An intriguing story that carries you along
934348
I write suspense novels, so I read a lot of suspense novels. Therefore a book has to grab me right from the beginning, and 'In Strange Worlds' certainly did that. Once I grabbed on I couldn't let go. The pace was as fast as Meg's whirlwind trip up the coast of Eastern Australia, but it was more than that. Brenda Cheers writes with almost simplistic style that has its own melodic rhythm. I was reminded almost of Cormac McCathy's book 'The Road' but without the extreme horror. The language, as much as the story, carried me along. I did wonder at the plausibility of the plot at times, but I was not disappointed that certain information was held back as it made the discovery all the more delightful when it came. Some things seemed to occur a little fast, such as man's best friends turning on him after years of domestication, and perhaps the injection of a little more time may have helped with this. I particularly enjoyed the sense of place. Unknown to me when I began the book, the setting holds a place in my own heart, and was represented with the explicit care of someone who also seems to hold it dear.  'In Strange Worlds' is an intriguing book and one that leaves you thinking for days after.  That's something that not all authors can achieve and I think Brenda will grow in strength with each new project.
4766780
This was an intriguing story from the very beginning. Two stories in one, I was at various times fascinated by psychic abilities transcending time and space, and at other times riveted to the story of a young girl forced to leave her home and eventually use only her own wits to get her through. My heart ached with her trials, an orphan dependent on the kindness of strangers. Both stories were satisfying and I do hope the characters continue in another book, as I came to like them all. I also enjoyed the history of St. Petersburg; never having known anything about it, the place came alive to me so that I felt as though it was I traveling through the streets and into the various buildings. I highly recommend this book.
3569677
A very engaging story that carries you along with a gentle flow that's intiment in every detail with good self expression, that coincide with feelings of highs and lows taking you every minute along with him, a gift of agreat writer.  The encounters of growing up with his divorsed mother in Gosford Australia, while his heart still carries the memories of a small boy who always felt safe with his head buried into his fathers shoulders.  You can not help but feel even the landscape and layout of this story that leads you along the the way with a fascinating presence of being there.  As you adventure on through the pages you feel and discover along with Simon the sense of a presence guiding his life, directing your steps.  Considerable time is spent on every story detail, look this book would make a great movie as well, for it's fascinating well written story that takes you on the path of "The Long Way Home".
3129805
A wonderful, well-written book that holds your interest until the end.  As you read each chapter, you become more and more attached to each character.  Very difficult to put down until finished to see the outcome, but at the same time, you don't want the story to end. A warm, moving story unfolded brilliantly by the author.  The cover is appealing - invites one to get comfortable and escape into another time!
990022
Part mystery, part courtroom drama, but also a deeply moving exploration of the human psyche.  The book opens in the voice of what at first might seem an anti-hero teenager, but soon it becomes clear that there is much more going on beneath the surface.  The story is so enthralling, I simply couldn't put it down.  You can't help but to care deeply for the main character, and become anxious to turn each page and find out more.  Even minor characters fully come to life, creating many indelible portraits. The story never loses touch with reality, making it all the more inspiring when the main character makes a crucial decision and revelation.  If you enjoy reading at all, you will love this book!
1643679
Very intriguing! This story gives a since of understanding, hope, and fulfillment to the unknown story we all leave behind. A great read!
4571656
Unique story that will keep your interest to the end.
1129648
The reader's attention is grabbed and held.  Our protagonist is one to be admired for his determination and ambition. The story takes you on a long journey, all the way from England to Persia and back again.

Striking is the ruse Rob uses to travel eastward and gain admittance to the medical school in Persia.  By pretending to be a Jew he becomes acquainted with the kindness and protective attitude Jews showed each other in a period of great hostility in Europe. Learning the hard way, through their persecutions, that they only had each other to count on, the reader comes to understand better and admire this group of believers.  As well, our hero acquires an appreciation of Jewish beliefs and traditions.

In some ways this book reminded me of James Michener's "The Source."  For those who enjoy "The Physician,"  I highly recommend "The Source" for follow-up reading.

Also of great interest is the glimpse of Islam "The Physician" give its readers and of medieval Persia, so far advanced in the sciences compared to Europe at that time.

I highly recommend this book.
3594859
I really enjoyed thus book. The story grabs you so that you want to keep reading. The author includes some sensitive issues that are integral to the story, not just added for shock value.
2294553
This is a beautifully written and intriguing story from beginning to end, with finely drawn, realistically flawed characters. It's a joy for the reader to see the main character pull up out of her drunken escapism long enough to seek the truth about her past and to embrace the love of those who truly care about her. A great read that I couldn't put down until the end
3412762
Becoming weaves a tale of different relationships in a world that seems related to the one we know but with some obvious exceptions.  It is a strange world in many ways.  The story comes together in a multi directional way with fascinating results.  Good and evil, choices between nobleness and darkness, survival and death.  The characters are well described and most have interesting twists and surprises.  Not all the characters are human.  There are key relationships that develop and eventually they all touch each other.  As mentioned in a previous review, there is prose intertwined with the story which gives it a haunting counterpunctual feel to the story.  There were times I thought it was distracting me from advancing through the tale but then I appreciated it's added color to the message.  Overall, it was an engaging story that left me wanting more.  My only nag would be that I got an early copy of the book that had some typos but they are easy to read through and I did notify the author of what I found.  It's easy to look past that though and enjoy the ride!
2587038
This is an intriguing story that I would highly recommend to anyone who likes a mystery or stories that make you think. It really has two very different endings makes me wonder if that is really the end.
3944884
The main character, Jess returns to her childhood holiday home and finds herself reflecting and delving into her past.

The story is captivating and meanders along slowly unravelling the mystery of Jess's past. And although it unfolds bit by bit there are some powerful, totally unexpected turns. The story is told from both the perspective of Jess and her grandmother Mamie, and although the reader alternates between the two women and differing time periods, it is not difficult or confusing to follow. In fact, it adds a richness to the story and allows us to view the choices the women made and the repercussions these had.

The author brings the lake area to life and has a lovely turn of phrase ("It had turned to August now, you could feel it right away, the lack of sincerity of summer, the hint that it was already planning to leave.").

But in having said that there are still some editing issues, particularly towards the end of the novel. However by this time you are so engrossed in the storyline that these tend to go by almost unnoticed.

I did find the ending to be a little abrupt - it would have been lovely to travel just a little more with Jess !!

All up, a really good, easy read that I would recommend to anyone who is happy to let a storyline slowly unfold.
380372
This story will stay with you for a long time. At first it seems to be a little slow and a story that's been told before.  But stay with it and you won't regret it.
2406949
Well written, intriguing , maintains one's  interest from beginning to end
1984106
This book starts to grab your attention quietly at first until it has you completely caught up in the story. It's fascinating and sad and you don't want it to end. Read it. You might be as hooked on the story as I was.
4788203
Although, I'm not yet halfway through this book, the words written across its pages had my interest peaked from the very beginning. There are few books that can capture the emotions and thoughts going through the main character's mind with such color and depth, and this one does it beautifully. But, what I like most, is the mystery behind it. Because the story is told in the first person perspective, the reader is left wonder and awe at the events occurring in the book right along with Devan, (the main character), adding that extra air of curiosity that keeps us wanting to come back for more, or not wanting to put the book down, at all.

I can't say if I'll like the ending to this story, but for the moment, it has me very much entertained. If you don't believe me, you can always take a 'Look Inside' and see for yourself.