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Book Review - "Muscle" by John Davies

24/2/2025

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 Muscle
 John Davies
 
This novella was an absolute blast!  I loved it.  As you’d expect for a short novella, the storyline is not complex, but you can revel in the characters and the descriptions in this narrative.  It’s an unashamed action escapade and is raw and brutal in its depiction of violence.  As well as the great yarn, in a deft display of social commentary Davies starkly evokes both the gratuitous violence indulged in by some toxic men alongside the survival-justified violence resorted to by other men.
I was drawn to the main character immediately, a hard man used to surviving with his fists, a necessary skill in his world.  But his struggles with his emotions and his relationship add a very different dimension, and I reckon Davies has delved into the male psyche with insight and compassion.  And he’s done so with honesty.  He won’t be winning any fans in the prissy, woke brigades, but I’m taking an educated guess that he won’t lose sleep over that.  There are plenty of us who want to read books with balls, and Davies delivers.  No spoilers from me, ever, but I did not see the end coming.
I think this is his debut offering and what a hell of a start.  As one hopes for with indie authors, Davies gives us a truly authentic voice with a no-holds barred approach with his tight, sharp prose.  I will be waiting for more.  Take a bow, Mr Davies!
 Cheers, ABP

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Book Review - "Dark Bloom" by Molly Macabre

24/2/2025

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 Dark Bloom
 Molly Macabre
 
I do like the occasional post-apocalyptic yarn in amongst my more usual reading fare, although this was my first foray into that sub-genre which included zombies.  Macabre’s book came highly recommended from other indie authors I know, so I grabbed myself a copy.  And I was delighted that I took the leap.
In keeping with the best of the post-apocalyptic stories, Macabre does a great job at painting a picture of human nature reduced to its basest desires, selfish desperation being the driving force in most cases.
Her two main characters, coming together through brutal circumstances early in the tale, are well-drawn with loads of insight into their back stories, replete with abuse and loss, and the emotions and motivations that drive them forward.  These are two seriously damaged souls whose previous experiences, ironically, make them better able to survive the ravaged world they are left in.  I found myself drawn to both of them, barracking for them as the story moved along.
This is Macabre’s debut novel and, in my opinion, she is off to a solid start.  Another worthy new addition to the ranks of indie authors.  Well done, Ms Macabre.  I’ll be back for more from you.  Even if there are zombies! LOL.
 Cheers, ABP

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Book Review - "Sledge vs. The Labyrinth", by Nick Horvath

23/2/2025

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Sledge vs. The Labyrinth
 
Nick Horvath
 
What a gloriously brutal adventure ride I found with this this novel.  The action is full on and non-stop, and did I mention brutal?  Prepare for a serious adrenalin overdose.  This is indie writing at its best, and Horvath’s authentic voice and superb, tight prose style are welcome additions to the growing ranks of fine indie authors.  It is so refreshing.  None of that vanilla mainstream publishing house tripe between these covers, and no pandering to the woeful woke brigades.
Underlying Horvath’s excellent writing, the plot is carefully woven with the main man, Sledge, trawling through the sewers of the dark web, as he is drawn into a nightmare labyrinth.  It’s certainly a story for our times.  In the tradition of the best action heroes, Sledge is as hard as nails, but driven by an ethical centre and we get insights to his emotions.  He is a flawed hero character perfectly drawn.  He’s the sort of guy I’d love to have a beer with, but I would not want to get on his wrong side, not ever.  Read the book to see what happens to those who do.
I loved this book from start to finish, and for a debut novel it is simply sensational.  I will be joining the growing legion of fans eagerly awaiting Horvath’s next instalment.  Bravo, Mr Horvath, keep up the great work.  And a hearty welcome to the indie author scene, great to have you on board, brother!

Cheers, ABP

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