Sunshiney Daze: Battered Earth

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Battered Earth - Book Review

You know I love books! I love to read and I love to discover new authors! So when I was offered the chance to review another book, I jumped at the chance!

Let me introduce you to Battered Earth, by D. Hilleren:

"In the new decade, the world gathers in Stockholm for a controversial climate forum. The stakes are high, as violent and unpredictable storms increasingly plague the earth and sea levels encroach on coastal shorelines. Nicole Hunter, head of the richly endowed Everson Foundation, leads the charge to invest in promising research that will hopefully impede environmental devastation. But her contentious stance has been questioned by others, and now her career and her life are both in jeopardy.

Meanwhile, unseen forces assemble to sabotage any breakthrough that could challenge existing global energy markets. Oliver Odin, a mysterious international agent, is sent by the Security Alliance to investigate ominous threats intercepted by intelligence sources. The evidence leads him to the beautiful, strong-willed Nicole and the brainy scientists attending the forum. But when scientists on the verge of a promising discovery are gunned down at a reception held by a United States senator, it becomes apparent that powerful forces will stop at nothing to prevent the world from being saved. As a few brave souls attempt to rescue the planet from environmental calamity, they soon realize that their mission comes with a price-and some will pay with their lives."

At first, due to the subject matter, I was worried that this would just be a book to put forth someone's personal agenda on the environment. Happily, I was wrong! It is a well-written story filled with mystery, murder, and intrigue. I felt like the characters were well-developed. After a few chapters I felt like I knew the main characters well, and I was immersed in their lives.

I especially liked how descriptive this book is. I haven't traveled to all the locations in the book, but I still felt like I'd been there before. I could picture the locations in my mind. I think that's a sign of a great writer, to help us recognize places we've never been to before.

I also liked that the chapters were a very readable length. Just long enough to keep you intrigued, but not too long that you have to stop in the middle of a chapter because you've run out of time.

I liked that the ending had everything resolved, yet left the door open for a sequel. I was satisfied with the ending but excited that their might be a follow-on novel!

So, are you intrigued? Would you like to read it yourself? Well, one of you lucky readers will get the chance by winning your very own copy of Battered Earth! Very cool! (no weather pun intended!)

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Contest ends Thursday, March 8th, 2012. One (1) winner will be randomly chosen from all correct entries. Winner will be notified by email and has 72 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. This contest is open to residents of the US, ages 18 and over.

Disclosure: I was given this book for the purpose of a review. The opinions are all my own and free of charge!

Contest is over and winner has been drawn. Thanks to all you amazing readers!