Triangle of Deception by Haggai Carmon

Triangle of Deception by Haggai Carmon is an intellectual spy novel. In it, Dan Gordon works for both the American CIA and the Israeli Mossad, trying to infiltrate a tight knit terrorist organization. Through many aliases, close calls, being imprisoned and following leads around the globe, the character of Dan Gordon keeps the reader engaged and turning the pages to see what happens next. Carmon has written an intriguing cloak and dagger spy novel that brings fact and fiction together. One of the unique characteristics of this book is that the author also occasionally references the spy manual that is the basis for Dan Gordon’s training. By doing this the reader is given a glimpse into why the agent does some of the things he does. Four out of five stars.


This book was provided by the author.

Book Review - Dreamer by Phillip L. Davidson

Dreamer by Phillip L. Davidson is the story of David and a group of his fellow former Green Berets. Having all served in Vietnam and still dealing with the past, they all begin having visits from a fallen comrade, Keaton, in their dreams. The men come together to take on the mission of saving David's wife, who is being held prisoner in Argentina. Dreamer is a paranormal thriller with a religious twist, filled with obstacles and choices. It is a modern version of the age old story of good versus evil, God versus Satan. Keaton is the enigma that keeps the reader enthralled, wondering who he truly is and what his real motives are. Davidson has a large number of characters but does a brilliant job of developing each one individually and making sure the reader is not overwhelmed. He also packs in several unexpected twist that will keep you guessing. Although, this book is an action adventure it is also the story of love, Faith and belief in a higher power. Four out of five stars.

This book was provided by the author and will be given away.

Book Review - Burning Wild by Christine Feehan

Christina Feehan is one of my favorite authors. She has several great paranormal series (the Drake sisters, the Carpathians, the Ghost Walkers, the Leopard). I have all her books and I look forward to each new title she puts out. Her books grab your attention from the start, making it nearly impossible to put down until you reach the end, and of course then you are left waiting for the next one. Her story lines are addicting. That being said, Burning Wild, left me disappointed. It is a book of the leopard series. The leopard books are stories about shape-shifters and those who carry the leopard bloodline even if they can't transform into a leopard. Burning Wild centers around Jake. We learn of his tragic and cruel upbringing at the hands of parents who only sired him for his genes. This lack of love and compassion turns him into a ruthless and seemingly emotionless business man. Jake trust no one. Feehan does an excellent job of showing that Jake has many sides, although he is unaware of his gentler side. He often takes in strays, so to speak. People that society has dumped on and tried to forget, those who haven't gotten a break in life. Jake is surrounded by these broken souls and is fiercely protective of them, all the while claiming to feel nothing for no one. Along comes pregnant Emma, whom he rescues from a car accident, also involving his newborn son. He is drawn to her and she sees the good in him that he tries to hide.

For me, it was a disappointment because I am used to being enthralled by Feehan's complex stories and characters. Although she gives us very detailed background on the characters in Burning Wild they still lacked dimension. Reading this book I felt like I had picked up an old Dynasty (1980's evening soap) script with shape shifters. Knowing and loving Feehan's other work this was a let down. The book was entertaining; it's just not what I have come to expect from this author.

DVD: 2012:Doomsday

This semi-christian movie is about a group of archeologists who uncover a seemingly anachronistic crucifix in a Mayan ruin in South America and he feels destined to deliver it to another Mayan temple where he can use it to fulfill a prophecy.It is mid December 2012, and for anyone who has read up on the doomsday prophecies current and ancient civilizations predicted the world to end on 12-21-2012. So our movie shows many terrible natural disasters that cause havoc worldwide, including a massive tornado that destroys most of California, massive tidal waves that eradicate entire large islands and the western coastline, and a series of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that threaten to destroy most of the continent of South America. One imagines similar events are occuring worldwide(although this is a low budget movie so they focused on one geography.) The world's best scientists have no explanation for what is happening. The daughter of one of these scientist, a young female Christian missionary and a pregnant villager on the verge of giving birth that feel compelled to go to the temple to. There's also a young female paramedic who has been having dreams about this Mayan temple and ends up driving there. All of these people headed to the same place, either to stop the end of the world or bring about a new one. Along the way there are other secondary characters that help the characters on their journeys, and then mysteriously disappear. Mix in some mixed-up Christian elements and Mayan prophecies about 2012 and that's the movie.

Overall, I enjoyed the movie more than I expected to. Partly due to the fact that I am fascinated by the 2012 prophecies and all the different interpretations, and partly because I have worked with Dale Midkiff in the past and he's a great guy.
This was an interesting take on the prophecy. Many ancient religions have foretold of this date and there are countless books out on the subject. One of my favorites being Fractal Time by Gregg Braden (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9x7nFIwBaPI). Braden points out that Dec 21, 2012 is the end of a world age not necessarily the end of the world. It is how humans react to the changes our world will go through as the poles switch polarity that will tell if it is truly an apocalyspe. The movie also follows that idea, as the date marks a time when God will bring together a group of messengers to help the world start anew.

There is some bad acting, poorly thought out production elements(Mayan temples in Mexico just outside of California border, hmm) and some continuity problems with the film but as someone who has seen some truly horrible big budget films and who has worked on both big budget and low budget films, this film was well made for what they had to work with. Although some of the production elements are flawed, it doesn't take away from the story they are trying to tell. The film has a made for TV feel, if you are a fan of the Sci-fi(now Syfy) and USA movies you will not be disappointed with this film. In fact you might be pleasantly surprised as it is story driven, not cheesy bimbos running around screaming and being hacked up. And for those who are fans of the Christian films such as Meggido, you will enjoy this film.