ARC Review: The Lynchpin by Jeffrey B. Burton

Title: The Lynchpin by Jeffrey B. Burton

Release Date: February 24th, 2015

Publisher: MP Publishing

Genres: Action, Drama, Horror, Mystery

Medium: Received for Review, Via Author

The Lynchpin by Jeffrey B. Burton is an exciting and fresh serial killer thriller that offers new mystery and action at every turn of a page. It's a scarily-realistic novel that makes you want to check and double check that your windows and doors are locked, and leaves you with a suspicion that you should be checking over your shoulder. It brings new meaning to "scary good." It's an ingenious mix of a murderous thriller, FBI crime drama, and James Bond-esqe missions. The Agent Drew Cady series is one we all definitely will want to follow.

The plot of this novel is one of the most exquisite, detailed and thought-out plots I have ever had the good fortune to read. The plot is so rich and life like (quite scarily, at times) you feel like a special agent yourself. As you turn the pages in this novel, you delve deeper into a thought provoking thriller that has mysteries so entangled, you'll be thinking of every character as a possible suspect. It really makes you think and brings out the inner detective in all of us. This engaging, rollercoaster ride of a novel leaves no stone unturned and never seizes to surprise. Just as you get comfortable, you'll be thrown for a loop and be sucked right back into suspense. You'll never want to put this novel down. Even the most seasoned action/thriller/horror fans will be thrown off guard with this one, and will be swept into the addicting story of special agent Drew Cady, just as I was.

The characters of this novel were spot on. Burton managed to create a cast of characters with a multitude of varying back stories and waring personalities. Each character played a vital part in the plot, and all claimed a special place in my heart. The subtle romance and conflicting personalities are clear evidence of Burton's outstanding writing capabilities and imagination. His ability to craft characters and weave a fantastic story around them, with virtually no effort at all, simply astounds me, not to mention leaves me wanting more.

I am simply envious of Burton's writing. He is able to write flawlessly, weaving a flowing, exciting tale that leaves readers speechless. Clearly, he is a force to be reckoned with, and one we will definitely keep an eye on for future installments in the series or new works. Whatever the case, his (and I don't use this word lightly) perfect writing has definitely brought out the fan in me!

Overall, this flawless novel that is an exciting mix of thriller, horror, and action genres, is one to be greatly acknowledged. Please do yourself a favor and pick up this novel as soon as possible. You will not regret it.

DNF Update

For the record, I decided not to finish the following novels that were sent to me from authors to be reviewed, or were part of a blog tour:

Exodus 2022 by Kenneth G. Bennett

&

Emissary by Thomas Locke

I'm not sure if I will every go back and finish the novels (because there is something inside me that makes it physically hurt to not finish a book) but with the multitude of novels I have to review piling up and other novels I have been waiting to read being released, I feel my time would be better spent there. I may return to these in the future.

Review: Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles

Title: Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles

Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers

Release Date: April 13th, 2010

Genres: Action, Romance, Drama

Medium: Paperback, Purchased

Simone Elkeles has done it again! It seems like there is not a single thing that she writes that is bad. It is very rare that I read something that I can find no faults with. With every one of her stories, I fall in love all over again.

Elkeles' plots never disappoint. They are fast-paced, action packed, romantic, sexy, and thrilling, all rolled up in one. The amazingly addicting, flowing story makes this novel one that is extremely hard to put down! It literally pained me to have to take a break from reading it.

Her writing is fantastic as well. It's like every word was specifically chosen to portray the perfect emotions. The emotionality is what really shines through in these novels. I also loved the perfectly placed bits of Spanish language and culture. It's fantastic. The writing is polished and flows effortlessly, the language is true to teenagers, and the romance is so realistic and heartwarming.

Overall, this novel was amazing. The characters were amazing, the writing was perfect, the plot was exciting, and the romance was to die for. One word can sing all the praises for this novel: Perfect.

Review: Breaking Rules by Christopher Reardon

Title: Breaking Rules by Christopher Reardon

Publisher: Self

Release Date: September 29th, 2014

Genres: Fantasy, Drama, Action

Medium: Paperback, Received for Review

Breaking Rules is a wonderful novel full of fantasy, drama, and action. Engaging and unique, Reardon weaves a tale both exciting and interesting for men and women of all ages. It is a cute little short story that can be read over and over. 

The plot is quite the one of a kind story. It's a cute little story about magic and witches. At times, the plot did seem to be a little lacking. There was very little back story to the characters and it makes you feel as if you are thrown into the middle of the story. It needs a bit more added to the plot to justify the actions in the story. However, the plot had many twists and turns I didn't see coming, which pleasantly surprised me. It was fast paced and fresh, and quite the enjoyable story.

The writing was quite nice. Reardon wrote it to be fast paced and unique. However, it does need some work. The dialogue seems stiff and fake and the writing in general could use some elaboration to be more descriptive and deeper. Because of this lacking, I couldn't exactly connect to the novel.

Overall, Breaking Rules is a neat little story that I think young kids might most enjoy. It had a nicely thought out plot and pretty good writing. With some work, though, it could be fantastic. 

Review: Tangled by Brandi Leigh Hall

Title: Tangled by Brandi Leigh Hall
Publisher: Self
Release Date: October 31st, 2014
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Action, Drama
Medium: Paperback, Receieved for Review

An epic and final conclusion to the BirthRight series, Tangled is the novel you all have been waiting on. Fans of the series will be happy to know that this exciting conclusion does not disappoint. Full of completely unexpected twists and turns, this novel will grab hold of you and not let go. Even when you reach the very end, it's impossible to stop thinking about the story. It is that addicting!

The plot of this novel (just like all the ones that came before, written by the brilliant Brandi Leigh Hall) is an intricate web of drama, action, romance, and most evident, magic. I can easily compare this novel to a roller coaster. From the very start, there are plot twists and turns from every angle and they do not stop until the very end. Even then, you are left wanting more. Every single character in this novel grabs your attention, and I was very pleased when I got to experience all of them personally by reading chapters from their POVs.

The writing, as usual, was magnificent. It was dramatic, description, and fast-paced. At absolutely no point in the story was I bored. This novel will keep you interested at all times, and the humorous banter and friendly style of writing makes reading this novel easy and enjoyable to read. 


With Tangled, I can once again say a novel has beyond exceeded my expectations. With each novel, this series gets increasingly better. Brandi Leigh Hall has knocked yet another one out of the park. This is one magical thrill-ride of a story you do not want to miss.