M. A. Rothman

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. This was a really imaginative story with an intricate plot. An archaelogical team finds a previously undiscovered underground crypt in Egypt with some unknown hieroglyphics. Enter Marty Cohen, an expert in languages and inEgyptian hieroglyphics. But while the team is investigating the main tunnel they open a passageway that teleports them to a distant time and place where they must do battle with legends come to life. If you like sci-fi and/or Eyptology this is a good read for you. I have come to expect great characters from Rothman and he does not disappoint here. His characters are diverse and well constructed and their interactions heighten the plot. In addition he brings in historical notes to offer the reader a complex yet compelling read. The story does drag a bit in places but its worth hanging in for the climax. And best of all they have left an opening for a sequel.… (meer)

A pleasant surprise. I bought this book at a discounted price because the plot sounded intriguing and found that the story was both original and complex with excellent characters and a good balance between relationships and action. Juan Guitterez is developing a genetic modification that will eliminate cancer. But there are other people who see opportunities for using his discovery to develop mutated animals for weapons. In a "Jurassic Park" type scenario, these weaponized genetic mutants get loose and alert Guitterez' company to the theft. But it gets personal when for Juan when his girlfriend becomes infected with the mutated virus. Can Juan find a cure for her, and for all of those who have become pawns in a game of money and power? A well written page turning thrill ride!… (meer)

This is a combination of portal fantasy and litRPG. I don't generally read either, so I'm not familiar with the usual tropes, or how aware the characters (or readers) are supposed to be of the mechanics. It's been a very long time since I had anything to do with The Most Popular RPG in the World(TM). References to character stats, levelling up and Peabo being told to read the monster manual were pretty up front. I found it a bit strange that Peabo took all this stuff in at face value and played it straight, so to say. Maybe he'd never come across RPGs.

I liked how Peabo tried to fit the new world's magic/powers into a scientific framework, and I liked how he came into his "quest" as an adult with a professional and academic background. Although that meant he wasn't full of teenage angst, neither was his personality very distinctive. His background seemed mainly there to smooth the plot ie to explain why he had fighting skills already, and could come up with inventions. On the down side, that meant that he was never seriously challenged - either practically or morally or socially.

In keeping with the RPG feel, the story was essentially a series of encounters that the three major characters had to work through to reach... a point where there's a hint at the sequel. The characters did what their roles required of them, and worked more or less as a team.

In summary, a fun and easy read without needing to invest too much in the characters.… (meer)