Chasing Eden

The big boy writers of adventure have rivals in this "dynamic duo." This is a great read with immediacy and relevance in today's Iraq. I couldn't put it down and can't wait for the next adventure.

I absolutely loved "Chasing Eden," so much so, that, upon finishing it, I immediately reread it! I am a librarian, among many other things, and I can't remember ever doing that before. The book features my favorite combination of archeology, mystery, exotica, religion, spirituality, (not the same things) thriller and interplay between time periods (not to mention the sex-appeal bonus created in the character of Yani!) I am not a romance fan, but his development was handled masterfully. Now I want to see what he looks like! While passing through the Salt Lake City airport, I picked up "Chasing Eden" to read on vacation. I was considering it and "Gates of Hades" by Greg Loomis. Luckily, I opted for this title! What I didn't know before starting, was that the book was written by a woman, actually two women. It became evident, as I noticed that it wasn't all gore and body parts, as probably would have been the case in the hands of many a male author...fodder for a later video game or teen-appeal, action movie. It made military service seem reasonable and what I have regarded as a harsh, hideous landscape (the desert and Iraq War setting), not unbearably threatening or boring. The well-drawn imagery, instead, created a haunting appeal. I also enjoyed the strong, smart and smart-aleck characterization of Chaplain Jaime Richards. While truly spiritually oriented, she is no prude or weakling. I especially liked the scene where she is grief counseling the young, female soldier. It's authenticity obviously derives from the experiences of the true chaplain, and co-author, B.K. Sherer. The "interview" at the back of the book was a great touch. I am thrilled that there is a sequel already on the way; the question is, where can we go after a climax like that!

It can be dangerous to open the cover of a good book. S.L. Linnea and BK Sherer prove this with Chasing Eden, the can't-put-down thriller of the summer. I had no intention of reading Chasing Eden--didn't want to hear anything else about Iraq and I'm a romantic thriller fan--but then I made the mistake of opening the cover and reading the first few lines. No wonder the word "chasing" is in the title; the plot takes off right from the beginning. I admit that I did close the book a few times, but only when I had to work, shop, etc. The rest of the time I was racing along with Jaime--a rare religious character because she didnt preach at me or make me feel as if Christianity was something that clobbered folks into submission--and I found myself moving along through unfamiliar terrain and across perilous twists and plot turns. When I finished the last pages (in bed at 2 A.M, with a booklight shining into the dark) I hated to see Jaime go. I know haven't seen the end of her though, and not just because we can expect a sequel. I was clearly so enthusiastic (and newly curious about Iraq and Eden) that my husband, a professor, has also decided to submit to Jaime's charms. This is the first time in a long time that we have enjoyed the same book--and this is a man who usually reads physics for fun!

I am not one to read adventure novels. But, this one made me reconsider that option. Focusing more on tangible non-fiction, I have not wanted to spend my time on "frivolous" fiction. I was given this book to read and give my opinion. In doing so, I now have a whole new appreciation of this wonderful genre. Ms. Linnea has been able to put enough real life data to make reading it worth my time. I learned so much about history while also weaving comtempary issues and mind expanding philosophies that engaged my interests. I became intimately involved with the characters without even knowing it, and discovered that I was catapulted into another reality which I was thoroughly enjoying. I therefore recommend this book and am certainly anticipating the next!!!

A friend gave me CHASING EDEN, saying I "had" to read it. I don't usually read thrillers (I'm a mystery fan), and I especially never read military thrillers. But WOW! CHASING EDEN was so fast and fun, I couldn't put it down. I've never read a thriller with such fully realized characters--you understood the motivations of both the heroes and the villains. Jaime Richards is a wonderful heroine. I was with her all the way. And I love the mystery man she's thrown together with. I especially loved vicariously exploring all the real-life historical sites inside Iraq, and felt like I was learning as the story raced along. Readers will probably be divided about the ending, but I personally LOVED it. How you feel about the ending probably says as much about you as it does about the book! (But don't peek, it would spoil it!) I really look forward to the next Eden Thriller--and apparently it won't be a long wait as the book says the first sequel comes out in October. Anyhow, thanks for the exhilarating ride!