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What people are saying... |
| Review Excerpts from The San Francisco Chronicle |
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"It's hard to believe this is a first novel. Even more than most veteran authors, the Herndons have mastered the art of turning out a book you just can't put down. Start it late at night and you'll still be with it when the sun comes up in the morning."
"The Herndons know how to tell a very engaging story. They present us with characters that we immediately care for and put them into situations that push them to their limits."
"This will make a great film. The only problem the authors will have is deciding which film offer to go with. I can't wait to get my hands on their next novel." |
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Reviewed by Kevin James, author of “The Single Dad's Survival Guide” |
"I was given the distinct pleasure to read “Into the Blue” these past few days. In the opening chapters, authors S. Bond Herndon and Heather Hyde-Herndon lead the reader to believe this is a story of two worlds about to collide. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was so much more.
Successful writer Jake Conroy is a man everyone would like to call “best friend.” Jake scratches the surface of the potential of mind and spirit. His compassion toward his friends is valued beyond life itself. His laid-back attitude and joy for life is an inspiration.
In the opening, Jake meets Spoons, a character of unimagined potential and one I would like to see again in future writing. With the guidance of Spoons, Jake rescues Jessie Malone from the frighteningly familiar Shank. Jessie’s troubled existence has led her to a life spiraling downward. With the help of Jake as protector and mentor she soon sees her opportunity to a better life. The authors have pitted Jake and Shank in a battle unlike what the reader would come to expect.
Descriptions of things not of this world are refreshingly original and enticing to those interested in the metaphysical. Yet they are salted sparingly throughout the text giving one a real sense of realism, with an influence from forces we can only speculate. The introduction of these other worlds is enlightening to those lackluster, typical action sequences that have become redundant in other books.
Once the reader is comfortable with the direction of the story, it takes unexpected turns, leading the reader into places unfamiliar and perhaps a bit unnerving. One never loses faith in the hero and his band of friends to defeat the evil Shank and to stand by Jessie to the bitter end.
This brilliant read will restore your faith in mankind and in the bonds of friendship, whether they are new or old acquaintances.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in new experiences in reading."
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Reviewed by Robbie Britt, author of “Dead Men Don’t Deal” and member of Critiquer’s Corner |
"The Herndons' "Into the Blue" is a creative look into the local customs and problems of the South East Texas coast. Their humor tells us about the traditions, colloquialism, and terrain in descriptive details. Expressed sometimes in bawdy language, it tells the fascinating story of a man who dies but is revived. He manages to bring back with him an entity known as "Spoons," who is especially poignant. All the characters in the book, even the antagonist, are brought to life with great verve through their multi-talented writing.
If you are familiar with Texas' Joe R. Lansdale or Florida's Tim Dorsey's style of writing end enjoy them, you will love The Herndons' new book "Into the Blue." It is an excellent read that will keep you on your toes and turning pages to the bitter end."
| Reviewed by Roger W. Harrington, Author of "The Journey of Marie-Jeanne" |
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“Immaculate grammar and plot patterning. A brilliant touch for the cleverly focused small things makes this a wonderful read. Beautifully contained and yet original and clear. Well-defined [characters]. Balance is superb, with narrowing chapters in good Shakespearian style. Above all, a remarkable ear for the rhythm of dialogue. How you can do this in a dual-authored work, I just don’t know. Thanks for a fabulous read!”
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| Reviewed by G. Daniel Pernell, Author of "Cardinal Culpability" |
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"This is a marvelously crafted book and must reading. If you want to see life from a whole new perspective, get your hands on “Into the Blue.”
The Herndons have an incredible writing style, one which as an author myself I am quite envious. The descriptive nature displayed in their writing is uncanny and brings you into this book in first person style. Almost impossible to set down, when you must it is tough to return to your “ordinary” life.
I have never spent much time in Texas, but I now wish to do so, but I don’t know if I want to be there without “Spoons.” The characters created by the Herndons are so life-like that one wonders if they really are lurking out there somewhere.
My hat is off to The Herndons for this amazing work! Everyone should read “Into the Blue,” especially Texans."
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| Reviewed by Melodie Rogers, Author of "Followed by Death" |
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"'Into the Blue' is nothing less than a masterpiece. If I had to describe it with only one word, that word would be 'intense.' Reading this novel has allowed me to experience almost every emotion imaginable, from horror, to fear, to romance and suspense. I simply couldn’t put it down, and it will leave you thinking about your own life long after you’ve read the last page."
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