Probability Angels by Joseph Devon

angelReviewed by Douglas R. Cobb

In my experience, it’s rare that a novel transcends words on an otherwise blank page and becomes art. Probability Angels by Joseph Devon is such a book. The story itself is brilliant, about Matthew Huntington, a probability angel in training, and his experiences at slowly and painfully breaking away from all the emotional links he once had with other living people. His conscious choices to make these breaks, especially from his wife and daughter, are heartrending. The insights the author has into human nature reminded me somewhat of the works of C.S. Lewis, as profound but more down-to-earth and profane at times. It’s a novel that I believe rises easily to the level of some of the best classics of literature ever written. This is no hyperbole on my part; and, on top of everything else, it’s a self-published book. I wish it the success (except more so) of another famous self-published book, Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass.”

Much of the first part of the novel focuses on the probability angel Epp (Epictetus) and his latest trainee, a Matthew Huntington. The trainees or newbies are called “testers,” and, at first blush, seem more like devils, in that their job is to test people and push them to their limits, to see if the people will make the moral choice or succumb to temptation. But, the only way for people to grow is to be faced with tough choices, and to chose not always what might be the most comfortable or expedient choice. Sometimes the choices that cause us the most pain are the better ones in the long run.

Don’t get the idea that Probability Angels is preachy, though, or that the author is stuffy or always tries to take the moral high ground. Rather, there are some very humorous parts in the book, the characters - including the angels - often use swear words, and sometimes drink beer - and, for everyone out there who loves ‘em a good book about zombies, there are zombies aplenty in Probability Angels.

Some angels who believe that Epp, the Greek ex-slave probability angel whose life ended before Christ’s began, has been a powerful force long enough, and that he and his supporters should be overthrown. They lure other probability angels to graveyards, subdue them, and feed them to zombies, who - in turn - become stronger, heal most of their defects and deformities, and become ruthless stalkers of probability angels while masquerading as them. Epp, Matthew, Kyo (a Japanese Ronin), and other probability angels need to find a way to stop the opposition -led by the probability angel Gregor (who “pushed” Bram Stoker to write Dracula, and who resembles Stoker’s description of Dracula) and his followers, like Hector and Nyx, from destroying them.

It’s true that zombies have not traditionally been a subject of works of highbrow literature, but with the popularity of books like Pride & Prejudice and Zombies, the entertaining tongue-in-cheek retelling of one of Jane Austen’s most famous novels, who knows what might be next - perhaps Moby Dick and the Great White Zombie, or Zorba the Zombie, or a remake of the Dr. Seuss childrens’ classic, Green Eggs, Ham, & Zombies.

Joseph Devon has invested a lot of time, philosophical thinking, and effort into this book, and it shows. I would say he has put some of his soul into writing Probability Angels, and that it transcends the printed page and, at its best, enters into the world of Art, like the best paintings and sculptures do. Besides the humorous moments, and the tendency of Epp and the other probability angels of calling humans “meat bags,” there are ones of intense sadness, like when Matthew is faced with the choice between life for himself, or life for his pregnant wife, and he chooses life for his wife.

Another example is when he is given the choice of following his daughter around as an angel, being with her without her ever knowing it, not being able to help when she might need it, or to cut all ties with her and his wife and to push other people to greatness, like Shakespeare was pushed, as Epp tells him:

“The upside is that you can be greatness itself. You could be Shakespeare’s broken heart, Beethoven’s deaf ears, Van Gogh’s madness. You could be Kellar’s scarlet fever, Roebling’s crushed left foot, the color of Dr. King’s skin. You could be the entry for light to pass into the soul. You could be the reason the everything worth doing on this rock ever gets done.”

Reading writing as good as this made me feel, as I was reading, that if probability angels actually exist, one of them must have pushed and touched Joseph Devon’s soul, as well. He is one of the most talented and interesting authors around, and deserves to gain a larger reading audience for his work. I would highly recommend Probability Angels to everyone.

July 3, 2009  Tags: , ,   Posted in: Fantasy  No Comments

The Doomsday Key by James Rollins

keyReviewed by Nancy Eaton

Three murders happen on three different continents but they seem very similar. Are they related?

At Princeton University, a geneticist dies inside a biohazard lab. In Rome, a Vatican archaeologist is found dead in St. Peter’s Basilica. In Africa, the son of a U.S. Senator is found murdered. What do these deaths all have in common? All victims are marked by a fiery symbol burned into their flesh.

Commander Gray Pierce and Sigma Force are now trying to find the group responsible for all of the murders. This group is very powerful and is known as The Guild. They are always up to something bad and this time The Guild is working on a mutated food that would give them control over the world’s food supply.

The Doomsday Key is a fast paced thriller that will take the reader on a roller coaster ride as the Sigma Forces try to stay one step ahead of The Guild. There is plenty of action in this book and the reader will not find a dull moment even if at times it does not seem possible for some of the things to happen. The Doomsday Key gives the reader an excellent look at Celtic and Druid History. All in all, this is a very entertaining and easy book to read.

July 1, 2009  Tags: , ,   Posted in: Thriller  No Comments

Dismantled by Jennifer McMahon

dismantledReviewed by Nancy Eaton

Who are the Compassionate Dismantlers? They are a group of college students comprised of Henry, Tess, Winnie and Suz. They believed that “in order to understand the nature of a thing, it must be taken apart.” They enjoyed doing things like destroying artwork. Suz was their leader and her idea of doing this type of vandalism was getting more and more out of control. In fact, things were going to such an extreme that the group finally realized they had to do something. That something ended in the death of Suz. The group made up a story and then went on with their lives. The guilt managed to stay with them.

It is now ten years later. Emma, the daughter of one of the members, finds her father’s journal about the days he was a member of the group. Emma sends out postcards to the members hoping that everyone will get together and this will help reconcile her parents who are now estranged.

After receiving the postcard, one member of the group commits suicide. This is only the beginning of what is about to happen!

Is it possible Suz is still alive? Does someone want revenge on the group?

Dismantled is a book where the suspense builds with the turn of each page. Starting with the very first page, you will have that eerie feeling about what might happen in this story and will wonder where it is going to take you. This is a well-written book where the complex characters will bring the reader right into the story. If you are looking for something different to read, be sure to add Dismantled to your reading list.

July 1, 2009  Tags: , ,   Posted in: Thriller  No Comments

Balance of Power by James W. Huston

balanceReviewed by Allen Hott

Who in the United States of America has the right to wage war against those who harm our citizens? Most assume that it is the President. In reality it is Congress’ responsibility according to our Constitution. Lack of support in the years after Vietnam has caused the President to order troops into combat without that approval and thus we have had police actions.

James Huston puts forth a great story about what could happen if our President didn’t want to enter into a conflict regardless of the situation. President Manchester in this story is thought by some to be a pacifist and therefore unwilling to send troops into any type of action.

When terrorists hijack the fastest ship in the U.S. commercial fleet, kill the crew, kidnap the Captain, and sink the ship; President Manchester does not take any steps to use our military might to find and punish the culprits.

The Speaker of the House, John Stanbridge, however steps into action and begins a concentrated effort to determine how the country can in fact take the necessary steps to do what the President won’t.

One of Stanbridge’s top aides, Jim Dillon, hits upon the Letter of Marque and Reprisal which is in our Constitution and in fact gives Congress the authority to wage war and other actions necessary to protect American citizens. Stanbridge seizes upon this method and unites both Houses of Congress to in fact put together such a Letter. One drawback is that when our Constitution was written the government could in fact “commandeer” private American ships, which at that time were all armed, to perform necessary actions. However today private ships no longer are armed so Stanbridge has to get a U.S. Navy ship to respond to the Letter.

He decides to use Jim Dillon to carry the instructions to the closest fleet to the terrorists in hopes that Dillon will be able to convince the Admiral in charge to respond to the Letter. This is accomplished rather easily as this Admiral as well as most of the Navy believe in retaliation and in fact are ashamed of the path that the President has chosen.

The story then moves on as to the actual carrying out of the Letter’s instructions. Detailed actions of the chase and the ensuing battle are well written and hold the reader’s attention.

Also woven into the fabric of the story is the interplay between Jim Dillon and two of his classmates from law school. The author has cleverly placed these three individuals into top-level positions. One is directly involved with the President; Jim is directly involved with the Speaker of the House; and the other is in a top aide level at the Supreme Court, which also comes into play during the action of the story.

A very interesting story on politics and our government in action. Perhaps some of it seems far-fetched but in reality it can and may happen. Sometimes life is stranger than fiction!

July 1, 2009  Tags: , ,   Posted in: Thriller  No Comments

The Neighbor by Lisa Gardner

neighborReviewed by Russell Ilg

Again this Spring and Summer brings you the best crop of thrillers and suspense novels ever to be released. Lisa Gardner takes you on a journey that can never be imaged. The novel involves a small family that seems perfect yet there are so many dark secerts that you never know where you will get blindsided next.

It is said so many times but take this from a person that reads 4-5 books a week. Do not, again, do not pick this up if you want to get any sleep the night you do. Even if you are able to finish it you will never be able to shut your eyes just watching everything you read fly by in your mind hoping that it is only fiction and this could not happen as you glance over at the person sleeping beside you and wonder!! You will be running around making sure that all the lights are on and doors, windows, everything is locked tight.

I have already written about 4-5 book reviews that I thought would be must reads and sure to be award winners. Well I have to add another to that list of some of the greatest writers in the country. Lisa Gardner takes you on a journey that is so real and compelling you are pulled in so far and deep right from the beginning that you seem to be fighting for air the whole time you are reading then notice that you are holding your breath to see what happens next and praying it is not what you think it is.

Lisa has always been one of the very best when it comes to doing her research before she writes, which makes this oh so real! I live and have been in the area that she has placed this novel and she has hit the nail right on the head. Is this tomorrows headlines in the beleaguered Globe? I sure do not want to give away a minute of this great novel you are going to have to buy it yourself and go on one of the most terrifying rides of your life and pray that it is only a book. This is a must read for everyone that loves thriller and suspense. Make sure you are one of the first to buy this must read of the summer. If you have never had the chance to meet Lisa Gardner at one of her signings, you are missing the best part of the book. She does a great job letting you know how it became such a great thriller so please try and get out and meet her if she is any where that you can get to. Sure to be on the Times list right out of the gate. By far one of her
greatest works to date.

July 1, 2009  Tags: , ,   Posted in: Thriller  No Comments

Broken Wing by Judith James

brokenwingReviewed by Mary Z.

Gabriel St. Croix is not who he seems. Even his name is made up. As a child, Gabriel is forced to become a prostitute servicing both men and women in a French brothel. Though outwardly jaded and smug, he takes a young boy, James, under his wing and protects him from people who would defile him. The boy’s sister and brother finally find him and want to take him back to England. James refuses to go without Gabriel. Under the tutelage of Sarah and Robert, James’ siblings, St. Croix is shown a world of decency and love.

In order to confirm his new standing in the world, Gabe teams up with a pirate, Davey, in order to become rich and be worthy of Sarah’s love. St. Croix falls overboard and is taken by thieves who sell him to his nemesis, de Sevigny; a man who knew him as a child and wants him back. Gabriel manages to kill him and returns to England. He is so disgusted with himself, he cannot bear to face Sarah so becomes a gambler and “man-about-town”.

Judith James’ debut novel attempts to meld her love of history and adventure but doesn’t quite succeed. There is too little history and way too much romantic yearning. Repetitive longing is O.K. for romance novels but this reader found not too much attention is shown for her unique historical facts. This could have been an extremely interesting story but is ruined by a lot of hesitation and indecision on the part of Gabriel.

James’ Afterword is far more interesting than the actual book. Judith has taken little known historical fact and tries to make a compelling tale. However, the constant passages of romance makes this novel a ho-hum read and left this reader disappointed. If you like romances, this book is for you. If you like a little more history, just read the end.

July 1, 2009  Tags: , ,   Posted in: Romance  No Comments

Dial Emmy for Murder by Eileen Davidson

emmyReviewed by Julie M. Moderson

Eileen Davidson has been nominated for her roles on two different soap operas, The Young and the Restless and Days of our Lives. She uses what she knows about soap operas to write Dial Emmy for Murder.

This is a fun, witty quick read about Alexis Peterson who is a star on a soap opera. Alexis left a popular soap opera called The Yearning Tide to work on The Bare and the Brazen. Alexis really left The Yearning Tide because most of the actors and actresses thought that she killed Marcy even though she was no longer a suspect. Alexis loves her new job on The Bare and Brazen except that the hours keep her away from her 5-year-old daughter, Sarah.

Alexis has been chosen to be a presenter at the Daytime Emmy Awards along with her co-star Jackson Masters. When it is time for her to go on stage, Jackson has not shown up yet. Then his body almost falls on her! She has a crush on the detective who was in charge of the murder on her last soap, and when Detective Davis shows up after Jackson’s murder she realizes that she still has a crush on him even though she has a boyfriend.

When someone else connected to the soap opera is murdered, Alexis finds that she loves to play detective but gets herself into trouble only to have Detective Davis show up to save her. She is trying to protect her mother and daughter from her ex-husband who took off years ago after stealing all of Alexis’s money. Detective Davis and Alexis team up to solve a series of murders all connected to soap operas.

This is just a fun book to read and I can’t wait to read Death in Daytime.

June 30, 2009  Tags: , ,   Posted in: Mystery  No Comments

No, Never! by Sally O. Lee

neverReviewed by Julie M. Moderson

This is a delightful children’s story about Daisy, a darling polka dot dog who loves to say NO, NEVER!

The illustrations are simple, fun and colorful ones that appeal to young children. There is something to talk about on every page.

The interaction between Daisy and her mother is so realistic. Her mother tells her that in order to do goals that are important when she grows up, she must learn to take care of the goals that are important now. In the end Daisy learned it was good to clean her room, take a bath and eat her vegetables. All of this would help to make her dreams come true,
whatever those dreams may be. This book teaches a young child that they need to listen to their mothers and to do what is expected of them.

June 30, 2009  Tags: , ,   Posted in: Children  No Comments

Crossing the Water: The Alaska-Hawaii Trilogies by Irving Warner

crossingReviewed by Teri Davis

Most of us probably possess the misconceptions of life in Alaska or Hawaii. We marvel at the picturesque views without really considering the reality of everyday life in either of these states. We are victims of the media, truly romanticizing our ideals of these disconnected possessions of our country.

With our country celebrating the 50th anniversaries of statehood for Alaska and Hawaii, this short collection shows the realistic aspect of life in both states. This is definitely not a glamorous description in either setting.

“The Lost River Trilogy” is about living in the remote areas in Alaska and the people who live there year-round. These people seem to fall into two categories, those who are hiding from a past and those who prefer to be isolated from the general population. Also, the realism of life during the unfrozen times of the years is not that appealing after you read this set of three related stories.

The strength of “The Lost River Trilogy” is its realism. It is easy to imagine these characters through the author’s mastery of description. The actions are all too vivid at times. People do not always show their best aspects. Also, unusual is “The Bridge” connecting these two trilogies.

“The Island Trilogy” is different in that the focus is not on what people normally see or think about when visiting Hawaii. The reality of life, or survival, brings up how humans relate to each other and to their environment and the fluidness of time.

Irving Warner has an eclectic background and actually has lived in both Alaska and Hawaii.

In a writing style resembling John Steinbeck, these stories are mastery woven and interact much like the two states themselves. The people’s stories in CROSSING THE WATER are what make this collection both unusual and exceptional.

June 30, 2009  Tags: , ,   Posted in: Fiction  No Comments

North from Calcutta by Duane Evans

calcuttaReviewed by Cy Hilterman

A well-written story that could be out of today’s headlines with the struggles that exist in Pakistan in their attempt to determine their own destiny and governing body. This particular story has at its central core the battle between Pakistan and India over Kashmir, with each claiming Kashmir is theirs. But this story goes far beyond that battle and encompasses the various private and governmental groups that want control over the entire area and will do almost anything to get it regardless of human cost in death or injuries and the lack of care over those casualties.

Pakistani ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) investigator, Tarek Durrani, was quite shaken up while leading his first assignment but came through with minor scars. Tarek was summoned into his agency and told to report to another newer group for assignment. The IRE (International Relations Executive) was a rival of the ISI and Tarek was reluctant to take this new assignment but he was there for Pakistan where needed to help his nation. Tarek knew not what to expect as he met many new private and personal people, some governmental, some not, and some he could and some could not trust. He had to be on guard at all times but he was used to that.

A new dam had been built that had been a big point of friction between Bangladesh and India. The dam was huge and controlled water flow in a huge area making the area a very serious threat of terrorists. A dedication was scheduled and the terrorists planned to take it out the dam not caring how many or whom they killed in the process. Tarek and many other investigators worked together as well as apart not trusting each other. In the process of his investigation, Tarek met a lovely woman that was a luxury he had not been able to afford for many years due to his deeply involved work. As time went on he and Sahar found it hard to be apart but Tarek knew the extreme danger that his job entailed so he tried to discourage the relationship but eventually neither could get their mind off the other. It’s called LOVE!

The story told by Duane Evans is fantastic. He knows from his life’s work much about the espionage work and how it can take so much out of a person’s life. There are no “down times” in North From Calcutta and the reader will learn much about the danger that a spy or anyone connected with a government working with any foreign nation endures. A great read.


June 30, 2009  Tags: , ,   Posted in: Adventure  No Comments