Category: Novels

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BOOK REVIEW: Taken, Book #1 in The Quest for Truth series by Brock Eastman

Taken (Quest for Truth #1)

Taken by Brock D. Eastman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Space sagas are one of the most unexplored genres of Christian fiction for middle grade and young adult readers. Having thoroughly enjoyed Sigmund Brouwer’s Robot Wars series (previously known as the Mars Diaries), I have been waiting for another well-written Christian science fiction adventure. Into this space (no pun intended) comes Brock Eastman with The Quest for Truth series.

In book one, Taken, the Wikk siblings wake up to a nightmare: their parents have vanished, and worse, someone named Captain Vedrik has ambushed their home. The four Wikk siblings must escape and follow the clues left behind in their parents’ journal in order to find them before it’s too late. Along the way, they’ll explore the outer reaches of space and encounter strange creatures on far off planets, all while hoping to stay out of Captain Vedrik’s clutches.

Taken reads much like the first installment in a space serial, with just enough mystery to keep the reader intrigued, while wondering what will happen next. The characters are mostly introduced here, taking time with each of the Wikk siblings to explore who they are in relation to this adventure they’ve embarked upon.

** SLIGHT SPOILER WARNING **

The one downside I see is that by the end of the novel, the heroes end up in roughly the same place they began with a very long side tangent taken by two of the characters that ultimately seems to go nowhere. While Eastman leaves open one possibility for the future, it comes across as though nothing of significance has changed after a good one third of the book takes a turn. Likewise, there are a few threads introduced that have not had any pay off as of yet, leaving the reader needing to read book two to find out what happens next.

** END SPOILER WARNING **


The action is tight, well-written, and enjoyable. While long-time science fiction fans may not be surprised by some of the revelations throughout, overall, this is definitely a fun intergalactic romp with some moments of real danger for the Wikks. For anyone interested in outer space, this is one series worth picking up!

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BOOK REVIEW: SWORD IN THE STARS, Book #1 in Wayne Thomas Batson’s THE MYRIDIAN CONSTELLATION Series

I have a somewhat long history with Wayne Thomas Batson’s Sword in the Stars, book one in the newly renamed The Myridian Constellation series. I picked up the original version of this book when it came out almost 10 years ago now after reading his Isle of Swords pirate novel. I got about one-third into that version and put it down for other books, as I felt a little bored and left wondering when the story would pick up.

So when I saw that Batson was about to re-release Sword in the Stars in an “author-ized” version, I was intrigued and somewhat excited to try this epic fantasy series again. And I must say: it did not disappoint. If you are looking for an incredible, action-packed fantasy adventure with elements of horror, this is definitely the series to read.

Just when retired-assassin Alastair Coldhollow is ready to give up hope of ever finding the coming Halfainin — a savior long-promised to save the land of Myriad — a mysterious constellation appears in the sky: a sword in the stars. As Coldhollow searches for the Halfainin, dark forces stir setting into motion a plot that will change what the world has known about everything. Ancient evils whisper in the darkness. Half-hearted kings seek new resolve. And nation rises against nation, seeking to end life for anyone standing in their bloodthirsty way.

Sword in the Stars is true epic fantasy with multiple plot threads weaving in and out of each other leading to a breathtaking climax. Part of the fun of a book like this is exploring the world the author has created. And Myriad is one of those worlds. There are so many cities, caves, secret passages, and forgotten corners of this world, it kept my imagination peaked. Batson is at the top of his game giving us a fleshed out setting without the copious amounts of descriptive passages upon passages. At the opening of every chapter are short vignettes from lore, holy books, fireside conversations captured on paper, and bits of almanac-esque information that serves to further expand the world set up here in the first of seven novels.

At times, I did wonder whether this book classified as a young adult novel or an adult fantasy epic novel. It sometimes wavers between the two, and most often in the way characters are depicted. At times some of the dialogue comes across as definitely belonging to a young adult book, but at other times, the action and violence seem to bring this book to the adult world. It straddles an interesting line, and I can’t help but wonder if that is simply because it was written under a YA banner ten years ago and then updated, or whether the author unintentionally wrote it that way.

Some of the characters are fairly obvious and straightforward and hit the tropes of a fantasy novel, and others are highly intriguing and kept me wondering when we would return to their storyline. Not all of the threads are tied off by the end of the book, and The Errant King in book two picks up with other characters and continues their stories.

At the end of the day, if you are looking for a beautifully written, fast-paced fantasy adventure, then I highly recommend Sword in the Stars.

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THRONES II: SWORD OF THE BROKEN SON Is Almost Here!

Thrones fans! It’s finally here! The re-release of Sword of the Broken Son will be out on May 11th in ebook form, and May 25th in paperback! I am so excited to share this updated and revised version of the story with you. Not much has changed, but there are a couple of fun sequences I was able to add in to make this story even better than before.

Plus, did I mention there’s a sneak peek of Thrones III: Skin of the Dragon Lord? For those of you who have been asking me about the third book, I am so thrilled to tell you it is on schedule and coming this Fall! If you thought the twists and turns of books one and two were enough to keep you gasping along, then you are going to love book three!

Sword of the Broken Son is one of my favorite stories so far, exactly the sort of book I wish I had had in my hands as a student. The questions of loneliness, betrayal, and purpose ring true for each one of us, and while I will never lay down pat answers to these tough issues, I love to wrestle with them and offer what I can: hope in the midst of the darkness.

If you are looking for something to tide you over until release day, consider checking out my other series: The Runners of Abra. I will neither confirm nor deny that these two worlds may exist alongside each other. I love Easter eggs (both the plastic kind and the story hint kind), and there are plenty to be found.

Until then, keep adventuring,

Shaun

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BOOK REVIEW: NEVER SAY DIE, Book #11 in Anthony Horowitz’s ALEX RIDER Series

Six years ago when I finished the last pages of Scorpia Rising, I remember feeling satisfied with the ending to an epic series, but also sad to see some of my favorite YA characters sign off for good. So when I happened to spot Never Say Die on the shelves of my local bookstore, I grabbed it with a gasp. Alex Rider was back! I raced home and plowed through Anthony Horowitz’s latest, so excited to find out what happened next to the youngest spy in MI6.

Alex is grieving the death of his caregiver and friend Jack Starbright when he receives a mysterious email that Alex believes has to have come from her. He embarks on a journey to find out anything he can about what exactly happened to Jack. Is he being manipulated again by MI6? Or has a villain from the past resurfaced to take revenge? Only Alex Rider can stop what’s coming before it’s too late. Because the fate of hundreds of lives hangs in the balance — including his own.

Horowitz is back at the top of his game with thrilling chases, huge action set pieces, and crazy revelations. I would say Horowitz is always best when he’s racing through the action, and a little weak when it comes to characters. At the beginning of the book, Alex is really processing the death of Jack, and that felt surprisingly real, along with the hope that she might be alive. Throughout the novel, we’re kept guessing whether Alex is being manipulated or whether Jack is actually alive, and Alex’s emotions trail through that journey well.

One interesting thing to note here is that the typical plot formula of an Alex Rider novel is broken with Never Say Die. Usually there is an ending stinger where the main villains return after the plot has been foiled. But this time, that does not happen. No spoilers, but it was definitely a top-notch end to an insane ride. Also, fans should rejoice, because this doesn’t sound like the end of Alex’s adventures in espionage!

If you haven’t read an Alex Rider book, what are you doing with your life? Pick up Stormbreaker and see what the hype is about. And if you’ve been a fan all along, definitely dive into this latest installment in one of Horowitz’s best series to date.

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BOOK REVIEW: THE TIME HUNTERS, Book #1 in Carl Ashmore’s THE TIME HUNTERS SAGA Series

I‘ve been looking for a fun new Middle Grade series to dive into, and I must say, after pounding through Carl Ashmore’s THE TIME HUNTERS, I think I might have found it! From the thrilling mystery shot into the dark of the opening pages to the final showdown with the villains, this book does not disappoint. Epic battles, chases, intrigue, a touch of heart-warming family bonding done well, all packed into the pages of this first installment of the THE TIME HUNTERS SAGA.

Becky and Joe are pretty average kids. Or at least they think so. Because when they visit their mysterious Uncle Percy Halifax for the summer, things are definitely above average. What Uncle has a sabre tooth tiger for a pet? Or rather mysterious companions who smell slightly of time travel? For that matter, what Uncle has a mission to complete for a friend who died in his arms? What begins as curiosity ends with an epic time-traveling adventure across, well, time and space!

Overall, this book had me in its grip throughout. Lots of adventure and mystery to keep me turning pages deep into the night. However, I will say a couple times I had to push through some middle sections before the action picked up again. Becky sometimes flip-flops between seeming like a thirteen year old and a three year old, which was a little jarring. And for pages at a time I forgot that she even had a younger brother.

But if you’re looking for a fun adventure series, this one definitely fits the bill. So rev up the campervan, or your other favorite time-traveling vehicle, and head into the past. You won’t want to come back to the future until it’s over!

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BOOK REVIEW: THE ARK PLAN, Book #1 in Laura Martin’s EDGE OF EXTINCTION Series

It’s actually rather difficult to find a good middle grade adventure book featuring dinosaurs. So when I stumbled onto Laura Martin’s Edge of Extinction series, I was excited to dive in. Discovering it was also a dystopian novel for middle graders ratcheted up the suspense and tension even further.

Sky Mundy has lived her entire life underground, inside a place known clinically as North Compound. Living underground is the only safe place in the world since dinosaurs took back the planet nearly a 150 years ago. But when Sky receives a mysterious message from her missing father, she sets out for Topside — the place where dinosaurs rule and humans run for their lives. Can she find her father? Will she be able to survive long enough? Or will she end up like so many before her: chased down and eaten by dinosaurs?

While at times a bit derivative of Suzanne Collins’ Mockingjay, book one in this dinosaur series,The Ark Plan, meanders for the first hundred pages or so before things really start cranking along. Pretty much until Sky gets topside, the book crawls a bit setting up the world and the characters a hair too slowly. But once it gets going, it really gets going and doesn’t let up until the very end of the book.

Speaking of the end of the book, this is not a spoiler, but the story definitely doesn’t “conclude” at the end of this first installment. Some plot details are wrapped up, and there are a few mild surprises along the way, but the most burning questions are not answered. Be prepared to dive into book 2 once you’re done.

One of the most fascinating parts of this book was its discussion of the Biblical story of Noah and the Ark. At times, characters talk about dinosaurs having lived 65 million years ago in the past, but they also acknowledge the existence of the Bible and the story of Noah as possibly being true as well. At first, the story of Noah is used by the villains as a way to control the population, but then it is revealed that people living in the compound never learned the full story of Noah. It sparked an interesting discussion about dinosaurs, the flood, Noah, and exactly how all of that worked out.

This is a wild dinosaur ride that will keep you flipping pages to the end once you’re past that somewhat slow beginning. If you like Jurassic anything, you’re bound to enjoy The Ark Plan.

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THE BARREN PRISON Cover Reveal!

I’m so excited to reveal the cover for The Barren Prison, book #2 in The Runners of Abra series! Book one, The Last Runner was a ride I will never forget writing. From the first page, I knew I had stumbled upon a world and a story that begged to be told. And as Eric’s journey spiraled out of control throughout the first installment, I cannot wait for you to read what happens to him and his friends in the second book!

Writing The Last Runner as a serial novel was a fascinating experience. I wrote chapters weekly and as they were posted, I realized I couldn’t go back and change anything that had been published already. The story morphed along with reader reaction, and it was definitely an adventure to figure out how to get Eric past the various monsters, traps, and adversaries that came his way.

And then, (no spoilers!) where I left off with book one wasn’t where I had originally intended to take the story at all. It threw my plans for the rest of the series for a spin, and I had to go back and look at all my notes and outlines and tweak them to fit where everything left off. And I must say, I am so excited about where Eric is heading and what is going to happen.

I’ve written the first few chapters of The Barren Prison, and it’s going to be crazy. Definitely buckle yourself to the saddle for what’s about to happen in the world of Abra. Chapters will be posting weekly soon!

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BOOK REVIEW: TIME JUMPERS, Book #5 in Brandon Mull’s FIVE KINGDOMS Series

Waiting over a year for this final installment in the FIVE KINGDOMS series was difficult. So difficult. I wanted to find out what happened to Cole, Mira, Jace, and their friends. What would be the fate of the Outskirts as the evil torivor Ramarro threatened the existence of the Five Kingdoms and everyone living in them? As the year wore on, I wondered if the final book could live up to the incredible fantasy epic Mull had woven throughout the previous four books. But as I closed the last few pages with a lump in my throat, I can say, “He’s done it again.”


TIME JUMPERS, the final book in the FIVE KINGDOMS series picks up where book four left off, with Cole and his friends desperately racing toward an apocalyptic ending to the Outskirts, the place he has decided to call home, and the place many others do call home. TIME JUMPERS lives up to the hype of the series, and even though we had to wait a long time to finish out Cole’s story, it was worth the wait. Packed with adventure, mystery, crazy reveals, and moments I never saw coming, Brandon Mull’s latest puts every reader on the edge of their seats once again.

If you haven’t read any of the books in the series, starting with this one will definitely leave you lost as you try to catch up. I highly recommend going back to SKY RAIDERS and reading through from there. However, Mull does an excellent job reminding the reader what has happened previously with enough detail to jog the memory, but not so much that it bogs down this story.

The one weakness this series has is in the character development for Cole. He goes from a mainly altruistic boy who wants to save his friends to a very altruistic boy who wants to save an entire world. He learns some bravery along the way, but nothing that wasn’t already present in him from book one. Despite the lack of growth, the plot remains an incredible ride through action set pieces and far off locales I wish we could have explored even more.

TIME JUMPERS. Worth the wait. Worth the read.

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Passing the Finish Line

This morning, I read about a winter Olympian named Shiva Keshavan. Keshavan is a competitor in the luge events at the Winter Olympics and has been since 1998 when the Olympics were held in Nagano, Japan.Keshavan has never won a medal, but he has also never given up. He keeps competing, keeps going, even when his sled broke, and he needed an assist from fellow competitor Daria Obratov of Croatia.

This coming February will likely be the last time Keshavan competes in the Winter Olympics. Reflecting on his experiences, he said: “I gave my best. Maybe that’s the thing I want to be remembered for: He gave his best and he never gave up.”

A few days ago, I finished writing the first book in The Runners of Abra, The Last Runner. It’s been a whole year of writing, planning, editing, and getting the storyline just right so it can be finished. And now it is, awaiting the final revisions before it comes together in novel format.

Finishing a novel is always hard, but worth it. I’m so excited about where the story of Eric has gone. From the rice fields of Jedros to castles and inlets hidden by the fog, he’s had to journey through so many hard things. But never once does he give up. Even when things are dire. Even when it gets difficult. Eric keeps going.

As 2017 winds down to a close, I want to encourage you to keep going. Maybe you’re facing a hard time in life, or maybe things have been going well. Either way, God calls us to never give up fighting the good fight, to never quit the race, to run to the finish line.

2018 is days away and people will be making their new year’s resolutions. Maybe instead of a year resolution, make a life resolution: to keep going. No matter what. To make it to the finish line, no matter what hills come in the course of running.

Keep running,

Shaun.

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Dancing in Coffee Shops and Other Hobbies.

The coffee shop is one of my favorite places to write. And I love listening to music while I type away. Every so often, I’ll catch my foot tapping along, head bobbing, and sometimes fingers rapping out the beat on the table.

Then I pause. And remember I’m in public.

But when things are as exciting as they have been, it’s hard not to hum along with the catchy songs of summer.

So what are all these exciting things?

THE RUNNERS OF ABRA, my serial novel, is live and kicking. If you’ve been searching for a crazy ride of a story that never lets up, this is definitely the book you’ve been looking for. Every Saturday a new episode is released, and soon the first entry in the series, THE LAST RUNNER, will be complete and available in print format.

It’s been a fun world to play in and explore, filled with strange monsters, narrow escapes, and a mystery spanning worlds…

My first two THRONES novels have been picked up by Crimson Pulse Media, who have signed me on for a six book series in the world of Jack and Molly! Book one, SECRET OF THE LOST KING, will be releasing very soon with all new content! SWORD OF THE BROKEN SON will release sometime this summer, and I’m already hard at work on book three, SKIN OF THE DRAGON LORD!

So needless to say, things are exciting here. I look forward to catching up with all of you, and seeing you deep in the spine of a good book.