I Don't Trust You

Wish I had my own family

Fiction - General
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 08/01/2023
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Ken Saik is a retired social studies teacher who loves to write. His passion was first recognized by his grade six teacher and later by his high school English teachers.

Inspiration for his writing arises from his interactions with misunderstood individuals. His ability to empathize with troubled people enables him to walk alongside them as they work to restore their lives. His writing illuminates the amazing power of the human spirit.

His active imagination enables him to write in many genres. While most of his work features interpersonal struggles, the settings include family, faith, romance, mystery and suspense and citizen empowerment environments. For a more in-depth taste of his 8 published books, visit his website: ( https://authorkensaik.com ).

To learn about or converse with the author about his books or his characters, visit his personal website and enjoy his bi-weekly musings. www.meetkensaik.com

    Book Review

Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite

Jerry panics when he cannot find his wallet to pay a restaurant bill. He calls family and friends, but no one picks up. Fortunately, one of the customers, Richard, volunteers to lend him a one-hundred-dollar bill on the condition they exchange names and home addresses, and Jerry returns the money. Jerry finds the man's kind behavior odd but accepts his offer to avoid embarrassment. The next day, Jerry is visited by the restaurant manager, who claims the hundred-dollar bill he paid last night was missing. Jerry clears the confusion but is spooked when he finds the same hundred-dollar bill in his wallet. When Jerry visits the address he was given to return the money he borrowed, he is informed that no one named Richard lived there. Over time, Jerry realizes he has a magical hundred-dollar bill that is bound to cause him and those around him problems. Get a copy of Change Of Luck by Ken Saik to discover what troubles Jerry will encounter due to his newfound luck.

The magical hundred-dollar bill of commotion is back. I loved reading about it in Change of Luck: Not Losing My Mind, where it was used to play pranks on the staff in an elderly home, and in this installment, it turns Jerry’s life upside down. Change of Luck is an entertaining story that will captivate you from start to finish. Ken Saik brought each character to life with his realistic details. I loved getting to know the characters and their personalities. The author gave a great contrast as to how a good or a bad person can react to having a hundred-dollar bill that returns to your wallet whenever you use it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fun stories with a magical twist. I loved the ending and cannot wait to read about the next recipient of the bill.

Pikasho Deka

Ken Saik's Change of Luck is a short story that continues the tale of the mysterious hundred-dollar bill that refuses to leave the possession of those in need. After finishing his long-awaited dinner date with his girlfriend Jessica, Jerry, a young man, is appalled to discover that he had left his wallet at home. Fortuitously, a mysterious stranger calling himself Richard Howard arrives on time to offer Jerry a hundred-dollar bill he can repay later. However, Jerry soon realizes it is no ordinary bill; try as he might get rid of it, it finds a way back into his possession. After helping a mother get her daughter a bike, Jerry is now working with the latest owners of the hundred-dollar bill to find a way to dispose of it by helping someone in need.

Ken Saik spins yet another enthralling tale of the hundred-dollar bill with the latest installment of Change of Luck. These short stories feature relatable characters from diverse backgrounds, all striving to better their lives as they navigate the daily rigors of life. Within a short span of pages, Saik manages to flesh out his characters and make them feel like real people. I enjoyed Saik's writing style, using a crisp, concise narrative with little to no fat or fluff bloating the pages. The smooth and compelling prose helps you to read the book at a relaxing pace and makes the experience all the more enjoyable. There is also a supernatural mystery element to the story that hasn't been fully divulged yet, which I assume will be explored in future installments. If you love short stories with a tinge of the supernatural, this is the book you need to read.

Courtnee Turner Hoyle

Change of Luck is a story about chance. Ken Saik begins this tale with Jerry as he holds a check for a dinner in his hand, a dinner he shared with a special friend, but realizes he forgot his wallet. A man comes to the rescue, offering a one-hundred-dollar bill in exchange for a promise that Jerry will pay him the following day. Jerry agrees, and pays for the meal, but is shocked when the bill turns up in his wallet. Unsuccessfully, he tries to get rid of the cash, but every time he uses it, the money presents problems as it returns to his wallet. Jerry manages to pass it on to another person, but the path the money takes and the trouble it causes creates concern for every person unlucky enough to obtain it.

In a well-conceived story, Ken Saik relates the journey of a seemingly innocuous bill through several sets of hands. Each of the characters learns a lesson, but it’s not always the same one. It’s easy to relate to Jerry and the other characters as they try to rid themselves of a gift they once graciously received. Readers will identify with the multi-layered characters as the money shifts the focus from one character to the next. The story is a little longer than a short story but can easily be absorbed by readers with busy schedules, and the book ends on a cliffhanger that’s certain to leave readers pondering the question it asks. Change of Luck is a great selection for readers who enjoy mysteries that border on magical realism.

Astrid Iustulin

When Jerry realizes he cannot pay his restaurant bill because he can’t find his wallet, he’s in trouble. Luckily, a stranger who introduces himself as Richard Howard will lend him the money if Jerry returns it to him the next day. This is how Jerry comes into possession of a one-hundred-dollar bill that keeps returning to his wallet, even after he knows he has given it away. The bill gives him a lot of headaches, but when he thinks he has finally gotten rid of it, the woman who got it from him has the same problems. How will this story end? Ken Saik will tell you about it in his book Change Of Luck.

Change Of Luck: More than a Fantasy is a short story that readers will love. Ken Saik has described the characters' moods well when the hundred-dollar bill keeps returning to their wallets, and it occurred to me to think that I, in their place, would have had the same thoughts. It is no luck that the bill keeps coming back; on the contrary, people who own it risk getting into trouble. Jerry can confirm that, especially after playing poker. Also, I have to say I was curious how the story would end; how do you get rid of a one-hundred-dollar bill that does not want to leave you? I recommend Change Of Luck to readers who enjoy entertaining reads and pleasant stories with unpredictable outcomes.

K.C. Finn

Change Of Luck: More than a Fantasy is a work of fiction in the mystery, urban fantasy, and short story subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and was penned by author Ken Saik. In this cautionary campfire-style tale, we explore the dilemma of our protagonist Jerry after a mysterious stranger helps him out of a sticky situation. The conditions for payback seem simple, but Jerry soon finds himself tricked into an ongoing problem with an urban fantasy twist as his life gradually spirals into more and more awkwardness, accusations, and societal pressures. What results is a deeply relatable fantasy mystery about human nature.

Author Ken Saik has produced a really interesting extended short story that you can read in one sitting but still be thinking about for a long time after you’ve set the work down. For me, the most engrossing element of the work is the characterization around Jerry himself, who readers can relate to as a typical hapless everyman just looking for the pleasures of love and success like everyone else. The plot flows like a moral tale or modern urban fairytale, which is a slick way of delivering some of the interesting messages and takeaways from the experience. There’s a palpable sense of tension in Jerry as the pressures of the world and expectations on him regularly get into his head, and it was fascinating to see how the mysterious favor would eventually come full circle. Overall, Change Of Luck is a recommended read for anyone looking for an enjoyable modern fable with a twist of fantasy and intrigue.

Haiqa Munir

Change of Luck by Ken Saik is an engaging mystery that starts with an intriguing premise. The story follows Jerry, a young man who finds himself in a series of unexpected events after he discovers that he does not have his wallet at the restaurant. The appearance of a stranger, Richard Howard, offering to lend him money seems like a stroke of luck. As Jerry tries to unravel Richard's mystery, he gets caught up in a poker game that leads to dangerous consequences. The plot centers around Jerry, who mysteriously receives a one-hundred-dollar bill that reappears in his wallet. Despite his attempts to get rid of it, the bill keeps returning, causing him frustration and concern. Ken Saik depicts a tense confrontation between the protagonist, Tara, and her ex-boyfriend, Wayne. Tara's friends, Jerry, Margaret, Janet, and Lorna, are present during the encounter, adding to the drama.

Change of Luck captures readers' attention with its well-paced and suspenseful plot. The storytelling style adds a layer of depth and intrigue to the narrative. The characters are relatable and have distinct personalities, making them easy to connect with. The mystery, suspense, and parable-like elements make it a unique and enjoyable read. The writing style is straightforward, making the story accessible to many readers. Ken effectively uses dialogue to reveal the characters' personalities and advance the plot. The story is well-developed, and the reader can empathize with Tara's frustrations and fears regarding Wayne's behavior and the strange occurrences with the one-hundred-dollar bill. The interactions between the characters are realistic and relatable and build intrigue around the origins and purpose of the bill, which may lead to more revelations and twists in future tales.

Laura Imaz

Change of Luck: More than a Fantasy by Ken Saik narrates the story of Jerry, Margaret, and Tara's adventures after receiving a mysterious one-hundred-dollar bill. The bill appears to have a particular interest in the person who holds it, and it returns home no matter how one disposes of it. It may appear to be the perfect fantasy of a greedy or money-obsessed individual, but is it worth the consequences? The owners of the one-hundred-dollar bill will confront several challenging scenarios as a result of the mysterious disappearance of the bill and will need to find a way out of these problems. In this brief but precise excursion, the reader will realize that not everything that glitters is gold.

Due to its brisk pace and engaging tale, Change of Luck provides an excellent opportunity for a short and intriguing read. When you start reading the book, it's easy to become engrossed in the unfolding events, and I found it challenging to put it down. Ken Saik succeeds in making the reader empathize with each character in his work, but Tara, in particular, struck a chord with me. I also liked how the owners had to get rid of the bill because it typically represented aiding someone in need. This book is the perfect example of a well-written short story that provides a great lesson, so I highly recommend it for fans of short, thought-provoking fiction.

Diana Lopez

Jerry is a kind man who takes Jessica out to dinner - a woman he likes. But when it's time to pay the check, he discovers that he doesn't have his wallet. He tries everything he can to pay for the meal without involving his friend. Out of the blue, a mysterious gentleman named Richard offers him a deal in which he will lend him a $100 bill, and Jerry can pay him back the next day. At first, Jerry is suspicious, but Richard appears to be genuine, and he accepts the offer. However, Jerry soon discovers that the bill always returns to its owner. Jerry becomes the new owner of the bill, allowing him to use it multiple times. But, with him being an honest man, it poses a dilemma. Change of Luck: More than a Fantasy by Ken Saik reflects on the value of money and friendships in a new way.

I liked Jerry because he is considerate, responsible, and understands the consequences of his actions. That causes him several issues with the $100 note. While it seems easy to pay for goods or services with the bill, he realizes that it affects the finances of others and the situation becomes problematic. He is not the only owner of the bill in the story, so we have a variety of situations where that $100 can make a difference. That's why I loved Ken Saik's account. He knows how to hold the reader's interest at all times because the plot is realistic, and the situations of the characters generate empathy. At the same time, there is a magic factor that produces unexpected results. Change of Luck is a short and intriguing story that invites readers to reflect on both morals and money.

Mimie Odigwe

All Jerry wants in Change of Luck: More than a Fantasy by Ken Saik is to impress his new girlfriend, Jessica, on a dinner date. However, just as things appear to be going well, Jerry discovers his wallet is missing. A stranger offers to lend him some money on the condition that he returns it. Surprised by the offer yet caught in a tight place, Jerry accepts. But here’s the catch: the $100 bill reappears in Jerry’s wallet no matter where he spends it. While a $100 bill that keeps returning to you might be a blessing to some, it quickly morphs into a curse as Jerry is accused of theft and deceit, beaten up, and his reputation threatened. With the disappearance of the man who gifted him the bill, Jerry has to find a way to pass the bill on before it ruins him.

Change Of Luck is short and simple with a steady pace. It is thought-provoking to see Jerry, Margaret, and Tara struggle with the responsibility this $100 bill brings. I kept imagining myself in their shoes. Would I have kept it or burned it? Having a $100 that keeps on returning to the owner seems like a blessing, and if one owns it, who is to say he won’t misuse that responsibility and defraud others? I also liked the nuance surrounding getting rid of the bill: it only leaves in a selfless manner that was yet selfish in a way. Pick up Ken Saik’s Change Of Luck for a tale on what it feels like when money loves you.

Alex Ndirangu

Change of Luck: More Than a Fantasy by Ken Saik begins with Jerry Hasworth, who considers this evening to be his favorite of the week. Despite his girlfriend's hectic schedule, he managed to squeeze in a dinner date. He is delighted until he reaches into his pocket to find his wallet and realizes it's not there. Desperate to pay the bill, he calls friends and his brother Jim, but neither picks up their phone. Jerry's frantic search is noticed by a man sitting a couple of tables away. He introduces himself as Rich Howard and offers to lend him a hundred dollars if Jerry promises to repay him. Things start getting strange when Jerry discovers that the old bill he received from Rich keeps coming back to him even after he spends it, and it's just a matter of time before it gets him thrown in jail or much worse. When Jerry goes to the address Rich left him, the building's manager informs him there have been no tenants named Rich Howard in all the ten years he's been the landlord.

Change of Luck is an intriguing urban fantasy with stellar world-building, a captivating plot, and well-drawn and relatable characters. Jerry is not the only easy-to-like and interesting-to-follow character. There is also Lorna, an incredibly perceptive little girl who understands her mother's money troubles, and Bruce, a junior high school kid who will stop at nothing to keep his pet with him. These are just a few of the characters whose challenges and aspirations you can relate to. Change of Luck goes beyond transporting you into a world that combines the paranormal and reality. The story greatly expands on today's global financial distress and the importance of family and friendship and asks profound questions about connection, love, and what it means to have healthy relationships. Ken Saik's Change of Luck will be a new favorite if you like captivating urban fantasy tales filled with deliciously twisted mysteries, gripping action, and suspense.