Calculated Risk by K. S. Ferguson

Calculated Risk follows the story of Rafe, a self-made businessman, and Kama, a genius computer hacker. Rafe and Kama find themselves in the middle of a business deal for an asteroid mining station gone awry. They each have their own agendas and dark secrets, some darker than others, but Rafe and Kama must learn to work together to uncover a plot that delves deeper into their past than either of them would like.

This book is full of unexpected twists and turns that I never saw coming. It is refreshing and original the way the author has merged elements of science fiction with mystery and suspense. It is well written and compelling.

This book kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat. I especially liked the character diversity and chemistry.  I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those who like to read science fiction, mystery, suspense, and thrillers. 
5 out of 5 stars - Lena Belle

Ghouls

 A ghoul is a creature or demon known to roam cemeteries and burial mounds with the express purpose of eating the flesh of the dead. 

The Mothman

 The Mothman is a humanoid creature described by witnesses as having large wings with at least a ten foot span, and piercing red eyes. 

The Beast of Bray Road

  The Beast of Bray Road is considered by many to be a cryptid, although it is commonly referred to as a werewolf. It was first sighted in 1936 on rural Bray Road, outside of Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Over the years it has been sighted many times all throughout Wisconsin, with the most recent report occurring in 2006.

The Tale of Atlantis

The Tale of Atlantis follows Hans Janssen as he reads from an ancient book. The book details the lives of three brothers from the legendary Atlantis. Each brother has taken a separate path, the oldest brother, Darius, has chosen to become a soldier. The middle brother, Noran, has chosen an adventurous, nomadic lifestyle. Lastly, the youngest brother, Lunas, has chosen to go into the family business of trading. Little do they know, their paths are set to converge in a way that will shake Atlantis to its very core. This book is an action packed adventure through the ancient world. 

I found this book compelling and thought provoking. This book is a story about family, friends, love, loss, life, and death. The action scenes were well written and realistic. There are many aspects of this book I find very intriguing. The writer uses clever phrases to describe modern day technology in a way that makes it seems ancient.

I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to those who read fantasy or historical fiction, and to those who are interested in alternative versions of history.

4 out of 5 stars - Lena Belle

Day of Reckoning

Day of Reckoning is the second installment in the Dawn of Rebellion trilogy. In the aftermath of the first book, Lee and Jeremy are missing, and Drew is thought to be dead. Sisters Dawn and Gabby find themselves in the Republic of Texas—but all is not what it seems. Gabby is slipping down a dark path of anger, hate, and revenge, from which there may be no return. An emotionally stressed Dawn must put her life on the line to save thousands while she strives to pull her sister back from the new darkness she is embracing.

Day of Reckoning is full of unexpected secrets, and the story line takes you in directions you wouldn't imagine. I find it interesting that the reader is able to see the perspective of characters other than the main ones. This book is also very good at showing how a cause–or a nation—can start out worthy and right, but become tainted by hate and the corruption of power-hungry leaders. 

I found Day of Reckoning compelling and interesting, and I look forward to the next and final installment. I think those who enjoy futuristic fiction will really enjoy this series. There is a great diversity in the characters’ personalities and I think anyone who reads this story will find someone they can relate to. I would recommend this book and this series to just about anyone.

5 out of 5 stars - Lena Belle

Dawn of Rebellion

In a futuristic London, under the rule of a totalitarian government, religion is banned and those who break the law are sent to the waste lands of America to become slaves. Abandoned by their parents, sisters Dawn and Gabby must fend for themselves in the harsh, unforgiving world London has become. When overconfident rule-breaker Gabby is caught shoplifting, she is shipped off to the “colonies” to become a slave. Gabby’s shy sister Dawn must embark on a journey to save her sister, a journey that will change her personality and perspective on the world forever.

Dawn of Rebellion kept me on the edge of my seat. It is well written and well thought out. My favorite character, and the one I could relate to the most, is Dawn, but there’s something to love in every character. The author is very good at transitioning and justifying the point of view of each character, no matter how they differ from one another. This book does a very good job at representing the original values of America, and demonstrates how deeply the hatred of freedom and religion could be embedded in the futuristic world.

I found Dawn of Rebellion to be intriguing and enjoyable. If you value the traditional American idea of freedom and are genuinely fearful of an Orwellian society coming to fruition, this book is a must read. I look forward to the next installment and recommend this book to everyone.

5 out of 5 stars - Lena Belle