Thrilling, reality-based, thought-provoking
586439
It took me a while to read this book, only because of my schedule but if I had had my way I would have sat down and not stopped reading until I reached the last page. Kennedy's death happened during my lifetime, although I was young, and I lived in Dallas when it happened. The idea of someone changing the course of history, plus the ripple effects of that change, is fascinating and King did an incredible job of weaving together "just the facts" and the fictional story of the man who returns to a time before he was born. That part appeals to my interest in history and a wish that I could see things as they were during that time, as well. The main character has the patience, resourcefulness and strength needed for such a journey and I enjoyed reliving the era through King's descriptions of even the most minute details. The resolution of the story of a trip back through the rabbit hole was not disappointing although I expected a different ending. I highly recommend this book for fans of fiction blended with the facts of history, for those who lived during 1963 and for Stephen King fans, who will continue to appreciate his thoroughness of research and his high-quality writing.
3466959
It's amazing how powerful and vivid such a short read can be!  Project Utopia is one of the greatest books I've read in the past decade.  Mosbrucker has penned 140 intoxicating pages.  It took considerable effort on my part to put the book down, and when I did, breaks didn't last long.  I read this gem in a single, overcast afternoon!

  Overall the story is inventive, and original; and, with the current state of global affairs, it is easy to envision a future in which some version of Project Utopia could become a reality.  Mosbrucker has delivered an exciting and fresh look into a world reminiscent of those created by Huxley and Orwell.

But don't take my word for it- read it yourself!
685157
Wonderfully realistic, included riveting adventure, non stop surprises, thought provoking, and many WOW factors, this book has it all.  I couldn't put it down.  Even after finishing reading it, it stayed on my mind causing reflection and contemplation.  This was great reading.
2416655
In this and other works, Krehbiel's ability to blur commonplace reality with the fantastical leads to a gripping, machine-gun thrillride that is not to disappoint!  Throughout this book is a lurking feeling of 'it could happen' balanced with fast action, sudden plot shifts, and a sense of adventure, all set in the greater Maryland/DC region.  It is a quick read, tense at times, exciting throughout, and generally lighthearted.  I highly recommend this book.
3008591
You will enjoy reading this book from the first to the very last page, and you will be sad when it's over. It is easy to read, yet thought-provoking. The three main characters describe their journeys, which are exciting to follow, as they set off separately and later on meet without knowing their past or current motives. The book has a good pace, unexpected plot twists, and it builds up to an enthralling ending. The author offers an interesting, though utopian, solution to the Middle Eastern conflict. The book will have you thinking for weeks and months after reading - not only about the main characters but also about the way to solve the Middle Eastern conflict - perhaps, it is possible...
1877791
I usually read thrillers such as "The Da Vinci Code" or high-fantasy novels by the likes of George R. R. Martin, and I count "Aliens" as my all-time favorite movie. So, not the type of person who, upon hearing that a book is about an Iranian rug dealer and his relationship with a young American woman, shouts, "Awesome! Bring it on!"

Yet circumstances led me to read this book, which I started with some trepidation. (I've been burned occasionally by books with reviews that state, "Well-written," and "true-to-life characters," which can sometimes translate to, "Difficult, hard to chisel through prose," and "boring.")

"Well-written" here means an eloquent, fast-moving writing style that effortlessly meshes the interesting, hard-to-predict, and dare I say it, true-to-life characters (in a good way) with subtle truths about human nature that deep down we all know, but since we rarely see them discussed we can't help but smile as we read them. (One tiny example, "Ushman looks at the lighted windows and yearns to be let in. Even if there is no soccer match on TV. Just to sit around a table with people in the middle of the night, their camaraderie heightened by the absurdity of the hour.")

For me, this was a page-turner in a far different manner than what I'm used to, but a page-turner nonetheless. Highly recommended (even if you DO have a book about rampaging prehistoric sharks on the top of your Wish List).
430766
"The Followers" begs one to ask two questions:  Is it so bad to want to immerse oneself in fantasy?  What, if anything, is real?
 Evan Bollinger carries the reader along on a journey with an attuned child, and into his mind's farthest reaches.  He transports the reader into a world that only he, the child, sees.  It's a monotonous and mundane world that the child can't escape, but not from a lack of trying.  Bollinger relates every nuance of this world so effortlessly and almost flawlessly.  It's a somewhat warped world, indeed.  It's a world that so many of us might know.  It's a real world, only the observant child sees some very unreal things in it.
 Bollinger's use of simile is, in my opinion, superb, as he describes to the reader every nuance of the perceptive child's experiences throughout a day in his life.
 I hesitate to explain what happens in the story any further.  I fear ruining its ending.
 Inside all fiction lies at least one grain of truth.  It's true to me that "The Followers" is well worth reading.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Perhaps others will, too.
3374384
Edge of God is a fast-paced action thriller in which Pels deftly weaves a multitude of facts, engaging characters, and an eerily realistic, well-thought-out plot. I came away with the impression that the story originated in a memorandum from the depths of MI5 or the CIA... maybe it did. As evidenced by recent terrorist events in London,  Israel and Jordan, the themes and subject matter of the novel have proven both timely and, unfortunately, enduring, and this adds to the book's capacity to provide an exciting, good read. The characters' idiosyncrasies, humor, and in some cases their hubris exposes their souls and motivations as they both create and are acted upon by the events of the action-packed story, in some cases achieving transformations that reveal several deeper themes of the book.



Pels has borrowed from modernist classic literature by embedding a thematic parallel with Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness and its film adaptation, Apocalypse Now. However, Pels' characters, plots and endings are quite dissimilar, and the sub-plots and other themes in Edge of God make its story line much different from the work of Conrad and  Coppola. Audiences having a penchant for fast-paced, realistic action-thrillers should find Edge of God well worth reading.
1749580
Mathematics tells us that knowledge of all infinite futures is not possible - is this why bad things happen?
Has science killed God?
--R.J. Hogarth

R.J. Hogarth, an Australian author, has spun his spectacular debut novel, From Dust to DNA , where he challenges his readers to believe in God by applying the scientific logic via this thrilling story!

Synopsis:
Sir Ernest Everleigh is on a quest to disprove God's existence. He's an Oxford University lecturer with a cult-like following of students who rally to the atheistic cause through his philosophy course and campus debates. Sir Ernest has several projects in the works that depend on backing from very powerful people, including an expedition to Afghanistan to procure a mysterious relic-at whatever the cost.

John Rowntree may be agnostic, but he'd been teaching a religious knowledge class at an English school, until he was fired for defying the ban on religious teaching instituted by a government committee headed by Sir Ernest. When John enrolls in Sir Ernest's course, he soon finds himself engaged in a stimulating debate that brings out a new philosophy on the origins of life and models of God.

John also ends up joining the perilous pursuit of the enigmatic relic, an adventure that is a key part of Sir Ernest's ambitious plan for total victory.

I'd like thank Good reads for having found this author. He might have written about a very dicey topic in his debut book, but I felt the plot to be very logical, formularized and powerful. Every page challenged me to re-think about my faith! The author made me see things in a whole new perspective. I felt Everleigh and Rowntree's adventure to be very thrilling and at times, adrenaline-rushing! This author reminded me of Dan Brown!!

The characterization is also quite strong! By bringing striking protagonist, he has given a grip to his story. These characters will only make you feel like you know them and their soul so closely.

Only disappointment would be that the author has used too much philosophical ideas in his story, at times I felt them to be kind of repetitive in nature. Since there was an adventure involved in the plot, i felt the author could have inserted more action and compelling events to make it worth while instead of his philosophy!

If you're an atheist, then you'd love to read this book, but if you are a believer in God, then mid it! This book is going to change your views and ideals!!
4688553
Imagine discovering that you have the power to create a temporary copy of anyone in the world alive or dead-and they will be yours to command. You can make them desire you, work for you, tell you their deepest, darkest secrets. What would you do with such a gift? Or is it a curse?

This has become the reality for Michael Blasco, a mild-mannered research scientist. When he first conjures up a copy of his hunky gym instructor on a train platform, Michael fears for his sanity. He quickly realizes, however, that the copies are every bit as real as the original, complete with intelligence and awareness-at least while they exist. With just a thought, Michael can end their existence as easily as he brought them into being. Once they are gone, nothing remains of them except Michael's memories.

While he first sees it all as a sort of game for his own amusement, as time goes on, Michael begins to wonder why he has this strange ability. The book takes a more serious turn as Michael searches for answers and explores the morality of the situation.

What at first seems to be a wet-dream come true gradually turns into a nightmare as Michael realizes that there are consequences to his actions with the copies. His long-term relationship is crumbling, he neglects his research project, the originals seem to retain some memory of what their copies do, and not all copies appreciate being brought back from the dead.

Lust is an amazingly original and thought-provoking concept. It could have turned into a prurient tale in the hands of a lesser author, but Geoff Ryman's strong writing more than pulls it off. The story both entertains and causes us to think about the consequences of our actions. I had a little trouble getting into Ryman's style, but about a third of the way into the book it really takes off and I was left holding on for the rest of the ride. Ryman brings historic and well-known characters to life with shocking plausibility. I especially enjoyed the visits from Billie Holiday and Pablo Picasso. Knowing a bit about both of them, I believe Ryman truly caught their spirit in their portrayals.

Once you adjust to his style, Ryman's writing is simply stunning. His word-pictures are so accurate and vibrant that you feel as if you are seeing the story instead of just reading it. In turns humorous and touching, the book brings everything together by the end for a wonderfully satisfying read. I highly recommend this book.
1055533
If the first half of this astonishing book doesn't make you paranoid about the ability of government to invade your personal life, nothing will. The book creates a setting of genuine reality by beginning with Snowden' s whistleblowing activities at NSA. It then follows with the "God's Eye" utilization over the next two year period, which brings us literally up to the present day. The author skillfully brings in many ordinary elements of daily life, such as shopping at Walgreen, to enhance the immediacy of the deadly threats to the protagonist and her family. The second half of the book winds up more like your typical thriller, wirh the good guys coming out on top. It would have been interesting to have seen more of "God's Eye" in action. This is the first Eisler book I've read, but I'll definitely look for more from this talented author.
3809230
Long after you've come to the stunning and satisfying conclusion of Celeste Chaney's debut novel, In Absence of Fear, your mind will linger within its pages. The book leaves the reader asking so many more questions than it answered; On whom should the responsibility for balancing security and privacy lie? Will I live to see a society like this? Do I perhaps live in such a society already?
The lines between the futuristic setting and the world in which we live in now, are intentionally blurry, creating a uniquely unsettling effect; daring the reader to wonder whether this particular imagination of future could really be our collective future.
With complex, relatable characters, a deeply engrossing plot, and plentiful profound passages with an immense quotability factor, this book isn't only an important read, it's thoroughly enjoyable as well.
1821563
Gray Matter was a fantastic read, weaving together ethics, medicine, scientific discovery and learning disabilities in an engaging and page-turning manner.  Braver kept me on the edge on my seat in a roller-coaster like ride of emotions. The characters are real, honest and believable in their struggles raising a learning-disabled child.  This book forces you to hink, it is much deeper than most other thriller/sci-fi novels.  There is a moral strain in this story that tugged at my own feelings towards such scientific progress. Gray Matter is a compelling commentary on the progress of modern medicine and genetic engineering.
639205
Many thrillers are so abstracted from reality that they are describing a world that could never exist.  The best thrillers take our natural paranoia and build from there to create a living nightmare that thrills and chills us.

Memorial Day is a rewarding addition to the gradually developing subgenre of the anti-WMD terrorist thriller.  Naturally, we all fear terrorists killing millions with WMD.  How might they go about it?  How might we stop them?  Memorial Day provides many rewarding answers to the former and fewer realistic answers to the latter.

Mitch Rapp is a one-man wrecking crew who knows no limits to his ability to protect the United States.  He's very much in the vein of an American James Bond except that he is a family man with no obvious vices.  In that sense, he's more like Superman without the super powers.

As the book opens, the CIA observes unusual activities and levels of terrorist "chat" which makes it look like an attack may be coming soon.  Mitch Rapp learns that a number of al-Qaeda leaders are together in a Pakistani village and organizes a "black" raid on the village.  That raid allows him to interrogate several prisoners and he learns that the U.S. is at risk in the near-term.  Fortunately, the raid also provides documents that help pinpoint the sources of the risk and counter-terrorist efforts begin quickly and smoothly.  But is there enough time?

The main false note in the story is that Mitch Rapp knowingly ignores legal and ethical limits on what the U.S. can do whenever he feels the need to accelerate responses.  In the process, the book condones murder, torture and unlimited violence as long as it helps us defend ourselves.  At a time when many are rethinking how far we should go in interrogating prisoners, this book suggests no limits.  That point is a gratuitous one that was not required for the story to develop in an exciting and realistic way.

Many will be cheered, though, by the attacks in the book on those who pursue antiterrorism primarily for political gain.  There's been too much of that going on.

The action parts of the story are the best.  So if you like to read about raids and commando actions, you will enjoy this book very much.
1964712
The Marbury Lens by Andrew Smith explores the terrifying experiences of a teen dealing with a horrifying experience. After being drugged and held hostage, Jack becomes increasingly unstable. Jack grapples with his sanity through the help of friends and a set of purple-tinted glasses. This frightening page-turner immerses the reader in complex characters and a thought-provoking plot.

Jack's experience in the world of Marbury reminded me of virtual worlds and multi-player gaming. As these worlds become more immersive I can see how easily the line between fantasy and reality could blur.

I felt like Jack's experiences were rooted in post-traumatic stress disorder, but I thought the author did a great job expanding the connection to include alternative reality, parallel universes, and the supernatural world. When we lose a sense such as sight, our other senses such as hearing are enhanced. I wonder if this could be true of traumatic situations. When one aspect of our subconscious shuts down because of trauma, could other areas of our brain be activated? This is just one of the many ways this book engaged my mind.

Although the conclusion fit well with the story, I was really hoping for a "mind blowing" incident that brought everything together. Instead, the author left the door open for a sequel.

Both the book and the reading experience were strange for me. I got about half-way through the novel and got side-tracked with trips and other reading activities. I didn't want to re-start reading until I'd have time to finish. I was amazed how quickly I jumped right back into the plot.

On a side-note, this book reminded me of something Stephen King might have written. Characters from one novel like The Stand or Dark Tower series would appear in another novel. I felt like Marbury could have been part of the world of the Dark Tower.
3515006
I think many readers are turned off by futuristic fiction due to frequently used, predictable concepts that are not grounded in science.  The Methuselarity Transformation was a refreshing read that breaks away from novels in the same genre by providing fact-based concepts that may someday surround us.  It is evident that Rick Moskovitz performed diligent research to create a thrilling new world inhabited by complex and carefully crafted characters.  A reader will soon find that nothing is predictable in this world.

I highly recommend this book.
458736
Jump on the roller coaster ride of Forgiving Ararat and immerse yourself in a thrilling story that is never predictable.  As a young attorney, wife, and mother, Brek Cuttler's journey from life to death is so graphic that you feel her fatal wounds and experience her bittersweet memories.  While struggling to understand her eternal fate, she is tasked with representing individuals who appear to have few redeeming qualities at their Final Judgement.  Then, she transforms into their souls to live the key moments of their lives and gains a unique, extraordinary perspective.  Tangible images such as the four seasons occurring simultaneously in Nana's backyard make the afterlife picturesque and sometimes grotesque as Ms. Nazareth vividly describes the dead arriving at Shemaya Station as they looked when taking their last breath.  Forgiving Ararat is realistic fiction that makes you reexamine your conscience.