book blog by Heena Rathore-Pardeshi | Of Whiskers And Words
Book Reviews (by Genre)
Here you will find book reviews listed as per an alphabetical genre list.
If a certain books falls under 2 or more genre, then it’ll be listed in all the respective genres.
Author:Michelle Ermens Release Date: 30th March 2021 Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy Series: Magic’s Source (Book #1) Format: E-book Pages: 285 pages Publisher: – Blurb: Can the Magicโs Source help her protect the ones she loves most? Thera has always known that sheโs different from her wonderful, loving human family. However, that would mean that sheโs one of the specials, beings of legends โ but how could it be, when no human has seen them for hundreds of years? A visit from a masked stranger who warns her of danger and an attack on her village shatter the life that she knew. Forced to flee with her mother and her younger siblings, Thera finds temporary shelter in special territory, in the home of a beautiful special named Raven. She needs more than temporary shelter, though. She needs a way to keep her family truly safe. The Magicโs Source might help with protection, but will Thera dare to seek it out and try to get some magic of her own? And if she does, what kind of magic will she receive, and what new dangers will she find herself in?
Review
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
The Essence of Magic by Michelle Ermens is a fantastic new fantasy read that will definitely blow your mind!
I loved reading this book from the first page to the last! This book had great characterisation, an amazing and very interesting plot, good world-building and brilliant execution of the story idea. I loved the ending and am totally looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
I enjoyed the writing style of the author – it was simple yet good and was easy which made reading this book a pleasure aside from making it a quick read. I would definitely recommend this book to all fantasy readers and lovers of YA genre.
Author:ย Cathy Burnham Martin Release Date:ย 31st August 2021 Genre:ย Historical Fiction Series: Format:ย E-bookย Pages:ย 242 pages Publisher:ย Quiet Thunder Publishing Blurb: What happens when an American girl of Eurasian descent finds herself suddenly immersed in all facets of her Armenian ancestry? Told with an often soulfully introspective voice, โDestiny of Dreamsโ follows the true story of a teenager and her grandfather, retracing loving, learning, and terrifying footprints of the past. While survival remains center stage, love and courage must emerge, or all will be both lost and forgotten. More fact than fiction, the author reveals her Armenian roots in this historical novel, chronicling her family membersโ love, strength, and resolve to both survive and thrive in treacherous times. Reflecting the traumas suffered by all people displaced from their original homelands, this Armenian story focuses on one familyโs challenge to find light in the dark days of the waning Ottoman Empire. Anyone with the diaspora in their family heritage will relate. Whether thinking of Jewish people from Israel, Africans scattered through slavery, Armenians fleeing annihilation in Turkey, so-called boat people escaping Asia, or Syrians fleeing life-threatening violence in their own nation, humans continue to rise up in the face of the toughest times. Who would emerge from extraordinarily desperate places, and how could they choose to set positive examples of humanity during highly inhumane times? Set in the early 1900s and flashing forward to the 1960s, the storyโs themes ring with tolerance and intolerance, dreams and destroyers, family and friends, amidst challenges that eerily parallel life in current judgmental scenarios.
Written for Young Adult and Adult audiences, the book contains some explicit descriptions and a couple of disturbing, though not graphic, violent scenes. While not gratuitous, the depictions may be unsuitable for young readers
Review
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
Destiny Of Dreams: Time Is Dear by Cathy Burnham Martin is a beautifully written historical fiction book about survival and the darkness that plagues our society.
This book was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, along with quiet graphic descriptions of violence, which lent this book an air of seriousness that otherwise would have been missing. I liked reading this book from cover to cover because the plot was very engaging, the writing was good, the characterisation was well done and the execution of the story was really good.
I would recommend this book to all historical fiction buffs. Although do keep in mind that this book has some graphic violent scenes (for those who might find them triggering.)
Author:Deepak Mullick Release Date: 19th August 2021 Genre: Non-Fiction, Finance Series: Format: E-book Pages: 191 pages Publisher: โ Blurb: Everyone wants to be rich, but not everyone is. There is a method and meaning to it thatโs more than just numbers. In this book, investment veteran Deepak Mullick takes you on a journey to financial freedom. SimplyMutual isnโt just a guide to make more money, it is about building wealth to live the life of your dreams.
If youโve ever thought of retiring in your 40s to do what you love, this is THE book for you!
SimplyMutual : The 1% Formula To Gain Financial Freedom by Deepak Mullick is a new release in the Indian Finance genre.
I generally don’t read finance-related or investing advice books, but the title of this one was very catchy and intriguing therefore I was more than happy to give it a read. And I am very happy that I did as this book had a lot of wisdom to impart and a lot of good suggestions for people of all ages to learn about investing. The best part, for me, about this book is that it is written in a very easy-to-understand-by-a-layman language and the author has simplified concepts, which I am sure, are not that easy to grasp otherwise.
I would definitely recommend this book to everyone who’d like to know about investing and the author’s 1% formula.
Author:ย Deb McEwan Release Date:ย 7th August 2021 Genre:ย Cozy Mystery Series: The Island Expats (Book #3) Format:ย E-bookย Pages:ย 112 pages Publisher:ย – Blurb: A troubled daughter. A heinous crime. A vengeful woman. When Mattโs daughter, Kayleigh takes a job in Souvia to escape her abusive ex, sheโs horrified to be a victim of a malicious crime that goes disastrously wrong. Matt has no idea why his daughter and her new boss have been targeted, but heโs determined to protect Kayleigh and to ensure her safety from those who want to harm her. Elena and Kayleigh find themselves right in the firing line as the investigation progresses. Will they err on the side of caution, or will Kayleighโs skills stop the criminals in their tracks? Family Matters is the third novella in The Island Expat series. A two-hour crime fiction read with a touch of romance, set on the fictional Mediterranean island of Souvia.ย
Review
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
Family Matters by Deb McEwan, the third book in The Island Expats series and the sequel to Bondu and Beyond.
This book was just as good as the first two books in this series and I am so glad I got to read them all. I liked this book because the writing was great, the plot and the concept were very refreshing and the characterisation was well done. So, all in all, this book had all the things that I had expected and then some. I’ve come to like the author’s narrative voice and it made reading this book very quick affair for me, not to mention, the well-executed pacing of the book helped in that too.
I’d definitely recommend this book and the series (so far at least) to all the readers of cosy mystery and mystery genre.
Author:ย David Spivak Release Date:ย 28th April 2021 Genre:ย Post-Apocalyptic, Young Adult Series: Format:ย E-bookย Pages:ย 222 pages Publisher:ย New Degree Press Blurb: โJustice is about all of us.โ
New Boston was born out of a series of nuclear wars after the devastating results of climate change rendered the US eastern seaboard uninhabitable. The city kept peace through its self-governing tribunal system and was thriving. But what started off as an egalitarian society began to divide along economic lines. The rich moved into the upper levels of the city and the poor masses retreated below ground. Food became rationed and tensions eruptedโฆ The Tribunals follows Jaym, a teenager bursting with youthful energy who grew up in the dark alleys of the Furrows. When a job takes him to the upper levels of the city, he soon faces the most powerful family in New Boston, the Chief Justice and his children, Piers and Gwen. Gwen is intrigued by this Furrows boy, Piers feels threatened by the intrusion. As the city goes through political upheaval, Jaym finds himself fighting forces greater than himself to try and save his friends and, ultimately, the city from a corrupt system. Can New Boston be stopped from complete collapse?
Review
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Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
The Tribunals by David Spivak is a young-adult post-apocalyptic read packed with action and intrigue.
I liked the concept of the book, though not exactly unique, the world-building so-far moved the plot forward well. The characterisation was good, but I believe we’ll see more development and build-up of characterisation in the next instalments of this series. Still, for the first book in a series (hopefully it is a series) it is a decent enough book.
The story had many twists and some intriguing aspects that kept me turning the pages. I liked the ending and I am looking forward to reading more books by the author, preferably in this series.
I’d recommend this book to all YA and dystopian as well as post-apocalyptic readers.
Author:Deb McEwan Release Date: 28th May 2021 Genre: Cozy Mystery Series: The Island Expats (Book #2) Format: E-book Pages: 132 pages Publisher: – Blurb: A new life. A shocking discovery. A missing woman. When Jenny the rescue dog finds more than she bargained for in the Souvian countryside it triggers Matt’s illness, and the night horrors return. He knows the only way to deal with it is to tackle matters head-on and to seek justice for those involved. Elena will do everything in her power to help the man she loves, even if it means putting herself and others at risk from men whose only motivation is money. Matt and Elena are unaware of the depths to which the criminals will plummet to reach their goals; so are the unsuspecting victims. Bondu and Beyond is the second novella in The Island Expat series. A two-hour crime fiction read with a touch of romance, set on the fictional Mediterranean island of Souvia.
Review
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
Bondu And Beyond by Deb McEwan, the second book in The Island Expats series and the sequel to New Beginnings, serves as a perfectly entertaining cosy mystery taking things ‘up’ a notch as compared to the first book in this series.
I loved reading this book as much as, in fact even more than, the first book in this series. The author’s writing style only made the book a faster read and complimented the well-crafted plot very well. The characters were well-developed and relatable and made the plot come alive with their unique flair.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series and would definitely recommend this one and the previous book in the series to all cosy mystery fans.
Author:ย Deb McEwan Release Date:ย 29th May 2021 Genre:ย Cozy Mystery Series: The Island Expats (Book #1) Format:ย E-bookย Pages:ย 114 pages Publisher:ย – Blurb: A chance meeting. A Mediterranean island. A dead body.ย When damaged ex-detective Matt Elliott stops to help a stranger in the drizzly English weather itโs the catalyst for changes in his life he could never have imagined.ย ย Elena Lacey accepts Mattโs help and her safe, predictable future is thrown upside down. Neither of them knows what new beginnings are signalled on the beautiful island of Souvia, especially their association with a crime borne out of passion, revenge, and jealousy. New Beginnings is the first novella in The Island Expat series. A two-hour cozy mystery read with a touch of romance, set on the fictional Mediterranean island of Souvia.
Review
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
New Beginnings by Deb McEwan, the first book in The Island Expats series, is a well-written and very entertaining cosy mystery.
I loved reading this book because it had a great plot, well-written story and nicely developed characterisation. This book had everything I expected when I started reading it and successfully delivered on the promise it made – a fun-filled Mediterranean Island cosy mystery.
I liked the characters and was able to connect to most of them, including the side characters. I would definitely recommend this book to all cosy mystery readers.
Author:ย Rich Marcello Release Date:ย 26th July 2021 Genre:ย Contemporary Fiction, Slice-Of-Life, Literary Fiction, Romance Series: Format:ย E-bookย Pages:ย 200 pages Publisher:ย Moonshine Cove Publishing Blurb: AFTER A CHANCE MEETING, AN OLD MAN AND A MIDDLE-AGED WOMAN CHART AN UNCONVENTIONAL PATH FORWARD. When Ben Sanna, a contemplative retiree with a penchant for helping people, and Samantha Beckett, a secretive New York City hedge fund manager, meet by chance in a small Vermont town, they enter into a tenuous relationship. Over several weeks, Samantha and Ben open their pasts inch by inch, sift through their futures consciously, and come to terms with the strength and depth of their bond. A meditation on redemption told in alternating chapters of musings and scenes, Cenotaphs is about platonic love; the ways we close ourselves off in reaction to pain and what happens when we open ourselves up again; and the deep, painful legacy of loss.
Book Review
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Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Watch this review on my YouTube channel
Cenotaphs by Rich Marcello is a beautifully written book about platonic love. It is an unusual love story about a retiree and a girl who is decades younger than him.
The characterisation was brilliant and helped me feel a strong connection to the main characters, Ben and Samantha. The writing was great and complimented the story beautifully. The concept is unique and engaging and the execution of the plot was flawless.
I’d highly suggest this book to all readers, especially those who like a well-written love story that goes way beyond the normal conventions and explores the depth of characters’ emotions.
Author:ย Velora Venn Release Date:ย 3rd June 2021 Genre:ย Fantasy, New Adult Fiction Series: Aerth’s Aetheric Aegis (Book #1) Format:ย E-bookย Pages:ย 469 pages Publisher: Blurb: The Aerth’s Aetheric Aegis series is new adult fiction the blends the genres of steampunk, fantasy, science fiction, dystopian, and romance. A young woman named Elvira Evenfall has grown up in the ruggedly remote, yet enchanting Falsvik Islands with her grandfather. Her life in a simple fishing village is quaint and serene, but that all changes when a looming threat to the world suddenly invades her tiny corner of it. A swarm of suspicious bats with enigmatic origins known as the Curse, which can infect people through their bites, transforming them into horrible, bat-like monsters, endangers all human life and now is made very real to Elvira and her loved ones.
Dark and controversial secrets about her family and identity also begin to surface, and before long, sheโs faced with a major decision: to accept the mystical and versatile energies known as aether and assume her role as an Aethaumaturge in order to join the precarious fight for the security of Aerth, or hold onto the comforting life she so loves? This choice is made all the easier when it is revealed that her own parents, who were thought dead, are actually still alive. Elviraโs priorities quickly change to wishing to find and return them home safely. Her decision instantly results in a corresponding new danger, though, forcing her to flee from her peaceful village. A secret society of Aethaumaturges promises to keep her safe in Brume, the impressive and imposing capital of the country of Lluminox. A host of obstacles and an assortment of characters are met along the way. While she struggles to gain control of her new powers, she also must decipher her similarly new, unanticipated romantic feelings for two separate individuals โ one male, and one female. It becomes increasingly clear, through her interactions, that the world isnโt just plagued by a pandemic, but also an elite ruling class of superior people who often exploit the underprivileged and abuse their power. These people, known as Ascendants, are a vestige of the Archaic Era, a technologically-advanced time period from hundreds of years prior that was considered the pinnacle of mankind, but concluded with civilization collapsing and the destruction of nearly all humankind, due to the ancient peoplesโ malice and selfishness. Letโs hope history doesnโt repeat itself. Join Elvira and crew on this whimsical, wild ride through a retro-futuristic time. Meet humanoid and animal automata, witness powerful, magic-like abilities, and discover the many mysteries awaiting both Elvira and the reader along the way.
Book Review
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Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
Okay, let’s start with the cover of this book! Truly magical!? Am I right? Just by looking at it any reader is bound to be intrigued and would want to read the story right away.
Aerth’s Aetheric Aegis: The White Mantle by Velora Ven is an action-packed book with highly relatable, flawed and badass characters. The character development in the story is simply phenomenal; the main protagonist Elvira is one of the most unique characters I’ve ever read! Yes, she has her flaws but with the help of her close ones, she tackles everything that comes her way. I really enjoyed reading about her journey. The other thing that I loved in the book was the relationship dynamics in the story. I won’t delve into much detail because SPOILERS!, but I ended up really enjoying the drama going on throughout the book. It is filled with beautiful and amazing artwork throughout, which made the book compelling for me.
With its intriguing plot structure, some highly powerful characters, and their development, Velora Ven has delivered an action-packed thrilling and enthralling adventure for the readers. If you want to dwell in a different world that is captivating and refreshing, I would highly suggest you pick this one up.ย
Author:ย Jonathan Koven Release Date:ย 12th December 2020 Genre:ย Poetry Collection Series: Format:ย E-bookย Pages:ย 53 pages Publisher:ย Toho Publishing Blurb: These heartfelt poems speak to a transformative journey “to rediscover love as both a question and an answer.” Seeking hope, honoring family, finding love, accepting time’s passage, and understanding gratitude are all major themes explored in this dreamlike collection.ย
Review
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
A book that’s dedicated to the writer’s family, does a phenomenal job of capturing raw emotions, love, nature and of course family.ย The book is divided into three parts: Life lineย , Heart line and Head line.ย
The first section of the book gives the readers the nostalgic feeling of one’s childhood and appreciates various other small natural elements. While reading some lines I was so struck at the beauty through which these small nature filled elements were added by the the author. With lines like, “if I focus on the branches, they’ll sway maybe singing” the poet literally tugs on the reader’s heartstrings. All the poems, have this fresh, pleasant aura to them, too many emotions packed that makes you feel love the most. Even though at times the mood of the poems may appear melancholic the end message the reader receives is life is wonderful.
The second section I feel talks about the adulthood and life’s hardships and the wonderful feeling of loving and being loved. Some poems are filled with longing and hope that makes the readers feel a certain kind of intimacy with the writer. I loved how the poet was able to capture cities and everyday life in his poems and the message at the end of the section again was love and how important family is. Though at times being melancholic, Jonathan Koven does a fantastic job of portraying emotions flawlessly. Inspite of having many emotions throughout all poems, the one emotion that is highlighted and repetitive is that of love. With lines like
"Another and another.
It cannot be denied
there are those who remember,
and those who love." The poet makes it quite clear how highly he regards this feeling of love.
The line that was my personal favourite was "Love crawls over
your heart.
Maybe you stumbled into a dream,
and then, into this body." Lines like these made me feel that the book was worth reading.
The last section dwells on longing and how love can be so painful and fruitful at the same time, while reading, I was so in awe of some lines like,
"I would try to steal it all
as tide fills in, to hold anything
before drowningโbut
it is better to let go."
One word to describe it was simply beautiful. The poetry at times feel like a haunting melody and the raw emotions and memories captivate the reader from the very start. If you are a emotional person like me, then Jonathan Koven’s lines will at times tug at your heartstrings and leave you feeling vulnerable but at the same time you’ll be struck by how hauntingly beautiful and mesmerising the words are.
Captivating, Raw, Emotional, Melancholic and filled with unconditional love, is how I would describe Palm lines. It’s a very quick read and one can finish it in one go, if someone wants to know the importance of love and family and wants to feel emotions I highly recommend one should pick this one up.ย
You can also read this review on Goodreads and Amazon
Burly by Paul Drewitt is a beautifully written book with honest prose and an excellent plot.
I was hooked right from the stat and was thoroughly engrossed in the story till the ending. I really liked this book and was able to relate to all the characters as well. But for me the best part about the book is the narrative style of the author.
I’d recommend this book to all readers, especially to those who prefer reading literary genre.
You can also read this review on Goodreads and Amazon (after the book’s official publication date.)
Author:ย Greg Rajaramย Release Date:ย 15th April 2021 Genre:ย Philosophy, Drama, Literary Fiction, Surreal Series: Format:ย E-bookย Pages:ย 242 pages Publisher:ย – Blurb: Ever since humans became self-aware, we have struggled to find the meaning of life. The price we paid for becoming intelligent was to become painfully ignorant of the difference between good and evil.
Adi, a 10-year-old boy, works together with two old philosophers as they try to unravel the prophecy of a promised King. With insatiable curiosity, Adi must work with the wise men as they rationalize with each other on why and how humans became intelligent. Together they attempt to answer some of the most profound questions related to existence. Does evolution end with human beings or is there an โOvermanโ who can reach evolutionโs pinnacle? Will this Overman be able to define values for humankind? Centuries later a young boy promises his mother that he will always uphold the love that she has taught him. It is a promise that drowns him in the nectar of the gods. Krish grows up to be an engineer and joins a team of scientists as they try to create artificial consciousness in a machine. Krish soon realizes that he has a bigger fight on his hands. A fight to preserve love in a desolate world. His quest for true love ultimately leads him down a path where he comes face to face with a fearsome snake delivering a kiss of death. Humans have come a long way by questioning the nature of objects around us and pushing the limits of our intelligence, but itโs now time that we ask the greatest question yet: when does intelligence transcend to become consciousness?
Review
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
The Greatest Game by Greg Rajaram is a philosophical read with complex characters and plotline that will leave you introspecting about life and everything else in its wake.
This book a very fresh take on a concept well-loved and widely accepted therefore it was very interesting to read this book. I liked the author’s narrative style and the fact that the book was layered with complexity, intrigue and knowledge very well. I also liked the characterisation as they were all well-developed and rounded characters.
I’d recommend this book to all readers, especially to readers of philosophical fiction.
Author:ย Dr. Carole Weaver Release Date:ย 28th April 2021 Genre:ย Memoir, Non-Fiction Series: Format:ย E-bookย Pages:ย 141 pages Publisher:ย Carole Weaver-Linsner Blurb: Pies to Die for is a how-to against the bad stuff of living with metastatic cancer or other lethal diagnosis–the monsters that attack your frame of mind, so you can’t enjoy the time you have left. It is also a romp through art appraising: specifically, through the author’s husband and his clients who have lost art through death, debt, divorce, and disaster.
These stories offer hints about how to cope with something beautiful being gone, or they entertain you with the strangeness of human nature–even without stage four anything. This book is meant to give you tools for your journey, however long or short, so that you live vibrantly, gratefully, and with gusto till the end.
Review
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Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Pies To Die For: How to Live a Vibrant Life Despite a Fatal Diagnosis by Dr. Carole Weaver is a beautiful book full of gems such as some really good advice, hearty anecdotes, relatable moments of grief and laughter and, most importantly, a lesson on how we tend to ignore to live once we know about how we may die.
This book is written by a terminally ill author, and I would like to salute her for her courage to pen such a beautiful book under her circumstances. You can read between the lines about how passionate the author is about the things that she writes about and it is this particular thing that made me enjoy this book the most.
I would recommend this book to all readers of fiction and non-fiction alike.
Author:ย William E. Jefferson Release Date:ย 1st May 2021 Genre:ย Surreal Fiction, Fantasy Series: Format:ย E-bookย Pages:ย 262 pages Publisher:ย Mason S. Haynie Blurb: Presence, the Play offers a penetrating perspective on the vital role personal presence plays in the essence of life. This timely, captivating novel speaks to a growing hunger for a way of life thatโs real and tangible, the opposite of an artificial existence lived in a realm of mediated connectivity.ย
The protagonist of Presence, the Play is a playwright and monk named Script who lives on the Isle of Estillyen. On the opening night of Presence, Scriptโs long-awaited play, he suffers a devastating fall in the theatre balcony and lapses into a prolonged coma. The novel plays out in Scriptโs comatose state.ย
Presence, the Play offers a meticulously crafted storyline evoking the imaginative prose of J. R. R. Tolkien, the spirited perception of C. S. Lewis, and the dramatic flair of Danteโs Divine Comedy. Readers will join Script on an epic mission to save the Isle of Estillyen from the forces of darkness, experiencing many daunting adventures along the way.ย
Review
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
Presence, the Play by William E. Jefferson is a surrealist fiction story that cannot be expressed in words and can only be experienced. I was really impressed with the author’s use of language and the vivid imagery that was painted throughout the words to describe and narrate some of the scenes.
This book had a great concept and the characters were well-built. The book had a good pace and the tension graph made it very interesting throughout.
I’d recommend this book to readers who like to read experimental fiction and like surreal fantastic elements in stories.
Author:ย Mason S Haynie Release Date:ย 29th June 2021 Genre:ย Dystopian Fiction, Speculative Fiction Series: Format:ย E-bookย Pages:ย 368 pages Publisher:ย Mason S. Haynie Blurb: The world is a wasteland. It always has been. Moshe, Amaru, and Reenu have never known anything other than the desert wasteland that raised them. When the rumor arises that something other than barren landscape could be out there, the three of them make haste for an abundant future. Upon arrival at this established society, the group quickly learns how and how not to get along amidst group dynamics and seemingly sinister mystery. The trials and social politics that Moshe, Amaru, and Reenu face teach them that some rules are useful and some are meant to be broken. Have a seat at Ecclesia’s Table.
Review
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Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
Ecclesia’s Table by Mason S Haynie is a unique dystopian novel set in a fictional world with a unique twist and a refreshing take on the genre itself.
This book is different from any other dystopian book I’ve ever read and therefore it was enjoyable to read. The characterisation was good and the concept was great. The world-building though could have been a little better had the author focused on the exposition for the place at least. Other than that I have no issues with the book and actually enjoyed it. It felt like a self-contained novel in the entirely of the book.
You can also read this review on Goodreads and Amazon.
Author:ย Donna Tetreault, Elisena Bonadioย (Illustrations) Release Date:ย 15th March 2021 Genre:ย Children’s Non-Fiction Series: Format:ย E-bookย Pages:ย 36 pages Publisher:ย Donna Tetreault Blurb: Dear Me, Letters to Myself For All of My Emotions teaches young children how to recognize and manage the emotions they feel throughout the day. Through a series of letters that begin with, Dear Me, a young child writes down his feelings. These letters allow him to recognize that he can change how he feels while practicing self-kindness and compassion.
Dear Me serves as a guide to help kids learn about expressing feelings, understanding those feelings, and then deciding what to do about them in ways that are healthy, helpful, and kind. The book models several approaches for parents, but, more directly, models how children can develop the social-emotional skill of managing emotions by naming emotions, journaling, and mindful breathing.
Beautiful illustrations support this empowering message designed to help children understand and appreciate all of their emotions.
Dear Me, Letters to Myself For All of My Emotions teaches children: – Self-love – Self-regulation – Self-advocacy – Managing emotions – Empathy – Journaling – Mindful breathing
Review
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
A beautiful children’s book I would highly suggest to all parents for their little ones. It teaches the kids about self-love, which I think, is very unique and one of the biggest plus points about this unique and amazing book!
Author:ย John-Michael Gariepy Release Date:ย 13th January 2021 Genre:ย Humour, Non-Fiction, Games Series: Format:ย E-bookย Pages:ย 196 pages Publisher: Popcorn Roulette Blurb: Did you ever wonder: โ What makes Clue the best movie based on a game franchise? โ What does the doubling cube in backgammon do? โ How trains are even supposed to operate in Ticket to Ride: Antarctica? โ How the designer of the board game Pandemic feels now that he’s lived through an actual global pandemic? โ Whatever happened to the Monopoly game show from the 90s?
Based on Ranker’s poll of almost 400,000 votes, these games define us. From multiple-award winning masterpieces of the past decade, to indestructible classics still going strong after 5,000 years of play, these are the games you must play before you die. Well, except for Sorry!. That game is a blight upon this list and mankind as a whole.ย
Excuse me. What I’m trying to say is that I wrote this book about games, and I thought you might like it.
Review
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
Winning Streak: Tales and Trivia of the 40 Most Popular Board Games by John-Michael Gariepy is a fun, informative and entertaining read about the most iconic and loved games int he history of games!
This book was deliciously entertaining and I enjoyed reading ever scrap of information this book had to offer. I loved the writing style of the author because it made the book a quick and easy affair and the straightforwardness only made it all the more engaging.
I would definitely recommend this book to everyone because this book contains trivia and fun bits about games we all have played or heard of at some point or another. So do go for it as it an a delightful and quick read!
Author:Eric L. Heard Release Date: 13th January 2021 Genre: Memoir, Non-Fiction Series: Format: E-book Pages: 73 pages Publisher: Blurb: The purpose of this book is an awkward discussion of Eric Heardโs life to his son. He talks about his life in a candid way that tries to explain his anxiety as an African American dad. It is an open and honest account of his life through the life of a child that has been through a lot in his life. It is a reflection on his life that has been shaped by his childhood experiences.
Review
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
Reflections of an Anxious African American Dad by Eric L. Heard is a heart touching memoir about the author, his son and the stories they have as well as their experiences.
I found this book very emotional, honest and interesting as it was quite a unique experience for me to understand and know the story from the perspective of an African American person. Though at the same time, this book has a lot of things that I was able to relate to, so I’d say that it has a lot to offer to its readers.
I found the narration very simple, elegant as well as introspective and found myself drawn and submerged in the stories and experiences shared by the author in an elegant way. I’d recommend this book to everyone who reads memoirs. It is a quick read and that too an interesting one with unique insights.
Author:ย Tamara K. Bryantย Release Date:ย 20th October 2020 Genre:ย Travelogue, Memoir, Non-Fiction Series: Format:ย E-bookย Pages:ย 465 pages Publisher: Blurb: After a great stay in Thailand, Tam and her friends, Casey, Valerie, faced with the sad reality that they only had two more days left before the fun ended and they had to board a plane for home.
It was too soon. She’d only tasted a teeny bit of Southeast Asia and didnโt want to leave go back to her โrealโ life. But she knew she had to go home. Her flight was booked. She had a job and family to go back to. She couldnโt just stay. Or, could she? What if Tam didnโt go home yet? What if she explored the vast and exotic land of Southeast Asia…by herself…solo?ย
But was she ready to be on her own? The thought of traveling alone without her friends, terrified her. “On the other hand,” she thought, “would I ever get another chance to really experience Southeast Asia?”
Terrified and excited at the same time, Tamara K. Bryant followed her heart and bravely stepped onto the road that led her to the most exciting and amazing year of her life!
Review
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
An Inkling, A Backpack And All The Time In The World – Travelling On A Whim by Tamara K. Bryant is an exciting tale about solo travel and adventures (as well as hazardous yet funny misadventures) experienced by the author.
This book was a very quick read because it was very engaging as well as interesting and fun! I enjoyed reading this book because it had so many different elects in the story that it was hard to put this book down. A simple yet thoroughly entertaining read that I’d recommend to anyone who likes travelling and dreams about travelling solo (which I am sure everyone does, at some point or the other in their life.)
You can also read this review on Goodreads and Amazon.
Author:ย Michael Webb Release Date:ย 1st April 2021 Genre:ย High Fantasy Series: The Shadow Knights Trilogy (Book #1) Format:ย E-bookย Pages:ย 552 pages Publisher:ย KDP Blurb: On the unforgiving streets of Karad, Veron grows up hungry, inexperienced, and stealing just to survive. After tragedy strikes, he is forced to decide what path his life will take.ย
Opportunity arises when he discovers the last survivor of a secret organization called the Shadow Knights. Apprenticed to learn their ways, Veron begins to develop abilities he never dreamed he could have.
Meanwhile, an enemy from across the mountains comes to destroy their kingdomโs way of life, and the Shadow Knights are the only ones able to stop him. As Veron fights to survive the city, he prepares to face his destiny.
Review
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
The Last Shadow Knight by Michael Webb is an immersive high fantasy read.
I like the cover image of this book and as I read the book and finished it, it started to make sense to me, so I really liked the thoughtfulness behind it. This book was really interesting to read and very engaging. It is a delightful mixture of vivid and elaborate settings, strong characterisation, interesting concept and good writing along with great pacing and tension. So, for me, this book had it all. I enjoyed reading it and I am looking forward to reading the next part of this trilogy.
If you like reading fantasy books then I’d definitely recommend this book!
You can also read this review on Goodreads and Amazon.
โ Are you struggling with insomnia? โ Are you living in anxiety related to sleep? โ Are you developing a limiting belief in sleep? โ Are you fighting with your brain and feeling shame? โ Are you waiting to fall asleep time every night? โ Are you spending the entire day thinking about sleep?
Hey there! I am Manohar Grandhi I am a software engineer by profession and have struggled for more than a year with all the above points.
I have written this book after struggling with insomnia and having sought intensive consultation with IITian turned Psychologist, Speaker, and Coach Karthik.
In this book, I have shared my firsthand experiences, struggles, and wins that helped me to turn intrinsic motivation into sustained motivation for reversing insomnia. The methods I suggest in this book are easy yet effective. It worked for me. It is also working for tons of people and it will work for you as well because it is backed by science. The method I suggest in the book in reversing anxiety/insomnia has been in practice for around 5000 years.ย What will you get from this book? 1) Freedom from anxiety. 2) Peace of mind. 3) A process to get rid of anti-anxiety pills. Here is my proposalโtry the methods with an open mind and whole-hearted attempts, trust the process, and see the magical changes in your mind. Imagine sleeping like a child without any worry, and not spending a single minute of the day being anxious about sleep.ย My question to you is –Are you ready to transform your life? If your answer is yes, then scroll up and click the Buy Now
Review
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Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
My Sleepless Nights by Manohar Gandhi is a fact-based information-packed book on insomnia and how the author successfully over-came it.
I liked this book because of its simple language, easy to relate concepts and the generalised and non-clinical approach towards insomnia. We Indians have a tendency to not talk openly about mental health issues or even minor psychology-related issues, so this book comes at a good time when mental health should be on the list of everyone’s priority. The fact that the author used some stories to get across some points was impressive and overall the book provides a lot of valuable insights into the condition of insomnia and how one can try to defeat it in simple and non-clinical ways.
Please note that if you suffer clinical insomnia and have been clinically diagnosed with it then you might want to seek a doctor’s opinion and not rely entirely on the information in this book as it is a helpful guide, not a medical instructional manual.
I would suggest this book to readers of non-fiction literature and to those who have (or know anyone who has) insomnia. At the least, this book would provide a great insight into the condition itself.
You can also read this review on Goodreads and Amazon.
Anton Markoviฤ didnโt believe in a girl with a gun.
How could the Partisans win this war with only farmers, labourers and women for soldiers? The experiment was ridiculous. He should have stuck to the ships he knew and not be in a forest in Bosnia with a rifle in his hands, and a bullet in his head, and a woman by his side cackling like a throttled fowl in some dazzling display of hormonal triumph.ย
Tito had allowed the girls from the villages to serve in combat roles, and Mara was all in favour of anything innovative for women. She had just shot her first fascist, and her face beneath Antonโs was exuberant, breathless and beautiful.ย
He was at war, and clearly on more fronts than he anticipated.ย
But could he save Mara from that brilliant and psychotic fascist she could not shoot?ย
From the forests and mountains of Bosnia to the White Cliffs of Dover, the Nazis and the Ustasha battle the most successful resistance movement in Occupied Europe.ย
Death to Fascism!
Review
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Rating: 5 out of 5.
Through Forests And Mountains by Margaret Walker is a beautifully written story about personal emotions and difficult situations (socially and otherwise.)
This book reads more like an experience than a story and takes the readers to the historical settings of upheaval in Yugoslavia in the year 1942. The historical backdrop is beautifully articulated and I was really impressed by the author penchant for details. The characterisation is brilliant and I loved the main leads, Anton and Mara, as well as the cast of secondary characters. All the characters had so much to offer to the story and the build-up of the plot, that it made the book a rich combination of a solid plot with equally strong characterisation.
This book covers a wide spectrum of emotions – from one’s love for their country and friendships between individuals to blossoming romantic relationship between the leads (that is built slowly and steadily.) Overall, this book is a highly engaging and entertaining read and I would recommend it to all readers, especially readers who love historical fiction works.
Author:ย Jake Camp Release Date:ย 16th February 2021 Genre:ย Literary Fiction, Philosophical, Satire, Dark Humour Format:ย E-bookย Pages:ย 254 pages Publisher:ย Pski’s Porch Publishing Blurb: A sunset wedding in Kona. An ugly secret discovered on an iPhone. Experimental philosophical marriage counseling. Time travel. Diver Neurons and Angel Neurons separated by Sea and Sky. Banshee and the Sperm Whale takes the reader on a journey into the unconscious mind of Martin, a biracial chef from Denver who suffers from a particular kind of overabundance. Along the way, a modern allegory unfolds, and everyday notions about self-knowledge, the nature of good and evil, and possibility of finding meaning and spiritual significance in the face of inexorable uncertainty are turned inside out.
Review
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Rating: 5 out of 5.
Banshee And The Sperm Whale by Jake Camp is a beautiful book full of deep and colourful ideas and concepts.
I absolutely loved this book because the author skillfully dissected a wide range of emotions. This book was so different from other contemporary literary fiction reads that I was overwhelmed with the joy of having found this gem of a book! I am truly grateful to the author for writing this brilliant book and letting his readers experience the dual nature of reality.
This book has a beautifully complex plot along with a well-written story that is highlighted by profound and introspective satire and an array of multi-layered characters. What else can you possibly ask for?
I’d recommend this book to all readers. This book is a must-read!
Author:Laricea Ioana Roman-Halliday Release Date: 27th January 2021 Genre: Non-Fiction Format: E-book Pages: 105 pages Publisher: – Blurb: Purpose is a journey, not a destination. More business leaders, marketers and customers need to become aware of true brand purpose and act upon it through business strategies, marketing campaigns and their wallet. This book challenges the way brand purpose has been deployed over the past few years and examines ways of correcting misconceptions and misuses by providing practical solutions and examples of what good looks like. We all have a role to play in the community, so stop dreaming about unicorns and be more zebra!
Review
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
A Brand’s Purpose – Less Unicorn, More Zebra? by Laricea Ioana Roman-Halliday is an informative, fact-based, no-nonsense book.
I liked this book because it taught me quite a few things. The structure of the book was good and the writing was good enough to compliment the book (considering it is more of a strategic non-fiction book.)
I would recommend this book to entrepreneurs and business folks, especially those of new start-ups as I think this book would provide a lot of value for them giving them great insight into understanding and accordingly connecting with their brand.
Author:ย Pramudith D. Rupasinghe Release Date:ย 29th April 2018 Genre:ย Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Sri Lankan Literature Series: Format:ย E-bookย Pages:ย 272 pages Publisher:ย Vor Press Blurb: In the serene tempo of classical Soviet literature charmingly merged into modernity, Bayan is a unique blend from among the work of Pramudith D Rupasinghe.ย Bayan begins in the sunny Ukrainian summer and ends with a hidden, deeply meaningful message. It is not only the story of a strange, bearded old man who finds solace and a soulmate of sorts, in a traditional string instrument, while facing a common narrative of his era; it is a commentary on life, and a celebration of the ultimate coming of age.ย
It juxtaposes the failure of physical strength and faculties to the accumulation of immense emotional fortitude. It lulls you into feeling safe in spite of the passing of transient seasons, the waning of political ideologies and the inevitable disintegration of the corporeal being. Bayan tells about changing world`s order, revolutions and the ravages of time, the music of life will go on.
Bayan is the only novel by a Sri Lankan author to be translated into Polish, Ukrainian, Burmese and Hungarian languages. And its German, Russian, Hindi and Sinhala translations have been added among the books of Sri Lankan authors translated into other languages.
Review
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Rating: 5 out of 5.
Bayan by Pramudith D. Rupasinghe is a beautifully written book full of, and highlighting, a wide spectrum of emotions and emotional sensibilities.
It is difficult to summarise my opinion of reading this beautiful book because it was nothing short of an out-of-the-world experience and simply cannot be expressed in words. This book takes you on a journey to a time and place where you’d be struggling between contrasting emotions of wonder and revulsion. It is not an easy feat to write about the times of war and the post-war world because they both are two subjects that need a very good, and thankfully, Dr Pramudith – the author, did it so wonderfully well that I was left in awe.
This book is written beautifully well, interspersed with odd letters and poems, which made the experience of reading this book even more realistic. The characterisation was brilliant and I ached and pained for the plight of the characters. This book not only helped me understand the emotional background of many people who might have experienced the events told in this book but also made me reflect on the present times and how far the world has changed today from those of the earlier times.
This is a very good book that I will recommend to all readers, of all genres because it is an experience that no one should pass on.
You can also read this review on Goodreads and Amazon.
Author: Douglas Misquita Release Date: 14th January 2021 Genre: Adventure, Thriller, Suspense Series: Format: Paperback Pages: 401 pages Publisher: Pencil Blurb: Smuggling himself into Europe despite an Interpol Red Notice? Possible. Avenging a German BKA officer? Easy. Evading special ops teams hunting him for the secrets he possesses? Impossible. Things are about to get moreโฆ interesting for Luc Fortesque. An escaped terrorist threatens a landmark dialogue between Muslims and Christians. More terrifying is the theft of a bioweapon from a secret vault operated by the Holy See. That the damaging news is not public hints the weapon will be detonated. With cataclysm imminent, the worldโs oldest espionage agency โ the Vaticanโs Lโ Entity โ must get to Luc Fortesque first, hoping he might possess the cure.
Accepting an off-the-books mission, former DEA agent, Raymond Garrett, intends to put an end Colombian drug lord, El Fantasma. But El Fantasma has a mission of his own for Garrett. Treachery and corruption infect the highest reaches of religion and government, and Fortesque and Garrett must confront their past to be truly free of it. If they survive the confrontation.
Review
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Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Trigger Point: A Luc Fortesque adventure thriller by Douglas Misquita is a heart-pumping rush of adrenaline that will definitely leave you asking for more.
I have one word for this book, and that is – Wow. I am not a huge fan of Indian authors but author Douglas’ book totally blew my mind. It was jam-packed with high octane action taking place in beautiful and exotic settings and well-built characters. And to top it all off, the writing was simply amazing! This is a well-written book, with strong characterisation, great pacing, high tension and brilliant concept. This book had so much going on that I simply couldn’t put it down even for an hour!
If you’re looking for a fast-paced and action-packed book with amazing locations or settings this you should definitely read this book! I’d highly recommend it to all readers.
You can watch the video for the review of this book on my IGTV channel here:
Author:ย Ian Lewis Release Date:ย 8th April 2019 Genre:ย Alternate history fiction, Fantasy, Suspense, Mystery Series:ย The Reeve (Book #1) Format:ย E-bookย Pages:ย 252 pages Publisher:ย – Blurb: Sober, serious, and driven, Logan Hale is the highest peace officer in Beldenridge, and he knows his city better than anyone: the labyrinthine streets, the vaulted architecture, and all the dark corners where tales of mutations and a vicious enemy still linger like hushed secrets. Logan is quick to dismiss these accounts as part of a storied past with which heโd rather not contend, but when a suicide investigation leads him to believe thereโs something more sinister at hand, he questions whether that near-forgotten lore isnโt the stuff of legend after all.ย
Review
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
From Legend by Ian Lewis is the first book in the alternate historical series The Reeve.
The first thing I loved about this book is the cover art! I absolutely loved it and once done with the book I was really happy (and grateful) that the high expectations set by the cover were fully delivered by the author in this book. I enjoyed this book tremendously and the many elements it had to offer to a speculative fiction lover like myself. I loved the writing, the world-building, the characterisation as well as the fast pacing and high tension throughout the story.
I liked how the author interweaved the alternate historical settings with fantastical elements and used old lores, legends and fables to build intrigue as well as the perfect atmosphere for keeping the reader on edge. I would highly recommend this book to all readers who like reading speculative fiction, fantasy as well as alternate history and also to those who are looking to explore a new author or a new series. This book would be a really good pick for most readers.
Author: Debbie Ann Ice Release Date: 22nd April 2021 Genre: Women’s Fiction, Literary Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Satire Series: Format: E-book Pages: 272 pages Publisher: Bedazzled Ink Publisher, LLC Blurb: Itโs the year 20-somethingโa changed yet still complacent Americaโand Lorraine Mulderon is mad. Sheโs mad that dying fish litter the shores of her small Connecticut coastal town. Sheโs mad birds seem to be dying, possibly indirectly related to fish deaths. Sheโs still mad about a wave of crow deaths over a decade ago. But, mostly, Lorraine is mad at the lack of madness.
She makes speeches. She phones lazy, and now corrupt, legislators. She is ignored. What has happened to passion? What has happened to our country? And now, what has happened to Lorraine? Lorraine disappears during a protest march. Her daughter, Haley, writes a letter to the world explaining her motherโsomeone who confronts grief and tragedy the only way she knows how and has depended upon those who tenderly watch over herโher daughter, certain friends, and a flock of blue jays. However, as the blue jays reveal, Lorraine is not so tenderly watched over by the forces working against her. It’s a dark future and our nation has normalized tragedy; however, DEAD FISH touches upon these intense themes with hope and humor.
Review
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
Dead Fish And What the Blue Jays Know by Debbie Ann Ice is a beautiful book about passion, love and loyalty. When I started reading this book, I wasn’t really sure what it was about and if I was going to like it much, but only a couple of pages into the story and I knew that it was going to be a great read. And to my utter satisfaction, it turned out to be that and so much more.
This book not only has a well-written plot but the concept itself is really good and necessary in its own right. I loved the characters and was able to connect and relate to them. The pacing and tension are apt and compliment the story beautifully.
I really enjoyed reading this emotional, at times funny and beautiful read and would definitely recommend it to readers of literary and women’s fiction.
Author:ย Christi Eley Illustrator: Aries Cheung Release Date:ย 8th January 2021 Genre:ย Children’s Fiction, Christian Fiction Series: Mr. Flopsy, Whispers From God Format:ย E-bookย Pages:ย 40 pages Publisher:ย Cottontail Publishing Blurb: Mr. Flopsy, Whispers from God is an early reader storybook that shares the simple message and guidance from a pet bunny to help your child find stillness and peace. By connecting with animals, children learn to see and hear Godโs love and feel secure as they learn to be quiet, patient, brave and trusting. Written in a rhythmic bouncy script, Mr. Flopsy,
Whispers from God: A Lesson on Being Still provides a platform for your child to begin their own relationship with God and is reaffirmed by the gentle words and affirmations of Godโs love through the Bible verse โBe still and Know that I am Godโ Psalm 46:10. Join Mr. Flopsy on this heartwarming adventure that will inspire your child for a lifetime!
Review
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
Mr. Flopsy, Whispers From God: A Lesson On Being Still by Christi Eley is a colourful short graphic novel for children that helps them understand how to be still.
This book series is very unconventional and teaches different important verses from the Bible in a very simplified and easy to understand way for children. And this particular book talks about how to show children the wisdom in being still. I suppose this book is especially for those children who are always loud and have extra energy that seems to drain everyone around them – I’ve seen a couple of such children myself. So this book teaches the children how exactly to sit quiet and still while also focusing on the fact that sometimes it is actually good to just relax and be.
The illustrations in this book are really good – very cute and attractive, and I am positive the children would love studying them and might even draw a couple of them for themselves.
This book would be great for parents who like reading bed-side stories to their children, even if they are not a Christian, they can always use the trick given in this book to modify and apply according to how they see it fit as per their own religion and customs. In particular, I think, this book would be really beneficial to those parents who have hyperactive children in calming them by way of positive reinforcement.
Author:ย Christopher Griffith Release Date:ย 28th May 2019 Genre:ย Fantasy, Historical, Comedy, YA, Short Story collection Series: Format:ย E-bookย Pages:ย 126 pages Publisher:ย Blurb: William seeks contented ease, not tragic hardship; Rick loves simple melody, not its mysteriously melancholic effect upon him; Emily dreams of anything but having to work another day for darkly comic Carol; Saman is overcome by revenge fantasy, but the subject of his vengeance wants only reconciliation; and young Will Shakespeareโs dream is to act, not write though the latter as history tells comes eagerly calling for him instead. Each protagonist definitely planned something else when life, in form of these unfolding stories, haply intervened!
Review
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
William Ottoway’s Utopia by Christopher Griffith is a vibrant short story collection of diverse nature showcasing different varieties of narration.
This collection contains 5 tales and I liked reading all of them. I liked this book mostly because of the assorted nature of all the stories. They all had a very different setting, characterisation, narratives, and ever time periods and crossed different realms even. Each and every one of them was very different from each other but equally good and engaging. I liked the way characters were brought to life in a fitting way and the pacing that was set by the clever use of varied types of sentence structures.
I’d recommend this book to readers of all genre especially if they like reading experimental styles of narrative prose.
You can also read this review on Goodreads and Amazon.
The Reading Bud 