Far from the War by Jeffrey David Payne

Far from the War (book 1) by Jeffrey David Payne
Publisher: Roche Harbor
Publish Date: July 24, 2011
ISBN: 978-0983732204
Pages: 366


FAR FROM THE WAR is about the worst things you can imagine happening if the US broke out into civil war.  It's also about the tenacity of people, mainly a 17 year old girl, Esther.

Esther is from Orcas Island, Washington and wins a chance to be a Congressional Page in Washington D.C.  Shortly after beginning her new job, a coup is accomplished by some political and military leaders.  Esther and two other Pages decide to go home and they head out to the airport.  Upon reaching the airport, they find that there is only one seat available and have to make a difficult decision.

Throughout the book it's hard to decide which side is in the right as they both so firmly and desperately believe that their side is the right one.  I'm sure it's that way in any war, civil or otherwise.

Esther's journey was often heart wrenching but so similar to stories that you read about people who have lived through a war zone that it comes off as very real. This is not a general book, Mr. Payne explains exactly what is going on, how it looks, feels, smells, etc.  There are some scenes that were gruesome, but entirely necessary for the story.

Things of interest:
- romance - some, innocent and sweet, very little physical description
 - language - not much, more tone than words
 - events - death, dismemberment, rape, amputation

I've read a few reviews that said they felt Esther came across as much older than 17 and that the romance happened too quickly.  I think that we all know a 17 year old who feels more comfortable with adults, and knows what they are doing and where they are going.  It's not that unusual.  Also, getting stuck in a war zone would certainly mature you in a hurry.  As for the romance - it's wartime!  Historically, there are a lot of quick romances and hurried weddings during wartime. Couples are worried that they may never see each other again.

I think that all history and political science students should read this.  It really gives a great feel for what could happen in a civil war in the US.  What things would shut down, how people would act, the entire thing.  The more I read, the more disturbed I became.

Do yourself a favor, pick this book up, read it, then share it with a friend.

The Overtaking by Victorine Lieske

Publisher:  CreateSpace
Publish Date:  May 14, 2011
ISBN:  978-1461189459  
Pages:  288
Cover Art:  Victorine E. Lieske

Watch for the Author Interview and ARC Giveaway tomorrow!!!!

SPOILERS!!!!!

I received this ARC from the author and was very pleased.  I couldn't put it down and finished it in two days.  Ms. Lieske had told me that it was a love story, I was taking a chance because I'm not really a reader of love stories.  However, I don't think I would label it a love story...I would say that it's Sci/Fi that happens to have a sweet little love story in it.

My favorite quote:  Shayne Bartlet has been kidnapped, his powers disabled and his memory altered.  He's not having a good day.  And he doesn't even know it yet.

That quote told me that I would love this.  I mean, imagine if your memory was altered.  You would just go one believing you were whomever you were programmed to be and wouldn't know you hated mushrooms and loved olives!  Ok, so that's a little silly, but you wouldn't even know your family and friends!


There's a wide variety of characters, both good and evil.  I would have liked to see the characters other than the main two (Shayne and Danielle) fleshed out a little more, but I'm hoping that will happen in Book 2.  Shayne is from a planet where the people have psychic powers and are peaceful.  Danielle is from a planet that was all but destroyed and they have no powers.  It's boy meets girl with a twist.  Shayne doesn't know Danielle is part of the population that has altered his memory and she can't tell him.  She really likes him and keeps trying to protect him, but is finally punished by her people for helping him - by having her memories altered.

The one thing that really stood out about this story was the lack of sexual situations.  I was very happy to see that.  The more YA I read, the more I think that there's entirely too much sex in them.  Ms. Lieske brought it back to where it should be...the excitement of just holding hands or a simple kiss.  Honestly, the majority of teens I know don't act like some of the teens in the books I've read.  These teens come across as natural and honest.

I felt that the writing overall was smooth and you jump right into the story on Page 1.  I know some people like a little background before they really get going, but I love to jump right in and figure it out as I go.  That will hold my interest a lot better, right away.  I liked all the scientific tools and am dying to find out what they were doing to all the Maslonians (Shayne's people) in that lab! 

I love the ending!  It was conclusive enough that you can read it as a stand alone story, but it definitely leaves an opening for the second book to pick up.  I'm very excited to read the next book and see where the rebel force (that's what I'm calling them) goes and what they do to save their people.