THE SKIN MAP

Contrary to my expectations I found 'The Skin Map' by Stephen Lawhead quite entertaining. It revolves round Kit Livingstone and his adventures in search for a map tattooed to the skin – hence the title skin map. This is no ordinary map as it reveals a portal between worlds. The supernatural element in the plot has been superbly woven and once you can understand the concept of the plot, the storyline falls in place.

One of the major drawbacks of this genre of fiction is that usually they tend to become boring but Steven Lawhead seems to have done his research well and hence his work is quite interesting. The book is advised to be read at one go or else you might lose track of the plot. Over and above it is a nice work and once you get the hang of the plot it becomes quite unputdownable.

Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com blogger book reviewer program, in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. (Disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

THE BONE HOUSE

“The Bone House”, by Stephen R. Lawhead, is the second book in the Bright Empires series. The Bright Empires series is a trilogy starting with ‘The Skin Map’ (That I’ve already read). It is important to mention at this point that one should read the Skin Map before the Bone House and plan to read ‘The Spirit Well’ – the final installment due out in September 2012, since the story line flows. “The Bone House” continues the story of Kit Livingstone and assorted others as they journey through the multiple realities and different relative times using mysterious ley lines. The reason –they are trying to find the Skin Map, the ultimate prize in the universe.

This is an excellent book on fantasy and thrill and every Stephen Lawhead fan must read it.

Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com blogger book reviewer program, in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. (Disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)

The Fight of Our Lives

‘The Fight of Our Lives : Knowing the Enemy, Speaking the Truth & Choosing To Win The War Against Radical Islam’ by William Bennett and Seth Leibsohn not only reflects the failures of America in the war on terror but also attempts to formulate some strategies for victory.

I usually don’t select political books but I am very glad I gave this one a shot. This book is well written and it doesn’t lose the reader in complicated political jargon or policy. Bennett and Leibsohn also make an effort to be as even-handed as possible in their critique of American policy makers. Contrary to the modus operandi of many conservative writers today, to simply take aim at the current administration through President Obama and cast as much blame on him as possible. ‘The Fight of Our Lives’ is not one of those books as there is a fair amount of criticism of the past administrations as well, whether Republican or Democrat.

An excellent read without political overtunes and recommended for people of all walks of life.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Final Summit

‘The Final Summit’ by Andy Andrews is a sequel to ‘The Traveler’s Gift’, by the same author. The protagonist of the plot is a 74 Year old named David Ponder. This story starts with his wife dying and the old man is heartbroken. Enter the Archangle Gabriel who presents him with a question in dire need of a solution, "What does humanity need to do, individually and collectively, to restore itself to the pathway toward successful civilization?". With the help of the other Travelers at a special summit, including Winston Churchill, George Washington Carver and Joan Of Arc, David Ponder works under the time constraints of a special hourglass to find the answer the whole world is depending on him to discover.

I feel this book does not have the same grip as other Andy Andrews books and I feel it loses the plot somewhat in the end. The end could have been better constructed. However, it is an interesting read for all ages.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

MAX ON LIFE

The other day I finished reading Max Lucado’s – ‘Max On Life: Answers and Insights To Your Most Important Questions’. The book contains an assortment of question that Max as a pastor, author, father and husband has been facing for the past three decades or so.

Max On Life contains 172 question divided up into seven chapters:

1. Hope

2. Hurt

3. Help

4. Him / Her

5. Home

6. Have / Have Nots

7. Hereafter

and the answers are mostly backed by spiritual reasoning. Max also quotes verses from various scripture books to state his views.

‘Max On Life: Answers and Insights To Your Most Important Questions’ is a book meant for each and every one of us. The most important reason being that we all have questions and Here are some of the answers.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”