Category: reviews

Dreamford: Add Value to the World, Live and Work with Purpose by Kinga Szumska 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.

As a freeze hits a once prosperous village, two friends must learn to look at the past and find a way of moving forward together in the beloved parable from author Kinga Szumska, “Dreamford”.

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The Synopsis

Have you ever hit trouble in your work or your life? Do you feel that you have lost your direction and the path you had mapped out for you is no longer available? Dreamford is a parable about two old friends who hit a life-changing ‘freeze’. When life threatens to derail them, they must look at their past, at the decisions they have made, and figure out how to ‘move forward’. Sometimes things go so well that we don’t even know how we have arrived there, but when something happens to challenge that, we have to build ourselves back up from scratch, from zero. Dreamford is about remembering that all you have worked on in the past will serve you. And most likely when you have worked with purpose, with joy and love for what you do, it will serve you in a positive way, just as Happ and Griid discover. “Dreamford was a beautiful prosperous village. The trees always grew high and the fruit always shone as if it was smiling at the sun. The people were kind to one another. It was a privilege to live in Dreamford. The animals trusted their farmers and the horses worked with an astounding effort. However, one spring, the freeze came late in the season—the buds had already started to grow and were ready to flower. The farmers did not expect the freeze and the field crops did not survive. The whole village was upset, as farming was their key industry. I will now tell you the story of the two biggest farmers in the village.”

The Review

This was a heartwarming and impactful parable. The author did an incredible job of crafting a narrative that allowed the themes and messages the author was trying to convey to shine through. The rich character dynamics between Happ and Griid were so engaging, as they both represented the ideals of business and yet showcased the power of cooperation and friendship in a unique light.

To me, the heart of the story resided in the themes the author explored. The idea that sudden changes or loss can disrupt our lives and make us question our direction is a natural part of life and the author’s story showcases the power of finding oneself and not only learning from the past but using it to rebuild and move forward in life. 

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and inspiring, author Kinga Szumska’s “Dreamford” is a must-read parable that readers won’t be able to put down. The emotional core of these characters and their driving force, along with the straightforward yet engaging narrative allowed the more dynamic themes to come alive and impact the reader. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Kinga was born in Poland and now lives in London. She writes inspirational stories on personal and professional development, work, and travel on her blog: http://www.kinga.blog. Kinga is certified by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and is a Qualified Performance Coach and talent hunter. Besides writing and creative living, Kinga is a keen traveller, speaker, painter, foodie, and social media junkie.

The Condemned: A Memoir Told Through Selected Early Works of Short Stories, Essays, and Poetry by Shari Lopatin 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 Shari Lopatin shares a collection of both fiction and non-fiction stories, as well as essays and poems, to share the story of a young woman trying to find herself in the book “The Condemned”.

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The Synopsis

In this special memoir told through a collection of earlier works including fictional short stories, non-fiction essays, and poetry, Shari Lopatin tells the story of her younger self—a millennial coming of age through the 1990s and 2000s while fighting to make sense of a world rapidly changing amidst The Great Recession and September 11. Touching on themes still relevant today, Shari shares deeply emotional pieces from her formative years about mental health, the search for home, the awkwardness of dating, love and heartbreak, and the effects of Antisemitism.

Included in this hand-selected collection are the fictional short stories “Pomegranates” about the power of kindness and connection; “A Call from Paris” about a young marriage falling apart; “Stone from HELL” about the effects of a monstrous society; and the namesake of this book, “The Condemned” about finding self-acceptance. Shari also included other personal essays and poems never before seen.

Ultimately, The Condemned: A memoir told through selected early works of short stories, essays, and poetry reveals one young woman’s struggle to find herself within a confusing and sometimes ostracizing world, and the messages of love, hope, and truth she now brings to others.

The Review

What an emotional and captivating collection of stories. The author found a great balance between her fiction and nonfiction works, with each story doing an exemplary job of conveying the raw emotions and pivotal moments that defined her life. The imagery and the heart that the author poured into the story and essays were remarkable, really bringing the reader into these moments and in the case of the fiction work, allowing the reader to embrace the characters outright.

The poetry was also so moving and conveyed the honesty and passion of the author’s writing so eloquently. The quick pace of the book and the variety of the collection gave the author ample opportunity to really connect to a wide range of different readers and gave an intimate look into the author’s life in a creative and moving way.

The Verdict

Insightful, thoughtful, and engaging, author Shari Lopatin’s “The Condemned” is a memorable and thought-provoking memoir filled with creativity and heart. The powerful messaging of the stories in this collection brings to life a beautiful and emotional story of triumph in the face of adversity, and the journey to find life and purpose. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Shari Lopatin tells stories that matter. An award-winning journalist in her earlier years, she now writes novels that tie into modern-day social issues, short stories, serialized fiction, essays, and poetry. Shari has worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine writer, public relations professional, social media manager, and earned the title of “Cat Mom of the Year.” Read more of Shari’s work and get updates on her latest books by signing up as a free or paid subscriber for her Substack newsletter, Rogue Writer, at sharilopatin.substack.com.

Interview with Author Forest Fox

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

Born into the Boomer generation, I grew up in a neighborhood of duplexes abutting the undeveloped woods with packs of kids from working-class families living unsupervised adventures. My high school days were a version of the movie American Graffiti. We lived our stories, and to this day, my buddies and I amuse ourselves for hours retelling, reliving, and laughing about them. It’s a wonder we even lived to tell about some of them.

I always liked to sing. In grammar school I was a choir boy, singing in church every Sunday, and in my teenage years I would sing Doo-wop with the boys on the street corners and was a lead singer in several garage bands. By the time I was 23, I moved on to NYC, and soon became lead singer and songwriter of a band playing the circuit of clubs in Greenwich Village.

By 1965, I got married and hitchhiked to California with my wife. Over the next few years, we moved back to Connecticut and had three children. Weekend adventures were a regular ritual in our family life raising the kids. We would listen to stories, old radio shows, and music on our road trips together, and create our own stories in impromptu choose-your-own-adventure car games.

I always loved telling stories and writing poetry.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

When my first son Eli was 4 years old, I put him into art school as a result of a drawing he did of Batman, Robin, and Superman running abreast. You could feel the motion in the drawing. Since then, he’s done many drawings, one of which was a flying saucer resting on the ocean floor. This picture became the cover of the first book of my Pirates of Marauda trilogy, Circles in Time, and was the spark for my inspiration to write these books.

My kids had grown and moved out by then, and I was devoting more time to writing poetry and doing photography. I was pairing these pursuits in a project I called Thoughts and Images.

When I saw Eli’s picture of the submerged flying saucer, I started imagining it as an adventure starring my boys and me. I suppose I was missing our weekly adventures of old. The story took hold of me and led me in its unfolding, one chapter after another. I really had no idea where it was taking me. After getting it all down on paper, I edited it, rewrote it, and refined it countless times to get to the finished books that I self-published.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

My philosophy that rules the worlds played out in my books is that we are all the One called Me. In other words, we are all aspects of one divine spirit, able to create better than we can imagine.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

Adventure was always the way I viewed my life, and sci-fi was an influential part of our family’s cultural enjoyment with Twilight Zone, Star Trek, and Star Wars.

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

I feel like Captain Rosario’s character is my alter ego.

Although he’s a pirate, Rosario upholds his own strict moral code of honor. He doesn’t commit gratuitous violence, he takes care of his crew and shares his wealth equally, and he prefers to use his wiles over force to achieve his goals. When a conflux of events plucks him out of the proper historical time and place of his life, he is forced to live out his days in exile, stripped of his purpose on a strange world in an unknown time, with the only remnant of his identity being the recognition of his loyal crew who still see him as their captain.

I feel like his storyline has some parallels to any person’s time travel through his own life. If I could sit down with Rosario, I would ask him to tell me about the adventures of his youth, as a buccaneer in his prime sailing the seas in search of treasure.

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

I’m new to the adventure of marketing my books and look forward to developing my readership in all possible ways, better than I can imagine.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Write what comes naturally and rely on spontaneity, instinct, and intuition alongside intellect and good research. When you edit, read it aloud. When you’re finished editing, edit it again, and again, and again.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I get my adventure fix weekly as resident pro at Paintball Jungle. I also still enjoy singing and regularly perform for senior communities as well as on the streets as a troubadour.

As for writing, I’ve been doing short vignettes of funny or poignant scenes from my memories growing up. Whether they will turn into a new book or project remains to be seen.

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About the Author

Author FOREST FOX brings his love of adventure to the page in this whirlwind fantasy saga, The Pirates of Marauda trilogy, about what happens when he and his two sons, while on a treasure hunting, diving expedition in the Bermuda Triangle, find a sunken flying saucer that turns out to be the craft that brought Adam and Eve to this planet.

The germinating idea for the story was inspired by a drawing by his son, award-winning artist Eli D’Elia. The author delights in weaving fact with fiction and folklore in this highly original tale, which also serves as a whimsical medium to depict his unconventional philosophy of life.

The author is also a SF Bay Area singer/songwriter and recording and performing artist.

Known in the world of paintball as Magic Carpet Bob, he was 1991 World Paintball Champion with his Team Ironmen, and is resident pro at Paintball Jungle in the Napa Valley.

https://www.forestfoxpress.com/

Clark & Lex by Brendan Reichs (Illustrated by Jerry Gaylord) 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 Clark Kent still coming to terms with his place in the world and focused on using his powers to his benefit meets a young Lex Luthor as they are thrust into a competition that quickly becomes more than it appears in author Brendan Reichs’s “Clark & Lex”.

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The Synopsis

Being the only kid with powers is tough…not being able to use them is even worse!

Struggling with understanding why his parents demand he hide his amazing superpowers, Clark has no problem using a bit of super-speed or super-strength to give himself that extra edge as quarterback of the football team or while doing his chores around the farm.

And when LuthorCorp holds a competition to find the best and brightest for a summer internship in Metropolis, Clark has no problem using his X-ray vision to cheat his way in if it means getting out of Smallville. Amazingly, Clark is not the only competitor with special abilities…just ask his newfound friend, Lex Luthor.

But as the kids go missing one-by-one, the boys realize the competition may not be all it seems. Can Clark put aside his pride for the sake of the team, and become the friend and leader they will need to overcome LuthorCorp’s ambitions?

From New York Times bestselling author Brendan Reichs and artist Jerry Gaylord comes a fresh twist to a familiar face that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!

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The Review

This was a fun and engaging read. The balance the author struck between life-lesson storytelling and DC Comics lore was remarkable to see play out on the page, as the author and illustrator used Clark Kent’s journey to show how he evolved into the hero we know him to be today, rather than the selfish or driven young man that he begins the story as. 

The almost animated television style of artwork that the illustrator brought to life on the page and the captivating origin story of one of DC Comics’ greatest rivalries made this a stand-out publication for DC Comics. The exploration of Clark and Lex’s childhood friendship and how it would inevitably lead to the deterioration of their relationship and their turn from children to hero and villain respectfully was so well done and elevated perfectly. The way the author drew attention to things like DC Comics’s Crisis events, or the multiverse as a whole, made this story stand out as a potential multiversal story that fans won’t be able to put down.

The Verdict

Creative, memorable, and heartfelt, author Brendan Reichs and illustrator Jerry Gaylord’s “Clark & Lex” is a must-read graphic novel for middle school-aged kids and DC Comics fans alike. The unique inclusion of diversity in the cast of characters, even with the slight change to Clark’s Earth parents Jonathan and Martha Kent, and the rich story-driven book will keep readers eager for more. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Brendan Reichs was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. He graduated from Wake Forest University in 2000, The George Washington University School of Law in 2006, and Vermont College of Fine Arts in 2018. After three long years working as a litigation attorney, he abandoned the trade to write full time. He lives in Charlotte with his son, daughter, and a herd of animals that tear up everything.

http://www.brendanreichs.com

About the Illustrator

Jerry Gaylord has been a Superman fan all his life, with the cartoons, movies, and comics inspiring him to become an artist and pursue a career as a storyteller. Originally from Oxon Hill, MD, Jerry began his career in comics with Boom! Studios and was nominated for a Harvey Award for his work on Fanboys vs Zombies. He has worked with IDW, Archie Comics, and independent publishers, and exhibits at conventions all over the country. After getting his first shot at storyboarding on Disney XD’s Ultimate Spider-Man, Jerry moved to LA to start a full-time career in animation, where he is living the cowabunga lifestyle with his amazing and talented wife, Penelope, and their puppy Adora. He has worked with Warner Bros. Animation, Blizzard Entertainment, and Marvel Studios on the Disney+ series X-Men 97. When Jerry isn’t spending time with his family, he still saves just a little time to draw for fun.

https://thefranchizelive.wixsite.com/portfolio

Twisty Tortoise Tussles (A Jackrabbit Junction Mystery Book 6) by Ann Charles 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.

The Morgan sisters are at it again, facing criminals, men believed dead but somehow spying on them, and big danger in the small Arizona town of Jackrabbit Junction in author Ann Charles’s “Twisty Tortoise Tussles”, the sixth book in the Jackrabbit Junction Mystery series!

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The Synopsis

When someone is dead and buried, they’re supposed to stay that way … Aren’t they? Claire Morgan thought so, but now she suspects the dead guy whose treasures she’s been digging up is not only breathing, but spying on her, too. Crap!

When someone is divorced from a pain in the ass, they’re supposed to stay that way … At least that’s what Ronnie Morgan had hoped when she dumped her husband. But then he rolled over on some bloodthirsty criminals. With him tucked away in prison, they’ll settle for taking their revenge on her. Fudge!

When someone is temporarily insane—Kate Morgan is not crazy, dang it! A few twitches and some mad laughter aside, she has a gut feeling her family is in danger. Big danger. The kind that ends with a lot of blood. Now, it’s her job to keep them alive.

The Morgan sisters are back for another round of twisty tussles and rollicking romps!

The Review

This was another brilliant addition to the Jackrabbit Junction Mystery series. The author does a wonderful job of balancing the humor and wit that the sisters exude throughout the novel with the actual mystery and suspense that the narrative tackles. The humor cuts through the tension of the plot perfectly as the mystery deepens and the sisters find themselves deeper and deeper into trouble. 

While the action and the thriller aspects of the novel come through perfectly, it was the unique blend of romance and engaging dialogue between the characters that made the story shine. The funny moments between the sisters as they worked together and argued amongst themselves highlighted that perfect sibling tension that drives this series forward, while also giving the heated moments between the women and their respective partners their space to shine brightly. The emphasis the author gives to the supporting cast as well made the small-town element of the story really come to life perfectly on the page.

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The Verdict

Thrilling, entertaining, and memorable, author Ann Charles’s “Twisty Tortoise Tussles” is a must-read romantic comedy meets mystery read that readers will love getting lost in. The relatability of the characters and their connection to one another, as well as the small-town life, made this story both compelling and exhilarating, and readers will not be disappointed in this fantastic addition to the series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Ann Charles is a USA Today Bestselling author who writes award-winning books that are splashed with humor, mystery, suspense, romance, supernatural elements, and whatever else sounds fun.

Currently, she has many fiction books available in several different on-going series.

From her ongoing multi-award winning Deadwood Mystery Series:

NEARLY DEPARTED IN DEADWOOD (book 1–multiple award-winning book for both mystery and romance/mystery);

OPTICAL DELUSIONS IN DEADWOOD (book 2);

DEAD CASE IN DEADWOOD (book 3-one of Suspense Magazine’s BEST OF 2012 books);

BETTER OFF DEAD IN DEADWOOD (book 4);

AN EX TO GRIND IN DEADWOOD (book 5–Grand Prize winner in Chanticleer Review’s Paranormal category;

MEANWHILE, BACK IN DEADWOOD (book 6–one of Suspense Magazine’s BEST OF 2015 books);

A WILD FRIGHT IN DEADWOOD (book 7–one of Suspense Magazine’s BEST OF 2016 books);

RATTLING THE HEAD IN DEADWOOD (book 8)

GONE HAUNTING IN DEADWOOD (book 9)

DON’T LET IT SNOW IN DEADWOOD (book 10)

DEVIL DAYS IN DEADWOOD (book 11)

NEVER SAY SEVER IN DEADWOOD (book 12)

(Book 13 coming in early 2023)

Also available from Ann are the first five books in her Jackrabbit Junction Mystery Series:

DANCE OF THE WINNEBAGOS (book 1)

JACKRABBIT JUNCTION JITTERS (book 2)

THE GREAT JACKALOPE STAMPEDE (book 3)

THE ROWDY COYOTE RUMBLE (book 4)

A Thanksgiving novella titled, THE WILD TURKEY TANGO (book 4.5)

A Christmas novella titled, JACKRABBIT JINGLE BALLS (book 4.7)

IN CAHOOTS WITH THE PRICKLY PEAR POSSE (book 5)

TWISTY TORTOISE TUSSLES (book 6)

LOOK WHAT THE WIND BLEW IN (book 1) and MAKE NO BONES ABOUT IT (book 2), the first two books in her Dig Site Mystery-Archaeology series set in the Maya jungle, are available on Amazon, too. These books star Quint Parker, the brother of Violet Parker–the heroine in her Deadwood Mystery series. They are filled with mystery, humor, adventure, and a plenty of heat.

She has a western paranormal Deadwood Undertaker Series in process that is co-written with Sam Lucky:

LIFE AT THE COFFIN JOINT (book 1)

A LONG WAY FROM ORDINARY (book 2

CAN’T RIDE AROUND IT (book 3)

CATAWAMPUS CHRISTMAS CAROL (book 3.5)

THE BACKSIDE OF HADES (book 4)–coming in Fall 2022

She has several short stories as well–DEADWOOD SHORTS: SEEING TROUBLE (book 1.5), BOOT POINTS (book 4.5), COLD FLAME (book 6.5), TEQUILA & TIME (book 8.5), and FATAL TRADITIONS (book 10.5). These are all short stories from her Deadwood Mystery Series. Also, she has THE OLD MAN’S BACK IN TOWN, a short story from her future Goldwash Mystery Series.

In addition, Ann has two novellas in the AC Silly Circus Co. Mystery series: FERAL-LY FUNNY FREAKSHOW and A BUNCH OF MONKEY MALARKEY.

Stay tuned for more new books by Ann coming soon!

Ann has a B.A. in English with an emphasis on creative writing from the University of Washington. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and Western Writers of America. She is currently toiling away on her next book, wishing she was on a Mexican beach with an ice-cold Corona in one hand and a book in the other. When she is not dabbling in fiction, she is arm wrestling with her two kids, attempting to seduce her husband, and arguing with her sassy cats. You can find her on all major social media platforms.

http://anncharles.com/

the patient routine by luna rey hall 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.

TW: Themes and scenes involving mental illness, excessive violence, death/dying, suicide/self-harm, and transphobia. Reader discretion is advised.

When Ashton finds themselves in the hospital after several panic attacks, they are soon stuck in an isolated hospital after another patient is brought in with an unknown ailment in author luna rey hall’s “the patient routine”. 

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The Synopsis

Ashton is convinced they are dying. whether it be from cancer, heart disease, or a fungal infection, they know something bad is always about to happen. after a night of health-related panic attacks, & urged by a voice in their head, Ashton decides to check in to the ER again but when another patient is brought in with an unknown ailment that puts the entire hospital on lockdown, Ashton may be trapped in their worst nightmare.

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The Review

This was such a thoughtful and compelling body horror and psychological thriller novel. The first thing that really stands out in this novel is the unique writing style that the author uses in this book, as it comes across as a mixture of poetry and string of consciousness, giving a unique insight into the protagonist’s mindset. The chilling imagery and the haunting atmosphere of the hospital setting made the protagonist’s journey feel more engaging as time went on.

The heart of this narrative was in the psychological horrors and struggles of the protagonist and how they bled out into the narrative overall. The character’s personal struggles with their body, their trauma, and the intrusive thoughts that plague them are not only relatable to so many people but are illustrated hauntingly in the author’s writing style to help illustrate the struggles in a unique way. The strong representation of LGBTQ characters and struggles was great to see play out in a natural way and kept the reader invested in the story as it developed. 

The Verdict

Haunting, captivating, and engaging, author luna rey hall’s “the patient routine” is a must-read horror and psychological thriller novel. The twists and turns in the narrative and the intimate character development the author is able to achieve made this a compelling novel you won’t be able 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

luna rey hall is a queer trans non-binary writer. they are the author of “space neon neon space” (Variant Lit, 2022), “no matter the diagnosis” (Game Over Books, 2023), “the patient routine” (Brigids Gate Press, 2023), and “loudest when startled” (YesYes Books, 2020), longlisted for the 2020 Julie Suk Award. they are the winner of the 2013 Patsy Lea Core in Memorial Award for Poetry. their poems have appeared in The Florida Review, The Rumpus & Raleigh Review, among others. they live in St. Paul, MN. find more information at lunareyhall.com.

Cursebreakers by Madeline Nakamura 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 professor of magic struggling with his own mental health must face a powerful curse affecting the city of Astrum while being caught between scheming magical academics and a power-hungry military in author Madeline Nakamura’s “Cursebreakers”. 

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The Synopsis

Adrien Desfourneaux, professor of magic, must survive his own failing mental health and a tenuous partnership with a dangerous ally in order to save the city of Astrum from a spreading curse.

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Adrien Desfourneaux, professor of magic and disgraced ex-physician, has discovered a conspiracy. Someone is inflicting magical comas on the inhabitants of the massive city of Astrum, and no one knows how or why. Caught between a faction of scheming magical academics and an explosive schism in the ranks of the Astrum’s power-hungry military, Adrien is swallowed by the growing chaos. Alongside Gennady, an unruly, damaged young soldier, and Malise, a brilliant healer and Adrien’s best friend, Adrien searches for a way to stop the spreading curse before the city implodes. He must survive his own bipolar disorder, his self-destructive tendencies, and his entanglement with the man who doesn’t love him back.

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The Review

This was a compelling read. The blend of dark academia with adult fantasy storytelling was remarkable to see come alive on the pages of this book. The world-building and imagery the author infused into their writing allowed the story to shine and brought to life the rich city of Astrum in a way that felt almost cinematic in its display. 

The heart of this story resided in the themes and character arcs that the author explored. Protagonist Adrien is a uniquely complex and flawed hero, and yet someone you still want to root for as time goes on. The exploration of mental health and the importance of taking control of your own mental health journey is great to see come to life through Adrien’s story, and the way the author was able to infuse important relationships into the story without including romance as a plot device was great to see come to life in this book as well.

The Verdict

Compelling, thrilling, and entertaining, author Madeline Nakamura’s “Cursebreakers” is a must-read adult fantasy and dark academia read. The conflict that arises between the academics of this city and the more strength-driven military might of the Vigil was fascinating to see come to life on the page, and the twists and turns this narrative takes will keep fans eager for more from this remarkable author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy of this book or read it on September 12th, 2023! 

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Madeleine Nakamura is a writer, editor, and lifelong fantasy devotee. She began writing her first novel the day she realized a computer science degree wasn’t happening. She graduated from Mills College in Oakland with a degree in creative writing. She is based in Los Angeles, California.

https://madeleinenakamura.com/books/

Mistress of the Rock (The Cyprus Mysteries Book 1) by Myron Edwards Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews2 Comments

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

A veteran of the Gulf War returns to the island of Cyprus where his nightmares began in an attempt to rid himself of that nightmare once and for all, only to discover the line between mythology and reality is not as solid as he thought in author Myron Edwards’s “Mistress of the Rock”, the first book in the Cyprus Mysteries series. 

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The Synopsis

All is fair in love and war. Or is it?

For Richard Cole, ex-veteran of the First Gulf War, the memories of conflict have become the nightmares of his reality, and only by confronting them can he begin to live again.

He returns to the Island of Cyprus some twenty years later to where it all began, for a vacation with his wife, Julie. But a chance discovery places him in a dilemma, as he learns that Greek Gods and mortals should never mix.

Now, with Richard powerless to stop the momentum of a phenomenon that tests him to his limits, challenging all that he knows and loves against a fantasy of myth and legend, he must struggle to find the truth between what is real and what is not; but at what cost?

On the island of love, one man’s obsession turns to possession, as his mind, body, and soul are trapped between two worlds and two women.

‘Mistress of the Rock is a very possessive spirit; she does not give her affections lightly.’ As Richard Cole is about to discover.

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The Review

This was a fascinating and gripping fantasy read. The balance the author struck in the buildup of Richard’s character arc and the fantasy-driven Greek mythology aspects of the narrative were superb, and the detail the author put into the everyday life of Richard really made the reader feel the relatability of the character. 

The imagery and the atmosphere made the story really come to life on the page. The author’s writing style allowed the pacing to build up slowly and capture the shock and awe that comes with discovering the realities of the existence of the Greek gods. The larger-than-life battles with the gods themselves and the themes of love, betrayal, and passion perfectly reflected the internal battle within Richard as a character and made the reader become really invested in the arc of his story. 

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and captivating, author Myron Edwards’s “Mistress of the Rock” is a must-read fantasy novel. Infused with elements of horror, adventure, and intrigue, the author not only delves into the impacts of war on those who were forced to fight in them but the power of mythology and how we relate to it 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 1952 in Orsett, Essex in England, the youngest son to Welsh parents Iris and Bill Edwards. Upon leaving school, he went into the travel industry, where he travelled the world, working in travel agencies, tour operators and airlines for some 30 years. In 1976 Myron began freelance writing for BBC, radio and television, his credits include the Two Ronnies, Week Endings, and the News Huddlines. In 1980, he joined JWT advertising, as a copywriter writing his first TV commercial for dog food inside 10 days. His love for the creative never left him and in 1987 he created Tubewalking, a new map concept, to help people get around London easier on foot, which still operates today. In 1990 he married Niki, whose family background is Greek Cypriot. On a family trip to Cyprus, visiting Aphrodite’s Rock for the first time, the beginnings of his passion to write the story of Mistress of the Rock came into fruition. Moving his family in 2005 to Cyprus to live, gave him the opportunity to write, as during this time he worked on campaigns for TV and Radio in an advertising agency in Limassol. The first manuscript of the book was completed in 2007, released by a local publisher it had a limited audience, but was well received by those who had read it. He has now completed the sequel and is working on the third part of this story. Myron has three children, two sons and one daughter all grown up.

https://www.myronedwardsbooks.com/

Simiakia by Lori Windows 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 on a path of crime and vices finds himself working the ranch that he was arrested for trying to steal from, and in the process not only finds himself but his connection to his own heritage in author Lori Windows’s “Simiakia”.

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The Synopsis

It was not whimsy that had brought him together with this red horse to run this race. It was the justice of time.

Raised without hope or pride in his heritage to what promises to be a short life of crime, alcohol, and drugs, Nez Perce teenager Al George gets an unexpected second chance. A heist gone wrong ends up with him working on probation at the very Idaho ranch he and his “friends” tried to rob, owned by Celia Bolt, who left her own rich-but-dysfunctional family to move West many years ago, and the taciturn Morgan Kyles, who has his own checkered past.

Over the course of the summer of 1986, Celia and Morgan work out the thorny details of their relationship, while Al regains his pride and his sense of self as he works with the ranch’s signature Appaloosas, finds love—and finally, through a deep bond with one very special horse, reconnects with his Nez Perce heritage and discovers the truth of his strange, recurring dreams of an Indian brave on a very special horse, striving to protect his people from the soldiers pursuing them.

For everyone involved, one summer changes everything.

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The Review

This was an incredible and moving read. The author does a great job of capturing the serenity and moving power of nature and the wildness of the Western genre. The detail the author put into the world of ranching and horse management and what goes into making that kind of property run smoothly was incredible, as was the detail that went into horse care and the relationships we form with these majestic creatures. The imagery in the author’s writing made the settings feel vibrant in both the past and the present and kept the reader engaged in the evolving narrative.

To me, the heart of this story rested in the rich character dynamics and backstories that the author brought to life. In particular, I loved both Al and Celia’s journey and the way the ranch seemed to give them each a new lease on life. The story felt very much like a commentary on finding our true selves through meaningful changes to our lives, and these two characters illustrated this perfectly. Blend this with a powerful look into Native American history and culture, and this book really felt impactful and thoughtful in its approach. 

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The Verdict

Memorable, thought-provoking, and entertaining, author Lori Windows’s “Simiakia” is a must-read Western novel. The heart and emotional core of these characters’ journey and the connections they make while working this ranch, as well as the heart-pounding final chapters, made this a gripping story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Lori Windows grew up enamoured of the writings of Grey, Brand, Terhune, London, Burroughs, and Farley. Her father set her on a horse when she was two years old, and she has now ridden horses on six continents. In 1982, she discovered the sport of distance racing. She and her variety of horses and mules have amassed multiple national titles and more than 63,000 sanctioned race miles.