Avatar Dawn

Rating:
Summary: Avatar Dawn
Review: Being an avid reader of mystery novels by such Authors as Patricia Cromwell, Virginia Lanier, Tom Clancy, and Wilbur Smith, I was dubious when I first read the description of Avatar Dawn. How could one tie history, the mystical, religion, and everyday life into a well-delivered mystery? It took very little time to become so engrossed in the story that I simply lost track of time. At the turn of every page, I simply had to continue to a breaking point so that I could pick up the next day. The explosive drama, which continued to unfold right up to the very end, was as gripping as any that I have ever read. The breaking point never came. I read the entire book before I could part with it. Michael Haldas has a brilliant future ahead if he can continue this level of suspense.

Rating:
Summary: Be Prepared to Skip Work: You Can't Put It Down!
Review: Haldas has created a well-crafted thriller, with characters that jump off the page and straight into your fast-beating heart. I found myself rooting for several of the characters and lookng for a rock to hurl at others. This novel has a unique blend of realism and fantasy, and both play off each other. This work will challenge your moral and intellectual base and stretch your emotions to their limit. I was unable to stop once I started, and I can only say that while I anticipated each chapter, I was unable to guess how it would all come together at the end.
Am I wrong or am I seeing "sequel?" I hope so!

Rating:
Summary: Great suspense, fascinating idea, solid theme
Review: I've read hundreds of novels from the suspense/thriller/fantasy genres over the years,... Some of the elements I look for: brisk pace, strong characters, compelling concept, and something to think about after the adrenalin subsides.

I can definitely say that Avatar Dawn satisfied all those requirements and then some. Haldas starts with the kernal of human evil and weaves a tale covering thousands of years and encompassing nearly all of history in a grand plot. I've often found that authors who attempt such an epic scope (especially on a first attempt) aren't able to carry it through to an ending worthy of the setup, but in this case the intense buildup reaches a climax worthy of the wait.

One I almost forgot - the best indicator of a great read is that you just can't put it down. I devoured this collection of 570 pages or so in less than 48 hours, losing a lot of sleep in the process. Yep, it was worth it :)

Rating:
Summary: Great suspense, fascinating idea, solid theme
Review: I've read hundreds of novels from the suspense/thriller/fantasy genres over the years,... Some of the elements I look for: brisk pace, strong characters, compelling concept, and something to think about after the adrenalin subsides.

I can definitely say that Avatar Dawn satisfied all those requirements and then some. Haldas starts with the kernal of human evil and weaves a tale covering thousands of years and encompassing nearly all of history in a grand plot. I've often found that authors who attempt such an epic scope (especially on a first attempt) aren't able to carry it through to an ending worthy of the setup, but in this case the intense buildup reaches a climax worthy of the wait.

One I almost forgot - the best indicator of a great read is that you just can't put it down. I devoured this collection of 570 pages or so in less than 48 hours, losing a lot of sleep in the process. Yep, it was worth it :)

Rating:
Summary: Be Prepared to Skip Work: You Can't Put It Down!
Review: Michael Haldas has written a chilling tale that takes his readers on a heart-thumping adventure to three continents as his hero, Stephen Bentfield, learns of the bizarre and compelling events in which he has become innocently entangled. "Avatar Dawn" is a difficult book to set aside because of the ever-building suspense and gradually revealed mystery that unfolds page by page; I raced through it over a long weekend, completely ignoring other recreational and social opportunities! Its characters are well grounded in the realities of the Washington, DC, information technology world -- which Haldas knows well from direct experience -- but are increasingly drawn into another reality tied to a long-distant past. Readers will realize the absolute and terrifying evil of Adam Testavar and cringe at his diabolical plans and awesome powers, while hoping against hope that Bentfield will gain the wisdom and courage to stop him. Love, spirituality, and human relationships play central roles in the story, also, and the value of friendship and trust are constant themes. This book is a must-read for those who enjoy science fiction mystery thrillers interwoven with centuries-spanning historical threads and the intricacies of vital human personalities. Earlier copyediting problem have been solved in the newest printing of the book, and Michael Haldas has proven himself an excellent storyteller and creative writer. Highly recommended!

Rating:
Summary: A must-read for anyone!
Review: This is a great book, well written with imagery and suspense to keep any reader's interest from the first page to the last. The characters were realistic (even the supernatural ones) and very well integrated. The story is a smooth blend of everyday life, touched by a little magic and ancient history. I highly recommend this book to anyone and look forward to reading more from this up-and-coming author.

Rating:
Summary: Michael Crichton has nothing on this up and coming author!
Review: This suspense-filled novel contains a masterful blend of fiction and real-world imagery that make it difficult to put down from the start. The many twists and turns of the story coupled with vivid descriptions of events will keep you guessing until the end. Yet, the author ties all of the loose ends, except for the ones that will hopefully lead to a sequel, together in a robust conclusion that is truly one to REMEMBER! This book was truly written from the heart and mind instead of as guise for a movie script. If Crichton is master of the Jurassic Age, than this up and coming author is soon-to-be master of the Halocene Age!

Rating:
Summary: Michael Crichton has nothing on this up and coming author!
Review: This suspense-filled novel has a masterful blend of fiction and real-world themes that make it very difficult to put down. The many twists and turns throughout the novel coupled with well-written imagery keep the reader guessing until the end. This book is definitely one to REMEMBER! I can't wait for more novels from this author.