Ethan Justice: Origins by Simon Jenner

If you read my last review, you know that I have only recently embraced e-books. My appreciation for this literary media continues to expand in that this latest read was a laudable, ‘can’t put it down’ kind of book. This trend, reading and reviewing great e-books reminds me of the 1992 movie, Unforgiven. At the end of the movie, William Munny (Clint Eastwood) guns down Little Bill (Gene Hackman) and his immoral, scandalous posse for “decorating their saloon with his friend”, Ned Logan (Morgan Freeman). After the smoke clears, the ‘writer of books and such’, Mr. Beauchamp (Saul Rubinek) asks William Munny how he knew the order in which to shoot. To which Munny (Clint Eastwood) replies, “I was lucky in the order, but I’ve always been lucky when it comes to killin’ folks”. Perhaps somewhat morbid but appropriate in that I was so impressed by this book, my mind was dragged back to this familiar movie. It amazes me how the recall of the brain works. Although I’m not a violent person, this scene came to mind when thinking ‘I guess I’ve been lucky in the order of these e-books that I’ve read’. Inasmuch, that this book by Simon Jenner is just one of those books I’ve been lucky enough to read. It was indeed a privilege to read this brilliant display of literary prose. On to the book…

Simon Jenner’s Ethan Justice: Origins is a book that will captivate and consume the reader from start to finish. There is not a chapter that falters. The pace is relentless, which as irony would have it, is the name of the second book in this series. It’s a narrative that examines the complexities of strained familial relationships, true love that comes when least expected and a myriad of other provocative insights in to the profundities of human grace and human depravity. The book begins with an unknown antagonist giving us a first person discourse that will seize the reader’s attention to say the least. This prologue is pivotal throughout the novel, keeping the reader on edge throughout this intense cliffhanger. The story then shifts to the central character, John Smith (yes, that’s his real name), who walks into a ‘lion’s den’ or as it’s become to be known…a  family intervention.

Betrayed by his family and his best friend, John is at a loss. So he does what many do, he gets drunk. Upon awakening the following morning, he finds a gorgeous women sleeping next to him. Who is she and how did she get here are just some of the questions racing through his liquor polluted mind. As his head becomes a jack hammer, he quickly learns that this woman, although breathtaking, may have an unsavory background with disreputable acquaintances. Her name is Savannah Jones and she’s threatening bodily harm. As he begins to wrap his mind around their current situation, he finds that some things are not how they first appear. Thrown together through abhorrent circumstances, they begin a journey of a trepidatious romance filled with murder, deceit, menacing danger and precarious uncertainty. This is truly a journey in which one or both may not make it back. As the story takes off at breakneck speeds, you’ll be caught off guard by the twists and turns. At this point, you may be wondering who is Ethan Justice and just where does he fit into this narrative. Well that’s just one of many mysterious revelations that you’ll have to read this book to find out. You’ll also find yourself having problems putting this book down. This isn’t hype…this is the real deal as I found myself staying up way too late for ‘just one more chapter’.  This is a standalone book by a standalone and accomplished author.

The author, Simon Jenner, knows just how much information to give and just how much to withhold. He understands the human desire for peace and just how far one will go to procure it. He knows what the reader wants and he delivers. This book encompasses many genres offering the reader a kaleidoscope of emotions for which to contend. In addition to the nail-biting,  edge of your seat entertainment, the reader will find this book both irresistible and gratifying. If you’re in to mysteries, thrillers, suspense and romance, then this book’s for you. Treat yourself and make this your next read. You’ll be glad you did.

Review by David Gartner