An Unlikely Hero is Under Siege
924898
Since I really didn't remember Josh from previous books, I didn't expect to get caught up in this story and hoping so much that Caitlin and Josh would end up together.  From their first meeting in a gondola in Telluride (with Joshs dog in a wheelchair), my emotions had me cheering and hoping for love for these two.  Joshs childhood and teenage years had left him with what he considered major obstacles for a normal life and a series of heartbreaking incidents as an adult convinced him he was extremely unlucky.  He thinks bad luck follows him everywhere, so hes sworn off relationships.  Caitlin wants to fall in love and have children, and Josh lets her know he doesnt want that.  I love this story and characters so much.
2915957
Just when he thought it couldn't get any worse, lo and behold, the blue guardian of justice finds himself in a cold, gray world, filled with the undead. No problem, however, Axiom-man can fly far above any number of shambling flesh-eaters, right? Let's hope so, because now he's going to have to contend with a very unique enemy that knows him from the inside out. Ready yourself for an intense ride of suspense and horror from the mind of A.P. Fuchs.

<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/First-Night-Out-A-Superhero-Novel-Axiom-man-Saga-Episode-No-0/dp/1897217714/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">First Night Out: A Superhero Novel [Axiom-man Saga Episode No. 0</a>]
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Axiom-man-A-Superhero-Novel-Axiom-man-Saga-Book-1/dp/1897217579/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Axiom-man: A Superhero Novel [Axiom-man Saga, Book 1</a>]
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Doorway-of-Darkness-A-Superhero-Novel-Axiom-man-Saga-Book-2/dp/1897217692/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Doorway of Darkness: A Superhero Novel [Axiom-man Saga Book 2</a>]
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Black-Water-A-Cthulhu-Story-Axiom-man-Saga-Digital-Monsters/dp/B003VPWZOK/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Black Water: A Cthulhu Story [Axiom-man Saga] (Digital Monsters)</a>
4148679
Wonderful story about two unlikely people who events draw together neither prepared for the storm of their pulls or the consequences.
718105
As if fighting for your life while attempting to save the life of your loved one taken hostage isn't bad enough, add extreme below-zero temperatures, waist-high snow, rugged terrain, and a conspiracy that could devastate thousands, and you've got Sabotaged. This high-stakes, edge-of-you-seat novel will transport you to Alaska with Reef McKenna and Kirra Jacobs, two SAR (search-and-rescue) workers for the Iditarod race. Their past antagonistic relationship blossoms into attraction as Reef helps Kirra track her uncle, Frank, an experienced musher who's mysteriously disappeared from the race. As they close in on her uncle's trail, they discover Kirra's cousin, Meg, has been kidnapped, and neither family member will survive unless Frank unleashes a disaster that will cripple the frozen North.

This is the first book I've read of Dani Pettrey's and it won't be my last. The insightful dialogue and tight writing had me turning the pages to find the next clue. I will definitely be reading the rest of the Alaskan Courage series.
4168459
Heroes are often just ordinary folk who just refuse to take any more abuse from those in power. That is the premise behind this story, and I found it sufficiently engaging to keep my attention all the way through. I think the book might be improved and enriched with some detail oriented (not "orientated"!) editing assistance, but it is a good, soundly entertaining read as-is.
2692289
When tragedy strikes our young hero, he has no idea if he will live or die.
He does the first and almost succumbs to the second, but manages, thanks to a well drawn, 'noble' Roman master and his loving family, to survive despite the odds.  And there are many thrown in the way of our unlikely hero.
An enjoyable read and I would recommend it for all who love Roman historical novels.
3389489
This book is about a young hero on a secret yet dangerous mission. The book draws you in quickly, and is written very simplistically, even your most reluctant reader should enjoy this tale.
4954078
For centuries, the Videssos Empire has grown under the power of its Avtokrator (Emperor) and its unified faith in Phos, the god of light and goodness in Phos's eternal battle with Skatos, the god of darkness and evil. It is an article of faith in Videssos that Phos is more powerful than Skatos, that good will eventually triumph. But when civil war breaks out and the two Avtokrator candidates pull troops from the frontiers and the city garrisons, barbarian nomads break through the ancient boundaries and begin to pillage--in an orgy of destruction that cuts the Empire in half.

Rhavas is a priest of Phos, cousin to the legitimate Avtokrator, and the head of the church in the northern city of Skopentzana. He has always believed in Phos's eventual triumph, but the barbarian invasion makes him question his faith. When he learns that his prayer and blessing has no power, but that his curse can kill, Rhavas comes to believe that Phos may not be the stronger. With half the Empire in ruins, with rape in the streets and with the followers of Phos opening the Empire's gates to the enemy, who can believe that Phos is truly the stronger. And if the core belief of Videssos is mistaken, is it not the duty of a priest to correct those mistaken beliefs, to reform the church?

Author Harry Turtledove undertakes the difficult and intriguing task of making a man who embrasses evil the hero of this story. Rhavas begins as a likable character--engaging the readers interest and sympathy. The disasters that overtake him would make many question their faith, but Rhavas goes beyond questioning into an active embrace of evil. It is a mark of Turtledove's strength as a writer that he is able to pull off such a difficult task and still create a compelling story.

Turtledove's Videssos Empire is a fantasy version of the Byzantine (Eastern Roman) Empire, but with working magic. The events of BRIDGE OF THE SEPARATOR bear a strong relationship to the Germanic destruction of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century--when Gothic followers of the Arian heresy conquered Rome itself. The fantasy element adds a twist to Turtledove's story, but the historical texture really increases reader interest.

Fans of the Videssos series will definitely want to read this one as so much of the later history of the Empire depend on Rhavas and his heresy. Those who have discovered Turtledove in his alternate history mode should be aware that BRIDGE OF THE SEPARATOR is not alternate history as generally understood but a fictional world with certain similarities to the world of our ancient past.
199223
An under the radar film with a lot going for it but not enough to keep it totally afloat. Woody plays a mentally challenged man who sees himself as a caped vigilante. Many of his efforts are comical, but its not a comedy. His genuine desire to do good and his naive and askew understanding of the world makes him an unlikely but likeable hero. He rescues a damsel, thwarts crooked cops, and in the end makes a difference.
1103410
Lots of great action in this book. The story is told in an interesting and amusing way. Readers enjoying action stories will like this lucky hero.
1777030
As the story opens, our heroes, Jude and Lizzie (aka Jing-wei) are nerving themselves to take on a fire-breathing monster. How they got into (and out of) this predicament makes for an engaging adventure tale. The conceit that the illiterate peasant lad Jude is relating his story to a kindly monk for posterity ratchets the suspense down a notch (we know he will survive the story's hair-raising episodes), but Jordan keeps the page turning as we wonder how he will manage this, as well as creating a mysterious and sympathetic character in Jude's companion, Jing-wei, who he rescues from a horrid life as a freak exhibit in a traveling fair. The gentle teasing by which Jude ends each chapter on a cliff-hanger ("I don't want to make you late for prayers, brother!") is amusing and serves to draw the reader into the surprisingly authentic medieval world. Although I enjoyed the well-realized setting, fast moving plot and touches of humour, I found that the tender relationship between the two friends gave the book its heart. Once again, Jordan has crafted a winner.
2458547
This was a rousing romp of an adventure story, with a bad boy hero, a strong heroine and a captivating story line.

Although the setting is Regency England, bring it forward a dozen decades and the hero, Archer Croft, The Marquess of Hawksfield , would be a rebel on a motorcycle.  Set it back a few decades and he would be Robin Hood. As it is, in protest of his father's ways and treatment of his mother, Archer turns himself into a highwayman, with all the proceeds from his activities donated to the poor. Unfortunately for him, one of his first robberies turns out to be the neighbors, including their lovely daughter, Lady Briannon Findlay.  Unlike most of the simpering misses of the ton, Lady Briannon is miffed that she doesn't have her pistol with her to stop the robbery. Unconventional in every sense, Briannon rides astride and bareback, calmly takes on a wild boar, shoots a highwayman, and yet can dance and converse in the loftiest society circles.

As the two are thrown together, both in social circles and as neighbors, Briannon begins to realize who the highwayman really is-but when an imposter begins robbing people-and hurting them-she is prepared to turn him into the authorities.  Can Archer find a way to stop the imposter, clear his name, and keep Briannon safe?

Both main characters were easy to like, and the story line kept the reader's interest.  There were no obvious anachronisms, although a lady wearing pants and riding astride would have been unheard of in Regency England.

A very pleasant read with charming characters, a strong story, and a glimpse at a far different age, this one rates 4 stars.

ARC provided with no expectations.
2870001
Fascinating, well written book about a hero in a BAD environmenta mustread
3091588
The Unforgettable Hero by Valerie Bowman is a 2016 St. Martins Press publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley.

This novella length historical romance moves at a super swift pace, and as a result the characters are nowhere close to being fleshed out properly. Still, for a quick lunch break read, I found it a nice distraction.

Cecilia, a wannabe novelist, desperate to sell her manuscript in order to afford medical care for her sister, becomes the victim of a hit and run carriage accident, resulting in a loss of memory. Adam Hunt rescues her and cares for her until her true identity can be discovered. But, all the while he cant shake the idea that the young lady is in danger, nor can he deny his attraction to her. But, Adam is trying to find his place in the world, without help from his super successful brothers.

This story is very light, told with a touch of whimsy, and a dab of danger, with a surprising action packed happy ever after. This is not the authors best work, and I wouldnt expect it be, since the story is obviously meant to be short and sweet, and mostly just a nice diversion. To that end the story does what it set out to do and is enjoyable enough.
1084385
Once again we have the journey of a young man ill-prepared for the trials of life as a legionnaire come of age rather rapidly in this instance. Riches brings us to the time of Emperor Commodus  who was rather well manipulated by those who wished power and our hero in this series is caught in the middle of such a power struggle.

That he is rather well prepared, perhaps too well prepared, we keep seeing revealed more and more. Nearly at every turn he saves himself, or is saved by those around him. That makes the tale rather less compelling. Too many men are willing to aid our hero out of altruistic means, or our hero seems to read people so well that he can tell when a quartermaster is fleecing so outrageously that the Veterans whom our hero trusts and are quite competent miss it.

Thus in making our hero overly heroic, Riches misses things that should have been tighter. The Hero has noting to learn, only what he can teach at 19, so wise that he acts like he is near 40. Older writers can miss that difference, that age and experience truly has the edge over youth and inexperience the key word is experience

The author evokes a tougher life in Briton than we have seen in Scarrows excellent series. And that along with a way to write combat (though focus and POV have problems here) provides an action packed read well worth the time for those who like Military Fiction of the Roman genre.
4198199
Goliath the gargantuan hero of the Philistine army whose very name leaves the bravest warrior trembling in his armor and wetting his loincloth a warrior since birth son of a god slayer of kings, men, and beasts champion to all who beheld him.

PHILISTINE is an epic fantasy tale of the giant who became a hero to his race and a scourge to those who would try to rule over him and his kind. This action story is a bit different from those Bible tales we have heard before. Goliath is still the champion of the Philistine army, but in this telling, he lives to fight any and all who would try to kill him or enslave his people. Tasked by kings to expand their rule, Goliath must face all who would confront him, be they diabolical priests, evil gods, fanciful demons or mortal men. He must champion over them all even though he knows that death in battle will claim him someday. These exploits are the stuff of PHILISTINE.

Told with absolute realism and set down in the tongue of the day, the character of Goliath is strong beyond measure and invincible to all. His youth, spent in tyrannical training by those jealous of his parentage, is glimpsed by the reader through Goliaths own tales told to those around him. His wisdom is seen through stories he tells of past battles and fallen comrades. His absolute knowledge that he is invincible, but that he will one day be bested and fall in battle, is what his life is destined for and that is how he prefers it.

Shrewsbury has written a tale of war and warriors, in a world long past, but more like the present than the reader may at first, realize. The addition of characters along the way, keeps the story fresh and the battles raging along nicely. And who doesnt love a great battle for action and blood-letting realism? Goliaths character is all-encompassing, powerful, intelligent and maybe a little bit bored with it all, but the story never stops entertaining as Shrewsbury pours on the evil bad guys and demonic minions and monsters, to keep our hero mowing them down in true fantasy fashion. This story leaps from the pages and will have the reader up all night, hating the meanies and rooting for the good guys.

 Excitement, adventure, debauchery, and battle after battle punctuated with realism, and true to life writing at its best this is what the reader will find in PHILISTINE. Steven Shrewsbury is a master crafter of worlds and heroes in battle, and PHILISTINE is THE epic fantasy adventure of 2014.

5 spiders for PHILISTINE Sword & Sorcery awesomeness!

DJ Weaver
For Suspense Magazine
3286636
Joe Abercrombie brings us a unique take on the heroe. Well drawn characters provide us with humour and pathos that makes them believable and sets this fantasy novel apart from the genre. Gone are the windswept brooding characters of the genre and the misty eyed maidens longing for a man to save them, in their place are a cast of reluctant heroes, each one just trying to survive the plots and schemes of those who rule.