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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The Business Scaling Blueprint: Building a Foundation to Grow Your Brand

The Business Scaling Blueprint: Building a Foundation to Grow Your Brand by Tony DiSilvestro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A must-read guide to creating memorable customer experiences and growing your business...

Tony DiSilvestro's "The Business Scaling Blueprint" draws on his extensive experience as a mentor to CEOs and entrepreneurs worldwide, as well as the founder of over thirty-one businesses. DiSilvestro emphasizes the importance of mindset and creating memorable customer experiences when scaling a business, and he provides a step-by-step guide on how to do so, covering topics such as branding, systemization, training, delegation, customer service, and risk-taking. Throughout the book, DiSilvestro shares relatable stories of his own successes and failures, and his coaching style provides practical and useful information that can be implemented right away. This comprehensive guide is recommended for anyone looking to grow their business and provide their customers with an unforgettable experience. Highly recommended.


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Thoughts from the Big Chair: A Leader’s Guide to Digital Transformation

Thoughts from the Big Chair: A Leader’s Guide to Digital Transformation by Russell Haworth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Unlocking the power of digital transformation...

In "Thoughts from the Big Chair: A Leader's Guide to Digital Transformation," Russell Haworth delivers a valuable guide for senior leaders and board members who seek to understand and capitalize on digital technologies to grow their businesses. The book offers a strategic roadmap, leadership tips, and advice on culture, workflow, and security concerns, using language that is easy to comprehend. Haworth's extensive experience as a tech leader is evident throughout, and his passion for digital transformation is infectious. This is a must-read for anyone interested in leading a successful digital transformation initiative. Highly recommended.

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Make Way For Lucy Mckay: How To Achieve Cooperation From Your Children In Ridding Head-Lice

Make way for Lucy Mckay by Ilan Gruenwald
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Cooperative Approach to Conquering Head Lice!

“Make Way for Lucy McKay: How to Achieve Cooperation from Your Children in Ridding Head Lice” by Ilan Gruenwald is a charming and educational children's book that tackles the common issue of head lice. Through engaging rhymes and relatable characters, children are taken on a journey to learn about the challenges of lice and how to effectively work with parents or kindergarten teachers to prevent and treat them. The book's combination of entertainment and information makes it a valuable addition to any child's reading list. Inspired by personal experiences, the author provides insights into the discomfort lice infestations can cause and aims to change parents' anxious reactions to this problem. By presenting the life cycle of lice in a simplified and entertaining way, the book encourages cooperation between parents and children in addressing head lice. Originally published in the author's native language and met with great success, the book has been translated into English while preserving the rhythmic flow of the story. With contributions from the author's wife and children, “Make Way for Lucy McKay” is a heartfelt resource that offers both entertainment and practical guidance for families dealing with head lice.

“Make Way for Lucy McKay” stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and the potential to transform adversity into triumph. It serves as a beacon of hope, empowering parents and children to face lice infestations together, and fostering cooperation and understanding along the way. Join Lucy McKay on her extraordinary journey as her tiny voice resonates with the hearts of readers young and old, inspiring a newfound perspective on these microscopic creatures that once instilled fear. Discover the power of unity and cooperation within the pages of this remarkable book, an invaluable addition to every child's reading collection.

Special mention also goes to Adi Portal (Gruenwald) for the excellent illustrations that children will love. Very highly recommended, and a well-deserved five stars from me.

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