Hey, Readers. Hope you are enjoying the summer. So far, it’s been a relaxing one for me. I’ve endeavoured to do more reading and have made a little progress with my Goodreads challenge. I recently came across the above quote by author Stephen King and it hit close to home. (My TBR list is still painfully long, but that’s another story.)
“If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. It’s as simple as that.” Stephen King
Today I’d like to share my review of a brand-new release by D L Cross. (You probably know her better as Staci Troilo.) This short, easy to read book is a prequel to The Gate, part of the Astral Conspiracy Series.
Here’s the blurb and my five-star review of The Scout.
Blurb:
The aliens have landed. The humans are panicking. The scouts have been sent.
J’s mission is clear — find an alien outpost, observe, report back. Simple enough. It’s what he’s trained to do. But he’s always worked with his team, never as a party of one. Now he’s been sent out alone to blindly navigate a dense, dark forest until he finds his target. The dynamics are foreign to him, the stakes never higher. He’s completely isolated. Resources are scarce. Comms are down.
And he’s found the enemy.
It’s imperative he’s not caught, but clandestine spying doesn’t yield enough intel. J needs an ally, someone on the inside of the camp who can feed him information. And he finds one. But he gets more than he bargained for with Aria.
Their relationship grows complicated. Her people get defensive. His superior becomes suspicious. He doesn’t know who to trust. His loyalty’s divided, and pressure’s mounting from all sides.
J is shocked when everyone’s true allegiances are revealed. And the consequences of betrayal will be deadly.
My Review:
Okay, you often hear the words, “I couldn’t put it down,” when it comes to a page-turning book. But in this case, I couldn’t stop reading and finished it in one sitting. Yes, it is short, but the story kept my interest from page one to the end. D. L. Cross has created a powerful story with her Astral Series, and I highly recommend you read “The Gate.” However, this book could easily stand alone.
I’ve never been a great fan of science fiction, but this author has caused me to change my mind. She weaves in suspense and intrigue that gives her stories more depth than your typical sci-fi and leaves readers wanting more.
I eagerly await the next book of this series.
40 Responses
ooh, you don’t get better than a book and author making you change your genre because it’s that good! Lovely review, Joan. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Reblogged on: https://harmonykent.co.uk/book-review-the-scout-by-d-l-cross/
I’m really getting into these stories, Harmony. Thanks for the reblog!
I’m tickled. Thanks!
That does mean the world to me to know that. Thanks for reblogging, Harmony!
I just got my copy. I can’t wait to read it, it’s on the TBR list.
Thank you, Michele. I know your reading tastes and think you’ll like it. (Fingers crossed.)
You won’t want to put it down!
It’s waiting for me on my Kindle, and now that I’ve read this, it’s probably next in line! 🙂 Great review!
I’m delighted to hear that Marcia. Thank you!
<3 <3 <3
You’ll enjoy it!
I’m sure of it! 😀 And isn’t the cover wonderful? 🙂
The publisher will be thrilled to know you like the cover. (They take covers very seriously.)
It is a great cover, Marcia!
Joan, thank you so much. I love the review, and I love that I’ve captured your interest outside your preferred genre. Many, many heartfelt thanks.
You write in a way that makes the characters interesting. It’s not dull or bland.
That’s the nicest thing you could have said to me. Thank you.
I just started The Gate, and have this one waiting for me. Great review, Joan!
I hope you like reading it as much as I liked writing it. Thanks, Teri.
Teri, I loved The Gate. This one was equally as good.
Fabulous review, Joan. When an author can pull you outside of your normal reading genre, you know she’s written a highly appealing tale.
I loved The Scout, and am really enjoying the Astral Conspiracy series. Can’t wait for the next one. Congrats to Staci/D.L. Cross!
Thanks so much, Mae. I’m delighted to know you’re enjoying the series.
I look forward to the next one, also.
[…] Visit Joan’s site to learn more about The Scout by clicking here. […]
Sounds fascinating, but I don’t want to tie into a series! Your review was excellent and very persuasive!
Joan did write an excellent review. I was touched by it.
I understand about a series (although I enjoy them). This one could easily stand alone.
Great review:) This is definitely on my summer reading list!
I’m happy to hear that, Denise. Thank you! I hope you enjoy it.
It’s a good one!
I’m not a sci/fi fan, but I love stories that keep me guessing. And this one not only did that, it delivered a punch at the end. Great story.
Thanks so much, Judi!
Exactly. I wasn’t expecting that twist.
Terrific review, Joan! This book had me on tenterhooks the entire time, lol
Music to my ears (eyes?), Jacquie. Thank you!
It did me too, Jacquie!
[…] but this week Marcia Meara was kind enough to post a review of one of my books on her site, and Joan Hall reviewed another of my stories on hers. I couldn’t run this yesterday because Mae Clair shared her review of The Scout. And […]
[…] Book Review: The Scout | Joan Hall […]
[…] of reading, if you want something short and easy, but that will keep you entertained, check out my review of The Scout by D. L. […]
[…] https://joanhall.blog/2019/07/30/book-review-the-scout/ “The aliens have landed. The humans are panicking. The scouts have been […]