The Dragon Storm - Gates

The Dragon Storm - Gates by Anthony DiPaolo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A lengthy but worthwhile read...

THE DRAGON STORM – GATES by Anthony DiPaolo is a superbly written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this supernatural thriller that it guarantees the attention of the reader. This book had me turning the pages from beginning to end. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction.

The book description gives only a sneak preview: ‘Join Alexander Storm as he leads a diverse team of would-be-heroes around the world in search of the Twelve Hours of Night. The fabled Ancient Egyptian papyrus has been split into twelve parts and secreted around the globe at major archaeological sites. With only a set of intricate riddles as their guide, the team must face all manner of supernatural nemesis as they race against time and a duo of enigmatic demons who are hellbent on acquiring the Twelve Hours and opening the gates to Hell on Earth.’

I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a well-written supernatural suspenseful thriller with perfect pacing. Not much is as it appears here, which is just the way fans of the mystery, thriller and suspense will want it.

THE DRAGON STORM – GATES had every element a good story should have. An intriguing plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. It’s one of those stories that come along once in a while that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader!

I’ll be looking forward to reading more from this author in the future. Highly recommended to all fans of paranormal suspense and a well-deserved five stars from me.

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Harvesting Earthlings for Fun and Profit

Harvesting Earthlings for Fun and Profit by Philip Raymond Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Highly entertaining mashup of history and sci-fi!

Forty-some years ago my uncle gave me a science fiction anthology. It was a thick red hardback that I read from cover to cover. It inspired a lifelong love of the genre. The stories in that book made me think outside the box. They filled me with awe for the imagination it took to write them. That book still remains in my collection today. The title is OMNIBUS OF SCIENCE FICTION, edited by Groff Conklin, a well-known and prolific editor of the genre. It was published in 1952, the Golden Age of Science Fiction. It’s a substantial volume, 562 pages, with 43 stories divided into sections relating to a common theme. Some stories are fun, some are thought-provoking, and some are adventurous. I love them all.

HARVESTING EARTHLINGS FOR FUN AND PROFIT by Philip Raymond Brown is the hilarious sequel to the authors first book in this series, IT GIVES YOU STRENGTH. Again, this is another mashup fiction of history and sci-fi and the result is nothing short of pure nutty fun! It’s a classy, clever and cockle-warming novel that will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. It really is that good.

The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘In “Harvesting Earthlings for Fun and Profit” it is 1934 and Dr. Zho’s once idyllic planet Dagan is ruled by a brutal dictator. Zho is now a refugee hiding on the primitive planet Earth to escape Dagan. Of course, in 1934 the United States was in the throes of the Great Depression and Dr. Zho experiences a very different America. The book examines those differences while also building the world of Zho’s home planet Dagan, where the Dictator Arixn is using a modified version of the Roman Coliseum to divert the attention of Dagan’s citizens from the fact that their civil rights have been severely eroded. Running low on gladiators for its New Coliseum, the dictator Arixn decides to send a force to “Harvest Earthlings” to fight to the death on Dagan. Zho elicits the help of old friend Major Mike Kelly to stop the Harvesters.’

HARVESTING EARTHLINGS is well-written, satirically lighthearted and exactly the right length to give you excitement and laughs with many surprises along the way, and then it's over, leaving you feeling good but eagerly anticipating more. There aren't many books I'd describe as perfect, but Philip Raymond Brown’s time travel yarns fit the bill. This is a series that also has a distinctly cinematic feel to it. Very highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me. Looking forward to reading more in this series.

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The Outside Intervention

The Outside Intervention by Andrew Orange
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A must-read dystopian sci-fi...

The Outside Intervention by Andrew Orange was a fascinating and captivating read that had me immersed from the beginning. The story flowed from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. There are plenty of attention-grabbing moments in this page turner that will take the reader on a truly mesmerizing journey.

The book description gives only a sneak preview: ‘Kier, a young out-lord, gets involved in a dangerous political game where ancient and modern secrets are closely intertwined. To save the largest city in the world from destruction, Kier leaves the Northern Heartland in search of a legendary artifact, created by the Founder of the Empire almost a thousand years before. Much more depends on the results of his search than is known to Kier.’

I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the story in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a well written sci-fi with perfect pacing.

If you are looking for an exceptionally written dystopian novel with amazing characters and a gripping plot then The Outside Intervention by Andrew Orange will not leave you disappointed. Recommended to all fans of dystopian science fiction and gets a well-deserved five stars from me.

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A Dreidel of Wonders: A whimsical Hanukkah story with a twist for kids Ages 3-8

A Dreidel of Wonders: A whimsical Hanukkah story with a twist for kids Ages 3-8 by Edith Naaman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A very special dreidel full of wonders and surprise!

More often than not children relate themselves with the characters of a good story. In such circumstances, reading fiction can help them to get inspiration from the characters. These stories often portray real life implications through anecdotes, and as such makes it easier for them to understand the complex aspects of life. Moreover, reading these stories at regular intervals can actually help them to develop a positive outlook towards life, which eventually proves beneficial for good character development.

A Dreidel of Wonders by author/illustrator Edith Naaman is a playful Hanukkah story for the younger reader. It’s a delightful and charming book and the author writes in a wonderfully entertaining and rhyming style that will guarantee the attention of young minds. It’s a picture book that kids will love. If you ever wanted to bond even more with your children or grandchildren, this would be a very enjoyable book to share with them.

The second part of the book is aimed at parents and utilizes the NLP ( Neuro Linguistic Program) which incorporates techniques that are designed to help change your child’s perception of physical pain, fear of darkness, and frustrating situations. For this to work, the author suggests the importance of the adult to also flow with the attitude and believe in the ability to make a difference and project that belief to the child. Thus, this book becomes developmentally valuable for both parent and child.

A well-deserved five stars from me. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

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Five Flavors King and Queen (Grandma Rina's Stories)

 

Five Flavors King and Queen: Finding balance, support and adjusting to a new situation by Rina Barkan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A fun and developmentally valuable story for young readers...

More often than not children relate themselves with the characters of a good story. In such circumstances, reading fiction can help them to get inspiration from the characters. These stories often portray real life implications through anecdotes, and as such makes it easier for them to understand the complex aspects of life. Moreover, reading these stories at regular intervals can actually help them to develop a positive outlook towards life, which eventually proves beneficial for good character development.

Five Flavors King and Queen by Rina Barkan is Book 4 in the Grandma Rina's Stories and this time it’s about finding balance, support and adjusting to new situations. It’s a delightful and charming book for the young reader. The author writes in a wonderfully entertaining and rhyming style that will guarantee the attention of young minds. It’s a picture book that children will love. If you ever wanted to bond even more with your children or grandchildren, this would be a very enjoyable book to share with them.

It seems to me that this book was created with a lot of love and joy and it’s clear that the author really enjoys creating such wonderful stories. Thank you for sharing with us the gift that you have obviously worked so hard to refine. Special mention also to Neta Ga'ash for the excellent illustrations. A well-deserved five stars from me. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

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It Gives You Strength

It Gives You Strength by Philip Raymond Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A well written and witty page-turner that’s full of memorable characters...

Forty-some years ago my uncle gave me a science fiction anthology. It was a thick red hardback that I read from cover to cover. It inspired a lifelong love of the genre. The stories in that book made me think outside the box. They filled me with awe for the imagination it took to write them. That book still remains in my collection today. The title is OMNIBUS OF SCIENCE FICTION, edited by Groff Conklin, a well-known and prolific editor of the genre. It was published in 1952, the Golden Age of Science Fiction. It’s a substantial volume, 562 pages, with 43 stories divided into sections relating to a common theme. Some stories are fun, some are thought-provoking, and some are adventurous. I love them all.

It Gives You Strength by Philip Raymond Brown is a brilliantly written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The author weaves a well-crafted Sci-Fi Fantasy that’s packed to the rafters with plenty of mystery, action and adventure. Skillfully constructed, this exciting and energetic novel will have you turning the pages from beginning to end.

Set against the backdrop of New York city during the prohibition era, the story follows an alien anthropologist, Tashan Zho, who is on a rescue mission to Earth of the mid-1920s. What makes the story even more interesting is that the characters interact with actual historic figures, including mobster Jack “Legs” Diamond, heavyweight boxing champion Jack Dempsey, and World War heroine Edith Cavell.

The book description further explains: ‘Zho, is transported into the dying body of bootlegger Ryan Costello. Immediately following his death, Costello’s body is reanimated by the alien. Unfortunately, Zho’s new “host body” is so damaged from a decade of alcohol abuse that the alien’s memory and vital files are corrupted. All that remains of Zho’s mission plan is one phrase: “Find the one called Mike Kelly.”

Complicating matters, the alien soon discovers that Kelly is, himself, the leader of a criminal gang of World War veterans, who are battling mobster Jack “Legs” Diamond for control of the lucrative Canada/New York rum-running market. Upon recognizing Costello’s enhanced abilities and physical strength, Kelly forces the alien into the mob. Since Kelly is his only chance of discovering and completing his mission, the alien agrees. Costello soon recalls his critical task - to free an alien child from the Craig Colony, which they interpret to be a prison camp, before his home world, Dagan, dispatches its “rescue armada.” A force so massive and clumsy that its mere entry into the Earth’s atmosphere would devastate the planet.’

I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the story in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a well written sci-fi fantasy with perfect pacing.

It Gives You Strength was a fascinating and captivating read that had me immersed from the beginning. The story flowed from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. There are plenty of attention-grabbing moments in this page turner that will take the reader on a truly spellbinding journey.

The contrast between tone and content is a characteristic talent of only a few authors. Philip Raymond Brown pays as much attention to his sentences as he does to his plots, shifting or consolidating meaning with the use of a single word. His writing is impeccably honed, full of juxtapositions and qualifications that help to create a humorous atmosphere that will leave you laughing out loud.

There is something very magical about reading fantasy fiction. It speaks to the very thread of my imagination, jolting it to life and transporting it on an exhilarating journey. This book did exactly that. Fans of the Sci-Fi Fantasy genre will not be disappointed. I’ll be looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

As a lifelong fan of science fiction, this for me was a phenomenal read. For sci-fi fans looking for an interesting, three-dimensional and stimulating read, this would be a great find. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader.

Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.

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SLEEPING WITH THE BLACKBIRDS by Alex Pearl

Sleeping with the Blackbirds by Alex Pearl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A wonderfully written teen and Y/A novel...

SLEEPING WITH THE BLACKBIRDS by Alex Pearl is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The author weaves a well-crafted philosophical narrative that serves as an allegory for the pains of being. It’s a unique work that will captivate the reader from the opening chapter. Skillfully constructed, this well-written mystical tale will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. There’s plenty of imagery in the writing style that makes you feel you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.

The plot is intricately carved, as the synopsis suggests: ‘Eleven-year-old schoolboy, Roy Nuttersley has been dealt a pretty raw deal. While hideous parents show him precious little in the way of love and affection, school bullies make his life a misery. So Roy takes comfort in looking after the birds in his garden, and in return the birds hatch a series of ambitious schemes to protect their new friend. As with the best-laid plans, however, these get blown completely off course - and as a result the lives of both Roy and his arch tormentor, Harry Hodges are turned upside down - but in a surprisingly good way.’

This was a captivating read that had me immersed from the beginning. The story flowed from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of interesting moments that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much.

There’s no doubt that SLEEPING WITH THE BLACKBIRDS is an exceptionally well written book. The contrast between tone and content is a characteristic talent of only a few authors. Pearl pays as much attention to his sentences as he does to his plots, shifting or consolidating meaning with the use of a single word. His writing is impeccably honed, full of juxtapositions and qualifications that help to create ‘a magical allegory about fears and anxiety, about the place of the sensitive person, the thinker, the human, within modern society’s current social order, in a world in which human beings are the only animals who despair of their lives.’

It’s one of those books that come along occasionally that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader. I’ll be looking forward to reading more from Alex Pearl in the future. I would highly recommend this book and would add that it has a distinctly cinematic feel to it. A well-deserved five stars from me.

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Superior by Andrew R Williams

Superior by Andrew R Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An action-packed sci-fi thriller...

Superior by Andrew R Williams is the follow-up novel to Jim's Revenge. It’s a well-written sci-fi crime thriller with perfect pacing. The settings are nicely described, and the characters are well well-defined. This is an action-packed thriller you won’t want to miss. It’s a novel that kept me engaged from the opening chapter.

Superior unfurls in small acts, at first feeling slight to touch, then building in emotional substance. Into the spaces between the words, the author breathes a pulsating intensity that rolls like a motion picture camera. With an abundance of imagery in the writing style, it makes you feel like you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.

If you are looking for an interesting, three-dimensional, and stimulating read, this would come highly recommended. I’ll be looking forward to reading more from Andrew R Williams in the future. A well-deserved five stars from me.

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Good Cop

Good Cop by Jim Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A well-crafted dark and gritty police procedural set on the streets of Glasgow...

Maintaining the pace of excitement, drama, and thrills author Jim Alexander artfully continues the general storyline from the first book. Good Cop (A sequel to GoodCopBadCop) intricately layers its plot with precision and has the forethought to humanize it's characters as much as possible, leaving you completely engrossed in the outcome throughout. The author has created an intriguing storyline that demands the reader keep up with each twist and insertion of new information in order to comprehend fully what the main protagonist is up against.

There’s no doubt that Good Cop is an exceptionally well-written book. However, it must be said that this story is not for the faint-hearted or easily offended. The author’s script at times is razor-sharp. There are scenes of graphic violence with language that may not be suitable for the linguistically sensitive. Nevertheless, the themes and outcome are just as affecting in the arresting contemporary landscape.

This for me was a phenomenal read. It’s one of those stories that stayed with me long after I finished reading it. The vivid descriptions of the settings, situations, and the people were stunning and the author’s use of genuine dialogue further added to the overall atmosphere of authenticity.

The contrast between tone and content is a characteristic talent of only a few authors. Alexander pays as much attention to his sentences as he does to his plots, shifting or consolidating meaning with the use of a single word. His writing is impeccably honed, full of juxtapositions and qualifications that help to create a genuine and realistic atmosphere throughout.

Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

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Memory is Our Home: Loss and Remembering: Three Generations in Poland and Russia 1917-1960s

Memory is Our Home: Loss and Remembering: Three Generations in Poland and Russia 1917-1960s by Suzanna Eibuszyc
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A powerful historical memoir...

Memory is Our Home by Suzanna Eibuszyc is a stunning literary achievement. It’s a book that re-creates an overlooked part of history of the thousands of Polish Jews who survived the Holocaust by escaping to the Soviet Union. The book's epic sweep and grasp of detail are exemplary, while some scenes could make even a stone weep. The book reconstructs that horrific period of time in human history not as something abstract, but as felt knowledge thanks to the author’s mother, Roma Talesiewicz Eibuszyc.

To paraphrase the author, she bases her book on her mother Roma Talasiewicz-Eibuszyc’s diary, her writings about Warsaw, Poland during the years following World War I and the six long years of World War II, and how she was able to survive in Soviet Russia and Uzbekistan. Interwoven with her journals are stories she told to her throughout her life, as well as her own recollections as her family made a new life in the shadows of the Holocaust in Communist Poland after the war and into the late 1960s. By retelling this story, she sheds light on how the Holocaust trauma is transmitted to the next generation, the price her family paid when they said good-bye to the old world, and the challenges they faced in America.

This was a fascinating and captivating read that had me engaged from the beginning. The author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling and there are plenty of emotional highs and lows in this page turner that will take the reader on a truly mesmerizing and emotional journey. The author weaves a well-crafted and all-encompassing human dramatization that serves as a memorial to all those who suffered, died and survived during this tragic period of human history.

Highly recommended reading and a well-deserved five stars from me.

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The Dance Towards Death

The Dance Towards Death by Tejas Desai
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Final instalment of this riveting international crime trilogy...

The Dance Towards Death by Tejas Desai is the final instalment in The Brotherhood Chronicle trilogy. The Dance Towards Death is a well written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this gripping crime thriller that had me engaged from the opening chapter. This book will have you turning the pages from beginning to end.

I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the story in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a first-class crime thriller with perfect pacing.

Highly recommended series and a well-deserved five stars from me.


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Daddy's Curse 2: A Young Boy Who Has Survived Child Slavery

Daddy's Curse 2: A Young Boy Who Has Survived Child Slavery Remembers… by Luke. G. Dahl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my second time reading this author. His previous work, Daddy's Curse: A Sex Trafficking True Story of an 8-Year Old Girl was a gripping first-person account of organized crime and human trafficking. This book is about a young boy, named Od, who has also survived child slavery.

It’s worth stating here again what I had previously said about this authors’ last book: Human trafficking is thought to be one of the fastest-growing activities of trans-national criminal organizations. It is condemned as a violation of human rights by international agreements. ‘Human trafficking is a crime of such magnitude and atrocity that it cannot be dealt with successfully by any government alone. This global problem requires a global, multi-stakeholder strategy that builds on national efforts throughout the world.’

The book description gives a poignant preview: ‘When Od was growing up with his grandfather in the mesmerizing yet poverty-stricken countryside of Mongolia, he didn’t know that his life was about to turn into a living hell. His own grandparents sold him to child traffickers who took him away from his village and turned him into a slave, along with other children from the region.

Od, Altantsetseg, Chinua and Khulan were all held captive by child traffickers, but Od, being the oldest and smartest, managed to come up with an escape plan. Altantsetseg and Chinua escaped but Khulan didn’t make it. A shot was heard from behind and it was the last time they saw Khulan. But they had to keep on moving.

Yuna. Od’s only love was going through the same hell. She managed to escape from her abusers, only to find herself back in the hands of traffickers. When she finally found her way to freedom, Od found her. That was a moment of happiness in a lifetime of sorrow.

In this eye-opening child abuse story, Luke G. Dahl, author of the best-selling book “Daddy’s Curse” offers us a different perspective. Od is a young boy and his experiences in Mongolia, China and Thailand, his efforts to overcome his emotional wounds and his struggles to find Yuna will give you a unique way to truly understand child abuse and respect for life.’

Author Luke. G. Dahl writes a significant but harrowing story – based on true events - of sexual abuse, human trafficking and organized crime. It’s an emotional story that will take you on a journey to the dark side of human nature. The author must be commended for highlighting this truly appalling crime against the future of mankind…OUR CHILDREN.

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The Last Minder: The Chronicles of Majjen

The Last Minder: The Chronicles of Majjen by Fish Phillips
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A completely involving sci-fi thriller...

Forty-some years ago my uncle gave me a science fiction anthology. It was a thick red hardback that I read from cover to cover. It inspired a lifelong love of the genre. The stories in that book made me think outside the box. They filled me with awe for the imagination it took to write them. That book still remains in my collection today. The title is OMNIBUS OF SCIENCE FICTION, edited by Groff Conklin, a well-known and prolific editor of the genre. It was published in 1952, the Golden Age of Science Fiction. It’s a substantial volume, 562 pages, with 43 stories divided into sections relating to a common theme. Some stories are fun, some are thought-provoking, and some are adventurous. I love them all.

The Last Minder: The Chronicles of Majjen by Fish Phillips is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The author weaves a well-crafted science fiction story that draws the reader in from the opening chapter. Skillfully constructed, this sci-fi is infused with historical fiction and fantasy elements that will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. There’s plenty of imagery in the writing style that makes you feel you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.

The plot is intricately sculpted as the synopsis suggests: ‘A high concept, futuristic, social science fiction thriller where the life and death of humanity hangs on the actions of a lone man well past his prime… An elderly war hero with rejected superpowers must overcome a broken mind to survive his last mission on an alien-controlled earth in the distant future… Benny is a damaged man at the end of life. A hero of World War II, he just wants to live out his final days and die in peace… Majjen is a time-traveling alien. He has spent centuries searching for someone like Benny to fulfill his covert mission… Majjen flashes him forward centuries to an earth ruled indirectly by benevolent aliens. They foster global tranquility with the help of humans and androids committed to the roadmap for peace. The deeper this world draws in Benny, the more he realizes that everything is not as it seems. Despite this, Majjen has presented him with one opportunity he never thought possible. The chance at redemption.’

I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a well-written and fast-paced sci-fi thriller. Highly recommended and looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

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The Past

The Past by Kenneth Thomas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A well-crafted intergalactic, dystopian space adventure...

VanWest: The Past by Kenneth Thomas is book 1 in the VanWest series. I thought the book was superbly written, with brilliantly drawn settings and characters. The author weaved a well-crafted intergalactic, dystopian space adventure that will captivate the reader from the opening chapter. There’s plenty of imagery in the writing style that makes you feel you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book. The vivid descriptions of the settings, situations, and the people were stunning. The author’s use of genuine dialogue further added to the overall atmosphere of authenticity. Highly recommended.

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PACKFIRE: Simon Pack # 9

PACKFIRE: Simon Pack # 9 by John M Vermillion
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A crime thriller will have you turning the pages from beginning to end...

Just Pack: Simon Pack Novel # 9 by John M. Vermillion is another superbly written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are so expertly woven in this exciting thriller that it had me engaged from the start. Skillfully constructed, this suspenseful crime thriller will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction. It’s a fast-paced novel that will keep you engaged from the first page to the last.

The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘Tetu Palaita, American-Samoan giant, has been US Marshal Simon Pack’s most trusted friend for longer than any man. Someone murders Tetu’s family. Why was he the target? Or was he? Pack wants to avenge Tetu’s loss. His top priority becomes finding the blackguard who did this. Suspects abound. Join Pack as he drives to resolve a case that’s filled with futility until his crew discovers a valuable clue…an Elder Futhark, a ring which leads them to a Nordic religious sect that paves the investigative path ahead. At the end of the line, the Marshals close in on the man behind the murders in Montana. The man takes Pack prisoner and casts him into ‘The Room of Shame’. As the story winds down, see how the evil perpetrator punishes his own 250 followers, as well as Pack. Will Pack survive? Will the executioner survive?’

I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the story in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much.

The story had every element a good story should have. A solid plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well-illustrated scenes that make you feel like you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.

Non-stop action, precarious situations, hair-raising suspense, and heroic characters all exemplify the best that thrillers have to offer, and John M. Vermillion delivers again with this novel. Highly recommended.

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Maggie Dove's Detective Agency

“Maggie Dove’s Detective Agency is a delightful mix of mystery, heart-felt drama, and crazy antics. Maggie uses her skills as both a Sunday School teacher and PI to solve the case - a quirky combination from author Breen that works perfectly!”

–Marty Wingate, USA Today Bestselling Author

As Susan Breen’s compelling cozy mystery series continues, Maggie Dove’s budding detective agency has given her a new lease on life. Only one thing stands in the way of success: her clients—or lack of them.

After catching the killer who shook her small Hudson River town, former Sunday School teacher Maggie Dove stumbled onto an exciting new career and found a way to take her mind off her own tragic past. Now, despite her best efforts to promote the agency, Maggie can’t seem to land any new cases—until Racine Stern, one of the village’s wealthiest residents, offers her a thousand dollars to convince her “evil” sister, Domino, to stay out of town.

While Maggie’s business partner thinks she’s crazy for turning down a potential client, she doesn’t want her agency to get a reputation for accommodating bizarre requests. However, Maggie is soon caught up in the family drama anyway. Racine may fear for her life—and her inheritance—but it’s Domino who takes the fall when she plunges to her death from a tower at Stern Manor. Was it an accident or something more sinister? Maggie’s investigation will test her faith—and her ability to survive.

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The Chair Man by Alex Pearl

The Chair Man by Alex Pearl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A gripping thriller from start to finish...

Thriller is a genre that uses suspense, tension, and excitement as its main elements. They stimulate the reader by giving them a high level of anticipation, ultra-heightened expectation, anxiety and terror. A thriller usually has highs and lows in the story keeping readers on the edge of their seat, wondering what will happen next or how the hero/heroine will overcome the antagonist's latest evil doings. The plots are scary, the characters are at great risk and they make the reader really want to turn the pages.

The Chair Man by Alex Pearl is a thriller that does all of the above… and more. It’s a superbly written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this thriller and suspense that it guarantees the attention of the reader. Skillfully constructed and set against the backdrop of the 7/7 terrorist attacks in London, this thriller had me turning the pages from beginning to end. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction.

The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘Michael Hollinghurst is a successful corporate lawyer living a comfortable, suburban life in leafy North West London. But on 7 July 2005, his life is transformed when he steps on a London underground train targeted by Islamist suicide bombers. While most passengers in his carriage are killed, Michael survives the explosion but is confined to a wheelchair as a result… Coming to terms with his predicament and controlling his own feelings of guilt as a survivor conspire to push him in a direction that is out of character and a tad reckless. In a quest to seek retribution, he resorts to embracing the internet and posing as a radical Islamist in order to snare potential perpetrators… Much to his surprise, his shambolic scheme yields results and is brought to the attention of both GCHQ and a terrorist cell. But before long, dark forces begin to gather and close in on him. There is seemingly no way out for Michael Hollinghurst. He has become, quite literally, a sitting target.’

I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much. It’s a first-class thriller with perfect pacing. Not much is as it appears here, which is just the way fans of thriller and suspense will want it. Thoroughly enjoyed it, and highly recommended it. A well-deserved five stars from me.

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Solar Warden: Book Two – Requiem

Solar Warden: Book Two - Requiem by Peter Fuller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An action-packed gripping sci-fi series!

Forty-some years ago my uncle gave me a science fiction anthology. It was a thick red hardback that I read from cover to cover. It inspired a lifelong love of the genre. The stories in that book made me think outside the box. They filled me with awe for the imagination it took to write them. That book still remains in my collection today. The title is OMNIBUS OF SCIENCE FICTION, edited by Groff Conklin, a well-known and prolific editor of the genre. It was published in 1952, the Golden Age of Science Fiction. It’s a substantial volume, 562 pages, with 43 stories divided into sections relating to a common theme. Some stories are fun, some are thought-provoking, and some are adventurous. I love them all.

Author Peter Fuller worked in the Military History Department of the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, Alberta, Canada for eight years. He has studied military history for decades. He has also written numerous articles and lectured at major museums and universities on the subject of military history. He is a regular panelist at NORWESCON - the Pacific Northwest’s Premier Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention. He's a student of the UFO phenomenon since grade school, a member of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON), and legend has it, he's had a few “close encounters” of his own! Having recently interviewed the son of a US military officer about his late father’s work on several special access projects for the secret space program, it’s no wonder this book series had to be written!

Requiem by Peter Fuller is the second instalment in the Solar Warden series. It’s a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn settings and characters. The author weaves a well-crafted Military Science Fiction that will captivate the reader’s attention from the start. Skillfully constructed, this exciting and suspenseful sci-fi will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. There’s plenty of imagery in the writing style that makes you feel you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.

The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘Earth is in peril. The reptilians and grays, led by their Blue Nordic overlords, have suffered a series of humiliating defeats at the hands of the humans–a species they deem inferior. Retaliation is inevitable… Expecting a divide-and-conquer strategy by the aliens, Solar Warden begins reinforcing its Mars Base–the enemy's expected target. And the final steppingstone to earth… In the midst of the impending invasion, Steve "Scarecrow" Richardson and his new love, Major Sandy Cooper, are marked for death by both human and alien threats… Book Two of the Solar Warden series finds the humans faced with an overwhelming force that will not stop until they've eliminated the human race. All that stands in their way is the determination and fierce will of the Earth Defense Force combatants who are willing to lay down their lives to save humanity.’

This for me was another phenomenal read. The vivid descriptions of the settings, situations, and the people were stunning. The author’s use of genuine dialogue further added to the overall atmosphere of authenticity. The contrast between tone and content is a characteristic talent of only a few authors. Fuller pays as much attention to his sentences as he does to his plots, shifting or consolidating meaning with the use of a single word. His writing is impeccably honed, full of juxtapositions and qualifications that help to create a genuine and realistic contemporary sci-fi novel.

For science fiction fans looking for an interesting, three-dimensional, and stimulating read, this would be a great find. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader. Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.

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Shattering the Crystal Face of God by Meade Fischer

Shattering the Crystal Face of God by Meade Fischer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Living in the moment...

Perhaps you don't think you have a philosophy of life and that life just happens. In this book the author shows you how your life is influenced by attitudes, images, beliefs and opinions even if you don't realize it. Our path to personal growth requires that we become aware of these influences that have been planted in our consciousness and get rid of the ones that don't serve us. We build our beliefs from our experiences with teachers, at school, and in the educational processes as well as what we read. Most of our beliefs are unconscious though, and it's not until we begin to question our 'reality' that we discover them.

Shattering the Crystal Face of God: Adventures in an emerging world by Meade Fischer is a ‘West Coast adventure book, a secular philosophical romp, a tribute to environmentalism and a celebration of the natural world.’

A key focus of Meade Fischer’s work seems to be appreciating the moment guiding people to find greater meaning and purpose in their lives. If you feel something is missing or you have untapped potential or are just curious about what else life might hold for you, check out this authors work. His connection to - and celebration of - the natural world is very inspiring. Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.

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Primed for Vengeance by Gill D Anderson

Primed For Vengeance by Gill D. Anderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A well-written dark crime thriller...

Primed for Vengeance by Gill D Anderson is a superbly written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this crime thriller that it guarantees the attention of the reader. Skillfully constructed and set against the backdrop of Adelaide, Australia, this suspenseful revenge narrative will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction.

There’s no doubt that Primed for Vengeance is an exceptionally well-written book. However, it must be said that this novel contains graphic themes including erotica, violence, sexual assault and deviant behavior. The author’s script at times is razor-sharp and will penetrate deep into the emotions of its reader. The language may also not be suitable for the linguistically sensitive. Nevertheless, the themes and outcome are just as affecting in the arresting contemporary landscape.

This was a fascinating and captivating read that had me immersed from the beginning. The story flowed from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. There are plenty of attention-grabbing moments in this page turner that will take the reader on a truly mesmerizing journey.

The contrast between tone and content is a characteristic talent of only a few authors. Anderson pays as much attention to her sentences as she does to her plots, shifting or consolidating meaning with the use of a single word. Her writing is impeccably honed, full of juxtapositions and qualifications that help to create a suspenseful atmosphere throughout.

I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It's a solid read that benefits substantially from a raft of better-than-average elements with a surprise ending. Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.

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Cool Math Games for Kids (Kids Books Ages 9-12 Book 2)

Cool Math Games for Kids by Eric Z.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A clever way of introducing math while having fun!

Education is at the heart of our society and plays a fundamental role in the development and wellbeing of our children. As always, author Eric Z motivates his young readers by instilling a sense of leadership, self-esteem and self-respect. He delivers again with this clever book by introducing math to young children while having fun! The author offers more than just the standard Kindle edition as this book comes with:

Big oversize templates of the number and dice for kids 4 to 6
"EASY YATZEE" for kids 5 to 9
Yatzee for kids 9 and up (adults love this game too!)
Mountain: for kids 4 to 9
Easy Sudokus for Kids: Lots of them!
AND... All downloadable printables

Very highly recommended and a well deserved five stars from me.

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With the Sea Beside Me

With the Sea Beside Me: An intimate guide to California's central and north coast by Meade Fischer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Transcendent and engrossing travel guide...

Meade Fischer confirms that whenever and wherever we travel it is the experience that matters, the here and now, and crucially how that changes us, rather than confirms what we expected or anticipated when we decided to go there. In an age where we are told that travel experience can be bought as a package, it is interesting and instructive to travel through the eyes of another, both refreshing and enlightening to share another visitor's insight from a different time as we explore a new experience of travel ourselves.

With the Sea Beside Me the descriptions are lyrical and vivid. As the synopsis explains: ‘… imagine being an adventure traveler setting out to explore the California Coast. Then imagine climbing in beside someone with intimate local knowledge of the coast and all its opportunities for outdoor exploration and enjoyment. With the Sea Beside Me is a guidebook, a running narrative and a collection of travel literature vignettes, a book that can be read for entertainment before departing and then referred to along the road. From Santa Barbara to the Oregon border, Fischer points out the great places to camp, outstanding hikes, kayaking and surfing spots, brew pubs, restaurants, lodging, interesting back roads and some of the fascinating people the traveler should stop to meet along the way. The road stories give the reader a sense of the places and the people, making each area feel familiar before arriving...’

If you've ever wanted to experience the California Coast, this is a great book to start with. If you love to travel, you will absolutely love reading about Meade's experiences. If you are nervous about traveling, then become an armchair traveler by starting with this book; you may just find that it makes you brave and ready for an adventure. Another great read by this author for all travel lovers. Highly recommended.

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Cosmic Coastal Chronicles: Reflections of a west coast wanderer

Cosmic Coastal Chronicles by Meade L. Fischer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A must-read for all travel lovers...

‘The West Coast of the United States, also known as the Pacific Coast, Pacific states, and the western seaboard, is the coastline along which the Western United States meets the North Pacific Ocean. The term typically refers to the contiguous U.S. states of California, Oregon, and Washington, but sometimes includes Alaska and Hawaii, especially by the United States Census Bureau as a U.S. geographic division.’

Anyone who loves to travel will not be surprised by Meade Fischer ‘s belief that travel transforms us for the better. But few of us have taken the time to analyze that transformation. In Cosmic Coastal Chronicles: Reflections of a west coast wanderer, Meade shares just how travel changes us, teaching us to be more patient, more tolerant, and more open to new ideas, perspectives, and differences. Sometimes travel and the experiences it brings can also be a little uncomfortable, but in those situations, we are all the more likely to experience transformation.

This collection of travel tales from around the Pacific West Coast is fascinating in the breadth of its scope. In this travel book the author shares his experiences and has produced a wonderful series of stories. In each case, the authors’ views and focus are centered on varying aspects of the human and physical landscape, each in such a way that they grab the reader’s attention from beginning to end.

The way the author reveals both the high and low moments, as well as the dangers and the risks that all travelers experience, in various forms, in search for what is new and novel in the world (or in this case the Pacific Coast), is both energizing and life-enriching.

By the time I had come to the end of the book, I felt that not only had I stood on foreign fields, and swam in a foreign sea, but that I had also broadened my horizons by sharing in the heartfelt emotions of the author. An enlightening read, that is bound to both edify and delight, Cosmic Coastal Chronicles is a must-read for all travel lovers. Very highly recommended. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

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Arcadia's Children 4: Exodus

Arcadia's Children 4: Exodus by Andrew R Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Although it takes only a single word to achieve liftoff, Arcadia’s Children 4: Exodus delivers another solid installment for the dedicated fans of sci-fi. The imagery in the writing style is suitably impressive, the characters and premise are compelling, and a clear effort has gone into producing something rather special while still upholding the spirit of hope and optimism the entire series embodies. Thus far, this is most definitely an adventure worth discovering. It leads to reflection, has well-defined characters, exciting battles and some moments of genuine wonder with the infinity of space. It’s a work that seeks its own personality within the saga. And, I think it has found it. Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.

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Death Mask: A Tale of Vengeance

Death Mask: A Tale of Vengeance by Nora Delzelle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A well-crafted sci-fi fantasy...

Forty-some years ago my uncle gave me a science fiction anthology. It was a thick red hardback that I read from cover to cover. It inspired a lifelong love of the genre. The stories in that book made me think outside the box. They filled me with awe for the imagination it took to write them. That book still remains in my collection today. The title is OMNIBUS OF SCIENCE FICTION, edited by Groff Conklin, a well-known and prolific editor of the genre. It was published in 1952, the Golden Age of Science Fiction. It’s a substantial volume, 562 pages, with 43 stories divided into sections relating to a common theme. Some stories are fun, some are thought-provoking, and some are adventurous. I love them all.

Death Mask: A Tale of Vengeance by Nora Delzelle is a wonderfully written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn settings and characters. The author weaves a well-crafted sci-fi fantasy that will captivate the reader’s attention from the start. Skillfully constructed, this exciting and thrilling sci-fi will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. There’s also plenty of imagery in the writing style that makes you feel you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.

The plot is intricately carved, as the synopsis suggests: ‘Ghosts, gods, and cursed relics are at the heart of this thrilling debut by Nora Delzelle. Death Mask is a modern re-imagining of the battles between Horus and Set, ancient Egyptian deities that represent order and chaos. It is a story about a young woman, Alex Kincaid, who gets caught in their deadly feud by placing a bid on an eBay auction for a golden mask. This relic confers protection and ageless power to the owner. Alex has to contend with angry gods, prophetic dreams, and ghostly guides imparting knowledge to discover that the ancients still walk among us. If Alex can survive, there is a steep price for her new-found power... her very soul.’

I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the novel in my head to see if I could figure more out. It's a solid read that benefits substantially from a raft of better-than-average elements. Highly recommended.


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IS THERE NOT A CAUSE?

Is there not a cause? by Nathaniel Terrell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An excellent debut collection of poetry and other musings...

If you are somebody who prefers to experience life and savor its moments, sacred, painful, and true, you will find several of your own favorites in this collection that you will return to for sustenance, for pleasure, and for wisdom, and you will never be disappointed. It touches you wherever you are in your own particular way, just the way poetry should.

Each poem conveys important messages about being connected with our soul and with our true nature. The poet uses the power of poetry and its capacity to pry open our hearts and minds in a gentle and welcoming way. It’s in the unanticipated moment when the truth of the poems are realized, do we have an experience that for some of us, becomes like a prayer.

IS THERE NOT A CAUSE? by Nathaniel Terrell is a collection best taken one page at a time. Each poem holds enough wisdom and enlightenment that will remain with you long after you’ve read them. These are poems that will stir the soul. This poetry is truly an invitation to mindful presence where the words and artistic expressions will initiate you, ‘wake you up’ so to speak, and guide you home.

This is a beautiful collection of poems, written by a very talented poet. It is a collection to savor and reread. You will find yourself coming back to it over and over as life changes happen, each time gaining more wisdom, advice, and peace from the words within. The poet invites the reader to slow down, read and enjoy each poem, while reflecting on how it relates to your life.

If you are looking for the poet inside the poem, look for the undercurrent he has left, the continuous hint of feeling can be found everywhere throughout this work. It’s powerful and strong, yet delicate and descriptive His pictures of emotional moods are painted beautifully. He has captured the essence of what a poet is. It’s only on the rare occasion that I get the opportunity to describe a poet in this way.

This is a powerful debut collection containing songs, stories, personal reflection, fiction and scenes of life. ‘Written from the perspective of a passionate, creative black man facing midlife and working hard to share his voice with the world, each poem paints a vivid picture of the soul of an artist… Touching on topics such as life and death, racism, faith, anger, social injustice, division in the nation, and getting up after failure, Nathaniel Terrell's IS THERE NOT A CAUSE? is meant to encourage and to provoke and will take you on a journey that starts fast and dives deep.’

Nathaniel Terrell will make you fall in love with literature again. If you've never liked poetry, you'll love IS THERE NOT A CAUSE? If you haven't read much poetry, this is an excellent place to start. A highly recommended read and a well-deserved five stars. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

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In Sickness and in Health: A Journalized Account of Coping with Multiple Myeloma

In Sickness and in Health: A Journalized Account of Coping with Multiple Myeloma by Demetria Alexander Grissett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An inspirational faith-based journal that will inspire...

‘Multiple myeloma is a cancer of certain cells of the bone marrow called plasma cells. Multiple myeloma is a form of bone marrow cancer. Plasma cells normally produce our antibodies. Multiple myeloma features abnormal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow, destructive bone lesions, and the production of abnormal proteins, specifically antibodies. Multiple myeloma is also referred to as myeloma.’

In Sickness and in Health by Demetria Alexander Grissetta is a journalized account of coping with multiple myeloma. Sharing the personal benefits experienced from keeping a journal or diary is a wonderful way to see how someone else has used the power of journaling. Reading about someone's journaling experience reveals what journaling has meant to them. What it has provided. What they have learned about themselves or the world that surrounds them. In this wonderful book the author shares her journey not only in dealing with the cancer, but with many other life-changing situations.

In Sickness and in Health has a transparent and practical style. The author shares personal life illustrations that will, no doubt, transform other reader's lives. The faith-building dimension of her journey is a dynamic ingredient of this book. I have had personal experience with this type of cancer in my own family, so I thank the author for sharing hers.

Very highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.

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A Man Out Of Time (Phil Allman, P.I. Book 7) by Brett Wallach

A Man Out Of Time by Brett Wallach
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thoroughly enjoyed it, and highly recommended it.

A Man Out Of Time (Phil Allman, P.I. Book 7) by Brett Wallach is a superbly written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are expertly woven in this vigilante style narrative that it guarantees the attention of the reader. Skillfully constructed and set against the backdrop of the online dating world, this excellent moral quandary will have you turning the pages from beginning to end. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction. It's a solid read that benefits substantially from a raft of better-than-average elements.

The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘Like a latter-day Don Quixote, a delusional Phil Allman harkens for a time when men were chivalrous and brave. and women were virtuous and circumspect. With Dan Lee, his own Sancho Panza-like sidekick, he ventures into the wilderness, which in twenty-first century America is the sordid world of online dating. There they set forth to save damsels in distress and punish evil-doers, whether real or imagined…. A Man Out Of Time is the seventh book in the Phil Allman, P.I. series, and it finds our hero's already deteriorating sanity at its nadir. Dan Lee, a successful, retired IT professional, assists in his quest, to save Phil from himself, and to finally engage with the world outside of his cloistered and lonesome bubble. Along the way, they find a damaged but resilient young woman; does she really need saving, and do the men who have allegedly abused her deserve retribution? Such is the moral quandary of our adventurers who try to preserve innocence in a corrupt world.’

This was a fascinating and captivating read that had me immersed from the beginning. The story flowed from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. There are plenty of attention-grabbing moments in this page turner that will take the reader on a truly mesmerizing journey.

There’s no doubt that A Man Out Of Time is an exceptionally well written book. The contrast between tone and content is a characteristic talent of only a few authors. Wallach pays as much attention to his sentences as he does to his plots, shifting or consolidating meaning with the use of a single word. His writing is impeccably honed, full of juxtapositions and qualifications that help to create an authentic atmosphere throughout.

If you are looking for a well-written satire where PC has derailed the train ever before it left the station, then A Man Out Of Time by Brett Wallach will not leave you disappointed. Thoroughly enjoyed it, and highly recommended it. A well-deserved five stars from me. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

I’ll be looking forward to reading more from Brett Wallach in the future. Although it must be mentioned, for those who are fainthearted or linguistically sensitive, profanity and graphic sexual scenes are infused throughout the book.

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The 'GREAT' Kickin' Dog: a family tree

The 'GREAT' Kickin' Dog: a family tree by Kenneth Crutchfield
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A must-read captivating family saga...

The 'GREAT' Kickin' Dog: a family tree by Kenneth Crutchfield is a superbly written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The threads of storytelling are so expertly woven in this family drama that it guarantees the attention of the reader. Skillfully constructed and set against the backdrop of the housing projects on the south side of Chicago, this enthralling emotionally charged drama had me turning the pages from beginning to end.

There’s no doubt that The 'GREAT' Kickin' Dog is an exceptionally well written book. The contrast between tone and content is a characteristic talent of only a few authors. Crutchfield pays as much attention to his sentences as he does to his plots, shifting or consolidating meaning with the use of a single word. His writing is impeccably honed, full of juxtapositions and qualifications that help to create an authentic atmosphere throughout.

Above all else, The 'GREAT' Kickin' Dog gives us great insight to the push and pull of familial bonds. Thanks to exemplary work by Kenneth Crutchfield, that exploration of the home feels vital and vivid, never mundane. If you are looking for a well-written family saga with amazing characters and a gripping plot then this book will not leave you disappointed. An accomplished playwright, this first novel is loosely based on the authors own family. Highly recommended.

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UNSCRAMBLED EGGS By Nadia Brown

Unscrambled Eggs by Nadia Janice Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An inspiring collection of poetry...

UNSCRAMBLED EGGS by award-winning author and poet Nadia Brown is a fine debut collection of inspirational poetry.

The poems in this book were written over a five‐year period and reflect the authors own experiences, those close to her, and issues that she feels very passionately about. UNSCRAMBLED EGGS, she believes, is an honest and thought‐provoking book that deals with everyday life issues. It’s a compilation of poems about living your dream and finding purpose. An example of the poetry to be discovered here is as follows:

BLUEPRINT
Life is a peculiar play,
an amphitheater of prose.
I am mindful of my part,
of rudimentary scripts
that no one fathoms.
On this regal stage lives a story,
a defining blueprint.
Here, we are all characters portraying our elected roles,
living like the puppets we are.
Some ill prepared
for the proclivity of plots
that comes with dramatic years.
I close my stanzas knowing
there is always something
learned from fiction
that time shows its foresight
so we do not become an untimely act
and reprise the role of tragedy.

This is a beautiful collection of poems, written by a very talented poet. It is a collection to savor and reread. You will find yourself coming back to it over and over as life changes happen, each time gaining more wisdom, advice, and peace from the words within. The poet invites the reader to slow down, read and enjoy each poem, while reflecting on how it relates to your life.

If you are looking for the poet inside the poem, look for the undercurrent she has left, the continuous hint of feeling can be found everywhere throughout this work. It’s powerful and strong, yet delicate and descriptive. Her pictures of emotional moods are painted beautifully. She has captured the essence of what a poet is. It’s only on the rare occasion that I get the opportunity to describe a poet in this way.

Highly recommended collection for all poetry lovers and a well-deserved five stars from me.

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Becoming: The Life & Musings of a Girl Poet

Becoming: The Life & Musings of a Girl Poet by Nadia Janice Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An inspiring collection of poetry and articles...

BECOMING: The Life & Musings of a Girl Poet by award-winning author and poet Nadia Brown is a fine collection of inspirational poetry.

Poetry has lost a lot of its flavor in this new age. When time moves past the current age, the next generation are always influenced by the previous generations even if that influence manifests as a rejection of the values of those who’ve gone before. BECOMING: The Life & Musings of a Girl, however, lacks the awkward self-consciousness of post-modernism even when it compliments it, and that is its beautiful defining element. An example of the poetry to be discovered here is as follows:

TOMORROW

Tomorrow stands tall amidst doubt
how she eagerly awaits
to seep through the cracks of dawn
fresh flowers she lifts from her coat
as she walks the aisle of sky
like a bride in her evening gown
touting the rising of hope
a promise only she can bring
kindly wiping away the ails of yesterday
and beginning anew

What I took away from this wonderful collection of poetry is that life is a wonderful combination of difficult experiences that are paradoxically intertwined with experiences of happiness in our lives. The difficult experiences are usually surprising, and we will never be ready for them. However, they make us resilient and make us appreciate what is there. Therefore, even with difficulty, one must not forget to be grateful. Because showing gratitude is a source of power that connects great faith and hope.’

Highly recommended collection for all poetry lovers.

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DREAMer by Emily Gallo

DREAMer by Emily Gallo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A heartfelt mystery drama with a distinctly cinematic feel to it...

DREAMer by Emily Gallo is a touching mystery drama that is richly descriptive with brilliantly drawn characters and settings. The author weaves a well-crafted and poignant adventure tale with an underlying social narrative that looks at the changing socio-political landscape, immigration and family dynamics. It’s an excellent novel that had me captivated from the opening chapter. Skillfully constructed, this masterclass in storytelling had me turning the pages from beginning to end. There’s plenty of imagery in the writing style that made me feel like I was right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.

The book description gives only a sneak preview: ‘Kate and Lawrence drive through the desert on their way home from vacation and find a young girl [12-year-old Marisol] sitting by the side of the road. Who is she? Where is she from and where is she going? Why is she there? When and how did she get there? What can they do to help? The girl won't speak, but that doesn't deter them from embarking on a journey through central and southern California to find the answers.’

The contrast between tone and content is a characteristic talent of only a few authors. Gallo pays as much attention to her sentences as she does her plots, shifting or consolidating meaning with the use of a single word. Her writing is impeccably honed, full of juxtapositions and qualifications that help to create an authentic and emotional atmosphere throughout.

What I took away from this wonderfully written story is that life is a wonderful combination of difficult experiences that are paradoxically intertwined with experiences of happiness in our lives. The difficult experiences are usually surprising, and we will never be ready for them. However, they make us resilient and make us appreciate what is there. Therefore, even with difficulty, one must not forget to be grateful. Because showing gratitude is a source of power that connects great faith and hope.

I was impressed with the insight and empathy of the writer into the spirits of her characters. Any aspiring writer will learn a lot about character development by reading DREAMer by Emily Gallo. Highly recommended and a well deserved five stars from me.

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Story Intelligence : Master Story, Master Life

Story Intelligence : Master Story, Master Life by Richard Stone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

‘Tools to craft a more desirable future.’

Even before primitive societies put chisel to stone and began writing, one group held a special place in these communities because of their communication skills: storytellers. Today, storytelling may seem quaint. It's not. Thanks to technology, some of the largest and savviest organizations in the world are discovering that storytelling is even more important today - and more powerful. Storytelling is so powerful that it should be the primary goal of all public relations. By focusing on storytelling we tap into an essential human motivator that has propelled humankind for thousands of years.

Story Intelligence: Master Story, Master Life by Richard Stone and Scott Livengood is a book that has helped me clarify my thinking, process my feelings, and make better decisions. If you are you ready to stop drifting and design a life you love, this read with help you on your journey. The overall tone was simply imparting knowledge, personal experience and wisdom in a gentle and generous way. Their words will help to better equip you to interpret and handle life in a whole new way, which in turn will bring peace, love and joy into your personal and professional life. No matter what your situation is today, this book will put you on the right path to better things. If you are looking for inspiration and encouragement, this book comes highly recommended.


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Deadly Pranks

Deadly Pranks by D.C. Rush
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A suspenseful vigilante justice thriller...

Deadly Pranks by D.C. Rush is a suspenseful vigilante justice thriller. The story is filled with intrigue and many twists that keeps the reader engaged and hungry for more and that's one of the many reasons why this book succeeds.

The plot is intricately sculpted as the synopsis suggests: ‘…Four typical American teenagers terrorizing the neighborhood with nasty pranks and all forms of bullying, until they find themselves in the hot seat after their bullying causes someone to die. If this prospect is not terrifying enough on its own, add some relatives to the pot, hungry for revenge and the guts to set a trap during a camping trip of the boys. Vigilant justice is served with a side-order of kidnapping at gunpoint. They are captured in dog cages just to wait out their punishment. The boys endure torture as well as sleep and food deprivation by their captors. The lives of these four teenage boys are forever altered…’

The story had every element a good story should have. A solid plot, attention to detail, but best of all fleshed out, well-written and well-rounded character development. There’s an abundance of well-illustrated scenes that make you feel like you are right there in the story, and that’s something I look for in a good book.

I enjoyed the story, character development, and dialogue. There were plenty of plot twists that I didn’t see coming and that added to the book’s mystique. When I stopped reading to work, I found myself wondering what happened in the book, and replaying parts of the story in my head to see if I could figure more out. It has been a while since I enjoyed a book this much.

If you are looking for a well-written thriller with amazing characters and a gripping plot then ‘Deadly Pranks’ will not leave you disappointed. Fans of the genre who like their action and adventure infused with mystery and suspense will enjoy the ride and the unexpected ending! Highly recommended.

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The Making of a Spy by Jay Johnson

The Making of a Spy by Jay Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An all-encompassing human dramatization...

Everything that we experienced during our childhood is somehow going to influence us as adults. We use the experiences that we have had so far in our lives and, more important, we create experiences to become what we want to be. The Making of a Spy by Jay Johnson tells a very interesting a poignant story of a boy, Isiac, who has to provide for his family from a young age. It documents his early years to his adulthood where he is drafted into the army in 1942 with his friend Fritz. His childhood experiences, along with the skills he learned in the Army, turn out to play a fundamental role in the ‘The Making of a Spy.’

The book description gives a sneak preview: ‘Isiac grew up without a father. His grandfather began teaching Isiac to hunt and fish when he was only 6 years old. That helped Isiac develop his skills of observation. Isiac acquired the ability to notice even the slightest changes in his environment and to interpret their causes… During the Great Depression, Isiac used his hunting and fishing skills to feed his mother, sister, and brother. Isiac's experience with and participation in bootlegging taught him the importance of planning. His skills in developing plans and contingency plans helped Isiac to anticipate potential problems. Isiac learned that it is much easier to avoid potential problems than it is to try to solve them once they occur… By the time Isiac was 15 years old, he had a black belt in Judo and was multi-lingual: He was fluent in English, German, Japanese, and Polish… When WW2 began, Isiac was drafted into the Army. Although unintentional, Isiac's childhood experiences, along with the skills he learned in the Army, became an integral part in The Making of a Spy.’

I was impressed with the insight and empathy of the writer into the spirits of his characters. The beauty of this book is in the potency of the characters and the author's mastery of the language. The originality of this story lies in the effectiveness of the characters and the author's microscopic viewpoint of the human condition. The most outstanding features of the book are the hauntingly real characters in the story and the author's eloquence and mastery with the use of the English language.

The author weave an all-encompassing human dramatization that gives "The Making of a Spy" a resounding bite and vibrant potency. Johnson’s crisp writing allows his world to encompass the reader, leaving them mesmerized. Highly recommended reading and a well-deserved five stars from me.

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DONK AND THE STUBBORN DONKEYS

DONK AND THE STUBBORN DONKEYS by K.A. Mulenga
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fun read that younger kids will love...

More often than not children relate themselves with the characters of a good story. In such circumstances, reading fiction can help them to get inspiration from the characters. These stories often portray real life implications through anecdotes, and as such makes it easier for them to understand the complex aspects of life. Moreover, reading these stories at regular intervals can actually help them to develop a positive outlook towards life, which eventually proves beneficial for good character development.

DONK AND THE STUBBORN DONKEYS by K.A. Mulenga is a delightful and charming children's picture book that makes a perfect bedtime story. The author writes in a wonderfully entertaining and imaginative style that will guarantee the attention of young minds. If you ever wanted to bond even more with your children or grandchildren, this would be a very enjoyable story to share with them. I read this book with my grandkids and they loved it.

It seems to me that this book was created with a lot of love and joy and it’s clear that the author really enjoys creating such wonderful stories. Thank you for sharing with us the gift that you have obviously worked so hard to refine. We’ll be looking forward to seeing what’s coming next. A well-deserved five stars from us!

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