Tag: author anthony avina

Finding Destiny by Aliyah Hastings 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 young woman searching for answers discovers a darker truth than she could have imagined in the book “Finding Destiny” by Aliyah Hastings.

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The Synopsis

The truth is hidden in plain sight, and the answers will cost her everything.

Tara has spent her life chasing the truth, the mystery of her father’s death, and the secrets buried with him. But when she is torn from her quiet existence and thrust into the heart of Velmora, a city consumed by a malevolent presence, she stumbles into something ancient.

What she thought was a simple pursuit of truth was only the beginning. Each revelation unveils a deeper layer of deceit. And when a sacred ceremony ends in bloodshed, Tara is forced to flee. But running is not enough. The Queen is rising, and her influence is rapidly expanding; even the heavens aren’t safe.

The world is teetering on the brink. What’s she going to do?

The Review

This was a compelling and richly developed new fantasy-driven narrative. The author did an incredible job of world-building, crafting islands that felt both realistic and relatable, and creating a world that was deeply complex in both politics and religion, much like our own world. The suspense and atmosphere that came to life on the page, especially when confronted with the revelations behind the protagonist’s father’s death, kept me, as a reader, on the edge of my seat.

The connected themes and rich character development were what kept me invested in this story. The concept of loss and grief, as well as the idea behind faith and its profound impact on individuals who become deeply devoted to it, is well-represented in this story, particularly in the exploration of the relationship between Tara and her mother. The duality of Tara’s backstory and her parents’ relationship was a significant draw for readers who connected with Tara as a protagonist as well.

The Verdict

Fast-paced, entertaining, and thrilling, author Aliyah Hastings’s “Finding Destiny” is a great and powerful fantasy-driven narrative and a must-read book. The twists and turns in the story, the cliffhanger ending, and the emotional gut-punch that the protagonist must endure make this a compelling novel that deserves a sequel. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Aliyah, an author, driven by a passion for sharing the wisdom of my personal story through the art of storytelling. Whether it’s crafting characters in a captivating fantasy novel or narrating real-life experiences in non-fiction, writing has become my refuge, a source of healing, and a means of offering comfort to others.

A devoted anime enthusiast since my childhood, I find immense joy in exploring the fantastical realms of imagination. It is within these realms that I let my creativity roam free, giving birth to vibrant characters and immersive worlds.

Yet, my writing journey doesn’t end with fantasy alone. In my non-fiction narratives, I blend my personal narrative with the influence of biblical wisdom. These stories carry a deep healing quality, providing solace and a sense of comfort to those who delve into their pages. My aim is to ensure that each reader feels seen, heard, and edified by the stories I share.

Welcome to my world where the power of words knows no bounds.

youtube.com/niichebunz

Instagram: @niichebunz

Interview with Author A. Pāj Turner

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I’m A. Pāj Turner, a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 and Navy veteran who transitioned into storytelling after more than 30 years of service. My military career gave me discipline, perspective, and a deep sense of community responsibility. Writing became my way to channel those experiences into something creative, impactful, and lasting. What began as journaling and personal reflection evolved into a passion for crafting narratives that challenge, inspire, and provoke thought.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

I was inspired by the legacy of Tulsa’s Greenwood District, also known as Black Wall Street, and the broader history of communities that were dismantled by greed and systemic injustice. I wanted to reimagine what could happen if someone returned home determined to correct those injustices using unconventional strategies. My own experiences in leadership and logistics gave me insight into how systems work—and how they can be re-engineered to empower rather than oppress.

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3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

The central theme is empowerment: the belief that ordinary people, when united with vision and purpose, can transform their communities. I also explore moral gray areas—what sacrifices are justified in pursuit of justice? Ultimately, I want readers to walk away questioning how far they themselves would go to address generational inequality and uplift those around them.

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4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I’ve always been drawn to stories that mix social realism with elements of suspense, strategy, and moral dilemma. Blending historical possibilities with modern struggles allowed me to create a narrative that feels both grounded and cinematic. It’s a genre that gives space for action, intellect, and heart—while also carrying a message that matters.

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5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

I’d sit down with Richie Tomlison, the protagonist. I’d ask him, “Do you ever worry that your sacrifices will cost you more than you gain?” Because his journey is one of heavy moral weight—balancing personal loss against the pursuit of community liberation. I think his answer would reveal not only his convictions, but also his humanity.

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6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Instagram has been the most effective for me. The visual nature of the platform allows me to share stills, teasers, and behind-the-scenes content that bring the story world to life. It’s also where collaboration with actors, influencers, and readers builds a sense of community around the project. Pairing visuals with storytelling really resonates with today’s audience.

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7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Don’t wait for perfect conditions—start writing and keep refining. Be disciplined like it’s a mission, but flexible enough to let your story evolve. Also, understand that writing is only half the journey; building an audience and sharing your story with the world requires just as much dedication. Believe in your voice, invest in your craft, and don’t let rejection discourage you.

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8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

The novel The Emancipation of Limits has already been adapted into a pilot presentation, and we’re building it into a six-season TV series. It was recently selected for the Black Hollywood Film Festival, which is an exciting step forward. Beyond that, I’m developing additional novels and film projects, each centered on themes of justice, identity, and empowerment. My goal is to create a body of work that entertains while leaving a lasting impact.

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About the Author

My name is A. PAJ Turner and I was born on the 29th of December, 1971, in Chicago, IL. My parents are Russell Leon Turner Sr. and Joann Turner. They divorced when I was two and he was an absent father to my brother and I. He died in 2002, of natural causes, but had two strokes that probably aided with his passing. He was fifty-two when he passed. My older brother, Russell Jr, took the role as my guardian and protector as he ensured if harm ever came our way, he would shield me at all cost. He was my first superhero and I looked up to him because he had abilities that I felt I could never obtain.

My early childhood was a typical middle-class environment in the 1970’s. My mom worked for Illinois Bell and my grandfather, Richard Watson Sr., who lived with us was my first and the example of what a man should be like. I did everything an inner-city kid would do for fun. Ring doorbells and run, play hide and go seek, kill-the-man, baseball, and other mischievous things. Snowball, rock and crabapple fights,was the thing to do in our neighborhood. When Michael Jordan touched down in Chicago, every child dream was to be like Mike, so basketball became my dream.

My mom did not want Public School education for my brother and I, so she sent us to catholic schools from Kindergarten through High School. I wasn’t the best student, I understood the work, but school just didn’t interest me. My grades showed it and my brother, my defense attorney pleaded his case to mom on why my grades was the way they were. I was proud that he would represent me. As my mom stood there, frowning with her hands on her hip with her leather belt folded in her right hand, she listened. When he told her, my F wasn’t really an F, what he did wrong was or trying to drag a teacher’s work ethic through the mud…. In short, he never won a case. It would have made more sense for my brother to tell her that I was adopted. He never hesitated to tell me that. He reasoning was because I didn’t have many baby pictures.

Eighth grade was the last straw for my mom and grandfather. I remember my grandfather and I was having a conversation about my grades. He said that he didn’t want to die knowing I was doing bad in school. That destroyed me! They last thing I ever wanted was for him to die and not showing him what I could become. I honor rolled in High School and went on to Kennedy King Jr. College on a basketball scholarship. One night, heading to a home game, I got held at gunpoint. I was at the wrong place at the wrong time. My uncle, Richard Watson Jr., convinced me to join the military and don’t look back. I did just that.

https://www.apajturner.com/

http://amazon.com/gp/product/B0FHBW91HS/ref=x_gr_bb_amazon?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_bb_amazon-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0FHBW91HS&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

The Protector of Nordern (Warriors of Mirral) by Katrina Zari 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 police detective finds herself transported to a world of magic and discovers a hidden power that can affect both worlds in author Katrina Zari’s “The Protector of Nordern,” the fourth book in the Warriors of Mirral series.

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The Synopsis

✨ The Secret of Magic Rests on her.


SHE is a New York detective that possesses some extraordinary skills. One day she finds out that her world is not the only one there. And her skills are no other than Magic. ⚡


🔥 Strange encounters. Heart-stopping twists. Magic shines across the Multiverse.


💫 For fans of: High-stakes adventure, star-crossed love, and unstoppable heroes.


📖 Ready to expand the Multiverse? Join the Mirral adventure today!

Natalie, a young New York police detective, possesses quite an unusual set of skills. She, just like many other people with special skills, tries to hide those, afraid to be discriminated against for being a ‘freak’.


One day, trying to escape from the criminal, she accidentally teleports herself to a different world that is ruled by kings and queens and ran by magic. And her own special skills are nothing but magic as well.


Torn between her hopes to find out more about the magic and her police duties, Natalie finds herself in the middle of a love triangle and an affair that can destroy her whole world.

The Review

The incredible fusion of urban and high fantasy that this book encompasses was amazing. The witty banter between the characters and the wealth of character development the story underwent were sensational, allowing readers to fully engage with these characters and invest in their emotional journeys. The imagery and action balance one another out significantly, allowing the narrative to take on a cinematic quality that this series has become known for.

The heart of this novel was in the world-building and mythos of the overall story. The exploration of the multiverse and how these worlds were connected by magic, both lost and found. The new world that the protagonist hails from and how it meshes with the world readers know, through Mirral, in a very seamless way. The way this new world explores themes of intolerance and xenophobic behaviors in society through the ostracized view people in Natalie’s world have of those with extraordinary abilities makes this book feel more essential and relevant, and helps elevate the drama, action, and romance that this novel embodies.

The Verdict

Exciting, memorable, and thrilling, author Katrina Zari’s “The Protector of Nordern” is an excellent entry in the Warriors of Mirral series and a must-read urban and high fantasy novel. A blend of the Shadowhunters series, Lord of the Rings, and even the X-Men comics, this novel features twists. It turns out that it brings a new chapter to the growing legend of Mirral, adding new characters that will keep the series exciting and memorable. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Katrina Zari, an author born and raised in Russia, spent a significant time of her life immersed in its rich culture before transitioning on a life-changing journey to the United States two decades ago. Her decision to relocate was driven by love, as she followed the one and only person who held her heart. Throughout her upbringing, Katrina developed a strong passion for literature, particularly science fiction, fantasy, and related genres. The local public library became her second home, where she would lose herself for countless hours in the captivating stories written by Asimov and Bradbury, King and Tolkien, Verne and Stephenson, or any other Si-Fi book she could access.

Inspired by these literary giants, Katrina’s creative mind was crowded with stories of her own imagination. She always wrote stories in her head, inspired by those great books. She was adding her own characters and coming up with their new adventures. It was no surprise that her stories predominantly featured a courageous female protagonist, a reflection of her deep understanding of these inspiring heroines whom she gladly associated herself with.

Years later, she found the courage to transition those stories from her thoughts onto paper.

https://katrinazaribooks.com/

Interview with Author Stephen Statler

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I went to film school at NYU.  I worked with a screenwriting partner for many years but we were never able to make money at it. We still have representation and a script under option, so hope springs eternal. Recently, both of us have turned to fiction. I started by writing short funny pieces for McSweeney’s and other magazines and then decided to try my hand at a novel.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

I was looking for an entertaining way to write about the social contract: How is it that we all manage to co-exist (for the most part) without letting our self-interest and instinct for pleasure completely govern us?

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

It’s possible to live both pleasurably and morally. Not easy, but possible.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

Once I decided to use Dionysus as the representation of pleasure and self-interest, I knew that I would have something of a fantasy book on my hand.  But I also knew that the book wouldn’t be a straight fantasy, and that the Greek god stuff would constitute just a sprinkling of magic in an otherwise mundane suburban comedy.

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

I would ask Dionysus why he has so much trouble controlling his impulse for chaos, and whether it’s because the Universe is actually chaotic and he’s trying to show us that truth by example.

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Probably Facebook.  I got a lot of support from old friends when I debuted the book.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Write something every day. If nothing else, just sit down and do some automatic writing. Type anything that comes off your fingers, without thinking, without stopping, for ten minutes. It’s like stretching before exercising. Everything you write after that will be better for it.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I just finished the text for a children’s book called “Sadie and Truman,” and am working on a new novel as well as some more short comedy pieces.

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About the Author

Stephen Statler is a comedy writer whose work has appeared in McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, Points in Case, and other magazines. The Breathing Show, a feature film he wrote and directed, was distributed by Film Threat. A screenplay, Big Time, co-authored with Mouncey Ferguson, is currently under option by Gulfstream Pictures. Statler lives in the Bay Area with his wife and two children.

stephenstatler.com

www.instagram.com/stephen.statler_author

www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575179763575

Woven as One by William R. Waddell Review

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

Author William R. Waddell shares the experiences and stories that kept him and his partner, Linda, together in a strong and healthy relationship for over three decades in the book “Woven as One.”

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The Synopsis

Even good relationships (particularly marriages) have temperatures, varying from almost unbearable passion to steady devotion to uncertainty or worse. Woven as One recounts the successes and foibles of a nearly sixty-five-year bond between two lifelong partners, describing the magic that can come of truly merging the humdrum of everyday life with their feelings for each other. Bill and Linda “met” under somewhat unusual circumstances, and their way of dealing with bumps in their road wasn’t always by the book, but they grew to understand that real intimacy often grows more out of sharing prosaic experiences than out of grand gestures, and they learned to appreciate the importance of things like hard work (together or apart), inclusion, genuine tolerance, and the sheer chemistry between two kindred spirits.

The Review

This was such a personal, intimate, and compelling nonfiction read. The author did an excellent job of writing in a way that felt almost conversational, as if the stories and experiences found in this book were shared over a drink or two after dinner with friends. The detail the author put into not only the shared experiences he had with his late wife, Linda, but also into the era and settings their journey took them, was so vivid that it allowed the reader to feel transported in time as the book progressed.

The honesty with which the author conveyed these experiences not only showcased the deep love and affection he and Linda had for one another but also how they found a way to live truthfully and boldly for every moment. The author’s life with his late wife is infused with humor and heart, and even in the moments following her loss, a sense of hope and celebration for the life they lived together lingers in the air, serving as a tribute to the enduring love that transcends everything, even death.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, thoughtfully portrayed, and engaging, author William R. Waddell’s “Woven as One” is a must-read nonfiction memoir that doubles as a love story. The way the author lovingly looks back on the life he and his wife shared, and the way they faced both trials and adventures together, will keep readers both emotionally invested and engaged in the author’s story until the book’s final pages. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

William R. Waddell grew up in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, and earned degrees from Williams College and the University of Virginia School of Law. Over a 50-year career with McGuireWoods, he practiced business law in Richmond and Norfolk, holding leadership roles within the firm and representing it internationally. He also served as an adjunct professor at UVA Law, teaching Alternative Dispute Resolution and authoring a casebook for his course. His prior publications include Virginia Practice, Business Entities, a legal treatise for business lawyers.

Now retired, Bill enjoys supporting charitable causes, reading, walking, and cheering on his favorite sports teams. He is the proud father of three sons. His debut book, Woven as One, is a tribute to his late wife, Linda, and a reflection on life, love, and resilience.

https://www.williamrwaddell.com/

Barda by Ngozi Ukazu Review

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

A fierce warrior on a hellish planet discovers the possibility of hope and love in author Ngozi Ukazu’s “Barda” from DC Comics.

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The Synopsis

Join New York Times bestselling writer-artist Ngozi Ukazu (Check, Please!) as she takes readers on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery, deep friendships, and first loves!Darkseid is…and life on Apokolips is tough—but then, it is hell, after all. And no one knows this better than Barda, Granny Goodness’s right-hand warrior. But Barda has a secret…she is in love. Or she is drawn to the idea of it, anyway, whether it be the beauty of a flower; her affection for her closest friend, Aurelie; or the mysterious and fierce enemy warrior Orion, who isthe only match for Barda’s strength.When Granny decides Barda is becoming too soft, she assigns Barda a task that might be more than she can handle—to break the seemingly unbreakable Scott Free. And as Barda questions why Scott has such hope and what he might have done to provoke such hatred from Granny, she finds herself drawn to him in a way she never expected.The only thing is, we do not speak of love on Apokolips…

The Review

As a longtime fan of DC Comics, getting to see a story centered around Barda was fantastic. The lore behind Apokolips and its ruler, Darkseid, is intricately woven into the fabric of DC Comics, and seeing life on the planet and how Darkseid is both feared and revered by its citizens and servants come to life on the page was chilling. The muted tones of the artwork did an excellent job of capturing the gritty, darker tone and atmosphere of Apokolips. At the same time, the brighter moments on other worlds and between Barda and Scott served as a firm reminder of the glimmers of hope that emerged as a defining aspect of Barda’s character.

The heart of this graphic novel lies in the character development and themes, particularly the idea of hope in a hopeless place. The evolution of Barda, from a fierce warrior and leader of the Furies to a strong soldier who experiences love and kindness for the first time in her life, made this a compelling narrative to get lost in. The duality of Barda as a character, embracing both her fierce strength and her growing love, not only serves as a bridge between her people and the New Gods on New Genesis, but also as a vivid example of both leadership and heroism in the face of fascism. Her love and heart, as well as the inspiration Scott Free brings to life, made the theme of hope so powerful in this story.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, memorable, and entertaining, author Ngoni Ukase’s “Barda” is a must-read graphic novel and a great deep dive into an excellent DC Comics character. The mythos surrounding the New Gods, Darkseid, and Apokolips was greatly expanded upon, and the twists and turns in the narrative help elevate the emotional and hopeful tones of the story as a whole. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Ngozi Ukazu is a DC Comics artist, New York Times-bestselling graphic novelist, and the creator of comics like Check, Please!, BUNT!, and the forthcoming graphic novel FLIP. She graduated from Yale University with a degree in Computing in the Arts, and since 2020 her cartoons have appeared in The New Yorker.

https://www.ngoziu.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ngoziu

Interview with Author Tamas Szikszai 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?


I’ve always had the annoying habit of asking “why?” far too often, which usually results in either a headache or a story. Writing became my way of turning that endless curiosity — and occasional confusion — into something entertaining rather than just irritating to friends and family.

2) What inspired you to write your book?


The spark came from the idea that if planets could think, they might eventually get fed up with us treating them like clueless background props. Add a dash of dystopia, a sprinkle of absurdity, and a hefty nod to Douglas Adams, and suddenly I had a novel on my hands.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?


That reality is often stranger, funnier, and more fragile than we think and questioning the system isn’t just allowed, it’s necessary. Also, never underestimate the comic value of an overworked, underappreciated bureaucrat.  I hope readers will reflect on how our world is slowly ‘spoiling’ the entire plot before we even get to the ending. By that, I mean the dangerous amount of power handed to giant corporations and the not-so-charming, manipulative tendencies of AI. It worries me that some people are already treating it like a therapist — which is both hilarious and terrifying, and not in a good way.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?


I love the collision between the bleak seriousness of dystopian sci-fi and the irreverent humour of satire. When you mash them together, you get stories that can make readers laugh, cringe, and think all at the same time.

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?


Probably Mr. Smith, the man with the bear’s body. I’d ask: “How do you buy shirts?” Because let’s be honest, some mysteries are too big to leave unsolved.

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?


Goodreads has been great because it connects directly with readers who are already book-obsessed. Instagram is fun too—though I suspect most people are there for the cat photos, not my dystopian ramblings.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?


Write the book you would love to read, not the one you think will sell. And finish it even if halfway through you’re convinced it’s terrible, because that’s usually the point where it starts to get interesting.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?


Yes, my book is the beginning of a larger universe. I already have two more novels outlined, each diving deeper into the absurd machinery of our so-called “reality.” Whether the universe is ready for them is another question entirely.

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Author Bio

Tamás Szikszai is a Hungarian author whose debut English-language novel, The Planet That Was Mistaken for a Fool, blends dystopian science fiction with sharp, satirical humour. Deeply inspired by George Orwell and Douglas Adams, Tamás aims to explore the absurdities of modern society while making readers laugh, think, and occasionally wonder if they’ve accidentally stepped on a Lego. When he’s not writing, he enjoys ska music, strange philosophical debates, and imagining planets with extreme opinions.

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Book Info

Eyal Erlich Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn music review, Music Reviews, reviewsLeave a comment

When a great band or artist comes around with a unique sound and a heartwarming voice, it doesn’t matter where the band comes from. Great music transcends borders, barriers, and languages. In artist Eyal Erlich, listeners can rest assured that a striking and powerful voice is ready to make a splash for international listeners. 

Hailing from Israel, the artist has made a name for themselves in the country, performing small, intimate shows that showcase a range of songs that are both heartfelt and engaging from the get-go. The artist does an incredible job of embodying what makes the singer/songwriter genre of music so great. The music feels personal, speaks to the everyday person living life, and explores what it means to be human in an ever-evolving world. 

The soft melodies are the first thing that draws listeners in. The songs themselves, which include “Already In”, “All in All”, “Jenny”, and my personal favorite, “I Wish I Knew”, all strike a balance between soft/classic rock, with narrative-driven lyrics that evoke the singer-songwriter vibes of the artist. The song “I Wish I Knew” in particular is a powerful song of love and loss, and the yearning we all feel to go back to the times in a relationship when that love was stronger and more deeply felt, but how too often pain and love lost on both sides make that an impossible future. 

The song “Already In” is a great song that showcases the powerful draw of love, whether at first sight or in that first meeting, and how that kind of powerful connection can draw a person in quickly and blindly, sometimes for good, and other times for naught. The song “Jenny” was a powerful song about that initial loss in a relationship. At the same time, “All in All” changed the tone of the song list with a grittier tone to the guitar riffs, showcasing the price of pursuing fame and what a person would do to be with the person they love most. The storytelling and melodic atmosphere each of these songs creates pierces the soul and stays with the listener long after these tracks end.

All in All (no pun intended), artist Eyal Erlich is a powerful vocalist and great musician that people should be listening out for. The emotional, compelling lyrics lend a great narrative tone to the overall music, and the steady, melodic rhythms will stay with audiences as the artist strives to bring their first full album to life in the coming years. If you haven’t yet, check out each of these tracks as they are performed live on the artists’ YouTube page, and be sure to follow the artist and stream their music now.

All in all https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhVb7uMee_M

Jenny https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uA2BYNJnX4I

Already in https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pi6OpSKzfo

I wish I knew https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ci-Zb2iuOa4

https://www.instagram.com/eyalerlichmusic/

https://www.facebook.com/EyalErlichMusic

My Land, My Nile by Maria Zeinab 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 queen dredges up the past as a young woman must discover her origins and her destiny in author Maria Zeinab’s “My Land, My Nile.”

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The Synopsis

For centuries, the river has witnessed kingdoms rise and fall, heroes crowned and crushed. From the golden days of the 10th century to the fading edges of 1970s Sudan, the Nile has held its secrets until now.

Born of two bloodlines Nubian and Abyssinian young Nabra-Isat carries a legacy she doesn’t yet understand. When tragedy strikes, her enigmatic uncle Bantus, a modern-day Kushite king, whisks her away from the only home she’s ever known to the quiet corridors of Geneva.

Before she leaves, a mysterious woman named Tamaya Sufra, with ties to the sacred Nile crocodiles, gives Nabra a gift relic of her past, and a promise:

“You, my child, were born by the Nubian Lake. And you will return. You are the fire rising from the water.”

But the river has all the ancestral stories stored, and picks one in particular that follows Nabra. The story of Queen Gudith-Isat.

Now, as the queen begins to stir the past, Nabra must uncover who she is and what she was born to reclaim.

The Review

This was such a rich and compelling book of mythology, history, and culture. The interwoven stories in this novel mesh together so seamlessly, and the author’s emphasis on Nubian culture and mythology, especially the sacred nature of the crocodiles to the people of that region, was both fascinating and engaging as a reader. The imagery and atmosphere the author brought to life on the page were so artistic and creative, and allowed the reader to feel transported across time and legends through the ancestral lands in which this novel takes place.

The powerful themes the author brought to life in this book, as well as the rich character dynamics and growth the narrative takes, make this a thrilling book to delve into. The author manages to awaken the reader’s senses powerfully with the detail that went into depicting each chapter, with the reader able to visualize colors and hear the tones that each scene brought to life. The way the story shifts between different eras and times and even mythological stories allowed the threads of fate to be clearly woven through these characters and make their arcs feel more pronounced and enthralling. In contrast, the exploration of loss, both of the people closest to us and the loss of land and identity, was profoundly felt throughout this expansive narrative.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Maria Zeinab’s “My Land, My Nile” is a must-read historical fiction, mythological, and drama-driven novel. The twists and turns the story takes, the detailed history and culture this story brought to life, and the balance of both the losses and the beauty found in this region of the world made such an impact on the reader that it will drive them to learn more about this area and the people who call it home. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on September 2nd, 2025 or preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Maria (Zeinab) is originally Nubian from the North of Sudan. She grew up between the Middle East and Europe. This diverse background gave her a broad perspective to draw from in storytelling.Her writing delves deeply into themes of identity, cultural displacement, and the sense of belonging.

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