Madison

God's Fingerprint 1.618

Romance - Suspense
278 Pages
Reviewed on 07/22/2022
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

A.V. Smith is an athlete turned writer. With a passion for storytelling, he paints with words that captivate readers. Smith writes on an emotional level to empower readers to engage in deeper conversations about their past, their relationships, and their connection with the Universe.
With his first book, "Madison: God's Fingerprint 1.618", he won the 2019 Author Academy Award for Best Romance.
Smith took a break from romance and focused his literary talent on crime and social issues that divide our society with "OHIO 10". His Fantasy Fiction Series, “Normal Chaos”, is set to release Fall of 2022.
Through life and love, he has learned our steps are temporary, yet the journey intensely meaningful. This understanding led him to donate a kidney to his younger brother. As the father of three children, his desire is to see his children overcome the fear of success by being the best version of themselves. He strives to lead by example, at times falling short, but understanding human beings are still a work in progress.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Madison: God's Fingerprint 1.618 by A. V. Smith is a suspenseful romance with shades of a thriller. Madison has had a painful past and she still suffers from trauma. Standing up for a friend who was being bullied in school eventually leads her to visit Colombia as an expression of gratitude from her friend’s family, a visit that would alter her life in many ways. When she gets a chance at love, her past trauma stands in the way, sending her on a psychologically disturbing path toward facing the injustice her parents have had to suffer, including jail. Everything changes after a harassing phone call at work and the murder of a family of three. When Madison sets out on a path seeking both justice and punishment, little does she know that she is headed for an eventual confrontation with the killer of the father of her friend and the same person whose actions changed the life of her family forever.

This is a spellbinding novel with a strong female protagonist. Madison is written with a solid background and it is interesting that most of her actions are determined by the trauma she experienced. The plotting is ingenious, the characterization plausible, and the atmospheric prose enriches the reader's experience of the story. A. V. Smith creates characters that are psychologically rich and complex. Madison goes through a lot of challenging situations and is portrayed with normal reactions to these problems. While readers will maintain their interest as they follow the romance, they will be awed by the author’s spectacular skill in writing about deeply flawed and believable characters, as well as the thrilling suspense that was generated. Madison is a hauntingly beautiful tale.

Stephanie Chapman

In A.V. Smith’s Madison: God's Fingerprint 1.618, we explore the mysterious life of Madison, who grew up in Columbus, Ohio. Madison’s father returned from the military and believed that his wife was unfaithful. One evening, Madison awoke to her father attempting to molest her. Her mother shot him and the court sentenced her to twenty years in prison. Raised by her grandmother, Madison felt she served a higher purpose. She became friends with Geri, Cindy, and Sheila during college. Supportive of each other, they grew close and spent time once a month going to different events. Madison remained steadfast in caring for her grandmother, and the group embraced her as well. Madison didn’t indulge in relationships outside of her friends and seemed to enjoy her alone time. 

A. V. Smith created Madison as a force to be reckoned with. From the opening scene, I could see how she would be an asset to law enforcement. However, the unpredictable plot veered off in another direction. I felt the support system she had from close friends and her grandmother was relatable and realistic. The events, including locations, and the dynamics of the interpersonal relationships were vividly described. The abrupt conclusion of the story took me by surprise. I didn’t expect a cliffhanger that would leave me desperate to read the sequel. Smith included excerpts from the sequel at the end of the book, which intensified my desire to continue the series. Madison is the perfect book for readers who enjoy stories with a mysterious protagonist, excellent character development, and realistic situations in which anyone could find themselves.

K.J. Simmill

In A. V. Smith’s Madison, Mattie hadn't had the best childhood. Once her father came back from the war he was different. Things changed, and one night, things changed to the point they would never be the same again. Forced into foster care until her grandmother could take care of her, Mattie learned what it meant to be lost. But being lost wouldn't stop her. She built walls alongside muscle and skill and trusted but a few people, so when a new man comes into her life, there are barriers he must overcome to win her heart. Can she lower her walls enough to let someone in, and if she does, will she end up regretting it.

While a romance, A. V. Smith’s Madison is more about sisterhood, the unique and unbreakable bonds of friends who are there for each other and know each other better than they know themselves. It follows each of the characters, giving great depth and insight into their lives, motivations, and characters. I loved the dialect; it felt so natural and authentic between the parties involved. The book itself flowed well, setting scenes and building the world to create crisp and clear images. The romance takes up a relatively small portion as well as delving into the minds of Mattie and her friends, discovering what makes them tick. This is a well-crafted book that shows the importance of relationships and how they affect everything, from the handling of a crime to a night on the town. If you like books that create full character profiles and offer investment, this is one for you.

GiGi3500

Madison is a special woman. Her childhood is traumatic, her parents each left an indelible mark that no child should be subject to. Her journey into adulthood is exciting and at times perilous. But Madison is strong, willful and spirited. She is a survivor, fiercely loyal to the people she loves, with the heart of a warrior...yet yearning for that one man that can set her soul on fire! Madison is a page-turner that grabs you from start to finish. I couldn't put it down! Raw, romantic, and exciting!

The Pope01

How can this man know so much about the inner workings of sisterhood? I don't know the answer, but he does.
A refreshing look. Madison is quite the primary character and the book left me wanting to know more.

Beverly Proctor-Donald

New authors can be hit or miss often, so when I read the reviews on Madison: God’s Fingerprint 1.618, I thought I’d take a gamble. I was pleasantly surprised because initially I thought it was a book on religion from the title. The introduction is dark but as you read each chapter it helps you understand why Madison is shaped the way she is. Her ‘sister friends’ remind me of my friends growing up with the bond they share. Weaving modern topical issues into the story while keeping the romantic scenes HOTT without vulgarity, A.V. writes as if you’re watching everything first hand. I can’t wait for Book 2!!!!

Kindle Customer

There are writers, there are poets, and there are authors. A.V. Smith is all three. That skill is showcased in this introductory installment to the world of Madison, a character that could effortlessly become a household name, perhaps even beyond the realm of literature and onto the big screen. The blend of action, mystery, eroticism, friendship, and faith is compelling, and combined with the depth and attention to detail, I’m beyond anxious to see what Smith has in store for us next. I love you, Madison!

Vicki Challenger

The book holds your attention from the beginning! I love the character Madison and her relationships with her friends and grandma. The book has a lot of vivid details and keeps your attention! I read the book in a day! It’s a must read!!!!

Twist11

I was drawn in by the reality of the drama the main character shows us in the introduction. There is so much detail in the first few chapters you feel like you’re there. I like that you never know what’s going to happen. Well written.

L.R. Black

This was a gift to someone. It took them a moment to read it since the book title would lead you to believe it’s a spiritual book. There’s nothing wrong with that

KSJones

AV Smith really knows how to bring his characters to life...I felt like I was IN the book and living out each page right along side Madison and her close circle. And the sex scenes...caliente!! I am waiting anxiously for the release of book 2. In the meantime, I purchased Ohio10 too!!! Great job, AV Smith!

Alayna Washington

Very entertaining book. Real, truthful, authentic and gritty. It draws you in immediately and keeps you wanting to read more. Descriptive believable characters. Well done.

Wendy L. Goff

From the intro till the end, this book captivates the reader. You will get emotionally involved with the characters as you read this story. It feels so real.

Melina L.

Madison is a romantic suspense novel by A.V. Smith that is a lot more intense than i expected. Right out of the bat we're given a glimpse into Madison's traumatic childhood (TW for sexual assault) but as her journey continues, things only seemed to get worse. But, being the strong woman that she is she manages to break all the barriers in her way. As the main character, she is everything except boring & she makes the story what it is. I loved how her relationship with her grandmother and friends were portrayed. Usually, these things aren't emphasised on in many books like this but I think this added a lot to her character development.
The plot of the book is interesting as it covers a long list of aspects from murder to friendships & love so with every page turned you do not know what to expect. While most of the time the combination of so many elements seem to work, there are times in the story where it feels chaotic, like there's too much going on and the pace needs to calm down.
But, overall it's a good book with an engaging story where emotions run high & characters you'll love & hate at the same time. It felt like a mixture of genres that all works together (to a degree) to give us a great read.

Molly L. Stillwell

Very few authors hold my attention when I read or listen to an Audible book. This book did just that. The complexity of struggles Madison meets seem to have the weight of the world but she presses forward. The closeness between her Grandmother and her three friends are very relatable and as the story progresses you’ll find yourself drawn in even more. To be honest, it’s more than a romance story, it has various pivots and breadcrumbs that keeps your attention and wanting to know what happens in book two and three. Madison’s love interest is patient and has a purpose. I loved Girls night out w the poetry. You will feel like you are part of the scenes you are reading. The sex scenes are very visual but not overwhelming or vulgar. A V Smith had done an excellent job and I’m looking forward to the rest of the Madison series and diving into OHIO 10 written by him too. Well done!!! 5-stars

Red

When I received my book I was really excited. With everything so digital these days, the anticipation of turning each page was so welcoming. From page 1 to the end I was totally engulfed in Madison's life. A. V. Smith took me on an intimate, passionate, dark n gritty yet sensual, sexy ride thru these pages. I feel as if I know Maddie and her friends and family.
That's just how good this book really is.
And the way the author left us wondering about Maddie and Kendall wasn't nice Lol!! But I cant wait to see where their passion unfolds and where Maddie will take us next in book 2.
It's a great read. It was also hard to put down.
Get your copy today and start the journey with the rest of us!

Carlitha Canady

This was such a good read. The introduction will have you right off. I laughed, cried, and fell in love at the same time. This book demonstrates what true friendship is. We all are looking for love and what it should look like...Well, the man Madison falls in love with, exemplifies a true man....caring,loving and the unbelievable things he does too prove his love for her. I am excited to read the next books to come.

Michele Hardgrow

This book is a great read from start to finish. It will have you experience an array of emotions. If you like excitement, suspense, action, laughter, poetry, and enjoying the development of a love interest; you will find this book has it all.

Araemo

The imagery and characters will grab your mind. The trials and tribulations with the fluently of the author’s words, will make this book hard to put down! Great read!

Action adventure enthusiast

This was a very good read, highly recommended, This book has all the ingredients top be a top seller. Madison will keep your interest from beginning to the end. I am looking forward to read more books from this author.

Misha Nolen

This book is so realistic ,it captures you're attention from the beginning, because your like what's gonna happen after that!! with such a tramatizing start to her life.Madison's story ,her journey through life from the beginning,the hardships , strength an faith in God ,her strong friendships/bonds, finding love ,also the steamy, romantic but tastful must read chapters.I first was familiar with A.V Smith's poetry ,which was undescribable amazing poetry, was deep , sensual,it spoke to my soul ,just like allot of sections put into this book.I loved it!Such an all around talented amazing soul A.V SMITH.I Can't wait to read book two

Mike Armstrong

What a wonderful read! Captivating from beginning to end. Beautiful, strong, intelligent, independent, black women! I could read about them forever. The writer pulls you in where you become a part of their lives. This is a movie waiting to happen!!! A must-read!

S.G.

After the first few pages I was entranced - as if I could see the story playing out right in front of me! Actually purchased on Audible as well so I could listen on the go, and get to the next book in the series!