Alone on the Ice by David Roberts

Excellent book. I was wondering why the average rating of this book was under 4*s on Goodreads after I finished it, so I read some of the reasons for the low ratings. I stopped after a few minutes because the people who gave this book a 1* or 2* rating really should stick to reading other genres. Seriously. One 1* rater complained because of all the information about the other teams/explorers that were included in the book. This information added depth to the story!! It added important perspective to what the goal was: to map out Antarctica - the borders, the glaciers, to see what was actually ice-covered land mass vs. islands of rock surrounded by frozen water. This book is an incredible story. It is well-researched and well-written. The author talks about his sources (mainly diaries of the explorers and older books written about these expeditions) and at times why he was skeptical about some of the things published by family members years later over the actual diaries of the men themselves.

Certainly explorers of a "new world" need to be brave and physically strong, but I think the most important characteristic is mental strength. These were not average men. They were exceptionally intelligent, strong both physically and mentally, and were deeply invested in their missions. It's difficult to even imagine the hardships these men endured while attempting to fulfill their innate curiosity about the unexplored regions of our world. Of course their will to survive passes most others. Near starvation, with skin falling off, hair coming out in clumps, no equipment, eating dog meat/organs who had been starving themselves, trying to walk through frigid temperatures, wind, snow for 5-15 miles per day. It truly is incredible.

Douglas Mawson's journey by sledge, using both dogs and manpower, is a story of endurance and tragedy. Mawson was a scientist. He explored the Antarctic to collect samples, data, mapping and discovering that which no other man ever had. What was really interesting to me, as well, is how often Mawson and the numerous other men he traveled with (who kept diaries) downplayed the hardships, both in the weather/wind/ice/snow and the conflicts between men. These men arrived in Antarctica to "over winter" a year before the various expeditions. The first hardship was getting there by ship, which was dangerous in and of itself, and then trying to find a place for the ship to drop anchor to haul all the supplies, men and dogs to shore without the ship crashing into ice or being frozen into the water.

Again, this is an amazing story and I highly recommend it - to those who value the intense research and authenticity of this man's journey, as well as those like Ernest Shackleton, Frank Wild and Robert Falcon Scott (who ended up dying on one of his own quests in the Antarctic).

Phenomenal story.

Wendy's Rating: *****

Midnight in Death

This is a short book (90 pages) that follows Book #7. It takes place between Christmas and New Year's Eve. I am honestly not sure why! Can't Eve and Roarke have their first Christmas together without Eve being involved in a series of murders? This murderer was brought to justice three years previously by Eve and a number of other people (lawyers, a judge, therapist, etc). He was jailed for his crimes, but escaped during a medical transport. He is a serial killer who experimented on how much pain certain people can tolerate before they die. Pretty gruesome stuff. In this short story, Eve is his main target. Unfortunately, he tortures and kills a few people before he gets to Eve.

I don't know how Eve could do her job as effectively without the assistance of Roarke and his ability to bypass security systems, both online and at physical locations. It sure makes Eve's job easier! Ha! His research capability certainly shortens the time when tracking down information. I think they make a good team. In this book, Eve comments that Roarke would make a good cop. I agree. It helps to have a ton of money too.

Peabody is still recovering from her ordeal before Christmas, but she does join Eve on this case. She even travels off-planet with McNab. They have declared a "truce", which is nice. Apparently, I have a difficult time reading about interpersonal conflict, because I was relieved that Peabody & McNab AND Eve & Summerset did not bicker in this story. Roarke was a little more chill as well, especially considering that Eve set herself up as bait to re-catch this killer.

Short & not sweet, considering it involved torture and murder. But entertaining.

Wendy's Rating: ****

Holiday in Death by JD Robb

Book #7 of the series. It's interesting to me that I love reading about the holiday season even in March! Also, these holiday murders are gruesome. The serial killer's "theme" is the Twelve Days of Christmas (the song). Since Eve Dallas was injured in Book #6, she is just returning to work (too early, in everyone's opinion except her own) at the time of the first murder. She takes the case to prove to herself that she can still do the job with the same dedication, intensity, and success rate as before her injury. Unfortunately, this particular case also makes her face her own personal demons from her childhood of incestual abuse at the hands of her father. In other words, Eve Dallas is a mess in this book!

The killer chooses his victims through a dating service called Personally Yours. This is a high-end dating service that includes spa treatments and high-end cosmetic products on site. It's owned and run by a brother/sister team, Rudy & Piper Hoffman. The victims are both female and male, and they don't seem connected in any way except they all have profiles at Personally Yours. This gives Peabody and McNab an opportunity to expand their detective skills by going undercover and setting up their own profiles at Personally Yours. McNab drives Peabody crazy and she doesn't want anything to do with him (and obviously, McNab is crazy for Peabody), so them working together provides for some interesting interactions.

Eve does seem to get caught up at times in trying to get her personal suspect to fit in the "murderer box" even when there is evidence against her thoughts. She is not always able to separate her own personal baggage from the evidence in a case. I was so happy to see her finally admit that by the end of this book. It's very frustrating to me! Ha! I also hate how she runs herself into the ground time and time again. I like that she's feisty and determined, but what good is she to anyone half-dead? Honestly.

With that being said, I get that Eve's life is a journey and she has developed quite an awesome support team. I am looking forward to seeing how she grows as a person (and not just a detective).

Wendy's Rating: ****

Shadowed by Jerry Jenkins

This is the third book in the Zealot Underground trilogy. This was a fast-paced, action oriented ending to this series. It didn't end the way I expected it to, at least in the "smaller" details. I guess the bigger picture end result didn't surprise me. I was certainly bummed out that some newly converted Christians, who were deeply struggling with their recent personal loss(es) and seeking the comfort of Jesus, were brutally murdered. I guess they came to Christ just in time, but I really wanted them to live!

The truly evil character in this trilogy, who became more "unglued" in each book, was Ranold, Jae's father and Paul's father-in-law. He just kept implementing more and more despicable acts, killing all that got in his way. He actually acknowledged that he knew God must exist, but he simply didn't care. He thought he could battle God and win. The only person I wanted dead was Ranold! Ranold is a great example of how corrupt "power" can be. He didn't even care about the money. It was about being in control.

I thought this trilogy led up to the Left Behind series, but it really doesn't. This trilogy was more about the aftermath of World War III and the banning of religion. It took two devastating events (brought on by God) to open the minds of the masses. If was after great loss that people started to believe in God. At the end of this book, religion is no longer banned, but the world continues to be in disarray, just in a different way. The ending leaves a lot of unanswered questions about how the world will move on and what type of leadership/government will take control to provide some order.

Wendy's Rating: ****

Silenced by Jerry Jenkins

This is Book 2 in the Zealot Underground trilogy. This book reminded me more of the Left Behind series (than the first book). It was faster paced and there was more "cloak and dagger" events. It's difficult to know who to trust since Paul is certainly not the only "double agent" within the National Peace Organization (NPO) or the Zealot Underground. Paul is definitely good at his job, and he has the advantage of being able to take down people whom the NPO thinks are actually religious group leaders (but are not), but his father-in-law, Ranold, is suspicious of him.

The main enemy is this book is Styr Magnor. Magnor is a terrorist who has planted bombs in some European cities (like London & Paris). He claims to be religious, so the NPO want to get rid of him because they see him as a threat to their "no religion" law. Obviously, Magnor is a threat to everyone because he is a terrorist, but he is certainly not affiliated with the Zealot Underground. Paul takes advantage of the NPO's beliefs and flies to Europe to track down who Styr Magnor actually is and to put a stop to him.

Since Ranold and Chief Bia Balaam are incredibly suspicious of Paul's true alliance, they do everything possible to prove it. The place bugs on him so they can hear what he talks about; they try to entrap him to commit adultery; they tail him. Paul tries his very best to avoid being followed, but he doesn't know the extent of their distrust in him. Meanwhile, Jae (Paul's wife) has started listening to his New Testament tapes and tried to talk to Straight about it, but Straight (who doesn't trust her of course) pretty much stonewalls her. He doesn't want to fall into a trap set by Ranold - and he doesn't want to expose Paul. (I was disappointed that Straight really wasn't in this book too much, other than talking to Paul on the phone.) Jae is then told by her father (Ranold) that Paul continues to cheat on her and is a traitor. He encourages her to work for him so that she can prove Paul's treason against the NPO.

Things come to a head when the day arrives that each citizen, worldwide, is required by the Supreme Council of the International Government of Peace to pledge their support to the global ban on the practice of religion. The people that refuse to sign this pledge will suffer life imprisonment or death. Again, this book is a lot more "action packed" than the first in the series. I have already started reading the third book.

Wendy's Rating: ****

Soon by Jerry Jenkins

Jerry Jenkins is one of the co-authors of the Left Behind series, which I read many years ago and absolutely loved. I still have the entire series on one of my many book shelves. I have been meaning to read this trilogy (Soon, Silenced, Shadowed) for years. This story represents our country after World War III. Religion has been banned, the practicing of any religion punishable by death. The organization that is responsible for maintaining the "no religion" law and "keeping the peace" is called the NPO (National Peace Organization). Their stance is that historically, it's the opposing religious groups/beliefs around the world that causes war. So, no religion, no wars.

Paul Stepola is an agent for NPO. His father-in-law, Ranold, is also a well-respected leader in NPO. Paul is pretty much a jerk and the first 100 pages was a hard read for me since I didn't like Paul at all! He treats his wife, Jae, horribly, always thinking of other women and he had already cheated on her with at least one other woman. He is assigned to seek out underground religious groups and pretty much kill the people involved. Again, he was a difficult man to like, so it was a difficult read initially. Then he gets injured and ends up blind. So after that he is even more or a jerk and I dislike him intensely by this point.

I knew that things would turn around eventually, but the waiting was painful! Paul is befriended by a man called Straight, who unbeknownst to Paul, is a believer. Straight is patient and bides his time with Paul. It takes a miracle (regaining his sight) for Paul to start seeing the obvious signs of the pending rapture. Then I started enjoying the book more. As Paul starts his reformation, with the help of Straight and others, he is asked to be a double-agent in the NPO. This is highly dangerous for himself and his family, but he agrees to do it. Unfortunately good people continue to be discovered and killed, despite Paul's efforts. Then Jae joins Paul on his assignment in Los Angeles. They are both nicer to each other, but both are suspicious of each other's motives. Paul is being closely watched by Ranold, so he doesn't know if Jae is helping her father keep an eye on him or if she is legitimately trying to save their marriage.

A traumatic event in Los Angeles (caused by God) signals the end of this book. On to Book #2, Silenced.

Wendy's Rating: ****

Silent No More by Aaron Fisher, Michael Gillum & Dawn Daniels

Stories like this break my heart. There is no lower life form than those that prey on the young and vulnerable. Jerry Sandusky is truly a despicable human being and it appalls me that so many people "turned a blind eye" to what he was doing with these young boys. And his wife! Where was she when he was sexually abusing young boys in the basement of their family home. Disgusting. Sandusky irreparably damaged so many boys, so many families.

Aaron, with the help of his psychologist, Mike, and his mother, Dawn, shares his traumatic story. Sandusky started "grooming" Aaron at 11 years old. He started sexually molesting Aaron at 12 years old. To make this tragedy even worse, by the time Aaron was brave enough to report the abuse when he was 14, it took another four years for a case to be brought to court against Sandusky. One significant roadblock of course was Sandusky's prominence in the community and his association with Penn State. Another significant roadblock was finding Sandusky's other victims and encouraging some of them to come forward. Fortunately, in the end, several men came forward to share their own abuse. I am sure there were many, many more victims that didn't come forward.

I do not understand why anyone at all, for any reason, would not take action to stop an obvious rape of a young boy in a shower. Yes, it was reported, but no action was ever taken by ANYONE. I don't care how prestigious a college is, go to the police!! Go to child protection!! Do SOMETHING.

It was super brave of Aaron to tell his story. He was able to take down Sandusky in the end, despite the hardships that befell him and his family. Thankfully, Mike and Dawn were persistent to the end. If it wasn't for them, I'm not sure Sandusky would have been stopped. What makes me super sad that at the end of the book, Aaron has plans to work in the criminal justice system, either as a police officer or with some other "protection agency". I wondered if he was able to follow through with his goals, so I googled him. All I could find is an article saying that he lived in relative isolation and worked on cars at a shop. Again, it's absolutely heartbreaking how much damage was done to so many at the hands of a monster.

Wendy's Rating: *****