Amansun the Dragon Prince: Book 1 The Beginning

Amansun the Dragon Prince: Book 1 The Beginning by Vincent Robinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An enchanting read for fantasy lovers of all ages...

"Amansun the Dragon Prince: Book 1 The Beginning" by Vincent Robinson transports readers to the mystical realm of the Smoky Black Mountains, where Amansun, the eldest dragon of his clutch, grapples with feelings of isolation. A pivotal mistake he makes alters the fate of his family and their entire dragon colony, leading to a perilous quest assigned by the elders. Amansun's journey is fraught with encounters with various fantastical beings, from elves to centaurs, challenging his morality and place in the world. As he unravels mysteries and confronts an ancient prophecy, this captivating tale weaves a rich tapestry of magic and creatures, making it an enchanting read for fantasy lovers of all ages.

"Amansun the Dragon Prince" offers readers an enchanting escape into a world teeming with magic and mythical creatures. Amidst the captivating storytelling, this book imparts a heartwarming message of courage, redemption, and the enduring power of goodness. It's a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the unwavering belief that, in the face of adversity, goodness will ultimately prevail. This is a must-read for both young and mature readers, a timeless tale that reminds us that, no matter how challenging the journey, the destination is always worth the adventure. Highly recommended and a well-deserved five-star from me.

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Grudge

Grudge by Doreen McMillan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A suspenseful YA mystery...

"Grudge" by Doreen McMillan emerges as a riveting Young Adult mystery, characterized by its suspenseful narrative. The focal point of this story centers on the life of seventeen-year-old Laurel Anderson, a young woman grappling with academic challenges that propel her and her circle of friends toward a risky endeavor destined to alter the course of their lives irreversibly. This daring plan, initially conceived during a casual sleepover, quickly escalates into a harrowing series of events, thereby entangling the group in a web of secrecy shrouding the ominous occurrences of that pivotal night.

The plot takes a tantalizing turn with the introduction of Jace Messina, a character whose mercurial allure and enigmatic demeanor intricately interweave with the overarching narrative. As the story unfolds, a glimmer of hope emerges, only to be overshadowed by the disintegration of Laurel's world. The aftermath of their ill-fated decisions casts a long shadow, particularly with an ominous figure lurking in pursuit of retribution.

McMillan skillfully crafts a narrative characterized by suspense and enigma, ensuring readers are consistently perched on the edge of their seats. The tale probes themes of trust, repercussions, and the multifaceted nature of adolescent life. However, while the narrative captivates with its twists and turns, the intricate web of subplots occasionally overwhelms, leaving certain inquiries unanswered. Nevertheless, the continual suspense ensures readers remain engaged until the final page. "Grudge" proves an enticing choice for fans of Young Adult mysteries, even though a more refined focus on the central narratives could have further enriched the story's depth and impact. Recommended.

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The Winding Road to Excellence: Leadership Lessons Learned from Life’s Potholes

The Winding Road to Excellence: Leadership Lessons Learned from Life’s Potholes by G.T. Toby Stansell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Solid, insightful, and practical business advice...

Lessons Learned from Life’s Potholes" by G.T. Stansell offers a collection of insightful business advice focused on fostering a corporate culture where employees are genuinely motivated to excel while keeping the company's interests at the forefront. Stansell presents a series of concise "Mantras for Excellence" that encapsulate valuable learning experiences, from personal choices to life's challenges. He then expands upon these one-liners, providing practical applications and in-depth insights. Stansell's approach emphasizes that authentic leadership starts with being an authentic person, and he shares personal stories that led to the development of these mantras, often through the bumps and potholes of life. Through this, he constructs a framework that leaders can employ to transform their organizations into places where everyone is empowered to leverage their talents and perform at their best.

With a wealth of experience as CEO of Cargo LLC and former leadership roles across various industries, Stansell offers profound insights into effective leadership. He understands the transformative power of turning apparent liabilities into valuable assets. Stansell's book hinges on the belief that every experience, whether positive or negative, can be an opportunity to build a positive, principle-based foundation for successful leadership. He emphasizes the importance of humility, care, and consideration in applying one's influence as a leader to positively impact the lives of others.

G.T. Stansell's talent for developing innovative solutions to complex challenges and his knack for instilling a unifying culture within organizations shine through in this book. He is not only a storyteller at heart but also a leader who infuses commercial, civic, and cultural entities with motivation and unity. While the book occasionally delves into repetitive territory, especially in restating common-sense principles, it gains momentum in its final chapters. Here, Stansell offers deeper insights into selling strategies, making these sections particularly engaging and thought-provoking. "The Winding Road to Excellence" provides leaders with a foundational philosophy of excellence in action and a practical roadmap for transforming their businesses into more efficient, joyful, and competitive workplaces. Highly recommended.

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End of Abundance in Tech: How IT Leaders Can Find Efficiencies to Drive Business Value

End of Abundance in Tech: How IT Leaders Can Find Efficiencies to Drive Business Value by Ben DeBow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An essential manual designed explicitly for IT executives...

"End of Abundance in Technology," by Ben DeBow, functions as an essential manual designed explicitly for IT executives who are traversing the intricate terrain of the contemporary business environment, which is heavily influenced by technological advancements. DeBow, in his capacity as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Fortified, a renowned company specializing in database management services, introduces a unique and groundbreaking methodology that holds the potential to transform the perspectives and practices of IT executives in relation to the management of their technological infrastructure.

This book goes beyond being a mere addition to the extensive collection of technological literature. DeBow's narrative is firmly grounded in his extensive practical experience working in collaboration with prominent enterprises, thereby ensuring that the book transcends mere theoretical discourse and instead offers a compilation of empirically validated solutions. The content is enhanced by the combined knowledge and expertise of prominent figures in the field of technology, providing a comprehensive outlook on the ever-changing information technology environment. Highly recommended.

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Every Move Matters: Unlocking Value in Life and Real Estate

Every Move Matters: Unlocking Value in Life and Real Estate by Vickey Barron
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A compelling and insightful read...

"Every Move Matters: Unlocking Value in Life and Real Estate" by Vickey Barron is an inspiring journey through the life and career of a remarkable individual who has conquered the competitive realm of New York City real estate through a blend of tenacity, positivity, and an authentic passion for people.

Barron's story begins with a glimpse into her challenging upbringing as the daughter of a single, stressed-out mother. She eloquently weaves her personal history into a tapestry of anecdotes that are at times uproariously funny, deeply touching, and occasionally unbelievable. These stories serve as a backdrop to the lessons she's garnered from her early career, where she played an instrumental role in transforming a local health insurance company into a national force. However, it's her ascent into the rarefied air of Manhattan luxury real estate that takes center stage. Through her experiences in this high-stakes arena, Barron shares invaluable insights into conquering fear, removing self-imposed barriers, and achieving success, all while relishing the journey.

"Every Move Matters" transcends being merely a tale of real estate triumph; it stands as a testament to the resilience and steadfast determination that can drive anyone toward success. Barron's book serves as a poignant reminder that possessing the correct mindset and an unwavering dedication to personal development can unlock value across all facets of life. For those seeking practical wisdom from a seasoned entrepreneur and hoping to discover fulfillment in their quest for success, this book proves to be an engaging and insightful read.

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Resilience: A Different Kind of Strong

Resilience: A Different Kind of Strong by Jenn Henry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Inspiring, motivational, and well-written..

"Resilience: A Different Kind of Strong" by Jenn Henry is an exceptionally candid journey through the author's profound transformation that led her from the darkest depths of addiction, homelessness, and incarceration, to a place where she reclaimed her inherent power and constructed a life she now eagerly anticipates living. In this heartfelt guide, she generously imparts her hard-earned wisdom, presenting a step-by-step roadmap for cultivating a life that thrives with abundance, sustainability, and the freedom to serve others while also cherishing personal well-being, happiness, and success.

The author's narrative artfully weaves together elements of survival, endurance, friendship, love, and unwavering determination. Its genre-defying nature, this blend of experiences, adds to its appeal, making it a captivating and strongly encouraged read.

Her story stands as a testament to the astounding resilience of the human spirit. It underscores that irrespective of the obstacles that life places in our path, we all harbor the inner fortitude to conquer, flourish, and adopt a life brimming with meaning and contentment. For those in search of motivation and actionable advice on their quest for personal development, this book is an essential read.

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The Chief Executive Operating System: The Essential Playbook for Success in the CEO Role

The Chief Executive Operating System: The Essential Playbook for Success in the CEO Role by Joel Trammell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A refreshingly distinct perspective on the multifaceted role of a CEO...

In "The Chief Executive Operating System," by Joel Trammell and Sherif Sakr, readers are presented with a refreshingly distinct perspective on the multifaceted role of a CEO. While many aspire to ascend to the zenith of their careers by achieving the coveted position of CEO, this book aptly likens the CEO role to reaching base camp on Mount Everest—a formidable beginning to a demanding expedition.

Leveraging their extensive reservoir of experience, Trammell and Sakr meticulously construct a comprehensive playbook, illuminating the path to success in the CEO role. This is a terrain where specific guidance has often been scarce in the domain of management literature. The book skillfully navigates the labyrinthine intricacies of effective chief executive leadership, underscoring the unique skills and responsibilities that distinguish this role from all others.

If you entertain aspirations of not only occupying but excelling in the realm of executive leadership, "The Chief Executive Operating System" is a must-read.

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