Platinum Promises

Platinum Promises by Jessa Nevins

Reviewed by Jacquelyn Tolksdorf

Jessa Nevins’ Platinum Promises is a riveting and dramatic exploration of fame, power, and personal conflict set alongside a dramatic love triangle. The novel sequel to Nevins’ Star Maker delves into the complexities of ambition, relationships, and redemption, centering around the life of Kit McKenna, a brilliant but deeply flawed entertainment executive.  Purchase Here.

From the very beginning, readers are thrust into Kit’s world of glamour, high stakes, and scandal. As the narrative unfolds, we witness her navigate the treacherous waters of the entertainment industry, deal with romantic turmoil, and confront the consequences of her self-destructive behaviors.

Nevins masterfully portrays the inner workings of the music industry, and the intense pressure placed on women to not only succeed but maintain an image of perfection. Kit’s struggles are not just professional but deeply personal, particularly her volatile relationship with her rock-star boyfriend, Sully. Their romance is as tumultuous as her career, and Nevins doesn’t shy away from showing the messy, raw emotions that come with love and ambition colliding.

The character development is one of the novel’s strengths. Kit is a complex protagonist—strong-willed, intelligent, yet deeply vulnerable. Her inner monologue reveals a woman grappling with insecurities, guilt, and the pressure to succeed in a male-dominated world. Sully, on the other hand, represents the pitfalls of fame and the toll it takes on relationships. The supporting characters, from Abe, Kit’s mentor, to her troubled friends in the industry, add layers of intrigue and tension, each influencing Kit’s journey in different ways.

Nevins’ prose is sharp and engaging, keeping the reader hooked from one dramatic scene to the next. The pacing is swift, driven by the high-stakes world Kit inhabits. Whether it’s a corporate cover-up, a scandal threatening to leak to the press, or an explosive argument with Sully, there is rarely a dull moment in Platinum Promises.

However, beneath the surface of glamorous parties and high-powered meetings, the novel is a deeper commentary on identity and self-worth. Kit’s quest for power and success often leaves her questioning who she is and whether the sacrifices she’s made are worth it. As her personal and professional lives spiral out of control, she is forced to confront her demons and decide what truly matters.

Platinum Promises is a captivating novel that will appeal to fans of contemporary drama, particularly those interested in the intersection of love, power, and the entertainment world. It’s a powerful reminder of the personal costs that can come with chasing ambition and the importance of finding balance in life.

Nevins has crafted a page-turner filled with emotional depth, making Platinum Promises a memorable and thought-provoking read.

 

 

Third Place: The American Martyr by Richard W. Kelly

The American Martyr by Richard W. Kelly

Reviewed by Lilly Andrews

Richard W. Kelly’s yarn, The American Martyr, is a deeply penetrating and high stakes work that follows the tumultuous journey of a teenager whose childhood is robbed from him in a series of dramatic events. Brian Brample, a sixteen-year-old boy, had his whole life ahead of him. This changed when the American president drafted a bill that compelled sixteen-year-olds to be conscripted into the army and fight in an unpopular war in China that had nothing to do with being an American.  Purchase Here.

Unwilling to be part of a statistic in a losing battle to appease a few despots at the helm of power with selfish interests, Brian and his friends engage in a mass suicide in a mall, as their way of protesting against the government’s decision, in which he reluctantly survives. Following this, his life is thrown into chaos and anguish when he is charged with treason, terrorism, and murder. At his young age, Brian is forced to confront endless court battles, a crooked prison system,

government betrayal, and the endless fight for his freedom. With the help of a self-seeking lawyer, Iscariot Culberson, his transformational journey takes him into the corridors of civil rights activism in a powerful story that etches deep into the fabric of American society.

Throughout this 500+ narrative, conspiracy, propaganda, wrath, betrayal, and tenacity abound, giving readers a well-worth reading experience that ultimately pays off. Its lucid effort at instilling some moral sense in its plot gives the book an added poise above the usual tropes among books of its genre. The characters, vividly drawn, are introduced to readers through individual chapters before they are all intelligently woven into the budding storyline. Brian’s inner struggles are laid out through his introspections and pensive soliloquies, indicating a deeply flawed character with a strong desire to fight against injustice and save his generation from destruction. The author artfully uses direct and indirect exposition as a double-edged sword along the pages to lend voice to the characters’ temperaments and actions, grounding readers in their world.

The American Martyr by Richard W. Kelly is one of those books that promises and delivers and should best be started early in the morning. It is an ambitious take on what would otherwise look like random acts, exploring and unearthing the masked layers that would otherwise remain hidden. It is a book from a true novelist bound to captivate even the pickiest readers of thriller novels.

Third Place: Mystery/Thriller/ Horror/Suspense

 

The Evil to Come

The Evil to Come by Thomas Holland

Reviewed by Reyan Mishra

Good crime thrillers have it to engage and entertain readers in a multitude of ways. Some keep you hooked as long as you read it, while there are a few that leave you connecting the dots days after you are done reading. The story in question belongs to the latter category.  Purchase Here.

The fourth novel in the Big Ray Elmore series, “The Evil to Come” puts together an intriguing mix of both typical and rare elements of a satisfying thriller from something as obvious as painstaking investigation to something more complex such as an officer’s inner turmoil and collision of intellects.

Set in the town of Split Tree, Arkansas in 1964, the novel follows police chief Big Ray Elmore who is after a shrewd serial murderer. Several have lost their lives, and the town is shrouded in fear. Now, it’s upon Ray to catch the killer before he strikes again (and again means anytime). But the job is far from straightforward. The killer doesn’t leave behind decodable traces and always seems one step ahead. The officer is concurrently helping his wife with manic depression and training a rookie officer.  Additionally, his job is under threat as his ex-lover’s husband plots to oust him.

Big Ray’s situation gets even direr when he realizes he himself might be the killer’s next target. Given everything going on in his life and the killer’s unmitigated cleverness, the officer knows getting his hands on the culprit is going to be a Herculean task. Though his investigation hits roadblocks multiple times, the officer is too determined to give up.

The author, Thomas Holland has written in a manner that with every page you feel as though layers are being peeled off that will lead you to the truth. It’s noteworthy that “The Evil to Come” isn’t yet another cop-after-killer thriller that follows the formula of a cat-and-mouse game. Instead, it’s a multi-faceted story exploring important themes including family, duty, mental health, and perseverance. The author gives such a vivid description of the surroundings that you begin thinking as one of the worried dwellers of the town by the time the story reaches meaty bits. Characters are well-developed and have got depth. There are several instances where you can relate to them.

Simply put, “The Evil to Come” is an intriguing read through and through. Though the novel is about 400 pages long, you aren’t likely to feel lost or out of touch at any point. If you’re on the lookout for a new book to accompany you on your metro journeys, we recommend you give this one a shot.

Third Place: On the Run by William Shaw

On the Run by William Shaw

Reviewed by Lily Andrews

Beyond the hills and the meadows of the coastal seaport of Sligo, Ireland, sits the fishing village of Mullaghmore, where William Shaw’s narrative, “On the Run,” begins. Set in the 80s, the touching and ultimately hopeful text follows members of a peasant family whose lives take a cruel turn following political turmoil in their country as they search for belonging, identity, and justice in the face of dire circumstances.  Purchase here.

After the assassination of Lord Mountbatten, a beloved British Royal, at his holiday home in Sligo in 1979 by suspected IRA officials, suspicion and tension grew, heightening the Northern Ireland conflict that had lasted for decades. Three years later, the residents of Mullagmore still bore the brunt of this attack, and the Connolly family was not spared. Terrence, a Sligo farmer, is wrongfully arrested, and his wife, Bridget, overcome with despair and worry, sends his son, Tim, to America to live with his aunt, hoping to shelter him from being part of the IRA group and possible death. She also hopes to secure a job to sustain herself and the farm and spare her time to visit her husband.
The three are confronted with cruel realities on their own. With two of her most beloved people gone, Bridget felt an emptiness envelop her upon her return home. Terrence, on the other hand, was soaked in despair and desolation behind the prison walls with the loss of his simple and predictable life, and frequent abuse from prison guards. In America, Tim was in a woeful joyless place, being the object of attack by bullies in his new school. Separated, yet united at heart, the three face their situations with unyielding resilience. Terrence joins an escape team that conducts a prison break, while Bridget joins a women’s group protesting against the abuses at the filthy H-Block Prison where her husband is detained. Tim, on the other hand, discovers a hidden God-given gift and joins the 1983 national AAU Championship hoping to win in honor of his brave parents.

A page-turner, “On the Run” delivers much more than it promises and affirms the value of family. Shaw’s genius lies in the book’s alternating perspectives, vividly drawn characters who exhibit unique strengths, and its lush descriptions of diverse terrains. Across, powerful feelings are divulged, elucidating emotions of pain, joy, frustration, hopelessness, and determination. Tim, one of the main protagonists in the story, is a vulnerable and disillusioned character, desperate to fit in among his peers, a tall order on his part. Through him, the author deftly draws out complex social themes such as racism, bullying, navigating relationships, and finding identity. Weaving a tapestry based on actual historical events takes the skillful pen of a writer and this author does not disappoint. The book’s pacing is steady, and the dialogue is expositional, and this adds to the reading experience.

“On the Run” by William Shaw is a tale of an unshakeable bond between three family members and will captivate historical fiction aficionados and any reader who enjoys fictional stories that carry along impressive takeaways and offer more than escapist entertainment.

Second Place: Young Adult
Second Place: Historical (Fiction and Non-Fiction)
Cargo Hold 4

Cargo Hold 4 by Lonnie Busch

Reviewed by Douglas R. Cobb

Cargo Hold 4 is a Science Fiction/Horror novel by Lonnie Busch that takes the old trope of a stowaway aboard your spaceship to a different level. Perhaps the most famous example of having a stowaway aboard one’s spaceship in a Science Fiction movie is Alien. In literature and in movies, the trope of having a stowaway aboard a ship or even a train is a time-honored one.  As with using any trope, it’s what an author does within the framework of one that attracts and holds the attention of the reader or fails to so. If you are a fan of the Science Fiction genre, I’d highly recommend that you check out Cargo Hold 4, a book that plays within the framework and also one that held my attention from the very beginning to the end.  Purchase Here.

I don’t want to mention many spoilers, but it’s not a very big one to say that there’s a stowaway aboard the Gretel, the spaceship of interest in Cargo Hold 4. The woman commanding the Gretel is Captain Desna and Berlin is the spaceship’s First Mate. One twist here is that the rather noisy and troublesome stowaway is somehow not an organic being. According to the book’s very first paragraph:

“Everything they’d discovered on Planet J–S was stored in Cargo Hold 4, but none of it was organic, according to their scanners.”

I won’t give away how Busch deals with this issue. My desire to read how this could happen was one of the things that made me want to keep on reading, so I don’t want to ruin anybody else’s pleasure. Suffice it to say that Busch’s solution to this apparent problem of a nonorganic stowaway aboard the Gretel was a pretty cool one.

One of the other problems Captain Desna and her crew is confronted with is the ethical one of deciding exactly what should be done about the irksome stowaway.  Two of the other things making life difficult for Desna, Berlin, and everyone else aboard the Gretel include the necessity of their handling an unplanned spacewalk and also how they should attempt to dislodge the unwelcome alien that had stowed away in Cargo Hold 4.

I asked myself as I read Cargo Hold 4 questions like: “is the book’s plot fast-paced?” “Are the complications that Captain Desna and her crew have to deal with dealt with in a realistic way?” and “Does Cargo Hold 4 have a plot that holds my interest and keeps me want to keep on reading it?”

I’m glad I read Cargo Hold 4. Besides being a captivating, page-turning Sci-Fi/Horror thriller, I liked reading the book for the added reason of discovering how the book’s author, Lonnie Busch, came up with inventive ways to play within the confines of the stowaway trope. I highly recommend Cargo Hold 4 for anyone who enjoys reading intelligent, fast-paced examples of the Sci-Fi/ Horror genre. Check it out today!

First Place: Mystery/Thriller/Horror/Suspense
Second Place: Science Fiction
Involuntarious

Involuntarius by J. R. Izquierdo

Reviewed by Lily Andrews

J.R. Izquierdo’s gripping mystery and suspense novel “Involuntarius” traces a young man’s quest to unearth secrets his father left behind that might prevent a war between two secret societies fighting to be the dominant sect.  Purchase Here.

The sight of his mother’s lifeless body with a pool of blood underneath it shocks Ellis Cattivo. She has a deep gash on her right forearm and is clutching a mystery garnet-encrusted golden knife in her left hand. The dagger is suddenly taken by his father, Julius, who makes off with it. It quickly becomes clear to Ellis that the dagger, Aurum Pugio, is a prized object, and those seeking it would stop at nothing to get it.

Later, Ellis creeps after Sadie, also known as the Profeticis, whom Julius had brought home earlier. They come to a building where Julius is brutally killed because he will not divulge the whereabouts of the dagger. Ellis gets caught eavesdropping and is put in a tough scenario where he has to choose between returning to his former life and becoming a member of the Involuntarius, the secret organization his father was a part of before he was labeled a defectus. Selecting the latter, he makes rapid progress through a series of rituals, catching the interest of Princeps Dominus, the Involuntarius’s leader.

Puzzles, dominance, secrets, killings, and horrifying conspiracies are all central to this lengthy and deeply riveting story. The protagonist, a young man of resilience, perseveres through many setbacks in an attempt to uncover whatever purpose fate may have in store for him. He is at the center of a tense period in which a way of life that has provided many people with a sense of purpose is under threat. He immediately makes an impression on the audience as a guy on a mission after escaping a planned blood fest by an extremely vengeful woman posing as a friend.

The book “Involuntarius” by J. R. Izquierdo is quite entertaining despite its length. The relic that Princeps Dominus passed down over the years and how the adversary may detect vulnerability without it are two of its most intriguing ideas. One distinctive aspect of the book is its gradual pacing and shift in tone as stakes rise along with its exciting conclusion. A worthy page-turner, Izquierdo’s work will tug at the heartstrings of all mystery and suspense enthusiasts who love stories that defy quick solutions.

 

Star Maker

Star Maker by Jessa Nevins

Reviewed by Jacquelyn Tolksdorf

The novel captures the essence of the 1980s rock scene, with vivid descriptions of the music, fashion, and culture of the time. From the highways of Nevada to the bustling streets of Los Angeles, Nevins paints a rich backdrop that immerses the reader in the era. The authenticity of the setting adds depth to the story and enhances the overall reading experience.  Purchase Here.

Star Maker, written by Jessa Nevins, is a vibrant and thrilling narrative set in the summer of 1984. The story follows the adventures of Kit as she signs on Joe Arden to one rock band, and Sully Foxx to another. From high-speed chases to the gritty realities of the music industry, Nevins crafts a compelling tale that delves deep into the heart of rock and roll culture.

Star Maker explores several themes, including the pursuit of dreams, the complexities of friendship and relationships, and the consequences of living a life of excess. Sully, a talented musician, and Kit, a woman from a prestigious family, form an unlikely pair whose connection is tested by external pressures and internal insecurities. Sully’s discomfort in Kit’s world is palpable during their interactions with her family.

Overall, Sully and Kit’s relationship in “Star Maker” is a beautifully crafted narrative of love triumphing over adversity. Jessa Nevins adeptly portrays their journey with authenticity and emotional depth, making their story resonate with readers. Their relationship is a beacon of hope, illustrating that true love can withstand the trials imposed by a judgmental world.

Nevins’ writing is energetic and engaging, much like the world she describes. Her dialogue is snappy and realistic, perfectly capturing the voices of her characters. The pacing is brisk, keeping the reader hooked from the opening scene to the final chapter. Additionally, Nevins excels at creating tension and building up to climactic moments, making Star Maker a page-turner.

Star Maker is a must-read for fans of rock and roll and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted story about ambition and the pursuit of dreams. Jessa Nevins has created a memorable and exhilarating novel that not only entertains but also offers a poignant look at the highs and lows of  life in the fast lane. With its vivid characters, dynamic plot, and authentic setting, Star Maker is a standout addition to contemporary fiction.

V Life Cover

V-Life: So It Begins (Sugar Bernstein RV-Living Vampire Series, Book 1) by Honey Parker

Reviewed by Lily Andrews

In “V-Life: So It Begins (Sugar Bernstein RV-Living Vampire Series, Book 1)” by Honey Parker, a young Jewish woman discovers empathy and a method to put an end to her long-standing pain, self-loathing, and wrath after gaining insight into the adversary’s mind, whom she has always wanted to murder.  Purchase Here.

Sugar Bernstein, a vampire and a former creative director for advertising, has made the decision to live alone, away from friends and family. This follows the death of her lover, Curtis, whose memory now remains deeply etched in her mind. She has no desire to socialize with anyone and prefers to travel the world in a luxury camper van.

Throughout her travels, she meets and gets acquainted with a vampire couple. She now has individuals who are like her and whom she does not need to hide anything from. As she engages with them, she learns and develops inner superhuman abilities that she never dreamed she had. This may be precisely what she needs to get revenge on an adversary who appears to have no trouble penetrating her thoughts and dreams. She quickly learns, though, that she underestimated the intensity of her opponent’s bloodlust when two shadowy creatures abruptly appear to kill her, both brandishing sharp swords and long, emerald-green coats.

This is a terrific vampire thriller that will not disappoint, with a plot that effortlessly balances comedy and dread. A major plot point is the protagonist’s love life, grief period, self-discovery, and desire for revenge. The protagonist experiences several mental episodes, each of which heightens the suspense and mood of the story. Through time, she changes from a young woman who has been beaten to an unlikely heroine who triumphs over a binding enchantment and a terrible hate-fueled conspiracy. One of the many poignant scenes is where the antagonist informs her of a secret regarding her deceased boyfriend. Many readers will be caught between two extremes at this crucial juncture.

Parker’s writing style combines elements of horror and slow-burn romance to chilling effect, putting a unique spin on vampires in the process. Many of the scenes have a humorous tone, and the language-melding prose along with the vivid world-building accomplishes much. Vibrant descriptions draw you in right away and tease you with what is ahead. There’s so much in “V-Life: So It Begins (Sugar Bernstein RV-Living Vampire Series, read 1)” that feels fresh. If you are searching for a book that will captivate you and leave a lasting impression, this is the right place to be.

Bittersweet Fruit

Bittersweet Fruit by William LeRoy

Reviewed by Jacquelyn Tolksdorf

At its core, Bittersweet Fruit satirically explores themes of morality, the consequences of past actions, and the search for truth. Leroy delves into the gray areas of right and wrong, portraying characters who are neither wholly good nor entirely evil. This moral complexity adds richness to the narrative, making it more than just a straightforward mystery. The novel follows Maximo Morgan, a seasoned private investigator hired to investigate the suspicious death of a wealthy orchard owner.  He finds himself entangled in a web of deceit, betrayal, and long-buried secrets. The case quickly escalates, revealing connections to organized crime, corrupt officials, and personal vendettas.  Purchase Here.

Leroy depicts Maximo as a flawed yet highly perceptive detective whose personal demons add depth to his character. His interactions with other characters—ranging from a hard-nosed police detective to a grieving family member—are nuanced and believable. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, each with their own distinct motivations and backstories that enrich the narrative.

Leroy’s descriptions of the setting—a small Oklahoma Dust Bowl town with dark undercurrents—are vivid and atmospheric, immersing the reader in the story’s world. The small-town setting, with its secrets and undercurrents, enhances the story’s tension and intrigue. The mystery is well-constructed, with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the very end. The Grapes of Wrath tie-in is an entertaining narrative device for the avid reader.

While the plot is generally well-crafted, a few twists might be anticipated by seasoned mystery readers. There are moments where the story’s pace slows down, particularly in the middle sections. Some readers might find these parts less engaging compared to the more action-packed sequences.

Bittersweet Fruit: A Maximo Morgan Mystery is a compelling read that will appeal to fans of the genre. William Leroy has created a memorable detective in Maximo Morgan and a story that combines intrigue, emotion, and moral complexity. Despite some minor pacing issues, the novel is a strong addition to his mystery genre and promises more exciting adventures for Maximo Morgan in future installments. This book is recommended for readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries with a strong sense of place and moral ambiguity. Leroy’s ability to weave a complex narrative with engaging characters makes Bittersweet Fruit a noteworthy read.

Pigs in Paradise

Pigs in Paradise: A Fairy Story Most Absurd by Roger Maxson

Reviewed by Jacquelyn Tolksdorf

Roger Maxson’s Pigs in Paradise: A Fairy Story Most Absurd is a satirical novel that delves into the complex interplay between religion and politics in America. Drawing inspiration from George  Orwell’s Animal Farm, Maxson crafts a narrative that is both absurd and thought-provoking, tackling serious themes with a blend of humor and literary critique.  Purchase Here.

The story is set in a world where animals are anthropomorphized, engaging in behaviors and dialogues that mirror human societal and political interactions. The protagonist, Mel, navigates through a series of events involving various animals, each representing different facets of society and religious sects. The narrative is divided into two books, encompassing a range of episodes that highlight the absurdity and contradictions in religious and political practices. Maxson’s novel is an unabashed critique of American evangelicalism and the influence of religion on politics.

Through the use of animal characters, he explores themes such as freedom of expression, the nature of belief, and the often hypocritical stance of religious leaders. The author does not shy away from controversial topics, aiming to provoke thought and discussion among his readers.

The use of satire is central to the book’s appeal. Maxson employs a witty and sometimes biting tone to expose the irrationalities and abuses within religious institutions. The dialogue between characters often serves as a vehicle for the author’s philosophical musings, questioning the very
foundation of organized religion and its role in shaping societal norms.

The characters in Pigs in Paradise are richly drawn, each symbolizing different aspects of society. Mel, the protagonist, represents the everyman, caught in the tumultuous currents of political and religious ideologies. Other notable characters include:

● Boris, a charismatic leader (a boar) whose actions reflect the manipulative tendencies of political figures.
● Ezekiel and Dave, ravens who provide a cynical commentary on the events unfolding around them.
● Julius, a parrot whose artistic talents and subsequent recognition serve as a metaphor for the struggle for individuality in a conformist society.

Maxson’s writing is both engaging and intellectually stimulating. His prose is marked by sharp wit and a keen eye for detail. The narrative flows smoothly, with each chapter building upon the previous one to create a cohesive and compelling story. The dialogues are particularly noteworthy, often laced with irony and dark humor that underscore the book’s satirical nature.

Roger Maxson’s Pigs in Paradise is an exceptional piece of satirical literature that not only entertains but also provides deep insights into the complexities of religious and political life. It stands as a testament to the power of satire in addressing and critiquing societal issues.

For those interested in exploring the intricate world of Pigs in Paradise, the book promises a journey filled with laughter, reflection, and a deeper understanding of the absurdities that pervade our world

First Place – Adult Fiction
First Place – Humor/Satire