Mean Who You Are

Publication Date: 05 August 2013
Genre: Suspense

Format: Paperback
Source: Author (In exchange for an honest Review)

 

 

In the United States, a violent crime occurs every 26 seconds. Police officers take an oath to protect and to serve, but the laws they uphold bind their own hands. Justice is blind, so evil perseveres. Mason Stone is a decorated war hero, and a respected S.W.A.T. Commander. He’s also an unhinged lunatic and a psychopathic vigilante. He believes society has evolved, but humans have not. He is a demon to some, a saint to others, and a savior to all. One man’s struggle to cleanse the world, is also one woman’s struggle to save him from himself. A thriller. A love story. A lesson for us all about the human condition

 

Sometimes I get in the mood for good suspense mystery type book. This book is such a guys book but I enjoyed it too. I think if my husband had to read a book this one would be it. It is rough and raw, but not gory. I guess you never really know what to expect from a book and it's always amazing when a book really surprises you and touches some nerves.

 

Tom really creates well rounded realistic characters. Each of them are described clearly. I connected with the story but not in the way I usually do. Tom covers topics in this novel that society prefers to turn a blind eye to and it really hits home on a lot of bases. The scary thing is a lot of these things are true and happening. 

Mason - Mason is your damaged goods main character. He is your typical cop and wants to save the world from itself. He has a rough life so far it doesn't get any easier. The more he tries to do 'good' the more things fall apart. I actually ended up reading quite a few of Mason's mind purges out to my husband. The truth is a scary thing and Tom finds a great way to get it out there to the world through Mason's story.  

 

Sue - Sue is Mason's therapist. I do wonder why she doesn't have existing happy marriage but maybe she was just waiting to for Mason. She is the only woman really in his life and forms an attachment to him and a her own need to save him. I really liked that Mason changed her too from their therapy sessions. In most stories it's only the main character that gets affected to such a large degree.  

 

Diesel - Diesel is Mason's typical cop partner and best friend. I almost imagine someone like Dwayne Johnson playing this role. He is a sweet talker and charmer. I liked his character and all I can say is he is a typical guy and their friendship is a typical bromance. I really enjoyed this friendship, right until the end. 

 

Tyson - Tyson is Mason's cat. Tyson is such a bold name for a lovable and adorable cat. Tyson loves chasing bugs and waits on the windowsill for Mason to come home. I imagines a playful kitten chasing a butterfly. Tyson was my favourite character in this story that crept into my heart quickly. I really enjoyed the bond Mason had with Tyson. 

 

Plot, Pace, Writing style 4/5
The pace is a bit slow but Tom has a very descriptive writing style. His world building is very good. Tom's writing style is easy to follow. I found it a bit strange that there were no page numbers in the book.

 

I found it very interesting that there is such a fine line between being a saint and a vigilante. Tom definitely covers interesting and touchy topics that had me fascinated. I enjoyed the music he brings into the story and he could not have written a better ending. This is actually one of those book that would make a great movie.

 

Liked the cover. It really brings all the aspects of the book into one picture. The skull representing Mason's demons and the wings and motto representing what drives Mason.  

 

Final Thoughts: Saint monolith is a really great read. I enjoyed this book and would definitely read more of Tom's work in the future.

 

 

 

I was born in New York; Brooklyn to be exact. I grew up into my teens on Long Island, than moved to sunny Florida where I spent my high school years in Ft. lauderdale and now live in the beautiful Tampa Bay Area. I have an incredible wife who continues to be my best friend in spite of myself, and four terrific children.

I grew up a big comic book fan, an aspiring guitar player, and when it came to books without pictures, it was Robert E. Howard. The sword and sorcery fantasy fiction was definitely my favorite genre, and Mr. Howard's ability to create dark and captivating worlds grabbed hold of me and never let go. His life story of living in a little Texas farmhouse tapping away on a 1930's typewriter until succumbing to the urge to commit suicide was as intriguing as his books. So that is where much of my influence and desire to write came from.

Today I have wide taste and enjoy all forms of reading and writing; I don't limit myself to any one genre. I look to modern writers like Hugh Howey and Tom Clancy for inspiration. 

My first published book, Saint Monolith, is the story of a S.W.A.T. Officer struggling with emotional issues, who becomes a vigilante of sorts; operating outside the rules that restrict him as a law enforcement officer. He struggles with sanity, as his psychologist struggles to save him from his demons. Eventually the two fall in love and partner together, but it may be too late as the consequences of his murderous vigilantism began to close in around him.

I plan for it to be a trilogy, and I also have another work in progress, a Robert E. Howard inspired sword and sorcery fantasy series titled Hegemonian. It's my hope that readers will enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed writing them. We intend to release both as graphic novels with some fantastic artwork as well.

 

Author Links: Goodreads l Twitter l Website

 

 

Love

 

Chanzie 

 

PS Keep an eye out for the giveaway and an Author interview with Tom tomorrow!