Month: May 2024

Book Review: Surviving Chaos: How I Found Peace at A Beach Bar by Harold Phifer

Categories memoir, Non-FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: Surviving Chaos: How I Found Peace at A Beach Bar by Harold Phifer

Book Details:

Author: Harold Phifer
Release Date: February 18, 2021
Series:
Genre: Memoir, Non-Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 318 pages
Publisher: Rise & Read Free Press
Blurb:
For more than fifty years, Harold Phifer’s childhood living conditions remained a secret, even from those who thought they knew him best. No one knew about his past growing up with a mother who suffered from mental illness; a greedy, controlling aunt; a mindless and spoiled older brother; an absent father. It wasn’t until an explosion in Afghanistan that his memory blasted back into focus. This book is the result of a long, cathartic chat with a stranger at a beach bar, where Harold finally found some peace.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Surviving Chaos: How I Found Peace at A Beach Bar by Harold Phifer is a raw and poignant memoir that delves deep into the author’s tumultuous past and his journey towards healing and self-discovery. In this candid account, author Phifer bravely reveals the hidden scars of his childhood, marked by the challenges of growing up with a mother battling mental illness, a dysfunctional family dynamic, and the aftermath of a life-altering event in Afghanistan.

The narrative is both harrowing and inspiring, as the author navigates through the complexities of his past with honesty and vulnerability. The author’s willingness to confront painful memories and share them with readers is commendable.

Overall, Surviving Chaos: How I Found Peace at A Beach Bar is a compelling and deeply moving memoir that resonates long after the final page. The author’s journey towards healing and self-acceptance serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit, offering hope and inspiration to readers facing their own struggles.

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Book Review: Concerning Fanaticism in The Human Race (Human Condition Trilogy Book 3) by Massimo Fantini

Categories Action, Adventure, Environmental Fiction, Espionage, Philosophical Fiction, Political Fiction, Societal and Cultural Commentary, SuspenseLeave a Comment on Book Review: Concerning Fanaticism in The Human Race (Human Condition Trilogy Book 3) by Massimo Fantini

Book Details:

Author: Massimo Fantini
Release Date: December 17, 2023
Series: Human Condition Trilogy, Book #3
Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Societal and Cultural Commentary, Political Fiction, Environmental Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 236 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
Elijah is a promising young lawyer, in love with his work and confident in the potential of the human race.
His law firm’s senior partner gives him his first important assignment. Elijah will have to follow the case of Leonard, an elderly engineer who lives in Montepastore, a small village in the Bolognese Apennines (Italy).

Leonard’s question concerns the supplementary contribution that engineers enrolled in the professional register are required to pay to Inarcassa, the Engineers’ Pension Fund. At first, the case seems simple. It was the subject of a previous ruling by the Court of Cassation. But Leonard is not satisfied with an institutional response. He wants to know why. He wants to know what hides behind the Supreme Court’s ruling.
Leonard’s demands grow meeting after meeting, and the subject of the dispute widens to include ethical, religious, and historical concerns.
As in the previous manuscripts, questions about the human condition are at the center of this philosophical debate. In the absence of answers, what is the point of writing about anything else?
The editing and translation of this book was done by Ian Zwaschka.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Concerning Fanaticism in The Human Race by Massimo Fantini is the third and final instalment in the Human Condition trilogy. It is a brilliant end to a thought-provoking series. It explores the complexities of human nature and the pursuit of truth. The author’s narrative skillfully navigates through layers of legal intricacies, ethical dilemmas, and philosophical musings. The book successfully explores the deeper questions about the human condition through the story of Elijah.

One of the best things about this book is author Fantini’s ability to tackle weighty themes with nuance and depth. Through Leonard’s relentless pursuit of truth, the author explores the dangers of fanaticism and the power of questioning authority. The dialogue between Elijah and Leonard goes a long way in exploring complex ideas about ethics, religion, and history, inviting readers to ponder their own beliefs and convictions.

The character development in the novel is particularly noteworthy. The prose is elegant and engaging and overall, Concerning Fanaticism in The Human Race is a compelling and thought-provoking conclusion to the Human Condition Trilogy, offering readers a plethora of ideas to ponder long after the final chapter has been read.

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Book Review: Blood Bound: The Guardians of the Weldafire Stone by Trinity Cunningham

Categories Detective Fiction, MysteryLeave a Comment on Book Review: Blood Bound: The Guardians of the Weldafire Stone by Trinity Cunningham

Book Details:

Author: Trinity Cunningham
Release Date: June 20, 2023
Series:
Genre: Detective Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 102 pages
Publisher: GCJ3 Enterprise
Blurb:
The Valca Order, led by the tyrant Kingston, plans to expand its territory and is gathering the strongest men from every town in Kartha for its army. Twin brothers Raidan and Dimitri Dairner won’t let that happen.
Dimitri has a plan to stop the conscription. He persuades Raidan to follow him into a cave where an old acquaintance, the mysterious Adrik, awaits them. Dimitri believes Adrik has a way to give them magic and, with that, the power to stop Kingston. Adrik confirms this, telling the brothers they are the descendants of the guardian of a magical stone—the Weldafire Stone—and by binding them to it, they will possess insurmountable power. But Raidan does not trust Adrik, who has tricked him in his past. Despite Raidan’s objections, Adrik begins the ritual until he is thwarted, and only Raidan becomes bound to the stone.

Suddenly thrust into a world of magic and war, Raidan rejects the magic he possesses for fear of it and only wants to get his family far away from the dangers they face. But if he does nothing, innocent people will die and the oppressive rule of The Valca Order will only worsen. On top of that, an elusive enemy pursues the stone and its power, and if he succeeds, it could mean the end of Kartha. Only Raidan has the power to stop him and protect the people—but can he let go of the past and accept his destiny before it’s too late?
A thrilling, epic fantasy adventure full of twists and turns, Blood Bound is the first book in the Guardians of the Weldafire Stone series.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Blood Bound: The Guardians of the Weldafire Stone by Trinity Cunningham is the first book in the The Guardians of the Weldafire Stone series. It is an enthralling fantasy adventure that gripped me from start to finish.

Author Cunningham weaves a compelling narrative filled with magic, intrigue, and suspense. From the outset, I was drawn into a world brimming with danger and intrigue, where the fate of an entire kingdom hangs in the balance. The concept of the Weldafire Stone and the power it bestows upon its guardian adds an intriguing layer to the story, as Raidan, the protagonist, grapples with his newfound abilities and the responsibility they entail.

The pacing of the novel is excellent, with plenty of action-packed scenes and unexpected twists that kept me engaged. The descriptions were vivid and realistic. While the story follows some familiar fantasy tropes, the author puts her own unique spin on them, creating a fresh and immersive reading experience. The book sets the stage for what promises to be an epic series. I cannot wait to read the next instalment in the Guardians of the Weldafire Stone saga.

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Book Review: Naked Came the Detective by Glendall C. Jackson III

Categories Detective Fiction, MysteryLeave a Comment on Book Review: Naked Came the Detective by Glendall C. Jackson III

Book Details:

Author: Glendall C. Jackson III
Release Date: June 20, 2023
Series:
Genre: Detective Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 102 pages
Publisher: GCJ3 Enterprise
Blurb:
In many murder mysteries, the call girl gets killed. This novella turns that tired trope on its head.
A skilled and versatile sex worker learns that one of her clients, a prominent businessman, was brutally murdered just hours after their last date. With her unique access to the upper echelon of Washington D.C. society, she embarks on an investigation that leads to a shocking discovery.
Glendall C. Jackson III, an award-winning non-fiction writer, creates a vivid portrait of high-end sex work.

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Naked Came the Detective by Glendall C. Jackson III is a refreshing twist on the classic murder mystery genre. I really liked this book because it defies tired tropes as author Jackson introduces a skilled and versatile sex worker who is thrust into the role of amateur detective. The unique perspective of a high-end sex worker really sets this novella apart, and what really adds to the narrative is author Jackson’s meticulous attention to detail, offering a glimpse into the lives of characters who navigate the complexities of power, privilege, and deception.

The protagonist’s journey from sex worker to investigator is both compelling and unexpected, as she uses her intimate knowledge of the upper echelons of society to uncover the truth behind the murder. The author’s writing is sharp and engaging, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

While the novella may be short in length, it is long on suspense and intrigue. It has a brisk pace, with twists and turns that kept me eagerly turning pages. Overall, Naked Came the Detective is a compelling and thought-provoking novella that subverts expectations and delivers an engaging mystery with a fresh perspective. Fans of the genre will definitely enjoy the sharp prose and inventive storytelling.

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Book Review: Gods of IMAGO (IMAGO #2) by Greg Belliveau

Categories Dystopian, FantasyLeave a Comment on Book Review: Gods of IMAGO (IMAGO #2) by Greg Belliveau

Book Details:

Author: Greg Belliveau
Release Date: August 15, 2023
Series: IMAGO (Book #2)
Genre: Fantasy
Format: E-book 
Pages: 381 pages
Publisher: Rogue Phoenix Press
Blurb:
It has been ten years since Christopher Dante, the last storyteller, defeated the Ghul in the abandoned subway tunnels under Cogstin, and now he has vanished without a trace. There are rumors and whispers of a new evil emerging, ancient, dark, beyond the Black Mountains, a Horned God who rules the skeleton people of the north. Welcome to Gods of IMAGO, book two in the stunning IMAGO Series. Gods of IMAGO is literary dystopia at its absolute best, blending amazing world-building with thought provoking, artful prose in an unforgettable, page-turning experience that will haunt the reader long after the last sentence.

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Gods of IMAGO by Greg Belliveau is the second book in the IMAGO series. Without a doubt, this book is a literary masterpiece that had me glued to its pages from the very first page to the haunting final sentence. I have not read the first book (though now I’m going to go back and read it) and this book can be read as a standalone as all the necessary details are provided by the author whenever necessary. I was thoroughly impressed with author Belliveau’s mastery of world-building and storytelling. He has done a marvellous job of creating a dystopian realm filled with intrigue, danger, and ancient evils.

The prose is both thought-provoking and artful, weaving the suspense and mystery beautifully and keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout the story. For me, what really sets Gods of IMAGO apart from other contemporary fantasy novels is its richly imagined world, filled with well-developed characters and immersive settings. Every aspect of the world feels meticulously crafted and brimming with depth.

Overall, Gods of IMAGO is a literary tour de force that delivers an unforgettable experience. Author Belliveau’s brilliant storytelling combined with his unparalleled world-building make this book a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction and literary thrillers alike.

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Book Review: Don’t Feed the Beast: But Do Punish the Free-Riders (Triumvirate Book 1) by Solveig Larssen

Categories Dystopian, Political, Political Fiction, Science-Fiction, Speculative-Fiction, Suspense, ThrillerLeave a Comment on Book Review: Don’t Feed the Beast: But Do Punish the Free-Riders (Triumvirate Book 1) by Solveig Larssen

Book Details:

Author: Solveig Larssen
Release Date: March 1, 2024
Series: Triumvirate (Book #1)
Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Political Fiction, Thriller
Format: E-book 
Pages: 152 pages
Publisher: Ostkorridor Books
Blurb:
Mountainland, the richest, proudest, and freest nation in the world, has resorted to forming a militia and creating incarceration camps to stem the influx of migrants… Fjordland, the most civilised, equal, and just nation in the world, is falling apart, unable to accommodate its newfound diversity…
Meanwhile, life is getting worse on the Savannah and in the Jungle, with autocratic high-tech city-states and abundant cheap labour to exploit. Somewhere, amidst it all, only the rootless global technology organisations seem to prosper.
Eskild, the sympathetic Brotherhood bear, expelled and humiliated—is on his journey to visit his younger, liberal siblings, Dag and Selma. Justice has deteriorated in the world because Selma, to navigate the changes of globalisation, has abandoned her old ways.

If Eskild cannot persuade Selma to support a new order that promises peaceful coexistence among all parties, even with the sinister C-Cult, Fjordland will cease to be a liberal democracy. Globalisation will grind on, forcing most people to join the workforce of the disruptive transnational platform organisations.
Don’t Feed the Beast is the first book in the Triumvirate series, featuring delightful fable animals in a dystopian world. It’s a fast-paced story, perfect for readers who want to explore our changing world.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Don’t Feed the Beast: But Do Punish the Free-Riders by Solveig Larssen is a thought-provoking exploration of a dystopian world grappling with issues of migration, diversity, and justice. Set in the contrasting nations of Mountainland and Fjordland, author Larssen weaves a beautiful narrative that reflects the complexities of our modern society. Through the eyes of characters like Eskild, Dag, and Selma, the novel explores the challenges of globalisation and the rise of disruptive transnational platform organisations.

Author Larssen’s storytelling is both immersive and timely, offering a glimpse into a world where justice hangs in the balance. The addition of delightful fable animals adds a lot of character and depth to the narrative, making it an absolutely brilliant read. As the first book in the Triumvirate series, Don’t Feed the Beast sets the stage for a compelling saga that promises to delve deeper into the themes of peace, coexistence, and societal change.

It is a fast-paced novel, but I did feel that the character development might have suffered because of it. Though as this book is a part of a series, I will hold my judgement on characterisation for now. However, the author’s ability to tackle complex social issues within a dystopian framework is commendable. Overall, Don’t Feed the Beast is a wonderful read and I’d recommend it to all dystopian and sci-fi readers.

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Book Review: Lyrical Revelations by Thomas McRae

Categories Poetry, Science-Fiction, Speculative-Fiction, Suspense, ThrillerLeave a Comment on Book Review: Lyrical Revelations by Thomas McRae

Book Details:

Author: Thomas McRae
Release Date: March 9, 2024
Series:
Genre: Poetry Collection
Format: E-book 
Pages: 22 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
Join Thomas on a profound journey through the pages of his poetry book, where he eloquently explores themes of love, civil rights, religion, and more. Each poem is intentional, diving deep into the depths of the human heart and societal issues with poignant insight and heartfelt expression. From the tender verses about love to the powerful reflections on civil rights struggles, Thomas’s words will captivate your soul and inspire reflection on the complexities of life. This poetry collection is a testament to the enduring power of words to illuminate the human experience and provoke thought on the world around us.

Review

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Lyrical Revelations by Thomas McRae offers readers a diverse array of poetry that delves into themes of love, civil rights, religion, and other societal issues. McRae’s intentionality in each poem is evident, as he guides us through the complexities of the human heart and the world around us with both insight and expression. From tender verses about love to powerful reflections on civil rights struggles, McRae’s words have the potential to resonate deeply with readers and provoke thoughtful reflection.

However, while the collection certainly has its moments of brilliance, there are also aspects that may leave readers wanting more. At times, the poems may feel overly familiar. Additionally, the structure and flow of some poems could benefit from further refinement, as they occasionally feel disjointed or lacking in cohesion.

Despite these minor shortcomings, Lyrical Revelations remains a commendable effort that showcases McRae’s talent and passion for poetry. For readers seeking a heartfelt exploration of love, social justice, and the human experience, this collection offers moments of genuine insight and emotional resonance. While it may not always reach the heights of literary excellence, there is still much to appreciate and contemplate within its pages.

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Book Review: Night of the Hawk: Poems by Lauren Martin

Categories Poetry, Science-Fiction, Speculative-Fiction, Suspense, Thriller2 Comments on Book Review: Night of the Hawk: Poems by Lauren Martin

Book Details:

Author: Lauren Martin
Release Date: May 14, 2024
Series:
Genre: Poetry Collection
Format: E-book 
Pages: 99 pages
Publisher: She Writes Press
Blurb:
When I have wandered
long enough
what am I still beholden to?
Ifá. Nature. Illness. Love. Loss. Misogyny. Aging. Africa. Our wounded planet. In this sweeping yet intensely personal collection, Lauren Martin tells the untold stories of the marginalized, the abused, the ill, the disabled—the different. Inspired by her life’s experiences, including the isolation she has suffered as a result both of living with chronic illness and having devoted herself to a religion outside the mainstream, these poems explore with raw vulnerability and unflinching honesty what it is to live apart—even as one yearns for connection.

But Night of the Hawk is no lament; it is powerful, reverential, sometimes humorous, often defiant—“ Oh heat me and fill me / I rise above lines ”—and full of wisdom. Visceral and stirring, the poems in this collection touch on vastly disparate subjects but are ultimately unified in a singular to inspire those who read them toward kindness, compassion, and questioning.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Night of the Hawk by Lauren Martin is a deeply resonant collection that explores the complexities of identity, belonging, and resilience with raw honesty and unapologetic vulnerability. Author Martin’s poetic voice is both haunting and empowering as she delves into the untold stories of the marginalised and the misunderstood, inviting readers to confront the realities of illness, loss, and societal injustice.

Throughout the collection, the author grapples with themes of isolation and yearning for connection, drawing inspiration from her own experiences living with chronic illness and navigating a path outside the mainstream. Her words are infused with a sense of urgency, urging readers to confront uncomfortable truths and embrace the power of empathy and compassion.

What sets Night of the Hawk apart is its unwavering commitment to authenticity and self-discovery. The author fearlessly confronts the challenges of living apart from societal norms, weaving together personal narratives with universal themes of resilience and hope. From the evocative imagery of nature to the poignant exploration of love and loss, each poem in this collection is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of storytelling.

I would recommend this book to all poetry enthusiasts, as I feel author Martin’s poetic style and words resonate with a timeless wisdom that speaks to the universal human experience.

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Book Spotlight: Don’t Feed the Beast: But Do Punish the Free-Riders (Triumvirate Book 1) by Solveig Larssen

Categories Book SpotlightLeave a Comment on Book Spotlight: Don’t Feed the Beast: But Do Punish the Free-Riders (Triumvirate Book 1) by Solveig Larssen

Welcome to the TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring author Solveig Larssen for her latest release, Don’t Feed the Beast: But Do Punish the Free-Riders (Triumvirate Book 1).

Book: Don’t Feed the Beast: But Do Punish the Free-Riders
Author: Solveig Larssen
Publication date: March 1, 2024
Genres: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Political Fiction, Thriller
Page Count: 152 pages
Publisher: Ostkorridor Books

About the Book

Mountainland, the richest, proudest, and freest nation in the world, has resorted to forming a militia and creating incarceration camps to stem the influx of migrants… Fjordland, the most civilised, equal, and just nation in the world, is falling apart, unable to accommodate its newfound diversity…
Meanwhile, life is getting worse on the Savannah and in the Jungle, with autocratic high-tech city-states and abundant cheap labour to exploit. Somewhere, amidst it all, only the rootless global technology organisations seem to prosper.
Eskild, the sympathetic Brotherhood bear, expelled and humiliated—is on his journey to visit his younger, liberal siblings, Dag and Selma. Justice has deteriorated in the world because Selma, to navigate the changes of globalisation, has abandoned her old ways.
If Eskild cannot persuade Selma to support a new order that promises peaceful coexistence among all parties, even with the sinister C-Cult, Fjordland will cease to be a liberal democracy. Globalisation will grind on, forcing most people to join the workforce of the disruptive transnational platform organisations.
Don’t Feed the Beast is the first book in the Triumvirate series, featuring delightful fable animals in a dystopian world. It’s a fast-paced story, perfect for readers who want to explore our changing world.

You can find Don’t Feed the Beast here:
Amazon

About The Author

Solveig Larssen

Solveig Larssen is the pen name of Sune Larsen,  a transportation policy advisor, and co-founder of Almenr, a co-living business. Sune lives with his spouse, Regitze, in Copenhagen.

You can find author Solveig here:
Website

If you are an author and wish to be featured as our guest or if you are a publicist and want to get your author featured on TRB, then please get in touch directly by e-mail at thereadingbud@gmail.com

Cover Reveal: Don’t Feed the Beast: But Do Punish the Free-Riders (Triumvirate Book 1) by Solveig Larssen

Categories cover reveal, Cover RevealsLeave a Comment on Cover Reveal: Don’t Feed the Beast: But Do Punish the Free-Riders (Triumvirate Book 1) by Solveig Larssen

🌟✨ Step into the TRB Lounge Spotlight! 🌟✨

Today, we roll out the red carpet for the amazing Solveig Larssen, who is about to unveil the beautiful cover of her newest dystopian novel, Don’t Feed the Beast: But Do Punish the Free-Riders (Triumvirate Book 1).

Presenting…

About the Book

Mountainland, the richest, proudest, and freest nation in the world, has resorted to forming a militia and creating incarceration camps to stem the influx of migrants… Fjordland, the most civilised, equal, and just nation in the world, is falling apart, unable to accommodate its newfound diversity…

Meanwhile, life is getting worse on the Savannah and in the Jungle, with autocratic high-tech city-states and abundant cheap labour to exploit. Somewhere, amidst it all, only the rootless global technology organisations seem to prosper.
Eskild, the sympathetic Brotherhood bear, expelled and humiliated—is on his journey to visit his younger, liberal siblings, Dag and Selma. Justice has deteriorated in the world because Selma, to navigate the changes of globalisation, has abandoned her old ways.

If Eskild cannot persuade Selma to support a new order that promises peaceful coexistence among all parties, even with the sinister C-Cult, Fjordland will cease to be a liberal democracy. Globalisation will grind on, forcing most people to join the workforce of the disruptive transnational platform organisations.

Don’t Feed the Beast is the first book in the Triumvirate series, featuring delightful fable animals in a dystopian world. It’s a fast-paced story, perfect for readers who want to explore our changing world.

You can find Don’t Feed the Beast here:
Amazon

About The Author

Solveig Larssen

Solveig Larssen is the pen name of Sune Larsen,  a transportation policy advisor, and co-founder of Almenr, a co-living business. Sune lives with his spouse, Regitze, in Copenhagen.

You can find author Solveig here:
Website

If you are an author and wish to be featured as our guest or if you are a publicist and want to get your author featured on TRB, then please get in touch directly by e-mail at  thereadingbud@gmail.com