Manx-iety: A Collection of Disturbing Stories

Manx-iety: A Collection of Disturbing Stories by Daemon Manx
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Exploring the dark depths of the human psyche...

"Manx-iety" is a collection of short stories that will take readers on a wild ride of emotions. The tales are not for the faint-hearted, as they delve into the darkest aspects of the human psyche. What makes these stories even more unnerving is that they are inspired by real-life events, nightmares, and personal experiences. Each story in the collection focuses on a different theme, but all of them explore the dark depths of human emotions, touching on topics such as addiction, incarceration, depression, and more. The author's writing style is raw and visceral, and he doesn't hold back when describing the gruesome and horrifying details of his stories.

The author's ability to blur the line between reality and fiction adds an element of intrigue and mystery to the book, making it even more captivating. It's difficult to distinguish which parts of the stories are based on actual events and which ones are purely fictional. Despite the unsettling content, the stories are well-crafted and thought-provoking, making "Manx-iety" a must-read for fans of horror, suspense, and dark fiction. Highly recommended for those who are brave enough to delve into the depths of their fears.

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Mbappé: The Complete Story of a Football Superstar: 100+ Interesting Trivia Questions, Interactive Activities, and Random, Shocking Fun Facts Every Fan Needs to Know

Mbappé: The Complete Story of a Football Superstar: 100+ Interesting Trivia Questions, Interactive Activities, and Random, Shocking Fun Facts Every Fan Needs to Know by House of Ballers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A must-read for any football fan...

House of Ballers has done an excellent job with "Mbappé: The Complete Story of A Football Superstar." The book is a comprehensive guide that takes readers on a journey through the life and career of one of the greatest football players on the planet, Kylian Mbappé. The book offers an insider's look at Mbappé's life, including his childhood, family, and personal struggles that helped shape him into the player he is today. It delves deep into his playing style, tactics, skills, and techniques that set him apart from the rest and also highlights the significant events that defined his career, such as his rise to fame, record-breaking goals, and major trophies.

What makes this book stand out is the engaging activities, fun facts, and behind-the-scenes stories that provide readers with an in-depth understanding of Mbappé's journey. The book also inspires and motivates readers to achieve their goals on and off the pitch, making it a perfect gift for any football-loving kid or friend.

"Mbappé: The Complete Story of A Football Superstar" is an excellent read for die-hard fans and curious newcomers alike. It leaves readers informed, inspired, and entertained, making it a must-read for any football fan.

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OCELLICON: Future Visions

OCELLICON: Future Visions by A.G. Russo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A gripping military sci-fi tale of justice, prejudice, and self-destruction...

OCELLICON by A.G. Russo is a multi-genre military science fiction story with elements of legal, detective, mystery, feminist, and noir sci-fi. The book is set in a world where Earth has barely survived nuclear battles and the military has taken over from authoritarians to maintain peace. However, rebellion is stirring from within, and Prosecutor Major Annalisa Farrell, a Military Academy honors graduate, war hero, wounded warrior, and child abuse survivor, is fighting to champion justice.

Annalisa's journey to a position of power is unparalleled as she was a "wild child of the tunnels" before her adoption by General Farrell saved her life, and gave her a loving family, and a mission as a daughter to be proud of. However, her suspected genetic engineering caused unfounded prejudice to follow her through the ranks. Annalisa's story is one of overcoming personal trauma, battling prejudice, and fighting for justice against an unexpected adversary, Judge Bennett McCrae, the "Judge Prince."

The book is not only action-packed but also explores complex themes like human emotions, passion, and obsession in a world where marriage contracts, casual sexual standards, and the freedom to pursue multiple partners cannot entirely eliminate them. The story also delves into the question of whether humans can save themselves from their self-destruction, given their tumultuous emotions.

The book comes with a content warning as it includes descriptions of child sexual and physical abuse and extreme violence. These scenes are written in a manner that may be triggering for some readers. Nonetheless, this is a unique and compelling read that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat with its mix of action, suspense, and complex themes. It's a book that is not afraid to tackle the difficult subject matter and provides a strong female protagonist fighting for justice in a world of turmoil. Recommended.

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Proud Pada

Proud Pada by S.G. Blaise
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A sci-fi mystery adventure with a touch of fantasy and romance...

"Proud Pada" by S.G. Blaise is a unique sci-fi fantasy adventure. The third installment in "The Last Lumenian" series, this book combines sci-fi fantasy with romance and takes readers on an exciting journey through a complex and vividly imagined world. The story follows Lilla, a Sybil on a mission to track down a murderer in the Pada world. However, as she delves deeper into the case, she finds herself caught up in a web of deadly politics and conspiracies. Matters become even more complicated when the Teryn emperor goes missing and the Teryn empire is pushed towards civil war. Lilla must use all her wits and skills to uncover the truth before it's too late, but she can only succeed with the help of the Proud Pada.

While this book is the third installment in the series, the reader can still appreciate it as a standalone novel. The author's writing style is captivating, and the characters are both engaging and memorable, enticing the reader to revisit the previous books. The world the author has created is imaginative, filled with intricate characters, and an enthralling storyline that blends science fiction, fantasy, and romance into a one-of-a-kind and fascinating read. It comes highly recommended for fans of sci-fi fantasy who enjoy elements of mystery, adventure, and romance.

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The Accidental Cop

The Accidental Cop by Eve Koguce
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Powerful Exploration of Corruption and Justice...

In "The Accidental Cop" by Eve Koguce, we follow the story of Roberts Bergs, a patrolman in the Public Order Police patrol battalion, who had to make difficult choices early in his life due to his limited options. While his coursemates at the Police Academy are living in the cocoon of their parental homes, Roberts is struggling with poverty, and hunger, and trying to survive his patrol shift without getting killed by a crazed drunkard with an axe. Despite his difficult circumstances, Roberts remains passionate about arts, history, and literature, and dreams of becoming a lawyer. He believes in human dignity and freedom of choice but quickly learns that in the system run by Soviet-era ex-militia officers, who you know counts for more than your abilities, qualifications, and knowledge. Despite the corruption and lack of justice in the system, Roberts keeps climbing up the career ladder.

As the plot unfolds, the tension between those who conform to the corrupt system and those who value honesty and justice intensifies. Roberts faces increasingly difficult decisions, forcing him to choose between staying true to his principles or yielding to the ruthless system. Set in Latvia during the first post-Soviet decade, "The Accidental Cop" blends elements of noir crime and police procedural with psychological suspense, creating a dark and gritty atmosphere that keeps the readers hooked.

The author's writing style is gripping, and the characters are well-developed, with a palpable tension between Roberts and his colleagues. Through her exploration of the psychological impact of corruption and the pursuit of power on individuals, Koguce raises important questions about justice and the corrupt systems that undermine it. Thought-provoking and powerful, "The Accidental Cop" is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and anyone interested in delving into the psychological toll of corruption and the pursuit of power.

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Lucy's Umbrella by Sara Madden

Lucy's Umbrella by Sara Madden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Celebrating acceptance and self-love...

Lucy's Umbrella by Sara Madden is a heartwarming children's book that teaches kids about self-acceptance and diversity. Lucy is a young girl with vitiligo, a skin condition that causes patches of skin to lose pigmentation. But instead of feeling self-conscious, Lucy embraces her unique appearance and loves everything about herself.

Through the beautifully illustrated pages, readers follow Lucy as she explores the colorful and patterned world around her in rainy Seattle. Along the way, Lucy learns the true meaning of acceptance and friendship, as her friends accept and celebrate her differences.

Sara Madden has a gift for creating stories that connect with kids on a deeper level, promoting self-confidence and awareness. Lucy's Umbrella is a powerful reminder that we should embrace and celebrate our differences, as they make us unique and beautiful in our own way. This book is not only educational but also full of positivity and charm, making it a great addition to any child's bookshelf.

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FORBIDDEN

FORBIDDEN by Gina Detwiler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A YA Fantasy Novel of Spiritual Warfare and Epic Adventure...

Gina Detwiler's latest book, "Forbidden," the fourth installment in her FORLORN series, is a thrilling young adult fantasy that delves into the subject of spiritual warfare between angels, demons, and humans. The story follows Grace Fortune and Jared Lorn, who has escaped from prison and are on a perilous journey to the spiritual realm, the Other Side, to reunite with their family. But their journey is fraught with danger as they battle against the fallen angels known as the Watchers, led by Azazel, who have taken control of the real world and subjugated all nations to their will.

Detwiler's writing is top-notch, and she excels in blending fiction and fantasy, seamlessly integrating humans with angels in a spiritually oriented-plot. Her characterization is excellent, and she creates relatable and compelling characters like Grace, who is witty and spiritually inclined, and Jared, who is strong and resilient. The plot is imaginative, and the pacing is perfect, with enough action, suspense, and twists to keep the reader engaged until the end.

"Forbidden" is a superb book that will appeal to both young adult and adult readers who love fantasy, spiritual themes, and a good dose of suspense. It's no surprise that the book won the 2023 Christian Indie Book Award for speculative fiction. Highly recommended.

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