Author: HCNewton Page 13 of 609

The topic for this week’s Top Ten Tuesdays is the Top Ten New-to-Me Authors I Discovered in 2025

I’ve done this (or something similar) the last few years (2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024), and have come to look forward to it. It’s one more chance to talk about people I quite enjoy talking about. Hopefully, these names get to continue to pop up on this here site for years to come. I just enjoyed getting to know these authors via their work. I’d love to interact with them, too–if any of those listed here read this and want to participate in anything with me. Please let me know.

I typically say something about each author, but I ran out of time/energy. I hope to finish this soon, but for now–here are the names. Click the links to learn more about 9 of them.

Here’s this year’s list.

Top Ten New-to-Me Authors I Discovered in 2025

(alphabetically)

	Katherine Addison
	Ryka Aoki
	Mai Corland
	Z.S. Diamanti In case you’re curious about what I said about the book that put them on this list, click here.
	Adrian M. Gibson In case you’re curious about what I said about the works that put her on this list, click here.
	Michael Michel In case you’re curious about what I said about the books that put him on this list, click here.
	Jason Pargin
	Sadir S. Samir
	Zephaniah Sole In case you’re curious about what I said about the book that put him on this list, click here.
	Thomas Trang In case you’re curious about what I said about the book that put her on this list, click here.

Slow Theology by A J Swoboda, Nijay K Gupta: No Quick Fixes. Just Wisdom.

By HCNewton

On January 24, 2026

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

I don’t normally publish review-ish posts on Saturday, but I have a deadline—and after weeks of trying, I have a draft I can live with (deadlines are my friend). So, hope you don’t mind this out-of-place post.

Slow Theology:
Eight Practices for Resilient Faith in a Turbulent World

by A J Swoboda/Nijay K Gupta

DETAILS:
Publisher: Brazos Press
Publication Date: September 23, 2025
Format: Paperback
Length: 208 pg.
Read Date: January 4-11, 2026

Wouldn’t it be great if we were simply given simple and immediate answers to all our questions? Lord knows, it certainly would make all our lives easier if God sent us a quick note the way a friend would send us a text message. But the deepest questions do not necessarily deserve quick answers. In fact, the quick answer very well may cheapen the sacredness of a holy question. Moments like these—when we seek to understand as best we can the theological conundrums that Christians have been meditating on for centuries—actually demand from time to time that we resist the temptation to offer quick answers and shallow hot takes. Deep questions deserve deep responses, which require lots of time, energy, and toil. Sometimes, deep Christian formation is possible only when we embrace the unanswerable. To try to solve a question that has been wrestled with for thousands of years with a short tweet, YouTube clip, or pithy bumper sticker is the most dangerous and flippant of responses.

Not every question that we may ask about God can come back to us as a neat and tidy package with a pretty bow on top. We believe that the importance of creating space for unanswered or unresolved questions is modeled by the inspired Scriptures.

What’s Slow Theology About?

We live in a hurried world, where untold information is at our fingertips (and the amount of it grows all the time), rushed “hot takes,” we demand answers—fast—and seem to receive them on all subjects at all hours, we want instant results from exercise/financial investments/diets/self-improvement schemes. This is the atmosphere we in the West are immersed in, believe in, and live by. Quick Fixes, Fast Solutions.

But the Bible doesn’t tell us to be that way—particularly when it comes to our understanding of God, His revelation, or our sanctification. Instead, we’re told to patiently slow down, persevere, listen, and think.

The authors give us eight practices—practices, not disciplines, not steps, not a “just add water” approach—to help build this into our lives, minds, and hearts.

They include: taking a long view of faith, applying the Sabbath to our theology, talking to God through our difficulties, believing with the Body of believers, appreciating mystery, and perseverance.

That’s probably an oversimplification of the book—but if I don’t oversimplify, you’re going to get a novella-length summary. And neither of us has time for that (especially when we could be reading/re-reading/chewing on this book instead)

Highlights

My practice with Non-Fiction books is to talk about the parts of the book that I found particularly helpful, informative, or whatever. In keeping with that practice, I should note Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapt—yeah, that’s just not going to help. This book started off strong and went from strength to strength.

But there were a couple of things that really stood out to me. There’s a good section on Asaph and Psalm 73. I admit to a little bias there—ever since a sermon series my pastor delivered in the 90s, the psalms by Asaph and his sons have been my favorite. But I think this section on Psalm 73, and the honest and faithful way Asaph dealt with challenges would’ve stood out to me regardless. Things don’t all work out for Asaph in this psalm, but he knows his God is with him as he works through them.

I’d also point out the section on lament. I’ve pointed to books discussing it well a few times in the past (I’m sure, don’t ask for examples), and here’s another one worth turning to time and again. The authors focus on Jesus and David in this exhortation, and it struck home to me. In response to so much of the news lately—this is a practice I fear we’re going to need to focus on.

There is a wise saying that gets passed around: “To cry is human. But to lament is Christian.” Lament is the biblical practice that we have been given to process our hurt and anger with God and not just against God. Lament actually invites us to be openly upset with God, not to push him away but to invite him to respond. Not long after Jesus questioned the presence of God, he was raised from death to life. Lament, in the end, is hope-filled desperation.

Drawbacks

I’m sure there are some. I didn’t take note of them on an initial read. Hit me up after a few re-reads, if you’re dying to hear about any quibbles.

So, what did I think about Slow Theology?

You ever read one of those books, and by the time you’re mid-way through, you just know that it’s going to be living in your head for the rest of the year or so? That was the case with this one by Chapter Two. Nothing happened to change my appreciation after that. This is going to be one of those books I’m going to be bouncing off of for at least 12 months.

I should say that I’ve never listened to the podcast by the authors with the same title. I probably should start.

This is a book full of wisdom. It’s something to chew on—meditate on—to come back to and reason with. This shouldn’t be something read once and discarded, thinking you’ve got it down cold. It’s not about information or answers, it’s about practice. (mentally insert the Heidelcast’s riff on the “Not a game, not a game. It’s about practice” quotation here, if you know what I’m talking about)

I strongly encourage you, reader, to pick this one up. I think you’ll be rewarded.

Disclaimer: I received this book as a participant in the Baker Publishing Group Nonfiction Reviewer Program. However, as always here, I read this book because it interested me and the opinions expressed are my own.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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Saturday Miscellany—1/24/26

By HCNewton

On January 24, 2026

In Books, News/Misc., Saturday Miscellany

I thought this was going to be a beefier list this week, but apparently I didn’t save all the things I meant to. Or I spent more time reading books than surfing than I thought I did (very likely). Quality over quantity, let’s say.

Odds ‘n ends about books and reading that caught my eye this week. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:
bullet Libro.fm Reports Growth in 2025, Launches Annual Subscription—some promising news from my audiobook dealer of choice. While I’m thinking of it, feel free to use this referral link if you decide to subscribe or buy a book, would help me out a bit.
bullet The world’s most powerful literary critic is on TikTok—I was actually tempted to use the app now just so I can watch this guy. Resisted, but was tempted.
bullet The Best Book Covers of the Last Decade—You all know that I’m a sucker for “Best Cover”-type posts. This is no exception.
bullet INTERVIEW: with author Jim Butcher—Beth Tabler and Jim Butcher, who can resist the combo? Who would want to?
bullet How Psychological Thrillers Critique the American Dream
bullet Your To-Be-Read Pile Might Be Lying to You—worth reading if only for the Deliah Dawson e-book TBR wisdom
bullet Ranking Classic Children’s Picture Books—someone has the guts to say what we’re all thinking about Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Goodnight Moon (other helpful stuff here, too…)
bullet Arty Picturebooks!—Another good Picture Book post, this one from The Orangutan Librarian

A Book-ish Related Podcast episode (or two) you might want to give a listen to:
bullet SFF Addicts Ep. 186: Scott Lynch talks the Gentleman Bastard Sequence, Heists, Mental Health & More—I enjoyed this one so much I might listen again. (and not just to hyperfixate on the hints Lynch gives about future news)

My favorite sentence/passage/phrase (or two) that I read this week :
bullet “There are moments in your life that are perfect. You know they won’t last long, you know they’re rare, you know that they might not ever come again. If you pay attention, you can feel those moments happening to you.”—Twelve Months by Jim Butcher

and…(this one got stuck in my head)
bullet “All three of us twitch-jumped except for Molly and Lara.”—Twelve Months by Jim Butcher

To help talk about backlist titles (and just for fun), What Was I Talking About 10 Years Ago This Week?
bullet The Next to Last Word by Michael P.V. Barrett
bullet Nightwing, Vol. 1: Traps and Trapezes by Kyle Higgins and Eddy Barrows
bullet The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henríquez
bullet I mentioned the releases of strong>Orphan X by Gregg Hurwitz (and I should really get around to books 2-11 someday) and The Rogue Retrieval by Dan Koboldt

This Week’s New Releases that I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon:
bullet Twelve Months by Jim Butcher—because I don’t think I’ve mentioned it enough in the last three weeks, the new Dresden Files novel dropped this week. I’m in fanboy heaven. If you’re a Dresden-fan, you don’t need to be reminded (I assume) that it’s out. If you’re not, I don’t know that this is a book for you–but let me tell you, the 17 books you need to read first will knock your socks off. (might just be easier to read them barefoot)
bullet There Be Dragons Here by S.L. Rowland—The latest Cozy Fantasy Adventure from Rowland looks very promising, a 182 year-old former adventurer is tasked with taking an old friend’s ashes to their final resting place.
bullet Nine Goblins: A Tale of Low Fantasy and High Mischief by T. Kingfisher—Nine goblins find themselves behind enemy lines and have to face just about every fantasy race you can think of (humans worst of all) to get home.

(the cat is absolutely not necessary)

Grandpappy’s Corner: Olivia by Ian Falconer: Not a Book for a Tired Parent/Grandparent

By HCNewton

On January 23, 2026

In Grandpappy's Corner, YA/MG/Children's Books

Olivia

by Ian Falconer

DETAILS:
Series: Olivia, #1
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: October 1, 2000
Format: Hardcover
Length: 40 pgs.
Read Date: January 17, 2026

So here’s the thing you need to know about Olivia–you know that feeling when all you, as an adult, want is for a toddler to go to sleep so you can collapse and veg out for a bit (or maybe sleep yourself); and all the toddler wants to do is not settle down for the night? So you say, “Okay, you can pick X books, and then we’ll go to sleep.” You do not want this book anywhere the kid can find it. Leave it on another floor from their bedroom. Put it on top of something tall where they can’t see it. Because kids who are focused on not going to sleep are tricky and wily. This book is full of ways that those tricksters can exploit to push away lights-out.

Incidentally, a worn-out parent is something that Olivia’s mother can empathize with, and I’d think she’d understand hiding it.

Now, all that means is that Olivia has a lot of really good points to it. A lot of things to grab the attention of a young reader, a lot of things for their imaginations to jump off from and engage with.

This is a look at a six-year old girl (pig) named Olivia and all the ways she fills her days. And she is active–trying on clothes, dancing, painting, making a mess, building very impressive sand castles, and more.

The art is great–it’s simple, rarely detailed with backgrounds and objects–typically it’s just a black and white drawing of Olivia and a family member or two–with a splash of red to really grab your attention.The drawings that are more elaborate–full or two-page spreads, full of background, detail, and objects–are just stunning. On some you will get up to nine different drawings of Olivia–that will inevitably bring up, “What is she doing there?” and “What about there?” or “And what do you think she’s doing there?”, etc. etc. See my caveat in the opening paragraph.

This won some big awards and has spawned a bunch if sequels. I can see why both would be the case. It’s a sweet read, with some very fun art. Pretty much all you want in a picture book.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

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Book Blogger Hop: Book Blogger Hop: Book and Snack Combinations

By HCNewton

On January 23, 2026

In Book Blogger Hop, Books, News/Misc.

Book Blogger Hop

This prompt was submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer:

Which book pairs perfectly with a certain snack in your opinion?

I’ve talked about drinking while reading before, and attempted to come up with some pairings of drinks and books. But if I’ve done snacks/foods before, I’ve forgotten it.

There’s a danger in pairing some things with books. Silence of the Dead pretty much makes you want pie—having some handy would probably lead to overindulgence. Brownies/cookies with a Mercy Thompson book would lead to that, too. A Dresden Files novel could make you want Burger King. Spenser novels will make you want Dunkin’.

Really, I could go on like that. Maybe it’s just a reflection of my self-control (or lack thereof)—a good pairing between book and snack is going to lead to problems.

Which isn’t to say I’m not a fan of snacking while reading—in moderation, of course*—but you’ve got to be careful. You don’t want anything too greasy, buttery, sticky, or that will otherwise damage the cover/pages. It should be something that you don’t need both hands for (you need one to hold the book/eReader, right?). It probably should be pretty simple—nothing you have to focus on, just mindlessly grab and move mouth-ward, without losing focus/taking your eyes off the book.

* In case my physician is reading this, I have to say this.

Of course, I could be wrong, and I’m looking forward to seeing what others are thinking/saying.

Grandpappy’s Corner: I Am a Highly Dangerous Warrior! by Raquel D’Apice, Heather Fox (Illustrator): A Great Starter-Fantasy Tale

By HCNewton

On January 22, 2026

In Fantasy, Fiction, Grandpappy's Corner, YA/MG/Children's Books

I Am a Highly Dangerous Warrior!

by Raquel D’Apice, Heather Fox (Illustrator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: November 04, 2025
Format: Hardcover
Length: 40 pgs.
Read Date: January 17, 2026

What’s I Am a Highly Dangerous Warrior! About?

A big, hairy monster is threatening the town. People are frightened, and no hope is in sight.

But there is a six-year-old who is determined to go off and face the monster, proclaiming himself to be “a highly dangerous warrior!” The Wizard he lives with tries to dissuade him, but the child is determined and will not listen to reason.

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

It is just adorable. The cover image gives you a great feel for what you’re going to find in the book.

Fox creates a monster that you can believe is threatening, but really doesn’t look it. The humans look like they leapt off the pages of a Johnny Hart comic (but with a contemporary feel) or out of a Craig McCracken cartoon.

How is it to Read Aloud?

There’s a lot of shouting to be done—which is kind of fun. The dialogue is silly, but thankfully, no tongue twisters are involved. Using appropriate voices for the Wizard and the Child seems to be easy, and the text helps with that a lot.

You probably won’t enjoy reading it as much as someone will enjoy listening to you read it, but it’ll be close enough.

So, what did I think about I Am a Highly Dangerous Warrior!?

The backcover alone is worth reading. Seriously. The stuff inside the book is even better.

It’s a goofy, straightforward story with a little bit of sweetness at the end.

I enjoyed this more than I expected to—and with a title and cover like that, my expectations were high.

At the same time, I don’t have a lot to say about it—it’s a fun little Fantasy story for those trying to raise the right kind of nerd. Or for those who aren’t. Oh, also, for adults who are the right kind of nerd. Either way, there’s plenty of goofy fun to be had.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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Essentials of Christian Theology edited by Nathan D Holsteen and Michael J Svigel: A Solid Attempt at Doing Too Much in a Small Package

By HCNewton

On January 22, 2026

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

Essentials of Christian Theology:
Foundations of the Christian Faith

by Nathan D. Holsteen, read by Michael J. Svigel

DETAILS:
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Publication Date: November 18, 2025
Format: Paperback
Length: 304 pg.
Read Date: January 12-18, 2026

What’s Essentials of Christian Theology About?

About a decade ago, these editors edited a trilogy called Exploring Christian Theology. It seems to be written by Dallas Theological Seminary faculty (I didn’t spend a lot of time looking, so I’m not going to state it strongly).

Now, the editors have taken that set and compressed it into one volume, covering Scripture, The Trinity, Humanity and the Fall, Salvation, The Church, and Eschatology. The emphasis is on the areas of agreement throughout Evangelicalism (and beyond, when possible), and points to some areas of controversy.

Each chapter also contains the following elements:

“In Short…” provides brief surveys of each doctrine with points of unity and diversity.

“Passages to Ponder” explains key Scriptures related to each doctrine.

“Realities to Remember” presents the foundational truths for each doctrine.

“Errors to Avoid” exposes false teachings associated with the doctrine.

“Lessons to Live” explores practical implications and applications for each doctrine.

“Snapshot of History” summarizes the history and development of each doctrine.

So, what did I think about Essentials of Christian Theology?

So, I clicked the wrong button when picking some books for Baker’s Review Program, and didn’t intend to get this book. I didn’t have any active disinterest (or worse), I just didn’t expect this to be for me—I’ve read enough of Svigel online to know that our traditions are enough that I’d have plenty of quibbles (at best) with this. Also, the last thing I was in the mood for is another survey of the essentials of the Faith—I’ve just read too many in the last few years.

But this was in the box, so I gave it a shot. And…it wasn’t bad. It’s not the kind of thing I’m going to be handing out to anyone—but I’m not going to pan this. There’s a lot of good here—just not enough.

My biggest issue doesn’t actually come from the areas I disagree with—it’s just that it’s too shallow. It’s to be expected—it’s about one-third as long as the series it’s based on. So, right there, a lot is going to be missing. Also, and this reminds me of the Christian Essentials set I talked about a few years ago—it’s trying too hard to be something for everyone. It’s a noble ideal, but you can’t do justice to the swath of American Evangelicalism’s (sadly present) diversity in a few pages.

The editors clearly tried their best, but it’s too hard—you come out with something that’s just too shallow. I’d have preferred a stronger Dallas Theological Seminary perspective that I’d have stronger issues with than a watered-down take. I do have some questions about how they present some historical perspectives, and some theological points—but the text is vague enough that I can’t be bothered to talk about them.

Well, except for the Eschatology chapter—which is to be expected. But I went into it, expecting something a DTS-flavored eschatology. But I don’t think they did a good job of representing amillennialism or postmillennialism—and I’m not crazy about the limited perspective they have of Eschatology’s place in Christian Theology. But as far as the position they were most interested in advancing and describing? It was just bland and not particularly compelling. Like just about everything else.

I thought the sections on the Trinity were helpful, and I had no great exceptions to the rest of the book. I also didn’t feel challenged or pressed to look into anything more. I didn’t expect that, but I was hoping.

This is a perfectly fine book. But it could’ve been stronger if they’d narrowed the audience they hoped to reach. I wouldn’t discourage anyone from buying it or reading it—in fact, I know a few people who’d probably appreciate it. I just think you could do better. I imagine the Exploring Christian Theology trilogy that served as a basis for this book would be one place.

Disclaimer: I received this book as a participant in the Baker Publishing Group Nonfiction Reviewer Program. However, as always here, opinions expressed are my own.

WWW Wednesday—January 21, 2026

By HCNewton

On January 21, 2026

In Books, Currently Reading, News/Misc., WWW Wednesday

I’m sure it wasn’t the most appropriate way to commemorate the day, but I really enjoyed the bonus reading day on Monday — and, for a change, I took advantage of it. I’m at least one book ahead of where I expected to be today. I’m not going to be able to pull all of it off–but my January TBR is feeling largely doable. For today, anyway.

This meme was formerly hosted by MizB at A Daily Rhythm and revived on Taking on a World of Words—and shown to me by Aurore-Anne-Chehoke at Diary-of-a-black-city-girl.

The Three Ws are:
What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

Seems easy enough, right? Let’s take a peek at this week’s answers:

What are you currently reading?


Twelve Months by Jim Butcher	The Librarians by Sherry Thomas, read by Louisa Zhu

The fact that I’m posting this, or working, or acknowledging I have a wife and dogs while I have Twelve Months to focus on is rather surprising. I’m just in full geek-out mode.

I’m still getting a sense of The Librarians, the setting and characters are charming as all get out–but I’m still waiting for the plot to start. We’ll see how it goes from there.

What did you recently finish reading?


Lit by Tim Sandlin	Ozark Dogs by Eli Cranor

Sandlin’s cozy doesn’t feel all that cozy, but technically is one. It’s a hoot. Idaho does not come off well in this book, I will recommend it soon regardless.

Oh wow. This audio version of Ozark Dogs is just as powerful as the novel–only losing a bit of its punch because I revisited it. Cranor is a fantastic narrator, I should add.

What do you think you’ll read next?


Strange Animals by Jarod K. Anderson	The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco by Michelle Chouinard, read by Stephanie Németh-Parker

I’m looking forward to seeing for myself how Anderson’s book lives up to the description (click the link) or to the good things that people are saying about it (like Jodie did)

I don’t remember what it was about Chouinard’s book that got it put on my hold list–I’m just going to trust that former me knew what he was doing. It’s been a minute before I dabbled in a light-hearted serial killer book.

Any book(s) have you excited lately?

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Lianna and the Hombit by Valinora Troy

By HCNewton

On January 21, 2026

In Book Tour, Fantasy, Fiction, YA/MG/Children's Books

I’m very pleased today to welcome The Write Reads Blog Tour for the first volume of Valinora Troy’s Lianna and the Hombit! The Tour’s in full swing, and it’s looking pretty good–take a gander at feed for https://twitter.com/WriteReadsTours or The Write Reads on Twitter or The Write Reads on BlueSky, you’ll see bloggers who have interesting things to say about it.

Book Details:

Title: Lianna and the Hombit by Valinora Troy
Genre: Fantasy
Age Category: Middle Grade
Format: Hardcover/Paperback/Ebook/Audiobook
Length: 255 Pages
Publication Date: January 29, 2026

About the Book:

A grieving girl in need of a friend. A magical creature with a secret task. Can they end the ancient curse threatening their new home?

When 13-year old Lianna, devastated by the loss of her father, is sent to the distant land of Nivram, she finds her new home and guardian every bit as horrible as she expected. When she meets a magical birdlike creature called a hombit, they strike an alliance: Lianna will help it complete its secret mission if it helps her get home.

But her plan goes awry and she accidentally awakens a creature that threatens both her and her new home. Lianna must uncover family secrets to avoid a terrible fate…

A heart-warming story of the healing power of friendship when all seems lost.

Book Links:

Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Goodreads

About the Author:

Valinora Troy is a children’s fantasy and horror writer from Ireland. She has a MA in Creative Writing, specialising in writing for children and young adults. She has acted as a panellist for the CYBILS awards in the middle grade speculative fiction category and served as a Reading Ambassador for Louth Libraries. Her short stories for adults have appeared in numerous publications. She is the author of The Lucky Diamond trilogy, a middle grade children’s fantasy adventure series. In 2023 she was short-listed for the Staróg Prize. When not writing, she loves visiting schools and libraries to talk to children about books and writing.

You can find out more about Valinora’s books, as well as resources for schools, and sign up to her newsletter on her website: Valinora Troy – Children’s Fantasy Writer

Website ~ Twitter

My thanks to The Write Reads for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided (including the book).

The Hunted by Steven Max Russo: Who is the Predator, Who is the Prey?

By HCNewton

On January 20, 2026

In Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

The Hunted

by Steven Max Russo

DETAILS:
Publication Date: January 1, 2026
Format: eARC
Length: 317 pg.
Read Date: January 12-13, 2026

What’s The Hunted About?

Gerhard Mueller is the head of GSG, a private security/military contractor firm, staffed by plenty of former US Intelligence Agents and military. One of those former CIA analysts is Ophelia Harris–after some time working for the USA and then GSG in Afghanistan, she’s on the run.

She’d say it was because she was set up by GSG. Mueller says it’s because she betrayed GSG, leaving colleagues dead and millions of dollars missing.

This results in Ophelia running for her life from the company.

A chance encounter with someone she had a fleeting encounter with in Afghanistan (and that’s being generous) results in someone else getting sucked into this mess, Austin’s fate tied to hers.

With GSG getting closer, Ophelia realizes that the cat and mouse game only ends with the mouse dead, or it convincing the cat to stop. She and her new ally decide to do the latter.

Why did I pick this up? Why did I keep reading?

I picked this up because Steven Max Russo emailed me and said (essentially), “I have a new book, are you interested?” I replied that the “new book” was really all I needed. Over the 4(??) previous books, I know that’s all he needs to say.

Why did I keep going? Because once you start this train moving—you can’t stop. Not that you’ll want to, you just won’t be able to. It’s just about holding on until the train reaches the end of the line.

What does this book tell us about humanity?

The thing that struck home most for me from this novel was trust. Both how much we want to trust others, and how hard it can be when that trust is broken. Granted, you may not send multiple killers after someone if they break your trust—but the impulse will resonate with you.

Other than Austin, each of the major players in this book have had their trust broken. And the reactions to this tell you a lot about each person. Some react with a degree of rage, some withdraw, some are cold and unforgiving, and others…well, that would be telling you too much.

On the other hand, we also see a great willingness to trust others. Austin has zero reason to trust Ophelia—and realizes it, but quickly joins their fates together. Ophelia is on the run because the last people she trusted proved (in her eyes, anyway) to be untrustworthy, yet she (with misgivings) gives the same trust to Austin. The people at GSG have implicit trust in those they work with—or have worked with—in an industry where betrayal seems to be more common than the color green in a rainforest.

And whether you’re in their extreme sort of circumstances or not, that kind of trust is necessary, right? Otherwise, nothing can work. Nothing moves forward. We end up isolated and trying to do everything by ourselves, and that’s just not feasible in the long-run (barely feasible in the short run). Every reader knows this, these characters know it—and show it.

So, what did I think about The Hunted?

There was one misstep that our security consultant and brilliant analyst made (and couldn’t figure out), that I saw just thanks to watching TV procedurals. That bugged me a lot. But as soon as I set that aside, the momentum of the story kept me going.

And that’s the core of this book’s success—momentum, pacing, and adrenaline. There’s a couple of moments of action at the beginning, then we get a little bit of a lull so we can get the board set up. Then Russo makes the first move, and the game is practically non-stop from there. Russo will let you catch your breath—but you need to do that quickly, he doesn’t give you a lot of time.

Russo doesn’t give anyone the same kind of Thriller twice. Which is a good thing (as much as I’d like things like his previous ones—primarily Thieves and The Debt Collector). The Hunted is about determination, speed, craftiness, and ammunition. A lot of ammunition gets spent—and characters die unexpectedly. Vengeance gets wrought. I can’t/won’t say if justice prevails—but you can know going in that some scales are balanced.

If you’re looking for a solid Thriller novel—you can find one here (or with anything Steven Max Russo’s name is on, but you might as well start here).

Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this novel by the author, as always, the opinions expressed are my own and were not influenced by this act by the author (beyond giving me something to have an opinion about).

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