jbronderbookreviews

The Colossus by Ranjini Iyer

4 stars

(Excerpt from Goodreads) A diffident catering company owner, Max Rosen, learns of the existence of a coded research document authored by her late scientist father. This research is linked to health pills that were unearthed from the site of the Indus Valley Civilization in ancient India. The pills were once the mainstay of German pharmaceutical giant Berliner that Max’s grandfather worked for. And these pills were used in horrific Nazi era medical experiments.

In a thrilling ride that takes her and Julian McIntosh, a history professor, across the world, she must keep her wits about her or face dire consequences at the hands of Berliner and other unknown forces, who will stop at nothing to keep the research from coming out. Even as she struggles with her feelings for Julian, Max must brace herself for startling discoveries— her father’s research may well reveal a frightening truth connecting Berliner, her grandfather, and perchance, all mankind. And the shocking reality about her father’s death is one she may never be able to face.

Max Rosen great up in a family of scientists but she has become the owner of a catering company. Then she discovers some documents that link her father and grandfather to Nazi era medical experiments. Then she discovers that the story goes farther back to some pills that were discovered in a tomb in the Indus Valley. This leads Max to think that he father may not have committed suicide years ago.

Max partners up with history professor Julian McIntosh to find out the truth about Berliner and her father’s involvement with them. But as Max and Julian start digging, Berliner wants to keep that information secret and sends out people to keep Max and Julian quiet.

I really liked this story. There was a great connection between the three time periods, the story line was well put together, and just enough romance to make this story sweet. I really like all the information you get when it comes to testing new drugs. My only complaint is that Max thinks less about herself because she is bigger than the average stick model. I understand some insecurities but it did start to grate a little.

Overall this is a really good book. I can see other books in the future from Ranjini Iyer and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.

To purchase The Colossus, or for more information, make sure to check out Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Ranjini Iyer’s website.

I received The Colossus for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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The Pharaoh’s Cat by Maria Luisa Lang

5 stars

(Excerpt from Goodreads) The Pharaoh’s Cat, narrated in the present tense by the cat himself, is the story of a free-spirited, quick-witted stray in ancient Egypt who suddenly finds himself with human powers joined to his feline nature.

The Pharaoh’s Cat imaginatively blends Egyptology with comedy, drama, and even time travel–the cat and the High Priest will meet Elena, a resident of the twenty-first century and the daughter of a renowned Egyptologist.

Wrappa-Hamen is a stray cat in ancient Egypt. We start the story with someone very unhappy that Wrappa-Hamen cannot catch mice. We follow him through the streets to a tomb and into the hands of the Pharaoh. The young Pharaoh has been very depressed since the loss of his parents. His uncle, the Vizier is trying to rule Egypt until the boy is ready. He is not happy with Wrappa-Hamen and tries several times to get rid of him.

Through Wrappa-Hamen’s adventures and antics the Pharaoh starts to laugh and become the young man to rule Egypt. But there is more to Wrappa-Hame than just his ability to walk upright, speak, and eat human food. There is an ancient story that mirrors Wrappa-Hame’s own. Wrappa-Hame becomes friends with the High Priest of Amun-Ra to learn more about himself.

I loved this story. Maria Luisa Lang has definitely done lots of research on ancient Egypt. I felt right there while following on his adventures. Being an official crazy cat lady just made this story better since it is told from Wrappa-Hame’s perspective. Although this makes the book seem a little choppy it is exactly like following a cat around with how their attention seems to be in ten places at once.

This is a great story and anyone from any age will enjoy it.

To purchase The Pharaoh’s Cat, or for more information, make sure to check out Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads.

I received The Pharaoh’s Cat from the author for free in exchange for an honest review.

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