Sadness and war, relief and security...
354971
These things follow Tanis Richard's wherever she goes.  MD Cooper is  destined to be listed alongside Asimov, Heinlein and Norton in the annals of science fiction writers.  His Aeon 14 universe is alive with bigger than life characters doing larger than life feats.

Attack on Thebes brings many of these characters to the same place at a crucial point in their journey.  Great action.

I would be sad to have to wait for the next volume but I have books from a few of the plotlines to catch up on to keep me occupied!
4651533
Carter Hopkins is a journalist on assignment in Syria. Hes found refuge with a group of freedom fighters and is learning a lot from them about the conflict between the government and the people. Led by brothers Jalal and Nemat, Carter learns of the war and unease within Syria first hand when bullets start flying. Carter is taken with Nemat from the start, and when the pair are separated from the others and have to hold up for the night in an abandoned building, Carter learns the feelings are mutual.

Jalal and Nemats family take Carter in without a second thought, but would they be so welcoming if they knew the feelings the two men harbored for each other? Stolen moments and kisses are shared, and soon stronger feelings start to form. But soon its time for Carter to go back home and leave Nemat behind. Once hes back home his story goes to print and the s*** hits the fan in Syria. Carter knew how unlikely it was that hed ever see Nemat again, but he cant stop thinking about that face that smiles back at him from the picture on his phone.

When Carter learns that Aleppo has been bombed, he makes the decision to go back to Syria and try to find the man he fell in love with. This time hes more prepared growing out his hair and beard, learning the language. What hes not prepared for is the desolation he finds in Aleppo when he finally makes it back.

This was a different side of Grey than Ive seen in his writing previously. Action packed and suspenseful read for sure. Every corner you turn there is something else to learn. Not just about the characters, but about the war and how it affects Nemats family. And now the affects are being felt across the globe as well, by Carter who had to leave Nemat behind. Nemat struggles with his feelings for Carter because in his country it is a sin that is punishable by death. In fact, Carter and Nemat share a beautiful moment in the story that is marred with the death of men who are presumably like them. And then you have Carter who is willing to risk everything, including his life, just to see Nemat again, and to know he is alright.

As I said its different, gritty and emotional. But it just might be Greys best work yet! Carter and Nemat truly fight for their happy ever after, and Grey was not afraid to show that fight and the pain that came along with it. I still say that Andrew Grey is an author whose books should be read regardless of content. But if youve never read his work before, this is an excellent title to start. This is the second book in a series (In Search of a Story) and you will recognize a few characters if youve read the first book; but this book can easily stand-alone as well.

{Link to Tams review of In Search of a Story: [...]

** Check out this bonus blog post from Author Andrew Grey for a behind the scenes look at him writing Crossing Divides [...]

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through MM Good Book Reviews*

[...]
2438749
OMG... This is an amazingly happy and sad and angy, all the emotions that come along with losing a loved one to death and how both sides cope with the stages of grief and finding each other again.
3760120
I found this story to be realistic regarding the daily grind of life in an active combat zone. I had no idea of what went on in the Mekong Delta. This book gave me an appreciation of and respect for the soldiers of Charlie Company and others that served in that environment. I served as a marine in northern I Corps during 67-68. This book was both uplifting and depressing. The author managed to bring back (to me) that "mouth full of pennies" taste I would get when the shooting started. The follow-up stories of the men, the families, and the reunions added a special dimension of emotional connection. I am glad I read this book and I thank the author for writing it. I would also thank all those who experienced their own  piece of hell in South Viet Nam.
3061728
When ever I hear about war, I immediately think it's us against them. Kill them or be killed. But how sad is that. That I a mother of two and a servant to God, actually finds myself thinking such evil things. After seeing footage of the war and seeing a bomb completely destroy people and literally see their flesh being taken apart by these weapons I realized, no that's not how I feel. I'm scared out of my mind and scared for my children, but I am sad that people have to die.

In this book Kip McCabe talks about the deadly killers including Sadam Hussein, Huda the Anthrax Queen and other threatening people in the war. He talks about how he actually got to know them personally as the real people that they were, while guarding their prison cells after being called to active duty and found himself in Iraq under the same roof.

This book gives an incredible inside look at the whole process of a soldiers journey, from leaving his family to put his life at steak to protect his country and all the things a soldier goes through on that journey. I would definitely recommend any person going into the military to read this or a family member for that matter. This is such a great story.
2624413
Days with only a few bites of food and few minute snatches of sleep, these brave women must be there to encourage each other and the weary doctors.  Under sound of bombings, gunfire and ambulances rolling in, they try to bandage, feed and encourage the hundreds of young burned, dismembered, bleeding or discouraged soldiers, (many who don't make it).  Emotional attaches are made to certain "special" men.  Is love budding?  Will the "after the war" promises be fulfilled!  Exciting reading with a few surprises!
1632923
This is a heartwarming story ...telling the dramatic and devastating journey of a family of refugees from Laos....seen thru the eyes of Pao the father..his wife Yer and young daughter Nou. From the jungles of their homeland thru the refugee camp in Thailand to life in America..the family struggles to keep tune with each other....the reader feels pain of their losses...the joy of reuniting families....and gets to learn of the difficulty of adjusting to life in another country where their customs and rituals so dear and familiar to them are seen as weird and barbaric. It is particularly difficult for children who must live in the western world at school while the parents want them to follow the old way of life.
I really enjoyed this story and feel it must reflect the truth about what is happening every day in the war stricken world.
1255202
I cried a few times while reading. This book made me feel sad, happy, grateful, hopeful and at the same time, i became more aware of my own values and priorities. This is not a feel good story, but i felt strangely empowered. A must read...
1015716
A series about collapse, and yet, through the ashes, family and new friends.  Yes, victory on the battlefield's is loaded with defeats.  I quote the author.  I am a USMC combat vet, and real! y appreciated the insight the Author gave the subject.  Right on the money.  Coming home to a land of strangers,feeling safe nowhere.  The relentless depression.  The if only syndrome.  Thankful Jesus Christ found me.  Thankful for hope. Thank you William for understanding.
4465739
This is the first book I have read from these two authors. I think they did a wonderful job present I presenting the struggle that many couples, especially the challenges military. I pray for our military while they sacrifice so much for us. There are many of us who will never know how much you give and sacrifice. Words will never be enough, but know that you are greatly appreciated and loved. You humble me.  May the Lord Bless you and keep you and all your fellow men, women, and loved ones safe now and in your future endeavors. I have this book five stars for the feels mainly. The editing was good. It felt well put together. I would recommend this read on all points presented. Keep up the good work!
1776945
I was deeply moved by many parts of this novel....and also learned so much about a war that is never talked about.  The Viet Nam country and its people are described with such beauty and peace you can only imagine how this horrible war upset their existence. There is a part in the book that describes a commune of monks living peacefully and simply together while violence and bloodshed is all around them showing good and evil existing simultaneously. The author, Phillip Schuster is only 19 years old when he began serving his country and it's a personal journey spanning 46 years about faith, family and love of country. His personal accounts of his parents and siblings are very touching and inspirational. Many current servicemen and servicewomen can relate to his experience of depending and bonding with your fellow soldiers for survival and then making adjustments back to civilian life and the emotional turmoil that unfolds. This book is more than just a tragic war novel....it's a labor of love and often educational and humorous at times, which can promote healing to those who are possibly hurting from any traumatic incident or loss.
1568383
Since the author was born in Afghanistan, I am completely impressed with his writing and the English language. The characters were people that I really felt I knew and I was rooting for them the whole way. (Except some obvious ones, being most of the males). Although at times, very saddening and disturbing, the author does a great job of describing what it was like to live there during these times. The female friendship was so touching and I even really loved the last sentence of the book. I don't know why it hit me so strongly. But after reading the last line I really felt a sense of love and closure and it hits on the relationship of the two women so well. Great job on your second novel!
1167992
This isn't the happiest book that I have reviewed and in fact at the beginning I was so sad, crying that I almost just put the book down.  But then I thought again that if the book was able to bring about such a catharsis that the author must be doing something right.  So I continued and I am glad I did.  The book circles around to hope and comfort---hope and comfort that only the Lord can bring.  So bring your tissue at the beginning and brace yourself to see human nature and its frailty and ultimately the loving Hand of the Father as He gives healing.
3278651
We are not spared as the dark cloud of mortality evaporates and trickles into the Grace's pen. Relief is on the form of attachment which weathers a random act of violence.
220169
What a wonderful book! I received it early this afternoon and couldn't wait to sit down and read it. Today is 9/11 and with all the sad  remembrances going on every where, reading this book is a ray of sunshine on a dark day.
3257781
These Army men meet all expectations.  The viscousness of their poses and the angst of their expressions was surreal.  Looking at these army men I often wonder the cost of war.
347471
Recollections of a Boy Marine opens a window of insight to the enormous sacrifice our servicemen make to ensure our freedom.

This is a fluid read, concurrently evoking in the reader emotions of being happy and proud for those who finally make it safely home, sadness and grief for those who don't, anxiety from the stressful situations our soldiers endured, and anger concerning the politics in Washington that result in the real endangerment of our military personnel out there doing the dirty work.  This book takes you right there- I felt as though I was on the battleground myself, alongside this Marine. Authentic photos emphasize this true reality.

As a refreshing touch and final conclusion, Dr. Ciliberti offers a creative, workable proposal for world peace. This is an excellent book and a very worthwhile read!