Tag: review request

Book Review: Building Resilience And Finding Meaning in Life by June Rousso

Categories June Rousso, Non-Fiction, Self-Help, Young AdultLeave a Comment on Book Review: Building Resilience And Finding Meaning in Life by June Rousso

Book Details:

Author: June Rousso 
Release Date: 17th February 2022
Series:
Genre: Young-Adult, Non-Fiction, Inspirational
Format: E-book 
Pages: 83 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
Building Resilience and Finding Meaning in Life: A Guide for Teens is an interactive book meant to engage readers in learning how to face adversities in life and to find meaning in these experiences. It gives the message that we have a treasure chest of inner resources that can be called upon in the face of adversity. These resources must be discovered and, in some instances, developed to build resilience and find what holds personal meaning. Along with discovering meaning in adversity readers are encouraged to look for meaningful moments in their lives rather than engaging in activities that often lead them to feel empty inside.

The guide also can be read by counselors and educators to help teens cope and live a more meaningful life. The guide was inspired by the teachings of Dr. Viktor Frankl, noted author of Man’s Search for Meaning, and by the research findings on character strengths presented by the VIA Institute on Character.

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Building Resilience And Finding Meaning In Life by June Rousso is a very inspirational young-adult book on practical and easy-to-follow strategies and instructions for facing everyday adversities for teens. The main thing that I loved about this book is that it is tailor-made for teenagers, which is pretty rare and also abundantly helpful because the author has especially highlighted problems and solutions faced by teenagers regularly.

The author’s writing is simple, succinct and very undeviating, which I found to be most appropriate, as the author delved directly into the strategies she has to offer without the jargon that spoils most books in this particular genre. So I really appreciate the author’s directness.

This book has a lot of meaningful and practical life lessons for teenagers (and even for adults if you want to read this book being a non-teenage or an adult.) If you have a teenager in your family then you should definitely gift them this book as it will help them tremendously

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ARC Review: Pay Me To Do Nothing! How a Lazy, Broke and Tired Boy Found His Calling by Otto Bocktopus 

Categories Comedy, Humor, Non-Fiction, Self-HelpLeave a Comment on ARC Review: Pay Me To Do Nothing! How a Lazy, Broke and Tired Boy Found His Calling by Otto Bocktopus 

Book Details:

Author: Otto Bocktopus 
Release Date: 1st June 2022
Series:
Genre: Humor, Fictional Memoir, Corporate Comedy, Self-Help
Format: E-book 
Pages: 142 pages
Publisher: Purple Piggybank Press
Blurb:
You probably never met anyone who thinks like Otto – laugh your way to a new life perspective!
People always told Otto that working hard would lead to being more successful and that being more successful would lead to being happy. But that wasn’t true.
Shake your head at his antics, giggle at his tales, and come away with a whole new perspective on companies and work and laziness and happiness.
At his first job, Otto Bocktopus busted ass and made $3.35/hour. Last year, like most years, he was paid about $700K and he did nothing. He does only what he wants, yet he is always getting paid. How did he get from there to here? And, can you?

If you believe that working hard will lead to being more successful and that being more successful will lead to being happy, and you find yourself planning to work hard your whole life until around the time your body starts to fail, then this book can teach you the fallacy of your thinking and help you find true happiness.
Told through the lens of his outrageous work experiences, Otto will make you laugh and make you think. You may shake your head at his antics but you will come away with a whole different way of thinking about companies and business leaders and work and laziness and happiness.
Don’t miss out on the hilarious online quizzes at the end of each chapter! Test your understanding of Otto’s perspective and laugh! Check out the quiz on Otto’s website.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Pay Me To Do Nothing! How a Lazy, Broke and Tired Boy Found His Calling by Otto Bocktopus is a funny fictional corporate memoir that has tons of life lessons for its readers.

I loved reading this book, admittedly more than I had been expecting because it had so much to offer. First of all, I loved the way the story (the fictional memoir) was told through the POV of Otto, a character, almost everyone can relate to in some way or another. Secondly, the sheer value of the lessons covered in this book is simply outstanding. In spite of it being a corporate comedy, the lessons from this book can be applied to any area with a little tweaking. And lastly, I loved the humorous undercurrent that ran through the book. I appreciated the author’s clever and subtle sense of humour and it made reading this book feel like a very smooth ride.

I liked the writing style of the author. The characterisation was good and felt apt for the purpose this book was written. I loved the situations that were covered in this book and overall I think this book has a lot to offer to everyone. Therefore, I’d highly recommend it to all readers who’d like to read about a quirky character and learn tons of life lessons in doing so!

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Book Review: Essential Life Skills For Teens: 13 Different Ways To Use Your Critical Thinking, Manage Your Time Better, Set Your Smart Goals, And Navigate Social Media Safely by David Skiddy

Categories David Skiddy, Non-Fiction, ProductivityLeave a Comment on Book Review: Essential Life Skills For Teens: 13 Different Ways To Use Your Critical Thinking, Manage Your Time Better, Set Your Smart Goals, And Navigate Social Media Safely by David Skiddy

Book Details:

Author: David Skiddy
Release Date: 15th February 2022
Series:
Genre: Non-Fiction, Productivity
Format: E-book 
Pages: 136 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
Beyond Classwork – How to prepare for a successful adult life to achieve your dreams and live life how you want to
How prepared are you to leave the nest and start living on your own – away from your parents’ shadows?
Are you about to be of age but feel inadequate to move out and run a household on your own?
Would you like to understand the 8th wonder of the world – adulthood and everything in between?
Adulthood comes with its share of joys and challenges, and age doesn’t always mean that you are ready to live independently.
Known as the advent of adulthood, teenage years mark a period where you need to make crucial decisions that will set the pace for your future.
It’s the best time to gather all the bricks and building materials you need to transition into adulthood.

Life skills form the foundation of the future you’ve always dreamed of and admired.
While learning and developing these skills is a continuous process that never ends, the bulk of it occurs during your teen years.
This guide is designed to help equip teenagers with the tools they need to maximize their potential and enjoy a fulfilling life.
In Essential Life Skills For Teens, you’ll discover:

  • Life hacks to help you think more critically and reason your way out of difficult situations
  • How to become financially savvy by learning how to manage, budget, save, and spend money wisely 
  • Goal-setting strategies that ensure you set practical goals and steps to achieve them 
  • The bittersweet side of social media – how to leverage technology for your own good, stay safe, and avoid losing yourself in the likes and dislikes
  • How to solve problems like a pro and avoid getting stuck on a challenge for longer than you should 
  • Executive functioning skills you need to make every minute of your day count towards your life’s dreams 
  • 20+ innovative ways to make money as a teen using readily available resources no matter where you live

And so much more!
There are many essential survival skills you need for successful adulting that aren’t included in the syllabus at school – yet you’ll find them right inside.
As you get older and take on more responsibilities, you’ll be equipped to do many of the adult tasks your parents seem to breeze through daily.
Filled with practical insights, easy-to-follow tips, and thoughtful guidance, this handbook will empower you to make good choices – both now and in the future.
If you want to experience the future you envision and prepare for adult life, then scroll up and click the “Add to Cart” button right now.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Essential Life Skills For Teens by David Skiddy is an informative and important book that will not only teach teens (and even adults) how to navigate through the tricky waters of today’s digital and stressful world but also excel with remarkable results.

This book is written in a simple writing that has a great flow and is easily understandable. The structuring of the book is done well and helps navigate the pages and the advice of the author in a clear way. I took down a lot of notes while reading this book and I feel so glad that I read it because no matter what your age is, it is always great to stumble upon texts of information that have the power to simplify your life.

I would strongly recommend this book to all non-fiction readers and to those who have teens in their homes or families.

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ARC Review: A Disappearance at the Bonne Nuit Hotel by Dominique Daoust

Categories Cosy, cozy mystery, Dominique Daoust, Historical, Mystery, SuspenseLeave a Comment on ARC Review: A Disappearance at the Bonne Nuit Hotel by Dominique Daoust

Book Details:

Author: Dominique Daoust
Release Date: 31st March 2022
Series: The Deadly Exclusives Trilogy (Book #1)
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Historical Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 210 pages
Publisher:–
Blurb:
Secret sources have a whole new meaning.
Newbie reporter Rita Larose is tired of getting assigned boring stories at one of Montreal’s most popular newspapers. It’s 1930 after all, women don’t need to only write about household chores anymore! But when a high hat socialite gossips about the New Year’s Eve party at the Bonne Nuit Hotel, a riveting mystery falls right into Rita’s lap. This is her chance to prove to herself and her underestimating colleagues that she has what it takes to write the hard-hitting articles.
While going undercover as a maid to get the scoop, Rita will soon discover unexpected friendships and an unusual gift of her own to contend with. Will she be able to juggle this newfound ability while not blowing her cover and jeopardizing her career-making article?

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

A Disappearance At The Bonne Nuit Hotel by Domonique Daoust is a cleverly plotted and well-executed cozy mystery laced with historical elements and twists. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book right from the first page to the very last one and the ending, surprisingly, turned out to be satisfying. I am now looking forward to reading the next book in this trilogy as there are some answers that I still seek from the sequel (which I am sure will be answered in the next part or maybe the one after that, but I am patient.)

The characterisation was really well-developed and the writing felt very smooth, which was surprising as this is the author’s debut novel. I was impressed by the number of details and their impact on the overall plot. I would highly recommend this book to cozy mystery fans and to readers of light historical fiction brimming with light suspense.

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Book Review: The Rescue~ Book One of the Timestream Travelers Chronicles by Sher J. Stultz

Categories Adventure, Fantasy, Science-Fiction Fantasy, Sher J. Stultz, time-travel, Young AdultLeave a Comment on Book Review: The Rescue~ Book One of the Timestream Travelers Chronicles by Sher J. Stultz

Book Details:

Author: Sher J. Stultz
Release Date: 10th January 2022
Series: The Timestream Travelers Chronicles (Book #1)
Genre: Science-Fiction Fantasy, Time Travel, Adventure, Young Adult
Format: E-book 
Pages: 302 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
It all starts when the sheets go slack, and Aeneas vanishes! He and his two best friends, C.J. and Tabitha are spellbound as they watch the video feed of his disappearance and witness him climbing through his bedroom window an hour later, wearing different socks. Aeneas Entwistle, a slightly above average eighth grader is about to discover that the mystery of waking up with different socks is much more than just a prank.

Meanwhile, Aeneas’s twenty-something daughter, Cassie has traveled thirty-eight years from the future hoping to find any small detail that might help locate her missing father. Enlisting Harold, the Entwistle’s quirky housekeeper, Cassie works to rescue a middle-aged Aeneas, who vanishes into the timestream when a 7.2 earthquake strikes northwest Washington in May of 2053. But Cassie’s presence in the past might have unforeseen consequences for everyone in her circle. As she struggles to find her father, a carefully guarded family secret is revealed, and Cassie must choose between altering the past or violating the shamanic rules of time travel!

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Rescue by Sher J. Stultz is the first book in The Timestream Travelers Chronicles. It is a fun and adventurous story with well-developed characters and a really good concept. I really liked reading this book because it felt very light and breezy.

The writing style of the author is simpl yet effective. It had a great flow and thus, made reading this book very easy and quick. I am looking forward to reading the next part in this series because I’ve come to care about the main characters and would love to know what happens next for them.

I would highly recommend this book to all teens and readers of YA and sci-fi-fantasy genres. Also, time-travel fans should also give it a read as they may find this book very interesting.

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Book Review: Into the Undercastle (The Shadow Arcanist Trilogy #1) by Alexander Dawnrider

Categories Alexander Dawnrider, Epic Fantasy, FantasyLeave a Comment on Book Review: Into the Undercastle (The Shadow Arcanist Trilogy #1) by Alexander Dawnrider

Book Details:

Author: Alexander Dawnrider
Release Date: 31st January 2022
Series: The Shadow Arcanist (Book #1)
Genre: Epic Fantasy, High Fantasy
Format: E-book 
Pages: 406 pages
Publisher: Dawnrider Press
Blurb:
A kingdom in peril. A forbidden stronghold. An unimaginable horror.
For centuries, the northern kingdom has faced constant attacks from hostile creatures in the surrounding wilderness. The population has dwindled to a few hundred, and an army of savage humanoids threatens to wipe Talidith out forever.

Their only hope is the Undercastle, a subterranean fortress built long ago to protect the people during an invasion. But it has been sealed by a mad king, and entry is punishable by death.
The young fisherman Aedan, along with his father, must retreat with the rest of the population to the Undercastle to wait out the invasion, hoping for help from the outside. But when their presence releases an evil from another realm, it threatens to destroy not only what is left of Talidith, but the entire world.

Review

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Into The Undercastle by Alexander Dawnrider is the first book in the epic fantasy series, The Shadow Arcanist.

I absolutely loved this book; right from brilliant concept and great plotting to amazing characterisation and heart-thumping tension, this book had everything that I had expected from it and more! The storyline is superb and keeps one engaged with its various twists and turns the whole time. I am now eagerly awaiting the release of the second book in this series (and then the next one!) as I cannot wait to see what happens after the ending!

I will strongly recommend this book to all fantasy readers as this book has so much going for it. This amazing book will definitely entertain and engage you right from the beginning to the very end!

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ARC Review: Destiny Lives on Fairhaven Street by C.J. Hudson

Categories C.J. Hudson, memoir, Non-Fiction, RomanceLeave a Comment on ARC Review: Destiny Lives on Fairhaven Street by C.J. Hudson

Book Details:

Author: C.J. Hudson
Release Date: NA
Series: The Fairhaven Series (Book #1)
Genre: Romantic Memoir
Format: E-book 
Pages: 242 pages
Publisher: NA
Blurb:
Destiny Lives on Fairhaven Street is the story of one man’s eight-year journey to get back to the girl next door.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Destiny Lives on Fairhaven Street by C.J. Hudson is a touching memoir about how author found love.

I liked this book because it feels like a very honest book as the author as not shied away from pouring out his heart. The writing is simply yet the flow of it makes reading this book effortless. The concept of this book is beautiful and the emotions are raw and sincere.

This book is an exceptional emotional read and I would definitely recommend it to all the readers of memoirs and romance genre.

Book Review: White Storks Of Mercy – Formation by  Joni Anderson Van Berkel 

Categories Adventure, Fantasy, Historical, Joni Anderson Van Berkel Leave a Comment on Book Review: White Storks Of Mercy – Formation by  Joni Anderson Van Berkel 

Book Details:

Author: Joni Anderson Van Berkel 
Release Date: 23rd November 2021
Series: White Storks Of Mercy trilogy (Book #1)
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Format: E-book 
Pages: 405 pages
Publisher: jponipress
Blurb:
The first book of this new trilogy is set in a world where reality and fantasy coexist. The story starts in ancient Egypt’s Eighteenth Dynasty and ends in twentieth century Portugal. A supernatural clairvoyant Sacred Stork of the Bach named Tara travels through time searching for a group of diverse women to join her on a mission to reset humanity’s moral compass.
Tara saves a pharaoh, a martyr, a warrior, a queen, and a Gypsy girl from death. She grants them eternal life and the ability to transform into the White Storks of Mercy. Her chosen companions must wear the magical talismans gifted by their leader or they will become mortal. The birds transform into human females called the Merciful Ones when their feet touch the earth. Tara manifests her own human body along the way.

Throughout the course of this epic journey Tara’s jealous sister, an ancient Egyptian Siamese cat named Reba, attempts to thwart the efforts of her moralistic twin. Reba possesses telepathic power and mind-controlling blue eyes. She conscripts a member of the White Storks of Mercy to spy on Tara. The cat also befriends a Druidess from the Iron Age and implores her to use Celtic magic in an effort to achieve a self-serving transformation of her own.
Will the White Storks of Mercy overcome perilous odds on their quest to inspire humans of diverse ethnicities, backgrounds and religions to live together in harmony? Or will the peacemakers be foiled by the schemes of the manipulative Siamese cat and her collaborators? Filled with magic, mystery, and mayhem, this novel promises to thrill and enchant its readers.

Review

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

White Storks Of Mercy: Formation by

I enjoyed reading this book thoroughly because it had so much going on throughout the story. The multiple plot lines interspersed with the main story of the book kept me glued to the pages late in the night. I loved the story thoroughly and I’m now early awaiting the next book in this series. I loved the writing, the characterisation that brought this story to life and the pacing of the events.

Reading about the various exotic locations added a fun touch to the story as it made it all the more engaging and entertaining! I would highly recommend this book to all historical fantasy 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: Sunflowers Beneath The Snow by Teri M. Brown

Categories Historical, Literary Fiction, Teri M. Brown, women's fiction3 Comments on Book Review: Sunflowers Beneath The Snow by Teri M. Brown

Book Details:

Author: Teri M. Brown
Release Date: 5th January 2022
Genre: Women’s Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 334 pages
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Blurb:
A Ukrainian rebel. Three generations of women bearing the consequences. A journey that changes everything.
When Ivanna opens the door to uniformed officers, her tranquil life is torn to pieces – leaving behind a broken woman who must learn to endure cold, starvation, and the memories of a man who died in the quintessential act of betrayal. Using her thrift, ingenuity, and a bit of luck, she finds a way to survive in Soviet Ukraine, along with her daughter, Yevtsye. But the question remains, will she be strong enough to withstand her daughter’s deceit and the eventual downfall of the nation she has devoted her life to? Or will the memories of her late husband act as a shadow haunting everyone and everything she loves, including Ionna, the granddaughter that never knew him?

In Sunflowers Beneath the Snow, Teri M. Brown explores the tenacity of women, showing that even in grueling circumstances, they can, and do, experience all the good things life has to offer – compassion, joy, love, faith, and wonder.

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Sunflowers Beneath The Snow by Teri M. Brown is a beautiful book about love, courage, compassion and faith.

This book covers the time period from 1973 to 2021 – taking the readers through the lives of 3 generations of women facing the most harrowing of situations that life has to offer but yet, somehow, never give up or lose sight of what is important. Author T.M.Brown takes the readers through a plethora of events that this book showcases, Right from living under communist rule to facing the punishment for a betrayal committed by one of the family members and the rest having to live with the consequences.

This is an epic family saga that is beautifully written and intellectually expressed. I would strongly recommend it to all readers of historical fiction, women’s literature and literary fiction about families under the communal rule. This book is is a must read!

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Book Review: Children Of Maya by Christopher Vastag

Categories Adventure, Christopher Vastag, Fantasy, Magic, Magic/Elementals, new adult, New Adult FantasyLeave a Comment on Book Review: Children Of Maya by Christopher Vastag

Book Details:

Author: Christopher Vastag
Release Date: 31st August 2021
Genre: New Adult Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 406 pages
Publisher: Fenris Publishing
Purchase Link: https://www.fenrispublishing.com/maya
Blurb:
In the land of Kaskilia, a rabbit changeling slave named Maria sows plans for rebellion. To overthrow the murderous cult of Khaytan and the zealous king who spreads it teachings, Maria must rally predator and prey alike by reminding the people what true faith looks like. Brought together by the goddess Maya Herself, Maria finds an unlikely ally in the king’s son, Prince Reginald. Maria and Reginald must reconcile their differing visions of an ideal Kaskilia and their growing, forbidden attraction to one another while evading the bloodthirsty Absolvers of Khaytan’s Covenant. In a culture where she is seen as little more than food, can Maria find a way to lead her people to freedom without losing her humanity?

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Children Of Maya by Christopher Vastag is a very engaging adventure new-adult fantasy novel that will take you on an adventurous rebellious trip.

This book was very easy to read as the writing was good had a really good flow which made the book a very quick read. I enjoyed reading this book as it had really good action and was full of twists and turns. The characterisation was good and so was the pacing and tension. The ending was good too and hopefully, there’ll be more books in this series.

I would recommend this book to all the readers of the new-adult fantasy genre and to those readers who enjoy reading magical adventurous books.

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Book Review: Gateworlds Earth – Athanator by Gillbert Troll

Categories Fantasy, Gillbert Troll, Urban FantasyLeave a Comment on Book Review: Gateworlds Earth – Athanator by Gillbert Troll

Book Details:

Author: Gillbert Troll
Release Date: 6th December 2021
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Gateworlds Earth (Book #1)
Format: E-book 
Pages: 335 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
Earth is in (im)mortal danger. Only one man can help. One man and a chicken.
When a smug but mighty talking tree asks him to retrieve one of the rune crystals of the Multiverse Gate Earth, John Zelm “Athanator” decides against his better judgment that he will do as he is told and recover the guard rune to save the planet. As the balance of the multiverse itself might be at risk, he is helped by powerful allies such as a chicken and a platypusbear. 

Can John save us, or are we dead already? You must read the book NOW to find out! Otherwise, it might be too late! 
A book by Gillbert Troll, who is in the process of making the renowned multiverse bestseller: “How to start great and meaningful conversations with dark elves.”
If you buy the book now a troll will or will not be named after you somewhere in the multiverse! 

Review

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Anthanator by Gillbert Troll is the first book in the urban fantasy series – Gateworlds Earth. I loved reading this book because it had an amazing characterisation and outstanding world-building. It was an extremely engaging read and I enjoyed every bit of it, right from the very start to the mind-blowing ending.

I was able to relate to all the characters in this book, primary as well as secondary, and I felt a real connection with the lead cast. I found myself rooting for them and cheering them on throughout the story. I am now really looking forward to reading the next part of this series.

I would highly recommend this book to all fantasy readers, especially to those readers who like reading urban and epic fantasies.

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ARC Review: Herrick’s End (The Neath #1) by T.M. Blanchet

Categories Fantasy, Magic, Magic/Elementals, T.M. Blanchet, Young AdultLeave a Comment on ARC Review: Herrick’s End (The Neath #1) by T.M. Blanchet

Book Details:

Author: T.M. Blanchet
Release Date: 10th May 2022
Genre: Young-Adult Fiction, Fantasy, Magic & Elementals
Series: The Neath Series (Book #1)
Format: E-book 
Pages: 312 pages
Publisher: Tiny Fox Press LLC
Blurb:
You did nothing. You were nothing. And so, you shall remain here, until the end of your days. As nothing.
Ollie’s only friend disappeared a few days ago, and now, he’s frantic to find her. But he doesn’t have much to go on until a mysterious note arrives which reads:
“Still looking for your friend? I know where she is.”
Unfortunately for Ollie, the trail leads to the last place he’d ever expect.

Somewhere dark.
Somewhere deep.
The kind of place where magic spills like blood, vengeance is merciless, and escape seems all but impossible.
Worse still, it soon becomes clear that someone-or something-was expecting him.
Now, time is running out.
If Ollie has any hope of ever seeing home again, he’s going to have to summon every last scrap of courage, smarts, and tenacity he can find. And none of it will matter if he can’t get some help. Fast.
Because Ollie might not know much about the vast underworld that’s ensnared him, but he does know this:
He’ll never make it out alone.

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Herrick’s End by T.M. Blanchet is the first book in the young-adult fantasy series, The Neath. This book is a fast-paced rollercoaster ride that’ll take you into the amazing and sometimes terrifying world of the vast underworld that will leave you wanting for more!

This book had an exceptional characterisation; I was able to connect so deeply with the main protagonist Ollie and even most of the secondary characters. I found myself cheering for Ollie throughout the book and I really hope the author comes up with more books in this world with Ollie as the main character! I am really forward to the next book in this series!!

The writing is immersive and had a great flow, the pacing was great and the tension was high in most parts of the book which made this book un-put-down-able!

I would highly recommend this book to all readers of Young-Adult Fantasy – this book will not disappoint you!

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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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Book Review: Fate’s Final Destiny: A Novel of Love, Betrayal, Heroism, and Devotion by E.T. McNamara

Categories E.T. McNamara, Historical, historical-romance, RomanceLeave a Comment on Book Review: Fate’s Final Destiny: A Novel of Love, Betrayal, Heroism, and Devotion by E.T. McNamara

Book Details:

Author: E.T. McNamara
Release Date: 7th July 2021
Genre: Historical Romance Fiction
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 371 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
2022 Literary Titan Gold Award Winner, ”Fate’s Final Destiny” is an epic story of two life-long friends who fall in love, only to have fate tear them apart. Set during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, the story begins in Goodwell, Oklahoma. Caught up in the tidal wave of world events, they find themselves beginning new and separate lives. Never fully understanding the reasons for their separation, they find it difficult to move on.

As they and their families are experiencing the life-changing events of Pearl Harbor and the war in the Pacific, these members of the Greatest Generation find themselves swept up by both current and future events. Whether it be the life-or-death decisions made on the battlefield or aboard a navy hospital ship, fate affects both their lives. As the two star-crossed lovers become entangled in the major events that shaped our nation’s destiny, readers will be able to go along with them on their journey through one of the most interesting periods of American History.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Fate’s Final Destiny by E. T. McNamara is a beautifully written historical fiction romance novel that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride. This book is a literary work of fiction that takes the readers through the well-constructed lives of the main characters as they grow up on their farms and fall in love only to get separated due to the historic events that shook the world to be reunited in the most unimaginable and emotional way.

This book had really good characterisation, a great plot, a very good concept (that was well-executed) and an excellent tension graph – all of which kept me hooked to the pages throughout the story. I was engrossed in the book from the very beginning till the last page! I would strongly recommend this book to readers of historical fiction especially those who like reading historical romance novels.

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Book Review: Burn Of The Abyss by Dimitry Pavlovsky

Categories Action, Adventure, Dimitry Pavlovsly, Robert Uttaro, Science-Fantacy, Space FantasyLeave a Comment on Book Review: Burn Of The Abyss by Dimitry Pavlovsky

Book Details:

Author: Dmitry Pavlovsky
Release Date: 26th December 2021
Genre: Science-Fiction, Space-Opera, Action, Space-Adventure
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 276 pages
Publisher: Lulu.com
Blurb:
The Great Barrier is an irradiated wasteland of magnetars, black holes and supernovae, spanning millions of light years in every direction. Igniting behind the last of the generation ships that clawed their way to these new stars, it slammed the doors shut on them, cutting off their only way back. Now, after centuries of colonial fragmentation, infighting and isolation, an ancient ship of unknown origin has washed up on the cosmic shores of the barrier.

And a long forgotten mystery has reopened its wounds. With time running out before the ship is sucked back into a stellar ocean of deadly radiation, a retired intelligence officer is forced to assemble a first response team consisting of a disillusioned field medic, a pair of space divers with serious trust issues and an assassin with an exotic battle chassis for a body. But to complete the team, he’ll need someone to pilot their decommissioned subship “The Abyss”. And the only choice he has left is a washed up racer, who’d rather be anywhere else but back in the pilot’s seat.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Burn Of The Abyss by Dimitry Pavlovsky is a new sci-fi and space adventure novel that will take you in the depths of outer space and leave you wanting for more!

I enjoyed this book as it remained me of the classical space-fantasies that were written with careful attention to detail. Author Dimitri has done an excellent job in creating realistic characters, the world and a good storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book from the beginning till the very last page.

The writing is good, the characterisation is realistic and well-done and the pacing is great throughout the book along with the tension. I would definitely recommend this book to all science-fiction readers and to those who are looking to explore books by new authors.

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Book Review: The Magicians Of Ysavar by Z.B. Lee 

Categories Fantasy, High fantasy, Magic, Magic/Elementals, Young Adult, Z.B. LeeLeave a Comment on Book Review: The Magicians Of Ysavar by Z.B. Lee 

Book Details:

Author: Z.B. Lee
Release Date: 3rd January 2022
Genre: Young-Adult Fiction, High Fantasy, Magic-Elementals
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 167 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
Johan Finley dreams of being a warrior for his home, Center City, but he is devastated when his own arrogance costs him his dream. When all seems lost, a cheery little fellow comes knocking on his door. Johan could never expect the fantastic journey that awaits.

There is one problem: Blazer, an enchanted sword, has fallen into the wrong hands. A shadowy enemy seeks to use this powerful weapon to turn the tides in a greater war of good versus evil. Johan must find the strength to face down this sinister foe and take back the sword before it’s too late. 
Under the tutelage of a wise magician and a battle-tested knight, along with the friendship of a courageous halfling, Johan is going to learn what it means to be a true hero in the Order of Ysavar. But when the fate of the world rests on his shoulders, will he crack under the pressure? Or will he rise to the occasion?

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The Magicians Of Ysavar by Z.B. Lee is a new young-adult magical coming-of-age book full of action-packed scenes that are brimming with conflict, both internal as well as external. I enjoyed reading this book from cover to cover and was not able to put it down once I started!

This book had an amazing pace throughout the book and the tension ran deep and tight right from the beginning to the very end. The book started off on a great note and the build-up was amazing – even better than I was expecting! The characterisation was good, the settings were well-executed and the entire plotting was well done. I thoroughly enjoyed this action-packed ride.

I would strongly recommend this book to all young-adult readers and fans of coming-of-age stories that have magic elements.

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Book Review: To the Survivors: One Man’s Journey as a Rape Crisis Counselor with True Stories of Sexual Violence by Robert Uttaro 

Categories memoir, Mental Health, Non-Fiction, Psychology, Robert UttaroLeave a Comment on Book Review: To the Survivors: One Man’s Journey as a Rape Crisis Counselor with True Stories of Sexual Violence by Robert Uttaro 

Book Details:

Author: Robert Uttaro 
Release Date: 20th December 2021
Genre: Memoir, Mental Health, Psychology, Non-Fiction
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 251 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
To the Survivors is about one man’s journey as a rape crisis counselor with true stories of sexual violence shared by survivors in their own words. Gently and beautifully constructed, To the Survivors is moving, tender, sharp, and piercingly true all at once. Readers will encounter uncensored written stories, poems, and interviews from women and men who have experienced rape and sexual assault, plus the advocate-author voice that weaves their experiences together. The survivors are diverse in age, gender, and ethnicity, yet each gives a similarity raw and heartfelt account of his or her victimization and recovery. The authenticity and vulnerability with which survivors speak resonates profoundly. But this book is not just for survivors of sexual violence. Robert Uttaro believes anyone can benefit from the words in these pages, rape survivor or not.

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5.

To The Survivors by Robert Uttaro is a heartfelt memoir about rape survivors. Each and every chapter in this book is a different survivor story written by the author, lending it a voice that could be heard by everyone. It wasn’t always easy to read these stories, but I felt that it was important, in some way, to read them all, and to spread awareness about this book because the more the people read this book, the more the victims and survivors will feel heard.

I would recommend this book to every reader, though I would also like to caution them about a plethora of triggers that this book has. So read the blurb carefully before starting this book. If you are okay with the triggers then this book is a beautiful one that will open your eyes to the many things women are subjected to in the world and will help you broaden your perspective when it comes to feminism and why it is needed in the first place among many such misunderstood concepts.

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Book Review: Villains (The Reeve #2) by Ian Lewis

Categories Alternate History, Fantasy, Ian Lewis, Speculative-Fiction, Suspense, Thriller4 Comments on Book Review: Villains (The Reeve #2) by Ian Lewis

Book Details:

Author: Ian Lewis 
Release Date: 20th December 2021
Genre: Alternate History, Fantasy, Suspense, Mystery, Speculative Fiction
Series: The Reeve (Book #2)
Format: E-book 
Pages: 380 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
Beldenridge—a city of aging grandeur adrift in complacency—is reeling in the wake of violence perpetrated by the Wojiin, a legendary foe once thought to be extinct. Now mutated horrors lurk by shadow of night, and opportunistic villains rise to fill the gap left by the perceived abandonment of Beldenridge by Logan Hale, the city’s highest peace officer. Though Logan knows the Wojiin will return, he’s beleaguered by the ignominy of failure and a loss of purpose. To recover, he must not only confront himself but the malevolence that runs like an insidious undercurrent beneath everything he fears.

Just when Lucy is feeling unworthy of happiness, a silver lining presents itself. She lands her dream job as a travel writer. Follow aspiring author Lucy as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery with her best friends by her side. Witness as she blissfully immerses herself in French culture while hitting all of Paris’ hot spots for her new job. Laugh along while she helps throw an epic murder mystery birthday bash. Most of all, join Lucy as she transforms her self-doubt to self-love, ending a tragic year with the surprise of her life.
Will Lucy finally leave David in the past or will he continue to haunt her dreams?

Review

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Villains by Ian Lewis is the sequel to From Legend and the second book in The Reeve series. I absolutely loved this book! It was undoubtedly un-put-down-able!

I had been waiting on this book since I first read From Legends by the author and finally having read this book I am now looking forward to reading the next one! The characterisation in this book was great, and I loved Amelia, the main character. I think the settings in this book felt even better than in the last books and I loved the detailing. The monsters were big and scary and truly dreadful and I enjoyed reading every bit of this book.

I would recommend this book to all readers of Fantasy, Suspense and Alternate History mixed with Speculative Fiction, as I am sure they will definitely love this book and the series!

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Book Review: Where Will We Go? by Emily Craig

Categories Contemporary Fiction, Emily Craig, new adult, Travel, women's fictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: Where Will We Go? by Emily Craig

Book Details:

Author: Emily Craig
Release Date: 15th December 2021
Genre: New Adult Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Travel
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 226 pages
Publisher: New Degree Press
Blurb:
Two years of marriage ruined by one drunken mistake.
Lucy’s story is not yet over. In the sequel Where Will We Go?, Lucy Berry is faced with new challenges that will both excite and challenge her. Newly divorced from her high school sweetheart David, she is plunged into a new world where David is now engaged to his mistress while she has to navigate a life after love and heartbreak.

Just when Lucy is feeling unworthy of happiness, a silver lining presents itself. She lands her dream job as a travel writer. Follow aspiring author Lucy as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery with her best friends by her side. Witness as she blissfully immerses herself in French culture while hitting all of Paris’ hot spots for her new job. Laugh along while she helps throw an epic murder mystery birthday bash. Most of all, join Lucy as she transforms her self-doubt to self-love, ending a tragic year with the surprise of her life.
Will Lucy finally leave David in the past or will he continue to haunt her dreams?

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Where Will We Go? by Emily Craig is a new Women’s Fiction, New Adult, Contemporary fiction novel that is both, quick to read and easy to love.

I enjoyed reading this book a lot because the writing had a very good flow. The characterisation was good and the settings were absolutely brilliant. I loved that the author used the backdrop of Paris in this book because I love that place (actually I may be kind of obsessed with it – just a little bit *wink*) so when I read the blurb I knew it from the start that Iw as gonna love this book and I was not at all disappointed!

The author did a great job with a seemingly simple plot and turned it into something really special. Even though this is a sequel to another book, I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything as the author has explained the story of the first book in the preface, so I really appreciated it (And would like to thank author Craig for it.)

I would strongly recommend this book to New Adult and Women’s Contemporary Fiction readers. And also to those readers who like reading about travelling and especially if you are a Francophile (like me) you will love this book!

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Book Review: Fancy Shop by Valeri Stanoevich

Categories Short-Stories, Surreal Fiction, Urban Fantasy, Valeri StanoevichLeave a Comment on Book Review: Fancy Shop by Valeri Stanoevich

Book Details:

Author: Valeri Stanoevich
Release Date: 10th August 2021
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Surreal Fiction, Short Stories
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 88 pages
Publisher: Matador
Blurb:
The stories contain features of fantasy, urban legends, mystery, magical realism, penetration in the deepness of the human soul.
The characters are different: knights, anonymous people, dreamers, outsiders, crazy ones, technocrats, cockroaches, holders of secret knowledge. They crave for another world of dreams come true, inexpressible truths and oases of redemption of past guilt. On the way to their new identities, they move freely between reality and fantasy.

They are in constant conflict with themselves, and the front line is the line dividing the two hemispheres of their brains. The stories are very short but each has a complex plot, provocative suggestions and a surprising end. Without in any way denying the traditional concepts of good-evil, simple-profound, they lead the reader into worlds in which paradox is a synonym of universal meaning.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Fancy Shop by Valeri Stanoevich is a very unique short story collection in which the stories are written in an abstract form drawing inspirations from the mundane and turning them into a dreamlike subject. I liked this collection quite a lot because I found the author’s take on things very interesting and intriguing.

Because of the abstractness of the subject matters of the stories and the dream-like quality of the writing, this book feels surreal and may take readers more than the first read to be able to grasp the intention of the story entirely. Though, trust me, it’s worth more than one reading. The multiple layers of meaning and the metaphorical writing instantly drew me into the book and kept me hooked till I turned the last page.

I would recommend this book to readers of short story collections and also to those who like reading surreal, dream-like (borderline speculative) fiction.

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Book Review: After Today by Jacqueline Hayley

Categories Dystopian, Jacqueline Hayley, Post ApocalypseLeave a Comment on Book Review: After Today by Jacqueline Hayley

Book Details:

Author: Jacqueline Hayley
Release Date: 28th December 2021
Genre: Apocalyptic Fiction, Dystopia
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 258 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
Can love survive an apocalypse?
After a deadly virus ravages Chicago and destroys Mackenzie Lyons’ carefully curated world, Mac escapes the devastation and horror to her childhood hometown with the help of her best-friend’s little brother, Jake. But the small-minded community of Sanford isn’t exactly welcoming, and the virus isn’t the only battle brewing.
Jake Brent has secretly loved Mac forever, and while this isn’t the way he’d dreamed of their relationship beginning, with the uncertainty of the outbreak he’ll take every opportunity with Mac he can and hope—pray—for a better future.

But when Sanford’s misogynistic council torment the survivors with horrifying demands and a lawless motorcycle gang threatens their fragile sanctuary, somehow Jake and Mackenzie must form new alliances and face down dangerous enemies in a struggle far worse than the outbreak.
Surviving the virus was one thing, surviving humanity after is another.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

After Today by Jacqueline Hayley is a dystopian post-apocalyptic book with a great concept, amazing characters and a well-written plot.

I was sucked into the immersive world of this book right from the first page and was left wanting more after turning the last one. This book is full of ups and downs and that kept the tension so tight that it was impossible to put it down even for a minute. The writing is simple yet very effective and had a great flow. The execution of the plot and the world-building were spot-on and the characterisation felt realistic and relatable.

I enjoyed reading this book a lot and would highly recommend it to all dystopian and apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic genre fans. This book has a lot to offer to all its readers and I am sure that anyone who has the slightest interest in post-apocalyptic worlds would definitely enjoy it tremendously.

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Book Review: The Solar Realm – The Silver Slayer by PM Black

Categories PM Black, Science-Fiction, Science-Fiction FantasyLeave a Comment on Book Review: The Solar Realm – The Silver Slayer by PM Black

Book Details:

Author: PM Black
Release Date: 5th December 2021
Genre: Science-Fiction Fantasy
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 332 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
Empress Saltome, sovereign of the eight planets, has been captured through an act of betrayal by blood-thirsty demons who plan to make the billions under her rule their personal livestock.
Hope for the survival of her people lies in Kora, an infamous assassin and loyal protector of the Empress who evaded capture with the Imperial Orb, the source of the Empress’ power. Kora is charged to deliver the orb and protect seventeen-year-old Jenanine Blackwater, the secret heir apparent of the realm and, outside of the Empress, the sole individual with the ability to wield the orb’s power.

Growing up in a hidden palace kingdom void of the racial hate plaguing her two largest neighbors, Jeanine can’t wait to begin her training as Empress. She wants to bring peace and well-being throughout The Eight while wearing the most fabulous dresses and hosting the most lavish balls. 

When Kora crash lands on their planet, she brings with her a league of demons and assassins hunting to destroy the Imperial Orb. The fate of The Eight now rests on a small band of warriors and a wide-eyed, young girl who has never left the hidden valley of her home. But what will happen when the few allies Jenanine has turn out to be her biggest threat? 

Review

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

The Solar Realm: The Silver Slayer by PM Black is an immersive sci-fi novel that will take you on an inter-galactic rollercoaster.

This book had good characterisation, decent writing and a good concept that was executed nicely enough. I enjoyed reading this book as the pacing was great and the action was consistent. There were some dull moments but the following tension more than made up for them each time. The world-building was really good and overall I think it is a well-written book and I am really looking forward to reading the next part in this series.

I would recommend this series to all sci-fi fantasy readers.

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Book Review: Falling For The Competition by Jen Smith

Categories Contemporary Fiction, Jen Smith, Romance, Young AdultLeave a Comment on Book Review: Falling For The Competition by Jen Smith

Book Details:

Author: Jen Smith
Release Date: 6th December 2021
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Romance, Contemporary Fiction
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 295 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
It’s going to be the best summer ever for ambitious, overachieving Quinn. A huge history buff, not only has she landed her dream job interning in the archives department of the local castle, but her best friend will be working there too.
However, Quinn isn’t the only one to be working in Archives this summer; Quinn’s academic rival, Patrick, is sharing her office in Muniments. They’re competing for the Letter of Recommendation (singular) from the research historian that Quinn needs to get her dream future placement.

Their emotionally-loaded and competitive rivalry turns into a reluctant friendship, as they spend every day working together in silence (and sharing the occasional Twix). Until the Re-Enactors arrive. Between Patrick and Harry – the Golden Knight of the jousting team – Quinn’s carefully planned summer is thrown into complete disarray. Meanwhile, her best friend’s relationship may look perfect on the outside, but Quinn is starting to realise that there’s more going on than there seems.

Although Quinn is determined and single minded about planning every detail of her sparkling future, she comes to discover that the best things in life are the spontaneous ones – and that some people are more important than any Letter of Recommendation (singular) could ever be.

Review

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Falling For The Competition by Jen Smith is a new un-put-down-able YA romance.

This book is well-written with a great plot that kept me engaged right from the first page to the very last one. I was able to relate to the characters, both the main ones as well as the secondary ones, and was able to form a strong connection with the main lead, Quinn. This book is as interesting as it is entertaining. There wasn’t a single chapter where I felt bored or unfocused and that was a blessing as most YA books tend to do it (at least to me.) So I am really thankful tot eh author for great pacing and tremendous tension throughout the book.

I would highly recommend this book to all YA and romance readers.

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Book Review: The Race by John Russo

Categories Humor, John Russo, Short-StoriesLeave a Comment on Book Review: The Race by John Russo

Book Details:

Author: John Russo
Release Date: 30th September 2021
Genre: Humour, Short Story
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 24 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
The future. What does it hold?
Sadly, no one knows. Well . . . except for Amazon delivery drones.
Imagine a world where your Amazon package reaches you within minutes, instead of days. A world where technology has outsmarted the mailman for the last time.
This is the world in which Johnny and Robert Hesston find themselves.
The problem is, they’re old school. A bit TOO old school. Equip them with the right primitive tools, and things might get out of hand.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The Race by John Russo is a hilarious and hearty short story about two brothers that will take you on a quick adventurous ride that you won’t be able to forget for a long time!

I loved this book because the story was great, the characterisation was well done and the execution of the plot was great. The writing was simple to follow and had a nice flow which made it a really quick read. I’d recommend this book to all short story readers and to those who are looking for a new author’s work to explore.

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Book Review: Newer Testaments by Philip Brunetti

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Book Details:

Author: Philip Brunetti
Release Date: 15th November 2020
Genre: Psychological Fiction
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 182 pages
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Blurb:
Ever get the feeling that your life is caught up in some kaleidoscopic Jungian dream and that you weren’t exactly dying but still everything you’d ever been is flashing before your eyes-and then when you wake from this dissolutive dream, your reality remains altered and time has become concurrent and characters from thirty-plus years ago walk into your life again, if ambiguously, and press you on matters of a sacred-profane written text that you never completed?

Heretical and outrageous, ironic and absurd, Newer Testaments scores a hit in the heart of where the existential meets the fated, and the writer’s task becomes both revelatory and abject. Into this formidable personal struggle a cast of untoward and/or diaphanous characters rotate including The Jesus Girl, John Baptist, Macbeth, King Kisko, The Tree Girl, Nurse Mother, a glass satyr and a French New Wave Mother. Has the nameless narrator lost his mercurial mind, or is this a subconscious-shadow-world sojourn he’s been practicing for all his life?-the keys to the kingdom of being.

“In the tradition of Denis Johnson’s Jesus’ Son, Brunetti’s wondrously wandering writing is taut and cryptic, vivid and hallucinatory, rendering an irony-laden, aberrant odyssey for his impossibly likable protagonist.”
-Franco D’Alessandro, playwright & poet, Roman Nights, Stranger Love, and Everything Is Something Else

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Newer Testament by Philip Brunetti is a uniquely gripping and psychologically testing work of fiction. I was blown away by the bizarre nature of the book, especially in the initial chapters. It did take me some time to get into the rhythm of the book, but once I was caught in it I enjoyed it tremendously.

This book is unlike anything as the author has used a dreamy tone and style in his writing making the reader feel like they are in a surreal trance. And this is what made this book stand out and so different from others, apart from the story itself of kids writing the newer testament continuing the book of revelations with a twist.

I would highly recommend this book to all readers as it is a very good story that should be read by every reader.

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Book Review: Rosetta Gnome by Ashley Parker Owens

Categories Adventure, Ashley Parker Owens, Dystopian, Fantasy, Speculative-FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: Rosetta Gnome by Ashley Parker Owens

Book Details:

Author: Ashley Parker Owens
Release Date: 7th October 2021
Genre: Fantasy, Dystopia, Speculative
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 334 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
In the fight for freedom, a reluctant and unprepared leader faces agonizing choices that will seal the fate of his family—and his heart—in this captivating fantasy adventure.
Simple gnome gardener Wil and his faithful rabbit companion Roddy flee the devastation of the village they once called home as it burns behind them. Still reeling from the loss, they stumble across a ragtag group of gnomes who have escaped from the slave fields of the terrifying ogres. Despite the small clan’s missions of theft and murder, Wil decides to stay. Like flowers huddled together through cracks in stone, Wil and his newfound family cling to each other, desperate for something to call their own.

A shocking and violent act of betrayal splits the clan and thrusts Wil into an unenviable leadership position. Now, tasked with the impossible, he must decide between consciousness and kin. Complicating things further, the newly married gnome is distracted by the choice between duty and desire as his heart yearns for another.
Each moment wasted with uncertainty brings Wil closer and closer to losing everything.
A fantasy adventure drama with a unique premise, Rosetta Gnome is an enthralling read for any fantasy lover. If you’re a fan of Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn, you’ll love Rosetta Gnome. – Pikasho Deka (Readers’ Favorite)

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Rosetta Gnome by Ashley Parker Owens is an adventurous dystopian fantasy read that will take you on a perilous and emotional roller-coaster ride!

I was pulled into the story from the very first chapter till the last line. I loved reading this book because the concept was so unique! I liked the writing (for the most part – ignoring a couple of mistakes here and there) as it was simple and complimented the story on the whole. The characterisation was pretty good and I was able to feel a connection with all the characters.

I’d definitely recommend this book to all fantasy lovers and also to those readers who like reading about dystopia-laced adventurous journeys.

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ARC Review: Below Torrential Hill by Jonathan Koven

Categories Contemporary Fiction, Jonathan Koven, Magic RealismLeave a Comment on ARC Review: Below Torrential Hill by Jonathan Koven

Book Details:

Author: Jonathan Koven
Release Date: 3rd December 2021
Genre: Coming Of Age, Contemporary Fiction, Magic Realism
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 190 pages
Publisher: Electric Eclectic
Blurb:
It’s Christmas, and strange occurrences are plaguing the small town of Torrential Hill: a supernatural comet, undead insects, exploding streetlights, and a presence luring people into the woods. But when the mother of Tristen—a wistful, fatherless sixteen-year-old boy—hears voices from the kitchen sink, all he can think of is running away.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Below Torrential Hill by Jonathan Koven is a well-written coming of age contemporary tale that is full of intrigue and surreal appeal.

I liked reading this book mostly because the story had a great flow and the pacing kept me glued to the pages until the end. I was able to relate and connect to the main character, Tristan, and really enjoyed reading about his journey. The writing is good, the story is great and the execution is amazing. The suspense in the story ran high throughout the pages and I enjoyed the surrealness of the supernatural elements that took the story to an entirely another level.

I highly recommend this book to all readers because this book has something to offer to all its readers. And I can’t think of a better novella to recommend reading so close to Christmas!

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Book Review: The E.Q. Revolution – Mastering Your Emotional Heart-Print by Michael Vincent Moore

Categories Michael Vincent Moore, Non-Fiction, Self-HelpLeave a Comment on Book Review: The E.Q. Revolution – Mastering Your Emotional Heart-Print by Michael Vincent Moore

Book Details:

Author: Michael Vincent Moore
Release Date: 10th October 2021
Genre: Non-Fiction, Self-Help
Series: The E.Q. Revolution (Book #2)
Format: E-book 
Pages: 333 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
“Wake yourself up, get to know who you truly are, and follow a path to become part of a new revolution, the greatest one!”
Reclaim your authentic self, increase love to a life of meaning and purpose, and stop endless cycles that prevent you from being happier and fulfilled… In his second book in The E.Q. Revolution series, Michael blends age old spiritual wisdom with modern knowledge and timely advice to create a renewed understanding of what it is like to be human in today’s world.
Start dreaming again, things can get better!


Learn how, and why, that it all starts from within… And only when enough people take on the most heroic challenge that ever was, to truly and irrevocably become the masters of their own fate, can we see a future beyond all wars and overcome much of human suffering.
Life isn’t just about choosing a career and making money anymore, or finding a special someone, there is so much more to it than that. Humanity needs to grow beyond the limits our societies have dictated to us, beyond our self-imposed boundaries and programming, to our ultimate nature.
We have not become successful as a species yet, not where success counts most; of who we are and what we stand for, and how much we care about one another and ourselves.
And the best part of sharing such a journey: Your whole life becomes better in the process, better relationships, more fulfilled, greater opportunities, and more loving, for yourself, and others.
So, Mastering our Emotional Heart-Print is about understanding our impact from the inside out, similar to the effect of our carbon footprint, but in love and kindness, and how that relates to the whole world becoming what it is…
We are all in this together, and only together can we make this place of ours great! So, will you be one of the people who will take part in the New Era of Social Responsibility towards the best future we can ever dream of?
Read the book, and find out for yourself!

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The E.Q. Revolution – Mastering Your Emotional Heart-Print by Michael Vincent Moore is the second book in The E.Q. Revolution series and the sequel to The E.Q. Revolution – From Emotional Intelligence to Emotional Maturity: Transform your life through Emotional Growth and Maturity! This book focuses on the Universal or the one-mind theory – one is all and all is one. I found this book very insightful and interesting because the author has explained how, as humans, our energies (the one-ness) can be collectively put to good use for saving our planet and possibly having a better future. The author also talks about being able to see beyond the daily necessities and wants of one’s life and draws the reader’s attention to the core values of kindness and compassion towards, not only others but our own selves too.

The author has a very unique way of explaining how by working on ourselves and focusing on our energy we can in turn change this world, bit by bit. And that is what really impresses me. I personally believe in this way of life too and would definitely be implementing the exercises and ideas suggested by the author in this book.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to read a book on self-development and reading interesting ideas and thoughts about how we can do our bit to make this world a better place to live in.

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