Brian DeGrechie

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• Rated 5 stars

“WOW! WHAT A FANTASTIC, WELL CRAFTED, SUSPENSEFUL THRILLER!! I have a hard time fathoming that this is the author's debut novel. He writes like a veteran novelist. "Teeth" grabbed on tight and would not let go until the final page was read.

I am happy he heeded the advice of James Clavell to write and write some more. With a story that includes a ferocious 4,000 pound crocodile, New Guinea ( an unexplored frontier with many tribes), cannibalism and an excellent plot to weave all this expertly together.

Operation "Teeth" was a covert operation involving Johnny a crack sniper, Footy the pilot and Dingo a valuable guide who knew the dangerous jungles of New Guinea. The plan was to send them in to rescue some priests who feared for their lives and indeed in dire trouble.

When the cargo plan crashed the small group had to try to make it back to the coast to be rescued. They encountered many different tribes, a dangerous jungle and the "Father" who hunted them all the way. One would have to read the novel to see for themselves if any survived the many ambushed attacks from the human destroyer.

The novel more than surpassed the many endorsements. The author, Timothy Dean, grew up in New Guinea which first hand provided all the background information of this untamed land. I CAN NOT WAIT UNTIL THE SECOND OF THE TRILOGY IS RELEASED. Recommended highly as a goodread that anyone would enjoy.
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Brian DeGrechie wrote this review Thursday, September 15, 2011. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“ A fast paced adventure. An imaginative storyline with many twists and turns, memorable characters and a surprising ending. This author again demonstrates his writing abilities that left me pondering many theoretical and ethical questions. Instead of focusing on the story I will concentrate on the science that is the building blocks of the book.

As Trans-Human points out, Einstein propelled science probably a couple of hundred years forward for his theories has proven electromagnetic effects, gravity, wormholes and so much more which is all woven into the story. Fast forwarding to the present day era of astounding advancement in nanotechnology and artificial intelligence. On that subject I wonder how far scientist's will proceed and who will have control over technology that could be detrimental to the human race? The government? The military? Scientist's'?

Another very interesting theory presented in the book is the ability to delete a human being and afterwards bring them back to life. Even in forensics a great technician can recover data from a hard drive that has been erased and even damaged.

In Trans-Human, is the A.I. the evil entity that wishes to destroy mankind or is it the nano's that created their own intelligence? I really enjoyed reading this sci-fi thriller and just wish the novel was longer. "(A.I.-More intelligence, more creativity, more perception, leads to greater truth. Limiting our knowledge has only led to stagnation and misery." Recommended to any sci-fi fan.”

Brian DeGrechie wrote this review Thursday, September 15, 2011. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“The author is a gifted story teller along with an amazing imagination which permeates through the last book of The Converging Trilogy, "Closures In Blood". I will focus my review on the events of the novel I found intriguing and thoroughly entertaining and less on the plot.

First a little background information. At the end of bk#2 of the trilogy, Elizabeth killed herself instead of her son which despite being evil she could not bring herself to do. Nathaniel was one of Cynara's enemies who also held Elizabeth under her dark, evil spell. Once free of Cynara's hold on her she spent five years as an immortal during which she developed compassion, debated moral consequences to her actions and became a very caring entity.

Few authors can portray a character like Elizabeth for almost two entire novels then convince a reader that the deep down moral fabric of the character is in essence very pure. Author George Straatman achieved this very successfully.

In "Closures In Blood", Elizabeth faces a complex scheme by demons who are afraid of her. Despite the overwhelming odds and danger, she endures extreme sacrifice to find her lost love David Simpson.


One of many surprises the book contains is the appearance of Artemis (Goddess of the Moon) who's following is a group of women called the Wiccans. Many were shot or set on fire by a lunatic evangelist called Bobby Ingram.

He is one of my favorite characters, a revolutionary evangelist who broadcasts on the news and radio for his extremist followers to take up arms against Elizabeth as God's enemy. His speeches reflected his insanity and reminds me of Waco, Texas.

Another event that I found very fascinating is when Cynara (freed by Elizabeth to help her make retribution to David) and Elizabeth melted into transparent separate pools. The pools then started to form what became an eagle and an owl. A perfect disguise to try to elude the many enemies.

In the end Elizabeth endures attacks from Bobby Ingram's thousands of followers, scores of demons and a person who can astral project themselves and a trained assassin named Jurgen. Will she succeed in her quest? Highly recommended to anyone who likes paranormal and/or horror novels. A great conclusion to a very well written trilogy.

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Brian DeGrechie wrote this review Thursday, September 15, 2011. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“After reading "The Converging" I just had to own "Mark of the Demon". As soon as I purchased the novel I eagerly started to read it with much anticipation. All novels should be progressively better when published as a series. Unfortunately, that is not the case most of the time. "Mark of the Demon" more than surpassed my already high expectations. The plot is fantastic, it is like a roller coaster ride and my ideas who would survive the epic battle concluded much differently than I thought! There are two events in the novel that I have never read anything like it. For instance, when Contayza attacked the Night Queen's evil mind through Nathaniel. Another event that is thoroughly entertaining is when Elizabeth attacked herself as an invader/interloper scenario. In my opinion the era of great horror writing is on the decline especially since immortal characters follow the same "rules", ie, silver bullets will kill them. That particular plot is a culture unto it's self. This novel is so refreshing in that regards. The only other book I have ever read that did not follow tradition roles for immortal entities is "The Keep" by F. Paul Wilson. To sum up my thoughts on the "Mark of the Demon", I would recommend this novel to anyone whom enjoys paranormal/horror or either. You will be pleasantly surprised! It is an excellent book that will bring readers to new heights in that realm of writing.”

Brian DeGrechie wrote this review Thursday, September 15, 2011. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“"The Converging" is one of the best books I have ever read. The writing style is unusual and comparable to only Clive Barker and Dean Koontz that writes in a similar way that I can think of. It has been a long time since I have read a book so fascinating and captivating.I enjoyed the way you described the thinking each character had. It portrayed a very good insight of the characters. Cynara is the ultimate villain considering her unlimited powers, brutality and love of theatrics. The plot has many twists and turns and kept me reading the novel quickly. Unlike most books the ending I could not guess. I would recommend this book to anyone whom enjoys horror or paranormal novels. "The Converging" contains elements of both.”

Brian DeGrechie wrote this review Thursday, September 15, 2011. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“I thoroughly enjoyed this unusual conceptual fantasy novel. The author demonstrates his proficient ability to write an exceptional story beginning with the prologue. Comparable to an artist whom creates a picture with paints on canvas, he paints a vivid picture with words emulating a malevolent storm which culminates into the first glimpse of the impending evil to come.

On another planet the ultimate evil reincarnated, Myriah, is a sorceress of unlimited abilities coupled with an unquenchable thirst for absolute power. She has no compassion or empathy and enjoys inflicting terror derived from her disdain for humans in general. Myriah treats her own commanders and armies as pawns in a personal war to conquer and crush her planet. She even possesses the power to change the fabric of time and space to conjure from earth Islena Doraux.

She needs this special woman to procure what all of Myriah's powers can not achieve which is to possess three icons to complete her mission of total conquest of her planet and every other inhabited planet that exists. In part Islena's dark side and deep seeded fury is needed to aid the sorceress since the one task she can never achieve is to obtain these icons by her own accord. The dark side of this woman mirrors Myriah's which could help the tyrant to obtain her ultimate goal.

Islena is forced from earth to a war stricken planet and is subjected to starvation, torture, fleeing for her life and other treacherous obstacles she must overcome. Will Islena with her undaunted defiant attitude bend and pledge fealty to the High Queen despite her best efforts not to?

I recommend this novel to any fantasy fan and I am positive the novel would not disappoint ”

Brian DeGrechie wrote this review Thursday, September 15, 2011. ( reply | permalink )