Royce Scott Buckingham

I received a free copy of The Terminals from Goodreads First Reads.

Well, Buckingham spins an interesting, fast-paced, "espionage/action/adventure" tale with an intricate plot and multiple twists and turns. Still, I was a little disappointed with the conclusion--the big reveal about what and who was involved, and why. (Probably because I had kinda guessed it already. Poo. I kept thinking of Resident Evil 5 with Wesker claiming, "Humans have escaped this winnowing for far too long." Similar,...but not an exact parallel.) The epilogue does leave room for more though, like a potential sequel.

In the midst of a promising college and sports career, Cam, our 19-year-old protagonist, receives a diagnosis for a terminal disease, and a prognosis of possibly a year or less before succumbing to the disease. He's approached by a mysterious man who enters his life offering him a chance to join his organization and do something for the good of mankind--a chance to be a hero, or, better yet, a "superhero". Obviously, Cam accepts and is whisked away to what appears to be a tropical haven where he meets nine others not unlike himself. All have the same diagnoses and similar backgrounds. But, it isn't long, though, before Cam realizes that his cohorts not only appear healthy outwardly but are abnormally physically adept. What's more, Cam can't shake the feeling or ignore ominous signs that the organization he eagerly joined is not what it appears to be.

I must say, I didn't find Cam entirely likeable. At times, I found him pretty annoying, like his egotistical thinking and occasional whining. But, he had his moments, like his private encounter with Zara. (If and when you read the book you'll know what I mean.) He was more respectful than most in his situation would have been (and were), more respectful than she was to herself. I really appreciated that; now if only more would follow his example.

I suppose what surprises me most (even though it probably shouldn't after meeting certain people in my life) is how gullible Cam and his friends are. I'm like: "okay, this supposedly well-meaning organization is offering the chance to 'save the world'. But, the trainer and recruiter want you to trust them even though they won't trust you." Blindfolds, really? I guess it's easier to convince young adults. You know, people who want to save the world and make a difference, and still think they can--before they become cynical.

Then, there's the charismatic trainer whose seems to have a quick pre-thoughtout answer for everything. Someone who invites you to question him, but obviously would prefer you didn't, that you'll just trust him. (You'll have to forgive me. I'm a highly suspicious person by nature and I'm especially suspicious of charismatic people. Experience had taught me to be so.)

Overall, excepting the occasional profanity and "hormonal moments" (teenagers, *sigh*), The Terminals was a pretty good read. Occasionally funny, ultimately sad.

… (más)

A special thank you to St. Martin's Press, Thomas Dunne Books, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

IMPASSE, by Royce Scott Buckingham is heart-pounding modern legal thriller of survival – action packed suspense with humor, adventure, betrayal, and delicious sweet revenge.

Stuart Stark became the most famous lawyer in Massachusetts ever to lose a case and his job in the same week. The elected DA of Bristol County Malloy, could not handle being blamed for having a confessed murderer walk free on his watch, especially not in an election year.

Now he practices civil law with Clayton Buchanan, a two man (Buchanan, Stark & Associates) firm in a low rent second floor space in a five story building. Not as close to the courthouse as he wants, nor particularly attractive office; however, with money for online research service and a full time secretary, this was about all they could afford.

Clay was as gregarious as Stuart was cautious. Clay brought in work and Stu did it. Stu had become the quiet workhorse, wooing clients was a game for the bold, the risk-takers. Not him. Not anymore. "Clay on the other hand could backslap a local politician, and swap profane limericks with a dockworker, and pick up a virgin in a church pew. While Clay found the clients, Stu buried himself in cases and codes".

Stu was a rule follower. He did not push the envelope. Never had. Never would. However, Clay, quite the opposite, decides to fire Stu, even though they are partners over an impasse, (Molson case), and he is approaching forty. Now he has to pretend to enjoy a surprise birthday party, plus he has to tell his wife Katherine (as she is awaiting a big score), so he needs to put off the discussion.

So for Stu’s fortieth birthday, Clay gives him an adventure. One week in the wilderness in Alaska, and he is to leave in three days, so he does not have long to make his lists, but immediately starts preparing, as everyone calls him a pussy and always questions his manhood. Stu tells Clay he will go and he needs to get this deal done. Stu thinks a week in a cabin, how hard could it be, after all it could not be as hard as law school or the bar exam. Now he is getting psyched.

A plane was supposed to pick him up in a week – no turning back. It was nothing like Clay promised. How will he survive? So much for the Edwin’s survival guide. WTF? What comes next is a terrifying and a wild adventure plus winter is coming.

One thing for sure, he has lots of time to think about living. The idea of surviving to return to work so he could fight about other people’s problems was profoundly uninspiring. No kids, but maybe he would survive for Katherine—however, Katherine is not the faithful wife, and his sadistic partner Clay is playing a risky dangerous game, and no one comes for him in seven days, as promised.

Tables are about to turn when Stu is found by a mountain man named Blake, left for dead. With his help and his time in the wilderness, and nowhere to go until spring –he becomes a different man, the man to take them all down!

Wow, what a ride! I am a huge legal thriller fan--enjoyed the mix of humor, crime, wilderness, survival, and most of all the revenge. Reminds me a little of Dwayne Alexander Smith’s FORTY ACRES (lawyers, left in the wilderness, trapped, revenge, danger, good/evil).

However, IMPASSE has more humor --an adventure, and true to the summary, a modern The Count of Monte Cristo, the classic tale-a young man, falsely imprisoned by his jealous "friends," for eighteen years, escapes and uses a hidden treasure to exact his revenge against his nemesis.

I enjoyed Buckingham's witty sarcastic contemporary banter between Stu and Blake, as well as Audry; loved “Come on, Stu, man up.” . . . well, you have to read it, to see how he manages to win big time with this complex web of deceit. Guys will devour this one. Gals will think “hilarious”. Characters you will love and hate.… (más)