Customer Reviews

Not Your Father's Horseman

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

 

 

I was thrilled when Valerie asked me to give her debut novel, NOT YOUR FATHER'S HORSEMAN, a quote. From the original version I had read, I knew this book would be a winner...

Just finishing the novel this morning, all I can say is "Head's up, folks, Valerie Griswold-Ford is here, and she is taking no prisoners!"

Valerie Griswold-Ford's debut novel is part techno-thriller with sinister forces hard at work in genetically generating super soldiers of tomorrow, part dark fantasy as these super soldiers are actually part of a higher plan to resurrect the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. She creates a believable alternative reality where magic exists openly and interacts with the world on a daily basis, provided the Balance is maintained. This world is so convincing that you begin to sweat a bit whenever that Balance is threatened. Along with earnest concern, Valerie evokes other emotions with every page, with every scene, and with every character's action. You are a bit disappointed that this book has to end.

With NOT YOUR FATHER'S HORSEMAN, Valerie Griswold-Ford has announced her arrival to the Fantasy genre. It is an arrival that will have you asking her, "That was cool. So...what's next?"

Learning that she is adopted is only one of the first of many shocks that Nikki Jefferies will encounter in the days ahead. Her dreams have taken on a strange realness that is prfoundly disturbing, though that experience does pan in with her current writing project, a book on haunted houses. As she sets up in one purportedly haunted inn, the mysteries only deepen. Each answer she finds raises more questions. She discovers she might be a powerful Shadowmage, but her aura has hints of all the magics. Moreover, a ghost wants to draw Nikki into the Shadow world, and will stop at nothing to bring her there. As her heritage unfolds, Nikki is given the duty to restore the balance between worlds. The Horsemen of the Appocolypse are coming, but is the world ready for them?

*** Although the viewpoint shifts are rather poorly done and the novel is perhaps too condensed; it feels as if some details are lacking, this is an enjoyable read. Ghosts with a reality that is hard to differentiate from true reality is a seldom used, but always intriguing concept. Science and fantasy blending in a world is always interesting. If the series continues, then perhaps some of the more meager details will be fleshed out and make fuzzy points clearer. ***

Amanda Killgore

Nikki Jeffries has a lot going on at present; she experiences a strangely *real* dream and then finds out she's adopted shortly before leaving for an extended trip spent researching for a book on ghosts and haunted houses. An unexpectedly real brush with the paranormal triggers her induction into the world of magic. Along the way, she finds out who she really is, and her role in maintaining the Balance.

There are a few flaws in the book, but they're all small and do not detract at all from enjoying it. In a couple spots, the POV switch is a little confusing, and there are the inevitable copy errors that managed to get through despite everyone's best efforts.

The world is fresh and intriguing, and you find yourself eagerly awaiting the next book at the end. Valerie manages to capture your attention and write with clarity and style. You will not regret purchasing this book.

Griswold-Ford's first novel was a refreshing departure from my normal fare. The mix of magic and modern technology felt natural, as if it were the natural state of things. Nikki Jeffries and her other characters are well constructed and the plot moves along well. If Valerie Griswold-Ford continues to write novels such as this, we are in for some terrific reading.