New Release: Swiftly Sharpens the Fang by Stuart Kenyon

Next week, my friend Stuart Kenyon is releasing his new thriller, Swiftly Sharpens the Fang. It is available for pre-order at only $0.99. This is the first book of his that I've read, and I was quite impressed.

The novel explores the global issue of radicalization from the intimate perspective of his protagonist, Joe.  With the passing of Brexit and the rise of Trump propelling white nationalism into the headlines worldwide, the story of a white Briton’s descent into the racist underworld of seems especially timely.  Joe is rendered susceptible by a variety of factors, including his grief over his father’s death at the hands of Muslim terrorists, his mental illness, and his generally miserable life.  Watching him be manipulated by others in the movement creates a sense of impending doom that keeps you turning the pages.  The story brings home the way that providing a sense of community can motivate extreme human behavior.  The author does an effective job of humanizing both Joe and the movement’s victims.

Stuart has previously published a series of dystopian thrillers, The Subnormal Series. I'll be interested to see where his writing career goes. He has both good ideas and solid execution, so I have high hopes.

Book Review: Jim Heskett's Nailgun Messiah

Reformed criminal and recovering alcoholic Micah Reed returns in Nailgun Messiah, the nail-biting sequel to last year’s Airbag Scars.  Heskett proves once again that he is the master of dialing up the tension.  In this story, Micah is hiding from a highly displeased drug dealer while simultaneously trying to save his sister from a bizarre cult. Micah never can stay out of trouble for long.

What I particularly love about this book are the characters.  Micah is someone you cannot help rooting for, even with all his flaws, or perhaps because of them.  He’s a man with a past who is trying to make up for his mistakes and avoid making new ones, and his struggle to do right really draws you in.  The supporting characters are equally vivid.  Lilah, the principal antagonist, is terrifying and heartbreaking all at once. Nobody is a caricature.

While this is a sequel, you shouldn’t have any trouble following the story if you start with this one.  I guarantee that after you read it, you’re going to want more Micah Reed.  I’ve read a number of Heskett’s books, and this one is my favorite thus far.  Happy reading!

Book Review: Airbag Scars by Jim Heskett

Airbag Scars is the first in a new series of thrillers by Jim Heskett. If you like crisp writing and interesting characters, this guy is for you. The main character, Micah, is an alcoholic struggling to make a new life after testifying against some very unsavory characters, one of whom has come looking for payback.

The novel is compelling from the very first page. Heskett knows how to pace the book, parceling out just enough information to keep you turning that page. I also enjoy how he varies the point of view. One of my favorite details in the book is that Micah's friend/boss/sponsor/father figure is African American. I like to see diversity in popular fiction. The villain illustrates that a criminal doesn't have to be smart or careful in order to be dangerous, much like Elmore Leonard's criminals. I like that the female lead is capable and full of fight though wounded by life, and that Micah is on a quest for redemption and renewal, however difficult that path may be. I'm glad this book is the start of the series because I want to see more from these characters.

Looking for holiday or airplane reading? Stocking up a new tablet or Kindle? Check out Airbag Scars.