Review: Strong entry by Ahmad Taylor
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 15, 2012
Not the first novel written by an ex-cop I've ever read, but definitely the one which uses the most up-to-date jargon and technology. The writing style is crisp and to the point, without unnecessary flourishes and archaic turns of phrase. This is a modern read based on a modern idea and using sci-fi threads which are spun perfectly to fit right into this realistic world. Another refreshing feature (to me) is to be able to read a thriller where the weapons are not the same as the ones used by Philip Marlowe in the earlier Raymond Chandler books or Roger Moore as he first played British agent James Bond, but a rather more sophisticated, imaginative, slightly wishful-thinking-type new cache.Twists and turns at every corner make Dark Side of the Moon an unexpected and enjoyable action-packed read. You get to see glimpses of a really talented family and you can't wait to learn everything about them. By the time the storyline settles into a full-blown thriller, you wish you could be right there, in the middle of it all, shouting encouragement and warning Derrick about imminent danger.Derrick Thomas is the sort of guy that brings a smile to your lips - from his morning routine to the over-the-top care his mom gives her baby son and the relationships with his older sister Jeanie and strong-willed father Martin, everything draws you in and compels you to be his friend. The more you think you've worked out what he is going to do next however, the more you find yourself pointing down a different avenue. This is where Ahmad Taylor's police training comes into its own - the action sequences and assault and hostage situations are not something just any one of us could get right.I didn't see the ending until the last moment. But knowing what kind of person Derrick is, you know what he is planning to do and you also know he succeeded, but boy - you wish he hadn't. Strong entry by a debut author - I'll be biting my nails until I get to read the sequel and make sure everything turns out ok.