BOOK REVIEW - "FRACTURED, FRAGMENT 02" (DARK TRENCH SHADOW SERIES, BOOK 4 OF 4) BY KERRY NIETZ

 

Can Threadbare protect his students - including his love interest Damala - from the latest attack from Anti-Tech Terrorists? How about the government's sadistic inspector Mah and their attempt to control the situation? How about someone who has an answer, though it is no less controlling?

"Fractured, Fragment 02" is the fourth and final entry of Kerry Nietz's dystopian Sci Fi Dark Trench Shadow Series, and it is as exciting as the previous three books in this collection ("Frayed," "Fraught," and "Fractured Fragment 01") and his three part Dark Trench Saga ("A Star Curiously Singing," "The Superlative Stream," and "Freeheads").

Nietz has this wonderful practice of including the story of his novel in his acknowledgements. In that wrap up in Fragment 01, he mentioned that his plan was to have one story, but it became too long for one book so he had a cliffhanger (he usually doesn't have cliffhangers) before continuing with this one. In Fragment 02, Nietz states this is the final book of the series, and says that it is more like "Revenge of the Sith" than "Return of the Jedi."

One question I ask about novels that are part of a series is whether to read them in order to enjoy them fully. Good question. One problem is that the two series I've mentioned overlap in such a way that you cannot avoid spoiling a surprise reveal in this book and "Freeheads." I would advise, if you have started reading the Dark Trench Shadow series, continue reading that before going to the earlier series. If not, I'd recommend reading the Dark Trench Saga first and then read this series. 

I highly recommend this book, this series, Dark Trench Saga, and everything else he wrote (including his wonderful Peril in Plain Space trilogy, starting off with the classic "Amish Vampires In Space," his collabortion "Just Dumb Enough" which he co-wrote with a half dozen other authors including John Otte, Morgan Busse and Jill Williamson, and his autobiography "Fox Tales").

BOOK REVIEW - "AMISH COUNTRY WITNESS" (PLAIN SECRETS BOOK 2) BY MEGHAN CARVER

 

How did Hallie Mae Hochstetler's time in the Witness Protection Program get compromised? Why did a pair of gangsters kill her uncle, and why are they after her? Can Amish widower Daniel Beiler help keep her safe until they can find her Witness Protection agent?

"Amish Country Witness" is the second installment of Meghan Carver's Plain Secrets, following up "Amish Country Hideout." This book starts with a gunshot... I mean, with a band. Carver has created a pair of interesting characters that you want to follow.

As stated above, this is the second book in a series. Do you need to need them in order? Not necessarily - the two books are mostly separate stories, though there is some overlap, and readers of the first will recognize references to the female lead in "Amish Country Witness." I would, though, recommend reading them in order.

I highly recommend this book. 

I received an ARC provided by the author; all opinions are my own.

BOOK REVIEW - "DARK DESIGN" (THE ERIN DELANEY MYSTERIES BOOK TWO) BY NANCY MEHL

Who is murdering blonde haired women in the same style as in a murder mystery novel? Why was Erin Delaney's book one selected by that serial killer? And what will be the outcome of one of Delaney's sources claiming the book was stolen by Delaney?

"Dark Design" is the second book of The Erin Delaney Mysteries by Nancy Mehl, an exciting follow-up to "Shattered Sanctuary." It continues with the adventures and friendship of Erin Delaney and BAU profiler Kaely Quinn (who was the main character of a former Mehl trilogy Kaely Quinn Profiler, and made an appearance in "Dead Fall", the second of her Quantico Profilers series). 

As a second book, do you need to read the first book to know what's going on in the second? While I believe you can follow the story if you read this first and that you won't have the first book spoiled by reading this second, I still would recommend reading them in order. Also, do you need to read the Kaely Quinn trilogy and/or "Dark Fall" first to get to know Kaely? Not really. 

I'm looking forward to the conclusion of this trilogy (unless she surprises me and puts out a fourth book, which, considering the third is titled "Fatal Finale," would be a big surprise). I highly recommend it. But then, having read 22 Nancy Mehl books, you'd expect me to recommend her latest story. 

 

WE ALL NEED A BRYCE AND A LORETUS: COMMENTARY ON R. J. LARSON'S BOOKS OF THE INFINITE TRILOGY (REPRINT)

Fightmaster Loretus from R. J. Larson's Book of the Infinite Trilogy.

Those on Facebook may, like me, get a daily memories list of previous posts. I found one that I thought was a good topic. Originally, it was a "note" I posted on Facebook. I had forgotten that I posted it Mid-February, 2021. But it definitely is a favorite of mine.

At the end of King, the finale of R. J. Larson's Books of the Infinite trilogy, she had a question on our favorite supporting characters. I mentioned four, and shared it with the author. One was a Destroyer (an overgrown horse) named Scythe, though a main character chose to call him Pet. Larson mentioned that was a popular answer. My other three characters got a combined one mention: That was Tsir Aun, a gentle milatry commander who became a prime minister, and who always commented that Ela the prophetess (the character I referred to above) was always getting into trouble.

My favorite was Bryce. The other main charater, Kien Lantec, found himself appointed to govern a region of Siphra in the second book, Judge, as a reward to saving King Akabe's life...an unwanted reward. Bryce was assigned as a steward. What I liked is that Bryce was loyal, had Kien's back, but would not hear of Kien backing out of his role. Kien told him not to call him "Lord", and Bryce wouldn't hear of it. Bryce also appeared in King, but it was his role in the first story that won me to him. 

Another was Fightmaster Loretus, who I considered honorable mention. He also was introduced in Judge, assigned by King Akabe to train Kien for battle. The thing that impressed me -- in King, you can see that Loretus was no less loyal, probably no less fond, of Kien as Bryce was. But he had a different role. Bryce was the companion who fought beside. Loretus' job was to toughen Kien up, a job Loretus relished. And while Kien wouldn't admit it, I'm sure he knew Loretus was a faithful friend as well.

We all need a Bryce and a Loretus in our lives, both in general and especially in ministry. We need someone who has our back and supports us ... except when we want to step away from what God has called us to do. One who will defend us to the death, but will not hear of us retreating or surrendering. And we also need someone who will test us -- not to break us but so we're ready for the real battle.That's what church is about. It's where we meet with our Bryces and Loretuses. That's why we're not to forsake our assembling of ourselves together.

But whether our church needs a Scythe/Pet is another matter.

THE PENGUIN COMPANION TO CLASSICAL MUSIC BY PAUL GRIFFITHS

 

Are you in the market that tells you everything you want to know about classical music? About the composers, the types of music, the musical instuments, and a guide to terms such as largo? This is the book you are looking for.

"The Penguin Companion to Classical Music by Paul Griffiths is essentially a Classical Music encyclopedia. If I want to learn about what an oboe is, there's an artical on that. If you want a short intro to your favorite composer, that's in there as well. If you want to know the difference between a piano sonata, a piano concerton, and a piano quintet, you'll learn that in this volume as well.

It's a big book, but considering how much is in it, you won't find a full biography of maror artists like Beethoven. However, I found an excellent article on one of my favorite composers, Franz Berwald, mentioned as the foremost Swedish composer but who is ignored in other classical books. It helped me understand why he's so obscure and yet giving a pat on the back for being a fan of a talented musician.

If you're a music lover, this is a great volume to have in your house.

BOOK REVIEW - "WITH ALL ITS TEETH: SEX, VIOLENCE, PROFANITY, AND THE DEATH OF CHRISTIAN ART" BY JOSHUA S. PORTER

The Bible is a "lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path." Does this mean that there are times it only lights a foot or two of that road? Can the Bible be clear one moment, ambiguous the next and some mixture a little further on? Is it blasphemous to consider that the Bible is art, or is that view consistent with God being the Master Artist? And is it possible that a novel or painting or other form of artistic creativity may be highly offensive to one believer and a comfort to another?

"With All Its Teeth: Sex, Violence, Profanity, and the Death of Christian Art," written by novelist, art-punk musician, and pastor Joshua S. Porter (odd combiniation, isn't it?) deals with these questions and others. 

The preface and "Act I: What is Art?" deals with the difficulty of defining art, that God is an artist and the world and Scripture are among His works of art, and the fact that art is not always beautiful or comfortable. At the end of chapter 1:1, Porter states, "To take issue with art is to take issue with God,. To devalue art is to devalue God." (p. 33). The remainder of the book has sections on what art is for, what to do with art, and dealing with concerns we have dealt with by art such as sex and violence. He concludes with how to move toward a Christian Appreciation of Art.

There aren't many books I consider rereading. This is an exception. It gave me things to think about, and some of those themes will come out in my blog. For example, most of my novel reading and music listening is focused on the Christian market. He hasn't changed my mind about my approach, and I'll be glad to tell you why, but  I am stronger on that being my opinion and calling, and applaud those who take a different direction.

I recommend this book very highly. I think pastors should read this, as well as artists and relatives of artists who wish they'd get a real job. I will give put an advisory on it - there may be parts you consider offensive. For example, when quoting someone using cuss words, he includes cuss words. 

ALBUM REVIEW - "HOUSE OF MOURNING" BY ANGEL MACHINE

"The heart of the wise in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth." Ecclesiastes 7:4

"House of Mourning," the most recent release by Angel Machine, can be considered a concept album, based on the theme of the title, with lyrics, vocals, and keyboards creating a heavy mood. 

Angel Machine consists of Wayde and Apryll Seraph. This project begins with "Prelude: the House of Mourning," consisting of spoken word backed up with the electronic keyboards, and concludes with the radio edit of "Sea of Glass" (a longer version is the 3rd cut). 

At the halfway mark of 2026, this is my favorite album of the year. It definitely is thought provking and has memorable songs. My favorites are "Sea of Glass" and "Belief Divides." The instrumentals (title track, winter song) are both excellent as well.