Customer Reviews

Blood Betrayal

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There are certain elements that, for me, create an especially compelling piece of dramatic fiction. If the book features episodes of violence or fear that are just as powerful for their psychological effect as they are for the acts themselves, I'm going to be drawn to the story. I have a great appreciation for writing that really explores what is occurring in a person's mind, no matter how twisted. When this complicated sense of terror is found within the context of family relationships, the plot becomes even more captivating.

First-time author Mike Thompson captures both of these features with his gripping new release Blood Betrayal.
Blood Betrayal details the story of Dimitri Magnussen, a veteran who is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder following seven years in the Special Forces, and the murder spree that he embarks upon while on a family hunting trip with his brother and son. As the story unfolds through the eyes of his brother Wolf, the progression of Dimtri's violent rage and his terrifying crimes makes him into a character with seemingly no conscience or hesitation to spill blood. However, revelations that are left unknown to the reader until the closing chapters of the book will complicate the situation and, at least for this reader, create an uncomfortable sense of ambiguity.

Mike Thompson does a wonderful job of using language to create a dark and suspenseful environment. As I turned each page of Blood Betrayal, I began to sense each dark corner and mysterious noise that existed in the comfort of my home. Even when the mood is a frightening one, I love getting lost in a book that transplants me into every emotion and experience in the story. From the terror that Wolf feels when he does not know who or what is stalking him in the mountains to the climatic moments during which Dmitri becomes the hunted and shocking family secrets are revealed, Thompson makes sure that every word contributes to the growing suspense.

I believe the impact of Blood Betrayal was multiplied for me by the current events that we see on the news every evening. The record number of PTSD cases stemming from the military conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq has made many Americans more aware of this frightening reality. It is apparent that Thompson uses his own experience as a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and as a Close Quarters Combat instructor to develop the characters in this book and that makes their personalities even more riveting. While the character of Dmitri Magnussen is certainly an extreme case, I know that shedding light on this emotional topic will continue to be important for years to come.

With Blood Betrayal, Mike Thompson has crafted a novel that will attract fans of suspense and those who appreciate the successful efforts of the author to bring his own expertise into a fictional format. The plot is unique and undoubtedly will have the readers guessing until the very last page, with a conclusion that warranted an audible gasp from me as I sat alone in my living room. On the back cover of his book, Thompson shares that Blood Betrayal is just the first release in the Wolf Magnussen series and I look forward to discovering what Thompson has in store for us next.

Murder just adds more problems to one's already problem riddled life. "Blood Betrayal" tells the story of Dimitri Magnussen, a disturbed man wanted for murder. A sheriff out to find the killer of his friends believes Dimitri is the one responsible, and along the way the truth only becomes more and more muddled. A riveting story of human nature, and the cloud of innocence and guilt, "Blood Betrayal" is a very recommended read that shouldn't be ignored.

Very fun to read. Very easy to read also. Not too much flowery speech, but great story telling. The plot is extremely intriguing, and I never figured out what was going on until the last couple pages. This guy is a great suspense writer!

Don't you dare put it down when you think it's over... GREAT ENDING! And FANTASTIC characters!

Blood Betrayal was the first book I bought when I got my Kindle Fire! It was a really good book and very well written! I loved the ending, but was sad to see the book end. Looking forward to Mike Thompson's next book!!

Besides being filled with major and minor characters that are intriguing, complicated, interesting and vulnerable, this book take you through so many turns that you want to re-read it with your new perspective after you've uncovered new truths. Full of humor and a first-hand knowledge of combat and military strategy and language, this story takes you through a surprising and suspense-filled journey to uncover one family's darkest buried skeleton. I hope to see a lot more from this author. This book was a lot of fun to read!

Blood Betrayal was a really good read and I didn't want to put this book down. A well-told story with narurally flowing narrative and conversation. Surprising and disturbing. I can't wait for the next installment from this new author. The book was dedicated to our military veterans, and at the end, you'll see it was written for another good cause.