Heath Stallcup

Flags of the Forgotten by Heath Stallcup is a political (action) thriller with a familiar theme. But Dang! This is a well-written story. A good story. The synopsis is a bit simplistic and doesn’t do it justice.

This is an engrossing and fast-paced story. The dialogue is clever and the characters are colorful. Despite the delightful length of 400 plus pages, there’s no overwriting here. Characters develop with the story, with their thoughts and words and actions, with others’ perceptions of them. Much like watching a good action movie.

Ultimately, that is what this is: a good action movie in book form, solidly entertaining and very visual. Flags of the Forgotten rivals anything I’ve read by Clancy. No exaggeration. The terminology, sequences, and dialogue are right on. The story flows. The pace is brutal. It is pure entertaining reading and seriously hard to put down, even when life demands one do so. But the well placed and spaced chapter breaks helped with that. Some.

To top it off, this is a gritty, brutal, and relevant story of the world, people, and things we don’t consider regarding both. Fans of Clancy, Ludlum, and Follet will enjoy Stallcup’s Flags of the Forgotten; and if you prefer your action thrillers more succinct than theirs, you might even like it more … as I do.

Highly recommended!… (mehr)

Sinful
By: Heath Stallcup
Narrated by: Rick Gregory
This is an audible book that I requested and the review is voluntary.
This is a pretty weird book...in a good way. What if you could see what evil was going on in other people's minds? Would you do something about it? This kid had a head injury and when he came to in the hospital, he knew what people were thinking and doing. When he got out, he did things about it. Pretty creepy...(wrings hands and laughs)...
The narrator did a perfect job of the voices and keeping the suspense up. Great job!… (mehr)

My original Forneus Corson audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

What does a bestselling author do when he gets writer's block? Go to the idea man, that’s what. Forneus Corson is that man, ancient and cruel, living in his world of dusty books in a decrepit apartment in the worst part of New York City. Somehow he is able to transfer to the writer, not only a brilliant idea in all its vivid detail, but also the skill to write it like a literary genius. The book is virtually guaranteed to be a success. All of this only costs 5% of the author’s take, just don’t be late with a payment, and don’t ever tell anyone else how you got the idea.

Steve Wilson is a successful author of spy novels. He is quirky and neurotic. He wakes when he wants, answers his phone when he wants and drinks copious amounts of coffee. He’s got everything he could ever want, including an expensive sports car waiting in the parking garage. When his best friend and successful author gets accused of plagiarizing his latest bestseller, that’s when Steve discovers Forneus Corson and what happens when you don’t honor your contract with him.

The Idea Man is part horror novel, part spy thriller. The three author friends, Steve, Brian and Chaz are New York City quirky. Each with enough neuroses to fill a psychology textbook. But they are loyal to each other and do try to help when the world starts crumbling around them. Heath Stallcup and Benjamin Bautz give us good descriptions of New York City and the inner workings of the publishing industry, its sometimes callous disregard for the author and its laser focus on profit. The story vibrates between horror and spy novel throughout the second half. Some of the highly developed characters are dropped somewhat unsatisfyingly at the end. But otherwise all is wrapped up tightly at its conclusion.

Rhett Kennedy performs the audiobook with great skill. He has an inviting voice that fits the dark mood of the story. His characters are easily discerned and his voice is always clear. His portrayal of Chaz (female romance writer) might be a little over the top, but considering Steve’s disdain for her, perhaps not. You decide. An excellent performance.

Forneus Corson, The Idea Man is an entertaining novel of spycraft and horror. The characters are interesting and should give the listener a enjoyable listen.

Audiobook was provided for review by the narrator.… (mehr)

My original Full Moon Rising audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.

What happens when you have spent your entire military career fighting monsters and keeping the human race safe only to discover that you are one of the monsters? An elite squad of men and women has been keeping the human race safe from vampires and werewolves and other paranormal “monsters.” What they didn’t know was that their superhuman strength and abilities to move at the speed of light was far more than a mere drug to heighten their innate skills.

In this book Jack returns to this squad a married man with a mother-in-law – Nadia and Natasha both have realized something dark and deadly is coming and they try to help the hunters. Bombarded with new information on the augmentation, the squad is fighting internally, struggling with the information that they are now werewolves. Not only do they have to accept what they are but now they are joining forces with vampires and others to defeat a common enemy. The Sicarii are deadly and making their moves – wait until you discover who is behind the Sicarii and what he is planning!

The author, Heath Stallcup did an amazing job with details, planning and executing a clear plot; the plot could easily have become convoluted and confusing. It is evident that Stallcup took his time developing characters, story lines and twists and turns. I did appreciate his paying homage to Mark Tufo (one of my favorite zombie authors as well) – when I heard the name of the ex-monster squad member I have to admit my mouth fell open. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

I have not experienced the first book yet, but plan to do so soon. I thought this book was a good segue into the next book in the series. Although I have not read or heard the first one, I can honestly say I will be finishing this series.

Jack Voorhies was a solid narrator. His talented voice made the characters realistic and different enough to tell them apart. There were no hokey or annoying voices – the characters were represented much like I envisioned. He seemed as caught up in the story as his listeners. He spoke with a rhythm that was engrossing. One knew when there was action coming as he began to pick up appropriately. Voorhies brought the characters to life in my opinion. He has moved onto my “love to listen to” list.

There were no issues with the production.

Audiobook was provided for review by the author.… (mehr)