American Picts Reviews
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Grant Leishman Bio (from Readers’ Favorite website):
Hello, my name is Grant and I am a 57 year-old expatriate New Zealander, now residing in the beautiful islands of The Philippines. I am a full-time author and a voracious reader, as I have been all my life. On average I read around 140-150 books per year. All the books I read are reviewed on Goodreads. I am currently ranked #29 reviewer on Goodreads. My passions in life are my family and supporting indie authors. Having received a number of 5-Star Reviews from Readers' Favorite for my novels, I would love the opportunity to give something back to the author community and I believe Readers' Favorite have a wonderful review system.
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Click to see Grant's review of American Picts.
Demetria Head Bio (from Readers’ Favorite website):
Demetria Head is a self-published author and has always had a love and passion for the written word. She was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and comes from a family of strong writing talent. Demetria currently has a book review podcast and website. When she's not critiquing books, she enjoys painting and is currently working on a thriller novel. You can tune in to her review podcast or listen to her reviews on YouTube.​​
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Click to see Demetria's review of American Picts.
Gaius Konstantine Bio (from Readers’ Favorite website):
My love of books has an amusing origin and goes back many decades. I was in the 7th grade and serving detention for some minor infraction in the school library. Next to me was a rack of paperback books, and the Picasoesque cover of one caught my attention. I reached for that book instinctively and began reading it. The book was Issac Asimov's Foundation. Now I'm finally in a position where I can devote myself and engage with this passion directly. If I help someone decide to pick up a book and read it, I will be pleased. Should I help the world discover a talented writer or two, my debt to every author that helped shape who I am will be paid..​​
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​Click to see Gaius's review of American Picts.
K.C. Finn Bio (from Readers’ Favorite website):
Born in South Wales to Raymond and Jennifer Finn, Kimberley Charlotte Elisabeth Finn (known to readers as K.C., otherwise it'd be too much of a mouthful) was one of those corny little kids who always dreamed of being a writer, a dream she finally achieved in 2013 with the releases of the "Caecilius Rex" saga, and the time travel adventure "The Secret Star," and her urban fantasy epic "The Book Of Shade."
K.C. Finn has also been welcomed into the fold at Clean Teen Publishing as a debut Young Adult author for 2014 with her epic Paranormal/Historical Adventure series Synsk. As a sufferer with the medical condition M.E./C.F.S., Kim works part time as a private tutor and a teacher of creative writing, devoting the remainder of her time to writing novels and studying for an MA in Education and Linguistics.
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​K.C.’s website: http://kcfinn.com/
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​Click to see K.C.'s review of American Picts.
Rich Follett Bio (from Readers’ Favorite website):
Rich Follett lives in the sacred and timeless Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, where he joyfully teaches English and Theatre Arts for high school students. His poems have appeared in numerous contemporary journals and e-zines like Counterexample Poetics, for which he is featured artist.
Most recently, his haiku/photo combination Aurora's Adieu received first place honors in the first international iPoetry Poe-Tography Competition. You can learn more about him on his Facebook page.​​
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Click to see Rich's review of American Picts.
5-Stars
Reviewed by
Grant Leishman
For Readers’ Favorite
American Picts by Jack Dancer is a genuinely funny and touching thriller that gently pokes fun at the “hillbillies” of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. McKinnon County in North Carolina is the surprising source of 90% of the world’s high-quality quartz, the backbone of the semiconductor industry. This discovery should have been a boon for the county and the state as a whole but it seems the McKinnon County residents have received little to no real benefit from this exploitation of their precious resource. Blackhardt Mining, with the connivance of the county commissioners, has ensured that almost all the unbelievable wealth from the high-quality quartz is taken out of McKinnon County, and even worse, their environmental practices are destroying the pristine beauty of this unique area. When Tucker Blue arrives to visit an uncle whom he hasn’t seen since he was a child, he walks into a maelstrom of death and destruction caused by Blackhardt Mining’s lethal Slaughterbots. With his instant attraction to his distant cousin, the Reverend Penny Sacred, Blue is going nowhere and joins the locals to bring down the arrogant and evil Julian Blackhardt, as well as the corrupt local officials. Led by Penny, Blue, and Bubba, these descendants of the legendary Scottish Picts will seek to right the wrongs of hundreds of years of exploitation and racism in this isolated community. 

American Picts is the third Tucker Blue book in this series. Having read Harald’s Gold, book two, I am beginning to appreciate the clever literary abilities of author Jack Dancer. Steeped in Scottish folklore, these books are a clever use of the wacky and the outlandish to subtly highlight many of the problems, attitudes, and conflicts in modern-day society. Just the names of these hillbillies alone are enough to bring a smile; Chauncey Goodnight, Cletus Musselwhite, Buster Lickskillet, Skeeter Utterback, and many more. The twists and turns of the plot will keep readers riveted as the evil Julian Blackhardt schemes to retain his ill-gotten gains. The subject of systemic racism in society is addressed head-on because all blacks were driven out of McKinnon County in the early twentieth century after a false accusation of rape was made against a member of the black community. The idea that McKinnon County was the result of one Scottish man’s efforts to procreate and populate the county with his four wives and fifty-two children goes a long way to explaining why it seems everyone in the county is related to everyone else. Blue, as an outsider to the community, is viewed with suspicion initially but his instant attraction to Reverend Penny quickly makes him a key element in the fight for some degree of autonomy and financial return for their community’s untold wealth. With the use of extreme characters and humor, the author wonderfully highlights the dangers of unfettered and unregulated capitalism, as well as systemic racism in today’s society. I have thoroughly enjoyed this author’s work so far and look forward to many more chuckles from him. This is a wonderful read that I highly recommend.
4-Stars
Reviewed by
Demetria Head
For Readers’ Favorite
Jack Dancer’s American Picts bursts onto the scene with high-octane energy and intrigue, immediately immersing readers in a whirlwind of action and conspiracy. The novel opens with Tucker Blue’s dramatic arrival at the Rattler Cafe on his Ducati, where an enigmatic metallic dragonfly heralds a cascade of events. The story quickly accelerates as Tucker is thrust into chaos when a mysterious woman named Penelope commandeers his bike, leading him away from an attack by slaughterbots—deadly drones designed by the sinister Blackhardt corporation. This gripping introduction sets the stage for a riveting adventure, blending futuristic technology with a palpable sense of danger. As Tucker delves deeper, the stakes heighten with every revelation. Penelope and her brother Bubba unveil a darker layer of Blackhardt’s operations, revealing not just a penchant for advanced surveillance but a larger, more insidious agenda. Tucker’s initial visit, which was meant to be a simple familial gesture, spirals into a dangerous quest that intertwines personal stakes with a broader conspiracy.
Jack Dancer’s writing excels in creating a sense of urgency and excitement, drawing readers into a world where technology and human lives are intricately entwined. The action skillfully balanced with suspense crafts a narrative that is as fast-paced as it is intricate. The dynamic between Tucker, Penelope, and Bubba provides a solid emotional core amidst the relentless tension. The interplay between personal motives and corporate malevolence adds depth to the plot, making American Picts a compelling read for fans of conspiracy thrillers and high-stakes drama. With its relentless pace and complex characters, Jack Dancer’s latest work is a must-read for those craving a thrilling dive into a world of espionage and technological dystopia.
5-Stars
Reviewed by
Gaius Konstantine
For Readers’ Favorite
“The strange and the sublime, the gorgeous and the deadly” are equally intertwined in American Picts, a novel by Jack Dancer. Tucker Blue is back for another adventure, and this one starts with a bang (or rather three bangs). Arriving at Little Alpine on his motorbike, Tucker shows up just in time for hell to break loose around him and takes off with an unwanted passenger to escape the mayhem. That passenger is Penelope, a punk-rock-looking reverend whom Tucker falls for. To make matters more interesting, Penelope is also a distant cousin. It turns out that just about all the folks in this isolated Blue Ridge Mountain community are related and are struggling against a corporate mining entity run by a megalomaniac. With the sides drawn, Tucker and company will clash with a man who would play God without first knowing how to be a good human being.


American Picts by Jack Dancer is not your usual novel; it is a chess match of the insane. The story revolves around an isolated community descended from the Picts, a group of people mistreated by everyone from Rome to modern-day corporate America. Strong themes of unbridled ambition colliding with a true sense of family and community are present and give the novel a sharper edge. However, where this tale is beyond outstanding is the characters and pace. From Bubba, who is anything but what he appears to be, to Penelope, Tucker, and others, there is no shortage of loony and eccentric individuals. And as for the pace, it is clear that Jack Dancer is a slightly less violent (but wackier) Tarantino, and while it is possible Jack may be batshit crazy himself, he is quickly becoming one of my favorite contemporary authors. Reading his work makes me smile.
5-Stars
Reviewed by
K.C. Finn
For Readers’ Favorite
American Picts is a work of fiction in the conspiracy thriller, suspense, and action genres. It is best suited to mature adult readers owing to the presence of strong language and sexual situations throughout. Penned by author Jack Dancer, the story unfolds in McKinnon County, North Carolina, where ancient secrets and modern greed collide. The story centers on the descendants of the American Picts, a fierce lineage tracing back to ancient Caledonian warriors. The region is rich in high-purity quartz, critical for the global tech industry. Julian Blackhardt, a ruthless billionaire, aims to exploit this resource, manipulating a vulnerable heiress. Tucker Blue, visiting his uncle, unwittingly becomes entangled in a web of high-tech murder, political intrigue, and deep-rooted racial tensions. As Tucker uncovers dark truths, a battle for the soul of McKinnon County ensues.


Author Jack Dancer never fails to craft a gripping and immersive read, and this tale has a unique blend of history, technology, and the complexities of human nature. I was immediately impressed by the detailed portrayal of McKinnon County, with its ancient Pictish lineage in stark contrast to the modern-day struggles of the cast, which created a vivid and haunting atmosphere of legacy and mystique. The tension between past and present is well-paced to offer a lot of exciting moments of discovery, interlocking different story elements in unexpected and satisfying ways. Tucker Blue's journey from a simple visit to a full-blown fight for survival was both thrilling and poignant, with some explosive action moments that cut through the tension in sudden atmospheric bursts. The exploration of racial tensions and the hidden injustices in McKinnon County also offered depth to underpin the narrative, with poignant messages about the unseen forces that shape communities. Overall, I would certainly recommend American Picts as a unique work of thriller fiction not to be missed.
5-Stars
Reviewed by
Rich Follett
For Readers’ Favorite
Coming