A Salted Slug Paperback – October 5, 2021

King pens an interesting story in A Salted Slug by Joe King. Yes, it's a grand as the title (I get the pun of the title, and loved that). I am a big fan of this author! Whatever this author writes, I read. Reading King's work before, I knew what to expect from his writing style, and it has grown, and yet, his keen wit and story ideas seem endless and yes, absurd (which I love this word, especially in such a compliment when talking about this author's work). This author brings the story to life. I love it when a Legacy author sends me more of their work! King's imagination takes on a new level as he tells the tales of conspiracy and what could this red orb possibly be? The story brings in the believable, even if almost impossible. This book deserves a second read! (and maybe more). The characters are so engrossing. I just love, love, love this story. This author not only tells the story but shows it with words as well. Definitely an unpredictable story, my favorite kind! Wow! A Salted Slug is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I look forward to reading many more stories by this author.

Author Joe King brings us a tale about a washed up reporter from the NAU communications branch, Zander Kain. Zander soon finds out that the woman whom he brought home one night is the sister of an NAU officer who laughs at Zander for wanting to tell people the truth about what's going on in the NAU. But the NAU is more of a dictatorship compared to the other blocks on the planet. But as soon as Zander lands a job at local news paper which is considered entertainment more than anything else he finds out that the big red ball in the sky is heading for Earth but not in the way that you may think. He also hears from a Professor Huxley who gives him information that he takes back to his job to publish. This has put him in the direct line of fire with the NAU and he is arrested. I won't give away the endings but this is a great mystery science fiction novel and I highly recommend it. The ending will come out of no where and you'll be grateful that you stuck around to read it.

This witty, absurdist satire reflects current world affairs all too well as the limits of reality, facts, and what constitutes news are in constant flux across demographics and political associations. The main character Zander is a seeker of truth with a desire to communicate that truth to a deceived and cowed populace. His refusal to go with the flow leads him to risk everything in an ultimate sacrificial triumph. The books begins with Zander having lost his job with the government run news service seeking employment with the alternative newspapers where some truths may be shared with the disclaimer “for entertainment purposes only.” From there, his adventured and the people he encounters show how easily people can be cowed and robbed of their freedoms as well as how the truth finds a way in the end. Amusing, insightful and perhaps even scary, this book turns a mirror onto our own time and place.I will be reading more by this author.

Abrupt ending that said it all. Great writing and plausible storyline. Keeps your interest throughout. I really liked the secret weapon aspect of the story, which I never saw coming.

King immediately dips the reader into world that is all-too-easy to picture for imaginative readers who delight in a healthy dose of skepticism and conspiracy.The author balances the heft of the reality he paints with the even loftier plight of the preservation of certain freedoms and for truth in journalism.The subtle, yet poignant details that he carefully litters throughout this book make it effortless to slip into the world he depicts.The main character is a former "government" reporter who is fired and continues to pursue journalism through the only other option left - an "entertainment-only" outlet, in which they have to bury the truth carefully in warped pieces, as the government has a stronghold on "non-approved" journalism.While the author alludes to the daunting direction our own reality finds us heading in, it leaves the reader with a sense of an almost-personal victory and pride in cheering on the protagonist as he persistently fights to unveil the truth for the greater good in this nail-biting mystery.

So THIS is Joe King! I read the synopsis and thought I'd take a chance with the story. I'm SO very glad I did! The writer created an incredible world within the narrative and brought something special to the work. His insight, wit, and intellect are on full display. Keep an eye on this author, folks! He's going places! I can't wait to read any and everything else he has or will write!

I am a big fan of this writer, Joe King! He always puts on a great work and this book does not disappoint!

A salted slug is a crime mystery science fiction story. Zander Kain is a writer who has lost his job due to leaking classified information. He spends his days trying to get some work as a freelance writer for the Rook City Review which is governed by the NAU government. As Zander interviews a passed-out drunk-off-key singer in his car and takes her back home, he notices a mysterious red orb in the sky, creating a thrilling story to read.Zander’s father is a disabled NAU soldier living in a nursing facility. The relationship with his father is interesting to read as Zander feels that NAU is trying to cover something up and wants him dead.I found the literature to be written well and filled with elements of science and thrill. Zander really pulled the plotline together. The pace of the story was steady, and I enjoyed reading the book.I recommend this book to crime and mystery readers.