Category: reviews

A Practical Guide to Spanish: Learning Simplified by Zakary Kerr 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 Zakary Kerr shares with readers a simplified and easier way of getting started on the path to having conversational fluency in Spanish in the book “A Practical Guide to Spanish: Learning Simplified”.

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The Synopsis

Concise, relatable, and contextual, with self study techniques for your independent learning!

Spanish simplified! If you’ve tried learning Spanish before or if you’re a total beginner, this book is for you. In my own experience, I’ve found many of the answers to my questions needlessly complex or simply lacking. I wrote this for you to be just what you need for a strong start in this rich and beautiful language. This concise guide comes with explanations and exercises for all you need to reach conversational fluency and explorative literacy in Spanish!

This book was written for you if you’re sick of these things:

  • Not enough material at the earliest stages of learning
  • Overly complex grammarian answers
  • Overly broad or simple answers
  • Scouring the web, forums, and social media, for just the right explanation
  • A lack of recommendations for further material


I understand and sympathize with how difficult it can be to get started in a new language. I’ve also met enough people with the same questions and frustrations and perhaps you’re in a similar spot. Break common misconceptions around learning, go through the basic parts of speech and grammar structures, learn how to immerse with recommendations for material, and round it off with a few graded reading exercises and more written just for you in this brief guide to the big, wide world of Spanish!

The Review

This was such an engaging and motivating read. The practicality and simplicity with which the author crafted this book allowed the reader to not only understand the lessons the author was teaching but to put these lessons into use with ease. The balance the author found in explaining and translating each word or phrase with the personal anecdotes that went with the author’s own experiences made this a very personable read as well.

The heart of this book was the ease and frequency with which readers will be able to turn to this book. Often, some educational or practical lessons found in books can be too wordy and overcomplicate the basics and necessary lessons a person needs about a particular subject. The author did a great job of pushing past this, allowing each chapter and lesson to speak for itself and to enable readers to go out and practice these lessons, all while bringing them back to freshen up on these lessons whenever they need to. This allowed a certain level of interactivity between the reader and the author’s lessons. 

The Verdict

Fast-paced, educational, and motivating author Zakary Kerr’s “A Practical Guide to Spanish: Learning Simplified “ is a must-read book for anyone looking to explore the Spanish language conversationally. The lessons found within, including the use of acute accents on certain phrases that change the meanings of the words used and so much more, allowed the reader to gain more insight into this beautiful language and find a means of communicating with more people in this world. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Zakary Kerr is the founder of Little House Publishing and the creative force behind Language Haus, a unique educational initiative dedicated to making language learning accessible and enjoyable for adults and children alike. With a passion for linguistic education and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by language learners, Zakary has developed the Language Haus Master Suite, a comprehensive series of educational resources designed to guide learners from beginner to advanced levels.

The first Language Haus Master Suite, focused on Spanish, combines a concise, practical guide, graded readers, children’s books, and engaging multimedia content. Zakary’s approach emphasizes real-world application, cultural understanding, and a structured yet flexible learning process. His materials are crafted to help learners independently achieve fluency in their target language while enjoying the journey.

Zakary continues to expand Language Haus with new language offerings, aiming to foster a global community of enthusiastic language learners.

Abyss of Tyranny: When the System Strikes Back by Justin Cook 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 Justin Cook share the shocking realities of prison and the lack of rehabilitation that is used there and instead a system designed to break down its prisoners in the book “Abyss of Tyranny: When the System Strikes Back”.

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The Synopsis

In the heart of the scorching Arizona desert, a man ensnared in the web of an oppressive justice system that thrives on officials, driven by power and relentless pursuit, inflicting harm while casting shadows of despair over those they are meant to supervise. Cook is confronted with the harsh realities of a system designed to control and break, rather than rehabilitate. This true story recounts rouge officers hellbent on destroying his rebuilt life after leaving San Quentin, as well as a viral vendetta across state lines.

Burdened by the weight of isolation, Cook finds himself navigating the rules created to destroy him, where he is trapped by a system gone awry, full of officials wielding their power to crush individual freedoms and minds with malicious intent. Amidst the desolation and adversity, a glimmer of hope emerges. Cook discovers a hidden strength within, a dormant set of knowledge that is the key to true freedom and finding solace and liberation.

Part Two of the #1 Amazon Best-Selling novel, Infectious Injustice, this evocative narrative explores the indomitable nature of the human spirit and the consequences of unchecked authority, this is a how-to guide on enduring the shadows that threaten to extinguish the light of freedom in all of us.

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The Review

What a truly profound and moving read. The author did an incredible job of writing with enthusiasm and honesty, never fearing to get too deep into the emotional journey of his life outside of prison. The balance the author found in relaying the personal information from his life with the justice system and his interactions after leaving San Quentin and California behind was so well kept and allowed the reader to get a true sense of who the author was and still is.

The author not only focused on the corruption and injustices found in so many aspects of the United States legal system but mirrored that with the examination of mental health and the impact that a prison sentence can have on an individual. The fight to have a relationship with his children, the choppy relationships within his own family, the new bonds formed with friends and possible romantic partners, and even figures like a vigilante parole officer and opinionated judge allowed the reader to feel engrossed in the author’s life, and feel the heated and passionate emotions that came as a result of these chilling actions from the justice system. 

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, emotional, and heartfelt author Justin Cook’s “Abyss of Tyranny” is a must-read. The depth and detail the author poured into his story and the themes of humanity, resilience, and hope peppered throughout made the book come alive on the page and will leave readers completely enthralled. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Justin Cook was born in Nevada. The swashbuckling action-adventure Infectious Injustice is his first novel, which hit #1 on the Amazon Best Seller list in multiple categories in three languages. Abyss of Tyranny, his second novel, is also a #1 Amazon Best Seller. When he isn’t writing, he’s a technical architect who has worked at the most prestigious companies and holds over fifty technical certifications, including top-tier status among the technical community worldwide. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish literature, a master’s in information systems, a master’s in information technology, and is pursuing a PhD in Education. He also taught at a college in Nevada and was a faculty member in the information technology department. In his spare time, he is a marathon runner who has also run with the bulls in Pamplona, twice. He speaks four languages, which he developed while living abroad in Spain, France, and Germany. He has traveled to over thirty countries, which translates to he doesn’t know how to save money. He enjoys teaching Kenpo, where he holds a black belt, playing piano, snowboarding, and hiking. He is a father of rambunctious kids who enjoy reminding him that he is no longer cool and is gaining weight. He now lives in a house free of bars that is made for naps, reading books, and drinking too much coffee. Most days, you will find him lounging in his Kirkland sweats from Costco, writing, where he transports readers to a place where bold heroes have endearing flaws, as he broadly addresses the human experience.

https://justincook.us

Social Security and the Three Bears by Burt Williamson 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 family of bears engage in the conversation and decisions surrounding social security in the United States of America in author Burt Williamson’s “Social Security and the Three Bears”.

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The Synopsis

Mama and Papa Bear Bear have built a successful fishing business in the Great River Valley, and they have many of the same concerns about Social Security as most Americans. Mama tells stories of family members who had difficult situations in retirement, which worries her to no end. She meets a financial planner at a seminar, who turns out to be the only guide Papa will listen to.

Meanwhile, Baby Bear grows up and takes over the business along with a human partner. Thanks to Baby’s girlfriend, he later helps to solve the Social Security funding crisis once and for all.

The short story helps demystify the essential aspects of Social Security. It will appeal especially to women who are married, divorced or widowed, as the majority of the important decisions about Social Security for retirement apply to them.

The Review

This was a fun, heartfelt, and insightful blend of financial education meets fairy tales and was playful and engaging. The fast pace of the narrative and the relatable character development of the humans and the bears were playful and engaging, as they thoroughly represented all of the talking points surrounding our nation’s social security issues. The descriptive nature of the setting and actions the main cast of characters found themselves in allowed the reader to picture this fun story playing out in their mind’s eye.

The heart of the story, however, was the education and insight that the author provided to younger readers about this important program. The history of the program’s creation and purpose, along with the issues and fears that many have surrounding the program’s future, were expertly addressed in this book, which allowed both kids and adults to come together to better understand their own futures as well.

The Verdict

Memorable, thoughtful, and entertaining author Burt Williamson’s “Social Security and the Three Bears” is a must-read children’s fairy tale meets financial educational and retirement planning book. The development of this bear family, their engagement with the Social Security program, and the lessons readers will gain from this book make it a fantastic story to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Burt is an award winning financial planner and a Certified Financial Planner (TM). He’s the owner and Retirement Specialist at PlanPrep. His goal is to teach important concepts people really need to know in ways that makes it easy and FUN for them to learn.

His daughter used to ask him to tell her bedtime stories rather than read them to her. Each night, the stories were about different characters in unusual situations. The stories here try to capture that magic with a spin on them.

Mastering Agile Software Development: A Quality Code, Requirements, and Craftsmanship Guide by L.D. Knowings 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 L.D. Knowings shares the real-world approach to use Agile to help a team’s workload and move forward on software projects in the book “Mastering Agile Software Development: A Quality Code, Requirements, and Craftsmanship Guide”.

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The Synopsis

What you don’t know about Agile Software Development could boost your projects: Here’s how to increase your impact, team efficiency, and project success today!

Have you ever felt the pressure of a project deadline looming, yet your team’s progress seems stuck in a loop of inefficiency?

Imagine it’s Monday morning. You’re at your office desk, sifting through a backlog that is growing faster than you can manage.

Your team seems disoriented, deadlines are slipping, and ‘Agile’ feels more like a buzzword than reality.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

A staggering 75% of software projects are doomed to fail, often due to misapplied or misunderstood Agile practices.

But what if there’s a compass to navigate through this chaos?

This is a guide that not only explains Agile methodologies like Scrum, Kanban, and XP but also shows you how to implement them effectively to transform your team’s dynamics and project results.

That’s precisely what this book offers— a practical, no-nonsense approach to real-world Agile.

This isn’t just another Agile theory book. It’s a deep dive into the practicalities of applying Agile in everyday software development. Move past the jargon and cookie-cutter strategies to a more nuanced understanding of what makes Agile work.

Here’s just a tiny fraction of what you will discover inside:

  • The 12 Agile Manifesto principles… and how they can revolutionize your approach to software development, even if you’re a newcomer to Agile
  • The ultimate Kanban guide – transforming the way your team works, step by efficient step
  • Pair programming perfected: 7 tips that will take your code (and collaboration) from good to great
  • SAFe demystified – a straightforward guide to scaling Agile effectively, even in large organizations
  • How to equip yourself with strategies to pivot effortlessly in response to changing project requirements and market trends
  • A step-by-step strategy for running impactful retrospective meetings in just six steps
  • The insider’s roadmap to estimating sprint velocity, elevating your Agile planning to new heights
  • Culture is vital: Uncover the often-overlooked cultural shift necessary to embed Agile in your team’s DNA truly
  • The 12 most effective strategies for fostering team collaboration and overcoming the most significant collaboration challenges

And much more.

Perhaps you’re skeptical because Agile has yet to work for you. This book tackles that head-on, demystifying why past attempts may have faltered and providing a clear, tailored path to Agile success.

It’s not about a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s about understanding your team’s unique landscape and sculpting Agile practices to fit it perfectly. Even if you’ve been down the Agile road before, this guide will show you unexplored paths and new possibilities.

Ready to shift from Agile confusion to Agile confidence?

If you’re looking to genuinely improve your team’s performance and software quality, this book is your roadmap. Don’t wait for another project to go wrong: Scroll up and click “Add to Cart” right now!

The Review

This was such a valuable and engaging read. Anyone with an interest in learning or developing further the skills needed to put into practice Agile software development will find a comprehensive yet entirely understandable and engaging book. The detail and exploration of so many different Agile methods, from Scrum to XP and so much more, along with examining how important taking cultural shifts into account is in maintaining your teams project momentum and connectivity amongst themselves, made this book so knowledgeable and memorable to read. 

This book’s inspiration and practical nature made it so appealing. Whether you are new to Agile software development and the process of working on software projects as a whole or are a seasoned professional looking to increase productivity during deadlines, the author not only writes in a way that allows everyone to understand the practices but also gives real-life scenarios to showcase how these practices are used and help give teams the confidence they need to move forward.

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The Verdict

Honest, knowledgeable, and engaging, author L.D. Knowings’s “Mastering Agile Software Development” is a must-read nonfiction book on business and software work. The book’s practicality and the details the author uses will help any reader interested in developing their software development skills. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

L.D. Knowings is the author of several books related to information technology. His writing is dedicated to information technology, guiding readers toward a firm understanding of specific topics in the field.

Knowings has over 29 years of experience in the IT industry, spanning various technical and leadership roles. He has a bachelor’s degree in information technology and a master’s degree in business administration, and he has also studied computer science and mathematics.

Knowings has always been passionate about the power of IT to drive a company to success and leads his organization, which partners with small to medium-sized businesses to plan and manage their IT environments so that they will support their business goals. He aims to empower companies with the knowledge to get the most out of their technology and tailor its use to suit their specific needs and objectives.

This drive and his passion for education led Knowings to extend his reach through his writing. As a former member of the Desoto ISD T-STEM Advisory Board, he is dedicated to preparing students for successful careers in STEM subjects, and he is a firm believer in empowering individuals to understand IT and harness its powers to suit their needs.

Knowings lives in Texas, is a big football fan, and takes any opportunity to watch a game.

She Tames the Sea by E.M. Etheridge 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 woman must trust in the men who took her from her life as a socialite in South Carolina when a ruthless captain hunts her for the key to the creature her family helped imprison in the sea in author E.M. Etheridge’s “She Tames the Sea”.

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The Synopsis

Men fear a woman on the sea. They say women bring about bad luck and anger from the gods who rule the waters. Estella Bohem fears being aboard Captain Eric Price’s ship, amongst the pirates who kidnapped her for her abilities. It was the Bohem family who used magic to tame the beast of the sea decades ago. They trapped it in an ancient spell to make the waters safe to travel, but it was the vagabonds of the sea who wanted to free it, tame it, and use it for their own ambitions. All her life Estella never had control of her future, but as the notoriously brutal Captain Edward Laggatt hunts her down for the key to the beast’s cage, she has no choice but to trust the same men who stole her away from her socialite life in Charleston South Carolina.

She Tames The Sea is an adult dark fantasy novel that delves into the complications of familial relations, magic and mythology.

The Review

What a powerful and engaging read. The powerful blend of colonial witchcraft meets the Age of Pirates made this story so compelling to get lost in. The strong use of imagery in the author’s writing style brought the sea-faring adventure to life perfectly, allowing the reader to get lost in the setting and the use of history and mythology all at once. The world-building brought together that sense of action that the story embodied while also developing the mythology surrounding the relationship between witches and pirates and the personal family history of the protagonist. 

The heart of this narrative was in the character development and the theme of femininity and finding power in a male-dominated world. The history of witches and those who practice it is already a prime example of women being targeted and cruelly hunted down simply for practicing a different belief system and way of life. Yet the protagonist brought this to a whole new level, from the horrors she experienced at the hand of her father to the tragic loss of a mother who prepared her for a world in which women must do whatever it takes to survive and the evolution of her magic, in particular, showed the inner power that women must harness to find themselves in such a cruel world.

The Verdict

A remarkable and engaging dark fantasy and swashbuckling adventure, author E.M. Etheridge’s “She Tames The Sea” is a must-read novel. The twists and turns in the narrative, the power struggles, and the shocking final chapters will keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager for the next book in the franchise. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I’d always known I was going to publish books, and after years of writing my first book, I decided I wanted to publish traditionally. While still queering agents for that book, I came up with a whole new concept and decided to try my hand at publishing independently so I could gain experience in both industries. I’ve worked as a teacher, interned as an editor, and now I am ready to make books my livelihood through publishing and through freelance editing.

https://emetheridgewriter.wordpress.com

Until It Was Gone by David B. Seaburn Review/Preview

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

A family must overcome societal challenges and make new changes in their lives in author David B. Seaburn’s “Until It Was Gone”.

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The Synopsis

When, at the end of their fortieth anniversary dinner, Laney announces she’s leaving Franklin, he’s stunned and asks if she ever loved him, to which she answers, “Yes, until it was gone.”

Laney leaves for the Oklahoma panhandle in search of Roz, their estranged daughter, who left home at sixteen, and the nineteen-year-old granddaughter, Maggie, Laney has never met.

Shortly after she leaves, Franklin contracts COVID which morphs into long COVID. His episodes of fogginess and disorientation awaken memories of abuse at the hands of his father. His sister comes to take care of him, but she needs to return home soon for the sentencing of a mass murderer who killed her husband.

If that weren’t enough, Maggie becomes pregnant and, due to medical complications, needs an abortion, but she lives in a state where it’s outlawed. What will she do? Where will she go? Will the family find the resilience to come together for everyone’s sake?

Until It Was Gone tells of a family trying to make life work while being pummeled by the exigencies of contemporary society. It celebrates the thin strands of hope that hold us together and move us forward.

The Review

Immediately the author found that perfect balance of realism and hope within this narrative. The realistic emotions and troubles that this cast of characters faces throughout the story, from the complexities of marriage and relationships to more profound themes surrounding abortion and abuse, allow the author to explore how these topics impact a person and a family in our modern world. The setting of the COVID pandemic and studying the health concerns so many people were affected by during this period brought a relatability to the story many readers could attest to.

The character dynamics and how everyone connects made this story feel so compelling. What stood out was how all these characters felt so relatable and vibrant on the page, and despite their various flaws or struggles, they kept the reader engaged throughout the book. The journey for Laney to find her independence and reunite with her daughter and granddaughter was inspiring. At the same time, the shock of loss Franklin felt, the health struggles, and the recovered memories all brought a closer look at the hardships and benefits of self-reflection and growth, as well as the importance of family and powerful bonds in our lives.

The Verdict

Moving, compelling, and engaging, author David B. Seaburn’s “Until It Was Gone” is a must-read drama meets genre fiction novel. The evenly paced and emotional journey of these characters, the realism of the evolving story, and the equally realistic ending speak to the intricacies of life and the vastly different lives we each live within our own families. If you haven’t yet, preorder your copy today or grab your copy on December 12th, 2024!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

David B. Seaburn’s most recent novel is Give Me Shelter (italics) (2022). His tenth novel, Until It Was Gone (italics), will be released by Black Rose Writing in December 2024. 

Prior to that he was an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Family Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center for almost twenty years (1986-2005). During his tenure there, he  taught in a Family Medicine Residency Program, practiced  Medical Family Therapy and was the Director of  a Family Therapy Training Program.

In addition to this, David is an ordained Presbyterian minister, having graduated from seminary (Boston University) in 1975. He served a church full-time from 1975-1981 before entering the mental health field permanently. 

His educational background includes two master’s degrees and a PhD.

From 2013 to 2020, David Seaburn wrote a blog for Psychology Today magazine called, “Going Out Not Knowing.” In this blog he talks about the uncertainty and wonder at the heart of life (and at the heart of writing, as well).

Common to all of David’s work is a commitment to the well-being of others, which often means active involvement in efforts to undestand and change their life stories.  

David is married and has two married daughters, three adorable granddaughters and two wonderful grandsons. 

https://www.davidbseaburn.com

2034: How AI Changed Humanity Forever by Kunal Gupta 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 Kunal Gupta shares a speculative look into the future of AI and its impact on humanity in the book “2034: How AI Changed Forever”.

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The Synopsis

“This book is a wake-up call for those who want to shape the future rather than be shaped by it.”

In an AI-driven future, are you truly ready for the disruptive changes ahead?

2034 is a speculative nonfiction that offers bold predictions about how AI might influence our world, inspiring you to embrace curiosity, challenge assumptions, and prepare for the future with a blend of caution and excitement.

This book is not about technology—it’s about humanity. Written from the future, 2034 prompts you to think more openly about how AI will change society and what it means to thrive in this new reality.

Whether you’re a builder, creator or simply curious about what’s next, 2034 will ignite your imagination and help you navigate the future.

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The Review

AI has become a central focus for many people worldwide, including in the writing world. While I am against using AI to write our books and articles, the one thing that I’ve always said is that artificial intelligence is not some evil bogeyman to fear, but instead, a tool or partner in which to evolve day-to-day life. The dark aspects of AI  rest not in the technology but in those who abuse it, and getting a book like this that explores the positive possibilities for this technology is great to see come to life.

The author touches upon one certainty in this speculative nonfiction book: the future will be closely connected to AI. Whether that future is brighter or darker is up to personal opinion, but AI is here to stay. The ability to find ways of utilizing the technology not as a replacement for mankind but instead as a companion to help through some of life’s biggest hurdles, from medical care to housing, is an uplifting message of hope the author manages to bring to life through their short yet powerful chapters. 

The Verdict

Author Kunal Gupta’s “2034: How AI Changed Humanity Forever” is a must-read speculative nonfiction book that takes a thought-provoking look into the future and the possibilities of AI. The book’s focus on the impactful and insightful nature of AI and how it could affect society, the ethics of our world, and how people form relationships as a whole makes it engaging. It should open readers up to new ways of approaching this fast-moving technology. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

International best selling author Kunal Gupta is an entrepreneur and investor.

Kunal founded and successfully scaled an advertising technology company, serving as Chief Everything Officer for 15 years. Based in New York at the time, he worked with teams and clients across 30+ countries.

Born, raised, and educated in Canada, Kunal studied software engineering from the University of Waterloo and artificial intelligence at the University of Oxford.

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Pulstar II – Meadows of Involution by Giancarlo Roversi 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 deadly political plot and the fractured memories of a past life drive author Giancarlo Roversi’s “Pulstar II – Meadows of Involution” to all new heights in the Pulstar universe!

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The Synopsis

Astralvia: a nation vibrating with change.

The most crucial presidential election in the country’s history is three days away. Journalist Larianne Blunt will interview the opposition candidate who embodies the hope of millions of Astralvians. It’s the most significant interview in Larianne’s career and could influence the election outcome. But she doesn’t suspect that Astralvia is about to cross into a stage that will shape it forever, a change both radical and irreversible for the nation, the world—and Larianne.

In turn, Jens faces the rise of involution, which is seizing her home and infecting everything in its path. It seems unstoppable. Jens must fight against it, even though she might also catch this incurable involution.

The Pulstar universe expands in this second installment, approaching its climax.

Pulstar II is the continuation of the mystifying events of Pulstar I. If you thought the first book blew your mind, brace yourself. Pulstar II will not only explode your brain, it will shake your ideas, your convictions, and everything you believe to be real—and safe.

The Review

As a sci-fi and fantasy fan, two things always stand out to me and draw me into a new story. The first is complex, detailed world-building that makes the world feel vibrant and alive, and the second is a cohesive cast of characters that converge two storylines and give life to the world the author has created. Pulstar II does that and so much more.

The tension and heavy atmosphere that the author created solidified the dangers and strife that accompanied the main characters and their plight. Larianne was a tragic newcomer to the story; her interview with a favored politician in an upcoming election turned into a twisted and heart-pounding journey through a corrupt movement with little means of escape, and the reader could feel the emotional weight of her plight while Jeral and Aris and their memories from the events of the first book impact their journey, all culminating in a shocking cliffhanger.

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The Verdict

A memorable, richly developed, and entertaining blend of dystopian and hard-core sci-fi meets metaphysical fiction, author Giancarlo Roversi’s “Pulstar II – Meadow of Involution” is a must-read. The maps and fascinating language the author develops, and the worlds that stem from this story will stay with fans of these genres well after the book ends, and the thrilling final chapter will leave readers eager for the next book in this series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Venezuela-born Giancarlo Roversi isn’t only a writer. He’s also a computer engineer and a musician who shared stages with artists such as REM, Oasis, Travis, Duran Duran, and Maroon Five.

When his band Fractaler broke up in 2011, he devoted the next ten years to cue the Pulstar Trilogy and three prequels in that universe.

He surrendered his personal life and wrote these manuscripts in his native language, Spanish, and then he translated them into English. He also composed a soundtrack for each book; they’re currently in production.

When he’s not living and breathing in his Pulstarverse, he loves family time, cooking, astronomy, animals, and having philosophical discussions—especially about the meaning of life—with anyone who cares to join him.

https://giancarloroversi.com

I Went Down To St. James Infirmary by Robert Harwood Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Author Robert Harwood explores the origins and impact of a blues and jazz song on the twentieth century and beyond in the book “I Went Down to St. James Infirmary”.

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The Synopsis

I Went Down to St. James Infirmary is the quintessential jazz-blues song of the early twentieth century. Many major performing and recording artists have covered it, from Louis Armstrong and Jimmie Rodgers to Van Morrison and the White Stripes.

Infused with ego-driven angst and once considered obscene because of the song’s stark depiction of death and the portrayal of a seedy underworld inhabited by gamblers, pimps, loose women, and every sort of rounder, it has been adapted, rewritten, borrowed, stolen, attacked, revered, and cherished. In its heyday of the 1920s and ‘30s, when recordings and sheet music of St. James Infirmary were first packaged and marketed, the public could not get enough of it. Nearly a hundred years later, its allure remains.

Author Robert W. Harwood follows the song as it travels from its folk origins into the recording studios, performance stages, and law courts of America’s jazz era. Along the way he picks up a retinue of fascinating characters whose stories are as fascinating as the song itself. Infused with humor and supported by meticulous research, this groundbreaking book explores the turbulent and mysterious history of one of the most important and influential songs of the twentieth century.

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The Review

What a truly fascinating and engaging book. While I have always loved big band, jazz, and swing music, this particular song was not on my radar, so the exploration of the song and its impact on music and the world was so engaging. The author did a great job of exploring both the legends surrounding this song’s origins and the actual history, showcasing the drive to give each artist, no matter what origin, credit for their contributions to the music.

The overall drive and influence this book had on me as a reader was the exploration of how songs and music as a whole can impact a person or a society. The author wrote honestly and in detail, speaking to the cultural influences and divides that occurred with everything from minstrel shows to racism in the music industry (particular comments made to Louie Armstrong about his wife were shocking), as well as the multiple variations to the song as different artists added or removed lyrics. Artists went to court over changes, and copyright over the song emerged.

The Verdict

The history, culture, and detail found in author Robert Harwood’s “I Went Down to St. James Infirmary” made this song and the book so fascinating to read. The backstory behind each version of this song and the history of each person who contributed to its long and storied path will keep readers invested in this journey and coming back to the book time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Robert W. Harwood currently lives on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. His interests include writing, music, and photography – passions he shares with his wife, book designer and typographer Pamela Woodland.

I Went Down To St. James Infirmary