventures, you should immediately grab a copy, find a safe place, a bottle of Bourbon, and settle into an adventures that keep your adrenalin flowing.
1608525
The worlds of Wall Street and black ops collide in this story of revenge, love, terrorism and obscene profit. The story shifts between times and places setting the stage for an ending that is pulse-pounding. The two main characters are definitely larger-than-life, as should be expected in this genre. Several of the minor characters are quite interesting and add to the enjoyment of the book. This is well worth a read, but set aside the time as it is difficult to put down. Definitely highly imaginative and entertaining.
3353469
You have action and adventure mixed with some loving.  Werebears and humans, friend and enemies not always knowing who is which.  And an ending that took me by complete surprise.  Overall a fast passed action packed very enjoyable story to read.  Could not put down once I started to read.  I love the interaction play between everyone.  Even though this is the second in a series it is still self contained.  Looking forward to the next in the series.  Great job to the author.  I was gifted a review copy by the author for my honest opinion.
3507198
This book encompasses a wonderful combination of Western Adventure, history, humanity with it's good and bad side, and the moral dilemmas that we all face.  The author mixes all of these ingredients into a fine, entertaining saga that had me spending more time into the night than I should have because I could not put it down!  I was continually putting myself in the book and trying to figure out what I would do in their situations, from love interests to addressing some life threatening situations.  I enjoyed it and highly recommend it to those who like a good story and want to read some history and moral perspective.
3285043
It's like getting two books in one. A bad person becomes good and becomes a hero throughout most of the book. Despite one being a mucker and the other from a rich family, they manage to have a love affair against all odds. What's really nice is that this book is the first one of a trilogy. Lots of action make this book a must read!
4628241
Enjoyed the romance and suspense
The bad guys are too real. Greed is as old as time
Will love prevail?
2302512
This book is an overall winner.  If you appreciate that the good guy (and gal) have morals, then you will appreciate a few of the scenarios that they are placed into.  It's not overly God-sy or religious, but there is definitely a strong element of "the right thing".  As far as action, there is quite a bit of suspense that keeps the reader coming back wondering what will be the next adventure.  This follows along well with a dystopian themed book, with a good dose of hope. For the price, it is nearer 4.5 stars than 4 (quality and quantity).  I mean, $4 for a good adventure?  Hard to come by these days!
3684469
Betrayal, seduction, action, and love. One of my favorites!