Everything She Lost

After suffering a mental breakdown that nearly destroyed her marriage, Nina Taylor works hard to maintain her tenuous hold on sanity and be a good mother to her two young daughters. Despite her best efforts, she questions the possibility of a full recovery.

Single mom Deja Johnson struggles to overcome her troubled past and raise her young son. But her friendship with Nina brings more complications. What Deja is hiding could not only destroy relationships but endanger lives.

One traumatic night threatens to shatter Nina’s mind. With Deja’s help, she strives to maintain her mental balance. But as events spiral out of control, the women must find out if Nina is losing her sanity or if someone is plotting against her.

*May Contain Spoilers*

Alessandra Harris creates a confused and creepy web of deceit in her novel, Everything She Lost. Splitting the narrative between two main characters, Nina and Deja, give readers two sides of the same story... but one is untrustworthy while the other is mentally ill. This creates a story that readers doubt from the very beginning. 

Nina is a woman who is still recovering from a mental breakdown. As a reader, I liked Nina for her persistence, her focus, and the love she has for her children. She truly wants to be healthy so she can take care of her children. However, the situation she is in is not conducive to mental health. Her husband, Rodney, is cheating on her and she isn't aware of it. What makes it worse -- he's cheating on Nina with Deja, Nina's only friend. This sets up readers to immediately dislike Deja and it worked for me. Though I can see that she's trying to make a better life for her and her son, Miles, she's going about it the wrong way. When a person from her past threatens her, she reverts back to her previous way of handling things. 

Both of these characters do elicit sympathy from the reader, creating a connection from the beginning. Though as the story continues, readers can see the confusion mounting and a feeling of wrongness seeps from the pages. Suddenly it's Nina against reality and she doesn't know who to trust or who is telling her the truth. This is how Harris takes her novel to the next level, making the book suspenseful and the reader a little afraid to know the truth. The only downside was that the outcome was a bit predictable. There are only so many characters and once the reader starts narrowing it down, then there's only one solution that makes sense. 

The plot begins by introducing the relationships between the characters: Nina and Deja are friends while Deja is having an affair with Rodney, Nina's husband. A single text message prompts Nina to burst into Deja's house where she's being attacked by an ex-lover. In an effort to help, Nina accidentally kills the man. And all sorts of trouble follows layered with various side-plots and supporting characters. I think readers who enjoy suspense, thrillers, and unreliable narrators will enjoy this book. (It even has hints of a mystery.) I would definitely recommend for an entertaining read. 

Rating: 3.5/5 Cups

For the Love of Katie

Newlywed Katie Maxwell is ready to settle down and leave her amateur detective days behind. But when the veil of secrecy surrounding her husband’s latest project takes them to Europe, her penchant for sleuthing lands her in some serious hot foreign water.

Katie will need to think quickly to talk her way out of handcuffs and a Parisian jail cell. Too bad she doesn't speak French.

For the Love of Katie is the second madcap adventure in The Katie Chronicles. This book can be read as a standalone, but why would you want to skip the first?

*May Contain Spoilers*

Erica Lucke Dean combines romance with clumsy humor in her book, For the Love of Katie, the second in the Katie series. Though I didn't read the first book, which I think would have helped me connect with the main character, I did enjoy how funny this book was. 

Katie Maxwell is a very clumsy woman to the point where it's almost as if she's been cursed with extreme stair-tripping, incriminating-photography, can't-do-anything-right bad luck. Though it's funny for the reader as Katie repeatedly gets herself into hot water that she must expansively explain once she's gotten caught. This aspect of Katie is one that brings readers into her chaotic life. As a main character, she's kind of a mess, but in a humorous, light-hearted way. It makes it easy for readers to like her, as we've all done things that we're embarrassed about. With this major character trait, Katie becomes more down to earth. However, as I do admit I didn't read the first book, I thought that Katie was little... over-presumptuous, secretive, and untrusting when it came to her husband. 

Katie is a woman who likes to have all the info. And sometimes, to get it, she'll resort to lying and trickery. Even her husband calls her Nancy Drew. While, I can see these tactics useful in a few of the situations, I think if Katie was more open in the lines of communication, she'd get the answers she wanted faster and without as much drama. But, then again, where would the fun be in that? 

The book opens in Paris with Katie in a police station, arrested for trying to sneak on set of the film adaptation of her husband's book. When the police officer asks her to start at the beginning, Katie complies, happily, thus setting up the frame with which Dean shares the story. The book then flashes back to before the couple was engaged and shares the entire narrative of how Katie came to be in Paris and why she was pretending to be a movie extra when she was arrested. The book contains a lot of situational comedy and, as previously mentioned, hot water fiascoes. And although I didn't feel a deep connection with Katie (I was a bit annoyed at times), I did enjoy the book overall. It's a nice, easy read with funny characters, good plot action to propel the story forward, and a rewarding ending. 

Rating: 3/5 Cups

Left Hanging

As a nurse and single mom, Darla Battle hides her loneliness behind a smile. But when she discovers that the new cute doctor everyone is talking about is her daughter’s father, she knows she needs to keep her distance from the man who abandoned her and their child, Stella.

When Theo Edwards returns to Nashville to finish his medical training, he never expects to run into Darla, a girl he spent one night with seven years ago. For reasons he can’t fathom, her attitude toward him is frosty, but he still hopes to ignite the spark they once felt.

Once Darla realizes Theo doesn’t know he’s Stella’s father, she has no idea how to tell him the truth. And the longer she waits, the more difficult it becomes. When the situation spins out of control, can the two come together for the sake of their daughter? Or is forgiveness out of reach?

*May Contain Spoilers*

Cindy Dorminy delivers a novel full of love, family, fear, and fun with her new book, Left Hanging. This contemporary romance really does have everything a fan of the genre would want. Once I started it, there was no stopping. 

Darla Battle and Theo Edwards share the spotlight as the main characters of Left Hanging. Darla is a nurse and a single mom who lives for her daughter Stella. In short, she's a fighter. Darla doesn't have many people in her corner but she tries to give her daughter everything. She sees Stella as her single ray of sunshine in a world that has never been easy on her. Darla's a very caring, hopeful woman who fell in love with Theo, a man she spent one night with in college, and never stopped loving him. Her commitment to her daughter is amazing and respectable. Though she's not experienced much luck or happiness over the years, Darla fights away the darkness by loving her daughter. I don't think there's any way readers won't love her character, even when Theo's sudden reappearance pushes her into a flurry of fear and uncertainty. Darla wants Theo to be in Stella's life and her life, and she knows she needs to confront him with the fact that he has a daughter who needs him. The reactions Darla has to various situations make her a relatable character who doesn't know what to do to reach the truth, though she's willing to try again and again. 

Theo Edwards is a doctor with a huge heart who has a lot to offer the world with his generous nature. His desire to help people is evident in his actions and readers will respect him for it. Theo is also open and honest, trustworthy, and caring. When he sees Darla, he knows that she's the one who got away and makes it a point to do everything to reconnect with her. He recognizes that she's afraid and tries to put her at ease, helping her trust him again. Though a huge misunderstanding and the secret that Darla's daughter is Theo's daughter threatens their budding relationship. 

The plot of this novel is a bit tricky because of all the factors that influence Darla and Theo. First off, Theo's ex-girlfriend Mallory (who used to be Darla's friend) refuses to believe that Theo doesn't want to be with her. Second, Darla thinks that Theo knows about Stella and abandoned them. Third, Darla doesn't know how to confront Theo with the news of Stella. And finally, Theo has type one diabetes and believes that he's infertile. Add in the Edwards family and Darla's two best friends and things head quickly toward chaos. The various points of this plot are all connected and work to influence the main characters in their decisions as new situations pop up and impede Darla's progress toward telling Theo the whole truth. The whole fiasco is quite funny, with an ongoing game of hangman throughout the course of the novel, until the plot takes a dangerous turn. At this point, consequences become life or death, adding a dramatic ending to this lighthearted contemporary romance. 

As I said, Left Hanging delivers. It covers so much in the span of a few weeks that at times it seems a little overwhelming. Though the various upsets will push readers to the novel's conclusion. It also gets a little confusing at times as the chapters switch between first person narratives of Theo and Darla. A few times it was hard to keep straight who was narrating. The only thing I wish this book did have was an epilogue. I would have really liked a glimpse into the future of Theo and Darla, but maybe we can hope for a sequel. 

Rating: 4.5/5 Cups

Smugglers and Scones (Moorehaven Mysteries #1)

Pippa Winterbourne runs Moorehaven, the Oregon Coast’s quirkiest bed-and-breakfast and former home of world-famous mystery writer A. Raymond Moore. Guests come there to write their own crime novels. When a real-life murder takes a local’s life and washes a handsome boat pilot into her arms, Pippa is yanked into a deadly plot of her own. A tangle of secrets crashes past into present, and Pippa must uncover clues dating back to Seacrest’s Prohibition days, including a secret Moore himself hid from the world.

Juggling her book-writing guests, small-town intrigues, secret club agendas, and a possibly fatal attraction, Pippa must sort fact from fiction to know who to trust before a desperate killer claims a final revenge nearly a century in the making.

*May Contains Spoilers*

Morgan C. Talbot manages to keep her murder mystery lighthearted in her novel, Smugglers and Scones, where authors are characters and everyone has a good pun about mortal demise. In a town known for a famous mystery writer, it's easy to see how everyone could become a bit of an expert on the subject. Pippa, one of the newest citizens of Seacrest, is the owner of the Moorehaven B&B, tailoring to authors while offering an almost perfect writer's retreat. 

Pippa Winterbourne is a woman in her early twenties in charge of a deceased mystery writer's mansion that has been converted to a bed and breakfast. She spends a lot of her time being a sounding board to authors, baking up brain food, and generally taking care of all things bed and breakfast related. She even hosts events for the authors, including book signings and meet and greets. Pippa's honesty about her former romantic relationships will provide a foundation for an emotional connection with readers, while her creative mind and intuitive nature will give her credibility as a strong female character. 

Though the town has always been full of mystery (writers), the event of an actual murder throws everyone for a loop, including Pippa. When a boat crashes and Pippa is the first to arrive on scene, she saves the life of a young man named Lake. It isn't until the crash is investigated that it's revealed a murder was committed on board the destroyed ship. Though Lake is the prime suspect, something about him tells Pippa he isn't the murderer. Not able to stay out of all the hubbub, Pippa participates in trying to find the murderer and this situation of conflict allows Pippa's bravery and intelligence to shine. 

The best part about this book is the mixture of humor and mortal danger. Talbot does a fantastic job in keeping the book light and fun while the threat of a killer on the loose shakes up the little town of Seacrest. The fact that the town is known for mystery writers helps add to this air of lightness. If everyone wasn't so familiar with the idea of murder, revenge, motive, and justice, then the surprising murder would have undoubtedly driven the whole town to live in fear. This familiarity with mystery and murder plots allows the people in the town to continue their lives, while their intrigue drives them to help solve the crime. Even the authors that are staying at the bed and breakfast jump in, ready and willing to live in a 'true, real life' investigation in order to gain experience that will translate to make their writing better and more believable. 

Talbot also makes the murder mystery more interesting by connecting it back to the original mystery writer of Seacrest, A. Raymond Moore. The combination of past and present works to create a large web of mystery that involves various characters and their relationships with one another. Smugglers and Scones is as reader friendly as a murder mystery can be, giving readers a slight buzz of danger while evoking a few laugh out loud moments. I would definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy easy to read, lighthearted stories, that are fun and intriguing. 

Rating: 4/5 Cups

Death by Diploma (Chalkboard Outlines #1)

Emma Lovett leaves her philandering husband and crosses the country to begin her teaching career at a high school in Pinewood, Colorado.There, she meets Leslie Parker, a fellow teacher given to quoting Shakespeare to fit all situations, and the two become fast friends.

Arriving at work early one morning, Emma discovers the body of the school custodian, a man who reminds her of her late father. When the police struggle to find the killer, the ladies decide to help solve the murder. Their efforts lead them to a myriad of suspects: the schizophrenic librarian, the crude football coach, the mysterious social studies teacher, and even Emma’s new love interest.

As Emma Lovett discovers the perils of teaching high school, she and Leslie learn more than they ever wanted to know about the reasons people kill.

*May Contain Spoilers*

Southern Belle meets Colorado murder mystery in Kelley Kaye's Death by Diploma, the first in her Chalkboard Outline series. Emma begins teaching at Pinewood High School just before the school is struck by a tragedy -- one of the Janitors, Melvin, has been murdered. Leslie, Emma's first friend, is convinced that Detective Carl is too much of an idiot to close the case. This problem obviously has only one solution. Leslie and Emma: Pinewood High Detectives. 

Emma Lovett is a Southern girl who knows how to use her twang to get exactly what she wants. After leaving her husband, Emma decided to become a teacher and now she's living in Colorado with the rest of her life ahead of her. Emma's brave in a cautious way and readers will enjoy reading her internal mini-monologues. She has a good sense of humor, a big heart, and a love of teaching. Her sunny disposition is respectable because Emma has experienced things that could have taken away that smiling sincerity. but she doesn't allow that to happen. It seems to only increase her ability to care. 

Leslie becomes Emma's partner in crime solving and though she doesn't share the main character spotlight, she's very important to the story. Leslie has been teaching for a few years and she becomes a mentor of sorts for Emma. She's also a big comic relief and quotes Shakespeare quite often. Leslie also pushes Emma outside of her comfort zone, which I think helps Emma begin to really take charge of her new life. Readers will enjoy Leslie's attitude and laugh at her strict dispositions and random acts of cursing. 

It seems at odds with itself, but Death by Diploma is a rather light-hearted murder mystery. Emma and Leslie form a strong friendship, both develop love-interests, and they uncover the story of Melvin McManus, which is an interesting story by itself. There's lots of laughter in this novel as well as serious moments of sadness. It even has a bit of action and a surprise ending. Death by Diploma is a uniquely fresh murder mystery crossed with chick lit that will have readers quoting, or at least wanting to quote, Shakespeare by the final page.

Rating: 3/5 Cups

Better in the Morning

Veronica Buccino has a plan: marry John DelMonico and quit her soul-sucking job as a lawyer. And when he tells her he has big news, she’s certain he’ll pop the question. But instead of proposing, John informs her that he’s moving to London.

Heartbroken, Veronica feels lost. Salvatore and Antoinette, her dead grandparents, begin to visit her dreams in an attempt to steer her in the right direction. At their suggestion, Veronica takes a news reporting class, which leads to a challenging freelance assignment covering a conspiracy trial. She also begins dating an unlikely suitor: creative Syd Blackman.

Just when her love life and career are looking up, Veronica is tossed back to square one by an event that makes her question all her new choices.

*May Contain Spoilers*

Another girl who listens to her dreams! Better in the Morning by Fern Ronay was a beautiful story about a woman who's stuck in a job she hates with a boyfriend who doesn't really get her. But things are about to change. Really change. With the help of her deceased grandparents, who speak to her in her dreams, Veronica's life is about to undergo a serious make-over for the better. The process may not be easy but it is definitely entertaining. 

Veronica is ready for real love that lasts a lifetime and she thinks that John will give that to her. But suddenly, he's moving across the globe and she's left with nothing but a job where she is treated like crap. Given, she doesn't love the job so she doesn't really put in the work it would take to succeed. Regardless, her boss and co-worker are a combination of cruel and cold. Veronica is a woman who believes. She has an abundant amount of faith that guides her through life. She may be a little judgmental but she's loving and hopeful. Readers will relate to her career struggles, her fear, and her hopes. She has bills to pay and it's hard to take a leap changing job fields, but she hopes for the best. With humor and dream sequences, Veronica will make it through this. 

My favorite parts of the book were the dream chapters. In these, Veronica gets to hang out with her deceased grandparents who are full of love and laughter. I think these sequences are where readers will really connect with Veronica. They get to read her thoughts by living her dreams with her. The dreams are intimate and important situations that lead Veronica to happiness while helping her leap over the obstacles. 

The plot of Better in the Morning begins with Veronica and her boyfriend breaking up because he's moving to London. She thought he was going to propose and is absolutely heartbroken. Not all readers have been in that exact situation but the experience of a relationship ending is easy to relate to. However, this loss turns into a little push for Veronica. She starts a news-reporting class and even goes on a few dates. Things are looking up until they all fall apart again. Veronica has to fight for her happy ending and readers will enjoy watching her climb out of the chaos. 

Rating: 4/5 Cups

The Thing Is

Meredith Mancuso is depressed. Ever since the death of her fiancé, she has shrunk from the world. Even with her successful writing career, she's not motivated to work. When her sister, Monica, begs for a favor, Meredith wants nothing more than to say no. But she’s ultimately roped into pet-sitting an orphaned Yorkshire terrier named Prozac.

Blessed with spiritual wisdom and a high IQ, Prozac is an active pet therapy dog. To heal broken-hearted Meredith, he rallies his fan club at Evergreen Gardens, an independent living facility, where he visits each week.

Prozac and the community of resilient older folks challenged by losses of their own propel Meredith, often against her will, back into the land of the living. Meredith learns that most people carry some sort of burden, but it's still possible to find meaning, purpose, and joy—and sometimes, even love—along the way.

*May Contain Spoilers*

 

Dogs have always seemed like part of the family to me. I've had at least one pet dog since I was a little girl and my parents bred Dalmatians. However, I tend to stay away from pet focused novels because they seem to end in tragedy and tears. The Thing Is by Kathleen Gerard may certainly bring tears to a few readers, hopefully the reaction will be caused by the uplifting and heartfelt storyline.

 

Meredith and Prozac are the main characters of this novel. Meredith is a woman who lost the love of her life to a one-in-a-million situation and now she can't move on. She's incredibly depressed, has no idea who she is anymore, and hides herself from the world. Readers will sympathize with Meredith undoubtedly. It's heartbreaking to hear about those things happening, even more so when you get all the details. Readers will definitely be praying for Meredith to find peace with what has happened and move back into the world of the living. And Prozac will certainly help with that.

 

Prozac is a cute little terrier who works as a Therapy Dog and some of the book is written from his point of view, which was quite a new perspective for me. Prozac is an intelligent dog who has been around the block for the last thousand years or more. He's been reincarnated so many times it's hard to keep track, but he works hard to complete his missions, even if he doesn't know what those missions are exactly. Readers will certainly like Prozac's personality, they may even laugh a little at his antics. They'll also see how much good Meredith is getting from Prozac, though she doesn't know it herself.

 

The novel begins with the night Kyle is killed and then jumps forward a few years to Meredith's depression. When Prozac's owner hurts her foot, Meredith is inadvertently volunteered for the job of taking care of him. Though she doesn't like dogs and is much too busy, Meredith does end up taking care of Prozac, who guides her back to her life. The book as a whole is quite inspirational and an easy one to read. The only thing I didn't like was how a few of the characters treated each other, especially Judge Thea. Though, I suppose the story has to have a villain. The ending was also a little sad, but with more focus on the good than the bad. It definitely made me hug my dog a little tighter afterwards and made me want to share a picture of her with all of you.

 

 

 

Rating: 3.5/5 Cups

What's Next, Wednesday (2)

 

• To play along share a book you've been looking forward to reading, whether it's new or has been on your reading list for a while.

I'm looking forward to...

 

The Thing Is by Kathleen Gerard.

 

Writers from Red Adept never let me down. In this new novel, struggles with depression after the death of her fiancé. By agreeing to puppy-sit a little terrier, Meredith unexpectedly begins the road to acceptance. I'm hoping it ill be an uplifting and inspiring read. 

Wytchfire (Dragonkin Trilogy #1)

In a land haunted by the legacy of dead dragons, Rowen Locke has been many things: orphan, gravedigger, mercenary. All he ever wanted was to become a Knight of Crane and wield a kingsteel sword against the kind of grown horrors his childhood knows all too well.

But that dream crumbled—replaced by a new nightmare.
War is overrunning the realms, an unprecedented duel of desire and revenge, steel and sorcery. And for one disgraced man who would be a knight, in a world where no one is blameless, the time has come to decide which side he’s on.

*May Contain Spoilers*

 

The war is coming and it brings The Nightmare with it. Michael Meyerhofer writes of a land separated by races with grudges and myths that have lasted too long in his novel, Wytchfire, the first in the Dragonkin Trilogy. As cities are destroyed by a beast made of smoke that burns through everything it touches, one down-trodden man may be the key to stopping it.

 

Rowen Locke followed in his brother's footsteps to become a Knight on the Lotus Isles, only to be kicked out before he received his Knighthood with no reason as to why. Though being raised in the slums of Lyos, and working as a mercenary and a sellsword may have something to do with it. Rowen is an incredible character. He's loyal, brave, true to himself, and has outstanding morals. Readers will know that he's the key to stopping this magic takeover before he does. Rowen is open-minded and nice in a world that doesn't appreciate those attributes. He risks his life over and over again to prove that there are things more important than glory and pride, which gains him both in the process.

 

The story begins with Rowen being mugged and beaten up by a couple of ruffians after he's kicked off the Lotus Isles. This sets him on a path toward Jalist, an old friend, who tells him about The Throng, an army hiring sellswords and sweeping across the lands to take over everything. Though there's more at work here than just that. Rowen refuses to join Jalist and instead runs into a man who changes his life by giving Rowen a legendary sword without any knowledge of its importance. Between the sword and Silwren, a beautiful wytch, combined with Rowen's bravery, the city of Lyos may have a chance. Wytchfire is an adventurous book full of magic and death, love and life, rebellion and salvation. However, it's just the beginning. And the end foretells much more to come.

 

Rating: 4/5 Cups

Suddenly Spellbound

Kindergarten-teacher-slash-sorceress Ivie McKie has officially sworn off magic. With her father back from the dead—just in time for her upcoming wedding to sexy former magician Jackson Blake—Ivie has plotted a course straight to happily-ever-after-ville. And she won’t let anything get in her way this time.

But Daddy Dearest has something sneaky up his sleeve. When “just one more spell” goes horribly wrong and detours her into the path of her father’s dangerously hot new apprentice, Ivie has to scramble to get the magic… and her love life… back on track.

Along the way, she encounters a promise made before she was born, a clan of Scottish sorcerers in kilts, and yet another goat.

*May Contain Spoilers*

 

Erica Lucke Dean writes a fun, laugh out loud, story of seduction, spells, and prenuptial agreements in Suddenly Spellbound. I didn't read the first book, Suddenly Sorceress, but that didn't detract from the novel. Ivie is a young woman who can't seem to stay out of trouble - fires, explosions, sprinkler systems... Not to mention, the FBI. Readers will enjoy watching Ivie as she dodges dangerous situations and tries to keep her magic under control.

 

Ivie McKie is a sorceress whose magic had been blocked most of her life by her father. The same father that accidentally turned himself into a dog and then a cat. Since Ivie's new to the whole 'magic' thing, she doesn't know the rules of society. Especially the part about arranged marriages. Readers will really like Ivie, simultaneously feeling sorry for her and being jealous of her ability to make two smexy men fall for her. (I use the term smexy as a mix of smoking hot and sexy). Ivie is a girl who wants her happily-ever-after and will fight to get it. Though it's hard to fight against someone who's put a spell on you! I'm sure the first book laid a strong foundation for a reader/character connection with Ivie but this book creates that all by itself. The mayhem and madness only add to the excitement, making lovers of chic-lit unable to put it down. The only thing I didn't like about Ivie is her assumption that lying will protect her. And she learns that lesson the hard way.

 

The plot begins with a simple favor for Ivie's dad. But readers will soon realize that nothing is simple when it comes to Angus. After he puts a binding spell on Ivie (one that he doesn't quite finish due to broken glass), Ivie becomes uncontrollably attracted to Liam though she knows she's in love with Jack, her fiancé. But years ago, Angus made a promise. A promise that demands Ivie's hand in marriage. Maybe a little magic can get her out of this heap of trouble she suddenly finds herself in... but then again... maybe someone will end up as a goat. If that doesn't make you want to read Suddenly Spellbound, I don't know what will. Oh wait! Magical viagra??

 

Rating: 3.5/5 Cups



Sleeper Protocol

Kieran Roark awakens in a wheelchair, unable to remember anything. As part of a classified experiment, he will have one year to learn his identity and recover his memory, or he will be euthanized by the state.

Scientist Berkeley Bennett has one mission: manipulate Kieran’s emotions in an attempt to bring back his memory. But when she falls in love with him, she is forced to make a harrowing decision that may cost Kieran his life.

What Kieran knows could save Earth from a coming war. Whether he believes the future is worth saving is another matter. Racing across an unfamiliar world in a body he does not recall, Kieran needs to discover who he was and, more importantly, who he is.

*May Contain Spoilers*

 

Kevin Ikenberry writes of a future that is peaceful after many years of war, death, and alien invasion in his book Sleeper Protocol. However, some people think that the peace will only last as long as it takes the next wave of alien invaders to reach Earth. Those people want to prepare the world to fight, an action that most have forgotten. And that is exactly where Sleepers come into play.

 

Kieran is the main character of this novel, though readers don't know his name and neither does he. He's the first Sleeper to be awakened for a program that brings soldiers back from the dead in a new and improved replicated body. This is a unique situation because readers get to experience and learn who Kieran is at the same rate that he does. He's on a journey of discovery and readers get to witness him reuniting with himself. This platform creates a strong foundation for a character connection. Especially since he was woken up to save the world. Kieran was a hero in his former life and the people of the future need that heroism. Though Kieran is a bit naïve, falling in love quickly and being too trusting of those around him, he's a good man. He's honest, open, and very loyal.

 

The plot of Sleeper Protocol is like nothing I've ever read about before. Three hundred years into the future, aliens have invaded, flying cars are everywhere, and peace is abundant but on the verge of collapse. The Defense Counsel needs to awaken soldiers from the past in order to inspire the population to fight for their planet. A new experiment has begun in which deceased soldiers are awakened and given a walkabout - a time to find out who they are and integrate. Kieran is the first and he's under heavy observation. Berkeley is sent to make an emotional connection with Kieran in order to promote his integration. Unexpectedly they fall in love, compromising the mission. Also unexpectedly, the Artificial Intelligence embedded in Kieran's brain begins to think she's alive and fights back. Though I fully enjoyed the story, some of the explanations of protocol and missions and technological processes were confusing. It took a bit of the fun away from the story. My favorite part of the novel was Kieran's innate guidance to return to where he originally came from. I found the fact that home transcended death fascinating and original. Sleeper Protocol is a high stakes novel that fights for survival and promises a sequel.

 

Rating: 3/5 Cups