Category: reviews

A World Apart by Alan M. Weber 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.

An alien species arrives on earth to prevent the human race from destroying themselves, but not everything is as it seems in author Alan M. Weber’s “A World Apart”.

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The Synopsis

Existential Threats & Human Survival: A Cerebral Sci-Fi Epic Tackling Racism, War, Environmental Destruction and Societal Divisions.

Delve into the mind-bending universe of Alan M. Weber’s latest masterpiece, A World Apart. This gripping narrative takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, exploring the depths of human existence and the looming threats that could lead to our extinction. 

The story unfolds as mysterious entities, having observed our self-destructive tendencies through centuries of war, injustice, and environmental degradation, decide to intervene. They present humanity with a seven-point survival program. But is this a lifeline or a leash? Are these entities our saviors or colonizers? And what else have they brought with them? The answers to these questions form the crux of this riveting tale.

Weber, known for his thought-provoking works like The Mensch, What Kimi Discovered, Miens of Existence, and The Wedge, once again showcases his knack for crafting socially conscious narratives. His storytelling prowess shines through this science fiction epic, reminiscent of a novel-length version of The Twilight Zone.

A World Apart is not just a tale of survival; it’s a mirror reflecting our societal divisions. It’s a call to action against the existential threats we face – environmental degradation, racism, war, and the erosion of freedom and justice. It’s a commentary on the gun control debate and a plea for unity in a world torn apart by fear and hate.

This book is a must-read for science fiction enthusiasts and political thriller aficionados alike. Its speculative elements are sure to captivate the former, while its exploration of contemporary issues will resonate with the latter. 

In A World Apart, Weber has created a world that is simultaneously familiar and alien, a world that forces us to confront the uncomfortable truths about our existence. It’s a world that asks us a simple yet profound question – must we save our Earth from them or from ourselves?

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The Review

This was such an insightful and compelling sci-fi novel. The fast pacing of the narrative helped showcase the seriousness and urgency of the novel’s themes, and the character development helped reflect relatable individuals and drive the plot forward naturally. The tension that grows and the heavy atmosphere surrounding this book’s premise shows a depth of intrigue that keeps the reader engaged with these characters.

The heart of the story is in the prominent themes that are featured. Sometimes, to see a problem clearly, one must be willing to take a step back and get an outside perspective on the situation. The author takes this to an extreme yet shockingly necessary place, with an alien race showing the hostility and destructive nature of mankind throughout the centuries and the threat to both ourselves and the planet mankind is. The question of morality, survival, decency, and camaraderie come into play brilliantly here, and the back-and-forth struggle as those seeking change come against those who refuse to see a brighter future charges the action moving forward in this narrative.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, shocking, and entertaining author Alan M. Weber’s “A World Apart” is a must-read sci-fi meets philosophy and political thriller novel. The realistic depictions of the divided political lines so many people reside in nowadays and the shocking twists in the narrative will keep readers on the edge of their seats and paying attention to the realities mirrored in this book from our world. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Alan M. Weber was born in the Bronx, NY, and now lives in Woodstock. Always a writer, he gave poetry readings around Manhattan’s Greenwich Village in his early twenties, engaged in political activism in college, and wrote extensively in his professional field of Education. Approaching his retirement from a field in which he had worked as a teacher, school administrator and professor of early childhood education, he began a second, long-delayed career as a novelist. He has authored seven books, two for children, five for adults, spanning themes of politics, meta-psychology and the power of love.

The Weber Site: The Author Website for Alan M. Weber

The Debt Collector by Steven Max Russo 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 woman must solve the murder of the bookie she took an odd job with as the mob, the police and a killer seek her out in author Steven Max Russo’s “The Debt Collector”.

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The Synopsis

Abigail Barnes is young, pretty and petite, but her looks and size can be deceiving. She’s a tough as nails drifter who makes her living collecting outstanding debts for low-end bookies and loan sharks, Abigail arrives in Hackensack, NJ, from Baltimore, MD, and gets a job collecting for a small-time bookie, who winds up dead.

With a large Wall Street firm moving into town bringing jobs, prestige, and money, the press is soon up in arms about the killing. So the cops to put the squeeze on Ronnie “Slacks” Falcone, a mobster who heads organized crime in the Jersey City area, to help find the killer.

Soon Abigail finds herself being sought by a gang of hoodlums, the mob, and the police. She knows she can’t run and she won’t turn herself in because she has a past that could send her to jail. She has little choice but to try and find out who killed the bookie – without getting killed in the process.

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The Review

This was a thrilling and compelling narrative. The author immediately establishes the protagonist as a strong, pull-no-punches woman who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. The way the tables turn, and she must solve this murder, speaks to the strength of the character and the grit of her determination. Her budding friendship with Hector, which begins in the midst of his robbing a gas station and evolves into so much more, showcases the humor and wit that the author infused into the dialogue. 

The fast pace of the narrative speaks to crime thriller meets noir storytelling. Gabby’s fearlessness in facing the challenges of this murder case and her becoming hunted by so many different factions involved in this case, both criminals and law enforcement, add to the tense atmosphere and richly developed setting of this story.

The Verdict

Action-packed, thrilling, and entertaining author Steven Max Russo’s “The Debt Collector” is a must-read crime thriller. The adrenaline of the fast-moving parts of this investigation and the steely determination that the protagonist shows in the face of danger at every turn add to the mystery and suspense, with twists and turns that will keep the reader invested in this narrative. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today. 

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Steven Max Russo has spent most of his professional career as an advertising copywriter and agency owner. He got interested in writing fiction after one of his short stories was accepted by an online literary journal in 2013. Then he caught the bug and began writing seriously. The publication of his first novel, THIEVES, has garnered praise from renowned crime and thriller authors from around the globe. With a gritty writing style and unique voice, he is quickly winning a legion of new fans. Steve is proud to call New Jersey his home.

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A Stony Gaze by Steffanie Costigan 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 boy hoping to stop the monster in the woods discovers he may have misjudged a poor soul in author and illustrator Steffanie Costigan’s “A Stony Gaze”.

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The Synopsis

Medusa is not the only one with a stony gaze. Things are not always what they seem and gossiping words do not define an individual. Deacon learns that perhaps he judged someone a little too quickly.

“Within the mob the monsters we became. Pride blinded us and we became the very thing we thought we were fighting against. Ideas quickly escalate within a mob and reality becomes blurred hurting innocent individuals.”

The Greek mythology of Medusa with a fun learning twist to it. A Stony Gaze helps kids to learn in a safe environment about group polarization, mob mentality, gossip, bullying and the harm it can do to others. This story encourages kids to communicate and think as an individual before making harmful judgments, in a safe environment. A read that promotes anti-bullying and shares strategies to help kids understand there are two sides to each story.

The Review

What a unique, creative, and thoughtful read! The children’s approach to the Ancient Greek myth of Medusa was engaging right from the start. They developed Medusa as a myth of the woods, a quintessential boogeyman hiding under the bed, to give the story’s protagonist the driving force for this book’s more prominent themes. The warm colors in the illustrations helped capture Medusa’s contrasting views between the myth and legend of her monstrous ways and the truth about the person she is underneath.

The themes of bullying, its impact, the way rumors spread like wildfire, and not judging a book by its cover are all prevalent within this book. The legend of Medusa has always been a cautionary tale, and yet the author beautifully flips the script on that story as humanity becomes the true monsters of their story, destroying without having the whole truth and criticizing anyone different from themselves, teaching the protagonist a heartfelt lesson.

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The Verdict

Engaging, thoughtfully crafted, and remarkable author Steffanie Costigan’s “A Stony Gaze” is a must-read children’s book. The twist in the Medusa narrative and the heartfelt lessons bestowed upon the reader create a reading experience that will resonate with children and parents alike. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Author Steffanie Costigan began her passion for writing at the young age of three years old. Despite her ongoing challenge with Dyslexia, she began to develop her skill in writing.

Steffanie would visit her next-door neighbors often, who was an elderly couple from Germany; they shared with Miss Costigan their war stories, which sparked her interest in the history of World War II. At the age of twelve, Steffanie began writing Land of The Dragon and refused to write anything else until she was satisfied with the finished book.

Steffanie Costigan got the opportunity to volunteer for her church and serve as a missionary in Adelaide, Australia. There she befriended many and met the Love of her life Jarom Costigan whom she married and started a family with.

Steffanie is continuing to develop and sharpen her writing skills as she is in the process of schooling through the Lethbridge College.

Steffanie Costigan remains passionate about her writings of Land of The Dragon and is critiquing five more books to follow Land of The Dragon’s ongoing volumes.

Land of the Dragon

The Blue Prussian by Eve Penrose 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 who thought she escaped her toxic marriage discovers she has been poisoned and must discover the identity of her poisoner in author Eve Penrose’s “The Blue Prussian”.

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The Synopsis

“A modern-day Gaslight”

The Blue Prussian is a spellbinding story told by Blake O’Brien, a beautiful, young executive with a globetrotting career. Blake returns to her native Manhattan from San Francisco after escaping—or so she thinks—her marriage to a dashing man who turned out to be a prince of darkness. She had been hoping for a fresh start but learns that she has been poisoned with thallium—a deadly neurotoxin referred to as the poisoner’s poison.

Blake is treated with the only known antidote—Prussian blue—the same synthetic pigment with the deeply saturated hue used in dazzling masterpieces like The Starry Night and The Great Wave. Almost unfathomably, the alchemist who invented Prussian blue was the rumored inspiration for Mary Shelley’s character, Dr. Frankenstein. The similarities to Blake’s financier ex are striking as his true nature is revealed—including the discovery of a secret room in the brooding Victorian home where they lived their married life together.

The stylish enclaves of Beekman Place in New York City, Nob Hill in San Francisco, and the Mayfair neighborhood in London provide the backdrop as this chilling tale of treachery and betrayal unfolds. Blake’s resolve triumphs and the camaraderie of her loyal and charismatic friends fortifies her, as she takes the reader on a tantalizing international pursuit to try to catch her poisoner, who is known to the FBI as The Blue Prussian.

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The Review

This was a genuinely thrilling and engaging story. The author perfectly laid out this narrative’s high stakes and particular horrors. The history and detail the author poured into the use of poison and how it influenced many aspects of British culture, even going so far as to showcase how the antidote physically shows itself when ingested by the victim, brought out the characters and story in a cinematic way.

The heart of this story was in the strong character development. Blake is a relatable and strong protagonist, facing the far too common domestic abuse and toxicity that so many relationships spiral into behind closed doors. The mystery of the Blue Prussian and the heinous crimes they committed seamlessly blends with the suspense surrounding Blake’s own life, and the reader will instantly be drawn into this narrative as the psychological aspects of this thriller begin to make their way into these characters’ lives. 

The Verdict

Memorable, thoughtful, and entertaining author Eve Penrose’s “The Blue Prussian” is a must-read psychological thriller that readers won’t be able to put down. The unique and original character designs and the detail put into both the history of poisoning and the deep-seated deviousness that resides in a killer’s psychopathy make this a story that 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

EVE PENROSE is an author and a storyteller. Her craft and her active imagination provided plenty of fodder for the plot and characters in The Blue Prussian. She is currently writing the sequel. For more information and to download the Book Club Discussion Guide for The Blue Prussian, please visit the Eve Penrose website.

https://evepenrose.com

https://www.instagram.com/evepenrose/?hl=en

Rise of the Sentrys (Sentrys of Terrene: Book III) by TC Marti 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 woman must save her friend from enemy hands or risk losing her identity forever in author TC Marti’s “Rise of the Sentrys”, the third book in the Sentrys of Terrene series.

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The Synopsis

Sabre Kjaergaard and her gang’s victory celebration couldn’t have been more short-lived…

…And the always-sinister Venn Order is out to collect them with the help of a few more notorious factions

Sabre is still reeling from all the lies that have piled up following her less-than-ideal Maalivahti training. But she doesn’t know the extent of the lies everyone has thrown at her. Yet when she’s on the cusp of uncovering the truth about more than just her own past, Sabre is about to learn that these lies from friends and foes alike are just a few of her more minor problems.

With her best friend captured behind enemy lines, Sabre must lead a daring mission to rescue them; one that will test her physically, psychologically, and most importantly, spiritually. If Sabre accomplishes her mission, the World of Terrene will live to fight another day. But if she fails, Sabre will fall to the Venn Order’s temptation and shed her identity as Sabre Kjaergaard forever, dooming her home world.

Rise of the Sentrys is the third and final installment in the Sentrys of Terrene Trilogy, whose plot elements entwine in TC Marti’s shared universe, the Renegades Epic, which also comprises Elementals of Nordica and Terrian Chronicles. If you love dystopian fantasy, elemental magic, and intriguing plot lines where Avatar: The Last Airbender meets George Lucas, Rise of the Sentrys and the entire Sentrys of Terrene Trilogy is what you’re looking for.

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The Review

A truly fantastic and action-packed entry into the author’s greater universe, this novel utilized prominent imagery in the author’s writing with suspense and atmosphere that kept this reader invested in the narrative. The detail that went into the action scenes, even the cinematic quality of the opening chapter as military action blended with magical properties as the protagonist launched into the fray to protect her allies, allowed the reader to feel immersed in the story and the action firsthand.

The personal journey that protagonist Sabre went on did a fantastic job of closing out this trilogy and adding to the mythos of this universe the author has created. The emerging secrets and history of her mother, as well as the role and impact she has on her world and her destiny, kept readers invested in the story as it went on, allowing the rich tapestry of supporting characters and antagonists to feel alive and engaging as Sabre continued her journey.

The Verdict

A truly memorable and thoughtful sci-fi and fantasy action story, author TC Marti’s “Rise of the Sentrys” is a must-read novel and the perfect end to this trilogy while continuing the story the author’s shared universe has created. The twists in the story, the prosperous development of Sabre as a protagonist, and the open ending that leads these characters into the world of Elementals of Nordica in future novels make this a compelling book you won’t want to miss. Be sure to grab your copy on August 26th, 2024 or preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

TC Marti is an avid workout warrior and author of the dystopian fantasy shared universe, the Renegades Epic. After spending years devouring the works of J.K. Rowling, George Lucas, and some of the greatest Libertarian thinkers in world history, Marti has fused his imagination with free market principles whenever he metaphorically puts pen to paper.

Meet TC MARTI

The Galilean Codex by Les Jauron 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. 

When a series of murders within a German family leads to an investigation into a WWII raid a century earlier, the head of the family hires a university professor to help investigate a conspiracy that leads back to ancient Judea in author Les Jauron’s “The Galilean Codex”. 

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The Synopsis

The von Wittelslebens are one of the wealthiest and influential families in Germany. But the men in the family are being murdered because of an artifact one of their distant ancestors uncovered a century earlier in Mesopotamia.

Wilhelm Graf von Wittelsleben, the leader of the family, recruits Chris Cadwalader to investigate an unknown World War II German raid on an Egyptian monastery.

Von Wittelsleben believes the raid is connected to the murders. The raid was ordered by Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, at the personal direction of Adolf Hitler and Heinrich Himmler. It was led by a notorious SS Gruppenfuehrer and war criminal named Franz Frink. Himmler believed that if the raid was successful, Germany would win the war.

Chris Cadwalader, West Point graduate, retired Army officer, and university professor, recruits a team to conduct his investigation. But powerful forces oppose his every move. These mysterious forces are willing to do anything to prevent Chris from discovering the object of Franz Frink’s raid.

But Chris perseveres. Following clues laid out by a distant von Wittelsleben ancestor, Chris’ search takes him through the forests of central Germany to the deserts of Egypt.

Along the way, Chris discovers a conspiracy that began in first century Judea and lasted for centuries. This conspiracy involved the most powerful people in Judea and several Roman emperors, including the infamous Nero, Constantine the Great, and Julian the Apostate.

And the Catholic Church is committed to preventing Chris from learning the truth. Despite the opposition from the church, Chris persists and his quest uncovers a secret that could rewrite history and upend the faith of billions of people …..

The Review

This was a thrilling historical fiction meets suspense thriller. The exploration of ancient cultures and the obsession that the Nazi regime had with appropriating relics and findings from those cultures was expressed perfectly throughout this novel. The balance between the history being explored and the personal family mystery that protagonist Chris is hired to investigate for this German family was so engaging and allowed the reader to feel transported to the globe-trotting adventures this protagonist would end up on.

The intersection of faith, politics, and power was a monumental theme to dive head-first into, and the author showcased that perfectly here with a mystery that brought the Catholic Church, world governments, and big businesses all converging into one investigation. The conspiracy angle and the heavy atmosphere this mystery brought to the novel allowed the reader to get lost in this drama, unraveling each clue that the protagonist uncovered with intrigue and fascination.

The Verdict

Author Les Jauron’s “The Galilean Codex” is a fantastic mystery meets historical fiction novel that is memorable, remarkable, and entertaining. The twists and turns of the story and the exploration of what would happen if new information contradicted centuries of long-held beliefs made this a compelling novel that is impossible to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Les Jauron is a retired military officer and college administrator. After graduating from West Point, where he was number one in his class in military history, Les served in a variety of assignments in the United States Army. These included five assignments as the commander of artillery batteries and battalions as well as a number of staff positions. Les is a graduate of the School for Advanced Military Studies, which focuses on planning military operations and campaigns. After retiring from the Army, Les became a community college administrator where he was, at times, responsible for planning, facilities, technology, accreditation, public relations and marketing, and overseeing state technology projects. Les is fascinated by how the Romans managed an empire the size of the United States in an era when communications moved at the speed of a horse or a ship. Les and his wife, Zoela, live in their motor home and travel extensively. They have three children and nine grandchildren.

Having a Positive Thinking Mindset: Unlocking Resilience and Happiness: A Guide to Positive Mindset and Self-Improvement by Phoenix Bloom 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. 

Discover the means of taking control of your emotions and learn to set a positive growth mindset in author Phoenix Bloom’s “Having a Positive Thinking Mindset: Unlocking Resilience and Happiness: A Guide to Positive Mindset and Self-Improvement”. 

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The Synopsis

Change your life in just 30 days, even if you’re deeply entrenched in negativity and self-doubt, with “Having a Positive Thinking Mindset: Unlocking Resilience and Happiness: A Guide to Positive Mindset and Self-Improvement”

Are you stuck in a rut of negative thoughts and emotions?

Are you desperate for a transformation but don’t know where to start?

Are you ready to take control of your mindset, defeat negativity, and unlock your full potential?

You’re not alone. In an age of growing mental health concerns, especially during a pandemic, struggles with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and anxiety are all too common.

The good news? This book, a beacon of hope and happiness, is specifically tailored to help you overcome these challenges.

“Having a Positive Thinking Mindset: Unlocking Resilience and Happiness” is not just any self-help or personal transformation book. It’s the guide specifically crafted to help you shift your mindset, unlock resilience, and open up a world of happiness and success.

This transformational guide promises a wealth of knowledge:

  • Uncover the hidden power of a growth mindset: Learn to see challenges as opportunities and thrive amidst adversities!
  • Explore the practical, actionable steps to positivity: Rid your life of negativity one step at a time with targeted daily applications.
  • Discover inspiring narratives of real-life overcomings: Relate to the experiences of others and take heart that you too can conquer!
  • Arm yourself with science-backed insights: Understand the psychological underpinnings of positivity and resilience.
  • Embrace the mindfulness revolution: Learn meditation and indulging in the present to reshape your life for the better.
  • Build real-world resilience to criticism and setbacks: Cultivate emotional intelligence and resilience!
  • Set and achieve goals: Get expert guidance on mapping out your goals and achieving them with a positive mindset!
  • Carve out your path to personal growth: Transform your life with simple yet effective daily practices!
  • Debunking myths about positivity: Get past the rainbows and sunshine; understand positivity like never before!
  • Tame your self-doubt and imposter syndrome: Get real about the negative inner voices and turn them around!
  • Nurturing habits that welcome positivity: Say goodbye to your old life, form positive habits and hello to a new, positive you!
  • Discover the role of digital wellness: Understand the impact of the digital realm on your mindset and how to navigate it for the best!
  • Understand the power of positive relationships: Learn to weave positivity into your relationships for a happier, healthier life!
  • Tackle real-world problems with positivity: Equip you with practical strategies to tackle real-life problems with a positive approach!

This book is carefully crafted to meet the specific needs of the digital-age young adult. It provides practical strategies to help weather the storms of modern life and find the rainbow at the end.

Don’t get lost in the common doubts and dismissed objections. “But I’ve tried positive thinking before and it doesn’t work!” Truth is, a truly positive mindset is more than just repeating feel-good quotes. It’s about understanding, embracing and transforming your thinking patterns.

And the best part? Positivity isn’t one-size-fits-all. This book embraces diversity and uniqueness, providing a wide range of strategies to find what works best for you. Because positivity isn’t about unrealistic standards, it’s about becoming the best version of yourself.

If you’re ready to embark on a life-changing journey towards positivity, resilience, and happiness, then it’s time to hit the “Add to Cart” button. The transformation begins today!

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The Review

This was an impactful nonfiction read. The world we live in constantly presents the possibility of anxiety, stress, and mental health struggles. Negativity can surround people on a day-to-day basis, and having a process in which people can find peace and change their mindset is crucial, which makes this book truly stand out.

It was amazing to discover the author’s emphasis on exploring the structure of thought itself and the ways in which people’s minds can alter reality. The steps the author lays out to help readers discover the power of positivity and the impact it can have both mentally and emotionally were straightforward and engaging. Confronting the impact that the internet and social media have on our minds was also thought-provoking. 

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The Verdict

Memorable, insightful, and educational, author Phoenix Bloom’s “Having a Positive Thinking Mindset” is a must-read nonfiction and inspirational read. The practices and exploration of the power of the mind and the emotional state that can well up when exploring positive thoughts will be a great reference to return to as the fight against negativity continues. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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Testament by Eli Felix 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 Eli Felix reimagines the story of creation and God from a fantasy perspective as the relationship between mankind and spirituality comes to fruition in the novel “Testament.”

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The Synopsis

‘Sometimes placing faith in people is admitting that people make mistakes and that you are willing to forgive them for it’ – TESTAMENT.

‘I say even destiny is a choice. Those who choose destiny should never let go.’ – TESTAMENT

‘Love is like time that flows. It consumes you before you know.’ – TESTAMENT

God created Man for a purpose, to live on Earth and enrich his soul throughout lifetimes of experience so that he may be allowed entry into Heaven. Feminine residents of Heaven demanded representation and God was forced to allow, paving the way for Women. Now, to oversee God’s ambition, residents live amongst them, creating a system for them. But where there is light, there is darkness. Over the ages a battle between the light and darkness ensues and God will stop at nothing to get his way even if he has to defy his own creation!

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The Review

This was definitely one of the more unique reads in the fantasy and spirituality genres that I’ve read. Exploring not just the cosmic impact on humanity but the idea of consciousness as a whole was so fascinating to behold. The powerful imagery and redefined look at ideas like Heaven, Hell, and the Universe as a whole, giving physical weight to these settings in a way that hasn’t been done before, made this such a powerful narrative to get lost in.

Not only were the world-building and themes of spirituality and consciousness so well done in this novel, but the character development was also spot on. From the historical and biblical figures on Earth, including Jesus, Peter, Mary, Caligula, and Nero, to more grand characters such as the living embodiments of Love, Song, Dance, Life, Death, and Fear, illustrated the grand mythos the author built. Love became not only a physical character but a theme for which all creation and cosmic function rested, showcasing God not just as an all-knowing creator but as a warrior and family man seeking to make things right.

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The Verdict

Creative, thought-provoking, and entertaining author Eli Felix’s Testament is a must-read fantasy novel. The ideas and concepts the author plays around within this narrative, including creating a strong female voice and representation in the fight for equality and acknowledgment even as far back as the creation of the universe and showing the power that Love can have on even a figure like God, made this a memorable story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Eli Felix is a fitness enthusiast and a model railroader with a passion for writing. He holds an MA degree in Finance and Investment from the University of Nottingham, UK, and had dabbled in different career paths before spending a few years painstakingly creating Testament—a brilliant conceptualized journey into a world of fantasy, right and wrong, good and evil, light and darkness. This is his first foray into publishing.

https://www.elifelix.com

Interview with the Devil: Resurrection by Michael Harbron 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.

TRIGGER WARNING: This book features storylines involving SA. Anyone who could be triggered by this storyline should avoid this chapter, which the author outlines at the beginning of the book for readers’ knowledge. Reader discretion is advised.

Joseph Banbury must confront his own inner demons while facing a dark destiny, newfound powers and the Devil himself in author Michael Harbron’s “Interview with the Devil: Resurrection”, the next book in the Interview with the Devil series.

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The Synopsis

In the gripping second installment of the series, Joseph Banbury ventures further into the realms of the supernatural, wielding newfound powers that challenge his understanding of good and evil. As he navigates a treacherous path fraught with peril and deception, Joseph confronts his inner demons while forging an unlikely alliance with the Devil himself. With each step closer to the truth, Joseph unravels dark secrets that bind him to his fate, culminating in a chilling revelation that shakes the foundations of his existence. Will Joseph succumb to his destiny, or will he defy the forces of darkness and forge his own path to redemption?

The Review

What an incredible sequel to the first book in this series! The author did an incredible job of crafting a story that really built upon the mythos and narrative laid down in the first book. One of the first things that stood out to me was how the author explored a writer’s relationship to the craft of writing, from writing for themselves versus writing for others to the responsibility of telling the right story. 

Joseph’s evolution and the volatile and charged sessions interviewing the Devil really kicked this story up a notch. The imagery and powerful world-building that the author poured into this sequel only served to elevate Joseph’s journey, toeing the line between sci-fi and fantasy storytelling and exploring the power and influence of the human psyche as well. The themes of order versus chaos, control versus freedom, and the true nature of “good and evil” made for compelling narratives, and the author really embraced the horror nature of this novel, crafting some chilling scenes that will stay with readers long after the book ends. 

The Verdict

Shocking, entertaining, and harrowing, author Michael Harbron’s “Interview with the Devil: Resurrection” is a must-read supernatural horror fantasy thriller. The twists in the narrative as the author explores both the Devil and Joseph much more closely in this sequel and the cliffhanger ending will stay with readers, who will be eager for the third book in this trilogy. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Michael Harbron is an American fiction writer who brings a unique, yet traditional approach to the horror and supernatural genres. From a young age, Harbron was captivated by the eerie and unexplained, a fascination that has deeply influenced his writing. His works aim to unsettle readers through suspense and psychological depth, revisiting the shadowy corners of childhood fears. His debut novel, “Interview with the Devil,” exemplifies the blurred lines between reality and the unimaginable. Harbron’s storytelling resurrects dormant fears, proving that true horror lies not in what is seen, but in what is felt.

https://michaelharbron.com