Book Review: Bazaar by Miles Joyner

Book Details:

Author: ย Miles Joyner
Release Date:
March 24, 2025
Series:
Genre: Techno-Thriller, Mystery, Thriller, Suspense
Format:ย E-bookย 
Pages: 355 pages
Publisher: World Castle Publishing, LLC
Blurb:
A high-profile homicide of a former ambassador’s son in the nightlife district of the nation’s capital gets connected to an assassination market on the dark web, turning the DC area into a battlefield over a new generation of class warfare. When the ex-diplomat, Chiedu Attah, hires an elite executive protection team headed by siblings Yemi and Karen Uzunma to guarantee his safety, the security firm realizes they are going up against a young, inventive contract killer who is determined to finish off the political VIP by any means necessary.

Review

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Bazaar by Miles Joyner is one of those books that grabs you by the collar from page one and refuses to let go until itโ€™s dragged youโ€”wide-eyed and slightly breathlessโ€”through a world where dark web markets, untraceable firearms, and calculated assassinations are the currency of the day. It’s part dystopian cyber-thriller, part political commentary, and entirely relevant in a way that feels almost uncomfortably prescient.

As a writer and editor, what stood out to me immediately was author Joynerโ€™s voice: gritty, propulsive, and unapologetically bold. He doesnโ€™t shy away from tackling difficult themes such as urban decay, institutional failure, the banality of violence, and yet manages to keep his narrative character-driven and emotionally sharp.

The protagonist, Aaron, is a complex, morally gray young man whose descent into digital-era vigilantism is disturbingly relatable. And the marketplace known as Bazaar, where people bid on assassination dates? Terrifyingly inventive. The novel pulses with a kind of anxious energy that reminded me of early Bret Easton Ellis fused with the social consciousness of The Wire.

Is it perfect? Not always. The pace sometimes races ahead of character development, and a few side plots felt a bit rushedโ€”but honestly, I didn’t mind. The urgency and ambition of the book far outweigh these minor hiccups.

If you’re someone who appreciates fiction that stares unflinchingly into the chaos of modern society and emerges with something urgent to say, Bazaar deserves a spot on your shelf.


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Book Review: Penny for Your Memories by Dexter Johnson

Book Details:

Author: Dexter Johnson
Release Date:
December 9, 2024
Series:
Genre: Science-Fiction, Dystopian, Speculative Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 269 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
In the year 2160, EchoTech has revolutionized how people experience the world. With its cutting-edge devices, anyone can reliveโ€”or even “live”โ€”any memory, turning personal recollections into a form of entertainment for the masses. Memories are no longer just what we remember; theyโ€™re experiences to be consumed, shared, and sold.

Brendan, a devoted user of EchoTech, regularly escapes into the memories of others through his EchoVisor. But when his routine existence is suddenly shattered by unexpected events, Brendan is thrust into a hidden world of secrets, conspiracies, and shocking revelations that challenge everything he thought he knew.
As Brendan embarks on a journey to uncover the truth, he begins to confront the deeper questions of what it truly means to live. In a society where memories are bought and sold, the line between reality and illusion blursโ€”and Brendan must navigate this complex new reality to find answers about identity, human connection, and the price of experience.

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Penny for Your Memories by Dexter Johnson is an absolute gem of a sci-fi thriller that grabbed me from page one and didn’t let go. Set in the year 2160, it introduces a future where memories arenโ€™t just personal anymoreโ€”theyโ€™re commodities to be consumed, shared, and even sold. EchoTechโ€™s ingenious devices make it possible to dive into other people’s recollections, and this fascinating premise alone was enough to hook me.

The protagonist, Brendan, is a regular user of EchoTech’s EchoVisor, comfortably lost in the memories of others. But when his seemingly routine life takes a dark turn, the story unfolds into a gripping journey of secrets, conspiracies, and mind-bending revelations. Brendanโ€™s transformation from a passive observer to someone actively questioning his reality is beautifully paced and layered with emotional depth. His struggles felt quiet relatable, even amidst the futuristic backdrop.

What I absolutely loved about this book is how it brilliantly blended the plot twists with thought-provoking questions. What does it mean to truly live? How do we define reality in a world dominated by manufactured experiences? Author Johnson doesnโ€™t just craft an exciting story; he forces one to think long after the book is over.

The world-building is incredibly immersive, from the sleek, futuristic gadgets to the eerie consequences of a society built on memory manipulation. Author Johnson’s writing is simple yet cinematicโ€”I could see every detail as if I were wearing an EchoVisor myself!

If youโ€™re a fan of speculative fiction that challenges your perception of reality while delivering edge-of-your-seat thrills, Penny for Your Memories is a must-read!


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Book Review: Deadly Odds 7.0 by Allen Wyler

Book Details:

Author: Allen Wyler
Release Date:
July 16, 2024
Series:
Genre: Techno-Thriller, Suspense, Mystery
Format:ย E-bookย 
Pages: 298 pages
Publisher: Stairway Press
Blurb:
In Wylerโ€™s 7th installment of the Deadly Odds techno-thriller series, reformed hacker Arnold Gold and his team are contracted to come up with a daring plan to sneak past the buildingโ€™s newly installed AI-enhanced security systems to hack the computers and offices a high-profile Seattle law firm in an ultra-secure downtown office building while squaring off against the clock and a hard-driving, paranoid Head of Security, Itzhak Mizrahi.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Deadly Odds 7.0 by Allen Wyler is the seventh instalment of the Deadly Odds techno-thriller series in which the author ramps up the tension, combining cutting-edge technology with nail-biting suspense in a story that is as intellectually stimulating as it is unputdownable.

Arnold Gold, the main character, now more seasoned and cautious, faces a new challenge that tests his skills and moral compass. Tasked with infiltrating a high-profile Seattle law firm’s ultra-secure office, Arnold and his team must outsmart an AI-enhanced security system that represents the pinnacle of current technological advancements. The portrayal of this AI system is both realistic and thought-provoking, showcasing Wyler’s deep understanding of technology and its implications.

The character of Itzhak Mizrahi, the paranoid Head of Security, serves as a formidable antagonist. His intense scrutiny and strategic mind make the cat-and-mouse game between security and intrusion intensely compelling. Author Wyler does an excellent job of crafting a character who is not only a worthy opponent but also a catalyst for elevating the psychological tension throughout the narrative.

Author Wylerโ€™s narrative excels in pacing and structure, balancing technical explanations of hacking and security with fast-paced action sequences. This balance ensures that “Deadly Odds 7.0” is accessible to readers who may not have a background in technology while still satisfying those who do. The detailed descriptions of Seattleโ€™s downtown and the law firmโ€™s office add a vivid setting to the high-tech escapades.

However, the novel occasionally struggles with dialogue that can feel stilted, which slightly hampers its otherwise seamless narrative flow. Additionally, while the technological aspects are generally well-handled, there are moments where the technical jargon might overwhelm a casual reader. Despite these minor issues, the novelโ€™s strengths far outweigh its shortcomings.

Overall, Deadly Odds 7.0 is a thrilling addition to Allen Wylerโ€™s repertoire, offering fans of the series and newcomers alike a gripping tale of cyber intrigue. Arnold Goldโ€™s latest adventure is a reminder of the precarious balance between security and privacy in the digital age and the lengths individuals will go to protectโ€”or dismantleโ€”it. This instalment not only entertains but also raises pertinent questions about the future of AI and cybersecurity, making it a must-read for techno-thriller aficionados.


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Book Review: Written By Blood – Conviction by Dwayne gill

Author: Dwayne Gill
Release Date: 28th November 2018
Genre: Techno-Thriller, Action, Sci-Fi, Post-Apocalyptic
Series: Written By Blood #1
Edition:ย e-book
Pages: 238
Publisher:ย 
Blurb:
Abandoned to a secret government program at birth, Cane was trained to be the worldโ€™s most skilled assassin. For years he excelled in the field, bringing dangerous terrorists all over the world to justice and making even the most protected villains lose sleep. But since the program was shut down four years ago, heโ€™s been forced into hiding, doing odd jobs to keep himself busy, and struggling to find a place for himself in society. The years of social isolation and, seemingly, his own brutal nature, have made him question whether or not he possesses the ability to feel certain emotions that most others exhibit effortlessly.Caneโ€™s only hope of normality in a lonely life rests in the warmth of his friendship with Helen and her daughter Kristy, the latter of whom he rescued five years earlier, from the clutches of the evil Blue Rose serial-killer. Cane lives with his friend Lynks, with whom he served in the disbanded โ€œRed Deltaโ€ assassin program.Cane finds a cryptic message from Marcene, a mysterious lady who knows more about him than she should. He soon finds himself thrust into the middle of a mystery thatโ€™s been at the center of the countryโ€™s attention for the past several years: ordinary men around the United States have been disappearing by the thousands, leaving their families and careers behind, only to turn up elsewhere in the country. Even more curious are the markings, which look like tattoos, that each bear upon their return. Conspiracy theories have abounded for years, but little has ever been known about these men, until now. Marcene claims the missing men are not only dangerous terrorists plotting a major attack on U.S. soil, but that theyโ€™re also genetically enhanced, and she aims to prove it to Cane through a series of instructions.

First, Cane is to save a college girl named Natalie, who, without her knowledge, is being targeted by the marked men. Guided more by curiosity than information, Cane and Lynks agree to help the girl, but after succeeding, they find only a new web of mysteries to unravel. The marked men are receiving their orders from seven dangerous men, and Cane remembers one of them by name: Amos. Heโ€™d been on Caneโ€™s radar in the past, though he remained out of reach. Amosโ€™s re-emergence gives Cane added motivation, so he looks to Marcene to continue pointing him in the right directionโ€ฆ

She leads them to the next, and most important step: find and recruit Daniel, a mountain of a man with a long history of violence.

Thereโ€™s only one problem: heโ€™s a convicted murderer in a super-max prison.

Cane and Lynks enlist Calvin, Danielโ€™s old friend, and Bowman, the man who trained Cane, to help orchestrate a plan for extracting Daniel. But Amos and the marked men are watching and making plans of their own, and theyโ€™ll use any tactic available in order to ensure their sinister plans remain in place, including hurting the few people Cane cares about.

Itโ€™s not only the marked men hot on their trail; FBI Agents Hart and Barkley, whoโ€™ve been hunting Cane and Lynks since the dissolution of Red Delta, are getting closer as well. But the nearer they draw to Cane, the more they learn about Amos, the other six terrorist leaders, and the marked men. And what they discover leads to even more terrifying scenarios and a deeper web of corruption than anyone expected, including a conspiracy involving high-ranking U.S. officials and the Russian government.

If Cane can just save Daniel and set him free, heโ€™ll have a valuable ally: Daniel stands over seven feet tall and weighs over four hundred pounds, and he has his own bitter history with the marked men.

What started as curiosity for Cane quickly turns into something personal when Amos targets Helen and Kristy, sending him on a frantic race against time, pitted against enemies that far outnumber him and his friends. Itโ€™ll be a struggle to balance saving Kristy, rescuing Daniel, all while battling his own demons and self-doubt.

To succeed, itโ€™ll take determination.

Itโ€™ll take focus.

Itโ€™ll take CONVICTION.

Review

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

Written By Blood: Convictionย by Dwayne Gill is an action-packed techno-thriller that is sure to keep you entertained right from the start to the very end. This book is jam-packed with high octane thrilling action and masculine drama like there’s no tomorrow. The storyline was good and the thing I liked best about this books is that it revolved around male characters, something rare to find in today’s books where the leading lady always steals the show, so for me, this book was a real treat.

I liked the writing style as the simplicity of it greatly complimented the plot, though at times it did feel a little rough around the edges, it did not get in the way of reading. The characterization was good and I was able to relate to almost all the characters, primary or secondary. The plot progression was really, really good and the pacing was great too.

Overall, it was a really new engaging read which proved to be a quick read and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a book with strong male characters and don’t mind gritty action and rustic tones.

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Book Review: Cane’s Detour & Daniel’s Darkness by Dwayne gill

Author: Dwayne Gill
Release Date: 7th October 2018
Genre: Techno-Thriller, Action, Sci-Fi, Post-Apocalyptic
Series: Written By Blood #1
Edition:ย e-book
Pages: 82
Publisher:ย 
Blurb:
Not all monsters are created equalโ€ฆCane is the worldโ€™s most feared assassin.
Daniel is possibly the most dangerous man alive, and heโ€™s definitely the largest.
When you think hero, neither one should come to mind.
Find out how each man stumbles upon a person in dire need and how they respond.

Cane and Daniel are the two main characters in Written By Blood Part One: Cane. The following two short stories are prequels of the novel.

CANEโ€™S DETOUR

Kristy escaped a dangerous serial killer.
Can she escape Cane?

Cane was trained from birth by the U.S. government to be the worldโ€™s most feared assassin. Often sent to eliminate difficult targets quietly, his anonymity is his most important asset. In fact, very few people have seen Cane and lived afterward.

Kristy is abducted by an infamous serial killer and held captive in a remote barn filled with many other victims. While she watches the other women’s grisly fates unfold before her, can Kristy escape before she meets the same destiny?

When Kristy and Caneโ€™s paths cross, theyโ€™re on very different routes. Cane is on his way to complete an urgent mission and canโ€™t be late. Kristy is running for her life.
She just didnโ€™t know sheโ€™d run into an even worse monster.
For Kristy to live, Cane must make a detour. Will he consider it? After all, he’s on a tight schedule, and she’s seen his face.

DANIELโ€™S DARKNESS

Taryn is a happy, outdoor-loving thirteen-year-old with a gentle, loving father. But her tranquil life is turned upside down when her father dies, leaving her alone with her drug-dependent mother, who squanders the little that they have and moves them to a rough neighborhood outside of Chicago. To make matters worse, Taryn’s mom hooks up with her drug dealer, who moves right in and begins abusing Taryn. Things can’t get much worse for her. Or can they?

When Taryn meets Daniel, her new neighbor that moved in across the street, his enormous body is bandaged from head to toe and he’s recovering from an ambush that nearly killed him. Taryn should probably stay away, but she’s drawn to the qualities of him that remind her of her father. But the better she gets to know Daniel, the more she sees that he’s not only very different from her loving father, he’s also carrying a terrifying darkness inside of him.

Review

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

Cane’s Detour & Daniel’s Darkness by Dwayne Gill is a collection of two short novellas which serve as a prequel toย and marks the beginning of a new technothriller series,ย Written By Blood.

Cane’s Detour: 4/5: The story started with an action-packed and super fast paced scenario which set the tone of the story (and the series) pretty well. As soon as I started reading, I knew I was in for some gritty action and some serious thrills. And this story did not disappoint. I was pretty amazed at how much the author managed to pack up in such a short story. A must read if you like action-packed narration and raw characters with dangerous edges.

Daniel’s Darkness: 3.5/5: This story was an entirely different cup of tea than the first one in terms of storyline, while at the same time, packing qual amount of rawness to characterization. Though this one had less action and more emotions and explored different themes while staying true to the main conflict of the series (as far as I can tell up to this point in the series.)

Overall: 4/5: I enjoyed both the books and can’t wait to read the main book in the series,ย Written In Blood: Conviction. The mood of the series is already set and I know one thing for sure that this book is going to be one hell of an exciting ride. Plus, being so intimately acquainted with the characters, it is difficult not to feel so excited to actually begin with this series.

I’d recommend this to all the readers who’ve been dying to read a series with raw and truly masculine male heroes who throw heavy punches before taking bullshit from anyone.

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