Category: reviews

Voices of the Civil War (Voices of History Book One) by Barry Robbins

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 Barry Robbins shares a unique look into the history of the U.S. Civil War through narrative storytelling in the book “Voices of the Civil War”, the first book in the author’s Voices of History series.

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The Synopsis

“Voices of the Civil War” offers a revolutionary approach to experiencing America’s defining conflict. This groundbreaking work brings the Civil War to life through meticulously crafted first-person narratives, imagining the thoughts and words of those who lived through this tumultuous era.

From the highest halls of power to the bloodiest battlefields, readers witness the war unfold through the eyes of presidents and generals, soldiers and civilians. Each chapter presents a unique voice, offering intimate perspectives on key moments and decisions that shaped the course of history. Feel the agonizing weight of command, the terror of battle, the hope of emancipation, and the anguish of a nation torn apart. “Voices of the Civil War” goes beyond mere facts and dates, plunging readers into the raw emotions and moral complexities of America’s bloodiest conflict.

This isn’t just a retelling of history—it’s an immersive journey into a nation at war with itself. Prepare to experience the Civil War in a whole new way, through voices that bring the past vividly to life.

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The Review

What an engaging and thoughtful approach to one of the United States’ most brutal and morally vital wars. The heartbreak and divide this book explores in the Civil War (before, during, and after the battles fought) lets the readers experience the tumultuous time in American history like never before. The imagery in the author’s writing style and the atmospheric nature of the writing draws the reader in, immersing the reader into the lives of those living through these harsh realities in a way that feels real and relatable all at once.

The story’s history, setting, and narrative became the heart of this story. The transformative nature of the stories being told and the morality around the central conflicts of this war became about allowing the reader to think critically about the war while also feeling the emotional stories being told. The first-person narrative each chapter brought and the variety of different people each chapter captured, from everyday Americans on both sides of the war to historical figures and more, gave a well-rounded conversation starter for readers to engage in surrounding the Civil War.

The Verdict

Remarkable, passionately written, and thoughtful in its approach, author Barry Robbins’s “Voices of the Civil War” is a must-read history meets historical fiction book. The blend of first-person storytelling to get into the mindset of Americans during this war and the use of speculation amongst scholars allowed the reader to get both an entertaining yet educational look at this era and, more than anything, feel the emotional and mental weight of what this war cost and what people were fighting for. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Barry Robbins is a celebrated author, having penned five notable satirical works that earned him three gold medal awards, and the first book in his ‘icons’ series. With a 26-year tenure as an accountant for an international firm under his belt, he took a bold leap, relocating to Finland’s tranquil shores. There, amidst its enchanting landscapes and in the company of his Finnish wife and two beautiful daughters, he found a renewed passion for storytelling and mastered the subtle intricacies of expatriate life (including, notably, the fine art of taking out the trash). Now, from his home in Florida, Barry crafts tales that are both engaging and thought-provoking, adding to his diverse literary canvas.

Schroeder by Neal Cassidy 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 seemingly ordinary man unleashes terror on an unsuspecting city in author Neal Cassidy’s psychological thriller, “Schroeder”.

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The Synopsis

A gripping new psychological thriller by author Neal Cassidy, SCHROEDER, weaves together elements of the literary thriller/horror genre, stream-of-consciousness narration, and critical social commentary.


When an ordinary young man wakes up in his quiet neighborhood on a day seemingly like all the others, the city he’s lived in all his life has no idea what’s about to befall it once he sets out on a day-long bike ride carrying a purposefully packed backpack and a definitive plan.


Who is Schroeder, and what motivates his brutal killing spree? As he cycles from one victim’s home to the next, keeping pace with the rhythm of a city that burgeons to life under an increasingly dazzling sun exposing both its beauty and vivacity and its dark, dirty, underbelly, Schroeder lays bare his dreams, disappointments, delights, and dismays, establishing himself as a compelling contemporary antihero. The day rolls ominously towards its climax through hectic city streets, lush suburban gardens, stately mansions, and decrepit housing projects, punctuated by Schroeder’s reflections on a society in shambles and a deeply damaged, if not broken, humanity—but not without revealing life’s boundless wonder and infinite possibilities for joy and redemption through moments that are within—and yet tragically beyond—Schroeder’s grasp. A tell-all denouement brings Schroeder out of the shadows of his actions, the pathos of his questions about the kind of world we live in lingering long after.

The Review

This was definitely a thrilling, chilling, and shocking read. The author perfectly touches on the culture of bullying and violence and the actions society often takes to give violent people a place to grow. The author’s writing style, namely the stream-of-consciousness style of narrative work given by the protagonist, allows the reader to feel the adrenaline and tension that mounts as the deadly actions intensify throughout the story. 

The heart of this narrative is the character-driven story, namely the protagonist Schroeder. The eerie, calm direction of the character’s mindset and the haunting ease with which the character takes these heinous actions is mirrored by the emotional backstory of what this individual endured, from loss and harassment to enduring depression and more. The thoughtful contemplation and examination of society and the daily actions people take against one another showed the depth of this character and the haunting mindset of a violent individual, one born out of tragedy yet still disturbing in his approach.

The Verdict

Memorable, haunting, and entertaining author Neal Cassidy’s “Schroeder” is a must-read psychological thriller. The narrative’s twists and turns and compelling commentary on the violent state of our world today will stay with readers long after the final page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy today or grab your own copy on October 15th, 2024!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Neal Cassidy is the author of THE FINAL WEEKEND:A STONED TALE and SCHROEDER. He was born in 1975 and raised in Forest. He is a graduate of The Nene School and lives nowhere in particular.

https://www.facebook.com/theNealCassidy

IG – @thenealcassidy

Kindred of the Unseen: The New Temple by Micah Beardsley 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 group of individuals are called to find what is unseen in author Micah Beardsley’s “Kindred of the Unseen: The New Temple”.

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The Synopsis

Which is real and which is shadow? The unseen has webs that draw and realms that open to those who will knock . . .

At the start of the fourth age of mankind, the Kindred of the Unseen are being called to awaken to discover the worlds and realities that exist beyond their five senses.

Four travelling musicians in pursuit of new adventures; new stories and new sounds for their songs, never imagine they would be invited to discover the nature and power of sounds born of the unseen . . .

Prince Léyondir faces a crossroads; down one path is the life he planned for himself, on the other is a mysterious summons, an invitation to a path shrouded in ambiguity . . .

Beldrien, a sorcerer-hunter, serves as the chief spiritual advisor and right hand to a king but there is more to hunting darkness than he has learned in his years of spiritual study . . .

And in the far east wilderness of Auburntungle, an unassuming hunter dreams of a greater destiny than the life which he presently knows. Are they dreams or something else . . .

A fantasy novel by acclaimed author Micah Beardsley. Beware! It will leave you spellbound and may draw you to the unseen yourself.

The Review

What an engaging and marvelous read! The author immediately distinguishes their narrative, playing with spirituality and destiny through the introduction pages with the Council of Thunders and the Lords of Light that come forth when this fourth age arrives. The world-building and mythos that come to life on the page instantly draw the reader in and keep the narrative flowing at a great rate. 

The balance of action and storytelling with fantastic character arcs was outstanding to see come to life on the page. The ideas and themes the author introduces, from finding spirituality amongst the epic tales and legends of fantasy storytelling to the concept of music having its kind of power and so much more, allowed the reader to feel more connected to this fictional world and the narrative itself. 

The Verdict

Memorable, thought-provoking, and entertaining author Micah Beardsley’s “Kindred of the Unseen: The New Temple” is a must-read fantasy novel with a spiritual twist. With the compelling character dynamics at play here, the multiple points of view the story is told from, and the immersive mythology, the author has created a thrilling tale that readers will instantly fall in love with. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

The reality of the supernatural has been evident throughout my life.

Through a passion for music and sound, I have discovered and explored unseen mysteries – the realms of spirit my training ground as I continue to grow and learn of even greater realities.

In writing this book, I have explored these realms in a new way, using fantasy to push the limits of what I believe to be reality – this genre is the perfect environment to expand that foundation.

I desire to bring others along for the ride, that together, we would journey the unseen realms, and discover more about the dimensions we cannot see, and ourselves, in the process.

https://www.micahbeardsley.com

Echoes of Fortune: The Search for Braddock’s Lost Gold by David R. Leng 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 former Navy officer turned History professor faces a swarm of adversaries chasing the hidden treasure of a French and Indian War era general in author David R. Leng’s “Echoes of Fortune: The Search for Braddock’s Lost Gold”.

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The Synopsis

The race is on! A Gripping Historical Thriller Full of Action, Mystery, and Suspense.

Dive into a whirlwind of adventure, mystery, and danger with Echoes of Fortune, a historical thriller that will leave you breathless. Jack Sullivan, a history professor and former Navy officer with a knack for unearthing the past, stumbles upon a clue that might lead to General Braddock’s legendary lost treasure of 1755: gold to pay the troops and secure Native American allies.

Join Jack and his friends as they race against time and relentless and aggressive adversaries and embark on a dangerous quest to uncover the legendary treasure. Follow them as they decipher cryptic codes and navigate deadly traps. With danger lurking around every corner, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Discover a heart-pounding story filled with a mix of history, action, treasure hunting, and loyalty, with a touch of romance, where ancient codes and modern-day dangers collide. Will Jack and his friends’ loyalty successfully withstand the ultimate test, or will the pursuit of wealth cost them everything, including their lives?

For fans of historical thrillers, action-packed adventures, and suspense-filled mysteries, Echoes of Fortune seamlessly blends stories of the past and present. If you enjoy books by Clive Cussler or Dan Brown, this tale of codes, loyalty, treasure, and intrigue will keep you hooked until the very last page. Dive into a world where treasure hunting meets mystery and espionage, where heroism, loyalty, and sacrifice are tested. Experience the adventure of a lifetime—get your copy today!

The Review

What an engaging and thrilling historical fiction meets action adventure read. The author does a fantastic job of finding the right balance between the historical background that this mystery is based on and the modern-day adventure that sees the hunt for the treasure takes place. The reader gets a historical perspective of the events that led to this adventure and the mystery that drives many people in our modern era to search for hidden treasures and historical artifacts. 

The themes this story explores and the rich character development allow for a more remarkable and connecting tale for readers. The author’s ability to infuse themes of loyalty, a sense of duty, and the cost to people at the expense of a person’s ambition was profoundly felt. The rich character dynamics allowed for tense interactions and deep personal growth within the characters. The imagery used in the author’s writing brought these locations and the historical background to life perfectly.

The Verdict

Thrilling, memorable, and entertaining author David R. Leng’s “Echoes of Fortune” is a must-read historical fiction thriller. The attention to detail, solid historical presence in the main story, and twists and turns in the overall narrative will keep readers invested in this author’s breathtaking tale. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

David R. Leng is the author of the International #1 Best Sellers – Insured to Fail, The 10 Laws of Insurance Attraction and Turning Premiums Into Profits, as well as Stop Being Frustrated & Overcharged By Your Workers’ Compensation Program. He is an accomplished and well know speaker, and performs as a Certified Risk Manager to many employers. David is also Executive Vice President and Partner of the Duncan Financial Group – he is a 30 year veteran of the Risk Management and Insurance industry and is regarded as one of the brightest minds in the industry due to his unique Risk Profile Improvement Process, which identifies, controls and reduces the risk factors inherent in any business that drive costs to an organization’s bottom line and hinders employee productivity. Since 2004, David has saved his clients well over $42,000,000 in premiums and overcharges.

David was awarded the Advisor of the Year for 2008 by the Institute of WorkComp Professionals and is a frequent contributor to Dynamic Business, Environmental Health & Safety magazines, and has been published in several other periodicals and association newsletters.

David, who has 16 years’ experience specializing in Risk Management, is an alumnus of Penn State where he received a Bachelor of Science in Insurance and Risk Management. His professional designations include Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Certified Risk Manager (CRM) and Charter Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Certified Benefits & Wellness Advisor (CBWA), and he’s been designated a Certified WorkComp Advisor (CWCA) by the Institute of WorkComp Professionals.

David is also Co-Founder of Keystone CompControl, the nation’s largest single network of Workers’ Compensation specialists, and is one of only 14 nationwide Level-5 Advisors of the Institute of WorkComp Professionals.

David is a frequent speaker for the Hardwood Manufacturers Association, Wood Products Manufacturing Association, National Workers’ Compensation Symposium, PA Society of Public Accountants, SMC Business Councils, Westmoreland HR Association, as well as other organizations; and was added to the faculty of the Institute of WorkComp Professionals in 2012.

David spends his leisure time boating in the summer and skiing in the winter with his wife, Lynn, and their two children. David and Lynn are active members of Emmaus and Autism Speaks, organizations that help support individuals with special needs, including their son, who was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 18 months.

David’s hobbies include woodworking and ice hockey, as well as donating considerable time to his local high school by helping to design and build sets for their musical productions.

David can be contacted at (724) 863-3420 ext. 3329 (toll free at 888-383-3420 ext. 3329), or emailed at dleng@duncangrp.com.

https://davidleng.com

The Sorcerer and the Necromancer: A Tale from the City of Magic by Susan Ann Walker Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

A young warrior discovers a hidden yet frightful gift for magic, and must find a way to stop a powerful necromancer and prevent either one of them from triggering a firestorm that could decimate the city he calls his adopted home in author Susan Ann Walker’s “The Sorcerer and the Necromancer”, the third book in the “Tales from the City of Magic” series .

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The Synopsis

A young swordsman with a threatening secret. A rogue mage with a forbidden power. When they do battle, will the city survive?

Daric came to ignore the slur of being called “blank.” Growing up without magic of his own in a remote enclave of wizards, he left as soon as he could to make his way with his sword and his wits. Then the seventeen-year-old bodyguard accidentally discovers he has a hidden Gift for sorcery, enabling him to drain mystical energy from others, and he is terrified that his suddenly-appearing talent places everyone around him in deadly peril.

Determined to master his new abilities, Daric finds a mentor to guide him and friends who support him, even though many fear him and demand his exile. But while he trains, a necromancer is killing elderly merchants and animating their corpses to rob them; and seers are dreaming of a devastating firestorm soon to come. As rumors swirl and panic mounts, the fledgling sorcerer realizes he may be the key to saving the place that’s become his adopted home—or the cause of its destruction.

Can Daric wield his dangerous skills to stop a madman from burning everything and everyone around him to ashes? Or will he lose control, and bring about the very disaster he is desperate to prevent?

The Sorcerer and the Necromancer is the third book in the “Tales from the City of Magic” sword and sorcery series. It can be read on its own, although there are some continuing characters from earlier books. If you enjoy stories of hidden powers, dark prophecies and found families, then you’ll love Susan Ann Walker’s exciting fantasy adventure.

Get The Sorcerer and the Necromancer to return to the City of Magic today!

The Review

Immediately, I was struck by the incredible world and character-building the author put into this story. As a fan of the show Heroes, I instantly thought of Peter Petreli and Sylar from the show when it came to the book’s antagonist and protagonist. Each sought to be someone special but took very different paths, and even the hero struggled with whether they were this story’s true villains. The emotional aspect of their journeys and the attention to detail that the author gave to each of them as their stories progressed allowed the reader to get lost in this narrative in the best way possible.

The mythology and the world itself were the shining stars of this narrative. Whether you are a newcomer to the series or a longtime fan, the author’s development of Torrenbeck, the city of magic, was engaging for a reader to dive into. The imagery in the author’s writing style allowed this city and the world around it to breathe and live on the page, which only served to elevate the magical system and the magical creatures that roamed this realm and made the entire world feel tangible and within reach to the reader.

The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and thrilling, author Susan Ann Walker’s “The Sorcerer and the Necromancer” is a must-read fantasy novel. The twists and turns in the story, along with the climactic final battle between the hero and villain, not only do an incredible job of wrapping up this particular story but also build enough mythos to return to these characters and the world itself in the future, a bonus for fans of this growing series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Susan Ann Walker began writing professionally after retiring from her first career as an aerospace IT architect.

Susan’s novels are informed by her life as an admitted serial hobbyist. A former equestrian and martial artist, she knows first-hand how to ride a horse, throw a punch, and wield a katana. She has not yet managed to work database design or Lego set construction into a medieval fantasy, but she’s still trying.

Susan lives in Southern California with her husband and a variable number of fur persons.

susanannwalker.com

Istanbul Crossing by Timothy Jay Smith 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 closeted Syrian refuge helping other refuges cross over into Greece finds his life on the line when both ISIS and the CIA approach him about using his skills for their own needs, and his growing feelings for two men put his secrets within reach of those who would see him killed in author Timothy Jay Smith’s “Istanbul Crossing”.

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The Synopsis

In this coming-of-age literary thriller, Ahdaf, a gay Syrian refugee, after watching his cousin executed by ISIS for being homosexual, flees to Istanbul for safety. 

Ahdaf’s reputation as a people smuggler has put him in danger once more. A Syrian refugee himself, Ahdaf earns a meager living in Istanbul helping others make the crossing to Greece – a perilous line of work, but no less so than what he would face if the truth of his sexuality were discovered by ISIS. 

Yet when the CIA and ISIS approach him about transporting high-profile individuals and serving as a double agent for their causes, Ahdaf ’s life is thrown into turmoil. And when his feelings for one of his clients come to light and as another possible relationship grows, the decision is taken out of his hands. Now a new choice lays before him, between two men and two different futures – if Ahdaf will live to see either of them. Istanbul Crossing is a story of adversity, love, and the courage of an ordinary man who must brave impossible situations in order to survive.

The Review

What a compelling, tense, and emotional read. The author does a remarkable job of building a engaging cast of characters that drive the narrative forward while also allowing the realities of the conflicts in the Middle East and the impact it has on innocent people to have the spotlight. The heavy atmosphere and the tension brought to the narrative allowed the stress and emotion that the protagonist felt throughout the story to be more widely felt by the reader.

The heart of this narrative, though, was in the protagonist’s personal development and struggles. Life as a member of the LGBTQ+ community is tough enough in places like the United States, but in the Middle East, hiding oneself from the world is a means of survival, and the author highlights how dangerous and deadly living out in the open can be for people in countries where homosexuality is a crime punishable by death. The pain and heartbreak that come with living in this reality, along with the humanitarian and trafficking conditions found there thanks to the war being fought, put a special spotlight on these real-world problems.

The Verdict

Author Timothy Jay Smith’s “Istanbul Crossing” is a must-read domestic and political espionage thriller that is thought-provoking, haunting, and emotionally investing. The themes of LGBTQ+ life and the refugee crisis in the Middle East made this story stand out, and the tragic yet hopeful tones found in the book’s ending will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Raised crisscrossing America pulling a small green trailer behind the family car, Timothy Jay Smith developed a ceaseless wanderlust that has taken him around the world many times. En route, he’s found the characters that people his work. Polish cops and Greek fishermen, mercenaries and arms dealers, child prostitutes and wannabe terrorists, Indian Chiefs and Indian tailors: he’s hung with them all in an unparalleled international career that saw him smuggle banned plays from behind the Iron Curtain, maneuver through Occupied Territories, represent the U.S. at the highest levels of foreign governments, and stowaway aboard a ‘devil’s barge’ for a three-day crossing from Cape Verde that landed him in an African jail.

Tim brings the same energy to his writing that he brought to a distinguished career, and as a result, he has won top honors for his novels, screenplays and stage plays in numerous prestigious competitions. Fire on the Island (to be released by Arcade Publishing in July 2020) won the Gold Medal in the 2017 Faulkner-Wisdom Competition for the Novel, and his screenplay adaptation of it was named Best Indie Script by WriteMovies. Another novel, The Fourth Courier, set in Poland, published in 2019 also by Arcade Publishing, received tremendous reviews and is currently competing in many competitions. Previously, he won the Paris Prize for Fiction (now the Paris Literary Prize) for his novel, A Vision of Angels. Kirkus Reviews called Cooper’s Promise “literary dynamite” and selected it as one of the Best Books of 2012.

Tim was nominated for the 2018 Pushcart Prize. He’s an avid theater-goer and playwright himself. His stage play, How High the Moon, a gay love story set in Nazi-occupied Warsaw, won the prestigious Stanley Drama Award. He is the founder of the Smith Prize for Political Theater.

www.timothyjaysmith.com

The House Filler (China China Trilogy Book One) by Tong Ge Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

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

A woman who has endured hardship and struggle through poverty, war and more must find a way of saving her son in author Tong Ge’s “The House Filler”, the first book in the China China Trilogy.

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The Synopsis

A family saga set in China during the most tumultuous time of the twentieth century including the Japanese invasion, the civil war, and the Communist takeover.

The House Filler is told through the experiences of Golden Phoenix, a woman who faces war, poverty, and political oppression as she fights for survival, freedom and happiness. After the untimely death of her husband, Golden Phoenix is determined to keep her family together. However, poverty forces her to make the heart-wrenching decision to give her teenage twins to the Red Army. During the upheaval of the Japanese invasion of her hometown, she is separated from her two young girls, and her remaining son leaves to fight with the Nationalist army. Golden Phoenix, along with her adopted son, remains to endure the horror and hardship of war. When the civil war ends with the Communists in power in 1949, one of her twins, who had joined the Communist Party, is wrongly accused of being a traitor and is sentenced to death. Golden Phoenix and her family must find a way to save her son’ s life.

The House Filler is a moving and powerful portrayal of one family’ s struggle to survive in the face of an historical upheaval and political oppression.

The Review

What a dynamic and compelling novel. The author immediately found the perfect balance between historical fiction storytelling and character-driven narrative. The stark cultural contrast will immediately stand out to readers, exploring everything from women’s rights and place in society to family dynamics, beauty standards, and much more. The political drama and upheaval of that era also helped elevate the protagonist’s personal stakes in this novel.

The emotional depth of the protagonist’s journey and the rich themes of the narrative stood out in this novel. The exploration of loyalty, love, and family all played a heavy hand in the book, and the realism and attention to detail made the story feel more engaging and highlighted the human condition in the face of overwhelming tragedy or hardships suffered during these historical times. 

The Verdict

A truly memorable and thoughtful read, author Tong Ge’s “The House Filler” is a must-read historical fiction novel. The twists and turns in the story, the heartbreaking realities of this era, and the sobering yet powerful finale will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Tong Ge was born and raised in China and moved to Canada in 1988. She began writing the China China trilogy in 2004 with the first book: The House Filler. Although she was challenged by learning to write in English and by her long- term disability, she persevered and since 2012 has published poetry and prose in English and Chinese in publications such as Prism, Ricepaper, Flow, Canadian Stories, and The Polyglot. Tong Ge lives in Calgary, Alberta.

The Door at the End of Everything by Lynda Monahan 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 and poet Lynda Monahan shares a powerful collection of poetry in honor of the people who contend with mental health on a daily basis in the collection “The Door at the End of Everything”.

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The Synopsis

Written while Lynda Monahan was hospital writer-in-residence at the Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert, working often on the adult and youth mental health wards, the tight, pared poems in The Door at the End of Everything give voice to and honour those living with mental illness, speaking to not only the suffering but also the courage and hope that is so clearly there as well.

Several of the poems and poetry sequences have seen publication in various literary journals, including Grain, The Society, The New Quarterly, Transition, Bareback, and Dalhousie Review, and in the poetry anthologies Writing Menopause (Inanna Publications), Lummox Anthology of Canadian Poetry, Worth More Standing (Caitlin Press), the Apart pandemic anthology (Saskatchewan Writers Guild), and Line Dance (Burton House Books), and in various tanka publications such as Atlas Poetica, A Hundred Gourds, and Gusts. A series of online readings from this collection, created with the help of a Canada Council grant, are available on YouTube.

The Review

What a profound and heartbreaking read! The author captures the voice and trauma of these individuals who suffer through and endure the pain of mental health trauma. The visceral nature of the poems’ themes and the thought-provoking imagery in the author’s writing style paint a picture of the turmoil so many feel inside, to the point that these feelings feel almost personified in the writing itself.

The emotional core of these poems and the powerful themes made this book what it is today: moving. The writing was indeed illuminating, as it allowed readers not only to feel and understand the internal struggles of so many people and the tragic reasoning for so many who make the hard decisions that impact their lives and the lives they leave behind, but it also allowed readers to see the promise of hope for those who fight through those struggles and search for the means of internal peace, in this case through the beauty and serenity of nature itself.

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The Verdict

Overall, this was a moving and heartfelt read. The author did a brilliant job of capturing the heart and the passion that so many feel for developing this need to further the cause of mental health awareness. The imagery and atmosphere that the author creates through these poems and the emotional themes that the author explores make this a pivotal book that readers should return to time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Murder by Storm by Russell Little Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

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

A mother and mastermind criminal attempts to thwart authorities and the obsessed and disgraced former investigator hot on her heels by destroying evidence of her crimes amidst a deadly storm in author Russell Little’s “Murder by Storm”.

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The Synopsis 

Marilyn is a master of deception, a chameleon living multiple lives to shield her sweet son while ensnaring naive couples in her web of schemes across Houston, Texas. Free from the clutches of the law, she weaves her plans with calculated precision. But shadows from her past loom large—her deranged mother and subservient stepfather, relentlessly badgering her with their fearful questions.

And then there’s O.C. Simms, the disgraced police detective obsessed with bringing her down. Fired for failing to catch her, Simms is haunted by the belief that Marilyn murdered her lover and lawyer, Ed. He’s relentless, determined to hunt her until he’s either vindicated or dead, defying his former captain’s orders.

As a hurricane bears down on Houston, Marilyn sees both a threat and an opportunity. The storm’s fury will devastate the city, creating chaos and diverting attention. Amid the tempest’s destruction, she crafts her most daring plan yet, aiming to exploit the storm to erase all traces of her crimes. But Simms remains undeterred, a relentless force pursuing her through the floodwaters.

Can Marilyn turn the storm to her advantage, keeping the police at bay and obliterating the evidence? Will she slip through the cracks of justice once more? In this high-stakes game of cat and mouse, the storm is just the beginning. Dive into a crime thriller where every moment is a battle for survival, and every decision could be her last.

The Review

What a captivating thriller! The author does an incredible job of balancing the stories of Marilyn and O.C., giving readers each the perspective of the criminal and the police at the same time. The cat-and-mouse element of the story really is played up well, and the chilling background of the hurricane and the criminal using the chaos from the storm to erase their crimes adds to the mounting tensions between Marilyn and O.C. overall.

The character growth was on point in this novel, allowing the reader to become invested in the story as each protagonist had more of their backstory revealed, and their journey saw them grow over time. Marilyn’s backstory with her mother and stepfather, as well as the relationship with her son, added more heart and complexity to her story, while O.C.’s struggle from the first book and the love and family he finds for himself along the way add to the rising stakes in the book’s closing chapters. 

The Verdict

Heart-pounding, thrilling, and entertaining author Russell Little’s “Murder by Storm” is a must-read psychological and crime thriller. The narrative’s twists and turns and explosive cliffhanger will have fans eager for more from this masterful storyteller. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on October 22nd, 2024 or preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Russell G. Little is a writer and practicing divorce attorney. Murder for Me is a fictionalized compilation of the many people he’s encountered over his lifetime and thirty-two-year career.

He lives in Houston, Texas, with his wife of thirty-two years, Melinda.

www.russelllittleauthor.com