Scan barcode
A review by laurenjodi
Forged in Fire by Trish McCallan
4.0
Forged in Fire
4 Stars
Synopsis
Lieutenant Commander Zane Winters, a Navy SEALs commander, and Beth Winters have never met but they have something in common - both witness a brutal terror attack on a commercial airliner before it happens. When Beth decides to act on her prophetic dream, she meets Zane in person and together with his SEAL team, they work to thwart the hijacking and uncover the secret cartel behind the event.
Review
The plot is exciting and progresses at a thrilling pace with a gritty 24-like feel to it. It should be noted that there are numerous violent scenes and a couple of disturbing moments including one rape scene.
The writing is good and the research well done, especially with regard to the SEALs. Nevertheless, some of the abbreviations need further explanation for those readers who are less familiar with this branch of the US military (HQ1, BUD/S). In addition, there are some unusual transitions between scenes, i.e., a scene ends with one POV and the next begins with a short recap of the previous moments from a different character's POV. While this does not really distract from the flow of the story it is noticeable and unnecessary. Moreover, the ending is VERY abrupt with no resolution to any of the major plot points. Despite this cliffhanger, it looks like there are exciting things to come and it is a good thing the next book will be published as the end of this year.
The PNR elements are implausible and the story would be better as straight romantic suspense as the psychic bond plot device detracts from rather than enhances the romance. It is as if the hero would not have given the heroine the time of day without it. That said, the main couple is engaging and have sizzling chemistry. The hero is honorable, tough and sensitive and did I mention HOT, and the heroine is strong-willed with a good head on her shoulders.
The secondary characters are fleshed out well with a really nasty villain and several sexy Navy SEALS who will apparently be getting their own books - yay! On a side note, there is one important character who was less than appealing to me.
Overall, an excellent debut by an Indie and self-published author. I will definitely be on the look out for the next installment.
4 Stars
Synopsis
Lieutenant Commander Zane Winters, a Navy SEALs commander, and Beth Winters have never met but they have something in common - both witness a brutal terror attack on a commercial airliner before it happens. When Beth decides to act on her prophetic dream, she meets Zane in person and together with his SEAL team, they work to thwart the hijacking and uncover the secret cartel behind the event.
Review
The plot is exciting and progresses at a thrilling pace with a gritty 24-like feel to it. It should be noted that there are numerous violent scenes and a couple of disturbing moments including one rape scene.
The writing is good and the research well done, especially with regard to the SEALs. Nevertheless, some of the abbreviations need further explanation for those readers who are less familiar with this branch of the US military (HQ1, BUD/S). In addition, there are some unusual transitions between scenes, i.e., a scene ends with one POV and the next begins with a short recap of the previous moments from a different character's POV. While this does not really distract from the flow of the story it is noticeable and unnecessary. Moreover, the ending is VERY abrupt with no resolution to any of the major plot points. Despite this cliffhanger, it looks like there are exciting things to come and it is a good thing the next book will be published as the end of this year.
The PNR elements are implausible and the story would be better as straight romantic suspense as the psychic bond plot device detracts from rather than enhances the romance. It is as if the hero would not have given the heroine the time of day without it. That said, the main couple is engaging and have sizzling chemistry. The hero is honorable, tough and sensitive and did I mention HOT, and the heroine is strong-willed with a good head on her shoulders.
The secondary characters are fleshed out well with a really nasty villain and several sexy Navy SEALS who will apparently be getting their own books - yay! On a side note, there is one important character who was less than appealing to me
Spoiler
Mac's misogynistic attitude and his weird attraction for a rape victim is very sleazy and off-puttingOverall, an excellent debut by an Indie and self-published author. I will definitely be on the look out for the next installment.