Category: reviews

Ostraca: East-West by Matt Duggan 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 man struggling with the loss of his parents travels from New York to Los Angeles in author Matt Duggan’s “Ostraca: East-West”, the first book in The Rosy Dream series. 

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The Synopsis

Set against the backdrop of the 1990s pre-internet era, Ostraca follows the poignant journey of Jack Darmody, a Generation Xer grappling with the tragic loss of his parents. As Jack embarks on a solitary road trip from New York to Los Angeles, he is confronted by his past and the existential questions that haunt him. Through a series of misadventures and heartaches, Jack wrestles with the meaning of existence, ultimately finding solace in the transformative power of love. Ostraca is the first novel in Duggan’s The Rosy Dream series. The second novel in the trilogy, In Extremis, will be published in May 2024.

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The Review

This was such a heartfelt and transformative coming-of-age story. The author does an incredible job of delving into an era of adventure that stood just at the edge of the upcoming wave of technology and the internet. In a time before Google Maps, Waze, Uber, and more, travelers had to rely on maps, directions given by locals, and much more rudimentary means. The author was able to tap into this atmosphere and showcase the rich setting of both the states the protagonist traveled through and the era itself.

The heart of this narrative is the personal journey that the protagonist, Jack, took. The grieving that came with the loss of his parents, the hardships he witnessed his Aunt endure, and the journey that he put himself through to not only discover what he wanted out of life but also reconnect with who he was made this story come to life and brought a sense of adventure and even spirituality to the overall story. 

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The Verdict

Remarkable, thought-provoking, and engaging author Matt Duggan’s Ostraca: East-West is a must-read travel fiction and literary fiction novel. The first in a new series, the author’s harmonious writing style and ability to connect readers with profound and relatable characters will keep readers enthralled until the very last page. If you haven’t yet, make sure you grab yourself a copy of this moving story today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Matt Duggan lives in Los Angeles, California and is an award-winning writer and director.

He graduated from Boston College with degrees in English and Communications.

Matt was one of the first members of the legendary Annex Film Group, a film cooperative based in Los Angeles that produced sixteen award-winning short films that have played in theaters around the world and won numerous awards.

Matt’s first feature film, Inverse, which he produced, wrote and directed, won numerous awards during a yearlong film festival tour. Inverse is now available on Amazon Prime.

Matt has had several of his short stories appear in publications including The Menacing Hedge and The Literary Hatchet. Matt plans to release the next novel in his “The Rosy Dream” series in May, 2024. It is titled “In Extremis” and chronicles the continuing misadventures and revelations of Jack Darmody.

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L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 40 Anthology Review

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

A brand new collection of short stories, artwork and more await sci-fi readers in L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 41”. 

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The Synopsis

Spine-tingling

Breathtaking

Mind-blowing

Experience these powerful new voices—vivid, visceral, and visionary—as they explore uncharted worlds and reveal unlimited possibilities.

Open the Writers of the Future and be carried away by stories—and illustrations—that will make you think, make you laugh, and make you see the world in ways you never imagined.

Twelve captivating tales from the best new writers of the year as selected by Writers of the Future Contest judges accompanied by three more from L. Ron Hubbard, Nancy Kress, S.M. Stirling. Each is accompanied by a full-color illustration.

Plus Bonus Art and Writing Tips from Gregory Benford, Bob Eggleton, L. Ron Hubbard, Dean Wesley Smith

“When her owner goes missing, a digital housecat must become more than simulation to find her dearest companion through the virtual world.—“The Edge of Where My Light Is Cast” by Sky McKinnon, art by Carina Zhang

No one came to his brother’s funeral. Not even the spirits. Étienne knew it was his fault.—“Son, Spirit, Snake” by Jack Nash, art by Pedro N.

Man overboard is a nightmare scenario for any sailor, but Lieutenant Susan Guidry is also running out of air—and the nearest help is light years away.—“Nonzero” by Tom Vandermolen, art by Jennifer Mellen

Mac wanted to invent a cocktail to burn itself upon the pages of history—but this one had some unexpected side effects.—“The Last Drop” by L. Ron Hubbard and L. Sprague de Camp, art by Chris Arias

Dementia has landed Dan Kennedy in Graydon Manor, and what’s left of his life ahead seems dismal, but a pair of impossible visitors bring unexpected hope.—“The Imagalisk” by Galen Westlake, art by Arthur Haywood

When a teenage swamp witch fears her mama will be killed, she utilizes her wits and the magic of the bayou—no matter the cost to her own soul.—“Life and Death and Love in the Bayou” by Stephannie Tallent, art by Ashley Cassaday

Our exodus family awoke on the new world—a paradise inexplicably teeming with Earth life, the Promise fulfilled. But 154 of us are missing.…—“Five Days Until Sunset” by Lance Robinson, art by Steve Bentley

Spirits were supposed to lurk beneath the Lake of Death, hungry and patient and hostile to all life.—“Shaman Dreams” by S.M. Stirling, art by Dan dos Santos

A new app lets users see through the eyes of any human in history, but it’s not long before the secrets of the past catch up with the present.—“The Wall Isn’t a Circle” by Rosalyn Robilliard, art by Guelly Rivera

In the shadows of Teddy Roosevelt’s wendigo hunt, a Native American boy resolves to turn the tables on his captors, setting his sights on the ultimate prey—America’s Great Chief.—“Da-ko-ta” by Amir Agoora, art by Connor Chamberlain

When squids from outer space take over, a punk-rock P.I. must crawl out of her own miserable existence to find her client’s daughter—and maybe a way out.—“Squiddy” by John Eric Schleicher, art by Tyler Vail

Another outbreak? This time it’s a virus with an eighty percent infection rate that affects personality changes … permanently.—“Halo” by Nancy Kress, art by Lucas Durham

Planet K2-18b is almost dead, humanity is enslaved, and it’s Rickard’s fault. Now in his twilight years, he’d give an arm and a leg for redemption. Literally.—“Ashes to Ashes, Blood to Carbonfiber” by James Davies, art by May Zheng

What if magic could undo the unthinkable, and undo Death itself? Would you use it no matter the cost? What would you sacrifice for love?—“Summer of Thirty Years” by Lisa Silverthorne, art by Gigi Hooper

Joe is a prospector tasked with exploring the cosmos on behalf of an all-powerful government. Breadna is a toaster. There have been weirder love stories, but that’s unlikely.—“Butter Side Down” by Kal M, art by Selena Meraki

24 Award-winning Authors and Illustrators

16-page color gallery of artwork

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The Review

This was yet another fantastic collection of short stories and artwork. The promise these writers showcase and the attention to detail each of their stories possesses are remarkable to see come to life on the page. Each story feels like a fantastic yet contained world that readers can easily pick up, get lost in, and then return as they please. 

There are some fantastic stories in this upcoming anthology. Still, as someone interested in future technology and sci-fi as a whole, as well as the paranormal and spirituality, one story I loved seeing come to life is Shaman Dreams by S.M. Stirling, as the author found a way to bridge the gap between these two schools of thought. And it isn’t mentioned enough, but the artwork in this book is incredible, as seen in this short story, produced by artist Dan dos Santos.

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The Verdict

Breathtaking, imaginative, and Gripping, “L Ron Hubbard Presents: Writers of the Future Volume 40” is a must-read anthology that everyone should preorder today. The fantastic world-building and characters the anthology has become known for, as well as the gripping mythos that each tale encapsulates, make this a must-read book. If you haven’t yet, preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

The Emerald Lady (Gemstone Series Book 1) by J.L. Hill 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 science-driven young man and a young Mermaid defy the order of their worlds when their paths cross, and they must face the consequences as the worlds of men and mermaids split at the seams in author J.L. Hill’s “The Emerald Lady”, the first book in the Gemstone Series.

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The Synopsis

A fantasy Pirate/Mermaid love story set in the golden age of Pirates of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Jeremy Simmons is a midshipman on the commercial vessel, Rummy Gale. An honorable young man, he believes in the science of the day not age-old superstitions of the sea. But a hurricane will do more than sink his ship; it will forever change his world.

Shera, a mermaid, rescues him; they fall in love and in her attempt to return him to his world, she approaches her sisters at Usea Maya for assistance. The Maiden Queen forbids her from giving any further aid, condemning the man to a watery tomb. But Shera, a free spirit, defies the orders, goes it alone and inadvertently causes a tragedy.

Infuriated by Shera’s defiance and Jeremy’s steadfast defense and willingness to take the punishment meted out to her, the Queen curses them both. She locks Shera in human form and binds Jeremy’s life to hers. A fate so cruel it will cause a split in the realm of Mermaids and turn good men into Pirates.

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The Review

I am an absolute fan of the world-building that took shape here in this novel. The author did an incredible job of bringing life at sea to life, utilizing an impressive knowledge of sailing and life on the ocean in his writing style, giving the setting and atmosphere a rich texture on the page. The tension that the author was able to infuse into the character interactions was excellent, both with the romance that develops between the two protagonists, the disdain the evil queen has for them both, and the growing tension between both worlds. 

Yet the mythos and the themes felt iconic and original to the narrative. The wonder yet chilling nature of life for mermaids and mermen and the world they hail from, as well as the historical nature the author paid to the world of man above the ocean surface and the inclusion of pirates and dragons as a whole, made this story feel fantastic and enthralling. Themes of love, power, destiny, and consequences were creatively utilized in this narrative, keeping the reader engaged from the very first page.

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The Verdict

Remarkable, thrilling, and adventurous author J.L. Hill’s “The Emerald Lady” is a must-read historical fantasy narrative. The narrative’s twists and turns, rich world-building and mythos, and an open ending that will undoubtedly lead to a sequel will all keep readers coming back for more of this incredible new series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

A native New Yorker, born and raised in the Bronx, James L Hill spent his adolescence years in Fort Apache, the South Bronx 41st precinct during the 60’s, during a time when you needed to have a gang to go to the store. Raised on blues, soul, and rock and roll gave him the heart of a flower child. Educated by the turmoil of Vietnam, Civil Rights, and the Sexual Revolution produced a gladiator. Realizing the precariousness of life gave him an adventurous outlook and willingness to try anything once, and if it did not kill him, maybe twice. 12 years of Catholic education and a couple of years in college spread between wild drug induce euphoric years, which did not kill him, gave James an unique moral compass that swings in any direction it wants. A scientific mind and a spirit that believes nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough guides his writings. He enjoys traveling to new places and seeing what life has to offer. James began writing short stories and poetry back in his early years. In his twenties moved on to novels. He worked in the financial industry and later got a degree in computer programming, his other love. James has a successful career as a software engineer designing, developing and maintaining systems for the government and the private sector. He has been programming for nearly forty years in various languages. After years in the computer world he returned to his first love, unleashing the characters in his head. Still a hopeless insomniac, he feels free to pound out plots. James L Hill is a prolific storyteller writing crime stories, fantasies, and science fiction, with a slant on the dark side of life. The next step on his journey naturally led to the business of publishing. He started RockHill Publishing LLC not only to produce his own work, but to give others access to the literary world. His computer background and experiences in word processing gives him insight into what it takes to publish good books.

https://www.jlhill-books.com/index.html

Stay Salty: Life in the Garden State (Anthology) 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 authors and artists come together to share their unique take on the Garden State in the anthology “Stay Salty: Life in the Garden State”.

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The Synopsis

Dear Reader, the book you hold in your hand is as relaxing as a day at the Shore, as tense as the traffic you hit on the way down to get there, and as expansive as the Pine Barrens you find yourself lost in after that wrong turn off the Parkway.

Stay Salty, the second volume in Read Furiously’s popular New Jersey Anthology series, once again reminds us of everything we love and hate (and love to hate) about the Garden State.

Following the tradition of storytelling of The World Takes, Stay Salty features prose, poetry, comics, and photography that showcase the mysterious and fascinating elements that make up New Jersey and its inhabitants.

Grab some salt water taffy and listen in to voices from Sussex County to Cape May.

Because in New Jersey, there’s always a story to tell.

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The Review

If you don’t hail from New Jersey, I feel like the state is one of those places that everyone has a particular view on, thanks to popular media. Whether it’s the complexities of the film Garden State or the reality of The Jersey Shore, there are always preconceived notions about places like this that pale in comparison to the real thing. That is what the authors and artists in this anthology have done so beautifully, capturing the unique, often humorous, but always human charm that the people and its inhabitants usually have.

Several pieces in this collection stand out, but one in particular that was so unique was New Jersey in Photographs (Part 1) by Shannon Linder. The unique chapter was a beautiful collection of photographs the artist took, from self-portraits to long-since bulldozed diners and so much more. It showcased the every day yet culturally heartfelt moments locals could enjoy in the artist’s part of the state. It brought the emotional and compelling narrative these intimate stories and photographs were trying to instill.

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The Verdict

Memorable, iconic, and engaging, “Stay Salty” is a refreshing and must-read anthology you cannot put down. Each chapter’s thoughtful approach to bringing New Jersey as both a state and a destination to life made the reader want to come back repeatedly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

The Seven Mistakes New Managers Make: How to Avoid Them and Thrive by Janet Polach, PH.D. 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 Janet Polach, PH.D., shares some insights into the common mistakes new managers make and how they can best prevent these mistakes from occurring in the book “The Seven Mistakes New Managers Make: How to Avoid Them and Thrive”.

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The Synopsis

Whether you are a manager of many, or a team leader of a few, being a leader requires letting go of the day-to-day work tasks you did so well as an individual contributor and, instead, encouraging production and success through others. New managers are usually promoted because they were outstanding individual contributors: they spoke up in staff meetings, shared good ideas, and executed on time and within scope. Yet, these characteristics are not necessarily the same ones that will make you successful as a frontline manager. Often, organizations invest little in new manager development; thus, new managers are left to guess at what effective leaders do. They often find themselves pressing forward through trial and error. If this sounds familiar, then this book, which examines the seven most common mistakes new managers make, is for you. Each chapter highlights a common challenge that new managers will recognize and then describes strategies and behaviors to build the skills needed to avoid mistakes and achieve success. This book is ideal for the new manager who hopes to evolve into a great leader.

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The Review

This was an engaging and fast-paced read. The author does an incredible job of balancing the book’s objectives, allowing readers to get a glimpse of the problems new managers face and the solutions to those problems. The clear and concise nature of the book’s message pairs well with the author’s friendly and personal writing style in each chapter.

The way the author showcased how new managers often come from a place of personal, individual success and need to evolve into team leaders was great to see unfold on the page. From gathering the right tools to effectively lead the team to helping your team develop as individuals and as a group, each chapter effectively walks readers through the steps to become fantastic new managers in their field.

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The Verdict

Concise, effective, and engaging author Janet Polach, Ph.D., “The Seven Mistakes New Managers Make” is a must-read business and nonfiction book. The book’s message’s quick pace and interactive nature will keep readers returning to it repeatedly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Janet Polach, Ph.D., is a global coach and leadership development professional. She has coached leaders around the world, including China, South Korea, Singapore, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the U.S. She believes all leaders can be great if they invest the time and energy into gathering feedback on themselves and focusing on their development. Janet’s foundation for leadership started in the United States Marine Corps, where she achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring from the Marine Corps Reserves. She possesses deep academic knowledge in adult learning, leadership development, and coaching. Janet holds her Ph.D. in organizational leadership and development from the University of Minnesota.

https://janetpolach.com

Lancer, Hero of the West: The Virginia City Affair by Bob Brill 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 call to help an old friend leads to a confrontation with a killer and shocking secrets in author Bob Brill’s “Lancer, Hero of the West: The Virginia City Affair”.

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Th Synopsis

“The Virginia City Affair” is the seventh book in the “Lancer; Hero of the West” series and is the most aggressive to date. Our hero heads to the silver fields of Nevada to help an old friend, only to learn he’s up against a killer on a mission.

As justified in his mind as the killer’s mission may be, Lancer still finds himself caught between right, wrong and indifferent. When an old calls upon Lancer to save his family from a killer bent on revenge, Lancer answers the call as always. This time however, he learns he can’t always trust his friends. Lancer also learns someone else from his past is waiting for him; a woman from very long ago.

Plot twists, good detective work, old connections and a little pure luck mixed with revenge in the silver fields of Nevada. Another Lancer adventure to keep you glued to your seat.

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The Review

The author did an incredible job crafting a new narrative for protagonist Lancer that felt personal and action-packed. The reader will immediately be drawn in when the protagonist begins interacting with Wyatt Earp in the aftermath of the O.K. Corral gunfight. Trading Tombstone for Virginia City, the wildness the West had to offer in this era, and the imagery in the author’s writing style allowed these infamous sites to come to life on the page.

The unique character development in this book was incredible. From the strong yet vulnerable protagonist with a penchant for justice to the sudden loss of an old flame and the corrupt system for which he must fight, the reader is engaged with the hero’s journey. The personal nature of the story and the shocking revelations that this plot held allowed the reader to feel a sense of mystery that will stick with readers long after the book ends.

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The Verdict

Memorable, haunting in its delivery, and entertaining, author Bob Brill’s “Lancer, Hero of the West: The Virginia City Affair” is a must-read historical fiction meets Western novel. The twists and turns the author delivers in this narrative and the rich character dynamics will keep readers invested in the story’s driving force, protagonist Lancer. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

A native of Pittsburgh, PA and a hardcore Pirates and Steelers fan, Bob began in radio career in 1972 and worked all over the western US, several times in the L-A market. He’s currently a news anchor at CBS Radio LA; KNX 1070 News Radio.

Bob has won multiple broadcast awards including an Edward R. Murrow Award (among others) for anchoring KNX’s storm coverage in 2011.

A baseball historian, Bob writes the very popular weekly column found at http://www.baseballinthe1960s.com. He also is a podcaster who has teamed with former NFL Quarterback Erik Kramer for a weekly Fantasy Football Podcast called Kramer and Brill, which can be found where ever you get your podcasts or at their website http://www.kramerandbrill.com. Both are always posted on Facebook as well as Twitter.

Bob made his mark with the UPI Radio Network when a gunman went crazy in a San Diego fast food restaurant and Bob covered the story. It was his first big break. He later became a UPI National Correspondent and Bureau Chief. He has interviewed presidents, covered Super Bowl games and Hollywood as well as major news stories.

He lives in L-A. He has survived earthquakes and a beating during the 1992 L-A riots while covering the story, which was recorded on audio tape.

Bob is considered to have an excellent voice and has not only done many voice overs and radio spots, he’s starred in television commercials. Bob authored “Fan Letters to a Stripper: A Patti Waggin Tale” from Schiffer Publishing and “NO BARRIER: How the Internet Destroyed the World Economy.” His third book “Al Kabul; Home Grown Terrorist” is sure to be a controversial novel as well as a great read. “Lancer; Hero of the West – The Prescott Affair” is the first in a series of western novels set in the 1880’s, centering on the central figure; Lancer. Lancer is a gun for hire, good guy, who works the West out of Tombstone.

https://www.bobbrill.com/index.html

Finding Color: A Hilarious and Messy Backpacking Adventure in the 90s (Back in a Year Series) by Candace MacPhie Review

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

Author Candace MacPhie begins a journey to share her experiences leaving behind a life of stagnation in the wake of a major loss, and finds a new direction in life in the process in the book “Finding Color: A Hilarious and messy Backpacking Adventure in the 90s”, the first book in the Back in a Year series.

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The Synopsis

I have a nice job, a nice one-bedroom apartment, and a few nice friends. My days are filled with drab meetings, subway commutes, and lonely nights watching must-see Thursday TV.

I used to be the life of the party but have led a lackluster existence since my mom’s death. I’m twenty-five, but I might as well be seventy-five.

Desperate for change, I take off for a three-week vacation to Greece in search of fun. And I meet him. He reignites my zest for living, and the thought of returning to my dull routine after getting a taste of sublime is soul-crushing.

So I don’t. I sell everything and leave for England to reunite with him for my grand escape—but there are no piña coladas. Instead, I get a roller-coaster relationship, lame temp jobs, and endless misunderstandings while sharing a flat with Aussies, Kiwis, and the sexcapade Spanish couple in a sketchy part of London. But as my delicious and cringeworthy moments collide, I discover a path that changes the course of my life forever.

About the Series

Grab your backpack and get ready for an adventure in the ’90s when the Internet was scarce but laughs weren’t. Finding Color is book one in the five-part Back in a Year series, the true story of a young woman traveling around the world. Each book can be read independently, but it’s more fun to take the full trip.

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The Review

This was a compelling and heartfelt read. The book does a fantastic job of balancing the warmth and heart that the author had and experienced with the humor and wit displayed in her interactions with people on her journey. The author captured the sense of adventure and wonder that travel can bring, setting the reader in an atmosphere of engaging travels that will inspire them.

I truly enjoyed the truthfulness and honesty with which the author shared her adventures. From the need to change up her life and find passionate love to find the details of travel and the reality of life in another country, each chapter helps the reader understand both the author and the travel lifestyle. The author also perfectly brings each location she travels and lives to life. 

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The Verdict

Adventurous, engaging, and thoughtfully curated author Candace MacPhie’s “Finding Color” is a must-read travel memoir. In the first part of a series, the book does an incredible job of drawing you in with its wonderful travel pieces and keeping you invested in the author’s personal experiences as well. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Born in Montreal, Quebec, I spent years backpacking and working around the world. I have a Bachelor of Commerce degree, an MBA, and worked for twenty years on four different continents and now call Calgary, Alberta home.

I got married, had kids, and things got busy. Time was moving by quickly, and my kids were growing up fast. I shifted gears and quit my job to spend time at home. During the COVID lockdown, I had time on my hands, decided to try writing, and started writing the Back in a Year series.

When I’m not at my computer yelling, “Just a few more pages, then I’ll make dinner,” I love hiking in the Rocky Mountains, hot yoga, reading romance novels, and making up new cake recipes. I especially like to laugh and spend time with my husband, the self-proclaimed grumpy motherf*%ker, and my three awesome kids.

Follow me on Instagram: @candacemacphie

Or on TikTok: @candacemacphie

And visit my website for trip photos: www.candacemacphie.com

SIN:THETICA by Keith Anthony Baird Review

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

A feared bounty hunter must enter cyberspace to find his latest quarry in the futuristic sci-fi thriller “SIN:THETICA by Keith Anthony Baird”. 

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The Synopsis

The Sino-Nippon war is over. It is 2113 and Japan is crushed under the might of Chinese-Allied Forces. A former Coalition Corps soldier, US Marine Balaam Hendrix is now a feared bounty hunter known as ‘The Reverend’. In the sprawl of NeuTokyo, on this lawless frontier, he must track down the rogue employee of a notorious crime lord. But, there’s a twist. His target has found protection inside a virtual reality construct and Hendrix must go cyber-side to corner his quarry. The glowing neon signs for SIN:THETICA are everywhere, and promise escape from a dystopian reality. But will it prove the means by which this hunter snares his prey, or will it be the trap he simply can’t survive?

Perfect for fans of Bladerunner and Neuromancer!

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The Review

The almost rhythmic, haunting atmosphere was immediately the first thing that this reader noticed. The gritty and dark future of NeuTokyo against the cyberspace world, which the protagonist finds, adds excellent contrast and texture to the world’s setting. The incredible imagery found due to the author’s descriptive writing style brought this city to life, as did the rich characters that populated this world.

Yet the grim character development and large-scale world-building made this story so unique. The novel gives very human and realistic motivations for these futuristic characters. It allows a healthy balance of emotional pull and sci-fi action to keep the reader invested in the story. The mythos of this future and the world within the world concept were fantastic narrative devices to help keep the reader driven to move deeper into the lore of this universe.

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The Verdict

Thoughtful, entertaining, and richly told, author Keith Anthony Baird’s “SIN:THETICA” is a must-read sci-fi novel. The imagery found throughout this book brought a healthy balance of films such as The Crow, Blade Runner, Robocop, and more. The dynamics found within the novel and the visceral take on the future made this a compelling read. Be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Keith Anthony Baird is the author of The Jesus Man: A Post-Apocalyptic Tale of Horror (Novel), Nexilexicon (Novel), And a Dark Horse Dreamt of Nightmares (Book of Shorts), This Will Break Every Bone In Your Heart (Novelette) and Snake Charmer Blues (Short) A Seed in a Soil of Sorrow (Short) and the anthology Diabolica Britannica. His works can be found on Amazon and Audible. He is currently working on a dystopian novella titled SIN:THETICA, a post-apocalyptic novel titled Wind Rust.

When not at his desk writing, you might find him up a mountain, snorkeling on a coral reef, or having adventures. Failing that, it’s a good bet he’ll be on Twitter.

https://5f2dd297cf905.site123.me

An American Tragedy (A Peter O’Keefe Book 4) by Dan Flanigan Review

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

Detective Peter O’Keefe must confront the darkest aspects of human nature in author Dan Flanigan’s latest novel, “An American Tragedy”, the fourth book in the series.

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The Synopsis

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

In the scorching summer of 1988, amidst the frenzy of the Satanic Panic gripping the nation, private detective O’Keefe finds himself thrust into a trial like no other. As he strives to establish his fledgling agency, the last thing he anticipates is being drawn into a harrowing legal battle. But when Virginia Montrose, “Miss Ginny” to her students and his daughter Kelly’s most beloved teacher, is accused of heinous crimes against her current and former students, O’Keefe faces a moral quandary unlike any before.

Despite the risks and the overwhelming stigma, O’Keefe’s encounter with the shadowy child protection figures driving the prosecution sparks a fierce determination to seek truth and justice.

In this gripping tale of courage and conviction, O’Keefe’s resolve is put to the ultimate test as he confronts the darkest facets of human nature and dares to challenge the prevailing hysteria. O’Keefe must summon every ounce of his strength to uncover the shocking truth while struggling to reverse the relentless tide of injustice.

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The Review

The author did a marvelous job of honing in on the real-life fear and terror many American families found themselves in during the late 80s. The setting, set during the Satanic Panic era, made this a compelling story. The mass hysteria and the criminals who preyed on the terror gripping the nation made this story feel very atmospheric.

As with the previous entries in this series, the heart of the narrative rested in the character development. The very personal and challenging nature of the crime the protagonist is investigating, as well as the shocking twists and turns the narrative takes, will leave fans eager for more adventures from this new private investigator lead. The gritty imagery the author’s writing utilized brought these crimes and the perpetrators to life in a visceral way, allowing the reader to feel the natural horror building up in this crime thriller.

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The Verdict

Memorable, captivating, and thrilling, author Dan Flanigan’s “An American Tragedy” is a must-read crime thriller and the perfect next entry in the Peter O’Keefe series. Due on June 25th, 2024, this is the best way to preorder your copy of this narrative and see the gripping story that captures the heart of one of America’s scariest historical moments. 

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Dan Flanigan is a novelist, playwright, poet, and practicing lawyer. He holds a Ph.D. in History from Rice University and J.D. from the University of Houston. He taught Jurisprudence at the University of Houston and American Legal History at the University of Virginia. His first published book was his Ph.D. dissertation, “The Criminal Law of Slavery and Freedom, 1800-1868.”

He moved on from academia to serve the civil rights cause as a school desegregation lawyer, followed by a long career as a finance attorney in private law practice. He became a name partner in the Polsinelli law firm in Kansas City, created its Financial Services practice, chaired its Real Estate & Financial Services Department for two decades, and established the firm’s New York City office and served as its managing partner until October 2022.

Taking a break from the law practice for two years, he and his wife, Candy, founded Sierra Tucson, a prominent alcohol and drug treatment center located in Tucson, Arizona.

Recently, he has been able to turn his attention to his lifelong ambition—creative writing. In 2019 he released a literary trifecta including “Mink Eyes,” the first in what has become the Peter O’Keefe detective series, which was a 2023 Best Book Award Legacy Fiction Finalist, “Dewdrops,” a collection of shorter fiction, and “Tenebrae: A Memoir of Love and Death.”

“Tenebrae” is a bracelet of verse and prose poems dedicated to his wife, Candy, to honor her last illness and death and their 40-plus years together, a work that has been described as “celebratory” and “heartbreaking and exquisite.” It was a Finalist for both the 2022 IAN Book of the Year in Poetry and in the 2022 American Book Fest “Best Book” Award in the Legacy: Autobiography/Memoir category.

“The Big Tilt”, the award-winning second book in the Peter O’Keefe series, was published in 2020 and has been described as “deft, hard-boiled, but literary prose that’s reminiscent of Raymond Chandler’s best work.” The Big Tilt won the 2022 National Indie Excellence Award for Crime Fiction and was a Finalist for the 2022 Independent Author Network’s Book of the Year in Thriller/Suspense. Most recently, “The Big Tilt” was a Legacy Fiction finalist for the prestigious Eric Hoffer Award as well as making the 2023 Eric Hoffer Book Award Grand Prize Short List.

“On Lonesome Roads,” published April 26, 2022, is the third book in the series and continues in the award-winning tradition of its predecessor. Honored as a Notable 100 Book in the 2022 Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition, “On Lonesome Roads” has more recently been a finalist for Crime Fiction in the 2023 National Indie Excellence Awards (after “The Big Tilt” won the award in 2022), a silver medalist for the 2023 IPPY Ebook awards, and winner of the 2023 American Fiction Awards in the Mystery/Suspense category.

Dan has also written stage plays including “Secrets” (based on the life of Eleanor Marx) and “Moondog’s Progress” (inspired by the life of Alan Freed), which was awarded the 2022 Honorable Mention in the 91st Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition for “Script.”

His novella, “Dewdrops,” was originally written for the stage and enjoyed a full-cast staged reading at the Theatre of the Open Eye in New York. The short story collection comprised of “Dewdrops,” “On the Last Frontier” and “Some Cold War Blues” was a Finalist in the 2022 Independent Author Network Book of the Year for Short Story Collection and a 2022 American Book Fest “Best Book” Award Finalist in Fiction-Short Story.

Dan serves on the Board of Directors of Childhood USA, the U.S. arm of the World Childhood Foundation, established by Queen Silvia of Sweden, working to end child sexual abuse and exploitation everywhere. He divides his time among Kansas City, New York City, and Los Angeles.

Dan Flanigan