I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A mind extractor in a dystopian virtual world discovers a hidden secret that could hold the key to saving humanity in author D.K. Thorne’s “The Onyros Chronicles Book 1: Splinter.”
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The Synopsis
What if reality is a relic?
What if neural decay silenced your language—and killed thought itself?
Splinter launches you into Onyros, a virtual reality dystopia where thought is currency—and extinction is everywhere.
Neural mercenaries dive into synthetic paradises to harvest memories before flesh decays (a true mind-uploading sci-fi thriller)
Logan Bochniak is a dying breed—one of the last Splinters racing toward cognitive failure in a post-human cyberpunk world.
An impossible signal echoes through the system: an anomaly in the system itself.
Memory is a maze. Reality is a rumor. Your only hope is a fraying mind.
For fans of Red Rising, Cyberpunk 2077, William Gibson, Peter Watts, Black Mirror and YA dystopian books —and anyone who’s ever wondered what lies beyond the end of meaning.
The Review
This was both entertaining and thought-provoking to dive into. The dark, gritty tones of this sci-fi dystopian world were immediately felt, and readers were thrust into a world of intrigue and mystery that felt chaotic and oppressive, as the mystery deepened further. The angst and the forboding nature of the larger threat to humanity are felt in every chapter, and the rich imagery in the author’s writing style captures the darker underbelly of this cyberpunk narrative.
The heart of this story lies in the grand themes the author explores and the compelling character dynamics at play. Logan, as a protagonist, is a powerhouse, revealing depth and complexity as he navigates the tension between his cold indifference, shaped by life experiences, and the harsh reality of the impact this virtual world has on humanity, as well as the secret he uncovers. The author’s commentary on technology and science as a whole, especially virtual reality and AI, is astounding, focusing not just on world-building but on the neurological and physical impact that being immersed in a virtual setting for long periods can have on the human body.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, enthralling, and memorable, author D.K. Thorne’s “The Onyros Chronicles book 1: Splinter” is a must-read cyberpunk dystopian thriller. The connection the author makes between consciousness and its interweaving with our biology, as well as the plethora of unique characters and the epic world-building of Onyros as a whole, make this a sci-fi epic that readers won’t be able to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
D. K. Thorne studied philosophy and sociology, holding a B.Sc. in Psychology. With philosophical science fiction as his first love, Thorne crafts stories that explore the complex intersection between consciousness and reality.
The Onyros Chronicles is Thorne’s labor of love—a high-paced dystopian saga spanning multiple volumes that ventures into uncharted sci-fi territory.
When not writing, Thorne can be found working in abandoned Polish cabins and quiet attics. An award-nominated writer, he enjoys collaborating with artists from all over the world.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author and tech expert Mark Weinstein shares the framework for a more positive and balanced social media environment in the book “Revitalizing Our Sanity Online: A Revolutionary Social Framework.”
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The Synopsis
Big Tech is driving us, our kids, and society mad. In the nick of time, Restoring Our Sanity Onlinepresents the bold, revolutionary framework for an epic reboot. What would social media look like if it nourished our critical thinking, mental health, privacy, civil discourse, and democracy? Is that even possible?
Restoring Our Sanity Online is the entertaining, informative, and frequently jaw-dropping social reset by Mark Weinstein, contemporary tech leader, privacy expert, and one of the visionary inventors of social networking.
This book is for all of us. Casual and heavy users of social media, parents, teachers, students, techies, entrepreneurs, investors, and elected officials. Restoring Our Sanity Online is the catapult to an exciting, enriching, and authentic future. Readers will embark on a captivating journey leading to an inspiring and actionable reinvention.
Restoring Our Sanity Online includes thought-provoking insights including:
Empowering You—Social Media User, Content Creator
In The Crosshairs: Privacy And Anonymity
Saving Our Kids From The Abyss
Surprise! Social Media Can Be Good For Your Mental Health
Is AI The High-Tech Tattletale In Your Social Experience?
Lifting the Veil On Bots and Trolls
Facts, Opinions, Lies—Who Decides?
Web3 Is Here—What The Heck Is It?
Is There a Better Way?
The Review
This was a thoughtful, expertly researched, and engaging read. The author did a fantastic job of balancing the book, combining technical knowledge of technology and the business surrounding social media development with personal storytelling and a strong connection to the reader. The author introduced numerous elements of this business that were mind-blowing, including the infusion of Conscious Capitalism into social media development and the significant influence that social media influencers have on the growing market.
Yet it was the ethical nature of the author’s work and research that stood out. The virtues of Restoration Networking were an especially inspiring work. The need to eliminate targeted ads and data mining, along with infusing age verification and parental permission for younger teens and even limiting screen times in general would not only help eliminate the negatives of social media, but create more opportunities for the benefits of social media to shine, such as education opportunities, jobs, and connecting with friends and family more often.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, engaging, and inviting in general, author Mark Weinstein’s “Restoring Our Sanity Online” is a must-read nonfiction book on social media and parenting as a whole. The powerful insights, real-world strategies, and tools to help safely immerse teens in the social media scene, along with the expertise the author brings to their writing, will stay with readers, allowing them to return to this book time and again to gain a deeper understanding of the social media world. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Mark Weinstein is a world-renowned tech entrepreneur, contemporary thought leader, privacy expert, and one of the visionary inventors of social networking. His adventure in social media has lasted over 25 years through three award-winning personal social media platforms enjoyed by millions of members worldwide.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A series of disappearances in early 20th-century London leads an investigator into a dark mystery in author Timothy Hernandez’s “The Ageless.”
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The Synopsis
From the Personal Archives of Richard Matthews – London, 1905
What follows are the recovered journal entries of Richard Matthews—a private investigator by trade—and his involvement in the infamous case of London’s vanishing children. These documents, long thought lost, shed new light on one of the city’s most perplexing mysteries, and the man Commissioner Edward Richard Henry trusted to solve.
The official records confirm 12 disappearances—9 of which were children. With no signs of forced entry and no helpful clues, the lead inspector assumes foreign spies are the culprit, eager to get their hands on naval shipping secrets.
But these journal entries suggest a darker tale.
Whether these pages contain the ramblings of a man lost to his vices, or a truth too terrible for history to acknowledge, I leave to the reader’s judgment. The journal, along with its accompanying letters, offers a window into one of London’s most enigmatic cases—a mystery that has come to be known as “The Ageless.”
What follows is his story, presented in its entirety for the first time.
Reader, be warned: some doors, once opened, cannot be easily closed.
The 64K Society
The Review
This was such an engaging and captivating read. The author found an outstanding balance between late 19th-century and early 20th-century London investigations with Gothic, dark fantasy-driven horror. The narrative was delivered at a quick pace, yet still managed to create a haunting, dark atmosphere that captured the cold, cobblestone-laden streets of London in the 19th century.
What stood out as the heart of this story was the natural development of mythology and fantastic character development. The protagonist, Richard Matthews, is a figure haunted by the past, and yet determined to stop a great injustice from being unleashed on London once more. The first-person narrative allowed the reader to experience the setbacks, frustration, and determination that Richard exuded on the pages, while also sensing the mystery behind the words Richard wasn’t saying throughout the investigation.
The Verdict
Memorable, entertaining, and thrilling, author Timothy Hernandez’s “The Ageless” is a must-read thriller that blends dark fantasy and horror. The Gaslamp fantasy element of the narrative, the haunting atmosphere of the setting, and the shocking twists and turns that upend a classic children’s story, as well as the origins of this mystery, make this a compelling novel to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Drawing from his experience working for several fortune 500 companies, coupled with his passion for visual storytelling and digital cinematography, Timothy Hernandez brings a filmmaker’s eye to the complexities of corporate culture and personal transformation. After building a successful career in regional and training management, a recent disability shifted his perspective, inspiring him to craft a powerful narrative about adaptation and resilience—weaving together his deep understanding of storytelling techniques with raw, honest insights about how unexpected life changes reshape our journey.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Mike Bedenbaugh lays the groundwork for political reform in the United States in the book “Reviving Our Republic: 95 Theses for the Future of America.”
The Synopsis
From Founding Principles to Future Promise: 95 Theses to Reinvigorate America for the 21st Century
The United States is in a partisan gridlock. As our constitutional principles erode away and the decline of civic engagement threatens the foundation of American democracy, navy veteran turned preservation leader Michael Bedenbaugh presents a compelling vision for the future of our country.
Reviving Our Republic: 95 Theses for the Future of America is a bold blueprint for addressing the most pressing challenges facing our nation today. Drawing inspiration from Martin Luther’s historic call for reform, Bedenbaugh offers a dynamic framework for political reform, reinterpreting founding principles for modern 21st-century challenges. Grounded in lessons across history from the warnings in Washington’s Farewell Address to the Citizens United decision of 2010 that enabled influence of corporations on policy, Reviving Our Republic is a fresh, nonpartisan approach to restructuring American governance, with 40 actionable proposals aimed at fostering a more responsive, accountable government.
In this blend of practical experience and scholarly insight, readers will learn:
Proposals to reform the electoral system, including instituting term limits and Electoral College reform.
Strategies to curb corporate influence in politics and strengthen individual liberty.
A plan to restore the balance between federal and state powers, reviving true federalism in our national government.
Methods to ensure fiscally responsible governance and address the national debt crisis.
Ways to realign foreign policy with America’s founding principles of neutrality in world affairs without hiding under isolationism.
Reviving Our Republic is not a critique of our political climate—it’s a call to action for engaged citizens who yearn for meaningful change. Whether you’re a concerned voter, community leader, or a student of politics, history, and economics, this book is a radical approach to reform that will inspire you to engage in America’s path forward as a united nation.
The Review
What an insightful and engaging read. The author’s approach to this subject matter from a purely non-partisan and historical standpoint was refreshing and insightful. The focus on the divisiveness and struggles that come with partisan politics and how it negatively impacts the stability of a democracy was incredible, presenting seemingly inspiring yet straightforward and evolved concepts that could better benefit society. The use of historical context in understanding how partisan politics failed various societies over time was terrific, playing into the idea that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
The juxtaposition of the flaws in our Founding father and their ability to recognize that in the formation of the nation versus the weaknesses in the current political climate and their inability to see past their vitriol was well presented throughout this book. What resonated was the idea of the Founding Fathers recognizing the natural evolution of a society and deeming it necessary to leave room for the Constitution to be amended or changed, which is often overlooked in our modern world. This type of logic fuels the author’s thesis and academic and philosophical approaches to this subject matter.
The Verdict
Insightful, engaging, and thoughtfully written, author Michael Bedenbaugh’s “Reviving Our Republic” is a must-read nonfiction book on politics, history, and the evolution of society as a whole. The call for honorable politics and a need to end attack-based election cycles and focus on the actual needs of the people instead was both inspiring and exemplary, and serves as a broader discussion readers can have going forward. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Michael Bedenbaugh is a respected voice in historic preservation and community development, with a keen interest in constitutional principles and American governance. Born with a reverence for history, Michael served as the former president and executive director of Preservation South Carolina, where he led numerous initiatives that demonstrated the economic and cultural value of historic preservation, showcasing his ability to blend practical solutions with respect for tradition.
Driven by a mission to revitalize America’s founding ideals, Michael hosts the podcast Perspective with Mike Bedenbaugh, where he explores the intersection of history, politics, and community development. His unique approach combines grassroots activism with a deep understanding of constitutional intent, offering fresh insights into modern political challenges. This approach was shaped by his diverse career, including his role as CEO of Post No Bills, Inc., a product marketing firm that collaborated with corporate powerhouses like Phillip Morris USA, RCA Records, DreamWorks, Universal Pictures, and MGM.
Michael’s diverse background includes five years of service in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS South Carolina, studies in international studies and history at the University of South Carolina and Columbia University, and leadership roles in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. He has also served on his hometown’s city council and chaired his county Board of Zoning Appeals, demonstrating his commitment to local governance. His efforts in community revitalization and historic preservation earned him the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, awarded by Governor Henry McMaster. As a member of Preservation Action in Washington, D.C., he continues to advocate for policies that strengthen local communities and honor America’s heritage.
A native of Prosperity, South Carolina, Michael remains deeply involved in his home state’s development while contributing to national discussions on governance and civic engagement. His work exemplifies the principle that understanding our past is crucial to shaping a better future. His book, Reviving Our Republic, is an outcome of Michael’s lifelong passion for his community, state, and nation, and was inspired by our founding fathers and the principles that birthed our nation.
To explore Michael’s perspectives on reinvigorating American democracy through a return to founding principles, visit mikebedenbaugh.com, where he also has links to his podcast, his congressional campaign, and his biography.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Raphael E. Cuomo shares the impact that addiction can have on a person’s biology and its relation to cancer as a whole in the book “Crave: The Hidden Biology of Addiction and Cancer.”
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The Synopsis
Crave reveals how everyday habits, from sugar and screens to overwork and alcohol, leave measurable biological traces that increase cancer risk. It reframes addiction as a central, modifiable factor in chronic disease, drawing on cutting-edge research in neuroscience, immunology, and public health.
The Review
What a powerful and engaging book! The author does a fantastic job of exploring both the biological and sociological aspects of addiction, showing how advertising, social media, and peer pressure, to name just a few, have contributed to people’s turning to addictive behavior and practice. This includes everything from sugar consumption to doom scrolling on social media and so much more.
It is mind-blowing to examine how these behavioral habits affect the shape and impact of our biology and leave people more prone to cancerous cells over time. The fast pace of the book and the direct way the author writes allow readers to get an educational perspective on addiction and its various forms.
The Verdict
Memorable, thought-provoking, and engaging, author Raphael E. Cuomo, Ph.D., is a must-read nonfiction health book on addiction and its relationship to cancer development. The detail and the mindfulness that the author poured into this book, and the new perspective that readers gain from learning about how habits can change a person biologically, make this a worthy book to turn to in educating oneself about one’s health. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Raphael E. Cuomo, PhD, is a professor and scientist at the UC San Diego School of Medicine. He is internationally recognized for his research at the intersection of cancer prevention, addiction, and public health. His work bridges molecular biology, epidemiology, and behavior to illuminate the deeper roots of chronic disease.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
After his parents’ sudden disappearance, a boy must partner up with a mysterious young girl and flee the only space station he has ever called home to evade a deadly bounty hunter in author Brent Golembiewski’s “The Boy, The Cube, and the Elf.” The first book in the Central Fire Series.
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The Synopsis
Unexpectedly abandoned, Nico is determined to find the reason behind his parents’ mysterious absence. Problem is, he’s never left the space station he’s called home for all of his twelve years. As if his situation isn’t bad enough, a young girl arrives on a spaceship demanding to meet his father. While searching the station, they’re attacked by a vicious bounty hunter. Nico and his reluctant new ally must escape at all costs. Thrust into a world he doesn’t understand, Nico has to tolerate and put his trust in a stranger with objectives of her own if he hopes to evade deadly enemies, find his parents, and learn the answers to the questions that seem to pop up at every turn.
The Review
This story was fun, action-packed, and engaging for young adults and middle-grade readers. The pacing was fast-paced, allowing the reader to understand the world-building the author brought to life on the page without sacrificing action or suspense surrounding the story itself. The imagery in the author’s writing captured the wilds of space travel, making the idea of Earth a long-lost part of history to the protagonist while vividly bringing space stations and ships to life with relative ease.
Yet the heart of this story was in how the author effortlessly meshed the fantasy and science fiction genres together seamlessly. The way Nico was able to look at life in space with such relative ease, and yet find the magic and wonder of fantasy elements, such as the inclusion of Maddie, an elf, into the cast of characters, as well as creatures like goblins or even dragons. The mythology the author can draw out is impressive, revealing enough to draw the reader in and yet leaving enough mystery to keep readers invested in future books.
The Verdict
Entertaining, thrilling, and phenomenally written, author Brent Golembiewski’s “The Boy, The Cube, and the Elf” is a must-read YA and middle-grade sci-fi meets fantasy novel, and a grand entry into the Central Fire Series. The twists and turns the book takes, the humorous dialogue and character development between Nico and Maddie, and the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Nico’s parents will leave readers with a cliffhanger that will instantly keep them intrigued for the release of the next book in the series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Brent Golembiewski is a U. S. Air Force veteran with 20+ years of service. He started his career as an enlisted troop, working as an Electronic Warfare Technician, and completed it as an officer, never working a day as a Helicopter Evaluator Pilot, flying the mighty UH-1N “Huey”. After retiring from the USAF, he began Valkyrie Air, providing aircraft charter operations for people who find value in time. He met the love of his life in the second-worst place he’d ever been stationed and she’s still on active duty. Together they have two boys, the terrible Ts, and one old caricature of a dog that will never die.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Ronan Keene shares practical tips and practices for improving one’s golf game in the book Smart Golf: Play Golf More Intelligently.
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The Synopsis
Smart Golf – Play Golf Intelligently is the ultimate guide for golfers who want to think smarter and score better.
This modern take on golf instruction books covers everything from smart golf strategies to mastering the mental game. Perfect as a stylish playing golf coffee table book, it’s packed with practical tips to help you learn to play golf with confidence. Whether you’re working on your swing, your course management, or your mindset, this golf strategy book will change the way you play. An ideal choice for gifts for golfers, Smart Golf stands out among golfing books for offering real tools to level up your game.
✔️ Learn Winning Golf Strategies: Master course management, smarter shot selection, and proven tactics used by top players.
✔️ Unlock the Secrets of Golf Mental Games: Build confidence, sharpen focus, and stay calm under pressure to outperform your competition.
✔️ A Fresh Take on Golf Instruction Books: Practical advice you can actually use, perfect for beginners and seasoned golfers alike.
✔️ A Beautiful Playing Golf Coffee Table Book: Elegant design and powerful insights make it a stylish addition to any golfer’s home or office.
✔️ Perfect Gifts for Golfers of all skill levels: A must-have among golfing books for birthdays, holidays, Father’s Day, or any golf lover’s special occasion.
✔️ Easy to Read, Easy to Apply: Written in clear, simple language — because smart golf doesn’t have to be complicated!
Golf Isn’t Just Physical — Master the Mental Game -Success in Golf Starts With Smart Thinking
The Review
This was a well-researched, fast-paced, and engaging read. The author brilliantly crafted a balanced book of golf techniques, strategies, and guidance that spoke to those immersed in the sport wholly and completely. The author’s natural style felt philosophical and practical, and came across as very conversational.
What stood out to me was the author’s choice to focus on the physical aspect of golf, the techniques, and the mental game. Using practices like visualization, journaling, and even concentrating on your breathing helped focus the discussion on mental health through the sport. This aspect gets lost far too often in sports in general.
The Verdict
Whether you seek helpful tips to improve your golf game or a fun coffee table book that speaks to a love for the game, author Ronan Keene’s “Smart Golf” is a must-read nonfiction golf book. The author does a great job of discussing other issues, such as utilizing technology to study one’s own game, the importance of inclusivity in the game, and so much more. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Ronan Keene is a passionate golfer with over 30 years of experience playing the game. A lifelong student of golf strategy and course management, he has spent decades refining both the mental and physical sides of the sport. With a deep understanding of the challenges amateur golfers face, Ronan offers practical, real-world strategies to help others play smarter, lower their scores, and enjoy the game more. In Smart Golf, he shares clear, relatable advice that speaks to golfers of all skill levels—from weekend players to serious competitors. Ronan currently lives with his wife in Bluffton, SC near Hilton Head Island where great golf is never far away.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young girl discovers the power of being herself wholly and entirely in the book “Naga’s Wings: A World Where Everyone Belongs” by author G.P. Fripp.
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The Synopsis
Meet Naga, a bold and imaginative girl who never apologizes for being different. With a heart as strong as her emotions and dreams that soar like the wings of a dragon, she embraces her uniqueness in a world that often misunderstands her. Naga’s Wings is a heartwarming story about the power of diversity, inclusion, and acceptance. As Naga journeys through her colorful world, she discovers that true strength lies in being herself—and that everyone deserves a place to belong. Let your imagination take flight with Naga, where differences are celebrated, and every child can find their own wings.
The Review
This was such an imaginative and kind-hearted children’s story. The author crafted a vivid and colorful world celebrating uniqueness and originality, which is much needed in our current world. The pacing was perfect, allowing young readers to enjoy the vibrant world the author brought to life on the page while also getting lost in the overall story and characters.
The powerful themes of acceptance and celebrating what makes us all unique blended well with the memorable and relatable characters that made this book feel so connected. The natural fusion of the natural and magical worlds in this story and how protagonist Naga challenged the judgments and pressure so many kids face from their peers in school by embracing her differences were inspirational and engaging for young and older readers.
The Verdict
Iconic, creative, and thoughtful, author G.P. Fripp’s “Naga’s Wings” is a must-read children’s book. The well rounded nature of Naga as a protagonist, showing both her fierce bravery in the face of peer pressure and her vulnerability as she works to curb her emotions in the heat of a moment, allow the reader to connect with the overall story at a time where this world needs to be willing to accept our differences without forcing what makes us unique onto other people, but allowing ourselves to celebrate those differences at the same time. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
G.P. Fripp is a dedicated children’s book author, proud mother, and immigrant, who has often felt like an outsider as a minority woman. Drawing from her personal experiences, she creates stories inspired by her children that champion kindness, inclusion, and acceptance. Her characters, like the Naga—Balinese for dragon—carry a spirit of strength and strong emotions, reflecting her own journey and resilience. Her books aim to foster understanding and empathy in young readers, encouraging them to embrace differences. Outside of writing, G.P. Fripp loves spending quality time with her family, traveling to places to understand local cultures, cooking, taking nature walks, biking, practicing yoga, and mindfulness meditation. A lifelong lover of books, she believes in the power of storytelling to create a kinder, more inclusive world.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
As two women face oppression from an invading army during WWII, a daughter years later attempts to uncover her mother’s heroism, only to discover a shocking truth in author Marina Osipova’s “Too Many Wolves in the Local Woods.”
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The Synopsis
Two unlikely women with a shared history, two different turns of fate.
The end of the 1930s. The specter of twisted paranoia of Stalin’s unrelenting dictatorship continues to tighten over the Soviet Union. NKVD, the country’s secret police, coerces University graduate Ursula Kriegshammer, a Soviet Volga German with special skills, into serving this regime.
Natasha Ivanova, a worker at a metal plant in Vitebsk, a city at the western border of the Soviet Union, still can’t recover from the betrayal of the man she loves.
When in 1941 the German Army invaded Byelorussia, both women seem to be helping the cause to fight the ruthless occupiers. But when their paths cross, tragedy strikes, and one must carry the burden of guilt. Will she ever find peace with herself and the way out of the trap fate prepared for her?
Years later, the daughter of one of them launches on a quest to uncover the heroic nature of her mother’s role in WWII, only to discover a heart-shattering revelation of her own parentage.
The Review
The attention to detail in this book was incredible. The visceral imagery in the author’s writing style captured the haunting, cold, and chilling nature of not only WWII, but the Stalin-era Soviet Union as well. The balance the author found in character development and history was excellent, and the way the author captured the humanity behind these characters and explored how the way of life under Stalin’s rule impacted how they evolved and grew over time was fantastic.
The duality of Ursula, one of the protagonists, as she struggles with her ties to Germany and Russia, especially regarding her duties, was compelling to get lost in as a reader. The slow build-up that turns into a sudden and thrilling WWII era plot and the honest depictions of the Nazi occupation and Stalinist Russia was truly haunting. The complex romance and family drama the author infuses into this narrative will elevate the story tenfold and leave readers invested in an emotional wellspring that will endure long past the book’s end.
The Verdict
Author Marina Osipova’s “Too Many Wolves in the Local Woods” is a must-read historical fiction thriller that is visceral, thrilling, and engaging. The natural infusion of romance and drama into this WWII story and the chilling and introspective look into how patriotism can be used against people to the point of corrupting their principles and turning people against one another kept readers engaged throughout this entire novel. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Marina Osipova was born in East Germany into a military family and grew up in Russia, where she graduated from the Moscow State Institute of History and Archives. When she was five, she decided she wanted to speak German and, years later, she earned a diploma as a German language translator from the Moscow State Institute of Foreign Languages. In Russia, she worked first in a scientific-technical institute as a translator, then in a Government Ministry in the office of international relations, later for some Austrian firms. For many years, she lived in New York, working in a law firm, and then in Austria for several years. In the spring of 2022, after spending ten months in Russia, some unfortunate world events brought her back to the United States.
A long-standing member of the Historical Novel Society, she is dedicated to writing historical fiction, especially related to WWII. Her books garnered numerous literary awards, including a 1st Place WINNER of the 2021 Hemingway Book Awards novel competition for 20th Century Wartime Fiction (a division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards). At some point or another, all her books hit the Amazon Top 100 lists in Historical Russian Fiction and Historical German Fiction and How Dare the Birds Sing even #1 or #2 in War Fiction in Canada, the UK, and Australia.
Her readers praise her books for “emotional realism,” for “taking on a subject that few authors have touched,” for “writing with heart and compassion while not holding back from hard cold realities of war,” for “giving an authentic and in-depth look at a culture that tends to baffle westerners.”
To learn more about Marina Osipova and her captivating books, visit her website at marina-osipova.com
