Fame (Firstborn Series) by Karen Kingsbury

The Firstborn Series was first introduced here.

I honestly do not know if I’ll do justice to this book by reviewing it as this point in time. At this moment in life, I don’t feel the book ‘speaking’ to me at all. I dont feel any connection unlike what I felt when reading the Redemption series.

Fame started with Dayne Matthews and the focus is very much on him throughout the book. The book is rather slow in every way possible. I hope that it doesn’t reflect the rest of the books in the series but more as an introductory into the series. I feel Karen Kingsbury is trying to build the readers up to what will take place (perhaps) in the other books but it’s a rather slow and sorry to say, boring build up.

Karen tried to angle the book on the lives of the rich and famous and how some of these lives are affected by overzealous fans and also paparazzi. For some reason, it didn’t come across as being real and I can’t relate to what she’s writing. Hey, I know why…I’m not rich and famous! Hahah…

There’s no sense of urgency when reading Fame. It was just a nice read. For me, it was nice to have a glimpse into the life of the Baxter’s after Elizabeth’s death. Karen wanted the readers to know that the children of John and Elizabeth are moving on and also coping with her death by supporting one another. However, it was sad to read that John has not really move on and is still much burdened by the secret that he and his wife has hidden from the rest of the family members.

The book also introduced Katy Hart, the director of Christian Kids Theater. Like Dayne, she didn’t really make much of an impact on me either. At this moment of writing, I still have a few chapters to go before the book ends. I believe Dayne and Katy would have a long way to go before they can become a couple (if they ever do become one). Anyway, I’m giving both of them a chance and look forward to the 2nd book entitled ‘Forgiven’ where I am sure they will play bigger parts and more impactful roles.

Dorothy Koomson's collection

This is my Dorothy Koomson's collection.

I read My Best Fried's Girl a few years back and was hooked.

Currently, just started with The Cupid Effect.

The Righteous Men by Sam Bourne

The Righteous Men is the 1st of Sam Bourne's novels that I read. However, halfway through the book, I decided to read The Last Testament (also by Sam Bourne) instead, finished reading The Last Testament and then only continue with The Righteous Men. Dont ask me why, I can't explain it myself.

TRM follows New York Times rooker reporter, Will Monroe as he investigates the kidnapping of his wife, Beth. In his desperation to find her, Will finds himself embroils in a sinister plot that can spells the end of mankind. It was difficult for him to know who's his allies and who's the enemy as he finds a link between Beth's kidnapping and a series of muders that's taking place all over the world. What is more intriguing is that those who have been murdered all all classified as being 'righteous' in one way or another. Since is the plot of TRM.

So, what's my take? I didn't really like the novel but I dont dislike it either. Some review has rated Sam Bourne as the next Dan Brown. Unfortunately, I dont think that is the case. While I feel that Sam Bourne manages to tell a good story, he doesn't have that captivating writing as Dan Brown. For the fact that I can start this book and left it to complete another book is somthing that I can't do while reading Dan Brown's work. However, having said that, it was a good read. I find myself rooting for Will all the way through although I do get frustrated with him.

Would I recommend TRM to you? Probably, for a lazy afternoon with coffee or a relaxing evening with a glass of wine.