Grady Harp Reviews

Grady Harp is an Amazon Top 50 Reviewer and has collaborated with Creative Edge Media to provide quality book reviews. Creative Edge is a publicity frm specializing in arranging events such as book signings, library or school presentations, online and print media opportunities, and many other related events.

Fantasy

HEROISM IS NOT IN MY BONES. ITS IN MY BLOOD, CERTAINLY.

Allaigna has discovered that her family has lied to about her parentage all her life. Fueled by anger and spurred by her betrothal to a neighbouring lord, Allaigna has packed her saddlebags and stolen away in the night. The perils of the road provide more than a distraction from her fury, and test her ability to sing music into magic to its limit. Unlikely allies, subterfuge, captivity, and assault conspire to change Allaigna’s status from mere runaway to fugitive. While Allaigna charts her dangerous course, the quieter tales of her mother and grandmother unfold in tender, poignant, and heartbreaking vignettes that underscore the political and family tensions of the richly rendered world of the Ilmar. ‘ JM Landels continues her richly woven story with both grace and ardor as befits the realm of her tale. Yes, the story includes magic, even beyond the quality of the prose, and loom is elaborated with line drawing illustrations. This is a fascinating, fresh series!

~Grady Harp

Thriller

EXPECT HIGH ANXIETY LEVELS, KEEP LIGHTS ON ONCE FINISHED

This mentation rises out of an opening gruesomely described scene that pivots the story's progress. A plot outline by the author describes the direction: 'Six women are dead, and Wren Addison is the next victim on the SMS Killer's list—or so she's been told after waking in a pool of blood with no memory of the events that have transpired. Newly separated and struggling to start her life over after her husband's infidelity, Wren tries to remember what happened to her, but nothing is adding up as more horrors unfold around her. She realizes there is nothing typical about this serial killer with her life on a timer, and the murderer taunting her. Wren is pushed to the edge as she dances between knowing she's likely to die and fighting to be the first to survive. As the truth starts to emerge, she rises to the challenge and decides not to go down without a fight. Someone is going to die, and she's determined it won't be her.' Rachel Tamayo has successfully scribed a dark, moody piece that defies the reader to put the story, once started, aside before the final page. Expect high anxiety levels while reading it, and keep the lights on once finished. Highly recommended.

~Grady Harp

Teen & YA

Meet Phillip. His mom relocates him to a new school in the middle of the school year. Things do not go well and Phillip lands himself a trip to the dean of student’s office when he tries to forge his mother’s signature. There is one class Phillip has that is going well. It is with Mr. Filter, who starts each day with a writing prompt. These “jam sessions” allow students to be creative and enjoy writing. Phillip writes about being a basketball on a soccer field. Another day he writes about receiving two dragon eggs in the mail, one for himself and one for an incredibly cute girl. But will Phillip ever be able to make his real life go as well as his Jam Sessions?’ Not only is the story organically excellent, but at the end of this book, Jerry invites Dr. Timothy Sisemore to contribute information about anxiety and panic attacks. Most additive to the quality of this excellent new book – one that hopefully parents will read as well as the youngsters for whom it is written.

~Grady Harp

Thriller

ONE WHO WALKS ALONE

Preston's synopsis shares the plot without destroying the anxiety-riddled pace that makes this book so engaging. Daniel Blackbird has been chasing the murderous shapeshifter known as The Walker across North America for over a decade. Blackbird follows unrelenting, obsessed with vengeance. In its wake, the Walker leaves a bloody trail of eviscerated victims. Along the path. Blackbird finds himself drawn to Thomasville's Prairie town, where a string of child murders is being investigated. There, the police chief has uncovered a mass grave in the cornfield of a local farmer named Stephen Hopper. Hopper has confessed, even identified the graves, but claims that he is merely the caretaker of this macabre burial ground and that a creature who he thinks is the devil is responsible. As Chief Logan grapples with the unthinkable, Blackbird sets out for the prairie town, which, as the Equinox approaches, is destined to become a killing ground where cultures and worlds will collide. Will he get there in time? And who will believe him?' MJ Preston's skill in creating terrifying horror stories covering many social mores and preserving indigenous peoples' magic and culture is unmatched today. Enter his world and be transformed by his craft, highly recommended.

www.TopShelfMagazine.net