Category: reviews

Monday Motivation: Inspirational Quotes to Start Your Week Right by D.C. Gomez Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Author D.C. Gomez shares a collection of inspirational quotes to help motivate people in their everyday lives in the collection “Monday Motivation.”

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The Synopsis

Mondays can be tough!

Why not kick off your week with the right mindset?

With so many distractions affecting our days, it can be difficult to follow our dreams.

Enjoy these quotes and reflections to help you stay motivated and focused.

Sometimes all we need is a little reminder that we are going the right way.

Enjoy: Monday Motivations- inspirational quotes to start your week right!

The Review

This was a quick yet inspiring read. The author perfectly captures the quotes that the author lays out in this book and the deeper meanings of the quotes. The quotes featured in this book were unique, as they didn’t delve into the deeper, hidden meanings in life, but the inspiration behind everyday life experiences, making this a more relatable reading experience.

I truly appreciated the concise nature of the book and the bright imagery accompanying each quote. The book is the perfect pick-me-up for any occasion, allowing the reader to take everyday experiences and troubles and find the inner strength to overcome those challenges. 

The Verdict

Succinct, honest, and inspiring, author D.C. Gomez’s “Monday Motivation” is a must-read nonfiction inspirational book. The best aspect of this book is its ability to prompt readers to return to whatever problems they may need motivation to move past, and the author provides that perfectly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

D. C. Gomez, is a fast-talking extra-quirky Dominican with a dark sense of humor.

She used to enjoy long walks at the park and all that fun outdoors activities; unfortunately, due to a mysterious condition she is now allergic to the sun.

Rumor has it, that her true nature is coming out and her vampirism is now showing. While hiding from the sun, she is busy writing action packed adventures full of quirky characters and zany plots. As well as hosting her podcast, Inside the Minds of Authors.

If you would like to learn more about her, or join her at an event, check out her website. We promise she doesn’t bite (much…).

Happy reading.

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Sanctity of Freedom: An Inspector William Fox Series by Peter Thomas Pontsa 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 kidnapped young woman and savagely assassinated diplomats lead an inspector and an FBI agent to hunt down a ruthless killer in author Peter Thomas Pontsa’s “Sanctity of Freedom: An Inspector William Fox Series.”

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The Synopsis

While Inspector William Fox and girlfriend Tracy Jordan cruised on his cigarette boat The Midnight Fox, a crackle of the police scanner informed him a body had washed up on a beach. Much to Tracy’s disapproval, William chose to investigate. The Montreal police investigator already on the scene discovered a note on the body intended for William’s friend and taekwondo master, Mr. Kim. He is certain the note was from his long-lost sister, Mi-Cha. Kidnapped, while still a child, and trapped in North Korea, Kim is convinced she is still alive and implores William to help get her home.

Sanctity of Freedom plunges RCMP Inspector Fox and FBI Special Agent Patrick Reilly into an investigation of a savage assassination of a Canadian diplomat and two Australian intelligence agents. Meanwhile, Kim and his old friends chase down leads to find his sister that point to Pyongyang, the North Korean leadership, and the shadowy operatives of Bureau 39 who skirt the NATO sanctions.

All of them get drawn into a murderous game of cat and mouse leading Mr. Kim to face the man who took his sister and William Fox to match wits with the cunning killer.

The Review

This was such a compelling and engaging read. The author found the perfect balance between character development and fast-paced action, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the world the author crafted. The exploration of different government agencies and law enforcement, and the high-stakes global espionage, drove the narrative forward and added more depth to the murder mystery element that began this story.

The world-building and mystery the story brings together throughout this novel bring the theme of freedom and what one is willing to do to gain that freedom, such as a spotlight. The adrenaline-fueled action and the emotional twist that Mr. Kim and his fight to save his sister gave more purpose to William Fox’s mission, and the amount of detail that went into bringing the setting of North Korea to life with its dangerous regime and geopolitical setting made this a remarkable read. 

The Verdict

The breathtaking imagery, atmosphere, and entertaining narrative made this a must-read international thriller. The suspense and drama fuel the thrilling action, and the remarkable character development adds more emotion and heart to these pages, keeping readers engaged until the very last page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Peter Thomas Pontsa is a member of the Crime Writers of Canada and the Wordsmiths based out of Alliston, Ontario. An avid British sports car enthusiast, he has raced with Jagged Edge Motorsports, former president of the Headwaters British Car Club and a student of taekwondo with a second-degree blackbelt. A retired business man, he lives in Loretto, Ontario, Canada, with his author wife Angela van Breemen, and their orange tabby, Mr. Tee.

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Shapers of Worlds Volume V Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Authors featured in the award-winning podcast The Worldshapers share a new collection of science fiction and fantasy stories in the book “Shapers of Worlds Volume V”. 

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The Synopsis

The fifth and final installment in a series of powerhouse anthologies featuring some of today’s top authors of science fiction and fantasy

From outer space to inner space, from realms of the never-were to those of the here-and-now and the soon-to-be, the twenty-four authors in this fifth and final collection of science fiction and fantasy by writers featured on the Aurora Award-winning podcast The Worldshapers plunge readers into fantastic worlds filled with unforgettable characters.

Teenagers are disappearing in a mysterious grove, and no one knows why—not even those who escape it. The god of love finds magical arrows just don’t cut it in the modern world of digital matchmaking. A prisoner discovers he has been stripped of thirty-five years of memories as punishment for a crime he cannot remember. Far from being a refuge from humdrum reality, dreams become a trap for one young man when he encounters those who dwell there. A man who hunts angels for a living has the tables turned on him by the last angel he corners. Talking beasts from the island of a certain infamous doctor arrive in London to make their way in the world of men, only to be caught up in the ongoing Martian invasion . . .

Shapers of Worlds Volume V showcases stories by Brad C. Anderson, Edo van Belkom, J. G. Gardner, Olesya Salnikova Gilmore, Chadwick Ginther, Evan Graham, M. C. A. Hogarth, M. J. Kuhn, L. Jagi Lamplighter, Kevin Moore, Robin Stevens Payes, James S. Peet, Omari Richards, Lawrence M. Schoen, Alex Shvartsman, Alan Smale, Richard Sparks, P. L. Stuart, Brad R. Torgersen, Hayden Trenholm, Brian Trent, Eli K. P. William, Edward Willett, and Natalie Wright. Every story is illustrated with an original black-and-white drawing by Wendi Nordell.

Travel into the past, the present, and the future in stories set in our world, in deep space, in the land of dreams, and in worlds of pure imagination, shaped by an outstanding roster of authors featuring many bestsellers and award-winners. All you have to do is turn the page . . .

The Review

What a stellar collection of stories. The range that both the narratives and the author’s writing work in showcases this collection’s depth of talent, with stories ranging from deep sci-fi madness to heartfelt character studies and so much more. Each story can establish memorable characters in such a way. Short time stood out, such as in the story Coming of Age by Edo van Belkom, which takes a story of a failed colonization settlement on another world which affects the maturation of those born on the planet, and examines not only a close-knit father/son relationship, but the difficulties of growing up and facing the world on our own, while also exploring facing things on one’s terms. 

I loved the fusion of genres throughout these stories. The authors find ways of quickly bringing fantasy or mythological elements into heavily sci-fi narratives and creating worlds that simultaneously feel unreal and very relatable. One great example was Cupid 2.0 by Brad C. Anderson, with the god Cupid facing a new reality in the modern world of social media and dating apps, and the exploration of profits versus love for dating app companies.

The Verdict

Creative, thoughtfully crafted, and entertaining, “Shapers of the World Volume V” is a must-read anthology collection of sci-fi, fantasy, and even horror elements. The twists and turns in each story and the inventive twist on genre fusion propel each story forward, and these elements will stay with readers long after the last story ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Inside the Insurance Industry: Fourth Edition: Insurance Help for Individuals and Businesses by Kevin L. Glaser Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

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

Author Kevin L. Glaser shares his knowledge and experience within the insurance industry to help people better understand how coverage works in Inside the Insurance Industry: Fourth Edition.”

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The Synopsis

This comprehensive guide is perfect for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of insurance, including individuals, business owners, students, attorneys, risk managers and insurance professionals.

Highlights of this book include:

  • New insights into managing risk and emerging industry trends.
  • Expanded sections on pricing, claims processes, and securing the best insurance deals.
  • Clear explanations of insurance company operations and how departments affect policyholders.
  • Practical tools like a sample Insurance Proposal Worksheet.
  • Tips for avoiding litigation and effectively handling insurance claims.
  • A glimpse into the future of insurance and its potential impact.

During a professional career as an insurance consultant spanning over 20 years, the primary focus during each project was to both enhance insurance coverage and save money for clients. This approach has been carried over into the contents of Inside the Insurance Industry – Fourth Edition, where readers can both improve their insurance knowledge and save more money than was spent on this book.

Written in plain language, this book breaks down industry jargon, offering actionable advice for saving money and making informed decisions. Whether you are new to insurance or looking to deepen your expertise, this resource is designed for you!

The Review

This is a truly informative and engaging read. The author does a remarkable job of outlining the ins and outs of insurance companies, how they work, and how both individuals and businesses can learn and adapt to these companies in their own lives. The author’s ability to provide so much detail yet write in such a succinct and engaging way made the subject matter feel meaningful and educational all at once.

The author’s ability to illuminate the information provided in this book was phenomenal. The author delves into everything from risk management to specific aspects of insurance companies, such as how claims adjustors work and their ultimate goals when working with those looking to make insurance claims. Because of that, readers can better understand the process of attaining and utilizing insurance as a whole.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, enlightening, and memorable, author Kevin L. Glaser’s “Inside the Insurance Industry: Fourth Edition” is a must-read nonfiction book on the insurance game. The book gives readers an in-depth look into insurance, from specific tools such as sample worksheets to a full appendix explaining the language of insurance practices, along with a specified case study. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Inside the Insurance Industry – Fourth Edition: Insurance Help for Individuals and Businesses is Kevin Glaser’s most recent book. This edition expands prior topics, contains several new ideas to help readers save money, and assists with making informed decisions. Ultimately, it helps to avoid out-of-pocket payments resulting from inadequate coverage or failing to address uninsured risk exposures.

He has written other well-received books. Inside the Insurance Industry – Third Edition is a consumer-focused book that describes topics such as the inner workings of insurance companies and how insurance is sold. By better understanding the insurance process consumers can both save money and obtain broader coverages.

The Great Tompall: Forgotten Country Music Outlaw is an in-depth biography of Kevin’s uncle, Tompall Glaser, an iconic and influential country music performer and business owner during country music’s outlaw era. Tompall often stood alone in his fight for artistic freedom for Nashville musicians and he paid the price. While he became the “forgotten outlaw,” this book explains the significant roles he played in the development of country music during the 1950’s through the 1980’s.

Glaser’s primary occupation involves providing insurance and risk management consulting services, litigation support and expert witness testimony across the USA.

The New England Comic Book Store Owners by Christopher Denmead 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. 

In “The New England Comic Book Store Owners,” Author Christopher Denmead shares the experiences and stories of comic book store owners across New England.

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The Synopsis

The New England Comic Book Store Owners is a look at the lives of comic Shop retailers and the love for their stores, their products and both their customers and their employees.

Dive deep-into what keeps them going day to day and how they survive a crazy business environment in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, and Rhode Island.

The Review

What a unique and compelling read! The author does a remarkable job of revealing the experiences and inner workings of the comic book shops of New England. The focus on each comic book owner’s way of running their stores and their approaches to both the business side of things and their passion for the industry made this book flow smoothly.

The heart of this book was in the passion for comic books that each owner shared and how they came to be in the comic book business as a whole. The love for these stories of horror, fantasy, nd science fiction and the different ways comics were bought over the decades was remarkable to witness across the pages of this book. The way some owners embrace new comics and the popularity of modern pop culture merchandise in their stores versus those who appreciate the classics and iconic comic books in general was so passionately written and insightful into this industry. 

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The Verdict

Insightful, thought-provoking, and very relatable for comic book fans and passionate comic book owners everywhere, author Christopher Denmead’s “The New England Comic Book Owners” is a must-read nonfiction book. The reliability and the insight that readers gain from these stories and the passion that readers gain from these stories rom these comic book owners will inspire readers looking to understand people’s love for the comic book world. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

RATING: 10/10

The Pythagorean by Alexander Morpheigh 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. 

In author Alexander Morpheigh’s ” The Pythagorean, ” a young man finds himself transported back in time and in the body of another young man from Ancient Greece and must find a way to get back to his present. 

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The Synopsis 

The protagonist, a young man named Theodore, is about 36 years old and resides in Athens. Following a car accident, he finds himself in the body of a young man from Ancient Greece who attempted suicide. Confused about his whereabouts, Theodore sets out to find people and seeks guidance from the Delphic Oracle – Pythia.

Pythia reveals to Theodore that he must meet his true teacher, who alone can return him to his own time. To prepare spiritually for this encounter, Theodore’s best bet is one of the greatest teachers of European civilization – Pythagoras, who coincidentally lives during that era. Theo seeks out Pythagoras and becomes his student. Throughout his education, Pythagoras explains to Theodore why he ended up in the past and the significant mission awaiting him in the future. In the process, Pythagoras imparts a wealth of intriguing facts to Theodore, blending authentic Pythagorean teachings with alternative viewpoints from contemporary science.

Theodore’s beloved Elena remains in Athens, and his lack of attention towards her weighs heavily on him. Through his studies, Theodore learns the practice of lucid dreaming, enabling him to communicate with Elena in his dreams and share his experiences. In a critical turn of events, Theodore steals a bottle of expensive wine, leading to his arrest. Pythagoras intervenes, securing his release on bail. However, Theodore learns he can only remain on the island for a month. With his limited time, he must pass an interview with the local ruler. In another lucid dream, Theodore meets Alkeus, the young man from ancient Greece, who now inhabits his body in the present. Alkeus’ adaptability to modern life is hindered by amnesia, and he relies on others to remind him of his past.

As Theodore’s training progresses, Pythagoras not only introduces alternative, scientifically backed perspectives on the Universe’s structure and the existence of parallel worlds but also takes him on journeys to explore them. Theo’s situation becomes dire – execution awaits him if he stays in the past, while arrest and imprisonment await him in the future. In a lucid dream, he encounters his future self in a café, realizing that his true teacher is none other than himself. Spiritual purification is the key to his return to the present. Is he prepared to embark on his crucial mission?

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

The Review

What a fascinating and compelling twist on the time travel genre. The author does a spectacular job of crafting a unique and original way of taking these characters through the time travel trope and expanding upon it. The balance the author found in historical accuracy and sci-fi mythos was remarkable, with the use of imagery in the author’s writing style bringing both the past and present to life vividly and viscerally. 

The heart of the narrative, however, was in both the philosophical journey and emotional character development that the novel took on. Theo’s evolution throughout this novel, from a typical life led as a programmer in Athens to being forced to live in Ancient Greece and, in the process, learning more about himself and what matters most to him in life, made the narrative pop off the page. The way he adapts to life in Ancient Greece and becomes a mentee to Pythagoras himself was fun and fascinating, delving into some of the higher concepts of philosophy that the era became known for. Theo’s love and romance with Elena were heartfelt, and they kept the reader invested in these characters as the story progressed.

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The Verdict

Trippy, compelling, and thoroughly entertaining, author Alexander Morpheigh’s “The Pythagorean” is a must-read historical fiction meets sci-fi thriller. The narrative’s twists and turns and the author’s exploration of unique time travel and sci-fi concepts like higher forms of reality, parallel dimensions, and the idea of consciousness itself made the story feel alive and fresh for the reader while also giving a story that felt personal and engaging from the characters’ point of view. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

PRESS RELEASE: The Ghost Wrangler: Gold Winner in the 2024 Global Book Awards by critically acclaimed author, Matthew Hughes

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In a world of wizards and walled cities, Galabras Nachecko is a necromancer in the seaport metropolis of Golathreon, connecting the living with deceased relatives and associates to answer questions left unresolved at the time of death.

Then he is tasked by Duke Simisson’s conniving seneschal to capture the ghost of a notorious land pirate scheduled for execution. He snags the spirit but finds that the assignment has made him a man who knows too much.

Nachecko is propelled into a new career—secret agent segueing into diplomat—that leads him far from home, plunges him into perilous adventures, and brings him both true love and tragedy.

More from Matthew Hughes:

Praise for Matthew Hughes:

“I really enjoyed Barbarians of the Beyond. Matthew Hughes does Jack Vance better than anyone except Jack himself.”  — George R. R. Martin

“Lock the door, turn off the phone, get into a comfy chair, and deep-dive into a marvelous continuation of Jack Vance’s Demon Princes series. Matthew Hughes is a treasure and Barbarians of the Beyond is a terrific adventure.”  — David Gerrold

“Matthew Hughes follows nimbly in Jack Vance’s footprints, then breaks some fresh trail. First-class space opera.”— Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo Award-winning author of Hominids

“Engaging and enchanting…a fine companion adventure to Jack Vance’s The Demon Princes series, told with Matthew Hughes’s excellent sense of charm, ethical complexity and exotic worldbuilding. Let’s hope this is just the beginning!” — Kurt Busiek

“Barbarians of the Beyond is just plain old-fashioned space opera fun with a relatable heroine who is sometimes fallible, rather than some Shaolin Temple kung fu megamaster. I enjoyed it a lot.”
— Glen Cook

“…a tale that captures that special ‘golden age’ feel in which mankind has travelled far into the stars yet still behaves as though it’s the Wild West.” — David White, RNR Magazine

About Matthew:

 Matthew (Matt) Hughes writes fantasy, space opera, crime fiction, and historical novels. He has sold 24 novels to publishers large and small in the UK, US, and Canada, as well as 101 works of short fiction to professional markets. 

Besides the Global Book Award in the dark fantasy category, he has won the Endeavour and Arthur Ellis Awards, and has been shortlisted for the Aurora, Nebula, Philip K. Dick, Endeavour, A.E. Van Vogt, Neffy, Derringer, and High Plains Book Awards.  He has been inducted into the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Association’s Hall of Fame

People who sign up for his monthly newsletter will receive a free ebook of his short story collection, 9 Tales of Henghis Hapthorn:  http://eepurl.com/cyNSA9

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Hughes_(writer)

Can I Have a Hug First? By Mary Paula Hunter Review

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

A unique blend of humor and tragedy comes to life as author Mary Paula Hunter turns years’ worth of performance art into short stories in the collection “Can I Have a Hug First?”

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The Synopsis 

CAN I HAVE A HUG FIRST? is a short story collection born out of author Mary Paula Hunter’s career as a performance artist. Her monologues turned short stories feature midlife adults struggling to align their crazy minds with an equally crazy world. Hilarious and tragic in a high energy mix, these stories will get the reader questioning what came first— the whacked mind or the whacked world?

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The Review

What a powerful and memorable read. The author establishes a tone of humor and realism in the narrative of each story very early, showcasing the haunting realities that so many women have to face on any given day and how some people cope with those realities. The originality and artistry behind the prose the author utilizes will stay with readers within each story, as the tension in each story is undercut by humorous dialogue or observations of the everyday life people encounter during these situations.

The themes and feelings of strength and paranoia in each story resonate with the harsh experiences that so many women are left to face. The unique delivery of the stories as an almost first-person monologue in a way allowed the reader to feel as if these stories represented personal conversations between the reader and the author. The titular story is an excellent example of this, with the narrator gradually becoming more and more afraid as she has strange encounters and is soon face to face with a unique outcome. 

The Verdict

Thoughtful, performative, and engaging author Mary Paula Hunter’s “Can I Have a Hug First?” is a must-read fiction and speculative fiction genre. The poignant and carefully crafted narrative behind each story and the rich character dynamics built in such a short amount of time in each story made the collection both relatable and alive on the page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mary Paula Hunter is a writer living in Providence, Rhode Island. She received early praise for her writing when as a dancer and choreographer, she told stories about her eccentric Midwestern family while she danced.

Laurie Stone, in the now-defunct VILLAGE VOICE wrote that Mary Paula’s writing was brilliant. Jennifer Dunning in THE NEW YORK TIMES also praised her hybrid work, especially the honest storytelling.  Finally the writing won out… although she still creates dances (mainly in her kitchen), and works on performance art projects.

Visit Mary Paula Hunter’s Performance website.

https://www.marypaulahunterwrites.com/

The Abandoned Theater (Alderland Series Book One) by Dana Robertson 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. 

In Dana Robertson’s The Abandoned Theater, the first in the Alderland Series, a young girl goes to an abandoned theater in search of a missing teenager, only to discover an evil that threatens multiple worlds.

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The Synopsis

Deep in the woods of the Winnodov property sits the abandoned theater. Something mysterious happened during the last performance there – the same night Mr. Winnodov disappeared. Eight years later, it’s happening again. A group of mischievous teenagers sneaks into the theater. And now, one is missing. When 12-year-old Beth Shoner learns who the missing teen is, she sets off with two friends to find him. But what they discover is more astonishing than they could ever have imagined. Now, Beth must defeat an evil plan unleashed long ago that threatens to destroy countless worlds, including their own.

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The Review

What a compelling and engaging read. The author does a marvelous job of balancing the relatable, heartfelt character development with the visceral fantasy world-building that the author was able to create. The imagery in the author’s writing made the world the characters stumbled into feel alive on the page, and the mythology the author was able to drive into the narrative not only ramped up the drama quickly but honed in on some of the more personal mysteries tied to the characters themselves.

What stood out was how much this story seemed to embody the themes and nostalgia that so many projects in this genre have established beforehand while still creating a fresh and remarkable story. Whether it was Steven Spielberg’s E.T. or the modern-day Stranger Things, the idea of young people having to confront the strange and the unknown and face their own looming adulthood in the process was thoroughly presented in this narrative. 

The Verdict

Action-packed, magical, and entertaining author Dana Robertson’s “The Abandoned Theater” is a must-read middle-school/YA fantasy read. The magical world-building that the story takes on and the rich and relatable character dynamics of this novel make this a remarkable narrative that readers won’t be able to get enough of and will be eager for the next entry into the series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on May 1st, 2025 or preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Dana Robertson lives in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. She completed a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Psychology with Trent University in Peterborough Ontario, followed by a graduate creative writing program with the Humber School for Writers in Toronto, Ontario. She writes mystery, fantasy, science fiction and middle grade. The Abandoned Theater is her debut novel and book one of the Alderland Series.

Dana Robertson Books