Nikki Blue: Source of Trouble

Wow, this novel is on a completely different path from the first in the series, but luckliy it works. Our protagonist "Nikki" has grown so much through this novel and we get to grow with her, as does the plot. The plot is very 'now', it targets some interesting topics that society today is faced with and in my opinion, shows them for exactly what they are! I love the direction this novel has taken, it is engaging and keeps the reader on their toes!

The writing, as always is incredible, it draws you in from the very first page and keeps you interested throughout the novel. It is original, contreversial, confronting and honest.
If I had to pick a fault with this novel, it is that it ended too soon and too suddenly, however it has left me keen for the next book!

An amazing, fast-paced read, definitely one of my favourites this year!

This book picks up four years after the failed school shooting at Nikki's high school now Nikki is a intern at a local newspaper hoping to become a journalist when she is sent to write a story about a church being built. Early on Nikki learns that it's not a church being built but rather a bridge that looks like the Star Ship Enterprise. After Nikki leaves with more questions than answers she gets a phone call one of the members Virgil who tells her information to help boost Nikki's career then in a turn around offers her a job with a nice incentive.

Even though NIkki doesn't totally buy what they are selling she signs on. Early on Nikki confronts Thomas "Lee" Harvey which leads NIkki nowhere other than almost breaking a computer with her fist. She also breaks up with Derek only this time she is sure it's for good. She also learns a powerful secret from Adam Upton that she wished she didn't know.

First of all I'm glad to have the opportunity to review another Jack Chaucer's book. I reviewed the first book entitled Streaks of Blue way back October 16, 2013 (review link is provided). I enjoyed that first book and this second one didn't fail me. I do like how the author writes because he isn't just creating a book but his works has a connection to the real world or the things that is happening around.

This book focuses on Nikki's new life as an adult, the struggles, change of environment, jobs, money, relationship and many more things, but for me there are two factors that stands out, money and relationship. Money because Nikki gave up her internship when there were someone who offered he a new job with big deals. Relationship because she gave up the love of her life Derek due to her selfish decisions. The Nikki I met before who saved the life of many people changed in this book. She evolved from someone more not-so-Nikki.

I can't blame Nikki for she has dreams of her own but what happened to her is the result of an unplanned decision. The book has it's lessons on his own which is really applicable to our own lives. You won't get lost in the story because this was different from the other one though it is a second book it can be a stand alone. I had a great time reading this, I had goosebumps because Nikki still wants to save somebody else life even her own is just like a puzzle.

If the readers want something new and a life changing kind of book, I suggest you guys should read this book. It was worth your time, actually no matter how busy I am lately I managed to read and give time to finish this book. I always look forward to what the new chapter has to offer.

Sometimes I just wish things were the way they used to be.

I know it's hard when people you knew for years suddenly grow up and move on.

I normally do not start a series in the middle, but the premise of a young journalist confronting a race to Mars among cultists had me intrigued. I figured I could fill in the missing pieces of the previous book. However, I didn't need to because Jack Chaucer does a wonderful job of leaving bread crumbs about Nikki's past throughout the first portion of the book. There's enough information to build a picture of Nikki thwarting a school shooting plot. These bits of information were a godsend and not redundant play by play summary.

I freely admit to making mistakes in my early 20's, which is why I gave Nikki some slack. But I still wanted to throttle her for much of the first part of the book. There are mistakes, and then there are the mistakes that will and can ruin you. Get rich quick schemes fall into the latter. Her reasoning to leave her job after only a few days made me set the book down. I couldn't justify her actions in my head other than The Bridge offered that nice bonus with little work entailed, which sadly speaks to America's work ethic.

The POV switch in the second half of the book is a bit jarring. I was cozily nestled into Nikki's POV, and switch took me a bit get into. Roy's perspective almost felt needless until the end. In a way, it did help show how the Bridge was changing Nikki, but I also found myself speed reading through his chapters. Steve, Nikki's short lived coworker, came at Nikki with hard hitting questions. I wish he would have kept coming at her so that she could regain her journalistic senses sooner. Steve, even though he had that crush on her, was a voice of reason... a much needed and welcomed voice.

One of my favorite moments happened towards the end between Nikki and Roy. "This is a burning building for me right now... just so you know." Even through all their years of dysfunction and non-communication, Nikki still finds a way to reach out and ask him for help, and it is in a way that only Roy could interpret. No matter how old you are, you still need your dad sometimes. It was a much needed respite in a sea of chaos.

Random Questions I Have After Reading:

Adam. How did he get a security job after being in prison for a conspiracy to be involved in a school shooting? Security companies tend to frown upon that.

Can we send Nikki's mom to Mars by herself? The woman needs a Xanax.

Why would you go to Mars when Doctor Who clearly taught us to avoid it all costs?

All in all, Nikki Blue is an intriguing read. It's fast paced, and makes you see behind that curtain in how religious/political organizations run, and it'll make you sick and a little crazy.