Month: July 2024

The Itch That Couldn’t Be Scratched by Jeff Senior 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 older couple witnesses a horrific incident, and goes down a rabbit hole that will shock everyone in author Jeff Senior’s “The Itch That Couldn’t Be Scratched”.

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The Synopsis

Ed and Jess are happy in retirement – that is, until their lives are forever changed when they witness a woman take her own life. Why did she do it? The police aren’t investigating and no one seems to care. But Ed and Jess do, and they’re determined to uncover the truth behind her tragic act.

Their investigation soon reveals a pandora’s box that includes war crimes, criminal conspiracies, police corruption and a pervasive need for justice left unfulfilled. Can this ordinary elderly couple succeed where officials refuse to tread? The deeper Ed digs, the more strain it puts on his marriage as Jess grows fearful of the dangers involved.

Yet despite tensions at home and sinister forces working against them, Ed persists, compelled by his conscience to see this through to the end. His good intentions pave an unpredictable path filled with chance encounters, family complications, and life-threatening risks.

Will Ed unravel the mystery in time or will his obsession bring disaster upon himself and those close to him? One thing’s for sure: he has no plans to stop until justice is served.

The Review

This was such a gripping and engaging mystery read. The harrowing experiences and heart-pounding thrills that this couple experiences are jaw-dropping, and the relatability of the protagonists instantly draws the reader in. The shocking inciting incident frames the whole tone of the narrative, and the perfect use of imagery in the author’s writing allows the reader to feel entrenched in this story.

The stand-out moments in this story were the rich character arcs and the powerful themes. The bond and love between Ed and Jess instantly draw the reader further into the book, while the antagonist that develops will have readers eager to see justice brought to light. Yet the theme of obsession versus justice plays perfectly in this book. The atmosphere that is developed speaks to the true crime fans and podcasters of the world, all of whom feel a need to see justice done while still getting in over their heads. 

The Verdict

Heartbreaking, thrilling, and entertaining, author Jeff Senior’s “The Itch That Couldn’t Be Scratched” is a must-read mystery novel. The shocking twists and turns that the story gets, the unique characters that populate this world, and the haunting ending will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I was born and still live in West Yorkshire, England, with my wife of over 52 years. We have two children and two grandchildren.

I spent most of my working life as a freelance writer, initially as a Technical Author in the IT industry and later writing magazine articles and website content. I’ve long had an ambition to write a novel but the need to pay off the mortgage and support my family meant I needed a more reliable source of income.

Now I’m past retirement age, I’ve at last been able to achieve my ambition. The result is my first published novel, “The Itch That Couldn’t Be Scratched”.

It’s a tale of obsession, of one man’s quest to seek justice for a woman he never knew and the effect on his relationship with his wife and family. It also explores how decisions we make, usually with the best of intentions, can have unforeseen and unfortunate consequences.

I’m currently working on my next book, a sequel to the first one. Whether this ever gets published may depend on how the first one goes.

https://www.jeffsenior.co.uk

Journey of Seven Circles by Russell Pike Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events, 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 powerful wizard must complete a monumental spell that could cost him his life in author Russell Pike’s “Journey of Seven Circles”.

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The Synopsis

In a world chained by ancient lies, one man holds the key to its salvation — at the cost of his own life.

Kryn Darien, a wizard of unparalleled ability, stands poised to unleash a spell of unimaginable magnitude, a desperate gambit to reshape the very fabric of existence. Centuries of preparation have honed his skills and forged tools of devastating arcane might. Yet, as the moment approaches, doubt gnaws at him.

Will his sacrifices, his relentless pursuit of power, prove futile in the face of such overwhelming odds?

Once a humble priest, Kryn never sought such profound responsibility. His aspirations were simple — to serve and protect those he held dear. But fate thrusts him into a maelstrom of war, treachery, and ancient mysteries that challenge his resolve. Every step forward demands a toll more exorbitant than he ever imagined.

Across treacherous battlefields and against foes wielding deadly magic, Kryn’s journey unveils a conspiracy older than memory itself.

Amidst adversaries wielding godlike powers, he must navigate a labyrinth of impossible choices.

Yet, his unwavering commitment to aid the helpless propels him ever forward, even as the cost escalates to encompass all he holds dear.

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The Review

The author did such an incredible job of world-building in this narrative. From the book’s first chapter, readers are already immersed in this story of intrigue and magic, giving readers a glimpse at the road the protagonist will travel. The world itself was very well developed, as readers were treated to a narrative perfectly laced with imagery in the author’s writing to bring these pivotal moments and this fantastic world to life.

The protagonist’s evolution throughout the many centuries of his life and the physical and emotional toll that his experiences take on him is something the reader feels greatly throughout this novel. The scale of the story captures the essence of a great epic fantasy, and the bond and emotional connection with Kryn’s brother Adro or the line of morality and philosophy that separates Kryn from the Seraphs and Andromia all showcase the tension and conflict that drives Kryn towards his ultimate destiny.

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The Verdict

Fantastic, heartfelt, and entertaining author Russell Pike’s “Journey of Seven Circles” is a must-read epic fantasy novel. The protagonist’s emotional and grandiose journey leaves the reader enthralled and moved by the scale and world-building the author poured into this narrative. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

A child of the eighties, my mother gave me a copy of Robert Jordan’s Eye of the World when I was twelve, thereby introducing me to the world of epic fantasy and dooming me to countless sublime hours sojourning in worlds other than my own.

Since that first fateful day I’ve also read Anne McCaffrey, Tad Williams, Brandon Sanderson, Jim Butcher, Steven Erikson, Frank Herbert, David Farland, and more. The trouble was, I loved reading so much I decided to try my hand at writing as well.

That in and of itself wasn’t a problem, at least not until I got hooked. I realized just how dire my situation was one fall evening when my family invited me over to watch a movie. Truth be told, I can’t even recall what the movie was, only that I didn’t especially like it. However, I distinctly remember an annoyed feeling as the credits rolled, not because I hadn’t liked the film, but because I could have edited half a chapter in the time I’d wasted.

That was, perhaps, one of the most chilling moments of my life, as I realized just how deep I’d been bitten by the writing bug. But there was nothing for it but to press on. So I set to work.

Over the next ten years, I gave up on TV, movies, and all too often sleep, wringing every hour of writing I could from my schedule. During that time, it was my pleasure to meet a host of fantastic writers, editors, and artists, including David Farland, whom it was my great privilege to work with. Of course, I’d be remiss not to thank my family, who were ever supportive while I climbed this peak.

When I’m not writing, I love a good camping hike (so long as there’s enough trees to hang my hammock). I also volunteer as a sled dog handler, and I have a long standing love affair with fast cars and lonely mountain roads.

Website: http://russellpikebooks.com

Twitter: @RPikeBooks

Instagram: @russellpikebooks

Amazon: http://amzn.to/3L92IQW

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214871606-journey-of-seven-circles

The Dark Mountain (The Rise of Penumbra Book 2) by Yona Katz 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 soldier’s faith is put to the test as a new recruit’s innocence makes him question their leader in author Yona Katz’s “The Dark Mountain”, the second book in The Rise of Penumbra series.

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The Synopsis

Hosheh, a banished Star, seeks sanctuary on Adama. The Dark Mountain has become his residence and the headquarters of his clandestine military group. The archenemy of the Stars has ambitious intentions to conquer his former home with the help of his devoted army of Adamians.

Kadmiel, Hosheh’s faithful aide and General of the Dark Army, diligently works toward realizing his master’s grandiose vision. Steadfast in his allegiance to the Dark Master, Kadmiel has earned Hosheh’s full trust.

Ranan, a fresh recruit in the Dark Army, catches Kadmiel off guard with his innocence. As Kadmiel battles the monsters of his past, Ranan’s purity unexpectedly begins to thaw the icy walls around Kadmiel’s heart.

However, appearances may be deceiving. The line between grappling with inner demons and becoming one is blurred. The beasts that were once buried deep down are now breaking free.

The Dark Mountain is the second book in the series The Rise of Penumbra.

This is a YA/NA dark fantasy adventure with no explicit content.

The Review

This was such a compelling and gripping sequel. The change in perspective for this series, following the humans being trained to fight the war with the star people, was a unique and fresh change of pace, giving readers a new look at the world of Adama. The author’s use of imagery in their writing style puts the fictional world into a creative frame of mind, transporting the reader into the heart of the Dark Mountain and more.

The chemistry between Kadmiel and Ranan was so engaging, as it showed how they both evolved and grew over time, and the bond they formed shaped the direction the story took overall. The mystery and intrigue that Kadmiel found himself in, especially towards the book finale and the partnership with Naomi, will add depth to the lore of this world, and the grim reality of the society that runs many of the Star People will put the human’s perspective in a whole new light.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and enthralling author Yona Katz’s “The Dark Mountain” is a must-read LGBTQ-driven fantasy and a promising sequel. The narrative’s twists and turns, some characters’ mysterious fates, and the return of some fan favorites from the first book will keep readers invested until the book’s final page, eager for the climactic conclusion of this trilogy. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

A citizen of the universe, Yona Katz is a financial director during the day. But as soon as the night falls, numbers and reports are chased away by the stories that live in the stars. One day, Yona has decided she is brave enough to share these stories with you.

Taking Time: A Tale of Physics, Lust and Greed by Mike Murphey 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 unlikely candidate for time travel pioneer finds himself thrust into the spotlight as both the military and corporate sides of the projects funding go to war with one another in author Mike Murphey’s “Taking Time”, the first book in the Physics, Lust and Greed series.

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The Synopsis

The year is 2044. Housed in a secret complex beneath the eastern Arizona desert, a consortium of governments and corporations have undertaken a program on the scale of the Manhattan Project to bludgeon the laws of physics into submission and make time travel a reality. Fraught with insecurities, Marshall Grissom has spent his whole life trying not to call attention to himself, so he can’t imagine he would be remotely suited for the role of time travel pioneer. He’s even less enthusiastic about this corporate time-travel adventure when he learns that nudity is a job requirement. The task would better match the talents of candidates like the smart and beautiful Sheila Schuler, or the bristle-tough and rattlesnake-mean Marta Hamilton. As the project evolves into a clash between science and corporate greed, conflicts escalate. Those contributing the funding are mostly interested in manipulating time travel for profit, and will stop at nothing, including murder, to achieve their goals.

The Review

I am a big fan of time travel sci-fi stories, and this one hits that genre perfectly. The rich character interactions and relationships brought humor and intrigue to this narrative, as did the engaging use of imagery in the author’s writing style. The vast world-building and atmosphere that the author created instantly make the reader feel immersed in the story.

The two things that made this story stand out the most are the technical aspects of the time travel elements and the themes of corporate greed and government oversight. Early on in the book, the use of time travel shows the characters merging with their past selves, giving a different take on the time travel story. Meanwhile, the exploration of how corporations and governments interact with one another, the drawback of greed taking hold, and how it impacts the work being done made this a thoughtful first entry into this series.

The Verdict

Memorable, thoughtful, and engaging author Michael Murphey’s “Taking Time” is a must-read sci-fi novel. The detail and incredible world the author created, along with the blend of humor and wit in the dialogue, helped push through the twists and turns this narrative needed and made for a brilliant first chapter in this series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Michael Murphey grew up in Eastern New Mexico, and spent nearly thirty years as a newspaper journalist in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest. Following his retirement from journalism in 1998, Murphey began his second career in baseball, where he is one of three partners in a company called Dave Henderson Baseball Adventures, which produces the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners fantasy camps as well as other adult amateur baseball events throughout the country. His life as an old man baseball player has also afforded him time in recent years to resume writing. He has been an avid lover of the written word all his life. He divides his time among Spokane, Washington, Phoenix, Arizona, and Fort Myers, Florida.

Interview with Author Richard Sherman

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

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

I am a professional photographer and former Navy Officer and Gulf War veteran.  I became interested in writing and photography during high school where I was editor of the school newspaper and won a small creative writing prize. I began college as a journalism major but shifted to International Relations and Economics at Lehigh University.  My dad had his own dark room when I was a young boy, so you can say photography has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.  My father was a Korean War veteran and so when I left for the Gulf War as a young Navy Officer, he didn’t give me any advice, but instead he gave me his Minolta camera and lenses. I captured a couple of shots on our way to the Persian Gulf that helped me understand the power of photography.

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What inspired you to write your book?

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The inspiration comes from a desire to say thank you to our fallen heroes from WWI and WWII.  Several years ago, I met a Ukrainian cab driver years ago in Vancouver who fought for the Red Army during WWII, and he told stories of the terrible atrocities of the Nazis and how cruelly they were treated by the Russians.  He said the Ukrainians were stunned when the American military came to help them fight on their own soil.  Some 60 years later, he was still grateful to the American GIs for their help and their generosity.

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

The key takeaway is that these were real people, and they deserve much more than to be remembered as a statistic in a history book. They were brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, husbands and wives, and they had real dreams and aspirations but sadly they never made it home.

What drew you into this particular genre?

Photography is a perfect language to express the complex mixture of emotions one feels when visiting any of our 23 overseas WWI and WWII cemeteries.  It is hard to articulate those emotions, but you can evoke those feelings in others by showing them a powerful image. Photographing Normandy American Cemetery for the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings was a very moving experience for me.

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

I am not certain, the book only recently came out so it is evolving.  My website, www.NeverHomeHeroes.com/index has gotten some decent traffic, and I think LinkedIn has been impactful because many veterans use it, and there are numerous companies and organizations that try to do right by the veteran.

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

After six years working on this book, it often seemed the road would never end.  But you will get there.  Life will try to derail you, but you just keep going. Trust your vision.

What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

Right now, it is all about getting these stories of our fallen heroes into as many people’s hands as possible.  I have hopes for another book, but that is a ways off.

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About the Author

When I was four or five years old, my Dad purchased Time-Life’s books on photography, bought a Minolta SLR camera and built a darkroom in our basement. Since that time, photography has been a part of my life.

I even remember the giant, heavy flash that ran on D-sized batteries and the smell of the leather case for his manual light meter. In my teens, Dad taught me the basics of photography on that Minolta. And today his photographs remain among our family’s most prized possessions. Though my father passed away a few years ago, I feel a special connection with him every time I pick up my camera bag.

I hope you enjoy the images here and that you find peace and tranquility in them. Perhaps your mind will drift to days gone by, or trips you have enjoyed with your family and friends; perhaps it will make you think about your next vacation. Thanks for visiting today, and please come back soon.

https://www.richardshermanphotography.com

https://www.neverhomeheroes.com/p/buy-the-book

Bon Echo and The Competition by Colette Bos 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 science competition leads a young woman to discover the secrets of her family and a means of protecting the world from grave threats in author Colette Bos’s “Bon Echo and the Competition”, the first in the series. 

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The Synopsis

Meet Maven, a young woman of rare brilliance and insatiable curiosity. She is a true original, and her unique perspective on the world around her makes her a captivating friend on this thrilling journey to uncover the world’s most elusive secrets. Join Maven as she re-reads her much-loved diary, recounting adventures with her fellowship, her newfound love, and her awesome feathered friend, a “Hybrid Owl Technology,” as she discovers ancient secrets about her family’s past and the true origins of her feathered friend. These secrets may be vital to protecting the planet from some of its greatest threats. All meet while competing in one of the world’s biggest high school science competitions. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a thrilling adventure story filled with captivating characters, mesmerizing natural settings, and an all-consuming romance that will leave you feeling like you’ve witnessed an extraordinary love. Follow us at “Bon Echo and The Competition,” an exciting science-based quest filled with surprising adventures, discoveries and true love.

The Review

The author’s powerful grasp on relationships and the impact those relationships have on our journey was fantastic to see come to life on the page. Readers are immediately enthralled with protagonist Maven and her connections with the supporting cast. The relatability of the tension between her and her brother and the camaraderie between her and her friends instantly draws the reader into the narrative.

The theme of climate change and the impact we as a civilization have on the climate was a powerful message to embody throughout this book. The use of journal entries to give a first-person perspective on the narrative was inspired, as it gave more insight into Maven as a protagonist. The concept of hidden histories and forgotten civilizations was engaging and left readers eager for more from this YA sci-fi novel. 

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, imaginative, and entertaining author Colette Bos’s “Bon Echo and The Competition” is a must-read YA Sci-Fi. The twists and turns in the narrative, the heartfelt romance that blooms between the protagonist and Thomas, and the world-building that kept the protagonist engaged with the adventurous path she found herself on made this a memorable story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Colette is a talented writer and web developer who has turned her passion for science fiction and environmental causes into a new creative writing direction. With a background in Geography, she has taken a more focused approach to exploring ecological themes in her work. Her debut book, “Bon Echo and The Competition,” the first in the Bon Echo Science Fiction series, is a captivating blend of science fiction and romance. Set in a world where environmental issues are at the forefront, Colette weaves a beautiful story of adventure and love that will captivate readers until the end. With her remarkable talent for storytelling, Colette is sure to leave a lasting impression on the science fiction genre.

Interview with Author Michael Harbron

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Interviews1 Comment

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


I grew up in northern England, near Hadrian’s Wall, similar to the Wall in “Game of Thrones.” As a child, I loved storytelling and using my imagination to captivate others. In my twenties, I moved to America, where I continued my creative pursuits in writing, mainly in music. I’ve always been fascinated by the supernatural. At ten years old, I begged my mom for “Fright Night” by Tom Holland. I loved being scared, but it was never the gore or slashers that interested me. “Poltergeist” remains my all-time favorite movie, and it inspired me to start writing.

2) What inspired you to write your book?

In 2018, my father committed suicide. I wasn’t able to comprehend it but I was fascinated by it. Although skeptical, I talked to a medium for fun upon a friend’s recommendation. She claimed my father communicated through her, urging me to resume storytelling. My father had died by walking in front of a train, an incident unknown to anyone else, and it happened 5,000 miles away. When the medium said my fathers proof was showing her train tracks, it reignited my fascination with the supernatural.

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


Horror is so much more than just shock value. The theme of “IWTD” was to develop characters in a way that allows readers to connect with them on a deeper level, without relying on simple scare tactics. It’s a story of love, isolation, greed, and, of course, horror. I believe everyone can relate to at least one character in the book.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?


I aim to write horror in a better way. I’m tired of going to the movies and seeing yet another exorcism movie that is rinse and repeat, followed the same formula, and inevitably received low ratings. No one is writing or producing great horror anymore, except perhaps people like M Night. I aim to blend the macabre of the 80s and drag it into the 21st century. I’m obsessed with plot twists, and those will always be a part of my stories.

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


I’d ask Shaun why he’s such an asshole haha. But really, I’d sit down with Lucifer. I asked myself the same question when I sat down to write the interview chapters. There’s small elements of Joe in myself, so it was easy to have a conversation with the Devil. All the questions I’ve ever wanted to ask a higher being, I asked him. My version of how the universe and Lucifer came to be is revealed in the book.

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


Facebook has been great in building awareness for the book and really helped me develop a following.

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


Consistency is key, and when you get writer’s block, write vertically.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

“Epoch,” the final chapter in my trilogy, is set to be released later this month or in August. I’m also expanding the Devil Universe. Everything I wanted to tell can’t be done within one trilogy. I also love reader feedback and reviews, good or bad. It’s inspired spin-offs to explore backstories further. One of the most enjoyable characters to write about is Lilly, who will be the focus of the next spin-off, “The Witch.” Additionally, I’ll delve deeper into Elias Tomlinson’s story from Chapter 12 in “Resurrection.”

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About the Author

Michael Harbron is an American fiction writer who brings a unique, yet traditional approach to the horror and supernatural genres. From a young age, Harbron was captivated by the eerie and unexplained, a fascination that has deeply influenced his writing. His works aim to unsettle readers through suspense and psychological depth, revisiting the shadowy corners of childhood fears. His debut novel, “Interview with the Devil,” exemplifies the blurred lines between reality and the unimaginable. Harbron’s storytelling resurrects dormant fears, proving that true horror lies not in what is seen, but in what is felt.

The Author Page