I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young man finds himself at the center of a complex revolution in author Mark Moore’s historical fantasy novel, “Rise: Birth of a Revolution”, the first in The Ricchan Chronicles series.
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The Synopsis
Finalist for the 2019 OZMA Fantasy Fiction awards, Chanticleer International Book Awards
Damien Flynn finds himself in the midst of growing turmoil that he foresaw but was not equipped to handle. Denied the quill for speaking his mind, he finds himself shackled to a path spiraling downward. A brush with death can do wonders to help one re-evaluate their priorities and their morals but it remains to be seen just how Damien will proceed with his newfound perspective on mortality.
Political espionage, assassinations, scandalous affairs, underhanded deals, and dirty politics threaten to plunge the known world into chaos with Damien Flynn in the middle.
A powerful general, buoyed by a second with fractured morals, provides early and tangible victories but success brings attention they may not be ready for. Erudite and ruthless cunning stalks the would-be revolutionaries with pragmatism and patience. A threat of extinction that looms over every step forward.
Damien Flynn must draw lots, he must choose a side; the wrong choice could end his life, so could the right one.
The Review
This was such an engaging and rich story. The way the author wrote this book readers were able to get the fantasy feel with this fictional world and countries that many readers will see mirror our own world, but the narrative also gives a healthy dose of history, drama, and action. As a fan of history and the American Revolution as a whole, the attention to detail the author brought out into this narrative shows the parallels between the real-life revolution that birthed the United States and the rebellion of Ricchan.
The novel’s heart however comes from its rich tapestry of characters. Not only are the interactions and bonds formed between these characters so inviting, but the complexity of this cast of characters is so profound to read as this first novel in the series comes to life. What was also amazing to see was how these characters on all sides of this conflict really highlight the concept of war and the horrors it always wrought in our own world are perfectly mirrored in this narrative, showing how these horrors can happen on either side of a conflict, and the “heroes” of war are not always as apparent as say WWII, where villains like Hitler and the Nazi Regime were so clearly outlined. More often than not, the true “villains” are those few in power who rule a people and force them into these conflicts.
The Verdict
A mesmerizing, action-fueled, and brilliant historical fantasy novel, author Mark Moore’s “Rise: Birth of a Revolution” is a must-read first novel of the author’s THE RICCHAN CHRONICLES series. The adrenaline-fueled narrative will keep readers not only entertained but engaged in the character’s overall arcs and a shocking twist ending will change the dynamics of the world the author has created leading into the highly anticipated sequel. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Mark Moore began writing his first book in November of 2015. What started as a hobby quickly morphed into a passion that consumed long nights and lunch hours during his day jobs. With the help of his editor, JMR Literary Services, he published his first book, Rise, in November of 2018 and followed it with its sequel, Stand, in December 2020. His current work in progress is a departure from the low-fantasy genre, focusing on more traditional fantasy.
In 2021 Mark also began collecting his thoughts and putting together a writing advice youtube channel which can be found below with the goal of sparing other authors from the mistakes he’s made over the years and sharing what he’s learned.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young elemental must help band together with the last descendants of an ancient tribe to stop a global world government from taking complete control in author TC Marti’s “Wind Wielder: Elements of Nordica”, the first book in the Elements of Nordica series.
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The Synopsis
Avatar: The Last Airbender and 21st Century Military Combat Collide
A secret censored throughout the modern age…
…A cataclysmic riot leaves the fate of the world hanging by a thread
There are a lot of things Wind Wielder Sion Zona wished he had taken seriously. But the following facts he neglected display his sheer ignorance.
One, an ancient tribe within his Elemental race wiped from the pages of time still exists.
Two, Sion and a band of eight other Elementals are the final descendants from that ancient tribe and hold the key to preventing the masses from falling victim to a one-world government foretold in a banned set of ancient texts.
Three, the global superpower wants nothing more than to destroy Sion and the others before they discover their importance to humanity.
So yeah, there’s no pressure in taking on a raging dictatorship.
Wind Wielder is Book I in Elementals of Nordica, an exciting speculative fantasy series featuring old-world epic fantasy tropes bent into modern-day society. If you are a fan of elemental magic, complex plots, and sword and sorcery with a sci-fi twist, Wind Wielder is a MUST READ.
The Review
This was such a unique and engaging fantasy read. The way the author implemented modern-day tech and social structures into a world of magical (or superpowered, depending on how you look at it), people outlawed by this tyrannical government as mutants were just pure fantasy at its finest. The balance the author found between action-driven narrative and intricate character developments was absolutely perfect, as the world became much more vibrant and yet the reader was able to hone into the characters and their evolution over the course of the narrative.
What was so amazing to see the author develop was a larger-than-life mythos and truly engaging world-building. The foundation of any great fantasy, the story managed to develop the revelations and hidden truths of the world’s lost tribe and the intricate corruption that this government power held onto while allowing the world in which the narrative developed to feel well-established and well lived in, making this a gripping story to engulf.
The Verdict
A masterful, mind-bending, and entertaining read, author TC Marti’s “Wind Wielder: Elementals of Nordica” is the perfect first book in this brand new fantasy series, and will mark the perfect way to begin 2022 for fantasy fans. The world-building and mythology the author develops feel fresh and rich with history and culture, while the modern-twist on this original world feels like a natural progression of the modern fantasy book experience. With a cliffhanger ending that will leave readers eager for the next installment in this series, readers will not want to miss out on this incredible story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder or grab your copy of the book on January 3rd, 2022!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
TC Marti has been an avid reader/writer for over three decades. He is the author of the Elementals Universe, a shared speculative fiction universe spanning multiple series. He is also a workout fanatic, and a fan of Arizona sports teams.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young man struggling with his father’s death years earlier and his crumbling family life finds himself facing strange occurrences in author Jonathan Koven’s “Below Torrential Hill”, a unique and emotional literary fiction read with a hint of magical realism.
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The Synopsis
It’s Christmas, and strange occurrences are plaguing the small town of Torrential Hill: a supernatural comet, undead insects, exploding streetlights, and a presence luring people into the woods. But when the mother of Tristen—a wistful, fatherless sixteen-year-old boy—hears voices from the kitchen sink, all he can think of is running away.
The Review
This was such a moving and powerful coming-of-age story! The author did such an incredible job of crafting relatable and emotional characters for readers to become invested in while layering their narratives to get a much better understanding of everyone’s motivations and struggles, especially protagonist Tristen. The balance of the author’s genres between magical realism and literary fiction felt absolutely seamless and natural, allowing the reader to become invested in the character’s arcs while still exploring the world the author had created.
What really stood out to me was the incredible way the author matched the atmosphere and setting to the protagonist’s journey, almost as if the character’s surroundings became a reflection of their own inner turmoil and the ups and downs they went through. I also was really impressed with the fine line the narrative played with magical realism, as it allowed enough room for the reader to kind of draw their own conclusions from this aspect of the story, and kind of put a whole-new modern-day, coming-of-age twist on the classic Christmas Carol narrative.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, thought-provoking, and mesmerizing, author Jonathan Koven’s “Below Torrential Hill” is a must-read short story/literary fiction read with a hint of magical realism. The connection readers feel to the main character is immediate, and the exploration of themes like our innate need for love, family, and dealing with loss all come together in a very heartening way. With a writing style that leans towards imagery and artistry, readers will be hard-pressed not to grab their own copy of this amazing read, so be sure to do so today!
Jonathan Koven grew up on Long Island, NY, embraced by tree-speak, tide’s rush, and the love and support of his family. He holds a BA in English and Creative Writing from American University, works as a technical writer, and freelance editor (and formerly head fiction editor of Toho Journal). He lives in Philadelphia with his best friend and future wife Delana, and cats Peanut Butter and Keebler. Read Jonathan’s debut chapbook Palm Lines, available from Toho Publishing, and his award-winning novella Below Torrential Hill, available from Electric Eclectic.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
The exploration of ancient history by modern scientists and historians becomes political as government bodies work behind the scenes to develop their own versions of the Traveller technology, and former Traveller Michael Hunter must flee with his wife and daughter in 11th century Giolgrave and the whole of Aengland whilst avoiding the modern-day military sent to hunt him down in author Rob Shackleford’s “Traveller Manifesto”, the third book in the Traveller series.
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The Synopsis
Traveller Manifesto is Book 3 of the Traveller Trilogy, the explosive final sequel to Traveller Inceptio and Traveller Probo.
To use the enigmatic Transporter and send Special Forces trained Researchers back a thousand years is now the biggest game in world politics.
But not only politics, as academics scramble to outdo each other and harness prestige in the increasingly influential field of History.
As Professor Taylor is rescued from Byzantine Rome, a heavily-armed US Traveller team explores Mississippian Cahokia to experience a situation beyond even their control. Michael Hunter and Tatae flee Giolgrave in the hope of finding safety from modern interference. But at a terrible cost.
And something seems to be happening in Israel, resulting in the creation of a high-profile investigation team to uncover if there is a clandestine Traveller mission operated by the US and Israel.
From the windswept mountains of Wales to the hills of Cahokia and the dusty wadis of the Negev, researchers find that visiting the past may not necessarily provide the answers they seek.
The Review
This was such a compelling and monumental narrative for fans of this sci-fi and historical fiction thriller series. The way the author elevated the narrative of this series by taking the hinted at black-ops level military operations being taken out in various historical periods using the technology, and increasing this tenfold as not only does the military hunt down one of the Traveller programs former operatives, but attempt to utilize the technology illegally to further their own interests, really does a great job of mirroring events using technology or discoveries of our own world, and how government bodies often will claim “national security” to further their own attempts at seizing more power and control. This added an increased level of intrigue and suspense as this impacted several of the main cast of characters throughout their various Traveller missions.
What always strikes me about this series and the author is the vast amount of detail the author puts into the series. From both a historical and a narrative standpoint, the author explores not only the sci-fi side of the series from the use of the Traveller technology, but the historical fiction side of each period of time these missions take on with an attention to detail that creates a sense of imagery and tone that bursts with life and vibrancy. The exploration of history’s impact on our world and the means by which the direction that history takes is often dictated by those who emerge victorious from a situation made this story feel so thought-provoking, and readers won’t be able to help being drawn down the rabbit hole that is this heart-pounding historical fiction thriller.
The Verdict
A gripping, intense, and richly diverse historical fiction thriller and sci-fi tale, author Rob Shackleford’s “Traveller Manifesto” is a must-read novel and the perfect historical fiction read to finish out 2021 with. The rich cast of characters and detailed settings bring together a beautiful yet dangerous world of the past and present and the dramatic final chapters lead to a shocking loss and an open-ended finale that leaves plenty of room for more stories to be told in the future. 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.
Author Nancy King takes readers on an emotional and painful yet therapeutic journey into her traumatic childhood and the memories that have remained buried in the recesses of her mind in her book, “Breaking the Silence”.
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The Synopsis
Secrets. Lies. Silences. Stories told by parents and their families to protect themselves. A father who defends his wife despite her damage to their daughter’s health and welfare. A mother, shielded by her husband, who perpetuates murderous acts of violence against the daughter, and keeps secret her husband’s sexual “play” with the young girl.
And yet … Nancy King, determined to learn the truth of her childhood and the heartbreaking effects it has had on her adult life, uncovers the secrets. Sees through the lies. Breaks the silence.
Empowered by the stories she told herself as a child, she learns to use stories as part of her work as a university professor teaching theater, drama, world literature, and creative expression. Gradually, with the help of body work and therapy, she finds her voice. Says no to abuse and abusers. Reclaims herself and life. Writes a memoir.
She climbs mountains. Weaves tapestries. Writes books. Makes friends. Creates a meaningful life.
This is her story.
The Review
What a moving, honest, and powerful read. Author Nancy King finds an engaging way of addressing a very sensitive and important subject without delving fully into the darkness this subject naturally brings and instead focused on the powerful journey of healing and overcoming that darkness through confronting the hidden memories of her past head-on. The descriptive nature of the author’s writing really allows the reader to feel transported to these snapshots of the author’s life, as each chapter is written in a way to highlight individual memories that showcase the overall atmosphere and tone of the author’s life.
The theme of toxic family dynamics and the need to fight back against those who would take our light in life was felt so profoundly in this book. The imagery and emotions the author poured into this memoir really allowed the reader to not only witness these traumatic moments but see the strength the author found to face these moments and find the will to not let these moments define herself. In addition to this moving memoir, the initial introduction of the main theme and narrative of her life through a fictional story (something of a specialty in the author’s background), allowed the reader to feel a sense of world-building in the memoir that follows.
The Verdict
A remarkable, emotional, and enlightening memoir, author Nancy King’s “Breaking the Silence” is a must-read book. While featuring some heartbreaking and possible triggering memories that the author shares, the feeling of strength and hope that the author’s journey conveys to readers is inspiring to read, and highlights how the power of compassion and love can be the most powerful feeling of overcoming trauma a person can find in their life. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
I was born in Brooklyn, NYC. From the time I was 8 years old, until I left for college at 17, I traveled by myself into Manhattan to take a dance, theatre, or music lesson. After class I was free to wander about the City until I had to leave for home at 4:30. I ate in small Mom & Pop ethnic restaurants, savoring food I could neither spell nor pronounce. Theatre and dance tickets in the balconies were cheap and museums were free. All I needed were two nickels for the train rides, a nickel in case I had to make a phone call, and a quarter for lunch. The City was mine to explore. These years made an indelible impression on me in many ways: I enjoyed being with a diverse group of people, attending a variety of arts performances, and making my way in unfamiliar worlds with confidence and curiosity.
Early experiences with abuse both at home and school led me to becoming a teacher, writer, playwright, and essayist, always focusing on issues of empowerment. I have taught creative writing, storymaking, drama, and literacy workshops in schools, universities, professional development programs, prisons, Head Start, mental hospitals, recreational centers, programs for children and adults with learning differences, and older adult programs in the US and abroad.
In 1985 I was diagnosed with a rare and anomalous form of leukemia. When treatment allowed me to think in terms of years rather than months, and ten years after becoming a full professor at the University of Delaware, I received my PhD, in multi-disciplinary studies focusing on literature, psychology, and philosophy.
As an award-winning author of seven books of nonfiction, my focus has always been on developing creative expression, arts-based approaches to learning, and student-centered learning. I have also written five novels, one of which, The Stones Speak, has been optioned for a movie. The focus in all of my writing and teaching has always been on empowerment. My newest book, a memoir, Breaking the Silence, is about the healing power of stories.
Fellow memoirist Madeline Sharples spotlights Nancy King’s “Breaking the Silence” on her blog today. Readers will be inspired by this newly released memoir!
December 13th @ Lisa Haselton Reviews and Interviews
Lisa Haselton reviews memoirist Nancy King about her recently released “Breaking the Silence”. Readers won’t want to miss this opportunity to be inspired!
Today’s book spotlight at Word Magic is Nancy King’s memoir “Breaking the Silence”. Readers will also hear from Wisconsin student Carmen Otto as she shares her thoughts after reading this insightful story.
Author Anthony Avina spotlight’s the newly released memoir “Breaking the Silence” by Nancy King. Find out more about this moving memoir and it’s inspiring author today!
Lily at the Faerie Review shares her book review of “Breaking the Silence” by Nancy King. This is a memoir about a mountain climbing author who has inspired many (despite all odds)!
Fellow author Christy O’Callaghan reviews Nancy King’s “Breaking the Silence” and shares her thoughts with readers on her blog. Find out more about this moving memoir and it’s resilient author!
December 28th @ Bring on Lemons with Michelle DelPonte
Wisconsin mother and healthcare worker Michelle DelPonte couldn’t wait to get her hands on Nancy King’s memoir “Breaking the Silence”. Today Michelle will share her review of this touching memoir. Stop at Bring on Lemons to learn more!
Readers at Boots Shoes and Fashion will be enlightened as Linda interviews Nancy King about her newly released memoir “Breaking the Silence”. Don’t miss an opportunity to learn from someone who has overcome the odds!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
The murder of a Boston Police Officer leads to the arrest and false conviction of murder against a young black man named Sean Ellis, and in this book author Elaine Alice Murphy goes on a journey to examine the 4 trials to attempt to exonerate Sean Ellis and show why he was wrongfully convicted in the book “In For Life: A Journey Into Murder, Corruption, and Friendship”.
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The Synopsis
The case of Sean Ellis (covered by Netflix’s Trial Four) who was falsely accused and convicted of a murder he did not commit. In for Life follows the personal journey of journalist Elaine Alice Murphy as she fights to allow her friend Sean’s story to be heard and help him gain his freedom
The Review
A truly moving and engaging true-crime read, the author did an incredible job of balancing a narrative memoir writing style with descriptive prose that painted a vivid image of the case itself. The personal connection the author had with this case and the young man imprisoned falsely amplified the emotional connection readers had with Sean, and the way the author handled both the actual case and her own personal work in investigating and championing on behalf of Sean was both professional and passionate in her delivery.
The theme of racial prejudice in the justice system and our world as a whole was thoroughly explored in this nonfiction read. The story has had an even greater impact in recent years, with the level of violence between police officers and people of color increasing exponentially in the last decade and becoming much more public. Sean becomes a prime example of how the justice system has been created to work against people of color, especially young Black men, and the exploration of not only this grave injustice in the United States but the dramatic nature of the crime itself was enough to keep this reader on the edge of his seat, enthralled with each twist and turn in the case.
The Verdict
Beautifully written, heartfelt in its delivery, and thought-provoking both thematically and in the actual investigation, author Elaine Alice Murphy’s “In For Life” is a must-read true-crime thriller and nonfiction read. The vital importance of Sean’s case both personally for himself and the author and for the direction our nation as a whole has gone in over the last decade made this such an impactful read, and I highly recommend anyone wanting a better understanding of how both the justice system and society for young Black men in the United States to grab their own copy of this worthwhile book. Preorder your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Elaine Alice Murphy holds degrees from Boston College in English literature and Harvard University in human development. Her work on the Ellis case earned her a Senior Justice Fellowship at Brandeis University’s Schuster Institute for Investigative Journalism.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A woman working as a meteorologist in California must return to her hometown in Michigan after losing her job to an AI at her local station, and must confront her past and reclaim her popularity as a meteorologist in the public eye while also finding an unexpected possibility for romance in author Viola Shipman’s “The Secret of Snow”.
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The Synopsis
When Sonny Dunes, a So-Cal meteorologist who knows only sunshine and 72-degree days, has an on-air meltdown after she learns she’s being replaced by an AI meteorologist (which the youthful station manager reasons “will never age, gain weight or renegotiate its contract.”), the only station willing to give a 50-year-old another shot is one in a famously non-tropical place–her northern Michigan hometown.
Unearthing her carefully laid California roots, Sonny returns home and reaclimates to the painfully long, dark winters dominated by a Michigan phenomenon known as lake-effect snow. But beyond the complete physical shock to her system, she’s also forced to confront her past: her new boss is a former journalism classmate and mortal frenemy and, more keenly, the death of a younger sister who loved the snow, and the mother who caused Sonny to leave.
To distract herself from the unwelcome memories, Sonny decides to throw herself headfirst (and often disastrously) into all things winter to woo viewers and reclaim her success: sledding, ice-fishing, skiing, and winter festivals, culminating with the town’s famed Winter Ice Sculpture Contest, all run by a widowed father and Chamber director whose honesty and genuine love of Michigan, winter and Sonny just might thaw her heart and restart her life in a way she never could have predicted.
The Review
Such an engaging and memorable read. The balance found between the humorous character interactions and the emotional character growth really highlighted a great character arc overall not just for the protagonist both those closest to her. The setting and tone of the narrative really were perfect, because they captured the magic of winter without focusing intently on the holidays themselves, showing how there is distinct energy and feeling that this time of year can bring.
To me, the standout of this novel was the equal parts romance and equal parts emotional personal growth. The harmonious way the author delves into “Sonny” and the woman behind the public figure was so incredible to read, as the author truly explored the psychological and soulful journey the protagonist went on while also highlighting this blooming romance that she and Mason found with one another, becoming a very healing and hopeful message for readers.
The Verdict
A brilliant, engaging, and hopeful journey of love in all its forms, author Viola Shipman’s “The Secret of Snow” is a must-read winter read of 2021. With captivating characters and entertaining storylines that will harness the magic of winter for fans of cozy winter romances, this is one novel that readers will want to binge read before the end of the year. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Viola Shipman is the pen name for Wade Rouse, a popular, award-winning memoirist. Rouse chose his grandmother’s name, Viola Shipman, to honor the woman whose heirlooms and family stories inspire his writing. Rouse is the author of The Summer Cottage, as well as The Charm Bracelet and The Hope Chest which have been translated into more than a dozen languages and become international bestsellers. He lives in Saugatuck, Michigan and Palm Springs, California, and has written for People, Coastal Living, Good Housekeeping, and Taste of Home, along with other publications, and is a contributor to All Things Considered.
“And look at this! A storm system is making its way across the country, and it will bring heavy snow to the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes before wreaking havoc on the East Coast. This is an especially early and nasty start to winter for much of the country. In fact, early models indicate that parts of western and northern Michigan—the lake effect snowbelts, as we call them—will receive over 150 inches of snow this year. One hundred fifty inches!”
I turn away from the green screen in my red wrap dress and heels.
“But here in the desert…” I wait for the graphic to pop onscreen, which declares, Sonny Says It’s Sonny… Again!
When the camera refocuses on me, I toss an adhesive sunshine with my face on it toward the green screen behind me. It sticks directly on Palm Springs, California.
“…it’s wall-to-wall sunshine!”
I expand my arms like a raven in the mountains taking flight. The weekly forecast pops up. Every day features a smiling sunshine that resembles yours truly: golden, shining, beaming.
“And it will stay that way all week long, with temperatures in the midseventies and lows in the midfifties. Not bad for this time of year, huh? It’s chamber of commerce weather here in the desert, perfect for all those design lovers in town for Mid-Century Modernism Week.” I walk over to the news desk. The camera follows. I lean against the desk and turn to the news anchors, Eva Fernandez and Cliff Moore. “Or for someone who loves to play golf, right, Cliff?”
He laughs his faux laugh, the one that makes his mouth resemble those old windup chattering teeth from when I was a girl.
“You betcha, Sonny!”
“That’s why we live here, isn’t it?” I ask.
“I sure feel sorry for the rest of the country,” says Eva, her blinding white smile as bright as the camera lights. I’m convinced every one of Eva’s caps has a cap.
“Those poor Michigan folk won’t be golfing in shorts like I will be tomorrow, will they?” Cliff says with a laugh and his pantomime golf swing. He twitches his bushy brows and gives me a giant wink. “Thank you, Sonny Dunes.”
I nod, my hands on my hips as if I’m a Price Is Right model and not a meteorologist.
“Martinis on the mountain? Yes, please,” Eva says with her signature head tilt. “Next on the news: a look at some of the big events at this year’s Mid-Century Modernism Week. Back in a moment.”
I end the newscast with the same forecast—a row of smiling sunshine emojis that look just like my face—and then banter with the anchors about the perfect pool temperature before another graphic—THE DESERT’S #1 NIGHTLY NEWS TEAM!—pops onto the screen, and we fade to commercial.
“Anyone want to go get a drink?” Cliff asks within seconds of the end of the newscast. “It’s Friday night.”
“It’s always Friday night to you, Cliff,” Eva says.
She stands and pulls off her mic. The top half of Eva Fernandez is J.Lo perfection: luminescent locks, long lashes, glam gloss, a skintight top in emerald that matches her eyes, gold jewelry that sets off her glowing skin. But Eva’s bottom half is draped in sweats, her feet in house slippers. It’s the secret viewers never see.
“I’m half dressed for bed already anyway,” she says with a dramatic sigh. Eva is very dramatic. “And I’m hosting the Girls Clubs Christmas breakfast tomorrow and then Eisenhower Hospital’s Hope for the Holidays fundraiser tomorrow night. And Sonny and I are doing every local Christmas parade the next few weekends. You should think about giving back to the community, Cliff.”
“Oh, I do,” he says. “I keep small business alive in Palm Springs. Wouldn’t be a bar afloat without my support.”
Cliff roars, setting off his chattering teeth.
I call Cliff “The Unicorn” because he was actually born and raised in Palm Springs. He didn’t migrate here like the older snowbirds to escape the cold, he didn’t snap up midcentury houses with cash like the Silicon Valley techies who realized this was a real estate gold mine, and he didn’t suddenly “discover” how hip Palm Springs was like the millennials who flocked here for the Coachella Music Festival and to catch a glimpse of Drake, Beyoncé or the Kardashians.
No, Cliff is old school. He was Palm Springs when tumbleweed still blew right through downtown, when Bob Hope pumped gas next to you and when Frank Sinatra might take a seat beside you at the bar, order a martini and nobody acted like it was a big deal.
I admire Cliff because—
The set suddenly spins, and I have to grab the arm of a passing sound guy to steady myself. He looks at me, and I let go.
—he didn’t run away from where he grew up.
“How about you, sunshine?” Cliff asks me. “Wanna grab a drink?”
“I’m gonna pass tonight, Cliff. I’m wiped from this week. Rain check?”
“Never rains in the desert, sunshine,” Cliff jokes. “You oughta know that.”
He stops and looks at me. “What would Frank Sinatra do?”
I laugh. I adore Cliff’s corniness.
“You’re not Frank Sinatra,” Eva calls.
“My martini awaits with or without you.” Cliff salutes, as if he’s Bob Hope on a USO tour, and begins to walk out of the studio.
“Ratings come in this weekend!” a voice yells. “That’s when we party.”
We all turn. Our producer, Ronan, is standing in the middle of the studio. Ronan is all of thirty. He’s dressed in flip-flops, board shorts and a T-shirt that says, SUNS OUT, GUNS OUT! like he just returned from Coachella. Oh, and he’s wearing sunglasses. At night. In a studio that’s gone dim. Ronan is the grandson of the man who owns our network, DSRT. Jack Clark of ClarkStar pretty much owns every network across the US these days. He put his grandson in charge because Ro-Ro’s father bought an NFL franchise, and he’s too obsessed with his new fancy toy to pay attention to his old fancy toy. Before DSRT, Ronan was a surfer living in Hawaii who found it hard to believe there wasn’t an ocean in the middle of the California desert.
He showed up to our very first official news meeting wearing a tank top with an arrow pointing straight up that read, This Dude’s the CEO!
“You can call me Ro-Ro,” he’d announced upon introduction.
“No,” Cliff said. “I can’t.”
Ronan had turned his bleary gaze upon me and said, “Yo. Weather’s, like, not really my thing. You can just, like, look outside and see what’s going on. And it’s, like, on my phone. Just so we’re clear…get it? Like the weather.”
My heart nearly stopped. “People need to know how to plan their days, sir,” I protested. “Weather is a vital part of all our lives. It’s daily news. And, what I study and disseminate can save lives.”
“Ratings party if we’re still number one!” Ronan yells, knocking me from my thoughts.
I look at Eva, and she rolls her eyes. She sidles up next to me and whispers, “You know all the jokes about millennials? He’s the punchline for all of them.”
I stifle a laugh.
We walk each other to the parking lot.
“See you Monday,” I say.
“Are we still wearing our matching Santa hats for the parade next Saturday?”
I laugh and nod. “We’re his best elves,” I say.
“You mean his sexiest news elves,” she says. She winks and waves, and I watch her shiny SUV pull away. I look at my car and get inside with a smile. Palm Springs locals are fixated on their cars. Not the make or the color, but the cleanliness. Since there is so little rain in Palm Springs, locals keep their cars washed and polished constantly. It’s like a competition.
I pull onto Dinah Shore Drive and head toward home.
Palm Springs is dark. There is a light ordinance in the city that limits the number of streetlights. In a city this beautiful, it would be a crime to have tall posts obstructing the view of the mountains or bright light overpowering the brightness of the stars.
I decide to cut through downtown Palm Springs to check out the Friday night action. I drive along Palm Canyon Drive, the main strip in town. The restaurants are packed. People sit outside in shorts—in December!—enjoying a glass of wine. Music blasts from bars. Palm Springs is alive, the town teeming with life even near midnight.
I stop at a red light, and a bachelorette party in sashes and tiaras pulls up next to me peddling a party bike. It’s like a self-propelled trolley with seats and pedals, but you can drink—a lot—on it. I call these party trolleys “Woo-Hoo Bikes” because…
I honk and wave.
The bachelorette party shrieks, holds up their glasses and yells, “WOO-HOO!”
The light changes, and I take off, knowing these ladies will likely find themselves in a load of trouble in about an hour, probably at a tiki bar where the drinks are as deadly as the skulls on the glasses.
I continue north on Palm Canyon—heading past Copley’s Restaurant, which once was Cary Grant’s guesthouse in the 1940s, and a plethora of design and vintage home furnishings stores. I stop at another light and glance over as an absolutely filthy SUV, which looks like it just ended a mud run, pulls up next to me. The front window is caked in gray-white sludge and the doors are encrusted in crud. An older man is hunched over the steering wheel, wearing a winter coat, and I can see the woman seated next to him pointing at the navigation on the dashboard. I know immediately they are not only trying to find their Airbnb on one of the impossible-to-locate side streets in Palm Springs, but also that they are from somewhere wintry, somewhere cold, somewhere the sun doesn’t shine again until May.
Which state? I wonder, as the light changes, and the car pulls ahead of me.
“Bingo!” I yell in my car. “Michigan license plates!”
We all run from Michigan in the winter.
I look back at the road in front of me, and it’s suddenly blurry. A car honks, scaring the wits out of me, and I shake my head clear, wave an apology and head home.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Devi Nina Bingham brings a uniquely written book on the power of self-transformation using lessons derived from spiritual and New Age philosophy unlike anything read before in her book, “Messages From Metatron: A Course in Self-Transformation”, the first book in her Archangel series.
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The Synopsis
If you liked, “A Course In Miracles” you will love, “Messages From Metatron: A Course In Self-Transformation.” Readers are calling it “captivating” and “astounding.” This channeled masterpiece offers 30 messages from the highest Archangel, Metatron. It includes a Study Guide with questions and exercises for individuals or groups. Devi Nina Bingham has compiled an extraordinary program for self-transformation, assisting men and women in discovering their purpose, or “Life Chart.” In a series of irresistible dialogues, “Messages From Metatron” stretches the limits of what is known about the cosmos to the breaking point. An absorbing read that will convince you of the reality of angels!
AN INTRODUCTION TO MESSAGES FROM METATRON:
Messages From Metatron is a curriculum for those seeking to achieve spiritual transformation. The underlying themes are that humanity is one, and you are an indispensable part of the Cosmic design. It consists of a text and a workbook for students and is created for individual or group use. It is a three-book curriculum teaching a non-denominational and universal spirituality. The language of the course is Christian in nature, yet includes channeled information on such fascinating and thought-provoking metaphysical subjects as:
*A Mother God
*Spirit Guides and Angels
*Enlightenment
*Transgender and Same-Sex
*Soulmates
*Karma
*Intuition & ESP
*The Multiverse, Parallel Universes and Holographic you
* The Oversoul
* The Akashic Record
* The Future.
The Workbook for Students includes 30 lessons that allow you to apply the messages to your daily life. Study a lesson per day to work through the Course in 1 month’s time! Or, absorb a lesson anytime you need to be reminded of the uplifting messages of love and peace.
This Course in Self-Transformation was channeled by Devi Nina Bingham, MS who describes the Course as “a method to change the world by changing yourself.” Nina earned an AA in Psychology, a BA in Applied Psychology, and completed her MS in Mental Health Counseling program. She is also a master-level Clinical Hypnotherapist and a Certified Sound Therapist.
The Review
This was such an incredible and mind-opening read. Readers who have followed my reviews for a while know that I am not in particular a religious person whatsoever. However what you may not know about me is that I am interested in the paranormal, spirituality, and metaphysical cases in our world. Everything from ghosts and cryptids to the multiverse theory and Ultra-terrestrials from another universe altogether holds interest to me. So although the specific language of the author’s book may not be directly something one would think I’d be into, the concepts and thought-provoking words the author channeled for this book were truly awe-inspiring.
What really appealed to me was the author’s approach to more liberal-thinking ways in relation to the messages received from Metatron. Something I’ve never been able to get around for religion has been the very narrow views on sexuality and gender identity, and the author’s exploration of Metatron’s viewpoints is insightful and inspiring. The personal way the author connects with the words she channeled and the thoughtful topics of discussion that she throws into the book really speak to me, creating a nice balance between metaphysical studies and spirituality.
The Verdict
A mesmerizing, hauntingly beautiful, and thought-provoking read, author Devi Nina Bingham’s “Messages From Metatron” is a must-read book on spirituality and metaphysics in relation to spirituality overall. Engaging and entertaining all at once, the teachable way the book takes readers on a journey of discovery will captivate and inspire readers all at once, creating a truly unique reading experience. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
(Devi) Nina Bingham is an award-winning Author, Life Coach, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Certified Sound Therapist and life voyager. She strives to inspire conscious living and conscious dialogue. Nina can be found camping and paddling her kayak on Arizona lakes.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author J. Scott Coatsworth brings readers a brand new anthology collection of short stories and flash fiction that redefines the sci-fi genre in his book, “Tangents & Tachyons”.
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The Synopsis
Tangents & Tachyons is Scott’s second anthology – six sci-fi and sci-fantasy shorts that run the gamut from time travel to hopepunk and retro spec fic:
Eventide: Tanner Black awakes to find himself in his own study, staring out the window at the end of the Universe. But who brought him there, and why?
Chinatown: Deryn lives in an old San Francisco department store with his girlfriend Gracie, and scrapes by with his talent as a dreamcaster for the Chinese overlords. But what if a dream could change the world?
Across the Transom: What if someone or something took over your body on an urgent mission to save your world?
Pareidolia: Simon’s not like other college kids. His mind can rearrange random patterns to reveal the images lurking inside. But where did his strange gift come from? And what if there are others like him out there too?
Lamplighter: Fen has a crush on his friend Lewin, who’s in a competing guild. But when the world goes dark, only a little illumination can save it. And only Fen, Lewin and their friend Alissa can light the spark. A Liminal Sky short.
Prolepsis: Sean is the closeted twenty-five-year-old editor of an 80’s sci-fi ‘zine called Prolepsis. When an unabashedly queer story arrives from a mysterious writer, it blows open Sean’s closet door, and offers him the chance to change the world – and the future.
Plus two flash fiction stories – The System and The Frog Prince, never before published.
This is the first time all of these stories have all been collected in one place.
The Review
This was a powerful and entertaining read. The range of stories that the author tells, from traveling to the end of the universe to alien visitors, demons, and time travel, became the perfect balance to the rich character growth and emotional storytelling that the author played out across each story. The imagery and exploration of fear and hope across the LGBTQ community were so spot-on in this collection, and really captured the heart and emotions of the characters in these stories.
While each story and the collection as a whole were fairly quick and easy to read, what stood out to me was how well developed each story was. The character’s arcs and the personal storytelling with the sci-fi-influenced themes all played out in a very natural and engaging way and felt like each story was perfectly laid out and not rushed whatsoever, something some anthologies suffer from overtime.
The Verdict
A memorable, emotional, and mind-bending sci-fi anthology, author J. Scott Coatsworth’s “Tangents & Tachyons” is a must-read collection in 2021. One of the standout sci-fi reads of the year, the natural infusion of LGBTQ themes and characters into thought-provoking sci-fi storylines that explores our world and our role in the universe as a whole really made the reader become engaged in these narratives and made for a compelling read overall. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
J. Scott Coatsworth has a new queer sci fi collection out: Tangents & Tachyons. And there’s a giveaway!
Tangents & Tachyons is Scott’s second anthology – six sci fi and sci-fantasy shorts that run the gamut from time travel to hopepunk and retro spec fic:
Eventide: Tanner Black awakes to find himself in his own study, staring out the window at the end of the Universe. But who brought him there, and why?
Chinatown: Deryn lives in an old San Francisco department store with his girlfriend Gracie, and scrapes by with his talent as a dreamcaster for the Chinese overlords. But what if a dream could change the world?
Across the Transom: What if someone or something took over your body on an urgent mission to save your world?
Pareidolia: Simon’s not like other college kids. His mind can rearrange random patterns to reveal the images lurking inside. But where did his strange gift come from? And what if there are others like him out there too?
Lamplighter: Fen has a crush on his friend Lewin, who’s in a competing guild. But when the world goes dark, only a little illumination can save it. And only Fen, Lewin and their friend Alissa can light the spark. A Liminal Sky short.
Prolepsis: Sean is the closeted twenty-five-year-old editor of an 80’s sci-fi ‘zine called Prolepsis. When an unabashedly queer story arrives from a mysterious writer, it blows open Sean’s closet door, and offers him the chance to change the world – and the future.
Plus two flash fiction stories – The System and The Frog Prince, never before published.
This is the first time all of these stories have all been collected in one place.
I felt a little sick. Okay, a lot sick—like something had wrenched my stomach out of my gut and pulled it halfway to Mars.
Not far from the truth, as it turned out.
I reached for my stomach. My furry belly was a little thicker than I would have liked—too much processed sugar, Peter said. That and the whole no exercise thing.
What did I eat this time? My memories were a bit fuzzy.
I remembered bright lights and a sharp smell. And a keening whine.
I opened my eyes. The light above dimmed of its own accord.
That’s weird. And the smell… kind of antiseptic?
I sat up, and my fingers sank into the soft blue mat beneath me, leaving an impression when I lifted them up which just as quickly disappeared.
I was naked. What the hell?
Alarmed, I looked around as my eyesight cleared.
I was alone in a plain white room. White walls curved into a white floor and ceiling, and only the “bed” had any color—a bright blue pad on a raised pedestal. There were no doors or windows.
I pushed myself up and my head spun. My stomach clenched, and I felt sick.
The room swam around me, darkening, changing.
I’ve been sick. I was certain of that, but the details were vague. I fell back, cushioning my fall with my left hand. “Hello? Peter?”
“Hello, Tanner Black.” The reply was warm, cordial. Feminine, maybe? Hard to tell.
“Hello.” My head ached. “Where am I? Who is this?” The walls continued to flow.
“I am Sera. You are in an awakening room. Welcome to the Seeker.”
“Welcome to where?” None of this made any sense. Where’s Peter? He must be looking for me. I tried to get up again and a searing pain clenched my gut.
“Please lie down, Mr. Black. You have not fully recovered yet, and your room is not ready.”
Recovered from what? I wanted to argue, but suddenly resting seemed like an eminently sensible idea. I was tired, and my head hurt.
Maybe just a short nap.
I pulled my feet up and lay down, wishing for my comfy feather pillow.
The foam conformed to my body, hugging me. So comfortable.
That thought faded as sleep took me, and the light went out.
Author Bio
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 a full member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA).
