R. S. Hunter

Jacquie Renairre’s life is turned upside down when her parents are murdered, her home destroyed, and her two most precious possessions stolen by person or persons unknown. Luckily her mysterious uncle arrives to offer shelter, and Jacquie studies the art of detective work at his side. Now she’s out to recover what she lost and find out why her parents died. A surprising side-kick offers help, and a story of fast action, violent warfare, revenge and magic ensues.

The Exile’s Violin is set in an enjoyable steam-punk world of international politics and intrigue. Detective work gives way to the fight against terrorism as the stakes ramp up, and war begins to threaten the livelihoods of all. Meanwhile one girl’s revenge becomes a whole world’s hope.

The politics is a little heavy at times. The violence is a little graphic. And the violin doesn’t appear until two thirds of the way through the novel. But the details of this imaginary world and its machines are well-drawn, and the dialog offers the same pleasing humor as Star Wars and other such movies. Quick decisions, swift changes of fortune, and dogged determination drive the plot. An undercurrent of romance is nicely contrasted with the darkness of betrayal. And a touch of magical power counterbalances the age of steam. It’s a long novel, with lots of characters and a wealth of settings and scenes—good dark fun.

Disclosure: I was lucky enough to buy this when it was free.… (mer)

This book "crossroads the Louis lugo story" really hit me hard.
I thought it was a good read my friend told me about, but when I got into it and read the Reality and horror this young man went through early on in life, brought tears to my eyes. I don't write reviews, but this book gets one from me. this is a must Read, just to see how a young man makes it out of the new York Ghettos. he was abused, became a Gangster, was shot 6 times, sent to prison, became a karate champion, a family man, and finally saved. you would think while reading this story that this guy should have died many times but somehow he Survived. they is no Doubt that God was with him. his Uncle Nicky Cruz from "cross and the switchblade" had a strong Influence in his life, and his other uncle Rev. Victor Maldonado, who also was a member of the Manu Manus kept trying to talk to Louis because they were saved and Louis wasn't hearing anything they had to said. I’ve read "the cross and the switch blade" and this book has to be how God works from one Generation to the other Generation.
Get this book, you won't be Sorry!
James Lupine… (mer)