Category: reviews

OUTSIDE THE THALSPARR SERIES BY BJORN LEESON RECAP

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

Hello there,

I am so thrilled to be able to share this unique book series recap for author Bjorn Leesson’s “Outside the Thalsparr” series. The series is a fantastic historical fiction meets fantasy series that transcends time and space itself. Below you will find a synopsis of each book in the series thus far, as well as my initial thoughts of the books and links to my full reviews of each book, as well as a preview of the latest book in the series. I hope you will take the time to read these books and enjoy the sprawling adventure they created the way they did for me. Please enjoy.

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Runes of Dokkrsdottir (Book One)

The Synopsis

The Dokkrsdottir is not your ordinary Norse woman of the Viking age. One of the great warriors of her time, she soon learns that the hardest battles are not always those fought with a sword and shield. Through countless trials and tests, she is led by visions and omens on numerous adventures with the help of steadfast friends and family to discover her mysterious supernatural destiny, one more extraordinary than anyone could ever have imagined.

RUNES OF THE DOKKRSDOTTIR (Book 1)

The story of Myrgjol the Dokkrsdottir begins with her birth in 800s Scandinavia where it becomes immediately obvious that she is very different in so many ways.

After adventures abroad and continuously making friends and loyal allies, and after suffering many losses and setbacks, she bravely travels the many winding paths of her destiny – facing and defeating a dark foe she never expected to face.

My Impression

FULL REVIEW

This was such a compelling and gripping read. The rich blend of historical fiction meets fantasy and the immersive way the author uses imagery draws the reader into the sea-faring settings of this novel, making the world-building feel larger than life on the page. The author’s use of mythology and detail in the narrative allows the reader to feel transported back to the Viking age, keeping the reader invested in the story.

Yet, it was the dynamic development of the protagonist that fueled this story. The rich and thoughtful detail that went into the protagonist’s backstory, from the tragic circumstances that brought her father over to live amongst the Norse people as a child to the tragedies she faces and the supernatural prophecy that hung over her head as she spent her life struggling to balance the light and darkness within her, made her character arc and journey so much more impactful and engaging.

RUNE OF RENEWAL (BOOK TWO)

THE SYNOPSIS 

The Dokkrsdottir is not your ordinary Norse woman of the Viking age. One of the great warriors of her time, she soon learns that the hardest battles are not always those fought with a sword and shield. Through countless trials and tests, she is led by visions and omens on numerous adventures with the help of steadfast friends and family to discover her mysterious supernatural destiny, one more extraordinary than anyone could ever have imagined.

RUNE OF RENEWAL (Book 2)

The story of the Dokkrsdottir continues in a strange new time and place finding her out of her familiar world, but the pressure on her to continue as one of the greatest warriors ever increases as the stakes are now world wide and on a grander scale than she could ever have imagined.

However, through the foresight and dedication of many of her descendants, she has the diehard support of friends and family to see her through to her destiny of thwarting the plans of the Dark.

MY IMPRESSION

FULL REVIEW

The world-building and mythos that the author establishes in this series are amplified greatly in this sequel. The exploration of the time travel element is also amplified in this book, bringing the protagonist into one of human history’s darkest times, WWII. The development of the Dark and its forces and the suspense that forms with each step that Dokkrsdottir takes on her journey makes this a compelling story.

This story’s character development and action were the true highlights of the narrative. The rich development of the protagonist as she continues to engage with new allies and descendants and the out-of-this-world action, including one major battle that changes the entire landscape of the series, create a rich and dynamic story that will instantly draw the reader in.

RUNE OF DESTINY (BOOK THREE)

THE SYNOPSIS 

The Dokkrsdottir is not your ordinary Norse woman of the Viking age. One of the great warriors of her time, she soon learns that the hardest battles are not always those fought with a sword and shield. Through countless trials and tests, she is led by visions and omens on numerous adventures with the help of steadfast friends and family to discover her mysterious supernatural destiny, one more extraordinary than anyone could ever have imagined.

Rune of Destiny Summary:

The final chapter of the main story of the Dokkrsdottir’s destiny that finds the continuation of the living world in the hands of Myrgjol, her descendants, and the choices they all must make.

With battles of the “greatest warrrior” transpiring on both sides of the veil, it is a series of desperate and grueling battles to the very end before she can enjoy her reward with the knowledge that the living world will continue in the loving embrace of the Light and not in ruin by the Dark.

MY IMPRESSION

FULL REVIEW

The scale and engaging setting stood out in this story. The author did an incredible job of bringing both the physical and spiritual worlds to life on the page, showcasing the imagery in the author’s writing as they shifted between the jumps in periods and showcased Dokkrsdottir’s life on the other side of the veil. The balance of threats that the protagonists faced was excellent as well, as the human threats perfectly paralleled the different forces of darkness that pursued them, especially the Thule Society and their hunt for gateways around the world.

While the series has become known for some great action, this novel added more depth to the spiritual nature of the narrative os well. The world knows the protagonist in this story as a proud and strong warrior. Still, the novel takes the time to reveal those vulnerable moments that the protagonist experiences, from being reunited with lost loved ones to making peace with being separated from others she loves in her family, and much more. The mythos and culture of Viking history were well represented here. The protagonist’s connection to her family, loved ones, and people allowed the reader to connect to the story on a much grander scale.

RUNE OF REVENGE (BOOK FOUR)

THE SYNOPSIS 

The legendary saga of Ingrid Stone-Splitter, the most loyal and greatest friend of the Dokkrsdottir, after returning home amid strife and loss.

A powerful woman of many destinies, Ingrid embarks on journey after journey to fulfill the peaceful promises of her father

Harald, to help set the stage for the Dokkrsdottir to fulfill her destiny, and to be a hammer which smashes the Dark.

MY IMPRESSION

FULL REVIEW

Another compelling and exhilarating historical fiction meets supernatural thriller. The author does a wonderful job of capturing the tone and the atmosphere of life in the Viking Age, especially during an age when Vikings expanded into Saxon territory and blended this with Norse mythology perfectly, making the supernatural and fantasy elements feel natural to the world around the characters. 

The heart of the narrative was in the new protagonist, exploring a strong supporting character in the series and giving a free perspective to the legend and destiny of the Dokkrsdottir overall. The personal nature of Ingrid’s journey and how it ties into the cliffhanger finale from the last book will keep longtime fans of this series invested and thrilled to be in the thick of the action. 

RUNE OF WHISPERS (BOOK FIVE)

THE SYNOPSIS

Myrgjol the Dokkrsdottir’s path may be fraught with physical dangers and battle, but some wars are fought with whispered words and deceitful lies. While in Saxon lands, she must learn to maneuver the battlefield as well as her position on the board in the game of Saxon politics. Will she be successful?

And though she is blind to all the pieces in The Game, a Saxon gamemaster plays on her behalf as well as his own against many others, and the enormity of the risk spirals out of control for everyone.

MY IMPRESSION

FULL REVIEW

This was a welcome addition to the historical fiction and dark fantasy series! The author found a way to keep the series fresh and showcased the depth of the world this series inhabits, giving readers a fresh new perspective by exploring the politics of Saxon life and Myrgjol’s impact on that world. The way the action takes a backseat to the atmosphere and the tension politics played at that time made the overall narrative feel elevated for readers. 

The mystery and intrigue this turn of events took in the story was evenly matched by the rich historical context and fantasy mythos the series has brought to life so vividly. The more emotional context of the protagonist’s story felt fully realized in this narrative, and the evolution of her allies and how life in Saxon lands evolved among some of the Norse settlers at that time was an intriguing subplot that readers will instantly get lost in.

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PREVIEW (RUNE OF SPIRITS: OUTSIDE THE THALSPARR BOOK SIX)

THE SYNOPSIS

OUTSIDETHETHALSPARR

The Dokkrisdottir is not your ordinary Norse woman of the Viking age.One of the great warriors of her time, she soon learns that the hardest battles are not always those fought with a sword and shield. Through countless trials and tests, she is led by visions and omens on numerous adventures with the help of steadfast friends and family to discover her mysterious supernatural destiny ,one more extraordinary than anyone could ever have imagined.

RUNEOFSPIRITS

Every road to an ultimate good is paved with monstrous deed…by a monster. Sometimes the monsters are all that stands between the living world and annihilation. In the struggle to survive her own life ,Josephine Peele becomes the monster in service of the Light, but it takes all her torments to ready her for her own purpose that only she can accomplish.

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OVERALL SERIES IMPRESSION

A perfect balance of historical fiction and fantasy thriller, the author delves deep into Norse mythology and the concepts of life after death with strong conviction. The series not only explores Norse mythology, but the impact that a legacy can have on generations to come and history itself. The infusion of strong supporting characters that can lead their own books and bringing the protagonist not only into different timelines but different worlds altogether establishes a sense of legendary status and adds new depth to the theme of the hero’s journey that has become so ingrained into the fabric of our culture throughout human history. Filled with action, heart, and destiny, this is a rich historical fiction fantasy series that reader will not be able to get enough of. 

The Alpha and Omega of All Viruses (The Mother of All Viruses Book Three) by Jonni Jordyn 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 digital entity must look inward and then to the cosmos to discover its purpose while evading human threats in author Jonni Jordyn’s “The Alpha and Omega of All Viruses”, the third book in the Mother of All Viruses series.

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The Synopsis

The digital entity Odyssey is on the ultimate journey where he must look inwards to explore his own mind before taking a mind expanding journey to find himself in the cosmos, while still watching over his human friends who are doing everything they can to protect his identity from overreaching politicians who only view him as a threat to their way of life.

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The Review

This was a compelling and gripping read. Imaginative and highly creative, this sci-fi fantasy epic comes to a thrilling conclusion that captures the powerful characters that kept the series so engaging while also capturing the vastness that the story encompasses in this third narrative. The powerful imagery, both on a human scale and in Odyssey’s journey through the cosmos, was awe-inspiring. 

Yet it was the way the author was able to seamlessly bridge the powerful themes of this story with the world-building and character development that fans have come to know and love from this series. The story delves into both the human and digital entities that have brought this world to life, and yet at its core, both stories touch upon what it means to live and be human. The exploration of mental health and spirituality undertaken by the protagonist, Odyssey, mirrors the personal transformation and exploration of identity that other characters undergo simultaneously, creating an emotional depth that allows readers to connect with the characters on an individual level.

The Verdict

Vast, compelling, and engaging, author Jonni Jordyn’s “The Alpha and Omega of All Viruses” is a must-read sci-fi epic and a significant concluding chapter to the Mother of All Viruses series. The twists and turns the narrative takes, the grand scope of the story, and the deeply grounded emotional journey these characters undertake 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

Jonni Jordyn, an award winning American author born in Oakland, Ca, started out playing music at age two, and moved on to singing and acting in grade school. High School introduced writing and film making followed by drawing and photography in college. In other words, she had a VERY LIBERAL arts education.

Jonni published some poetry and some india ink drawings in literary magazines while in college, won critical acclaim for her acting in a cabaret theater, but was faced with a decision to pick out the arts she wanted to pursue.

Of all the available opportunities, music and song writing won the first round when she found herself performing with legendary stars of the sixties and seventies.

Round two began years later, after leaving California for Arizona. It all started with a blank piece of paper and the question, “how can I possibly write more than eleven thousand words for a single story?” A valid question which was followed up a year later with, “How did I ever write 160,000 words?”

Now, the writing comes much easier, but still there are questions like, “How will I ever get all these ideas written down?” followed closely by, “How many times can I edit the same book?”

Jonni currently lives in Colorado with her bird.

https://www.jordynatlargebooks.com/

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Stone Cold: A Southern Mystery Novel (Book 1 of the Zoe Nichols Van Life Series) by Abby Rice 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 woman seeking her biological father must unmask a killer in a small town full of secrets in author Abby Rice’s “Stone Cold: A Southern Mystery Novel,” the first book in the Zoe Nichols Van Life Series.

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The Synopsis

A quiet Southern town. A stow-away kid. A page-turning mystery!

After DNA results turn her whole world upside down, Zoe Nichols traces her mysterious biological father to a small Georgia town. But a shocking murder the day she arrives and a stow-away kid catapult Zoe into a search for the killer. In a small town brimming with secrets, can Zoe unmask a murderer and clear an innocent boy – before she becomes the killer’s next victim?

This is the first book in the Zoe Nichols Van-Life series. A fun Southern mystery with a female amateur sleuth and a splash of romance!

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The Review

This was such a compelling and gripping story. The fast-paced narrative was balanced with rich character development, which quickly drew the reader in and connected them with the characters. The mystery was well-developed, lined with realism as it captured both small-town life and the intricacies of murder investigations. The powerful imagery really brought this small Southern town to life, allowing readers to engage with the story fully.

The powerful, multi-tiered story and the rich themes surrounding justice really made this story what it was. The murder mystery took center stage, but still left enough breathing room for readers to engage in this personal mystery of Zoe’s father and who he is. The examination of the justice system and how young teens considered “at risk” are often forgotten or used as scapegoats for crimes, and the need to explore all options in an investigation is crucial to the truth.

The Verdict

Fast-paced, entertaining, and thrilling, author Abby Rice’s “Stone Cold” is a must-read cozy mystery thriller. The infusion of small-town murder mystery and romance, filled with shocking twists and turns, makes this story a great introduction to the larger Zoe Nichols Van Life series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Abby Rice’s life has been as adventure-filled as her heroines’. Abby spent nine months on a square-rigged sailing ship and once rode cross-country on her motorcycle. She’s built houses — and wired them, too. And in her alter ego role as an attorney, she’s battled bad guys and sought justice for victims of crime.  

But first and foremost, Abby’s always been a writer. She cut her teeth in the magazine market, with over two hundred national and trade stories in print. She transitioned to nonfiction books, with two dozen now behind her. History was Abby’s primary book niche, and she especially enjoys tales of the Victorian era and Comstock Lode. And most recently, she’s ventured into historical romance.

These days when Abby’s not dreaming up new stories about hidden history and feisty heroines, she can be found scanning 1860s newspapers for forgotten bits of Victorian gossip.

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Surviving Stutthof: My Father’s Memories Behind the Death Gate by Liisa Kovala 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 group of Finnish sailors must survive a Nazi death camp in WWII Poland in author Liisa Kovala’s “Surviving Stutthof: My Father’s Memories Behind the Death Gate.”

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The Synopsis

As the first Russian bomb drops on Oulu, Finland in early 1940 during the Winter War, Aarne Kovala is a young boy with a great love of the sea. While the war rages, Aarne takes fate into his own hands and joins the Finnish merchant marines. He spends his days delivering war materials between Finland, Poland, and Germany. But when Finald’s ties with Germany are severed after the signing of the Moscow Armistice in 1944, Aarne and his fellow sailors are arrested by the Nazis and sent by cattle car to the infamous Stutthof concentration camp deep in the Polish forest. Surviving Stutthof is a tale of survival, hope, and ultimately the triumph of the human spirit.

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The Review

This was such a compelling read. The author vividly brings their father’s experiences and memories to life on the page, the tension and heavy atmosphere of each chapter bringing the life of this man to life with honesty and conviction. The haunting tone of the time period and the detail in which these experiences were relayed offered a unique perspective on the life led in this Polish death camp and how people survived during WWII. 

The heart of this book lies in the close examination of both the best and worst of humanity, as well as the horrors that the author’s father survived during his teenage years. The atrocities the Nazis inflicted on the prisoners in Stutthof and the cold, callousness in which they were treated are shocking to read, and the heartbreaking yet inspiring moments of humanity between the prisoners of the camp and the protagonist left a lasting impression on readers as the story progressed. The almost narrative style of writing and the author’s exploration of his father’s experiences from the beginning of the war through his time in Stutthof were powerful in engaging with the story.

The Verdict

Haunting, powerful, and engaging, author Liisa Kovala’s “Surviving Stutthof” is a must-read nonfiction biography. The emotional toll the story takes, along with its themes of human nature and survival, will stay with readers long after the book ends, keeping them invested in keeping the memory and history of this era alive so that we may never forget what happens when humanity’s worst are allowed to take control. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Liisa Kovala is a Finnish-Canadian author and book coach. Like Water for Weary Souls is her second historical novel. Sisu’s Winter War was her debut (Latitude 46, 2022). Surviving Stutthof (Latitude 46, 2017), recounts her father’s experiences as a Finnish merchant marine imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp in Poland. It was short-listed for a Northern Lit Award in 2018 and was translated into Finnish. Liisa is a member of The Writers’ Union of Canada and the Canadian Authors Association. Liisa also writes the Hygge House Cozy Mystery series as A. L. Jensen (debuting in early 2026). Her work explores her Finnish heritage and celebrates the northern landscape she calls home.

https://www.liisakovalabookcoach.com/

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Wednesday Club by Kristine Jensen 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 young woman must navigate life in a small town and find solace in a group of women in 1960s South Dakota in author Kristine Jensen’s “Wednesday Club.”

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The Synopsis

A heartfelt coming-of-age novel set in 1963 South Dakota, Wednesday Club is a work of historical and women’s fiction that explores inter-generational friendship and the power of finding home where you least expect it.

Ivy Hanson is pretty sure her life is over. At sixteen, she’s been dumped at her grandparents’ South Dakota farm while her mother chases Hollywood dreams. Stuck with a critical grandfather and a rural life she doesn’t understand, Ivy is isolated, friendless, and desperate to escape.

Then, her grandmother ropes her into the Wednesday Club, a group of six women who gather once a month to swap gossip, tackle community projects, and make sense of the turbulent world of 1963. Each of these women carries her own struggles, including Tillie, the aspiring artist stretched thin by motherhood; quirky Etola, desperate to find a husband; and Hattie, whose past holds painful secrets.

Over the months, Ivy navigates harsh realities—romantic disappointment, small-town life, and a terrifying experience with a horse—and through it all, the Wednesday Club women offer her something unexpected: a sense of home she’s never known. But when Ivy stumbles upon a shocking family secret, it threatens everything.

Told with humor and heart, here is proof that every woman needs a Wednesday Club.

Perfect for book clubs! Ideal for fans of Elizabeth Berg, Jojo Moyes, and Elizabeth Strout.

As vivid and gripping as a movie, Wednesday Club is an uplifting tale of unlikely friendships, where a teen girl finds belonging among a band of unforgettable older women.

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The Review

This was such a heartfelt and emotional read. The author possesses a unique ability to write in a way that is both straightforward in delivery and yet nuanced, filled with emotional depth, and speaks to the greater story and character arcs being conveyed. The author expertly captures the rural farm setting and the 60s era with ease, delivering a cinematic quality that feels like a moving women’s fiction miniseries that would be found on Hulu or Netflix today.

The heart of the narrative was in the dynamic character development and connections the author makes between them, as well as the use of multiple POVs in the story. The growth and evolution of protagonist Ivy in this story as she comes to know nd understand what family and life is truly meant to be is remarkable, and the way the author gives each member of the community, especially the Wednesday club, a chance to shine and bring their own unique journey to life in this story was naturally done to allow the story to feel still cohesive and engaging.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, compelling, and emotionally-driven, author Kristine Jensen’s “Wednesday Club” is a must-read women’s fiction novel. Filled with heart and community, the exploration of social dynamics and family ties, as well as the quiet strength that so many women led their lives with during a tumultuous time, made this a remarkable story to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Kristine Jensen is a lifelong storyteller whose career has included writing scripts, screenplays, and narratives for some of the world’s most recognizable brands. With a talent for bringing characters and ideas to life, she has spent decades distilling complex ideas into language that resonates.

Born and raised on a farm in South Dakota, Kristine found the spark for her debut novel in a box of handwritten club minutes kept by her grandmother—records of a real-life women’s group that met for more than sixty years. That discovery blossomed into Wednesday Club, a novel about inter-generational friendship, quiet resilience, and the search for belonging.

Now living in Oregon, Kristine writes fiction that honors women’s inner lives and the quiet beauty of small-town communities. You can learn more about the true Wednesday Club that inspired her work and the movement to create Wednesday Clubs everywhere at her wednesday-club website.

https://www.wednesday-club.com/author

https://www.instagram.com/wednesday_club_novel/

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Echoes of Fortune: Shadows Over Cozumel by David R. Leng 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 holiday dive turns into a history-changing mystery filled with danger in author David R. Leng’s “Echoes of Fortune: Shadows Over Cozumel.”

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The Synopsis

What would you risk to uncover a secret buried for over 150 years?

From bestselling and multi–award-winning author David R. Leng comes the next pulse-pounding installment in the Echoes of Fortune series.

When historian Jack Sullivan, Smithsonian curator Emma Wilson, and fellow former Navy SEAL Steve Johnson set out for a Thanksgiving dive off Cozumel, they expected nothing more than warm waters and forgotten wrecks. Instead, they uncover a Confederate ghost ship that vanished in 1865—along with a secret powerful enough to change history.

But they’re not alone. Shadowy mercenaries and a black-hulled yacht stalk their every move, determined to silence them before the truth surfaces. From dazzling reefs to the back alleys of Veracruz, Jack and his team are forced into a deadly game where history isn’t past—it’s a weapon.

Some secrets don’t want to be found. And some will kill to stay buried.

Perfect for fans of Steve Berry, Clive Cussler, Dan Brown, and James Rollins, Shadows Over Cozumel delivers nonstop action, historical intrigue, and a mystery that spans centuries.

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The Review

For such a short novella, the author packs a lot of history and world-building into this narrative. The author expertly weaves mystery and intrigue into the modern-day adventure story, with a pacing that speaks to the story’s natural rhythm, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat and the tension on the page rising as these characters delve deeper into the mystery. The imagery in this story was so cinematic in its delivery, with details that brought the vibrant blues and greens of the ocean depths and the haunting shipwrecks to life effortlessly.

The dynamic between the three main characters and the engaging history were the main drives of this narrative. The exploration of Confederate soldiers’ weapons and gold has been the subject of numerous mysteries since the end of the Civil War. Yet, the ties into Mexico at the time and the idea of secret societies begun by these confederates, still being in play, added danger and suspense to the story. At the same time, the bond shared between Jack, Steve, and Emma not only showcases the bond that history can have on those seeking answers, but also highlights the hidden dangers of letting that sense of adventure become obsession. 

The Verdict

Adrenaline-fueled, thrilling, and entertaining, author David R. Leng’s “Echoes of Fortune: Shadows Over Cozumel” is a must-read novella. The historical fiction series continues to expand and grow, not only with this fantastic cast of characters but also delivers a conspiracy and hidden history that would make for an excellent Netflix series, thanks to its dynamic and cinematic imagery, as well as the balance of action and character development. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

David is the Chief Risk Officer and Executive Partner of the Duncan Financial Group, a Faculty Member of the Institute of WorkComp Professionals, and author of the Amazon #1 International Best Business Books – The Laws of Insurance Attraction, Insured to Fail, and Turning Premiums Into Profits, as well as Stop Being Frustrated & Overcharged Year After Year (By Your Workers’ Compensation Program). David is a 30-year veteran of the Risk Management and Insurance industry. He is regarded as one of the brightest minds in the industry due to his unique Risk Profile Improvement Process, which identifies, controls, and reduces the risk factors inherent in any business that drive costs to an organization’s bottom line and hinder employee productivity. Since 2004, David has saved his clients well over sixty million dollars in premiums and overcharges.

With his passion for writing, David has written short stories for decades that family and friends have enjoyed. He has turned his focus to writing novels. Echoes of Fortune: The Search for Braddock’s Lost Gold is a multi-award-winning thriller that weaves mystery, suspense, and historical intrigue across centuries. Winner of the 2024 PenCraft Book Award for Best Thriller, 2nd place in Action & Adventure at the 2024 Book Fest Awards, a Gold Book Award from Literary Titan, and a #1 Amazon New Release in Mystery/Thriller (September 2024), this novel will keep you on the edge of your seat.

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

David, who has 30 years experience specializing in Risk management and Workers’ Compensation, is an alumnus of Penn State where he received a Bachelor of Science in Insurance and Risk Management. His professional designations include Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Certified Risk Manager (CRM) and Charter Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Certified Benefits & Wellness Advisor (CBWA), and he’s been designated a Master Certified WorkComp Advisor (MWCA) and Certified WorkComp Advisor (CWCA) by the Institute of WorkComp Professionals.

David is also Co-Founder of Keystone CompControl, the nation’s largest single network of Workers’ Compensation specialists, and is one of only 14 nationwide Level-5 Advisors of the Institute of WorkComp Professionals. He has spoken nationally for the Hardwood Manufacturers Association as well as The Wood Products Manufacturing Association.

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

David spends his leisure time boating in the summer and skiing in the winter with his wife, Lynn, and their two children, Alizabeth and Luke. David and Lynn are active members of Emmaus and Autism Speaks, organizations that help support individuals with special needs, including their son Luke, who was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 18 months. David’s hobbies include woodworking and ice hockey, as well as donating considerable time to his local high school by helping to design and build sets for their musical productions.

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www.DavidLeng.com

The Oracle of Yuggoth: Stellarum Collection by Quico Vicens-Picatto 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 small crew traveling through space encounters an ancient power that invades the mind and distorts reality in author Quico Vicens-Picatto’s “The Oracle of Yuggoth,” part of the Stellarum collection.

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The Synopsis

✨A CHILLING TALE OF HOW VENTURING TOO FAR INTO SPACE CAN SHATTER THE HUMAN MIND.✨

What if the ego were not the solid psychic structure it appears to be here, in the safety of Earth?

🚀 Aboard the Persephone, the crew will discover that the real dangers of deep space are nothing like anything found on Earth: threats that invade the mind, erode identity, and distort reality itself.

This is a warning to all of humanity: a warning of an unimaginable fate, a silent threshold that must never be crossed and a godlike presence waiting beyond eons of darkness, hidden in the frozen confines of Pluto.

🐙 Perfect for readers of cosmic horror, space horror, psychological horror and the Cthulhu Mythos: a Lovecraftian descent into madness, chaos and the unfathomable.

Based on the bestselling Call of Cthulhu scenario of the same name, written by the same author.

The Review

The term cosmic horror takes on an all-new meaning in this stellar novella. The author did an incredible job of layering this horror novella with powerful imagery that not only brought these eldritch gods and creatures to life with ease but also captured the mind-blowing, altered states that the cast of characters experienced. The world-building was incredible, not only in terms of the Cthulu mythos that was infused into the fabric of this universe, but in the state of the universe itself between this secret organization known as the Brotherhood and the Free-Worlds coalition, and how humanity has evolved and grown in this near future. 

The heart of this narrative was in the exploration of the main cast of characters as individuals and how they experienced this horror together. Kolab’s experiences living Harun’s life through shared memories hit really strongly in the narrative, and the compelling blend of action and spine-chilling, mind-breaking horror made this story really shine.

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The Verdict

Haunting, terrifying, and compelling, author Quico Vicens-Picatto’s “The Oracle of Yuggoth” is a must-read cosmic horror novella. The author explores the limits of humanity and the mind, and how certain boundaries are not meant to be crossed, providing readers with a chilling experience that will linger long after the story concludes. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Quico Vicens-Picatto is a writer and illustrator who has spent much of his life creating worlds where horror, fantasy, science fiction and the inexplicable intertwine in an eternal flow as irrational as human existence itself. His work, both literary and visual, is born from the drive to always go one step further: beyond what is established, comfortable, or safe.

With more than 10 titles turned into best sellers for the acclaimed Call of Cthulhu role-playing game—such as At the Gates of Carcosa, The Abyss in Their Eyes and Ghatanothoa, the Forgotten One—he has established himself as an independent voice within cosmic horror role-playing, seeking to transcend the safe spaces in which cosmic horror usually moves, delving into the realms of philosophy and combining them with the great themes of the genre.

Influenced by Lovecraft, DeMaio, Spare, Moebius, Faber-Kaiser, Bakunin, Moore, Jodorowsky, Campbell, and fiercely iconoclastic, Vicens-Picatto writes for those who seek questions rather than answers. He does not believe in pure genres, unmovable rules, or doing things “the way they should be done.” He believes in vertigo, in mystery, and in the need to challenge reality itself when it seems to go no further than the prevailing and decaying social conventions of our time.

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Swallowing the Muskellunge by Lawrence P. O’Brien Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

A family’s journey to a better life takes a dark turn in author Lawrence P. O’Brien’s “Swallowing the Muskellunge.”

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The Synopsis

London Oxford was prepared to do whatever it took to get to the promised land, but can he get his family safely across the border?

Young Abner Oxford has kept something of his mother’s. Something else needs what he has. It’s patient, can be quite disarming, and has a monstrous, fierce appetite. Abner and his family, along with a caravan of sleighs, are moving north.

The frigid cold and the blinding white have made the adults slow, weary, and numb. Very few questioned the drag marks in the snow or the mounting number of disappearances. Abner’s father felt like that—until it woke him up.

Fans of The Terror, the Fisherman, and El Norte will be hooked.

The Review

This was such a rich and compelling historical fiction meets folklore horror novel. The powerful imagery of the harsh, wild landscapes the characters traverse, along with the tension that fills the air in every chapter, kept readers on the edge of their seats. At the same time, the balance the author found between the violent supernatural events of the story and the need for survival that takes center stage in the narrative made this novel soar.

As a fan of fantasy, horror, and folklore storytelling, I loved the idea of the Wìsakedjàk being such a powerful force in the worlds of North American folklore and culture, and taking on a physical presence in the wilds of this setting. Yet it was the powerful themes of this book that stood out. The exploration of Manifest Destiny at the expense of indigenous people, as well as the struggle for identity, is what many people in the Black community felt when they attempted to create their own path in life, but felt the confines of labor for others take control. The exploration of freedom vs servitude, as well as the freedom of nature versus the conquest of land and the rights mankind has to dominate the world, made this narrative so compelling and thought-provoking.

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The Verdict

Harrowing, dynamic character arcs and powerful themes, author Lawrence P. O’Brien’s “Swallowing the Muskellunge” is a must-read historical fiction meets folklore horror novel. The emotional resonance readers will have with these characters, the struggles they endure, and the depth of survival they must go through highlight the hardships of life in this era, while also bridging the gap by infusing supernatural terror into the narrative fabric that feels strangely natural. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Lawrence was raised across from a hill shadowing Black Rapids Creek in Ottawa, Canada. The towering toboggan hill fed an early appetite for challenge, tall tales and doing the impossible. The black forested river valley set his dreams.

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To Save One by Kimberly Fiese Yule 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 in grief begins a project to tackle mental health and help others in author Kimberly Fiese Yule’s “To Save One.”

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The Synopsis

Find solidarity in loss, friendship, and the fight to bring light into the darkest moments.

“A brave and tender story that speaks to the heart of every teenager, and every parent who loves one.”

When Evy loses her boyfriend to suicide, her life unravels in grief and unanswered questions. With the help of her best friend Henry and her classmate Chloe, who carries her own hidden struggle, Evy channels her pain into The Happy Face Project, a senior film that dares to talk openly about mental health.

What begins as a school project becomes something bigger: a mission to break the silence, to offer hope, and to save at least one life before graduation. Along the way, Evy, Henry, and Chloe discover that healing is found in music, courage, and in standing together when it matters most.

For anyone searching for connection and for every parent or educator who wants to better understand what today’s youth are facing.

A story of heartbreak and resilience, it offers both a mirror for young adult readers and a conversation starter for families, schools, and communities.

The Review

This was such a powerful and moving read. The author did an incredible job of delving into a subject that is both sensitive and heartbreaking, and did so with a reverence and care that truly resonated with readers. The powerful imagery that sets up each chapter’s scenery and tone is compelling, and the depth of world-building the author puts into the story itself speaks to the themes of this story, telling a story that weaves into the fabric of all of our lives. 

Ultimately, this story served as a testament to thought-provoking themes and empathetic characters. The tragic circumstances of Briggs’s story and how his loss impacted so many people in the story were equally on par emotionally as protagonist Evy’s exploration of grief and loss, and the raw moments of her grief that pop up throughout the book are truly relatable to anyone who has ever felt grief like that before. The honest and sympathetic portrayal of mental health and those who suffer from this subject matter, including both those who have become victims of this mindset and those who have been left behind as a result, all have a voice in this story and bring the emotional resonance that makes this story so engaging. 

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The Verdict

A compelling, engaging, and heartfelt YA drama, author Kimberly Fiese Yule’s “To Save One” is a must-read novel. The book also touches upon other themes naturally, including overall health struggles and the impact of a support system, as well as creativity in times of grief and how music can connect people. The book can be haunting at times, and definitely heartbreaking, and yet it is with a strong and compassionate voice that the author brings this rich story to life. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Kimberly Fiese Yule believes life is better with sand between your toes, music in your ears, and a story that makes you feel seen. A mother of three, her greatest pride and joy, she is also a former women’s health nurse practitioner and a lifelong wanderer. Depending on the day, she calls Texas, California, or the Caribbean home, always finding inspiration in sunshine, connection, and the beauty of everyday moments.

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