Jeff Brackett

Book source ~ Purchased

Amber Payne is a cybernetically enhanced Detective for Securi-Tech, a private police agency. She and her team have been hunting the villainous Carol Conley, former board member of Securi-Tech. They nearly had her but then she slipped away. Amber is determined to make sure Conley is brought to justice, but first they have to find her. Again. Sneaky treacherous bitch.

I cannot express how much I enjoy the Amber Payne series. This 3rd installment is right on par with books 1 & 2. The world is complex and yet easy to understand. The writing is sublime, the dialogue flows naturally, and the characters, oh my, the characters. They are intricate, talented, and flawed. I love them so so much. There’s mystery, danger, lots of technology, and, is that a little honest-to-goodness romance sneaking up on poor Amber? Twists and turns and, holy fuck, that ending. Shit. What’s next?!

When I started book 1 I had no idea where this cyberpunk thriller series was going to lead me. I’m so happy I’m along for the ride. If you like sci-fi then pick up this book for the characters alone. I promise you won’t regret it. Well, you might want to start at Streets of Payne because you’ll want to invest in Amber from the beginning. Trust me.… (más)

Book source ~ ARC. My review is honest and voluntary.

Securi-Tech has been contracted to investigate some data theft at Micronics Corporation and the Chief puts LEOs Amber Payne and Richard Kayani on the case. From the dead bodies outside to the dead bodies inside Micronics, Amber and Richard have their work cut out for them this time trying to unravel a plot that turns out much larger and more dangerous than simple data theft. In a world where cybernetic implants are the norm will Amber and her strays, I mean team, be able to finish the job without getting killed?

Book 2 of the Amber Payne series is even better than the 1st and I gave Streets of Payne a 5! Holy shit! Told from several POVS this sci-fi thriller is packed from cover to cover with action, suspense, mystery, and humor. This is a world of uber technology, but the huge thing is cybernetic implants. It seems like everyone has them. And when the criminals are beefed up with subdermal armor and cyber arms and shit like that, then law enforcement better keep up or die in the streets.

I love this world and the characters in it. Add a great mystery that’s hard to unravel, danger, and action-packed fight scenes and what you get is a story that is hard to put down. Amber is central to the story, but others stand out. From K2 and Richard to Scott and Jordie and many others, they all have a part to play in the bigger picture. They have their strengths, but also faults and weaknesses. However, they work as a team and keep going until the job is done. Or is it?

If you like your Sci-Fi on Earth and not out in space then this is the book for you. In fact, pick up Streets of Payne also and read them back-to-back. Then keep an eye out (not literally, sorry Amber) for book 3 since I know it’s coming soon.… (más)

4.5

*Book source ~ A review copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

An abandoned and supposedly haunted hunting lodge plus a team of paranormal investigators. Will this job be a bust or turn out to be something else?

Eeeeeeeeeeee!! This is creepy and gory. I’ve stated before that horror isn’t one of my favorite genres, but this isn’t just horror. It’s a horror sundae drizzled with suspense and topped with paranormal. Scrunched down in my chair, I had one hand holding my Kindle and the other clenching a fistful of blanket. I’m glad I read this in the day and not at night. *shudders* I kept thinking: Where’s Sam and Dean when you need them?!… (más)

ABR's original Half Past Midnight audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

For a survivalist it is all about what to do right before the and immediately after a crisis – the safe house, the supplies, the family and the survival! Leland Dawcett was prepared but not really – how many people can prepare for nuclear bombs? Hoarding and making a plan is easy, it’s the dealing with death of loved ones and the horrors of what lies “out there.” What Leland had to discover himself was what did they do after things settled down? Once the fallout passed and they could resume living?

It promised to be a beautiful morning for Leland who worked closely with his dad in their family factory. No one else was at work but when the lights went out and Leland moved to the front where his dad was – he saw the cloud and discovered his father dead. Racing home on foot, his wife and children are already packing and ready to hit the road. Thus begins their adventure into the world of the unknown.

Leland, a martial arts expert and survival enthusiast meets up with his arch nemesis, Larry. Over the course of two years, we see Leland and his family surviving the fallout; begin anew establishing themselves in a new community and his stepping into a leadership role when Larry rears his ugly head again – along with thousands of military personnel he has conned.

This book is less about who did the bombing and why – it is focused on the aftermath – surviving, coming together with others and making a society that works. We are never told they why or who, instead we are guided to focus our attention on Larry, Leland and the growth of the community and its people.

Strongly written towards surviving as a society in a world where luxuries are limited and treasured. Technologically moving backwards where bartering is valuable and money means nothing. Friends and family are valued beyond all else.

Jeff Brackett does an excellent job of setting up the storyline and building his characters. No one is a military expert or has all the answers. Brackett demonstrates the necessity of a small society where respect gains friendships and protects your family.

Brackett develops this apocalyptic tale in a thorough and detailed fashion. His research appears to be flawless. While most would want to know “the who and why” of what happened to drive Leland and the world into survival mode, Brackett kept us focused on the truly important aspect of surviving an apocalypse. Knowing the details would have taken from the story he so carefully built and would not have brought anything to the story.

Brackett’s writing style is clear and concise with believable twists and turns. I hope he continues on his path to becoming an author because he has a hit here.

Corey Snow did an excellent job of narrating and keeping the interest flowing through his skillful rendering of Brackett’s story.

There were no production issues, it flowed flawlessly.

Audiobook provided for review by the narrator.… (más)