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Click On The Book Title To Read The Review
A Gift For Roo: Ariana Overton Publisher: Clocktower Fiction A young eight-year-old girl discovers life, the meaning of love, and loss, and change… A Father guides his daughter through an awakening to life's hardest but unending cycle. Ariana Overton's first children's book is a personal piece, beautifully conceived and enhanced with photos that pull the reader into an adventure with nature. Not only is the story a lesson in living, but a metaphor for life. Little Roo and her kind caring father share in the small joys of being a family. The two teach one another the reality of life's disappointments as a small fuzzy caterpillar guides them to realize the gifts they have been given. Young readers will gain a subtle lesson in caring for the world around them, and some warm fuzzies from the love between a parent and child. Young Ruth Olivia Overton, thoughtful little Roo, shares her life with her father, Max, a botanist, who works long hours at the university. She spends her alone hours observing the world of nature that her father has taught her to respect and care for. One rainy day, Roo sits in her apartment window in Australia, waiting for her father to come home from work. Bored and curious, she disobeys him and goes out to the nearby park, rescues a castaway caterpillar from certain watery death, and brings it home. In turn, the caterpillar repairs two lonesome hearts. Under her father's guidance, Roo cares for her little friend as it grows into a furry black caterpillar who spins its cocoon, hatches, and flies off. The warmth between father and daughter is nicely drawn, as are the lessons of living, losing and loving that the returning butterfly and its mate provide. The book is a lovely dance of fancy and truth. Reviewed by Sara N. Tanner, c.1999
A Glass Darkly: Ariana Overton Publisher: Clocktower Fiction 'A Glass Darkly' is the second in the trilogy penned by the very talented author Ariana Overton. An incredible amount of research and study has gone into creating this literary masterpiece where truth seeps indiscernibly into exciting fiction. As a reviewer and avid reader it is hard to discern what was most favorable in this entertaining read. It could be the endearing characters whom from 'Glass House', I call my friends. Or perhaps it's the passion of anger I felt through Overton's incredible talent to pen the new menacing characters designated to create havoc and mayhem to those fighting for good - on this, their most dangerous quest yet. Ariana Overton sends us to a dead volcano next to Glass Lake in northern California. Andromeda Jones, after much thought, agrees to go on this most dangerous of missions. Her decision she hopes will lead to the discovery of her missing sister, Samantha. Her hesitation derives from her not wanting to wake up a ghost in the closet of her hearts past - namely the enigmatic Morgan Steele. Steele an eccentric millionaire has his own mission. Is this mission for good? Or is that goal obscured with the lust for power? Hidden from the world, deep within dark caves, lurk a band of brilliant scientists and engineers with a mission to build a machine aptly named 'the Voice of God' or Vox Dei. Little did these scientists know waiting in the wings was the very powerful force of evil? Not until the Voice of God was ready did they make their presence known? The line between good and evil become blurred and the reader is left hoping against hope that the positive force overrules the cloying dark of evil. But does it? All I can say is that with volcanic tension, brilliant visual phrases, fast paced action, suspense, human nature, mystery, love and a giant serving of hope - on my part, kept me reading from beginning to end. Ó July 2000 - J.B. Scott
A Need To Know: Dan Murr Publisher: Clocktower Fiction What happens when a loving husband, father and grandfather, Fred Scott; out for a quiet night of fishing, suddenly comes face to face with two silent, and very deadly Soviet submarines, lurking beneath the waters off the Florida Panhandle? Dan Murr answers this question, and so much more, through a kaleidoscope of verbal imagery and heart pummeling fact. Each page is a human portrayal of three-dimensional characters, which will remain in your mind and heart, well after the last word is read. Once you immerse yourself in "A Need to Know", the doubt will start to niggle, pecking at your conscience...is there not a very thin line between peace over war...right versus wrong...regiment over mayhem. You'd be forgiven if that niggle, turns to alarm of whether beyond our picket fence of safety, is there not a political struggle lurking between powerful ally turned dangerous enemy? In addition, what about the advancement of new technology? Is it not merely a playground that underscores the competitive drive in our leaders - to be paramount against all other nations? And now, the reader swimming in a sweat of full-fledged panic, you would be forgiven if you ask: how can we be certain that our top secret military projects, conversed behind closed guarded doors, is not an open passage for espionage? This very talented author dares to write, where few authors like to strike their pen: in reality submerged in a military cloak of fiction. Murr leaves you, the reader, wondering just what it is… that our leaders do not think we need to know. © September 2000 - J.B. Scott
Blood Relations: A.L. Sirios Publisher: Clocktower Fiction "BLOOD RELATIONS is an interesting read, filled with three-dimensional characters. Some of this will seem familiar to readers of Anne McCaffrey, Marion Zimmer Bradley and Patricia Kenneally Morrison, but Sirois also imbibes the story with its own special touches. If this is indeed part of a larger whole, or just the beginning, here's hoping Sirois has many such relations." Karen L. Shibuya – Inscriptions.com
Crystals (2nd In Tree Series): N.D. Hansen-Hill Publisher: Clocktower Fiction This is the sequel to Trees and a continuation of the story of Peter, Trevor,
Mari, Katy Thyme and Dr. Mader. After the rescue of Mari and Katy from the
Institute for Humanistic Quality Control, Katy is trying to recover from the
trauma of her injuries at the hands of Dr. Garret Mader. Peter's friends and
fellow rescuers are relaxing and trying to learn all they can about the human
world before they have to return to their own realms.
Reviewed by: Shari Brennan
Cyberskin Paul Collins Publisher: Clocktower Fiction "Action-packed, hard-edged and exciting, this is Travis McGee in cyberspace all the way." Terry Dowling, The Australian. "It’s got it all. Good plot, interesting characters and a morbidly fascinating setting. I’d certainly recommend it." George Ivanoff, Frontier "Cyberskin is way cool: this is cyber-streetsmart fiction that zooms along at the speed of light. This is tough, incisive thriller fiction." Van Ikin, Sydney Morning Herald. "Paul Collins’ Cyberskin makes Bladerunner seem positively emaciated. Hard driving cyberpunk novel with a filmnoir backdrop". Colin Steele, The Canberra Times.
Cyberflame Flame Publisher: Clocktower Fiction 5 Stars ***** B.J. Black, the successful Managing Director for the Australian Division of the magazine, ‘Sports and All’ has a secret side. Under the cover of darkness, she is the author of sensual romance novels. When her agent decides the author needs to add ‘more spice, more steam, more lust’ to her books, the frustrated B.J. searches for that elusive ember needed to ignite those passions. Welcome to the world of cybersex Ms. Black. The world where every man’s, or woman’s, fantasy can be fulfilled. Enter B.J. Black, AKA the luscious Cyberflame, and Casey, her cyberpartner Bighands. Together, they sizzle. This cyber relationship soon finds its way into the real world when woman meets man. Cyberflame is a spicy read. It kindles romance, ignites desire, and brings two people together in the most pleasurable, satisfying and sometimes-humorous ways imaginable. It will take readers beyond the limits of their erotic imagination to a realm that is both tantalizing and provocative. Copyright Ó September 2000 - Ardy Scott, Author and Editor
Doubletake Sutton Miller Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
Glass House: Ariana Overton Publisher: Clocktower Fiction 'Glass House' is the first of a trilogy to paint on a rich canvass a culture where undeniable fact and creative fiction form a work of art that will keep the reader wondering long after the last page is turned. From the very first paragraph, Ariana Overton envelops us all in a highly visual and belletristic cocoon to a rich land full of legend and beauty. We meet scientist James Hay and reporter Samantha Louis whom together with their friends, struggle to discern the truth where only mystification has previously lurked. This remarkable author ensures the reader is transported on a fast pace literary vehicle to a Southern Land where Aboriginal culture, spiritual beliefs, scientific evidence and mystery is categorized to ensure you are left gripping the metaphoric steering wheel until the very end. If you enjoy an intense quest where truth and tale blend into one… where characters are rich, warm and endearing then, 'Glass House' is definitely a purchase guaranteed to be thoroughly enjoyed, and of course prestigiously left on your collective shelf to be read again and again. Copyright ã July 2000 – J.B. Scott, Acquisition Editor, Review Coordinator
Grave Images: N.D. Hansen-Hill Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
How will he protect himself and his friends? Why has his research suddenly
been taken over by people his newly acquired instincts tell him are merciless
and evil? How will Khris and Nick react to Jarron's eerie pre-knowledge of
events before they occur? Now that Andy is a friend how will Jarron protect him
when he finds out the people out to get him are Andy's employers? How is he
going to manage to hide the location of his discovery from these ruthless people
and still benefit mankind? Jarron knows that as soon as he divulges the location
of this discovery he and all of his friends are dead men. Reviewed by Shari Brennan
Impressions: Michael Sander Publisher: Clocktower Fiction PDF ISBN 0-7433-0266-4 ReB ISBN 0-7433-0208-7 5 Stars ***** Michael Sander, new author for Clocktower Books, has chosen a very apt title for this rich volume of poetry, "Impressions." Although there are more than fifty poems from which to choose, very quickly the reader discovers this young man has a definite art in the penning of his spirit. Unlike other Anthologies of Poetry, Impressions takes us on a journey of not only love, but of self-discovery; spirituality on all realms, the constant drive to re-evaluate aspects of our life, and the impact of those within that life. It is hard to define whether his beautiful prose is some how meant solely for you the reader, or whether he is just speaking from one of wise counsel. As you read each stanza, it is like your eyes are closed and you are transported on a visual stream of emotions, sensitivity, and passion. Sander envelopes you in his velvety visions—feeling his heart, mind and soul as you float along the path to which he still claims he is searching. Yet, in this very heart-felt process of expression, you emerge knowing yourself a little better too. Impressions is an Anthology of Poetry which will be referred to constantly, as each day brings new joy, and a need to ensure that we are always focused on where we’re meant to be in the spiritual scheme of things. A very beautiful, prophetic volume, of heart-felt prose and for the discerning lover of poetry, a definite inclusion on the top shelf of your favorite collection. © Reviewed by J.B. Scott, Acquisition Editor & Reviewer, September 2000
Lion of Scythia: Max Overton Publisher: Clocktower Fiction Max Overton's first literary work: "Lion of Scythia" encompasses
all of the reader's senses with his evocative author's voice. It is a credit to
Max Overton in that this is his first fictional work. From the very first
paragraph, you are cast into this drama 'Lion of Scythia'. Your ears hear the
clang of the sword. Your nose is assaulted, burning with the stench of blood
spilt in battle. Your tongue savours the taste of victory of those mighty
warriors atop fierce horses. Your heart pounds with
Overton guarantees to draw you in from the start, and deals with the impact
of the 'Great King' on each of these main characters. It's a fast paced tale,
which puts you in the front row seat: fighting the war, falling in love, filling
with hate, aspiring with vengeance, and determined to encourage the people to
exist in a land with more peace than war. I recommend this story to any reader whose taste lies more with the cinematic experience of characters intensely diverse in layers of psyche and cloaked in reality. A reader who enjoys a plot that is fast paced, driven by the people, the place, and the history will not regret buying this one. And, if you want a novel where every page is turned without a breath taken, remembered long after the last word is read, then you should look no further than Max Overton's 'Lion of Scythia' © Reviewed by J.B. Scott, Acquisition Editor & Reviewer, September 2000
Listen to the Shadows: Joan Hall Hovey Publisher: Clocktower Fiction 5 Star - REVIEWERS CHOICE AWARD. Have you ever read a book that grabs your attention by the first sentence and never lets go? Well, LISTEN TO THE SHADOWS is an excellent romantic suspense that is exciting, tensed, and the elements of mystery, fear, and courage so masterfully woven in one masterpiece that I can't believe this is the author's debut! Grab a copy now, or you'll be missing a great read. Katie Summers is an average woman dating a successful lawyer and is about to find success as an artist. One day, her world changes dramatically when an insane killer attempts to murder her. Katie is found in a coma and when she recovers, no one seems to believe her story. Katie soon begins to doubt her own judgement. However, the killer isn't going to let Katie get away from him that easily. The author deftly weaves a great thriller, but the coup is in the characters: Katie is wonderful as a shy timid woman slowly discovering her courage, and Dr. Jonathan Shea is a fine man whose concern for his patients is slowly wearing him down. These two characters are vividly portrayed and add dimension to an already excellent story. Definitely highly recommended to any reader looking for a chilling story that evokes fear and thrill, with a touch of romance. Defelah Morgan – Scribes World
Murder Online: Beth Anderson Publisher: Clocktower Fiction Beth Anderson, author of the highly acclaimed Night Sounds, offers to her fans, a literary piece, which is sure to be dubbed: the Cyber-Mystery of the millennium… Enter, Sergeant Detective Martin Slade, of the Violent Crimes Division, Chicago. A very likeable guy, thrown head first, into a case offering very few clues and a whole lot of suspicion, when a talented young girl is brutally murdered in her own home. The murder scene delivers no forced entry, no fingerprints, and too many unanswered questions to make this an ‘open and shut case’. Not to mention, Claire Jensen, mother of the deceased, who is determined to find the murderer of her daughter in her own, no-nonsense way, and prickle under Slade’s skin in the process. Jensen and Slade are both sucked into the vortex of Cyber-Land, introduced to Chat Room Dwellers going by the call sign of SlowHand, StunGun, and NiceGuy. Are these lonely people, or sinister menacing evil animals, stalking their unsuspecting cyber pray? Anderson puts you the reader, in front of her fictional monitor of visual expression, where you search --screen for screen, page by page, for possible suspects. As you move through, discovering double-clicking motives, frustrating dead-ends, and a hundred-word-a-minute pace, you won’t be the least bit surprised to only find out – the whodunit of this Cyber-Mystery – when this very talented author wants to reveal it to you. Anderson provides a highly recommended read with Murder Online. The intriguing plot is very relevant and very subjective of the times. Her dialog is both, entertaining and informative; the characters are four-dimensional, leaping out of the page and into your life. Moreover, Anderson, as only Anderson can, bequeaths to you, the reader, the very conscious thought of ‘who’ exactly are you chatting to, the next time you dial-up. © Reviewed by J.B. Scott, Acquisition Editor & Reviewer, August 2000
Neon Blue: John Argo Publisher: Clocktower Fiction Laurel "Blue" Humbolt, agent for the DEA, has lost her
witness. Watched, seen him brutally murdered while being transported from the
hospital. Her determination to follow up on the case and find the killers
leads her into a quagmire of secret identities, shameful hidden behavior
in the priesthood of the Catholic Church, and a Colombian drug cartel.
Night Sounds: Beth Anderson Publisher: Clocktower Fiction Reviewed by Janice K. Wagner
Nowhere To Hide: Joan Hall Hovey Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
Play It Again, Sam: Maryann Miller Publisher: Clocktower Fiction Maryann Miller’s "Play It Again Sam" is a tribute to those forced to rediscover romance the second time around. Right from the start, Miller weaves her words into a ‘real-life’ drama when Samantha, the heroine, is shocked to discover her husband wants a divorce. Samantha, pushing forty up the hill, is neither prepared, nor aware, that her husband was unhappy in their 25-year marriage. Miller sweeps us up into an intoxicating read, carrying us through the turmoil such an announcement would cause, to not only Samantha but also her two children. Margaret, Sam’s long term friend, in a no-nonsense manner, provides the ‘life of a single’ roadmap, encouraging Sam to go back to college to pursue the art degree she put on hold to raise a family. At a party hosted by her friend, Sam soon finds she has a job with an advertising firm. Sam, in her new role as receptionist, meets Frank Reynolds, hero take-two, who invites her to take that first step into new love. This is a poignant story of human frailties, emotions, turmoil, confusion and the sometimes, inescapable fear of the unknown. Samantha is encouraged to turn-off the familiar road of ‘what use to be’ and forge a new path of ‘what could be.’ Miller develops her characters well in this enjoyable story, giving them qualities that we would all relate to. A sensitive portrayal of romance, not of the sweet first time love, but a realistic viewpoint of life and love, and the curve ball it can throw. © Review by J.B. Scott, Acquisition Editor & Reviewer – October 2000
Prophecy: The Awakening: A.M. Scott Publisher: Clocktower Fiction PDF ISBN 0-7433-0173-0 ReB ISBN 0-7433-0036-X The existence of Dark and Light, Good and Evil, pulses around us all, and for true well being, on all Planes, these energies must be balanced. A.M. Scott, in her first literary work "Prophecy: The Awakening" addresses a frightening reality in the form of a question…what happens if this scale is shifted…leaning closer to the Dark then the Light? Prophecy: The Awakening, the first of a trilogy, is a rich tapestry of mystical and mortal elements, addressing an event that started over a millennium ago. Great, powerful Gods: Odin, Danu, Morrigan, convened, and put into place a mystical force that would fight the war of all wars, that of life in all its forms. These Gods granted immortality and powers to seven souls, naming them warriors and protectors of the spiritual planes. To protect the Mortal Plane, they initiate the first of the Awakenings, that of Kryla, The Gate. She has been chosen to join with an adult mortal host, Andrea. Her role is not only in learning about her role but also in finding those other Mortals who will help in this most important mission. Like a colorful astral journey, A.M. Scott floats us through the mind of mortals, spirituals, and the dark-side we all know exists. It is a pilgrimage in self-discovery, of finding those others that will make the Group Whole, and maybe, just maybe, be strong enough to fight the war of all wars, that of good against evil. If you want a fantasy that is realistic to the extreme, wealthy in visualism, abundant in New Age principles then Prophecy: The Awakening is a must read that more than fulfils the most discernible of Fantasy tastes, and will ensure that the next two in this series are sought after, to answer the question of whether good. © Reviewed by J.B. Scott, Acquisition Editor & Reviewer, September 2000
Prophecy: Threads of Doubt: A.M. Scott Publisher: Clocktower Fiction POD ISBN 0-7433-0091-2 PDF ISBN 0-7433-0190-0 ReB ISBN 0-7433-0048-3 Kryla and her mortal host, Andrea, in this, the second of the Prophecy trilogy, are watching the clock, nervously realizing that time is soon going to run out. They have found some but not all of those Warriors required to form the Group Whole. Each page sees them closer to that goal, but the journey is slow, plagued with evil at every turn. As they search for the unknown, both are plunged into a life filled with danger, hatred, and doubt. Andrea, now one of the oldest members of the group, fights not only evil, but herself, given the role of leader, one that she is not at all comfortable with. But Kryla, and the other mystiques, show her that she is indeed required to gather the Group and keep them together. Like the first, A.M. Scott depicts a New Age realm, of Astral Travel, and the computer age. As the title so aptly depicts, each day, as they get closer to the ultimate fight, Evil is pushing, pressing, weaving, black threads of doubt, dogging their heals at every turn. The only barricade, we soon learn, against this Evil is to remain united and focused on what must be done. Book two, "Threads of Doubt," will plunge you back into the lives of Andrea and Kryla, and introduce some wonderful new characters, that make up the Group Whole. A shiver will run down your spine, as Scott illustrates nightmares so dark that you will wish to never fall asleep again, yet you can’t stop reading, after all we are all involved now, Scott has ensured that we are. And, like any life altering, unanswered question hovering in our consciousness, we must discover, who is going to win this war? © Reviewed by J.B. Scott, Acquisition Editor & Reviewer, September 2000
Sleeper, Awake: Bob Rich Publisher: Clocktower Fiction When beautiful, wealthy actress Flora Fielding had herself placed in suspended animation, she expected to be revived during the
twenty-first century so that her breast cancer could be cured. Instead,
she is shocked to find herself awakened almost fifteen hundred years later.
A cataclysm has caused huge climatic and geographic changes. A benevolent
central computer, Artif, which is connected to every mechanical device in
existence, now manages the planet. Earth's one million inhabitants are
also tied to Artif, and to one another, through brain implants, but all human
beings have free will. Technological wonders abound, including people's
ability to project complete sensory images of themselves to many places at once.
Flora learns that no child is ever born until a member of the population either
dies naturally or accidentally or decides to "hand on" her place in Now, however, a problem has arisen. Control, the
governing body of Earth, has been debating whether Flora and a hundred and
twenty-two other "sleepers" should be left in suspended
animation, taken off life support, or awakened and welcomed into society.
The Control members are deadlocked, and when Flora is sufficiently accustomed to
the world she will be asked to advise them in deciding the fate of her fellow
sleepers. She must
ponder this while dealing with the possibility that her cancer may not be
curable. Ilene Sirocca, Reviewer for Running River Reader.
Soul of the Vampire: Minda Samiels Publisher: Clocktower Fiction New author, Minda Samiels wrote a riveting tale of romance and suspense. In
Soul of a Vampire, she's shown us what a vampire could be like in a positive
light, instead of the blood-sucking creatures they are usually portrayed as.
Spirit Of The Straight Edge: Barbara Lakey Publisher: Clocktower Fiction POD ISBN: 0-7433-0047-5 PDF ISBN: 0-7433-0177-3 ReB ISBN: 0-7433-1122-X "Spirit of the Straight Edge" is not a tale of pre-packaged serial killer and off-the-shelf victim. Nor is this story a means to express how violence plagues our world, although it graphically wins hands-down there. This psychological thriller is complex. Lakey’s voice is as sharp as the tip of a barber’s blade. The text slashes to the soul with tunnels of retaliation. The narrative embarks down alleyways of evil in long, deep, piercing gashes of how the mind…Elsie’s mind, in its role of protector, discovers a psychological means of coping—switching off the blunt edge of reality-come-normalcy, and creating the glaring, bloody scalpel of a woman turned sorceress of revenge. It is graphic, it is frightening, a true psychological interpretation that leaves you wondering how much of this is fiction. An elaborate pilgrimage of words greedily absorbed, punctuated with complex characters that exist, really exist, maybe right next to you. I warn you, as you consume "Spirits of the Straight Edge"…your head will rise at any sound; although it will most likely be your heart thudding. You will check the doors, and the windows. You will ensure all perimeters of your life are secure, that all lights are definitely switched-on! Moreover, you will at the end of this book, receive a new interpretation of the darkness, complexity, and depravity that can consume a human psyche. Truly brilliant! © Reviewed by J.B. Scott, Acquisition Editor & Reviewer, 16 October 2000
The Devil Is In The Details: Ariana Overton Publisher: Clocktower Fiction If your book collection is in need of a thriller that grabs you by the neck, sends you hurtling through suspense and danger, and then doesn’t let go until the very last page, then ‘Devil Is In The Details’, is the story for you. Ariana Overton in her distinctive style of visual wizardry and depth of research weaves the reader into a sickening world where the joy of the holiday season will never be the same again. The title, ‘The Devil Is In The Details’, is aptly named for on every page, in each paragraph and hidden within the crevices of each sentence, there is a clue, offering the reader the opportunity to guess the "who done it" of the millenium. With characters all uniquely identifiable, sickeningly human, and frighteningly relate-able, there is none more so than Jake Daniels, FBI agent, who is still reeling from his wife’s death in another serial murder some twelve months hence. What could be worse for an Agent and his band of detectives, then knowing when next the killer will strike? The anxiety escalates from Chapter 1, Christmas Day, building in the form of distinct details, implicit imagery, psychological panache and torpedoing tension on the lead up to a New Year’s Eve that will rival any traditional count down. Overton takes us into the mind of this killer, so cruel and vindictive, a shiver is sure to crawl and snake up your spine when the killer’s exploits are revealed. Definitely recommended to be read with the lights on and the doors locked. Copyright © July 2000 - J.B. Scott
Trees: N.D. Hansen Hill Publisher: Clocktower Fiction
We Never Said Goodbye: Dan Murr Publisher: Clocktower Fiction We Never Said Goodbye is a fascinating collection of stories by author and former sportswriter Dan Murr, some taken from his life, some lifted from his life observations. I originally read his first story, the one the book title came from, and was quite taken by his haunting reminiscences of a young boy growing up in mid America. It was so true in tone and content that it immediately zapped me back to my own childhood and reminded me of something I hadn't thought of in years--growing up in a small midwestern town, where the main entertainment on Wednesday nights was standing outside of a small church and waiting for its worshippers to start writhing and falling on the floor, speaking in tongues. Yes, we did that back then. No, it wasn't right. But we did it anyhow, and Dan captured the flavor of the time perfectly.
Copyright © 2000 J.B.
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