Serandes: Corporation City by Frederick S. Blackmon

Serandes: Corporation City by Frederick S. Blackmon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Serandes: Corporation City by Frederick S. Blackmon is such a fun book to read. Right from the start you get the sense of foreboding and trouble coming. The year is 2075. The city is Serandes. The writing is so descriptive, you feel you are there as the author opens the book with a harrowing scene of two men running down an alley. Their backgrounds are fully described, and you feel you know them. Fine writing indeed. This is the world of work, battle, scheme, or be eaten alive, and everyone except the elites must work and work hard. This is the underground, where rivals battle for control and more. A fascinating look at the deterioration of society when its value is based on consumerism, wealth, and corporate power. A rebel force is led by Tatem Montgomery and Shariff McDowell, men who have escaped the corporate culture, and become renegades if only for survival. But of course there is more, as powerful people are hell bent on control of the city. An amazing book that will keep you reading until the end. Looking forward to more from this author. Well done.

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The Rumor by Lesley Kara

The Rumor by Lesley Kara
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Rumor by Lesley Kara takes the domestic thriller to a new level. This is a twisty, sometimes heart wrenching book with well developed characters. Joanne is a single mom in a small town, working as a realtor. When a rumor sprouts up in her small circle of friends, the results are devastating. It involves not only her, but members of her family. Plenty of tension, emotion, and a fast pace make this story very readable. The ending is spot on, and you will likely have to re-read it to make sure you didn't just imagine it. Loved this book from beginning to the end. Highly recommend. Thanks to Netgalley.com for an advance copy.

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Balanced Accountability: 3 Leadership Secrets to Win Hearts and Maximize Performance by Hernani Alves

Balanced Accountability: 3 Leadership Secrets to Win Hearts and Maximize Performance by Hernani Alves
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Balanced Accountability: 3 Leadership Secrets to Win Hearts and Maximize Performance by Hernani Alves is a great business book that captures what leaders need to know and do to motivate their team to help them succeed. The way the book opens with a personal history of how the author's father made him accountable, when Hernani failed to milk cow No. 1 is simply charming, yet very important to the tone and tenor of the book. Accountability is in the forefront, leading to better character, and most importantly taking responsibility for your efforts and actions. Most businesses want an atmosphere with open communication, honest collaboration, low turnover, and maximum performance, but few achieve all of these lofty goals. This book is a road map to achieve those things in your own business, because as the author states, "Because our employees copy us, we need to hold ourselves accountable before we can do the same for them. We need to make ourselves better, so we can lead by example." How you lead affects how your employees perform and follow, whether good or bad. Highly recommend for a fantastic book with a powerful message about leadership and growing a positive organization.

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