suspense

Thunder
by Bonnie S. Calhoun
Rating: 5/5
Book 1 of The Stone Braide Chronicles
Revell – Fiction/Suspense/Young Adult

Selah Rishon Chavez lives in a post-apocalyptic America where only remnants of civilization remain after the Time of Sorrows tainted the land with radiation. The day before her 18th Born Remembrance, she goes against her parents’ wishes and goes hunting for a Lander, an alien-like humanoid who is worth a bounty if their distinctive mark remains on their skin after they arrive on their land. As she tries to subdue one, her older brothers take over and steal her prize. The next morning when she wakes up, she finds the Lander mark on herself and confronts her mother. Her mother shares the truth with her and tells her to flee for fear that her father and brothers will kill her. Selah is not who she thought she was. Her father is not who she thought he was. As she tries to make plans to escape and disappear, she realizes that the only one who can help her is Bodhi Locke, the Lander her brothers have taken captive to sell. Can she trust Bodhi with her secret and her life? Will he be able to explain what she is? Will she ever feel like she belongs?

After reading the free pre-quell, Tremors, I was hooked. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything from this author, but I’m a sucker for all the YA post-apocalyptic reads. I could not put the book down. I was so caught up in the world that Calhoun created and had to know what happened next. I haven’t had that in a book in a while. It’s an easy read that’s clean and exciting and fun. I loved the characters and cannot wait to get to know them even more. I am now a huge fan and can’t believe I have to wait so long till the next book in the series comes out. I might just have to reread the story again; it’s that good.

Do yourself a favor and read this book if you want some reading that’s entertaining and just plain fun.

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The pre-quel, Tremors, is free on Kindle now.

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Silenced by Dani Pettrey
Book Four of Alaskan Courage Series
Release Date: May 6, 2014
Rating: 4/5
Bethany House – Romantic Suspense

As the expert rock climber in her family, Kayden McKenna is used to taking care of herself and is determined to not have to rely on anyone else if she can help it. After losing both of her parents, she doesn’t want to ever suffer the same heartbreak. After finding the dead body of a fellow climber, something is off. She suspects that someone tampered with his chalk, but that would mean murder. Will her expertise help figure out what happened or is the situation even more dangerous than suspected? When the local sheriff (her soon-to-be brother-in-law) assigns family friend and former detective, Jake Westin, to be his next deputy to investigate, the two of them are in for a dangerous ride. Ever since Jake’s past was revealed, Kayden has treated him differently. For Jake, he’s been in love with Kayden for a long time. He will always remember and love the wife and unborn daughter he lost, but his heart and life are Kayden. Too bad she doesn’t even know his feelings, but he knows that Kayden is still grieving the death of her parents, especially her mother’s battle with rheumatoid arthritis. Can he keep her safe without his past getting in the way? Can Kayden open up her heart and let Jake in?

I was so excited to continue reading this series by Dani Pettrey! After finding the first three books at my local library, I had to get the next one as soon as possible! I was NOT disappointed. I loved getting to know Kayden and Jake’s characters more; however, I didn’t think that the characters were as well developed as the other books with the McKenna siblings. I loved that the book was almost like watching an episode of Castle – I do love a good procedural TV show with great chemistry between the main characters. I felt like there was less of a religious/inspirational thread through this story than her other books, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it was different than what I was used to.

I absolutely could not put the book down – read it in a few hours. The pacing was good and kept my attention. My only critique (and the reason for a 4 rating instead of 5) is the near ending and actual ending were a little confusing – without spoiling anything – I still have some questions regarding the ending but it was still very satisfying. I look forward to the next book about the last brother, Reef.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a good, clean, romantic suspenseful story.

I received this book for free from Bethany House and NetGalley but was not required to give a positive review.

If you’d like to check out my other Dani Pettrey review of Book Three, Stranded, click here.