Tag: author anthony avina

Taking Time: A Tale of Physics, Lust and Greed by Mike Murphey Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

An unlikely candidate for time travel pioneer finds himself thrust into the spotlight as both the military and corporate sides of the projects funding go to war with one another in author Mike Murphey’s “Taking Time”, the first book in the Physics, Lust and Greed series.

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The Synopsis

The year is 2044. Housed in a secret complex beneath the eastern Arizona desert, a consortium of governments and corporations have undertaken a program on the scale of the Manhattan Project to bludgeon the laws of physics into submission and make time travel a reality. Fraught with insecurities, Marshall Grissom has spent his whole life trying not to call attention to himself, so he can’t imagine he would be remotely suited for the role of time travel pioneer. He’s even less enthusiastic about this corporate time-travel adventure when he learns that nudity is a job requirement. The task would better match the talents of candidates like the smart and beautiful Sheila Schuler, or the bristle-tough and rattlesnake-mean Marta Hamilton. As the project evolves into a clash between science and corporate greed, conflicts escalate. Those contributing the funding are mostly interested in manipulating time travel for profit, and will stop at nothing, including murder, to achieve their goals.

The Review

I am a big fan of time travel sci-fi stories, and this one hits that genre perfectly. The rich character interactions and relationships brought humor and intrigue to this narrative, as did the engaging use of imagery in the author’s writing style. The vast world-building and atmosphere that the author created instantly make the reader feel immersed in the story.

The two things that made this story stand out the most are the technical aspects of the time travel elements and the themes of corporate greed and government oversight. Early on in the book, the use of time travel shows the characters merging with their past selves, giving a different take on the time travel story. Meanwhile, the exploration of how corporations and governments interact with one another, the drawback of greed taking hold, and how it impacts the work being done made this a thoughtful first entry into this series.

The Verdict

Memorable, thoughtful, and engaging author Michael Murphey’s “Taking Time” is a must-read sci-fi novel. The detail and incredible world the author created, along with the blend of humor and wit in the dialogue, helped push through the twists and turns this narrative needed and made for a brilliant first chapter in this series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Michael Murphey grew up in Eastern New Mexico, and spent nearly thirty years as a newspaper journalist in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest. Following his retirement from journalism in 1998, Murphey began his second career in baseball, where he is one of three partners in a company called Dave Henderson Baseball Adventures, which produces the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners fantasy camps as well as other adult amateur baseball events throughout the country. His life as an old man baseball player has also afforded him time in recent years to resume writing. He has been an avid lover of the written word all his life. He divides his time among Spokane, Washington, Phoenix, Arizona, and Fort Myers, Florida.

Interview with Author Richard Sherman

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

I am a professional photographer and former Navy Officer and Gulf War veteran.  I became interested in writing and photography during high school where I was editor of the school newspaper and won a small creative writing prize. I began college as a journalism major but shifted to International Relations and Economics at Lehigh University.  My dad had his own dark room when I was a young boy, so you can say photography has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.  My father was a Korean War veteran and so when I left for the Gulf War as a young Navy Officer, he didn’t give me any advice, but instead he gave me his Minolta camera and lenses. I captured a couple of shots on our way to the Persian Gulf that helped me understand the power of photography.

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What inspired you to write your book?

Screenshot

The inspiration comes from a desire to say thank you to our fallen heroes from WWI and WWII.  Several years ago, I met a Ukrainian cab driver years ago in Vancouver who fought for the Red Army during WWII, and he told stories of the terrible atrocities of the Nazis and how cruelly they were treated by the Russians.  He said the Ukrainians were stunned when the American military came to help them fight on their own soil.  Some 60 years later, he was still grateful to the American GIs for their help and their generosity.

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

The key takeaway is that these were real people, and they deserve much more than to be remembered as a statistic in a history book. They were brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, husbands and wives, and they had real dreams and aspirations but sadly they never made it home.

What drew you into this particular genre?

Photography is a perfect language to express the complex mixture of emotions one feels when visiting any of our 23 overseas WWI and WWII cemeteries.  It is hard to articulate those emotions, but you can evoke those feelings in others by showing them a powerful image. Photographing Normandy American Cemetery for the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings was a very moving experience for me.

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

I am not certain, the book only recently came out so it is evolving.  My website, www.NeverHomeHeroes.com/index has gotten some decent traffic, and I think LinkedIn has been impactful because many veterans use it, and there are numerous companies and organizations that try to do right by the veteran.

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

After six years working on this book, it often seemed the road would never end.  But you will get there.  Life will try to derail you, but you just keep going. Trust your vision.

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

Right now, it is all about getting these stories of our fallen heroes into as many people’s hands as possible.  I have hopes for another book, but that is a ways off.

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About the Author

When I was four or five years old, my Dad purchased Time-Life’s books on photography, bought a Minolta SLR camera and built a darkroom in our basement. Since that time, photography has been a part of my life.

I even remember the giant, heavy flash that ran on D-sized batteries and the smell of the leather case for his manual light meter. In my teens, Dad taught me the basics of photography on that Minolta. And today his photographs remain among our family’s most prized possessions. Though my father passed away a few years ago, I feel a special connection with him every time I pick up my camera bag.

I hope you enjoy the images here and that you find peace and tranquility in them. Perhaps your mind will drift to days gone by, or trips you have enjoyed with your family and friends; perhaps it will make you think about your next vacation. Thanks for visiting today, and please come back soon.

https://www.richardshermanphotography.com

https://www.neverhomeheroes.com/p/buy-the-book

Bon Echo and The Competition by Colette Bos 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 science competition leads a young woman to discover the secrets of her family and a means of protecting the world from grave threats in author Colette Bos’s “Bon Echo and the Competition”, the first in the series. 

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The Synopsis

Meet Maven, a young woman of rare brilliance and insatiable curiosity. She is a true original, and her unique perspective on the world around her makes her a captivating friend on this thrilling journey to uncover the world’s most elusive secrets. Join Maven as she re-reads her much-loved diary, recounting adventures with her fellowship, her newfound love, and her awesome feathered friend, a “Hybrid Owl Technology,” as she discovers ancient secrets about her family’s past and the true origins of her feathered friend. These secrets may be vital to protecting the planet from some of its greatest threats. All meet while competing in one of the world’s biggest high school science competitions. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a thrilling adventure story filled with captivating characters, mesmerizing natural settings, and an all-consuming romance that will leave you feeling like you’ve witnessed an extraordinary love. Follow us at “Bon Echo and The Competition,” an exciting science-based quest filled with surprising adventures, discoveries and true love.

The Review

The author’s powerful grasp on relationships and the impact those relationships have on our journey was fantastic to see come to life on the page. Readers are immediately enthralled with protagonist Maven and her connections with the supporting cast. The relatability of the tension between her and her brother and the camaraderie between her and her friends instantly draws the reader into the narrative.

The theme of climate change and the impact we as a civilization have on the climate was a powerful message to embody throughout this book. The use of journal entries to give a first-person perspective on the narrative was inspired, as it gave more insight into Maven as a protagonist. The concept of hidden histories and forgotten civilizations was engaging and left readers eager for more from this YA sci-fi novel. 

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, imaginative, and entertaining author Colette Bos’s “Bon Echo and The Competition” is a must-read YA Sci-Fi. The twists and turns in the narrative, the heartfelt romance that blooms between the protagonist and Thomas, and the world-building that kept the protagonist engaged with the adventurous path she found herself on made this a memorable story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Colette is a talented writer and web developer who has turned her passion for science fiction and environmental causes into a new creative writing direction. With a background in Geography, she has taken a more focused approach to exploring ecological themes in her work. Her debut book, “Bon Echo and The Competition,” the first in the Bon Echo Science Fiction series, is a captivating blend of science fiction and romance. Set in a world where environmental issues are at the forefront, Colette weaves a beautiful story of adventure and love that will captivate readers until the end. With her remarkable talent for storytelling, Colette is sure to leave a lasting impression on the science fiction genre.

Interview with Author Michael Harbron

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Interviews1 Comment

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


I grew up in northern England, near Hadrian’s Wall, similar to the Wall in “Game of Thrones.” As a child, I loved storytelling and using my imagination to captivate others. In my twenties, I moved to America, where I continued my creative pursuits in writing, mainly in music. I’ve always been fascinated by the supernatural. At ten years old, I begged my mom for “Fright Night” by Tom Holland. I loved being scared, but it was never the gore or slashers that interested me. “Poltergeist” remains my all-time favorite movie, and it inspired me to start writing.

2) What inspired you to write your book?

In 2018, my father committed suicide. I wasn’t able to comprehend it but I was fascinated by it. Although skeptical, I talked to a medium for fun upon a friend’s recommendation. She claimed my father communicated through her, urging me to resume storytelling. My father had died by walking in front of a train, an incident unknown to anyone else, and it happened 5,000 miles away. When the medium said my fathers proof was showing her train tracks, it reignited my fascination with the supernatural.

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


Horror is so much more than just shock value. The theme of “IWTD” was to develop characters in a way that allows readers to connect with them on a deeper level, without relying on simple scare tactics. It’s a story of love, isolation, greed, and, of course, horror. I believe everyone can relate to at least one character in the book.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?


I aim to write horror in a better way. I’m tired of going to the movies and seeing yet another exorcism movie that is rinse and repeat, followed the same formula, and inevitably received low ratings. No one is writing or producing great horror anymore, except perhaps people like M Night. I aim to blend the macabre of the 80s and drag it into the 21st century. I’m obsessed with plot twists, and those will always be a part of my stories.

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


I’d ask Shaun why he’s such an asshole haha. But really, I’d sit down with Lucifer. I asked myself the same question when I sat down to write the interview chapters. There’s small elements of Joe in myself, so it was easy to have a conversation with the Devil. All the questions I’ve ever wanted to ask a higher being, I asked him. My version of how the universe and Lucifer came to be is revealed in the book.

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


Facebook has been great in building awareness for the book and really helped me develop a following.

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


Consistency is key, and when you get writer’s block, write vertically.

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

“Epoch,” the final chapter in my trilogy, is set to be released later this month or in August. I’m also expanding the Devil Universe. Everything I wanted to tell can’t be done within one trilogy. I also love reader feedback and reviews, good or bad. It’s inspired spin-offs to explore backstories further. One of the most enjoyable characters to write about is Lilly, who will be the focus of the next spin-off, “The Witch.” Additionally, I’ll delve deeper into Elias Tomlinson’s story from Chapter 12 in “Resurrection.”

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About the Author

Michael Harbron is an American fiction writer who brings a unique, yet traditional approach to the horror and supernatural genres. From a young age, Harbron was captivated by the eerie and unexplained, a fascination that has deeply influenced his writing. His works aim to unsettle readers through suspense and psychological depth, revisiting the shadowy corners of childhood fears. His debut novel, “Interview with the Devil,” exemplifies the blurred lines between reality and the unimaginable. Harbron’s storytelling resurrects dormant fears, proving that true horror lies not in what is seen, but in what is felt.

The Author Page

Interview with Author Mike Darcy

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

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

I think we are all storytellers at heart. I imagine neolithic families gathered around the fire sharing stories. We are social creatures; it is what we do. I’m no different, I have always loved to tell stories, I have always enjoyed the bond that is created between the teller and listeners. Writing down these stories was a natural extension of storytelling for me. And, it allows me to share with more people and I love that.

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What inspired you to write your book?

I first told the story of Little Joe to my flower girl almost 20 years ago. Then I told more Little Joe stories to my child. I told the stories to others and eventually wrote them down. I understand that is more the how than the why, so, I’ll go back to sharing stories with others as my ultimate inspiration. 

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

I hope Little Joe can remind us to see each other and no matter the circumstances, that we accept others for who they are and treat them with kindness and love. Little Joe is about friendship and accepting differences. 

What drew you into this particular genre?

I have dabbled in many genres, but as a story teller my target audience is often children. This story in particular has always been for children, so that is why this particular genre.

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

This is the best question ever. I think of the three characters in this book I would like to sit down with Roxy, I’ve had several encounters with bears in real life and the idea of sitting down with one over a cup of tea makes me smile. There are a lot of questions I have for her, but I think the one I most want to ask her is, “Do you have any family stories about your great-great-grandfather’s time in the circus?”


I love that there are these wonderful backstories that develop with the characters, and it is only mentioned in passing in the book. I would love to learn more about her family.

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

I have only just begun this journey. So, I don’t know that I can responsibly declare any one platform better than others. I am most comfortable and familiar with Facebook. My guess is that is where most of my efforts will be placed. 

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

I am also an aspiring author who is just starting out. My advice is do. I don’t believe anyone aspires to become an author because they are chasing money. We want to connect with others through the power of storytelling. If that is what you want, then do it. Write to share.

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

Little Joe has a few more adventures to have. Next up Little Joe and the Big City, and Little Joe and the Big Snow. And I’ve been playing with ghost/horror stories and some retellings of classic fairy tales. So, keep your eyes open. Oh, and thanks to one of the previous questions I am now writing about Roxy’s ancestor in the circus.

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About the Author

Mike Darcy is a devoted husband, doting father, and animal lover who has nurtured a lifelong passion for wildlife. His deep connection with nature inspired him to pen his debut children’s book, which promotes adventure, curiosity, creativity, and forging unexpected friendships through small acts of compassion.

When away from the writing desk and his day job as a business manager, he can often be found experimenting with new recipes, wandering the wilderness on a long hike, and even mountain climbing. Mike currently resides in New Hampshire with his wife, child, and their dog and cat.

He hopes you enjoy his story as much as he enjoyed crafting it, and that you join Little Joe on his next adventures in Little Joe and the Big City and Little Joe and the Big Snow!

https://a.co/f6uKBem

Diomedes in Kyprios (Diomedes Series Book II) by Gregory Micheal Nixon 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. 

Traveler and hero Diomedes returns for his lost love, only to find himself dealing with the avatar of Aphrodite and a need for redemption for his past in author Gregory Michael Nixon’s “Diomedes in Kyprios”.

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The Synopsis

This is a historically-based novel with authentic, mythic, & fictional characters interacting across the extraordinary panorama after the Fall of Troy and the Hittite Empire during the Bronze Age Collapse. Diomedes leads his Akhaians (Achaeans) to the Isle of Kyprios (now Cyprus) to meet his lost love, Lieia, the ex-queen of the Hittites. Kyprios is where the Peoples of the Sea have gathered before their final assaults on Canaan and Aigyptos (Egypt). But Diomedes unexpectedly meets the avatar of the Goddess Aphrodite at her Temple in Paphos, the city of her birth. Will she take him from Lieia? Will his wanderings end, or will he head back to sea to seek redemption from the past in the further unknown? Aphrodite must also deal with the beautiful, impetuous youth, Adonis, who swears he would die for her.

The Bronze Age Collapse was a time of such chaos that empires fell, royalty was overthrown, palaces and temples were destroyed, and the hierarchy of the gods was doubted, yet people’s self-reliance emerged like never before, and the ancient Great Goddess of the Cycles of Time, who had been suppressed, began to regain her former dominance.

The Review

This was a powerful and compelling read. The author did an incredible job of infusing great detail into the narrative, exploring the ancient cities and states of the old world before they became what we know today, from Kyprios being Cyprus to Aigyptos becoming Egypt. The imagery in the author’s writing style brought these ancient cities and their peoples to life perfectly, and the evolution of Diomedes and Lieia as characters really took off, giving them each new role and path to explore. Seeing Diomedes adjusting to life after the first book’s events and trying to become a creator more than a destroyer was such a great story, and the compelling journey of Lieia as Aphrodite’s avatar was mesmerizing. 

The balance of genres in this book was really what brought the whole story together. The emotional connection and story between Diomedes and Lieia were great uses of romance. At the same time, the military action and adventure of the narrative added depth to the fantastic historical fiction storytelling of the book, allowing readers to feel embedded into the conflicts that would follow, including an attack on the Sea People from what would be the Ancient Egyptians. 

The Verdict

Thoughtful, engaging, and thrilling author Gregory Michael Nixon’s “Diomedes in Kyprios” is a must-read historical fiction novel. The twists and turns that follow and the rich infusion of mythos capture what makes history and mythology so vibrant and exhilarating to many people worldwide. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I have been writing all my life, beginning in our small town in Saskatchewan. Most my adult life was spent as university professor, so my publishing to this point had all been academic (but still accomplished). As an avocation, in my off hours I studied the Mycenaean era of Ancient Greece, as well as theories of myth & ritual and the mythic mind. Once I retired, I returned to a novelistic venture I had been dreaming of since reading Homer’s Iliad at 15 years old: bringing to life the further adventures of the hero, Diomedes. When at last I dedicated myself to novel writing two years ago, my dream was reinvigorated. However, my characters insisted on entering the Hittite Empire, probably because its capital, Hattusa, came down in flames only a few years after Troy (Ilios). I followed their wishes and brought Hittite royalty into my tale, including Suppiluliuma II, the last of the Great Kings. I immersed myself in Hittite studies, and finally this unusual book emerged — an historical fiction with a strong portrayal of mythic consciousness at the time of the Bronze Age collapse..

Interview with the Devil by Michael Harbron Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews2 Comments

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

A writer with a lifetime of religious struggle comes face to face with the devil in author Michael Harbron’s “Interview with the Devil”.

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The Synopsis

Joseph Banbury’s life takes an extraordinary turn when he’s drawn into an otherworldly dialogue with the Devil himself. Tasked with documenting this unparalleled interview, Joe dives into a narrative that blurs the lines between myth and reality, good and evil. As he navigates the complexities of the Devil’s tales, Joe uncovers secrets that challenge the foundations of his beliefs and the world’s understanding of the celestial balance. Faced with a prophetic warning about a pivotal choice that could reshape the universe, Joe’s journey becomes a testament to the power of questions and the search for truth. “Interview with the Devil” is a compelling tale that invites readers to explore the depths of their convictions and the possibility of redemption in the darkest of narratives. Through a tapestry of philosophical exploration and cosmic intrigue, this novel questions the essence of humanity and the intricate dance of fate and free will.

The Review

This was such a powerful and captivating read. The author expertly combined a blend of modern-day psychological horror and iconic religious mythology. The memorable and thoughtful approach to the relationship between mankind and religion and how it impacts everything from family relationships to careers made the novel feel engaging from the start.

The character development was memorable and the true heart of this narrative. The evolution of Joe as a protagonist was everything, showing the chilling encounters with the darkness he had as a child and how a religious household and those encounters shaped his cynical viewpoint later on in life. The haunting nature of his conversations with the Devil later in the story and the grey areas of life with which these two opposing forces collided made this a compelling story to get lost in.

The Verdict

This book was for religious horror novels, while Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire was for gothic horror. Michael Harbron’s “Interview with the Devil” has amazing world-building and shocking horror elements that make it a must-read horror novel. The narrative twists and turns and the cliffhanger finale will make this story one that readers turn to time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Michael Harbron is an American fiction writer who brings a unique, yet traditional approach to the horror and supernatural genres. From a young age, Harbron was captivated by the eerie and unexplained, a fascination that has deeply influenced his writing. His works aim to unsettle readers through suspense and psychological depth, revisiting the shadowy corners of childhood fears. His debut novel, “Interview with the Devil,” exemplifies the blurred lines between reality and the unimaginable. Harbron’s storytelling resurrects dormant fears, proving that true horror lies not in what is seen, but in what is felt.

The Author Page

Universally Adored & Other Dollar Stories by Elizabeth Bruce Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews2 Comments

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

Author Elizabeth Bruce takes readers on a journey to discover the different ways to view a dollar in the collection “Universally Adored & Other Dollar Stories”.

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The Synopsis

In Universally Adored and Other One Dollar Stories, Elizabeth Bruce gives readers 33 ways of looking at a dollar. Her empathetic, humorous, and disarming embrace of plain-spoken people searching for a way out, charms and provokes. These are bittersweet stories of resilience and defiance.

In “Universally Adored,” a color-obsessed artist draws a facsimile of a dollar—a masterpiece universally adored—to win her girlfriend back. While checking for spare change in the laundry, in “Bald Tires” a Tennessee housewife with a malcontent husband finds an unused condom in his Sunday trousers. In “The Forgiveness Man,” a runaway teen with a newborn follows a vagabond healer absolving the bedraggled godless through hugs of forgiveness. And in “Magic Fingers, a ladies’ room attendant tracked down by her abusive ex finds refuge in a cheap motel with a 1970s era bed massager.

Riffing on the intimate object of a dollar, Bruce’s humane short fictions—from a great mashed potato war to the grass Jesus walked on—ring with the exquisite voices of characters in analog worlds.

The Review

This was a memorable and thoughtful collection of short stories. The author artfully captures the complexities of the human condition through the lens of a one-dollar bill, perfectly capturing the monetary journey that most of the working class finds themselves on. The short yet poignant imagery found within each story’s writing style allowed the reader to feel transported and engaged with each story’s protagonist in a visceral way. 

The title story, Universally Adored, sets the tone of the collection, allowing the reader to feel the story’s emotional pull and the stories that would follow. Exploring relationships and the complex nature of individuality versus close relationships in general, the story showcases the dangers of personal goals undermining a relationship and the lengths a person will go to to make things right. Themes of struggle, desire, and beauty found in the least likely of places, the stories found within the collection will draw readers in and speak to them in an honest and hopeful voice.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, composed, and strikingly emotional, author Elizabeth Bruce’s “Universally Adored & Other Dollar Stories is a must-read collection. The profound themes and rich imagery build a crescendo of storytelling that readers can easily get lost in, and the powerful relatability of these stories and the engaging way the author writes will stay with readers long after the book concludes. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Elizabeth Bruce’s debut story collection, Universally Adored & Other One Dollar Stories, is forthcoming in January 2024 from the Athens, Greece-based Vine Leaves Press. Her debut novel, And Silent Left the Place, won Washington Writers’ Publishing House’s Fiction Award, ForeWord Magazine’s Bronze Fiction Prize, and was one of two finalists for the Texas Institute of Letters’ Steven Turner Award for Best Work of First Fiction. Bruce has published prose in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Sweden, Romania, India, South Korea, Malawi, Yemen, and The Philippines, including in FireWords Quarterly, Pure Slush, takahē magazine, The Ilanot Review, Spadina Literary Review, Inklette, Lines & Stars, and others, as well as in such anthologies from Paycock Press’ Gargoyle series, Weasel Press’ How Well You Walk through Madness: An Anthology of Beat, Vine Leaves Literary Journal: A Collection of Vignettes from Across the Globe; Madville Publishing’s Muddy Backroads, Two Thirds North, multiple Gargoyle anthologies, and Washington Writers’ Publishing House’s This Is What America Looks Like. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Righteous Rebellion by James Hooker 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 daring move by a religious movement leads to a southern state seceding from the United States, leading to a domino effect that will change the landscape forever in author James Hooker’s “Righteous Rebellion.”

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The Synopsis

In the waning days of the Great Republic, a small, conservative southern state, having lost faith in the country and being led by an overzealous “servant of the Lord,” decides to secede from the Union.

In the process, we meet characters from both sides of the culture clash, including a mad pastor, a delusional Nazi pervert, religious zealots, a self-interested wanna-be “President,” a scheming real estate developer, a mysterious Middle Eastern monarch, a crazy ayatollah with a dangerous scheme to embarrass America, an oversexed administrative assistant, a territory-grabbing drug kingpin, an unhinged “First Lady,” a befuddled General Staff, and a beleaguered American President who tries to keep the whole wild world in check.

Can the United States keep itself in tact in the midst of a “Righteous Rebellion?”

The Review

This was a gripping read. The author did an amazing job of capturing the heart of the political divide that has become the heart of the American political machine. The imagery and atmosphere of the novel allow the reader to feel the rising tensions across the nation, and the way the author blends in humorous dialogue through these characters helps underscore the stakes at play for the narrative.

The heart of the story rests in the massive character arcs played out throughout the narrative. Early on readers see the influence religion and old school mentality has on modern day politics, and the way each character’s motivations impact the story were greatly felt. The story doesn’t just impact the nation, but the world as a whole, and highlights how much the United States influences how the  rest of the world turns at this point in time.

The Verdict

A brilliant blend of Stephen King’s The Stand meets Civil War, author James Hooker’s Righteous Rebellion is a must-read political and historical fiction. The use of satire and real-world political divides allowed the reader to get fully immersed in the minds of these figures, and see how that divide impacts the world stage as a whole.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

James Hooker is an American writer who explores various genres, from humor, satire and historical fiction. In the realm of literary achievements James Hooker stands out as a brilliant writer with a boundless imagination. Recent books include “Redneck Riviera” and “Righteous Rebellion”. He entices his readers to believe that true meaning can be found not just in the destination but in the journey itself.

Satirical & Humorous Stories