Review: Heart Thumping Series!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 16, 2014
Genesis:In this prequel, we get an in depth look at who Mark Taylor was before books one, two, and three. It was nice to see who he was as his photography career was on the rise and when he's handed the opportunity of a lifetime - to go to Afghanistan and see how much different life is over there. He sees it as his way of breaking through, to possibly help the less fortunate, and to be known for more than just a small time photographer. Little does he know that he's in for a life altering event when he stumbles across the infamous camera that alters his whole universe and leads us to No Good Deed, March Into Hell, and Deeds of Mercy, making this a popular series that many readers have enjoyed.Full disclosure - I have gotten to read all of the books as they were being written.No Good Deed:Mark Taylor is the true definition of a hero. He doesn't do things for fame or fortune, but because he possesses a camera that holds a great power that he can't ignore or even control, especially when vivid dreams begin to connect to the pictures he takes. On that horrible morning in September, Mark thinks he has the power to stop the tragedy from happening, only soon realizing that rather than think he was one of the good guys trying to save thousands of people, he is a traitor to his own country. Labeled as an enemy combatant, Mark is soon arrested and taken away, stripped of his rights and thrown into a life of torture, ridicule, interrogations, and possibly death.The character development in this story is superb. Mark is the main character, but McDonald does a great job of showing the point of view of several other characters, including one of the interrogators who is involved with Mark and his situation. I liked the depth of it in showing what Mark was going through, as well as the turmoil and ethical issues the investigators were enduring.This is a fast paced read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It really will get you thinking about the government and situations that people could possibly be put into. What hits home the most is that Mark Taylor is an everyday man, a photographer with no criminal history who got thrown into this just because of his efforts to save so many people on that horrible morning. It is truly an eye opener and I recommend this book and series to all.Full disclosure - I got to read this book as it was being written!March Into Hell:I was lucky enough to get to read this book as it was being written. Mary McDonald does an excellent job in the second book to her Mark Taylor series. She paints a very vivid picture of Chicago and it is evident throughout the book that she has done her homework.The book is gripping and action packed from the beginning. Mark Taylor finds himself at the mercy of the media when his "talent" is exploited and millions of eyes learn about what he is capable of doing. Her descriptions are so real that I literally felt that I was along side Taylor for the wild ride he endures, from ruthless cult leaders to crazy dreams that he has no control over. There were scenes in the story that literally made my spine tingle. The dialogue flowed well and the supporting characters helped accentuate Mark Taylor, a very solid character in this suspenseful and original story.I recommend this book, even if you have not read the first book, No Good Deed, another action packed and intense story by Mary McDonald.Deeds of Mercy:In this third book in the Mark Taylor series, M.P. McDonald goes back into the past of Mark, bringing back someone who once was a friend. Taylor finds himself running from those he thought he could come to and from those he already had trust issues with before. The intensity is ramped up and he is a fugitive yet again when all he wants to do is help and prevent horrific events from happening in the Chicago area.This story is fast paced and there are twists and turns that keep the interest level high. The theme of friendship is throughout the book and I loved how McDonald tied it all together in different parts of the book - from Mark running from those he once trusted, to the friend from the past who shows up with different intentions than Mark could ever expect. The way it is all put together and finished was beautifully written, completing this third book and becoming one of my instant favorites.On a side note, I have to say that I really enjoyed the interactions of Mark, Jim, and Mark's father in this. While the book is serious, in a few scenes they provided some nice, light, comedic undertones to try and take away some of the darker moments that Mark endures.With full disclosure, I was fortunate to get to read this story as it was being written.