satire

Book Review: Operation Dragonhead (PEOPLE MAKING DANGER) by Adam Fike

Categories Humor, noir, satire, Science-Fiction, Surreal FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: Operation Dragonhead (PEOPLE MAKING DANGER) by Adam Fike

Book Details:

Author: Adam Fike
Release Date: 19 March, 2021
Series: PEOPLE MAKING DANGER
Genre: Science-Fiction, Satire
Format: E-book 
Pages: 78 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
MID-CENTURY SCI-FI SATIRE – Early one morning at the end of the 1950s, an impressive, highly coordinated Army training exercise goes off without a hitch. Until frightened town folk decide to fight back. Based on a true story.
PEOPLE MAKING DANGER is a collection of quick, fun, three-act, feature-length stories, full of suspense, surprises and dark humor. All told in the present tense. Like reading a movie.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Operation Dragonhead by Adam Fike is a wildly inventive, satirical tale that blurs the line between Cold War paranoia, small-town Americana, and comic-book absurdity. Based on a real-life Army exercise in the 1950s, the story reimagines the chaos through the eyes of farmers, townsfolk, and overzealous generals who mistake, or encourage others to mistake, routine maneuvers for a full-blown alien invasion. What unfolds is a sharp, humorous critique of fear, authority, and the fragile trust between citizens and institutions.

What I loved most about this story is its tonal balance. Author Adam Fike layers sharp political commentary beneath a playful, almost cinematic surface. The exaggerated characters, the blustering General Hammertree, the wide-eyed townsfolk, the opportunistic local elites feel like archetypes, yet they capture something essential about human behavior in times of confusion. The dialogue brims with wit, and the pacing keeps the reader engaged, moving seamlessly between tense military briefings and farcical encounters with “aliens.”

Overall, Operation Dragonhead is more than a quirky historical fiction piece, it’s a mirror held up to both the absurdity and the danger of orchestrated fear. Readers who enjoy a mix of satire, history, and speculative playfulness will find this story as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

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Book Review: BILLY 9F by David Finley

Categories Dystopian, Humor, satire, Science-Fiction, Surreal FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: BILLY 9F by David Finley

Book Details:

Author: David Finley
Release Date: 3 November, 2021
Series:
Genre: YA Dystopian Satire, YA Humor, YA Adventure, YA Science Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 204 pages
Publisher: FINWORKS
Blurb:
Like Orwell’s 1984 — but even funnier!
In a grim School-centred dystopia where humour is outlawed and laughter—even a single HA!—is met with an excruciating electric shock to the neck, Billy 9F is the ultimate threat: he’s a Class Clown. When he’s labeled a menace for his extremely convincing and sublimely funny fake snot, barf and turd pranks, Billy joins a underground comedic resistance movement with a mysterious new student, Jamie 9F, her mysterious grandfather, the Major, an ultra-mysterious revolutionary leader named Poopoo the Clown, and Billy’s not-at-all

mysterious but highly malfunctioning android mentor, Uncle Mike. To free his imprisoned parents, save his little sister’s life and liberate the joyless populace, Billy must fully realize his own natural-born gifts and harness the awesome power of laughter.
Darkly funny, fast, and surprisingly hopeful, BILLY 9F is perfect for readers 12 years of age to infinity who love page-turners with big ideas—and lots of laughs.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

David Finley’s Billy 9F is a wildly inventive YA dystopian satire that blends absurdist humor with biting social commentary. The novel follows Billy, a schoolboy living in a rigid system where laughter is outlawed, rules are enforced with demerits and “Pain Collars,” and conformity is the highest value. His life takes a strange turn when his parents gift him “Uncle Mike,” a 57-year-old man who becomes both an irritating companion and an unlikely ally. From there, Billy stumbles into secret wars with clowns, underground resistance movements, and surreal teachers who bulldoze into dining rooms mid-meal.

What makes the book compelling is its sharp use of comedy as rebellion. Whether it’s fart jokes elevated to acts of protest, or the way “outside laughter” becomes a weapon against authoritarian control, author Finley underscores the importance of humor as survival. The recurring presence of Uncle Mike, bumbling, exasperating, yet oddly endearing, adds both comic relief and thematic depth. Jamie and the Major, resistance figures who guide Billy, give the narrative more emotional resonance and direction.

From an editorial perspective, the book occasionally overindulges in repetition. Uncle Mike’s constant chatter and some extended slapstick routines could have been trimmed without losing impact. Still, the playful prose, the creativity of its dystopian world, and the rhythm of dialogue keep the pages turning.

Overall, Billy 9F is equal parts absurd, satirical, and heartfelt. It asks readers, young and old alike, to remember the radical power of laughter in a world that insists on taking itself too seriously.

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Book Review: Unwanted: Fighting to Belong by Mary Beth Moore

Categories memoir, Non-Fiction, Parenting, satireLeave a Comment on Book Review: Unwanted: Fighting to Belong by Mary Beth Moore

Book Details:

Author: Mary Beth Moore
Release Date: September 8, 2022
Series:
Genre: Memoir, Disability, Parenting, Non-Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 218 pages
Publisher: New Degree Press
Blurb:
“He is my son. A person. He is not a condition or a statistic. He’s my son.”
Mary Beth Moore chose to have hope in a situation experts deemed hopeless. She was encouraged to abort her son when an ultrasound revealed the presence of multiple disabilities. Years later, experts education said the limitations of the school system could not be changed to meet her son’s needs. Again, Mary Beth chose to have hope.

Unwanted is a powerful story about one mom’s journey to make the world a better place for her son. Full of heartbreak, grit, and triumph, it raises awareness for disability rights and advocates for the human right to belong.
The presence of disabilities is a natural part of humanity, and in no way makes someone less worthy of living a full, inclusive life. Children with disabilities face pervasive discrimination and systemic segregation in school systems across the United States and around the world. Unwanted explores the evolution of special education law, research on creating inclusive classrooms, and real-world stories of families and teachers actively fighting to protect the rights of children with disabilities in our education system.

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5.

“Unwanted: Fighting to Belong” is a heartrending and deeply personal journey of a mother’s unwavering determination, resilience, and advocacy for her son’s right to belong. Mary Beth Moore’s narrative is both a testament to a mother’s love and a powerful call to action for the rights of individuals with disabilities.

From the onset, Moore’s emotional recounting of being encouraged to abort her son due to detected disabilities is both heart-wrenching and evocative. This crucial moment sets the tone for the entire book, showcasing a mother’s fierce determination to protect her child in a world that might not readily accept him. Moore’s persistence in the face of adversity is commendable, and her narrative is charged with raw emotion and palpable passion.

One of the book’s strengths is its ability to intertwine personal anecdotes with an exploration of the evolution of special education law. Moore’s detailed examination of the history and present state of the education system in relation to disability rights is both enlightening and alarming. Through her eyes, readers gain an intimate understanding of the pervasive discrimination and systemic barriers that many children with disabilities face daily.

Moreover, “Unwanted” is not just a memoir but also an educational tool. Moore delves deep into research on creating inclusive classrooms, offering insights and solutions for a more accepting education system. The real-world stories from families and educators actively challenging the status quo add depth and dimension to Moore’s narrative, presenting a holistic view of the challenges and triumphs in the realm of disability rights.

In essence, “Unwanted: Fighting to Belong” is an inspiring tale of hope, persistence, and advocacy. Moore’s story is a clarion call for society to recognise and uphold the rights of individuals with disabilities, emphasising that their presence is an intrinsic part of our shared humanity. The book is a beacon of enlightenment, urging readers to rethink and reshape perceptions about disabilities, inclusivity, and the inherent right of every individual to belong. Highly recommended for those seeking a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by families with children with disabilities and for educators and policymakers striving to make a positive change.

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Book Review: Not Nicholson: The Story of a First Daughter, An Adoption Search and Reunion Memoir by Ann M. Haralambie 

Categories memoir, Non-Fiction, satireLeave a Comment on Book Review: Not Nicholson: The Story of a First Daughter, An Adoption Search and Reunion Memoir by Ann M. Haralambie 

Book Details:

Author: Ann M. Haralambie 
Release Date: July 28, 2023
Series:
Genre: Memoir, Non-Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 364 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
This is a story about family, adoption, heritage, and identity. It is also about place and people. Haralambie invites you to accompany her on her search for her biological roots, the hurdles and misdirections, and what happens when she finally finds out who her biological family members are. Every adoption search and reunion are different. The results, and how each adoptee deals with them, are also different. But everyone who has been touched by adoption—whether directly or through friends, professional clients, or patients—can learn from others’ experiences. Haralambie’s journey will intrigue readers and may make them laugh and cry. It will surely get them thinking about their own identity and heritage. Her message for readers is to approach the quest with kindness and understanding.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

In “Not Nicholson,” Ann M. Haralambie crafts a poignant and deeply personal narrative about her quest to uncover her biological roots. The memoir is more than just an adoption story; it’s a profound exploration of identity, heritage, and the intricate bonds of family. Haralambie’s heartfelt recounting of her journey, filled with its challenges and revelations, is both riveting and emotionally charged.

What stands out in Haralambie’s memoir is her genuine and raw portrayal of the rollercoaster of emotions that accompany such a profound personal quest. Her experiences, ranging from moments of elation to heart-wrenching obstacles, provide a candid look into the complexities of adoption searches. This journey, while unique to Haralambie, serves as a beacon of understanding for anyone touched by adoption.

As readers navigate through Haralambie’s experiences, they’re prompted to reflect on their own sense of identity and heritage. The narrative, while evoking a spectrum of emotions, consistently carries a message of kindness and empathy. “Not Nicholson” is not just a memoir but a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring quest for self-understanding. It’s a deeply moving read, one that resonates long after the final page is turned.

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Book Review: Broken Strings by Rachel Lane

Categories Contemporary Fiction, satireLeave a Comment on Book Review: Broken Strings by Rachel Lane

Book Details:

Author: Rachel Lane
Release Date: March 17, 2023
Series:
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 398 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
How do you move forward after the unthinkable happens, and life as you know it is gone? That’s the question Celine and Alex are forced to answer when their son Gage is abducted one rainy spring day.
Before the abduction, Celine and Alex are best friends, childhood sweethearts, and parents to three tireless children. They are a unified team. But When Gage is taken, Alex breaks down while Celine pushes forward. And struggling to heal in different directions breaks their bond.
Then, after spending years drowning in depression, Alex finds the drive to reconnect with his daughters, to heal enough to be in their lives. But seeing Celine again reignites a familiar spark. An inconvenient spark, since Celine has moved on.
And then the unthinkable happens again: Gage is found, he is alive, and he is coming home to a broken family. Though a long-awaited miracle, it means everything Celine and Alex thought they’d figured out must shift again.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

“Broken Strings” by Rachel Lane is a breathtaking debut that will undoubtedly leave readers completely entranced. Diving deep into the anguish of loss and the bittersweet joy of rediscovery, this novel presents a poignant tale that’s both gut-wrenching and beautifully hopeful.

The character development in “Broken Strings” is stellar. Celine and Alex stand out as compelling protagonists, driving the narrative with their emotional depth, making readers root for them every step of the way. The story is conceptually brilliant and unfolds seamlessly with tight writing and a rhythmic flow that captures the heart’s palpitations.

For those who appreciate a tale brimming with raw emotions, and especially for fans of new adult fiction with a touch of romance and unexpected twists, “Broken Strings” is a must-read. Lane’s expertise as a therapist adds layers of authenticity, making this book an unforgettable experience.

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Book Review: Ten Assholes and a Curmudgeon by Bruce Wayne Workman

Categories satireLeave a Comment on Book Review: Ten Assholes and a Curmudgeon by Bruce Wayne Workman

Book Details:

Author: Bruce Wayne Workman
Release Date: September 30, 2023
Series:
Genre: Satire
Format: E-book 
Pages: 139 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
About the Author Bruce Wayne Workman is a retired rubber chemist with a BS in Information Technology. He is a jack of many trades who has taken to freelance writing in his retirement. Bruce has a passion for information and research, first evidenced when he began reading the entire World Book Encyclopedia at age eight. He was called a natural by a professor in one of his literature courses at UMass Lowell. His first essay on the differences between the working class and the ruling class, The New Robber Barons, was written in 2002 about CEO v worker wages. Bruce is an amateur political activist. Much of his blog at bruceworkman.com is devoted to politics and inequality. He writes a regular feature known as “Asshole of the Week.” Bruce was not named after Batman, but the president of Cooper Tire and Rubber Company. Bruce lives in Findlay, Ohio, with his wife and son. His daughter and grandchildren live in a Detroit suburb. Bruce is a lifelong Detroit Tigers fan and spends an unhealthy amount of time in front of a computer.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Bruce Wayne Workman’s “Ten Assholes and a Curmudgeon” is a candid and often humorous exploration of personal reflections, political insights, and societal observations. While the title may suggest a purely satirical commentary on political figures, the book delves deeper, offering readers a multifaceted look into Workman’s worldviews and personal experiences.

The satirical pseudo-biographies, stemming from Workman’s blog feature “Asshole of the Week,” are both incisive and tongue-in-cheek, targeting Republican figures who have, in the author’s view, engaged in undemocratic or outrageous behaviors. These chapters are bound to elicit strong reactions, depending on the reader’s political inclinations. Yet, it’s essential to approach them with the understanding that they represent Workman’s personal opinions and the collective sentiment of his blog’s followers.

Beyond these satirical pieces, the book blossoms into a more introspective space. Workman’s essays on religion, history, and personal observations provide a balanced counterpart to the book’s more provocative sections. Particularly touching are the heartfelt memorials dedicated to his loved ones. These chapters are a testament to Workman’s depth as a writer and his ability to navigate a wide range of emotions and topics with grace.

In essence, “Ten Assholes and a Curmudgeon” is a thought-provoking amalgamation of satire, personal reflection, and societal commentary. Workman’s candid voice, coupled with his unique perspectives, makes this book a compelling read for those willing to embark on a journey that oscillates between humour, sentimentality, and critique.

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Book Review: Meta (Game On #1.0) by Xander Black

Categories Adventure, Humor, satire, Science-Fiction, Science-Fiction Fantasy, Xander BlackLeave a Comment on Book Review: Meta (Game On #1.0) by Xander Black

Book Details:

Author: Xander Black
Release Date: 14th March 2022
Series: Game On (Book #1)
Genre: Science-Fiction Fantasy, Adventure, Humour
Format: E-book 
Pages: 445 pages
Publisher: BC BOOKS
Blurb:
WELCOME TO THE METAVERSE
2065: the streets are abandoned, shops are empty, parks are silent. But is that really much of a surprise when you can connect to the Cybernet?
Everyone can turn on, log in and drop out.
Cyrus, a failed physicist, and drop-out game designer Everett are on the cusp of their big breakthrough into the meta ranks of Neverborn, the world’s most popular game.

But when several high-profile avatars disappear, and their human counterparts are found dead, Cyrus and Everett find themselves under suspicion. They must clear their names and unravel the deeper mysteries of Brith and the Neverborn. In doing so, they will uncover a dark secret, that threatens not only the game-world but the safety of their physical realm.

Satire, science fiction, fantasy, and mystery combine in an epic adventure where no one ever leaves home, perfect for fans of Ready Player One and Douglas Adams. 

Review

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Meta by Xander Black is a new science-fiction fantasy adventure novel based on the concept of MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) in a PSW (a persistent state world) where millions of players can develop their characters in virtual reality. In simple terms, this book is based on a future where people spend most of their lives in virtual reality instead of living a normal life in the real world.

This book was a decent read though it did remind me too much of Ready Player One (which I thoroughly loved.) At some point, it got a bit overwhelming and I wanted to quit reading it, though knowing better, and trying not to draw comparisons between the two books because of their common concept, I kept reading and finished the book in the hopes that it would be different and I’m glad that I did because this book proved to be a good read with a nice ending.

I liked the writing because it had a good flow but the efforts of the author to try and sound like Douglas Adam-ish felt pretty annoying and seemed to have killed the author’s natural writing style. I found the satire a bit forced and not correctly executed. Also, the book felt to have been lacking decent editing, it may be because I was sent a review copy and not the final book, but the copy if the copy I have and the final book are the same then the book obviously has editing issues. If the book’s final version is well-edited, it should make for a better read. Apart from these issues, as I previously said, the book was a decent read and would be a great fit for sci-fi and adventure genre readers.

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Book Review: Hold The Apocalypse – Pass Me A Scientist Please, And Other Humorous Essays From An Optimist In Dreamland by Bob Lorentson

Categories Bob Lorentson, Humor, Philosophy, Psychology, satire, Short-StoriesLeave a Comment on Book Review: Hold The Apocalypse – Pass Me A Scientist Please, And Other Humorous Essays From An Optimist In Dreamland by Bob Lorentson

Book Details:

Author: Bob Lorentson
Release Date: 7th October 2021
Genre: Humor, Satire, Science, Philosophy, Psychology
Format: E-book 
Pages: 169 pages
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Blurb:
A terrified yet occasionally optimistic environmental scientist takes a humorous look at the science behind the human and animal behaviors that make a doomed planet so interesting.
If you’ve ever wanted to get the real dirt on forest bathing without getting muddied, or on animal arsonists without getting burned, or on DIY transcranial Direct Current Stimulation without risking all those excitable neurons that already have one foot out the door, then this is the book for you. Should you be of the type, however, that has found life’s little pleasures interrupted of late by the loud ticking of the Doomsday Clock, put in some earplugs, because it’s not yet too late to have a good laugh while you learn about ‘Cat Research for Dummies,’ ‘Brain Wars – the Gender Variations,’ or ‘Boredom – It’s Not Just for the Boring.’

In these fifty essays, Bob Lorentson humorously uses science, philosophy, psychology, history, and even poetry to examine a myriad of curious subjects while waiting for the collapse of civilization.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Hold The Apocalypse – Pass Me A Scientist Please, And Other Humorous Essays From An Optimist In Dreamland by Bob Lorentson is a book of essays that are unique, fresh yet, on a deeper level, quite important. These essays are humorous with undertones of various themes such as psychology, philosophy, general sciences, socio-political themes, etc. I enjoyed reading this collection because there was never a dull moment!

The author has a very unique style of writing and his sense of humour appealed to me a lot. I enjoyed each and every essay mostly because aside from the satirical approach and the social commentary, the pieces always had a deeper meaning to them and with each and every essay, the author nailed that bit.

I would highly recommend this book to readers of satire and short-story or essay collections.

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Book Review: Prisoner Of Mauvias (Book #1 Of The God’s Game Series) by Tiffany Brazell

Categories E.T. McNamara, Historical, historical-romance, Political, R.J. O'Sullivan , Romance, satire, Science-FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: Prisoner Of Mauvias (Book #1 Of The God’s Game Series) by Tiffany Brazell

Book Details:

Author: Tiffany Brazell
Release Date: 20th December 2020
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Series: The God’s Game Series (Book #1)
Format: E-book 
Pages: 252 pages
Publisher: Regalis Publishing, LLC
Blurb:
The Destroyer’s Empire Part 1 is the first book in The God’s Game, a new epic fantasy series by Tiffany Brazell. A cursed world…
An immortal empress…
A girl with forbidden knowledge and unknown power…
Although she has read all about Vias the Destroyer’s dreaded liths, Salmaara has never seen one. In fact, she’s not even sure the nightmarish, mouthless creatures exist.
She’s never been to Mauvias, land created by the goddess Vias the Destroyer, ruled by a ruthless immortal empress, a place where the very air is cursed with insatiable thirst, or to the ancient city Kalitoomba, a city of soaring glass towers ruled by a benevolent god-king. Following her rescue from a river, Salmaara lives a quiet life working in her father’s pottery shop, trying to discover who she is in a town where her golden eyes and fair skin make it clear she doesn’t belong. Illun, the man she loves as her father, is keeping a secret. An important secret.

Her looks aren’t the only thing that makes her different. Salmaara can sense where people are by their souls, and can connect her soul to theirs.
One morning, she reaches for the feeling of her father’s soul and hears his thoughts, something she thought only the servants of the Destroyer could do. Before she can discover what it means, one of the liths appears, takes her captive, and carries her away to the gruesome prison city of Günhai, where even the stones cry out in pain. Within its lightproof halls, Salmaara will have to decide, will she do what she’s told, and become a pet, a tool of the empire, of the destroyer herself? Or, will she have to risk her life and very soul, to discover who she truly is and how her powers will be used?

“Imaginative and vast, The God’s Game Series is a big story vividly told, sure to satisfy fans of epic fantasy.”

Kevin J. Anderson, New York Times bestselling author of The Saga of Seven Suns.

“Tiffany Brazell’s imagination takes off where others’ end. This is a tale of high magic that is sure to please.”

David Farland, New York Times bestselling author of The Runelords.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Prisoner Of Mauvias by Tiffany Brazell is the first book in The God’s Game series – an epic fantasy series. This book is an adventurous journey that will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions where dangers are lurking behind every turn.

It is a fast-paced fantasy read that follows a simple yet meticulous plot structure that keeps the action tight throughout the story. This book had good, if not superb, characterisation. I was able to connect to or relate with most of the characters, secondary as well as primary. I enjoyed reading this book and am really looking forward to reading the next part in the series as I am sure the characterisation would be further developed in it.

I would definitely recommend this book to all fantasy readers.

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Book Review: Jamie Whistler Plays Out of the Park Baseball Because It’s the Only Thing That Matters by R.J. O’Sullivan 

Categories E.T. McNamara, Historical, historical-romance, Political, R.J. O'Sullivan , Romance, satire, Science-FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: Jamie Whistler Plays Out of the Park Baseball Because It’s the Only Thing That Matters by R.J. O’Sullivan 

Book Details:

Author: R.J. O’Sullivan 
Release Date: 15th December 2021
Genre: Science-Fiction, Political Satire
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 235 pages
Publisher: RHELM, LLC
Blurb:
After losing his entire family to COVID, the baseball-obsessed heir to a corporate empire uses his family fortune to hit the re-set button on America. Concocting a plot to kidnap a million QAnon followers for the purpose of “deprogramming” them, Jamie Whistler takes the lessons learned from playing his favorite simulation game and applies them to the real world.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Jamie Whistler Plays Out Of The Park Baseball Because It’s The Only Thing That Matters by R.J. O’Sullivan is a unique and refreshing new political satire sci-fi novel.

This book has an intelligent plot, well-written prose to complement it and a cast of interesting and engaging characters that made this book a compelling read. The author has used his amazing sense of humour and subtle phrases to take digs on the current political scenarios, especially relating to the Covid-19 pandemic, drawing the readers attention to the real matter that should be of concern to all of us.

I loved reading this book and would definitely recommend it to all reads of satire and political fiction who won’t mind a sci-fi setting.

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