Soldier Boy by Keely Hutton

Disturbing but necessary reading.

This is the true life story of one child who was torn from his families to fight someone else’s war. It is a fast-paced, terrifying look at the child soldier issue.

Western children complain about not having enough game time or lagging internet speeds, but what they take for granted, children in Africa hope only to make it to adulthood without seeing their families murdered before their eyes and forced to kill. These children are subjected to conditions that most adults would be crippled by; yet persevere. 

This should be part of every high school curriculum. We need to know that these horrors are happening worldwide and the entire civilized world must demand a stop to these horrific crimes. Only by educating can we bring awareness to these human right violations.

I salute Ms. Hutton and Ricky Richard Anywar for bringing this horrible condition to light.

Nomad Nurse by Randall Moore

Hallway medicine with a .45

This fast pace thriller follows a traveling nurse, William Moreau, as he hip-hops across the country, assisting difficult patients that need his specialized skills. But trouble seems to follow him and he’s called on to use skills other than his medical training. But while he’s helping others, a crazed couple from his past is keeping tabs on those he cares for. They plan on hurting them to hurt William.

The story becomes a real cat-and-mouse chase where one misstep can lead to the deaths of everyone he cares for.

An exciting ride that pulls the reader into a harrowing reality of what would you do?

The Confessor’s Wife by Kelly Evans

History Comes Alive

This is a beautifully written chronicle of Edith Godwin who in 1044 becomes the Queen of England when she marries Edward, King of England. She immediately earns an enemy in the King’s mother and must constantly defend herself against slander and manipulation. Slowly though the King realizes that his wife is a shrewd and intelligent advisor and she takes on more responsibilities with ruling England. Although barren, the King loves his wife and refuses entreaties to marry another.

This novel is a testament to an incredible, strong woman who rose in the early years of England’s history to prove she was an equal to any male ruler. The story pulls you into that time through the impeccable detail and research of the woman’s victories and challenges.

Fans of Margaret George and Hilary Mantel will rejoice to find another historical writer whose work is as good.

Lineage: Book 1 in the Blood and Sacrifice Chronicles by C. Vonzale Lewis

Ms. Lewis has a killer debut story about dark magic and corrupted power.

Meet Nicole Fontane. Abrasive, surly, and really desperate to find a job before her money runs out. When she attends an interview for an insurance company, her instincts tell her to run, but rent is due soon. The more time she spends in the new job, the worse the vibes become. Her first clue is the smell of blood within the building. Digging around to explain her feelings, she becomes involved with ancient magic controlled by a family of dark mages.

The story is fast-paced with more action and crazy magical duels and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series. Don’t start reading this on a Sunday night, because it might tempt you to skip work to see how Nicole escapes the evil group.