Tag: author anthony avina

To Render a Raven (Hollystone Mysteries Book 3) by W.L. Hawkin 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 vengeful vampire steals a powerful High Priest’s daughter and forces a coven to work together to bring the child home in author W.L. Hawkin’s “To Render a Raven”, the third book in the Hollystone Mysteries series. 

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The Synopsis

Estrada is High Priest of Hollystone Coven, a shaman and magician. But is he a match for a vengeful vampire? When Diego steals his daughter from her crib on the eve of her first birthday, the Hollystone witches converge. The same night, a woman is murdered and another abducted. All three scenes are marked by roses that point to Michael Stryker, Estrada’s lover and best friend—a man with a strange dark “virus” brewing inside him. As the witches journey up the Pacific coast, emotions run raw as the close confines of a yacht heighten the tension between his jealous lovers. And then they meet the ravens . . .

Diego wants blood. Estrada wants his baby back. What will the high priest sacrifice to bring his daughter home?

A sexy Hitchcockian thriller that demystifies Vampire and illustrates the power of Love.

The Review

By far the most action-packed and yet most emotional of the Hollystone Mysteries series. The author did such an incredible job of building upon the mythos and cultures of the supernatural and paranormal. From unique changes to the vampire mythos and lore to the infusion of Celtic practices and explorations of high strangeness, the author brilliantly captures the magic and wonder of the world in which these characters inhabit.

Yet what stands out to me is the way the author was able to bring real human connection and emotion into this very supernatural world. The emotional connection the protagonist Estrada has with both the mother of his child and his current love interest really pulls at the heartstrings, and the heart-pounding terror that the abduction of Estrada’s child brings to mind is sure to play on the frayed nerves of any parent reading this story. The theme of facing our own inner darkness and learning to sacrifice our needs to protect those we love came through strongly thanks to these relationships and helped elevate the overall dangers the narrative brought to life.

The Verdict

Harrowing, engaging, and captivating, author W.L. Hawkin’s “To Render a Raven” is a must-read contemporary romance and fantasy novel and the perfect addition to the Hollystone Mysteries series. The intensity and passion the characters hold onto one another and the elevated danger that that intensity brings to the narrative were an instant draw for readers, and the heartbreaking twists and turns will have readers hanging off of the author’s every word until the climactic final chapter. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

W. L. Hawkin writes edgy urban fantasy with a twist of murder. Described as “intoxicating, lush, magically-edgy, page-turners,” her Hollystone Mysteries series features a coven of local witches who solve murders using their wits and ritual magic with a little help from the gods. Wendy is also a published blogger, a regular reviewer with the Ottawa Review of Books, Indie publisher and poet, with a background in Indigenous Studies and English literature. She loves myth and magic, so when she’s not writing, she’s studying Druidry, shamanism, and mediumship. Although she is an introvert, in each book, her characters go on a journey where she has traveled herself. Wendy completed a BA in Indigenous Studies at Trent University, and later, Post-Baccalaureate Diplomas in Humanities and a Teaching Certificate at Simon Fraser University, Canada. Fascinated by her Celtic and Tuscarora ancestry, she explores history, myth, and spirituality in her work. Born in Toronto, Canada, she currently lives in British Columbia.

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Lipstick Asylum by Nzondi 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. 

After being bitten by a shapeshifting she-wolf, a young woman who was hired to animate the dead for a zombie cruise finds herself instead working to find a cure for the human-extinction virus before it can spread beyond the point of no return in author Nzondi’s “Lipstick Asylum”.

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The Synopsis

The Scream Teens are hired to raise the dead as the necro-tainment for a zombie cruise, and the eighteen-year-old animator, Cozy Coleman, is bitten by a shapeshifting she-wolf. To Cozy’s surprise, she survives and with the aid of her friends, helps the government stop a human-extinction virus from spreading. Unfortunately, Cozy uncovers a secret so haunting, that her death is only the beginning of her problems.

The Review

This was a brilliant deep dive into the dark fantasy genre. The complex and engaging evolution of protagonist Cozy was a huge draw for the narrative. Although struggling with her own deep-seated issues, including grief and a complex relationship with her mother, the strength and courage for which Cozy throws herself into the path of danger to try and protect not only the people around her but those she loves as well makes her such a beloved protagonist, even when she struggles with her moment of darkness that threatens to consume her. 

Yet it was the atmosphere and shifting perspectives that really sold this narrative. The horror elements of the narrative added a depth of mythos to the novel, while the vacation setting makes this feel like a blockbuster film waiting to happen. The way the author was able to shift locations and settings around Cozy as her story progressed really spoke to both the general discussion surrounding mental health and the shifting nature of reality and perspective as a whole, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the novel progresses.

The Verdict

Thrilling, entertaining, and action-packed, author Nzondi’s “Lipstick Asylum” is a memorable and brilliant dark fantasy and horror read! The twists and turns Cozy’s story takes, and the captivating mythology that drives this YA read will have readers hanging off of the author’s every word. With twists that include calls to some of the author’s previous work, readers will be eager to read more of this incredible author’s projects. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!


Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Nzondi (Ace Antonio Hall) was born Acemandese Nzondi Hall in Queens, New York on July 4th. Hall received his BFA from C. W. Post, Long Island University. His science fiction/horror work, Oware Mosaic (Omnium Gatherum, September 2019), is the 2019 Bram Stoker Awards® Winner for Superior Achievement in a Young Adult Novel. Hall is a two-time Honorable Mention winner of the Writers and Illustrators of the Future Award. He is also the author of the novel, Confessions of Sylva Slasher, (Montag Press, April 2013) and a non-fiction book, Lord of the Flies: Fitness for Writers (Omnium Gatherum, April 2017).

https://www.aantoniohall.com/

School Shooter by Thorsten Nesch 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.

TRIGGER WARNING: This book was sent to me to be reviewed weeks prior to the rash of mass shootings that have affected the United States in the last couple of weeks, including the Buffalo Tops Friendly Market store shooting and the Uvalde School Shooting. As the title suggests, this book deals with the topic of school shootings. As such, reader discretion is highly advised, and we offer our deepest condolences to the families and communities affected by these tragedies.

A group of students who hide from a mass shooter discovers that one of them is in fact the shooter in author Thorsten Nesch’s “School Shooter”.

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The Synopsis

During a school shooting six highschool kids flee into the library of their school and barricade themselves, but it turns out one of them is the shooter …

The Review

For so many reasons, this was one of the more difficult novels I’ve read in recent months. The fear and anxiety that one can only imagine experiencing as a student stuck in such a life or death situation are captured here in the author’s work. The chilling nature of the atmosphere the author crafts really pulls readers into the narrative, while the character development was rich and well developed, with each character or “suspect” in the thriller adding depth and emotions into the narrative as readers try to figure out who is behind the heinous crime.

The theme and message of this narrative were no doubt the heart of the novel. The horrors of school shootings are something that has become more and more prevalent in recent years, and the emotional way the news hits so many of us as children become targets in places that should be a safe haven made this story feel monumentally more important now than ever before. The examination of how students interact with one another, the need for better mental health and social services to help students and end instances of bullying, and of course the terrible way gun laws enable people to access weapons that have no business accessing them, are all felt heavy as the narrative progresses.

The Verdict

Haunting, emotional, and thought-provoking, author Thorsten Nesch’s “School Shooter” is an important and memorable read for those who want a balance of thriller fiction with discussions around how students are cared for and how to best utilize gun control laws to end the frequency of these shootings. The author’s ability to bring readers into the narrative and feel the pressure and emergency of the situation the novel presents will have readers invested in this narrative heavily. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Thorsten Nesch is an award-winning author published in traditional publishing houses with more than 1,500 live readings in a dozen countries at schools, universities, book fairs and on cruise ships. He received literary arts grants and was invited for writer’s residencies in H.A.L.D. Denmark and LeseLenz, Hausach, Germany.

He was born in Solingen, Germany. 1998 to 2003 he lived in Canada. 2004 to 2013 in Leverkusen, Germany. Since 2014 in Lethbridge, Alberta. Permanent Resident in Canada.

“His style is a stroke of luck“, Jury of Hans-im-Glück-Award.

http://thorstennesch.com/

https://twitter.com/ThorstenNesch

To Help Support the Families of the Uvalde Community, Please consider donating using this link: https://www.favordelivery.com/donate/supportuvalde?hide_header=true

Victim: A Feminist Manifesto from a Fierce Survivor by Karen Moe 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.

Trigger Warning: This book contains real-life mentions and memories of abuse and sexual assault. Anyone who is triggered by this type of nonfiction memoir is hereby advised to proceed with caution when reading this book. 

Author Karen Moe takes readers on an emotional, painful, and heartbreaking journey of surviving a horrendous crime and using her experience to help others see how the patriarchal hierarchy that has ruled this world for centuries has led to a societal imbalance that fuels these types of crimes in the book “Victim: A Feminist Manifesto from a Fierce Survivor”.

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The Synopsis

Imagine being a carefree, independent young woman enjoying life. Your bold, adventurous spirit pulls you to travel to distant locales. Then out of nowhere, you’re abducted, assaulted, and raped. That is the terror-filled experience that Karen Moe survived almost thirty years ago.

But this is not a crime story. This is not even just a survivor’s tale. Instead, this is a manifesto. In dialogue with other feminists and through case studies from around the world, Moe uses her trauma to shine a light on how not only violence against women, but all exploitation, is a natural result of patriarchal hierarchy. Yes, this is Moe’s story of triumph over violence, but it is also a call-to-action for both men and women.

The ultimate goal of Victim: A Feminist Manifesto from a Fierce Survivor is to provide tools for resistance against a culture of exploitation. “In the end, what I have suffered and survived has given me a gift… Now, resistance, fighting for justice, is what I live for. My life is far bigger than myself.”

The Review

This was powerful, moving, and chilling yet important read. The author’s voice and unique writing style cut through the horror and shock of her experiences to bring to light the themes and messages that the author’s journey taught her, and in turn, teach us all. The honest way in which the author writes these experiences down is hard to read and yet speaks to the strength and courage the author has in the face of such trauma. The author’s ability to connect her story to her own personal family life as well, especially her relationship with her father and the impact it had on them, was truly inspired and helped bridge the emotional connection of her story with the broader study of the patriarchal hierarchy. 

The way the author utilizes her experiences to help readers understand the broader theme of how the patriarchy has impacted how society as whole views certain events or actions is both brilliantly done and yet sobering in its reality. The lengths people will go to in order to paint a victim of this type of assault as anything but a victim are shocking and disturbing, and the public ability to believe these falsehoods over logic and morality that should exist is a symptom of a far greater lie woven into the fabric of our society. The author’s use of history and crimes throughout history illustrate these points, from the disappearances of 43 Mexico students that was swept away as statistics in the drug cartel violence of the nation to the horrifying reality of high school boys rooting each other on as they *TW* gang rape a woman, showcase how fractured and haunted our world has become.

The Verdict

Moving, heartbreaking, yet empowering in its delivery, author Karen Moe’s “Victim: A Feminist Manifesto from a Fierce Survivor” is a must-read nonfiction memoir and feminist theory read. One of 2022’s contenders for must-read nonfiction books, the author not only did an exemplary job of rooting out the causes of this patriarchal society but did so with a unique voice that spoke of the strength and courage the author held in bringing her story to light. While the subject matter of her own life was tragic, her strength and ability to turn her trauma into empowerment gives hope to many for the future and helps shape the blueprints to help build a better society that values compassion, equality, and justice. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Karen Moe is an art critic, visual and performance artist, author and feminist activist. Her work focuses on systemic violence in patriarchy: be it gender, race, the environment or speciesism. Her art criticism has been published internationally in magazines, anthologies and artist catalogues in English and Spanish and she has exhibited and performed across Canada, in the US and in Mexico. Karen is the recipient of the “Ellie Liston Hero of the Year Award” 2022 for being instrumental in putting the serial rapist, who raped and brutalized herself and countless other women, away for life in 1996. She lives in Mexico City and British Columbia, Canada. Published by Vigilance Press on April 2nd, 2022, Victim: A Feminist Manifesto from a Fierce Survivor is her debut book.

Karen has just returned from her US Trauma & Triumph Tour for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, will be having a variety of events throughout the summer, and will be embarking upon her Cross-Canada Tour in September 2022.

Home

https://www.vigilancemagazine.com/vigilance-press

The Execution (The Mimosa Tales Book Two) by Linda Thackeray 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 ruthless baron seeking vengeance for his nephew’s execution goes after an innocent woman, and the law bringers who brought his nephew to justice must fight to protect her in author Linda Thackeray’s “The Execution”, the second book in The Mimosa Tales series!

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The Synopsis

An innocent woman fearing for her life

A marshal trying to prevent her murder.

No one is safe when cattle baron William Cahill, enraged at the execution of his nephew Carlton, vows to take revenge on those responsible, especially Judge Evan Davis who delivered Carlton’s sentence. Judge Davis is going to suffer, and so is his widowed daughter-in-law, Holly.

Already foiled by Marshal Kris Jensen once before, this time Cahill finds sets into motion a wicked plan for vengeance..

Cahill wants his pound of flesh, and he wants anyone who stands in his way dead.

Can Kris and his men save Holly from her fate?

The Review

This was a brilliant follow-up to the author’s first book in the series. The author’s ability to capture the raw tension and gritty nature of the old west is without equal as this book shows. The author does a great job of following up on the world she crafted in her first book, taking readers into the town of Mimosa as it now begins to adjust to having some law and order thanks to Kris and his band of heroes. The harrowing journey the narrative takes the cast of characters on is so much more personal this time around, bringing new threats both on the outside and from within into the group.

The character growth highlighted this personal danger in the novel. The threat to Holly helped elevate the personal growth of Kris and Holly as characters, showing their chemistry and strength both on their own and together. The personal journey of Flynn was also deeply emotional, as he found love in his life and discovered a threat that threatened to undo him. The tension that built as a result of this threat amongst the group really did a great job of adding tension to the overall narrative.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, shocking, and heart-pounding, author Linda Thackeray’s “The Execution” is a brilliant action western and the perfect addition to The Mimosa Tales series. The brilliant storytelling and fast pace of action kept readers on the edge of their seats, and the personalization of the threat and the motivations of the villains of this tale made readers more emotionally connected to this novel and the characters. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Born in a village in Malaysia and delivered by underpaid midwife, and Ann, an irritable new mother (who wouldn’t be after 48 hours in labour?), X was named by a deranged grandmother with too much creativity for her own good. Once out of her pain-induced stupor, Ann decided to give her new daughter a proper middle name to avoid the risk of being put into a home later in life.

And so, she was called Linda.

Linda was an unremarkable child, save a few notable incidents, the discovery that a pot lid is not a substitute for Wonder Woman’s tiara (five stitches), four-year old don’t need to shave (no stitches but lots of toilet paper) and utility truck drivers are not necessarily qualified operators of their vehicles (seventy stitches).

At eight, Linda received religious enlightenment when she saw Star Wars at the Odeon Theatre and hence began her writing career.

For many years, the cages of various pets in the Thackeray household were littered with pages from Linda’s scribblings. Subjects usually ranged from whatever science fiction show was on television or at the movies. There was lots of Star Wars.

At 17, Linda moved to Sydney, Australia and was disappointed it was not occupied by Paul Hogan types with big knives and croc skin jackets but pot-bellied blokes with zinc cream and terry towel hats. Linda’s father (also known as that bloke who buys me stuff to piss mum off when she’s mad at him) settled in the town of Young, a community of 6000 people with no movie theatre.

Linda survived this period in the wilderness by raising kangaroos and writing original works but eventually got saddled down with the necessities of life and though she continued to write, work came first. Work, HBO, comic books and rent. It’s a kaleidoscope.

Even the kangaroos left out of boredom.

In 2014, Linda decided to start writing seriously again. Mostly because Australia’s strict gun laws make it very difficult to ‘go postal’ in the workplace. Moving to Woy Woy, which is Aboriginal for ‘Big Water’, she’s dipped her toes into the Indie pool and found she needs a pedicure. Her books are labours of love and championed by her friends on Facebook.

Eventually Creativia Publishers, appalled by Linda’s inability to conduct any marketing, offered to publish her books out of sheer exasperation.

Supported by two cats named Newt and Humphrey, she spends her days trying to write novels while having unclean thoughts about Michael Fassbender and Jason Statham, sometimes together.

https://lindathackeray.wixsite.com/authorsite?fbclid=IwAR0nXB5-qWWI2JRHUM7FxleTQGctra5DXOxDIN7qKCc7szzlSteutgTCKbY

https://twitter.com/Scribe31oz

The Siege (The Mimosa Tales Book One) by Linda Thackeray 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 Marshall looking for a night of rest and relaxation finds himself forced to save a town from a band of roving renegades by rallying a ragtag group of fighters in author Linda Thackeray’s “The Siege”, the first book in the Mimosa Tales series.

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The Synopsis

The desert winds brought the marshal to town.

He rode out of the wilderness, his duster flapping like black wings, his hat concealing his face except for the scraggly growth across his chin. A pearl-handled Colt rested in the holster at his hip, and he seemed more shadow than man in his black clothes. Like all great things signaling a shift in the world, he arrived unnoticed by anyone, barely visible through the dust storm.

Kris Jensen only wanted a drink and a night with an accomodating saloon girl, but fate has much more in store for him when a renegade army set its sights on the town of Mimosa. Their purpose? To drive out the settlers and townsfolk from land coveted by a secret enemy.

With the help of wanted fugitive Flynn Brenner, old friend Jack Fenwick and a suicidal conman, Adrian Sharpe, Kris must rally the people of Mimosa to fight for their very existence before it’s too late.


Can Kris and his friends save Mimosa from the forces rallying against it? Find out in the first installment of this thrilling new series, The Mimosa Tales!

The Review

I loved the author’s atmosphere and setting to life in this story. The gritty world of Mimosa was so visceral and the use of imagery in the author’s writing really made this town feel alive on the page. The story itself was action-packed and did an incredible job of making the characters and the setting feels alive and realistic, allowing readers to connect to the story more closely. 

The rich tapestry of characters that made up this novel was just outstanding to behold on the page. In such a quick and fast-paced read, the author did an amazing job of crafting some brutal and at times emotional backstories for these characters, while also showing the common ground and camaraderie that builds between them when faced with a common threat. Mix in some history and atmosphere that highlights the era of the story, and these characters simply jump off the page. 

The Verdict

Captivating, exhilarating, and entertaining, author Linda Thackeray’s “The Siege” is a must-read Action-Western and somewhat romantic novel of 2022. A brilliant way to start off the Mimosa Tales saga, the characters were so complex yet relatable, and the setting made the story feel like an emotional ride through history that the reader just couldn’t put down. Be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Born in a village in Malaysia and delivered by underpaid midwife, and Ann, an irritable new mother (who wouldn’t be after 48 hours in labour?), X was named by a deranged grandmother with too much creativity for her own good. Once out of her pain-induced stupor, Ann decided to give her new daughter a proper middle name to avoid the risk of being put into a home later in life.

And so, she was called Linda.

Linda was an unremarkable child, save a few notable incidents, the discovery that a pot lid is not a substitute for Wonder Woman’s tiara (five stitches), four-year old don’t need to shave (no stitches but lots of toilet paper) and utility truck drivers are not necessarily qualified operators of their vehicles (seventy stitches).

At eight, Linda received religious enlightenment when she saw Star Wars at the Odeon Theatre and hence began her writing career.

For many years, the cages of various pets in the Thackeray household were littered with pages from Linda’s scribblings. Subjects usually ranged from whatever science fiction show was on television or at the movies. There was lots of Star Wars.

At 17, Linda moved to Sydney, Australia and was disappointed it was not occupied by Paul Hogan types with big knives and croc skin jackets but pot-bellied blokes with zinc cream and terry towel hats. Linda’s father (also known as that bloke who buys me stuff to piss mum off when she’s mad at him) settled in the town of Young, a community of 6000 people with no movie theatre.

Linda survived this period in the wilderness by raising kangaroos and writing original works but eventually got saddled down with the necessities of life and though she continued to write, work came first. Work, HBO, comic books and rent. It’s a kaleidoscope.

Even the kangaroos left out of boredom.

In 2014, Linda decided to start writing seriously again. Mostly because Australia’s strict gun laws make it very difficult to ‘go postal’ in the workplace. Moving to Woy Woy, which is Aboriginal for ‘Big Water’, she’s dipped her toes into the Indie pool and found she needs a pedicure. Her books are labours of love and championed by her friends on Facebook.

Eventually Creativia Publishers, appalled by Linda’s inability to conduct any marketing, offered to publish her books out of sheer exasperation.

Supported by two cats named Newt and Humphrey, she spends her days trying to write novels while having unclean thoughts about Michael Fassbender and Jason Statham, sometimes together.

https://lindathackeray.wixsite.com/authorsite?fbclid=IwAR0nXB5-qWWI2JRHUM7FxleTQGctra5DXOxDIN7qKCc7szzlSteutgTCKbY

https://twitter.com/Scribe31oz

TimeLab Episode 1: San Francisco by Jackiem Joyner 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.

Two men ridiculed and persecuted for their scientific pursuits yet separated by time find themselves forced to work together to stop a brutal invasion in a forgotten time in author Jackiem Joyner’s “TimeLab Episode 1: San Francisco”. 

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The Synopsis

Two Scientists. One from long ago. The other from modern day 2018.

Both on the precipice of greatness.

Both met with disdain, and in one case, branded a witch.

Sir Bernard, a seasoned and trusted scientist, living in the time of King Caesar, is lauded by many… until his invention sparks rage and fear among the people. When they brand him as a witch, practicing dark magic, he makes a daring escape via his time machine.

He finds himself in San Francisco, 2000 years in the future. There, he befriends Kyle, a young, talented physics student, whose brilliance also sparks distrust, and in some cases, maltreatment.

Together, the two scientists are a formidable force, but there are barriers that prevent them from making good use of their scientific theories.

Sir Bernard’s homeland is on the brink of war. To save his people, he must go back in time, but first he’ll need a new, more powerful time machine.

Kyle has struggles of his own. His brain puts him ahead of the class, but he has trepidation about his mother’s legacy. He wants to clear her name and prove that she didn’t intentionally detonate a scientific lab, killing everyone, including herself.

Two scientists from vastly different worlds fight to erase the past. Can they prove their theories are real and can they save lives and reputations, including their own?

Find out in Episode 1 of this adrenaline-rushing science fiction novel, featuring time-traveling scientists! Scroll and click Buy-with-1-click today!

The Review

This was such a fun and fast-paced sci-fi thriller! The story does a fantastic job of packing a punch and hitting readers with a large sense of world-building in such a short amount of time. The imagery and mythos that the author layers into the narrative are both unique and fascinating to behold, giving readers just enough of a hook to keep them invested while also ending the story on a cliffhanger to keep the reader captivated.

The character building was great to read. While Kyle and his tragic backstory are alluded to, it is Bernard’s story that really propels the mythology to the story’s stratosphere, infusing both sci-fi and fantasy elements into the narrative and keeping readers entertained. The episodic format of the story is also quite unique, making the story feel like a television show that keeps the reader hanging off of the author’s every word and eager to binge the next book in the series.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, fast-paced, and engaging, author Jackiem Joyner’s “TimeLab Episode 1: San Francisco” is a must-read sci-fi story! The brilliant world-building and mythology the author integrated into these two relatable and passionate protagonists and the cliffhanger of an ending will have readers eager to devour more of the author’s work. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Jackiem Joyner has loved Science Fiction ever since he was a child, fascinated by all the stories and imaginations of futuristic worlds. But it wasn’t until later in his life, after experiencing huge success in the recording business, that he decided to put pen to paper – the result of which is his debut novel, Zarya.

Gathering from his experiences traveling the world as a recording artist, he developed a knack for good science fiction stories after reading several books a month. Having used and operated many devices from the future, he incorporated exciting equipment and imaginary scientific ideas into dramatic thrillers that are sure to keep readers on edge.

Jackiem was born in Norfolk, Virginia and spent most of his young adult life in Syracuse New York before moving to Los Angeles, California where he currently resides. In addition to writing fun stories, Jackiem Joyner has experienced huge success as a recording artist, with multiple songs peaking at number 1 on the billboard charts and 5 international records released.

https://joynerbookclub.com/

Destiny of Avalon (Awakenings Book 3) by J. Lynn Else 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 group of heroes faces their most challenging journey yet when their parents and a close ally are taken by a vengeful djinn who plans to unleash a powerful djinn army in author J. Lynn Else’s “Destiny of Avalon”, the third book in the Awakenings series. 

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The Synopsis

A djinn banished long ago has found his way back into Avalon, and he’s taken Genie’s, Whit’s, Mei’s, and Beth’s parents hostage. In exchange for their lives, he wants an ancient artifact. With it, he’ll conjure a spell that will destroy all of time as we know it in order to restore something that was taken from him centuries in the past. Then, before anyone knows what’s happening, he snatches Mei, whose ancestral ties can help him unlock his palace and its sinister secrets on Bottle Isle.

With the lives of their parents and Mei on the line, Beth, Whit, and Genie will need to split up in hopes of retrieving the artifact while also finding a way to set a trap for the evil djinn. Queens Guinevere and Nimue, along with Whit and Beth, will travel to the land of the dead on an ancient Egyptian solar barge. Meanwhile at the Library of Ancients, as Genie is investigating ways to foil the djinn’s plans, something strange begins to happen to her. She’s aging rapidly and losing strength with each passing day. While Morgana searches for a cure for Genie, Viviane must try to unlock the djinn’s final secret: his true name. If they can discover that, they can destroy his power.

However, there’s one final task that only Genie can complete. If they’re to stand a chance against the djinn army to free their parents and Mei from captivity, Genie must find a way to awaken the land of Avalon.

The Review

This was such a thrilling and heart-pounding conclusion to a multi-mythological baring fantasy series! The deep-seated lore the author has crafted from both original storytelling and existing mythos from various cultures was incredible to see. The addition of Egyptian mythology in particular in this story, from the Egyptian afterlife to gods and goddesses, was so creatively inspiring, especially considering the overall Arthurian mythos that has defined this narrative for so long.

The emotional and captivating journey this main cast of characters goes through is so investing to behold as a reader and fan of this series. Mei and Genie in particular have truly powerful stories unfold, both enduring the most challenging aspects of this magical adventure yet as they both attack the new threat from two very different places. The expansion of this world and the connection that it has to Earth’s own mythology and connection to magic was perfectly brought to life by these characters and made for a truly entertaining read.

The Verdict

Engaging, captivating, and brilliantly written, author J. Lynn Else’s “Destiny of Avalon” is the brilliant final chapter of the Awakenings series. While the world-building and mythos the author introduces leave plenty of room for the author to revisit in future stories, the main tale and its conclusion felt so satisfying and did the characters justice in the end. The climactic final battle with this ancient evil and the emotional final chapter that shows the path these four friends end up taking made this such a beautiful story to behold and captured the magic that defined the narrative for so long. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

J. LYNN ELSE is an award-winning author from Minnesota who’s self-published two historical fiction novels set in ancient Egypt, “The Forgotten: Aten’s Last Queen (2013),” which was named an Indie Editor’s Choice book for 2016 by the Historical Novel Society, and “The Forgotten: Heir of the Heretic (2016)” as well as a sci fi novella “Strangely Constructed Souls (2018).” Through Inklings Publishing, she’s authored an Arthurian-influenced, female-driven fantasy trilogy, “Descendants of Avalon” (2018), “Lost Daughters of Avalon” (2019), and “Prophecy of Avalon” (2021).” Her short story “The Girl from the Haunted Woods,” won 2nd place in the “Journey into the Fantastical” Anthology contest. In 2021, she became the Indie Reviews Editor for the Historical Novel Society. She believes in unicorns and practicing random acts of awesome.

https://www.teasippinnerdymom.com/

https://twitter.com/JLynnElseAuthor

The Cell (The World of Morphea) by Ralph Srouji 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. 

An advanced society that long ago shed the needs of the physical form finds its society on the verge of collapse in author Ralph Srouji’s “The Cell”.

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The Synopsis

After the climate catastrophe known as the Burn, the last surviving humans moved underground into old mines converted into subcities.

Cut off from one another, the subterranean societies collapsed and chaos nearly ruled supreme. Only the civilization of Rockys was spared that fate. Its tenacious people, led by wise and visionary Administrators, started rebuilding a new stable and prosperous society.

In due time, Rockys’ drills pierced through the Earth’s crust and reconnected all the known subcities under one civilization.

During this golden age of advancement and progress, Casper Vandee built the first Morphea, a realistic metaverse that would go on to change the course of the whole species.

Gradually liberated from their physical needs thanks to Morphea, humans went on exploring the extent of their creativity and freedom.

More than forty thousand years later, Cosmic Morphea, the giant planet housing quadrillions of humans, sits in space, bathing peacefully and discreetly around Sagittarius A*, the black hole at the center of the Milky Way.

As the last mysteries of the universe unravel, and the species reaches the highest levels of civilization, one where they are able to spawn new universes, the last unanswered question, what’s next, still eludes the Morpheans.

Gradually and inconspicuously, the longest human society starts to crack and fissure, hassled by various crisis that end up threatening Morphea and the future of the species…

The Review

The author did such an amazing job of balancing the sci-fi elements of the narrative with larger-than-life world-building and mythos development. The unique nature of the metaverse and humanity’s dependence on the unique world of Morphea was truly fascinating to read, as was the deep history of the planet Earth that fueled history and our own world’s events perfectly to make this narrative feel alive and realistic at times.

The themes explored in this novel were quite powerful. The exploration of humanity’s impact on the world, how technology and both augmented and virtual reality impact us, and the cost of evolution and advancements in technology and physiology all played out spectacularly in this novel. The author’s ability to pair these important themes with entertaining narratives and well-developed characters made this novel shine brightly.

The Verdict

Engaging, thought-provoking, and fast-paced, author Ralph Srouji’s “The Cell” is a must-read sci-fi epic. The rich and layered world-building blended with the brilliant mythos the author develops will have readers instantly glued to the pages of this novel, and the exciting and thoughtful conclusion to this story will leave readers eager for more of the author’s unique vision and writing style. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Ralph Srouji was born in Beirut in 1977 during the civil war. Books, especially fictional books, provided him with the escape he needed during that uncertain time. Through the refuge of books, he discovered that we live in two realities; one where bombs can fall from the sky, and another where the mind can travel further than the borders of the universe.

He plans to continue the story of The Cell through the World of Morphea, a universe of various works that delves into the secrets of the metaverse. Discover more at www.morphea.world.