Book 5, in the Arkane series
Although this novella may be the 5th of a series of thrillers it reads perfectly as a stand-alone and the adventure can be enjoyed if the topic interests you.
The story is fast paced and is one to leave us on the edge from page one as we follow the main characters Dr. Morgan Sierra and Blake Daniel on another thrilling ride. This time our heroes become trapped in a terrorist attack on the British Museum of London where they will witness ritualistic murder by Neo- Vikings.
This story is an exciting blend of fiction and facts although where the author’s imagination took over is really up to historian to say. The plot is gruesome, fast moving and exciting. The author’s magic touch brings to life ancient mysteries and turns folklore into an out of this world experience, although a tad of improbability is also chiseled into it to captivate us. The story is vividly described and is very visual a sure sign that Ms. Penn love her subject. We are also whisked across the British Isles with fine details and rich words.
Not being familiar with Neo-Vikings and their rituals did not hinder my enjoyment although I must say that this series as yet to win my heart but is slowly doing a good job in trying to.
The author has graciously provided this book for an honest review. My thoughts have not been influence by the offer. This is the way I see it.
Book 3, in the Adler Family Trilogy
“Nightfall Over Shanghai “is the epic final chapter of the remarkable Adler family who fled to Shanghai along with 20,000 Jews and managed to survive there under surreal circumstances during WW11. The third installment opens in April 1944.
Mr. Kalla has written once more an exciting page-turner very hard to put aside. We follow the characters through their ordeals dealing with the Japanese and trying not to fall on their wrong side. Death is at every corner and dodging their wrath is not an easy task. When the end of the war seems near, the Adler’s faces a new challenge: whether to stay or leave Shanghai.
I admit it took some time remembering each recurring character but I fast overcame this challenge. I became so committed to each player and so enthralled in their saga that I kept flipping pages at a rapid pace to see what would happen to them next. The research and work invested in this story in order to be as close as possible to real events must have been extensive. Kudos Mr. Kalla you have captivated me and held my interest for hours. I loved the way you told the story, how you vividly described events and how colourfully you have painted your players: the good and evil ones.
To enjoy this trilogy at its most it is highly recommended to read it in sequence as we follow through the years the Adler family and some of their friends.
Book 2, in “To a Degree Series”
“Loyal to a Degree” is a true account told from of the point of view of a young boy who experienced life during the Nazi Germany regime. This is a story about survival and loyalty.
Young boys were taken away from their parents and drafted against their wills into Hitler Youth at a very young age. Parents as well as boys had two choices: obey or die. So at 14, Karl Veth became member of Hitler Jugend and assistant leader of a KLV camp in Poland till the Russian army broke through the German lines. Karl then brought the boys under his command back to Berlin where he received new orders. In a chilling voice “Loyal to a Degree” recounts how Karl constantly relied on his wits to stay alive and had to make difficult decisions during the final days of WW11.
This is a very touching and incredible story in the days before and after the fall of Berlin. The level of details is fascinating. The author touches everything from getting food, finding shelter, dodging enemies to making everlasting friendships and looking for lost ones…. Although we are in an unspeakable time, the experiences lived in this book are so vividly told and said in such an entertaining way it was like watching a movie. This is an excellent read were the two main characters bring life to a terrifying landscape injecting some humour and a good measure of sanity in order to get through the trauma of war and escape with their lives.
Excellent book
