I have a couple of exciting projects in the works, and now seems like a good time to spill the details.

• Hotel Apocalypse – Last year, I started working on a new piece of fiction called Hotel Apocalypse. It’s a sci-fi/dystopian adventure that will be broken up into 16 parts, with a new episode released every week. Look for Hotel Apocalypse to make its debut in early 2014 in both ebook and paperback.

• BookDigits.com – There are a lot of book websites out there that claim to offer the best reviews, recommendations, and reading tools. I thought I could build something better, so that’s what I’ve been doing in my spare time. BookDigits.com is based off the alternative review style I use on this blog, and it will be launching to the public this summer. If you’re interested in participating in the beta release, contact me via email or Twitter. Follow @bookdigits for updates about the site.

And of course, don’t forget that my first two books, Train Wreck and Secrets to Losing Weight in College, are still available at low prices from a variety of retailers.

Link: amzn.to/10Tnm79

Release Date: June 5, 2012

Grade: B

L/C Ratio: 20% Literary / 80% Commercial

Thematic Breakdown:
30% - Action thriller
20% - Relationships
15% - Technology
10% - Boston
10% - Violence
10% - Finance
  5% - Journalism

Addictiveness: Medium

Movie Potential: 2 Thumbs Up

Re-readability: Low

While there’s no shortage of tension or action in Unauthorized Access, the plot begs for a higher dose of mystery. Andrew McAllister starts the book with a thrilling depiction of cybercrime, but then he immediately reveals the culprit and the reasoning for his devious actions. Even still, the novel keeps the reader engaged thanks to the depth of the main characters and a careful interweaving of storylines.

Noteworthy Quote:

“The only reason I don’t shoot you right now,” Landry said through clenched teeth, “is that it’s really bad business to kill clients.”

Link: amzn.to/TCJK3Q

Release Date: August 4, 2012

Grade: B

L/C Ratio: 10% Literary / 90% Commercial

Thematic Breakdown:
40% - Action thriller
25% - Terrorism
20% - New York City
10% - Violence
  5% - Romantic love

Addictiveness: High

Movie Potential: 2 Thumbs Up

Re-readability: Low

Despite some choppy dialogue, Ticket For Terror proves to be a captivating thriller with a strong, engaging hero at the center of its plot. Christopher Parks clearly knows his way around NYC, and the book’s vivid setting gives depth to its scenes and adds a realistic touch to the suspenseful action.

(This is a guest review by Heather. To submit your own, use the button in the column to the right.)

Link: amzn.to/162MJvq

Release Date: January 26, 2013

Grade: B

L/C Ratio: 20% Literary / 80% Commercial

Thematic Breakdown:
30% - Post-apocalypse
20% - Friendship
20% - Social classes
10% - Family
10% - Politics
10% - Robots

Addictiveness: High

Movie Potential: 2 Thumbs Up

Re-readability: Medium

This is another book that nearly caused me to miss my subway stop on multiple occasions due to a very fast-paced storyline and lots of intense plot twists. However, the author suffered from trying to include too much in the book. The relationships between various characters needed more development to be believable or to merit the reader’s sympathy, and there were many interesting details that didn’t get the explanation they deserved.

Even still, Disconnect was an exhilarating read with some intriguing commentary on social classes, politics, and what it means to be alive.

Link: amzn.to/10GaNTE

Release Date: November 4, 2011

Grade: A-

L/C Ratio: 60% Literary / 40% Commercial

Thematic Breakdown:
30% - Free will
20% - Mystery
15% - Action thriller
15% - Relationships
10% - Las Vegas
  5% - Alcohol
  5% - Writing

Addictiveness: High

Movie Potential: 1 Thumb Up

Re-readability: Medium

The mystery driving the plot of Shades of Wyrd grows into such a complex puzzle that, at times, it feels impossible to unravel and appears destined for an ambiguous ending. But then Bryan R. Dennis flexes some serious literary muscle in the final third of the book and delivers a clear conclusion that provides plenty of answers while also carrying emotional depth.

Noteworthy Quote:

He never cared much for cigars, never could understand people who did. They were an acquired taste, like raw oysters and Scotch, quail-hunting and tennis. And marriage.