Review of E M P Honeymoon
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Review of E M P Honeymoon
Honeymoons are supposed to be romantic and intimate. At least, that's what newlyweds Kelly McBride Turbulo and her husband, Sgt. Tom Turbulo, thought when they embarked on a honeymoon to a secluded Honduran island for a couple of weeks.
Little did they know that Kelly's visit to a souvenir shop to buy gifts for her nieces and nephews would lead to her becoming the focus of a special agent, involving not just the CIA but even the President of the United States.
This book features numerous characters, from the US President to humble servants from various parts of the world. It is fascinating how the author skilfully intertwines them into one central element—the looming threat of catastrophic destruction.
I was hooked on the story right off the bat, and it had me on the edge of my seat for most of the journey, wondering what would unfold next.
One of the things I appreciate about Dorothy May Mercer's books is their informativeness regarding science and technology. From this book, I gained knowledge about the Coronal Mass Ejection that narrowly missed the Earth on July 23rd, 2012.
Furthermore, the book includes real-life pictures and hyperlinks to pages supporting her claims, providing a chilling expression of what could happen if the sun erupts in a super solar flare.
In a world wherein people do things for fame and recognition, the key message conveyed by the book underscores the importance of acting selflessly without seeking acknowledgment or credit for our actions.
As the author concludes, while the credit for the victory goes to others, the true hero goes unsung, his existence even unknown to others, reiterating the phrase, "not all heroes wear capes".
Even though he was fully aware that his actions, if discovered, could cost him his life, he didn't hesitate to put his life on the line and did what he thought was morally and ethically correct.
Additionally, the fact that his selfless deeds thwarted the terrorists' destructive plans and saved a country remains unbeknownst to him.
This is my second read from the author's collection, the first being "Cynthia and Dan: Cyber War" and I must admit that "EMP Honeymoon: Kelly and Tom" is a significant improvement.
Nevertheless, there are a few instances that don't add up.
For example, in Chapter 13, the underlings had the slightest bit of suspicion when the voice of their boss on the communicator suddenly shifted from feminine to masculine. Despite the sudden change of voice, they continued their mission and even took further orders.
Another noteworthy point is that In Chapter 14, the author shortened Cynthia's name to a random "C."
"Hello, Commander. Listen, we're down here at the island launch site, looking at this setup. C wrote us that you wanted info on the device."
For a second, I had to stop and think what the “C” stands for.
I encountered this writing style even in "Cynthia and Dan: Cyber War". I'm unsure if this is Mercer's distinct style, a matter of oversight, or an attempt at simplification. Regardless, it came across as unprofessional.
I would appreciate it if the author could either stick to their unabbreviated names or use a consistent abbreviation throughout the book to eliminate confusion and improve consistency.
Also, I'm not particularly fond of the title. I had little to no idea what 'EMP' stands for until well into the book's narrative.
I don't know if the author's way of naming her books is an attempt to stand out from the crowd, but a more descriptive and intriguing title while still maintaining the essence of the story would have been preferable, considering the excellent storyline.
The book does contain minor shortcomings. But because they do not significantly detract from what is otherwise a flawlessly written book, I have no hesitation in giving it a perfect rating of 5. Moreover, the book is meticulously edited—with no grammar or typographical errors.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking a thrilling yet enlightening read with a tinge of romance.
Lastly, if you are sensitive to profanity, I would advise against reading the book as you'll encounter a fair amount of it.
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E M P Honeymoon
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