One commenter on this post will receive a free ebook (pdf) copy of the novel The Arranger by L.J. Sellers.
L.J. Sellers writes thrillers in a sparse journalistic style. In fact,they are too sparse for my taste. I want to see more description of the setting, as well as more character development. That having been said, these novels keep me riveted from page one to the end.
I recently reviewed Sellers' Secrets to Die For, with basically the same criticism. The Arranger creates suspense and maintains it, but I still want more depth.
The story begins with Lara, an emergency medical technician, explaining to a woman how she can get her husband treated at an emergency room, despite the fact that he does not have a "med card". Perhaps this is a British thing, but to my American sensibilities, it sounds futuristic. Our emergency rooms treat anybody who walks, crawls or is carried in.
Nope, it isn't a British thing, since it takes place among the Sequoias, i.e. the redwood forest, which can be only California or Florida-0 I was wrong -- it's Oregon. I'm confused, but the story carries me along as Lara gets shot at, chased by a large dog and generally attacked. This seems strange and surreal.
She is taking part in the Gauntlet, whatever that is, running around taking care of emergency medical problems with a variety of futuristic bandages and such. Her van is equipped with a computer that has Internet access. She doesn't have a partner, which is odd. I'm not an expert, but I do know that paramedics never work solo.
Sure enough, the conflict keeps me reading, the tension never eases, and yet I hate being so confused. Things need to be explained. This poor reader is floundering.
The Arranger is good, but not as good as Secrets to Die For.
Three out of five stars. Recommended, but not Sellers' best effort.
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This review is part of Nurture Book Tourz
September 7th – Mason C. @ Thoughts in Progress - May giveaway One (1) eBook Copy
September 7th – Christina I. @ Middle of the Road Reviews - May giveaway One (1) Print Copy
September 8th – April R. @ My Book Addiction and More - May giveaway One (1) Print Copy
September 8th – Sue F. @ Books, Books, The Magical Fruit - May giveaway One (1) eBook Copy
September 9th – Laurie J. @ Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews - May giveaway One (1) Print Copy
September 12th – Aparajita B. @ Le’ Grande Codex - May giveaway One (1) eBook Copy
September 12th – Jaidis S. @ Juniper Grove
FOR THE COMPLETE SCHEDULE, HERE IS THE
Link to the author's tour page: http://nurtureyourbooks.com/vbtblog/?p=1757
~~~
Here are some more useful links:
Where you can find & follow L.J. Sellers:
Author Website
Author Blog
Twitter
Facebook Page
Facebook Profile
Goodreads Profile
Buy the BOOK at:
Amazon.com
Amazon.ca
Amazon.co.uk
Author Blog
Independent Bookstores (by request)
~~~
And remember, one commenter on this post will receive a free pdf of the novel The Arranger by L.J. Sellers.
8-)
~~~
It's a Philip K. Dick World! “Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away.” —Philip K. Dick Government intrusion into our personal lives is increasing, the economy is shot and the media focus on hate and violence. Philip K. Dick's fifth and last wife, Tessa Dick, talks about her husband. I have my own books and stories, as well.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
What I'm reading now
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I have a number things to read every day, but books are still my first love.
Here's what I'm focused (more or less) on at the moment:
Stargazer by Miguel Conner, a novel about a vampire with a conscience living in a post-apocalyptic world. This is my favorite novel at the moment.
A Flickering Reality by F. David Peat, an exploration of -- well, as the subtitle says, "Cinema and the nature of reality" -- it mentions Philip K. Dick. This book interests me because I have studied film and taught several film classes.
The Arranger by L.J. Sellers, a detective / thriller novel written in journalistic style, fast-paced and exciting.
Reviews will eventually appear on this blog.
What are YOU reading? Any recommendations?
~~~
I have a number things to read every day, but books are still my first love.
Here's what I'm focused (more or less) on at the moment:
Stargazer by Miguel Conner, a novel about a vampire with a conscience living in a post-apocalyptic world. This is my favorite novel at the moment.
A Flickering Reality by F. David Peat, an exploration of -- well, as the subtitle says, "Cinema and the nature of reality" -- it mentions Philip K. Dick. This book interests me because I have studied film and taught several film classes.
The Arranger by L.J. Sellers, a detective / thriller novel written in journalistic style, fast-paced and exciting.
Reviews will eventually appear on this blog.
What are YOU reading? Any recommendations?
~~~
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Neil Diamond still going strong - and still inspiring
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When I was a teenager and feeling worthless and hopeless, Neil Diamond's music saved what little sanity I had left. This particular song was playing on the radio several times a day. "I am, I said"
And at age 70, he is still going strong with that wonderful voice and his marvelous songs.
I remember being at school and doing my work while the radio played this and other Neil Diamond songs.
The spiritual quality of his music still touches my heart and my soul.
When I was a teenager and feeling worthless and hopeless, Neil Diamond's music saved what little sanity I had left. This particular song was playing on the radio several times a day. "I am, I said"
And at age 70, he is still going strong with that wonderful voice and his marvelous songs.
I remember being at school and doing my work while the radio played this and other Neil Diamond songs.
The spiritual quality of his music still touches my heart and my soul.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Back to school coupons - site support links
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Please help support this site (and my books) by taking advantage of one or more of these coupons from my Linkshare affiliate account. You will save some $. Thank you so much!
Save $1 off $10 of your favorite books, music, movies, & video games when you use coupon code STRIVE on checkout at www.alibris.com. This offer expires September 30, 2011.
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Save $2 off $20 of your favorite books, music, movies, & video games when you use coupon code LEARN on checkout at www.alibris.com. This offer expires September 30, 2011.
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Back to School Specials! Cell Phone Chargers, Spare Batteries, Bluetooths - Up To 80% Off!!
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10% off all school supplies with the code ASPBTS10. Valid 8/1-8/11
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FREE Express Shipping on all orders of $175 or more at AspinalofLondon.com! No Code Required!
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BACK TO SCHOOL SALE! Save up to 45%: Pre-K to Post-Grad: Thousands of New Items!
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THANK YOU!
~~~
Please help support this site (and my books) by taking advantage of one or more of these coupons from my Linkshare affiliate account. You will save some $. Thank you so much!
Save $1 off $10 of your favorite books, music, movies, & video games when you use coupon code STRIVE on checkout at www.alibris.com. This offer expires September 30, 2011.
~~~
Save $2 off $20 of your favorite books, music, movies, & video games when you use coupon code LEARN on checkout at www.alibris.com. This offer expires September 30, 2011.
~~~
Back to School Specials! Cell Phone Chargers, Spare Batteries, Bluetooths - Up To 80% Off!!
~~~
10% off all school supplies with the code ASPBTS10. Valid 8/1-8/11
~~~
FREE Express Shipping on all orders of $175 or more at AspinalofLondon.com! No Code Required!
~~~
BACK TO SCHOOL SALE! Save up to 45%: Pre-K to Post-Grad: Thousands of New Items!
~~~
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THANK YOU!
~~~
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Book Review: Bob Wacszowski, Necromancer
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Available on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Bob-Wacszowski-Necromancer-George-Dalphin/dp/1460998170/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1312145217&sr=1-1
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Book Review: Bob Wacszowski, Necromancer
being the story of a regular guy
who learns how to animate and command the dead
a death-comedy novel by
George Dalphin
Narrated by an extra-dimensional alien, this novel presents a post-Bob world in which a new religion has taken hold, despite the best efforts of Bob to avoid such an outcome. The opening sentence of Chapter 1 reminds me of Snoopy’s novel, “It was a dark and stormy night.” Not a good omen. I question the metaphor, “merely a cardboard cutout of the sun behind the clouds” as an unlikely sight.
Somehow it reminds me of Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Not that the plot is similar, because it isn’t, but because it has that same tongue-in-cheek humor that you often find in British literature.
Bob’s girlfriend Anna breaks up with him because he has never grown up, depends on her for money and even for a working shower and is, in short, a man-child. This inauspicious opening leads to Bob’s discovery of the secret of life – or more properly, the key to reversing death.
Armed with an ancient book that only he can read, Bob sets out to put his own life in order. He has no plans for the rest of the world, but you know what they say about the best laid plans.
Bob Wacszowski, Necromancer is fun to read, despite some awkward phrases and clumsy sentence constructions. The story will take you far into the depths of your own mind and then back again to the everyday world which we call reality.
On a scale of one to five, I give it four stars.
~~~
http://www.amazon.com/Bob-Wacszowski-Necromancer-George-Dalphin/dp/1460998170/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1312145217&sr=1-1
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Monday, July 4, 2011
Kindle author interview - Murder Lies
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David Wisehart was kind enough to post an interview with me about my Kindle book Murder Lies.
http://kindle-author.blogspot.com/2011/07/kindle-author-interview-tessa-dick.html
If you have a Kindle book, you can apply to have him interview you, too!
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David Wisehart was kind enough to post an interview with me about my Kindle book Murder Lies.
http://kindle-author.blogspot.com/2011/07/kindle-author-interview-tessa-dick.html
If you have a Kindle book, you can apply to have him interview you, too!
~~~
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