Book Review: Laos File (The Shake Davis Series) by Dale Dye

This is a remarkably well-written, chilling and aching thriller portraying danger in secrets of  turbulent events of the Vietnamese War.
Laos File (The Shake Davis Series)
by Dale Dye

File Size: 1623 KB
Print Length: 282 pages
Publisher: Warriors Publishing Group (January 22, 2013)
ASIN: B00AX09K1C
Genre: Military Thriller
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Military Writers Society of America 2011 Book Award winner: From the bestselling author of Platoon comes a military thriller about one Marine’s quest to leave no POW behind.
The death of a salty old senior noncommissioned officer who ran special operations in Vietnam leads US Marine Gunner Shake Davis on a shocking and potentially lethal mission to find out what happened to hundreds of American prisoners of war. Written by bestselling author Dale A. Dye and based on Oliver Stone’s classic film.
With “plenty of action and lots of military detail” (Vietnam Veterans of America), Laos File is a great read for fans of Tom Clancy and W. E. B. Griffin.

Review:
US Marine Gunner Shake Davis served as a gunner in Vietnam when he was barely out of his teens. He has never forgotten the fear when he faced a young enemy in a bunker as they fought hand to hand. Shake never planned to return but fate has different plans. Shake stayed with his commanding officer as he died in a remote cabin. After burying the man, Shake begins to call family and authorities to advise of the passing. He soon learns that his longtime friend had secrets, including a tour with the CIA. Also two of the commander’s family members advise that, having received news of the death, they are following instructions to mail packages to Shake.

The material that Shake receives has him postponing retirement and setting out to determine what happened to hundreds of American prisoners of war who never made it out of Vietnam and remain unaccounted for all these years later. Among the missing was his old friend’s only son. Now Shake has been given a last mission: find the rumored “Laos File” that tells what happened to the 200+ soldiers who disappeared as they were being marched toward prisoner exchange.

Shake drives his daughter to Miami to get her settled in college before he leaves on this new mission. When Shake is attack in a concert crowd he begins to suspect that someone does not want him researching the facts. Shake is pulled onto a team that is headed to Vietnam to make ‘reparations.’ As he proceeds, Shake quickly discovers that the Miami attack will not be the last of the assassination attempts he will have to dodge. Shake gets support from a young female officer among the team, not realizing that she is keeping secrets too.

Although it started a bit slowly, I enjoyed the writing style which consists of wonderful wording prose and yet is direct and distinct, fitting the sound of a gruff soldier. I was soon drawn into the story and placed in the scenes and amidst the fast paced action by the strong visuals painted by the author. The author blends current and past reminisces for Shake and for another character, Minh, a Vietnamese man. About a third of the way in the pasts of the characters intersect. From there the paths of Shake and Minh are on a collision course for a traumatic meeting.

There is rough language – again consistent with a salty Marine and adding to the authenticity of the story. The recounting of the struggles, fears and horror of the young soldiers during the Vietnam War are chilling and the mental scars, as well as physical scars, of the characters are aching. I found the presentation utterly remarkable and engrossing. At the conclusion of the book there is a brief biography of the author that is impressive and supports the first hand atmosphere conveyed in the story. I highly recommend this military thriller and I plan to look for more intense stories by Mr. Dye.

I received this through NetGalley for an honest review. This qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge and "L" in my Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Sunday Post July 10, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 11, 2016

I miss-scheduled this so it is posting late... but better late then not at all.

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I had another sketchy work week last week as I spent time in Alabama with my Hubby. He finally got discharged on Thursday and I brought him back to our home town where he is in rehab facility five minutes away. Now I visit for breakfast and dinner till 9pm so I get a little time at home. He is still in a lot of pain but he gets stronger each day and is getting needed physical therapy support to recoup his strength without overdoing.
I continue to give thanks for all the prayers, well wishes and support!

My reading was good due to driving and hospital time when I couldn't use the computer.  I finished three books, two ebooks and one audio. I did get four reviews up as well as usual memes.
I got to visit a little early in the week while learning my new tablet.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post July 3, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday July 4, 2016.

• Happy Fourth of July, 2016.

• Audible Book Review: Beware the Little White Rabbit Anthology; Sci Fi, Fantasy, Steampunk; my rating 4.5.

• Audible Book Review: The Pit Stop: This Stop Could Be Life or Death by Carmen DeSousa; Mystery, Paranormal; my rating 4.25.

• Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Regina Shen, Defiance by Lance Erlick; Dystopian, YA; my rating 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway July 8, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 7/14/2016.

• Book Review: A License to Wed: Rebellious Brides by Diana Quincy; Historical Romance; my rating 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #260 Comment Giveaway July 9, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 7/16/2016.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement July 10, 2016.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (iRead Book Tours)

Regina Shen: Defiance
by Lance Erlick
This continues to be an engaging YA, female society dystopian series.
I received this through iReads Book Tours.
Review and Tour giveaway are linked above.

2. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

Daemon
Written by: Daniel Suarez
Narrated by: Jeff Gurner
This is a very intense AI suspense/mystery - well done!
This is a TBR from my own Audible shelf.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG)

A License to Wed: Rebellious Brides
by Diana Quincy
This sounds fun. Release date 7/5/16.
I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley.
My review is linked above.

Currently reading:
1. Audible/MP3 (My shelf)

Burning Nation: Book 2 of Divided We Fall
Written by: Trent Reedy
Narrated by: Andrew Eiden
Chilling, scary and sad. This is an intense sequel from my own Audible credits (2016).
Publisher's Summary
In this wrenching sequel to Divided We Fall, Danny and friends fight to defend Idaho against a federal takeover and the ravages of a Burning Nation. At the end of Divided We Fall, Danny Wright's beloved Idaho had been invaded by the federal government, their electricity shut off, their rights suspended. Danny goes into hiding with his friends in order to remain free. But after the state declares itself a Republic, Idaho rises to fight in a second American civil war, and Danny is right in the center of the action, running guerrilla missions with his fellow soldiers to break the federal occupation. Yet what at first seems like a straightforward battle against governmental repression quickly grows more complicated, as more states secede, more people die, and Danny discovers the true nature of some of his new allies.
Chilling, powerful, and all too plausible, Burning Nation confirms Trent Reedy's place as a provocative new voice in YA fiction.
©2015 Trent Reedy (P)2015 Scholastic Inc.

2. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Machinations
by Hayley Stone
This is action packed and hard to put down.
(Releasing 7/26.)
I received this through NetGalley.
Perfect for fans of Robopocalypse, this action-packed science-fiction debut introduces a chilling future and an unforgettable heroine with a powerful role to play in the battle for humanity’s survival.
The machines have risen, but not out of malice. They were simply following a command: to stop the endless wars that have plagued the world throughout history. Their solution was perfectly logical. To end the fighting, they decided to end the human race.
A potent symbol of the resistance, Rhona Long has served on the front lines of the conflict since the first Machinations began—until she is killed during a rescue mission gone wrong. Now Rhona awakens to find herself transported to a new body, complete with her DNA, her personality, even her memories. She is a clone . . . of herself.
Trapped in the shadow of the life she once knew, the reincarnated Rhona must find her place among old friends and newfound enemies—and quickly. For the machines are inching closer to exterminating humans for good. And only Rhona, whoever she is now, can save them.

3. eBook/Kindle (Author)

Indiana Belle (American Journey Book 3)
by John A. Heldt
I received this from the author, having enjoyed another of his "time-travel" novels.
Providence, Rhode Island, 2017. When doctoral student Cameron Coelho, 28, opens a package from Indiana, he finds more than private papers that will help him with his dissertation. He finds a photograph of a beautiful society editor murdered in 1925 and clues to a century-old mystery. Within days, he meets Geoffrey Bell, the "time-travel professor," and begins an unlikely journey through the Roaring Twenties. Filled with history, romance, and intrigue, INDIANA BELLE follows a lonely soul on the adventure of a lifetime as he searches for love and answers in the age of Prohibition, flappers, and jazz.

I suspect (hope) I will get to start another audio late in the week.


July 3, 2016 - I was caught up through June 30th but now have to catch up to date in July with Reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church. I will also be listening (sometimes) to the companion commentary online.

I posted four reviews this past week and have six pending. Two of the pending reviews will post the week of the 25th so I hope to continue to catch up before then.

I am finally getting to the five nine, now seven nine (again) back to four five author ebook reviews committed with no specific dates.
My NetGalley shelves are down to four when I finish the one I am reading this week.

I hope to get a couple of backlist titles up at eTreasure's NetGalley page in the near future.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

This week I received two new NetGalley titles.
I resisted purchases but picked up more free kindle titles.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

Recieved from NetGalley:

The Steam Man of the Prairies
by Edward S. Ellis
"One of the earliest examples of steampunk literature, this 1868 story was actually written during the Victorian era and was among the first American science-fiction novels." -- How could I resist??

The Crêpes of Wrath

A Pancake House Mystery

by Sarah Fox

The cover pulled me in for this cozy mystery.

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

Over the past week I added 42 free Kindle titles to my library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement July 10, 2016

This morning we had another good Sunday School lesson and then spirit-filled worship. The sermon was provided by the pastoral candidate using Matthew 13, the parable of the sower as a pivotal lesson.

Pastor stated that we all have “defining moments” in our life. Some are good, some are bad. Some come through firsts and some through losses. As good examples he noted being called to ministry; wedding; learning he would become a father; and each of his sons accepting Christ. There are also moments of loss, in jobs, finances, health and death.

The “Church” (global) has moments too, such as reformation and persecution. These moments impact individuals and groups. Another defining moment is the passing of the mantel of leadership to a new servant. Every defining moment includes a definite opportunity.

Summarizing the parable of the sower (Matthew 13: 3- 22), the seeds fall in four scenarios: the path, rocky soil, thorns and good soil. Seeds falling on the path may get snatched away. Those falling on rocky soil with no roots never grow. Those falling among the thorns start to grow but are choked out. Finally, those that fall into good soil hear the message, understand and bear fruit.

Each service to God is a journey in the process, not an immediate event. Each believer is a sower. Each believer that is good soil should be producing a good crop. Listening and absorbing God’s word is not enough; faithfulness is not enough. We each need to be fruitful.

We must recognize that there is opportunity to be fruitful in each defining moment. There is peace in Jesus even through pain. "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Isaiah 52:7, Nahum 1:15, and Romans 10:15. We should all use the talents we are given. As we prove fruitful, we will receive more opportunities. As the Pastor mentioned, we should all rejoice in changing the rosters of heaven and hell. The local church can make a difference when we acknowledge our relationship with Jesus to those around us in the world. Right now, as our society sinks into more and more turmoil we can know that the name of Jesus makes the world uncomfortable because He shines a light on the darkness of souls. We have an opportunity to allow God to use us; to become sowers, the feet of whom bring good news to a troubled world.

Once again I was looking for one song but was led to this lovely piece!  

A Verse for Today:
Isaiah 52:7 (NIV)
How lovely on the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who announces peace And brings good news of happiness, Who announces salvation, And says to Zion, "Your God reigns!"

I pray: Help me Lord to be bold to take the Good News to those I meet near and far.

Sharing Beyond Books #260 Comment Giveaway July 9, 2016

Hello again and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!

Thanks to everyone who commented last week.

It is a little difficult to summarize pet peeves and likes in romance books. However eight of us noted we do not like prolonged sexual content and several of us do not like graphic sex. Several mentioned they like sweet romance and romances that reveal the caring of the characters. Fredamans and Rubynreba noted they want the build-up for the relationship, not just love at first sight. Two people mentioned they do not like cliffhangers and bn100 doesn't like (in addition to cliffhangers) grammatical errors, cheesy dialogue, and cliches.

~~~~~

The Winner from SBB #259 comments is:#6 SueF who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the Updated ARC/Review titles or (not yet updated) Love titles - all linked near the end of the post. [I'm hoping to update the book choices - maybe the beginning of next year, lol.] Please let me know your choice by completing the WINNER FORM.

WEEK #260

(One Question.)

Becky asks: Do you like to read outside??

I suppose I am not a huge fan of reading outside when it is hot. But during spring, fall and cool, but not cold, winter I sometimes enjoy reading outside.

This image of cafe readers at Grand Millenium Plaza by HK Sheung Wan
Found at Wikimedia Commons.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! The supply of questions is dwindling so share some if you think of any -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify.

Your turn to share:
Becky asks: Do you like to read outside??

SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books or the February 2015 Newly Updated ARC/Review List. (My daughter pulled several of the Christmas titles to give with gift bags we made up for the nursing homes. One of these days I will get together a new box of Christmas titles.)

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on the question above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.
I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday July 16, 2016 at 5 PM central.

Book Review: A License to Wed: Rebellious Brides by Diana Quincy

This is an enjoyable, character driven, sexy, second chance historical romance.

A License to Wed: Rebellious Brides
by Diana Quincy

• File Size: 4809 KB
• Print Length: 226 pages
• Publisher: Loveswept (July 5, 2016)
• Sold by: Random House LLC
• ASIN: B016GRO8T4
Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Perfect for readers of Madeline Hunter, Lisa Kleypas, and Sabrina Jeffries, the Rebellious Brides series continues with a sizzling tale of forbidden love between a socialite and a scholar—who might just be an infamous spy.
Lady Elinor Dunsmore made the mistake of falling for her older brother’s best friend, who vanished after a night of unbridled passion. Six years and a lifetime later, their eyes meet across a Paris salon. Her friends and family believe she’s dead, but Elle is very much alive. She’s now associated with a ruthless general, who wants her to seduce the man who broke her heart in order to learn his deepest secrets. Is Will a mild-mannered scholar—or the notorious agent they call The Razor?
The bastard son of an earl and an actress, Will Naismith always knew he was an unsuitable match for Elle Dunsmore, no matter how powerfully he ached for her. And yet he almost allowed his desires to spoil her glittering future. After the agony caused by Elle’s supposed death, Will has devoted himself to the Crown, but his entire life has been leading up to this unexpected reunion. As much as he still wants her, though, he must not succumb to lust once again. For his mission is delicate—and Elle is delectably dangerous.
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

Review:
Lady Elinor was only a young girl when she determined that she would marry her older brother’s best friend, Will. During the celebration of her eighteenth birthday, Elle manages to break Will’s defenses down. After their joint passion he offers to marry her but she refuses as it sounds like he is offering out of duty.

Will is enthralled with Elle but he has stayed away from her as he knows she is a lady of station who deserves better than a nobelman’s bastard son. When Elle refuses his offer, he takes off to town and then gets called away for a work related task. When he returns a few months later, Elle has married a wealthy French aristocrat.

Six years later they meet unexpectedly in Paris. Will thought Elle was dead and she is shocked to see him in Paris. They each felt abandoned or rejected from their earlier encounter. They are both hiding secrets and begin a reluctant relationship filled with distrust and misunderstandings. They actually work at cross-purposes because they don’t confide in each other although there are glimpses of hope from each that keeps the relationship moving forward.

I do not know enough to know if the description of Parisian fashions in the time period are accurate but they are described as quite risqué. These details are part of the sensual leaning that runs through the book. This is a character driven story and I enjoyed the secrets, tension and danger in the storyline. There is a strong emphasis on the attraction between the main characters and there are several sexual encounters. The later scenes are fairly explicit but not in an unpleasant way. At least the reader knows they really care for each other even if the characters haven’t discovered that yet.

This is a new author for me. The writing flows well and this is easily read as a standalone. I enjoy historical romances and liked the second chance theme of this tale. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy sexy romance.

This title released on 7/5/16. I received this from the publisher through NetGalley for an honest review. This qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge.