I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Four authors enter a new form of technology that brings their creations to life in a virtual space and compete to determine who is the scariest of them all in authors Mark Towse and Daemon Manx’s “Arcranium™”.
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The Synopsis
Four horror authors with four vulnerable egos, square off against one another, in the virtual world, to find out who is the scariest. Welcome to Arcranium™, a powerful technology that fuses with the author’s mind to stimulate their best possible creation, immersing other participants in the narrative. It’s all in good fun, but with so much pride at stake, things are bound to get a little bumpy once the gloves come off. So, strap your headset on and don’t forget the safe word. The future of literature is about to get an upgrade. The future is … Arcranium™
The Review
This was such a chilling and captivating read. The perfect blend of modern horror and haunting psychological thrills, the authors did a wonderful job of bringing a shocking and visceral story to life on the page. The imagery and tension that layered this writing allowed the fictional worlds the main characters conjured up to come to life in such perfect detail, and the scares that occurred as a result felt natural and paid off from the developing narrative.
For me, the draw of this book came from both the stories within a story concept and the powerful themes that helped draw out the horrors of the genre into this novel. The way the narrative honed in on each character or author’s story and allowed those worlds to flourish not only moved the story forward but allowed the authors of this novel to showcase and flex their own creative work in a unique way. Yet it was the themes of the dangers of technology, the downfall of the ego, and the idea of playing god as a writer that really made the terrors of this fictional world tear into our own deep-seated fears, making this a wonderful read.
The Verdict
Haunting, captivating, and entertaining, authors Mark Towse and Daemon Manx’s “Arcranium™” is a must-read horror novel meets psychological thriller and anthology novel. The short yet powerful read immediately strikes readers with its commentary on the state of writing (and subsequently entertainment as a whole) while also delivering potent scares and thrills that will keep readers wide awake at night. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Authors
Mark Towse is an Englishman living in Australia. He would sell his soul to the devil or anyone buying if it meant he could write full-time. Alas, he left it very late to begin this journey, penning his first story since primary school at the ripe old age of forty-five. Novellas to date include: Nana, Crows, The Bucket List, Hope Wharf, 3:33, One Last Shindig, Nature’s Perfume, and Arcranium.
‘Mark Towse is an exciting new discovery. His stories are hidden gems that glint in the darkness. His characters draw you into their worlds, making you care, then plunge you into the abyss, leaving only a memory of warmth. These tales will linger in your mind long after the telling. His are heart-felt stories with an icy edge. Highly recommended.’
Trevor Denyer – Editor and Publisher – Midnight Street Press
Daemon Manx is an award-winning American author who writes horror, suspense, supernatural, and speculative fiction.
He was born on January 16, 1967, shortly after the very first Super Bowl, but never played the game and never had a favorite team.
Daemon has recently been nominated for the 2021 Splatterpunk awards for his debut, Abigail in the best short story category.
In 2021 he received a HAG award for his story The Dead Girl.
He is a member of the Horror Authors Guild (HAG) and has been featured in magazines in both the U.S. and the U.K.
In 1999 Daemon was a contestant on the television game show Wheel of Fortune where he made it to the bonus round and walked away with a fully loaded Chevy Tahoe…pretty amazing, right?
On another unbelievable note, in 1991 Daemon was involved in a motor vehicle accident with Ronald Reagan’s motorcade. He accidentally crashed into the former president’s limousine on a New York City Street shortly after Ron and Nancy had stepped out of the vehicle. No one was injured, except for maybe the pride of the secret security agent who was directing traffic.
Most recently, Daemon has opened his own publishing company and works with fellow authors, Diana Olney and Jack Wells, as well as business associate, Romol Chiossi.
Daemon lives with his sister, author Danielle Manx and their narcoleptic cat, Sydney where the patiently prepare for the apocalypse. There is a good chance they will runout of coffee far too soon.
Nicole Dennis has a new MM fantasy paranormal romance out, McShayne Bloodline book 2: McShayne’s Elf. And there’s a giveaway.
A Realm falls to the darkness.
An outcast because of his mixed heritage, Braedyn of the Dark, Captain of the Royal Shields and protector of the Prince of the Southern Woodland Realm, maintains his position through sheer grit and skill. Connected to a hawk familiar, Cerin, his magic is a mixture of Arcane and wielding. At the High King’s orders, he remains by his Prince’s side through a treacherous journey through the Lands to discover answers and a new home.
Losing his Realm, his parents, and his position in one-night, High Prince Conchobar Ó Díomasaigh is completely out of his familiarity. Running for his life, relying only on his protector and Captain, he digs deep to survive their trials, the growing darkness, and go wherever they must to save their Realm. At the same time, he sees his Captain in a different light and the deepening connection between them
Strange adventures. New allies. Growing connections. Can they survive this wild journey to save the elves, the Realm, and their lives?
About the Series:
Magic passed through ancient bloodlines for generations. A powerful family gifted with a blend of Elf, Fae, and Human magic, the McShaynes watched over the balance of nature. While the Otherkin receded from any mortal connection, the McShaynes refuse to leave their ancestral lands. Until the humans turn against magic.
Four McShayne sons spread across the Lands. Each one fears he is the last. They fight to survive the harsh atmosphere, maintain their bloodline gifts, and discover love and the true meaning of family.
A half-breed elf crouched against the nearest wall to wait out the current round of bombardment.
While the multi-layered and intricate braids denoted all the years of study, training, and practice to gain the skills of an archer, a scout, a tracker, and a soldier, the color of his hair and skin discredited his position. Among the elves of the Southern Woodland Realm, Braedyn of the Dark was an anomaly, a half-breed, and, according to some, not wanted. With every single step or skill he accomplished, he pushed himself even further and harder than everyone around him. Not even the three platinum charms decorating a raven black braid that denoted his position as Captain of the Royal Shields for the High Prince of the Court gained him any support. No matter what anyone said or thought, he continued to perform his duties, going above and beyond to protect his prince and the Realm.
Tonight the elves faced their gravest threat.
Though he should remain behind to protect the Prince, Braedyn followed his King’s orders to moved toward the front lines. His prince understood and allowed him to leave his side to perform his duties and learn what he could. If possible, he would help the defenders. Stepping away, he continued his journey to the barrier walls.
“To the sky!” a look-out shouted to alert everyone.
Ducking under a roof’s edge, Braedyn pressed against the stone and wood while staring at the darkened sky. It was lit by the fires that spread around their beloved Southern Nialam Forest and within the double-walled city. Another series of sharp-tipped arrows flickered while they pierced the night sky.
Screams spread through the darkness. Defenders hit by the arrows. Slain by this unknown enemy.
Braedyn tried to block out the sounds, but he couldn’t.
The invasive attack of the unnatural creatures came out of nowhere and surrounded the double-walled city. Only the small section of sacred western wall against the lowland mountain where the ancestors created the necropolis, the pathway to the Endless Realm, was naturally protected. There was little to no advance warning of these creatures plowing through the forest.
There was a flurry of misguided and scattered action around him from frightened defenders. They never faced this kind of enemy. None of their usual tactics and weapons seem to destroy their enemy, not even push them back. As if the creatures were immune from their natural magic and simple weapons.
A group of young guards fled.
Braedyn waved around his sacred bow, a rare gift of the twin Heartstone Trees. The twisted black and white wooden bow was gifted to the highest skilled archers and personally selected by the Trees. Holding out the bow, he moved it to catch their attention and stop them from fleeing. “Stop! What are you doing? Fleeing from your sworn duty to protect this court, this Realm. Shame upon all of you.”
At the twisted light and dark colored bow, brilliant against the darkness, the young guards slid to a stop.
“A Heartstone bow,” one guard whispered.
“A high archer…”
“Him. It’s him. The half-breed Captain.”
Braedyn ignored the whispers.
“Do you know that one nick of an arrow and you drop dead? Those creatures don’t die. They keep coming out of the forest and night,” one young guard said. “This is why we flee. There is nothing we can do. We must leave the court.”
“All the generals are dead or out of commission. Somehow the enemy knew to find them within the darkness. The outer walls are lost. The southern corner is about to crumble. Some of those creatures are cave trolls or ogres, but it’s like they’re twisted into something else, something far worse. They’re huge. Nothing kills them,” another guard said.
Braedyn looked around at what he could by the walls. He let the words and situation soak into him and roll around. No, they wouldn’t give in and flee. Not this time. Not this battle.
“Sons of the Realm. Listen to me.” He spun the bow and tapped the metal end on the ground. He pointed to the guard who spoke first. “What is your name?”
“Geraint Fenkrana, Guard Commander.
“Commander Geraint, I have a new position for all of you,” Braedyn said. “Focus upon me.”
The group turned to face him with Geraint stepping forward. Their faces bright against the darkness with swatches of dirt and soot. The lightness of their hair, skin, and eyes were a contrast against him, but they didn’t look upon him with hatred or disgust. Not any longer because he continued to stand against the fearsome enemy that threatened their home and lives. They desired leadership and he fulfilled it.
Author Bio
Dreamy…Sensual…Forever Love
A quiet one, Nicole Dennis is the penname of an asexual author of different genres of fiction – both LGBT+ and hetero. Lots of characters, worlds, and stories build up in her head until she must get them down on the screen – anything from romance to fantasy to paranormal.
During the day, she works in a quiet office in Central Florida, where she makes her home, and enjoys the down time to slip into her imagination. She is owned by a new feline companion – a house panther, affectionately known as Brat Cat.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Two unlikely travelers find themselves on a doomed world and together must uncover the hidden truths that bind this world together before it falls apart completely, and in the process find what binds their lives together as well, in author J. Scott Coatsworth’s “Skythane: Liminal Sky”, the first book in the Oberon Cycle series.
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The Synopsis
Jameson Havercamp, a psych from a conservative religious colony, has come to Oberon—unique among the Common Worlds—in search of a rare substance called pith. He’s guided through the wilds on his quest by Xander Kinnison, a handsome, cocky wing man with a troubled past.
Neither knows that Oberon is facing imminent destruction. Even as the world starts to fall apart around them, they have no idea what’s coming—or the bond that will develop between them as they race to avert a cataclysm.
Together, they will journey to uncover the secrets of this strange and singular world, even as it takes them beyond the bounds of reality itself to discover what truly binds them together.
The Review
I was immediately struck by the sheer volume of world-building and mythology the author was able to cement into this narrative. The in-depth history and futuristic cultures that develop in this universe of the author’s creation not only impacted the story but the character development as well. The rich setting and action-packed scenes helped elevate the tension and intrigue that settled over the cast of characters as this world came to a boiling point just ready to blow up in their faces.
What really sold this story though was the rich character development that the author was able to find with these characters. The way these two protagonists are thrust into the heat of battle and adrenaline-fueled action sets the tone for their journey, and the way in which their bond develops and grows as they start on their path of destiny made the story just sing volumes of the author’s creativity.
The Verdict
Captivating, exhilarating, and thrilling, author J. Scott Coatsworth’s “Skythane: Liminal Sky” is a great first book in the Oberon Cycle series and a rich novel to dive headfirst into. The way the author was able to find the perfect harmonious flow between both sci-fi and fantasy tropes and make the world feel both magical and otherworldly all at once was a great backdrop to the emotional bond these two characters brought together. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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J. Scott Coatsworth has a new MM sci-fi romance audiobook out, Oberon Cycle book one: Skythane. And there’s a giveaway.
Jameson Havercamp, a psych from a conservative religious colony, has come to Oberon—unique among the Common Worlds—in search of a rare substance called pith. He’s guided through the wilds on his quest by Xander Kinnison, a handsome, cocky wing man with a troubled past.
Neither knows that Oberon is facing imminent destruction. Even as the world starts to fall apart around them, they have no idea what’s coming—or the bond that will develop between them as they race to avert a cataclysm.
Together, they will journey to uncover the secrets of this strange and singular world, even as it takes them beyond the bounds of reality itself to discover what truly binds them together.
Warnings: past abuse, past suicidal ideation.
About the Series:
Oberon is unique among the Common Worlds – a half-world with a strange past and an uncertain future.
Jameson Havercamp and Xander Kinnson are thrust into the middle of a world-ending event and have to scramble to save the world – and themselves.
Along the way, they peel back the layers of the onion to discover secrets wrapped in secrets that will eventually take them to where it all started – and may provide the key to saving Oberon and everyone on it.
Xander’s bike flew over the crowded streets of Oberon City. It was midmorning, as far as Jameson could tell from the slanting rays of sunshine over the city.
The wind whipped through his hair, making a rat’s nest of it. He was going to look a mess when he arrived at the OberCorp Headquarters, but there was nothing to be done for it. He mollified himself with the thought that it was the company representative’s fault.
Jameson clung to Xander’s waist, uncomfortable at being so close to the other man, but terrified all the same to loosen his grip. The man’s wings settled in around him like a feathered blanket.
Xander Kinnson had wings—he was a skythane man.
Sure, the whole wings thing had been in the briefing, but reading it and seeing it in person were two very different things. They were beautiful, running up from his shoulder blades into the sky when he had them extended, and powerful. The dark feathers glimmered with an iridescent sheen in the sunlight.
Jameson didn’t think he would have the courage to fly—hoverbike flight was unnerving enough. And yet… wings.
They whipped past heavy armored transports and automated delivery trucks that rode the streets below them, mixed in with pedestrians and even some wagons and rickshaws, as strange an assortment of traffic as he had ever seen in one place.
“We’re going to Oberon Corp Headquarters, right?” he shouted at Xander over the noise. He hated shouting.
“What?” Xander shouted back.
“OberCorp Headquarters?”
“Sorry. Can’t hear you!”
Jameson gave up. He settled in to observe the city around him.
The huge arcos formed a virtual blue metallic wall ahead that began to block out the sunlight as the hoverbike moved closer. They were impressive in their uniformity, reminding him of the statues of Easter Island he’d visited during his trip to Old Earth.
From this vantage point, the city seemed much bigger than it had looked from the shuttle flying in, but outside of the impressive architecture of the arcos, the rest of Oberon City was made up of much less impressive, shorter buildings, with the tallest of these topping out around fifteen stories. They were in varied states of decay, with broken windows and rusted stanchions, some of them overrun by wild vines. The city looked like it was badly in need of an urban renewal project—a few buildings were in such bad shape that Jameson was amazed they hadn’t already collapsed under their own weight.
After about fifteen minutes, Xander’s bike slowly dipped down to the ground, coming to a landing between a couple of low buildings. They arrived at a nondescript three-story, concrete-slab structure that would have fit into almost any urban cityscape. It was made entirely out of prefab plascreet panels like all the other ugly buildings around it.
Xander palmed a sensor next to the metal roll-up door and it chugged up noisily, revealing a storage space maybe three meters wide by about three times that length deep. He pulled the bike inside and parked it, beckoning for Jameson to dismount.
Jameson did as he was told, though he was starting to get worried. When it came right down to it, he knew nothing about this man, having taken Xander at his word that he really was a representative of OberCorp.
How could he know for sure?
The idea nagged at him.
The man might be a pirate who preyed upon unsuspecting arrivals at the immigration center. He certainly fit the profile—standoffish, antisocial, certain he was always right. Jameson had seen that many times before in his practice. Then again, most sociopaths were more social.
At least he’d made it to the city now. It might be best to get out of here and find his own way to OberCorp.
Jameson started to back slowly out of the storage unit, away from Xander. He could make a run for it.
“Stay right there,” Xander said without turning, his voice sharp. “This is a bad part of town. It’s dangerous, especially for off-worlders who don’t know any better.”
Jameson looked out onto the street nervously. Oberon City was a lot grittier at ground level than it had appeared from the shuttle—the pavement looked petrochemical based, and it was uneven and black, so different from the beautiful marble streets back on Beta Tau. Some dark fluid flowed in fits and starts down the gutters, and it gave off a nasty smell: part urine, part hydrocarbons, part rotting food.
He was overdressed for such squalor. “Are there any good parts?” He stepped back inside with a sniff.
Xander snorted. He’d set aside Jameson’s suitcase, and was now rummaging around through some plas containers at the back of the storage unit. He pulled out something and threw it over the back of the bike.
It looked like the saddlebags that Jameson’s parents used with horses on their estate to carry supplies or foodstuffs for picnics or hunting trips into the Holywood.
Xander pulled out a knife and used it to pry open Jameson’s suitcase, setting off the luggage’s alarm. Xander snarled and kicked it until the sound died down to an irritated chirp.
“Hey… what are you doing?” Jameson reached out to stop him, but Xander pushed him back, knife in hand. “You can’t wear that where we’re going.” He indicated Jameson’s clothing with the same disdain Jameson himself had used for the hoverbike. He rummaged through the clothes in the suitcase. “None of this will do.” Xander turned to size Jameson up, head to toe. “I think I have something that will work.” He returned to going through the bins at the back of the unit.
“What do you mean, this won’t do? I’ve met with upper-level management in the Psych Guild on numerous occasions, dressed just like this—”
“We’re not meeting with management.” Xander returned with an armful of clothes. “Here, put these on.”
“I must insist that you take me to OberCorp Headquarters right now and—”
Xander dropped the new clothes on the dirty floor and ripped Jameson’s button-down shirt right up the middle, exposing his bare chest. His wings flared out behind him, and he gave Jameson an evil grin. “Change. Now.”
Jameson tried to stare him down, but there was an angry gleam in the man’s eyes that he decided he didn’t want to challenge. He lowered his eyes and picked up the new clothing. “Is there a place for me to change, at least?” He was not getting naked in front of this barbarian.
Author Bio
Scott lives with his husband Mark in a yellow bungalow in Sacramento. He was indoctrinated into fantasy and sci fi by his mother at the tender age of nine. He devoured her library, but as he grew up, he wondered where all the people like him were.
He decided that if there weren’t queer characters in his favorite genres, he would remake them to his own ends.
A Rainbow Award winning author, he runs Queer Sci Fi, QueeRomance Ink, and Other Worlds Ink with Mark, sites that celebrate fiction reflecting queer reality, and is the committee chair for the Indie Authors Committee at the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA).
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young man growing up in the 70s navigates the world around him and in turn showcases to readers how the generational failure of that era connects to the world we live in today in author Jeff Rosen’s coming-of-age story, “The Nothing Brothers”.
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The Synopsis
Land with the solid thud of a body dropped onto a beanbag chair, back in the 1970s where everything and nothing happened all at once.
Wedged between the aspirations of the 1960s and the cynicism of the 1980s, Jensen Coaxials pounding until they blow, Leo Kraft and his fellow Nothing Brothers stagger around suburban NY in search of something. Simultaneously over-parented and invisible, Leo finds inspiration first in heavy metal, then in his Grandfather’s Bronx-fleeing generation and a former hippy sleepover camp, where he feels seen for the first time. We experience the 1970s through the bleary eyes of teens who wait for album releases, attend stadium shows, sit in gas lines, fight with tribal ferocity over music loyalty and generally ridicule and mock everything around them, until they are left with only one thing to mock: themselves.
In The Nothing Brothers, Jeff Rosen recreates a gripping real-time depiction of growing up and through the 1970s, transcending the bell-bottom centered nostalgic treatment of this lost decade. Rosen’s return to the 70s gives the reader a glimpse into the connection between that generational failure and the world we live in today.
The Review
This was such a unique and memorable read. The author found such a great balance between nostalgia and self-reflection through these characters and their journey. The way the author was able to tap into the vibes and atmosphere of the era and this generation of teens during a tumultuous time in American history was remarkable to see come to life on the page, and the tension that life builds up around the cast of characters is a great reflection of life during this era in particular.
The heart of the narrative lived within the character arcs that the story found. As a coming-of-age story, the narrative honed in on the group mentality of the teens as they faced the hardships and struggles of the era while also allowing the reader to feel connected to the protagonist and his journey. The author also does a remarkable job of showcasing the pitfalls of ignoring the larger issues around us when we don’t see the value or impact it has on our own lives in the here and now, and how the rebellious nature of the early rock and metal scene led the wave of conflict within many a household during that time period.
The Verdict
Richly dynamic, captivating, and thoroughly engaging, author Jeff Rosen’s “The Nothing Brothers” is a must-read coming-of-age story that perfectly captures teen life in the 1970s. The attention to detail the author paid to the era and the powerful imagery the author’s writing conjured up allowed the reader to feel connected to this story, in much the same way the nostalgia side of Stranger Things connects audiences to the 80s. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Always the Ice Cream Man, Jeff has worked as a CFO in philanthropy and now teaches Impact Investing. Jeff is a graduate of Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations, where he crossed campus to serve as the editor of the literary magazine, Praxis. In high school, he drew many a rainbow on many a desk, paying homage to Blackmore’s Rainbow.
Jeff started the Nothing Brothers in 1982, finished it in 1987 and refinished it in 2022. At this pace he expects to release his next book in 2061.
He lives in Northampton MA, with his wife, three children and their forever puppy, Ginger. And just because he is not busy enough, he also runs a traditional Tai Chi school.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A vampire targeted for her constantly developing feelings for others must protect the editor of a local town’s tabloid in a town known for supernatural and alien threats in author William Brinkman’s “A Fire in the Shadows”, the latest entry in A Bolingbrook Babbler Story series.
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The Synopsis
Vampire, intelligence scout, paranormal protector, and emotional liability…
Bolingbrook has long been rumored to be a hub of paranormal and alien activity and Lydia should know—she’s a vampire. But that doesn’t mean she fits in. Not when she’s a target for other vampires and reliant on her blood family’s protection because of her inconvenient inclination to experience feelings.
Except right now, Lydia has bigger things to worry about than her recent rejection by a human or her blood sister Aurora’s relentless teasing. An army of weredeer are gathering near town and they need to gather intelligence fast.
When enforcers from one of Chicago’s vampire kingdoms threaten the Bolingbrook Babbler’s stunning chief editor, Aurora accuses Lydia of having feelings again. But even if Lydia does have a crush on the unsuspecting Sara, she deserves their protection.
Only Lydia hadn’t counted on how powerful their enemies are. Or the sort of unexpected revelations that will come to light if Lydia dares to risk rejection again…
Get a Fire in the Shadows to find out what Lydia is willing to risk.
The Review
This was a fast-paced and exhilarating supernatural and sci-fi YA fantasy! The world-building and mythos that the author built into this series were evident immediately. The shadowy world that exists hidden from everyone else and the established feeling that the book has allowed readers to really feel the tense atmosphere and rich dynamics between the characters in this book.
The heart of the narrative definitely rested in the character development, something that was quick to come to life. The protagonist, a strong heroine who stands in stark contrast to her vampiric nature by harboring emotions, was so engaging to get lost in and made the story feel alive on the page as she not only fought for the people she feels for but struggled against the less than empathetic vampires she came across in her life. Beautifully, another standout in this book was how despite how established the setting felt, readers could delve into this book without prior reading of the series.
The Verdict
Action-packed, entertaining, and haunting in its delivery, author William Brinkman’s “A Fire in the Shadows” is a great entry into the Bolingbrook Babbler Story series and a phenomenal YA Paranormal Fantasy. The quick pace of the plot and the rich world-building that helped cement this town and the supernatural hierarchy of things into the narrative helped the reader really build a rapport with the main cast of characters, and the unique foes that the protagonist faces made this a must-read novel. If you haven’t yet, preorder your copy today or pick a copy up on March 7th, 2023!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
William Brinkman is the creator of the Bolingbrook Babbler and is a member of the Freethought Blogs network. He’s also a board member of a humanistic Jewish congregation in the Chicago area.
He also contributed short stories and background material to White Wolf’s Demon the Fallen role-playing game.
He currently lives with his wife and two cats in the Chicagoland area.
Despite the current unrest in the world, he still believes that this world is all there is, and all we need.
My new book, A Fire in the Shadows: A Bolingbrook Babbler Story, launches on 3/7/23. Pre-order pending, but I still have ARC copies available. Leave a comment if you want to be an ARC reader. #newbookrelease#urbanfantasybooks#vampirebook#urbanfantasyauthor
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A drone from a dying world must try to save the remnants of its people while also protecting the people of Earth who quickly become its new family in author Jane McKay’s YA sci-fi adventure, “Pebble Adventure of a Drone”.
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The Synopsis
The small drone sped away from its dying star.
It did not look back at the doomed orb as it traveled through black space. It had a single mission – find a new viable planet and report. Many years of travel later it saw a possible candidate for its mission. The drone spied the blue-washed planet ahead. Would it find a world for its people or be doomed to a lonely existence on a faraway world?
Read the exciting story of Pebble as it helps to battle for its new family on its new home world, Earth. Can it help protect them from a menace from outer space?
The Review
This was an exhilarating, fun, and engaging sci-fi and YA read. The passion and world-building the author was able to accomplish in this book were remarkable, as the grand mythos surrounding the universe and Earth’s place within it came into focus with the introduction of Pebble into this family’s life. The heightened stakes of the threat to Earth and the universe-spanning settings gave readers a remarkable glimpse into the author’s mindset and creativity, crafting a unique narrative that resonates with young adult readers.
The vast wealth of character development and the memorable imagery found within the author’s writing style was the heart of this narrative. The connection Pebble made with the young family who lucked their way into finding it was so amazing to read and see come to life on the page, as it challenged our notion of what humanity and emotional connections really are and what limits (if any) exist in this universe. The descriptive and action-packed nature of the narrative really made this feel like a cinematic experience as well.
The Verdict
Captivating, thought-provoking, and entertaining, author Jane McKay’s “Pebble Adventure of a Drone” is a must-read YA sci-fi adventure. The book felt as if Wall-E met E.T. with a hint of Superman-adjacent lore mixed into the story, and readers will love the ode to sci-fi that the author draws into the narrative while also providing an emotional and well-developed cast of characters that will resonate with the reader overall. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Jane McKay is a graduate of Ohio State University with a BA in Geography. She loves her field because it touches on all the other sciences and allows her imagination to soar with lots of ‘what if’ questions. All her life she has wondered about the world outside her door. Credit through has to be given to her family who have kept her firmly grounded on this home planet. That’s okay, it only causes her to dream more. The best hope she has is to gather new friends to share her dreams.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Piers R. Blackett, along with Annah Otis, shares his mother’s artwork and the experiences and periods of time in which they were created in the book “Felicity, Art, War and Peace”.
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The Synopsis
Felicity, Art, War and Peace: This is the inspiring story of an English-born artist, who, born in 1911, lost her father in the first world war. Her school years were in Italy, where her Scottish mother owned a tearoom, and where she began her art education. She married a British army officer and accompanied him to India where she attended art school. But further education was cut short in 1939 by tumultuous war years followed by two years in Germany while her second husband, Rupert, a close friend of Tommy her first husband, served in the British Army of Occupation. Both men were wounded, Rupert severely and Tommy fatally. Then, a move to South Africa in 1948 resulted in relative peace, her style evolving from classic realism to include more impressionistic representation of her subjects. After moving back to England in 1972, her work was twice accepted for exhibition by the Royal West of England Academy. She remained intent on capturing movement, expression, and communication among domestic and wild animals, and birds. The Slimbridge Wetland Centre, as well as her own garden with her ducks and rabbits, provided an ideal environment for inspiration. Missing her 100th birthday by only a few months, her century-long story captures all that her life and commitment to art encompassed, making an enduring impression on children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends who in many ways have contributed to preserving her memory.
The Review
Yet another amazing and well-written biography that captured both the emotional connection the authors had to the subject of the book and the lifetime of experiences that their lives comprised. The century of history that Felicity’s life experienced was so well documented and infused both hope and passion into events and experiences that were both inspiring yet terrifying at times. The authors did an incredible job of not only sharing a wealth of information but showcasing the importance of finding one’s community to thrive and grow, something that is so important to one’s mental and emotional health.
The heart of this book rests in both the personal experiences and lifetime of events the authors brought to life for Felicity and the beauty of the art from Felicity and the importance of the themes that each art piece and associated memory brought. The honesty and passion of the authors writing and the heart found in the amazing pieces of art that the writers featured from Felicity brought a depth of connection to Felicity as a subject and as a person that the reader is able to make.
The Verdict
Brilliantly written, heartfelt, and engaging, authors Piers Blackett and Annah Otis’s “Felicity, Art, War and Peace” is a must-read biography about a strong, inspiring, and artistically creative woman who impacted her family and the world around her. The heart and emotion that the authors emote in this book’s writing and the wealth of information were so inviting to read about as a reader, and those who come to learn about Felicity and her life will not want to put this book down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Piers Blackett, a retired professor of pediatrics, was born in England during World War II and grew up in South Africa where he graduated as a doctor at the University of Cape Town. Pediatric residency and specialty fellowship were completed in New York and Toronto. During a career of specialization in endocrinology including metabolism and genetics at at the University of Oklahoma, he authored and co-authored medical publications including book chapters. His first book outside the medical field, “Felicity. Art War and Peace”, a biography co-authored with Annah Otis, was published in 2023.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Paul E. Doutrich shares a thought-provoking and engaging look into the life of his uncle Don Malone as he lives and experiences the momentous events that shaped the American 20th century in the book “The Many Adventures of Donnie Malone”.
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The Synopsis
The Many Adventures of Donnie Malone takes readers into the events that helped shape the American twentieth century. They begin when sixteen-year-old Donnie gets caught up in the patriotic swirl of World War I. Enlisting in the U.S. Army, he becomes a pilot during the deadly days at the end of the fighting.
The stakes in Donnie’s life are just as high after the war. He wrestles with wealthy investors and powerful politicians who have designs on his air delivery business. He is hired to drive a cab for an ambitious mobster and works at assorted dead-end jobs until he bumps into the man who taught him to fly, American ace Eddie Rickenbacker, and it changes his course.
Later he befriends detainees in a Japanese internment camp, becomes enmeshed in labor struggles, and dodges McCarthy agents. During the Vietnam era, having seen enough war, Donnie helps several young men avoid the draft by flying them to Canada.
Woven throughout Donnie’s adventures are the threads of a rich family life, and contentment even in times of travail.
The Review
This was such a powerful and engaging read. The author did a remarkable job of making the tone and quality of the writing feel almost homey as if you were sitting in the room with Donnie and listening to him retell these stories with passion and heart that only a close relative could. The emotional connection the author made between his uncle and the events of his life was significantly felt throughout the book and elevated the storied life he led.
What struck me about this book was the amazing balance of personal storytelling the author found with the historical aspect of the setting and backstory behind the stories themselves. As a history buff, getting to see this firsthand account from the author’s uncle and how these pivotal and shocking moments from the 20th century occurred was incredible. The heart behind these stories and the personable way the story was told added depth to the experience and connection the author’s uncle had to the last century of American history.
The Verdict
Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Paul Doutrich’s “The Many Adventures of Donnie Malone” is a must-read biography and nonfiction read that blends biography storytelling with history at its finest. The passion and memorable way the author connected readers to his uncle’s stories and the relatability of the American narrative for many people will resonate with a large audience and make this one book you wouldn’t want 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
Paul Doutrich is a professor emeritus of American history at York College of Pennsylvania where he taught for thirty years. He now lives on Cape Cod in Brewster, Massachusetts.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A family’s relocation becomes anything but relaxing when an ancient evil awakens and the people of their new town begin to disappear in author Ben Monroe’s “The Seething”.
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The Synopsis
A family’s relocation looked like a chance to relax and regroup—but as they settle into their new home, teenage Kimmie Barnes’ special senses make her the target of something primordial, evil, and utterly malign.
Darkness…
Golden Oaks, California is a sleepy town on the shores of Oro Lake, and the residents have no idea what horrors lurk below the glittering waters.
Beneath the waves…
One by one, as people begin to disappear, the once quiet town is soon in the grips of a waking nightmare. An unimaginable horror consuming everything before it.
Hungry…
All while echoes of an ancient evil spread out like malignant spider webs, like dead hands reaching, grasping…
SEETHING…
The Review
This book was so atmospheric and held a powerful hold on the reader as the narrative progressed. The action and horror pick up immediately, taking readers into an emotional and well-developed character arc that instantly gets torn asunder. The imagery played well into the author’s writing to not only bring the terror of the novel to life, but the rich setting as well, bringing this beautiful and serene Northern California locale to life on the page and serving as the perfect juxtaposition to this ugly, chaotic monstrosity lurking underneath the town itself.
The terror of the novel comes to life perfectly by having the right balance of world-building and dynamic character development. The connection this small family has together and the tight-knit community of the town play against the alienating nature of this evil seeping out into the lives of these people, and the mythos behind this monstrous energy and its seething hatred for the people within the town helped elevate the horrors that slowly began to crawl their way onto the page.
The Verdict
Harrowing, gripping, and entertaining, author Ben Monroe’s “The Seething” is a must-read horror thriller. The book felt like a Lovecraftian horror novel meets Dean Koontz’s “Phantoms” meets Stephen King’s It. The twists and turns in the narrative and the explosive final chapters will have the reader’s hearts pumping and serves as the perfect jumping-off point in the horror genre to send readers into spring. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy by preordering today or pick up your copy on March 23rd, 2023!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Ben Monroe has spent most of his life in Northern California, where he lives in the East Bay Area with his wife and two children. He is the author of In the Belly of the Beast and Other Tales of Cthulhu Wars, the Seething, the graphic novel Planet Apocalypse, and short stories in several anthologies.
You can find more information about him and his work at www.benmonroe.com
