Shadow of the Raven by Millie Thom - Book 1 of Sons of Kings

 

The story deals with the Anglo-Saxon fight with the Danes during the 9^th century. It follows two different individuals; Alfred of Wessex, who spent his youth being educated and trained to eventually become King. In contrast, Eadwulf, prince of Mercia, is betrayed by his uncle and sold into slavery to the Danes. Both have a destiny to save England from the Viking horde.

This story is the first in the Sons of Kings trilogy and is highly detailed and researched. The author brings history alive and proves herself an equal to Bernard Cornwell. For those who love an exciting tale or historical fiction, this series is perfect for you.

Highly recommended.

Code Pink by Erica R. Stinson

Code Pink is the hospital announcement that a child has been abducted. Ryan and Carrie Ashby have been waiting for the day their child arrives, but when it happens, the horror begins. Within minutes, of delivering the baby, someone walks out of the hospital with their child. Ryan immediately thinks it is his wife’s best friend who cannot stand, but there many things that cannot be explained.

As the mystery deepens, one betrayal after another creates a conspiracy that has baffled the police. Who has the child and what do they want with it?

This a very fast-paced thriller with one surprise after another. Highly recommended.

 

Heaven and Hell, The Journey of Chris and Serena Davis by Kenneth Zeigler Tears in Heaven Book #1

 In the first book in the series, we follow two married individuals after their deaths. Chris who is a true follower of God, goes to Heaven, while his wife, Serena, who has yet to accept Jesus, goes to Hell. Standing up to Satan earns her a trip through hell to see how the devil has transformed this world in his likeness. From one tortuous punishment to another, we see what awaits those who do not follow God.

In Heaven, we see how Chris is accepted into the House of the Lord and all the spectacular opportunities for an eternity of happiness.

The story is very well crafted, and I enjoyed the descriptions of both Heaven and Hell. What bothered me was the arrogance of the author and that of the Born Again religion that specifies that only those who follow the Christian religion will see Heaven. All the rest go to hell, regardless of the goodness in their souls. So all other religions, regardless of the devoutness of their followers, will go to hell, rather than to their own version of Heaven. The author also tries to deny the existence of another race in the universe, as if we are the only living species smacks of arrogance. Like the Left Behind series, by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, the story is exciting and well told, but leans too heavy on their own interpretation of end of days.

Book Review: My View from the Blackened Rocks by Cathy Mulroy

Cathy Mulroy was one of the first women to be hired by International Nickel Company of Canada (INCO) since World War II. She was assigned to work in the Copper Refinery. Throughout her career, she suffered humiliation, discrimination and hostility from the all-male workforce causing her to suffer depression and other health issues. But Cathy was and still is a tough bird and she stood up for herself and lasted long enough to retire with a pension.

There were men who helped her and stood by her, but their many others who were hateful, callous and backstabbing cowards who should have been fired by their treatment to Cathy and other women who were trying to make a decent wage to support their family.

This a tremendous story of her fight for equality and respect and should be required reading in all Canadian High school to show not only how far equality has come because of fighters like Cathy but also how much further there is to go until women are treated equally. It does have its light moments and at times, I had to put the book down as I was laughing at something she did or said.

This is a remarkable story from an equally remarkable person. Highly Recommended.