Review of eBook

The explosion of a bomb outside Friendship House sets a nefarious plan in motion. Detective Marko Zorn, and his partner, Latasha Powell, head to the scene where, while investigating, Marko is attacked. Shortly thereafter, Latasha is murdered, leaving Marko to head off a nightmarish event: the resurgence of a Nazi-era weapon to be used against the American people during the Inauguration Day festivities.

Can Marko stop the attack? And what will be the cost?

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Although there are four other books in the author’s Marko Zorn series, this story works well as a standalone. From the outset, this unfolding narrative will keep readers on the edge of their seats, turning pages as fast as possible. Well-developed characters, a strong sense of place, and a gut-wrenching, sinister plot pull readers into the telling of this tale from the outset. Astute readers may identify a significant plot twist early on [there is a clue or two], but this does not detract from the story being told.

An atmosphere of impending doom permeates the pages of the story, keeping readers on edge as tension and suspense keep them guessing. Politics, power plays, and terrifying realism all have a part in the evolving narrative; readers who enjoy political thrillers as well as Marko Zorn fans, will find much to appreciate here in this taut thriller that races toward a somewhat-unexpected denouement. Be prepared, however, for some unanswered questions.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from Meridian Editions and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#BlackSunRising #NetGalley

Terrifyingly realistic and so timely! This book resonated with me due to our current political culture in the US and the rise of white supremacy. Marko Zorn is a homicide detective in DC and has stumbled on a plot to cripple the US. The deadly poison Zyklon could devastate the US if it is released into the atmosphere. Marko must infiltrate the Black Sun and take down two diabolical men intent on destroying the country in search of power.
This was a taut thriller, and while it is the 4th thriller in the series, you could read this as a standalone. I was completely shocked by one of the events in the book! The book moves quickly - I read it in one sitting!

There is some fine prose here, truly. Eskin has a remarkable feel for dialogue in particular. He writes it with such rhythm and authenticity that you could almost dance to it.

On the other hand, the problem with this book is that all that excellent prose and fine dialogue is completely wasted on the silliest narrative I've ever read. I really don't know how to describe it other than to say it is simply dumb, dumb, dumb. It's hard to believe anyone over fifteen could read this book without laughing right at loud at the inane, utterly outlandish narrative.

So it's five stars for the writing, and one star for the narrative, which averages out at three stars. Not a very inspiring way to review a book perhaps, but there you are.

WOW ~ Another spine chilling, perfectly,crafted adventure that, by the time
we’re closing in on the wrap-up, has shown again, the peculiarities of the
enigma, Marko Zorn. An Officer who refuses to carry a weapon, and almost
never fires at suspects, is a major headache to the Command Stagg, but is so
bloody valuable,everyone, up as,high as we find ourselves in the powee structure
have to deal with the guy~WHY~ he is a flipping genius/complete odd ball!
Black Sun is world ending stuff, and Marko, aided by his new [and excellent,]
if not ‘rookie raw,’ are going to have to trust each other when it comes to
their eccentricities and different approaches to solving complex cases.
There are too many people who just cannot stand Marko, and for good
reason, however, he’s known for getting things figured out. His new
partner was displaying some detective talents, but sadly, she was
murdered during the fiasco..
I am a huge fan of this series, and this installment, particularly. It’s
clear the Author’s real,world experience has helped him craft/create
the perfect backdrop for,this book. While part of a series, this is,perfect
as a standalone.. this book is perfect for thriller and suspense readers
who enjoy figuring out the stories as they read along. with the main
characters.
My thanks to Meridian Editions via NetGalley for the download copy
of the book,for,review purposes.

Black Sun Rising is the latest exciting entry in the Marko Zorn series. Marko is a Washington DC veteran detective considered a maverick among his colleagues, the top brass, and contacts from other law enforcement agencies. But his arrest record is one of the best among DC Metro police. He gets results. The top brass love detectives who can close cases, even if following orders is not one of Marko's strengths. One of Marko’s most noticeable quirks is he doesn’t carry a firearm. Given the DC crime rate it seems foolish act on his part and has put himself and others in danger. His new partner has expressed concern but it doesn’t cause Marko to explain his reason. His lack of carrying a gun puts him in danger on several occasions throughout this thriller.

The book begins with a downtown homeless shelter destroyed by a car bomb killing and injuring dozens. Marko and his new partner rush to the site to help with the injured. The question immediately on everyone’s mind, with the presidential inauguration just days away, is this a terrorist act or a individual random act of violence? On site Marko’s experience and instinct tells him the person setting off the bomb or an associate is part of the large crowd watching the first responders at work. Marko identifies the likely person, attempts to arrest him as the person offers up a cryptic message, but Marko is assaulted and the person escapes. The story then moves quickly as Marko reluctantly agrees with multiple law enforcement officials to seek justice for a personal loss and go undercover as a fugitive to find the person behind the Black Sun anti-government movement. Nothing is to stop the inauguration.

Otho Eskin is a terrific storyteller who has written a modern day plot that brings a presidential inauguration front and center, a former general and forthcoming Vice President who tried to have Marko court marshaled years before, the two wealthiest men on earth, gullible young men committed to white supremacy and neo-nazism, deadly chemicals, and a mysterious woman who is suspicious of Mario’s true motives. Eskin weaves all these different elements into a novel full of snappy dialogue, unforgettable characters, and incredible action. Marko uses his experience, instinct, and unique ability to meet the difficult challenge facing him and America as a new president is about to be inaugurated. Black Sun Rising is not to be missed.

Thanks to the Publsher, Meridian Editions and NetGalley for the opportunity to review the ARC.

Black Sun Rising is another sinister story about power plays in D.C. from a master storyteller by the name of Otho Eskin. Once agin we get to follow Washington detective Marko Zorn when he delves into a dark and bloody plot. Zorn is definetaly not your average police officer and that is why I like this series so much. Eskin has created a character far from what I usually see in crime ficton. In this one we have some bad guys with connection to the third reich which is not so common anymore, it is actually refreshing to not having to deal with all the bad guys comming from the middle east. I must thank Meryl Moss Media Group for reaching out to me with an advace copy of this book. The release date is June 10th 2025. But you can read the previous three books waiting for this one.

Ok, fair warning. If you pick this book up, do not plan on putting it down, unless like me, life things still had to happen.

“Black Sun Rising” is an edge of your seat thriller and if you are at all familiar with DC, it is so easy to picture the areas referenced so easily. I was so intrigued with the main character, Marco Zorn, as soon as he was introduced. A homicide cop in DC that doesn’t carry a gun? There is definitely a story there.

I believe this is the 3rd book featuring the main character, but I know that at least this one can be read as a standalone novel.

With everything going on in today’s world, it makes Mr. Zorn’s story, as amazing as it is, seem like something similar could happen.

The summary of the book tells you what the book is about. The book on the other hand, if you are anything like me, will leave you with some unanswered questions and slightly afraid of what the answers might be.

This is a quick read and I throughly enjoyed it. I would like to thank Kendall Farris at Meryl Moss Media Group for an advanced reader’s copy. As always, all opinions are my own. Happy reading!

#NetGalley #BlackSunRising #OthoEskin #KendallFarris #MerylMossMediaGroup #ARC #Series #StandAloneBook #Thriller #EdgeOfYourSeat #DC #UrbanMystery #UrbanThriller #ContemporaryMystery #ContemporaryThriller #Mystery #HardToPutDown #QuickRead