Tag: author anthony avina

The Origins of Constantine: An Intern Diaries Novella by D.C. Gomez 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. 

The hidden history of the powerful feline ally to Death’s new North American intern is finally revealed in author D.C. Gomez’s “The Origins of Constantine: An Intern Diaries Novella”.

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The Synopsis

A feisty cat. A moody God. And a friendship to last through all time.

Every hero has an origin story. The infamous five-thousand-year-old talking cat, Constantine, from the Intern Diaries, is no exception. Even in his early beginnings as a lowly tom-cat, Constantine had spunk. His sense of justice had a way of overtaking his common sense.

Constantine wasn’t one to back away from a fight, even if he killed him. To defend his friends, Constantine would do anything.

* The Origins of Constantine is a humorous Urban Fantasy/Alternative History Novella, part of the Intern Diaries Series. If you enjoy Constantine’s snarky remarks and over-the-top attitude, you are going to love this trip down memory lane to the rise of the first Egyptian empire where Gods still roam the earth.

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The Review

This was a fast-paced and fun read. The author has expertly woven fantasy and historical fiction/alternative fiction elements. The rich character dynamics and humor that the main series this novella stems from were profoundly present in the narrative, and the balance the author found in the world-building and character development was perfectly executed here.

The fast-paced novella and the entertaining story found in both the mythos and history of the story were great to see unfold on the page. The dynamics between Constantine the Cat and Anubis were electric, and the narrative’s setting added to the historical significance of this series overall. 

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The Verdict

Memorable, fast-paced, and engaging author D.C. Gomez’s “The Origins of Constantine” is a must-read novella. The funny exchanges Constantine shares with Bob, Anubis, and more and the depth of mythos that the author delves into make this a gripping story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

D. C. Gomez is a fast-talking, extra-quirky Dominican with a dark sense of humor.

A long time ago, she used to enjoy long walks at the park and long days under the sun. Unfortunately, due to a mysterious condition, she is now allergic to those pesky UV rays. Rumor has it that her true nature is coming out and her vampirism is now showing. But don’t fear my friend, she doesn’t bite (much…). 

Now she has a legit medical condition to hide indoors and indulged her passions of reading, sometimes cooking, and of course writing. DC writes in multiple genres from Urban Fantasy, Contemporary Lit, YA, Children’s Books, and even Devotionals. Her dark sense of humor and infatuation for action/adventure can be found in many of her books.

As a self-proclaim serial-hobbyist, her passions expand to podcasting as well as live hosting. You can find DC every Monday night interviewing a new author on her podcast Inside the Minds of Authors. If you enjoy a more active experience, catch her online live on her Amazon Channel – The Book Corner. Where she features authors releasing books within the next 90 days.

https://dcgomez-author.com

The Journey from Manuscript to Print by Ann Aubitz 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 Ann Aubitz shares an intricate look into the process of bringing a person’s book to print in the book “The Journey from Manuscript to Print”. 

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The Synopsis

The Journey from Manuscript to Print: A Guide to Publishing Your Book

Do you have a book manuscript that you’ve poured your heart and soul into but don’t know the next steps to getting it published? The author, publisher Ann Aubitz, has seen countless authors struggle to navigate the publishing process. But it doesn’t have to be so mysterious or daunting!

Publishing your book can be one of the most rewarding experiences for an author. But it requires understanding the steps from manuscript to bound book. This book will walk you through the publishing process, from editing to production to sales and marketing. You’ll learn insider tips to ready your manuscript for publication and make your book stand out.

Imagine holding your published book in your hands for the first time. Seeing your name on the cover and knowing you made your dream a reality. The sense of accomplishment is unmatched! But it all starts with deciding to publish. This book will provide you with the knowledge you need to navigate the publishing process and successfully avoid rookie mistakes. You’ll be ready to publish like a pro!

If you’re ready to go from manuscript to printed book, this book is for you. Follow along as the author breaks down the steps and provides real-world advice. You’ll gain the clarity and confidence to publish your book and start sharing your story with the world. Let’s start the journey together!

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The Review

In a world where the publishing industry has changed drastically, having a guide like this is instrumental to new and established authors everywhere. The rise of self-publishing, digital books, and so much more makes the need to understand the ins and outs of the publishing world that much more crucial, and this author does a fantastic job of establishing that.

The author walks the reader through a step-by-step process, delving into everything from the writing process that begins the book to establishing your core audience. Yet it was the business side of publishing and how to market your book that spoke to me personally, as gaining traction in this business requires that creative spark to make your book stand out amongst the throngs of books in your same genre. The author wrote concisely yet relatable, allowing the reader to absorb the knowledge and feel acknowledged in their journey. 

Summer 2023

The Verdict

Insightful, engaging, and thought-provoking author, Ann Aubitz’s “The Journey From Manuscript to Print”, is a must-read nonfiction guidebook for authors and writers everywhere. The creativity, education, and hopeful notes that inspire writers to pursue their passions will have readers going back repeatedly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

When Ann Aubitz was young, the greatest joy for her was reading books. This was before. Reading was cool like it is now. It was a time when her friends were playing their first computer games, but Ann was always burying her nose in a book. In those stories, she went to far-off places and had amazing adventures. In those stories, she could be free.

She credits her love of reading to her mom. Born in 1926 to a family with sixteen children, she had a thirst for knowledge and reading that thrived throughout the years. Ann remembers only a few times while growing up that her mom did not have a book, magazine, or word puzzle in her hands—she had an insatiable quest for knowledge.

When her mother was in her mid-nineties, she discovered a book that she loved. Someone altered the original book in a good way. This book contained illustrations and a larger print. Unfortunately for her, there were no other books like this in the library. Her mom tried and failed to read books with more complex storylines and smaller type. She would get frustrated and distraught because reading no longer brought her joy.

Therefore, Ann Aubitz started the line of Reminisce books published by Kirk House Publishers. It is for people that LOVE to read. These books are easy to read, have a complete storyline, and help readers remember a time long past and reminisce. Ann Aubitz is one author featured in the Reminisce line of books and the co-author of several books with her daughter Katlyn Aubitz.

As an author and publisher Ann Aubitz has worked in the printing and publishing business for over thirty years. She has worked for some of the largest printers in the world and now works as a publisher for her own publishing company.

As a publisher, Ann wants to pull back the curtain on the publishing process. From manuscript, editing, design, printing, and marketing, publishing a book is a complex journey. But it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the proper guidance, you can navigate the path successfully.

Bringing your book to life is an exciting process. As someone who has been through it many times, she is happy to share insights into transforming your manuscript into a published book. The journey involves dedication, but is rewarding. She looks forward to helping you achieve your book publishing dreams.

Beautiful, Frightening, and Silent by Jennifer Anne Gordon 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 young man struggling after the tragic loss of his wife and son goes to a haunted island in hopes of reuniting with them, only to become entangled with two others who all feed on each other’s memories and guilt in author Jennifer Anne Gordon’s “Beautiful, Frightening, and Silent”.

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The Synopsis

WINNER KINDLE AWARD FOR BEST HORROR/SUSPENSE 2020 WINNER Best Horror 2020 – Authors on the Air Awards, Finalist for American Book Fest’s Best Book Award Horror 2020Finalist for Book of the Year – Authors on the Air 2020

“I read this book over several weeks, early mornings before my family woke, and I loved every moment, savoring sentences, taking screenshots of passages to revisit, and shaking my head in admiration. The writing is incredibly beautiful, rhythmic, and precise, and Gordon’s use of objects laden with emotion is masterful–watch for her teacup, rope, and red crayon; watch her weave and stuff and loop those red hairs, how they come back, how you’ll find them in your own pockets. This is horror in love with life, and an author in love with language. You will encounter scenes you won’t forget. Be ready.”

– Diane Zinna author of The All-Night Sun

Adam, a young alcoholic, slowly descends into madness while dealing with the psychological scars of childhood trauma which are reawakened when his son and wife die in a car accident that he feels he is responsible for. After a failed suicide attempt, and more group meetings that he can mention. Adam hears a rumor of a Haunted Island off the Coast of Maine, where “if someone wants it bad enough” they could be reunited with a lost loved one. In his desperate attempt to connect with the ghost of his four-and-a half year old son, he decides to go there, to Dagger Island, desperate to apologize to, or be condemned by, his young son. Adam is not sure what he deserves or even which of these he wants more. While staying in a crumbling old boarding house, he becomes involved with a beautiful and manipulative ghost who has spent 60 years tormenting the now elderly man who was her lover, and ultimately her murderer. The three of them create a “Menage-a-Guilt” as they all come to terms with what it is that ties them so emotionally to their memories and their very “existence”. Beautiful, Frightening, and Silent is a poetic fever dream of grief, love, and the terrifying ways that obsession can change who we are.

Summer 2023

The Review

One thing that I’ve always loved about Jennifer Anne Gordon’s books has been the author’s ability to weave a tale that is both chilling and emotional at the same time. The best books in the horror genre are often woven in a way that allows readers to see the terror and horror that usually lurks in real life, with ghost stories frequently being able to mirror life’s tragic events. That makes this author’s books standout performers, as the narrative elevated the tension in these types of stories to new heights both on a scare factor and an emotional level.

The author’s world-building and haunting atmosphere draws the reader in, and the tense psychological factor at play here as the characters intertwine their journey together really brings out the theme. That theme, the journey of loss and the pain that comes with grief, keeps the reader thoroughly invested in these dynamic characters and their arcs.

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The Verdict

Thoughtful, chilling, and entertaining author Jennifer Anne Gordon’s “Beautiful, Frightening, and Silent” is a must-read gothic horror and psychological thriller. The author’s poetic writing style and depth of imagery will transport readers instantly and connect them to the characters and their unique emotional journey, which many could relate to. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

JENNIFER ANNE GORDON is a professional ballroom dancer and choreographer by day, and a curly haired neurotic writer by night. She is an actor, a traveler, a photographer, a lover of Gothic Horror, and a dog mom. She lives in the wilds of New Hampshire with her partner on and off the dance floor. Her novels include the Kindle Award for Horror 2020 Winning book, Beautiful, Frightening, and Silent, as well as the historical Gothic novel From Daylight to Madness (The Hotel #1) as well as When The Sleeping Dead Still Talk (The Hotel #2). She also has a published collection of her artwork, titled “Victoriana {mixed media art of jennifer anne gordon}.

for benevolent stalking purposes you can visit her website http://www.JenniferAnneGordon.com

Let Thy Children Come (Hammer and Sharpe Noir Mystery Thrillers: Book 1) by David E. Feldman 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 private investigator and an ex-con are brought together by different circumstances to face a local crime lord in author David E. Feldman’s upcoming noir, “Let Thy Children Come”, the first book in the Hammer and Sharpe Noir Mystery Thrillers series. 

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The Synopsis

Two days before Halloween, seven-year-old Kyle Robinson does not return home from school, and private investigator, recovering addict, and avowed cynic Sam Sharpe is hired by his parents, Sheila and Arthur Robinson, to find the boy. Sharpe soon finds himself entangled with local crime lord Wallace North and his savage enforcers.

Meanwhile, Judah Hammer, a tough ex-con with a good heart, is release from jail after serving three years for manslaughter, and returns home to his large and loving family. Judah’s father, a well-respected banker, is killed by a bomb that goes off at his bank, and Judah suspects that North is behind his father’s death.

This noir mystery thriller includes a strong cast of fascinating, ongoing supporting characters, from vicious killers to femme fatales, and multiple riveting interwoven stories.

Fans of Robert Crais, Lee Child, John Sandford will love this first in series, Let Thy Children Come, Hammer and Sharpe Noir Mystery Thrillers: Book 1, by the author of the 6-book award-winning Dora Ellison Mystery Series.

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The Review

What a genuinely mesmerizing and haunting noir thriller meets mystery read. The depths of layering the author did with this narrative were superb, allowing the reader to quickly get lost in the unfolding mystery as it unraveled before their eyes. The way the author constantly escalated the danger and story was excellent, starting rapidly with the case of the missing child and a bed of complex conspiracies being discovered on both sides of the law as time passed.

The incredible world-building and character development were terrific. The thought-provoking twists in the characters’ stories and the mesmerizing way the author presented new challenges that made each character suspect at times while also giving readers and the protagonists a familiar foe to face made the characters’ arcs that much more powerful. Getting multiple perspectives on the mystery allowed readers to be confronted by this haunting narrative on numerous fronts.

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The Verdict

Engaging, thrilling, and thought-provoking author David E. Feldman’s “Let The Children Come” is a must-read noir mystery novel. The plot’s twists and turns and the unraveled web of conspiracy will keep readers invested, and the heart-pounding action and suspense will have readers eager for the next entry in this fantastic new series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

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David E. Feldman has written 10 books of his own and ghost-written many others. He has made several films, won 2 film awards and won a playwriting contest in 2022. His first in series Not Today – Dora Ellison Mystery Book 1 was a Best Mystery 2022 Killer Nashville Claymore finalist and was followed by five more Dora books. His novel The Neighborhood was a 2023 finalist for The Book Excellence Awards. He also writes essays and articles both digitally and for print.

He plays piano and sings professionally and loves to paint, which he does both for fun and commission. He adores his wife, two sons and their Yorkie. He has an MLS degree in Library & Information Science.

https://www.davidefeldman.com/books.shtml

Falling Stars by Julie Rogers 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 boy seeking a magic cure to his illness befriends a local artist, who may hold the secret to the boy’s journey as he falls for the boy’s mother at the same time in author Julie Rogers’s “Falling Stars”. 

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The Synopsis

Everyone says vampires aren’t real. Tommy Lucas isn’t so sure.

Nine-year-old Tommy Lucas needs a bone marrow transplant to survive. But he’s convinced his disease is a curse on his bloodline, that he’s a vampire. His mother’s an oncologist, but Tommy believes only magic can cure him—or the same synthetic blood substitute developed for urban legend Viscount Claudius Fallon.

Tommy is stoked when he discovers a five-part series about Fallon in an online pulp fiction magazine called Philly’s Argosy. Descended from a ruling class of vampires in Cardiff, legend has it that Fallon traveled to Eureka Springs, Arkansas seeking a cure for his own leukemia during WWII.

Tommy’s quest leads him to befriend local artist and gallery owner Callan Masters, who struggles with his growing affection for Tommy’s mom, June—for he is Fallon, cured in 1939 at Norman G. Baker Cure-for-Cancer Hospital.

Dedicated to living off-grid and as a human, Callan must decide whether he will take the risk involved in helping Tommy or falling in love with June. His bite is no longer capable of turning anyone—or so he thinks.

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The Review

This was such a compelling read. The author did a wonderful job of weaving together fantasy and historical fiction elements, taking readers on a journey between magic and reality. The story’s profound atmospheric nature and the imagery of the author’s writing style brought the reader into the narrative, keeping them brilliantly immersed in the characters’ lives.

Yet despite the fantastic depths of the fantasy and magical realism that the author imbued this story with, the true heart of this novel was the immense and profound humanity found within these characters. The themes of family, love, and what we are willing to sacrifice to save or protect those we love all play a vital role in the story. These characters’ relatable nature and journey made the story feel tangible and heartfelt.

Summer 2023

The Verdict

Memorable, engaging, and thoughtfully written author Julie Rogers’s “Falling Stars” is a must-read fantasy meets historical fiction and magical realism novel. The heart and compassion found within these characters and their struggles balanced the narrative’s more fantastic elements, keeping readers invested 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

Julie Rogers’s award-winning articles and stories have been featured in trade, self-help, inspirational, and fiction publications including Writer’s Digest, Coping With Cancer, Daily Meditation, Mocha Memoirs, Anotherealm, Horsethief’s Journal, Images Inscript, Complete Woman, and the annual anthology Writes of Passage: Every Woman has a Story!

She is the author of the the urban fantasy Falling Stars, the self-help books Happy Tails: How Pets Can Help You Survive Divorce and Simeon: A Greater Reality, the ghost story collection Seven Shorts, the inspirational upper-elementary reader, Hootie, the romantic comedy When Pigs Fly Over The Moon, and co-author of the existential teen guide Letters: Sidereal Insight for a 21st Century Mystic.

Julie currently ghostwrites creative fiction for clients through Julie Rogers’s Books, Edioak, and The Authors’ Assistant.

julierogersbooks.com

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Blood Pudding & Other Horrific Delicacies 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. 

Follow the chilling yet humorous events of this haunting horror filled short story collection “Blood Pudding & Other Horrific Delicacies”. 

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The Synopsis

Blood Pudding & Other Horrific Delicacies Winning Collection 2022

We proudly present the winning collection from our 2022 short story Horror comedy contest! Featuring illustrations by Shander Carrero and four short stories by, Dawn DeBraal’s, Cliff McNish, Martha Everitt, and Jim Horlock.

Follow the peculiar perils of a germophobic vampire in Dawn DeBraal’s My Dear Mrs. Cunningham—just, be careful not to track mud through the kitchen.


Next, in Cliff McNish’s Problems With Online Dating, Ty confronts the challenges of finding someone who understands her particular quirks, all she wants is love. The kind that lasts forever.


In Martha Everitt’s The Bhad Wolf, Charlotte is on staff at Lunar Corps, and may be asking for a raise after her encounter with a very Bhad wolf.


Last but not least, Jim Horlock’s short that took top prize, Blood Pudding, is set in a world taken over by blood-thirsty desserts, and death is all that’s on the menu.
What could go flan?

Summer 2023

The Review

What a brilliant blend of humor and horror. The authors did an incredible job of weaving together a tale that captured the witty dialogue and interactions between the characters and the spine-chilling terror they witness or sometimes partake in. The imagery and atmosphere in the book will keep readers enthralled and engaged with each story.

The unique spin on the horror genre will speak to fans of the genre extensively. One story that really stood out was Cliff McNish’s “Problems with Online Dating.” It takes the relatable horrors of online dating profiles and gives them a deadly spin, showcasing the far more often truth that humanity is frequently far scarier than anything inhuman. The atmosphere and tension balance well with the funny, dark humor that usually permeates throughout this collection.

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The Verdict

Shocking, entertaining, and memorable, “Blood Pudding & Other Horrific Delicacies” is a must-read horror short story collection. The twists and turns in the genre and the heart-pounding terror that will keep readers hanging onto the author’s every word will keep the reader invested 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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Blood Pudding & Other Horrific Delicacies (Digital Download)

Short Tales From Earth’s Final Chapter Book 3: Volume 1 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. 

Four authors take a unique deep dive into a beloved sci-fi collection in the book “Short Tales From Earth’s Final Chapter Book 3: Volume 1”.

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The Synopsis

Short Tales From Earth’s Final Chapter: Book 3: Volume 1 Digital Download (English)

The Shadow Agent By Amy Marsden Illustrated by Massimiliano Longo

 A debt to the Planetary Council can be a death sentence if left ignored, so Jensen has no time to waste and zero room for mistakes.

Last Ride By Bradley Heywood Illustrated by Leonardo Guinard

 You can’t teach an old horse new tricks, but can the Dirty Man Dyson learn to let go of the past?

Bunker 787: Blood & Fortune By Azalan Reign & Julian Fernandes Illustrated by Luis Bazzan

 The island infested with Howlers has more secrets to reveal as shipwrecked members of the Oceanic Alliance and pirates clash for control of the abandoned PC bunker and its hidden treasures.

Homestead Refugee By C.M. Alongi Illustrated by Anastasia Nesterova

Dalmar knows to never trust anyone from Homestead, so when someone from the community of cannibals moves to her town, she is forced to stay vigilant and keep her friends close.

EFC Connections:

Light Connectivity- Book 8: Homestead Hunts, Short Tales From Earth’s Final Chapter: Book 2, Book 13: Elutheramania: Freedom City

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The Review

What a fascinating, unique, and highly creative sci-fi adventure. Each story holds an extraordinary voice to the writing style, immersing the reader in the futuristic world. The mesh of different elements, from bounty hunters in the seedier parts of the world to mutants and cannibals in a lawless land and so much more, made these stories feel like a cross between Westward and Fallout. 

The dynamic characters and rich storylines each story held were thrilling to get lost in. A personal favorite was The Shadow Agent by Amy Marsden and the protagonist Jensen’s journey. The twists and turns the author threw at the protagonist, and the following revelations kept the reader on the edge of their seat as the world came to life around them. The rich imagery in each author’s story, both the illustrations and the writing style, allowed each tale to come to life on the page, immersing the reader in their vast world.

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The Verdict

Memorable, thought-provoking, and action-packed, “Short Tales From Earth’s Final Chapter Book 3: Volume 1” is a must-read sci-fi collection. The balance of emotional character development and action-driven narrative will keep readers invested until the final pages. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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Short Tales From Earth's Final Chapter: Book 3: Volume 1 Digital Download (English)

Dark Tales of Whimsy 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.

Four authors bring a unique collection of folklore with a modern twist in the book “Dark Tales of Whimsy”.

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The Synopsis

Dark Tales of Whimsy 

Dark Tales of Whimsy is a collection of four short stories which weave elements of folklore with modern influences, engaging readers with tales of danger, curses, and more than a little mischief. This collection also includes illustrations  by Oz Osborn.

Tooth, written by Simone Le Roux

In her short, Tooth, Simone LeRoux introduces us to Peg, who is feeling the pressure of surviving tooth to tooth. Join Peg and her ambitious cousin, Orla, as they aim to evade the woeful fate of Tooth Fairies who break the rules. 

Anti-Cupid, written by Carlotta Cosmai

In Carlotta Cosmai’s story of love, we follow dead-beat husband and father, Cupid. In time, his arrows have been replaced by an enchanted smart phone, and his desires have become sleazy and self-serving. Follow his daughter, Pleasure, as she tries to bring true love back to Rome.

Little Miss Muffet Meets Anansi The Spider, written by Remy Fernandes

It’s been a while since ‘The Spider Incident,’ when Missy lost her foot from the bite. Now, she has grown to adulthood and landed a job at the Ice Cream Hut at the zoo. When her lunch break is interrupted by a talkative spider, Missy finds herself in a deal with a hungry, eight-legged intruder, whose antics could cost Muffet more than her job.

Three’s Last Stand, written by Alyssa Blackmon

In Alyssa Blackmon’s re-telling, we meet Three, the brick house-maker, who now has spent years being hunted by the big bad werewolf and his turned brothers. The day has come that Three can finally find closure with his brothers, and gain vengeance on the wolf.  

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The Review

One of the most challenging genres to break into is the retelling genre, which involves taking classic tales and giving them a fresh spin. Yet, in this collection, the authors have done just that, taking some of the world’s most iconic myths and legends and providing a unique, adult, and engaging spin. The amount of world-building that each tale can incorporate in such a short time is fantastic, and the haunting atmosphere that each story provides brings about that dark fairytale feeling that the collection aims to provide.

This was a short story collection driven by character dynamics. The heart of this collection was the way each story provided a unique, vulnerable, yet impressive protagonist to stand behind and a worthy problem to overcome. The chilling take on the black market and illegal thefts of children’s teeth regarding the lore of the tooth fairy was such an inspiring twist in the first tale and brought a standard of dark whimsy that each story thereafter lived up to. 

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The Verdict

“Dark Tales of Whimsy” is a must-read short story collection that is captivating, enthralling, and memorable. The chilling adult storylines and unique twists on iconic fairytales made this compelling collection richly developed and mesmerizing to behold. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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Dark Tales of Whimsy (Digital Download)

The Year We Danced by Stephen E. Smith 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. 

Author Stephen E. Smith shares a vivid memoir from the mid 60’s that helps cope with the global COVID-19 virus in the book “The Year We Danced”.

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The Synopsis

With the number of Covid cases increasing and the death toll steadily rising, award-winning writer Stephen E. Smith decided it was appropriate — maybe even necessary — to write about happier, less stressful times.

In a box of forgotten files, he rediscovered loose-leaf binders and keepsakes from his first year of college. It had been more than half a century but reading through his course notes, personal observations, and the clippings he’d torn from magazines and newspapers, he pieced together the events, good and bad, tender and tragic, that shaped his freshman year.

Much of what he writes is disarmingly funny, but recalling the Civil Rights Movement, the War in Vietnam, and the complexities of finding himself a stranger in the South forced him to reassess a period of his life he’d long recalled as carefree. In this vivid and poignant mid-60s memoir, readers come to understand how friendship, a love of language and music, and the bittersweet remembrance of lost love can help sustain us through difficult times.

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The Review

The biggest takeaway from this incredible memoir is the relatability so many readers will be able to have with it. The honesty and everyman-style of writing really speak to the author’s experiences and life well, and the way the author was able to incorporate humor and showcase the lessons and insights that the author gained during his life made this a compelling book.

The artistic and poetic nature of the author’s vision for this book was evident in every chapter. The author brought readers into these memories and experiences as if they lived through them. The rich and dynamic individuals that the author brings into the book from his life and the absurd humor that keeps the book fun and light while honest and enlightening in other moments make this a great book to get lost in.

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The Verdict

Author Stephen E. Smith’s “The Year We Danced” is a humorous, relatable, and engaging memoir. Its unique absurdist writing style, entertaining memories, and heartfelt attention to detail about the era it describes make it a wholly unique read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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