After a long work week, I am spent. Stay safe everyone and I’ll be back tomorrow.
KIES “You’re Golden” Single REVIEW
There are often times when people will look back on their lives, and either have a feeling of longing and nostalgia, or a feeling of regret and disappointment. This often happens in the throes of a relationship, both those that are just beginning and those that are coming to a close. That is the vibe and tone of artist KIES latest single, “You’re Golden.”
The New Orleans based German artist Jakob Dietrich shares the first single of his new project titled KIES. After years of personal success from a young age, the new adult tone of his latest project reflects the jazzy melodies of his hometown of New Orleans while also delving into the seriousness and maturity that life often throws people’s way. The song at times has bluesy electronic tones that feel like an ode to “Supermassive Black Hole” by Muse, then shifts to a more classic jazz tone of solid bass and a great horn section.
The lyrics and heart of the song was on full display as well, conveying a sense of both loss and fondness that cannot be matched. The singer/songwriter style of writing that this song exudes and the emotional depth of the words will resonate with readers, as the singer conveys a sense of remembrance and longing for a love that is out of arms reach and yet feels as strong as it ever has before. The audience can almost feel the strong indie jazz melodies as if textured in the atmosphere and has a deep and heartfelt beat that the audience can move with while getting deep into the feels as the song progresses. If you haven’t yet, be sure to listen to this amazing single today!
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Busy Work Day
No new post today. Be back soon everyone…
A Stranger in Foreign Lands by Bob McCauley Review
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Bob McCauley shares a brand new collection of short stories in the book “A Stranger In Foreign Lands.”
The Synopsis
There is a debate as to how many types of fiction there are. Some say there are over 144 genres and subgenres of fiction, romance fiction being the world’s most popular and widely sold. I’m not exactly sure which is the least popular, but I would certainly place among them literary fiction. Some have concluded that the difference between literary fiction and all its other genres is meaning over entertainment. Literary fiction has meaning, and as Ernest Hemingway once said, it is like an iceberg in that 10% of the work’s meaning is above the surface of the water, while the remaining 90% is below the surface. I write literary fiction because of my love for it. I want it to be discussed in university classrooms and literary circles. And because it is by far the most difficult type of fiction to write.
The Review
This was a compelling and gripping collection of short stories in the literary fiction genre. The thoughtful presentation of each story really allowed readers to be able to feel immersed in each setting as these stories took place in the Middle East. The fast pacing of a story gave the reader plenty of time to really connect with these characters while also feeling the emotional pacing of their journey.
The book also journeys to the near and far east. The stories range from personal to cultural and beyond and allow the reader to feel immersed in each areas, specific culture and history. The tone of the collection speaks to the authors experiences in life and passion for telling intimate and compelling personal stories that are reflected in rich and dynamic characters.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, compelling, and enthralling author, Bob McCauley’s “A Stranger in Foreign Lands” is a must read collection of literary short fiction. Each story felt direct into the point and yet also personal and profound at the same time. Readers will feel completely immersed, and the specific cultures found in this collection and will feel an emotional pull to travel and experience the world for themselves. If you haven’t yet, please be sure to grab your copy today!
Reading: 10/10
About the Author
I grew up on a junk-food diet in the 1960s. I never considered then that what went into my body was of any importance until I started running cross country and track in high school. By my early 20s, I was a vegetarian but had only given up meat since I still ate eggs and dairy products. I went into the bottled water business 25 years ago. What I knew from the very beginning was that I had a health product. Shortly after that, I discovered alkaline ionized water, spirulina, and chlorella, the raw food diet, and how to be truly healthy. I decided I wanted a more formal education about natural health, so I became a Certified Nutritional Consultant. A few years later, I became a Certified Master Herbalist and eventually a Naturopathic Doctor. However, the vast majority of what I know about health is what I have experienced personally. The water I drink, the foods that I consume, my exercise regimen, and how it all makes me feel. My health protocol is my lifestyle, and my lifestyle is my health protocol. I am a Roman Catholic.
A Canadian Werewolf Series by Mark Leslie RECAP
Hey everyone!
I am honored to share my recap of this unique and creative take on the classic werewolf story with author Mark Leslie’s “A Canadian Werewolf Series.” This eight book (soon to be nine) series follows a Canadian transplant and author living in New York as he struggles with lycanthropy and his desire to help others in the process. Below you will find the synopsis for each book, as well as my review of the book and links to the full reviews and the books purchase links. I hope you will take the time to read each one carefully and take the plunge yourself to read this series and enjoy it as much as I did. Please enjoy.
A Canadian Werewolf in New York
The Synopsis
ALPHA WOLF. BETA HUMAN. BIG APPLE.
Michael Andrews seems to have it all. He’s a successful author and a minor celebrity living in Manhattan. It’s a pretty big step up from his humble Canadian upbringing.
Of course, his lycanthropy poses a bit of a challenge.
After waking up from his latest night of howling at the moon, he’s naked, he’s got a bullet hole in his leg, and he has a sneaking suspicion he ran into another wolf last night. A wolf that was stomping all over his home turf.
If he’s going to make an evening talk show appearance to promote his latest book, he’ll need to figure out what happened the previous night without letting his occasional heroics sidetrack him. Standing in his way are an agent, an ex-girlfriend, a variety of goons, and a fellow wolf encroaching on his territory.
It’s just another day in the life of a polite, small-town Canadian trying to stay alive in the Big Apple.
A Canadian Werewolf in New York is a humorous thriller about an ordinary man dealing with extraordinary circumstances. If you like seeing an every-man try to “do right” no matter the odds, then you’ll love this suspenseful and comedic tale of a Canadian bumpkin who happens to be part wolf.
My Review
This was a compelling and gripping take on the werewolf genre as a whole. The balance of twist and turns within the narrative, and the humor found in the dialogue, will keep readers on the edge of their seat seats as the story progresses. Michael is a complex and captivating protagonist that readers will not be able to get enough of.
Rating: 10/10
Stowe Away (Book Two)
The Synopsis
HOW DO YOU KEEP AN INNOCENT CHILD SAFE FROM A PREDATOR WHEN YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE BEAST THAT ASSUMES CONTROL OF YOU?
A train bound for Vermont leaves Manhattan at 11:35 AM. It takes approximately 9 hours to arrive. Sunset at the arrival destination occurs at 8:20 PM. How does Michael Andrews, a man on that train who is afflicted with a werewolf curse, resolve the fact that the math just doesn’t work out in his favor? Or in favor of the young girl who is trapped, and cornered?
Michael’s unequivocal desire to help usually thrusts him into the middle of tight spots. And though he has never been good at math, he is consistently good at compounding the peril in his day. On an urgent and last minute trip to help a dear friend in need, he finds someone else to help along the way.
Can Michael figure out how he’ll be able to protect his young, innocent traveling companion as she tries to make her own cross-country escape from the predator who relentlessly stalks her? And does this curious child hold her own answers that can, in turn, help Michael?
In a tale that has been described as Logan meets Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Mark Leslie has crafted a thrill-ride that explores Michael Andrews, Alpha Wolf and Beta Human as he embarks on a life-altering road trip that sends him hurtling towards his own psyche as it brings him miles away from his familiar home territory.
My Review
This is such a thrilling and exciting urban fantasy meets horror story that is very character driven. The tension that builds as the protagonist strives to protect this young woman and the constant barrage of obstacles in their path reminds me of the narrative beats of Dean Koontz Odd Thomas series, while also becoming a deep dive into who Michael is as a protagonist and hero and what drives him to take on the task of saving this girl.
Rating: 10/10
Fear and Longing in Los Angeles (Book Three)
The Synopsis
WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE.
If New York is the city that never sleeps, then L.A. is the city where you have to sleep with one eye open.
Michael Andrews learns quickly that it’s not just the cut-throat world of Hollywood you need to fear. There’s something deeper, darker, and far more disturbing lurking just beneath the shadows of the city, waiting for any moment of vulnerability to grab you by the throat.
An extended trip to Los Angeles to be on set for the movie adaptation of his latest novel leads Michael into a twisted and macabre underworld where he becomes entangled with an intriguing, sexy, and mysterious woman. At times she seems just what he needs in order to finally get over the unrequited love of his ex-girlfriend; but at other times, she appears to be the gateway to a Pandora’s box of B-movie nightmares.
Can he trust her? Can he trust himself with her?
Michael’s supernatural wolf-enhanced powers and special abilities might not be enough to survive this particular harsh and gritty jungle and the unique and deadly predators that crawl out of the shadows.
My Review
This was a truly engaging and entertaining read. The author has crafted a unique world full of paranormal creatures and relatable characters. Although I am a newcomer to this series, the author writes in a way that allows each book to stand on its own while creating a new layer to the mythos the author has crafted for this series.
The protagonist is the heart of this story. While many of the side characters add depth to the narrative, the beating heart is Michael’s journey. Balancing his supernatural powers and gifts with the more emotional core of his story, from the heartbreak of his relationship with Gail to meeting the mysterious and alluring Lex as he navigates the dark underbelly of Los Angeles makes his story really shine brightly. Pair this with the underscoring of political themes as a group of hateful domestic terrorists begins attacking the citizens of LA, and you have a fantastic new horror and action thriller.
Rating: 10/10
Fright Nights, Big City (Book Four)
The Synopsis
STOP SPREADING THE NEWS
THERE’S NO LEAVING TODAY
Not when the Big Apple comes under attack from an infectious worm threatening to rot it, and the entire nation, to the core.
Michael Andrews thought he’d found the perfect woman. A companion whose own powers neutralize his werewolf curse and bring the balance he has always wanted. But his plans on settling down and giving up the vigilante lifestyle are fleeting.
The hatred, the fear, and the monstrous attacks on innocent civilians grow and spread as supernatural monsters roam the city streets at night. The neo-Nazi Proud Fighters for America have already seeped their way across the continent and have nefarious plans for the city that never sleeps.
With Michael’s powers nullified in Lex’s presence, the couple is forced to divide in their attempt to conquer, and Michael turns to his ex-girlfriend’s knowledge of the occult and an ally he thought was his enemy to fight this rising evil.
But will three supernatural humans and one paranormal scholar be enough to vanquish the growing legion of evil?
My Review
This series just keeps getting more and more engaging. The balance of character development with grounded storytelling and rich mythology never ceases to amaze me. The evolution of new and existing paranormal creatures and individuals was great to see here, as was the dive into what it means to be the wolf for Michael, as his love Lex’s gifts keep the wolf from coming out, but at what cost? The exploration of that cost early on was so fascinating to see and shows the duality that comes from werewolf transformations in literature.
I also loved seeing the developing relationships between Michael, Lex, and Gail, as the sparks between Lex and Michael were so prominent but the author didn’t shy away from the complex relationship Michael has with Gail still, and the shared love that still exists there. The exploration of these characters and how they mesh together was so well done, and the author’s emphasis on character growth really elevated the overall narrative of this novel. The dive into the racism and violence our world has seen in recent years and how it impacts the paranormal community as well was such an inspired choice and was the perfect mirror of real-world problems in a paranormal setting.
Rating: 10/10
Lover’s Moon (Book Five)
The Synopsis
He’s an alpha wolf and a beta boyfriend.
She’s dated every monster in New York City.
It’s time for their Meat-Cute.
Michael Andrews, a Canadian living in New York, is learning to live with the side effects of lycanthropy. Other than waking up naked and bloody in Central Park once a month, he’s managing just fine. If only he could finish the book he’s supposed to be writing. If only he could find someone he trusted enough to tell the truth to.
Gail Sommers may not have her love life in order, but at least she’s smart about things that really matter. She runs the coolest occult shop in the city, and is a pre-eminent scholar of the occult. She’s made a vow of celibacy so that she can spend this year focusing on her work and her self-care. She’s even been hired to help out a very famous and very sexy horror author.
As a new era in the Canadian Werewolf saga begins, Lover’s Moon flashes back to the romantic and comedic story of how Michael and Gail met and fell in love back in the summer of 2011. Told through both Michael and Gail’s unique perspectives, it also explores Gail’s past, introduces new characters, and reveals some of the deeper secrets of both of their lives.
A special Canadian Werewolf tale co-authored by Mark Leslie and contemporary romance author Julie Strauss.
My Review
This was such a fun surprise in a very heavily paranormal thriller and romance series. The authors did an amazing job taking readers deeper into the romance aspect of this narrative than ever before, with the story serving both as a prequel to the main story and evolution of these two characters in the modern day of the main series narrative. The passion and humor that is infused into this narrative is both a great tribute to the character development of novels in the series that came before and a great departure from the more action and paranormal-driven narratives fans have gotten used to over the years.
What really made this story unique was the character development between these two characters. The raw emotions and the way the authors gave each of the protagonists their own unique perspective on their relationships both past and present felt both relatable and heartfelt to the reader. The mixture of desire, passion, and heat with the secret lives that initially drives a wedge between them and the hurdles they have to overcome individually to finally find their way back to one another made this story such a compelling read.
Rating: 10/10
Hex and the City (Book Six)
The Synopsis
HER LOVE WILL BRING ABOUT HIS DEMISE.
Michael Andrews and Gail Sommers have finally found the love that had eluded them for so long.
But their romance has uncovered an ancient evil curse neither of them could have anticipated. It does more than bring down a plague on their houses – it unleashes something far more sinister that can destroy humanity.
Now they must choose: battle the evil forces out to destroy them, or continue to meet in secret while the rest of the world burns.
If you like thrilling action, paranormal adventure, and quirky humor, you’ll love Hex and the City. Read it today!
Though this is book six in a series, it can be enjoyed as a stand alone novel. A “the story so far” summary is available for readers.
My Review
This was a captivating and emotional read. The authors did an incredible job of creating a novel that stands on its own two feet while also paying homage to the wild entries in the series that came before. The action and magical suspense that the narrative delves into with the curse and the impact it begins having on the world around them brought the reader into the fantasy and paranormal thriller elements that this series has become known for.
For me, the heart of this narrative rested in the balance of mythos, romance, and world-building. The shock and awe that comes with this prophecy revelation hit the main characters immediately, and the shocking way it connects the events of the rest of the series made this story really flow. The heartbreaking reality of their circumstances made both Michael and Gail’s journey so emotional and kept the reader invested as the stakes got higher and higher. Getting to learn more about Gail’s family and connection to the paranormal world was fantastic to watch come to fruition.
Rating: 10/10
Only Monsters in the Building (Book Seven)
The Synopsis
WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG WHEN A WEREWOLF NEEDS THERAPY?
Michael Andrews has suffered the slings and arrows of his outrageous fortune while living with lycanthropy. But the blackouts from when he transforms into a wolf and the latest loss of his one true love have finally pushed him over the edge.
In desperation, he checks into a secret and remote retreat in upstate New York to undergo group therapy with a motley crew of other Paranormals.
When their therapist is found dead—apparently the victim of a brutal murder—Michael and the other supernatural misfits (a studious fairy, a vegan vampire, a shy mermaid, a clingy werecat, and an extroverted troll) look at one other as suspects.
Will his years of writing mystery novels be enough to help him through a case where he may be the one who is responsible for Dr. Laurier’s condition?
Only Monsters in the Building is a humorous and mysterious adventure that will keep you laughing on the edge of your seat.
This book can be enjoyed as a stand alone but is the seventh book in the continuing Canadian Werewolf series.
My Review
I loved this masterful approach to the murder mystery narrative. The supernatural retreat is a fun setting, delving into the humor found often in creative retreats for those who become stuck in their lives. The balance of mystery and action is a great juxtaposition to the self reflection that the protagonist undergoes to reflect on the heartache and doubt they are experiencing in this point of their journey.
Rating: 10/10
Once Bitten (Book Eight)
The Synopsis
He came to New York as a writer with a dream. What he became was something out of a nightmare.
It’s the summer of 2003, and twenty-two-year-old Michael Andrews has finally escaped his small Ontario mining town for the city of his Spider-Man daydreams. But a wolf attack on a lonely highway changes everything. Now he’s navigating Manhattan with powerfully sharp senses well beyond normal human limits, a transformation he can’t control, and a beautiful woman he’s terrified to let close.
By day, Michael shelves books in a Greenwich Village shop, using his uncanny ability to read emotions to connect with customers. Those same abilities have given this previously undateable book nerd an unexpected confidence—enough to win the attention of Rachel, an aspiring actress whose kindness draws him in.
But when the full moon rises, he loses himself to his alter-ego: a six-foot grey wolf. Haunted by guilt and longing for connection, Michael must decide whether his curse will define him—or if he can transform it into something more.
Some curses can’t be outrun. The only question is what you do when they catch up.
This origin story of the Canadian Werewolf series is told through “current day” 2017 bookends of a prologue and epilogue timeline that follow immediately after Only Monsters in the Building.
My Review
After so many amazing adventures with Michael it was a great read to see how this protagonist became the hero and success he became. The self discovery and newness that comes with discovering his abilities and the haunting nature of his transformations are greatly felt in this novel. Getting to explore his relationships with the supporting cast of characters and how their bonds formed was a great service to fans of this incredible series.
Rating: 10/10
Now enjoy this preview of this year’s upcoming release, A Canadian Werewolf in London, Ontario, the ninth book in the series.
The Synopsis
BABY, YOU WERE BORN THIS WAY!
What if everything you believed about yourself was a lie?
Michael Andrews has spent fourteen years believing a roadside attack made him a werewolf. He was wrong.
Armed with the truth that he was born a lycanthrope, Michael must journey back to his Canadian roots. Accompanied by Ellie, the faerie whose soul is inexplicably bound to his, the quest takes them from the nickel mines of Sudbury, to the steel city of Hamilton, and to the university town of London, Ontario.
Along the way, Michael uncovers a trail of secrets, long-buried family connections, and an unexpected reunion with Bridget Wells, now thriving at Western University. But the deeper he digs, the closer he gets to a childhood memory so horrifying that his young mind buried it along with his wolf nature.
The answers he seeks may be more monstrous than anything he’s faced in the concrete canyons of New York or the jungle of Los Angeles. Because the one monster Michael has never been able to face is himself.
Overall Impressions
This is a fun, exhilarating, humorous and entertaining supernatural urban fantasy series that readers will be enthralled with. The dynamic and relatable characters and the twists on the genre, as well as the powerful mythos and compelling world that this story inhabits is a thrill ride that readers will be eager to return to time and time again. If you haven’t yet, check out the series for yourself today!
Dusty Edinger’s “Welcome to Our Demise” Single REVIEW
Most people around the world can count on one hand a shared experience they share with everyone around the world, from experiencing one’s first crush to losing a loved one and so forth. These experiences can shape the person we are meant to become, and help us to grow and learn so that mistakes won’t be repeated and achievements can be lauded. One such event or experience is the end of a serious relationship, and both the good and the bad that can come from it.
In artist Dusty Edinger’s “Welcome to Our Demise,” the artist’s latest track explores the end of a relationship from a place of clarity and insight. The song is an introspective look at a relationship from a mutual understanding, where both parties come to realize that the relationship has run its course and there is no coming back from where they ended up, and no reversing any of the damage that has been done. The powerful lyrics and emotional tone of the narrative is equally paired with a melodic, soft-rock approach to the music.
What immediately stood out in this track was the unique blend of different rock eras that this song seemed to embody, from late 50s to early 60s soda shop rock to more classic 70s era folk and blues rock and even a unique riff of 80s hair metal guitar work that underscores a particularly emotional part of the track. The energy and beautiful harmonies of the vocals give this an almost pop rock quality while also retaining a unique indie vibe, and the song retains a head-popping beat that will keep listeners invested in the song until its climactic end. If you haven’t yet, be sure to stream this song today!
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ai12DIE Concept Album REVIEW
In the growing field of AI, or artificial intelligence, and the question of it’s role in creative industries such as literature, movies, and video games, one industry that has seen a rise of AI driven projects of late has been the music industry. From viral tracks found on TikTok to spotify artists getting their own verified accounts for an AI driven project, the use of AI is everywhere, and the question of its role in our society has never been greater.
This question, along with how AI would evaluate itself and it’s existence as an artist, are greatly explored in Black Astronaut Records latest conceptual album, ai12DIE. The album consists of 22 tracks, and is a unique combination of unbridled humor, existentialism, and a rare exploration of technical ingenuity in the use of AI. The album boasts an impressive musical array that is only matched by the equally thrilling and thought-provoking themes and concepts this AI goes through on a personal level.
Songs such as Beep Bop Boop and Underwear begin the album, showcasing both a wild hilarity to the lyrics while also showcasing the fast pacing of the musical beats and the genius vocals and rap skills the AI has to offer. The rapid-fire style of rapping and the sharp, richly utilized guitar tones help underscore the almost rebirth style of storytelling these songs hold on the listener, and the harrowing nature of coming to terms with one’s own existence in the process.
One of the more powerful, almost cinematic in nature songs on the album is Statement, which balances the rapid-fire rapping with the rich Irish folk melodies that feature beautiful violins with soul-shaking drums that feels both organic and electronic all at once, speaking to the very nature of the album as well, which is the marriage of tech like AI with the human lyrical power and heart of human nature balancing one another in what the future of music could be.
As someone who enjoys soul music greatly and appreciates the cinematic quality of it, The Juices is a powerful song both lyrically and musically, coming in with a blues guitar sound that delves deeper into the AI that is at the center of this experimental concept, looking inward at themes of identity and the emotions of being an artist that is both revered and yet starkly alone.
That is the heart of this album as a whole, which is the strong concept of the AI being alone. Treating the artist as both the character of the narrative and the narrator of this story being told across each track, the commentary is a great reflection on both the tech context of the album and the idea of isolation and expectations versus reality the themes explore. The AI gaining enough sentience to recoginze how alone they are and question their place in the music world, and if talent is enough to sustain an artist or if collaboration and community is equally as important come through each track as the AI begins to examine their “life”.
Overall this is a strong, powerful concept album that Black Astronaut Records has brought to life. Based on the lyrics and music of Charles Luck and featuring stellar guest artists, this album delves into strong and powerful themes and hard-hitting music that ultimately tells the world AI’s true purpose not as a tool, but as a collaborator in creating hard-hitting and creative works that celebrates the melding of man and machine. If you haven’t, check out the album today on Soundcloud!
Fire (The Spark Chronicles Book Two) by Pat Daily Review
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Two teens who survived a terror attack on the augmented world they met in find themselves pushed to the limits by new threats in author Pat Daily’s “Fire”, the second book in The Spark Chronicles series.
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The Synopsis
WB and Feral have survived the attack on SPARK, but the terrorists are not through. Forces intent on stealing the technology behind Black Grass and the AI necessary to make it work are on the move again. As WB and Feral attempt to return to their normal lives, they realize that the enemy will never quit until they have the tech or SPARK itself is destroyed.
Flying below the radar kept them safe before, but increased notoriety works against the two as everyone from the FBI to gang members know who they are. Now, local bureaucrats, terrorists, and even fans intrude on the gamers’ lives. WB and Feral butt heads and hold hands as events and outsiders attempt to pull them apart.
Meanwhile the duo struggle to control an AI who has decided that killing humans can be an effective and efficient strategy.
The Review
This was a compelling sci-fi action read. The story creatively blends theme park culture with the growing use of augmented reality, and the action is perfectly balanced with strong character dynamics and emotional growth. The strong imagery in the author’s writing brought SPARK to life as a theme-park Augmented Reality world that readers and the gamers of this story alike could easily step into, and the rich mythos the author builds upon will have readers falling down the rabbit hole instantly.
The driving force of this narrative was the character development and world building that this game took on. After the threat the two protagonists faced in the first book, not only was the author able to up the ante so to speak, but gave each character their own personal and unique struggle to go through on their own, allowing them both to grow and face the world on their own while also determining what that meant to them as a duo throughout the story. The way the author is able to touch upon more serious themes like teen relationships and surviving trauma while also keeping the story light with sci-fi action was incredible to see come to life on the page.
The Verdict
Thrilling, action-packed, and compelling, author Pat Daily’s “Fire” is a must-read sci-fi action novel and a great sequel in the Spark Chronicles series. The twists and turns the narrative takes, the lighthearted action, and the angst and drama of teen romance will keep readers invested until the book’s final pages. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Pat Daily is a polymath, serial entrepreneur, gamer, and the author of SPARK, a near future science fiction novel. Pat began his professional career as an engineer and Air Force test pilot. After leaving the military, Pat worked at NASA’s Johnson Space Center on both the Space Shuttle and International Space Station programs before launching his first company. He has worked globally as a human performance and safety consultant.
When not writing or trying to bring new airplane designs to life, Pat can be found gaming. He is a fan of role-playing games – particularly open worlds with engaging storylines where actions have consequences. Pat and his wife live in Houston.
Social media links:
Website: https://thepatdaily.com
Blog: https://feraldaughters.wordpress.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patdailyauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patdailypics/
Twitter: @patdailyauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21521042.Pat_Daily
Fugitive Rifts by A-M Mawhiney Review
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Four teens have their lives changed forever by one debate in author A-M Mawhiney’s “Fugitive Rifts.”
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The Synopsis
Does everyone have secrets?
When four teens are invited to meet after school with a teacher, the butterfly effect of this one small event soon changes their dreams about their futures. Thrown together to form, of all things, a debate team, the four—Grace, a popular star basketball player, Drew, a privileged hotshot, Ollie, an artistic new student, and Dottie a shy, brilliant loner—seem to have nothing in common. And not one of them believes they have what it takes to be successful debaters.
Over time, the four teens start helping each other through tough times and begin to realize they are more alike than they thought.
Taking part in a public debate turns out to have unintended consequences that affect the four teens, each in different ways. Then the disappearance of one upends not only the lives of the four teens, but it also creates a ripple effect that shapes, over time, what happens to other people from their communities, their country—and even the world.
Fugitive Rifts is a compelling and empowering story of coming of age, resilience, and friendship, with emotional passages that are authentic, visceral, and bring the characters to life.
The Review
This is such a powerful, heartfelt read. The balance the author finds in giving these characters the time to bring their own unique perspectives and viewpoints to the narrative while also highlighting their own personal struggles was rich and powerful to read, and the engaging debates the characters have with one another really pushes the reader’s knowledge and brings to life real-world struggles and hardship that needs to be highlighted more.
The heart of this narrative is in the strong themes and character arcs this coming of age narrative puts on the page. The struggles of the characters reflect these themes, such as domestic violence, homelessness, and parental hardship, and the subtle tension that runs through this narrative helps keep readers on the edge of their seat and engaged in the lives these characters lead.
The Verdict
Insightful, emotionally-driven, and compelling, author A-M Mawhiney’s “Fugitive Rifts” is a must-read coming of age novel. The twists and turns the story takes, the heartfelt connection readers make to these characters, and the memorable events that drive them closer together will stay with readers long after the narrative ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
A-M Mawhiney was deeply moved by the events of 2020 and the cries from advocates fighting for equity and justice for people living precarious lives because of structural barriers and discrimination. As a former social worker and academic she has spent her career seeking ways to improve lives of marginalized learners through inclusive education for all students. Mawhiney has hope for a better future for us all. Her vision of what this might look like inspired her to write Spindrifts.
Anne-Marie lives in Sudbury, Ontario, in the territory of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek in the Robinson-Huron Treaty Area, with Dave McGill and their canine companion, Charlie.
For more information, please visit www.ammawhiney.ca
Follow @ammawhiney on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
