I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Death’s Intern must avert the apocalypse and all-out war without sacrificing the life of a friend in author D.C. Gomez’s “Judgement Day”, the fifth book in the Intern Diaries series.
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The Synopsis
Kidnapping, attacks, and the Horsemen want pay-back. Beware world…people will die.
What would you do for your family?
For Bartholomew, I would give up my soul.
If they harm him, I will doom the world.
We are in the middle of war. We have been betrayed. The enemy is coming at us from everywhere, and our fearless leaders’ solution is to start the apocalypse and destroy humanity. Too bad that would probably kill Bart as well.
Why is it up to me to come up with a solution to this mess? I’m not even the oldest of Death’s Interns. Bartholomew, hang in there, we are coming!
* Judgement Day is the final book in the Intern Dairies Series. This action-packed urban fantasy series will take you on a journey that will leave you holding onto your seats. Life and death decisions should never be made when you are mad at the world. Somebody should tell the Horsemen that.
The Review
This is the most visceral and gripping narrative of the Intern Diaries series to date. The world building and mythos are well developed as always in this book, and the balance of action and fun and quirky dialogue kept the reader invested as the story progressed.
The characters and their connection to one another remains the heart of this series. The protagonist’s evolution as a character has been the most prominent, seeing her come into this leadership role and her unique relationship with Death itself as those boundaries between intern and boss are pushed to the limits was something to read, and the lengths she was willing to go to in order to save the life of Bartholomew was the emotional crux of this narrative. The depths of the supernatural world and the wider impact on the small town they call home was grown and evolved to all new heights this time around, and kept the reader on the edge of their seats.
The Verdict
Memorable, enthralling, and compelling, author D.C. Gomez’s “Judgement Day” is a masterpiece urban fantasy read and a great chapter in the Intern Diaries universe. The shocking twists and turns the story takes, the evolution of the characters and open-ended way their journeys leave off, and the dynamics of this paranormal world will keep readers eager to return to the series once that final page flips. 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.
She used to enjoy long walks at the park and all that fun outdoors activities; unfortunately, due to a mysterious condition she is now allergic to the sun.
Rumor has it, that her true nature is coming out and her vampirism is now showing. While hiding from the sun, she is busy writing action packed adventures full of quirky characters and zany plots. As well as hosting her podcast, Inside the Minds of Authors.
If you would like to learn more about her, or join her at an event, check out her website. We promise she doesn’t bite (much…).
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman falls for the man whose life she inadvertently stole in author Zachary Hagen’s “Aisha’s Secret.”
The Synopsis
How many masks can one girl wear?
Aisha is the best thief in Easima, the capital of Makan Alsahar. She wants to survive and to thrive, but how can she? After all, an orphaned daughter of a seamstress without a single honest dinari can’t aspire to much more than stealing the very bread she needs to live…and maybe a few fancy jewels and golden trinkets.
On a particularly fruitful day of thievery, Aisha finds a bottle and unleashes the fiery djinn within. When the djinn, Qadira, offers her three wishes in gratitude for her freedom, she mistakenly wishes to become a princess. However, instead of becoming the daughter of a childless king, she switches lives with Prince Aladdin.
Thrust into the life of princess of Makan Alsahar, Aisha must navigate the convoluted intrigue of the palace court. Unfortunately, Rapha, a low-level advisor, knows who she is and blackmails her into helping him rise through the levels of the royal advisory.
When Aisha meets Aladdin in the markets of Easima, she starts to fall for him even though she stole the life that was rightfully his. Now Aisha must hide her true identity and help Rapha climb the ladder of success in the Makan Alsaharn court. Will she keep living a beautiful lie, or will the truth be what it takes to finally leave her old life behind for real?
From the author of the Eternal Chronicles comes a dramatic retelling of the story of Aladdin. The intrigue and drama of Aisha’s Secret will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.
The Review
A truly remarkable twist on an iconic story. The narrative flips the script so many know on the story of Aladdin, making him the known royalty of this land and Aisha the street thief who finds the magical djinn who grants her wish. The creativity is equally matched by powerful imagery that brings the unique setting of the city of Easima to life, and the tension that builds throughout the narrative was palpable.
What really brought this story to life was the character development and world building. The twist that makes Aisha’s identity from her past still in play and how she continues to fight for survival as a result showcases how no wish can undo trauma or hardship. Her bond and connection to Aladdin and the tension between them as she wrestles with her secret brings the emotional weight this story needs as well.
The Verdict
Captivating, thrilling, and entertaining, author Zachary Hagen’s “Aisha’s Secret” is a must read fantasy story. The twist and turns this story takes and the complex yet enthralling character dynamics at play will keep readers engaged in this evolving narrative. If you haven’t yet be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Zachary Hagen is a fantasy author and editor. He lives his wife, Claudia, and their dog, Flynn. When he isn’t busy writing his next book or teaching, you can often find him walking around his neighbor hood or up hiking in Hanging Rock Park with his wife and their friends.
From a young age he was enthralled with the world of story. From the stories his parents read to him from his blue bedtime story books (if you know, you know) to the first two series that he read, The Chronicles of Narnia and A Series of Unfortunate Events, Zachary’s tastes continued to develop throughout his years of reading.
The influences for his first series, The Eternal Chronicles, include Christopher Paolini, J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, and others.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Albert Seligman returns with a brand new edition of the classic tale of Ali Baba with brand new illustrations in the book “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.”
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The Synopsis
This edition is fully illustrated with over 60 color and line drawings
Full-color illustrations by Edmund Dulac, René Bull, Maxfield Parrish, VF Sterrett, Helen Stratton, MS Orr, Walter Crane, WH Robinson and others
Line drawings by the finest Victorian and Edwardian illustrators, including Eric Pape, Walter Strang, JC Clark, T Dalziel, Louis Rhead, HG Fell, Alessandro Castelli and others
One illustration on every page
Full bibliography of all illustrated editions from 1800-1950, including artist, date and publisher
The Arabian Nights tale of ‘Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves’ is among the most popular and frequently retold. The original manuscript doesn’t seem to have been one of those first translated into French by Antoine Galland, and may be one he wrote himself.
The story is about two brothers whose father died and left them little. Ali Baba married a poor woman and lived frugally, but Cassim married a woman who soon inherited a fortune and lived in luxury. One day while Ali Baba was in the forest cutting wood to sell he saw a great cloud of dust approaching and the sound of many riders. He feared for his life, so he hid his three donkeys and hid himself in a tree. The band of forty riders and their leader stopped in front of a cave. When the leader said “ Open Sesame” the door of the cave magically opened. The whole troop went inside while Ali Baba stayed hidden. When he was sure they had gone, he approached the cave door and said “ Open Sesame” himself as the cave door magically opened to his command. Inside the cave he saw vast riches and golden coins, which he liberally took for himself and returned home with his donkeys, remembering to properly close the cave door with the “Shut Sesame “ command.
His wife was astonished at all the gold coins he brought home and wanted to count them before Ali buried them in his yard. As there were too many to count, she borrowed a measuring cup from her sister-in-law. She was curious as to what they might have to measure something, so she cleverly put some suet on the bottom to see what would stick. After the cup was returned with a gold coin stuck to the bottom, she called her husband Cassim to tell him what happened.
Cassim went to Ali’s house and demanded to know how he got a gold coin, and Ali told him everything, including the magic password. Cassim was very greedy, so the next day he set out with many donkeys to find the cave and removed as much treasure for himself as possible. In his haste, he forgot the magic words to open the cave and was trapped inside when the robbers returned. They killed him and cut his body in pieces.
When Cassim didn’t return, Ali feared the worst and returned to the cave to find him. He found his brother’s body and returned to town. He knew the robbers would find out if anyone had been murdered in such a fashion, so they sewed Cassim’s body back together and pretended he died a natural death.
The robbers sent scouts to town to determine if anyone had died and discovered Ali Baba’s house. The captain of the robbers disguised himself as an oil merchant and hid his band in leather jars planning to murder all the household. When Morgiana, Ali Baba’s clever slave girl discovers the ruse, she murders all the robbers. The captain flees, but soon returns in another disguise to take his revenge. Again she discovers him, plunges a dagger into his heart and saves her master.
If you enjoy this tale, I’m sure you will enjoy the whole series on Amazon. The other titles include-
Scheherazade
The Enchanted Horse
The Caliph Haroun al Rashid
Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp
The Seven Voyages of Sindbad the Sailor
The Review
This was another exhilarating and fantastic adaptation of the classic story of Ali Baba. The original writing and the classic style of writing the author/editor kept in place for the narrative portion of the book was astonishing, and allowed the reader to feel immersed into the book’s narrative. The fast pacing of the story and the piercing imagery of the writing itself instantly draws the reader in and refuses to let go.
The heart of this book was in the vast amount of powerful illustrations the author infused into the narrative and the authenticity the author brought to the book. While not the original writer, Albert Seligman continued to bring the story of Ali Baba to life with precision and skill, and the strong themes and nostalgic emotions the iconic story brings to mind for literary lovers everywhere made this a compelling book to get lost in.
The Verdict
VIvid, nostalgic, and engaging, author and editor Albert Seligman’s “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves” is a rich remaster of an iconic tale and features some of the most beautiful and authentic illustrations and imagery to life. The creativity and detail that made this story so memorable still holds to this day, and the attention to detail helps bring the culture and themes of that era to life in great detail. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Editor
I am a lifelong fan of illustrated books and magazines and passed many pleasant hours collecting books and sharing information and images with fellow collectors and dealers. I was especially interested in the “Golden Age of Illustration” between 1875-1925. I was a strong collector of Edmund Dulac illustrated books, and was able to photograph the complete collection of his ‘American Weekly’ magazine illustrations from the San Francisco Academy of Comic Art owned by Bill Blackbeard. ‘The American Weekly’ was the Sunday supplement for the WR Hearst newspaper chain, and boasted over 50 million readers in over 20 major markets. The complete collection of 106 illustrations is now housed at The Ohio State University in the Billy Ireland Comic Art Museum. These ‘American Weekly’ illustrations have rarely appeared in print since their publication, and this is the first complete edition.
These print editions and eBooks are intended to make more of Edmund Dulac’s beautiful watercolors and illustrations available for everyone to enjoy. The publishing business has changed considerably over the last 30 years and by taking advantage of digital technology I have been able to publish many of his famous and lesser known illustrations in my editions.
The restored collection of all 106 American Weekly front covers is available as “The American Weekly Covers of Edmund Dulac- 100th Anniversary Edition” as both an eBook and paperback. A fully restored crop of each illustration is available in the series of six smaller books, also published as an eBook or paperback. These are grouped by themes, and includes the original newspaper caption or story, when available. Some original Dulac artwork and sketches are also included.
The final publication of the series is “Edmund Dulac His American Weekly Collection” written with an introduction by Ann Hughey, who wrote the bibliography of Dulac’s book illustrations. This features the illustrations cropped and fully restored, with the original newspaper captions. All of the final series ‘Tales from the Arabian Nights’ from 1951 stories are also included.
As I wind down editions of Dulac’s ‘American Weekly’ artwork, I’ll be publishing more of other Golden Age Illustrators. “Arabian Nights Illustrated” is my first book of the series including fifty other illustrators who illustrated editions of the 1001 nights in English language editions between 1800-1950. The illustrations follow the history of printing images in books, from the earliest copper engravings through woodblocks and the development of color printing through photoproduction. I published six more Arabian Nights books, all with illustrations by Victorian and Golden Age artists and illustrators. All are available as both paperbacks and eBooks.
If anyone is wondering if I am the same author of “The Sport Band System”, indeed I am. Unfortunately, the Sport Bands are no longer being produced. After writing this instruction manual I spent my last years in the training profession at UCSF in the Dept. of Neurology. There I had the privilege of working with medical professionals and patients developing physical training rehabilitation programs for MS, stroke, PD, SCI and other neurological related maladies. I retired in 2008 and now I am enjoying my “Golden Years” working with the Dulac eBooks project.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Rene Esteban shows the steps CEOs and leaders to successfully integrate AI into long lasting businesses in the book “The Focused AI Captain.”
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The Synopsis
Master the Art of Leading AI Transformations for Lasting Business Success
Only 5% of enterprise AI initiatives succeed.
Are you ready to be among the elite few who truly transform their organizations? In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses face a common enemy—AI initiatives that fail to deliver real impact. Millions are spent on pilots that never scale. But the true obstacle isn’t the technology itself; it’s how organizations are structured, aligned, and led. In The Focused AI Captain, René Esteban, CEO of FocusFirst, reveals why most AI transformations stall—and what leaders must do differently to succeed. Grounded in real-world enterprise experience, this book provides a clear, practical roadmap to turn AI ambition into measurable business results. In this book, you will learn how to:
Master the 10-20-70 Rule to allocate resources effectively and maximize AI ROI
Apply the 3D Framework to Diagnose challenges, set Direction, and Deliver results
Bridge the Trust Gap and turn employee skepticism into active AI adoption
Move beyond pilots and confidently lead AI initiatives at scale
This book is written for CEOs, executives, and decision-makers who refuse to let their organizations fall behind in the AI revolution. Whether you’re leading large-scale transformation or preparing your organization for the next wave of AI adoption, you’ll gain practical frameworks, leadership insights, and execution tools you can apply immediately.
Get your copy now and start leading your organization to AI-driven success.
The Review
The straightforward, almost conversational tone the author took on from the first chapter of this book onward was a breath of fresh air in the nonfiction business genre. The exploration of AI not from a technical or critical point of view, but instead from a business and human perspective was a great direction to not only make the book stand out but the message as well. The research and knowledge the author took on and imparted to the reader was so insightful, and gave the readers a fresh new perspective on the topic.
The exploration of AI in business is a great direction to follow, and the author’s ability to highlight their experience in technology integration helped cement the knowledge that was being passed on. The failure of any technology, especially from a business perspective, is usually not the tech itself, but the lack of human integration with the tech. Training people and helping people to understand how the tech works often allows human resistance to change and fears of being replaced to become prominent, and keeps any company from growing in the right direction. This added an emotional and societal insight that is needed for both the technology and business as a whole to grow.
The Verdict
Memorable, honest, and compelling, author Rene Esteban’s “The Focused AI Captain” is a must-read nonfiction book that will stay with readers and give leadership a fresh new direction to help in the integration of this technology. The fast pacing of the book and the ability for readers to be able to return to this book time and time again for reference make this an essential read for business leaders looking to better understand how AI can be used in the coming years. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
“Inspiring and focused. René Esteban shows how big goals are actually achieved in corporations.”
– Brian Tracy
New York Times Bestselling Author of “Goals”
René Esteban brings unwavering passion to making big goals tangible and inspiring people to achieve them.
As Founder and CEO of FocusFirst, Keynote Speaker, and Senior Advisor to top executives, he has made it his mission to accelerate transformations in organizations. He firmly believes that complex change succeeds best through clear focus on a single goal, excellent communication, and active involvement of all stakeholders.
René began his career at Merck, where in his mid-20s he led the global build-out of the e-commerce division, today a billion-dollar business. This experience taught him that successful transformations depend not only on the right strategies, but critically on early and open communication with key stakeholders. His insights led to the development of the award-winning PEAK Method, with which FocusFirst has already guided more than 250 transformations.
René is a passionate entrepreneur with several companies alongside FocusFirst.
He cherishes inspiring moments of exchange over Italian wine and loves traveling the world with his family – especially to Italy.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Eduardo Arroyo shares how AI can be used to unlock humanity’s potential and not replace it in the book “AI And I.”
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The Synopsis
When intelligence becomes abundant, the human mind becomes the point of differentiation.
Are you using AI, or is AI using you?
We are standing at the edge of the greatest technological shift since the steam engine. The cost of “intelligence”—writing, coding, reasoning—has dropped to near zero. For many, this is terrifying. If the machine can do the work, what is left for us?
In AI and I, systems engineer and strategic consultant Eduardo M. Arroyo offers a provocative answer: Everything.
This is not a technical manual for prompt engineering. It is a manifesto for human sovereignty. It is a guide for leaders, creatives, and professionals who refuse to be replaced by an algorithm and instead choose to become the Architects of the new era.
Move Beyond the “Oracle Trap” Too many users treat AI like a magic 8-ball, asking it for answers and outsourcing their judgment. This leads to intellectual atrophy. Arroyo introduces the concept of Co-Engineering : a method where you stop “leaning back” (abdicating thought) and start “leaning on” (using AI as a cognitive exoskeleton).+4
Inside, you will discover:
The FIRRST Mindset: A battle-tested framework (Foresight, Innovation, Reasonable Resilience, Strategy, Teamwork) to navigate the VUCA world without burning out.+1
The “Decision Engine” vs. The Chatbot: How to stop treating AI as a conversation partner and start treating it as a high-velocity motor for your own intent.
The Copyright Victory (Case Study TX 9-455-371): The true story of how the author secured a copyright registration for an AI-assisted work by using the “Limitation of Claim” strategy—proving that you own the structure, even if the machine lays the bricks.+1
How to use AI to bypass “low-value struggle” and trigger the high-performance states where creativity and productivity soar.
Why the future isn’t just about chatbots, but about managing a digital workforce of Agents, Sensors, and Robots.
The Evolution of the “I” Arroyo argues that we are witnessing the birth of Homo Sapiens Technologicus. By engaging in “High-Value Struggle” with these systems, we aren’t just getting faster; we are expanding our cognitive capacity.
The machine has data, but it lacks scars. It has speed, but it lacks context. It has intelligence, but it lacks Intent.
That remains yours.
AI and I is your blueprint for the next decade. Stop worrying about the robot taking your job. Start building the future where you lead the robot.
AI does not define who you are. It reveals it.
The Review
This was such an insightful and engaging nonfiction read on AI and humanity’s relationship to it. The author managed to put together a wealth of information and insight into a quick and fast-paced read, and the way the author was able to find a balance between personal, real-life experiences with the AI applications and learning that was able to connect to those experiences made this a compelling and engaging read.
The heart of the book, AI, was given the respect and caution that it deserves. Like most technologies throughout human history, this technology was not the root cause of the fear people should have, but instead was the tool that people fear others will wield unwisely. The insights that the author provides are invaluable, such as the Oracle Trap theory, exploring why tools like ChatGPT and other AI are often treated as authority figures in their own right instead of tools to be wielded by humans. The theories and ideas presented in this book help readers understand AI for the tool that it is instead of something that could replace us in the future.
The Verdict
Engaging, insightful, and memorable, author Eduardo Arroyo’s “AI And I” is a must-read nonfiction tech book with an AI focus. The experiences and way readers are able to connect with the author while gaining important knowledge on how AI works and how humanity should approach the technology to ensure it doesn’t replace humanity in the future made this a compelling read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Eduardo M. Arroyo – A Journey of Experience and Expertise
In this section, we delve into the remarkable journey and expertise of Eduardo M. Arroyo, a trailblazing strategist, consultant, and innovator in strategic planning and execution. His extensive background and achievements provide a solid foundation for understanding the methodologies and principles that will guide the planning process with ChatGPT.
A Distinguished Academic Path
Eduardo M. Arroyo’s academic journey is characterized by excellence and dedication. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Management with a minor specialization in Industrial Psychology. His thirst for knowledge and determination led him to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration focusing on Strategic Planning —a remarkable achievement accomplished within four calendar years at the esteemed Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York.
The Birth of a Visionary Leader
Arroyo’s leadership journey began at a young age. At the age of 25, he assumed the role of President and General Manager of Microdata, Puerto Rico, Inc., overseeing the production of cutting-edge computers. His visionary approach and drive for success caught the attention of Emulex Caribe, where he served as Vice President and General Manager for a decade, further solidifying his expertise in international business competition.
Founding Arroyo & Associates – A Vision for Success
In 1992, Eduardo M. Arroyo established Arroyo & Associates, a premier Management Consulting group based on the belief that organizational success hinges on three critical factors—happiness, knowledge, and effectiveness in strategic, team, and operational efforts. As a result of his expertise in leadership, strategy, and execution, Arroyo has directly impacted over 300 organizations, with tangible benefits amounting to several hundred million dollars.
A Focus on Strategic Planning
Eduardo M. Arroyo’s specialization lies in Strategic Planning, an area to which he has made significant contributions. In 2008, he became the first Latino to participate in Blue Ocean Strategy public training with the Blue Ocean Strategy Centre in New York City. Blue Ocean Strategy revolutionized strategic thinking by offering a method to create uncontested market spaces where competition becomes irrelevant. This methodology forms one of the cornerstones of his strategic thinking approach.
Authorship and Recognition
Eduardo M. Arroyo has authored several acclaimed books throughout his career, sharing his insights and methodologies with the global business community. His book “Ejecución Orientada a Resultados” received the prestigious ASIEMA award for the best contribution from Latin America to management literature. In 2010, he presented his fourth book, “The Good, The Bad and the Troubled: A Leadership Guide for Effective and Painless Performance Management.”
His passion for empowering leaders and optimizing performance extends to academia, where he offers leadership academies in both physical and online formats, catering to executives and family successors alike. He also mentors and coaches numerous executives and provides families guidance and support for achieving peak performance.
A Wide-Ranging Impact on Family Businesses
Eduardo M. Arroyo’s expertise extends to working closely with various family corporations, providing extensive guidance in many phases of development. His unique insights into professionalizing family business dynamics and governance have profoundly impacted their success and continuity.
Innovating in the Tech World
Beyond his achievements in consulting and academia, Eduardo M. Arroyo also embraces innovation in the tech industry. As a founding team member of PapEasy Innovations, he contributed to developing the first medical device in Puerto Rico. Additionally, he co-founded RAS-SaaS (Results Accountability Systems – Software as a Service https://ras946.com ), a state-of-the-art online platform for managing organizational talent execution.
The Journey Continues
Eduardo M. Arroyo’s journey is one of continuous growth and evolution. As he keeps innovating and impacting organizations worldwide, his commitment to helping others succeed remains steadfast. Through his vast experience and expertise, we gain a mentor, a guide, and a source of inspiration as we embark on our strategic planning journey with ChatGPT by our side.
In the following chapters, we will explore Eduardo M. Arroyo’s time-tested methodologies and the integration of ChatGPT, empowering us to create effective strategic plans that maximize results and propel organizations toward a better future. Let us draw inspiration from his journey and begin our strategic planning expedition enthusiastically and purposefully.
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
My writing started at the suggestion of a troopmate of mine from Royal Canadian Mounted Police days. He would write inspirational messages to his children on a daily basis. I had been writing articles for a blog that dealt with mentoring. He suggested bringing all that together in a book. That was the beginning of “The Gift of Mentoring”.
Doug Lawrence is the founder of TalentC® and is focused on all things mentoring as a solution provider. Doug Lawrence is an International Certified Mentor and holds two Mentor Certifications; Certificate of Practice – Mentor and the Certificate of Practice – Journey Mentor from the International Mentoring Community. Doug is the only one to hold the Certificate of Practice – Journey Mentor in the world today.
He has over 30 years of mentoring and leadership experience and is recognized as a thought leader in the mentoring space. Doug authored the book entitled, “The Gift of Mentoring” and his second book entitled, “You Are Not Alone” became an Amazon #1 Best Seller in North America and the UK and is a Bronze medal recipient in the Global Book Awards. Doug’s third book, “Grief, The Silent Pandemic) was published April 20th, 2025 and was the recipient of two bronze and one silver Global Book Awards. Doug is an International Best – Selling Author.
Doug’s Practice of Mentoring continues to grow and has resulted in his accumulation of 3,400 hours of mentoring (in person and virtual), 235 hours of speaking opportunities and 672 hours teaching others how to effectively mentor. Doug has been the guest on approximately 200 podcasts in the past year on the topics of mentoring, mental health and grief.
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2) What inspired you to write your book?
My book entitled “Grief – The Silent Pandemic” was my dealing with the loss of my wife, Debra to cancer and the grieving process.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
That it is okay to reach out for help. There is no need to go on your healing journey on your own.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
I want to make the world a better place to be and when I look at the number of people that are grieving there are lots of cries for help. There is a shortage of help for those that are struggling.
5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
I have found that LinkedIn has been the best so far.
6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Know why you are writing and to whom. If you are focused you can and will make a difference in the world as we know it today.
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About the Author
Doug Lawrence is the founder of TalentC® and is focused on all things mentoring as a solution provider. Doug Lawrence is an International Certified Mentor and holds two Mentor Certifications; Certificate of Practice – Mentor and the Certificate of Practice – Journey Mentor from the International Mentoring Community. Doug is the only one to hold the Certificate of Practice – Journey Mentor in the world today.
He has over 30 years of mentoring and leadership experience and is recognized as a thought leader in the mentoring space. Doug authored the book entitled, “The Gift of Mentoring” and his second book entitled, “You Are Not Alone” became an Amazon #1 Best Seller in North America and the UK and is a Bronzemedal recipient in the Global Book Awards. Doug is an International Best – Selling Author.
Doug’s Practice of Mentoring continues to grow and has resulted in his accumulation of 3,400 hours of mentoring (in person and virtual), 235 hours of speaking opportunities and 672 hours teaching others how to effectively mentor. Doug has been the guest on approximately 150 podcasts in the past year on the topics of mentoring, mental health and grief.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
After being interviewed on the radio alongside several crime reporters, a few magazines took notice — and that unexpected exposure marked the beginning of my writing journey. About a year later, Toronto publisher RJ Parker approached me with an opportunity to contribute four titles to a 22-book short-read series. One of those books became a hit, and I haven’t stopped writing since.
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2) What inspired you to write your book?
I’ve always been a history enthusiast, and my writing tends to focus on specific places and time periods. With Peace, Love, & Murder, that meant immersing myself in the mid-to-late 1960s — a cultural moment unlike any other. Charles Manson’s crimes didn’t happen in a vacuum; they were deeply tied to the atmosphere, attitudes, and social upheaval of that era. To tell the story honestly, the book had to explore the culture and daily life of that time and place, because the setting was as much a part of the story as the people themselves.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
There wasn’t an intentional message when I started the book, but one emerged naturally as I wrote. History, especially within our culture, has a way of repeating itself. During my research, I was struck by how many of the social issues people were protesting and debating in the 1960s are still at the center of conversations today. The parallels were impossible to ignore, and that realization quietly shaped the tone of the story.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
I tend to immerse myself deeply in the history of a particular place and time, and often a murder or major event rises to the surface — something that left a lasting mark on society and is still felt today. The true crime element isn’t something I force; it’s simply part of the human story, a reflection of what people do and how those actions echo through history.
5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
I am not sure if there is one in particular, as they all seem to capture a different audience. So, books that I have written on cults or conspiracies, such as the JFK Assassination, do really well on YouTube or X, while True Crime or History have a better following on Instagram or Facebook.
6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Avoid as much of the noise out there as you can. Today is especially worse than years ago because of social media. There’s always somebody watching you, or so it seems. There will end up being so many comments made about you or what you’re trying to do, and if you get caught up in the noise, it’ll take you off the track and your goals.
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About the Author
Alan R. Warren is a Canadian bestselling true crime author, producer, and lead host of the internationally syndicated radio show and podcast House of Mystery. The show airs across North America on multiple stations, including Los Angeles, Riverside, Palm Springs, Salt Lake City, Seattle/Tacoma, and Phoenix, reaching a wide audience of mystery and true crime listeners.
A respected authority in true crime nonfiction, Warren has authored 38 books covering serial killers, cults, human trafficking, history, and memoir. His work is published by major true crime publishers including RJ Parker/Vronksy Publishing (Canada) and WildBlue Press (USA). He has been a contributor to True Case Files Magazine since 2013 and continues to write for Serial Killer Magazine.
Warren’s bestselling titles have been featured on major television networks, including CNN, Oxygen, Reelz, Vice TV, and Sundance Channel documentaries. Notable works include Beyond Suspicion: The True Story of Colonel Russell Williams, The Killing Game: Serial Killer Rodney Alcala, and Doomsday Cults: The Devil’s Hostages. In 2024, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Writing from Reader’s House in London, UK.
Alan R. Warren is frequently sought out by media outlets for expert commentary on true crime cases, serial killers, cult behavior, and criminal psychology.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A woman must contend with long buried secrets that could shake the foundations of her entire family in author Robert Hoffman’s “Taken to the Grave.”
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The Synopsis
Maria Abrams has always needed answers. A college professor with a gift for logic, she believes that if you dig long enough, the truth will rise to the surface. But when she turns her relentless curiosity toward her own family, she unearths more than she bargained for: a web of secrets her mother carried silently to the grave.
A precious gift from her favorite niece reveals a hidden relationship and its lasting consequences, Maria’s pursuit of clarity collides with the resistance of relatives who would rather leave the past buried. Her journey takes her from small-town New York to séances with reluctant mediums, forcing her to confront uncomfortable truths about loyalty, betrayal, and the fragile bonds that hold families together.
Taken to the Grave is a layered family mystery about identity, silence, and the cost of uncovering what was meant to remain hidden. At once intimate and suspenseful, it asks the ultimate question: when does the truth set us free, and when does it break us apart?
The Review
This was a compelling and gripping read. The tension and drama that unfolds as the story progresses will keep readers on the edge of their seat, and the powerful imagery the author uses in their writing felt almost cinematic in nature, allowing readers to be immersed in the world the author brought to life on the page. The balance of character dynamics and powerful themes was on point in this narrative, as these characters helped drive the story forward and kept the reader invested.
Yet it was the themes and the story itself that really shined the brightest. The harsh realities that our parents are people too and are often holding onto their own secrets from the world, including their own families, is a hard pill to swallow, and the realization also comes with many doubts about one’s identity and place in the world. The fear is that discovering a secret that changes everything isn’t the worst thing, but the way that secret reframes the relationship you had with a person and/or your memories of them is. The emotional depth of the protagonist’s exploration of this secret and the ultimate revelations it brings to life will leave readers breathless.
The Verdict
Compelling, thrilling, and memorable, author Robert Hoffman’s “Taken to the Grave” is a must-read contemporary drama. The twists and turns this story takes and the emotional journey the protagonist goes on, as well as the shocking revelations and heartfelt connection between the protagonist and their late mother will keep readers both emotionally invested and on the edge of their seats as these revelations come to pass. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
It’s about time somebody asked that question. Rob Hoffman is originally from a town on Long Island called North Massapequa. He attended SUNY Oswego where he majored in Communications, a degree that it turned out he had little use for. He did however meet the woman who would eventually become my wife, the former Michelle Lindell. Rob and Michelle lived in the aptly named Flushing, Queens for six years before moving to a town called Clifton Park, New York just south of Saratoga Springs. Finding little value in his degree in communications, Rob became a social studies teacher, teaching in Long Island City, Queens for four years before spending the remainder of his career in Rensselaer, New York, a small city on the banks of the Hudson River just across the water from Albany. Rob taught for 31 years before retiring in June of 2021, only to come back as a part-time teacher in September of 2021 at Rensselaer High School. Rob had always been interested in becoming a writer and he began his blogging career as a contributor at the “Times Union” of Albany for six years. In this time Rob also blogged for a variety of sites including Fark.com, Crooks and Liars.com, Albany.com, and Knees and Fists.com. Rob has remained happily married to Michelle for 34 years and counting, and has two grown sons, Andrew and Alex, ages 29 and 23. Most recently, Rob and Michelle became grandparents to the newest addition to the family, Sam Hoffman, son of Andrew and his wife Katie.
“Blind Spot” represents Rob’s first true attempt at writing fiction, an experience Rob both fun and exhausting. Rob had thrown around several ideas as he began to think about what it was he wanted to write about, and then one day his wife had sent him to the supermarket on an errand where he saw somebody he really didn’t want to spend anytime talking to, so he raced out of the store, got in his car, turned it on, slammed it into reverse and was about to speed out of the spot when he stopped himself and said, “Dumb-ass, be careful, you could hit somebody.” Then, as Rob began to slowly and carefully pull out of his parking spot, he thought for another second and it occurred to him how ironic it would be if he accidentally hit the person he was trying to get away from and “Blind Spot” was born. The character of Doug Kaplan, while not autobiographical, is sort of based on the best and worst of Rob’s traits. Doug is at times the guy Rob always wanted to be, and yet at the same time, Doug also represented the guy Rob was relieved to know he never became. The other characters according to Rob are combinations of people that he knew from his childhood, as well as college and work experiences.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Todd Thomas explores how AI Data Centers are changing infrastructures and the power they produce in a positive way in the book “HYPERSCALE: AI, Data Centers, and the Next Great Expansion of Global Energy Capacity.”
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The Synopsis
Artificial intelligence is reshaping the global economy at unprecedented speed. But behind every breakthrough in AI lies a far bigger challenge and opportunity: energy.
In Hyperscale, Todd Thomas, Best Selling Author of The Unleashing Abundant Energy Trilogy, pulls back the curtain on one of the most important and least understood transformations of our time. As hyperscale AI data centers grow to gigawatt scale, they are no longer passive consumers of electricity. They are becoming power producers, grid stabilizers, and central drivers of economic expansion.
“We’re proving that sustainability and strong economic growth can go hand in hand. We don’t have to choose between what’s right for the environment and what’s good for our communities. We can and must do both.”
— Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan
Hyperscale explores how data centers are evolving into power-positive infrastructure through innovations such as virtual power plants, landfill mining, advanced nuclear and fusion energy, battery intelligence, waste-heat reuse, and renewable integration that scales without sacrificing reliability.
Grounded in real-world projects and industry data, this book provides a clear blueprint for how AI infrastructure can grow without breaking the grid or the planet. It connects the digital economy to the physical systems that sustain it and shows how abundance, resilience, and sustainability can advance together.
For leaders in technology, energy, finance, policy, construction, and infrastructure, Hyperscale is essential reading.
The digital economy and the energy economy are now the same economy.
Those who understand this shift will help build what comes next.
The Review
This book was very detailed and well written. The author writes in a clear, concise voice that outlines the growth of not only AI but the data centers that are powering these systems and how much power that utilizes. The sheer volume of gigawatts and overall power that these centers produce per second, let along per hour, are astonishing, and showcase how delicate and outdated the current electrical grid is to handle such power, and yet the author does a remarkable job of outlining the innovative solutions many companies are taking to become self reliant and build their own energy sources to power these data centers.
The book definitely speaks to the technical minded readers of the world who share a passion for AI, energy distribution and the science behind energy overall. The author touches on several approaches to this topic, one of which was very interesting, Helion Energy and the process of ignition. The level of detail the author goes into and the exploration of thermonuclear fusion, deliverable electricity and so much more expands on the ways in which the need for energy is being met at a staggering rate.
The Verdict
Insightful, compelling, and engaging, author Todd Thomas’s “Hyperscale” is a must-read nonfiction book on AI and energy infrastructures. The author is able to pull in a lot of information and detail into a fast-paced book, and the knowledge readers gain speaks to the growing advancement of not just AI, but the way energy is produced and how the world itself, including humanity, must evolve and rise to meet these needs head on. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Todd Thomas is a recognized voice in AI, energy, innovation and entrepreneurship. Todd is the best selling author of Hyperscale and the Unleashing Abundant Energy Trilogy. Todd has built his career harnessing emerging technologies to drive efficiencies and create new commercialization opportunities across industries.
Todd is the Founder & CEO of Woodchuck, a climate impact startup dedicated to transforming waste into value, reducing landfill usage, and unleashing an abundant energy future!
Todd has an Economics degree from Claremont McKenna College and has studied Strategy Execution at the Harvard Business School. Todd holds a Masters degree in Education from the Claremont Graduate School and has an MBA and a Masters in Economics from the WP Carey School of Business, ASU.
