Hello there and welcome to The Turndog Review: the books I read, reviewed.

I aren’t a professional critic, instead all I offer is my honest opinion into everything I read. However, I do this with a difference, as I don’t only offer my personal views on the Writing, Plot, and Story, but also the Book Cover, Book Marketing, and Author Website.

We live in a modern world where being a writer is different to years gone by, and I feel the whole experience of the book matters. This covers everything from the initial find, the actual read, and everything that follows. Therefore I hope this review not only offers a great insight into the book and author, but also into my own mind and what makes me tick.

So without further ado let’s begin, and today I focus on Exodus by J.F. Penn

 

Published: 2012

Read: December 2012

Discovered: I’ve read the previous two adventures

 

Overview:

J.F. Penn (the voice behind TheCreativePenn) is fast becoming a self-published success story, and the third book in the ARKANE series, Exodus, was one I just had to read. I’ve liked the journey so far, and I was excited to see where it was heading in 2013 and beyond.

Simply put, this is the best of the bunch. Penn’s writing has grown a great deal, and this edition seems more complete than the others. It’s a very professional effort, and the research and flow is superb. She truly takes you on a ride.

It follows Morgan and her ARKANE team as they try to uncover where the Ark of the Covenant is. I took particular interest in this as I read a book about it a couple of years ago. Much of that mentioned was familiar to me, and conjured up memories of good times gone by.

The story follows directly after the second book, with Morgan still recovering from her injuries. Her usual partner is still injured, so she suddenly has new people involved, new love interests, and new characters that makes everything moves faster than previous editions.

It’s fast paced, energetic, and full of action. I read this over Christmas and it was exactly the book I hoped it would be. Like I say, Penn is fast evolving into something very very good. More is waiting just around the corner, I’m sure. 

 

The Good:

The whole plot is tighter this time around. It’s not to say the previous two books lacked in this department, but Exodus takes it to the next level.

I also love how the focus is the Ark this time around, an element which I can see the masses loving. Previous instalments introduced me to new things (which is great), but this touched upon something I knew of – but didn’t know enough about. It really caught my attention!

 

The Bad:

I must admit, I don’t love Morgan, the main character. It’s hard to say what it is, but she seems to be lacking something, and her romantic ways always seem awkward and empty. This time was no different. 

It’s tough, I suppose, to have a female lead who is both strong and shows vulnerability. Nevertheless, it left me wanting more.

 

Book Cover:

I Love this cover!

I liked the previous two, but this one hits the nail on the head. J.F. Penn is the perfect example of a series. It follows a similar style throughout, whilst remaining unique each time.

This cover in particular is dark and tempting. It’s so damn eerie, don’t you think?

Everything that needs to stand out does, and I can see this being a big eye catcher. The designer has done a GREAT job!

 

Book Marketing:

It shouldn’t be a surprise that the person behind The Creative Penn does pretty damn well with Book Marketing.

I especially love the snippets of research at the back of the book. It tells you how Penn uncovered certain aspects, what books were read, and shares some cool stories. These are all things shared on the personal website, and makes me want to follow it in the future.

It hooks you and adds an interest into the writer, the research, and the world in general. Anyone wanting to see how Book Marketing should be done, look no further.

 

Author Website & Engagement:

I won’t say much, because there are two, and both are very popular 🙂

I still like to see things all on one site, but this is where Penn and I differ. All in all, you won’t find many better Self-Published communicators than here. Great Site(s), great engagement, and a top person to follow on a daily basis.

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If you’re looking for a quick, fast paced read, well, you could do much worse than Exodus. It’s the best so far, that I have little doubt about. There’s no signs for it ending, either, which I love!

Read this book, and if you haven’t already done so, ready Prophecy & Pentecost too. All three will make for one heck of a weekend 🙂

I’m delighted to give it….

4 Turndogs out of 5

Thanks for reading this version of The Turndog Review. I review every book I read, not only for the writing, but the marketing, website, and general communication from the author.

Turndog Millionaire – @turndog_million