I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
After being pulled back into the investigative world when a grieving widow asks for help finding his missing son, P.I. Randolph Landon discovers a cult dedicated to otherworldly beliefs, a mysterious girl with green hair, and an illusive preacher with glowing green eyes in author Alan Golbourn’s “The Cult from Beyond”, the second book in the author’s “Randolph Landon, P.I.” series.
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The Synopsis
Paradise Comes at a Price …
Now settled in Lincolnshire with his family, having given up his private investigator business, Randolph Landon believes he is done with the job. That is until Norman Parker comes along. Shortly after losing his wife, Norman’s son, Oliver, goes missing. Randolph decides to take on the case to help the grieving widower and discovers a strange symbol on the back of a photograph.
Discovering that Oliver has become involved with a strange cult and a mysterious green-haired girl, Randolph finds himself getting in deep once more — and ventures down yet another dark and chilling path. With the help of a detective friend back in London, things soon lead to a terrifying confrontation with an illusive preacher — with glowing green eyes …
The Review
This was a powerful and captivating thriller. The way the author was able to flip the script of this series from occult horror into a steely and gripping sci-fi thriller was great to see play out in the novel. The tension that builds as the protagonist makes his way further and further into the cult and the mystery that swells as the detective seeks answers to the true origins of the cult made this narrative truly shine brightly in the genre.
To me, the heart of the narrative rested in the author’s strong character progression. Fans of the first book will be delighted in seeing the progression and growth that the protagonist exhibits, giving him real stakes as his family’s happiness and safety motivate him to keep going in his investigation. The mythos surrounding the cult and its origins, including the small town they end up engaging with as the protagonist seeks answers, all kept the reader invested in the narrative.
The Verdict
Thrilling, action-packed, and entertaining, author Alan Golbourn’s “The Cult From Beyond” is a must-read sci-fi thriller novel you won’t be able to put down. Capturing the enigmatic rise of sci-fi cults in that era of time and adding a twist of genre-bending mythos, the author was able to infuse the spirit of the great detective narrative with a bit of Irish folk horror and powerful sci-fi storytelling to create a book that is impossible to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Alan Golbourn was born in Essex, England. He has enjoyed writing stories since a young age, when he was recognised early for his writing abilities. Amongst several interests and hobbies, including football and computer games, he holds a love and compassion for animals.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Micah Huggins shares the tips and lessons that will help identify the things holding a person back from becoming their best selves in the book “The Indispensable Element”.
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The Synopsis
In The Indispensable Element, attorney, pastor and author Micah Huggins lays out the framework to be a better version of yourself. He teaches you how to identify the things that are holding you back and lays out a plan to step up and lead in your relationships, your work, and your personal life.
If you are looking to become the leader God created you to be, great leadership starts with leading yourself.
In The Indispensable Element, you will learn how to:
•Naturally attract followers and supporters.
•Strengthen your personal and professional relationships.
•Position yourself for new and better career opportunities.
•Break unproductive habits and develop habits that serve you.
•Become confident enough to pursue your biggest dreams.
Get ready to lead yourself to the life you desire today!
The Review
This was an intriguing and memorable read. The author found the perfect balance between personal anecdotes and teachable lessons that helped show the potential for leadership in everyone. The book was fast-paced and kept the reader invested in the personal stories of the author’s life that helped illustrate the lessons each chapter was illustrating, using a perfect blend of imagery and atmosphere to get their point across.
The two biggest talking points that will resonate with readers are faith and leadership. The author goes to great lengths to show how leadership potential resides within us all, and it is through hard work and nurturing those skills within us that we are able to become the leaders we can be. The author’s unique perspective comes from their strong belief in their faith, and this will appeal to many people in the business world who also hold a strong faith and wish to utilize their faith’s practices in how they approach business models and leadership roles both in business and in life altogether.
The Verdict
Resourceful, enlightening, and memorable, author Micah Huggins’s “The Indispensable Element” is a must-read nonfiction memoir and business/leadership book that will resonate with both religious and nonreligious readers. The straightforward lessons and the powerful experiences that drove those teachable moments in the author’s life resonate with the reader greatly and will help to drive home the lessons in the reader’s minds overall. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Micah E. Huggins is a dynamic leader, motivational speaker, and community leader with a passion for helping others discover and develop their leadership abilities. He firmly believes everyone has the innate ability to lead and anyone can step up and fulfill their potential with the right guidance and motivation.
Micah is an accomplished attorney, holding a law degree from the prestigious University of North Carolina School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. As an attorney, he has been honored with numerous awards for his outstanding work in the field. The National Academy of Criminal Defense has recognized him as one of the “Top 10 Attorneys under 40” from the state of North Carolina, and he has also been recognized as one of the top three criminal defense lawyers in Greensboro.
Micah’s unwavering dedication to helping others unlock their full potential sets him apart as an attorney and as a pastor. He has presented or served on panels at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Winston-Salem State University, Elon University School of Law, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, the University of North Carolina School of Law at Chapel Hill, and Duke University.
Micah lives in North Carolina with his wife and 3 children.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author and Dr. Stephen Stowers M.D. shares a lifetime of lessons and insights into the medical profession, and how changes to the American Medical Care System led him to find a new practice in another country in the book “Box of Birds”.
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The Synopsis
In this fascinating memoir, cardiologist Stephen Stowers eloquently captures the various changes that he has lived through over a lifetime spent as a caring and ethical medical professional. With sadness, he watched as a profession he loved became more and more focused on the bottom line, while working as a doctor in the United States. He unpacks for the reader exactly what has gone awry in American medicine, showing us how the misguided shift toward a more corporate mindset was ushered in by hospital administrators, leading even well-intentioned doctors astray, as they are encouraged to place costly interventions above equally effective less invasive therapies. He also shows how he found refuge in another country, where he was able to practice medicine in a more ethical fashion once again and explains to us the surprising truth that he discovered there: New Zealand has better patient outcomes yet spends less money on healthcare, compared with a country such as the US. How can this be true? Read this book to discover the astonishing answer, that doing more with less is actually often a better path for doctors, hospitals, and the patients they want to assist. Stowers writes highly readable memoir that explains in terms any reader can follow exactly why he wanted to pursue medicine in the first place, how he grew disillusioned with American hospitals, and the joy he found in New Zealand after relocating there. Doctors, nurses, medical professionals of all kinds, and anybody who has been a patient and wondered what has gone wrong in American medicine and how to help put things right again should read this book.
The Review
This was a well-written and captivating nonfiction read. The author found the perfect balance between personal memoir writing and education regarding the different medical systems in the United States versus that of New Zealand. The detail and personal nature of the author’s writing really gave readers a sense of the experiences that informed the author’s opinions on the medical establishment as a whole.
The intriguing nature of how corporate the United States medical field became over the years was something that really resonated with me as a reader. As someone who has numerous medical ailments and who has a family with similar situations, the frustrations that have been felt over the prioritization of money and insurance versus actual health care have been something that has frustrated me as well, and to have a medical professional confirm these suspicions is profound. The author’s contribution to the discovery of a new protocol regarding coronary calcification was also quite remarkable and added to both the author’s viewpoints regarding holistic healthcare and his medical knowledge as a whole.
The Verdict
Captivating, engaging, and thoughtfully written, author Stephen Stowers’s “Box of Birds” is a must-read nonfiction memoir that meets medical guide that readers won’t be able to put down. The personable writing style and strong imagery mixed with the valuable medical knowledge and skill the author demonstrated through their experiences made this a breathtaking read 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
Stephen Stowers is a skilled clinician who practiced cardiology for twenty-nine years in Florida and six and a half years on the North Island of New Zealand as a member of the
Royal Australasian College of Physicians. Dr. Stowers graduated from the University of Virginia School of Medicine.
He completed his cardiology fellowship at the George Washington University Hospital. As a pioneering cardiologist, he was a leader in the development of acute imaging of chest pain patients in the emergency room. Dr. Stowers has published widely in medical literature and recently published an international study on coronary calcium and its potential contribution to the early detection and treatment of coronary artery disease. He has also written a popular blog about his life in New Zealand, kiwicardiology.com.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Beth Dennison shares some practices and a guide to help rewrite the nervous system to help deal with the pain of trauma, shame, and so much more in the book “The Co-Regulation Revolution”.
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The Synopsis
The Co-Regulation Revolution, from master somatic psychotherapist and author Beth Dennison, is both co-regulation theory and applied psychology (simple practices to use right away). It is the latest work in her life-long study of shame, healthy relationships, embodiment, and clinical trauma work.
In therapy and in life, we can rewire our nervous systems for mutual regulation (co-regulation). This is essential for authentic, embodied relating, healing PTSD, effective collaboration, and building our capacity for social justice.
With The Co-Regulation Revolution and Body Up Co-Regulation, Beth gives practitioners clear maps and concrete tools to:
Heal from shame and developmental trauma with safe, appropriate, embodied connection.
Build greater capacity for co-regulation and resilience at the nervous system level.
Replace compulsive competition for status on the ladder of white supremacy culture with healthy, peer relationships.
Prevent burnout – because co-regulation is only co-regulation when it is good for both people.
The Review
This was a powerful and engaging read. The author does a great job of writing the book in a way that allows the reader to feel seen and heard as they recognize themselves in the author’s work, while also giving the reader a well-documented guide to helping to take the steps to a better mindset and workflow. The author’s educational value and inspiration give readers a unique atmosphere that lends itself to the reader’s need to learn and grow using the author’s work.
To me, the heart or biggest lesson that the author passes to the reader is the need to utilize this internal change to make an impact on a much grander, larger scale. The way the author connects the negative impact of things like wealth, privilege, and much more prominent today, white supremacy, and showcases how that negative impact hits not only the less wealthy or people of color but how those with wealth or white privilege (or faux superiority) are impacted as well, as it leaves them closed off and walled off from the actual impact on the world around them their negative actions have made this a powerful message and theme to weave into the guide that helps improve people to the point they can make great changes on a more social level.
The Verdict
Memorable, educational, and thought-provoking, author Beth Dennison’s “The Co-Regulation Revolution” is a must-read nonfiction and self-help guidebook that will keep readers invested in the author’s work. The evenly-paced read will have readers engaged with the author’s work, discovering the process the author has developed to help improve their lives internally so that they may help make great changes externally as well. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Beth Dennison is a master somatic psychotherapist, author, teacher, and the founder of Body Up Co-Regulation. She is a pioneer whose professional and personal life has positioned her to make a much-needed contribution to remedy the loneliness, isolation, dysregulation, compulsive competition, and failure to cooperate that plague modern Western culture.
Beth brings 50 years of teaching, psychotherapy, and study of neuroscience to teaching and trauma therapy that rewire our brains for connection and co-regulation. Her background and education include Somatic Experiencing, Marriage and Family Therapy, Bodywork, and Peer Counseling.
Beth earned master’s degrees in Educational Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy at Antioch New England. She trained in Somatic Experiencing with Peter Levine and serves as an advanced training assistant. She champions embodiment in relational space as the foundation of effective therapeutic relationships and healthy human interaction.
Currently, Beth writes and leads the Center for Body Up Co-Regulation where she trains therapists, social workers, and mental health professionals. She maintains a small private practice and provides professional supervision for practitioners.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Three people living in early 17th century North America find their lives intertwined by the strings of fate as tensions between France and Britain rise, and the fate of a growing nation and continent hangs in the balance in author Phillip Daigle’s “Tides of Acadia”, the first book in the author’s historical fiction series.
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The Synopsis
In the early 17th century, the wild, untamed lands of Acadia, now Eastern Canada, were a contested territory between the French and the English and the indigenous people who inhabited the region. Amidst this turbulent time, three individuals stand out: Charles La Tour, Francoise Jacquelin, and Menou Daulnay. Their stories intertwine in a complex web of loyalty, love, and betrayal in the historical drama Tides of Acadia.
The story begins with Charles La Tour, a resourceful French adventurer, and seaborne trader, who navigates the treacherous waters of politics and alliances to establish a fur-trade fortress in Acadia. As a clever strategist and skilled negotiator, he gains the respect of both European settlers and the indigenous leaders, even as tensions escalate between the French and the English.
Enter Francoise Jacquelin, a strong-willed, intelligent, and fiercely independent woman who defies societal expectations to make her mark as a Parisian actress. Francoise’s journey leads her to a powerful connection with Charles La Tour. Together, they must overcome personal and political obstacles to build a life and secure a future.
As the rivalry between the French and the British intensifies, Menou Daulnay, an ambitious and ruthless French naval officer, emerges as a powerful adversary. His need to claim Acadia for himself puts him at odds with La Tour and drives a wedge between the allies, leading to a bitter struggle for power and control. Through guile, treachery, and manipulation, Daulnay threatens to unravel the fragile balance that La Tour and Francoise have built, forcing them to make difficult choices that will shape the course of history.
Tides of Acadia brings to life the rich tapestry of culture, politics, and personal drama that defined this pivotal era in North American history. The central characters, Charles La Tour, Francoise Jacquelin, and Menou Daulnay, are portrayed with depth and complexity, offering a nuanced exploration of their motivations, desires, and sacrifices in the name of love, loyalty, and ambition. Sweeping scope and rich detail make this vibrant historical drama an unforgettable journey through the heart of Acadia and the lives of the extraordinary people who fought for its future.
The Review
This was a fascinating and engaging historical fiction read. The detail and historically accurate dialogue the author was able to capture in this book was remarkable and really helped put the reader into the setting of this novel with ease. So much of historical fiction surrounding the North American continent typically focuses on the American Revolution or the Civil War, and so getting to explore the Northern part of the continent in the 17th century was such a unique treat and really made me feel immersed into the world.
Yet the heart of this novel rested in the rich character dynamics of the story. The relationships between Charles and Francoise and the rivalry between Charles and Menou were so heated as the story progressed, and perfectly showcased the tensions and dangers of the brewing conflict the Europeans brought to the continent. Yet the story expertly showcased the influence the Europeans had on the continent and the Indigenous people there as well, as their conflict ignored the dangers and harm they caused to the land and the people they drove out of their homes. Charles and his struggle to help the Indigenous people and the settlers who made the land their home, as well as the balance of action, romance, and politics the story covered made this a truly gripping historical fiction novel.
The Verdict
Richly developed, engaging, and harrowing, author Phillip Daigle’s “Tides of Acadia” is a wonderful and must-read historical fiction novel and a great first entry into the Origins of Acadia Series. The twists and shocking turns that some of the characters experience as time goes on, and the powerful imagery that helps bring this rarely explored piece of history to life made this a compelling novel that readers 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
Phillip Daigle is an American author from the state of Maine. He is best known for his profound exploration of the region’s history and culture in his captivating books, “Tides of Acadia” and “The Acadian: Olivier.” His work reflects a deep connection with his roots and an ability to engage readers with stories that resonate with authenticity and emotional depth.
Born and raised in the rugged beauty of Maine, Daigle’s childhood was steeped in his homeland’s rich history and timeless folklore. His favorite story was Longfellow’s “Evangeline,” a narrative that deeply moved him and influenced his literary journey. This poignant tale of Acadian lovers separated on their wedding day during the Great Expulsion (1755-1764) sowed the seeds of his fascination with Acadia. This region once encompassed parts of Maine and Canada’s Maritime Provinces.
Daigle’s first book, “Tides of Acadia,” is a meticulously researched and beautifully narrated journey into the past, delving into this region’s historical, cultural, and natural landscapes. The book received critical acclaim for its compelling storytelling and insightful perspectives, positioning Daigle as a leading historical and regional literature voice.
His second book, “The Acadian: Olivier,” further explores the Acadian legacy through the life of the eponymous Olivier. It’s a testament to Daigle’s narrative prowess, weaving together personal and historical narratives to paint a vivid picture of life in Acadia.
Phillip Daigle’s work goes beyond the realm of traditional historical literature. He infuses his storytelling with a profound understanding of human nature and a palpable love for his homeland. His works serve as a bridge between the past and the present, illuminating the enduring spirit of the Acadian people and their enduring connection to the land they call home. As such, Daigle’s books have become essential reading for those looking to understand the depths of Acadia’s cultural heritage.
With an unwavering commitment to bringing the past to life through his evocative writing, Phillip Daigle stands as a pivotal figure in contemporary American literature. His books not only tell the story of Acadia but also of a writer deeply connected to his roots, crafting narratives that resonate with readers far and wide. His contributions to literature continue to inspire a new generation of readers and writers who find beauty and meaning in the stories of our past.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
