Review & Giveaway: Beyond Salvation (Book 2 - Michael Sykora Series) by Darcia Helle

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Beyond Salvation (Book 2 - Michael Sykora Series) by Darcia Helle 

Book Description: A teenage runaway disappears from the streets. The only people that care, or even notice, are her two best friends who are also runaways. For reasons of their own, they can't go to the police for help They seek out Michael Sykora, a software designer by day and hit man by night. Known on the streets as The Ghost, Michael has a reputation for taking on the twisted criminals. Rapists. Child molesters. He has never been hired to find the lost. Until now. Michael teams up with ex-prostitute Nicki and full-time hit man Sean. Together they bend the rules of the justice system in order to find a young girl few people care about. In the process, they uncover a world where salvation comes with a price tag and God's words are used to incite fear in a congregation of believers.

About the Author: Author's Website

Where to start? My oldest son once described me as a "tree-hugging, peace-loving, hippie". I suppose that about sums me up!
I grew up in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, a small town south of Boston. I now live in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. I don't miss the New England weather, though I do sometimes miss the overall feel of "home".
I am married to an amazing man. I have 2 grown sons, though merely typing that sends a shiver up my spine. Time has a way of marching on without me noticing! Anthony is grown up and on his own. In fact, I now have a gorgeous daughter-in-law and the most adorable granddaughter ever! Joseph is at home and still attending school, with no particular direction yet in mind. They are as different as night and day and both are amazing young men.
I was a hairstylist for about 15 years. Back in the late 1990's, health complications forced me to give up that career. I have chronic, late-stage lyme disease, as well as chronic Epstein Barr virus. It's a constant battle to keep the symptoms under control. On the bright side, it allows me lots of time for characters to roam free in my mind.
I love words. Language intrigues me. Therefore, reading and writing are addictions I hope to never live without.
I'll read everything from the ingredients on a cereal box to a super thick text on medieval history. But there's nothing like escaping into a good novel. I'm partial to suspense and mystery, although I occasionally wander in a variety of other directions.
The novels I write are mystery/suspense. I always seem to have several novels in various stages of completion. I call it writer's A.D.D. The characters that float through my mind can be unrelenting and often lead me in too many directions at once. They become like children who lack discipline. And apparently I lack parenting skills.
Aside from my passion for writing & reading, I am a music addict. I have an expansive eclectic CD collection that includes rock, blues, folk, country, jazz, electronic, and new age. I love exploring new sounds and reminiscing with the old ones.
Then there's my love for animals. From my early youth on, I have always had dogs - and often cats as well. I currently have 2 of each. My dogs are my babies. They keep me smiling, make me laugh, and give me comfort. I talk to them all the time. And while they haven't yet learned how to answer me, they always listen. And sometimes that's all we need.






I had a chance to ask Darcia "What's the back story on the big story?" and here is her response:

Homelessness is a huge problem in the U.S. Every age range, from children to the very old, exist in a separate and hidden world on our
streets. In No Justice, the first book in my Michael Sykora series,
two homeless teens made a brief appearance when they helped Nicki out of a difficult jam. I wanted to bring them back and let them tell
their story. That's when Sara popped into my head and led the way.
Sara is a teenage runaway, friends with the two boys, and missing. The
problem with runaways is, when they disappear from the streets, no one
but their few friends on those same streets notices. Often there is
nowhere to turn for help. Michael Sykora works within that lost world
and sets out to find Sara.
To be honest, when I began writing this book, I had no idea what had
happened to Sara. I don't outline and only began with that vague premise. As I explored the reasons behind Sara and her friends winding
up on the streets, I was led to the few options they might have to
reach out for help. Sadly, there will always be people who prey on
those who are desperate. Cults are one of the biggest offenders, often
masking themselves as Churches and various sanctuaries of hope. Sara
stumbled upon one of these.
As I was writing this book, I wasn't looking to give a lesson in morality or rite a societal thesis. I simply wanted to give these lost people, the characters in my head, a voice. I hope that I achieved that and managed to entertain at the same time.
Here's What I Think:

Helle is a very talented author - point blank. She managed to keep the same basic setting, backstory and main character without telling the same story again. The difference between the first Michael Sykora book and this one was wonderful. Again, Helle's imagery immersed me in the story of a lost girl that no one else would have given a second thought to in any other situation. If you like a fast-paced, thrilling story about doing the right thing, you will love Beyond Salvation.

  

WIN IT! Darcia Helle has agreed to give one very lucky winner their own copy of No Justice!

Here's How It Works:

A Few Rules:

You must be a US Resident. And You must provide a Street Address upon notification of winning (NO PO BOXES)

 Mandatory Entry: (you must do this one first or I will be forced to remove all of your entries)

Become a Follower of BMWL2R In some form - GFC, Twitter, or Facebook.

Please include your email address in your comment. (feel free to use the antiSPAM version - yourname[at]yourserver[dot]com)

Get More Entries: (LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY)

• Become a GFC Follower (if you already are one, just tell me so)
• Become a Facebook Fan of BMWL2R (see sidebar) and leave a comment on the wall telling me you want to win!
• Friend Darcia Helle on Facebook

All entries must be in by October 31th at 11:59pm PST. I will pick a winner using a Random Number Generator.!

You can check out the other Spooktacular Gratitude Giveaways by visiting these sites:

I wish you the best of luck!

Disclaimer: Although, I did receive a copy of this book for review, I received no direct compensation for the post.

If you are an author or publisher and would like for me to review your book please contact me directly: polsen11[at]comcast[dot]net