From the Ashes (edition 2012)

I enjoyed the first 50 pages or so. But, after that the story got lost and too complex. Character development was way too detailed for my taste. The history of each of the agents didn't make sense to me. Lastly, it was a tad bit too graphic at times. The description of an innocent 7-year old boy getting strangled by an agent was unnecessary. While I'm sure the story turns out great, I just couldn't get into it... primarily due to the extensive details in the book and the slow pace. Some people like this. Others don't. And, I'm one of them. ( )

From the Ashes is an entertaining read which starts with the very bloody murder of Michael Rickner by an unknown assailant. Jon Rickner, his brother is off climbing, he receives a message from Mara Ellison , Michael's fiancee, that Michael is dead, a presumed a suicide. Why would a young man who just asked his girlfriend to marry him the night before and was so excited about his work commit suicide? It does not add up and as Jon soon learns, Michael was working on his dissertation of something that could conceivably change the course of history since the early 1920's onward. With the help of Michael's professor, and his fiancee Mara Ellison, he seeks to find out how his brother actually died.

What follows is an unbelievable journey of conspiracy theories, Nazi's, assassins, a secret department of the US government, secrets that someone doesn't want known and adventure galore. A very fast paced, at times scary, dangerous, well researched and quite plausible story that takes Jon and Mara to churches, museums and to the very heart of New York City and its rich history. They both come to find that no one can be trusted and they are alone in their search for the truth. A book that will certainly keep the reader turning the pages, I loved every part of the story. The author is very knowledgeable and I look forward to reading more of his work. I give this book 5 stars... ( )

The prologue of From the Ashes is gripping. It totally hooked me. Then I was sad when the first chapter took me from Manhattan 1957 to Iraq 2010. The sad didn't last long. The first chapters of this book are intriguing and fast moving. I was settling in for another action filled ride - and, for the most part, that's what I got. The story does get bogged down in the middle for just a bit in order to bring the reader up to date on all the history that is necessary to the conspiracy, but then it picks up and the ride gets back on track.

Jeremy Burns has written a solid action novel with mystery and suspense. I was pleased with the decisions he made with regard to the character development and the plot. There were a few minor editing errors but it wasn't distracting enough for me to quit the book - and I am a bit of an editing snob so that says something. ( )

What I Loved:

Twists, twists, and more twists! This story absolutely captivated my attention by the end of the first chapter. And if enthralling plot twists around every corner isn't enough, the word choices that Jeremy Burns uses are exquisite. I'd be reading along and just be like "What?" and then I had to go back and re-read this just-beyond-awesome quote that is genius. An example of such a quote was featured in my Teaser Tuesday on April 10th. And finally, though certainly not least, I loved the way that Jeremy weaves together his own invention, history, and fact of the world we live in so seamlessly. His writing really pushes the 4th wall into oblivion, and several times I wondered if this wasn't all true.
What I Didn't Like:

No complaints here!
My Overall Rating:

(5 of 5 Stars) A Mindbending Mystery Full of Twists and Adrenaline

From the Ashes is a wonderfully written tale of Jon, the son of an archeologist, who gets wrapped up in uncovering a secret that the United States government– or a section of it at any rate–has been trying to hide at any–and all–costs for the last century when his brother, Michael, is found dead in his own apartment. Taking on his brother's job, both literally and metaphorically, it's now up to Jon and Michael's fiancée, Mara, to right a wrong that goes to the start of the 1900's, and the same government division that hasn't hesitated to kill civilians throughout this last century isn't afraid to kill them either.

If that summary doesn't get your interest, then I dare you to read just the first three chapters and put it down. I guarantee that you won't be able to. There is a little bit of everything in this book... except for maybe romance... yea. Other than that you have a rouge employee of a government operation, a professor with questionable motives, a history that readers will recognize as being planted in their own world, and at least 4 action-packed and tension-filled chapters that literally had my heart racing when I finished them.
Disclaimer:
This book was provided for me at no charge, nor was I given compensation
of any kind for this review. This review only reflects my personal opinion. ( )

Initially, the novel seemed as if it would be too violent for me to read, but after the early scenes of murder, the book turned into the quintessential mystery! It was exciting and tense. It held my attention fast. I downloaded this book from Barnes and Noble to my computer Nook app. It was a Free Friday offering, and it is a book I would recommend to all those who love spy novels, especially those with underlying government conspiracies.

The book begins in 1957, with the unexpected suicide of a government agent, but it harkens back to the early 1930’s, when the secret government agency called the Division is created to ostensibly stop the spread of Communism. Unfortunately, the method it chooses to do this backfires, and their plan and its outcome must be hidden forever to prevent a scandal of major worldwide proportions from developing. Originally launched by Henry Lewis Stimson, Secretary of State to President Hoover, with the funds of John D. Rockefeller, Jr., this clandestine plan and agency is forced to perpetuate itself to protect the secret of their involvement. To accomplish this, the Division eliminated anyone who could possibly expose them, and often innocent people were simply outright murdered by the government because a hint of the folly was suggested. There was one fly in the ointment, however, that they could not control; no matter how many people were eliminated, they had never found the documents that were signed by Rockefeller and Stimson and secreted away by Rockefeller, for protection. The dossiers still existed, and they must be found and finally disposed of so there would no longer be a record of the behavior of this clandestine agency or its historic, heinous involvement regarding World War II.

When Michael Richner is murdered, his broken-hearted fiancée, Mara, and his brother Jon, team up to find out why this innocent, well-loved young man has been killed. The plot thickens when Jon is also attacked in his brother’s apartment, but his report of the incident is not believed by the police. The two take off on their own, fearing for their lives, up against a machine far bigger and more mercenary than they realize, following little clues and finally discovering the secret that The Division has been trying to find for decades. Do they succeed in making it public and bringing it to the attention of the world, finally exposing the truth? In some ways, the details of the tale try your imagination, but the author weaves so powerful a story, that when you question it, it seems believable.

This book feels like it will be a great movie. You will find yourself wondering, is this story about a government out of control or a shadow government, and could this happen or even exist today? ( )

There are always hidden secrets – everywhere you look. The Federal Government probably has more than most and one of them is the subject of this well-written book. A man is murdered and his brother isn’t believing the suicide decision made by the local cops. Jon heard about Michael’s death while climbing in Australia. Michael had just proposed to the love of his life, why would he end it?
Jon and Michael’s fiancé, Mara, both agree on one thing: whatever Michael was researching got him killed and when someone tries to take Jon out for being in his brother’s apartment they are positive. And they’re right. Michael had discovered something some very powerful people are willing to do anything to acquire. A piece of paper signed by the Federal Government and given to…..well, that would be telling, wouldn’t it?
Amazing historical research, very frightening agent-types and some people just trying to do the right thing and led into it quite nice by author Burns. Even if you don’t believe in secrets, this is a story of the first-order and if you like mysteries pick it up. You won’t be sorry. ( )

One of the most enjoyable books I have read in some time. A classic historical conspiracy thriller, but done extremely well. It was a read I didn't want to end.

The book follows two young people as they try to solve clues that lead them to a 1930s era government coverup. They also have some sinister people to deal with who don't want it found.

There wasn't a dull page in the book. ( )