Great read and not what I expected

Great read and not what i expected

By 

David Patrick 

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This review is from: Vandalism of Words (Kindle Edition)

All I can say is good stuff. I am generally a very optimistic guy so I always see things on the bright side but I truly enjoyed this book. You will laugh, you will agree and I am sure on points you will disagree (talking about the book of course), but if you are looking for something to entertain you, then start reading this :)

A Spy Novel that Delightfully Exceeds your Expectations

A Spy Novel that Delightfully Exceeds your Expectations

By 

Meghan 

This review is from: Louis (Kindle Edition)

If you're fond of reading spy novels from such luminaries as Ian Fleming or John Le Carre, then you "get" why Derek Haines' `Louis' can be a "jarring" experience--it does not pander to our need for a cheap thrill ride, but instead elevates the spy novel genre into something more well-rounded.

`Louis' tells the story of a half-Egyptian, half-British spy who happens to be more "born" into the role than merely picked to train for it. What sets `Louis' apart, however, is its humanity--you don't see a spy with all the awesome gadgets or the deadly martial arts expertise, or even the cunning tricks that keep a spy alive as long as possible. Instead, what you'll find in this book is a deeper treatment of the subject, with a more pwoerful emotional anchor.

`Louis' somehow carries a few genetic strains of John Le Carre's `The Spy Who Came in from the Cold', although this one is definitely more laidback--with the author taking time to flesh out the milieu in which the main protagonist, a person compelled by his birth to serve as a spy, moves and makes his decisions and fulfill his missions. Louis does not hurry to build up--his background, his circumstances and the import of his royal Egyptian blood is painted one painstaking piece after another in order to give the reader a more comprehensive vision of what makes the main character the way he is.

`Louis' is a good read. I found it after reading Derek Haines' other work, One Last Love. But while One Last Love is a literary romance of some sort, Louis is not easily boxed in any neat genre. I consider it as some sort of a `literary spy novel'--it's beyond the usual thrills of a typical spy novel, as the author makes it a point to get under your skin and, ultimately, inside your heart. Pick up a copy of it or download it if you'd like a thoughtful book with enough excitement in the right places to go with a peaceful weekend. I'm betting `Louis' will not disappoint.

A Labour of Love

A Labour of Love

By 

Priyam 

This review is from: Louis (Paperback)

"The thing that strikes you about this book is that from the first page you get the idea how much the author researched for this. The amount of labour that must have gone into it must have been staggering. When they say books are things that help you see places you haven't really visited, I'm sure they are talking about a book like this. It is written in a very personal way which makes it very engaging.

Another thing about the writing here is that even though the words don't really describe *everything*, you understand it because I guess that's how the author wanted it to be. Sometimes, things hidden are the things you notice first. In the end when you close the book, you remember that the author mentions in the beginning that it took him 40 years to write the book. Then you say to yourself that 40 years to polish a story like that was worth it. I loved it! :) I think you can love this book not only for the honesty but also because it is a labour of love - something that one can see throughout.

Like a Knife Stab in the Heart, But in a Good Way

Like a Knife Stab in the Heart, But in a Good Way

By 

Meghan 

This review is from: One Last Love (Kindle Edition)

Meet Bonnie: dying of cancer, he's spending what he thinks are the last few days of his life under the care of doctors. In a hospice, of all places. But just when he's supposed to be staring at death in the eye, something else happens, some wonderful thing named Madeleine.

I won't give away too many details, but let me suffice it to say that Derek Haines has written something unforgettable here, with `One Last Love.' It's one of those stories you feel deserves a movie version.

A deeply touching tale about finding love in the most unlikely of places--a place where death prevails more than hope--One Last Love is at once inspiring and uplifting and reassuring. Of course, throughout the story there is despair and hopelessness at every turn--you feel it each time Bonnie makes a little joke to lighten up the situation. But somehow you feel it's plausible, that even near the end of life a new beginning could unfold. And it is this message that gives power and vitality to this book. There's also something poignantly courageous about how Bonnie tries to hide his suffering behind his humor: Bonnie's bravado starkly juxtaposes the situation he's in, which all the more increases the emotional impact of the tragedy. Here's a man who knows he's dying, yet he tries so hard to protect those around him with what little humor he could scrape from the bottom of his soul.

Derek Haines writes like a surgeon with a scalpel: he knows, with uncanny precision, which parts of human nature he must touch with his blade, or pen, that is. And I'm hoping Haines writes more, and soon--One Last Love shouldn't be his One Last Novel, but rather, just one in a string of what I believe are future bestsellers.

Two thumbs up for this wonderful story.

Powerful Story

powerful story

by paulat

This review is from: 

One Last Love (Kindle Edition)

Wow, some people have the ability to make you feel the story thought their words and Mr. Haines is one of them. He has an amazing way with words and he drew me into the story and the lives of his characters right away. This is not a typical love story, but one that is drawn from life. The main character is not the lovable perfect hero found in so many love stories. He is a man with imperfections who hasn't always made the right decisions. At the end of his life, he finds someone who touches his heart and connects with people he never would have connected with before. This is a great read for anyone. Life is so short and this book tells a powerful story of love, forgiveness and acceptance.

A Superb Tale!!!

Brooke D. reviewed February The Fifth (The Glothic Tales)

1 of 1 people found the following helpful

 A Superb Tale!!! September 19, 2012

Author Derek Haines has truly outdone himself with this fabulous story of a very unlucky young man. This story was so well-written, it kept me on the edge of my seat and I absolutely could not put it down! I was always so excited to find out what new circumstance was around the corner. "February The Fifth - The First Glothic Tale" was a well-written and exciting book and I cannot wait for the next one in this entertaining comic series fiction adventure!!

A Book from Reality

Priyam reviewed Dead Men 1 of 1 people found the following helpful  A Book from Reality September 21, 2012 Certain lines stay with after you've finished reading a book. Every book has its own memory. That I completed the book in less than 24 hours should give you a hint how gripping it was. Never a pretty read but a stunning work of reality. Beneath all the `ugliness' (as the author points out) one appreciates the sensitivity of the characters. Not quite perfect, but undoubtedly human. With flaws, regrets, qualities and scars as anyone else. Life, of course, goes on and Hope, at the end of the day, is the fuel we all need to survive. The author makes it clear at the beginning with: "A story that may surprise, offend or shock, but will certainly not be forgotten." He is, as always, correct. Picking up a book about reality in its most honest form is never easy. Thinking that some people actually go through all that is even harder. Perhaps it isn't a mystery that fantasy sells so well. We all seek the unreal to avoid `ugly' reality. Those caught up in that reality are shady figures. Sometimes books like these are needed for a dose of reality. To tell the stories about the shady figures that we neglect or forget to care about. A page turner, as all his other books, this author can always connect with you. His characters stay with you. You can almost watch them in your head. That is how strong an effect he has with his writing. His word play and mixing of the visual element with the overall mood is stunning too. You might even be tempted to reread some portions that are truly emotive. Then you'd keep going back to it. One cannot help but appreciate the act of bravery that this book is. A memorable read! I still think this is the best book he has authored yet.