Month: February 2023

Eamon: Book 1 from Queen of the Flightless Dragons by Martha Carr Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A young woman running a taco truck discovers a world of magick and dragons and must fight interdimensional demonic entities to save the world in author Martha Carr’s upcoming Kickstarter novel, “Eamon: Book 1 from Queen of the Flightless Dragons”.

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The Synopsis

A girl in a taco truck who finds some dragons & fights interdimensional demons in Austin, Texas.

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The Review

This was a unique opportunity for me as a reviewer, as not only is this book not released yet, it’s not even available for preorder yet. The author has an upcoming Kickstarter starting for this book, and let me just say, readers, are not going to want to miss out on their opportunity to support this book.

This book had everything that fans of urban fantasy, sci-fi, and epic fantasy could ever ask for. Dark magic assassins, inter-dimensional prison systems, family drama, and of course dragons. The rich mythology and world-building that the author built was so fun to read, as the author honed in on this wonderful balance of real-world settings and daily life with out-of-this-world fantasy storytelling and classic tropes in the genre like the hidden world within the world. 

For me, the heart of this book rested in the character development the author had and the rich mythology that was developed. The wit and charm of protagonist Willow and the family history and drama with her grandfather and mother were great to get lost in, as were the politics and drama within the magic community such as magical “borrowers” and the distrust that exists within their world. These seemingly small yet powerful character traits and moments made the larger-than-life threats and forces that they faced more connected for readers to enjoy.

The Verdict

If Guardians of the Galaxy or Star Wars were to mesh with The Magicians and The Witcher, you would be left with “Eamon: Book 1 of the Flightless Dragons” by Martha Carr. The twists and turns in the narrative and open-ended ending will have readers eager for more from the author and this new fantasy series, and the blend of humor and dark gritty magical storytelling made this a compelling read, so be sure to sign up for the upcoming Kickstarter for this amazing book and help support a brand new fantasy series you won’t be able to put down. 

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I started writing at 30 years old with a newborn and a fresh divorce. I had tried everything the way my family wanted me to do it – and I saw where that got me. I was a successful stockbroker who dreaded every day of work. I just couldn’t picture myself still in that chair at 60. Well… Here I am at 63 and boy, am I glad I walked away.


Sure, the money was tight for a long time but when I look back at the past 33 years here’s what I see: Stringer for the Washington Post, national columnist with 4 million readers a month, contributor to almost every major news outlet, co-creator of the Oriceran Universe, author of best-selling UF series, The Leira Chronicles – and now a newbie on Kickstarter with a great book. Like I said, this book is for all of us who find the courage to just be ourselves on any given day and want to make the most of it. Over and over again. More adventures to follow.

https://marthacarr.com/

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/marthacarr/eamon-book-1-from-queen-of-the-flightless-dragons

Different: The Highly Sensitive Leadership Revolution by Heather Dominick-Kosmicki Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Heather Dominick-Kosmicki helps readers find the means of becoming an entrepreneur and leader in the business field while also balancing this part of themselves with the more sensitive aspect of their personality in the book “Different: The Highly Sensitive Leadership Revolution”.

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The Synopsis

Can you be highly sensitive AND highly successful?

For the highly sensitive person committed to entrepreneurial and life success, this little book holds the potential for big impact. Years of mentoring and real-time practical research have highlighted these secret concerns among highly sensitive people:

  • Why am I so different?
  • What’s wrong with me?
  • How do I keep from being found out?

And, at the heart of it all,

  • How can I be of service to others without drowning in overload and overwhelm?

Filled with ancient wisdom, practical applications, and personal stories from both Heather and members of the Business Miracles Community for Highly Sensitive Leaders, this book brings a fresh, empowered perspective to what it means to be highly sensitive. Embrace your difference—join the highly sensitive leadership revolution, and find success in your own business!

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The Review

This was one of the freshest and most relatable reads on the world of business and entrepreneurship that I’ve read in a long time. The author did a fantastic job of utilizing both personal stories, research, and the power of intuition to showcase the lessons that she learned in her time as a business leader herself. The way the author showcases how the COVID pandemic gave way to the rise of remote work and entrepreneurship as a whole and honed in on the isolation and uniqueness that sensitive people have was great to see come to life as a common theme in the book.

The heart of this book rested in the author’s ability to bridge the gap between business and energy work in the world. The way author was able to showcase that for too long readers have been taught to be cutthroat and closed off as a leader in the world of business, and the evolution that leadership has taken is shown in earnest within this book. The lessons and teachings that the author utilizes within the book help benefit the reader both in a professional and personal sense, making this a well-rounded read.

The Verdict

Captivating, informative, and engaging, author Heather Dominick-Kosmicki’s “Different: The Highly Sensitive Leadership Revolution” is a must-read book for business and self-help nonfiction readers everywhere. The blend of knowledge, understanding, and engaging writing will draw the reader in and the wealth of lessons to be learned here will help many aspiring entrepreneurs to find their path in life when struggling with the sensitivity that confounds so many of us. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Heather Dominick is both highly sensitive and highly successful. For more than a decade she has trained and mentored Highly Sensitive Entrepreneurs and leaders so they are able to work less while making more – impact and income. 

Interview with Author William Brinkman 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

1.     Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I used to live in Bolingbrook, IL and have a passion for writing about the village. Since 1998, I’ve maintained the Bolingbrook Babbler satirical blog where I publish fictional “news articles” that are a cross between the Weekly World News and the Onion. I contributed to the Demon: The Fallen role-playing game line, and even shared a credit with Chuck Wendig for our work on Saviors and Destroyers. In 2022, I finally published the first two Bolingbrook Babbler Stories books. They’re dramatic stories compared to the lighter tone of my web articles.

I’ve had a passion for writing fiction ever since I was in grade school, with a particular love for Science Fiction and Fantasy. I enjoy imagining new settings and creating vivid characters, but I also believe that characters are just as important as the setting. After all, if readers don’t care about the characters, they won’t feel invested in the story. For this reason, I strive to create characters that readers can connect with on an emotional level.

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2.     What inspired you to write your book?

My goal with A Fire in the Shadows was to create a bridge between the first book, Pathways to Bolingbrook, and the second book, The Rift. That’s why I labeled it Book 1.5. In Pathways, Miriam decided to become a vampire, and Sara joined the Bolingbrook Babbler as a reporter. In A Fire in the Shadows, Miriam is “reborn” as Lydia, but now she has a new set of problems to deal with. Meanwhile, Sara has become the editor of the Babbler, and this story provides more details about her role and the challenges she faces.

3.     What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

In addition to providing readers with a deeper understanding of the Babbler Stories setting, I hope they will come away with a greater empathy for neurodivergent individuals. Lydia is a compassionate and caring person, but in vampiric society, those traits make her a deviant. Humans, if they knew about vampires, would fear her and see her as a monster. It’s why she feels isolated and desperately alone. Through her story, I aim to shed light on the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals.

4.     What drew you into this particular genre?

Although I’m a believer in science-based skepticism, I enjoy exploring settings where supernatural creatures coexist with modern-day humans. My interest in Urban Fantasy grew out of the Goth Punk genre that I wrote in for many years. One thing I appreciate about Urban Fantasy is that it allows for a wide range of supernatural creatures, some of which may not be the traditional “monsters” we typically think of. In this genre, authors can also portray humans as terrifying monsters, adding an extra layer of complexity to the storytelling.

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5.     If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

I would choose to speak with Aurora, Lydia’s blood sister, and ask her why she became a vampire, despite knowing that it would make her cruel and uncaring. Was she a bully when she was a mortal, or did she associate kindness with weakness? The answer is the key to understand Aurora’s motivations.

6.     What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

It would be Facebook, because I spent years building an audience. Overall, I’d say my blog did the most to develop my readership.

7.     What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Every writer’s journey is unique, and what may have worked for one author may not work for another. That’s why it’s important to do your own research and not blindly follow any writer’s advice. Be like Bruce Lee: Use what works for you, and discard what doesn’t.

8.     What does the future hold in store for you? Are any new books/projects on the horizon?

I will release a collection of my web stories from 1998 to 2017. The working title is God to Smite Bolingbrook. It will be exclusively for my newsletter subscribers. Then I plan to resume writing the third Bolingbrook Babbler book. My goal is to release it by the end of 2023, or early 2024. I don’t have dates for books four and beyond, but I will write them. My goal is to make sure each book can be read as a standalone book. I’m a writer who can’t stand ending a book on cliffhangers. 

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About the Author

William Brinkman is the creator of the Bolingbrook Babbler web series and the author of the Bolingbrook Babbler Stories series.. He is currently a member of the Freethought Blogsnetwork and has been involved in secular advocacy over the years.

He’s also a former contributor to White Wolf’s Demon: The Fallen series. Additionally, William has also written science fiction works since grade school. As a student at the University of Iowa, William majored in journalism and took as many creative writing classes as his schedule allowed. After graduation, he served as an editor at two alternative publications. These experiences later helped him start the Babbler web series in 1998.

His work has been praised by Bolingbrook residents and within the atheist/skeptical community. William is probably one of the few critics of former Bolingbrook Mayor Roger Claar who didn’t get exiled to Florida.

William Brinkman: Urban Fantasy author and fiction blogger

Enigma Tracer by Charles V. Breakfield and Rox Burkey Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A small group goes undercover on a cruise to uncover the nefarious plot of a predatory CEO and thief in authors Charles V. Breakfield and Rox Burkey’s technothriller, “Enigma Tracer”.

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The Synopsis

The clock is ticking … can Gracie uncover the truth?

Phillip Pliant is the wealthy opportunist plastics dealer, and CEO of Pliant Industries. He’s also a master thief—creating a pervasive threat to the manufacturing infrastructure in the Caribbean islands markets. With the cartel as his stealth client, the naïve city leaders have been seduced, enabling the production of more than 3-dimentional building materials.

And set the stage for massive chaos and destruction.

Pliant has locked up contracts, assets, and control of any future expansion. His contacts and clients salivate over their probable financial reward—the expected profits are monstrous.

Is the R-Group, now led by Gracie and the family heirs, strong enough to win against this predator? Can JJ’s CATS (Cyber Assassin Technology Services) act on the root-cause analysis in time?

  • Will the R-Group and CATS sabotage Pliant’s plan before it’s too late?
  • Can Jeff and Keith use their covert skills to put the bad guys away for good?
  • Will Gracie be able to squash Pliant and the cartels?

Can the chain of islands survive the underhanded tactics and threats?

Gracie never considered their lives would hang in the balance between winning and losing. Will the devious plot be uncovered in time? The clock is ticking. Five … four … three …

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The Review

This was a fast-paced and enthralling technothriller. The authors managed to build an almost YA setting and tone to the writing, adding a new level of the genre to their growing series. While this book serves as the first in a brand new series, the story falls into the overall Enigma universe and while enough backstory is laid out for the reader to enjoy this book, an understanding of the first books in this world will allow the reader to really appreciate the stakes and history behind the protagonists’ role and backstory. 

The authors did a wonderful job of capturing the thrills of the genre while also balancing it out with rich character growth and the emotional roller coaster that the protagonists find themselves in while trying to maintain their own balance between their personal lives and their professional lives. The ruthlessness and cold nature of the villain made him someone readers will enjoy rooting against, while the heroic journey and evolution that Gracie especially goes on will serve as a great counterbalance to the villain’s journey. The drama and passion that develops for the characters romantically serve as a great foundation for the evolution of these characters in an International technothriller setting.

The Verdict

Astonishing, heart-pounding, and entertaining as ever, authors Charles Breakfield and Rox Burkey’s “Enigma Tracer” is a must-read technothriller that meets YA international mystery that readers are not going to want to put down. The blend of the previous novel’s mythos with the modern-day characters and the rich themes and character arcs will keep fans wanting more as this epic struggle and battle unfolds. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy today or grab your own copy on March 31st, 2023!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

 BREAKFIELD-Charles works as a data/telecom solution architect and supports digital security, blockchain solutions, and unified communications. He enjoys writing, studying World War II history, travel, and cultural exchanges. Charles’ love of wine tastings, cooking, and Harley riding often provides writing topics.

Much of his personality comes from his father who served in the military for 30 years and three wars. Charles grew up on multiple bases and different countries. The multi-cultural exposure helps him with the various character perspectives they bring to the series. His personal ambition is to continue to teach his co-author Burkey, humor.

BREAKFIELD AND BURKEY together build stories as fictional story writers. Storytelling is the best method to share excitement, thrills, and insights to today’s technology risks.

EnigmaSeries.com has information on their 12 books, 10 short stories, audio books, book trailers, and the upcoming Enigma Heirs. 

Look for our cozy mysteries/murders in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. 

Rox Burkey is a Customer Experience Specialist who works with businesses around the world. As a gifted speaker and accomplished listener, she bridges the chasm between business problems and technical solutions to optimize business productivity. She has written technology papers, white papers, but launches into high gear when plotting our next technothriller or short story. 

As a child, she led the other kids with her highly charged imagination generating new adventures with make believe characters. She is proud of being a Girl Scout until high school, and contributed to the community as a member of a Head Start program. Rox enjoys her family, learning, listening to people, travel, outdoor activities, sewing, cooking, and thinking about how to diversify the series. 

BREAKFIED AND BURKEY

We have traveled to many places around the world. These travels are pulled into stories that requires real knowledge of specific locals. We deliver well-rounded thrillers that include levels of humor, romance, intrigue, suspense, and mystery. 

We love to talk about their stories at private and public book readings or events. Burkey conducts podcast style interviews with a couple of author groups, and enjoys extracting the tidbits from authors, especially new ones. Her first interview was, wait for it, Breakfield. You can learn where they will be from the calendar on their website. 

EnigmaSeries.com has information on the Enigma Series, 12 books, 10 short stories, audio books, book trailers, and the newest series Enigma Heirs releasing in 2023. We have proudly earned multiple awards for our fictional creations. 

We are also part of the Underground Authors group writing cozy mysteries/murders in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. We are committed to providing an installment for Season 2 and Season 3 to accompany The Flower Enigma, released in Season 1.

Please enjoy snippets of our stories, book trailers, audible sections, CONTEST and get FREE stuff at www.EnigmaSeries.com.

The Box Must Be Empty: A Memoir of Complicated Grief, Spiritual Despair, and Ultimate Healing by Marilyn Kriete Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Marilyn Kriete shares the painstaking reality of grief and the danger of burying grief for too long in her book “The Box Must Be Empty: A Memoir of Complicated Grief, Spiritual Despair, and Ultimate Healing”.

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The Synopsis

What happens when buried grief rises two decades late, upending the life you’ve built on its coffin? When your old grief seems inappropriate, and your heart wrestles with grief upon grief as you move too many times and lose too many friendships? How do you recover from a devastated marriage, a crushed faith, and an endlessly broken heart? This is the crux of Marilyn Kriete’s crisis. After losing her first great love to cancer, she becomes a Christian, marries Henry, and joins him in a hectic worldwide ministry that leaves little room for personal reflection. When her old grief unexpectedly resurfaces, she’s shocked by the tsunami that rips through their lives. And when intensive counseling fails to bring healing and Henry pens a letter that decimates their churches and spins them out of the fellowship, her battered heart is tested beyond imagination. Exploring delayed and complicated grief in its many disguises—dashed dreams, disenchantment, family troubles, and the guilt of being a former faith leader, now grappling with depression and dismay—Marilyn candidly shares her long journey back to wholeness.

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The Review

This was an emotional and captivating memoir. The author does a really wonderful job of writing in a way that connects to readers who have experienced grief themselves or are survivors of an emotionally draining and complicated event themselves. The author’s story is compelling, touching upon some important themes of grief, loss, and the journey to come to terms with that grief. The imagery and tone the author strikes are both somber and yet hopeful all at once, crafting a memorable story that compels the readers to continue forward with the author as they experience this emotional weight. 

The balance the author found within the context of the book was great to see unfold. From the author’s personal experiences and emotional connections to her past to the impact her grief had on her family and those around her and the importance of faith in recovering from this grief was so profoundly felt. The way the author talks about letting this grief simmer under the surface is something so many people can relate to, as it becomes instinct for many people to hold onto the things that are upsetting or emotionally draining to them and bury them under the weight of life itself. While this may seem like such a powerful tool to help cope, the result is an explosive emotional wave that can consume us far more than the initial grief itself, and the author illustrates this perfectly.

The Verdict

Emotionally driven, captivating, and engaging, author Marilyn Kriete’s “The Box Must Be Empty” is a compelling and heartfelt memoir that paints a vivid picture of the grieving process and the impact unresolved grief can have on a person’s life and those around them. The raw emotions and moving journey the author showcases in her book will resonate with readers long after the book ends, so if you haven’t yet be sure to preorder your copy today or grab the book when it releases on April 4th, 2023! 

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Marilyn Kriete was born and raised in Edmonton, Canada, but she didn’t stay long. After a colorful life spanning four continents and 16 cities, earning her keep as cook, chambermaid, waitress, fisherwoman, missionary, speaker/teacher, tutor, and academic writing editor, Marilyn now lives in the beautiful Okanagan Valley in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, with her charitable husband Henry and three demanding cats. Their two grown children were adopted from Mumbai, India, and Athens, Georgia. Her poetry and nonfiction have appeared in The Lyric, Storyteller, The Eastern Iowa Review, The English Bay Review, and Brevity Blog. Her first memoir, Paradise Road, relates the runaway/hippie/bicycle touring odyssey that led to the next chapters of her unconventional story-and material for two more memoirs. Her debut memoir was also named the winner in the non-fiction adventure category of the Book Excellence Awards. The 15th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards named Paradise Road the winner in the Young Adult Non-Fiction category and a finalist for New Adult Non-Fiction. It was also a finalist for Book Cover Design-Non Fiction. Her nonfiction essay took First Prize in the 2022 Wine Country Writers Festival Writing Contest in British Columbia. Marilyn enjoys hiking, deep talks, word games, documentaries, and other people’s stories and reflections. You can follow her writing journey on MarilynKriete.com.

Light Come Out of the Closet (Memoir of a Gay Soul) by Roger Leslie, Ph.D. Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Author Roger Leslie, Ph.D., shares an inspiring and emotional memoir about a young man who discovers he is gay and goes on a journey to confront family and religious prejudices to find the loving and accepting God he learned about in an effort to understand himself in the book “Light Come Out of the Closet (Memoir of a Gay Soul)”.

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The Synopsis

When a joyful boy realizes he is gay, he fights against family and religious prejudices to reclaim the God of love he learned about in hopes of discovering what it means to be a gay soul.

Bookbaby.com helps independent authors bring their creative vision to the marketplace. Sell eBooks online in the biggest retail stores.

The Review

This was such a moving and heartfelt memoir. The author does an incredible job of capturing the emotional weight of living with a secret that for most would blow up their relationship with their family, as well as with their religion as well. The struggle living under the weight of knowledge that you are something “other” or different from those around you, especially when they are the people you love and care for most, is something so many people will be able to relate to, and the author does a wonderful job of balancing his personal experiences and in the moment thoughts with the overarching theme of self-acceptance and identity the author touches upon.

The author’s writing style was both inviting and thought-provoking, as the book not only touches upon the emotional weight of a gay man coming to terms with his family relationships and his relationship with God, but on the juxtaposition of the Christian faith is focused on love and forgiveness, and yet the oftentimes emotional disconnect that happens within families of faith. The way author uses wit and charm within the writing to help bring relatability to the book and yet infused a deep-seated emotional weight to the experiences that helped the author deal with his coming out and finding his faith once more. 

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Roger Leslie, Ph.D.’s “Light Come Out of the Closet” is a must-read memoir and LGBTQ+ nonfiction read. The relatability that readers will have with the author’s struggle between their identity and their faith and the struggles to be understood within a regimented family dynamic will resonate so clearly with the audience, and the emotional connection to the author’s story was so profound and moving to dive into. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy today and grab your copy when it releases on June 6th, 2023!

Rating: 10/10

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Killer with Black Blood (Killers Book Three) by J.L. Hill Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A man learns his friend and current mob boss is nearly assassinated, and he must return to New York City to help find the people responsible for the attempted hit and help his friend confront his depression all while also facing criminal charges for long-ago crimes in author J.L. Hill’s adult urban crime thriller, “Killer with Black Blood”, the third book in the author’s Killers series. 

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The Synopsis 

The third novel in the adult urban crime fiction Killer Series is Killer With Black Blood. Nicky ‘Nails’ Rocci is head of his Mafia family. He takes Sal, who has been institutionalized after he killed his father and mother, to see their mausoleum. Snipers kill Sal and critically wounds Nicky. MoJo gets the news and, on his way back to New York, recalls Nicky’s fake assassination that started an inter-family war. MoJo forces Nicky to confront his depression and together they will track down Nicky’s assailant. Adding to Nicky’s problems, Nathan surfaces in the hands of the FBI and Nicky goes on trial for the murder of the two detectives and Joseph Banoa in the Bella Rosa Massacre.

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The Review

This was yet another visceral yet compelling crime thriller from the author. The gritty tone and language of the characters really brought the reader to the imagery and feelings one often imagines when thinking about the rough and tumble settings of 1970s New York. The violence and cruel nature of the world the characters are immersed in are underscored by the life-and-death stakes of the jobs they take on and the emotional connection these characters not only form but are driven by in their quest for revenge and their own form of “mob justice”. 

As with the previous book I reviewed in this series, the book excels at really growing and developing the cast of characters. The sheer size of these crime families and the twisted battles they commence with one another are appreciated when the author hones in on the more subtle moments of interaction between Nicky and MoJo, as their bond, since childhood is both tested and grows in the face of the tragedies they’ve faced in life. No matter what paths their journey has taken them down, they always find their way back to one another in a brotherhood that knows no bounds.

The Verdict

Compelling, thoughtful, and engaging, author J.L. Hill’s “Killer with Black Blood” is a must-read urban crime thriller and a great entry into the author’s Killers series. The twists and turns this narrative takes, including an ending that felt very reminiscent of the Godfather part II meets the Sopranos, made this a rich and dynamic character-driven thriller that readers won’t want to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

A native New Yorker, born and raised in the Bronx, James L Hill spent his adolescence years in Fort Apache, the South Bronx 41st precinct during the 60’s, during a time when you needed to have a gang to go to the store. Raised on blues, soul, and rock and roll gave him the heart of a flower child. Educated by the turmoil of Vietnam, Civil Rights, and the Sexual Revolution produced a gladiator. Realizing the precariousness of life gave him an adventurous outlook and willingness to try anything once, and if it did not kill him, maybe twice. 12 years of Catholic education and a couple of years in college spread between wild drug induce euphoric years, which did not kill him, gave James an unique moral compass that swings in any direction it wants. A scientific mind and a spirit that believes nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough guides his writings. He enjoys traveling to new places and seeing what life has to offer. James began writing short stories and poetry back in his early years. In his twenties moved on to novels. He worked in the financial industry and later got a degree in computer programming, his other love. James has a successful career as a software engineer designing, developing and maintaining systems for the government and the private sector. He has been programming for nearly forty years in various languages. After years in the computer world he returned to his first love, unleashing the characters in his head. Still a hopeless insomniac, he feels free to pound out plots. James L Hill is a prolific storyteller writing crime stories, fantasies, and science fiction, with a slant on the dark side of life. The next step on his journey naturally led to the business of publishing. He started RockHill Publishing LLC not only to produce his own work, but to give others access to the literary world. His computer background and experiences in word processing gives him insight into what it takes to publish good books.

https://www.jlhill-books.com/index.html

Hut-Yo Cull: The Hunt Begins by Dee Rose Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

An earth-born man from the 80s joins a woman from an extinct race of bounty hunters to stop an armada of ruthless warriors led by two war-monger brothers and the god-like being who is hell-bent on preventing a prophecy that spells their doom in author Dee Rose’s “Hut-Yo Cull: The Hunt Begins”.

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The Synopsis

In the year 2345 on the planet Kazar, a young woman, Hut-Yo Cull, grows into adulthood and learns of her parent’s origins, which are a race of bounty Hunters, who were made extinct and enslaved by an intergalactic armada known as the Merciless. They are led by two brothers, Admiral Gloomis, and General Vrane. They only concern themselves with two things, a god-like creature known as MInister Milos, who also wants to rule the Universe, and a prophecy he created known as the Gunn Prophecy. In an effort to prevent the prophecy from occurring, General Gloomis travels to Earth in 1985 to stop the birth of the Jake Gunn, the prophecy’s namesake. This starts an adventure that spans to several planets throughout the universe and unites Jake, Hut-yo Cull, and their allies to do battle with the Merciless and Milos

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The Review

This was a profoundly entertaining and captivating sci-fi read. The author did an amazing job of world-building for this novel. The mythology and wealth of backstory built over the course of the novel made the universe feel so alive and vibrant on the page. This was doubly felt with the author’s use of imagery and heavy atmosphere that made these settings feel as massive and compelling as the cosmos truly is. 

Yet to me, it was the amazing balance of theme and character development that made this story shine. The themes played well into the character arcs of this story, as both protagonists find themselves on a mission of revenge and justice against this alien threat of the Merciless, and yet the story plays with the idea of how thin the line between destiny and revenge a hero’s journey can take and how our personal histories can often blur that line in life, just as it does for the protagonists here. The chemistry that forms between these two people as they face this cosmic threat was great to see come to life on the page.

The Verdict

With a haunting story, rich character growth, and an entertaining mythos to get lost in, author Dee Roses’s “Hut-Yo Cull: The Hunt Begins” is a must-read sci-fi epic you won’t be able to put down. The twists and turns in this narrative are not only plentiful but so shocking that by the book’s end, readers will be shocked and eager for the author to return to this universe immediately. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Dee Rose was born on July 5th and resides in Denver, CO, where he studied Political Science at Metropolitan State University. He has two children, Nadia and Nicole. He started writing when he entered a writing contest at William A. Wirt high school in Gary, IN. “My goal is to blow people’s minds.” He says. “But sound cool doing it.”

Cover Reveal: The Dragon Eater (Tharassas Cycle Book One) by J. Scott Coatsworth

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment
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The Dragon Eater - J. Scott Coatsworth

We have the cover reveal for J. Scott Coatsworth’s upcoming YA/Crossover Sci-Fantasy book The Dragon Eater, Tharassas Cycle book one. And there’s a giveaway!

Raven’s a thief who just swallowed a dragon. A small one, sure, but now his arms are growing scales, the local wildlife is acting up, and his snarky AI familiar is no help whatsoever.

Raven’s best friend Aik is a guardsman carrying a torch for the thief. A pickpocket and a guard? Never going to happen. And Aik’s ex-fiancé Silya, an initiate priestess in the midst of a magical crisis, hates Raven with the heat of a thousand suns.

This unlikely team must work together to face strange beasts, alien artifacts, and a world-altering threat. If they don’t figure out what to do soon, it might just be the end of everything.

Things are about to get messy.

About the Series:

The Tharassas Cycle is a four book sci-fantasy series set on the recently colonized world of Tharassas. When humans first arrived on planet, they thought they were alone until the hencha mind made itself known. But now a new threat has arisen to challenge both humankind and their new allies on this alien world.

Universal Buy Link

Giveaway

Scott is giving away a $20 book gift card with this reveal – your choice of Amazon, B&N, Kobo or Smashwords. Enter for a chance to win:

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Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47275/?

Excerpt

The Dragon Eater meme - J. Scott Coatsworth

Spin’s voice echoed in his ear. “This is a bad idea, boss.”

“Shush,” Raven whispered to his familiar.

He needed to concentrate. Cheek and jowl against the smooth cobblestones, he held his breath and prayed to the gods that no one had seen him duck under the sea master’s ornate carriage. The setting sun cast long shadows from a pair of boots so close to his face that the dust and leather made him want to sneeze. Their owner was deep in conversation with the sea master, the hem of her fine mur silk trousers barely visible. The two women’s voices were hushed, and he could only make out the occasional word.

Raven rubbed the old burn scar on his cheek absently, wishing they would go away.

“Seriously, boss. I’m not from this world, and even I know it’s a bad idea to steal from the sea master.”

Though only he could hear Spin’s voice, Raven wished the little silver ay-eye would just shut up.

The hencha cloth-wrapped package in the carriage above was calling to him. He’d wanted it since he’d first seen it through the open door. No, needed it. Like he needed air, even though he had no idea what was inside. He scratched the back of his hand hard to distract himself from its disturbing pull.

An inthym popped its head out of the sewer grate in front of him, sniffing the air. Raven glared at the little white rodent, willing it to go away. Instead, the cursed thing nibbled at his nose.

Raven sneezed, then covered his mouth. He held his breath, staring at the boots. Don’t let them hear me.

A shiny silver feeler poked out of his shirt pocket, emitting a golden glow that illuminated the cobblestones underneath him. “Boss, you all right?” Spin’s whisper had that sarcastic edge he often used when he was annoyed. “Your heart rate is elevated.”

“Be. Quiet.” Raven gritted his teeth. Spin had the worst sense of timing.

The woman — one of the guard, maybe? — and the sea master stepped away, their voices fading into the distance.

Raven said a quick prayer of thanks to Jor’Oss, the goddess of wild luck, and flicked the inthym back into the sewer. “Shoo!”

He popped his head out from under the carriage to take a quick look around. There was no one between him and the squat gray Sea Guild headquarters. It was time. Grab it and go.

He reached into the luxurious carriage — a host of mur beetles must have spent years spinning all the red silk that lined the interior — and snagged the package. He hoped it was the treasury payment for the week. If so, it should hold enough coin to feed an orphanage for a month, and he knew just the one. “Got it.”

“Good. Now get us out of here.”

A strange tingling surged through his hand. Raven frowned.

Must have pinched a nerve or something.

Ignoring it, he stuck the package under his arm, slipped around the carriage, and set off down Gullton’s main thoroughfare. He walked as casually as he could, hoping no one would notice the missing package until he was long gone.

“We clear?”

Spin’s feeler blinked red. “No. Run! They’ve seen you.”

Raven ran.

Author Bio

J. Scott Coatsworth

Scott lives with his husband Mark in a yellow bungalow in Sacramento. He was indoctrinated into fantasy and sci fi by his mother at the tender age of nine. He devoured her library, but as he grew up, he wondered where all the people like him were.

He decided that if there weren’t queer characters in his favorite genres, he would remake them to his own ends.

A Rainbow Award winning author, he runs Queer Sci Fi, QueeRomance Ink, and Other Worlds Ink with Mark, sites that celebrate fiction reflecting queer reality, and is the committee chair for the Indie Authors Committee at the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA).

Author Website: https://www.jscottcoatsworth.com

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