Good books don't give up all their secrets at once. – Stephen King
Author: authoranthonyavinablog
Anthony Avina, (Born March 1990), is an author, a journalist, and a blogger. Born in Southern California, he has battled through injuries, disabilities, moves back and forth across the country, and more, yet still maintains a creative voice that he hopes to use not only to entertain but to inspire hope in even the darkest situations.
He writes short stories and novels in several genres, and is also a seasoned journalist for the online magazine, On Request Magazine, as well as the popular site TheGamer. Having grown up reading the books of Dean Koontz and Stephen King, they inspired him to write new and exciting stories that delved into the minds of richly developed characters. He constantly tries to write stories that have never been told before, and to paint a picture in your mind while you are reading the book, as if you could see every scene of the book as if it were a movie you were watching. His stories will get your imaginations working, and will also show that in spite of the most despairing and horrific situations, hope is never out of reach. He am always writing, and so there will never be a shortage of new stories for your reading pleasure.
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A series of mysterious deaths brings a young journalist and the local sheriff of a small town together in author Lai Holmes’s “The Murder at Whispering Pines.”
Advertisements
The Synopsis
The charming town of Whispering Pines holds more than nostalgia for Joanna Gaines. Inheriting her aunt’s bookshop brings her face-to-face with the past, while leaving behind her hard-earned present. After a sudden death occurs in the town shortly after she arrives, Joanna can’t resist putting her journalism skills to work. Alongside her childhood crush, she is determined to find the truth, even if it means biting off more then she can chew. Together, they uncover the town’s carefully kept secrets. As time ticks down, Joanna must confront the mysteries of the town—and her future. Will her courage and inquisitive mind be enough to uncover the truth and protect their town?
The Review
A truly compelling and engaging novella, the author perfectly captures the cozy mystery and suspense thriller genres with a hint of magical realism. The atmosphere the author manages to create and the tension as the mystery unfolds allow the reader to feel transported into this small town, and the inclusion of a romantic twist into the narrative gives the stakes of this mystery more gravitas.
The story’s fast pace and rich character development made it a memorable read. The closeness that formed between the protagonist and the supporting cast, especially the local sheriff, was palpable and thoughtfully written. This allowed the characters a well-rounded and relatable journey as they tackle loss, family, and finding purpose in life.
The Verdict
Memorable, entertaining, and thoughtfully crafted, author Lai Holmes’s “The Murder at Whispering Pines” is a must-read cozy mystery meets suspense thriller. The twists and turns and the hint at a deeper mythology of this town’s history will make readers eager for more stories about the small town of Whispering Pines. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Twins Tyler and Tess must navigate perilous worlds within 12 mazes and stop a wicked queen and a nefarious wizard before finding a way home in the novels “The Magic Maze Trilogy” by authors Samuel Warren Joseph and Phil Proctor.
Advertisements
The Synopsis
THE MAGIC MAZE TRILOGY is about eleven-year old fraternal twins, Tyler and Tess Porter, who accidentally get sucked up into the bizarre world of the Magic Maze. Geared to appeal to children from seven to thirteen and older fantasy fans as well, the story propels the twins into an “Alice in Wonderland/Wizard of Oz” world. In order to return home, they must get through twelve separate parts of the maze. Each is its own world with strange rules, riddles and puzzles that the twins must solve using their wits, knowledge and athletic prowess. Tyler and Tess learn how much they mean to each other as they evade the evil QUEEN ZEBRA and her ZENTAURIAN GUARD of two-faced POLINERDS, and a duplicitous wizard, SIMON PERCIVAL. They form alliances with the rebel TRIDGETS (tiny trolls with Mohawk hairdos) led by the feisty BELKIN, and an assortment of other bizarre and funny characters. At the end, they must track down and put back together three parts of a MAGIC AMULET before they can be finally transported home, safe and sound.
The Review
What a powerful and memorable trilogy of middle-grade, fantasy-driven novels. Each novel’s pacing was superb, instantly capturing the reader’s attention with magic and action while delivering relatable, engaging character development from the two protagonists. The world-building and mythology the authors brought to life in these books were a unique blend of magical realism and sword and sorcery style fantasy storytelling, complete with magical beings such as the Tridgets and an evil queen who pits a full-blown rebellion against her nefarious ways.
At the heart of this story is the bond and understanding each of the two protagonists holds for one another. The series starts with Tess and Tyler on opposite ends of the spectrum from one another. Yet as the series progresses, their shared bond and ability to see one another instill a sense of understanding and connection between the reader and the characters. The imagery and atmosphere of each book create a sense of wonder and awe that draws younger readers into the magic of that world, and the variety in the different mazes and worlds shows the creativity and depth of world-building that the authors brought to this series.
The Verdict
A story of magic, adventure, and family, authors Samuel Warren Joseph and Phil Proctor’s “The Magic Maze Trilogy” is a must-read children’s and middle grade fantasy read. The twists and turns this series takes, and the open-ended nature of the final chapter of this trilogy, will stay with readers. As someone with a close bond with his sister, I find this book an excellent way of bringing siblings together and showing the importance of that bond in a magical way. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Advertisements
About the Authors
Samuel Warren Joseph – is a writer whose credits include DuckTales, Batman, Beast Wars, and the film Off Your Rocker. His plays and musicals, including Window of Opportunity, Campaign, and God Help Us!, have earned critical acclaim. He co-authored Ed Asner’s autobiography and teaches college English and Creative Writing.
Phil Proctor – is a founding member of the Grammy-nominated Firesign Theatre and a veteran actor with voice credits in Rugrats, Assassin’s Creed, Dr. Dolittle, and Pixar films. He has performed on stage, screen, and in video games, earning numerous theater awards. Phil co-wrote the political comedy God Help Us! and several books, including his autobiography Where’s My Fortune Cookie?
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
Born and raised in China, I moved to Canada after earning a degree in banking and finance and later a Master’s in Agricultural Economics. My love for storytelling ignited during China’s Cultural Revolution, when my father, a targeted professor, secretly shared banned stories by candlelight during power outages, sparking my lifelong interest in reviving those tales. Facing childhood bullying, I used storytelling as a shield, sharing these stories and folk tales with classmates for protection. My writing received early recognition in elementary school when my diary was used as school-wide reading material, and I further honed my performance skills by joining the school storytelling team in Grade 4. I began writing poetry in college.
After living in Canada for sixteen years, I decided to write my family stories into novels. I immersed myself in writing courses and voracious reading. My first English piece was published by PRISM International in 2012. Since then, my poems, prose, and short stories in both English and Chinese have appeared across North America, England, and Taiwan, earning six literary awards and finalist nominations for five others. My debut novel, “The House Filler,” published in Canada in 2023, was a finalist for the 2023 Eyelands Book Awards and the 2024 Canadian Book Club Awards for fiction. It also won the 2024 Independent Press Award for new fiction, the National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) Award for Literary Fiction, and second place for the BookFest Award in literary-historical fiction.
Advertisements
What inspired you to write your book?
My books are all inspired by the stories of my family and my own life experiences.
What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
What happened in early 20th-century China is still relevant today—wars, totalitarian regimes, poverty, and the ongoing issue of gender inequality in many parts of the world. As a species, we haven’t advanced as much as we might think. People need to be aware that freedom is never truly free; it can be taken away in an instant if we’re not vigilant.
I also want my readers to consider this question: Are humans inherently cruel, merely pretending to be civilized until circumstances like war strip away our veneer? Or are we fundamentally kind, with war turning us into beasts? I believe that without consequences, humans are capable of committing atrocities against one another. While some readers have cried while reading the book and even warned others to have tissues ready, I hope they do not only feel sadness. Instead, I want them to be inspired by the resilience of the human spirit and to recognize that we are stronger than we realize. As long as we are alive, there is hope.
What drew you into this particular genre?
The House Filler is based on my grandmother’s story and covers the time span between 1920 and 1966, making it historical fiction.
If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
it would be my grandmother. The character of Golden Phoenix is based on her life story, and I would ask her for more details to enrich the narrative further.
Advertisements
What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
It is WeChat groups for me.
What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
To succeed as a writer: first, be driven by passion, as financial rewards are often delayed. Second, be prepared for years of hard work and long hours, fueled by your love for writing. Third, dedicate yourself to continuous learning by taking courses, reading craft books, and, most importantly, reading widely to learn from others and identify pitfalls. Cultivate humility by being open to feedback; multiple people pointing out an issue likely means it needs revision. Finally, perseverance is crucial. Writing is a long journey, so never give up, even when facing significant time investments and rejections.
What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
My next book, inspired by my parents’ lives, will also be historical fiction. The third book is based on my own story; it is character-driven and reflects my love of poetry and language, making it a work of literary fiction.
Advertisements
About the Author
Born and raised in China, Tong Ge moved to Canada in the late 1980s as an international student, earning a Master of Science degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1992. Since 2012, she has written under both her real name and the pen name Tong Ge, publishing poetry, prose, and short stories in English and Chinese across North America, England, and Taiwan. A recipient of four literary awards and a finalist for five others. Her debut novel, “The House Filler,” was published in Canada in 2023. It is a finalist for the 2023 Eyelands Book Awards and the 2024 Canadian Book Club Awards for fiction and won the 2024 Independent Press Award for new fiction and National Association of Independent Writers and Editors (NAIWE) Award for Literary Fiction.
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
Writing is probably the only thing I’ve done my whole life. The first story I ever wrote (according to my parents) was when I was four and it was a horror story about the monster in the closet. And while I don’t think that original story will ever see the light of day, I haven’t stopped writing since then.
Advertisements
2) What inspired you to write your book?
My novel The New Empire is an alternate history, and it asks the question: What if the Chinese Empire sent ships to the Americas much earlier than the Europeans – how would it have reshaped the world? My inspiration actually came from an article I read many years ago that said there was some archeological evidence that this might have happened, and that Chinese ships, which were the most technologically advanced at the time, could have landed on the West Coast of South America. It sparked my imagination, and the story took off from there.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
I feel that most books, no matter the genre, do have some commentary that is relevant to modern readers. So, while my book is set in the past, there are a lot of themes that are important to what’s happening in the world today. There’s the struggle between the haves and the have-nots, the many injustices of the power system, and the duality most of us feel in today’s global world. My main character happens to be trapped in between a number of worlds, and I think that’s something a lot of people today can identify with.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
I’m a history buff – I studied African history and classical literature in university, but long before that, you could have found me in the depths of a library as a child with my nose in a book. What’s come before now is fascinating to me—how our present has been built, layer by layer, upon the events of the past. There’s the old adage, “Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it.” Well, I feel that we will always be doomed in such a way when there are people in power who don’t take their lessons from human history. Since I’m not a politician, all I can do is open up the door to the past (and the imagined past) with my words.
Advertisements
5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
I think I would sit down with Onas, the slaveowner who’s at the center of so much that happens in my novel. But I don’t know if I would ask him any questions. I would wait and let him to reveal his wisdom to me, and he would probably do so through the stories and legends of the past from the Amah Mutsun and Onödowáʼga peoples.
6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
I’m on several social media platforms, but I have to say two of the most helpful have been Medium.com and Vocal.media. Both are blogging platforms where you can share your writing and interact directly with readers, and I enjoy getting that personalized feedback and talking to others who love to read.
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
There’s so much advice out there, and some of it’s very specific and some of it’s very general. But the problem as a new writer is getting bogged down in advice and not actually doing any writing! So, what I like to say is: ignore all the advice. Just sit down and write the story you want to tell. After you write “The End” is when you should open up all the advice books and start editing and looking for a publisher or agent. The most important thing is getting the words on the page.
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
Last year, I just finished a project called “Author Versus AI.” Essentially, I was setting out to write a book a week for a year, using NO AI at all – just to show a human author can write almost as fast as a computer, but hopefully much better. I didn’t quite reach my goal of 52 books, but ended up with 34. However, as you probably know, a first draft is not a final draft. Right now, I’m going through all the books and editing them, which will probably keep me occupied for the next year or more!
Advertisements
About the Author
Alison McBain’s novels are the recipients of over 13 awards, including the Foreword INDIES. Her latest novella Dual was longlisted for the 3-Day Novel Contest. When not writing for herself, she’s a ghostwriter who has penned over two dozen books for clients, as well as an award-winning editor who has worked with both celebrity and NY Times-bestselling authors. She’s currently pursuing a project called “Author Versus AI,” where she’s writing a book a week over the course of a year, using NO AI at all (52 books total). When not writing, Ms. McBain is associate editor for the magazine ScribesMICRO and draws all over the walls of her house with the enthusiastic help of her kids. She lives in Alberta, Canada.
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I was born and raised on a Saskatchewan farm. I am a retired Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer having served for 25 years. As a result of my service, I ended up with PTSD and struggled with that until my family and I were able to manage my behaviours. I was not a nice person to live with. I lost my mom to cancer in 2007 and my dear wife to cancer in 2021. Battling the grief that goes with losing someone so important to your mental health and well-being has been an on goi ng challenge.
I got into writing as a result of some encouragement by a colleague that I went through the RCMP training with. He had written a book that was the cumulation of motivational messages he sent to his children on a daily basis. He saw that I had been writing articles on mentoring and posting them to a blog site. That was the beginning of my writing career.
Advertisements
2) What inspired you to write your book?
Having first hand experience in being exposed to and dealing with my own grief and the grief of others was a calling that I had to help others on their healing journey and to help myself at the same time. I had numerous people reach out to me to provide them with the tools they needed to help with their healing journey. It was from those interactions that I saw writing as therapeutic and a way to increase my knowledge as a grief mentor.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
The most important message is that it is okay to cry and express your emotions as part of your healing. It is okay to reach out and ask for help. This was a natural fit for who I am and what I am.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
My calling is that of a healer. I need a sense of purpose and that purpose must fuel my ability to heal myself and others.
5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
The site that has been the most helpful has been LinkedIn. When I share my content it is always LinkedIn, FaceBook and what we use to know as Twitter. Through all of this though LinkedIn has been my go-to site to reach my followers.
6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Stay focused and committed. Allocate time for writing on a daily basis. Take time for you and for your writing. Know the audience that you are reaching out to. Your writing needs to fill your sense of purpose.
Advertisements
About the Author
Doug Lawrence is the founder of TalentC® and is focused on all things mentoring as a solution provider. Doug Lawrence is an International Certified Mentor and holds two Mentor Certifications; Certificate of Practice – Mentor and the Certificate of Practice – Journey Mentor from the International Mentoring Community. Doug is the only one to hold the Certificate of Practice – Journey Mentor in the world today.
He has over 30 years of mentoring and leadership experience and is recognized as a thought leader in the mentoring space. Doug authored the book entitled, “The Gift of Mentoring” and his second book entitled, “You Are Not Alone” became an Amazon #1 Best Seller in North America and the UK and is a Bronze medal recipient in the Global Book Awards. Doug is an International Best – Selling Author.
Doug’s Practice of Mentoring continues to grow and has resulted in his accumulation of 3,400 hours of mentoring (in person and virtual), 235 hours of speaking opportunities and 672 hours teaching others how to effectively mentor. Doug has been the guest on approximately 150 podcasts in the past year on the topics of mentoring, mental health and grief.
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
Breakfield and Burkey, as a team, bring a unique blend of expertise and personal interests to their writing. As the Enigma Series’ CTO, Breakfield leverages his decades of technology expertise to bring innovative technothriller elements into storytelling. His deep knowledge of World War II history, extensive world travel, and cultural exchanges provide multidimensionality to the people, places, and journeys readers discover in the stories. Beyond writing, Charles enjoys wine tasting, winemaking, Harley riding, cooking new recipes and extravaganzas, and woodworking, which adds a personal touch to his work.
Burkey, Enigma Series’ COO, uses her extensive professional knowledge to optimize technology and business investments, influencing character experiences and situations within the stories. Readers can discover the distinctive characteristics of people she has met woven into contemporary situations between the covers. Rox treasures her family, puppies, and friends. She loves reading and reviewing books, plus traveling whenever possible. One of her most cherished activities is meeting readers at various events, especially book clubs. Reader interactions are gratifying.
Rox Burkey is the catalyst for the series. She got us into writing nonfiction for Auerbach back in 2010. When we found that technical writing was outdated before it hit the shelves, she postulated doing techno-thrillers. We then branched off into cozy mysteries and continued exploring other genres. Since 2012, we have co-authored twelve novels in the Enigma Series, three in the Enigma Heirs trilogy, three in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicle series, and gobs of short stories.
Advertisements
2) What inspired you to write your book?
We want to understand the current events impacting our world today, so we research. Then we introduce new or existing characters to tell the tale. Our characters often tell us how or where the storyline needs to go. We oblige them. Enigma Tracer, book 1 of the Enigma Heirs Trilogy, began the journey with our ecological gangster, Phillip. He required an infrastructure of support for his dastardly deeds. Who better to trust than family, especially two step brothers trained at a young age by their corrupt father? Each son born of a different mother grew up in various locales to fulfill their father’s dream of a worldwide family consortium. Using this as the foundation, adding the problems in stopping drugs, human trafficking, and cryptocurrency, the rest came together.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
Our world sadly contains digital pirates and bad actors from the Darknet. We have cyber good guys who step up to defeat them. Cyber-attacks we write about are real. Our cyber heroes are positioned to take down the bad guys. Realize cyber heroes also need your help, so we recommend you exercise caution when answering odd-sounding emails. Don’t rush to click on a link to fix a problem with your bank or overreact to a demand to pay the back taxes to the IRS by calling the all-too-convenient phone number provided in a text on your cell phone. It only takes one win by a con to keep them interested in the game. Ruining your day is a rush for a cybercriminal.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
The rule touted is write what you know. For Breakfield and Burkey, long-time techno-geeks, we are using our professional careers of working for technology manufacturers, doing technical consulting, and performing security roles. After several technical articles and two non-fiction books, Burkey showed up one day using the four most terrifying words in her vocabulary: I have an idea. She postulated we might have a winning combination if we wrote fictional thrillers with real technology baked inside. Breakfield ultimately agreed when she added, “Just think, we can kill annoying characters and not go to jail.” We enjoy writing thrillers, suspense, and cozy mysteries because we leverage today’s technology. We have an unending supply of cybercrimes to use as realistic and relevant story plots.
5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
This is a tricky question. Wow. The one enduring character that is in all our tech thrillers is ICABOD, our AI-enhanced supercomputer. He helped our cyber good guys of the R-Group bring to justice bad guys throughout the series. ICABOD has evolved, gaining additional capabilities from text responses to speech to even wanting to understand humor. ICABOD has allowed us to reflect on the evolution of technology and how current AI could enhance or impact our world.
Advertisements
6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
We have several social media sites. No platform can do everything for everyone because of the fickle nature of people we want as fans. However, our YouTube SM has been getting great traction and viewer feedback for the videos we create. Charles has found interesting ways to tap into the great reviews we receive and comparisons to other books people enjoy in the marketplace. We invite your readers to follow us and comment. https://www.youtube.com/@TheEnigmaSeries/
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Keep practicing and get someone other than family or friends to review your work. Hooking up with a critique group or partner is also a good way to get honest feedback to continually improve your writing, whether fiction or non-fiction. We also recommend networking with other authors as a great way to get ideas on marketing your creations.
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
Our efforts at building AI-generated videos are instrumental in getting us to rethink how to use AI in our marketing efforts. But in full disclosure mode here, we do not use AI to write stories for us. Breakfield and Burkey want the satisfaction of honestly saying we wrote this. We are building new cozy mysteries, new thrillers, and even some Sci-Fi stories that we will launch later this year and into the following year. To keep an eye on our horizon, please go to our website https://EnigmaSeries.com/ and sign up for our newsletter to stay in the know.
Advertisements
About the Authors
Breakfield & Burkey, professional technology experts, have series and standalone stories available, with more planned. Find sample chapters, author interviews, scheduled events, reviews, Q&A, and book trailers at https://www.EnigmaSeries.com. Using their knowledge of technology, they weave compelling, relevant contemporary stories filled with TechnoThriller suspense, romance, humor, travel, and intrigue. They also ventured into writing cozy mysteries with the Underground Authors in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. Reach out directly to
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
In author Karen Chase’s ” Two Tales: Jamali Kamali and ZundelState,” two tales, one from the past and one from the future, showcase a love born of outsiders and the connections we share together.
Advertisements
The Synopsis
These two stories explore love and beauty in the context of fear and threats. Jamali Kamali is a book-length poem about two men who lived in 16th century India. Little about them is known but they are buried together in a small tomb in Delhi. For hundreds of years, the story that these men were lovers has been passed down through the generations. Jamali Kamali is a fictional account of their love, longing, separation, and death. ZundelState, a novella in verse, takes place a thousand years in the future in a repressive land where history is banned, and dreaming has vanished. Joe, a lover of history, is rebellious and secretive. Marianna is a model worker for the State where she works in the HistoryShit Apparatchik Division. They fall in love against all odds. These two tales of outsiders, one from the distant past and the other from the far-off future, echo and reflect upon each other in surprising ways.
The Review
This was such a wildly creative and emotional read. The author did an incredible job of finding just the right balance between lyrical writing styles and engaging storytelling, with each story giving readers an emotional depth that instantly draws them in. The writing style was perfectly captured in the beautiful imagery capturing each scene between the two characters, from moonlit encounters between one another to the sounds of wildlife beckoning from the surrounding forest and so much more, and each verse touched upon the heartfelt connection not only between the characters, but the reader and the characters themselves.
The second story in this collection draws parallels between itself and the first story, while owning its own unique creative take on the genre. The exploration of what happens when public life is the rule of law and private individuality is oppressed felt very relevant to many of the issues facing our world. The themes of social conformity and oppression were intertwined beautifully with the character’s love story.
The Verdict
Author Karen Chase’s “Two Tales: Jamali Kamali and ZundelState” is a passionate, heartfelt, and engaging read. It is a unique yet memorable story that is a must-read today. The inclusivity and raw beauty of the author’s poetry and storytelling will stay with readers long after the final tale ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Advertisements
About the Author
Karen Chase is the author of two collections of poems, Kazimierz Square and BEAR, as well as Jamali-Kamali: A Tale of Passion in Mughal India, a book-length homoerotic poem, published in India in 2011. Her award-winning book, Land of Stone, tells the story of her work with a silent young man in a psychiatric hospital where she was the hospital poet.
In her memoir Polio Boulevard, Chase brings the reader back to the polio outbreak of the 1950s that crippled our country. In her lively sickbed she experiences puppy love, applies to the Barbizon School of Modeling, and dreams of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The Larooco Log: FDR on the Houseboat, a project that grew directly out of her memoir, follows Franklin Delano Roosevelt during a Florida winter when he lived on a houseboat, attempting to regain use of his paralyzed legs. History Is Embarrassing, her collection of essays, was published in 2024, and Two Tales: Jamali Kamali and ZundelState, in 2025.
Karen Chase’s poems, stories and essays have appeared in The New Yorker, The New Republic, The Gettysburg Review and Southwest Review, among others. Her poems have been anthologized in The Norton Introduction to Poetry, Andrei Codrescu’s An Exquisite Corpse Reader, and Billy Collins’ Poetry 180. Chase and her husband, the painter Paul Graubard, live in Western Massachusetts.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
My writing journey began with penning a fictionalized account of my experience with and recovery from anorexia as a young adult. The process of creating that series catapulted me into the world of writing and publishing and I quickly jumped into my first love, the fantasy genre.
Advertisements
What inspired you to write your book?
I was inspired to write To be a Fae Queen after seeing an invitation to submit short stories to an anthology with the theme of fantasy character with mental health challenges. The invitation included an image of a fairy hunched in a meadow with an anxious expression on her face. I began to brainstorm reasons she would be anxious, what her world was like, who she was, and where a story could lead her and the first ideas for To be a Fae Queen were born.
What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
Each of my books in the Realm Chronicles series have different themes. In To be a Fae Queen I hope that readers will find themselves examining their trust in their inner compass.
What drew you into this particular genre?
I’ve loved the fantasy genre from a young age. The first books I remember binge reading were Frank L. Baum’s Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz series books. I like believing that there is a layer of magic just beyond our sight or comprehension that sometimes we get to experience.
If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
If I could sit down with any character in my book, I would sit down with the antagonist in this series and ask them why, why they are so focused on hunting vampires, and anyone who would stand in the way of their quest to destroy all those thought to be created by the fallen angels.
Advertisements
What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
I love interacting with readers and other authors on social media. My favorites are YouTube and Instagram.
What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
My advice to aspiring or new authors is to decide what your goals in writing and publishing are and to surround yourself with people who help you achieve those goals.
What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
My next release is the finale to the Realm Chronicles series, To be a Fae. This book will release July 29, 2025, and completes not only the Realm Chronicles series but the crossover Kingdom Journals series.
Advertisements
About the Author
Tricia Copelandis the critically acclaimed andaward-winning author of Kingdom of Embers, To be Fae Queen,Lovelock Ones, and Azreya, Aztec Priestess, as well as dozens of other titles. She is the host of the Finding the Magic Book Podcast who weaves magical stories about love, courage, and finding your passion.
Tricia Copeland believes in finding magic. She thinks magic infuses every aspect of our lives, whether it is the magic of falling in love, discovering a new passion, seeing a beautiful sunset, or reading a book that transports us to another world. An avid runner and Georgia native, Tricia now lives with her family and four-legged friends in Colorado. Find all her titles including contemporary romance, now penned under Maria Jane, young adult fantasy, and dystopian fiction at www.triciacopeland.com.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Lars Bo Appel discusses the dangers of losing one’s sense of self in the modern world and self-expression in the book Fables from Villa Viva: The Stupid Goose.
Advertisements
The Synopsis
Step into Villa Viva, a world where fables aren’t just stories—they’re a reflection of the world we live in. A compelling and insightful tale, The Stupid Goose delves into the struggle for true freedom in a world where independent thought is often dismissed. Inspired by classic storytelling but deeply relevant to today, this book challenges the dangers of group behavior and the loss of self-expression in modern society.
Meet The Stupid Goose:
In this first tale, we follow The Stupid Goose—a character as insightful as she is misunderstood. While others turn a blind eye, she sees what they refuse to acknowledge. But rather than being praised, she’s dismissed as ‘stupid’ by those who prefer comfort over truth. Her journey is a reminder that seeing clearly and speaking up can be lonely—but it’s a path worth taking.
Why This Book Is for You:
A Thought-Provoking Fable: Blending humor, charm, and a touch of philosophical wisdom, The Stupid Goose invites readers to think for themselves and see beyond the surface of the world around them.
Relatable Characters, Real-World Parallels: The struggles within Villa Viva mirror real-world challenges—peer pressure, personal responsibility, and the courage to stay true to yourself.
For Readers Who Value Independent Thought: If you’ve ever questioned something that others blindly accepted, this book is for you.
Perfect For:
Fans of classic fables and innovative storytelling, where lessons bear real-world significance
Curious minds and lifelong learners who enjoy stories that entertain while stimulating deep reflection
Educational settings—whether in schools, homeschools, or one-on-one learning—as a valuable teaching resource.
…
Dare to think differently—step into Villa Viva and see the world through new eyes. Get your copy of The Stupid Goose today.
The Review
What a fun and engaging read! The author did a remarkable job of capturing the tone and heart of a fable, expertly crafting a narrative that felt fresh and unique in each tale while showcasing a unique theme or message. The warm and creative artwork accompanying each fable felt like a great way to harken back to one’s youth and explore essential messages for a more modern audience.
The themes these fables played with were so thought-provoking as well. The idea of corporate overreach and how it impacts smaller businesses and individuals as well came to life perfectly in the first fable, while further themes of individuality versus conformity and how free thought and expression are so important in this modern and digital age, and allow readers to see how free expression is needed even in our literature in an age when censorship is at an all-time high.
Advertisements
The Verdict
Exciting, fun, and yet profound in thought, author Lars Bo Appel’s “Fables from Villa Viva: The Stupid Goose” is a must-read modern-day book of fables. The twists and turns each fable takes and the necessary and valuable lessons modern-day readers can take away from them will make a lasting impression while entertaining readers. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
