A well-written, fast-paced story with strong, decisive female characters in both scientific and military leadership roles. The depiction of characters and environment (it’s set on a distant planet) offered a visual feel. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this turned into a movie. The story of a small group of people working with a local population to help them defeat evil sounds like a Special Forces mission, and may reflect the author’s military intelligence background. -Amazon Review
Skiathos
Nadja Bikram traveled to the distant planet of Skiathos to work one problem, a puzzle that had vexed her for seven years. On reaching the savage desert world, she found the survey team she was to join in disarray and its leader missing.
As a State Department officer, it was up to her to take command and sort things out, but she swiftly discovered the harsh and brutal landscape held a hidden danger so lethal and dreadful that it threatened them all. Nadja would need to use her every wit, risking her life and the lives of those around her, to discover its origin, but would she find the answer before it was too late?
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This book is an absolute gem, with a well-crafted and intense narrative that had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. What really stood out were the formidable female characters who held positions of power and influence, both in science and military leadership. The vivid depiction of the characters and the otherworldly environment transported me to a different dimension. The story has all the makings of a blockbuster movie, and I can only hope to see it adapted for the big screen.
The author’s military background is evident in the story’s theme, as a small team collaborates with the locals to vanquish an evil force, reminiscent of an elite Special Forces operation. This is further proof of the author’s profound understanding of the military landscape. – Amazon Review
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The author’s imagination is on full display during this novel and intertwines world building, adventure, and mystery all in one. The strong female characters are well developed, decisive and intriguing. The writing is clean and fast paced and I was on the edge of my chair while reading the story. – Amazon Review
About the Author
B.L. Slocum is a lawyer and former intelligence officer who writes to quell the various voices that beset him. His many professions have ranged from short-order cook to truck driver to writer and editor. He once even had the crackpot idea of becoming a college professor. The foolish things he writes and silly ideas he holds are all his own.
He has this to say about himself:
I never found my grandmother’s old typewriter as a youngster, so I didn’t become infected by the writing bug as precocious young beasties sometimes do. (No, that all came much later.) Either way, writing is not, and likely never will be, a full-time gig for me. But in between trips to the courthouse, I scratch out stories for my amusement and for the entertainment of others.
Always, I live the family motto, “Volo pecuniam pre.” And I believe in my heart there are few things better than a good story well told. I hope you all enjoy mine.
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