What People are Saying
Reviews for Nero's Fiddle
All 5-star Reviews
Great read -- don't miss this book!
By P. Weaver on October 27, 2014
Format: Paperback
REVIEW OF 'NERO'S FIDDLE': Once I picked up this novel and began reading, I didn't want to put it down. Yet, when I neared the last chapters, I almost began to read more slowly, because I didn't want it to end. This is a one-of-a-kind adventure that will captivate readers of all genres. I loved the characters -- and hated the villains with a passion -- and felt like I was making the entire trip with the cavalcade of them. "Nero's Fiddle" is smart, funny, devastating, mysterious, rich with description and layers, terrifying and fascinating all at once. It features strong characters, particularly women, and surprises at many turns. Pick up this book -- you won't be able to put it down. I received a free copy of the book in exchange for writing an honest review of it. -- Penny Weaver, 10/27.2014
Better than a Saturday night date!
By Trent on November 17, 2014
Format: Paperback
I needed a weekend getaway. I was transported from Atlanta to Washington, D.C as I read “Nero’s Fiddle.” I began reading the novel in a hot bubble bath at 6 pm Saturday and was so riveted I could not stop reading until Sunday morning at 9am…636 pages later!
Pen’s book is a blend of reality and imagination, historical and supposition, unafraid to confront any controversial issues. Since I live near the origin of the story, Stone Mountain, the first chapters had an Orson Wellsian effect because the events described were so believable. So creepy that I got out of my cold bubble bath and headed under the covers in the safety of my bed.
I have long suspected that my female friends who are former Marines have a strong resolve and a bit of a mystery to their pasts. Good mothers, difficult to believe that these attractive women that ever went through boot camp hell. Do not underestimate them! The main character, Captain Beverly Mossberg is one of those private, beautiful, and little bit crazy people…even her children had no idea who their momma was!
Contemporary issues such as PTSD, military actions, and equal rights (race, sex, religion and sexuality) are all handled deftly…if only the author was a politician! References to modern day television shows, movies, and even WalMart make the reader feel like they were hanging out with their own friends. Educational – are you a science or history geek? – you even feel smarter after tackling this volume. Pen even inserts herself into the story – a Hitchcock-like cameo. Comedy, suspense, dealing with teenagers, travel, everyone will find a reference to relate to themselves. Packed with so many different scenarios, I am afraid to give out any spoilers…(okay, cannibals)! Have a fun weekend (or longer) curling up with “Nero’s Fiddle”!
Phenomenal read...very engrossing!
By Amazon Customer on November 18, 2014
Format: Paperback
Phenomenal read! I too spent every spare moment reading this book. The plot is enthralling, the characters well developed and the action was non - stop. I found myself routing for Bev and her rag tag band of soldiers and... (no spoiler am I, lol) the only thing I wished for at the end was some happiness for Colt...perhaps, Pen, a sequel is needed.
Review of Kindle Version of Nero's Fiddle
Posted on Kindle version of Nero's Fiddle:
Can humanity survive an EMP attack? A great book for writers and readers.
November 9, 2014
By T. W. Barton
Verified Purchase
At the heart of this book is the heroine, Beverly Mossberg. A former Marine sniper suffering from PTSD and a divorced mother of two, who's tasked with saving the country following an EMP attack.
As you can guess from the premise of the book, there is plenty of action, a fair bit of it of the disturbing kind. It's not difficult to believe that during such an event, a fair number of humans would lose their humanity. Humans have never lost that little part of their brains often referred to as the "lizard brain" developed back in the cave man days when humans were snack packs for the dinosaurs. The lizard brain is only concerned with survival at any cost.
Sharing the journey of our heroine through the horrors that humans are capable of are her 9 yr. old son, a bright and intelligent soul, her 12 yr. old daughter with a chip the size of Texas on her shoulder, and a complete stranger that decides Beverly is just the person needed to get her back home.
There's a host of characters as we progress from Georgia to Washington DC. Some, who show that God and humanity can shine even in the darkest of times and some, who show that evil is always present and willing to prey on the weak and willing.
The roller coaster ride of adrenaline through this book will keep you turning page after page. I have to say that what impressed me the most about this book was the author's writing skills. While there is plenty of action this book is mostly dialogue driven. Realistic dialogue is a skill that often eludes authors and results in stilted and sometimes unrealistic character conversations. Not so here.
Great dialogue makes you form a clear mental image of the characters as if you're right there with them. I could feel the anger, fear, despair, and joy of the characters throughout this book. You can imagine the faces of the characters as they are gripped by raging anger or blood chilling fear. My mind supplied the audio effects of the shrill screams and the bubbling laughter.
This book is highly recommended for new authors for a great example of writing skills.
Reviews for Sword of Tilk Book One: Worlds Apart
4-star Reviews
Good read for the young adult/new adult reader
By TN in GA on October 14, 2014
Format: Paperback
This is a nice story that is well told. It is not particularly innovative, although it does bring together some interesting animals. The target audience appears to be the young adult/new adult age range and it is a good fit for them. I was not expecting Balfourant to get his comeuppance in this book. That he did did not close potential threats already shown in this story. The preview of the next story suggests a continuation of the well written story.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
J's review on Goodreads
Format: Paperback
I received the Sword of Tilk trilogy from a Goodreads Giveaway. The set came with a sword...bonus!!!
The book summary does a good job of giving you an overview of the book so I'd like to say here the things that I really liked about it and what made it a good book to me.
I was expecting a fantasy book. I got that but more. I could relate to the characters and I cared about them. I liked that Pen used fantastical creatures but not the typical ones you see in books all the time. They were imaginative and I loved getting to know the Grifflestump. The author struck the perfect balance of being descriptive enough to set the scene but leaving enough so that my own imagination could fill in. It was also great to witness Barbara's growth from a struggling single mother with little self confidence to a strong woman.
I'm looking forward to the next book!