Isadora DayStar Reviews
AMAZON.COM REVIEWS:
Article first published as Book Review: Isadora DayStar by Loni Emmert & P.I. Barrington on Blogcritics.
The promise of youth and the possibilities to come are realized as often as not. But when things to not happen as planned and the choices made change the direction of that promise, can we ever get that first flush, that first possibility of life back?
In Isadora DayStar by Loni Emmert & P.I Barrington we are given the opportunity to follow the life of Isadora, a young woman with a shot at being great. Yet in one fell swoop, her life changes when under unforeseen circumstances she freezes in her duties, and those she is closest too are destroyed. Unable to bare the outcome and to live with her memories she cuts herself off from everyone and everything she knows. When she has an opportunity to try an illegal drug to wipe some memories clear, she is initially elated to find that it works.
However, soon she no longer controls her use, the drug controls her. In an effort to find the money to continue her curse, she becomes an assassin. The problems lies in her drug use, the drug takes her control, and when she does find work, she is the very worst at the game. There are those still willing to hire her though, she has made herself expendable. Little does she know that her new employer is sending her on a mission that will change her life? She will have to face her demons and pull herself together, or she will risk losing it all, including her own life. As she begins to see the shadows of who she once was, can she control her cravings and reach back to the promise that was hers from the beginning?
Emmert and Barrington have written a fantastic story, futuristic in scope and yet with many of the same trappings and problems of the world we live in today. Isadora is both a character of ridicule, and yet a possible hero as well. I found her character to have a bit of the Bruce Willis affect that appears in some of his Science Fiction movies. The bad guy-good guy effect. There is something in all that badness that you cannot help but admire, and it draws you to the character. Isadora is so human, and so full of self-remorse and bravado, there has to be more.
The worlds are very interesting and unique, and they hold that dangerous feel that adds a touch of excitement. The trappings of weaponry and travel in the future hold true to most of what is available in the genre today, and the story of a life close to ruin is found in tabloids everywhere. Add a young character into the fray who is much like Isadora was in her youth, Renan is a youth that is very believable. The aliens are well thought out, and the interaction and problems are just creepy enough to make you shiver.
There is a great deal of the here and now in this futuristic novel, the homelessness, the drugs, the idea of doing whatever it takes to get a hit, and the degradations that people are will to experience to stay high. There is something so raw that the story keeps you turning the pages.
I would recommend this work for those who enjoy Science Fiction, action and just anything a little out of the ordinary. The flow is easy to follow and the story is good. This is not a book for the young adult, and the themes are dark and often dangerous, but the glimmer of hope shows though. ~Tic Tock, Amazon.com reviews
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The prologue didn't peak my interest at all (not even sure if I think it was necessary), but the first chapter sucked me right in. Isadora Daystar is an unusual choice for a protagonist -- she's a former soldier, a drug addict, a thief, and an assassin, who often prostitutes herself to alien species to make ends meet because she's not very good at killing her marks. Her whole existence is based around her addiction to a drug that she encountered during her military service, and it is an utterly pathetic existence at that.
I loved the imagery of this futuristic universe, with rather unusual descriptions of Isadora's main world, Rho (a moon that never sees the light of a sun). Instead of focusing on the technology, Barrington highlights the changes in the social structure of the human race. (For example, religion is outlawed, and additional laws had to be enacted regarding sexual contact with other alien races.) It shows incredible imagination on the part of Barrington. Between the various species, interplanetary travel, and new moral codes of the existing human race, I was enthralled by the plight of Isadora as she finds herself in big trouble after a deadly bacteria infection causes her to abandon ship en route to another planet.
The flashbacks of Isadora provided background information on the character, as well as explaining how she ended up in her present situation, without slowing down the pace of the story. I thought the ending was wrapped up a little too neatly for my liking, especially considering the personal hell that Isadora was living in, but I am hoping the author might write a new sci-fi series centered on Isadora Daystar. I really enjoyed the complexity of Barrington's sci-fi societies and characters.
This novel was an excellent story about struggling with inner demons and self-redemption, but instead of being set in a modern world, Barrington had the great idea to write the drama with a science fiction theme, which I think readers will appreciate immensely.
~Ursula K. Raphael, Amazon.com Reviews
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On face value, Isadora Daystar is probably not a book I’d have pulled from the shelf and taken home. Lexington Literature Examiner Jesse Coffey made a passing remark about it in a Facebook post, so I figured, why not? Jesse hasn’t led me astray yet, so I took a chance. My mistake for not picking this up sooner than I did. But for one problem at the end, this is good writing and good reading.
It’s the story of former Army Sgt. turned hired Assassin Isadora Daystar. Isadora constant companion is an acquaintance from her less than stellar days in the military: an addiction to the painkiller narcotic, Ingentin. The drug may have been a welcome relief while recovering from wounds inflicted during a failed mission, but now it was a need as necessary to her as the air she breathed. A well imagined piece of science fiction writing, the book is equally poignant as social commentary on the devastating effect of drug abuse and its resulting horrors. Not since Gene Roddenbery have writers so effectively mixed contemporary social commentary and science fiction as both vehicle and soapbox to communicate real life, pertinent issues in a medium that both educates and entertains.
Isadora Daystar is a fast paced, compelling read that succeeds at every level until it comes to a sappy, abrupt, all too neat Hallmark ending.
Four stars for a well conceived idea that engages the reader on multiple levels with a good story and characters you can empathize with. Take back one star for the sappy ending, and Isadora Daystar rates a solid three out of 5 stars. ~ David Roth, Tampa Examiner
Praise for Button Hollow, The Leaf Peeper Murders
http://www.examiner.com/contemporary-literature-in-manchester/button-hollow-chronicles-no-1-the-leaf-peeper-murders-by-loni-emmert-p-i-barrington "From the moment you enter the world of Button Hollow, the town’s quirky and colorful characters drive the story along and we quickly realize that it’s not the Sheriff that runs this town, but the elderly and demanding Miss Watson who, in her own words, “is always right” when it comes to solving crime. Most of the residents in Button Hollow have lived here all their lives, but when the autumn leaves begin to change the town is inundated with “Leaf Peepers”. With all these new visitors in town, Anne Jolie Watson can’t help but be suspicious of everyone and everything! Of course it doesn’t help that eager to please Deputy Hargesty is also Miss Watson’s nephew, and the Citizen’s Brigade’s biggest fan; much to the dismay of the Sheriff. You’ll find yourself immersed in this engrossingly wonderful whodunit and longing for the next installment!"
http://www.bookjetty.com/books/0982589999/button-hollow-chronicles-1-leaf "As I read The Leaf Peeper Murders I couldn’t help but laugh at the antics of Anne Jolie Watson. I feel sure that as you read this book, you too will get a good laugh and it will probably be because you too know someone that is of the same character as Anne Jolie. I know several. Even though this is a murder mystery, it’s still full of humor."
http://marthaskitchenkorner.blogspot.com/2010/08/button-hollow-chronicles-no-1-leaf.html
http://www.examiner.com/books-in-manchester/button-hollow-chronicles-no-1-the-leaf-peeper-murders-by-loni-emmert-p-i-barrington "Despite some inconsistencies with life in New Hampshire, Loni Emmert and P.I. Barrington weave a delightful tale about a close-knit town reminiscent of Mayberry and Cabot Cove, with equally unforgettable characters always trying to do the right thing for their town. You will be drawn in to the story and the characters until the final page has been turned and the mystery solved."
“In The Leaf Peeper Murders, P. I. Barrington and Loni Emmert paint a delightful picture of the small New England town of Button Hollow that combines both the bright colors of the autumn landscape and the darker secrets of some of the town's citizens.” ~ Sheila Connolly, 2009 Agatha Nominee, author of the Orchard Mystery Series
"Emmert and Barrington have created a masterpiece of suspense and mystery that rivals Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple series. I guarantee that once you begin reading, you won’t be able to put it down!" ~ Brenda Scott, Manchester Contemporary Literature Examiner, examiner.com
"With sparkling dialogue, a colorful, zany cast of characters and an authentic depiction of small-town New England life, authors Emmert and Barrington have created a charming 'cozy mystery' in their novel, "The Button Hollow Chronicles: The Leaf Peeper Murders". The evidence is clear: this well-written book contains all the elements needed to engage a reader's attention, so it's no mystery that this is a fun and satisfying read." ~ Regina Andrews, author of Spotlight on Love, Destiny's Designs, In Good Faith, and The Perfect Proposal
“Outstanding page-turner...Thoroughly engaging! Well done ladies! I look forward to book #2.” ~ Anne Patrick, author of Lethal Dreams and Out of the Darkness.
"Emmert and Barrington infuse Button Hollow, NH with an enjoyable, but nosey cast of characters." ~ Stephanie Burkhart, author of The Hungarian
http://www.bookjetty.com/books/0982589999/button-hollow-chronicles-1-leaf "As I read The Leaf Peeper Murders I couldn’t help but laugh at the antics of Anne Jolie Watson. I feel sure that as you read this book, you too will get a good laugh and it will probably be because you too know someone that is of the same character as Anne Jolie. I know several. Even though this is a murder mystery, it’s still full of humor."
http://marthaskitchenkorner.blogspot.com/2010/08/button-hollow-chronicles-no-1-leaf.html
http://www.examiner.com/books-in-manchester/button-hollow-chronicles-no-1-the-leaf-peeper-murders-by-loni-emmert-p-i-barrington "Despite some inconsistencies with life in New Hampshire, Loni Emmert and P.I. Barrington weave a delightful tale about a close-knit town reminiscent of Mayberry and Cabot Cove, with equally unforgettable characters always trying to do the right thing for their town. You will be drawn in to the story and the characters until the final page has been turned and the mystery solved."
“In The Leaf Peeper Murders, P. I. Barrington and Loni Emmert paint a delightful picture of the small New England town of Button Hollow that combines both the bright colors of the autumn landscape and the darker secrets of some of the town's citizens.” ~ Sheila Connolly, 2009 Agatha Nominee, author of the Orchard Mystery Series
"Emmert and Barrington have created a masterpiece of suspense and mystery that rivals Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple series. I guarantee that once you begin reading, you won’t be able to put it down!" ~ Brenda Scott, Manchester Contemporary Literature Examiner, examiner.com
"With sparkling dialogue, a colorful, zany cast of characters and an authentic depiction of small-town New England life, authors Emmert and Barrington have created a charming 'cozy mystery' in their novel, "The Button Hollow Chronicles: The Leaf Peeper Murders". The evidence is clear: this well-written book contains all the elements needed to engage a reader's attention, so it's no mystery that this is a fun and satisfying read." ~ Regina Andrews, author of Spotlight on Love, Destiny's Designs, In Good Faith, and The Perfect Proposal
“Outstanding page-turner...Thoroughly engaging! Well done ladies! I look forward to book #2.” ~ Anne Patrick, author of Lethal Dreams and Out of the Darkness.
"Emmert and Barrington infuse Button Hollow, NH with an enjoyable, but nosey cast of characters." ~ Stephanie Burkhart, author of The Hungarian
Future Imperfect Book Two: Miraculous Deception by P.I. Barrington - review by Brenda Scott, Manchester Contemporary Literature Examiner rates this:
5 Stars
Miraculous Deception is a good old fashion, edge-of-your-seat, suspense thriller that delivers all the unpredictable, fast-paced action of a runaway train! Once again, Barrington leaves us with a cliffhanger ending that won’t be revealed until January 2011 when Future Imperfect Book Three: Final Deceit is released. Future Imperfect Book Two: Miraculous Deception is available at Amazon.com and Desert Breeze Publishing in Kindle Edition.
Miraculous Deception is the second futuristic suspense thriller in the Future Imperfect trilogy by P.I. Barrington, published by Desert Breeze Publishing. It’s scheduled to be released this month, and begins where Crucifying Angel left off.
The year is 2032, and the usual cast of characters have all assembled again to help solve another murder investigation in the putrid, crime infested streets of Las Vegas. And, of course, where there are dead bodies, you can be sure The New Creation is somehow involved! Poor Georgene can’t keep up with the demand, “… I've got bodies piling up at the morgue waiting for autopsies.” When Payce Halligan is suddenly discovered missing from Las Vegas General Hospital, Gavin McAllister and Nicholas Kincaid put their differences aside to search for her before it’s too late. The question is, how do you lose a comatose patient without anyone noticing?
Barrington’s 3-dimensional characters are so realistic; they practically jump off the page. We are exhausted for poor Georgene, Las Vegas Coroner and Medical Director of Las Vegas General Hospital for her overwhelming workload. We experience the pain Payce feels as she rips out the probes thrust into every vital organ in her body. We are tense as we read about Gavin and Nick’s bitter rivalry, and devastated as Gavin replays the brutal murder of his wife and child over and over in his head. We are suspicious of intern Logan McKaye for his unyielding attention to Payce, a virtual stranger to him; paranoid right alongside Terrien Frye for his feeling that everyone is “out to get him.” And who at some point in their life hasn’t been subjected to an Amy Strand, the quintessential career-driven, type-A, go-getter who will stop at nothing to succeed? The parallel between her and Campbell Slade is so similar; they could be the same person if one didn’t know better. Yet neither of them can be considered a villain in the truest sense of the word.
Miraculous Deception is the second futuristic suspense thriller in the Future Imperfect trilogy by P.I. Barrington, published by Desert Breeze Publishing. It’s scheduled to be released this month, and begins where Crucifying Angel left off.
The year is 2032, and the usual cast of characters have all assembled again to help solve another murder investigation in the putrid, crime infested streets of Las Vegas. And, of course, where there are dead bodies, you can be sure The New Creation is somehow involved! Poor Georgene can’t keep up with the demand, “… I've got bodies piling up at the morgue waiting for autopsies.” When Payce Halligan is suddenly discovered missing from Las Vegas General Hospital, Gavin McAllister and Nicholas Kincaid put their differences aside to search for her before it’s too late. The question is, how do you lose a comatose patient without anyone noticing?
Barrington’s 3-dimensional characters are so realistic; they practically jump off the page. We are exhausted for poor Georgene, Las Vegas Coroner and Medical Director of Las Vegas General Hospital for her overwhelming workload. We experience the pain Payce feels as she rips out the probes thrust into every vital organ in her body. We are tense as we read about Gavin and Nick’s bitter rivalry, and devastated as Gavin replays the brutal murder of his wife and child over and over in his head. We are suspicious of intern Logan McKaye for his unyielding attention to Payce, a virtual stranger to him; paranoid right alongside Terrien Frye for his feeling that everyone is “out to get him.” And who at some point in their life hasn’t been subjected to an Amy Strand, the quintessential career-driven, type-A, go-getter who will stop at nothing to succeed? The parallel between her and Campbell Slade is so similar; they could be the same person if one didn’t know better. Yet neither of them can be considered a villain in the truest sense of the word.
EZine Article Book Review for: "Future Imperfect, Book 1, Crucifying Angel"
Written by: P.I. Barrington
Desert Breeze Publishing
ISBN: 1-936000-19-9
Ebook Format
5 Stars
Reviewer: S. Burkhart
Barrington creates a futuristic world full of heart pounding suspense with "Crucifying Angel." Barrington moves from thrill to thrill with ease. Her writing is crisp and the pace flows well. She uses a good economy of words to describe her futuristic world, painting a vivid setting for the reader. Both Gavin and Payce are interesting characters, and come to the story with scared backgrounds. Payce accidentally shot her last partner during a confrontation and is now finding her emotional scars healing. Gavin, who is British, had to witness the death of his family. His emotional scars still haunt him. How Payce and Gavin grow and deal with their pain is a joy for the reader to discover. Their courage and dedication are traits to be admired. Ralphie K. Teon as the "Crucifying Angel" is the perfect villain. Instead of taking his tragedic past and using it to inspire him to be better, he twists it into a morbid cause.
"Crucifying Angel" is a suspense that will take the reader on a pulse-pounding thrill ride and give them an ending that begs for a sequel.
Written by: P.I. Barrington
Desert Breeze Publishing
ISBN: 1-936000-19-9
Ebook Format
5 Stars
Reviewer: S. Burkhart
Barrington creates a futuristic world full of heart pounding suspense with "Crucifying Angel." Barrington moves from thrill to thrill with ease. Her writing is crisp and the pace flows well. She uses a good economy of words to describe her futuristic world, painting a vivid setting for the reader. Both Gavin and Payce are interesting characters, and come to the story with scared backgrounds. Payce accidentally shot her last partner during a confrontation and is now finding her emotional scars healing. Gavin, who is British, had to witness the death of his family. His emotional scars still haunt him. How Payce and Gavin grow and deal with their pain is a joy for the reader to discover. Their courage and dedication are traits to be admired. Ralphie K. Teon as the "Crucifying Angel" is the perfect villain. Instead of taking his tragedic past and using it to inspire him to be better, he twists it into a morbid cause.
"Crucifying Angel" is a suspense that will take the reader on a pulse-pounding thrill ride and give them an ending that begs for a sequel.
AssociatedContent
Brenda Scott review
"Crucifying Angel" has all the nail-biting suspense of a Dan Brown novel with a cliffhanger ending that leaves you wanting more. A must read, Barrington's clever and engaging dialog and unique storyline is a page turner. The good news is that you won't have to wait long for book two of the Future Imperfect series to be released. "Miraculous Deception" is slated for June of 2010!
Brenda Scott review
"Crucifying Angel" has all the nail-biting suspense of a Dan Brown novel with a cliffhanger ending that leaves you wanting more. A must read, Barrington's clever and engaging dialog and unique storyline is a page turner. The good news is that you won't have to wait long for book two of the Future Imperfect series to be released. "Miraculous Deception" is slated for June of 2010!
MANIC READERS REVIEW
Rating: 4 1/2 Stars Reviewer: IvyD
Book One Future Imperfect: Crucifying Angel is an incredible read. Excellent characterization, nail biting suspense, gritty realism and a dizzying pace make for an exceptionally tense exciting read. Payce and Gavin engaged me both mentally and emotionally. The not too distant future setting, technology and gadgetry add volumes to the story as do the secondary characters James and Edana. I’m anxiously awaiting Book Two. In fact, I’m on pins and needles. As bad as the future Vegas is, I’m all up for a visit if it involves Payce and Gavin.
Rating: 4 1/2 Stars Reviewer: IvyD
Book One Future Imperfect: Crucifying Angel is an incredible read. Excellent characterization, nail biting suspense, gritty realism and a dizzying pace make for an exceptionally tense exciting read. Payce and Gavin engaged me both mentally and emotionally. The not too distant future setting, technology and gadgetry add volumes to the story as do the secondary characters James and Edana. I’m anxiously awaiting Book Two. In fact, I’m on pins and needles. As bad as the future Vegas is, I’m all up for a visit if it involves Payce and Gavin.
GoodReads Review
Mar 11, 2010 Danielle Thorne rated it:
Crucifying Angel
A frequent reader of suspense and mayhem, the cover of Crucifying Angel has caught my attention on more than one occasion. When I picked it up for review, I wondered if I could get into the futuristic setting that did not fit into my slim sci-fi experience. Boy, did I. From the opening pages, CRUCIFYING ANGEL’s smoldering desert landscape cast a riveting image. A hardnosed heroine throwing murder scenes in my face hooked me from the get-go. I was a litera...more Crucifying Angel
A frequent reader of suspense and mayhem, the cover of Crucifying Angel has caught my attention on more than one occasion. When I picked it up for review, I wondered if I could get into the futuristic setting that did not fit into my slim sci-fi experience. Boy, did I.
From the opening pages, CRUCIFYING ANGEL’s smoldering desert landscape cast a riveting image. A hardnosed heroine throwing murder scenes in my face hooked me from the get-go. I was a literal trout, gobbling down author P.I. Barrington’s bait. With a hotshot detective from across the pond (sans James Bond), brilliant and believable futuristic forensic science detail, a nutcase serial killer with some serious God issues, and the eternal city of lights and sin, Las Vegas, this psychological thriller is a smart, high-tech thrill ride that “reeled” me in. I loved every twist and turn down the Strip, the three-dimensional scenery coloring the pages, and the experience of riding shotgun with dry humored heroes running on empty. Without spoiling the party, I must commend the originality of this story’s wild desert climax.
Barrington’s brave attempt to use a real locale and take it into the future is a stroke of genius, because she does what many cannot: she does it well. It grounded the story in a Carnival Madhouse way, opening doors for imagination to run amuck. There is a subtle balance of vulnerability in her gritty characters that makes them real against unreal odds. She puts the “psych” in psycho. She reads easily, and can spin a satisfying plot that keeps the pages turning.
I found Crucifying Angel to be top-notch entertainment, definitely my favorite suspense read in months. It is a perfect score with only one flaw--be warned, Barrington will leave you hanging…but the sequel appears to be forthcoming. I’ve already added it to my list.
Crucifying Angel
A frequent reader of suspense and mayhem, the cover of Crucifying Angel has caught my attention on more than one occasion. When I picked it up for review, I wondered if I could get into the futuristic setting that did not fit into my slim sci-fi experience. Boy, did I. From the opening pages, CRUCIFYING ANGEL’s smoldering desert landscape cast a riveting image. A hardnosed heroine throwing murder scenes in my face hooked me from the get-go. I was a litera
A frequent reader of suspense and mayhem, the cover of Crucifying Angel has caught my attention on more than one occasion. When I picked it up for review, I wondered if I could get into the futuristic setting that did not fit into my slim sci-fi experience. Boy, did I.
From the opening pages, CRUCIFYING ANGEL’s smoldering desert landscape cast a riveting image. A hardnosed heroine throwing murder scenes in my face hooked me from the get-go. I was a literal trout, gobbling down author P.I. Barrington’s bait. With a hotshot detective from across the pond (sans James Bond), brilliant and believable futuristic forensic science detail, a nutcase serial killer with some serious God issues, and the eternal city of lights and sin, Las Vegas, this psychological thriller is a smart, high-tech thrill ride that “reeled” me in. I loved every twist and turn down the Strip, the three-dimensional scenery coloring the pages, and the experience of riding shotgun with dry humored heroes running on empty. Without spoiling the party, I must commend the originality of this story’s wild desert climax.
Barrington’s brave attempt to use a real locale and take it into the future is a stroke of genius, because she does what many cannot: she does it well. It grounded the story in a Carnival Madhouse way, opening doors for imagination to run amuck. There is a subtle balance of vulnerability in her gritty characters that makes them real against unreal odds. She puts the “psych” in psycho. She reads easily, and can spin a satisfying plot that keeps the pages turning.
I found Crucifying Angel to be top-notch entertainment, definitely my favorite suspense read in months. It is a perfect score with only one flaw--be warned, Barrington will leave you hanging…but the sequel appears to be forthcoming. I’ve already added it to my list.
P.I. Barrington’s Soon to Be Released Crucifying Angel is A Five Star Read October 12, 2009 at 12:18 am (Crime Novels, Suspense Novels, mystery) (murder, myster, PI Barrington, serail killer, suspense, thriller, Yvonne Mason)
When P.I. Barrington asked me to read her newest thriller I had no idea what I was getting into. Crucifying Angel is not your run of the mill serial killer. This book takes the reader into the future as in 2032. The criminals are still the same. They still kill, maim and generally make life miserable for the rest of the world. The method of solving those crimes is quite different. Ms. Barrington blends the future with the present and makes a spellbinding read. She gives many layers to her main characters, Payce the female American Detective and her British Counterpart Gavin. These two characters play off of each other and create a dialogue that keeps the reader turning the page not just to see “who done it” but to also see if these two conflicted people can find a middle ground for the passion they find themselves feeling for each other. Ms. Barrington plays the reader like a finely tuned piano with the twists and turns and the undercurrent of electricity of Det. Payce and Det Gavin. She then adds the timpani of the serial killer and his misguided reasons for what he does. Crucifying Angel is absolutely a must read, but beware, you will have to get the next installment. The best is yet to come. Defiantly a five star read.
Yvonne Mason, Author Silent Scream – A True Crime Novel
When P.I. Barrington asked me to read her newest thriller I had no idea what I was getting into. Crucifying Angel is not your run of the mill serial killer. This book takes the reader into the future as in 2032. The criminals are still the same. They still kill, maim and generally make life miserable for the rest of the world. The method of solving those crimes is quite different. Ms. Barrington blends the future with the present and makes a spellbinding read. She gives many layers to her main characters, Payce the female American Detective and her British Counterpart Gavin. These two characters play off of each other and create a dialogue that keeps the reader turning the page not just to see “who done it” but to also see if these two conflicted people can find a middle ground for the passion they find themselves feeling for each other. Ms. Barrington plays the reader like a finely tuned piano with the twists and turns and the undercurrent of electricity of Det. Payce and Det Gavin. She then adds the timpani of the serial killer and his misguided reasons for what he does. Crucifying Angel is absolutely a must read, but beware, you will have to get the next installment. The best is yet to come. Defiantly a five star read.
Yvonne Mason, Author Silent Scream – A True Crime Novel