Book Review: The Extractor by Ethan Jones

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: The Extractor

Subtitle: (Jack Storm #1)

Author: Ethan Jones

Genre: Spy/Thriller

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57124768-the-extractor

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

Jack Storm works for the Canadian Intelligence Service (CIS). Only 3 weeks after the disappearance of his wife and daughter following a difficult mission, he is tasked to extract an asset from Iran. Will he succeed?

What I liked about the book:

It was action-packed and full of unexpected twists and turns.

What I didn’t like about the book:

There was nothing to dislike.

My favourite bits in the book:

The action and determination.

My least favourite bits in the book:

There were none.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and can’t wait to find out what happens next. Definitely, a series up my street.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a spy novel that will whet the appetite of spy novel lovers.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like spy novels, this book may be the book for you.

Book Description by Author:

When the agency needs to retrieve someone alive, they send in Jack Storm … The Extractor

 

Nothing to live for; nothing to lose…

 

Devastated after his wife and daughter disappeared in a mysterious plane crash, Jack Storm, former CIS extractor, is failing to keep it all together. When a key asset is trapped in Tehran, the agency reluctantly brings Jack back into service with the nearly-impossible mission, knowing he’s a ticking timebomb.

 

Sent in with a know-it-all rookie, despondent Jack, is relentlessly hunted at every turn. If he is caught, he’ll be hanged. But does Jack even care?

 

Double-crossed at every step and with the clock ticking, Jack, now more furious than hopeless, focuses his rage. But will he retrieve the asset before she’s caught? Although he feels he has nothing to live for, is he ready for the ultimate sacrifice to save her life?

 

International bestselling author Ethan Jones brings a new series so heart-stopping and fever-pitched, that you’ll have to take up a permanent position on the edge of your seat.

 

Action movie fans will thoroughly enjoy The Extractor (Jack Storm #1). A series that promises to deliver and is as addicting as it is exciting. If you like Brad Thor, Daniel Silva, or Tom Clancy, you’ll love this new spy thriller novel. Start your new adventure now!

About the Author:

Ethan Jones is an Amazon bestselling author of four wildly popular spy thriller series. His thirty-one novels have sold over 500,000 copies worldwide. Check out Ethan's website www.ethanjonesbooks.com to learn more and to sign up to Ethan's Exclusives Readers’ Club, which includes updates, deals, and a free starter pack with three spy novels.

 

Amazon: http://bit.ly/Ethan-Jones

Kobo: http://bit.ly/Ethan-Jones-Kobo

Apple Books: http://bit.ly/Ethan-Jones-Apple

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/Ethan-Jones-BN

GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/Ethan-Jones-GooglePlay

 

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Book Review: The Dreaming by Amanda Sheridan

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: The Dreaming

Subtitle:

Author: Amanda Sheridan

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 2

Best read after earlier books in series? Yes

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60167210-the-dreaming

 

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

Jennifer now lives in Tel Aviv with her husband Ilan, her cats and has a job at an animal rescue centre. When Mossad lose contact with Ilan, they call for Jennifer’s help in a desperate plea to rescue the mission. Will she succeed in locating her husband through her dreams, or is the plan, and subsequently Ilan, doomed?

What I liked about the book:

It was action-packed and full of unexpected twists and turns.

What I didn’t like about the book:

There was nothing to dislike.

My favourite bits in the book:

The action and determination.

My least favourite bits in the book:

There were none.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and can’t wait to find out what happens next. However, the next book in the series is not yet out, so I’ll have to find some patience.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a contemporary fiction novel with a hint of the paranormal and some spy novel elements.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Possibly
Adult	Yes

 

If you like romance, spy novels and contemporary fiction, this book may be the book for you.

Book Description by Author:

The Dreaming.

FREE IF YOU HAVE KINDLE UNLIMITED.

The sequel to Rapid Eye Movement.

 

Jennifer and Ilan have put the events in Cyprus, that almost cost Jennifer her life, far behind them and have now settled into their new home in Israel.

Then Ilan goes undercover to infiltrate a terrorist organisation and prevent a major terrorist plot that, if successful, would result in the deaths of many thousands of people. He leaves Jennifer with a promise that this is his last mission and he will retire after it is completed.

But then contact with Ilan is lost.

Utilising what happened in Cyprus when she relived another woman’s life through her dreams, the Mossad recruit Jennifer to locate both her husband and the terrorists.

Can Jennifer succeed? And at what cost to her?

About the Author:

I live on the beautiful Ards peninsula in Northern Ireland with my husband and our two furbabies.

I'm an avid fan of motorcycle racing (MotoGP and WSB) and Formula 1, having attended 33 live F1 races at various circuits in Europe. over the last 20+ years.

Reading has always been a hobby of mine and I love nothing better than escaping into the world between the pages. A couple of years ago, the seed of an idea came to me. I ran with it, purely for fun, and Rapid Eye Movement was born. Out of that came The Dreaming and, hopefully, the third and final part - Dreamcatcher - will be released sometime in 2022. Depending on the weather! I can't sit indoors when the Northern Irish weather takes a turn for the better.

Book Review: Rapid Eye Movement by Amanda Sheridan

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Rapid Eye Movement

Subtitle:

Author: Amanda Sheridan

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53570380-rapid-eye-movement

 

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

Two women dream each other’s life. While one lives in sunny Cyprus, the other lives in rainy Yorkshire, but at night they dream what happens in the other person’s life. Will they ever meet and why is this happening?

What I liked about the book:

It was action-packed and full of unexpected twists and turns.

What I didn’t like about the book:

There was nothing to dislike.

My favourite bits in the book:

The loving scenes for both couples.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The way it had to end.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and I’ve just downloaded the second one as I can’t wait to find out what happens next.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a contemporary fiction novel with a hint of the paranormal and some spy novel elements.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Possibly
Adult	Yes

 

If you like romance, spy novels and contemporary fiction, this book may be the book for you.

Book Description by Author:

FREE IF YOU HAVE KINDLE UNLIMITED

 

When Jennifer Scott and Lucy Wilson were injured in accidents near their respective homes in Cyprus and England, they had no inkling of the connection that was formed when their consciousnesses collided and linked them together within their dreams.

 

Both are ordinary women. Living their lives. They have never met. Yet when Jennifer goes to sleep each night, she finds herself dreaming how Lucy came to be the woman she is today. She learns of the dream house Lucy found in the Yorkshire Dales, the two daughters she adores and her happy, but ordinary, life with her husband, Charlie. When Lucy’s head hits the pillow, she is immediately transported to Jennifer’s world in Cyprus. There she learns how Jennifer met Ilan - the love of her life – and she experiences the loneliness and worry this relationship causes Jennifer.

 

Why is each woman dreaming the other’s life? Is it real? What does it mean? More importantly, if one of them stops dreaming what will happen to the other?

About the Author:

I live on the beautiful Ards peninsula in Northern Ireland with my husband and our two furbabies.

I'm an avid fan of motorcycle racing (MotoGP and WSB) and Formula 1, having attended 33 live F1 races at various circuits in Europe. over the last 20+ years.

Reading has always been a hobby of mine and I love nothing better than escaping into the world between the pages. A couple of years ago, the seed of an idea came to me. I ran with it, purely for fun, and Rapid Eye Movement was born. Out of that came The Dreaming and, hopefully, the third and final part - Dreamcatcher - will be released sometime in 2022. Depending on the weather! I can't sit indoors when the Northern Irish weather takes a turn for the better.

Book Review: The Communication Consultant's Master Plan by Roger Darnell

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: The Communications Consultant's Master Plan

Subtitle: Leveraging Public Relations Expertise for Personal and Client Success

Author: Roger Darnell

Genre: Management Skills

Part of a series?

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59140195-the-communications-consultant-s-master-plan

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This is a book for anyone interested in PR and communications. To be honest, this book was not really my cup of tea and it was difficult to maintain my interest in it. There was also a lot of repetition from the earlier book ‘The Communication Consultant’s Foundation’.

What I liked about the book:

It was written well.

What I didn’t like about the book:

The book was very dry and did unfortunately not succeed in teaching me the skills needed for successful PR, although it was marginally better than ‘The Communication Consultant’s Foundation’.

My favourite bits in the book:

The examples from real life.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The dry bits and areas where it felt like the author told us how good he was.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the second book I’ve read by this author.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a textbook on PR.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Maybe
Adult	Yes

 

If you like books on PR, this book may be the book for you.

Book Description by Author:

This volume builds on Roger Darnell's The Communications Consultant's Foundation by providing insider knowledge gained over the past three decades atop the field of communications consulting, incorporating lessons learned serving businesses in the global creative industry.

 

Going beyond the basics of a communications consulting business, this book parses and distills the knowledge of top business management luminaries, helping readers build and expand their expertise to heighten their opportunities, and maximize all aspects and phases of their businesses, from start-up through to succession. It discusses essential topics including:

 

- The business of running a PR agency, with emphasis on landing clients and honing expertise to remain exceptional

 

- Advanced PR practices including investor relations and strategic planning

 

- Agency expansion, addressing growth and exit strategies

 

Working PR professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and recent graduates will appreciate high-level insights from a seasoned business owner, as well as templates for proposals, campaign planning, and more. Read with The Communications Consultant's Foundation or on its own, this book will lead readers on life-changing journeys and help a new generation of smart communicators take their professional pursuits to the highest levels.

About the Author:

 

Book Review: The Communications Consultant's Foundation by Roger Darnell

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: The Communications Consultant's Foundation

Subtitle: Leveraging Public Relations Expertise for Personal and Client Success

Author: Roger Darnell

Genre: Management Skills

Part of a series?

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57486954-the-communications-consultant-s-foundation

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This is a book for anyone interested in PR and communications. To be honest, this book was not really my cup of tea and it was difficult to maintain my interest in it.

What I liked about the book:

It was written well.

What I didn’t like about the book:

The book was very dry and did unfortunately not succeed in teaching me the skills needed for successful PR.

My favourite bits in the book:

The examples from real life.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The dry bits and areas where it felt like the author told us how good he was.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I read the second one in this area by this author straight after.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a textbook on PR.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Maybe
Adult	Yes

 

If you like books on PR, this book may be the book for you.

Book Description by Author:

For all professionals and students who want to improve their prospects in business, this book prepares and positions them to build dream careers, giving them the education and guidance required to develop vital soft skills, and work remotely and independently.

 

After establishing a foundation for solid professional communications on a personal level, it quickly opens doors to business insights and opportunities that are exciting, inspiring, and highly sustainable. Immersing readers into the key realms of business success and exploring the full spectrum of essential communications practices, they gain knowledge and trade skills of immense value, including:

 

- The basics of positive, proactive, strategic communications for individuals and organizations

 

- What it means to be a PR expert in the creative industry and to do great work

 

- An introduction to essential business imperatives, with high-level instruction on creativity, strategy, leadership, management, marketing, and much more

 

- Customer service and all it entails

 

- Extensive exploration of the PR toolset and its application in real-world marketing scenarios

 

This book brings home all instruction with sophisticated questions and challenges, ensuring readers have every opportunity to comprehend and grow, step by step.

About the Author:

 

Book Review: Mary Finch Runaway by S.S. Saywack

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

 

Book Title: Mary Finch

Subtitle: Runaway

Author: S.S. Saywack

Genre: Historical Fiction/Children’s

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 0

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://saywackwrites.com/ (free)

 

Overall score:

 

I scored this book 5/5

 

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

 

Short Summary of book:

 

This is a prequel to the Mary Finch Mystery series. It is available free via the author’s website and is a lovely read.

We follow Mary from age 3 till age 13 and learn how she became the person she was. It’s a worthwhile read for adults and children alike, educating us on Victorian England while we enjoy a relaxing read.

 

What I liked about the book:

 

The book was action-packed and full of mysterious occurences.

 

 

What I didn’t like about the book:

 

I enjoyed the entire book and wonder what will happen next.

 

 

My favourite bits in the book:

 

How Mary remains positive despite tragic events.

 

 

My least favourite bits in the book:

 

I enjoyed the entire book.

 

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

 

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There are further books in the series and I’m sorely tempted to get them too.

 

 

What books could this be compared to and why?

 

This is a lovely book in the mystery section for children and adults alike.

 

 

Recommendation:

 

In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:

 

Children	Yes
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like historical fiction and mysteries, this book might be the book for you.

 

 

Book description by the Author:

A fateful trip and an accident are about to change young Mary Finch’s life forever. Her journey will take her from London to Liverpool and back again, across the dirty streets of the capital, and will lead her to the Dibbles and the Grimwigs.

 

About the Author:

S S Saywack is the author of the Mary Finch Mysteries – Mary Finch and the Thief to be released soon, to be followed by Mary Finch and the Grey Lady, and Mary Finch and the Spy. After a career as a Graphic Designer, then an art teacher, he took to writing short stories, flash fiction and novels for middle-grade readers. He has a love of history - Victorian England and the early twentieth century – and is an avid reader. He lives in the East End of London, a place well suited for his creation, Mary Finch, to explore and to have her adventures.

 

Find him on the web at: https://saywackwrites.com

 

Book Review: If We Had Known by Arlene Lomazoff-Marron

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: If We Had Known

Subtitle:

Author: Arlene Lomazoff-Marron

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Part of a series? No

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57914645-if-we-had-known

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

A great story, that although fiction, could be true. The author shows her obvious knowledge of medical issues and uses them well within the book.

Meet Carly and Paul, who seemingly have it all. Happily married, with the odd hiccups every couple goes through, two adult children and two grandchildren.

And then their world falls away. Paul develops medical problems and Carly’s past catches up with her. Will they cope with the challenges ahead?

What I liked about the book:

The book is well-written and kept me wanting to read on.

What I didn’t like about the book:

The book was enjoyable in its totality.

My favourite bits in the book:

The entire book.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

I believe this is the second book by this author. The first one was quite good too.

What books could this be compared to and why?

I’m not sure what book to compare this with.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Probably
Adult	Yes

 

If you like contemporary fiction, this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Book Description by Author:

An unforgettable story of buried secrets, strained relationships, love, and forgiveness.

 

Carly has carried a secret for more than thirty years. Now, with her husband battling a catastrophic medical condition, she is forced to confront her past, and the blue eyes she tried to forget. Carly struggles to conquer her fears, support her husband, and reconcile her family. A realistic and engrossing novel that will pull at your heartstrings.

About the Author:

In December 2019 I retired from a job in the healthcare field. About a week before, a coworker commented that I should do something from my bucket list. I immediately replied that I would write a novel. I wondered why I had replied so quickly and with such conviction. I took a few writing courses in high school and considered college and a career in writing, but decided to go to nursing school instead. I hadn't thought about writing a book since my adolescence. I didn't realize writing a novel was on my bucket list.

 

I planned to try writing a novel from March through December 2020, but when COVID-19 kept me indoors, I started writing every day. Beneath A Blanket Of Snow is my first novel. I wrote it in ten weeks.

 

I live in the Philadelphia, PA area with my husband Gerry. We have a blended family of four boys and one girl, and seven grandchildren. I also enjoy bicycling, playing Mah Jongg, reading, and playing piano.

 

I am currently writing my second novel, which I hope to release in the spring of 2021. Sign up for my newsletter and get up-to-date information about its release. http://eepurl.com/hkzvMf

 

Book Review: Invincika by Varun Sayal

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

 

Book Title: Invincika

Subtitle: (Superheroes of the Multiverse #1)

Author: Varun Sayal

Genre: Science Fiction/super hero

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60378907-invincika (available on pre-order, due for release 25 April 2022)

 

Overall score:

 

I scored this book 4.5/5

 

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️

 

Short Summary of book:

 

Ulka was born with the Sigma gene. Unlike her fellow students at the monastery, her powers remain dormant and she appears to be the only one without any powers at all.

But, all isn’t as it seems. Will her powers awaken in time to save the world and herself?

 

What I liked about the book:

 

The book was action-packed and full of hidden secrets.

 

 

What I didn’t like about the book:

 

I enjoyed the entire book and wonder what will happen next.

 

 

My favourite bits in the book:

 

The lasting friendship and loyalty.

 

 

My least favourite bits in the book:

 

I enjoyed the entire book.

 

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

 

I have read several books by this author. This is the start of a new series that appears to be aimed at young adult readers.

 

 

What books could this be compared to and why?

 

Although the book has similarities to other books I’ve read by this author, this is completely different at the same time.

 

 

Recommendation:

 

In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:

 

Children	Maybe
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like science fiction and superhero stories, this book might be the book for you.

 

 

Book description by the Author:

She tries to save the world ...

 

... but can she save herself?

 

Ulka trained besides the Sigma, but unlike them, her powers remained dormant.

 

Until a ballistic weapon finally awakened her hidden abilities and flipped her world upside down.

 

As Ulka struggled with her new found powers, a Magnetar raced toward earth, causing tides, volcanoes and tremors. The super-humans sent to counter the Magnetar never returned, and Ulka is the world’s last hope.

 

Even if she succeeds, there’s a much bigger threat lurking in the shadows, waiting to unleash a fate worse than death.

 

If you like superhero stories with riveting action sequences, you will love this first book in the series.

 

About the Author:

Varun Sayal is a Data Science manager living in Redmond, Washington. He grew up in India on a steady dose of fantastical tales from ancient Indian scriptures. His genre of writing is science fiction and fantasy, blended with Indian legends and mythology. In his own words:

I live by the quote, 'a true art calms a disturbed mind and disturbs a calm mind.'