I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
The owner of a local beauty salon and spa must put her knowledge and relationships with a group of women to the test to help the police capture the culprit behind a gruesome murder in author Jeneva Rose’s “One Of Us Is Dead”.
Advertisements
The Synopsis
The highly anticipated new thriller from the bestselling author of The Perfect Marriage.
Opulence. Sex. Betrayal … Sometimes friendship can be deadly.
Meet the women of Buckhead—a place of expensive cars, huge houses, and competitive friendships.
Shannon was once the queen bee of Buckhead. But she’s been unceremoniously dumped by Bryce, her politician husband. When Bryce replaces her with a much younger woman, Shannon sets out to take revenge …
Crystal has stepped into Shannon’s old shoes. A young, innocent Texan girl, she simply has no idea what she’s up against …
Olivia has waited years to take Shannon’s crown as the unofficial queen of Buckhead. Finally, her moment has come. But to take her rightful place, she will need to use every backstabbing, manipulative, underhand trick in the book …
Jenny owns Glow, the most exclusive salon in town. Jenny knows all her clients’ secrets and darkest desires. But will she ever tell?
Who amongst these women will be clever enough to survive Buckhead—and who will wind up dead? They say that friendships can be complex, but no one said it could ever be this deadly.
The Review
This is one of the best thrillers I’ve read so far this year. The dialogue and multiple POVs of this read have driven forward a mystery that feels both authentic and surprising all at once. The ways in which these women interact with one another, and the choice to focus solely on the women’s POV and leave the male characters as wildcards was an inspired and satisfying choice for the story. Getting the chance to see the shocking twists and turns not only in the story, but in the shocking bonds these characters form with one another was such a great hook for readers to get invested in the narrative.
Honestly, this is one of the first books in years in which I was totally surprised by the book’s ending. I love stories like this that make me guess the killer’s identity early on, only to change my opinion several times over the course of the narrative. I had thought I’d figured out the twist until the final few pages when everything flipped on top of its head. What helped this mystery was the identity of the victim, which was kept hidden until the final few chapters of the book. Not knowing this kept the motivations and agendas presented from each of these characters’ POVs so captivating that the real identity of both victim and killer will leave readers reeling.
The Verdict
Haunting, entertaining, and yet charming in its writing and delivery, author Jeneva Rose’s “One of Us Is Dead” is a must-read novel of 2022, and one of my top picks for the best thriller of 2022. The descriptive nature of the author’s writing style really painted an image of these characters and this small-town setting to life perfectly, and the twists and turns will keep readers hanging off of the author’s every word. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today and be on the lookout for more amazing books from this up-and-coming author!
Rating: 10/10
Advertisements
About the Author
Jeneva Rose is the Amazon Charts, Apple Books, and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of The Perfect Marriage and One of Us is Dead. Her works has been translated into more than a dozen languages and optioned for film/tv. Originally from Wisconsin, she currently lives in Chicago with her husband, Drew, and her English bulldog, Winston.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Two people born to hate one another find themselves drawn together through harrowing odds in author Madeline Martin’s “The Highlander’s Stolen Bride”, the third book in the Highland Alliance series.
Advertisements
The Synopsis
A dramatic enemies-to-lovers romance from New York Times bestselling author Madeline Martin!
Kidnapping Elspeth MacMillan on her way to an arranged marriage is the only way for new laird Calum Campbell to avoid more bloodshed and bargain peace for his people. Calum expects her fury but doesn’t expect the feisty lass to break through his defenses into his heart. With war waging between their families, will they ever be able to yield to love?
The Review
As a history buff and romantic, I absolutely loved this book. The examination of Scotland’s ancient history and the emphasis on clans and how the rivalries and conflicts arose between these houses was very Shakespearean in nature, and the author captured that perfectly in this novel. The author’s unique writing style allowed a great sense of imagery that brought the lush and vibrant lands of Scotland and the harsh landscape of the lands the Campbell clan found themselves banned to live in the reader’s minds.
The character development was superb in this book. The heated passion between the two protagonists was felt throughout the entire book, first in the hatred Elspeth felt for Calum and the mistrust that permeated their meeting, and then in the love and passion, they felt as they spent more and more time together. The exploration of how family rivalries and assumptions based on a person’s family can bring more harm than good to any situation was perfectly laid out in this novel, and the balance of action and romance was incredible.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, entertaining, and captivating, author Madeline Martin’s “The Highlander’s Stolen Bride” is a must-read novel of 2022 and the perfect compact romance for fans of adult romance novels. The fast pace and intensity of the narrative will leave readers breathless, and the historical setting will leave readers invested in the growing series the author has created. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Advertisements
About the Author
Madeline Martin is a New York Times and International Bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance. She lives in sunny Florida with her two daughters (known collectively as the minions), one incredibly spoiled cat and a man so wonderful he’s been dubbed Mr. Awesome. She is a die-hard history lover who will happily lose herself in research any day. When she’s not writing, researching or ‘moming’, you can find her spending time with her family at Disney or sneaking a couple spoonfuls of Nutella while laughing over cat videos. She also loves to travel, attributing her fascination with history to having spent most of her childhood as an Army brat in Germany.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Two people hurt by the past and brought together by a shared love for animals find themselves drawn together and forced to face the past in order to have a future in author Rochelle Alers’s “The Bookshop Rescue”, the ninth book in the Furever Yours series.
Advertisements
The Synopsis
Bookshop owner—and recently heartbroken—Lucy Tucker never imagined how dramatically life would change once she started fostering Buttercup, a pregnant golden retriever. The biggest change? Growing a lot closer to the businessman next door, Calum Ramsey, especially after the two of them help Buttercup welcome her five puppies into the world. One romantic night later, and they’re expecting a baby of their own! Stunned at first, steadfastly single Calum is now dutifully offering marriage. But Lucy doesn’t need rescuing. She wants the true-blue happy ending they both deserve.
The Review
The emotional growth these two people shared with one another and their own tragic pasts really made this story shine so brightly. The instant attraction they feel for one another and their hesitancy after a painful past and the fears they brought made this story feel real and alive on the page. The small-town setting and intimate setting really allowed the intimacy of the characters and their relationship to thrive and grow in this narrative.
As a pet owner and pet parent, the shared love for the pregnant Golden Retriever and how they took care of the golden retriever together was so amazing to read. It served as a great metaphor for their circumstances later on, as a surprise pregnancy will put these two on a wild and insane journey of romance and responsibility. The balance found between the whirlwind romance of their narrative and the realities of life beyond the initial romance were great to see portrayed here.
The Verdict
Captivating, engaging, and heartwarming, author Rochelle Alers’s “The Bookshop Rescue” is a must-read modern-day romance and an emotional story overall. The intimate nature of this romance and the realism and honesty with which their relationship was examined made this story so entertaining, and the natural progression of their romance will have readers hanging off of the author’s every word. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Advertisements
About the Author
Hailed by readers and booksellers alike as one of today’s most popular African-American authors of women’s fiction, Ms. Alers is a regular on bestsellers list, and has been a recipient of numerous awards, including the Vivian Stephens Award for Excellence in Romance Writing and a Zora Neale Hurston Literary Award. Visit her Web site www.rochellealers.com
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Christina Oberon takes readers on an emotional and fun children’s story journey into the magical process of the birth of a child from in vitro fertilization in the story “Embaby Elio”.
Advertisements
The Synopsis
Elio was created in a different way than most babies. He is determined to grow from an embryo into the baby of mommy and daddy’s dreams. How will he get from their dreams into their arms? Come join Elio on his bumpy adventure to meet his mommy and daddy!
The Review
This was such a special and inviting children’s story for both parents and children alike! Having representation within our children’s literary world is so important, and having a story that children born as a result of in vitro fertilization and for parents who went through the process as well is such a heartwarming and powerful message to send.
The artwork was very warm and inviting, and paired really well with the story the author had crafted for this story. The narrative was easy to follow and did an incredible job of presenting such a serious and important topic in a way that children would be able to comprehend while also maintaining a sense of magic and wonder that would entertain both children and their parents alike.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, engaging, and thoughtful, author Christina Oberon’s “Embaby Elio” is a must-read children’s story. The perfect way of introducing the conversation of in vitro fertilization to children curious about their origins and how they came to be in this world, the story is filled with heart and creativity and should be added to any and all parent’s roster of children’s books. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Advertisements
About the Author
Christina Oberon grew up in Hawaii with a large family of ten siblings. When she relocated to Southern California, she met and fell in love with her husband, Kevin. They experienced nearly four years of infertility before conceiving their son, Kai, via in vitro fertilization. Kai was born in 2018. He is a wonderful blessing and reminder of Christina and Kevin’s faith and hope for a family of their own. Christina enjoys raising her son, traveling with her family, reading, writing, hiking, and taking photographs.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author K.S. Penn shares her harrowing story of breaking free from a cycle of violence and abuse and sheds a light on the rarely discussed cases of a child against parent abuse in her book, “The Evil I Own: My Son’s Prisoner”.
Advertisements
The Synopsis
A schoolgirl’s crush turns into a nightmare. Her fairy tale will not be coming true, and breaking free won’t be enough to stop the cycle of abuse.
The Evil I Own is a harrowing and brave story about family abuse. Partner abuse. Child abuse. Child-to-parent abuse.
This memoir recounts the painful and courageous story of Ellie, whose journey entails finding her way out of a life of violence and abuse. It will introduce a taboo-subject: Child-to-parent abuse, also known as child-to parent violence. It is one of the most under-reported and under-researched subsets of family violence. It is often ignored or misidentified. The effects of experiencing abuse from one’s child can be profound. Ongoing parent abuse has been found to impact on a parent’s and other family members’ physical and psychological health, with specific negative emotions such as fear, shame, humiliation, guilt and despair, and so they rarely seek help. There is stigma and disgrace around the concept that a child might choose to hurt a parent, and parents often attempt to ignore, placate, or surrender to these behaviours. It may include verbal abuse and name-calling, property damage (such as punching holes in the walls), financial abuse and the ultimate- physical abuse. Tragically, in some cases, even sexual abuse. Child-to-parent violence has been found to occur more commonly when the offending child has experienced violence perpetrated by a parent.
Ellie’s story will resonate with those who have lived with violence and educate others who may not understand how difficult it can be to leave an abusive situation. Sometimes life’s challenges and struggles can make you a stronger person. Perhaps Ellie was meant to survive and share her story. Perhaps in sharing, people see their own lives and stories more clearly.
Clearly written with insightful awareness and interspersed with messages of resolve and hope.
Recommended for readers 18+ due to scenes of graphic violence and sensitive issues.
The Review
This was such a heartbreaking yet engaging story. The author’s raw emotions and painstakingly vivid accounts of the years of mental, verbal, and physical abuse she suffered both at the hands of her husband and her child made this tale so tragic, and yet the author’s strength and courage in sharing her story help showcase the importance of speaking up against the cycle of violence so many people find themselves in throughout their lives.
The vivid details of the years the author experienced this tragedy did an important job of highlighting the patterns and signs that exist within these types of relationships. The balance the author struck with memoir-style storytelling and the harrowing accounts of abuse and the signs and symptoms associated with it made this story feel both well-rounded and vital to read. The thing people rarely ever look at when studying the life of a violent person is how their parents were affected, and how parents can be targets of abuse just as children or spouses can. The exploration of such a difficult subject was handled with honesty and courage on the author’s part, and this was reflected in the author’s superb writing.
The Verdict
Emotional, painful, yet vitally important, author K.S. Penn’s “The Evil I Own: My Son’s Prisoner” is a must-read memoir and nonfiction read. The heartfelt way the author wrote and the thought-provoking content of the author’s personal story is filled with tragedy, heartbreak, and shocking twists and turns that leave the final chapters with a shocking and gripping conclusion. The impact of abuse on both children and spouses is explored heavily throughout half of the book, and the impact is felt when the child becomes the abuser later on in the story, and the author’s fight to overcome both is one many readers can either identify with or root for, and we are grateful to see the author’s strength in every chapter of this book. if you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Once the most powerful group in the world, the Justice League was destroyed by tragedy and time, disbanding under a veil of mistrust and anger. Now, on the eve of the universe’s greatest murder trial, the League must come together one last time.
Can Superman and Batman bury the past before the cosmos’ greatest villains bury them? Learn the shocking truth about why the World’s Greatest Super Heroes disbanded in this unforgettable story by writer Chip Zdarsky and artist Miguel Mendonça!
Includes Justice League: Last Ride #1-7
The Verdict
The great divide between longtime allies and friends Superman and Batman is finally explored. The cosmic adventure sees Batman’s inner turmoil and struggles with the knowledge of the sacrifice he knew had to be made come to the surface as he clashes with Superman, whose sense of hope makes him bitter towards Batman for sacrificing a friend of theirs in the struggle against Darkseid. The drama within the fractured team and the almost apocalyptic nature of the cosmic threat facing them all make this such a brilliant story, and I highly recommend it.
Two of Gotham City’s edgiest heroes, Red Hood and Grifter, cross paths with Batman himself in this collection of stories from the new anthology series Batman: Urban Legends.
Two top comics writers, Matthew Rosenberg and Chip Zdarsky, enter the world of Gotham City with new tales of Batman, Red Hood, and Grifter in the first volume collecting stories from the thrilling new anthology series Batman: Urban Legends.
First, writer Chip Zdarsky and artist Eddy Barrows chronicle Red Hood’s investigation of a new drug in Gotham City called Cheerdrops. But this night will NOT go as planned–and as a result, he will end up back in Batman’s crosshairs!
Then, writer Matthew Rosenberg joins forces with artist Ryan Benjamin for a new tale of Cole Cash–better known as Grifter. Picking up story points from recent Batman issues, readers will learn why Cole is in Gotham to begin with. Plus, discover the truth about the mysterious organization known as HALO, and witness round two of Batman versus Grifter.
This title collects stories from Batman: Urban Legends #1-6.
The Verdict
This gripping look into the many facets of Gotham City and its heroes, antiheroes, and villains is truly remarkable. The varying artwork styles and writing overall were a great way to introduce an anthology series into the DC Comics world, and the world of Batman and the Bat-Family is the perfect vehicle to launch this type of storytelling. The stories also seem to showcase the impact not only Batman has on everyone around him, but how he and the rest of the Bat-Family connect with one another, for better or for worst. The action and depth of character that Gotham takes on personally make it such a rich playground to explore, and the amazing cast of writers and artists did a phenomenal job of fleshing these characters out.
Advertisements
Harley Quinn & the Birds of Prey: The Hunt for Harley
Harley Quinn has avoided Gotham City ever since she broke up with The Joker — she found a home, and a kind of family, in Coney Island. But when she gets an offer she can’t refuse, she has no choice but to slip back into the city as quietly and quickly as she can, before anyone — especially her ex — learns she’s been there. But for Harley, as quietly as she can is plenty loud…and before she can say Holee bounty hunters, Batman, The Joker’s sicced every super-villain in the city on her pretty ombre head! And she only has one hope — it’s the only team tough enough (or crazy enough) to come to her defence — The Birds of Prey!
The Verdict
One of the things that makes Harley Quinn such a fan-favorite character is her ability to balance humor and her surreal view of the world with the allies who get caught in her crosshairs. This story takes that all into consideration in the best way as the antihero finds herself confronting her past, facing the Joker, and deciding to take from him what he took from her and then some. Her reluctant allies prove that no matter how annoying or trouble she may bring, Harley has a quality about her that draws people in to help, and the Birds of Prey pull this narrative out so expertly. The wit and bright artwork are the perfect pairings to make this story shine so brightly.
The Suicide Squad are back, and deadlier than ever! The fan-favorite Injustice team of writer Tom Taylor and artist Bruno Redondo reunite for an explosive new series, starring Harley Quinn and Deadshot!
Task Force X returns for its bloodiest mission yet, with a new team of unlikely villains from across the DC Universe! The Suicide Squad are assigned to neutralize a group of international super-terrorists known as the Revolutionaries–and the survivors are forced into joining the Squad! Who can Harley Quinn and Deadshot trust when their new teammates are the very people their crew was assigned to kill? This Squad might survive their next mission, but they may not survive each other–with a “team” like this, the body count starts high, and only gets higher!
Tom Taylor, the acclaimed writer of DCeased, delivers his flair for high-octane mayhem to the Suicide Squad in this new series where quite literally no one is safe. Joining Taylor is artist Bruno Redondo, his collaborator on Injustice, for a deadly new take on DC’s dysfunctional villain team.
Collects Suicide Squad #1-11.
The Verdict
Bloody and gritty in its delivery, this story sees Task Force X take on all new heights. After years of being the personal hit squad of Amanda Waller, several of the key Squad members will find themselves facing the ultimate test. While I loved the inclusion of this new team of antiheroes known as the Revolutionaries, I absolutely loved the personal story shown of Floyd Lawton, aka Deadshot. To see the desperation to be a better man and regretting his forced participation in the bloody nature of this team as he hopes to be there for his daughter added an emotional depth to a typically dark humor-filled story. The shocking twists and turns as squad members fall, and shocking villains take to rise to make this a must-read series!
Harley Quinn returns to Gotham City after The Joker War and has decided to turn over a new leaf and make up for the sins of her past by becoming its newest protector.
Harley Quinn here, to let everyone know that I’m starring in a brand-new graphic novel collection with a brand-new status quo. I’m coming back to Gotham City to make up for the sins of my past, and help the city recover from The Joker War!
But there’s no welcoming committee waiting for me, your favorite Maid of Mischief! And between you and me, some real creeps are working to keep the city broken. We can’t let that happen, can we?
Rising-star writer Stephanie Phillips, my new partner in crime, takes me into a bold new era with her partner in artistic crime Riley Rossmo, who I gotta say designed a real nice new costume for me. You’re not gonna wanna miss this one, folks!
Collects Harley Quinn #1-6 and Batman: Urban Legends #1
The Verdict
Aside from the truly unique new take on Harley’s artwork and the almost Alice in Wonderland style it exudes, this comic book series does an incredible job of fueling Harley’s new pursuit as one of Gotham’s protectors. At least in her own unique way. Her hope to save former Joker gang members is a novel pursuit, as is her friendship with a new ally who is drawn along unwittingly towards her mission. Pitting Hugo Strange, another villain who showcases the psychology expert side of himself with the mad mind obsessed with another larger than life figure, against Harley as the rise of the Magistrate hits Gotham is the perfect parallel to Harley’s journey, and seeing her POV of Gotham as it wrestles with the recent years of tragedy it has endured made this a must-read story.
Doctor Stephen Strange is the Master of the Mystic Arts. Earth’s Sorcerer Supreme. A one-man barrier protecting our world from all the nightmares, demons and warlords out there in dimensions beyond our comprehension. So what happens…when Doctor Strange is murdered? As his friends mourn — and his enemies rage at having been deprived of the killing blow — dark forces set their sights on an unprotected Earth. The Avengers…the Fantastic Four…all of our mightiest heroes are woefully out of their depth. Now, as the world’s remaining magicians race to protect our world from an unimaginable sorcerous threat, one very surprising investigator must unravel the mystery of Doctor Strange’s murder. But can he do it before his own time runs out?
COLLECTING: Death of Doctor Strange (2021) 1-5
The Verdict
This was such a gripping and chilling Marvel read. Highlighting why Doctor Strange is such an important figure in the Marvel Universe, the shocking murder of the famed sorcerer not only features some great detective work but showcases how ill-equipped the rest of the Marvel heroes are to face demonic and magical threats. The shocking help of a powerful sorcerer of the past to help solve the mystery of Strange’s death and the exploration of how the Avengers and other heroes must grapple with the magical realms converging on Earth were visually haunting and gripping as a story. A definite must-read, especially with the horror-filled Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness hitting theaters.
DARKHOLD sees Doctor Doom unearth the ancient Darkhold, a text written by the elder god Chthon, and unintentionally opening a passageway for Chthon to return to our dimension. To stop him, the Scarlet Witch recruits five heroes-Iron Man, Wasp (Janet), Black Bolt, Spider-Man (Peter), and Blade. To enter Chthon’s dimension and fight him, the heroes must read from the Darkhold, which drives them insane.
Collects The Darkhold Alpha (2021) #1, The Darkhold: Blade (2021) #1, The Darkhold: Wasp (2021) #1, The Darkhold: Iron Man (2021) #1, The Darkhold: Black Bolt (2021) #1, The Darkhold: Spider-Man (2021) #1, The Darkhold Omega (2020) #1.
The Verdict
Another great horror-themed Marvel read just in time for Scarlet Witch’s feature in Multiverse of Madness this weekend. The chilling look into the power of the Darkhold, a mind-melting book of a demonic elder god, will take readers on a horrifying ride as some of Marvel’s best heroes find themselves warped by the madness that sweeps them into their most terrifying forms. Seeing these heroes turned into monstrous forms of themselves and seeing Scarlet Witch facing not only them but the elder god himself made this story so engaging, and the beautiful artwork captured the terrifying transformation that these characters undergo. A definite must-read!
Advertisements
America, Vol. 1: The Life and Times of America Chavez
At last! Everyone’s favorite no-nonsense powerhouse, America Chavez, gets her own series! Critically acclaimed young-adult novelist Gabby Rivera and all-star artist Joe Quinones unite to shine a solo spotlight on America’s high-octane and hard-hitting adventures! She was a Young Avenger. She leads the Ultimates. And now she officially claims her place as the preeminent butt-kicker of the entire Marvel Universe! But what’s a super-powered teenager to do when she’s looking for a little personal fulfi llment? She goes to college! America just has to stop an interdimensional monster or two first and shut down a pesky alien cult that’s begun worshipping her exploits before work can begin. Then she can get on with her first assignment: a field trip to the front lines of World War II – with Captain America as her wingman!
COLLECTING: AMERICA 1-6
The Verdict
The perfect continuation of America Chavez’s story! Another great read for anyone wanting to prep for Multiverse of Madness, this story sees America at her best, fighting her way through time and space as she faces not only the past but her future. The exploration of America’s origins and the depth of her abilities made this such a great story, as was her more personal mission and look into her life, from her LGBTQ-driven romances to her friendships and yearning to connect more with the world she now lives in. A definite must-read!
The best is back! Wolverine has been through a lot. He’s been a loner. He’s been a killer. He’s been a hero. He’s been an Avenger. He’s been to hell and back. Now, as the nation of Krakoa brings together all mutantkind, can he finally be…happy? With his family all together and safe, Logan has everything he ever wanted…and everything to lose. But he’s never been one to back down from a fight – not even a combined assault from Lady Deathstrike, Sabretooth and Dr. Cornelius. Yet the fearsome Flower Cartel might have enlisted his worst and greatest foe: Wolverine himself! Writer Benjamin Percy (X-FORCE, WOLVERINE: THE LONG NIGHT) and legendary WOLVERINE artist Adam Kubert unite to put Logan at the heart of a criminal conspiracy that threatens to darken the Dawn of X!
COLLECTING: WOLVERINE (2020) 1-5
The Verdict
This was such an inspired and captivating new chapter in the story of Wolverine. With so much of the mutant community changing thanks to the nation of Krakoa and the Dawn of X storyline, seeing Logan’s adaption to this new life while still maintaining his rough and tumble, take no prisoners approach to heroism made this such an interesting story. The inclusion of familiar faces and threats was great to see, but it was the inclusion of new characters like a CIA agent who brings a heartbreaking and emotional component to Wolverine’s new struggle that makes this story shine so brightly.
The mysterious Mr. Knight has opened his Midnight Mission, his people petitioning him to shelter them from the weird and horrible. The Moon Knight stalks the rooftops and alleys marked with his crescent moon tag, bringing violence to any who would harm his flock. Marc Spector, in whichever guise he dons, is back on the streets, a renegade priest of an unworthy god. But while Khonshu languishes in prison, Moon Knight’s duty still must be observed: the protection of those who travel at night. But what happens when those he would save are turned into weapons against him? When gangs of elderly residents leave a trail of bizarre violence, Moon Knight must put his body, mind and very soul on the line to end the carnage!
COLLECTING: Moon Knight (2021) 1-6
The Verdict
With Moon Knight now officially joining the MCU, fans are determined to get as much Moon Knight as possible. This story does a great job of exploring Marc’s new purpose in the aftermath of his defeat of Khonshu, the god he’s served for years. After he was forced by the god to help defeat the Avengers and take over the world, he turned from his benefactor and helped put him away. Seeing the aftermath of that adventure and seeing Marc now back on the streets and helping the helpless was great to see. The exploration of another fist of Khonshu and the deadly arrival of a new threat made this such an engaging story. The visceral artwork and grittier nature of the character, as well as a returning face from his Avenger’s past, made this comic so unique.
Advertisements
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The IDW Collection, Volume 1
IDW’s re-launch of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has been a hit with fans and critics alike. Now, collect the series in all-new oversized hardcovers that present the stories in recommended reading order. Collects the first 12 issues of the new ongoing series plus the Raphael, Michelangelo, Donatello, Leonardo, and Splinter Micro-Series one-shots spliced in between.
The Verdict
One of my favorite film series as a child was the iconic and classic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle live-action films. The action, the humor, and the villains all drew me into this wild and incredible world. This collection from the IDW run of the heroes in a half-shell was able to capture the magic of those films while also crafting a somewhat more mature and gritty writing and artwork style. The origin story that the writers came up with exploring a past life’s situation as a means of exploring their natural tendencies towards heroism was great to see, and the overwhelming sense of family and belonging the themes of this series explored was amazing to see. Fun, witty, and action-packed, this is the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at their best!
In an inexplicable worldwide event, forty-seven extraordinary children were spontaneously born to women who’d previously shown no signs of pregnancy. Millionaire inventor Reginald Hargreeves adopted seven of the children; when asked why, his only explanation was, “To save the world.”
These seven children form the Umbrella Academy, a dysfunctional family of superheroes with bizarre powers. Their first adventure at the age of ten pits them against an erratic and deadly Eiffel Tower, piloted by the fearsome zombie-robot Gustave Eiffel. Nearly a decade later, the team disbands, but when Hargreeves unexpectedly dies, these disgruntled siblings reunite just in time to save the world once again.
Collecting: The Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite 1-6, as well as out-of-print short stories and an expanded sketchbook section featuring work by Gabriel Bá, James Jean, and Gerard Way.
The Verdict
I absolutely loved this first volume in the series that inspired the Netflix original series. The almost steampunk artwork style and the family tension and drama made for a fun and exhilarating read. The exploration of past memories that featured old villains the group of teen heroes faced was a welcome addition to the story that the show hadn’t focused on yet, and the fast-paced nature of the narrative kept readers on the edge of their seats throughout this volume. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Jo M. Sekimonyo takes readers on a journey to explore a way of leaving behind the inequalities of capitalism through a new system meant for the 21st century, Ethosism, in the book “Ethosism: Self-Enslavement Abolitionist Manifesto by Jo M. Sekimonyo”.
Advertisements
The Synopsis
In the global environment of trade and commerce, humankind appears to have given up its natural journey of progression to improve the social order and universally accepted capitalism. But, whilst the richest continue to accumulate vast amounts of wealth, inequality grows and the poorest still live in extreme poverty. This passionate, academic study will go on to present that socialism is just another means of enslaving society under the capitalist model. So, is there a new social, political, and economic arrangement that fits the twenty-first century reality? Ethosism looks at the fact that in the twenty-first century more people than ever before have the means to acquire and own their means of engagement, participation, or involvement in an enterprise. As the result, capitalism, socialism, and communism have lost their raison d’etres.
By examining the foremost upheavals of the twenty-first century, wealth inequality and climate change, plus social class conflicts resulting from the paradigm shift, my conviction is that we are in dire need of a morales nuvem consensus which will herald new social, commerce, intermerce, and political covenants that will enable us to successfully traverse the twenty-first century and beyond.
The Review
This was such an incredibly moving and thought-provoking read. Immediately what stood out to me from the author’s writing was how one of the first lessons taught is how far too little morality is brought into the conversation regarding the economy and wealth as a whole. The capitalist nature that puts the self above all else and leaves behind those who fight to survive and can’t make any headway is something that has weighed on me for a long time, and reading the author’s words was powerful and fantastic to behold.
The exploration of not only why systems like capitalism and socialism don’t work in our modern age and are only hurting our current system, but the author’s ability to thoughtfully and honestly present a new approach to wealth and class systems as a whole through Ethosism was amazing to read. I was immediately struck by the balance of philosophy the author brought into the discussion of politics and economics throughout the book, and the writing style itself was so remarkable, as it moved smoothly from an almost poetic-like writing style to engaging non-fiction reading at its best.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, educational, and moving, author Jo M. Sekimonyo’s “Ethosism: Self-Enslavement Abolitionist Manifesto” is a must-read book on how to shape our society to fit the time that we are living in. The need for change has never been greater, and the only way a society can grow and prosper is by moving forward, not looking back to systems that no longer function. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Advertisements
About the Author
Jo M. Sekimonyo is a theorist, human rights activist, political economist, and social philosopher. He is a Congolese born, American fermented and globally bottled Merchant of Ideas. He has been a strong critic of mainstream economists stating that, “these clown shows chip away the substance of economic disparity dialogues”.
On the Labor Theory of Value, Sekimonyo argues that in the twenty-first century, instead of the average number of labor hours, the quality of the means nested in an enterprise to produce a commodity or provide a service establishes relative prices.
In this context, labor is no longer viewed as a cost but one of the profiteers, as it ought to be. The working class is no longer a cost but one of the profiteers, as it should be.
Much of his writing has been concerned with “economic injustice, poverty, and egalitarianism”.
His work has been translated into over ten languages.
Sekimonyo argues that the ability of individuals to understand the world and creatively respond to challenges that confront humanity is key to alleviate poverty. He facilitates several workshops and seminars every year throughout the developing world geared towards stimulating debates around global social issues and mainstream economic theories.
He is the founder of “En Charge”, an independent, non-partisan organization that promotes the participation of young people in social, political and economic dialogues at the national and global levels.
His more recent work deals with an alternative to capitalism; ethosism.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
As the hunt to find a missing friend wages on for the Hernandez family, the final few individuals who took part in the criminal syndicate’s sick crimes hunt for the device that still holds their darkest secrets in author Al E. Boy and F. Carod’s “Misadventure Memoirs Book Three: The Ties That Blind”.
Advertisements
The Synopsis
The Tie That Blinds, the exciting, suspenseful third installment of Misadventures Memoirs, takes up where The Tiger’s Tears left off. Though not a trace of Dale Mathis has been found since the Learjet he was on crashed into the sea, Sofia Hernández and her family haven’t given up hope he is alive and will be found.
Many notable figures are on the run because of the information the tiger USB revealed. Former cohorts of the evil, sadistic Senator Rafael Medina are desperately fleeing not only the long arm of the law, but also the country’s criminal element who have suffered greatly because of their ill-advised vendetta against Chief Ricardo and the Hernández family. Yet, while most have wisely abandoned this vengeful undertaking, a handful of determined characters seem hell-bent on finishing the job.
Surprisingly, the tiger USB did not disclose all of its secrets. Still hidden within is vital information with the potential to easily destroy individuals far more important than the Senator ever was. For those most threatened by its secrets, time is running out to locate the troublesome device before their world of evil comes crashing down.
The Review
A truly gripping and engaging final chapter in the author’s harrowing action and horror-thriller series. The story does a great job of building upon the suspense and mystery of the last book’s ending. From the fate of Mathis to the state of his relationship with Sofia and their role in the ongoing threads being pulled were all very personal and intimate storytelling at his best, while the action and thrilling moments of organized crime violence and the horrors that occur within them added the creepy and harrowing stakes that this narrative needed.
What stood out was both the way the authors were able to wrap up the narrative and how the new cast of characters really added to the overall story being told. As the final threads of this disturbing crime syndicate being to unravel, the new players are introduced to add new depths of violence and rage to the dangers presented to the protagonists, while the climactic final chapters leave readers hanging on the author’s every word as the dangers to become overwhelming and the losses begin to pile up one on top of the other.
The Verdict
Shocking, action-packed, and brilliantly written, authors Al E. Boy and F. Carod’s “Misadventure Memoirs Book Three: The Ties That Blinds” is a must-read novel and a great conclusion to a captivating action and horror-thriller series! The high stakes of the narrative as lives continue to be put at risk, new criminals emerge, and the story’s heroes must navigate treacherous waters both in the world around them and in their complex relationships made this story shine, and the epic conclusion will have readers thrilled to have stuck with this series from the get-go. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Advertisements
About the Author
Through almost 40 years as a Santa Claus, Al E. Boy developed quite a repertoire of tales to explain and answer the many questions children ask about Santa, the North Pole, his reindeer, and his friends, the elves.
It was this collection of tales which prompted him to begin writing The Adventures of Fawn. Through the young daughter of legendary reindeer Comet and Vixen, he’s been able to weave an exciting, colorful, imaginative world which will delight readers of all ages!
Mr. Boy not only hopes you enjoy these tales, but make reading them part of your Christmas traditions, as well.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
The scattered remnants of a disturbed man’s criminal ring turns their sights on the people responsible for his demise in authors Al E. Boy and F. Carod’s “Misadventure Memoirs Book Two: The Tiger’s Tears”.
Advertisements
The Synopsis
Misadventures Memoirs’ second installment, The Tiger’s Tears, finds Sofia Hernández and her friend Dale Mathis in Guadalajara, building new lives and new homes with the generous rewards they were given by Tiara Tillman. The dangers and uncertainties of Cancun seem far away. But trouble is brewing. The aggressive nationwide investigations into Martin Tillman’s network of deviants, rapists, and murders results in many old homicide cases being re-opened and re-examined. Not a few careers and lives are ruined in the process. Before the long arm of the law can reach them, very powerful people deem it necessary to seek retribution and revenge on those they hold responsible for Tillman’s death, and the unraveling of their web of evil. Sofia, Mathis, and her family suddenly find themselves the target of the remnants of Tillman’s blackhearted, vengeful gang of miscreants.
The Review
The authors really elevate the action and tension in this novel. Building upon the horrors and chills of the first book, the author does a great job of balancing the terrifying criminals hunting down the main cast of characters with an abundance of action and suspense that evoked a sense of cinematic imagery in the author’s writing. The character growth was great in this book and did a wonderful job of naturally developing the bonds and relationships the protagonists had with the rest of the cast of characters, both allies and foes alike.
Yet what really stands out about this book and the whole series from these authors is the tension and atmosphere that they build. The reality of this narrative and how twisted criminal networks like this can, have and will operate around the world is a truly chilling thought, and the author’s ability to dive into this mentality while also providing an entertaining read was nothing short of masterful storytelling.
The Verdict
Haunting, adrenaline-fueled, and engaging, authors Al E. Boy and F. Carod’s “Misadventure Memoirs: The Tiger’s Tears” is a must-read book and a great sequel to one terrifying first adult thriller. With a cliffhanger ending that leaves one character’s fate up in the air and a shocking series of twists and turns that test the protagonists’ resolve time and again, the creepy murders and terrors that arise out of reality make this a gripping criminal thriller to behold. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Advertisements
About the Author
Through almost 40 years as a Santa Claus, Al E. Boy developed quite a repertoire of tales to explain and answer the many questions children ask about Santa, the North Pole, his reindeer, and his friends, the elves.
It was this collection of tales which prompted him to begin writing The Adventures of Fawn. Through the young daughter of legendary reindeer Comet and Vixen, he’s been able to weave an exciting, colorful, imaginative world which will delight readers of all ages!
Mr. Boy not only hopes you enjoy these tales, but make reading them part of your Christmas traditions, as well.
