After and Again - Michael McLellan Review

Book: after and again

Author: Michael A. Mclellan

Book Synopsis:

Centuries after a cataclysmic event drastically changed the world, fifteen-year-old Zack McQueen stumbles upon a cave filled with relics from a nearly forgotten era. Relics that could both reshape his destiny, and forever change the future for all living things. Returning home, he finds his town in ruins, and his loved ones missing. Vowing to find them, he embarks on an epic journey of danger, love, and self-discovery that will take him to places that he’d never imagined possible.

Book Review:

It always seems like something military/war related that brings on the end of the world. In After and Again, we follow the trail of our hero Zack as he attempts to rescue those dearest to him. This book combined several different genres including adventure, romance, and even a western theme to the story, and did so quite nicely. I enjoyed the determination of our hero, and the fact that as the story played out we learned more about the blunders made in the past which helped explain why the world was as it was during Zack's present. One thing I did wish for was maybe more from the point of Zack's 'sidekick' Max. We get one snippet but it leaves me wanting to know more from him and his loyalty to our hero. With an ending that left me wanting to continue the tale, After and Again is a great read that probably has a little bit of something everyone loves. 

Favorite Quotes:

 “You go to hell!” the old man spat.   “Yes yes, if such a place exists, I will surely go there someday.

The Mine- John A. Heldt Review

Series: Northwest Passage No. 1

Book: THE MINE

Author: John A. Heldt

Genre: Romance, Time Travel, Historical Fiction, Adventure

Book synopsis: In 2000, Joel Smith is a cocky, adventurous young man who sees the world as his playground. But when the college senior, days from graduation, enters an abandoned Montana mine, he discovers the price of reckless curiosity. He emerges in May 1941 with a cell phone he can't use, money he can't spend, and little but his wits to guide his way. Stuck in the age of Whirlaway, swing dancing, and a peacetime draft, Joel begins a new life as the nation drifts toward war. With the help of his 21-year-old trailblazing grandmother and her friends, he finds his place in a world he knew only from movies and books. But when an opportunity comes to return to the present, Joel must decide whether to leave his new love in the past or choose a course that will alter their lives forever. THE MINE follows a humbled man through a critical time in history as he adjusts to new surroundings and wrestles with the knowledge of things to come.

Book Review:

I'm ready to go looking for a mine. I'm serious, this book make me want to go look for a mine. I want what Joel had more than anything right now.

The Mine was simply amazing. A story of being thrown into a time one should not be in, and finding love, it shows that love can actually transcend through time, just not in the way you would imagine. Our characters were so amazing lovable, with sharp wit and humor that kept a smile on my face throughout the reading. With a plot that was rich in originality, I couldn't put it down, wanting to know where every twist and turn led, and how all this might affect the world to come. I haven't read anything like this before, and I have a feeling I won't be finding anything like this anytime soon. 

Favorite Quotes:

"One of the church ladies gawked at him, turned away, and quietly asked her friend about Candy in Chains. Be glad I left bare naked ladies at home."

"'You're not really a cowboy are you?' 'No ma'am,' Joel said with a sheepish smile. 'But I have learned how to manage herds at the furniture store. We put up a sale sign and the cattle fall into line.'"

"'I overheard you talk with Tom at dinner. I don't think I've ever known a person who gets excited about glaciers and igneous rocks.' 'They're pretty hot stuff. That's why I keep all my geology magazines in brown paper wrappers under the bed.'"

"'Are you having a good time?' Grace asked. 'Do you really need to ask? If have a good time watching you eat crackers."

"Beneath that delicate exterior is a strong, resolute woman who does nothing halfway. Never take her for granted and never underestimate her. She will amaze."

All In All:

I highly enjoyed this book. With an ending that threw me off kilter so hard I was crying (I won't tell you what kind of tears they were), this book will most definitely be memorable. I recommend this book to anyone, especially people who enjoy a great piece of romance with some flair on it. If that's the case, you've come to the right place (: