REVIEW: Eden: Crusade by Tony Monchinski

Tony Monchinski’s EDEN:CRUSADE is a fantastic sequel. That is what you really need to know about this book above anything else. For those of you who read the first novel in this trilogy (and I am thrilled that Tony has made that commitment) and enjoyed it, you will not be disappointed by Crusade.

I know that Tony had his critiques with Eden who couldn’t get over the typos. Those drones miss a helluva story. And guess what, there will be a few in Crusade. Get over it and READ the story. Tony has a very gritty, and real voice that is engaging as well as quite capable of drawing you into his world and his story.

As always, when there is a need, I make full-disclosure. Tony was kind enough to read a preview of my debut novel and pen a testimonial for the cover. He didn’t know me from Adam, and was very gracious—as has been the case with many of Permuted Press’ writers. But, I approached him because of reading Eden, and because I was such a fan. I still am, and shall remain. However, simply put…Tony tells a damn good story.

A lot of people lately have teed off on novels with “too many characters” in them. I have a problem with these short-attention-span book hounds. I say this because there is no shortage of characters—major or minor—in Tony’s book. And each one is rich, entertaining, and vital to the advancement of his story. Sure, he could have done an entire novel solely about Bear. But where’s the fun in that? Tony gives the reader a cast of people they could sink into the midst of and join vicariously in their exploits.

As is my custom, with praise comes criticism. I did get a bit flustered at the lengthy opening scene. It was a carnage fest, and it made me tired just reading it. There was one aspect about it that was driving me crazy, but earned an actual round of applause at the end of the book. (I don’t do spoilers, so don’t ask.) also, since I am talking about the conclusion, the ending got a bit confusing in places. It could have benefited from source of scene break device. I realize the action got intense, and perhaps Tony didn’t want the reader to break stride, but I had to backtrack once or twice.

Still, EDEN: CRUSADE is an absolute blast. Tony Monchinski delivered a book that his fans (like me) will read and want to revisit. Permuted has an Ace in their bullpen, and I will eagerly await the next (?) installment. As with this book, I will be ordering it the moment it shows up on my Amazon reminder. I expect Tony will keep me entertained, and that his section on my bookshelf will continue to grow.

Available at Amazon!