October 2022 Review Issue
Fantasy & Sci Fi
Literature
Mystery & Thrillers
After the
Fall
Luke Romyn
Independently Published
979-8838302281
$16.99 Paper/$5.99 Kindle
Website: www.lukeromyn.com
Ordering: https://www.amazon.com/After-Fall-Tale-Wes-Olympian/dp/B0B6LJLPXM
Adult
readers of
fantasy and mythology-based stories will welcome After
the Fall: A Tale of Wes
the Olympian, a tale of discovery and adventure.
It incorporates
intrigue and mystery into its account of an amnesiac who discovers he's
actually a world-saving hero facing immortal foes.
The fact
that Wes has
somehow materialized in President Elizabeth Clarke's Oval Office is
daunting in
and of itself; but even more deadly is the knowledge that he's actually
Ares,
the God of War, reincarnated in human form.
As he joins
with
sorceress and child of gods Hecate and Special Agent Suzanna Morrison,
he comes
to realize the purpose of his appearance on Earth in a war which
involves
stolen souls and deadly forces, from god-driven warriors to the
Pentagon.
A wry sense
of humor
is apparent amid the serious confrontations and interactions. It is
evident in
the dialogue between Suzanna and Wes and in the types of relationships
that
evolve throughout the story: "Suzanna
frowned at him before shaking her head. “You must know we’re heading
into a
trap. Erebus would never leave the path open unless he had a plan to
capture
us. He missed his chance at the airport, and now he has routed us here
with
almost no resistance. Think about it; that tank could have easily shot
us. If
Erebus didn’t want us dead, it means he wants something else.” Her
nostrils
flared as she stared down the road. “We might run into anything down
there.”
“Agreed,” Wes said, beaming. “It should be a blast. Let’s go.”
This
balances a
serious blend of suspense and fantasy that leads readers through
fantasy tinged
with real-world flavors with an invigorating, action-packed story in
which Wes
discovers his real powers and the purpose behind his amnesia.
Luke Romyn
has
crafted an unusual narrative that is especially potent for its ability
to walk
a fine line between familiar, real-world settings and
mythology-influenced
characters. The clashing special interests of each world and the
revelations
others hold about Wes's role in them create a satisfying mystery that
holds
many enlightening moments that readers won't see coming.
After the Fall is a compelling work
steeped in folklore and
thriller components alike. It's highly recommended for readers seeking
well-done characters, a fast pace, and a story that assumes no prior
familiarity with folk legends in order to prove accessible and
engrossing.
Libraries
catering to
fantasy and thriller readers will find After
the Fall an outstanding choice.
Return to Index
Assassination
of Hope
Justin Doyle
Independently
Published
$5.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Assassination-Hope-Justin-Doyle/dp/B0B6L76PX9
On the
planet Yiptae
lie the final pieces of a puzzle introduced in Embargo
on Hope, requiring Darynn and Fyra to travel to the frozen
planet in search of answers. What they find is a series of deadly
situations
stemming from the throes of a violent revolution which leads from an
assassination
to the mysterious Kaylaa.
The story
blends
sci-fi with murder mystery investigation and social and political
commentary as
Darynn and Frya navigate not only a dangerous planet's simmering,
volatile
conflicts, but challenges to their own hearts.
The opening
lines of
Chapter One portend a tension and attention to detail that maintains a
riveting
atmosphere from the start: "A
disembodied head floated in front of me, surrounded by endless black.
It
screamed through purple lips, “Butcher! War criminal!” before the sound
devolved into ghastly shrieks. Blood droplets the size of my fist
swirled like
crimson oil mixed in onyx water as my paralyzed body drifted in empty
space."
This is a
prime
example of Justin Doyle's ability to mix compelling description with
staccato
action that keeps readers on their toes and wanting to learn more.
As the story
evolves,
a secret involving the fate of not just two individuals, but two worlds
and
many forces powers a plot that maintains a fast pace and strong
characterization.
Insights
grow not
only via action and dialogue, but the interjection of transcripts and
other
observer influences that keep readers engaged in this chronicle of war
and
love.
Darynn would
do
anything to assure the freedom and safety of Kaylaa and Frya. Even give
his
life for the cause.
As missiles
tear
through churches and lives, the fast-paced story proves hard to put
down.
The mix of
fantasy,
interpersonal relationship developments, and social and political
evolution
makes for an engrossing struggle that invites attention on different
levels.
As a leisure
read, Assassination of Hope is a
captivating
adventure; but under its surface of entertainment value beats the heart
of
social, psychological, and political inspections that will have readers
thinking
about all three topics and a variety of issues.
It should be
noted
that the tale concludes by leaving the door wide open for more to come.
The
Fourth Erodian Conflict promises additional changes.
Libraries
and readers
looking for powerful sci-fi tales of revolution and change will find Assassination of Hope a compelling saga
that adds elements of intrigue and mystery into the mix of changing
relationships.
Return to Index
Cael's Shadow (Book 2, The
Sky Seekers)
Larissa N.N. Davila
Stone Raven Press
979-8-9851260-2-0
$23.95
paper/$9.95 ebook
www.stoneravenpress.com
Cael's
Shadow,
Book 2 of four-part The Sky Seekers series, continues the epic fantasy
story of
Jhared, a soldier shorn of his wings, and Nemiah, a priestess whose
inclinations go against the grain of her teachings and society.
Ideally, readers will
already be familiar with Shorn,
which introduced these characters
and setting. The continuing story adds depth and background that leads
to
further attraction to and appreciation of the events that unfold in Cael's Shadow.
A (somewhat long) list
identifying principal characters
is provided to help newcomers transition into this ongoing saga, but
prior
background familiarity will enhance appreciation of the social madness
and
personal angst faced by many of the characters.
A previous interest in the
confluence of political and
magical worlds will also enhance reader attraction to this vivid story,
which
injects wider-ranging social and political reflections into disparate
personal
lives and perceptions.
At the heart of these
conflicts are the demon Cael, a
soldier's efforts to remain effective in changing the destructive
course of his
world, and a priestess who has a vested interest in helping her people
survive,
but loses her own identity in the pursuit.
Once again, Larissa N. N.
Davila crafts a complex story
whose premises and progression are enhanced by two powerful central
figures
whose personal challenges entwine with social and political issues.
Powering these scenarios is
a close attention to
psychological development and discoveries that involve readers on a
deeper
level of inspection than most epic fantasies offer: "It
shamed him that the mere thought of going over the edge set
his heart racing and a cold sweat running between his scarred
shoulders. He had
faced much worse than mountain heights in the past weeks: his body
still bore
the marks of the Legacy’s hatred and Alende’s fury. It shamed him that
even
now, after twelve years of the Teaching and more than half that many
years
under the training of General Nadel, a part of him still longed to
fling
himself off the cliff just to experience the precious seconds of
ecstasy the
sky would offer before the rocks at the bottom crushed him."
The ironies of unprecedented
alliances are not lost on
either characters or readers: “A Forest
Guard and the bane of Avelos fighting together,” she said with a weak
laugh.
“Irony exists in that I’ve not the wit to express just now.”
These uncommon and
surprising unions, which juxtapose
quite different experiences and inclinations, make Cael's
Shadow thoroughly engrossing on many different levels.
As Davila unwinds yet
another series of escalating
personal and political challenges affecting the survival of individuals
and
societies in this world, fantasy readers who look for swift action
tempered by
an attention to strong characterization and a solid sense of place and
purpose
will find Cael's Shadow hard to
put
down.
While Cael's
Shadow
can be chosen as a stand-alone read, ideally it will join its
predecessor
in libraries looking for well-written epic fantasies that stand out
from the
crowd.
Return to Index
Crew of
Exiles
Neal Holtschulte
Haste Publishing
979-8-9858948-0-6
$13.99
Website: Neal
Holtschulte
Crew of Exiles is set in 2500 A.D., when
an Immortal's life ends
via suicide and his assistant in the endeavor, fellow transcendent
being Beryl,
is sentenced to 1,000 years in corporeal form on an abandoned Earth.
The last
thing Beryl
expected was to become part of a ragtag band of Earth's remaining
people. This
includes a frustrated virtual reality gamer who just wants to explore
the world
and the lone survivor of a crashed starship who, ironically, turns out
to
represent the collateral damage of Beryl's flawed decision.
As an
immortal being
not of Earth, he's never had to interact with humanity in this way. But
humanity's problems have just become personal as Beryl discovers a
greater
mission than survival, friendships, serving a sentence, or personal
growth.
As Fife
explains her
survival of the zombie hordes who drew her away from virtual reality
gaming and
into a real world eerily akin to her fantasy life, Beryl experiences
levels of
emotion he'd never expected to witness or understand.
Nesh is a
different
kind of survivor, serving as a reminder to Beryl of how he'd once
treated ones
like him when he was a Transcendent overseer of life.
As the
experiences
and perspectives of all three characters grow, readers will find Crew of Exiles a powerful examination of
what elements make humanity a formidable force that survives not only
destroyers, but creators of life.
Will they
turn
against each other, or will this motley crew find common ground for
changing
themselves and supporting one another no matter how great their
differences?
As Crew of Exiles progresses, readers are
drawn to explore this intersection of very different beings, each of
whom is
charged with evolving beyond their origins and upbringing.
While Neal
Holtschulte crafts a fast-paced story that moves through a series of
revelations and confrontations, it's the moral and ethical and
transformative
processes that grasp and hold reader attention. These elements provide
a
consideration of how humanity lingers on long after its world has
ceased to be.
The
emotional
entanglements and inspections are particularly well done, drawing
readers not
just into this futuristic and alien world, but into the hearts and
minds of
characters who each struggle to find the remnants of humanity in their
choices
and actions.
Combine a
fast-paced
story with an emotional draw for a read that moves beyond the usual
adventure-oriented sci-fi and into a thought-provoking (perhaps even
disturbing)
world where quests for restoration and survival lead to an afterlife
that
simmers with new possibilities.
All these
facets make
Crew of Exiles especially
recommended
as a cut above the ordinary sci-fi tale.
Libraries
seeking
extraordinary sci-fi scenarios that evolve on philosophical and
psychological
levels will appreciate the depth and detail Holtschulte offers in this
story of
exiles that meet against all odds and come together to transcend their
lives in
unpredictable ways.
Return to Index
Denver Moon: The Thirteen of Mars
Warren Hammond and Joshua Viola
Hex Publishers, LLC
978-1-7365964-6-3
$32.99
Hardcover/$19.99 Paper
www.HexPublishers.com
Mars is alive. Although this was established
in Denver Moon's prior adventure, here, it assumes a new degree of
threat that
demands a different response from her.
Denver
Moon: The
Thirteen of Mars is the third
book
in the Denver Moon series, and opens with an attack on Mars that places
the red
planet on new alert two years after Denver Moon discovered that alien
shape
shifters had invaded Mars Colony. Now the aliens' purposes come to life
in a
discovery which leads Denver to realize that Mars holds more surprises
than
once imagined.
As the story progresses, it moves through
repeated conundrums as the concept of 'home' becomes mercurial, as well
as the
question of who the aliens really are, in the story.
Denver Moon faces firefights, returns to
Earth's orbit, and receives lessons in loyalty and beings that connect
via a
hive mind and harbor a type of devotion that operates on a biological
level.
From a bounty hunter hired to track down a
doctor to aspects of the shape shifter community which result in
revised
perspectives and objectives, Denver's discoveries impact humans and
aliens
alike.
Once again, Warren Hammond and Joshua Viola
have crafted an action-packed sci-fi story that profiles a pro-active
female
hero able to think outside the box of her training and experiences,
placing her
a setting that charges her with pulling off a miracle to save Mars.
The strong character of Denver Moon, which
was outlined previously, comes to life here for old fans and newcomers
alike,
resulting in an adventure that works as either a stand-alone read or
(best) in
conjunction with Denver Moon's other exploits.
The focus on individual versus collective
decision-making processes that embrace when to follow and when to break
the
rules, whether in alien or human circles, is particularly well-done and
thought-provoking, dovetailing nicely with the action-packed events
that move
from Mars to space and Earth.
The result
is
cyberpunk sci-fi action at its best, making Denver
Moon: The Thirteen of Mars especially recommended for
libraries and readers
who found the prior Denver Moon adventures compelling, and who won't be
disappointed by the continuing strength of her persona and actions in
her
latest story.
Return to Index
Doom's Daze
Eva Sandor
Huszar
Books
ASIN: B0B6W87C4W
$3.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Dooms-Daze-dangerously-unforgettable-characters-ebook/dp/B0B6W87C4W
Readers of
madcap
fantasy (particularly those who have absorbed the atmosphere and mayhem
of the
previous Heart of Stone Adventures books) will find this third and
latest book,
Doom's Daze, to be just as
engrossing
and unpredictable as its predecessors.
Against all
odds,
Agent Malfred ("Fred") Murd is still alive. And he's facing an enemy
that tests his ability to remain so as he rejoins his magpie advisor
and the
woman who is an expert at breaking his heart for a foray into the
uncharted
waters of a new enemy from a hidden world, and the weapon that could
change
everything.
A host of
characters
enter the fray, from Agent Corvinalias (a Count in his other life) to
Ambassador Nuy B. Luwa and a zany series of adventurers and figureheads.
Eva Sandor
packs such
lively description into her story that some of the sentences are
deliberately labyrinthine
in their length and disparate observations: "Agent
Corvinalias, who outside The Bureau was the dashing young Count of a
blueneedle
tree known as Upper Cloudyblue, had been born— or perhaps born is not the right word; magpies
recognize two phases of emergence, one in which a chick hatches from
its egg
and a second, whereby a fledgling gains functional plumage—at any rate
he, like
the rest of his moderately large and mildly intellectual family, was
from the
Isle of Gold, as were the royalty of the Umans."
That noted,
the wry
sense of humor and minute examination of language, perceptions, and
choices
that is woven into the story will offer a high degree of delight to
literature
readers looking for something different and well steeped in literary
allusion
and tongue-in-cheek observation: "And now, thought Marshal Fo, it’s time for me. He liked the sound
of that and thought about it some more, but after coming up with “it’s
time for
me now”, he ran out of ideas. So he simply aligned his medals, smoothed
the
fringe of his epaulettes, and polished the toe of one boot on the back
of his
opposite leg. In a moment he would enter the Sumptuous Dining Salon of
the
Citizens of Abode, Sali would watch him eat his meal as usual, and then
when he
rang for dessert, in would come his generals, carrying hand-bombards
instead of
honey-bons— a hardship, as he loved foreign delicacies and honey-bons
were
among the best. But there would be time for those later; time now, he
thought,
for me. Oh! That was a third way to put it!"
The result
is another
rollicking wild ride through a vivid fantasy universe that nicely
represents
absurdist forms and an imaginative fictional universe that is
remarkably
whimsical in its presentation.
Fred's
ability to
persevere against all odds to turn his role as an outcast Royal Fool
into something
more meaningful will especially delight prior fans, who will find his
latest
exploits and the new adventure setting to be just as enthralling as in
previous
books.
Libraries
looking for
strong examples of humorous fantasy need look no further than Doom's Daze for high entertainment
value.
Return to Index
Ensnared
Janet McNulty
MMP Publishing
978-1-941488-92-8
$38.99
Hardcover/$19.99 Paper/$7.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Ensnared-Enchained-Trilogy-Janet-McNulty/dp/1941488927
Ensnared presents the second book in the
Enchained trilogy. It
depicts Arel, a city on the edge of unrest and rebellion.
Noni has
been trained
to resolve conflicts, but the ones in her heart prove the most
difficult to
control as she faces an exploding city and conflicts that pull her in
two
different directions.
Janet
McNulty excels
in descriptions that capture not just the outward battle affecting this
world,
but the inner compulsions that drive its characters to make difficult,
divergent decisions.
The story
opens with
the aftermath of the prior book's adventure. This makes Ensnared
especially recommended for previous fans, who will find
that the sequel charts a seamless progression of events that further
expands
and tests its characters.
Vivid
descriptions
and action drive a story with tension that keeps the first-person
narrator and
her readers on their toes: "Smoke
spews from the vents as an ominous rumble builds, intensifying with
each passing
second, causing my chest to vibrate in tune to its thunder. A wall of
fire
erupts behind me just as I slide into the second safe zone."
However, the
story's
real strength lies in its ability to explore the courage and
convictions of
narrator Noni, who thoroughly explores her rationales for trying to be
a hero
who acts alone: “You’re not alone, Noni.
You don’t need to do any of this alone.”
“I have to,” I say. “I don’t want to endanger any of you.”
Her
revelation (that
she does need others, and must allow them to act as their convictions
dictate)
is nicely presented and integrated into the fast-paced story: “This is my choice, and I choose to be here
for you. If this is what you want to do, if you are going to continue
helping
people leave the city, then I am going to be with you, by your side.” I
manage
a weak smile, unsure of what to say. I have never had anyone willing to
risk
their life just for me, or willing to help me break the law, knowing
full well
what the punishment is if we are caught, but Chase is; and the resolve
in his
voice gives me strength."
As she
struggles with
questions about why people are being manipulated to destroy themselves
and what
her influence brings to the table of political and psychological
rebellion,
readers will appreciate a thought-provoking story that attracts on many
different levels.
Leisure
readers of
dystopian fiction who enjoyed Noni's first adventures will find this
continuation of her saga just as engrossing as the first book, while
newcomers
(or those looking for thriller and suspense components) will welcome
the
opportunity to enter this world and understand its forces and the web
of lies
which have created its characters' perceptions.
What happens
when a
leader incites a mob, and can a woman charged with protecting her city
and
enforcing the laws become someone who saves not just others, but
herself?
Fine
tension,
character development, and moral and ethical questions mark a
nicely-paced
story in Ensnared that is
recommended
for suspense and dystopian sci-fi readers and libraries catering to
them.
Return to Index
The Hotchkiss
Pierre Lawrence
Independently
Published
ASIN: B09WN5MHJ2
$2.99 Kindle
www.amazon.com/dp/B09WN5MHJ2
The Hotchkiss is not human, in this
sci-fi novella. It's a GPS unit
designed to be helpful ... even if that help involves advising berated
husband
Charles Crenshaw on how to handle his nagging wife Alice.
It's rare to
find
contemporary satirical sci-fi that works well, much less offers a quick
read of
less than two hours, yet still builds a memorable plot and a
compelling,
thought-provoking set of circumstances in a short amount of time.
Friend Ed
Grimsby was
just hoping to defuse another husband/wife spat in a restaurant when he
suggested they purchase a GPS. Wife Alice is entirely on board,
especially
since a planned trip to Lake Placid is being threatened by the specter
of them
getting lost en route.
Charles is
not
convinced that this technological wonder will be helpful, until the
"godsend" arrives and proves to sport more abilities than simply
navigating the roadways. It is equally adept at navigating a long-term
marriage
gone awry; and with this knowledge in hand, readers embark on a road
trip like
none other.
Pierre
Lawrence
excels in depicting the next generation of technology, the Hotchkiss,
which is
"as easy to use as a microwave" and hard to find in a store.
A furtive
note given
by an employee who directs Pierre to the competition is accompanied by
the
mention "you can't miss it." But if it can be missed, Charles will
miss it. Three wrong turns later, he's in sight of his dream and goal.
But,
will it turn out to be a nightmare?
Pierre
Lawrence
captures the dilemma, whimsy, and issues of aging adults who face new
technology in a story that also introduces the specter of a nightmare
embedded
into the promises, chips, and choices that it represents.
The
Hotchkiss is
everything Charles wanted—and more. With it, he may never be lost
again. And
that includes navigating his aging relationship with his wife.
The novella
is
compelling, fun, and somewhat unpredictable as Charles finds both new
opportunity and new problems in high technology. As for his wife Alice,
she
goes from encouraging this new venture to realizing that her husband is
being
"aided and abetted by the Hotchkiss."
Sci-fi
readers who
want a sense of just how wrong technology can be will relish the lively
dilemmas and serious inspection of ethical values gone awry in The Hotchkiss.
It's not
just the
perfect entertainment for those who exist on the edge of technological
wonders,
but the perfect warning for others who would embrace them.
Readers
looking for
short sci-fi novellas embedded with fun and a witty message of caution
will
find The Hotchkiss an attractive
choice that packs a lot of tongue-in-cheek humor.
Return to Index
Ndalla’s World
Beth Franz
Atmosphere Press
9781639884674
$19.99
www.atmospherepress.com
Speculative
fiction
readers that look for standouts in the genre will find Ndalla’s
World
one of them. It's literally an out-of-this-world love story in which
Julia
finds herself traveling through time and space to Ndalla's world.
Ndalla is a
woman she's just starting to know, but this extraordinary event brings
her into
a milieu that is at once alien and welcoming.
35-year-old
Julia is
living in Iowa when everything changes in her life. On that pivotal day
of
change, she is feeling stuck, merely existing more than moving forward
in her
life.
The solitude
she has
cultivated now translates to feeling lonely, and the goals she'd once
envisioned have either been met or have fallen by the wayside of
routine.
On the cusp
of
change, Julia never imagined the kind of adventure she finds herself
embarking
on—nor the kind of vibrant relationship that redefines her vision of
reality
and herself.
The next
morning, she
awakens to discover a naked man lying in her bedroom. Closing the door
and
blinking doesn't help—and now a naked woman is on the other side of her
bed.
Two intruders ... can she take them on, or should she call the police?
Most people
would
head for the phone. But Julia is not most people, and the house phone
resides
on the other side of these strangers.
And so she
opens the
door into discovery, love, a new relationship, and a new world.
Beth Franz
weaves the
speculative fiction element into a love story quite seamlessly—so much
so, that
readers won't find they are actually in the midst of a world-changing
paradigm
until they've followed Julia into unknown, unpredictable realms.
Ndalla
introduces
Julia to her world by teaching her to listen to trees, environment, and
her own
heart: “I feel a sense of ...
possibilities,” I said at last. It was the closest I could come. And
then I
surprised myself by finding more words available to me. “I feel a sense
of
movement and gracefulness and acceptance and ....” My voice trailed off.
“Yes,” she said. “That is the message of the trees that you feel.”
Then I opened my eyes. “But I feel the same kinds of things when I am
with you.” And I was serious. It was not an empty compliment, and she
seemed to
understand me.
“Perhaps because I try to live my life as the trees teach me to live
it.”
As Julia
comes to
terms with many unexpected aspects of a seemingly staid life up to this
transformational point, readers receive thought-provoking moments of
reflection, inspection, and philosophical analysis that contribute an
added
layer of intellectual value to Ndalla's
World.
Can Ndalla
birth a
new being forged in violence and sadness, and can Julia aid her on her
journey
through sacrifice and realization?
Readers
anticipating
an adventure or a work of fantasy will find that Beth Franz creates so
much
more in Ndalla's World. Herein lays
the opportunity for revelations of the heart that probe avenues of not
just
love and adventure, but forgiveness and higher-level spiritual and
social
thinking.
These
elements
coalesce into a moving story that involves readers on many different
levels,
creating a speculative work that revolves around political, social, and
personal transformation.
Readers and
libraries
that look for works embracing these elements will find them in droves
in a
contest between Ndalla, the Forces that challenge them all, and Julia's
growth,
which make this story richly contemplative and hard to put down.
Return to Index
Shadowsphere
Kevin Cox
Silvettica
979-8-9866368-1-8
$13.99 Paper/$3.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDN15CKX
Shadowsphere is the second book in the Bewilderness
series, and tells of a suicide mission to the surface world of Rootcore
to find
lightning-filled stones that power the city of Rethia on
the planet
Isodonia. Rootcore is a mystery to Rethians.
The stones
can only
be found on the toxic planet's surface, which is why nobody returns
alive from
this important mission of sacrifice.
Tavarian has
long
been an outsider among students, is considered weird, and is avoided.
Lirah is
his only friend, but even she cautions him to try to fit in better.
Tav thinks
that
things can't get any more difficult when his favorite classes are cut
due to
shortages, but he's about to be tapped for a mission he never
anticipated, his
personal goals negated for sake of the greater good: “What’s
most important is your contribution to the community. None is
any more valuable than another."
As Tav is
injected
into a new student group and charged with a mission that could either
end in
his demise or change the world, he begins to make the kinds of
friendships and
connections that he never could in the familiar milieu he grew up in.
With his
travels come
new understandings, relationships, and challenges that transform not
only his
vision of reality, but change the world around him.
Kevin Cox's world is engrossing, fueled not
just by action and adventure, but the psychological twists and turns of
changed
relationships and self which explore the world and connections within
it with
equal depth and skill.
The action is evenly paced, the characters
work together to address a variety of survival and enlightenment
dilemmas, and
the main character, Tav, serves as a focal point for observing and
contending
with a range of threats, from tentacled monsters and swamp shadows to
situations that test his skills and ability to survive.
Teen to adult sci-fi readers will relish a
story that moves from a mountaintop community to a quest that leads Tav
to
constantly question his perception of the world and his place in it.
They will
find Tav's ongoing dilemmas absorbing and hard to put down, and will
also find
that no prior familiarity with the first book is required in order to
quickly
and completely become immersed in the scenario and challenges of this
world.
Libraries looking for books that bridge the
gap between teen and adult sci-fi reading will find Shadowsphere
one of
the standouts.
Return to Index
The Singing
Shore II:
Sky & Stone
E.P. Clark
Helia Press
978-1-952723-25-4
$4.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/Singing-Shore-II-Stone-Zemnian-ebook/dp/B09WLXVF6Q
The Singing Shore II: Sky & Stone
is the second book in the
trilogy about Darya (a.k.a. Dasha) Krasnoslavovna, Tsarinovna of Zem’,
and her
peacekeeping mission to the Rutsi, her country’s war-like neighbors.
E.P. Clark
provides a
satisfying introduction that summarizes the setting, characters, and
action of
the first Singing Shore book, Sea &
Song, so both newcomers and those who read the first saga can
enter into
the action more easily. Ideally, though, its readers will be the prior
fans of Sea & Stone because
the complexity
of events, characters, and atmosphere were so richly drawn there. Sky & Stone also picks up neatly
where Sea & Song left off,
forming
a seamless continuation for those who look to continue Dasha's journey
without
interruption.
Dasha has
used
forbidden blood magic to preserve the soul of the man she had an affair
with
when he was killed protecting her. She now carries that soul within her
body,
which becomes even more complicated a matter because she is now
betrothed to a
Rutsi prince.
However,
Dasha is not
lucky in love, because that, too, falls apart in an epic manner that
leaves her
on the run from two different forces, struggling to both harness and
avoid
tapping the forbidden blood magic once again.
With Alik
talking in
her head and helping her walk through places of the dead, Dasha embarks
on a
dangerous journey both through her own abilities and the choices of
wielding
them, and on routes that attract danger to her path.
E.P. Clark's
engaging
story incorporates Nordic myth and metaphysical flavors as it follows
Dasha's
struggles to tap her strengths without draining those around her.
Just the
right
touches of drama and thought-provoking inspections, as well as tangled
relationships of love and adversity, are injected to keep the fantasy
fast-paced and unpredictable.
Clark draws
inspiration from Finland's national epic story. This will be of special
interest to those studying Finnish mythology and legends. Dasha's
journey is
loosely based on The Kalevala, while her encounters
with the animals and
environment around her are inspired by the actual flora and fauna of
Finland
and Russia.
Steeped in
mythology,
Finnish traditional legends, and a sense of place heightened by Clark's
personal familiarity with and travels in the region, fantasy
enthusiasts
seeking an evocative, literary, involving tale will find Sky
& Stone a rollicking good fantasy worthy of both
leisure
reading and study.
It should
also be
noted that Sky & Stone ends
with
a cliffhanger, to be continued in a third concluding volume. Readers
and libraries
seeking epic, Nordic-based fantasy will find the literary and cultural
roots of
this trilogy to be appealing on many levels.
Return to Index
Time Terminus
David Gittlin
Entelligent
Entertainment, LLC
979-8-9858605-0-4
$2.79 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Time-Terminus-Unexpected-David-Gittlin-ebook/dp/B0BBSFHRYZ
Blend a
crime story
with time travel elements, mystery, and sci-fi for a sense of the
genre-busting
backdrop of the novella Time Terminus,
which lives up to its subtitle and promise, Expect
the Unexpected.
The first
unexpected
note of the story sounds when a pregnant ewe is hit and killed by a
meteor.
Luckily, the farmer who discovered it and the rock is a retired college
physics
professor who recognizes its value, but not its evolving threat.
Can a rock
spark the
impetus to build a time machine? It can if you're a savvy professor
with a
science-based mindset and the ability to see future potential. But,
this
project can't happen without investors; and who else will believe in a
rock
that can instigate time travel?
The second
note of
difference arrives with the introduction of successful Florida attorney
Issac
Templeton, who finds his nightmares edging into real life. A bold
business
proposition lands in his office and lap to potentially change his
future, which
syncs perfectly with his life perspective: "He
had read that a person makes their future with their every thought and
action.
It appeared that Peter Alastair subscribed to the philosophy, and so
did
Issac."
As events
swing
between seemingly disparate special interests and concerns, the
foundations of Time Terminus at
first feel mercurial
and shaky; as though too many subplots are injected into the story. But
wait,
there's more.
Each thread
results
in an interconnected opportunity to appreciate the conundrums involved
in
developing time travel for profit.
The
characters defy
their own special interests, ethics, and life experiences as they move
outside
of comfort zones and into a venture that would defy any horror
nightmare.
David
Gittlin's
novella is the perfect example of how, under the right pen, the short
form can
prove hard-hitting and well-developed.
The twists
and turns
will please mystery and crime story readers with its probe into special
interests; the sci-fi element reaches hard science enthusiasts with an
attention to detail and science that embeds reality with new
possibilities; and
business novel readers will appreciate a surprising story of a
profitable
venture gone awry when it trickles from the roots of achievement into
the
horror of misuse.
These
elements,
solidified by strong, disparate characters whose special interests get
in the
way of their new ambitions, create an absorbing story that is a
standout in
many ways.
Sci-fi
readers who
enjoy explorations of time travel's potential profits and pitfalls,
mystery
readers who appreciate evolving conundrums, and business readers
interested in
cooperative ventures gone awry will all appreciate Time
Terminus.
Libraries
should
consider Time Terminus the perfect
example of efficient use of the novella form to create a multifaceted
read with
the ability to appeal to a diverse audience.
Return to Index
Daisy
Libby Sternberg
Bancroft Press
978-1610885874
$26.95 Hardcover/$9.49 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Daisy-Novel-Libby-Sternberg/dp/1610885872
There's
a reason
why many readers who absorbed F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great
Gatsby as
assigned reading in high school should take another look at that
classic
decades later, in adulthood. Daisy is that reason.
Based
on the
classic Fitzgerald characters, but assuming a life of its own, Daisy
is
an exceptional example of a sequel to a classic story. It should be
profiled
alongside Gatsby as a fitting and memorable adjunct
to the tale.
Those
far from
having read the classic may recall that the character of Daisy Buchanan
appeared in The Great Gatsby to capture millionaire
Gatsby's heart,
creating in him an obsession which broke when she chose to marry
another.
Her
story comes
to life under Libby Sternberg's hand, which brings Daisy into the world
as a
three-dimensional character worthy of her own probe into matters of
life and
love.
Sternberg
uses
the first person to capture Daisy's version of her relationship with
Gatsby and
others, starting with her cousin Nick, who was the narrator in the
original
story: "Nick made a lot of money off my story. I penned the
first
words, and we exchanged more through letters after it was all over—a
sort of
game we played that helped us massage away the hurt of that wild summer
and its
consequences. We compared memories, filling in what each of us didn’t
know or
had forgotten. So if you’ve read his version of this tale, you’ll find
differences in mine, some small and some significant."
When
read
alongside Fitzgerald's classic, the importance, character, and
underlying
influences of Gatsby come to life from Daisy's perspective in a manner
that
continues to define and expand Gatsby's role, while placing this female
central
to the unfolding of his (and her) dilemmas and choices.
Daisy
grows and changes,
flitting from love to love with a savvy perspective on her
opportunities in
life and how best to grasp them: "I did love Tom. Not in the
same
open-hearted way I’d loved Jay, but more than I’d felt for Rupert or
Andrew,
and by then I’d heard that Rupert, too, was dead. He, of the poor
eyesight and
cartography skills, had been in a headquarters building in France when
a German
mortar hit it."
As
an adjunct
expanding The Great Gatsby's era and atmosphere, Daisy
plays a fitting
role. Read for its own independent strengths as the story of a woman
who forges
a life for herself based on realizations about love and loss, Daisy
is
even more compelling.
While
it
deserves its own limelight in libraries profiling women's fiction,
literature,
and experiences, Daisy is at its best when read
along with The Great
Gatsby. Its complimentary and alternative views of those
lives and times
make it recommended for classroom assignment and book club reading
where Gatsby
is of special interest, and women of the times, the focus.
Return to Index
Darkness: A
Collection of Stories: Volume 2
Dubhghlas Kraus
Graymalkin Publishing
979-8807067807
$12.99 Paper/$3.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YHP6VJ5/
The second
volume of Darkness: A Collection of Stories
continues
the focus of Book 1 in probing different kinds of darknesses of heart
and soul.
It will be of special interest to readers of psychological horror and
revelation who look for literary stories of murder, justice, revenge,
and redemption
that feature a special blend of angst and understanding.
Unlike the
first
collection, the stories here take another step into the definition and
realms
of darkness, creating works that represent a deeper probe into
psychology, with
the supernatural forces often taking a back seat to the emotional
revelations.
This
approach
emphasizes that the roots of horror lie in the mind and heart as much
as in
outside events that influence the course of beliefs, choices, and
actions.
Take the
opening
short story "Vanity," for example. Here, struggling writer Josh
Brannon faces the onslaught of editorial rejections that assault his
initial
optimism and confidence about the power of his words. His stories
"aren't
cookie-cutter enough." And neither is his life.
As events
unfold, Dubhghlas
Kraus crafts a portrait of horror that rests not on this one life's
vision, but
the dovetailed experiences of frustrated writer and blue-collar worker
Josh,
the early influences shaping serial killer Billy Baumgardner, and a
savvy,
enthusiastic cop who pursues justice with a vengeance.
The days
unfold with
an eye to showing exactly how this coalescence of disparate lives
happened, and
how each individual was crafted by his life experiences and influences.
The
psychological
inspections are particularly astute: "He
sometimes wished he had the powers to cause fires just by willing it.
Just by
thinking about it. With his mind. Like that girl in the movie. Carrie. She’d had her first woman’s time in the shower. She was
scared and the other girls laughed at her. Her schoolmates humiliated
her.
Called her names. And she paid them back. Yes, indeed, she paid them
back big
time! His mother had watched the movie on television with him years
ago, when
he was 13. She said Carrie’s mother was right: God made women bleed to
punish
them because Eve deceived Adam and all mankind was cursed with eternal
sin."
The
day-by-day
exploration is intricate and unhurried, giving readers time to absorb
these
characters and their motivations for skirting, navigating, or immersing
themselves in the darkness.
Compare this
delicate
dance with "Cara," about a lonely man whose rescue of a dog from a
violent abuser leads him onto roads of both redemption and revenge.
His former
dog Bear was
his best friend for thirteen years, so after the beloved dog's demise,
months
pass without canine companionship augmenting this loner's life.
Searching ads
for dogs for sale results in Jeff rescuing an abused canine, but
matters don't
end there, because abuser Stephenson lives in the same town and they
keep
running into one another.
When a
dilemma
arises, Jeff must think hard about what kind of man he will be: one who
pursues
revenge or one able to affect a rescue even if it means sacrificing the
thing
he loves most in his life.
Each story
presents
thought-provoking moments where characters need to self-assess and
change. Some
do, some don't. Some simmer, and some forgive.
"Funny thing about forgiveness. No matter how well
justified a
grudge is, holdin’ it is like pulling a wagon full of heavy stones. And
for
every slight forgiven, the cargo is lightened, and your journey that
much
easier."
The unifying
theme
connecting these disparate lives, experiences, and choices is a
progressive one
of darkness, revelation, change, and eventual realization.
Readers
receive a
fine set of thought-provoking literary and psychological inspections
that
display both the power of the mind and the power of the short story
format.
Libraries
looking for
fine examples of psychological suspense and growth in this genre will
find Darkness: A Collection of Stories:
Volume 2
a fine choice, while book clubs looking for powerful psychological
pieces that
invite discussion will find more than enough fodder for debate and
insights in
these succinct, powerful works.
Return to Index
Death Throes of the Broken Clockwork
Universe
Wayne David Hubbard
Atmosphere Press
9781639884759
$14.99
www.atmospherepress.com
Death
Throes of
the Broken Clockwork Universe is
a
debut collection of poetry by Wayne David Hubbard that
represents his
observations of time, change, and love.
The passion
and
creativity reflected in this poetry collection's unusual title
continues to
shine in the works within, which are separated into two themed
sections:
"The Time Studies," and "The Love Studies."
Each section
is
filled with explorations that define and support its chapter's title.
"Nightwatch"
opens the first section with a juxtaposition of personal and political
revolution as the first-person narrator reflects on how "the capitols
of
the world are burning" even as he awaits one who never comes and
considers
the special blindness introduced by love, revolution, and change: "...yet in and in/we were perpetual/the
blindness of dawn/the road at our feet/now that our assassins/have
fallen
asleep."
This
introduction contrasts
nicely with such evocative bigger-picture-thinking works as "The
Rebellion
of Sisyphus," which examines death and perseverance against all odds: "at first/the stones/would not/speak to
me/on my last push/they wept/that i would stay."
Each poem is
a
microcosm of self that expands outward to connect with the universe.
Each is
like a nova that becomes a black hole, reaching out with explosive
force and
then collapsing into a quieter form of contemplation from which all
emotion (and
the sense of self) cannot escape.
Readers
drawn into
such event horizons will find that each piece dovetails nicely with
those
surrounding it and the collection as a whole, introducing a life
inspection
unique in its quiet force and powerful voice.
Poetry
libraries that
seek exceptional contemporary works for their collections will find Death
Throes of the Broken Clockwork Universe
a fitting acquisition, while creative writing classes and book clubs
analyzing methods of injecting the most force into a few words will
want to use
these examples as keys to understanding the power and possibilities of
the
poetic form.
Return to Index
Halfway From Home
Sarah Fawn Montgomery
Split/Lip Press
978-1-952897-25-52
$16.00
https://www.splitlippress.com/halfway-from-home
Halfway
From Home is an essay collection
that imparts grief
over the past and the hope for a better future. Capturing nostalgia and
the
lingering lessons of life events, it considers a diverse array of
topics
related to the richness of discovery, offering readers their own
special brand
of enlightenment and hope for the future in these pandemic times.
The first thing to note about Sarah
Fawn Montgomery's collection is that it comes firmly rooted in the kind
of
imagery that brings these moments to life irregardless of their place
in the
timeline of experience: "Graduation
is coming. Soon we’ll scatter, moving to places where we can’t park—or
at least
not for free. Where we won’t be able to look up and see moss drip from
the
trees, where we won’t be able to drive out to the eucalyptus grove in
winter
and see ten thousand monarchs nestling for warmth, the whole forest
rustling
and alive."
No matter
where you
are, in reading through these works—you are here, in the moments and
pivot
points that represent transition and change.
The second
thing to
highlight is Montgomery's special brand of autobiographical inspection
that
juxtaposes these timelines with wisdom gained from experience and
living
through them: "There is magic here,
I know. I am full of missing what is right in front of me. But I am
already
wanting something that isn’t there. This is only home because it will
be gone
one day. Because I will go somewhere else, in search of nostalgia, a
lifelong
habit of saying goodbye."
The third
note? The
poetic, lyrical lilt of these essays is like the kiss of love, deeply
connected
and involving: "Whale tooth the size
of a palm held open for offerings, for help. Surface blade-slick, oiled
with
fat flayed and boiled. How your tooth shines when you are stripped of
your
flesh, rubbed down with your own disappearance. Taste sea, salt and
regret,
seep of sex. A ship is carved on your whale tooth, a dozen billowing
masts,
taut lines wrestling with the wind. You know those ropes, the ways they
choke,
capturing the body and holding it like an embrace."
This is how
language
sings. This is the song of place, time, connection, hope, and life.
Ideally,
this is why the essay form can be so expressive and haunting—under the
right
hand.
Sarah Fawn
Montgomery's hands are such: tools of insights, discovery, longing and
revelation that is rooted in archaeology, geology, and the world of
nature,
connecting the observational to personal experience: "We
crack the geode with a hammer to split it open. It reminds me
of the book on my mother’s shelf, the one about babies sliding from the
wide
legs of women, wonders that require pain."
It is hoped
that,
from these quoted passages, the sense of strength and superior literary
reflection that comprises Halfway From Home will invite readers of all ilk to partake. It
deserves not just a
place in literature libraries, but prominent feature in creative
writing
classes as an example of the powerful possibilities of intersecting
essay and
lyrical description.
Certainly, Halfway From Home is
one
of the most compelling collections this reviewer has seen this year,
with 2022
more than halfway over.
Return to Index
Iphigenia In Aulis
Euripides (Adapted
by Edward Einhorn)
Image Comics, Inc.
978-1534322158
$16.99 Paper/$13.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/Iphigenia-Aulis-Euripides/dp/1534322159
Iphigenia In Aulis
is an Age of Bronze graphic novel joining a series. The "play on
paper" has been adapted for this format by Edward Einhorn, but those
who
would translate this effort to the stage or public performance in any
media are
forewarned that royalties may apply.
The original
Euripides effort is steeped in historical accuracy. While one might
argue
whether it is an actual translation versus an adaptation, that point is
moot.
What is more important is that Iphigenia In Aulis receives the kind of interpretation that
lends to its accessibility for modern audiences of all ages. This makes
it a
standout both in the world of drama and in classic literature,
recommended for
young adult study and understanding.
As the ancient Greek play
evolves, covering the dilemma
King Agamemnon faces over either killing his beloved daughter or
allowing his
kingdom to fall into chaos during the Trojan War, readers receive an
interpretation that employs literary license in revising certain key
segments
of the original to improve dramatic results.
Thus, the prologue,
epilogue, and dialogue have all been
streamlined and adjusted for dramatic flair and better modern audience
understanding of the history and interpersonal relationships of the
times.
Eric
Shanower
provides the graphic illustrations that accompany this translation,
adding to
his Age of Bronze works of art that create key interpretive moments in
the
story.
Will
daughter
Iphigenia be sacrificed to the god Artemis to bless the King's side of
the war?
As
Agamemmnon,
Klytemnestra, and others of the times come to life, all ages will
appreciate
this interpretation's ability to wind a history of the times into a
dilemma
worthy of Shakespearian drama reader attention.
Einhorn's
ability to
smooth the way to understanding the influences, events, and choices of
these
classic characters combines well with the black and white illustrations
of
Shanower, creating a powerful story of gods, men, conflict, and
sacrifice.
The result
is
especially recommended for assignment to aspiring young actors who
would better
understand either the works of Euripides or the process of creating
historical
interpretations accessible to modern audiences.
Students of
drama,
literature, and history will find Einhorn's study rich in description
and action,
belaying any thought that these ancient events require intense
scholarship in
history and culture in order to prove captivating and understandable.
Libraries looking for
graphic novels that are powerful literary representations in and of
themselves
will find Einhorn's adaptation of Iphigenia In Aulis a fine addition.
Return to Index
Alfred B.
DelBello: His Life and Times
John A. Lipman
Atmosphere Press
978-1-63988-480-3
$18.95
www.atmospherepress.com
Alfred B. DelBello:
His Life and Times is not only a
portrait of an effective
politician, but an examination of the underlying concept of a style of
bipartisan politics that creates a cooperative rather than a
contentious
atmosphere.
While this examination is
both a tribute and a throwback
to past values and processes, it also holds an important message for
America's
future. This is why Alfred B. DelBello: His Life and Times deserves a prominent place not only
in library biography collections, but as discussion material for
political
debate groups and government worker circles.
Forty years ago, DelBello's
accomplishments were driven
not by special interests and the ebbs and flows of political influence,
but a
personal conviction of right, wrong, and the individuals who supported
these
beliefs no matter their political party of choice.
DelBello's concerns embraced
modern-day issues. He was
ahead of his time in tackling climate change, affordable housing, race
relations, and prison reform—all headlines in today's news. But, of
particular
interest here is his methodology and the underlying convictions which
contributed to his accomplishments.
No effective leader operates
without a guiding light; but
in modern times, that light too often appears fleeting and mercurial.
Not so
for DelBello, whose convictions made him a standout Democrat able to
work with
members of both parties and their diverse ideals.
John A. Lipman discusses not
only the (many) milestones
of DelBello's life, but the reasons why he was able to attract and work
with
political members from different walks of life. He "had
the ability to attract Republican voters. He was a principled
fighter. He had stood up against conventional thinking in his own
party. As a
Democratic mayor in Republican-leaning Yonkers, he had always worked
across the
aisle, especially during the tumultu-ous confidence vote for City
Manager
Scher. But Yonkers was merely a training ring. The county executive
seat was
the middleweight battle. The position controlled a 6,200-person
bureaucracy
with a budget of $245 million. His victory would place him in the
national
limelight."
Many a modern politician
today should take note of this,
because DelBello's special brand of politics fostered many
achievements, from
new medical centers and infrastructure improvements to efforts to
reduce jail
overcrowding and improve government effectiveness.
Of
particular note is the way Lipman dovetails the
personal perspective and life of DelBello with strategies that sent
politics in
different directions, often defying the set perceptions and courses of
DelBello's own party: "Some
Democratic Party regulars were annoyed by DelBello’s out-of-region
picks, but
Luddy and Berking had accepted that non-negotiable condition when they
asked
Del-Bello to run. Matrone established an “encumbrance system” that
removed all
expected future expenditures from the budget and placed them in an
interest-bearing account. When the bill was paid months later, the
interest
would be returned to the general fund. It replaced the county’s
antiquated
cash-disbursement system with strategic investments. In a period of
runaway
inflation, this kind of fiscal juggling was revolutionary, especially
for
government."
Al DelBello was an amazing
person. Even more commendable
is the way in which his achievements are both celebrated here, reviewed
for
their contributions to more effective democratic political processes.
It doesn't matter what party
the reader identifies
with—or even if they've heard of DelBello before. What is most
important about Alfred
B. DelBello: His Life and Times
isn't just his life, but his example of a methodology that sparked the
kinds of
changes all Americans benefitted from.
These
qualities
make Alfred B. DelBello: His Life and Times a top
recommendation that
ideally won't just repose in a library's biography section, but will
assume
just as active a role in discussions about political and social change
as it
takes in this biography of DelBello's life and times.
Return to Index
Along Came a
Stroke
Eileen Haas
Bold Story Press
978-1-954805-18-7
$9.99 Kindle
www.boldstorypress.com
Along
Came a
Stroke: My Story of Survival and Recovery is a memoir about
healing that
comes with a message: there is life
after stroke. This message serves as a beacon to others as Eileen Haas
recounts
her stroke and the recovery process that changed her life.
Where other stories of
recovery chart singular processes
and events, Haas maintains that healing is actually a lifetime
endeavor. As she
recounts this experience through the years before and during COVID, an
added
flavor of extraordinary times overlays the personal memoir of recovery.
This
documents the special challenges of having a life-threatening
experience and
recovering from it during a worldwide pandemic.
Unlike many, Haas was
already well-read about strokes
when she experienced hers. This allowed her a speedy response many
wouldn't
have thought of: "Even now, I’m
amazed at my presence of mind. I could have just fallen apart. I could
have
just died. But I sprang into action instead."
The life-or-death decision
she made occurred in nearly an
instant, but its results helped her return from the brink of death to a
changed
life: "They say your life flashes
before your eyes when you’re dying. Mine didn’t flash before me, but I
did
contemplate death. And I decided not to die (obviously, or I wouldn’t
be
writing this). Eventually I would die, of course, but I wasn’t ready. I
wasn’t
done having adventures, that was for sure. That was right, because I’m
having
quite an adventure recovering.
Anyone who wants to know
what it feels like to experience
a stroke and a life-altering condition must consult Along
Came a Stroke. It's as much a memoir of the recovery and
rebuilding process as it is about the stroke experience, charting the
course of
a woman who would never be the same.
From stages of grief
revolving around her stroke's
experience and its aftermath to lessons she learned about recovery and
choices
in facing disability, readers gain much wisdom on subjects ranging from
wheelchairs and non-limb use to adaptations that can create Catch-22s
and
hinder the full recovery process.
These honest revelations
also set Along Came a Stroke apart
from other stories of strokes and
recovery. They need to be heard and absorbed by readers, ideally well
before a
stroke or life-altering medical condition is experienced.
This book also excels in
exploring the falsehoods and
illusions that permeate and affect recovery choices, making it a
standout of
wise advice that readers from all walks of life would do well to
consider,
because "In life, you can get away
with this. I’m sorry to say, when you’ve had a stroke, you often can’t.
There’s
that moment when nobody is around and you have to climb that ladder.
Some
people just wait until someone is available. I’m too impatient for
that.
Normally, that’s not such a good trait. But when it comes to getting
over a stroke,
it is."
This candor sets the book
head and shoulders above most
stories of strokes, recovery, disability, and survival: "I
don’t know about you, but my goal has been
to be normal. A therapist
(not
a good one) told me, several years ago, that “normality is overrated”;
she will
be forever remembered for that remark. By normal, I mean that no one can tell I’ve had a stroke.
Until I tell them, which is at my discretion. This has been my goal.
But now
I’m beginning to wonder, do I really want that? Do I want to give up
the
privileges (yes, privileges!) that come with being somewhat disabled?"
Any library strong in health
and healing guides, as well
as a wide range of readers (to include not just stroke survivors, but
anyone
interested in the nuts and bolts of returning to normalcy after a
life-altering
experience), must place Along Came a Stroke at the top of their
reading list.
Ideally it won't just repose
on a library lending shelf,
but will become an active part of book clubs and reading groups devoted
to
recovery, healing, and better understanding the processes and options
of
survival.
Return to Index
America’s
Early Women
Celebrities
Angela Firkus
McFarland Publishers
9781476680231
$39.95
https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/americas-early-women-celebrities/
America’s Early Women Celebrities: The Famous and
Scorned from Martha
Washington to Silent Film Star Mary Fuller began as an effort
to define the
presence and actions of female heroes in American history. Ironically,
that
definition evolved to include a consideration of the element of
selfishness
that prompted these women to live up to their full potentials, whether
this led
them to fame or scorn. The original concept envisioned by Angela Firkus
for
this book, that "celebrity is a status negotiated between someone
famous
and her fans," proved to be more complicated and wider-reaching than
she'd
envisioned.
As Firkus
began the
process of selecting biographical sketches for inclusion, it became
evident
that the general definition of "fame" also needed to include the
notorious as well as the favorably acclaimed.
Therein lies
the
attraction and unusual direction of this book, which focuses on women
who took
big risks in order to not just live their lives, but thrive within
their
abilities and circles of interest.
Readers
receive a
host of symbols of perseverance, with the book's structure designed to
contrast
the different approaches of women who often moved in separate but
familiar
circles.
One such
example is
in the third chapter juxtaposing Lydia Maria Child and Frances Wright
who, in
the 1820s and 30s, promoted messages of equality and social justice for
all.
The choice to contrast these seemingly disparate lives offers a rare
opportunity for readers to absorb not only these individuals, but their
pursuit
of celebrity to achieve similar goals in different ways: "The
two crusaders pursued celebrity to break through and be
heard. They believed in many of the same causes but presented their
ideas and
tried to persuade their audiences very differently. Wright cared little
for
subtlety and prompted intense reaction. Child tread lightly until she
was compelled
by her conscience to speak more plainly. The two women won admirers but
possibly an equal number of Americans denounced them. Child and Wright
did not
back down and promoted equality as long as they were in the public eye."
More so than
any
singular coverage of women's history and biography could have achieved,
contrast of these lives to identify their influences, drives, and
different
methodologies in achieving their goals creates a rare opportunity to
better
understand how celebrity status fosters goals and beliefs.
The women
tackle a
range of social issues, from censorship to social improvement. Whether
driven
by a sense of justice, the pursuit of adventure, or an attraction to
fame, they
made a difference not only in their lives, but in the lives of those
around
them.
Firkus also
adds
insights into their personal objectives and reactions to fame,
presenting
important details about the public pursuit of entertainment: "Women and men wanted their celebrities
to be even more active than they were. Lecturers and writers continued
to
attract attention, but Americans admired more those who performed feats
of
courage or skill like they read about in the extremely popular dime
novels.
Calamity Jane became one of the most famous daring women in America but
she
probably led a much less outrageous (though maybe equally dangerous)
life than
the one attributed to her in books and articles."
Scholars who
look for
footnoted references will find plenty of supportive material here,
which also
points the way for additional reading about each woman and her times.
The result
is more
than a highlight of early female celebrities.
America’s Early Women Celebrities adds
the underlying social and
political analysis of their eras to provide readers with an in-depth
analysis
of the act of becoming a celebrity and its impact on the world: "Without a doubt, celebrity is a
phenomenon that cannot be avoided in the twenty-first century but it
had its
origins long ago."
Libraries
strong in
women's history and biography will find America’s
Early Women Celebrities a powerful choice supported by
extensive notes and
references. But it's also a top recommendation for book club and
discussion
groups who would better understand the changing roles of women in the
world,
and the individuals who fostered these changes via achieving and
employing
their celebrity status.
Return to Index
Cowboy from Prague
Charles Ota Heller
Atmosphere Press
978-1639883547
$18.00
www.atmospherepress.com
"Goddamn
immigrant!"
Charles Ota
Heller
heard these words of hate in high school ... in the land of the free,
after he
and his parents narrowly escaped the brutal Communist regime in
Czechoslovakia.
It was an endeavor that moved them from living a life of wealth to
arriving in
a strange new land nearly penniless.
They were words that would plague his life and seem to
thwart any ideal
of success. And yet, he persisted.
Charged by
his father
with adapting to his new home by speaking English without an accent and
becoming "100% American," Heller struggled with his past and present
prejudice to achieve success against all odds and under any definition
of the
word.
Cowboy
from
Prague: An Immigrant’s
Pursuit
of the American Dream records that process. It adds to the
literature about
immigrant experience and contributions to American history and culture
by
offering both familiar examples of struggle and prejudice and
extraordinary
efforts that link perseverance to the ultimate American dream of
achievement
and success for all.
In many ways, Cowboy from Prague
documents concepts, ideals, and processes similar to the wealth of
immigrant
experience already in print. In others, it represents a departure, in
its focus
on different types of prejudice and how they affected the narrator's
perceptions of life in the land of opportunity.
These passages are marked by specific
examples and memories: "The football coach looked at me,
turned back to
Smith and launched a wad of saliva onto the green grass. “This
is pure
bullshit!” he snarled. “Only goddamn immigrant freaks kick the ball
from the
side. This is America, and that’s not football.” With that, he walked
off in
the direction of his office. I felt as if the squat little man had
kicked me in
the groin as hard as I had kicked the football. I stared at Smith
quizzically
in search of an explanation. Cap was watching the football coach wobble
up the
hill toward the school building. Finally, he turned to me, and I could
see that
his eyes were moist. “I’m sorry, Charlie. Apparently, Coach Flynn is
not very
fond of immigrants. I’m afraid you’re going to meet a few people like
him in
your life.”
The strength
of such
examples (and in this narrative) lies in "what happened next,"
because Heller is the perfect example of gaining wisdom, strength, and
positive
pathways from adversity.
Cowboy
from Prague is full of such
examples as it documents
how this immigrant changes not only his history, but those around him,
by his
attitudes and drive.
Unexpected humor is one thread that keeps
Heller's story engrossing. It appears at points where one would least
expect
it, demonstrating the versatility of thought and approaches to life
that would
serve him well in America.
As readers pursue Heller's story, they will
come to realize that his book represents more than a singular life or
experience. It's the voice of a nation with a history of taking in
those less
fortunate and providing avenues of success unavailable in any other
country,
and it follows the successes and failures of America's own dreams and
promises.
In the end, it reinforces those very
American principles that draw immigrants in the first place: "I
wrote
Cowboy from Prague in support of enlightened Americans—those who not
only
understand the economic benefits of immigration, but who believe that
taking in
human beings in distress is what this country has always done—whose
voices will
drown out the insults and bravado of the haters. That is the America
about
which I dreamed as a 12-year-old in a refugee camp. That is the nation
which
allowed me to pursue, and realize, the American Dream. That is the
America
about which I decided to write."
While
libraries
strong in immigrant stories will want to consider Cowboy from
Prague, it's also a powerful
analysis of the
qualities that make America accessible, the ideals of it being the land
of
opportunity for all, and the types of people that either represent or
belay
this ideal by their attitudes and actions towards immigrants.
Heller's story will ideally be pursued in
discussion groups not just devoted to memoirs of immigrant experiences,
but
surveys of the American dream and how it is translated in real life.
Return to Index
Dad Died, Then Mom
Malia Arries
Trilogy Christian Publishers
978-1-68556-685
$17.99 Paper/$8.49 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Dad-Died-Then-Mom-Inspirational/dp/1685566855
Dad Died, Then
Mom: Siblings' Spiritual &
Inspirational Memoir as Caregivers is a memoir about love, spirituality, and
caregiving that chronicles the adversity, struggles, and rewards of
children
raised to believe in loyalty to the family above all.
Over
six years
had passed since her parents died, but Malia Arries felt compelled to
take pen
in hand and chronicle her family's experiences. Caregivers who are in
the
position of helping their loved ones will be glad she did, because this
is as
much a chronicle of love in service and assistance as it is a story of
aiding
parents in their final passage from life.
As
the story
opens, Dad is about to die. This process receives in-depth coverage
that brings
not just events but emotions and atmosphere to life: "A
lingering smell
of rhubarb custard pies Mom had made over the years now competed with
odors of
medicines, cleaning supplies, and body wipes. Fresh lilacs I had picked
earlier
that day and placed by Dad’s hospital bed offered a glimpse and scent
of
spring."
The
minutiae of
the moment is captured with an immediacy that creates a "you are
here" feeling in the reader: "I had always loved hearing
their
grandfather clock, musically announcing the quarter hours and then
banging out
the full hours. But on that night, I was consciously and unconsciously
focused
only on the sound of Dad’s breathing."
As
uncharted
territory is experienced in different ways and navigated with the
uncertainty
of familiarity combined with the certainty of spiritual reflections and
love,
readers receive important guideposts to connecting the end-of-life
experience
with their own ability to laugh and create memorable moments right up
to the
end.
Each
parent has
different end-of-life experiences which both challenge and embrace the
life
left. As the siblings learn how to navigate these changes and maintain
the
sense of love and loyalty that lets them help each parent in different
ways,
readers receive thought-provoking, moving insights into the caregiver's
mercurial role and adjustments needed to make them work.
Arries
acknowledges the difficulties but tempers them with insight and
affection: "There
were some challenging times caring for Mom which became endearing and
amusing
as we thought back."
The
result is a
moving memoir. Readers usually receive poignant, angst-driven caregiver
experiences, but it's refreshing to note and experience the underlying
love,
faith, and joy that permeate this account of caring for two parents on
their
different end-of-life journeys.
This
makes Dad
Died, Then Mom a standout in
caregiving literature,
especially recommended for Christian libraries and discussion groups
interested
in books that document shifting family experiences and relationships
and the
honor that comes with celebrating the life that Malia's parents shared.
Return to Index
Find a Place for Me
Deirdre Fagan
Pact Press/Regal House Publishing LLC
9781646032839
$17.95
Paper/$8.99 Kindle
https://pactpress.com
Find
a Place for
Me: Embracing Love and Life in the Face of Death is a memoir
about life, a
spouse's death, and the impact of an ALS diagnosis on marriage and a
family
determined to live life to its fullest.
Readers won't expect humor
and laughter to permeate this
couple's end-of-life story, but these are integral components of their
marriage
and their approach to death as well as life, and lend a special flavor
to their
story.
Deirdre Fagan pulls no
punches as she discusses their
initial denial and misunderstandings about the nature of Lou Gehrig's
disease
and the meaning of her forty-three-year-old husband's devastating
diagnosis: "I was in the deepest denial I’ve
ever
experienced in my life, and raw and painful energy was simmering just
beneath
the surface. If there are parts of our brains responsible for certain
things, I
locked away the part that could learn anything about this disease, and
I went
on with the part that thought what we were talking about was something
that is
really not a fun diagnosis but isn’t something that will kill you."
There are many emotional
revelations about the course of
their marriage after diagnosis that reveals the crux of their
relationship and
how this foundation was affected by ALS: "I
subscribe to the idea that truth and knowing are always better than
ignorance.
Bob and I both did. It’s part of why we both gravitated toward
philosophy. Bob
and I agreed we couldn’t deal with or grow from what we didn’t know.
Relationships
of all kinds are built on trust. I firmly believe that it is by not outing such information, even in
relationships we are committed to maintaining, that we grow more and
more
distant from our partners. Not telling Bob would have made—in the case
of my fortieth-year
crush—a mountain out of a molehill. Keeping that crush to myself would
have
helped those feelings to snowball, instead of Bob and me melting them
together.
Hiding and not telling never seems to do much good in any situation."
Whether it's attractions to
others, rejecting the
ultimate results of an ALS diagnosis and its impact on daily living
before that
point, or the influence of family and friends (and their lack of
proximity),
Fagan creates a dialogue that gives insights into the caregiver
relationship
that evolves, in addition to a couple's challenges.
Perhaps most eye-opening of
all is the growing isolation
the disease and Bob's increasing limitations have on their lives and
choices: "While the update letters make it
sound
as if we were surrounded by love, which clearly we were in so many
ways, so
much of that love was far, far away. There were many people who did not
inhabit
our daily lives."
Raw, candid moments of
marital change affected by the
disease's progression come to life under Fagan's hand: "Words
had meant everything to me and to Bob for so much of our
marriage. Talking and writing side by side kept us strong and united,
which is
why we often opted to go to a hotel on a date rather than into the
public
sphere. Slowly, however, as Bob had predicted, I increasingly took my
words
elsewhere. As painful as it was for me to tear myself from Bob, like
two strips
of Velcro adhered to each other, he was too tired, and I needed to say
things I
didn’t want to say to him."
More so than most memoirs
about ALS, Find a Place for Me hits
home, hits hard, and addresses the special
heartache of losing a beloved partner "one degree at a time."
It provides a blueprint for
any others who may find
themselves in this position, whether from ALS or other degenerative
health
conditions. It's both a celebration of life and a walk through the
progressive
changes caused by debilitative disease, providing insights about daily
physical
and emotional challenges that readers can apply to their own situations.
Libraries strong in memoirs
about marriage, love, and ALS
will find that Find a Place for Me
stands out from the literature with its inspections of life, love, and
a
husband's ability to still make his wife laugh despite the anguish of
their
shared, vastly revised lives.
Return to Index
Fragile Minds: An Advocate's
Story
Diane Lane Chambers
Ellexa Press LLC
978-0-9760967-8-8
$17.99
Paper/$8.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Fragile-Minds-Diane-Lane-Chambers/dp/0976096781
Fragile
Minds: An
Advocate's Story is a memoir that journeys through bipolar
disorder and
mental illness. It tells of a family history of mental illness that
affects
Diane Lane Chambers in her fifties.
She'd been diagnosed with
breast cancer, finished
treatment, and become involved with fellow survivors, only to
experience
repeated deaths as her new friends lose their battles with cancer.
The road from repeated grief
and loss creates a downward
slide into mental instability: "They
say there’s a link between stressful events and susceptibility to
illness. The
death of a loved one is one of the top 10 stressors. I hadn’t realized
it, but
the death of my father shortly after my cancer diagnosis, coupled with
the loss
of two friends from breast cancer, and then my beloved Bert, had taken
a huge
toll on me. I began spiraling downhill, aware that something was very
wrong
with me, but I had no idea what it was."
Her condition belayed her
perceptions of what depression
was and how it presented in life, and so Chambers missed many of the
early
signs that something was very wrong, until her illness could no longer
be
denied.
As she became more aware and
knowledgeable about not only
her own condition, but medical and government responses within the
mental
health system, Chambers came to realize the need to write about her
experiences
and revelations. And so Fragile Minds
was born to tackle the issues not just from a patient's perspective,
but from
an advocate's mindset.
This approach sets Fragile
Minds apart from many memoirs about mental illness. From her
work on psych
wards and the encounters with staff and patients that led to a
startling
revelation that many with severe mental illnesses were not being
helped, but
harmed, to her evolving fight for reforms and change, Fragile
Minds juxtaposes personal and community thinking in a
thought-provoking manner.
Readers who anticipate
another memoir steeped in
self-analysis will find that Fragile
Minds differs from most. It juxtaposes discussions of mental
illness,
self-revelation and analysis, and greater involvement in
community-building
efforts.
Chambers takes the needed
next step in moving beyond her
experiences to address mental health system failures and how to address
and
correct them. Portraits of other sufferers contrast different
experiences with
the types of changes Chambers seeks to make through her own efforts and
those
of advocacy programs.
The result is a wide-ranging
memoir that deserves not
only placement in any library strong in mental health memoirs, but
those
interested in community issues and health community challenges.
Ideally, it will not repose
on such shelves, but will
become a flash point of conversation for book clubs, advocacy groups,
and
mental illness treatment professionals who will see in its stories and
examples
the roots of positive change.
Return to Index
Involuntary
Reroute!!!
Robert Laney
Independently
Published
978-1-73-352490-2
$5.99
https://www.amazon.com/Involuntary-Reroute-Initial-Book-ebook/dp/B0B6QD8GCC
Involuntary Reroute!!! is a business
biography that follows Robert
Laney's realizations about the airline industry and how it really works.
It takes
early
lessons learned about fares, first class seating, and the logic of
flying and
moves from flying the friendly skies to moving through business logic: "An involuntary reroute took place,
teaching me the basics of airline deception, and inventing new
fare-savings
tools. Most travelers have no idea that airfares are a game or even how
to
play. Overvalued fares are only real if you pay them. In the
twenty-first
century, most won’t overpay, and neither should you."
Readers who
expect to
receive a plethora of tips about saving money and flying better won't
be
disappointed, but to consider Involuntary
Reroute!!! a how-to guide about flights and fares alone would
be to do it a
disservice.
Laney's book
is as
much about business decision-making, processes and the finer art of
creating a
bargain mentality as it is about the airline industry and his
experiences with
it.
From a rogue
affiliate's plan to steal a business to how industry discounts really
work and
legal cases that evolved over trademark infringement, sabotage, and
competitive
branding processes, Laney's story is replete with the cat-and-mouse
games of a
thriller, yet cultivates an inspection of real-life business processes
and events.
These
circumstances
provide a far deeper probe into the business practices of the airline
industry
as a whole and the actions of Laney and others who operated within its
circles.
It offers business
readers many historical
references and insider insights about everything from promotion and
sales to
ethical and moral decision-making within and outside a business
structure.
Controversy
and
litigation stories abound in a lively blend of expose and business
processes
that reads like fiction, but is thoroughly steeped in real-world
experiences
within the airline business.
The result
is a fun
and enlightening inspection of airline follies and business practices
that will
appeal on many levels. It works as both an entertainment piece and a
story of
subterfuges and deception, illustrating business processes that have
largely
taken place under the radar. Until now.
Libraries
looking for
a lively exposé
in the form of a business
professional's memoir will find that Involuntary
Reroute!!! is the perfect blend of drama and probe into
airline tricks and
traps, designed to attract a wide audience beyond business
professionals alone.
Return to Index
It's About Time
Mickey Bridges
Independently Published
978-1-66783-752-9
$14.99 Paperback/$9.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/Its-About-Time-Mickey-Bridges/dp/1667837524
It's
About Time is a memoir about a
boy coming of age in
Compton, California in the 1950s and 60s. Readers who expect the usual
blend of
family experiences and social integration will find that Mickey Bridges
provides
an unusually harrowing and detailed story. It follows a boy who finds
himself
on the wrong side of the tracks, heading for disaster as he impregnates
a girl,
drops out of school, moves in and out of prison, and eventually lands
in a
federal penitentiary.
For most, this would be the end of the story
(and the end of the line). Mickey doesn't know how to forge a better
life for
himself, and every choice he makes just lands him deeper into crime and
trouble.
Readers will find that the meat of this
memoir lies not in how this life goes off-rails, but in the process
through
which he grows into a better life for himself, against all odds.
He wants to do his time and gain freedom,
but this goal is fraught with setbacks, even in prison. As he finds a
way out,
Bridges documents his character's progress based on real-world events,
his own
background, and his own work with disadvantaged students.
Bridges
found more
than a way out. He found God and a meaningful life work that allowed
him to
help others in similar situations. This occurred even in a prison
environment
because Bridges took advantage of a program and approach that created a
foundation for achievement both within and beyond the prison's walls: "After my mother passed away, I knew it
was time for me to get down to business. I wanted to get out of prison
in the
shortest amount of time possible. I needed to prepare myself to be able
to deal
with the rest of my life without my mother’s help, guidance, or
support. I
vowed to do the best program I could. I worked every day on the trade
line and
when I was off, I would read the Bible or practice on my saxophone or
study. I
didn’t spend a great deal of time associating with the other inmates,
as I was
preoccupied with doing my own program."
The result
is an inspiring
memoir that shows how even a life in dire straits can recover and
blossom into
a giving, meaningful experience.
Libraries
seeking
memoirs of personal and spiritual transformation will find It's
About Time an excellent
selection. But its real value
lies in insights that lend to book club discussions both within and
outside the
prison system. A classroom assignment of this memoir at the high school
level
would also provide much food for thought and debate.
Return to Index
The Long
Surrender
Brian Rush McDonald
Wisdom Editions,
Minneapolis
978-1-950743-80-3
$16.99
Author website: www.brianrushmcdonald.com
Ordering: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1950743802
The Long Surrender: A Memoir of Losing My Religion
will appeal to
those interested in faith and wisdom. It is the story of a "Jesus
freak" who lived most of his life immersed in the dogmatism of
Christian
fundamentalism.
Brian Rush
McDonald
became a minister, a father, and a missionary, bringing his faith and
his
family to Taiwan, where they all broadened their faith and its
definition.
It was only
after 30
years of preaching that McDonald walked away from some of his engrained
concepts of spirituality and Christianity to discover a new brand of
wisdom and
faith that taught him yet another new language.
The Long Surrender is a memoir that
explores faith within the
larger contexts of life experiences, encounters, and blossoming
interests, such
as being a musician.
As McDonald
came to
embrace a more flexible and supportive view of Christianity in his work
with
Chinese communities, he translated his prior dogmatic viewpoints into
work that
could better resonate not only within himself, but his followers: "The stories of Moses, Abraham, Jacob,
Gideon, Joshua and others offer accounts of the journey of a people of
faith.
Indeed, some say these were myths created to give people a sense of
identity
and to carry on the lessons of their faith. I began to take this
approach to
preaching and felt a certain freedom. I emphasized the lessons we could
learn
in our modern times. I did not say that I did not accept the Bible as
literally
true. I just did not emphasize the teachings that such a view
necessitated."
The special
challenges of faith, cultural precedent and transformation, and
maintaining a
revised presence (and message) within the Chinese community are
outlined in
passages that offer much food for not only thought, but discussion: "The challenge came from members of my
congregation whose families had observed the Christian faith for
generations
and did not accept this metaphorical approach. When they embraced
Christianity,
they rejected the cultural perspectives of their families and countries
of
origin. In some cases, they had been rejected by their family for their
decision. By and large, the Chinese preachers they heard at conferences
and
other churches emphasized that the Bible is to be understood in a
straightforward, literal manner, not symbolically or metaphorically."
The result
is much
more than a memoir of spiritual realizations alone, as readers might
expect. The Long Surrender is a
probe of
Christianity in action in changing communities that explores a life in
the
ministry and the newfound connections created by McDonald's quest to
solidify
his own beliefs.
Spiritual
libraries
and readers looking for multifaceted stories of transformation and
discovery
will find McDonald's journey intriguing, as he no longer identifies
himself as
a Christian, but states: "I consider
myself a follower of the teachings of Jesus, whose teachings did impact
my life
greatly. Jesus’s teaching of the value of each human has defined my
life
outlook."
Ideally, The Long Surrender will become central
to readers of all faiths, discussed in groups of thinkers and spiritual
followers who want to reconsider the impact and underlying beliefs of
the Bible
and its translation in modern times.
Return to Index
My Friend Richard: A True
Ghost Story
William Hart
Verdugo Mountain Press
ASIN: B0B6S7FXMW
$2.99
Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6S7FXMW
It's unusual to see a ghost
story presented as a memoir,
but My Friend Richard: A True Ghost Story
is such a study in friendship and reality. A teen who dies in a fire
returns to
haunt author William Hart with a special request—the result of which is
this
book, which is recommended for those who hold the belief that ghosts do
exist.
Audiences consisting of
quasi-believers and ghost story
scholars will find the premise and circumstances of this particular
ghost story
unique, in that the ghostly encounter occurred years after death and
involved
an initial friendship between ghost and hauntee.
The story is further
enhanced by other encounters with
ghost believers, skeptics, and those who provided insights into the
overall
nature of the spirit world.
As William Hart traverses
unfamiliar territory and comes
to find that Richard displays the same young personality as he held at
the
point of his death, while William has evolved on many levels, the
contrasts are
well done and intriguing.
Equally absorbing are the
reflections on a lifelong
friendship that may have ended prematurely, but lingered on in both
minds: "I was probably Richard Johnson’s
closest male friend during the last eight or nine years of his life.
I’ve never
had another friend anything like him. He was the most intellectually
sharp of
my friends and also the most artistically gifted. In the years we were
closest he
was my most adventurous friend and least wise. Nobody has ever
challenged my
thinking more than he did. Often, with a cutting comment followed by
loud
sarcastic laughter, he slapped the Pollyanna out of my dreamy head."
Also intriguing is the
malevolence described by Hart as
he tries to help his deceased friend, only to experience pain and
revised
visions of Richard's impact on his life.
Can Richard see the future?
Is his shape shifting form in
William's life a portent of disaster, or promise?
Readers who expect a series
of "I saw a ghost"
discussions will be surprised (and delighted) to find there's much more
going
on here than an exploration of ghosts and reality. Equally forceful are
the
descriptions of an evolving friendship that moves from life to death
and back
again, creating new connections, influences, and revelations that will
prove as
thought-provoking to readers as they did to the author.
The prerequisite for
thoroughly appreciating this title's
unique features is at least a quasi-openness to ghosts. Audiences who
hold such
a belief will find the added value of friendship and interpersonal
inspection
elevates My Friend Richard: A True Ghost
Story to levels not present in the majority of ghost story
experiences and
descriptions.
Libraries seeking to augment
their ghostly collections
with something different will find much food for thought in My Friend Richard: A True Ghost Story,
while discussion groups of paranormal and friendship themes will want
to
include it as an engrossing, unique presentation. It captures not just
one
man's ghostly encounters, but the essence of a complete relationship
that
changes the nature of belief in the afterlife and the meaning and
presence of
ghosts in everyday living.
Return to Index
One Last Song For My Father
Edwin Fontánez
Exit Studio Publishing
978-0-9831891-4-5
$22.99
https://exitstudio.com/
One
Last Song
For My Father: A Son's Memoir represents a son's effort to present a
"fair portrait of the man" to both honor and explain his father's
life.
As
his regular yearly visits to his family in Puerto Rico evolves into
witnessing his father's decline into dementia, Edwin Fontánez captures not
just these observations, but their impact on his family: "The
ripple effect of his turn of health dramatically impacted the family
dynamic,
leading me into unknown territory as my father’s affliction followed a
devastating cycle that lasted over sixteen years."
The
copious notes he took during this period of time results in this
tribute and exposé, which contemplates the unfinished relationship
between his
father and himself and the impact of how matters began and ended
between them.
Sixteen
years ago, Fontánez
mourned the loss of a
man who while, still technically living, had moved into a realm that
denied his
family his personality, memories, and connections: "Heartbroken,
I had
to accept that I had lost the opportunity to strengthen our emotional
bond. His
disease had robbed me of all those years I had looked forward to
spending with
him."
This
memoir celebrates these elements posthumously, documenting a
process many readers follow as they pursue their own loved ones into
the
shadowy realms of dementia.
Black
and white family photos and artwork throughout supplement these
personal reflections of father and son, providing visual reinforcement
about
who these people were and how they once lived their lives.
Perhaps
the strongest aspect of this memoir, which sets it apart from
other celebrations of parents' lives, is the author's attention to
documenting
the ripples of change that affected family connections, as when his
father
temporarily rescued a little girl cousin from a bad situation, only to
find his
new family member had to be returned to her home: "Though it
was only
for a few weeks, at least my mother, sisters, and I had witnessed this
renewed
side of my father which had come to life with the presence of this
little girl.
As great as his enthusiasm was for giving our cousin a better life, so
was his
grief at losing her. Suddenly, the house seemed emptier. I realized how
we had
underestimated the light and energy she had brought into our lives.
Perhaps to
conceal his heartache, Papa never mentioned her again. Understanding
his deep
hurt and disappointment, neither did we."
These
insights create the foundation of who the man was and his intense
connections with family before everything changed. The progress of his
dementia
is made all the more poignant by the time taken to fully capture this
life,
while the moments of loss are highlighted by intimate glimpses into how
a son
reacts to these vast relationship changes: "So it happened
that on my
arrival on that afternoon back in July 2014, hoping for a pleasant
revelation I
asked him, “Papa, do you recognize me?” He looked at me smiling but his
simple
“No” broke my heart. Yet as disheartening as his answer was, I insisted
on
asking him the same question in every exchange we had, knowing quite
well what
his answer would be. It was a harsh awakening into a surreal reality."
Many
memoirs discuss the ravages of dementia, but too few take the time
to probe deeply into the nature of family relationships and
interactions which
took place before the downhill slide.
Edwin
Fontánez's
intention is to provide a full-faceted reflection of his father's life
and
times. He achieves his goal with love and insights gleaned from his
ability to
self-analyze, observe, and document the highs and lows of his father's
life and
his own relationship with him.
The
result is a
memoir that embraces essays, poetry, and journal writing to capture the
extent
of not only Puerto Rican roots and heritage, but the nature and impact
of a
father who often proved a challenge to connect with, given the inherent
machismo of the Hispanic culture and the fact that his son is gay.
One
Last Song
For My Father is more than a celebration of one man's life. It's
a cultural and psychological exposé that represents an aria of
understanding,
love, and cultural identity that traverses two very different, yet
strongly
interconnected, worlds.
It
deserves a prominent place in any library strong in LGBTQ
literature, father/son relationships, and intimate inspections of
Puerto Rican
heritage.
Return to Index
Playing Mantis
D'Ann Katsu Davis
Atmosphere Press
978-1-639884179
$17.77
www.atmospherepress.com
Playing
Mantis: A
Workbook For Inner Peace And A Playbook For The Revolution is an allegorical autobiography of a mantis
that comes with an added bonus: embedded original music by D'Ann
Katsu
Davis, specifically designed to augment the story.
Asked to
write a
music bio, Davis quickly realized an even greater interest in writing a
bio of
the music, as well.
Nobody can
synthesize
the feel and special perspective of this book than the author, who
easily
defines its mercurial form: "Playing Mantis is a story within a story within a story within a
story. It is the
spiritual autobiography of a praying mantis, and an allegorical memoir,
while
at the same time answering the question of “what the hell” am I doing
with my
music and sounds? Which was a central goal. But it also came to embody
larger
social and even cosmological themes."
Its main
characters
are an amalgamation of various spiritual teachers and influences that
also
incorporate an unusual countenance as events are related from the
points of
view of a male Buddhist and female indigenous praying mantis.
The first
strength to
note in this story is a powerful sense of people and places. These are
vividly
captured in first-person observations: "Terri
Lyn has a full goddess body, full of lusty laughter, sparkles and life.
Her
long hair is brown, and her flashing loving eyes are green. Like many
of the
folks here at Kalani, Terri
practices yoga and meditation. But I don’t. I just clean up the place.
Which I mean to do as a
meditation, but I’m
too young and my head is too full. Sometimes I try too hard to
meditate, and
that doesn’t work either. But I do walk a lot, and that clears the
head. And I
walk a lot here. These long jungle walks among the wild fragrance of
huge
tropical flowers are one of the reasons I like where I work."
These power
a
transformation work that adopts a different perspective about the
world, the
healers and spiritual forces that move through it, and those that
educate and
carry the narrator through life.
Readers may
not expect
the full-bodied flavor of this experience, which contrasts diverse
concerns such
as Eastern and Western philosophy, presents succinct round-up words of
wisdom
by various 'mantis' incarnations (Medicine Mantis Says 'When people and nature are in perfect
harmony magic and beauty are everywhere'), and blends musical
notes of
enlightenment and creative spirit into its experiences and
observations: "She inhales air, and exhales
music.
She is a Native Ameri-can flute—mystic and enchanting—haunting and
hollow. She
is full of heart, peace, and gratitude as she plays her offerings of
praise to
all who reside in the Seven Sacred Directions of her Sound Medicine
Wheel."
The result
is a
lyrical work that begins and ends with music, infusing this into high
notes of
spiritual revelation and life inspection that will prove particularly
attractive to readers interested in more than just memoirs of personal
enlightenment.
Playful,
thought-provoking, and spiritually revealing, Playing Mantis lives up to the weighty promise of its
subtitle (A Workbook For Inner Peace And A Playbook For The
Revolution)
with a format that is at once easy to access and hard to define within
the
usual genre boundaries.
Libraries and readers interested in
spiritual, philosophical, and artistic explorations will find the
language and
focus of Playing Mantis exceptional, representing a
free fall into
healing and growth that is unusually lively in both perspective and
presentation.
Return to Index
Robert Preston:
Forever the Music Man
Debra Warren
Independently
Published
979-8-9863110-0-5
$28.00 Hardcover/$19.99 Paper/$19.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/Robert-Preston-Forever-Music-Man/dp/B0B8RP7QR1
Robert Preston:
Forever the Music Man follows the
private and public life of an
actor who achieved fame, but kept his life tightly under wraps. Debra
Warren
interviewed family members as well as fellow actors and conducted
extensive
research to bring Preston's life to light, resulting in a biographical
sketch
that offers not just enlightenment about his personality and career,
but a
sense of the times that influenced his vocational trajectory.
Preston's
acting
career was affected by his rejection of the typical Hollywood culture
of the
era and the interactions between special interests that directed much
of the
film culture's choices both on and off stage.
Always
striving for
perfection, he eschewed ventures that assumed political influences on
actor
choices in favor of preserving a very private life against the
pressures of
fame and Hollywood community influences.
Warren
creates the
kind of in-depth inspection that lends to a thorough understanding,
including
footnoted references that lead back to interviews and sources that
support her
portrait of Preston's outlook and experiences: "Preston
was eager to be featured in a comedy film and had honed
his comedic skills by watching old Carol Lombard movies. He
acknowledged that
the secret to an actor’s success in a comedy role “is to play every
situation
with tremendous seriousness, no matter how funny the circumstances;”
noting an
actor must be able to “lose his own sense of humor to make a scene play
hilariously.”
Of
particular
interest to fellow aspiring actors are the ways in which Preston
continually
challenged himself to seek out, accept, and participate in roles that
would
expand and further his acting career.
His
successes in
performing in a wider variety of genres than most actors and his
pursuit of
perfection that led him to fame outside the usual social connections of
Hollywood create a biography that is as firmly rooted in the history
and
methods of the film industry as it is in Preston's life and movements
within
it.
The result
is a
powerful survey recommended not just for prior fans of Robert Preston's
films,
but for would-be actors who can use his proven routes to success to
hone their
own paths forward in the competitive industry.
Readers outside of
acting who choose Robert Preston:
Forever the Music Man
for its scholarly probe into Preston's life and
achievements will find the close attention to the variety of
productions to be
enlightening and absorbing.
Libraries
strong
in film and stage biographies must have this delightful, in-depth
profile of
Robert Preston's world and how he approached and furthered his career
within
it.
Return to Index
Through New
York's
Golden Door
H. Claude Shostal
Mascot Books
978-1-63755-167-7
$21.95
www.mascotbooks.com
Through
New York's
Golden Door: An American Journey is a biography of a Jewish
family's escape
from Europe in 1941, their survival as penniless immigrants in America,
and the
journey that led H. Claude Shostal to become a civil leader and world
traveler.
If any book were to define
and represent the American
immigrant experience and the fulfillment of the promise of opportunity,
it
would be Through New York's Golden Door.
Through Shostal's eyes, readers become immersed in a story of one
Jewish
family's history and struggle that follows them through their escape
from
Europe and their experiences in America.
References to his father's
memoir and the influential
people that affected the family's lives are accompanied by black and
white
photos peppered throughout, which bring these people to visual life.
As Shostal develops an early
craving to visit far-away
lands, attends Harvard, and forms close bonds and friendships that
carry him
into adulthood, readers receive an engrossing inspection of a life that
unfolds
under many political and social changes in America.
Returning to Europe, Shostal
discovers new attractions
and connections between family experience and the revised atmosphere of
the
place his family once escaped from, entering into new ventures in
America that
solidify his own success.
Shostal brings his family,
his times, and his trajectory
to life, examining many facets of social, psychological, and political
change
that affected his choices and movements in the world.
Of particular note are the
changing social and business
milieus that help those who would better understand the influences that
change
the world and communities alike: "Our
unrestricted giving had been shrinking slowly but inexorably for some
time. We
were caught up in a broader trend: corporate philanthropy was
undergoing a
seismic change. In the years following World War II, local business
leaders—the
heads of the banks, utilities, insurance companies, newspapers,
etc.—tended to
have a direct stake in the health and well-being of their communities.
In those
days it was part of a CEO’s basic job to serve on the boards of
nonprofit
organizations such as RPA. Now most of those companies were becoming
global
enterprises, and global competition was relentless. It was partly for
that
reason that boards of directors increasingly looked to CEOs to focus
exclusively on stock price, which meant concentrating on next-quarter
earnings
projections rather than on long-term commitments to stakeholders
including
workers and their communities."
The result is a biography
that certainly belongs in
libraries strong in Jewish memoirs. It also which will reach out to any
who
would better understand an immigrant family's experiences, the process
of
building life connections, and the mercurial flow of success and
achievement
that forges strong relationships.
Readers looking for memoirs
that are steeped in a review
of American values and opportunities will especially value the
intention and
heart of Through New York's Golden Door,
which serves as both a memoir and a reminder of America's promise: "I hope that my experience as an
immigrant to this country makes me better able to appreciate the
extraordinary
importance—and fragility—of America’s institutions devoted to equal
opportunity, and our historic—though imperfect—commitment to the value
of the
individual. As I wrote in the preface, my story could only have
happened in the
United States, and for that I am profoundly grateful to this country."
Return to Index
A Time of
Innocence
Quirina Vasquez de Bond & Robert J
Bond
Jr.
Palmetto Publishing
979-8-9862797-2-5
$14.99
www.PalmettoPublishing.com
A Time of Innocence: Memoir of a Childhood in the
High Sierra Madre
provides a focus on childhood innocence that captures the nature and
effects of
this milieu both past and present. It represents a foray into the
innocence of
the child that holds important ramifications for adult perspective and
life
outlook, and draws readers with experiences that, ironically, left the
author
both well prepared for life and struggling to find her place in the
world.
The memoir
opens with
the family's roots in Mexico, exploring a father's move to Arizona to
work in
the mines at a time when there were no borders to navigate. He would
become a
rancher in San Antonio and he and his wife would raise fifteen children
at the
San Antonio Ranch that would both shelter them from the world and
provide them
with a powerful sense of self suitable for navigating any alien terrain.
As Quirina seeks to define the term and
impact of innocence, she reflects on the experiences and values her
family
upbringing gave to her which affected her choices and perspectives
about life: "She would fill the shawl with
dry
coffee leaves and straw and wrap herself with goat and deer hides to
ward off
the cold. It was not pretty to look at, but back then, no one knew any
better.
We were blessed and innocent, protected from the pressures of the
outside
world. Now, people worry about what they’re wearing and are afraid of
being
judged anywhere they go. Some won’t go out in public unless they are
wearing
the latest fashion. Some spend a fortune to buy a fur coat that they
only wear
once a year, and that’s only to show it off to their so-called friends."
Her
transition from
growing up with much freedom to realizing that other families and
communities
operated much differently is captured in candid passages of
self-examination
that reflect both her upbringing and her encounters with the world: "I was used to having so much freedom
growing up and was having a very difficult time abiding by all the
rules laid
out before me."
As Quirina
defines
innocence and a form of poverty that may be physical, but does not
dampen the
spirit, readers receive a forward thrust into adulthood realizations
that stems
from the foundations of her upbringing: "I
was told later in life that love is a choice. I have learned to
disagree with
this statement because I can reflect to the point I felt my father’s
love.
After eighty-two years, I believe people choose to accept another
person,
choose to forgive him or her, and choose to move forward out of
necessity or
for a common mutual benefit. I believe you either feel love for
someone, or you
don’t. Love is a gift from God. Some are lucky to have enough softness
in their
heart to experience love. Some hearts are just too hard to feel it.
They
justify their lack of love and call it choice. This makes them feel
normal.
Love is joy, excitement, compassion, trust, explosive energy,
selflessness, and
a deep sense of affection rolled up into one big package. This is my
belief."
From outward
adventure and experience to inner contemplation, Bond's memoir, more
than most,
builds a foundation for its values and life perspective that create a
powerful
survey of the evolution of both.
Libraries
strong in
memoirs of childhood, Mexican heritage, and families poor in goods but
rich in
connections will find A Time of Innocence
a compelling story that promises book clubs much fodder for discussion,
from
immigrant experiences and cross-cultural connections to family ties,
values,
and the evolution of child to woman.
Return to Index
After the Blue,
Blue Rain
A.D. Price
Glore House
Books
979-8-9868930-1-3
$12.99 Paper/$4.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/After-Blue-Rain-D-Price-ebook/dp/B0BDPCGDB1
Mystery readers who
look for evocative stories that work next to but more than slightly
outside of
the 'cozy mystery' genre will find After
the Blue, Blue Rain
a study in contrasts that opens with a
first-person confession by an escapee who writes of his last days in
America.
As
events
unfold, readers come to realize that the narrator's introductory story
is but
one journal entry in a series of observations that embrace different
perspectives, including soldier Private Stanley Comfort. What does his
military
life have to do with Comfort and Company, Private Investigators or his
sister
Kit's venture?
As
different
threads are developed, the roots of this story in historical facts come
to
light to attract readers of historical mysteries interested in the
backdrop of
the 1940s and events that reach overseas to involve a soldier in his
sister's
actions.
Amnesia
is a
funny thing. As Stanley rebuilds his life with his sister's help, his
vague
memories come flooding back—and, with them, a dilemma that the
formerly-MIA
soldier must face, along with the past.
A.D.
Price
builds an absorbing story of intrigue, recovery, discovery, and family
ties as
Kit employs her investigative prowess in a new direction that tests her
loyalties and connections.
As
cases
involving missing veterans multiply, Kit finds her family involvements
growing
to become more than any investigation she's ever tackled before—more
personal;
more challenging; more dangerous.
Fine
tension is
developed between the opening letters that capture the desperate
efforts of
disparate individuals and the events which grow to explain their
actions.
Characters
are
finely developed, finely tuned to their environments and expectations,
and
inject many surprises into the story as it winds through veteran and
civilian
affairs with an overlay of investigative mystery and history that
readers will
find realistic and satisfying.
Time
is taken to
follow both Stanley and Kit's evolution under these revised
circumstances, and
it's time well spent by readers who receive an evocative,
thought-provoking
story that embraces many issues as it explores family relationships
changed by
war and adversity both within and outside of its circles.
Libraries
strong
in historical mysteries that incorporate veteran issues will find After
the
Blue, Blue Rain attractive to readers of both genres; but
ideally it also
will attract book clubs seeking edgy novels that operate both within
and
outside the confines of genre reads. This audience will find After
the Blue,
Blue Rain presents underlying issues of interest to readers
of veteran
experiences, offering food for thought and discussion that augment the
mystery
and history components with powerful reflective insights about
survival,
adaptation, and change.
"Going
home would be the easy course. It takes
courage to know when you’re not quite there yet."
Return to Index
The Beijing
Blunder
Jay Perrin
East
River Books
978-1-7364680-6-7
$4.99 ebook
www.eastriverbooks.com
Book 4 of
the One
Hundred Years of War series represents another powerful display of
historical
mystery, suspense, and Middle East intrigue that pulls readers into the
story
of former president Temple, who has built an oil empire and a network
of
companies which fall under threat from a criminal.
Temple has
manipulated his daughter to build this empire. Now Lilah is on the run,
Steven
Kingsley has assumed her role and cultivated a subterfuge that
threatens more
than a singular interest or operation, and the elderly Temple finds
himself
mired in a situation that threatens all the work he's done to assure
success
for himself and his family.
International
politics, pressures, and espionage mark a heady group of characters and
mercurial situations that keep readers on their toes as the story
progresses.
Ripe with
the threat
of assassination, power plays, and world-hopping action that moves the
story
from domestic to international playing fields, readers should cultivate
an
ability to absorb a myriad of satisfyingly complex scenarios as the
cat-and-mouse game constantly evolves unexpected twists.
The
old-money
families from New York are still contending for control, but injected
into this
mix are social and political changes that buffet all the families who
vye for
control and power.
While
newcomers can
easily delve into the story, it's the prior readers of the One Hundred
Years of
War series who will best appreciate the way this story so neatly
dovetails with
and expands the special interests and focus of many of the characters
in the
prior books.
The Beijing Blunder creates yet another
chapter in a family saga
that expands and ripples changes through disparate lives. Its strength
lies in
the process of changing these interconnected relationships, which is
why prior
readers will find the new events particularly enlightening and
compelling, and
why newcomers will want to turn to the other series titles for a fuller
flavor
of the impact of these suspenseful twists and turns.
New gambits,
power
plays, and obstacles are presented here which build on characters and
intentions, creating conundrums that are steeped in political, legal,
and
social transformation: “It’s not what
Brad did or didn’t do at this point. He has become the symbol of
corporate
greed in the eyes of the public, and no politician fond of his career
will dare
express support. Without Temple in our corner, the Kingsley family has
enough
clout to make sure of it. Unless we find a way around it. As for going
to the
courts... Noah says trial in absentia would not work in this case, and
even if
it did, the outcome might not be to our liking. Right now, Brad has
only been accused of
treason. If the legal
system agrees Brad betrayed the nation, no president would agree
to issue a pardon no matter how much time
passes.”
Thriller
enthusiasts
who like their stories firmly rooted in history, mystery, and suspense
will
relish the solid development of all three facets in The
Beijing Blunder.
Ripe with
connections
between interpersonal relationships, individual decision-making, and
political
intrigue, The Beijing Blunder is
highly recommended for historical fiction and thriller readers who look
for
espionage and power struggles tempered by strong psychological
developments and
characters that represent different forces in life and political
choices.
Return to Index
Better Gnomes
& Gardens
Casey Cardel
Mentha Press LLC
978-1-937629-62-5
$12.99
Website: www.caseycardel.com
Ordering: https://www.amazon.com/Better-Gnomes-Gardens-Casey-Cardel-ebook/dp/B0B7C4HM7Q
Better Gnomes
& Gardens introduces a
genre which will be new to some: the paranormal cozy
mystery. Here, this translates to a setting which is familiar to cozy
mystery
readers (typically a small town atmosphere) which is a safe haven to
paranormal
beings (such as garden gnomes). Well, it was a safe
haven, until
journalist Bob
McLarney moved
to town in search of the mythical Bigfoot, only to unearth a peck of
trouble in
the process of confirming a legend.
Objecting to
the
first article he's produced on the subject, the Mysty Haven Weekender
lets him go.
Unemployment proves to be the least of his worries, as Bob then becomes
immersed in a dilemma that goes beyond identifying fake news reporting
and into
supernatural realms.
Casey
Cardel
injects a healthy dose of humor into the story from the start. This
blends with
a lively attention to dialogues, interpersonal interactions, and a
first-person
observation of oddities and small town life in Mysty Haven that
continue to
challenge Bob on different levels: "Barksdale’s hard
pretentious stare
and flexed jaw muscles almost intimidated me. “Maybe the thief is right
under
my nose. Maybe it’s you, Mr. McLarney.” I chuckled, not in a nervous
way—no. I
wasn’t a person who liked to be threatened. I met his cold stare
without
blinking. “Maybe you’re barking up the wrong tree, Sheriff.”
As
the mystery
unfolds, readers will be drawn both by the small town's atmosphere and
odd
residents and an outsider's struggles to understand, arrive at the
truth, and
publicize it for all to read.
A
missing gnome
introduces Bob to all kinds of dilemmas and examples of good intentions
gone
awry as a series of escapades and encounters keeps him on his toes—and
readers
guessing about the outcome.
Above
all,
there's a delightful, sparkling originality to the story's setting and
plot development
that should especially appeal to seasoned cozy mystery readers looking
for
something refreshingly new, as well as paranormal readers who want a
greater
element of suspense.
The
dialogues
and discoveries between Bob and the magical town's intriguing residents
keep
revelations at the forefront: "You were drawn to this place
because we
are a part of you, just as you are a part of us. This is your home,
Bob. The
answers you seek, you will find here in Mysty Haven."
Replete
with wry
humor and its winning combination of paranormal influence and intrigue,
Better
Gnomes & Gardens is highly recommended reading for
fans of either genre
and anyone who looks for compelling reading.
Libraries
can
acquire and recommend it for a wider audience than the normal mystery,
while
book clubs focusing on magic, intrigue, and mayhem will find the
combination
wonderfully flavorful and revealing here, with just the right elements
of all
contributing to an unpredictable, warmly enlightening read.
Return to Index
Bloody Soil
S. Lee Manning
Encircle
Publications, LLC
9781645994046
$19.99
www.sleemanning.com
Bloody Soil is thriller set in Germany
that tells of American
Michael Hall, who arrives in the country on a mission to join the
far-right
political group Germany Now.
The
requirement for
joining is stiff: he must kill a prominent Jewish anti-Nazi activist.
Less evident
(but
equally formidable) is the leader's girlfriend Lisette, who opens the
story and
demonstrates capabilities and deadly intentions beyond her
seemingly-innocent
countenance. For Lisette is on a mission of revenge for her father's
death
years ago, has infiltrated the group intent on completing her mission,
and has
Michael in her sights as the next murder victim.
S. Lee
Manning's
special brand of political and criminal prowess creates a
murder-within-a-murder scenario, set in Germany where an alt-right
world is
rocked by violence within its own ranks.
Her portrait
of Lisette
incorporates many insights that lead readers to understand her
motivations for
continued killing and subterfuge: "Could
she walk away when she was this close to finding her father’s killer?
Could she
stop avenging the people murdered by neo-Nazis? ... The man who had
shot her
father had taken more than a beloved parent. He’d taken away hobbits
and Santa
Claus. He’d taken away her past with her father, but also her
possibility of a
normal life—a job, a family."
As she,
Russian Jew
Nikolai Ivanovich Petrov (a.k.a. Kolya),
and elaborate schemes powered by hatred on all sides
evolve against a
political and social examination of European sentiment, readers are
treated to
an engrossing story that embraces some of the major themes of modern
movements
and the peoples and forces behind them.
The psyches
of
various groups, from the Mossad to rich American boys playing spy, are
examined, contrasted, and play out against an international backdrop of
special
forces and underlying influences.
Backed by
strong
characterization, the action proves gripping as readers receive a
cat-and-mouse
game in a playing field where individual special interests collide with
forces
that aim to take advantage of and redirect them.
The result is a spy
thriller that represents the third book in the Kolya
Petrov series, but requires no prior familiarity in order to prove
an intensely compelling stand-alone powerhouse of a read.
Libraries and readers
looking for thrillers that probe
the motivations and influences of realistic characters will find Bloody
Soil's ability to incorporate the political milieus and
groups of modern
times lends a special flavor to the evolving dilemmas.
Return to Index
Bomb
Cyclone
J.A. Adams
Atmosphere Press
9781639885022
$17.99
www.atmospherepress.com
It's
not often
that a Soviet spy purposely fails her mission because she's fallen in
love with
her target, but in Bomb Cyclone, such
is the case. Ukrainian spy
Oksana is forced to defect to the U.S. to escape retribution for her
choices.
She is not safe even there,
because Russian operatives
pursue her, and her heart also remains connected to Ukrainian issues
and the
nation's plight. Both serve to add conflict and life-threatening
scenarios to
Oksana's torment.
J.A. Adams opens the story
with a briefing that reviews
real-world political relationships between Russia, Ukraine, and its
satellite
states, as well as the U.S. This neatly sets the stage in reality,
paving the
way for Chapter One, which opens with the question of how anyone could
lose a
nuke.
Ukraine has done so, and
this in turn invites a special
form of corruption that affects generals, leaders, and operatives at
different
levels.
The history of Ukraine's
changing relationship with
Russia and the world is one thread that flows through a story firmly
rooted in
real-world events, yet is enhanced by fictional extrapolations that
keep
thriller readers involved and on their toes.
Between Mykola, a
Ukrainian-American immigrant who
traveled to Crimea to locate the bomb, and Oksana, who finds herself a
traitor
to her own heart, ideals of political connections and personal
involvements
change to the point that the intersection between mission and reality
become
obscured: "She realized she had a
mission to fulfill, but at the same time, she couldn’t help this
attraction she
was feeling. After all, her mission was to seduce him."
Even when she has a new life
and name, prior connections
(and the old threats) remain.
Adams roots his story firmly
in the history of Ukraine,
creating a powerful story of transformation within the greater story of
shifting political and social alliances.
This touch of realism gives
the tale a powerful "you
are here" feel that sets the premise, scenarios, and characters on a
higher level than most thriller reads rooted in espionage and Russian
encounters.
The result will prove
especially relevant to today's
reader, who receives cultural and political insights while entering the
playing
field of political forces that struggle for control, and individuals
who find
that the elusive prize actually resides in their own backyards and
hearts.
Return to Index
The Book of
Jobs
M.L. Grider
Thursday Night Press
(an imprint of DX Varos Publishing)
978-1-955065-54-2
$18.95 (paperback)
$4.99 (ebook)
www.dxvaros.com
The Book of Jobs is a prequel to Bitter
Vintage that requires no prior
introduction to
prove inviting to newcomers and prior fans alike. It gathers stories
about
Helen Wu and Amy Dresden before their appearance in Bitter
Vintage,
building a series of formative events in their lives designed to
enhance their
backgrounds and believability. All nine stories take place before they
met, cementing
a foundation of their lives and careers before they became a
crime-busting team
in 1995.
Readers who look for stand-alone crime
stories of lives interconnected by circumstance and experience will
find The Book of Jobs
a compelling read. It
opens in 1982, where fourteen-year-old Helen is being babysat by her
older
sister Lynn.
There is
something
different about their dark house, that evening—something that portends
change to
the quiet October night. Helen moves from being the younger, protected
sister
to a potential crime-buster in charge of figuring out the moves of a
potential
predator as the story introduces her early proclivity to solve problems
and
take charge of situations.
As each
short story
builds new insights into the evolving psyches of Helen and Amy, the
stage is
set for better understanding the nature of their future relationship
and the
strengths each bring to the table of crime-fighting.
As the
chronological
stories move from 1982 to 1990 and beyond, readers receive a series of
interrelated events that feature strong characters, unusual situations
that
challenge them, and dose many of the explorations with an unexpected
sense of
humorous description: "Amy Dresden
slammed the door of her baby-shit-green ’72 Vista Cruiser so hard that
the sun
visor fell open. The jolt was too much for the brittle old rubber band
holding
all the business cards, receipts, snapshots and other miscellaneous
junk. They
fluttered down on her like confetti. She pounded her fists against the
steering
wheel and made a sound not unlike a cat stuck in a washing machine. How
could
she have been so stupid?"
The result
is an
evolutionary series of life-changing events that draw together to
connect two
powerful young women who find their skills, natures, and abilities
tested in
different ways.
While fans
of Bitter
Vintage will be a good audience
for this prequel, it's also highly recommended for newcomers interested
in
short stories that explore how crime fighters learn, evolve, and employ
their
special and newfound strengths to further both their careers and their
prospects for personal growth.
M.L.
Grider's ability
to connect the dots of these seemingly disparate life experiences in
unusual
ways makes The Book of Jobs a fine
recommendation for libraries strong in crime stories that take the time
to
craft intriguing, impossible circumstances.
Return to Index
Countdown to
a Killing
Tom Vaughan MacAulay
RedDoor Press
9781915194084
$10.66
https://www.amazon.com/Countdown-Killing-Tom-Vaughan-MacAulay/dp/1915194083
Wen Li
worries that,
under her OCD impulses, she may be a killer. Co-worker Lomax Clipper
has
different challenges in unrequited love and career ambitions. Both
share a
hatred of their boss, Julian. The two together are dynamite waiting to
go off.
Countdown to a Killing: The Selected
Correspondence Of Several Key Characters charts the
process of an explosion that
changes both their lives. Unlike most murder stories, its main events
predate
the demise, starting in August 2016 and ending on the night of the
murder. This
is the first indicator that this murder story departs from the usual
formula
approach for a refreshing taste of something different.
The second
indicator
lies in its subtitle, which presents the story via the correspondence
of mixed
characters that each hold a key to the events that lead up to the
murder.
Another
special
flavor comes with the experiences, perceptions, and approaches of
millennial
works familiar with such social applications as WhatsApp, and
interjections of
explanations into these correspondences by a third-party narrator: "A
brief editorial intervention. This is a reminder to the reader that the
Selected Correspondence does not end lightly. Things will begin to take
shape
soon enough. The characters do not yet know it, but an accident will
lead to a good
part of the action shifting to Palermo."
These
shifting
viewpoints and objective informational injections give the story an
especially
pleasing, diverse feel to successfully create a smooth story that's
presented
through unique voices, eyes, and experiences.
As the
countdown
events continue, readers will find themselves much more engaged with
these
disparate characters' lives and perceptions than the usual murder
mystery
format offers.
The result
is an
original, compelling story that transcends the usual methods of murder
mystery
writing with its interconnected correspondence, WhatsApp messaging, and
the
looming specter of disaster.
Libraries
looking for
a refreshingly different, contemporary voice will find it in Tom
Vaughan
MacAulay and in Countdown to a Killing, which
holds attraction even to those readers who usually eschew the genre's
formula
approach.
The
juxtaposition of
humor, heartache, and mercurial motivations creates a gripping
narrative that's
hard to put down and delightful in both its changing perspectives and
in its
characters' evolutionary growth.
Return to Index
Daughter
of
Belial
Jennifer Juvenelle
By the Pure Sea
Books
979-8-9867231-1-2
$9.99 Kindle ebook/$16.99 Paperback/$27.99 Hardcover
Website: www.jenniferjuvenelle.com
Ordering: https://www.amazon.com/Daughter-Belial-Uncovering-truth-dangerous-ebook/dp/B0B85WN3SG
Daughter of Belial is a thriller that revolves around a family legacy
and the secret Order
of Belial, which involves
Sophie Greer in betrayal, kidnapping, and the realization of a heritage
that
tests her vision of herself, her family, and her future.
Its graphic
and
thought-provoking scenarios also earn it a note of caution for
sensitive
readers who eschew trigger subjects such as sexual abuse or graphic
portraits
of death. However, these descriptions are well in keeping with the
plot, adding
a realistic tone to the story rather than the flavor of over-the-top
drama.
The first-person story opens
with a bang of description
that presents a compelling dilemma to draw reader attention: "I’m running as fast as I can, but my
legs feel like marble—weighty, cumbersome, and laden with grief. Each
stride is
an agony of locomotion. Every attempt forward is met with a shove in
the
opposite direction. He is behind me. Chasing me. Hunting me."
As Jennifer Juvenelle
follows this gripping opener with
further descriptions via the character's first-person viewpoint of
herself and
her world, she injects an atmosphere that is revealing: "I
catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and do a double take. Who is that train wreck? Hot mess
would be an accurate description—if I looked hot.
The girl staring back at me is just a mess."
Sophie's growing
understanding of the Order and its
impact and history twines her life and purposes with bigger-picture
thinking: "Secretive to the death, if the
Sons of
Belial are known at all, it is for protecting their own. There is no
such thing
as incriminating evidence when the full might of The Order is behind
you. For
them, people, places, and things are mere pieces in The Great Game. A
life-sized game of chess. A Shakespearean psychodrama. A Machiavellian
masterpiece. The ordained Masters move their pieces on the board with
clear,
unified, and decisive action. Bishops, kings, queens, knights, rooks,
pawns—none are free."
These vivid impressions and
experiences keep the plot
fast-paced and thoroughly engrossing as Sophie moves through many
revised
revelations about the world and her place in it.
As Greer finds her purposes
and perspectives shaken,
readers will also find their ideas receive constant revision of how
this story
will evolve, which is satisfyingly unexpected: "With
every gift I accept from these people, I feel myself growing
more entrenched in their world. The
only way out is through, I suppose. Or some such nonsense.
I’m beginning
to lose the thread of what I’m actually doing."
Secrets, curiosity, and
Sophie's own role in evolving
mysteries will keep readers on edge and engaged as she moves to a place
of
judgment and redemption, herself.
Juvenelle's ability to stay
on track with a deep
psychological inspection of one woman's move from victim to living an
empowered
life makes for a thriller that operates on different levels of
attraction.
Libraries and readers who
seek to be engaged by the
suspense of a thriller, enlightened by one woman's revelations and the
choices
surrounding them, and entranced by her ability to survive, adapt, and
influence
her future will find Daughter of Belial the perfect ticket for a blend of entertainment
that comes with added
thought-provoking value.
It should also be noted that
this is the first book in a
projected series. Sophie's story of survival is just beginning, so
readers
should be prepared for more—and a cliffhanger ending.
Return to Index
A Deadly Covenant
Michael Stanley
White Sun Books
978-0-9979689-8-9
$8.99
Kindle
Website: www.michaelstanleybooks.com
Ordering: https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Covenant-Michael-Stanley/dp/0997968982
A
Deadly Covenant
is the eighth Detective Kubu investigative mystery set in Africa. It
opens when
a pipeline project near the
Okavango
Delta unearths a number of skeletons that then lead to more local
murders.
Detective
Kubu, Assistant
Superintendent Balopi, and a cast of characters find their lives and
investigations entwine with the history of Bushmen in Africa, local
forces, and
a Bushman massacre whose impact resonates through numerous communities.
As charges
of
corruption assail political and investigative figures alike and the
body count
clocks upward, Detective Kubu has his hands full, both quelling
community
response and getting to the heart of who (or what entity) is to blame
for all
the deaths.
Michael Stanley's mystery is
rooted in African peoples,
special interests, and local flavor. This will draw readers who look
for strong
investigative procedurals that reveal community and political special
interests
as they unfold.
The water project that has
revealed so much before it's
even begun, and which lies at the heart of many of these local
controversies,
is one central influence on events that keep Detective Kubu, Assistant Superintendent Mabaku, and others
guessing about not just perps and outcomes, but the complicated
interrelationships of local special interests.
As
mythology,
cultural forces, police work, and personal perspectives entwine, the
mystery
deepens—as does the attention to detail that reveals underlying motives
and
relationships between the Bushman and other tribes.
The result is a mystery
which also comes steeped in the
culture and history of Africa. Its force relies as much on
understanding these
complicated social relationships as on identifying perps and murderers.
Libraries looking for police
procedurals which go the
extra mile in creating powerful scenarios based on political and social
insights will find A Deadly Covenant
a compelling story of Botswana, Southern Africa, and a surprising
romance that
evolves in the midst of conflict.
Return to Index
Death in a Time of Spanish Flu
Frances McNamara
Rudiyat Press
978-1-956978-18-6
$14.99 Paper/$4.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/Death-Spanish-Emily-Cabot-Mysteries/dp/1956978186
Historical
mystery
readers who enjoy female sleuths and action firmly centered in
realistic
portraits of the past will find Death in a Time of Spanish Flu a compelling story. It's set in 1918 and
opens with a premonition of disaster and madness.
Husband Stephen's worries about the emergent
Spanish flu are only the beginning of the story. His wife Emily finds
her world
in turmoil as Stephen fights the virus in a hospital while the world
falls
apart in war, and her family follows.
The already-complex scenario is further
complicated by a murder that motivates Emily to become involved when
her
children are implicated in the death.
With so many facets and conflicts emerging
from the start, it takes a deft writer to draw readers into a scenario
which
juxtaposes social issues, political strife, home life, and solving
murders. Frances
McNamara is such a
writer, capturing the personal observations, lives, and approaches of
believable (and likeable) characters who find themselves caught up in
situations beyond their ken or control.
Emily's first-person observations of her
world and those around her feature her astute eye for trouble as she
probes a
murder which proves to be deeply routed in community and chaos. All
this is set
against the backdrop of a plague and war that represent ongoing
explosions in
her life.
The action is nicely paced, the premise and
mystery are unpredictable, and the historical backdrop of the times is
so
realistically integrated into the plot that readers will find it a snap
to
absorb its atmosphere, principles, and the sense of changing times.
There is also the added value of familiarity
that has been provided by current pandemic years, which makes the
publication
of Death in a Time of Spanish Flu especially timely
and attractive.
Although it's the 9th book in the Emily
Cabot series, newcomers to Emily and her times will find Death
in a Time of
Spanish Flu stands nicely alone as a solid introduction to
her life, world,
and approach to problem-solving.
Libraries looking for powerful blends of
history and mystery which present a sense of place that feels familiar
and is
engrossing to modern readers (even those who normally don't read books
from
either genre) will relish the realistic and personal portrait that
makes Death
in a Time of Spanish Flu hard to put down.
Return to Index
DoGoodR
W. A. Pepper
Hustle Valley Press,
LLC
978-1958011041
$6.99
https://www.amazon.com/DoGoodR-Tanto-Thriller-W-Pepper/dp/1958011045
Readers of
the
thriller genre who like a taste of eroticism added into the action will
find DoGoodR nicely seasoned with
a
combination of suspense and sexual fire. It should be cautioned that
the story
also embraces a number of potential reader triggers, from physical and
mental
violence and assault to social issues ranging from drug abuse to
neglect.
Those of
faint heart
will want to look elsewhere for their thrillers; but audiences who
relish vivid
tales that bring social issues, psychological challenges, and terrible
choices
to vibrant life will find DoGoodR
the
item of choice for a thoroughly engrossing, thought-provokingly
realistic saga.
The story
opens with
Tanto, the hacker who was the subject of a prior book. It covers the
dilemma
which evolves when he and his group try to protect a determined young
computer
genius who hacks into NASA, only to find themselves on the wrong side
of the
law, and in trouble.
Tanto may
have been
introduced in You
Will Know Vengeance, but this story serves as its prequel,
setting forth
his origins, motivations, personality and influences in far more detail
that leads
readers to a better understanding of Tanto's world and psyche.
From the start, it is evident that W. A. Pepper writes to involve, from the unusual
chapter titles
(Chapter 1 is 'My Damn Life', for example) to the candid, first-person
revelations from the start that go beyond creating a 'you are here'
feel for
readers, virtually compelling them to move into this world and its
major
players.
The story
evolves a sharp
social, political, and crime inspections that have the ability to draw
all
kinds of readers into Tanto's choices and dilemmas.
From the
unusual
nature of characters whose names run from Mane-Eac to Squirrel_Lord to
smuggling, hostage situations, and clients who move dangerously close
to
babysitting roles that are resented, Pepper keeps the action
fast-paced,
high-tech, and thoroughly unpredictable.
The desire
for
revenge, redemption, and renewal underlies many character choices and
actions,
but embeds the thriller in a realistic milieu that keeps readers on
edge and
guessing.
The result
is an
especially compelling example of just how diverse and involving a solid
contemporary thriller can be. Based in a familiar world replete with
violence
and social dilemmas that cross boundaries to challenge very different
worlds, DoGoodR will ideally be
read before and
in tandem with Tanto's previous exploits in the first You
Will Know Vengeance. It is a top recommendation for libraries
seeking exceptional thriller writings that operate on the cutting edge
of urban
reality.
Return to Index
The Easy Way
Out
Robert Lane
Mason Alley
Publishing
978-1-7322945-5-4
$23.99
Hardcover/$14.99 Paper/$4.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Way-Jake-Travis-Book-ebook/dp/B0B72F6NXL
The Easy Way Out is a Jake Travis
thriller that needs no prior
introduction to prove captivating to newcomers who choose this story
for its
engrossing Florida-based intrigue.
Trigger
alert: the
story opens with a child's unexpected death in a playground. From a
watching
mother's sudden anguish and confusion, it then moves to Nicky Riggins's
encounter with Manuel Castillo, who is looking forward to escaping the
dangerous milieu that threatens his life and his family.
The story
then takes
another quick turn and changes into the first-person reflections of
Jake
Travis, who muses that "We want to
believe life is that monorail. A suspended journey to an enchanted
theme park
of dizzy happiness, a land of milk and honey. Goofy. Minnie. Mickey.
Donald.
The gang’s waiting for us amid piped-in music, sparkling fountains,
postcard
palm trees, and flawless green grass laced with walkways cleaner than
your
kitchen counter. Never mind that a cast member is suffocating inside
the
costume for union wages to create your glorious illusion. We see and
believe
what we want to. And in the Sunshine State, we expect to be in a
sunshine state
of mind."
A family
member, his
niece, young Brittany, has gone missing. This event opens a long story
with a
surprisingly happy ending, detailing the transformations that take
place when
families and children are placed at risk or changed by circumstances
beyond
their control.
Jake's
opportunity to
step up and make things right for another embraces many important
reflections
that come to light in the process of change and struggle: "Brittany needed my help, and I saw an opening. An
opportunity to
make amends. For as I’d come to build my own family, to author my own
life, my
anger toward my parents morphed to forgiveness. Empathy. Even
compassion. The
Latin root of compassion is pati—to suffer. Com
means with. Compassion is not
empathy. It is not understanding.
Compassion is to feel another’s pain as your own. Now that I have my
own
daughter, I feel my parents’
hurt. I’ve come to see their downfall as inspiration to create joy from
their
sorrow. Joy. That’s my daughter’s name."
The
"opening" he perceives works not just for his own redemption and
altruism with his parents, but in an unexpected manner as his probe
uncovers
deeper undercurrents of moods, truths, and lies which reach out to
affect his
own family relationships.
From missing
DEA
agents and the notion that money plays second fiddle to family
connections to
financial affairs that may be worth a daughter's life, readers move
through
Jake's dilemmas and the underbelly of Florida's seedier connections and
operations with a familiarity reinforced both by Jake's reflective
first-person
observations and his choices in interacting with perps and police alike.
Action
builds slowly
as Robert Lane cultivates a fine tension that walks the line between
social and
psychological inspections, but soon becomes gripping as the
cat-and-mouse game
between Jake and adversaries grows into something unexpectedly complex.
Lane's move
to keep
Manuel Castillo and Nicky Riggins as part of the evolving scenario
makes for an
especially satisfying conundrum as Jake finds his family and choices
unexpectedly connected to these disparate individuals and the forces
they
represent. His increasing involvement with young China, “Who writes
like a
winter storm,” also represents both an opportunity and a departure as
Jake
finds his life pulled and challenged on different levels.
The Easy Way Out is an engrossing
suspense story that joins
disparate forces and lives in what proves to be both a deadly and
enlightening
scenario. It will prove especially attractive to libraries interested
in
engrossing tales of wonder and revelation, wrapped firmly in the cloak
of a
powerful thriller.
Return to Index
Echo - The
Curse of
the Blackwood Witches
Yasmine Maher
Fables and Facts
979-8-9859946-3-6
$16.50 Paper/$4.99 ebook
Echo:
The Curse of the Blackwood Witches – Fables & Facts
(fablesandfacts.com)
"I grew up a skeptic. I never
believed in what I couldn’t see nor imagined what dwelled beyond the
clouds.
Little did I know one day, the glass would shatter, revealing a blood
bath
behind it, one that traced back a thousand years."
Echo
Blackwood has no
idea she is a witch. Her hidden magic only comes to light at her
sister's
wedding, sparked by a confrontation with supernatural beasts. She's got
a lot
to learn—not the least of which is the fact that tapping her powers
also
unlocks an equally-well-hidden dark undercurrent that could cost her
soul.
There is a
price for
growing up a skeptic, and that extends into challenging a belief system
that
creates and influences allies and enemies alike.
Yasmine
Maher's story
rests firmly on the shoulders of a believable character whose
first-person
reflections about her vastly changed self-perception drive a story of
magic and
the responsibilities it introduces to Echo's life.
Her
discovery of a
family legacy that she has been tasked with continuing embraces
engrossing
descriptions that are thought-provoking illustrations of choices and
consequences, past and present: "The
conflict ended, but the bloodshed never stopped. 'There was a young
witch, who
chased sin and forgot she was a wife and a mother," Maradis continued.
"She fell in love with the evil one and helped him fight nature. She
gave
him eternity.'"
From massive
sacrifices and evil spells to the dilemma of evil chosen with the power
good
intentions, Echo confronts not just a transformed world and her revised
place
in it, but broader consequences for the moves she makes to embrace what
may be
a dark magical power.
Is it a
curse, or a
blessing?
Readers get
to decide
as they absorb a thoroughly fascinating tale of good, evil, and the
mercurial
forces that lay between them.
Echo - The Curse of the Blackwood Witches
is highly recommended for
young adult to adult audiences looking for a story replete in action
and
reflection. Its vivid portrait of love and adversity brings Echo's
dilemma to
life: "I shouldn’t be feeling this way." But, she
does.
Readers who
join Echo
on her journey will also come to feel the special pull of a plot that
conjures
the best and worst reactions from its characters. Echo
- The Curse of the Blackwood Witches will attract a wide
audience, from thriller readers to those who like supernatural tales of
action,
self-discovery, and adventure.
Return to Index
Gallery of
Gangsters
William J. Cook
Independently
Published
9798841126331
$13.99 Paper/$5.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Gallery-Gangsters-Driftwood-William-Cook-ebook/dp/B0B83Y1NHS
Gallery of Gangsters is the final
Driftwood Mystery in the series, expanding
its five predecessor titles with a new and final battle between Native
American
detective Charley Whitehorse and Russian crime czar Vasily Volkov. It's
a
confrontation that will rock prior readers, and is introduced by an
Author's
Note about currency security and counterfeiting that features some key
facts to
lend better understanding to this mystery's subject and progression.
This
information in
hand, readers embark on a vivid romp that opens in the art auction
world of
2019. Here, a meteoric bidding war is taking place, with prices hitting
the
millions for a work of art that two contenders have no intention of
losing.
As the
bloodless
combat between the contenders evolves a chess-like game of strategy and
countermoves, readers will be thoroughly engrossed in the story's
mystery and
outcome by the time the purchase of Hurricane
is complete.
This is just
the
first chapter of a complex story that moves into the mysterious death
of an art
gallery owner in Driftwood, who specialized in high-end paintings. It
reveals
not just the game being played by Whitehorse and Volkov, but a strong
woman
caught in the middle (Michelle Garrison), whose auction house work has
placed
her in the crosshairs of a powerful female assassin.
As Michelle
asks hard
questions about who killed McKinley Striker and Dashiel Owen and
becomes
immersed in the identity and subterfuge of Odesa (nee Kseniya, whose
job is
murder), all characters dance into an arena of threat that reaches out
to
embrace the innocent and guilty alike.
Mystery
readers who
enjoy stories centered on the art world will find Gallery
of Gangsters satisfying for its insights into that
community's activities and the works of art that drive passions and
pocketbooks
alike. These motivate characters to move outside their comfort zones
and into
the unfamiliar territory of murder, investigations, and nefarious
connections.
Powered by
strong
personalities whose special interests create different perspectives and
representations
of moral and ethical behavior, William J. Cook's story assumes a
provocative
tone of surprises that embrace unexpected romance and adversity alike.
As events
unfold,
this final Driftwood mystery comes to life in ways even seasoned genre
readers
won't see coming.
As a
stand-alone
mystery, it will also nicely attract newcomers who have and need no
prior
experience with the exploits of Charley Whitehorse and Vasily Volkov to
prove
understandable and engrossing; especially since Michelle's character
powers
many of the scenes and insights.
In the end,
love
wins. But, via a circuitous route that keeps readers guessing right up
to the
mystery's satisfying conclusion.
Libraries
and readers
who look for outstanding characters, an art world backdrop, and
intrigue and
subterfuge that moves from a small town into international waters will
find Gallery of Gangsters the
perfect
crescendo of a conclusion that explores what is unique and fragile not
just in
the art world, but in matters of love, power, and the pursuit of profit.
Return to Index
The Handler
Jeffrey S. Stephens
Post Hill Press
978-1-63758-582-5
$26.09 Hardcover/$9.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Handler-Nick-Reagan-Thriller/dp/1637585829
The Handler follows CIA operatives
Nicholas Reagan and his partner,
Carol Gellos, across the country and into strange new worlds as they
struggle
to thwart a plot to ignite a series of deadly assaults across the U.S.
The story
doesn't
open with their involvement, however, but the undercover actions of two
terrorists, Mustafa and Roshan, who each believe they are operating
independently in New York City.
What do
these
disparate forces have to do with Russian operatives, a rumored Ghost
Chip that
makes cell phones completely untraceable, and secret business
innovations?
Plenty,
because these
forces coalesce in such a way that the hunter becomes the hunted and
the prey
proves to harbor deadly connections above and beyond singular interests
or
purposes.
As the plot
thickens
and events move into political circles, embracing missing scientists
and
frightening new ways to commit mass murder, readers become engrossed in
a
quicksand of revelations and realizations that challenge conventional
thinking
about threats and attacks.
As Jeffrey
S.
Stephens leads his story into unexpected areas of cross-connections and
cross-purposes, he creates characters that have honed special strengths
in
response to careers made by facing adversity: "After
all the time he spent in the field, all the battles he
fought, all the life and death moments he endured, Reagan had an
intuition that
could neither be learned nor taught, it could only be earned."
Thought-provoking
passages invite readers to examine their own concepts of right and
wrong,
belief systems, and the injection of conviction into the bigger picture
of
grasping opportunities for enlightenment and change: “My
parents are Muslims, born and raised in Lebanon, moved to the
United States soon after they were married. I was born there, and they
raised
me as a Muslim-American. As I think you’ll recall, I’m married to a
Lebanese
man, who is also Muslim. I think it’s fair to say I’m very familiar
with the
Koran.” Before Reagan could reply, she sat forward and added, “I’m also
familiar with your views about my faith. I know you believe that there
is no
such thing as a moderate Muslim.”
Reagan was surprised at the challenge. “The Koran teaches that the
Muslim faith is the only way to heaven. It also encourages hate,
violence, and
death to anyone not practicing your religion. So yes, I have doubts
about
anyone claiming they have a moderate view of those teachings.”
The intrigue
and
suspense are well-developed and grab reader interest and attention; but
also
noteworthy is the contrasting belief systems and motivations that keep
both
sides convinced that their actions support a higher purpose.
“Organized hate is a powerful adversary,” Reagan
said. “All that’s left
for us is to keep fighting it.”
Just as
deadly are
forms of belief that keep opponents on different sides fighting for,
ironically, the same things.
The Handler uses three attacks as pivot
points for a social,
religious, and political examination suitable for thriller libraries
and
discussion groups interested in examining the foundations of societal
violence.
It's especially recommended as a 'wolf in sheep's clothing' read for
those who
anticipate a well-delivered entertainment value in a thriller, but who
will
find that the issues raised between characters and ideals provide
satisfying
bigger-picture thinking about the origins and enactment of division.
Return to Index
The Hawk Enigma
J.L. Hancock
Class Five Press
9781737150114
$19.99 Paperback
https://jlhancock.com
Rarely does a recurring nightmare come to
real life as sharply as in military technician Voodoo's experiences in The
Hawk Enigma, an action-packed techno-thriller that steeps its
reader in
compelling scenarios from its opening lines: "Bam! Bam! Bam!
A fist
pounded on the door, punctuated by the repeating jingle of the
apartment
doorbell. The cacophony ripped Dr. “Taka” Hawkins from her computer
game–induced
trance. She yanked her gaming headset off her head and rubbed her eyes
as they
readjusted to reality. Her mind, however, had no desire to readjust."
Tom Clancy fans, move over. Tom faces a
formidable contender for the title of a top thriller writer in J.L.
Hancock,
whose special brand of nonstop action and adventure is based on
satisfying
twists and turns that keep readers involved and guessing on many levels.
The early morning (1AM) knock on the door is
just the opening salvo in a series of confrontations that involves
vivid bad
dreams, hard realities, and good intentions gone awry.
From cryptic prophecies that warn of
disaster to the possibility that scientists working in Japan have
uncovered a
"God algorithm" that could transform the world, research blends with
an arms race, AI involvement, and individual tests of resolve and moral
and
ethical behaviors as a host of characters find their work and
perspectives
clashing on a dangerous playing field of science and international
special
interests.
The science-based drama will especially
intrigue readers who enjoy more 'techno' in their thriller formats,
while the
focus on nonstop action keeps the pace heady and high for
suspense-oriented
readers who look for high-octane action.
The character development is well done,
cementing the intersection of science, military, political, and social
inspection with a special brand of psychological draw that only comes
from
characters whose own special interests are logical and realistic.
Scenes are precisely depicted, melding
action with a sense of culture and place in Asia and other environs: "Large
armored vehicles are rare in Japan. Tight streets and heavy traffic
make
motorcycles and light trucks the transportation of choice for police
trying to
move with agility through the city. None of this applies at nearly 3
a.m. With
the streets cleared, the heavily armored SAT vehicle rumbled down the
narrow
streets of Tokyo toward the target location. A tip regarding human
trafficking
potentially associated with North Korean operatives piqued Captain
Tanaka’s
interest. The superintendent general placed anything regarding
kidnapping as
his highest priority, and the Special Assault Team led the charge."
The result is a powerful, action-packed
story that is mercurial in its development. Like a shape-shifter, its
form and
insights are always changing, incorporating military, political, and
financial
influences into its broad spectrum. The story keeps thriller readers on
board
for the ride through changing hearts and minds with a dexterity that
probably
stems from author J.L. Hancock's background as a tactical
cryptologist
working in the military for special operations.
Libraries
looking for
standout thrillers that are powerfully written and backed with the
authenticity
of a writer whose experiences undoubtedly dovetail with many of the
techno
elements in this story will find The Hawk Enigma an inviting acquisition.
Return to Index
The Immortal
Target
Jonas Saul
Vesuvian Books
ASIN: B0B7NBQH37
$5.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Immortal-Target-Jonas-Saul-ebook/dp/B0B7NBQH37
The Immortal Target is a sci-fi thriller
reviewed in this category
because its thriller components are so strong that genre readers won't
want to
miss it.
As Book 2 of
a
series, it can be read alone by newcomers, who will find that Jake
Wood's
special dilemmas are a draw from the opening lines: "Jake
Wood should have killed the man when he had the chance. That
man, Adam, claimed to be immortal, but once his head was removed, Jake
would be
able to test that theory. But because he hadn’t killed Adam, people he
cared
about were in grave danger."
Damned if
you do,
damned if you don't. Because Jake didn't murder this man, he has now
condemned
those he loves. It's an untenable position to be in, and Jake responds
by
fleeing both the authorities and the pharmaceutical company, Fortech
Industries,
who are both after him.
How can he
preserve
his freedom while simultaneously working to expose and bring down the
dangerous
intentions of a company committed to genetic manipulation?
Jake has to
kill Adam
and dismantle his company—that seems to be the only solution. As he
becomes
more deeply mired in a conundrum which tests not only his morals and
ethics,
but his personal survival and those he loves, his problems continue to
multiply.
Jonas Saul
crafts a
heart-pounding read from the start. While it requires no prior
familiarity with
its predecessor The Immortal Gene,
it
successfully augments and expands the motives, personality, and
challenges to
Jake on different levels that will fill in gaps for prior readers while
attracting
newcomers into this dangerous game.
The tension
is nicely
crafted, the high-tech components of the story add a realistic sci-fi
backdrop
to the futuristic tale, and many of the usual detective/intrigue
devices are
turned on end, such as when Jake finds himself capturing a detective
via the
neurotoxins in his teeth, which make his bite lethal.
Jake is
immortal. But
immortality doesn't guarantee a peaceful, long life.
As readers
absorb
Jake's latest dilemma, they will find the thriller and sci-fi
components finely
tuned and so thoroughly bound to one another that fans of either genre
will
find much to enjoy in The Immortal Target.
It's rare to
find a
thriller that incorporates sci-fi atmosphere, yet remains true to the
buildup
of suspense, tension, and conflict that the thriller genre embraces.
The Immortal Target is such a rare mix,
and deserves a prominent
place in any library strong in either sci-fi or thrillers.
Return to Index
In the Vanishing Hour
Sarah Beth Martin
Encircle Publications
9781645993926
$28.99
Hardcover/$18.99 Paper/$4.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/Vanishing-Hour-Sarah-Beth-Martin-ebook/dp/B0B3TT1Z7S/
In
the Vanishing
Hour opens in 1951, where a
child's drowning changes both a family and a small town shaken by the
tragedy.
Eight years later, sister Frances is still
buffeted by this event when model Gwen, whom she seeks to emulate, also
vanishes into that same river and is presumed dead.
The investigation that follows rocks the
town as Frances involves herself in the case to find answers not just
to Gwen's
disappearance, but her own brother's fate.
Sarah Beth Martin's evocative descriptions
are compelling accents building the atmosphere and sense of place
surrounding
the mystery: "As late summer turned to a sudden, brittle
autumn, a
ghostly cloud moved in over the town, and all were haunted by Mac
Adams."
As Frances,
suspect
Harris (who has also been enchanted by Gwen), and other lives on
various sides
coalesce, readers receive an involving story that highlights its
mystery with
the sense of place, purpose, and people to bring the community and its
residents to life.
As Frances
pursues a
truth which is unearthed decades later and draws connections between
her dead
brother, Gwen, and Harris, unexpected twists and turns keep her heart
and mind
challenged, as well as the reader's ability to predict where the story
will
wind up.
These
elements make
for an especially compelling read that proves hard to put down,
emotionally
turbulent on many levels, and filled with revelations that come
together in a
dark story of unexpected connections.
Libraries
looking for
literary suspense stories that take the time to probe psyches and
underlying
motives and experiences will find In the Vanishing Hour an excellent example of a genre read that
rises above formula approaches to represent a powerfully chilling saga
of
redemption and healing.
Are there ghosts in the darkness? If so,
what is their purpose?
Readers who appreciate thought-provoking
scenarios and encounters will relish the ability of In the
Vanishing Hour
to immerse its readers not just in a deadly mystery, but in altered
states of
consciousness and realization.
Return to Index
Killer Flip
M.E. Bakos
M. E. Books
979-8985077094
$14.95 Paper/$3.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/KILLER-FLIP-Home-Renovator-Mystery/dp/B0B92L7VQS
Meet Katelyn Baxter, a home rehab specialist
whose work lies not in solving mysteries, but fixing and selling
distressed houses.
Katelyn is a master at restoring homes to their former elegance and
reputation
... even if her latest challenge, a Tudor mansion, comes tinged with
the
history of a murder.
Fans of amateur sleuths and powerful female
investigators will find Killer Flip, Book 4 in a
Home Renovator mystery
series, to be just the ticket for a different, more compelling
first-person
mystery read.
As Katelyn finds her renovation complicated
by the discovery of a cache of valuables and a twenty-year-old mystery
that involves
the local sheriff and undercurrents of romance and treachery, she finds
her
fourth mystery evolving to embrace all kinds of small town
personalities and
undercurrents. It's another adventure that expands the Home Renovator
series
and solidifies Katelyn's personality and charm.
Cozy mystery readers are in for a treat as
Katelyn faces newlyweds, romance, historical threats, and present-day
opportunities and angst. From nightmares about intruders to insights
that spark
more creative juices in both renovation and crime-busting worlds,
Katelyn is
again in the thick of mystery and threat as events unfold. Cozy mystery
readers
can expect more than a few surprises as these relationships are probed
and
reveal unexpected gems of connection and intrigue.
M.E. Bakos is especially skilled at
juxtaposing small-town atmosphere with intrigue: the hallmarks of the
cozy
mystery genre. The characterization is especially well done, with the
first-person narrator cementing reader interest not just in events, but
the people
in the story: "It was late, but not too late for friends and
food.
While I puttered around, getting ready for her visit, there was a
knock.
Checking the peephole, I sighed. It was Eddy. Trust Eddy to show up
when
there’s food on the way."
The result is a compelling read that holds
just the right ingredients of intrigue and attractive characters,
married to a
mystery that will turn many heads with revelations even dedicated cozy
mystery
fans won't see coming.
Cozy mystery library collections need to place
Killer Flip at the top of their acquisition list. It
deserves a
prominent place and recommendation in such circles whether or not
readers have
familiarity with Katelyn's prior house renovation and murder-solving
adventures.
Return to Index
Killing the Butterfly
Dale Ward
Black Rose Writing
978-1-68433-951-8
$18.95
Paper/$4.95 Kindle
www.blackrosewriting.com
Subtitles are usually mere
definitions of genre to avoid
reader confusion and help library shelvers; but finally, here is a book
subtitle that lives up to its potential of capturing reader attention
from the
start: Killing the Butterfly: A Thriller
So Abusive, It's Criminal.
The story's
opening
paragraphs are equally alluring as nineteen-year-old Patty relives the
nightmares/visions of her youth and struggles to escape them—by
involving
herself and her boyfriend in a crime spree that lands her in trouble.
On the run
from her
past and on the lam from authorities and her own psyche, Patty can't
escape her
boyfriend Roy, or the consequences of her choices and actions, which
keep
haunting her every step.
When the two
stumble
upon a lone man at a lake cabin who seems to offer a way out of their
dilemma,
even more trouble looms as evil enters the picture to warp any
possibility of
safety or redemption.
Dale Ward cultivates a
fast-paced novel that swings back
and forth between Patty's past and present, infusing the plot with
rationales
for her perceptions, behaviors, and the patterns which continue to hold
her in
thrall.
Just as captivating as the
plot's unexpected twists and
turns is the presence of angst that permeates a lonely life, buffeted
by her
stormy relationship with Roy and a road trip gone awry.
Although the positive
influence of her Aunt Meredith
offers some respite and a refuge, Patty can't help but long for
different
possibilities for her future: "She
rested, her eyes wide, in a different bed. This one in Aunt Meredith’s
place.
The house was quiet. She was at work. Patty was alone again. There had
to be a
better life out there for her. She wanted a normal life. She really
did.
Whatever that was. Patty had never known one. Will
I ever know one? Her one escape was her poetry."
Ward steeps this suspense
thriller in elements of
coming-of-age that increases its appeal to mature teen and new adult
readers,
but its adult themes and the nature of Patty's evolution really places
it in
the adult crime novel genre.
This audience will
appreciate Ward's attention to
captivating descriptions and unexpected events that help grow Patty's
psyche
and realizations about her options and future.
As unhappy lives evolve,
dovetail with, and feed one
another, leading to new possibilities, readers receive a powerful saga
that
journeys through disparate lives touched by evil, angst, and
determination.
Killing
the
Butterfly is a thriller that holds the potential to reach
beyond the usual
crime story readership and into the hearts of those interested in how
bad
results come from well-intentioned efforts. Book clubs and therapy
groups
focused on this process will find plenty of food for thought and
discussion
here, while libraries looking for thrillers that embrace a healthy
degree of
growth and psychological insights will relish the special nature and
descriptive prowess of Killing the
Butterfly.
Return to Index
Old Sins
Lynne Handy
Independently Published
979-8-83900-390-3
$12.00
Kindle/$4.99 ebook
Author website: lynnehandy.com
Old
Sins is the
third book in the Maria Pell mystery series, opening with a prologue
set in
1988, when the 10-year-old narrator found a dead baby in the stream on
her
parents' property.
This early discovery sets
the stage for a story that then
moves to Chapter One in 2016 Ireland, where little Bridget Vale has
been
selected May Queen for her small village's celebration. Her mother's
employer,
Maria Pell, senses trouble and loss, from reading Bridget's aura.
Auras? Maria holds a power
she never asked for, but which
aids in her problem-solving ability: "The
ability to visualize auras was both a blessing and a curse; it was
invasive:
perhaps people minded having someone privy to the secrets of their
well-being.
I had not worked to develop the skill; it had come to me early,
perhaps, a
result of my self-imposed isolation as a child. Most of the time, my
mind was
focused on the routines that comprised my life, and especially, my
work. I
could go days without consciously seeing haloes around people’s
heads—either
that or I did see them as a natural occurrence and did not notice, as
one
becomes used to floaters in the eye."
As her premonition of
trouble leads herself and the
village into danger, Old Sins
presents a remarkably inviting, complex story connecting Maria's
childhood
trauma with present-day events.
The story adds background
history, which means that no
prior familiarity with poet Maria Pell's prior life is necessary in
order to
read her latest adventure as a stand-alone mystery.
Maria is drawn into not just
two events, past and
present, but a plethora of tragedy that immerses her in the watery
graves of
young people in a town that may be a target for sex traffickers ... or
something else.
Lynne Handy creates a tale
replete with satisfyingly
complex twists and turns, peppering Maria's adventure with
finely-wrought
tension and description that brings her world and its threats to life: "I wrote a note to Elizabeth and went
outside to get into the garda car, which had just pulled to the curb.
As I
hurried down the steps, my muscles tensed. Birds stopped chirping,
moisture
hung heavy in the air. From the corner of my eye, I saw a black car
crawling
down the street, a glint of metal—"
As kidnappings, too many
close calls, and Maria's own
motivation for resolving not just these cases, but events from her own
past,
coalesce, readers receive a powerful mystery steeped in Irish culture
and
psychological challenges.
Maria finds her life and
perceptions on the line in new
ways as she struggles to reconcile the facts with their underlying
meaning.
The result is a fine mystery
that's exceptional in its
sense of place. It builds the foundations of a fine foray into writer's
blocks,
murder, and high drama surrounding characters whose sense of "wild
justice" threatens their lives.
Libraries looking for
mysteries strongly rooted in a
sense of place and culture will find Old
Sins an excellent contrast of angst and forgiveness.
Return to Index
The Ridders
Lisa Towles
Indies United
Publishing House, LLC
978-1-64456-438-7
$16.99
www.indiesunited.net
The Ridders represents political action
thriller writing at its
finest, following PI Brock "BJ" Janoff into a dilemma that begins
when he is offered a million dollars to bring an envelope to the front
desk of
a luxury hotel.
Sounds like
simple
money. Feels like a simple mission. But it turns out to be anything but
easy as
BJ is drawn into a time-sensitive job that prepays the million dollars,
but
places him in jeopardy no matter what he does.
It's a
social
experiment that seems designed to test BJ's mettle and ethics; but once
a PI,
always an investigator. BJ's curiosity, combined with an increasing
conviction
that his seemingly innocuous job is involving him in a high-level scam,
leads
him straight into danger.
Curiosity
killed the
cat, and it more than threatens BJ's life, ethics, and career as he
pursues
intangible trails of deceit, only to see his friends and family come
under the
gun of his decision-making processes.
Lisa Towles
brings
this story to life, employing the first-person to bring home
reflections that
BJ makes as he feels increasingly lost by the twists and turns his case
makes,
challenging his professional abilities and his life: "I
felt as though I was out in that water again during a
life-threatening storm, struggling against rogue waves and currents too
strong
for me, the threat of death for myself and others imminent, not even
able to
see shore anymore."
From decoys
and
Russian operatives to unregulated international freeports, a group of
Ridders
involved in environmental conservation at all costs, and a family sword
that's
been stolen, readers receive a romp through political and personal
worlds that
carry them on an international investigation with no clear outcomes or
perps.
As BJ finds
himself
confronting not just the Bilderberg Group, but his own missing father's
role in
unfolding affairs, he comes full circle to realize that his family is,
after
all, at the heart of some nefarious events.
Towles
cultivates an
action-packed plot that is offset by thought-provoking revelations both
political and personal.
The result
is a
captivating tale that engrosses on many levels, offers satisfyingly
unpredictable twists and turns, and creates a political thriller that's
hard to
put down.
Libraries
seeking
superior works strongly rooted in political, psychological, and social
dilemmas
will find The Ridders a PI
investigation a la mode. It's a powerful tale of father/son
relationships and
good intentions gone awry that considers the heart of deception and how
well-meaning objectives become corrupted by dangerous choices.
Return to Index
Russian
Assault
John Ruane
Roswell Press
979-8-9866378-0-8 Paper:
$12.99/Kindle eBook: $4.99
https://www.amazon.com/Russian-Assault-John-Ruane/dp/B0BCS7DFK5
Fans of the
Dylan
Reilly debut thriller novel, A Dangerous Freedom, have
the
opportunity to further delve into Reilly's world and the threats to it
in the
sequel, Russian Assault, which opens with
the power of an incoming
missile at the White House, resulting in an Oval Office in flames and
under
fire.
Marine Corps
sniper
and Secret Service Director, Ken Hack, has earned a medal for his
courage. But
nothing could have prepared him for this type of action as he stands
atop the
White House defending the President and represents the opening salvo of
an
assault that commands the reader’s attention in the unfolding political
and
military suspense that is Russian Assault.
After seeing
the news
of the devastating attack, Dylan Reilly feels compelled and called to
action,
joining authorities in a search for justice that leads him into danger
from
unexpected sources.
His
suspicion that
the assault is far deeper and broader than is being depicted is
correct, but
the real truth will challenge even his own capacity to address the
perps and
get to the bottom of their actions and organization.
Are activist
groups
destroying the country, or does their command center go above and
beyond
citizen protests to delve into international waters?
Once again,
John
Ruane has crafted a compelling story that edges between
familiar-sounding
real-world possibilities and events and extrapolations that move the
intrigue
into unexpected realms.
Dylan's
character
again takes center stage. This will prove compelling for both his prior
fans
and newcomers, who will find Russian Assault stands
nicely on
its own, as well as being a powerful expanded feature of Dylan's
efforts.
From
comments on
hope-driven leadership and historical precedent to peaceful and violent
demonstrations and their effects on democratic process and American
issues,
Ruane provides a probe that incorporates present-day, familiar-feeling
scenarios with a futuristic examination of a disaster that simmers
under the
surface of current events.
The tension
is well
crafted, the story's twists and turns are unexpected, and the overall
attention
to juxtaposing historical precedent with issues involved in defending
freedom
is thought-provoking, as well as action-packed.
Libraries
looking for
powerful political suspense thrillers that inject insights about
democratic
processes and the forces that struggle for and against them will find
that Russian Assault goes beyond
the story of an attack to
examine the foundations of how a democracy (and its individuals and
defenders)
respond to adversity.
Return to Index
Supernatural
P.I.
Courtney Davis
DX Varos Publishing
978-1-955065-62-7
$18.95 Paper/$4.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/Supernatual-P-I-Fawn-Malero-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0B4MFMLK5
Supernatural P.I. welcomes mystery and
paranormal action readers
with a Fawn Malero story of the P.I.'s alliance with a werewolf. Its
P.I.
components are just as strong as its portrait supernatural events, and
opens
with Fawn's newfound success as a self-appointed Supernatural P.I. for
the
Seattle area.
She's on her
way to
interview a serial-killer-in-training (who was also her bad first
date), on a
mission to extract information from the perp she'd personally brought
to
justice.
Courtney
Davis adds a
touch of ironic humor into the situation from the start, which is one
of
protagonist Fawn's trademark responses: "Hopefully,
he didn’t hold his arrest and incarceration against me."
Fawn's
secondary
mission is to prove her career value to her family, validating her
dubious
choice of partners-in-solving-crimes with an effective first mission.
She has all
the
trappings of success—with one tiny problem: "...soon
I would have a belt with handcuffs, stun gun and whatever else a P.I.
might
need, like maybe a notepad or some mints? A camera would be good,
something
small and very spy like. What else did a supernatural private
investigator
need? Probably a client..."
Her quest
for
personal validation from her family of Magicians evolves into a case
that
proves a worthy challenge to her abilities and even her supernatural
connections and influences. Fawn soon finds herself in over her head,
vying
with a powerful force that is both tapping the power of the ocean and
trapping
an equally formidable vampire within its depths.
Supernatural P.I. employs the first
person to get into the mind,
logic, and heart of Fawn's world, exploring volatile family
relationships and
connections as well as the underlying mystery that she's motivated to
solve: "I didn’t really want to involve my
father, I would rather just tell him after it was over that I had
solved
it." The forces that give her an edge in the P.I. world also
cast a
critical eye on these efforts and their results. This involves readers
in a
series of encounters that test Fawn's problem-solving as well as her
emotional
stability and connections.
Davis winds
the
supernatural creatures and humor into a story that is surprising and
compelling
on many levels, replete with comic relief at unexpected junctions of
discovery,
and even romance: “What the hell is wrong
with me?”
“Where should I start?” Evie said popping in. I threw a pillow at her,
and she disappeared."
Supernatural P.I. is a P.I. story that is
just as strong in its
investigative components as it is in describing the evolution of a
professional
problem-solver who hones her own unique abilities.
Readers of
mysteries
that are thoroughly embedded in crime and supernatural worlds alike
will find Supernatural P.I. an
outstanding read,
from its strong character development and nicely paced action to the
surprising
twists of mystery that keeps readers involved to the end.
Return to Index
Terror's
Sword
Kevin Kuhens
Kuhens Publishing
979-8985447309
$17.99 Paper/$4.99 Kindle
Website: www.kevinkuhens.com
Ordering: https://www.amazon.com/Terrors-Sword-Kyle-McEwan-Novel-ebook/dp/B09RGNNKCR
"There is no paradise for cowards."
Perhaps that is one
motivation for destroying the world: to prove courage and thus gain
entry into
heaven. Ali bin al-Dosari, (aka Terror's Sword) does everything for
Allah.
Thriller
readers who
look for blends of high-octane action tempered by attention to
psychological
interplays and acts of political desperation will be attracted to the
terrorist
encounter that plays out in Terror's
Sword.
Here, the
sword of
death and destruction is wielded by an attacker who sports a deadly
bioweapon
and is headed for the U.S. to wreak havoc.
A desperate
president
taps the only resource that might be able to match this clever and
elusive
opponent: Kyle McEwan, a counterterrorism mastermind whose weapons
prove as
formidable as his deadly enemy.
Once
unleashed, Kyle
is a force to be reckoned with, as murder and kidnappings surround his
efforts
to eliminate the danger. He's not alone, because all facets of science
and
government are united in not just locating Terror's Sword, but finding
a cure
for the deadly force he is set to unleash.
When all
fail, Kyle
is the last left standing.
Unlike many
thrillers
about terrorist threats, Kevin Kuhens injects added value into his
plot: the
inner workings of bureaucratic and political processes which serve to
work
against themselves and each other as desperate men and entities
struggle
against an impossible weapon and timeline.
This allows
readers
to more closely inspect not just a bioterror threat, but the mechanisms
on both
sides which unwittingly create an environment in which it can flourish
independent of original intentions or the best efforts of terrorists
and
anti-terrorists to affect the outcome.
As the
terrorist
sends messages to the world that circumvent the best efforts of
authorities to
stifle them, readers receive engrossing, realistic scenarios that
provide
thought-provoking glimpses into the logic and nature of terrorists who
believe
their actions are firmly rooted in faith ... and desperation.
Time is
taken to
fully develop the characters on both sides of events, which gives
readers
satisfying opportunities to better understand the underlying
motivations of
actions. This adds to the story's depth and gives it more of a social
and
psychological perspective than action alone, creating a standout that
tempers
tension with understanding.
As McEwan
tracks his
killer across three continents and awaits an enemy's final error that
will give
him the upper hand, events are not set in stone, but hold some
surprising
twists. These keep the reader not only on edge, but thinking about
various
possible outcomes.
The result
is a
powerful saga that probes Presidential actions, traps, moves and
countermoves,
and special ops processes that embrace various government departments,
different methods of handling adversity, and ultimately places the onus
for
American security squarely on the heads and shoulders of the men and
women who
serve in the armed forces, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies.
The
juxtaposition of
all these agencies and elements affects the final outcome, tailors Kyle
McEwan's responses, and ultimately outlines a bigger political struggle
that goes
beyond clashing special interests to examine the religious and
political
machines that create them.
Libraries
and
thriller readers looking for the chess-like moves of worthy opponents
who are
each backed by a conviction and belief that their actions are of
paramount
importance to the world will find Terror's
Sword replete in satisfying confrontations both idealistic
and political.
Given its
contemporary and thought-provoking moments, Terror's
Sword is also recommended for book clubs and groups
interested in social
and political probes who will find much fodder for discussion in a
fictional
story that could, on many levels and under the right conditions, come
true.
Return to Index
The Uniform
G. Gruen
Writers
Bureau
978-1-7373334-2-5
$17.99 Hardcover/$8.99 Paper/$2.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Uniform-G-Gruen/dp/1737333414
The
Uniform represents a military
historical thriller
at its finest. Perhaps this is because it's based on true events, and
that tone
of real drama is captured from the start.
The story opens in 1944, when a young doctor
on his way to a Nazi death camp stumbles on the body of a murdered
Gestapo
officer and takes his uniform in an effort to survive.
Initially trained as a medic in Prague,
David Korda has spent his confinement trying to ingratiate himself to
his
captors.
Now he can be one of them. Or, can he?
The dead man’s uniform is gashed and
bloodied. Before the tunic can be any use to David, he has to
repair it
and drain the blood stains, all the time facing discovery by SS officer
Liebig,
Hausler’s ‘wife', Petra, and Oberführer Hausler’s family as well as his
fellow
Gestapo members—and the attendant risks to his life. These and a
growing
relationship with a horse all affect his choices and decisions
surrounding not
just the uniform, but the world it represents.
The uniform changes everything, but it also
places him in a position of added danger from unexpected events that
involve
him in different and deeper mysteries than those of survival and
adaptation
alone.
From preserving the fabric of his disguise
(literally and figuratively) to navigating the strange new world the
uniform
has introduced him to, David finds himself at different odds with his
world and
draws, once again, on his latent medical skills to save himself and
those
around him.
G. Gruen provides an exacting, step-by-step
drama that follows David through concentration camps and beyond.
A host of characters interact with him as he
attempts to repair more than the uniform, only to find he's become
mired in new
dilemmas that test his abilities, courage, and determination to survive.
The thriller components are just as deeply
steeped into the story as its historical and mystery-laced encounters,
creating
a captivating tale replete with treachery and danger.
Readers looking for a World War II scenario
of a very different ilk than most, and libraries seeking thriller-style
novels
embedded with unpredictable drama and action, will find The
Uniform
defies pat categorization, but assumes a life of its own that makes it
hard to
put down. Its outcome is satisfyingly difficult to predict as David
navigates
the two choices of being a prisoner or a representative of the
oppressor he
fights against.
Return to Index
Novels
Always
Yours
AJ Ranney
Rudy House Publishing
979-8-9859485-1-6
$4.99
ebook/$16.00 Paperback
Website: www.ajranney.com
Ordering: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09X9KGQD7
"If
we
could get through what was bound to be one of the worst days of my
life, surely
we could handle anything…right?"
Always
Yours
is a romance
story that opens not with love, but loss. Narrator Bella Buchanan has
just lost
her mother. Her best friend Rhett is trying to help her. They live in
the small
town of Half Moon Lake in the North Carolina mountains and have shared
many
things, but this is the first summer that Bella has thought of Rhett as
anything more but a good friend.
Fast
forward twelve years. Young mother Bella has a child of her own
(Brendan). She and Rhett broke up three years earlier. Rhett is still
in her
life, but everything has changed. And yet, some things never change.
Emotions
run high as the duo continues to struggle with their feelings
about one another: "He glanced away and wouldn’t meet my
gaze. What the
hell was wrong with him? We weren’t super close anymore, not since he’d
moved
out of his parents’ guest house last fall and into his own small place,
but
we’d learned to coexist and be friendly with each other. And yet,
tonight, for
whatever reason, he seemed almost annoyed with me. I had half a mind to
ask him
what I did to piss him off."
The
conflicted love/hate of their relationship continually gets in the
way, clouding what each of them really want.
Another
difference between this romance's progression and others is
that the points of view shift between Rhett and Bella. This is clearly
identified
in chapter headings, making it easy for readers to understand these
changing
voices and perspectives that lead to a better understanding of events
and
emotional responses.
Always
Yours
thus builds its
own vortex of swirling feelings as the confusion and love between these
two
star-crossed lovers continues to resonate over the years. Heartfelt
passages
abound as each explains and explores their emotions: "I
didn’t want to
fight with him, not tonight. But this was something I had to do for
myself. Frankly,
if he couldn’t understand that, then maybe this wasn’t meant to work
out. But I
prayed he would understand once I explained it."
The
psychological insights are astute and revealing, driving a story
replete with life changes and interpersonal conflicts.
The
result is a solid romance firmly centered in small-town life and
ambitions. Always Yours will prove an attractive
and compelling read for
romance followers who look for emotional growth amid contentious
love/hate
relationships and changing friendships.
Libraries
strong in romance stories will welcome Always Yours,
while romance book reader groups will find the contrasting male/female
perspectives offers excellent food for thought and discussion.
Return to Index
Banks of the
River
Melvin Litton
Gordian
Knot Books/Crossroads Press
978-1637897812
$17.99 Paper/$4.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Banks-River-Kansas-Murder-Trilogy/dp/1637897812
Banks of the River, the second book
adding to the Kansas Murder
Trilogy, is as much about a small Kansas town in the 1960s as it is
about the
murder that changes it.
In the
opening scene,
protagonist Jack Marshal is no saint. In fact, he's incarcerated in an
old jail
to cool off for 48 hours.
Even the
town priest
finds Jack a cut above the ordinary: "In
the proverbial phrase he was “Full of it!” Possessed of a joyous hunger
to
grasp each pleasure offered and take it in. Full of it—the devil. He
simply
loved too deeply for faith to cure, loved too deeply the marrow of
life."
Invited to
confess
his sins, Jack imparts a ribald story that involves Jack's implication
in a
murder surrounding his teen daughter's pregnancy by Jack's old buddy.
His trial
immerses
the town in many conundrums because more is at stake than Jack standing
trial.
Also on the line and under examination are the beliefs, actions, and
undercurrents of the town's secrets, which stand trial alongside him
and become
exposed one by one.
The heart of
these
follies lies in deception, decisions, and perceptions that shake the
town to
its roots, both individually and as a community.
As a host of
characters swirl around Jack's mistakes and life, readers receive a
powerful
story of redemption and town complexities, tempered with a wry, ironic
underlying stream of humor that keeps readers involved and walking a
fine line
between criminals and citizens. Immersed in murky legal and social
waters, the
good citizens of this small town find their parties and lives in full
swing as
they cope with the changing tides of legal, political, and social
connections.
Powered by
exceptional characters with the ability to represent both the ironic,
zany
facets of life and everyday milestones of achievement, Melvin Litton
creates
another winning story (begun in King
Harvest) that captures the characters and sentiments of this
small Kansas
town.
Readers of
historical
fiction who look for a satisfying blend of mystery and a broader sense
of place
and purpose than most murder novels embrace will find that Banks of the River appeals beyond the
murder mystery genre to attract
readers interested in communities and the crimes that rock them.
Libraries
looking for
books that operate either as an integral addition to a trilogy or on
their own
as solid examinations of guilt, innocence, and mercurial legal waters
will find
Banks of the River a fine novel.
It's
recommended for anyone who enjoys tales of small-town residents and
their rage,
redemption, and resolve.
Return to Index
The Dawning:
31,000
BC
Richard W. Wise
Brunswick House Press
979-8-9864208-1-3
$17.99 Paper/$9.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Dawning-31-000-BC/dp/B0B69V313L
Fans of Jean
Auel's
fictional stories set in prehistoric Europe will be just one of the
audiences
interested in The Dawning: 31,000 BC,
which is set in the Ice Age world of Cro-Magnons and Neanderthals.
Young adult
Cro-Magnons Ejil and Lada are just beginning to explore their feelings
for one
another when an attack by the pale-skinned Neanderthals tears their
tribe
apart. Lada is missing, and Ejil finds himself on an unexpected journey
to
regain tribal connections and love.
Richard W.
Wise
captures the vivid setting, confrontations between very different
peoples, and
the ancient world of Southwest France in an adventure that immediately
grasps
reader attention, introducing the atmosphere and adversity of these
times.
He takes the
time to
build a "you are here" feel with a sense of place that embraces the
characters' observations and world: "As
the sun climbed the sky ladder and the day warmed, the two girls made
their way
deeper into the thick forest and, probing with their digging sticks,
searched
for edible roots and tubers. The forest was quiet. Cave Bears still
slept, and
lions, cave lions and other big scary animals avoided the thick woods.
Lada
paused and sniffed the air. She loved the sharp smell of pine."
He also
features the
painted caves and the spiritual nature of these early beings as they
interact
and venture into lands and places that challenge both their survival
and
perceptions of their world and what lies beyond it: "Pico
stays by himself. He has a hut below the mouth of the sacred
cave. It is high up in the cliffs, almost a half day’s walk. There is a
large
chamber—paintings by Pico line its walls. That is where the tribal
council
meets. There are some, deeper in the cave that have been there
for as long as anyone can remember.”
“A sacred cave,” Ejil said, his excitement rising. “Is it very deep,
then?”
“It is the womb of the earth, sacred to The Mother. No one has ever
found its end. None have gone so far in as Pico, but even he had to
turn back
when he grew faint and his torch refused to burn.
“His torch wouldn’t burn? How strange.”
“Yes, perhaps it is the fetid breath of the spirits that dwell deep in
the earth. Pico believes the doorway to the Shadowlands lies in its
depths.
Powerful spirits protect it.”
This
attention to the
physical world and its interpretation by various peoples and tribes
gives a
realistic tone to the story, which is driven by emotional connections,
trials
and tribulations, and two young lovers who find their world changed and
in
jeopardy.
The Dawning: 31,000 BC is as much a story
of war and peace as it is
of individual lovers and changed destinies.
Wise's
attention to
capturing the physical and emotional components of land and peoples
makes for a
realistic, involving drama that unfolds new possibilities and
opportunities
between disparate tribes and peoples.
Readers of
Jean Auel
and libraries seeing interest in this genre of prehistoric fictional
settings
are in for a treat.
Return to Index
Destiny of
Determination
Cathy Burnham Martin
Quiet Thunder
Publishing
978-1-939220-60-8
$15.99 Paper/$5.99 ebook
www.QTPublishing.com
Historical
fiction
readers who like tales of coming of age, survival, and revised
destinies will
find Destiny of Determination: Faith and
Family a fine second book, enhancing a trilogy about World
War II and the
Armenian genocide survivors who come to the U.S. in search of new
possibilities.
While it's
recommended that the first book, Destiny
of Dreams, be consulted before this continuing story, this is
not
absolutely required in order for newcomers to become immersed in the
events that
carry Hrant Gulumian and his family to a new life in America.
Despite
their dreams
of respite and safety, the realities of being an immigrant in a strange
land
where language, culture, and prejudice affect their safety and choices
become
central to their story and adaptation.
Cathy
Burnham
Martin's focus on faith and family are the guiding themes of a literary
history
survey that holds its roots in mother Glenna Burnham's immigrant
experiences.
Martin's
mother's
influence lends historical integrity to her efforts, bringing the past
to life
with rich descriptions that both continue her family's true story and
introduce
fictional embellishments to capture the action and feelings of her
characters.
The
introductory
review of primary characters from Book 1 gives newcomers an easy
opportunity to
slide right into the lives and people in Book 2, while modern
experiences
contrast with family interactions and past memories through inviting
dialogue
and interpersonal relationships: “Oh, how
Grampa would have enjoyed this... and YOU,” Cassie uttered.
“I know I’ve told you this before, but my grandfather, Hrant Gulumian,
crosses my mind so often when it comes to little things you do. Just
like
Grampa, your lawn has to be perfect, as if rivaling some country club’s
golf
course greens. Just like Grampa, you love flowers, birds, and boats.
Just like
Grampa, you have extraordinary intelligence, an uncanny mathematical
ability,
and a seemingly natural knack for engineering and constructing things.
I wish
he had lived long enough to meet you.”
Set in the
20th
century, the events trace the impact and roots of bigotry and prejudice
on
multiple generations as their lives grow to embrace both family
precedent and
modern-day challenges.
Of
particular
interest and note is the ways in which Martin interjects and contrasts
these
stories, experiences, and lives. As "Days of Love and Tears" unfolds,
complete with family recipes and reviews of better days and strong
reactions to
life's adversity and promise, readers receive an immigrant experience
that
captures and contrasts the nature of immigrant family worlds.
While the
result is
highly recommended for historical novel readers, Destiny
of Determination should also serve, along with its
predecessor, as a starting point for book club and family discussions
about
Armenian history, family relationships, faith, and perseverance against
the
changing backdrop of American lives, prejudices, and ideals.
Return to Index
Divine Vintage
Sandra L. Young
The Wild Rose Press
978-1-5092-3823-1
$16.99 paperback; $4.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/Divine-Vintage-Sandra-L-Young/dp/1509238239
Divine
Vintage
blends romance and suspense in a novel designed to attract historical
fiction
readers looking for strong female protagonists and a sense of adventure.
The story opens with Tess's
puzzling confession to
another: “My husband didn’t kill me!”
As this gripping opening
scene moves to more revelations
and mystery, readers will find this story of a 1913 puzzle that draws a
contemporary woman into the past to be thoroughly absorbing and hard to
put
down.
A sea change happens between
the story's powerful
introductory scenario, the peppering of quotes in between from other
fans of Divine Vintage, and Chapter
One, which
appears to open in May 2013 with Tess Burton's new adventure, attending
auctions for her new business.
She's used to taking massive
risks—but not with her
inheritance. Divine Vintage represents a business risk, but promises
many
rewards and much adventure; both of which attract her and lure her into
a
situation far from the traditional world of navigating estate sales and
reselling goods.
Past and present flow into
one another as Tess's venture
into 1913 (ala the clothing of the era) contrast with her contemporary
shop in
the modern world.
As a murder draws Tess into
a scenario of romance, sordid
mystery, and danger, readers move into a story steeped in historical
references
and modern dilemmas alike. These contrasts in time and place enhance
both the
romantic components and the intrigue as readers come to appreciate
Tess's
ability to navigate both worlds.
As Tess handles her visions
of a murdered bride and joins
with Trey Dunmore in exploring his
family history and secrets, the couple finds their own potential
romance at
risk—along with the business and their own lives.
Sandra L. Young crafts a
divine story of contrasts in
time, place, and purposes. Readers who enjoy engaging mystery spiced
with
sultry romantic overtones will especially appreciate the powerful
presence of
both in a story designed to simultaneously titillate and intrigue.
Libraries strong in either
romance or mystery that look
for strong characters whose lives are changed by their abilities and
revelations
will find Divine Vintage an
attractive acquisition. It acquires its heat not just from kisses, but
from
high drama and unexpected twists and turns as Tess finds herself caught
between
two determined men.
Return to Index
Fearless
Paula Dáil
Warren Publishing
978-1-957723-40-2
$32.00
Hardcover/$19.95 Paper/$4.99 Kindle
www.warrenpublishing.net
Fearless is a novel based on
true facts. It comes from a "cradle Catholic" who spent several years
in a Catholic girls' boarding school, and who holds a personal,
in-depth
familiarity with the Catholic Church's schools, convents, and
processes.
Viewing with horror the Church’s moral failings and persistent
subjugation of
women and other disenfranchised groups, she is no longer Catholic.
Nevertheless,
she
highly respects the heroic work of countless nuns who work tirelessly
on the
front lines of social justice for women and other marginalized groups.
This powers
the
fictional story of seventeen-year-old Maggie Corrigan, who has
experienced a
tough life as the oldest child of seven, growing up motherless (her
mother died
in childbirth) and impoverished in a Southside Chicago Irish-Catholic
family.
Her choices
seem clear: either follow her mother's path into marriage and too many
children,
or enter the convent to dedicate her life to God and chastity. The
option feels
like a no-brainer as Maggie chooses the latter, but finds her devotion
to God
anything but a singular, predictable path.
These
sentiments play
a key role in a story in which Maggie comes to represent not just
piety, but a
special brand of woman whose purpose seems clear: to both support and
rebel
against the Church she so loves.
Maggie
became
tough and devious as she survived her family situation and remained
true to her
spiritual calling. These traits continue to serve her well as she hones
a
challenge to the Church that includes a fight for women's reproductive
rights.
Tensions
evident in
charity work, in clashes between personalities, and in moral and
ethical conundrums
evolve in a story replete with many thought-provoking experiences and
passages: “She wants to establish a relationship with
the archdiocese
to open up a funding stream. Says she will assure the cardinal and head
of
Catholic Charities that the shelter’s goal is to help women come to
their
senses and return to their husbands—keep the family together. This is
exactly
what we don’t want to be doing, for Christ’s sake. If we accept money
from the
archdiocese, we’ll have to accept the strings that are attached, and we
won’t
like them. You have to help me figure out how to stop this reign of
terror.”
The result
is a
powerhouse of a story especially recommended for readers steeped in and
supportive of Catholic faith, but critical of some of its social
interactions.
This audience will find much food for thought in Maggie's struggles to
reconcile her beliefs with her moral and ethical values.
While
libraries
strong in fiction that represents strong female characters and
interests will
want to include Fearless in their
holdings, ideally it will
reach beyond library shelves to assume a major and interactive role in
book
clubs and reading groups interested in representations of women's
dilemmas with
the Catholic Church.
This
audience will
find many discussion points in Maggie's experiences and changing world,
which
will fuel debates and provide opportunities for deeper-level thinking.
Return to Index
A Home for
the Stars
Laura Kemp
Ramirez
& Clark Publishers LLC
978-1955171168
$21.95
Hardcover/$14.99 Paper/$5.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Stars-Lantern-Creek-Book/dp/1955171165
A Home for the Stars is the third,
concluding volume in the Lantern
Creek trilogy, and ideally will be chosen by prior fans, who will find
this
concluding story of a magical experience picks up where the last book
left off.
The story
opens with
a mysterious Ojibwa petroglyph which has carried Justine Cook back in
time to
the moment her unseen enemy is born, separating her from what is
familiar and
introducing her to a world that she's only dreamed of.
Justine's
encounter
with magic and danger is countered by her determination to find Dylan,
who has
apparently left her alone in this strange place where a "great wind"
has deposited her. Her top mission is to stop Henry Younts before he
harms
those she loves. The only way to save them is to find what she came to
this
world to uncover.
The
introductory
setting marking Justine's awakening and sense of purpose leads nicely
into the
first chapter, where Calvert Cook is tending to a girl that was
discovered
lying in his field.
Laura Kemp
weaves a
fine story of the shaman, Butler, and the characters that surrounding
Justine,
as well as capturing their confusion over Justine's strange clothing
and ways.
As Adam,
Henry, Cal,
Butler and Odessa find their lives entwined, the action unfolds on
different
levels, moving between a magical odyssey and a mission to save very
different
worlds.
Kemp creates
a host
of fine characters who each hold special interests in the outcome of
Justine's
efforts.
She spices
her story
with the flavor of magical realism, creates action-packed scenes of
rescue and
confrontation, and reveals "Injun magic" and forces of religious
fervor that don't always follow logical paths of good and evil's
progression.
The result
is a
powerful novel that nicely completes the prior books in the Lantern
Creek
trilogy.
While
newcomers would
find the tale involving, ideally readers of A
Home for the Stars will be prior fans, This audience will
gain the most
from its continuing revelations of this world and its people.
Libraries
seeing
popularity with the other books in the series will find A
Home for the Stars a satisfying conclusion that includes
reflections on when a search should end and peace be accepted.
Return to Index
Joint Venture
Carol Rhees
Independently
Published
979-8-9865206-0-5
$14.99 Paper/$5.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/Joint-Venture-Carol-Rhees/dp/B0B76239RJ
Readers of
contemporary women's fiction will enjoy Joint
Venture's foray into the wild, wild world of a business
venture that brings
together two disparate "frenemies" who traditionally are at odds with
one another, but find their lives entwined in expected ways.
Cemented by
the
business pursuit that surprisingly serves each of their newfound
interests
particularly well, Alice and Helen both find themselves in the
advancing years
of their 60s, cast adrift after their partners exit stage left. Whether
from
betrayal or demise, each flounders and grasps the other in a lifesaving
move
that will prove much more to each, opening new doors of opportunity
that rest
atop past adversity.
Carol Rhees
incorporates a wry sense of humor about the personalities and events
that
dovetail in an unexpectedly odd journey, starting with childhood
encounters
between the two which set the stage for future interactions steeped in
controversy and competition.
Fifty years
is a long
time to maintain even a tenuous connection, however bittersweet. Helen
Newbold
had fled the small town of Poplar Point right after graduation with her
beau.
Alice thought this was the end of the story (and their tumultuous
relationship)
until she comes upon Helen in a state of disarray, drunk on the
sidewalk. It's
an event that tests even her newfound meditative peace: "As
Alice helped Helen to her feet, she felt a small vindictive
flare of pleasure. She tried to suppress it, remembering the silent
commitment
to kindness and compassion she had made at the meditation meeting just
moments
earlier. Well, this was definitely a test of her commitment."
As the
active dislike
between these women rekindles into a shared purpose in later life,
readers
receive an engrossing exploration of how opposites not only attract,
but can
combine forces to achieve formidable goals.
Carol Rhees
takes the
time to portray these disparate personalities, the reasons why they
clash, and
the values that drive their lives: "She
couldn’t resist a closer examination of Alice, whom she had not spent
any real
time with in years. Yup, not much had changed except for the 20 or 30
extra
pounds. Same hippie–dippy clothes. Same dangling earrings and jangling
bracelets. Same long thick braid down her back—only now it was gray
instead of
brown. Unconsciously, Helen brushed her palm over her own recently
colored
hair."
As
perspectives shift
from Helen to Alice, these character-driven experiences come to life to
provide
thought-provoking and often funny passages driven by these different
perspectives about life and values. Other characters, such as Helen's
daughter
Kim, also add perspective from other vantage points to round out the
interactions between the two women.
Kim's
viewpoint also
incorporates wry humor as her opinions of her mother are revised,
challenging
her to adopt a new story of family connections to her young charges and
her
husband: "Where was she going? Home
to tell Kevin what had happened? To tell her children that the
grandmother they
had come to love was now the town champion of marijuana?"
As the two
women
evolve, so does a town struggling with the latest social issue
affecting its
laws and outlook; and so does Kim, who finds her mother's presence not
just
embarrassing, but socially and psychological challenging: "Why was her mother, of all people, speaking up for
the Safe
Access side? Was this what her mother had been secretly working on up
in her
room all this time? She knew about Kim’s position as chair of the Board
and
principal of the high school; she knew about the public stance Kim and
the rest
of the Board had taken. Didn’t she care that Kim now looked like a
fool?"
The result
is a tale
replete in transformations that operate on different levels, from
familial to
interpersonal and community-wide. The ripples of controversy threaten
to tear
the new relationship apart, leading it back to old foundations of
contention
even as it holds out the promise of something different.
Readers will
find
this dual focus on community and interpersonal change to be thoroughly
involving.
The wry
humor and
satirical inspections create a nice interplay between characters and
social
issues, while the family relationships affected by the duo's new joint
venture
are strongly depicted.
Joint Venture evolves to be more than
about business or a
friendship revitalized. Its astute probe of social issues that affect
community
ties makes for a small-town portrait of personalities and purposes that
is
highly recommended for libraries and book clubs seeking novels about
women's
relationships, growth, and family changes alike.
Return to Index
The Killer
Half
JB Blake
Atmosphere Press
978-1-63988-504-6
$18.99
www.atmospherepress.com
The Killer Half: The Legend of Blackhawk 6-Deuce
is a novel about
combat at home and abroad. It follows Hawk, who has become
disillusioned with
the war in the Middle East and has walked away from one battle, only to
find
himself in unexpected combat territory at home.
He feels
sadness and
remorse, and as though he's been used. But he's not used up, because he
returns
to full-on combat mode when he uncovers a scheme for an armed invasion
of
America and makes a stand on his own country's soil.
Readers who
look for
action-packed stories that also retain a good degree of reflective
insights
about the nature of military combat and civilian efforts to sustain
democracy
will find The Killer Half replete
with thought-provoking passages as Hawk considers the political
influences affecting
his task of protecting his country.
JB Blake is
a student
of military history and behavioral science (among other research
interests),
and these lend a fine foundation of reality to a story steeped in
unexpected
encounters and a relatively unique form of dialogue between characters
which
eschews the usual quotation-mark usage.
At times,
the story
feels more like a film script or play because of this, but the format
supports
the action and interactions, highlighting the plot's impact.
The tension
is well
done and the changing settings and clashes are particularly compelling
and
realistic in their portrayal. A cast of supplemental characters bring
Hawk's
actions to life, as well.
The "you are
here" descriptive moments are especially well detailed: "The
pilots flew back and forth once
over the valley where nothing was moving. If anyone had moved, they
would have
shot them. These helicopters were violent, deadly weapons, and the men
flying
them knew exactly how to use them to maximize death on the ground. They
were
made for assault and for close air support of infantry, and they had
done their
job with destructive efficiency. Snakes flew over the volcanic tube and
fired
into it, but they couldn’t get an angle to be effective. They hovered
for a
time away from the wash to see if anyone would come out. No one did.
The enemy
could still hear the helicopters because of the distinct sound their
rotors
made."
Libraries
seeking
thrillers that take a character's military service history to evolve it
beyond
the usual formula writing approach will appreciate the evocative
originality of
The Killer Half which
brings to life not only battles, but
unexpected romance and characters whose hearts shine with love and
conflict
alike.
Return to Index
Lyrical
Bliss in
Tuscany
Cindy Irish
Enoch Publications,
LLC
978–1-942627–04–3
$14.99 Print/$2.99 ebook
Website: http://www.cindyirish.com/the-stories/lyrical-bliss-in-tuscany/
Ordering: https://amzn.to/3RBK6dr
Lyrical Bliss in Tuscany is Book 3 in the
Bel Homme Quartet. It
will best be enjoyed by prior enthusiasts of the series, who will find
the
story of Italian opera singer Nico Biviano to be compelling as he
pursues the
classical crossover group Bel Homme in a new venture that introduces
unexpected
romance along with its different notes.
Italian
culture,
romance, and music weave a solid story of achievement, pursuit, and new
journeys as Nico's world tour turns into a relationship with the very
different
Gina, who also didn't anticipate falling in love.
Both pursue
success
in different ways. Each has dealt with the distractions of previous
relationships in manners that eschewed lasting connections. And they
discover,
within one another, a mirror of their expectations and ambitions that
promise
to produce results greater than the sum of their individual efforts.
Cindy Irish
does an
exceptional job of following Nico and Gina as they step out of their
comfort
zones, both with each other and in their individual ambitions and
pursuits.
Nico is
constantly
surprising Gina (and she often surprises herself) as they contemplate
an
attachment that could require an exorcist to untangle.
Irish adds
family
interactions on both sides to introduce more surprises requiring
flexibility on
both characters' parts. This, in turn, creates a fine tension that
moves beyond
romantic and sexual encounters to embrace the growing affair's
potential for
changing family interactions and relationships, as well.
The
music-driven,
Italian-backed culture of love and growth emphasized in Lyrical
Bliss in Tuscany forms the backdrop for a powerful story
that ends with a surprising revelation.
Readers who
look for
multifaceted romances touched as much by evolutionary processes as by a
couple's growing attraction will find Lyrical
Bliss in Tuscany a haunting story that's nicely steeped in
musical culture
and romantic surprises. It also follows several characters who circle
around
Nico and Gina with their own changing involvements.
Lyrical Bliss in Tuscany deserves a place
on the shelves of
libraries strong in novels that spin a fine yarn of the psychological
transformations love can bring.
Return to Index
Marooned
Louise Jane Watson
Foundations Book Publishing Company
ASIN: B0B7CSWFM9
$3.99 Kindle
Website: https://www.louisejanewatson.com/copy-of-home
Ordering: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7CSWFM9
Marooned is a shipwreck story of a different ilk,
surrounding a couple and a cat.
The family in the classic Swiss Family
Robinson banded together to create a new home and life while
awaiting
rescue. In Louise Jane Watson's contemporary take on becoming marooned,
there
is no supportive nuclear family. Just a cat. And, as Book 1 of the Lost
and
Found series explores, the process of being marooned demands more than
survival
tactics and physical innovations.
The day began with the promise of sunshine,
relaxation, and new connections. So, why is Pinky out of bounds and
beyond her
control, now? She finds her past strengths stymied, under these
conditions:
"There had never been a situation she couldn't run, jump, or
fight her
way out of. But out here, her modus operandi was useless."
And this is
just the cat's experience as she rides a human survivor on the waves
into the
aftermath of shipwreck.
Sunny also shares these qualities, and a
vacation in Fiji seems like just the opportunity to profile the beauty
and
danger not just of the island, but in life in general. Especially since
the
first stranger she encounters is drop-dead gorgeous.
But, unlike Pinky, Sunny is not vacationing.
She's there to work as an illustrator on a research station, and duty
calls.
Sunny, too, cultivates "a resourceful mind that saw a
problem, then
found a solution." She excels in embracing and working with
adversity.
Nothing in life could have prepared her for
her Fijian adventure, however, as she embarks on a journey of survival
and
exploration that ultimately tests not just her physical skills, but her
mental
acuity.
Watson creates an emotional roller coaster
of a ride in Marooned which carries readers beyond
the usual shores of
romance as Kit and Sunny struggle with one another and themselves.
Independent and proactive at age
twenty-five, Sunny has never had the opportunity to cultivate such a
relationship, so Kit thinks she's naïve and much younger. It's simply
that
Sunny has not been made bitter and jaded by life experience, unlike so
many of
her contemporaries. And that lends to her attraction which, in
isolation, has
the opportunity to blossom.
Readers who pick up Marooned
anticipating a survival story alone may be surprised at the depths the
novel
plumbs.
Unlikely as a relationship between a sexy,
world-wise Hollywood star and a nature artist might be, the shipwreck
throws
them (and the ship's cat) together in an endeavor that changes them
both.
Readers receive a story of evolutionary
growth both between and within the characters as perspectives shift
between Kit
and Sunny. This allows for psychological growth and revelations to be
brought
to the forefront as their situation forces new efforts and realizations
neither
has ever attempted in their lives. Watson's psychological probe is
nicely done,
juxtaposing the simmering romantic potential of an island made for two
(three,
counting the cat) with the explorations and secrets each individual
makes to
move forward with their lives.
As new perspectives blossom under adverse
conditions, romance readers will especially appreciate that a
precarious
situation evolves, both mentally and physically, between all three
characters.
The result is a love story, a survival
piece, and a fictional revelation of growth and connection. Marooned
is
highly recommended for romance libraries and readers, but also should
attract
women who seek strong female role models (and cats) who tackle their
pasts and
futures with equal ability.
Return to Index
The Mother I
Never
Had
Gary Goldstein
Hadleigh House
Publishing
979-8-9850576-1-4
$16.99 Paper/$7.99 Kindle
www.hadleighhouse.com
The Mother I Never Had opens with an
ordinary morning in
protagonist Nate's life. It's one that is destined to change in the
blink of an
eye when an old skeleton from 30 years ago comes rattling out of his
closet to
change his world.
Nate was
unexpectedly
made an orphan when his father died, but even more surprising is the
appearance
of Amy in his life soon after, who brings with her information and a
mystery
that involves him in a journey to find the truth about his heritage.
On the line
is his
relationship with girlfriend Jennifer, his sense of self, and a family
secret
that challenges everything he's known about his past.
Gary
Goldstein
creates an outstanding story of family flaws and connections that
ripples new
revelations into a staid life.
His
attention to
strong characters, motivations, and believable events that lead to
astonishing
situations makes for a tale replete with considerations of what changes
make
individuals human, influence their lives and psyches, and why betrayal
evolves
and how it can be justified.
These
underlying
psychological currents contribute to a story that poses unexpected
twists and
turns as Nate reconsiders every belief he's fostered about his heritage
and his
life's trajectory. His dual choice to be angry with Amy and sad about
his
father's own duplicity and decisions sets off a chain reaction which
resonates
in his own life options.
As Nate goes
through
therapy and considers the pros and cons of such an intense probe of his
life,
readers will find much to like about the man and his dilemmas. His
experiences
change not only his love liaison, but his business relationship with
friend and
partner Danny and virtually every facet of his life.
At the heart
of this
story is an evolving affiliation to and realizations about the mother
Nate
never knew, and the effects of family secrets on future generations.
Those who
look for
novels replete in revelations and change, with a character who
reconsiders his
own motivations for pursuing marriage and family ties, will find that The Mother I Never Had opens new doors
of insight that leads them to think about their own choices and the
consequences of their decisions and beliefs about the world.
Book clubs
reviewing
family ties and impacts receive a fine list of discussion points at the
book's
end which will encourage lively debates, both in reading groups and in
psychological group circles.
Return to Index
Penelope's
Passion
Maggie Sims
The Wild Rose Press
9781509245956
$17.99
paperback/$5.99 ebook
www.maggiesims.com
The School
of
Enlightenment series expands with the addition of Penelope's
Passion, a study in love and legacy that follows
eighteen-year-old Penelope Wood's first journey to London and the new
adventure
and job she faces there.
The School
of
Enlightenment has prepared her for this big step, but it couldn't
predict or
tackle matters of the heart as Penelope finds her new position brings
her
challenges that lie far outside the school's instructions.
Beyond
sending money
back to the family, Penelope has a career aspiration—to start a bakery.
Her job
as a courtesan is the first step towards realizing a dream that
threatens to be
waylaid by unpredictable events beyond her goals and experiences.
The world of
the
early 1800s and London society are nicely captured as Penelope pursues
her
ambition and finds her concepts of the world rocked by what she
encounters in
London.
It should be
noted
that explicit sexual descriptions accompany the story of Penelope's
blossoming,
which will attract readers who look for more real-world descriptions
and
scenarios that embrace sexual explorations, but may preclude enjoyment
by
readers seeking more staid romances.
Penelope's
strategic
approach to her life embraces all possibilities as she moves forward in
different ways, and the detailed sexual experiences are part of the
many ways
she grows as she fosters a relationship with Lord Michael Slade, who is
set to
be married to another and faces the need to gain distance and
perspective
despite being thoroughly enchanted.
As
Penelope's
childhood and lifelong friend Sophia, subject of Book 1 in this series,
enters
the picture after a hiatus, Michael's close-knit family faces changes
not only
from the patriach's health issues, but from a son's choices.
Maggie Sims
takes the
time to explore these connections and relationships: "My
parents allowed my sister and I free rein out of the limelight
of London Society so we could enjoy our childhoods. Even learning my
responsibilities as heir was fun with my father." Her
characters thus
are steeped not just in the trappings of privilege, but in a changing
world
where past legacy and present-day inclinations are tested in new ways.
Her careful
crafting
of the social, sexual, and psychological connections between kin and
potential
loves creates a thoroughly realistic, engrossing story that Regency
romance
readers, in particular, will find familiar and exciting.
At stake are
not only
Michael and Penelope's growing connections, but Penelope's own dreams
about
family and career.
Sims creates
a
satisfyingly intricate dance between all the characters against the
backdrop of
1800s England, creating a compelling interplay of emotional and
physical
attraction that will draw not only prior fans of Sophia's
Schooling, but newcomers who will be enticed by the
promise of blossoming relationships and goals.
Libraries
looking for
Regency romances with sultry descriptions and characters that
individually come
into their powers and grow both separately and with one another will
find Penelope's Passion rich and
attractive
reading.
Return to Index
Rawhide
Jake: Lone
Star Fame
JD Arnold
Five Star Publishing
978-1432895877
$25.95 Hardcover
https://www.amazon.com/Rawhide-Jake-Times-Detective-Brighton/dp/1432895877
Fans of
Western
novels, historical fiction, and prior readers of Rawhide Jake in Learning the Ropes will each find a
compelling new saga to appreciate in Rawhide
Jake: Lone Star Fame, which centers on Jake's ongoing
encounters that take
place after he splits from Wes Wilson in the first book.
Jake is now
working
undercover, arresting cattle rustlers and gaining a reputation for
frontier
justice. But riding the range looking for criminals isn't his only
pursuit.
Also a part
of his
life is a romance he's cultivated with a married woman, whom he marries
after
her husband dies. There are also unresolved issues with Wes, who
returns, in
this book, to join Jake in a dangerous undertaking that almost kills
Jake and
changes his life. Now the owner of a new company that places him and
his
Chinese workers in different jeopardy, Jake's battles are only
beginning.
JD Arnold
crafts a
powerful saga set in the late 1800s, which incorporates the political,
social,
and psychological challenges of these times.
Jake
Brighton
represents not only a force of strength and change in a world beset
upon by
those who would skirt justice systems, but a business figure, as he
ventures
into unusual investments and absorbs financial interests and matters
that belay
his work in other areas. His actions are detailed with logical analysis
and
realistic insight: "His original
intent was to ride out to the crew and deliver the payroll. But now his
intent
changed because money-in is always more important to develop than
money-out.
Both were needed of course in business, but there were priorities."
As Jake, his
wife
Mary Jane, and Wes come to terms with new opportunities that test their
lives,
readers receive a powerful Western backdrop that both educates and
entertains.
There are
disparities
in the historical record concerning the real Rawhide Jake. Jonas V.
Brighton
was not ever known as Rawhide Jake; however, many western historians
believe he
was. Same goes for his role as a stock detective. The author came to
realize
these disparities after the publication of Learning
the Ropes, and segued the part fiction/part fact contents of
its
predecessor into a full fictional format in Lone
Star Fame.
Libraries
and readers
looking for Westerns that incorporate historical backdrops with a
realistic
attention to descriptive detail and the lives of those faced with
numerous
changing choices will find Rawhide Jake:
Lone Star Fame a fine survey of life challenges in 1800s
Texas. It
concludes with the promise of another Jake adventure in another Western
territory.
The blend of
history
and adventure works seamlessly to create a vivid account that is
enlightening
and hard to put down.
Return to Index
Saigon Spring
Phillip Derrick
Sunnyslope Press
978099912024
$14.99 Paper/$2.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Saigon-Spring-Philip-M-Derrick/dp/0999120220
Saigon Spring spices war fiction with
mystery and thriller
components to expand the story's potential audience, making it a
recommendation
not just for the usual historical Vietnam experience readers, but for
those
seeking a solid novel of intrigue.
It opens in
1971 at
the San Francisco Airport, where the first-person narrator is set to
embark on
a journey dressed in full green army uniform and paratrooper boots.
Post-Vietnam, returning vets were not treated with respect, but
distain.
Despite this atmosphere, the narrator retains pride in his military
service and
accomplishments. It's a pride that will be tested both at home and
abroad as
events unfold.
Phillip
Derrick
captures the sentiments of the times as well as the unfolding mystery
surrounding Sergeant Travis Nickels as he returns home convinced his
tour of
duty is finished forever, only to find himself re-enlisting, drawn back
to a
Vietnam which is now in complete chaos after the war.
The secrets
he keeps
about his service, Vietnamese relationships, and choices made during
this time
have come full circle to haunt any semblance of him moving on, forcing
him back
into the past to confront not just the consequences of his decisions,
but a
lingering mystery that infuses his life with angst and uncertainty.
It's a
process that
mirrors the wider issues of America's involvements in that region.
Even his
name has
been changed, because he's assumed a dead soldier's identity to get
back to
Vietnam to find his family's killer.
So opens a
creative
thriller that includes many of the trappings of a traditional Vietnam
novel and
then departs from the norm to bring its readers on an unexpected
journey
through a war-torn region of anguished hearts and minds.
Much of the
story
focuses on his new civilian status at home—how Travis reluctantly
learns to
hide the fact that he's a vet and how he deals with those who think
that
military service only attracted suckers while others (more intelligent)
found
ways to reject the call to go fight in Vietnam.
As he gets
married,
experiences life at Ranger school, and seemingly moves forward even
while
constrained by events from his past, he finds his trajectory moves full
circle
as the secrets he's kept even from his wife draw him back into the
military.
Derrick also
explores
the social and political experiences and divides that keep changing the
bigger
picture, employing powerful "you are here' imagery to capture Travis's
observations and conclusions: "That
means only one thing," said Tam. "Victory or death. There's not going
to be a peaceful negotiation to this offensive despite what your
Ambassador or
my government hopes. It's all or nothing this time."
What makes
for a good
man, what constitutes bravery in environments replete with atrocities,
and how
can Travis make better decisions?
Military
history
blends with mystery, intrigue, and psychological self-inspection to
give Saigon Spring a full-bodied
flavor of
discovery and revelation that is rare in either mysteries or thrillers.
Its story
comes to
life in different ways, and is especially recommended for readers of
military
fiction, who will find in this story far more depth, linking personal
with
cultural and political experience, than most.
Like
Vietnam, the
events that drive Travis are mercurial and unpredictable. How he finds
love
against all odds and reconciles past with future opportunities makes
for a
story that is not only recommended for libraries looking for powerful
Vietnam-based accounts, but book club discussion groups interested in
military
novels and growth-inducing stories about personal transformation.
Return to Index
Sasquatch
Love Call
A.M. Jordan
Thursday Night Press
(an imprint of DX Varos Publishing)
978-1-955065-64-1
$19.95 Paper/$4.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/Sasquatch-Love-Call-Weird-Canyon-ebook/dp/B0B36M1987
Supernatural
novel
readers typically don't receive humor mixed into dark descriptions, but
Sasquatch Love Call represents a
satisfying foray into the unexpected, both in its romance component and
in its
array of supernatural forces, from sasquatch interference with weddings
to a
little fire problem.
The story
opens with
a bang that captures this juxtaposition of action and fun: "The explosion shook the entire house throwing me
out of my bed.
Paperbacks were knocked off shelves. My heavy, carved, oak wardrobe
moved a
full foot along the wall. I was lucky it was bottom heavy since it
didn’t fall
over on top of me. My bookshelf, desk, and bed, had joined it in a
short dance
across the floor. I was not amused. Before being blown up, I had been
in the
midst of a delightful dream involving Anna. The music had stopped, she
was
about to kiss me, and boom."
The contrast
between
monster hunts, supernatural encounters, and everyday life keeps the
story
intriguing on more than one level: “Tell
you what, we’ll go monster hunting tonight and then you guys can go
ghost
hunting tomorrow night.” She sighed.
“All right, I guess that’ll do.”
“Good,” Mike said. “Let me get the cornbread.”
The cornbread was fantastic.
As events
unfold, a
circus of characters in colorful garb enter the picture to build a fun
portrait
of a strange summer in Weir Canyon, Colorado, as Danny Jael's mountain
resort
job becomes tainted by acts of heroism and murder.
There is no
easy way
to define the rollicking romp that is Sasquatch
Love Call. Suffice to call it a mystery, a foray into the
supernatural, and
a love story with a decidedly different tone and characters.
Readers and
libraries
seeking humor with a satisfyingly fun supernatural backdrop will find Sasquatch Love Call impossible to either
categorize or put down.
Return to Index
Son of a
Basque
Mark B. Arrieta and
Deborah Driggs
Crystal Woods
Publishing
9781955862042
$16.95
www.crystalwoodspublishing.com
Son of a Basque is introduced by Mark B.
Arrieta's daughter,
Dorothy Stangle, who explains that this posthumous novel reflects a
family
legacy, as it is loosely based on her father's experiences and explores
his
life, prejudices and honors.
Mark B.
Arrieta
passed in 1998, but his story lives on, both in this book and in its
impact on
his family's memories and knowledge of family history. It now holds an
additional opportunity for readers to absorb the life of a young man
who was
ten years old in 1928, and whose world evolved to embrace the war that
would
lead him into the military and uncharted territory.
From an
unexpected
romance which develops in the midst of his enlistment to a Basque
family's
determination, love, and special brand of perseverance, family
connections are
profiled in a story that is outstanding in its exploration of culture,
heritage, and connections.
Readers who
anticipate
a coming-of-age or wartime saga alone will find that while Son of a Basque embraces both of these
facets, it's real strength
lies in family relationship probes that explore Basque culture and its
lasting
impact on future generations.
Via the
narrator's
separation from wife and children as he performs his military duties to
the
lingering aftermath of threat when the war ends ("Later,
a Japanese soldier gave himself up to the American patrol group,
telling the intelligence officer during an interview that he and some
other
surviving Japanese soldiers had been instructed never to surrender. He
was
unaware that the war had ended and had been living in the jungle and
going to
the beaches late at night to catch fish to survive. If I’d known that
any Japanese
soldiers were still alive and living in the jungles, I would never have
taken
my boys and left them on the deserted beaches at night."),
readers
learn of a life well lived, centered on family and embracing the impact
of a
military career on all family members.
Deborah
Driggs is the
granddaughter of Mark B. Arrieta, who wrote this book in tribute to his
father,
a famous Basque bullfighter.
Its
wide-ranging
scope, from World War II to the Vietnam War, explores how families
evolve and
handle the rigors of life changes.
Son of a Basque is a legacy to his
family, but to their credit and
publishing efforts, it's now also a legacy for fiction readers who
enjoy
stories based on true life, accounts of military and civilian
experiences, and
the efforts of a man who proved a hero to his family in so many
different ways.
Libraries
seeking
novels that explore all these facets, from family ties to Basque
heritage and
the generations that receive this gift of cultural identity, will find Son of a Basque a solid work of
compelling explorations.
Return to Index
South of
Heaven
Patti Frye Meredith
Mint Hill Books/Main
Street Rag Publishing Company
978-1-59948-905-6
$17.95 Paper/$6.99 Kindle
www.mainstreetrag.com
South of Heaven is set in 1998 in North
Carolina. It tells of two
middle-aged, estranged sisters who find their lives unexpectedly
entwined when
they are forced to live together and reveal the lies of the past to not
just
one another, but the world.
This changes
everything, from the source of their love and estrangement to their
relationships with their families and others in their separate lives.
The
atmosphere,
culture, and relationships of the town of Carthage, North Carolina come
to life
to form an evocative backdrop as the drama plays out.
Patti Frye
Meredith
is especially adept at introducing characters from Fern's past and her
process
of recalling this past and contrasting it with present-day incarnations
and
experiences: "Fern searched Doyle’s
features for the boy she’d known. The sharp angles of his jaw had
softened. She
recognized the flush of spider veins that too much alcohol wrote across
a face,
but overall, time had been kind. She doubted he thought the same about
her."
Fern's
encounters
awaken newfound feelings in her which embrace revelation, forgiveness,
and
different emotions that influence the winds of change, both external
and
internal: "For a moment she
remembered the girl she used to be, one worthy of kindness."
Does Fern
"have
a life she doesn't deserve"? As she and sister Leona's lives become
entangled and their personal affairs turn into headline news for all to
read
and judge, Meredith weaves a compelling story of human nature and
faith. The
story ultimately reveals the nature of second changes, new
opportunities, and
revised viewpoints in life.
Readers
interested in
novels about estrangement, reconciliation, and stormy redemption will
find South of Heaven a little piece
of heaven
in itself: a story that pulls at the heart and presents two strong
sisters
whose shared experiences take on different meaning and impact in their
lives.
Book clubs
seeking
discussion points about changing family connections in mid-life will
find much
to talk about in a novel that captures the life lessons of siblings who
become
caught up in bigger-picture events and thinking.
Return to Index
Sun City: A Hilariously
Addictive Story of Rebellion
Matthew Minson
TLOEDpress
9798985471748
$14.95
Paper/$5.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/Sun-City-Hilariously-Addictive-Rebellion/dp/B09SBMHXV3
Sun
City: A
Hilariously Addictive Story of Rebellion is a humorous coming-of-age novel that
incorporates many elements
in its romp through Irving Mills' life, from a mother who likes to set
his
alarm clock for an ungodly hour to clog-dancer Wiccans, genetically
engineered
government pot seeds, and genius baker Betty Crocker.
Matthew
Minson whips
up a formula for disaster, irony, and fun as teen involvements segue
into
various disparate elements both nefarious and innocent.
As the lives
of
sixty-year-old farmer Cal (whose beloved farm has been sold out from
under him
by well-meaning adult children intent on seeing him safe in a Sun City
enclave
for the elderly), Irving, and Betty (a "genius with a spice rack")
coalesce, readers receive a hilarious story that charts the process of
rebellion in disparate lives.
Minson's
ability to
create not just one or two, but a cast of characters who each harbor a
zany
sense of rebellion contributes to a multifaceted story that attracts on
many
different levels.
At the same
time,
it's a tale that lives up to its subtitle and defies pat
categorization.
Coming-of-age readers will find far more involved than a boy and a
girl's shenanigans.
Readers of stories about elderly rebellion will find much to appreciate
in Cal
Yarbough's madcap encounters with Betty Crocker, Wild Bill, and other
unexpectedly lively characters in his new home.
Looking for
intrigue?
It's here, in the form of a mob boss in the witness protection program
and a
former CIA operative who sports a new passion for counterculture ideals.
Any
semblance of
familiar traits, routines, and progression are turned on end because
the lively
tale excels in unexpected routes. Its characters could, under another
hand,
have represented staid stereotypes, but here they assume whimsical and
engaging
countenances that defy the norm.
The result
is a novel
that is compellingly, unexpectedly vivid in its contrasts between
youth, old age,
and disparate choices that have unexpected results.
Libraries looking for
novels that successfully work outside the formulas of suspense, humor,
coming-of-age, or end-of-life scenarios will relish the fresh, original
countenance ofs Sun
City's special,
creatively powerful form of rebellion against convention.
Return to Index
Waiting ‘Round To Die
Chris Grant
Atmosphere Press
978-1-63988-451-3
$17.99
www.atmospherepress.com
Waiting
‘Round To
Die tells of a nameless man who
takes to the road in an effort to uncover answers about his past. The
story
opens with the first-person narrator reflecting on this escape: "I
had
not felt this disconnected from my myriad responsibilities in years. No
one,
save the person who checked me into the hotel, knew where I was. I kind
of
wondered if my wife cared. I suspected she didn’t. She told me to
leave. I was
just taking her advice."
He has a vague idea of where he is going,
but no real concept of where he will wind up. At once a middle-age
crisis point
and a discussion of existential life inspection, Waiting
‘Round To Die
contains a sense of irony because its character is making the choice to
do
anything but wait for the end of his story.
Readers who look for stories of middle-agers
in crisis about their lives and choices, who embark on a road trip of
self-discovery that results in odd answers to questions that drive
meetingups
with disparate individuals along the way, will find Waiting
‘Round To Die
a fine study in opposites.
Chris Grant
does an
excellent job of juxtaposing social, political, historical, and
literary
references during the course of this novel. The journey details a road
trip of
the heart and mind, as much as it covers the physical encounters with
disparate
individuals that each lend a sense of revelation to the narrator's
world.
Astute
dialogue often
synthesizes this process and its meaning:
“Tell me this then,” Morty continued. “What are you
doing? Why are you
driving around the country with your degenerate uncle?”
“I am trying to find myself.”
“You’re almost fifty years old. You should have found yourself thirty
years ago.”
“Maybe that’s the problem. Maybe I never knew who I was.”
As events
unfold,
readers will be prompted to consider their own life-changing moments
and
meanings, and will find the narrator's journey thought-provoking and
moving on
different levels.
Blend a
travelogue, a
disparate set of personalities, and contrasting life visions with
philosophical
reflection to receive a novel that proves enlightening and entertaining
on more
than one level: "I did not need to
spend another twenty or thirty years just waiting around to die. This
was not
what I’d signed up for. This was, in no way, what I wanted. No muse, no
point,
nobody needs me . . . what the hell was I going to do next?"
Libraries
seeking
novels about middle-age journeys will find Waiting ‘Round To
Die one of the best, while book
clubs reviewing
this topic will find the story holds plenty of fodder for discussion.
Return to Index
When Stars
Align
E.K. McCoy
Atmosphere Press
9781639885084
$17.99
www.atmospherepress.com
Dr. Augustus
Owens is
used to the challenging world of a trauma ER environment, but he isn't
used to
finding out that one of his critically ill new patients is a former
lover.
Armed with
such a
summary of events, readers might anticipate that this story will be
told
through Dr. Owens's eyes, but it's Elsie McCormick who opens the tale
with her
growing awareness that she's fighting for her life.
How did she
end up in
this condition, and will she survive?
When Stars Align considers love, destiny,
and fate as Elsie reviews
her life and the only man she's ever loved, Auggie ("Gus").
Her
third-person
reflection is complimented by the first-person observations of Dr.
Augustus
Owens as he treats her and, against all odds, falls back in love,
despite
having dedicated his life to medicine.
Most doctors
would
have quit trying to bring the dead to life. Not Gus. As soon as he
realizes who
he is treating, he fights against all odds—and seemingly wins.
However,
this is just
the first step in a battle not only to save her life, but to return to
what
they once had: "In an earlier
chapter of my life—during a time when I was happy and actually liked
myself—this
Jane Doe had been my other half, the only girl I’d ever loved, my
everything."
It's more
than
evident from the start that Gus remains fond of this woman, which lends
to his
determination to save her: "No one
in the trauma bay knew this woman as I once had. No one knew that her
heart was
pure and kind in spite of having experienced way too much sadness in
her life.
Her life could not end this soon and this tragically. She didn’t
deserve to be
a lifeless Jane Doe dying before my eyes. No! She deserved a long,
happy life
that was as beautiful as she was."
Readers
might think,
from this beginning, that the story will revolve around recovery
processes.
These are incorporated into a bigger picture of a blossoming
relationship that
receives an unusual supplemental experience: E.K. McCoy has compiled a When
Stars Align soundtrack, available on Spotify, which is
linked to events in
specific chapters.
Readers can
use this
to set the mood and relive the music that inspired McCoy, helping her
to bring
her characters to life. It's as close to a movie as you can get within
the
written word, and brings alive the story of aligning stars between past
and
present which allow the star-crossed lovers to carry onward towards the
future.
Readers of
romance
stories will find much to like about the evolving relationship
described here.
Those who believe in destiny, especially, will find When
Stars Align a riveting tale of new connections and
opportunities for transformation.
Romance
libraries
looking for stories about second chances will find When
Stars Align a compelling tale.
Return to Index
Reviewer's Choice
All Votes
Matter
Jerry Spriggs
The Ewings Publishing
979-8-88640-037-3
$20.99
Hardcover/$15.55 Paper/$2.99 Kindle
www.equalvoicevoting.com
All Votes Matter pinpoints issues
inherent in the setup of the
American republic and the Electoral College in particular, making a
powerful
argument against the College's participation in the voter process. It's
a
discussion that ideally will become an active part of any high school,
college,
or adult group debating voter rights and politics in modern America,
and is
highly recommended for this purpose.
Author Jerry
Spriggs
is neither a politician nor a political scientist. His background is in
instructional design, and his interest lay in gaming before he became
intrigued
by the electoral process and presidential elections.
His
research,
studies, and debates grew to become this book, published at a key time
in
American history, where voters and citizens have come to question
nearly every
facet of the democratic process.
With these
questions,
ideally, should come a thorough knowledge of historical and political
precedents, and that's where All Votes
Matter enters the picture. It offers readers a foundation for
understanding
the Electoral College's premise, operations, and involvement in the
voting
process.
More
importantly, it
analyzes the concept and operations of checks and balances built into a
system
designed to be fair and reflective of voter rights.
Finally, not
content
with criticism alone, All Votes Matter
then tackles the subject of how to do better, making a case for EVV
action: "If we want our Electoral College
results to be similar to the popular vote, EVV (Equal Voice Voting)
provides a
much better result. Remember, too, that these results can be achieved
without
the need for a U.S. Constitutional amendment."
As with any
democratic process, debate is the first order of business. All Votes Matter offers plenty of fodder
for discussions, using
charts, graphs, history, and data to back its analysis.
Students of
political
science as well as citizens more engaged in voter rights and change
will find
this alternate voting approach, with its state-by-state enactment
potential and
its ability to prove flexible yet strong, an intriguing component of a
solution-based approach to resolving present-day political problems.
Any library
strong in
democratic rights and social and political issues needs this
discussion.
Ideally, All Votes Matter won't
just
repose on a bookshelf, but will assume a more active role in the search
for
solutions to build a better democracy.
Voter rights
and
processes are key to preserving liberty itself because, as Spriggs
maintains: "How citizens decide poses a
tremendous
challenge, especially in our federalist republic, a nation as large as
the
United States is, inclusive of its diverse ethnicities, religions,
cultures,
values, or priorities. The process must be transparent as it adheres to
the
principles put forth in the U.S. Constitution. The voting steps we take
must be
fair, equal, inclusive, and engaging. We must do the best we can to
meet these
expectations."
Return to Index
Artfulness:
Formula-Free Creative Writing Explorations for Secondary ELA Classes
Andrea Yarbough
Alexandrite
Publishing, LLC
979-8-9860146-0-9
$32.50
Website: Alexandrite
Publishing
Ordering: https://www.amazon.com/Artfulness-Formula-Free-Creative-Explorations-Secondary/dp/B09ZD2VQW2
Artfulness: Formula-Free Creative Writing
Explorations for Secondary
ELA Classes is a study in the finer art of writing which
returns 'creative'
into the writing mix for secondary ELA teachers who are tired of using
the
usual formula approaches to writing.
It promotes
the
concept of 'Writing Wednesdays', providing teachers with lesson plans
that
target key ELA skills while building student attraction to the writing
process
itself.
ELA teachers
are
already too aware of the formula-driven focus on writing and ELA
achievements
which challenges not only students, but instructors. Those leaders who
would
approach writing and reading in a different way receive 20 lesson plans
which
are flexible and can be adapted to a range of classrooms and student
interests.
Chapters are
broken
down into quarters, with each quarter reflecting a writing goal.
Exercises
supporting these efforts are clearly explained: "This
activity highlights to students the clear connection between
visual and written art through a common concept—color. Color Your World challenges students
to develop their abstract
thinking skills by requiring them to consider how best to convey a
sense of
color without literally employing that color in their narrative. What
mood is
created by a particular color or color combination? How can mood evolve
through
the pairing and progression of the (metaphoric) incorporation of
various colors
into a narrative?"
Extension
activities
are designed to build upon the initial foundations of success,
featuring
routines for helping students build and expand vocabulary lists and
anticipatory activities that build impetus for expression through
student
Writer's Notebooks and different approaches to adding to them.
Artfulness creates a series of lessons so
inspiring and lively that
instructors may wonder why formula approaches ever became the standard
for teaching
the fundamentals of effective writing and reading.
The focus on
activities that lend to both group and individual pursuit, which return
'lively' and 'compelling' into the task of teaching writing and
reading, makes
for a top recommendation for secondary ELA teachers who want to achieve
their
goals in a different, more effective manner.
Libraries
catering to
educators who would take a step in a different direction to enhance the
learning experience for their students and the teaching process for
themselves
will find Artfulness: Formula-Free
Creative Writing Explorations for Secondary ELA Classes
packed with
strategies for success. Each has been tested in the real world and
found to be
a concrete route to engagement and learning.
Return to Index
Beating
Insomnia
Stephen Altschuler
Sacajawea Press
9780578299082
$9.99 Paper/$4.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Beating-Insomnia-No-Nonsense-Natural-Sleep/dp/0578299089
Insomnia is a
widespread problem, and shelves of books about the subject have already
been
written. What sets Stephen Altschuler's Beating
Insomnia: A No-Nonsense Way to Natural
Sleep apart from
most is its
review of why most sleep advice doesn't work, and the methods which
have been
proven successful.
Altschuler experienced
powerful chemotherapy, which saved
his life but exacted many tolls—among them, the inability to sleep. The
cookie-cutter approach of many doctors towards fostering elusive sleep
didn't
help. In fact, they made matters worse.
Timing is everything; but
nowhere is that adage more
effective than in sleep patterns. Body clocks vary, body chemistry
differs, and
this is why 'one size fits all' approaches to insomnia are more likely
to
expand the problem than solve it. And that's the ticket to success in Beating
Insomnia, which presents a self-help program of identifying
and working
with one's natural rhythms instead of a singular approach.
There are
many
avenues towards reaching the goal of better sleep that are involved in
this
process. Some may be surprising to readers that anticipate nighttime
mantras or
wind-down routines alone.
One example
involves
the move to improve overall life quality: "To
shift attention away from sleep difficulties, you must find something
in your
life to look forward to waking up to—a purpose that is enjoyable, that
fires
your creative juices, that literally consumes you with interest and
thought—something
you find so interesting that it can distract you from obsessing upon
insomnia."
It seems counterproductive
to get all fired up about an
effort to sleep, but Altschuler maintains that this and other
life-changing
approaches all contribute to better sleep by improving the quality of
not just
nighttime, but daytime routines.
He defines "natural sleep"
as "sleep
without prescription medications or over the counter sleep aids," and
he
attends to routines and measures which also are not too addictive or
rigid in
their deployment.
As self-help readers and
insomniacs pursue the many tips
to creating a more restful, sleep-inducing environment, from outfitting
a room
with blackout curtains and making sure it's cool to adopting a regular
schedule
that encourages sleep, they will find it easy to adjust these tips to
suit
their own lifestyles and approaches. And yet, the basics of these
admonitions
allow for understanding the fundamental influences on reaching the goal
of
natural sleep patterns.
Reading Beating Insomnia
is like pressing the
"reset" button. It allows readers to better understand the roots of
their individual problem and pattern disruptions, and to adopt the
routines and
processes which mitigate sleep-reducing influences and patterns. It
also helps
identify and address anticipatory fears and many other underlying
psychological
factors that interfere with sleep patterns. It is best used by the
self-help
insomniac who would consider and revise perceptions not just of sleep,
but
their lives.
Libraries
looking for
new approaches to self-health and beating insomnia will find Beating Insomnia filled with examples
gleaned from Altschuler's own experiences as well as a host of
practical
solutions any insomniac can readily employ to address their own
sleep-elusive
issues.
The book
will help
its readers fall and stay asleep. Its author's experiences offer
invaluable
keys to identifying common pitfalls and overcoming them, making Beating Insomnia a highly recommended
choice above many competing sleep aids.
Return to Index
The
Cannibal's Guide
to Fasting
Dana Hammer
Cinnabar Moth
Publishing LLC
978-1-953971-50-0
$31.99 Hardcover/$4.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Cannibals-Guide-Fasting-Dana-Hammer/dp/1953971512
The Cannibal's Guide to Fasting is a
literary horror/humor work
that titillates the mind with a juxtaposition of serious (potentially
triggering) topics such as murder, addiction, and violence, then turns
these
subjects on end for a refreshingly original inspection.
Igor is a
huge, ugly,
scary-looking man who breaks rules because nobody has the courage to
confront
him. These can be as simple as not picking flowers in a park: "He carries an old-fashioned woven
basket, which is filled with bluebells, daisies, and a few shy violets
he
managed to find hiding behind a rotten stump. He picks wildflowers
regularly.
It is zen as fuck."
As if his
countenance
weren't enough to warn people away, he's also been infected with Pestis
Manducans (viral cannibalism), and just can't help a human nibble once
in a while,
even if it is already dead.
He's not all
bad. In
fact, he eschews mosquitoes not because of their bite and pain, but
because he
dreads the possibility he can spread his condition: "Infecting
another person is his worst nightmare."
His life in
a government
Containment Center nullifies his threat on many levels, but the same is
not
true for also-contaminated brother Karl, who resides outside the Center
and
fosters rebellion to the government's 'solution' via a cannibal rights
group
that stirs up trouble.
Those
infected
apparently have other possibilities, as Esteban Zappa reveals through
his
experiments.
As botany,
social
issues, eccentric science, and Igor's innate tendency to do good
despite his
physical urge to eat humans evolves, readers receive a delightful
inspection
that considers the nature of good and evil and the circumstances which
encourage one or the other choice.
Sometimes
it's not a
choice. Sometimes it's an urge that cannot be resisted.
Readers who
choose The Cannibal's Guide to Fasting
will
find it difficult to define or put down.
From its
romp through
good intentions gone awry, puzzling codes and the unexpected characters
who can
(or can't) solve them, and the specter of vengeance only Igor can
wreak, this
rollicking good story is packed with both action and thought-provoking
moments
tempered by ironic inspection.
The result
is a story
that should attract literature readers, fans of horror and satire, and
novel
readers looking for a fast-paced saga of flesh eaters gone awry and on
a
rampage.
Libraries
that choose
The Cannibal's Guide to Fasting will
find it can appeal to a wide circle of readers looking for something
different.
Book club discussion groups receive plenty of fodder for lively
discussion
about cannibalism, good intentions gone awry, and eerie atmospheres
that take
problem-solving to a new level by mixing horror with social inspection.
Return to Index
Faded
Glimpses of
Time
Nyah Nichol
Common Deer Press
9781988761718
$15.95 Paper/$9.95 Kindle
www.commondeerpress.com
Faded Glimpses of Time focuses on the
aftermath of a time-travel
adventure with something different than most timeslip novels offer.
The story
opens in
2059, where Wren Derecho has succeeded in burying a dangerous orb in
time. Or,
has she? The threatening orb actually still looms, making her
perception of
success an illusion and forcing her to reconsider her actions, choices,
and
approach to saving her world.
Matters are
further
complicated by the fact that things have been altered in her own
timeline,
requiring Wren to acknowledge that time is not back on the right
course, but
has taken a wrong turn for the worst.
It's a
special
challenge for her to face a world that is not in flux and changing, but
which
has changed in many ways while she was away.
Wren
uncovers plots,
a dangerous enemy who wields high-tech threats (in the form of Cyril
Elton-Blackwood), and circumstances which indicate that far more may be
involved than the single orb's powers.
Wren is the
only one
who can enter time and make alterations, but as this second volume of
The
Tempus Trilogy shows, time machines, orbs, and altered reality indicate
that
fixing the future is a complex endeavor, indeed.
The orb's
last words
haunt her: "You can’t fight me. . .I won’t leave you. .
.you’ll regret
this moment for eternity. . .you are nothing without me!"
Even more haunting to her and her friends is
the idea that she may never return to her familiar reality. And it's
all her
fault: “I messed things up, and you can’t fix it this time.
You can’t fix
me.”
Besides
Wren's
realizations of her role in her altered future, Nyah Nichol provides
additional, unusual plot developments which range from Wren's
robotically
enhanced form after an accident to her guardian Rob's inability to help
her,
this time. Rob is also the security director at a top-secret government
organization named DAIR (Department of Advanced Innovation and
Research).
As a
countdown to
'Terminus Terra' begins, it seems that the one person who could again
make a
difference is stymied by forces beyond her control or ken.
Nichol
creates a
fast-paced story by injecting thriller elements into the usual
time-travel
tale. This provides a compelling additional flavor that will attract
young
adult to adult fans of timeslip fiction with elements of discovery and
confrontation that take many satisfying twists and turns.
Resolution
is not
guaranteed or predictable in this story, which gives it even more
attraction.
As secrets
and
special interests become the focus of a bigger picture, prior fans and
newcomers alike will find the story thoroughly absorbing, powered by a
futuristic scenario and characters that grow in different directions
even as
their familiar worlds change.
Libraries
looking for
suspense stories for young adult to adult audiences which go beyond the
usual
timeslip focus of getting back home will find Faded
Glimpses of Time a winner.
Return to Index
Following Your North Star
Michelle Donice
Atmosphere Press
978-1-63988-376-9
$16.99 Paper/$9.99 ebook
www.atmospherepress.com
Readers of
self-help
books that incorporate a spiritual flavor into their mix will find Following
Your North Star a fine synthesis
of both. It teaches self-improvement routines on a bigger backdrop than
most
competing titles attempt in either the self-help or spiritual genres.
Michelle
Donice
envisioned herself a novelist, but each time she sat down to write,
this book
would emerge. The motivation and purpose of her writing talents soon
crystallized: "It soon became
apparent that I wasn’t being called to write a book that helped people
escape
their lives, but to write one that helped them transform their lives
into
something abundantly extraordinary! God had a message to download to me
if I
would only get still long enough to receive it. I soon began to realize
that
the message was not just for me but for others, too, who have allowed
the
busyness of life to overwhelm them. It was a message for such a time as this when the world
seems to be a scary place, and people have forgotten how to interact
with one
another...How do we find our way to lives of peace and joy in the midst
of all
the negativity and learn to hear from God when life is too noisy? Most importantly, how can
we begin to live
authentically if we don’t have clarity about what that even looks like?"
The answers
Donice
uncovered in her heart during the process of writing this guide will
also
resonate with readers who feel buffeted with the winds of change,
negativity,
and adversity, yet feel powerless to change or address them.
Perhaps the
most
valuable purpose of this book is to add 'empowerment' back into the
picture of
better understanding and making more powerful choices.
Her analysis
provides
striking moments of revelation throughout as she considers other lives
and
their impacts: "...every spiritual
leader from Jesus to Mohammed was never too busy to attend to the needs
of
others, and they took time for themselves and their own spiritual
growth. The
miracles happened in the margins, in those spaces in between where they
were
and where they were trying to be. Consider that when we write, type, or
frame a
picture, we leave space along the edges of the page or the picture.
This
margin, in contrast to the rest of the page or canvas, serves as a
contrast and
makes it more beautiful. This concept applies to our lives as well.
When we
refuse to live right up to the edge of our lives—when we learn not to
over-commit ourselves—we are free to respond to the possibilities that
arise.
We’re better able to pivot should the need arise, and our lives become
richer,
fuller, and more abundant because of it."
Each chapter
focuses
on a way out of negativity, depression, inaction, and powerlessness,
and each
is embedded with Biblical references that Christian readers will find
particularly thought-provoking.
Donice is no
angel.
Her voice comes from experiences with others from all walks of life and
candidly reviews both successes and failures, remarking on the
revelations that
come with them to provide additional upward-bound understanding: "This man would often tell me that he
didn’t want to have a relationship with me. He saw me only as something
to use
for his pleasure, and he couldn’t understand why that arrangement
wasn’t good
enough for me. It surprised me that there were women who were willing
to allow
him to use and discard them. It soon became obvious to me that some of
them had
very little self-worth. They seemed to be willing to settle for a piece
of a
man without understanding that they deserved a committed partner who
was
completely present. Even in the midst of the pain this man caused me, I
knew
that I had value, even if he couldn’t see it."
The result
is a life
guide firmly rooted in Christian beliefs and self improvement options
alike.
Libraries
looking for
a synthesis that promises enlightenment and new realizations will want
to
include Following Your North Star
on their bookshelves, but ideally it won't be limited to individual
readers
alone.
Christian study groups and women's
faith-based self-help book clubs will find Following Your
North Star
worthy of group review because it cultivates a lively, involving tone
while
revealing strategies women can easily adopt into their own spiritual
and
psychological growth processes.
Return to Index
Funnel
Theory: How to
Build an Online Sales Machine
Jonathon Kendell
Fables and Facts
979-8-9859946-0-5
$19.99 Paper/$9.99
ebook
www.amazon.com
Funnel Theory: How to Build an Online Sales Machine
comes from the
CEO of Sonic Funnels who maintains that traditional sales websites are
dead,
while promoting the better idea of funnels as online vehicles driving
profits
and people.
New ideas
require not
just new methods of delivery, but new mindsets. That's where Funnel Theory shines, with its contrast
between past and present approaches and how to enter and make the most
of a new
sales paradigm.
A sales
funnel
automates not just the ordering and delivering, but the marketing
approach
itself. The book opens with a practical, yet startling assessment: "The money spent on website development
rarely translates into actual revenue and real customers buying your
product." It then identifies common obstacles to sales which,
ironically, tend to lie in the website form and presentation itself ("We all have a short attention span,
especially online. Your customers have become accustomed to scrolling
down and
clicking away. They’ve also become less patient. If they don’t see what
they
want at a glance, they’ll look elsewhere. A complicated website
structure puts
a giant cognitive load on visitors because it gives them too many
choices.")
Jonathon
Kendell then
moves into identifying the alternative (a sales funnel), demonstrating
how it
can promote rather than thwart online sales activity, providing
potential
customers an easy way to buy that embraces both impulse and
accessibility.
There are
many new
buzzwords here that are worth memorizing, from "tripwires" to
"referral marketing." Each receives in-depth coverage as Kendell
moves through the sales funnel concepts that can drive better customer
experience, motivating them to not just buy, but refer others to a
sales
channel.
"...the real key to getting your customers’ support
is to give
them a great product and a greater customer experience. Unless your
product is
worthy, all your marketing efforts won't matter."
Kendell's
approach is
designed to cover all the usually-untapped potentials of an online
business.
Real-world examples and an attention to detail come with discussions of
better
audience targeting for improved results from social media and other
interconnected sites; choosing, assessing, and cultivating promotional
partners
and professional affiliates; and understanding what is involved in
creating a
sales funnel.
These
discussions of
what it takes to build a better brand and promotion and delivery
services make
for a book that should be on the shelf of any business library—and in
the hands
of discussion group leaders interested in building better online
business
presences.
Return to Index
The Gray Bird of Baghdad
Stephen Phillip Monteiro
SparkPress
978-1684631513 $17.95 paperback/$8.99 ebook
Author Website: stephenphillipmonteiro.com
Ordering: https://www.amazon.com/Gray-Bird-Baghdad-Ex-Secret-Desperate/dp/1684631513
The
Gray Bird of
Baghdad: An Ex-Secret Service Agent‘s Desperate Mission to Save an
Iraqi
Scientist offers a true story that reads with the drama of
fiction, but
represents a powerful memoir whose experiences are gained from
real-world
encounters.
The events described here
took place over an eight-year
period, from 2001-2008, in Iraq, Syria, New York City, Virginia,
Florida, and
Washington, DC. The
dialogue recreates
these events to enhance the story, creating a powerful "you are here"
feel as the opening salvo of the Iraq War is brought to life in the
first few
paragraphs: "For a moment Thamer
Imran cursed himself—he could have sent his family north to Erbil where
it was
safer. But no, he really couldn’t have. Splitting up the family wasn’t
an
option. If death was coming, they would die together. Earlier that day,
in the
wee hours of March 20, 2003, Thamer Abdul Rahman Imran woke to the
undeniable
blasting sounds of his country, his city, his home under attack. It was
the
first day of the Iraq War."
Ex–Secret Service agent
Steve Monteiro and his team were
on a mission to locate missing Iraqi Microbiologist Thamer Abdul Rahman
Imran,
who may have important information about a planned biological attack on
the
U.S.
Surprisingly, they find
themselves also battling Washington
bureaucracy, which seems to throw up barriers to success and has an
interest in
the mission's failure.
As Monteiro and his team
fight to locate Thamer and
understand his role in the affairs and future of two nations, readers
embark on
a gripping journey that brings the sights, smells, and politics of the
times to
life.
The points of view and
observations shift between
third-person descriptions of Thamer and the first-person reflections of
Monteiro, together bringing the story and major players to life.
Readers interested in
memoirs, personal interest stories
and stories of overcoming great odds as well as those interested in
Iraq and
chemical and biological warfare histories and possibilities will find
this true
story reads like a thriller, but is made all the more compelling for
its solid
roots in real events and intrigue.
Those who would better
understand the politics and
processes of the times and libraries strong in Middle East and Iraqi
history
and culture will find The Gray Bird of
Baghdad a powerful story that's hard to put down. It holds
significant
revelations that correct historical presumption and presents equally
important
reflections on the future of Iraq and its position in the world.
The insights on chemical and
biological warfare also will
interest military readers who look for historical analysis and
contemporary
inspections of the social and political forces at work in events of the
past.
Return to Index
How the West
Brought
War to Ukraine
Benjamin Abelow
Siland Press
978-0991076703
$10.00
https://www.amazon.com/How-West-Brought-Ukraine-Understanding/dp/0991076702
To say that How
the West Brought War to Ukraine provides
a controversial, thought-provoking study
is to identify only part of its attraction and scholarship. The meat of
its
revelations and realizations lies in an astute probe of the roots of
the
Ukraine crisis which places the onus on Western actions and political
forces as
much as Putin's moves from Moscow.
Readers may not want to
consider uncomfortable points
that vie with popular Western media representations of Ukrainian
political
strife—but these are points that need to be debated, understood, and
considered
by anyone interested in more than a cursory examination of the history
that has
led to the current conflict.
Western policies, choices,
and perspectives play as much
a part in Moscow's instigation of war as Putin's military
decision-making
circles.
Benjamin
Abelow
doesn't just make this point: he proves it through assessments of U.S.
and NATO
strategic decisions and actions that repeatedly placed Russia in an
increasingly untenable position.
The
challenge posed
by Abelow's effort is that it will require the reader to keep an open
mind to
reconsider a war that has to date been pinned entirely on
actions said to
be Hitler-like and intent on world domination. There's more to this
story; and
that added layer of value is provided here, in a survey that picks
apart the
façades and the lies to expose uncomfortable truths.
Abelow does
what few
others have done: he gets into the mind of strategic military thinking
to
analyze the concerns of Moscow in response to a series of chess-like
moves that
placed Russia at a perceived disadvantage.
He writes: "Russia had been deeply concerned that
new U.S. missiles, placed close to its borders, could increase the
chance that,
in a crisis, the United States might believe it could carry out a
preemptive
first strike, decapitating Russian command and control systems and
degrading
Russia’s ability to retaliate. When coordinated with even a partially
effective
ABM network, intermediate-range weapons thus stimulate Russian concerns
that
the United States would no longer be deterred. These fears are not
merely Russian
paranoia. As two members of the German Council on Foreign Relations
quoted by
Deveraux explained, these missiles 'could threaten Moscow’s command
facilities
and limit Russia’s military ability to act.' Russia thus had much to
gain by
saving the intermediate-range missile treaty. But the United States
stood firm
and withdrew."
These
examples serve
to demonstrate how noose-tightening measures also narrowed the
perceived
responses Russia could make to assure its own survival and military
effectiveness.
Abelow
tapers the
history from world-wide events to Ukraine in particular as he strives
for an
analysis of why Putin felt the time was ripe to act: "Although
it is impossible to know the specific motivations that led Mr.
Putin to invade Ukraine, a combination of factors was likely at play:
(1) the
ongoing arming, training to NATO standards, and integration of the
military
structures of Ukraine, the United States, and other Western powers
through
non-NATO arrangements; (2) the ongoing threat that Ukraine would be
admitted to
NATO; and (3) concern about possible new intermediate-range missile
deployments, exacerbated by a concern that the U.S. might deploy Aegis,
offensive-capable ABM launchers in Ukraine regardless whether Ukraine
was yet
a member of NATO."
Abelow is
particularly adept at clearly identifying and separating speculation
from
historical fact:
"Regarding this last point, it is possible, given
ongoing and
progressive military coordination between the United States and
Ukraine, that
Mr. Putin felt the window to prevent the deployment of
offensive-capable Aegis
launchers in Ukraine was closing and that, if he were to obviate that
threat,
he would have to act now. This is all speculative, but it is plausible
and
consistent with previously stated Russian concerns. But regardless of
what
specifically led to the invasion, it is clear that the threat of new
Aegis
deployments added another cup of sand to a sand castle that was already
near
the point of collapse."
Uncomfortable
truths
rarely make for acclaimed reading; but in this case, any thinking
reader who
would better understand the myriad of influences on the Ukraine
situation needs
to read this book. To avoid these truths is to buy into a simplistic
view that
makes accusations and media images more important than actual
influences and
results set in reality.
Ideally, How the West Brought War to Ukraine will
serve as debate material, sparking discussions not just about Ukraine,
but
about Western special interests and actions in the world, and how
unexpected
results arise from strategic decision-making that backs individuals and
nations
into corners.
Return to Index
Mexican
Rhapsody
Shogo Onoe
Independently
Published
979-8842241873
$20.00
Hardcover/$13.25 Paper/$3.50 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6XSNTHK
Mexican Rhapsody: Having a Second Chance
is at once a travelogue
and a biography, and deserves a place on either shelf as it follows
Shogo Onoe's
move from native Japan to Mexico.
Faith,
growth, and
spiritual revelations flow in this story as Onoe reveals what he loves
about
Mexico, what he hates about his country of origin, and the revelations
that
marked his journey between them.
Its
autobiographical
novel approach injects drama into the adventure, which incorporates
cross-cultural observations in a manner few travelogues, memoirs, or
novels can
match: "You know, we’re very open.
We don’t care where you hail from, for we know in our hearts that we’re
all
brothers. We welcome everyone who wants to enjoy what our fatherland
can offer.
But alas, goddamn Japanese have discriminated against us in the right
our
faces. I still don’t fathom and will never be okay with such a godawful
assailment!”
From the
evolving
realization that Onoe has always loved writing, feeling that it is his
passion,
to his foray into being a prankster, his obsession with
self-improvement, and
his ribald enjoyment of life, Mexican
Rhapsody's adventures translate to a thirst for not just the
written world,
but new experiences and growth.
This, in
turn,
provides readers with a hearty blend of entertainment and revelation as
philosophy, adventure, travel, cross-cultural experiences, and
religious
beliefs dovetail and evolve into the odyssey of the author's lifetime.
Mexican Rhapsody turns the traditional
travelogue on end as it
incorporates all these facets into a lively survey of relationships and
experiences.
While some
would be
surprised at its description as a 'novel' despite its reality-driven
basis,
this serves to reflect Onoe's ability to represent the drama and
changes
inherent in everyday experiences and interconnected lives.
The result
takes
pieces of different genres to incorporate their strongest qualities
into a story
of discovery, change, and faith.
It's a
winning
biographical novel of exploration and enlightenment that lingers in the
mind
long after reading, and deserves a place in libraries strong in
cross-cultural
and faith-based revelations alike.
Return to Index
Moon Dragon
Falling
GS Carline
Dancing Corgi Press
978-1943654239
$19.95 Paper/$6.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Moon-Dragon-Falling-Shadows-Book/dp/1943654239
Moon Dragon Falling is the genre-busting
Book 2 of the Dragon
Shadows series and picks up the story of Lisette de Lille, who is now
pregnant
and looking forward to marriage in the aftermath of a battle.
Readers of
the first
book will recall that she is now a moon dragon, but she faces ongoing
challenges from this transformation and her uncertainty about how to
use her
new abilities. The learning curve isn't easy, especially when she's
with child
and recovering from the events in Blood
Dragon Rising.
To make
matters worse,
her love Tristan has fallen victim to a potion that has made him forget
Lisette
and her child. She must win him all over again—and apparently re-fight
a
too-familiar battle—to win back control over her life, future, and the
life of
her unborn child, the result of two blood dragons' union.
Many
elements of
fantasy would seem to make Moon Dragon
Falling appropriate for the fantasy genre reader. But, wait:
is that a
pirate injected into the story? And, how can Lisette embark on an
effort to
save her love and herself if she can turn from dragon back to a
vulnerable
human being at any given moment?
As the
romance,
confrontations, and unusual milieu coalesce, readers will find Moon Dragon Falling a powerful saga
whose characterization and setting continually place it outside any pat
definition.
Replete with
the
action of a thriller, the fantasy elements of a dragon dilemma, and the
romantic concerns of a new mother-to-be who must battle herself and the
world
around her bereft of her life's love, the story is designed to attract
novel
readers as well as fantasy genre followers and fans of a rollicking
good read.
From dukes
and
kidnapping plans to firebrand Lisette's determination to once again
quell the
forces that threaten her happiness and world, GS Carline has created
another
compelling story that could stand alone, but more readily adds another
chapter
to the tale that prior fans will relish.
Libraries
looking for
strong examples of action-centered books that feature powerful female
protagonists on the cusp of many changes will find Moon
Dragon Falling recommendable to patrons who look for
non-formula writing that steps out of its own definition as a 'fantasy'
to
reach out to and immerse other audiences.
Return to Index
New Testament
Readings & Devotionals, Volume 3
C.M.H. Koenig (compiler)
C.M.H. Koenig Books (through IngramSpark)
978-1-956475-30-2
$14.99
Website: www.cmhkoenigbooks.net
Ordering: New
Testament Readings & Devotionals: Volume 3 by C.M.H. Koenig,
Paperback |
Barnes & Noble®
Like its
predecessors, the third volume of New
Testament Readings & Devotionals represents an
opportunity to better
absorb, understand, and study the New Testament with an eye to
contemplating
and discussing God and Christianity.
It profiles
the works
of thinkers Robert Hawker, Charles H. Spurgeon, and Octavius Winslow,
juxtaposing their reflective writings with Biblical passages and
insights
designed to both enlighten readers and lead them to think deeper about
Biblical
passages and their contemporary meaning.
Readings
from Acts,
Philemon, Colossians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1& 2 Timothy, and
other books
from the New Testament offer reflections from AD 50/60 up to
Revelation's end
times warnings, creating insights which range from historical settings
and
background information to analytical and critical explorations that
lend
particularly well to group discussion and Bible study.
Footnotes
(some
extensive) provide further cross-references to relevant Biblical
sections which
expand and augment the three writers' insights, allowing Biblical study
groups
the food for thought and cross-referenced passages necessary to better
understand the Bible's wording, concepts, and presentation.
As in the
other books
in compiler C.M.H. Koenig's growing reference library, this offers
Biblical
students a unique opportunity to pair the reflections of three
Christian
thinkers to the basic tenants of the Bible.
The focus on
these
works in this manner translates to an effective method of applying
traditional
Biblical events and concepts to contemporary life and thinking, making New Testament Readings & Devotionals
another rich tool in the Christian thinker's arsenal of spiritual
understanding
and reflection.
Return to Index
NO BOSS!
Steven Cristol
Strategic Harmony Books
979-8-9859290-0-3
$14.95
www.noboss.me
NO
BOSS! The Real
Truth about Working Independently: 12 Lessons from 30 Years of Bossing
Myself
Around should be on the reading lists of any entrepreneur and
those of any
age who are contemplating self-employment. It focuses on the creation,
demands,
and potential successes and failures of the one-person business
venture,
addressing these from the vantage point of one who has learned from
three
decades of experience.
There is perhaps no better
time for this book to appear.
With the advent of the COVID pandemic and the business changes it's
created,
more people than ever are contemplating or venturing into
self-employment
circles. If only one book on the subject were to be consulted, it
should be NO BOSS!, because it goes
where few
others venture as Steven Cristol considers the pros, cons, and special
challenges involved in becoming one's own boss.
While the planning of this
book began shortly before
COVID, its many relevant lessons expanded and will reach beyond the
pandemic
years. Key among them are considerations of what it really means to
work from
home, handle the isolation and loneliness that comes from independent
ventures,
and the nature of working independently rather than in a group
environment.
With these considerations,
Cristol really shines, because
his approach goes beyond the usual self-employment account to examine
the
psychological challenges that come with independence and self-driven
action.
What does it really mean to
be your own boss?
Self-employment may not be the type of freedom anticipated by those who
initially view such a venture as being replete with flexibility and
make-your-own-hours opportunities.
Essential to such
self-examination is the willingness to
self-analyze expectations and needs. Cristol helps readers understand
what
their basic psychological inclinations translate to in the business
world: "...control-freak fear can often also
be related to both perceived and real cost. In Lesson 1 I warned that
your new
boss (you) might be even stingier than your old boss. Let’s take a
closer look
at how this dynamic plays out in failure to delegate when appropriate."
Equally astute are
discussions of objectivity, the
author's own Strategic Harmony intellectual property, and the effects
of
business ideals, serial rejections, and fundamental flaws in pursuing
independent ventures.
NO
BOSS! takes
the mystique and glory away from the idea of self-employment. It
tackles
real-world issues, psychological self-barriers to success, and the
types of
business dilemmas which commonly arise to change or quash dreams.
The result is a solid survey
of expectations for success
or failure which gathers the stories of others on the same road,
creating the
value of real-world insights that can help would-be entrepreneurs
better
understand not just their dreams, but their hearts.
Serious business or
economics libraries should consider NO BOSS!
The Real Truth about Working Independently:
12 Lessons from 30 Years of Bossing Myself Around an
attractive
acquisition. It deserves not just recommendation, but to be an active
part of
business and entrepreneur book clubs and discussion groups.
Return to Index
Rock Gods & Messy
Monsters
Diane Hatz
Whole Healthy Group
LLC
979-8-9862823-2-9
$14.95 Paper/$4.99 ebook
www.rockgodsandmessymonsters.com
Rock Gods & Messy Monsters is
both a gory experimental piece
and a powerful illustration of dreams that move into the arena of
nightmares.
It also,
surprisingly, is a story of empowerment, placing the onus on creating
these
dreams on their maker's perceptions of the world.
Set in the
1990s and
revolving around the entertainment industry, Rock
Gods & Messy Monsters opens with a messy job
description: "The blood didn't bother Alex
but
cleaning it up made her angry."
Alex longs
for
escape, but rampant unemployment makes her one of the lucky ones.
Maybe.
Because certain aspects of this alternate world belay any thoughts of
fortune: "Alex put her backpack on the floor
and
unzipped the side of her head. She reached in and pulled out her brain,
placing
the throbbing gray matter in the customized, faux crystal cerebrum urn
Acht
Records had supplied her with her first day at the company. She had
fought the
procedure at first, refused to sign the Cerebrum Extraction Release
form, but
with times being as hard as they were, and with the knowledge that she
had spent
over six months unemployed before being offered this job, Alex knew she
had no
choice."
One
prerequisite for
successfully appreciating this story is the reader's ability to move
deftly
through gory descriptions and scenarios. Another is an appreciation of
the
satire and parody which is embedded in descriptions of Alex's working
world: "The shock brought her to her feet.
Langley had embedded neurological electric shock chips in Alex's body
when she
first started working for him, so with the push of a button, he could
get her
attention anywhere in the building. The second jolt ripped through
Alex's
ankles and nearly toppled her. If she didn't carry out her duty
quickly, he
would start shocking her all over."
This wry
sense of
dark humor permeates the story as its characters evolve: "I
was just admiring your gold and platinum record
collection," said Bret Horowitz, e.l., as he pointed to the wall.
"Nice to see so many of them are my clients." With lightning speed,
Horowitz reached into his inside pocket and pulled out his box of
smiles,
rapidly throwing on his proud, fatherly smile. He held out his hairy
hand."
The
well-done
literary devices of humor, ironic social inspections, and atmospheric
psychological descriptions also lend to Rock
Gods & Messy Monsters's consideration as a sterling
example of modern
absurdist observation and writing. A host of rollicking, crazy
characters
permeate a story replete with cultural observations of the
entertainment
industry's follies.
The result
is a
literary work that holds the ability to reach into many reader circles
with its
powerful tale of mutant sea creatures, alternative music, and the
injection of
money and power interests into a profitable milieu which changes art
and
economics equally powerfully.
Modern
creative
writing classes looking for discussion points in experimental literary
styles
will find Rock Gods & Messy Monsters
promises many lively debates about the elements of social examination
and the
impact of truly creative writing.
Return to Index
The
Sparkzgott
Anthology
T.D. Holt
Independently
Published
979-8840745304
$12.99 Paper/$5.99 ebook
www.tdholt.com
The Sparkzgott Anthology is a
metaphysical, philosophical, and
social inspection that comes from an unusual point of view: a
yet-to-be-conceived
child that considers, in slices of "zime time," the facets of what
makes us human.
This
examination
takes the form of short vignettes of couples around the world who are
in the
process of creating life via their couplings, perspectives, and
impulses. Sparkzgott is defined as
"the spark
at the instant of ignition—of union." What precedes this spark and the
recognitions that accompany it are the subject of a wide-ranging set of
examinations designed to titillate, educate, and spark reflections
beyond the
usual literary format.
Intellectual
readers
who look for stories that are not quite religious, not quite
philosophical, and
not entirely cultural examinations, but which embrace elements of all
these and
more, will find The Sparkzgott Anthology
a journey that is thought-provoking, while book clubs, especially, will
want to
debate many of its presentations.
Unlike the
usual
anthology which features writings from various contributors, the sole
contributor to this is author T.D. Holt and the narrator he creates to
examine
the foundations of humanity itself.
The
anthology itself
can be said to reflect the essence of Sparkzgott under consideration
here: "What takes place during this
combination—exactly at the time of fusion—is the substance of this
story: that
void of time within which I
become “I am.” Spark and
zygote? Sparkzgott: the
briefest burst of time, yet infinite in significance."
As the time
slice
countdowns evolve, readers can expect works steeped in diverse human
and
cultural experiences and perspectives. While each couple is united by
the very
spark they cultivate in their relationship, they also are affected by
the
cultural milieu which births them and that impulse to embrace "risk, adventure, and reward."
These themes
blossom
a series of touchstones which both explain and explore Sparkzgott, the
ironies
and inconsistencies of human thought and action, and the motivating
forces
which lead up to the creation of another thinking human.
If these
descriptions
sound intellectual and thought-provoking, they only reflect the special
context
of The Sparkzgott Anthology. It's
one
of those collections which holds as great a potential as the ethereal
being who
narrates these inspections of life and creation, but also challenges
readers in
religious and philosophical ways that belay most traditional thoughts
about
entertainment value.
Each slice
of
"Zime time" in these series of countdowns offers another potential
for discussion, revelation, and realization. Each takes on a different
perspective and challenge while uniting with the other "slices" in
the anthology to contribute to an overall perspective about what makes
us
human.
In the end, The Sparkzgott Anthology proves
mercurial, thoroughly absorbing, and nearly impossible to put down.
Its unique
brand of
social, spiritual, and philosophical reflections are especially
recommended for
readers who harbor a special interest in literary works of social
inspection
who would use The Sparkzgott Anthology
as a touch point for lively debate and discussion about all the
qualities that
make humanity distinctive.
Return to Index
Strategic
Creativity
Robin Landa
Routledge
978-1032137797
$39.99 print/$29.99
ebook/$160.00 library binding
Website: https://www.robinlanda.com/
Ordering: https://www.amazon.com/Strategic-Creativity-Business-Advertising-Branding/dp/1032137797
Business professionals
and entrepreneurs who look for ways to stand out in the crowd will find
Strategic Creativity: A Business
Field Guide
to Advertising, Branding, and Design the key to creating ad and design concepts
and campaigns that work.
Readers
might
think that business school training would have embraced these paths,
but as
Robin Landa points out, creativity is often lost in the nuts and bolts
of facts
and figures. This lends not just to dull, repetitive marketing
strategies, but
a mercurial vision of what makes one's product or service unique.
Without
the
guiding vision of 'why' and a creative approach to representing and
imparting
this message, businesses blend in and too often fall short, mired in a
failure
to effectively communicate what makes their endeavor unique and
desirable.
Landa
focuses on
realizing, embracing, and cultivating the uniqueness of each business
endeavor.
Chapters in Strategic
Creativity are steeped in marketing, design, and
communication processes
designed to promote and support not just the special selling points of
a
business operation, but how to creatively and compellingly represent
them.
Take the
section on
"Building a Culture for Results," for one example. The nuts and bolts
of what compels people to share, cross-promote, and embrace a given
business
and its message offers particularly relevant opportunities for business
managers who seek to design and promote a brand's story. It all begins
with
listening to feedback and potential customer needs, desires, and
underlying
interests.
Sidebars of
highlighted messages synthesize the examples and lessons gleaned from
real-world experiences: "If
the core purpose and strategic rationale
is authentic, collaboration can be a powerful tool."
Strategic creativity is
built into every admonition in
this book, whether it is graphic design or copywriting. The pros, cons,
and
tips for avoiding common problems are also outlined: "Co-opting
pop culture is often one of the best ways for a brand
to experience a real earned media moment that can get more attention
than
traditional media or a whole original creative concept. But if it comes
across
as borrowed interest or opportunistic, it can backfire."
The result
synthesizes real-world experiences and examples with admonitions on how
to
integrate creative problem-solving with strategic positioning methods
that
embrace and represent a brand's uniqueness.
Business
managers,
entrepreneurs in different professions, and anyone who would better
understand
the link between business success and creative strategic positioning
must add Strategic Creativity: A
Business Field Guide
to Advertising, Branding, and Design to their reading lists.
Libraries
will find
it a key addition, but ideally Strategic
Creativity's message
will gain wider attention in classrooms and reading
groups, where budding entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals alike
can absorb
the book's specific, important focus.
Return to Index
Women Are
Superior to
Men
Ricky Arenson, MD
New Insights Press
979-8-9860163-1-3
$14.95 Paper/$9.99 ebook
Website: www.newinsightspress.com
Ordering: https://www.amazon.com/Women-Are-Superior-Men-Fantastic/dp/B0B6XVBPYY
The title
doesn't
include the question 'why', but it makes a statement that holds a
promise in
its subtitle: Women
Are Superior to Men: The REAL Secret to a Fantastic
Marriage, Joyful Parenting & Better Sex!
This promise
is
fulfilled in a lively, delightfully surprising manner that advises
self-help
readers to survive their relationships, marital distress, and the
"World
War III" scenario caused by introducing children into the mix.
The tongue-in-cheek
humor supplements solid tips and advice on building better
relationships. This
means that the self-help reader who resists outright admonitions will
find the
concepts of Women Are Superior
to Men infinitely
more
digestible thanks to their humorous overtones, which eschew the typical
chiding
tone of a self-help treatise in favor of a more whimsical approach.
Readers receive candid
advice based on the author's
studies and personal experience, which led him to a basic premise: "Writing this book became my chance to
explore this captivating debate about who really is superior — men or
women.
And after about a year of thinking and researching, my conclusion is
that,
hands down, women are superior to men. I am proclaiming this based on
various
pieces of scientific evidence I’ve collected, my personal experiences at
work, and as a man
married to a woman far superior to me."
As he explores this concept
as it enacts in the bedroom,
in society, and in the home, readers will enjoy a romp through
male/female approaches
to life that juxtapose whimsical wit with truly thought-provoking
insights
about the nature and incarnation of relationships.
The advice outlines the
differences between men and women
in many different circumstances: "Experiment
with something new. When your partner arrives home from work, ambush
them in
the bedroom — but remember, timing is everything! If my wife came home
from a
long evening shift in the Emergency Department and found me lying naked
in bed
waiting for her, the only “rolling pin” in action would be the one my
wife
fetched from the kitchen to smack me on the head with. On the other
hand, if I
arrived home late after a long shift and found my wife waiting in bed
naked . .
. well, let’s just say that naked women don’t grow on trees (or all men
would
take up gardening)."
As he highlights gender
differences in a manner that is
enlightening and humorous, Dr. Arenson
makes accessible and understandable the actions and reactions of both
sexes.
The result
may have
begun as an emphasis of women's superiority, but it ultimately
demonstrates how
both sexes can interact more positively and effectively.
Readers will
find Women
Are Superior to Menan absorbing, revealing, and
downright fun to
read.
Return to Index
You Are Your Healer
Yol Swan
Sri Devi Press
978-0-9863654-5-4
$18.95 Paper/$7.99 ebook/$24.95 Hardcover
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0986365459
You Are Your
Healer: The Ultimate Guide to Heal Your
Past, Transform Your Life & Awaken to Your True Self points out that one key to changing one's
experience of the present is letting go of the past. This is a goal
easy to
contemplate and much harder to achieve.
Yol
Swan's book
focuses on this process, providing insights on healing emotional and
spiritual
wounds to experience a better present and future life. It draws
important
connections between one's divine nature and self-knowledge, making a
case for
spiritual seekers to realize the former through self-awareness, while
dissolving codependent patterns that limit or block one's access to
spiritual
enlightenment.
It's
unusual to
see discussions of codependent patterns and the power dynamics of ego
in a book
that essentially is spiritual in its nature and goals. Swan's approach
synthesizes the best of self-help psychology and spiritual objectives
to
strengthen both aspects, showing how this particular process is key to
achieving the goal of spiritual freedom.
As
Swan explores
this process and presents The Swan Method to heal the past, readers can
move
through the exercises and meditations confident that the end result
will be an
ultimate, lasting embrace of life as a reflection of one's true Self or
'Pure
Awareness.'
It
is equally
rare to see a self-help spiritual lesson plan embrace such broader
concepts as
the pitfalls of enlightenment, which include falling into the trap of
becoming
a self-serving guru or falling prey to one and identifying the power
dynamics
which dominate relationships as a result of the egoism and spiritual
ignorance
inherent in the ego-mind.
Swan's dance
between psychological and spiritual inspection entwines both into a
richer,
more understandable, goal-oriented reflection that offers much food for
not
only thought, but, ideally, discussion: "Owing to the egoism
and
spiritual ignorance of the ego-mind, however, you expect people to
behave
according to your needs, while everyone else is trying to figure out
their own
life-movie and expecting you to behave according to their needs as
well. This
sets the typical power dynamics that dominate most relationships, in
overt and
subtle ways. If you perceive yourself and engage with the world through
your
sense of otherness, you will seek love and validation through other
people
rather than recognizing that you are the love you have been looking
for."
From various meditation exercises and how to
assure their success to deliberations of individuality and
self-perception,
Swan at times delves into philosophical as well as spiritual and
psychological
realms. No matter the topic, Swan provides insights geared towards a
better
understanding of onesself and one's place in physical and spiritual
realms
alike: "You identify with your mind, which is a collection of
mental
impressions and memories, and with your body, the vehicle through which
those
memories are experienced and expressed. Since your life emerges when
the light
of Consciousness is projected onto your mind, and your experience is
filtered
through the sensory perception of your subtle and causal bodies, it is
clear
that your experience of reality is a mental projection of the past. But
it is
also a portal into your subconscious offering ongoing opportunities for
awareness and healing, so that you may leave the past behind, where it
belongs,
and be fully present, anchored in the moment."
The result is much more than a game plan for
healing. It's an in-depth journey through life's meaning, intention,
and impact
that moves beyond drawing connections between these facets to encourage
and
guide readers on the concepts of self-healing growth, self-awareness,
and,
ultimately, nonduality or Oneness.
Libraries strong in spiritual guides will be
the logical target audience for You
Are Your Healer, but
it
ideally will reach psychology self-help collections to become a bigger
part of
reading and discussion by book groups, spiritual classes, and seekers
that look
for concrete examples of how to choose more enlightened paths.
Return to Index
Young Adult/Childrens
Asha and Baz
Meet
Mary Sherman Morgan
Caroline Fernandez
Common Deer Press
9781988761671
$7.99 Paper/$5.99 Kindle
www.commondeerpress.com
Asha and Baz Meet Mary Sherman Morgan
will reach kindergarten to
Grade 3 readers with a biography that can be read aloud for lower
grades and
independently consulted by youngsters able to absorb a 97-page chapter
book.
Asha and Baz
are best
friends tasked with a science project: to launch a paper rocket. The
Great
Rocket Challenge is also a competition, with the prize for the winner
being a
meetup with Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield.
How can two
friends
who know little about the science of rockets combine forces to win?
As the
partner enter
the competition and bounce ideas off one another, black and white
drawings by
Dharmali Patel illustrate the process of tackling a project that
requires
cooperation, savvy, and research from its young participants.
Caroline
Fernandez
creates a multifaceted problem-solving adventure where the kids learn
more than
physics.
Lessons on
competition range from space race insights (“Why
does it have to be a race?” Asha asked. “Because the winner of a
race is the best. And we want to be the best,” said Roger.")
to the
dilemma faced by Mary Sherman Morgan when her Hydyne design is not
credited to
her efforts, giving the fame for her achievement to someone else.
As the kids
explore
this 1957 world and its politics and women's issues, readers receive a
broad
inspection of scientific and social issues that will help adults enter
into
discussions based on the time-traveling adventure presented here.
Asha and Baz Meet Mary Sherman Morgan's
engaging, engrossing story
is rooted in science, but explores far more than theory alone. Its
action-packed scenes and encounters are highly recommended for leisure
readers
as well as students of women's biography and science, introducing
auxiliary
topics of teamwork, achievement, and women's rights that will lend to
discussions and debates.
Return to Index
Becky Chalmers Beautified
Diane Campbell Green
DCG Books
979-8-9865899-0-9
$12.99
Website: www.dcgbooks.com
Ordering: www.amazon.com
What would you give to be beautiful?
Ten-year-old Becky has her perceptions of beauty—and they don't include
her
looks.
That's why she wishes for something
different on her birthday: the type of beauty that turns heads.
Including her
own.
As advanced elementary-grade readers absorb
these eight short stories about Becky Chalmers, they will be called
upon to
think about their own definitions of beauty and how these can change
over time.
Diane Campbell Green introduces a discussion
of the subject for readers of a much younger age than the usual
beauty-oriented
audience. But, Becky Chalmers Beautified isn't
about physical, outward
beauty alone.
As Becky investigates cosmetics and other
approaches to enhancing her outward beauty, she receives lessons in
beauty that
help her understand what the real goal is: to appeal to herself rather
than
just to others.
Becky does more than contemplate. As she
interacts with psychiatrist Mr. O-Angel, her family, and her friends,
Becky
receives gentle lessons about the elements which make her royalty in
her own
mind as well as in the eyes of others.
Green cultivates a soft, appealing
atmosphere in these lessons, using interpersonal interactions and
revelations
to introduce these life-changing moments of realization.
Life revolves around more than beauty. Becky
learns about adaptation, as well; from a challenging new move to
Massachusetts
to a return to Yardley and being able to perceive when others around
her are
unhappy.
As lessons about faith, kindness, and
friendship unfold, young readers receive a compelling story about
growth that
ideally will be discussed in reading groups and with adult assistance
to be
sure the book's valuable messages are completely understood.
The result is an excitingly original probe
into everyday life, growth, and perception of self and others that
opens with
the story of Becky's desires to change and takes transformation and
self-improvement to new levels of understanding for elementary grade
readers.
Libraries and parents seeking materials that
lend to young reader enlightenment about emotional and physical beauty
will find
Becky Chalmers Beautified provides the rare
opportunity to better
understand the world and one's place in it.
Return to Index
The Beyond the Hostile Sky Cycle Part 0:
After the Breaking
Karen J. Laakko
Atmosphere Press
978-1639882755
$13.99
www.atmospherepress.com
The
Beyond the
Hostile Sky Cycle Part 0: After the Breaking
will delight young adult and teen readers with its especially creative
blend of sci-fi, puzzle, and cyclic organization, which is deftly
identified and
explained in the author's opening notes: "...it will start
with some
very important events (Part 0), reset itself (Part 1), and then slowly
make its
way back."
This prepares readers for the recurring turn
of events that keeps them on their toes and prepared for interlinks,
making it
especially important to attend to close inspection of the unfolding
events,
lest they come full circle with further expansion.
The fallen realm of Vilse resides in the
desolate far reaches of this world, which portends a similar fate to
three
explorers who stumble upon it and seek to learn the truth about what
happened.
The 'Part 0' which this cycle opens with
actually takes place after the reset button on life has been hit, in a
new dark
age that divided the world and those who looked over it, both moral and
gods.
From the very start, Karen J. Laakko creates
an evocative blend of observation and connection that draws readers
into the
new observers, participants, and adventurers in this realm: "This
must
have been a wondrous realm once, but now it looked like some immense
creature
had chewed it up, spat it out, and then set fire to it. And yet, as
Brinna
stood near the top of the mountain trail and gazed on the dimly lit
devastation, she could not help but feel a sense of relief, even of
fond
nostalgia: the wave of emotions experienced by one who has finally
returned
home after a long time. Those, she knew, were extremely dangerous
feelings—especially here."
The emotion-driven responses to these discoveries
are embedded in the story, lending it a power gained from strong
characterization and events that range from discoveries and
realizations about
the world to personal challenges, such as Keraunia's failure to take a
place
among the warriors, and the tragedy that befell her parents.
At this point, it should be noted that a
wide cast of characters, special interests, history and discovery
demands of
its young adult readers an attention not just to detail, but to names
and
phrases that have Greek roots. This adds a level of complexity that
will
satisfy older YA audiences, but may belay some of the attraction for
younger
readers. However, it also serves to extend the interest level of this
YA-oriented fantasy into adult circles.
As Laakko weaves her story of magic
and growth, readers absorb the dilemmas of immense power, clashing
worlds, and
different forms of magic which not just command the involvement in, but
challenge the belief systems of different characters.
As new and old earth mages face misfortune
and the impact of poor decisions based on flawed realities, readers
become
immersed in the fast-paced and well-drawn tension of a wide range of
special
interests.
The result is a complex YA read that is
recommended for mature teens, adults, and those who look for
multifaceted
stories spread across different worlds and (likely) future books in the
series.
As a study defining cyclic plots and their
evolutionary process, ideally The Beyond the Hostile Sky
Cycle Part 0: After
the Breaking will also attract and be utilized in creative
writing circles
and sci-fi reader groups as an especially strong example of how genre
boundaries can be broken to expand their potential audience reach
beyond the
usual formula genre reader.
Return to Index
The Brooch: A Magic Within
Sandeep Kumar Mishra
Bookemon
Independently Published
979-8842684960
$9.99 Paper/$1.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Brooch-Within-Sandeep-Kumar-Mishra/dp/B0B7QGTMXN
Read-aloud parents and picture book readers
alike will find The Brooch: A Magic Within the
perfect item of choice
for an adventure that pairs well with lessons about good deeds and
helping
others.
Adults can use this story to open
discussions about concepts such as paying it forward and helping those
in need,
while kids will appreciate the touch of magic involved in this
feel-good story
about cultivating kindness and compassion in the world.
Inspired by author Sandeep Kumar Mishra's
daughter's request for such a tale, The Brooch tells
of a child's
generosity and a stranger's unexpected reward.
The story is simple but powerful. At times,
its language creates some confusion. A final polish could help smooth
these
passages which inject some degree of grammatical confusion, but the
strength of
this story lies in its illustrations of how to foster good in the world.
Paired with very colorful illustrations that
bring the tale home, The Brooch provides concrete examples of the ripple of
generosity that begins with a boy and a brooch and moves into the world
as the
magic changes hands.
Read-aloud adults who use this picture book
story as a starting point for illustrating the personal power of
individual
choice and action will find the diverse examples of all ages involved
in the
brooch's magic to be thought-provoking.
Its fine lesson of positivity in the world
will best be employed via interactions between adults and the young,
via
discussions which will augment the story's important messages and
examples.
Return to Index
The
Christmas Curse
of Krampus: Secrets in the Ice
Devin Arloski
EurOwnAmerica
Publishing
979-8-218-04430-5
$9.99
www.thechristmascurseofkrampus.com
Curses and
mystery
aren't typical holiday reading, but Devin Arloski's The
Christmas Curse of Krampus: Secrets in the Ice continues his
tradition of providing a holiday story with a twist for children who
look for
more than the usual Christmas themes.
A year has
passed
since Max's original involvement in a Christmas curse, and the holidays
are
once again fast approaching as December 4th opens the story.
A mysterious
letter
that warns "I found them" could be from Santa, portending another
adventure that draws Max and his father even as they are still settling
down
from last year's Christmas explosion.
Things are
now better
between Max and his father, and he hates to rock that boat. He's also
managed
to keep these past events secret from even his best friend Mina. It's
unlikely
she'll be open to the possibility that Santa is real, much less the
magic that
surrounds him.
Forced to
make
adjustments in his relationships for the sake of undertaking a new
mission, Max
finds himself once again immersed in a Christmas mystery that sends him
into an
icy world where Krampusnacht is threatened by his involvements.
Greenland's
Inuit mythology and a host of creepy creatures coalesce to make this
story a
far different experience than the usual holiday read.
Forced to
tell his
dad and Mina, the truth, Max finds himself on a new adventure with his
best
friend that even threatens the wise leader Santa.
While The Christmas Curse of Krampus: Secrets in
the Ice needs no prior familiarity with its predecessor in
order to prove
thoroughly engrossing to newcomers, those who have read the first book
will be
in a better position to appreciate the protagonist and plot's
evolutionary
process.
Advanced
elementary
through middle grade readers will find the adventure satisfying, the
interpersonal relationships and conundrums realistic and involving, and
the
holiday overlay a cut above the traditional seasonal read.
The action
is
fast-paced as the important adults in Max's life join in to rescue him
from an
impossible situation.
The result
is another
winning story that turns the usual holiday theme on end with an
exciting
adventure backed by Santa and, this time, reaching out to involve Max's
parents
and friends in unusual ways.
Return to Index
Enzo
Isn't There
Thomas M. Ellis with Lily Coyle
Beaver's Pond Press
978-1-64343-807-8
$16.95
www.BeaversPondPress.com
The
first-person revelations offer candid discussion points that
read-aloud parents will want to pursue with their kids ("I
wish I was
where Enzo is and Enzo could be here.").
The
explorations of all who grieve the loss of Enzo is another facet
that sets this picture book story of death apart from others on the
subject: "I
hate it the most when Dad cries. Dad hates it
the most when I cry. I hate this. Dad hates this. We hate this."
Enzo's
wisdom and reflections about life and what he's observed are
threads that augment the grief experienced and expressed by the young
narrator.
A
storm of emotions is revealed as the youngster processes his
sibling's demise: "I got so mad today I ripped up all of
Enzo’s cards
because Enzo wasn’t there. Then I felt bad and
taped them together
because Enzo isn’t here."
Paired
with evocative and beautiful, colorful landscapes by illustrator
Brian Schmidt, Thomas M. Ellis and Lily Coyle's Enzo Isn't
There is
simply gorgeous. It's a fitting adjunct to other stories about death
for the
very young, created in a format and presented in a manner that
encourages
discussion of different reactions to death.
Read-aloud
parents will find it stands head and shoulders above similar
books, while libraries will find Enzo Isn't There
deserves not just a
prominent place, but display and discussion in any collection catering
to the
young.
Psychological
groups for all ages tackling the subject of death, loss
and dying will find Enzo Isn't There simple, yet
especially effective
for pinpointing feelings surrounding loss and dying, offering excellent
fodder
for discussion.
Return to Index
FastFight
540: Bump
in the Night
M. M. Mesldorf
Star Toaster, LLC
& SBA Books
978-1-956408-19-5
$11.99
www.FastFlight540.com
FastFight 540: Bump in the Night is Book
1 of the FastFlight 540
fantasy adventure series for middle grade readers and older. It
features an
especially fast pace and compelling atmosphere designed to bring even
the most
reluctant reader into the world of leisure reading for pleasure.
Tucker
Sullivan is a
miserable orphan. Anslie Dawn
switches places with him to
give him a break and finds herself protecting her secret identity as an
orphan
boy when she is sent to an ancient orphanage, Nocturnan.
There, she finds
herself involved in some dangerous games.
M.M. Mesldorf opens the story with
compelling intrigue and action that draws attention immediately: “I’ll find him! And when I do, I’ll wring
his scrawny little neck like a chicken for Sunday dinner!” Headmaster
Grimsly
muttered as he passed the closet door. Anslie, who had never tasted
chicken for
Sunday dinner or any other meal, edged backward deeper into the corner
of the
dark closet. She stepped on Tucker’s foot. Hard. She clapped her hand
over his
mouth to keep him quiet."
As Anslie faces the formidable Mr. Strickman
at Nocturnam and receives a lecture about the looseness of Whippoorwill
Home in
comparison to her new quasi-prison, she is drawn into the mystery of
the Ninth
Garden, makes a new friend in Xander, and finds herself feeling oddly
at home
and connected to life, at last.
Armed with a new purpose, new friendships,
and a new perspective, Anslie's journey, which includes a meeting with
Bump in
the night, is replete with humor and growth.
Mesldorf creates a vivid tale that excels in
nonstop action and twists of plot to keep events unpredictable and
character-based. It
cultivates the
mystery and feel of the classic children's book Tom's
Midnight Garden, but adds a contemporary flavor of adventure
that will attract modern readers looking for a fantasy replete with
action.
The secret identity Anslie assumes forces
her into some unusual situations, such as cheering for herself as a
heroine who
escaped her prior circumstances when her new posse of friends reviews
the
situation and admires the escapee's spunk.
The ironies added to the intrigue make for
many humor-driven moments as Anslie becomes privy to information about
the
Shadow Wars and those who fight them.
Black and white illustrations by Rebecca
Lemoine are peppered throughout and add further attraction and insight
into the
story. Armed with these visuals, young readers will find the tale
fairly leaps
to life in a manner that creates a 'can't-put-it-down' read.
The result
is an
uplifting, inviting story of evolving friendships, loss, and battles,
both
within and in the world.
The
character-driven
nature of this fantasy allows young readers to become thoroughly
immersed in
Anslie's secrets and revelations, creating a story that is especially
powerful
and highly recommended for advanced elementary grades and older.
Libraries
and adults
who look for vigorous fantasies firmly rooted in not just action, but
strong
protagonists whose insights form magnetic attractions to a wide age
range will
find FastFight 540: Bump in the Night
a unique and commendable choice.
Return to Index
A Feast for
Pleasant Beasts
J.T. Bird
Independently
Published
9781838047986
$17.99
Hardcover/$8.99 paper/$3.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Feast-Pleasant-Beasts-Childrens-friendship/dp/1838047999
Picture book readers
ages 4-8 will find A
Feast for Pleasant Beasts
a delight. It assembles a winning cast of
characters who gather for a July picnic, from a cook in a cave to
Ingrid the
troll, who is often the first to get an invitation for the annual woods
event.
J.T. Bird
presents the story in a series of chatty
descriptions of characters and fantasy settings that even read-aloud
adults
will find whimsical and fun: "So, do
be on the lookout next time you take a stroll. She’s often to be found
down by
the riverside catching fish to share with her chums. Cuthbert always
gobbles
the pufferfish pizza, but there’s banana and piranha pie if that’s more
to your
liking?"
These
characters
receive engaging, full-color, large illustrations by Andy Catling, who
captures
the nuances and delightful creations J.T. Bird fosters in the lively
tale.
It's a
"recipe
for something quite marvelous" as Cuthbert's culinary delights
contribute
to a day peppered with pleasant beasts and action. The boy is a
"magical
master of picnics" and everyone has fun (even though they are all quite
different
from each another).
Silliness,
catchy
original ballads, and a glorious feast spice a read that promises not
one, but
many nights of exploration by young and older readers alike.
Adults looking for a
fun bedtime read filled with delight will find A Feast for Pleasant Beasts whimsically entertaining and a cut above
most bedtime picture book choices. It features an underlying message:
that
creatures diverse in age and appearance can join together to create an
exceptional experience and friendships.
Return to Index
Footprints Across the Planet
Jennifer Swanson
Reycraft Books
978-1478876045
$17.95 Hardcover/$8.95 Paper
https://www.amazon.com/Footprints-Across-Planet-Jennifer-Swanson/dp/1478876042
Every footprint in the world leaves its
mark. What kind of footprint will you make? Young readers who choose Footprints
Across the Planet for its ecological message and bright,
attractive cover
receive a story filled with vivid color photos and answers to the
question of
one's personal impact on the world.
These answers take the form of close-up
examples of all kinds of animal feet, paired with lovely close-up shots
of the
creatures (including humans) making them.
Jennifer Swanson's simple, enlightening
words are just as vivid as the photos: "Footprints come in
all shapes
and sizes, colors and species. Some are large and deep, strong and
purposeful.
Others are small and shallow, barely leaving any imprint at all ...
Footprints are
also as diverse as the people on the planet."
The lovely visuals, including slices and cutaways of mountains, people, and animals, reinforce the observations with a particularly powerful hand to representing the interconnectivity of world environments and creatures.
The
result begins
small, with the notion of
a single footprint's impact, but expands into a blossoming story
showing how
each individual can make a big difference.
The picture book concludes with biographical
sketches of humans who successfully changed the world through their
actions and
choices.
More so than most books about intention,
personal impact, choice, and consequences, Footprints Across
the Planet
presents a powerful display that will reach a wide age group (including
adults)
with a strong message of empowerment and positivity.
If only one children's book were to be
chosen on these topics, Footprints Across the Planet
should be at the
very top of such a list. Its opportunities for not only personal
enlightenment
but discussion between youths and adults who read along are boundless,
as is
the enthusiasm with which it is written and the obvious care taken to
choose
only the most powerful striking imagery to highlight its important
message.
Libraries and individuals who choose Footprints
Across the Planet will find it rich in thought-provoking
opportunities and
rich rewards for the effort of imbibing.
Return to Index
Forces
Mona R. Semerau
Atmosphere Press
978-1-63988-427-8
$18.99
www.atmospherepress.com
Young adult fiction readers
who seek evocative stories of
life and death quests will find Forces
is just the ticket for thoroughly engrossing reading.
Thorn is a scribe who
translates oral puzzles into
written revelations. Drawn to problem-solving and questions which give
insights
into the nature of the universe, Thorn is more likely to see logic and
opportunity in magic than mysticism and mysterious forces.
Forces
assumes
an unusual countenance because the adventures within flow from Thorn's
pen,
adopting an unusual flowing font to represent the writings Thorn
creates as she
moves through her world.
The language is evocative
and captures a sense of place
as much as a sense of purpose in this wintery world: "A great
blast
separated the trees and drove the snow sweeping wet upon them, nothing
could be
seen, and night’s obscurity had returned. They could only guess, and
try to
listen. Perhaps this one had turned aside, then suddenly was sweeping
past them
--- a bare shadow, a muffled sound, a single rider whose mount had been
given
his head to take the road as he would, the rider bent low peering
desperately
into the storm."
As Mistress
Thorn conveys news to those around her,
describing the changing world and her new realizations about it, young
adult
readers will be drawn into the language and descriptions Thorn chooses
to
illustrate and interpret her adventures and revelations: "Very
far from
here, way west of here, --- Thorn began, but before you come to the
empires of
the Western Sea, as you know there are many smaller kingdoms and
provincial
powers who are constantly at war. Nonetheless, one must maintain
relations, and
so i was with a party that was caught in the aftermath of some skirmish
and all
was lost, save my life alone. hoo! do not ask me the details of that
awful
afternoon, for the thought of it fills me with dismay and makes me
tremble. No
no no! do not ask ---
Were there bears?
Rose!
Were there --- oh, bears? yes! bears! many bears!
lots of bears. bears, bears, and bears! so many
bears!"
The
unusually vibrant
written and verbal dialogues spark an especially evocative sense of
place,
capturing the realizations Thorn encounters in the course of her
journey. This
creates an exploration of differences, surprises, magic, and other
peoples that
blossom under Thorn's pen and eyes.
From dreams
that
"emerged drunken seeming from a tarry blackness" to events that shift Thorn in her sense of
place and interpretations of the world, readers receive a lively,
vivid, and
thought-provoking novel that takes an unusual approach to dragons,
dialogue,
and dilemmas.
The result is more demanding in its
intellectual and worldview inspections than most adventure fantasies
for young
adults, but rewards the reading effort with a far livelier sense of
magic than
the usual genre production.
Libraries and teachers seeking something
compellingly and satisfyingly different that illustrates the diverse
ways in
which a magical quest can come to life will find Forces a powerful example of original literary
writing and the power of the pen in altering worldviews and political
milieus
alike.
Return to Index
Arefa Tehsin
Crimson Dragon
Publishing
978-1-944644-29-1
$22.99
Hardcover/$14.99 Paper/$4.99 ebook
https://crimsondragonpublishing.com
Iora and the Quest of Five reaches middle
grade to high school
readers of fantasy with its story of Iora, who is attacked by a strange
creature in a well and comes to realize that her missing father is in a
danger
only she can perceive.
She sets out
on a
personal quest to the enchanted Wacky Wilderness to search for him,
encountering strange denizens which at times aid her and, at other
moments,
hinder her goals.
As if the
search for
a missing father weren't enough, Iora finds herself drawn into a bigger
picture
and a mission to save not just her father, but the jungle world itself.
The real
enchantment
of this story lies not just in its action and adventure (which abound),
but in
its underlying ecological message about the importance of environmental
preservation and the environment's connections to human health and
well-being.
Arefa Tehsin
employs
the fantasy quest story to its greatest advantage to bring these
elements to
life, exploring the animals and humans of the rainforest. Mystic
premonitions
and forces blend with special interests on both sides, expanding Iora's
initial
focus on her personal dilemma into world-saving issues.
In this
world, angels
and animals appear, speak, and demonstrate equal abilities and concerns
as Iora
is buffeted by the winds of adversity and a desire to preserve what she
knows
of her world.
Young
readers able to
absorb not just a powerful fantasy adventure story but its underlying
concepts
of relationships and bigger-picture thinking will find Iora
and the Quest of Five a compelling story, while libraries and
teachers will want to choose and feature it for its exploration of real
issues
that exist under its fantasy overlay.
Return to Index
Koala
Ballerina's
Superhero Bowling Rescue
Sheri Poe-Pape
Sheri Poe-Pape,
Publisher
9798402873964
$11.95
Paper/$17.99 Hardcover
www.sheripoe-pape.com
To play a
game of
bowling is Koala Ballerina's "happiest dream." She is a "frisky,
strong joey" able to leave other bowlers "in total awe" of her
strengths and abilities despite the fact that she wears a dancer's tutu
and a
tiara to her bowling game.
As Sheri
Poe-Pape's
rollicking rhyme covering Koala Ballerina's latest exploit is
accompanied by
whimsical and colorful illustrations by Nejla Shojaie, the story
unfolds to become
more than about ballet, bowling, or sports abilities.
Poe-Pape's
story is
also about pride, "acting childlike" with enthusiasm over personal
achievements, and stepping up to help friends like poor Wilfrid Wombat
who, in
contrast to the powerful achiever Koala, is inept and has problems
coordinating
and concentrating.
When Wilfrid
attracts
the attention of a bully in the neighboring lane, it's up to Koala to
employ
her spunk, courage, and determination in more than just achieving
personal
success.
Poe-Pape's
story
explores the complex subjects of ADHD and life interactions in a way
that young
picture book readers can readily understand.
In building
a
foundation first with Koala's successful strengths and abilities, then
contrasting these with Wilfrid's experiences in and view of his world,
understanding is promoted through a story that adult participants can
use to
explain not just ADHD, but bullying and different ways of approaching
life.
As Super
Koala
Ballerina assumes her alter-ego after perceiving Wilfrid is in trouble,
readers
gain insights into what they, too, could do when they see bullying and
observe
peers who act differently.
Koala's
solution goes
beyond rescue, delving into creating bridges of understanding that
adults can
use to show the young how to foster cooperation in their own young
worlds.
By using the
image of
a proactive, strong female who figures out how to not just be a
superhero, but
help educate those around her, the story moves beyond an action
figure's rescue
attempts to delve into the bigger picture of emotional barriers to
acceptance,
and understanding how to address them.
Libraries
and adults
looking for picture books that feature strong female characters,
attract attention
with vivid color drawings and the familiar superhero concept, then take
the
next step into linking these attractors to better life choices and true
heroism
will find Koala Ballerina's Superhero
Bowling Rescue a winner.
Return to Index
The Legend
of Black Jack
A. R. Witham
Independently
Published
978-0578354361
$16.99 Paper/$4.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Legend-Black-Jack-R-Witham/dp/0578354365
Young adult horror
story readers who enjoy tales steeped in Nordic mythology will find The
Legend of Black Jack
a
compelling tale that operates as a fantasy, a horror story, and a wry
work of
ironic satire.
Jack Swift never expected
he'd be kidnapped into another
realm and charged with saving a life. He's anything but adventurous and
holds
neither medical ability nor, seemingly, the courage to step out of his
world to
become a legend in someone else's mythology.
Life has a way of exacting
changes and a toll for them,
because Jack finds himself in a situation filled with action and the
unexpected. A fantasy twist leads him to be kidnapped on his 14th
birthday and
transported by a monstrous rhino into another realm, Keymark.
As he steps
into the
shoes of the legend of Black Jack (a being that walks between worlds,
kills
gods, beats the devil, and heals a thousand people in a day), Jack
finds
himself tasked with not just believing in the impossible, but believing
in
himself.
Color
illustrations
pepper the story as Jack walks through this world and fulfills his
destiny in
ways he never could have imagined.
As teens
follow his
epic encounters with monsters in a world he quickly grows to love, they
will
find much to like about the growth process and realizations that Jack
faces.
These may mirror many underlying questions about their own lives.
From
friendly trolls
and a sense of growing belief in Jack's own powers to epic battles with
samurais and dark forces, teens receive plenty of action couched with
self-discovery as Jack moves through Keymark and its traitors,
kingdoms, and
combatants.
His rite of
passage
is not without violent confrontations. Their descriptive prowess is
tempered by
revelations that spring from sword and mind alike.
The
Legend of Black
Jack's fast-paced action
and
encounters will keep teens reading, while its higher-level thinking
encourages
young adults to consider the facets that make for legendary examples of
courage
and achievement.
The result
is a
fast-paced leisure fantasy as steeped in myths and legends as it is in
the
coming-of-age saga of a boy just beginning to understand his strengths.
Libraries looking for
compelling, epic fantasy will find The Legend of Black Jack's action
and adventure particularly potent and engrossing.
Return to Index
The Mango Family: Thinking
Differently
Anthony Cherubin
Fineness World Inc.
979-8-9859292-0-1
$24.99
Hardcover/$18.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/Mango-Family-Thinking-Differently-ebook/dp/B09W1PWQGM
Picture book readers and
adults who choose The Mango Family: Thinking
Differently
for read-aloud will find these short stories provide plenty of food for
thought
and fodder for discussion about positivity and how to foster it in
different
ways.
This adventure takes place
in Fruitiville, located within
the country of Nourish on the virtual Achievements Island. It focuses
on
cultivating gratitude, acknowledging achievement, and developing
positive
solutions to problems.
Exceptionally bright cartoon
panels of the fruit family
will prove both accessible and highly attractive to adults and their
young
listeners, incorporating such insights as "we can become whatever we
like" and "we must celebrate all our victories."
The
Mango Family bows
to past precedent by showing how these opportunities evolved for the
current
generation, but also presents short stories that embrace contemporary
issues
such as dealing with a tattletale, understanding lessons in
responsibility that
underlie adult approaches to teaching children, and empowering children
who
need money by showing how they can earn it in various ways.
Each lesson incorporates
strategies for life that offer
opportunities for bigger picture thinking, all couched in the
interactions and
entertainment value of the Mango Family's interactions.
Adults won't anticipate the
contemporary issues such as
school shootings which are incorporated into the mix of lessons, but
another
fine strength of The Mango Family:
Thinking Differently lies in its focus on examples that kids
are likely to
encounter in their everyday lives (which unfortunately include
violence).
Sometimes the character
expressions on the lovely
illustrations don't seem to match the situations under discussion. Character facial
expressions aside, The Mango Family: Thinking
Differently
excels in its emotional lessons on not just coping with life, but
viewing it
from a more positive perspective of empowerment, change, and emotional
connection.
Read-aloud adults looking
for inviting discussion material
that promotes attitude changes and revised views of life will find The Mango Family: Thinking Differently a
fine tool for introducing these concepts to the very young, fostering
the
overall feel of positivity about the world.
Return to Index
The Math
Kids: A
Knotty Problem
David Cole
Common Deer Press
978-1988761732
$12.95 Paper/$7.99 Kindle
www.commondeerpress.com
The Math Kids: A Knotty Problem is the
seventh book in the Math
Kids series, offering young readers ages 9-12 a new dilemma that
juxtaposes
math problem-solving with other kinds of relationship and life issues.
This time,
Stephanie
finds that her favorite interests are on a collision course as her
soccer
tournament falls on the same date as the district math competition.
Should she
leave Math Kids?
But that
isn't the
only change in the Math Kids' lives, as other members of the club face
forces
that divide them and threaten their friendships and club connections.
From forces
that led
to near-war between the former friends to dilemmas that invite each kid
to step
up with new problem-solving and social skills, The
Math Kids: A Knotty Problem reviews evolving relationships
and
dilemmas that threaten team efforts.
Young
readers receive
insights on these changing friendships and the conflict which begins
with a
scheduling issue and then blossoms to other problems.
Kids
familiar with
the other books in this series will find this focus on life changes and
events
that test friendships to be engrossing and realistic, while newcomers
will
appreciate the connections between math and real-world problem-solving:
“It’s important to really understand what it
is we’re trying to solve. The question didn’t ask what the odd numbers
or the
even numbers added up to, just which one was bigger and by how much.”
“And that’s what we figured out,” Stephanie said.
“We got there, but did we do it the easiest way?” Justin asked.
The result
is an
enlightening connection between math and daily living which educates
and
entertains on different levels, from solving relationship problems to
thinking
outside the box of a singular math problem to consider the process of
understanding life changes and challenges.
Libraries
seeing
popularity with the prior Math Kids adventures, as well as newcomers
looking
for vivid fictional stories embedded with math problem-solving
concepts, will
find The Math Kids: A Knotty Problem
a fine tale that educates as it entertains.
Return to Index
Miracle
Times
Two
Mazzy Moore
Independently
Published
9781667838724
$9.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Times-Two-Mazzy-Moore-ebook/dp/B0B64RG8NM
Miracle Times Two is a lovely rhyming picture book story that
follows a mother's
reflections about her twin boys. Designed for read-aloud and sharing,
it tells
of a young woman and her pop who wander the world and have adventures.
Despite
their
vibrant lives, there is a gap in her heart: two places that await
love's
incarnation.
One
day, those
gaps are filled by twins, and the mother finds her world and
adventurous spirit
changed by a different experience that portends just as much wonder and
enjoyment.
The
story of a
mother's love for her children and her satisfaction in building a home
filled
with that love makes for an engaging read that parents will want to
choose for
its celebratory tone.
The
contrast
between the young mother's prior life and her new family circle is very
nicely
done, portraying the rich values of both in a manner that young picture
book
readers and read-aloud adults will both relish.
Return to Index
Queen of
Babylon: Book 2 in Babylon Twins Series
Michael Ferris Gibson
and Imani Josey
Girl
Friday Books
978-1954854710
$16.95 Paper/$9.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Queen-Babylon-Book-Twins/dp/1954854714
Book 2 of the Babylon Twins
series, set in a
post-apocalyptic world ruled by machines, presents thirteen-year-old
Josephine,
who guards the old city of San Francisco and has survived thanks to
both a
psychic connection with her deceased twin and to being a member of
Project
Chimera, which made her into a biomechanical robot able to survive the
end
times.
The story opens with her
birth into a strange new
condition, which happened after she met a scientist. As Josephine and
her
readers piece together the events which have made her into a
more-than-human
'unit', the story is steeped in personality and purpose which lends it
riveting
life.
Even more complex is the
fact that there is more than one
Josephine in this strange new world, and the task of protecting her
city is not
a single-handed venture. The seventh incarnation of Josephine has lost
her way,
in this story. In order to preserve her sense of self and purpose, she
needs to
re-access her secret language in order to fight a language virus that
threatens
what remains of the world.
Young adult and adult
readers who choose Queen of Babylon
will find its powerful,
character-based experiences drive a futuristic story which also is
embedded in
mystery, discovery, and confrontations.
Readers will be surprised to
learn that the urban culture
of Oakland, California is alive and well in this futuristic scenario. Michael Ferris Gibson and Imani Josey steep
their story in a solid sense of place that will especially delight and
attract
readers familiar with the San Francisco Bay Area.
From transitional
spiritual ceremonies that allow Josephine to pass between worlds to the
gritty
remains of the world she once knew (which is inhabited by Aunt Connie,
a host
of 'frenemies', and others who both aid and impede her journey),
readers will
find Queen of
Babylon
refreshingly original, unpredictable, and unique in its dystopian
portrait of a
bleak future in which machine minds meld with the human psyche.
Gibson and Josey inject just
the right blend of intrigue,
hard-science, and social and ethical examinations into their story of
an
unusual band of survivors whose interrelated selves are tasked with a
mission
beyond their combined experience.
Is Josephine truly alone?
Will she fail her mission to
protect the world?
Young adults who choose Queen of Babylon as either a stand-alone
read or an expansion of
the first book will find the layers of psychological insights,
intrigue, and
futuristic spiritual and social conundrums to be completely enthralling.
Libraries looking for sci-fi
that is a cut above most,
and which demands a level of intellect from its young adult readers,
but draws
them with emotional connections, will find Queen
of Babylon a fine acquisition.
Return to Index
Taking
Flight With
Captain Mama
Graciela
Tiscareño-Sato
Gracefully Global
Group
9780997309096
$26.99
Hardcover/$16.99 Paper/$9.99 ebook
www.captainmama.com
Picture book
readers
interested in aviation and bilingual Spanish/English books featuring
women
involved in the industry will find Taking
Flight With Captain Mama an inviting look at the job of
captaining an
aircraft.
The story
incorporates many aviation terms which are defined in a glossary in the
back of
the book, from boom operator and flight deck to crew chiefs. Other
terms, such
as egress and navigation, are included to assure young readers and
listeners to
the read-aloud story thoroughly understand the routines involved in
flying an
Air Force aircraft.
Linda Lens
provides
inviting mixed-media color drawings that capture this experience,
recreating
the feel of being on a jet and the excitement of a class field trip
that moves
from the anticipated observation to a surprise experience.
Graciela
Tiscareño-Sato provides an engaging aviation story of military
operations and
basic flight that covers aerial refueling, Nighthawk jets, flying in
turbulent
weather, and more. It's a tale inspired by her decade of active-duty
service on
this unusual aircraft.
The "you are
there" feel is heightened by action-packed experiences, aircraft
communications and explanations, and discussions of military deployment
that
help the young narrator better understand his mother's service, duties,
and the
special role she holds as a Captain on a military aircrew.
Details
about the
stealth fighter jet educate kids about different types of military
planes,
while the adventure component keeps children both involved and educated.
The result
is an
important and unique survey of women, including Latinas, in aviation
and
military service that showcases several womens' important work,
reflective of
other women who have earned command and aeronautical positions in our
armed
forces.
These
facets, and the
bilingual approach of the story, make for an outstanding opportunity to
learn
more about women in service and in active military roles, making Taking Flight With Captain Mama the
perfect picture book of choice for assignments during Hispanic Heritage
Month,
Veterans Day, Women's History Month, and general-interest reading
year-round.
Its
information,
delivery, and action-oriented story are compellingly presented and
unequalled
in the picture book world.
Return to Index
Tell, or the Adventures in
Themiddle
L.N. Mayer
Oslo & Bangs Publishing
978-2-9569463-3-5
$12.99
Paper/$2.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Tell-Adventures-Themiddle-L-N-Mayer/dp/2956946307
Tell,
or the
Adventures in Themiddle presents kids ages 8-12 with the
first book in a
trilogy about William Teller ("Tell"), who is expelled from Theffects School for Troubled Boys and
returns home to an empty house and a goodbye letter from his father.
Tell thinks
this is
another of his father's jokes, until representatives from the local
orphanage
show up, forcing him to flee his home to preserve his freedom. He runs
straight
into a changing world of trouble, instead, where imaginative figures
from his
mind become too real and threaten the world.
This is not
just a
figment of Tell's imagination. Others, too, encounter the strange
figures that
spill from his mind: "...by the time
he entered the house and followed her up the stairs, there was no need
to ask
for there was no way of explaining what he then saw: a monster in the
middle of
the room. Now some people swear it was a black bear and others say it
resembled
an elephant, so huge the beast was, but all who’ve heard this nonsense
know
that the creature had no business being in that little boy’s room."
Lively
adventure
blends with whimsical encounters with creatures and equally compelling
dialogue
that draws readers with an action-driven flavor: "Tell
opened his mouth to reply, when suddenly Thebackspacer
lunged at Stu, who dropped his mallet and dove out of the way. The
creature
crushed the cart he was pushing with its stocky footless leg as Herman
and the
others ran for cover. Taking their cue, Tell ran after them. As he
reached the
tunnel, he keeled over, trying to
catch his breath. His heart beat in his throat."
As Tell
navigates an
alien world created in part by his own mind, he encounters a host of
strange
characters. Kids will find their names unusual and delightfully quirky
("Weekday," "Thepeacekeeper," "Weekend"), while
humor permeates many of the encounters to keep young readers laughing
and
thinking as the adventure unfolds.
As Tell
faces the
aftereffects of a place where belief isn't tolerated and powerful
forces not
only change the world, but send its king on the run, he also confronts
his own
legacy and the truth about his missing father.
Combine a
coming-of-age adventure story with fantasy and philosophical roots,
spice it
with humor and action, then add a host of zany character names for the
feel of Tell,
or the Adventures in Themiddle,
which is particularly adept at cementing the absurd with the
compelling.
Children's libraries looking for fantasies and action stories that operate outside of the usual genre definitions will find Tell, or the Adventures in Themiddle a winner.
Tell, or the Adventures in ThemiddleReturn to Index