Overly descriptive start leads to a thrill ride!
340510
Found this an awkward read as it is  hard for me to relate to someone without emotions.
I felt that the author had a similar struggle trying to describe the character to the readers.
once rhe real action began, about two thirds into the story, I was enthralled with how the story would unfold.  worth the struggle to get to this place in the plot!
2892284
This is an exciting, entrancing book that starts with a bang - FBI agent  Jessica Resario is hunting a dangerous killer and finally has him cornered. He's in disguise, but he recognizes her and calls her by name before making his escape. How does he know her name? Is Jessica the hunter actually the one being hunted?

At the same time, Jess is coming to terms with a difficult past. She goes to stay in the family beach house for the first time since the tragic death of her parents. (The sense of place here is masterful!) There, she finds clues that lead her to believe that all in her past was not as it appears.

I was on the edge of my seat as she contended with these dual mysteries and her own emotions. I loved how the father's old bureau partner made an appearance, and there was a very sweet (but not at all in-your-face) romance subplot. So glad I took a chance on this one! I can't tell if this is going to be a series or not, but I am hoping to see more from this author.
3762377
Off to a great start! I really appreciate how well this author develops characters and a fast moving story at the same time without forcing the reader to endure long narratives. Characters reveal themselves step by step within the story line...I just love that! I'm looking forward to the next release. I can tell already this is going to be a wild ride. Thank you Ryk!
997124
Oh where to start with this review... When approached to review for this tour I was a bit apprehensive. 654 pages is definitely an epic size! But, after a few arm twists, I was convinced that it was worth my time. And boy was it! The first few chapters were a little rough, as to be expected in the first book from any author. After the author worked through her intense descriptions, the book took off like a rocket. I really enjoyed the flashbacks, although they were a bit hard to distinguish at times. All throughout the book I was transported to the author mystical land and had a hard time coming back to reality. The characters are easily lovable and the story line keeps you wondering what is going to happen next. Overall, I say that this is a great start to the series. I can't wait to see how the author's writing  style develops and what comes in the next book :)
2362762
I stumbled upon author Stephen England on Twitter.  I happened to be fortunate enough to hear his story of his writing and publishing process.  As a newbie writer myself, the experience certainly helped me and then he led me towards his exciting novel!

Being a huge fan of Vince Flynn and Brad Thor, to name a few, I am not shy from thrillers.  Pandora's Grave locked me in and fortunately I had a long car ride thus allowing no interruptions. Mr. England's novel showed that a new author can elevate to the occasion and produce something great!  I cannot wait for the next installment, though until then, I plan to re-read the incredible Pandora's Grave!

Great premise, intriguing characters, and a thrilling ride will hold you until you flick for the final page!
3742134
I was surprised at the introduction of a new humanized creature and the author's ability to shock and surprise me and keep me on the edge of my seat!  Gotta go start book 2...
6723
Exciting thriller novel that I enjoyed reading until the very end!
1924003
Wow! In this fast-paced and action-filled narrative, newspaper reporter Jane Ryland's assignment and homicide detective Jake Brogan's murder investigation turn into a kaleidoscope of duplicity and when it was all over, only the strong survived.

This was an awesome read that quickly became a page-turner that I could not put down. I was immediately drawn into this suspenseful drama where the action never stops from the first page to the explosive finale. I had no choice but to take this nail-biting journey wondering what happens next when both Jane and Jake separately connect the dots on this roller coaster ride of intrigue. This is a terrific start in this debut series and I look forward to more thrilling exploits with Jake and Jane, wherever it takes them.
185488
On the edge of your seat from the beginning but slightly disappointing ending
2855301
There was so much action in this fast-paced thrill ride that I kept seeing it as a movie in my head. Never sure where the story was going, I decided to sit back and enjoy the ride. What would have helped was to have put on some popcorn first! Although I understand that this is the first in the series I wanted to know more about Sean and indeed his mom who is quite the character and I laughed every time she shows up. I hope we see more of her in the series. What I also really liked was the fact that the bad guys really are bad guys and not some laughable buffoons like we tend to see in so many other kid stories.
2172688
My first impression after a few pages reminded me of a middle schoolers sexual fantasy, but then I've learned not to follow first impressions.  As if on a dime, the story turns into a progressively intriguing mystery that builds in suspense as the mystery breaks wide open before the end.  The book has violent murder victims, sex, suspense, more sex, psychics, more sex, ghosts, more sex, betrayal, more sex.  Get the idea how the author keeps you interested?  Not a long book but a pleasant read.
655944
Like Minds is a near-future sci-fi thriller that juggles the idea of Artificial Sentience and its implications/possible iterations. Our four perspective characters: Saul, a computer programmer/artist who is on the hit list of The Hacker; Janet, an FBI special agent whose training is in profiling serial killers; Trobden, a fully immersed gamer who almost constantly plays a game that is a meeting of Dungeons & Dragons and a VR Pokemon Go; and an Artificial Sentience that I will say nothing about at the moment so as not to spoil anything.

I loved it. The only reason I gave it four stars is because the beginning is slow--like the climb up the roller coaster that seems to go on forever! It's only about 10% of the book, but I had to invest in it heavily at times to keep going. BUT I'M SO GLAD I DID! The roller coaster ride that is the rest of the book was intense. And fun. Go read it. Seriously.
2776972
I was fascinated by the cover of this book .. it was one of those that could go either way.  As soon as I started reading I was confronted by a huge list of characters, their nicknames, roles etc .. I whizzed through that and was left entirely confused by the time I actually got to the story!

Having said that once I got into it I could happily embark on the ride. This is a slightly different approach to thrillers due to the fact one of the major incidents at the beginning is based on a dramatic well known event .. readers of a certain age will identify it immediately.

I enjoyed the in depth writing during the whole geographical journey, lots of familiar names, landmarks made it feel as though I was actually a part of it.

Due to the nature of the book it is intense in places. Im not sure if Branen the main man was meant to be likeable but I found him quite charismatic even though his actions are extreme. The whole part surrounding his daughter Carrie and how her life choices lead to her demise is enthralling. And the Controller is one to look out for.

Overall with hindsight I enjoyed this .. slow in places. I wasn't overly keen on all the government references because it was awkward keeping track of what was going on. I prefer getting to know the characters as they are introduced and that is purely down to a writers ability to connect with the reader so on a personal level the list was unnecessary.

This will appeal to anyone who enjoys the darker, sleazy, corrupt side of life with a thriller base. At the beginning I was convinced this would be a 3 star book but it improved, drew me in and left me wanting to read more from this author  so I have upped that rating to a 4 star.

Thanks to the author, Kate Appleton and Clink Street Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
8506
This short read was very thrilling. The author has a way with words and really describes scenes well enough to make it play out beautifully in your mind. I look forward to reading the rest of the story! I do wish it was more than 4 chapters long, though!

(Edit) I just browsed through Amazon and noticed that installments two and three are available, but as the first installment was only four short chapters (and free), I cannot convince myself to pay almost $3 for each of the new installments. I think I'll check back to see if they're on the free list in the future. It is definitely a very descriptive and exciting read, but not worth paying that much for a few chapters at a time.
3756898
This book is a thrilling first instalment in a new series by an excellent author. While I was expecting good writing after reading and enjoying their previous books, this one really takes things up a level, full of exciting secrets and lies, characters looking for acceptance in the wrong places, and more twists and turns than an English country lane. And the final scene? Whoo! I cannot WAIT to see what happens next!! HIGHLY recommended.
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
1309889
This is a thriller, romance, and mystery all in one that grapples the reader and has them begging for more!
4334808
I was intrigued by the way this book started. To be fair, I had to start and stop several times before I was able to sit down and immerse myself in it, and immerse myself that I did!

In the beginning we are introduced to a girl, who as it seems is very strong in her own right, and very capable as we learn throughout the rest of the book; Naomi Redwood, who after suffering great loss, is only surviving on the thoughts of reaping her revenge. The story starts as if we are being told the end of her tale, but what I didn't know until later, is that it was the very foundation for her adventure.

I don't like to post reviews that give too much of the story away, but what I will do is tell you all that after the first three chapters  I felt as compelled to read this book as much as the protagonist felt she would get her revenge.

Lorna George does an excellent job of keeping her reader completely enthralled with the story. She hits the nail on the head with every feeling her characters have. I can relate with the feeling of entrapment; from her deep dark dungeon, to the magical hold on her.

There is suspense, betrayal, and you cant have a great fantasy book without the magical mix-up with a man. How was she supposed to know shed wake up married? Say What????

 Youll just have to read it and find out.