The Skin Map by Stephen R. Lawhead

Click to purchase from Amazon.com

The Skin Map is the first book of Stephen R. Lawhead’s new Bright Empires series. The first thing to pique my interest was the creative chapter titles. Throughout the novel, each chapter title made the reader want to find out more.  Chapter 13: “In Which Respectability Suffers a Serious Setback” and Chapter 20: “In Which Luxor’s Nefarious Trade Is Advanced” increased my desire to turn the page and see what happens next.

At first, the main character, Kit, was the everyman plodding through his blah existence in a blah relationship.  Enroute to meet Wilhelmina, his other blah half, the world as he knows it is forever changed in Chapter 1: “In Which Old Ghosts Meet”.  The reader is quickly drawn in as the story unfolds to reveal unimaginable adventures for both Kit and Wilhelmina.

Drawing on both historical and mythical tales as a loose framework, Lawhead builds an intriguing world “In Which It Is Darkest Before the Dawn”.  Adventure, romance and the premise of instantaneous travel brings twists and turns that keep this tale interesting.  The Skin Map within the story is the object of obsession for both the good guys and the bad guys.  I was left wishing the next book of the series was already available. I recommend this book for a well-told story and an adventure to boot.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Skin Map is the first book of Stephen R. Lawhead’s new Bright Empires series. The first thing to pique my interest was the creative chapter titles. Throughout the novel, each chapter title made the reader want to find out more.  Chapter 13: “In Which Respectability Suffers a Serious Setback” and Chapter 20: “In Which Luxor’s Nefarious Trade Is Advanced” increased my desire to turn the page and see what happens next.

At first, the main character, Kit, was the everyman plodding through his blah existence in a blah relationship.  Enroute to meet Wilhelmina, his other blah half, the world as he knows it is forever changed in Chapter 1: “In Which Old Ghosts Meet”.  The reader is quickly drawn in as the story unfolds to reveal unimaginable adventures for both Kit and Wilhelmina.

Drawing on both historical and mythical tales as a loose framework, Lawhead builds an intriguing world “In Which It Is Darkest Before the Dawn”.  Adventure, romance and the premise of instantaneous travel brings twists and turns that keep this tale interesting.  The Skin Map within the story is the object of obsession for both the good guys and the bad guys.  I was left wishing the next book of the series was already available. I recommend this book for a well-told story and an adventure to boot.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Butterfly Effect

Click to purchase from Amazon.com

Like ripples in a pond, every decision man makes has far reaching and unimaginable consequences. In his book, The Butterfly Effect, Andy Andrews illuminates the significance that a simple act of kindness can have in the course of human history. Andrews masterfully weaves a series of historical events, which until this telling seemed totally unrelated, into a powerful tale that will inspire everyone to be courageous and wise in the course of their otherwise ordinary lives.

A butterfly flapping its wings in South America can affect the weather conditions in Central Park. ~Edward Lorenz 1963

Andy Andrews’ ability to touch hearts and transform lives with his words, just as he did in The Noticer, challenges each of us to be more than the circumstances we find ourselves in. Ultimately, he brings the reader to the realization that every action and every decision matters.

I highly recommend this book. I believe that many people will be forever changed once the significance of the tale sinks in. How your life matters is subject to the consequences of each decision or action that spread out like ripples in a pond. The Butterfly Effect would also make an excellent gift.

God Bless America!

For other Book Reviews, click here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”