Shadow Hand, Anne Elisabeth Stengl

This review is part of a book review program with Bethany House. The Bethany House book review program is simple; I request a book from the links they send me via email, then after I've read it I write a review on this blog post and a retailer's site (such as Amazon, B&N, etc.) If this sounds like something that interests you, you can get more information and/or sign up here.

When Lady Daylily runs away on the day of her second (aborted) wedding into the dangerous Wilderlands, her fiancé - Prince Foxbrush - decides to be a hero and rescue her. But when Daylily's first princeling fiancé (and her love ... before he wronged her, at least) finds out that she is gone, he tries to make amends by going after her. But things go terribly awry when the woods plays tricks on each person that enters the Wilderlands; and each returns to a land that is hauntingly familiar.

Basically, this book would be amazing (though still a little confusing, maybe) if I understood what was going on. A basic understanding of what happens in this book is dependent upon the other books in the series. After getting about halfway through the book and trying very hard to follow the vague, confusing style of writing and events taking place, I had to stop until I've read the first books in the series.

Since I haven't finished the book and don't know what's going on regarding series plot lines, I can't give an adequate rating system for this book. The series, however, looks intriguing and I would love to give them a shot provided I read them in order.

Critical Reaction, Todd M. Johnson

This review is part of a book review program with Bethany House. The Bethany House book review program is simple; I request a book from the links they send me via email, then after I've read it I write a review on this blog post and a retailer's site (such as Amazon, B&N, etc.) If this sounds like something that interests you, you can get more information and/or sign up here: www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/bookreviewers.

After the Cold War, the Hanford Nuclear facility is now a bigger danger than ever. As the poisoned building erupts in the middle of the night, Kieran Mullaney - a survivor - tries to uncover the truth about what actually happened. But after receiving the silent treatment and facing threats in the course of his investigation, he reconnects with an old friend. Emily Hart, an inexperienced lawyer, and Kieran are sure that something bigger is going on ... and that the truth is being hidden. When the two go to Emily's father, he takes the case as an opportunity to rebuild his relationship with his daughter.

Right away I was hooked, I wanted to keep reading all day until I finished the book. With excellent pacing, a unique voice, and characters that you actually want to succeed, Johnson did an excellent job of keeping the story interesting. Filled with danger, deception, and intrigue, Critical Reaction is a must-read for those that like thrillers, mysteries, drama, and action.  

On a 1-10 (low/high) scale, I'd rate this a 7. I loved the way it grabbed my attention right at the beginning of the story and kept me intrigued throughout the rest of the book.