Sunday, August 14, 2016

1600 Trump Avenue: Against All Odds - a Political Prophecy

written by Les Pendleton
reviewed from Kindle

A prophecy in the making? Or an entertaining spin on US politics?
This is a book of fiction, but how close to the truth is it? Who really runs the country indeed? I found this book to be entertaining, rife with possibilities, suspense and more. The addition of lives and thoughts of veterans, particularly of the Viet Nam era was excellent. As a Canadian born in WWII, there were many interesting thoughts presented, some of which have been rolling around in my mind for some time which increased the possibility factor. On the other hand, some conversation by Trump seems too smooth. That said, most interaction came through as truly possible, maybe even probable. Overall, it is a fairly brilliant piece of work and covers a lot of actual history as well as historical probabilities and what reads as near truth. I thought it was well-produced, clean, often factual and a great wake-up call, entertaining, terrifying and suspenseful. 5 stars

Friday, August 12, 2016

The Witnesses (BookShot) by James Patterson and Brendan DuBois

authors James Patterson
             Brendan DuBois

Quick read, confusing at times, fast-paced and suspenseful otherwise
I found this book to be confusing yet left me guessing throughout. I didn't feel a connection in the beginning. I kept trying to figure out what on earth this family was under protection for, what could they have done or seen to create this situation. An archaeologist, a freelance writer, and their two children plus their keeper are holed up in a strange house in a small town (seems like a deadly town to me). Suddenly removed from their site in Tunisia by US helicopter without knowledge of what they have done leaves me wondering, too. This is an interesting book regardless. Beginning with a very unusual death, the main characters outside of the family seem to be odd to say the least. The rules the family must go by are to be strictly adhered to and they are under their "keeper's" constant scrutiny. But he is in fact their protector. Former/retired police officers also play a role, sometimes bringing some humor to the storyline. Overall, in the end I found some answers, but also questions. That said, there is a feeling of wishing it hadn't taken so long. Also, there appear to be some loose threads. Still, I read the book in one go, there was certainly suspense and it did keep my attention throughout. I would certainly give these authors another go, either singly or as a duo, to see if this is just a result of two authors.