Excellent first novel
354604
This is a carefully thought out novel.  I get the feeling that I know these people.  They are that real.  The situation of the protagonist is that real.  The space that everything occupies is that real.  All of this combined makes me want to read what is going to happen next.  You can't help but invest interest in these people.  In many ways, they are us: they are making the same Syssiphus journey, while maintaining the stoical face that society demands of us.  Take your pick: are you the Sheriff? the waitress?  the Rookie, God forbid?  And what does the Old Mill have to do with all of this? One of the book's powers is its ability to follow you ,  once you've set it down, in a kind of crashing sort of  silence that is both haunting and ennobling.  Why?  Because herein  are the keys of both tragedy and triumph, laced with the stone cold reality of life that is often glossed over in our post industrial revolution lives of instant coffee and instant gratification.
1404894
This is an impressive first novel. I read it on the recommendation of a writer friend whom Id asked for a list of books to keep me well distracted during a post-op period. And indeed, it totally absorbed me following minor but incapacitating surgery. Although I was somewhat confused at first by the number of seemingly unrelated characters Zuluaga introduced early on (possibly befuddled by painkillers), soon enough their relationships became clear and the wild but amazing assortment of characters, fringe and unusual, became a kind of lifeline in my secluded existence. I was easily pulled in by Idas struggle to survive the harsh elements of her Fort Starlight environment. The authors familiarity with the Florida landscape, its beauties and life-threatening dangers, and particularly her knowledge about baking, made the novel come to life. Several of the characters grow and change during the course of the story, so the ending is very satisfying.
4746504
SCOURGE OF THE BETRAYER is the debut novel from Jeff Salyards. It is the story of a scribe that is embedded with a grizzled Syldoon military company, with a gruff and mysterious captain with a big problem who carries an even more mysterious weapon. The scribe, Arki, is charged with recording the exploits of the company, but soon becomes wrapped up in the layers of mystery and intrigue surrounding the companys goals.

I really enjoyed this one. Did not feel like a debut novel to me. The prose was excellent. The pacing was great (although, being the small reading goal-oriented person that I am, I would have liked to see more chapter breaks).  The world building was narrow in focus, but well developed within that focus. The fight scenes in the book are incredibly well done. The magic understated, but intense. But is the characterization that is the backbone of the story. Particularly, the characters of Arki, Captain Braylar and Lloi, a scout in the company. Captain Braylars dark and gruff character balances well against Arkis naivet&eacute; and compassion, while Llois loyalty and matter-of-fact accepting nature goes well with Arkis in almost a sweet sort of way. The relationship between these characters and how they deal with each other really makes the novel shine. Added to that is a really strong cast of supporting characters, who provide an idea of how tough the company really is as well as some touches of humor here and there.

So, a gritty military fantasy with some real heart thrown in for good measure - a nice mix that really works here. All in all, an excellent debut.
3990220
This is a first rate debut. As mentioned by another reviewer the pace is a little slow at the front end but that's because the author is taking the time to introduce us to some rich characters. Once the ball started rolling I found it hard to put the book (or, in this case, my Kindle) down. I've only been to Portland once but it was easy to visualize the physical locations. The players were all believable, I could compare most of them to people I have known. The plot was intricate and well-paced without being gimmicky. I'm definitely looking forward to more adventures with the Toussaint brothers and their friends.
4914289
Kayser-Cochran crafts an excellent first novel. In this work he manages to tell a compelling personal story set against the backdrop of a gripping bit of American history. Glorieta captures the hardships, dilemmas, and struggles faced by many the Southwest in living detail. This book is a hidden gem which will stay with you for a while- I'm very much looking forward to Kayser-Cochran's next work...
1051697
Michael Cole has written an intriguing first novel.  It was interesting how he introduced his characters who seem to be completely unrelated right at the beginning of the book.  He then reintroduced them, showing cleverly how all their lives were connected.  It was an engrossing read.  I hope he continues "dreaming" so that he can write more books for us to enjoy.
1886035
Sandra Nikolai's first novel, False Impressions, is an impressive start. The novel is set against the backdrop of cosmopolitan Montreal, which is aptly and lovingly described by the author so that the city almost becomes a character in itself.  The novel introduces her two protagonists, Megan Scott, a freelance writer, and Michael Elliott, an investigative reporter.  The two struggle to free themselves from suspicion of involvement in a double murder while developing a growing personal relationship. Ms. Nikolai makes us care about the fate of her protagonists, while also developing a fast-paced plot with enough twists to keep the reader guessing until the end as to the identity of the real murderer.  The novel is well-written and well-crafted with crisp prose and subtle humor woven into the narrative.  It's an easy and enjoyable read.  I'm already looking forward to her next Scott/Elliott mystery!
4675640
This is a very interesting and ambitious first novel - well worth reading.
In my opinion, Ms. Salak's writing is much much stronger, once she decides to embark on the journey to look for the lost journalist, Lewis.  Before that, I was beginning to lose interest. To me, much of the earlier sections could be condensed or tightened up.
All of the characters in the later section - Tobo, Mira,
Lewis and Marika are really very well done.  This is a page turner once we enter the jungle. I also think she handled the spiritual angle
with just the right balance.

I look forward to later novels from Kira Salak.
4766224
While the writing sytle/grammar initially put me off, I found myself compelled to keep reading.  I like the characters, their development, and the plot(s) twist(s).  I think this was an outstanding first novel and am looking forward to reading more. Kudos Kellen
1709806
A really enjoyable first book. I'm looking forward to the next in this series.
4141774
For a first novel, this one was very good.  Not only well written and edited from a technical point of view (grammar, syntax, etc.) but the plot is intriguing and characters are memorable.  It is refreshing that the author had the rare courage to leave a couple of mysteries unresolved. I look forward to marching through the rest of the books in the series.
3102350
Great first novel!  This book is perfect for young adults and the young at heart.  The characters are memorable.  Readers will like them or despise  them, and care about their outcomes.  The author explores the dysfunctional family verses the strength of family through all trials, which includes abuse,  and forgiveness.  The last chapter sets the tone for the proposed sequel.  Readers will want to know "the rest of the story."
636374
This is an excellent first novel.  .
Mr. Fleming has provided a well thought out response to the question of the impact of alien technology on our already contentious civilization.
Sometimes when a new author takes on a scope as ambitious as this one, they fall prey to skimpy characters or cheap plot tricks.
In The Prometheus Effect, fortunately, that is not the case.
There are probably a few too many characters and plot lines, but the good news is that I liked them!
And, the story kept my interest.

I cant wait to read his next effort.  Is there, perhaps, a sequel in the works?
1025972
I liked this first novel very, very much. The plot is intriguing and the characters are very well drawn. I also found the story to be very realistic--as far as these kinds of stories go, that is. It's a very engaging mystery that turns into a very addicting thriller. I'm looking forward to reading more from Mr. Tozzi.
4648776
A wonderful first novel. It reads well and flows smoothly. Easy transition from the now to the past. A good novel for older young adults and older.
2307813
This book was recommended to me.  I was somewhat skeptical as I began reading, but was quickly drawn in.  It has all the elements of an excellent novel.  The characters are well defined, believable and easy to relate to.  The plot, however fictitious, is grounded in reality and calls attention to a truly catastrophic, yet largely ignored threat to international security.  The plot and pacing are first rate, as the story never dragged or failed to hold my interest.  More importantly, it made me *care* about the people and events as I read.  Ray Gorham has done an outstanding job in researching and writing this novel.
1532281
This is quite well-written for a first novel.  The mixing of history, women's issues, drama and mystery go well together.

The story takes place in Buffalo, New York at the time when electricity is beginning to be harnessed from Niagara Falls.  There are some murders  in Buffalo and the headmistress of a girls' school attempts to get to the bottom of things.  There is a lot of personal and political intrigue.  Real historical figures merge with fictional ones.

This book is a gem and I look forward to future novels by Ms. Belfer.