No Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was great and inspiring. I loved the support JP received from his wife, it was my favorite part. This book shows the struggle and courage that PTSD people go through. This book had me wondering what is going to happen next. I am glad about the ending. I love the intros in the chapters.
Reviewed by @purplesky25276
No Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The author penned an amazing account of the very real disease of PTSD. You are on the edge of your seat from the very beginning of the book, and in pain from JP’s pain. The author takes us through what it means to have suffered so much incredible guilt and shame, and how it eats away at you. JP moves throughout the book experiencing tremendous anguish through extreme nightmares, terrible daymares triggered by distant sounds, and even becomes dangerous to his small family! It is so terrifying to witness this much of the tragedy after such a short time away. As I turned each page I was hoping and praying for JP to get the help he needs and for him to make it past the danger of suicide. This book to my breath away with every chapter, and it will take yours away too.
No Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Not exactly how I thought this book would go. At first I was sure this was going to be more of a struggle between committing suicide or not, but JP’s story was more about over coming the demons inside yourself. JP is much like a friend of mine in his struggles and self destruction so it was interesting to see how JP was changed and his thoughts. I’m excited to see the second book and how/if JP and Adin renew their relationship. I do think Lisa is my hero in this story though as she tries everything in her power to help her husband until she has no choice, and even then she still tries to help JP from a distance. Grandma was my favorite character, strong and witty and demanding respect.
No Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first book by this author. I could not put it down. I found myself going through many emotions while reading this book. I normally do not read books based on the military but I am so glad I read this one. I have seen so many of my relatives in this book dealing with the same issues. I enjoyed this so much.
No Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
No Pistol Tastes the Same (PTSD Disaster Book 1) by Jacob Paul Patchen
Wow ! What a ride! No Pistol Tastes the Same is the first book in the PTSD Disaster Series. This is a wonderfully written story that I felt down to my soul. I was taken on quite the emotional rollercoaster ride that made my heart break. So many of our men and women suffer PTSD and don’t know how to cope with it. They don’t want to look weak but let me tell you one thing. I’ll never look at them with anything other than respect?, gratitude. In my profession I work with Veterans everyday and my heart breaks hearing there stories. This is one of those books that will stick with you long after you’re finished. This is a fairly new author to me. This author just gained a new fan. I’ve already looked at other books he’s written. His style of writing is raw uncut and real. His characters are much the same, raw uncut and real. They were very well developed and relatable. It’s a fast paced story packed with action, raw truths, nightmares and fear. Once I started reading I had a hard time putting it down. I highly recommend reading this book and I look forward to reading more from this Author.
No Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
JP made the decision to not pull the trigger. He hesitated and now he lives with that hesitation. He lives with the deaths of his brothers.
JP comes home and struggles with life, life as a husband, and life as a father. And he pushes everyone away trying to deal with PTSD and struggles with his horrible thoughts. With the impending weakening of the magnetic field and the sun, he tries to restore his relationships with his wife and son and also face himself.
A couple times I struggled with the back and forth, but overall it was a very good story about the struggles of those who return from seeing horrible things in war.
No Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story starts out with a little story telling, it takes you down the “I cannot put this down” rabbit hole of a book. This book brings to life what PTSD is like. It can show in many many forms, and JP is struggling coming back home from the military. Can JP get through this and get help for what he has dealt with and seen overseas.
So we’ll written!
No Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
wow this is the first book by this author I have read and as it isn’t my usual go to genre I have to admit it was a gripping read. I was really impressed with how the author handles the subect matter. The characters are realistic and you really can’t help but really want the main character to come through.
This is a hard subject I Feel to bring into a story and it brings a great reality to the book. I did find it a little emotional for me to read but I was hooked. I was on the edge of my seat to see just how it all would pan out. I will read more from this author in the future..
Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
View all my reviews
No Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dealing with PTSD is something a majority of soldiers have to go through. This book shines light on that and how it’s hard to deal with being home from the military. Add that and an apocalypse together and you get a pretty rough life. I am interested in seeing where this goes and if my hatred of the brother in law grows or if he redeems himself…
No Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow I really don’t know where to start with this book. It is very rare I read a book and feel completely overwhelmed with emotion as I have with this book. It is mainly about a man who has been to war, fought to protect his country and is left with PTSD and the impact it has not only on him but his family and those around him.
I have heard of PTSD before and I kinda understood it however this book has taken that understanding to a whole other level. My heart literally breaks for our lead character JP. You feel every emotion he and fear he goes through. The author writes it in such a way it is if your feeling these emotions yourself. The feelings of guilt for now reacting to save his fellow man on the battle field to complete feelings of hopelessness and terror at the simple noises and sounds of everyday life.
We also see the story from his wife’s side to. How she is desperate to save the man she loves and how desperately she wants him back to be the father her son remembers.
Also from this there is also an event happening in the world that isn’t too far fetched that you think it will never happen. Could this impending disaster be enough to bring JP back? Or will his demons to be too much to over come that the result of this event will have no impact on his already devastated life and family.
No Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Jacob has done extremely well in delivering an emotional Military thriller story that shows the effects of a cold hard war not only on the outside but deep within the mind that has been scared. A fight that continues long after the war has ended. But the lack of support for these men and women who sacrifice and often get nothing in return blows my mind.
The story of Sergeant Grimm coming home after witnessing the atrocities of war is insightful and well executed and the plot is well thought out. Trying to fit in in a world that is no longer familiar a world that no longer fits him.
PTSD is a psychological war within itself and once locked in it is hard to escape. I have battled this disease for many years. So, this story hit home a lot. It is a disease that affects not only the sufferer but everyone around them. But what is sad that if the disease is not visible like a broken arm, then many do not understand the fight within.
You need to grab a copy and dig in to a story that is anything but flowers and sparkly things it is.
Reviewed by @jennadb
No Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Despite the dark nature of the title, this book is actually full of hope for someone living with PTSD. The main character learns to accept that he has issues once he has reentered civilian life. Realizing that his grandfather also lived with PTSD, he eventually decides to get help, with the support of his wife, his grandmother, and his young son. The author weaves in real stories of PTSD from real people, as well as some examples of what group therapy might look like. Set against a backdrop of climate change and electromagnetic changes, the author skillfully draws the reader into his amazing story. This book is excellent as a stand-alone, but I was thrilled to learn that it is also the first in a series!
No Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was a very powerful read to say the least. It gave me thoughts that I never thought I would have, I thought of feelings and emotions I often do not even consider. The book gave me a lot of emotions, though sometimes it was hard to have these emotions as I read, I am glad that I did!
Sergeant JP Grimm was a strong character to say the least. He struck me as man that could handle everything that would come is way for sure! Even the strongest of men can fall. The emotions and feelings he had were real as can be. I felt so much, teared up a few times. What he went through and had to do to survive to make it home to his family in the war was so real, it was as if the events were unfolding right before my eyes. The author created a story that had its visual components and the words to go with it. This was a great read, and one I will not forget for some time!
Wonderful book and wonderful writing. Sometimes the hard parts to read, were the best, for the realism they possessed. I highly recommend this book; everyone should read it I believe. It is not one to be passed up or put on the back burner. It’s a very high recommendation from me, well worth a read!
No Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Intense! Original! Hauntingly realistic! This has become my #1 favorite so far for the year. JP Grimm is a soldier returned from the war having to deal with PTSD and its real effects on him and on his family. It’s taking a devastating toll on him and his family. He and his wife are both trying to save their marriage and their family. Adin looks like the little boy that turned out to be the suicide bomber that took out his unit. JP was not able to shoot the bomber in time and is dealing with that guilt. This is the part that made the book hit you like a gut-wrenching punch. I felt all the feels. All the emotions came out when reading this book. It may be fiction, but a lot of the emotions felt are real. The research done for the story is there and you felt it. I couldn’t put it down because I was so invested in finding out what happened with his grandparents and what has going to happen next for him and his family. The plot felt so well-developed that is naturally built in. It was smooth and silky flowing. The check-ins with Richardson were always nice, even if they were sad due to realistic events (such as suicide, DV, etc.). The solar storm events, etc. is a nice add-in because it could happen, and it was a way to maybe help bring JP back to his family. It was such a heartfelt and heart-tugging story (even being a thriller). I absolutely loved it and I can’t wait for the next book in the thriller. I would give it more than 5 stars if I could. Highly recommend!
No Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this book. This is a new author for me which I enjoyed how they used their writing skills to pull you into the story. A story where they used attention to details to make the story realistic. I found this book to be fast paced and engaging. This is a hard to put down story where the characters are relatable and bring the story to life. A story that is full of things going on but the author did a great job of transitioning from one to the other. A story where nightmares have to be faced in order to fix relationships. I really enjoyed reading this book. You don’t want to miss what happens in this story. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
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~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~~
JP’s pistol tastes like bourbon.
Sergeant JP Grimm didn’t pull the trigger. Now his Marine brothers are dead. All victims of a child in a suicide vest…a child that resembled Sgt. Grimm’s very own. But how are you supposed to take a child’s life? How can you kill someone that looks just like your own son?
Those same hazel eyes he saw in his scope continue to haunt him long after he left the desert death lands as he tries to reconnect with his son, Adin. JP battles another war at home against PTSD and the worthless, dejected thoughts that he is the reason his friends are dead. His wife, Lisa, struggles to let her stubborn husband work it out on his own terms. She does all she can to give him space, support, and strength—but her love can only go so far.
As the world shows signs of impending doom from a weakening magnetic field and flaring sun, JP, too, shows signs of his own impending doom. After pushing everyone away, JP must face his nightmares to restore his relationship with his son, save his marriage, and save himself before the modern world burns out in a fiery, electromagnetic disaster.
Jacob Paul Patchen is an award-winning author and poet of inciting fiction and provocative poetry.
Jacob earns his inspiration through experience and believes every book has a purpose. He writes powerful, emotional, and thrilling stories about mental health, war, social stigmas, and other taboo subjects in order to bring awareness, change and hope to those who need it.
Raised in Southeast Ohio, he’s a sucker for fast workouts, long laughter, and power naps. Snacks are his love language, and he thinks he’s a Pisces. Check him out and join his newsletter at Jacobpaulpatchen.com.
No Pistol Tastes the Same by Jacob Paul Patchen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A true account of what happens to individuals during war and when they return home. PTSD is so common, yet people fail to acknowledge those who suffer from it. It was heart retching reading some personal accounts at the beginning of the story from true solders who currently suffer from this mental health disorder. Raised as a little boy playing war on his grandparents’ property, he and his grandparents were very close as is he with his wife and child but that was then. When Seargent JP Grimm returns home from the war he is different, he couldn’t save them, and the baggage weighs heavy on him. He couldn’t shoot the bomber who resembled his young son the one he sees every time he closes his eyes. A truly riveting story of what some soldiers go through each and every day when they return home from war.
Vox Astra: The Black Box by James Chambers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
James Chambers’ The Black Box gives fans of science fiction, adventure, war and politics all wrapped into this one story. With a variety of characters and a close look into a world deeply impacted by alien invasion, everyone comes together to protect themselves within their own span of existence.
Author does an excellent job keeping his audience engaged with each passing moment of the story as different characters’ perspectives are brought to light. Each group of characters endure different aspects of this invasion’s consequences and must cope with their duties and integrity. Many of them deal with the many harsh realities that in essence we all must face within our lifetime, such as heartache, disappointment, betrayal, secrecy, etc. As the readers, we can relate with the many stories within as each of the characters endure their own personal battles. I enjoyed reading into the different stories to come with one’s own interpretation of the dealings of this amazing read!
Vox Astra: The Black Box by James Chambers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
Sarah scouted the shore for a place to land. The next nearest scrap of earth on Nellus lay 660 miles away across a world 98 percent covered by ocean. She banked the glider and eyed a sandy strip fringed by vine-draped trees and elephantine leaves. Cutting altitude until spray kicked up, she fired her braking thrusters then skimmed her glider’s belly across the surface to slow her approach. The glider lurched sideways. Sarah wrestled it on course, skipping from wave crest to wave crest. She nosed down, plunging the glider beneath the fluid’s skin. The sharp drop in speed pitched her forward, knocking her helmet against the cockpit glass. Caught by the undertow, her glider jerked sideways into shallow waters, then spun and skidded up the beach, furrowing sand until it stopped hard against a thick wall of entwined tree trunks.
The glider’s systems malfunctioned and winked out.
The echo of the crash rang in Sarah’s ears.
When the shock faded, she punched the cockpit release, lifted the glass, and spilled out onto the soft sand. Wrestling her feet under her, she stood, surveyed her landing, and found the glider’s frame crumpled beyond repair. (A Beach On Nellus)
The sight of the Black Box fulfilled one of Piotr Atwatunde’s lifelong desires.
No longer need he wonder if humanity alone occupied the universe, for here before his eyes floated an object singular in all of human history and proof of sentient life superior to that found on Earth. Seen firsthand, it defied Dr. Armitage’s description as a “black box.” Though its cubic dimensions suggested the shape, its skin appeared light-deflective rather than black. Seen in the close, direct glare of their helmet-mounted lamps, it displayed a dull, shimmering magenta hue. (The Black Box)
Vox Astra: The Black Box (Vox Astra Book #1) by James Chambers is a great little collection of short sci-fi stories. This original collection offers interesting, and sometimes, thought-provoking tales with a range of elements, from military, politics, hard choices, space travel, aliens, first contact, new worlds, warring factions, AI’s, invasion, drama, mysteriousness, and plenty more.
I really enjoyed exploring this collection- and particularly liked how original and intriguing this collection was. I am definitely looking forward to seeing what Mr. Chambers does next.
Happy reading!
Thank you, James Chambers!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Vox Astra: The Black Box by James Chambers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Reading this book I really wasn’t sure what to expect as I don’t typically read this genre but was pleasantly surprised. It was a several different short stories combined to create a quick and fun read. The description of the book really doesn’t give it justice. The stories were exciting, scary, sad, a bit of everything. I really enjoyed the futuristic take within each story. One thing that was alike in each story, Earth is at war with the cosmos and all that it holds. If you are looking for something quick and slightly thought provoking, this certainly is the book for you.
Vox Astra: The Black Box by James Chambers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow, this is a very imaginative, gritty, confronting read. Vox Astra will deftly pull you in and force you to witness the violence and conspiracies saturated in its pages. The writing is very accessible and I appreciated how the voice seemed real and close. The fear, blood, and absurdity of war is captured well. Very well conceived and executed, this is a sci-fi you won’t easily forget.
Read with a nightlight on!
Vox Astra: The Black Box by James Chambers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Vox Astra: The Black Box is an engaging, science fiction read. The book is my first book by this author but I’m glad to come across his work. The book flows easily and tells the story of stars and the crisis of political intrigue and humanity. I enjoyed the story and was drawn in by the descriptions and concepts presented. I do not want to give too much information for fear of giving away much of the plot. All I can say is if you enjoy an unexpected story and exploring new worlds give this a read. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future checking out some of his other books.
Vox Astra: The Black Box by James Chambers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When I started reading this book I really wasn’t sure what to expect. The description was vague and intriguing. Having read it I can only describe it as strangely wonderful. It is a well written book that takes you, as the reader, on a journey. It is descriptive and a unique book that is such an enjoyable story. This is the first book I have read by this author and I was impressed with how he approached the book. This really is a great book and I am excited to have discovered a new author.
Vox Astra: The Black Box by James Chambers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Vox Astra: The Black Box is a compilation of several science fiction short stories and are the first I’ve read by James Chambers. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to glimpse into these separate worlds, each settled somewhere among the vastness of space. Every story hosted a unique and intriguing plot, as well as spectacular detail that allowed me to paint the scene vividly in my mind as I read along. The only thing I would change would be that they all became their own novels, because the uniqueness of these stories really pulled me in. Science fiction is one of my favorite genres and the author did not disappoint me whatsoever with these page turners. I will be keeping an eye out for this author in the future. Phenomenal writing. Highly recommend!
Vox Astra: The Black Box by James Chambers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Venturing into this genre, this was a new book and author for me. I will definitely be adding him to my favorites. The way the book is set up in short stories of space travel and how things may have looked kept me intrigued and on the edge of my seat wanting to keep reading. It was fascinating to read the different tales of what unfolded and what could be. The idea of black box stories from space was exciting and a fun read for me. I recommend for any reader.
Vox Astra: The Black Box by James Chambers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m not a big Sci-Fi fan, i mostly stick to fantasy, but I really enjoyed reading this book! This has made me want to read some more into the Sci-Fi genre. Reading about the stars and humanity gave me a different outlook on life and my life personally. It was written very well and took you for quite the ride. I think I will check out his other books and see what they are about! Well done author! Well done!
Vox Astra: The Black Box by James Chambers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Black box is a collection of short stories from life on other planets working together or against the other, war, peace, betrayal and secrecy. It tells tales of history, of exploration, of political manœuvreing and the hard decisions of those in charge.
What will the voices of the past tell those in the future, will it be hymns of praise, or misfortune? Will they tell of humanity, or those with whom they have come into contact and the results of this? Whose perspective will these stories be viewed through, friend or foe and will they reflect on them with positivity or negativity?
This is a collection of short stories which challenges the way you think about science fiction and what the events of today will look like when heard by those in the future.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Vox Astra: The Black Box by James Chambers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a great collection of stories about space travel, monsters you would never imagine existed and an insight into how our future could look. The author does an amazing job of taking the reader on a journey our of reality and into space and the possibilities are endless. Each story is unique and has a unique plot. They were all really enjoyable and I really enjoyed the differences in each one. Some of the stories contained twists I didn’t see coming until it happened which made them even more enjoyable because you don’t know what’s going to happen and they keep you guessing. These stories are a glimpse into the future of human race and how we maybe see and portrayed in the future. Each story contains a variety of things from hard choices, to political reasoning for events which make you start to question life today.
Vox Astra: The Black Box by James Chambers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is my first time reading anything by James and see he has a few works I need to go and check out. I am not a huge Sci Fi reader, but I have to say I am becoming more of a fan. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this book, but the cover looked intriguing, and I never look at covers. Let me tell you it was nothing like I thought it would be. James has quite an eclectic taste in genres with his writing. This Military Sci Fi book is unique and original, and the details immerse us as readers in the worlds and characters that he has created. With action and a lot of emotions and so much more this book is something that I can guarantee that even if you don’t like Sci Fi you will enjoy it after reading this.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Vox Astra: The Black Box by James Chambers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book. This is a little different than what I normally read and I did find it engaging and entertaining to read. This is a well written story about humanity and stars that see everything and forgets nothing. I enjoyed how the author used details to bring the stars to life. There is great growth throughout the book which makes the book easy to read. This is a fun book that is faster paced and was a great read. What will the stars say after humanity is gone? This is a great book that I recommend.
Review by @bjwagner