Review of THE FATHER OF US ALL

THE FATHER OF US ALL:     WAR AND HISTORY

 ---ANCIENT AND MODERN---

VICTOR DAVIS HANSON

Review by Roy Murry, Author

'Why the human race makes war?' Mr. Hanson's question presented in this somewhat Ph.D. thesis in this book. He completes the examination with an Epilogue with the paradoxes of the present state of war between the Western countries, i.e., mostly the USA vs. the autocratic countries.

Having taken Ancient History in college, I have some semblance of knowledge. However, a reader, who has not, might use the Index to help understand Davis Hanson's comparisons - Ancient vs. Modern warfare, physical and psychological.

Putting aside the above when reading, the reader will enjoy the smooth flow of the words explaining our world turmoil and why humans are killing each other. His narratives into past and present conflicts, over sometimes idiotic reasons, are compelling.

This read is not for the kind-hearted, but for people who cares about the state of affairs of today's wars and they are bloody consequences. Everyone in college and those who intellectually care should read this book, which will help them understand why humans will kill in the future world conflicts.

It would be best if you put your thinking cap on to read this thesis. I had to stop and think many times when contemplating Victor David Hanson's historical commentaries. Try reading it; thinking is a good exercise. 

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Review of FENG SHUI FOR WRITERS

FENG SHUI FOR WRITERS

M.C. SIMON

Review by Roy Murry, Author

As my family, friends, and few fans know, I have written three novels, a poetry book, a few papers, and each week write a book review on my blog. Lately, I have written little - mostly book reviews.

I needed a boost to get over my writer’s block. I looked for solutions because many have asked me what was my 'Work-In-Process' at the moment. I didn’t tell the whole truth.

I saw FENG SHUI FOR WRITERS and thought 'What the hell,' and bought the book. I needed an 'Awakening' to start writing again daily.

Ms. Simon's easy to read instructions on how to regulate energy in the writing area was exciting and in detail. She advises as to where to put your desk, what goes on it, and to the direction, it should be facing according to Feng Shui.

She explains what is Feng Shui and gives a pep talk on how to get writing. She got me thinking – could this work.

Her plausible solutions will lead each type of writer to the energy points needed for results, using theories that may be questionable. However, Ms. Simon came across as a believer and convinced me enough to give them a try.

It was an enjoyable read even if you are not a believer. I’ll get back to you all if it changes my mood and I am writing my fourth novel.

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Read THE BAD BREAK

THE BAD BREAK

Jill Orr

Review by Roy Murry, Author

Mystery, whodunits, is the genre I read the most. Riley Ellison's is not in my top five list, but I give five stars for the beginning of a new series.

The Protagonist's character Riley is a well-thought-out one, and Ms. Orr has room to age her into the mystery genre. She is young with a keen mind but lacks the maturity of a seasoned report, her role.

The plot falls into place not because of Riley but because of the small-town murder that surrounds her character. Only incidents bring about a particular ending solving the crimes. 

That said. I did love the Riley character and the supporting group that edges her on and probes her youthfulness.  She is learning the ropes and learns fast even though sometimes physically.

Bad Break was enjoyable and funny at times. I recommend it if you care to start with book one of this mystery series. I may; I read this is two sittings. Ms. Orr has three novels out now.

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Review of SHADOW OF THE SUN

SHADOW ON THE SUN

The Mound Builders, book 1

ZOE SAADIA

Review by Roy Murry, Author

Ms. Saadia's native American series are enjoyable because she puts in extensive research into them. You can tell by the way the history into the prose is not opaque, but gently hidden in the native's conversations.

With little written history, she grabs the reader into a plausible story that of a great tribe along the Ohio River. That tribe consumes the goods of smaller tribes on that tributary and using those men as builders of the Mounds - large buildings.

This story begins with the Tribute Collector and his niece. He is out collecting what the Royal Sun tribe demands of the lesser ones using force if need be. His niece moves up the royal ladder.

The collector brings back a strong-headed young man, who has proved his capabilities in killing and is to pay his penalty for that act. After a bloody battle to please the ruler, the young man meets the young niece by happenstance. You need to read book two to see if that story continues, as I may. 

Ms. Saadia story is compelling with an event that changed the world in 1205, according to some historians. That event overshadows the juncture of the two young people meeting and the way the Royals’ conflict with each other over it. 

This novel is well written and fast-paced - one seating read.

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Review of THE SWEET TASTE OF SIN

The Sweet Taste of Sin

          THE FONTAINES

EMBER CASEY

Review by Roy Murry, Author

When you give up something precious of yourself, you will never get it back. That loving act is the beginning and the underlining love keeping the main character engaged with the past, present, and possible future of her romance. 

Ashlyn falls in love with a famous person, a Fontaine, in film school college. Handsome and wealthy Dante falls in love with her also, but there is a side of him that he will not let her in. They break up.

Then the story begins a few years later, and all emotions come to light again with an unfortunate event. Here is where the Taste of Sin starts with conversations and acts of sin that lead to another 'On again; off again,’ rollercoaster ride that does not seem to end.

However, it does end. Romantics will like the end; others will not. However, the written emotional conversations will keep the reader hoping for the best, as they should in a well put together beginning of a series - THE FONTAINES. 

Only reading on, will the love affair be fully developed between Ashlyn and Dante. It's worth the chase to get the series - the first book free on KINDLE.

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Review of RETRIBUTION

     RETRIBUTION

  A Psychic Detective

         Kate Pierce

      Crime Thriller

C.M. SUTTER

Review by Roy Murry, Author

At times Ms. Sutter has the reader on the edge of their seat, but I found this thriller not believable. The writing is good, and the characters understandable. However, the story didn't come across as real.

Kate's character is well put together for a series. So, in telling me, the author gives away to the fact that Kate will survive any event.

I like police thrillers. This one didn't keep my attention completely.

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Review of Ireland, A Novel

Ireland, A Novel

Frank Delaney

Review by Roy Murry, Author

"Explore all you like ---this Ireland; no family worth the name is without a secret. And you should know that in this country a secret is something everyone else knows," is said to Ronan when finding out a secret in his life. He is on the last road of his journey to find a Storyteller that started when he was nine.

Through short stories, many told by the Storyteller, letters read, people on Ronan's life quest to discover who he is, and lectures of his history professor, the reader will find the rich history of Ireland. This history told from before the Norman conquest to the Easter Rebellion of 1916 in a novel form that keeps your attention.

The roots of Irish myths, heroes, and the common man is in prose that will delight the reader - how the Irish tell a tale is fun to read. I read some stories over again. And you will too.

IRELAND, A NOVEL is one of the best reads of my career as a reviewer of over four hundred books.

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