Land of Entrapment by Andi Marquette

Book Info:
Genre: Detective/Adventure/Lesbian Fiction
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This unique detective book is intensely emotional and hilariously witty while dealing with a serious subject that is severely overlooked in modern society. Neo-nazi’s are extremists bent on hating anyone that isn’t white, straight, or shares their same belief systems. Their actions are hurtful and violent, and they prey on innocent minds, recruiting the next wave of terror. Not only does Ms. Marquette deal with this subject in an eloquent and informational way, she shows the reader how someone as normal as we are can get sucked into their schemes. Ms Marquette presents a complex portrayal of seducement and brainwashing that is well researched and well conveyed, making for suspenseful reading.

K.C’s ex, Melissa, has lost her younger sister to a group of Neo Nazis. After a messy breakup and three years of silence, Melissa finds K.C. and pleads with her to help find her missing sister. Because of her research on extremist groups, K.C. agrees to travel to New Mexico and help her ex. What she doesn’t know is that this adventure will turn dangerous and bring her to dark places both physical and psychological, dealing with crazy people that will stop at nothing to have their warped views be heard.

Ms. Marquette’s characters are so real and three dimensional that sometimes I had to remind myself that it was fiction and I wasn’t reading an episode of Dateline NBC! K.C. felt like my own friend, trying to explain to me how she got stuck in a crazy situation. I loved reading about all of the detective work and the profound relationships that develop during the course of the novel. The descriptions convince me to visit New Mexico sometime for a vacation. I can almost taste the chili peppers on my tongue!

Ms. Marquette is a brilliant story teller with a strong voice and a message that everyone should hear. I look forward to reading more of her work.

The Henge Betrayed: Book 1: Flight by Janet Lane Walters

Book Info:
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure/Young Adult
Publisher: Mundania Press
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This adventurous fantasy begins as four siblings flee their home. Prince Zedron is consumed with power and upsets the balance of the land in an effort to extend his borders. He means to slay his own kin and take their lands for his own. The childrens’ parents stay behind to protect the secrets of the Henge while they journey to meet their teachers in the city. Each sibling must use their special ability: earth, wind, water, and fire to protect and care for one another. Along their journey they meet friends and foes and learn that their greatest strength is their bond and love for one another.

There is a great sense of urgency right from the start of this book. Each chapter is told from the varying perspective of the siblings, keeping the narrative fresh. Magic abounds in many mediums. Walters creates new and interesting ways to bend the magic to heal, ward off predators, grow food, and listen to gossip on the air. I especially enjoyed reading about one sibling’s affinity for air and how she uses her flute to “play the hiding song” and keep them from danger.

Alizand, Prince Zedron’s son, is the most interesting character in “The Henge Betrayed”. His situation is a stark contrast to the siblings’ warm and supportive life in the Henge. Alizand lives a Cinderella tale with a vicious step mother and step brothers that conspire to steal his throne. The castle in which he lives is full of power hungry, greedy nobles that will stop at nothing, even if it means torturing young children, to gain influence with the Prince. It is only through his involvement with the siblings from the Henge that he learns true friendship and love.

Book 1, Flight, is brimming with magic, a full cast of characters, and a journey full of danger and adventure. The group of orphan children fending for themselves in the tough city reminded me of Oliver Twist with playful hints of Peter Pan. Walters has written a charming first book to her series.