Tag: book review

The Voice in the Well (Migrant Birds Book 3) by Magdalena Stanhoff 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 young man returns to the city he grew up in, hoping to reconnect with a lost flame, only to discover she is different than he even knew, and perhaps they both need each other, in author Magdalen Stanhoff’s “The Voice in the Well,” the third book in the Migrant Birds series.

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The Synopsis

Kamila never thought she’d need saving. Nor did she peg Taeyeon as romantic hero material. Wrong—on both counts.

At eighteen, Taeyeon had to leave the city where he’d grown up, his laid-back life, his school buddies…and Kamila. He always intended to return and find her again, and now he’s finally free to give that old dream a good chase. But nothing goes as expected.

The unfriendly ghost he meets in Warsaw hardly resembles the dauntless girl from his memories. Something happened to her while he was away, but as Taeyeon digs around for clues, it also becomes clear that he never knew the real Kamila in the first place. And that he needs to make up for it—fast.

Kamila’s life is unraveling: her friends have scattered all over the world, she’s dropped out of college, and what’s left of her family is quickly falling apart. And then, that juvenile player from her teenage years, the devil-may-care boy she never expected to see again appears out of the blue and starts messing with her miserable existence.

Only, Taeyeon’s not a boy anymore, and he will do anything to wake Kamila up. Upon which, she may discover she’s not the only one who needs to be saved…

The Review

Emotionally driven and relatable, the author has crafted a novel that speaks volumes with subtle scenes and powerful character development. The reflective nature of the book’s themes and character arcs was both unique and insightful, allowing the reader to become engulfed in the drama and the heartfelt romance of the story while also reflecting on the real-world experiences the author infused into the fabric of this story, such as the border conflict between Poland and Belarus, as well as the theme of going home again and helping others in their time of need. 

The driving force behind this story, though, was the romance between the two protagonists, Kamila and Taeyeon. The hardships they both endure, together and in their respective corners of the world, and how they come together to find solace in one another’s orbit, give the reader a relationship to become hooked on and an emotional connection to the characters. The imagery and poetry of the author’s writing style brought these scenes vividly to life, giving readers a cinematic quality, much like watching an indie romantic drama for the first time.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, emotional, and thoughtful in its delivery, author Magdalena Stanhoff’s “The Voice in the Well” is a must-read novel and a grand entry in the Migrant Birds series. The romance, drama, and complex themes of identity, cultural clashes and cohesion, and the evolution of relationships will keep readers invested until the very last page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Magdalena Stanhoff loves traveling and is vividly interested in how diverse cultures coexist, clash, and mix, and how it influences people’s life. Her contemporary novels explore romantic love, family bonds, and friendship in their various forms and shades, and since the author is an incurable dreamer, they always end with the HEA.

Splenditude by Eileen T. Lynch 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.

Trigger Warning: Storylines of mental health, suicide, and self-harm are part of this novel. Reader’s Discretion is Advised.

A woman with dreams of being a writer, struggling with her own mental health, finds solace in helping children with similar struggles. However, her world is turned upside down by the reappearance of a long-lost acquaintance whose motivations may be darker than she realizes, as depicted in the novel “Splenditude” by Ellen T. Lynch. 

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The Synopsis

Version 1.0.0

A book bearing her name on the spine is Deirdre Collins’ driving passion. A book that a reader will remove from a library shelf to take home on a rainy afternoon. A book she can dedicate to her late father. Her dream is to join the Chicago school of writers led by Saul Bellow, Nelson Algren, and Stuart Dybek.

When she is unable to publish her first novel, depression lands her on suicide watch in an Albuquerque behavioral hospital. There she meets Max Fletcher, a handsome young man with drive and genius who is battling demons of his own.

After discharge, they move to different parts of the country and lose track of each other. Max becomes a successful entertainment producer for a late night talk show.

As her father’s health fails, Deirdre leaves the artistic community in New Mexico to lead a quiet life in a rural Illinois town. She writes and tends her great aunt’s garden. One morning she finds a teenager on her property with a gun. After reporting the incident to her local high school, she lands a job supervising a room for at-risk kids. A healthy life style and a commitment to her writing enables her to conquer mood swings that derailed her as a young woman. Working with kids who struggle with depression and anxiety, mood disorders, and other behavioral problems opens her mind and then her heart to the wide range of sorrow and joy on the human spectrum.

A call from Max Fletcher upends Deirdre’s peaceful existence. Max promises publishing connections which have eluded Deirdre. She is flattered by Max’s attention and his desire to help her achieve her dreams. Then she discovers his true intentions. A confrontation in New York reveals Max’s deteriorating health which he believes is untreatable by medication or therapy. When Deirdre discovers that Max has plagiarized her work, she must decide whether to take legal action against him.

The Review

This was a profoundly moving read. The author did an incredible job of creating a heartfelt drama that was character-driven in every aspect. The narrative was very introspective, allowing the reader to feel the inner workings of the protagonist’s mind and their struggles through a slow-burn style of storytelling. 

The heart of the story was in the theme and the authenticity the author brought to the story and characters. The importance of focusing on mental health and the artistic process, as well as the nuance that comes with discovering our passions and drives in life, was well-developed in the narrative. The balance of the dark moments the characters faced, combined with the hopeful notes the future brought to their lives, made this story so emotionally heartwarming in its delivery.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, engaging, and heartfelt, author Eileen T. Lynch’s “Splenditude” is a must-read genre fiction drama. The emotional and vulnerable themes the author explores, along with the wealth of character development and hopeful undertones, create a well-balanced narrative that readers can relate to and identify with. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Eileen Lynch is a writer, editor, and teacher who has lived in Chicago, IL and New Mexico. The city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs are a backdrop for her work.

Cassandra’s Shadow by M. Brosh 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 M. Brosh shares a daring and thrilling look into the secret world of Israel’s Intelligence agency in the novel “Cassandra’s Shadow.”

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The Synopsis

A gripping Mossad thriller based on real-life intelligence operations.

Since its founding in 1949, the Israeli Mossad has stunned the world with bold, often seemingly impossible missions carried out across the globe. Now, for the first time, many of the secrets behind these covert operations are revealed in a fast-paced, suspense-filled espionage novel.

Blending fact with fiction, Cassandra’s Shadow dives deep into the hidden world of Israeli intelligence, recounting dramatic Mossad operations across European capitals, in the streets of Tehran, beneath the sea aboard stealth submarines, and inside Iran’s secret nuclear facilities. These episodes, inspired by real missions, expose the methods, risks, and sacrifices of one of the world’s most advanced—and most daring—intelligence agencies.

Told in cinematic prose and packed with high-stakes tension, Cassandra’s Shadow is more than just a spy novel. It’s a riveting journey into the shadows of global espionage, based on true events that have shaped the course of modern history.

Perfect for fans of international spy thrillers, political intrigue, and real Mossad operations.

The Review

From the outset, readers are immersed in a world of intrigue and suspense as an intense mission unfolds to prevent a new nuclear power from emerging. The realism and visceral nature of the operations and missions undertaken by the characters, especially given that much of the book is based on real missions carried out by Mossad agents, kept readers engaged and invested in the developing narrative. The adrenaline-fueled action and the powerful imagery of each setting allowed the reader to experience the novel in a very cinematic way, delivering a complex espionage thriller that mirrored the action of live-action projects like 24 and The Jason Bourne series.

The authenticity the author brought to these settings and characters was what stood out in this story. The way the author gave everyone involved in these missions a voice, from the soldiers and military leaders to scientists and spies, felt very well-rounded in delivery, and the realistic nature of the story allowed the more high-stakes, heart-pounding moments to feel visceral in their delivery. 

The Verdict

Action-packed, entertaining, yet thought-provoking all at once, author M. Brosh’s “Cassandra’s Shadow” is a must-read spy thriller. The twists and turns in the narrative, the fast-paced story, and the gripping characters that readers will instantly engage with, make this one thriller readers won’t want to put down this summer. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

A member of a kibbutz in central Israel, M. Brosh has always been drawn to what lies beneath the surface. His writing reflects a quiet familiarity with the hidden layers of reality—shaped by life experiences rarely spoken of, but deeply felt between the lines.

The Onyros Chronicles Book 1: Splinter by D.K. Thorne 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 mind extractor in a dystopian virtual world discovers a hidden secret that could hold the key to saving humanity in author D.K. Thorne’s “The Onyros Chronicles Book 1: Splinter.”

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The Synopsis

What if reality is a relic?


What if neural decay silenced your language—and killed thought itself?

Splinter launches you into Onyros, a virtual reality dystopia where thought is currency—and extinction is everywhere.

  • Neural mercenaries dive into synthetic paradises to harvest memories before flesh decays (a true mind-uploading sci-fi thriller)
  • Logan Bochniak is a dying breed—one of the last Splinters racing toward cognitive failure in a post-human cyberpunk world.
  • An impossible signal echoes through the system: an anomaly in the system itself.

Memory is a maze. Reality is a rumor. Your only hope is a fraying mind.

For fans of Red Rising, Cyberpunk 2077, William Gibson, Peter Watts, Black Mirror and YA dystopian books —and anyone who’s ever wondered what lies beyond the end of meaning.

The Review

This was both entertaining and thought-provoking to dive into. The dark, gritty tones of this sci-fi dystopian world were immediately felt, and readers were thrust into a world of intrigue and mystery that felt chaotic and oppressive, as the mystery deepened further. The angst and the forboding nature of the larger threat to humanity are felt in every chapter, and the rich imagery in the author’s writing style captures the darker underbelly of this cyberpunk narrative. 

The heart of this story lies in the grand themes the author explores and the compelling character dynamics at play. Logan, as a protagonist, is a powerhouse, revealing depth and complexity as he navigates the tension between his cold indifference, shaped by life experiences, and the harsh reality of the impact this virtual world has on humanity, as well as the secret he uncovers. The author’s commentary on technology and science as a whole, especially virtual reality and AI, is astounding, focusing not just on world-building but on the neurological and physical impact that being immersed in a virtual setting for long periods can have on the human body.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, enthralling, and memorable, author D.K. Thorne’s “The Onyros Chronicles book 1: Splinter” is a must-read cyberpunk dystopian thriller. The connection the author makes between consciousness and its interweaving with our biology, as well as the plethora of unique characters and the epic world-building of Onyros as a whole, make this a sci-fi epic that readers won’t be able to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

D. K. Thorne studied philosophy and sociology, holding a B.Sc. in Psychology. With philosophical science fiction as his first love, Thorne crafts stories that explore the complex intersection between consciousness and reality.

The Onyros Chronicles is Thorne’s labor of love—a high-paced dystopian saga spanning multiple volumes that ventures into uncharted sci-fi territory.

When not writing, Thorne can be found working in abandoned Polish cabins and quiet attics. An award-nominated writer, he enjoys collaborating with artists from all over the world.

https://www.instagram.com/d.k.thorne/

Restoring Our Sanity Online: A Revolutionary Social Framework by Mark Weinstein 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 and tech expert Mark Weinstein shares the framework for a more positive and balanced social media environment in the book “Revitalizing Our Sanity Online: A Revolutionary Social Framework.”

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The Synopsis

Big Tech is driving us, our kids, and society mad. In the nick of time, Restoring Our Sanity Onlinepresents the bold, revolutionary framework for an epic reboot. What would social media look like if it nourished our critical thinking, mental health, privacy, civil discourse, and democracy? Is that even possible? 

Restoring Our Sanity Online is the entertaining, informative, and frequently jaw-dropping social reset by Mark Weinstein, contemporary tech leader, privacy expert, and one of the visionary inventors of social networking.

This book is for all of us. Casual and heavy users of social media, parents, teachers, students, techies, entrepreneurs, investors, and elected officials. Restoring Our Sanity Online is the catapult to an exciting, enriching, and authentic future. Readers will embark on a captivating journey leading to an inspiring and actionable reinvention.

Restoring Our Sanity Online includes thought-provoking insights including:

  • Empowering You—Social Media User, Content Creator
  • In The Crosshairs: Privacy And Anonymity
  • Saving Our Kids From The Abyss
  • Surprise! Social Media Can Be Good For Your Mental Health
  • Is AI The High-Tech Tattletale In Your Social Experience?
  • Lifting the Veil On Bots and Trolls
  • Facts, Opinions, Lies—Who Decides?
  • Web3 Is Here—What The Heck Is It?
  • Is There a Better Way?

The Review 

This was a thoughtful, expertly researched, and engaging read. The author did a fantastic job of balancing the book, combining technical knowledge of technology and the business surrounding social media development with personal storytelling and a strong connection to the reader. The author introduced numerous elements of this business that were mind-blowing, including the infusion of Conscious Capitalism into social media development and the significant influence that social media influencers have on the growing market.

Yet it was the ethical nature of the author’s work and research that stood out. The virtues of Restoration Networking were an especially inspiring work. The need to eliminate targeted ads and data mining, along with infusing age verification and parental permission for younger teens and even limiting screen times in general would not only help eliminate the negatives of social media, but create more opportunities for the benefits of social media to shine, such as education opportunities, jobs, and connecting with friends and family more often.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, engaging, and inviting in general, author Mark Weinstein’s “Restoring Our Sanity Online” is a must-read nonfiction book on social media and parenting as a whole. The powerful insights, real-world strategies, and tools to help safely immerse teens in the social media scene, along with the expertise the author brings to their writing, will stay with readers, allowing them to return to this book time and again to gain a deeper understanding of the social media world. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author 

Mark Weinstein is a world-renowned tech entrepreneur, contemporary thought leader, privacy expert, and one of the visionary inventors of social networking. His adventure in social media has lasted over 25 years through three award-winning personal social media platforms enjoyed by millions of members worldwide.

The Ageless by Timothy Hernandez 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 series of disappearances in early 20th-century London leads an investigator into a dark mystery in author Timothy Hernandez’s “The Ageless.”

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The Synopsis

From the Personal Archives of Richard Matthews – London, 1905

What follows are the recovered journal entries of Richard Matthews—a private investigator by trade—and his involvement in the infamous case of London’s vanishing children. These documents, long thought lost, shed new light on one of the city’s most perplexing mysteries, and the man Commissioner Edward Richard Henry trusted to solve.

The official records confirm 12 disappearances—9 of which were children. With no signs of forced entry and no helpful clues, the lead inspector assumes foreign spies are the culprit, eager to get their hands on naval shipping secrets.

But these journal entries suggest a darker tale.

Whether these pages contain the ramblings of a man lost to his vices, or a truth too terrible for history to acknowledge, I leave to the reader’s judgment. The journal, along with its accompanying letters, offers a window into one of London’s most enigmatic cases—a mystery that has come to be known as “The Ageless.”

What follows is his story, presented in its entirety for the first time.

Reader, be warned: some doors, once opened, cannot be easily closed.

The 64K Society

The Review

This was such an engaging and captivating read. The author found an outstanding balance between late 19th-century and early 20th-century London investigations with Gothic, dark fantasy-driven horror. The narrative was delivered at a quick pace, yet still managed to create a haunting, dark atmosphere that captured the cold, cobblestone-laden streets of London in the 19th century. 

What stood out as the heart of this story was the natural development of mythology and fantastic character development. The protagonist, Richard Matthews, is a figure haunted by the past, and yet determined to stop a great injustice from being unleashed on London once more. The first-person narrative allowed the reader to experience the setbacks, frustration, and determination that Richard exuded on the pages, while also sensing the mystery behind the words Richard wasn’t saying throughout the investigation.

The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and thrilling, author Timothy Hernandez’s “The Ageless” is a must-read thriller that blends dark fantasy and horror. The Gaslamp fantasy element of the narrative, the haunting atmosphere of the setting, and the shocking twists and turns that upend a classic children’s story, as well as the origins of this mystery, make this a compelling novel to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Drawing from his experience working for several fortune 500 companies, coupled with his passion for visual storytelling and digital cinematography, Timothy Hernandez brings a filmmaker’s eye to the complexities of corporate culture and personal transformation. After building a successful career in regional and training management, a recent disability shifted his perspective, inspiring him to craft a powerful narrative about adaptation and resilience—weaving together his deep understanding of storytelling techniques with raw, honest insights about how unexpected life changes reshape our journey.

https://linktr.ee/timothyhernandezauthor

Reviving Our Republic: 95 Theses for the Future of America by Mike Bedenbaugh 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 Mike Bedenbaugh lays the groundwork for political reform in the United States in the book “Reviving Our Republic: 95 Theses for the Future of America.”

The Synopsis

From Founding Principles to Future Promise: 95 Theses to Reinvigorate America for the 21st Century

The United States is in a partisan gridlock. As our constitutional principles erode away and the decline of civic engagement threatens the foundation of American democracy, navy veteran turned preservation leader Michael Bedenbaugh presents a compelling vision for the future of our country.

Reviving Our Republic: 95 Theses for the Future of America is a bold blueprint for addressing the most pressing challenges facing our nation today. Drawing inspiration from Martin Luther’s historic call for reform, Bedenbaugh offers a dynamic framework for political reform, reinterpreting founding principles for modern 21st-century challenges. Grounded in lessons across history from the warnings in Washington’s Farewell Address to the Citizens United decision of 2010 that enabled influence of corporations on policy, Reviving Our Republic is a fresh, nonpartisan approach to restructuring American governance, with 40 actionable proposals aimed at fostering a more responsive, accountable government.

In this blend of practical experience and scholarly insight, readers will learn:

  • Proposals to reform the electoral system, including instituting term limits and Electoral College reform.
  • Strategies to curb corporate influence in politics and strengthen individual liberty.
  • A plan to restore the balance between federal and state powers, reviving true federalism in our national government.
  • Methods to ensure fiscally responsible governance and address the national debt crisis.
  • Ways to realign foreign policy with America’s founding principles of neutrality in world affairs without hiding under isolationism.

Reviving Our Republic is not a critique of our political climate—it’s a call to action for engaged citizens who yearn for meaningful change. Whether you’re a concerned voter, community leader, or a student of politics, history, and economics, this book is a radical approach to reform that will inspire you to engage in America’s path forward as a united nation. 

The Review

What an insightful and engaging read. The author’s approach to this subject matter from a purely non-partisan and historical standpoint was refreshing and insightful. The focus on the divisiveness and struggles that come with partisan politics and how it negatively impacts the stability of a democracy was incredible, presenting seemingly inspiring yet straightforward and evolved concepts that could better benefit society. The use of historical context in understanding how partisan politics failed various societies over time was terrific, playing into the idea that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

The juxtaposition of the flaws in our Founding father and their ability to recognize that in the formation of the nation versus the weaknesses in the current political climate and their inability to see past their vitriol was well presented throughout this book. What resonated was the idea of the Founding Fathers recognizing the natural evolution of a society and deeming it necessary to leave room for the Constitution to be amended or changed, which is often overlooked in our modern world. This type of logic fuels the author’s thesis and academic and philosophical approaches to this subject matter.

The Verdict

Insightful, engaging, and thoughtfully written, author Michael Bedenbaugh’s “Reviving Our Republic” is a must-read nonfiction book on politics, history, and the evolution of society as a whole. The call for honorable politics and a need to end attack-based election cycles and focus on the actual needs of the people instead was both inspiring and exemplary, and serves as a broader discussion readers can have going forward. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Michael Bedenbaugh is a respected voice in historic preservation and community development, with a keen interest in constitutional principles and American governance. Born with a reverence for history, Michael served as the former president and executive director of Preservation South Carolina, where he led numerous initiatives that demonstrated the economic and cultural value of historic preservation, showcasing his ability to blend practical solutions with respect for tradition. 

Driven by a mission to revitalize America’s founding ideals, Michael hosts the podcast Perspective with Mike Bedenbaugh, where he explores the intersection of history, politics, and community development. His unique approach combines grassroots activism with a deep understanding of constitutional intent, offering fresh insights into modern political challenges. This approach was shaped by his diverse career, including his role as CEO of Post No Bills, Inc., a product marketing firm that collaborated with corporate powerhouses like Phillip Morris USA, RCA Records, DreamWorks, Universal Pictures, and MGM.  

Michael’s diverse background includes five years of service in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS South Carolina, studies in international studies and history at the University of South Carolina and Columbia University, and leadership roles in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. He has also served on his hometown’s city council and chaired his county Board of Zoning Appeals, demonstrating his commitment to local governance. His efforts in community revitalization and historic preservation earned him the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, awarded by Governor Henry McMaster. As a member of Preservation Action in Washington, D.C., he continues to advocate for policies that strengthen local communities and honor America’s heritage. 

A native of Prosperity, South Carolina, Michael remains deeply involved in his home state’s development while contributing to national discussions on governance and civic engagement. His work exemplifies the principle that understanding our past is crucial to shaping a better future. His book, Reviving Our Republic, is an outcome of Michael’s lifelong passion for his community, state, and nation, and was inspired by our founding fathers and the principles that birthed our nation. 

To explore Michael’s perspectives on reinvigorating American democracy through a return to founding principles, visit mikebedenbaugh.com, where he also has links to his podcast, his congressional campaign, and his biography.

New Home

Crave: The Hidden Biology of Addiction and Cancer by Raphael E. Cuomo, Ph.D. 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.

Raphael E. Cuomo shares the impact that addiction can have on a person’s biology and its relation to cancer as a whole in the book “Crave: The Hidden Biology of Addiction and Cancer.”

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The Synopsis

Crave reveals how everyday habits, from sugar and screens to overwork and alcohol, leave measurable biological traces that increase cancer risk. It reframes addiction as a central, modifiable factor in chronic disease, drawing on cutting-edge research in neuroscience, immunology, and public health.

The Review

What a powerful and engaging book! The author does a fantastic job of exploring both the biological and sociological aspects of addiction, showing how advertising, social media, and peer pressure, to name just a few, have contributed to people’s turning to addictive behavior and practice. This includes everything from sugar consumption to doom scrolling on social media and so much more. 

It is mind-blowing to examine how these behavioral habits affect the shape and impact of our biology and leave people more prone to cancerous cells over time. The fast pace of the book and the direct way the author writes allow readers to get an educational perspective on addiction and its various forms. 

The Verdict

Memorable, thought-provoking, and engaging, author Raphael E. Cuomo, Ph.D., is a must-read nonfiction health book on addiction and its relationship to cancer development. The detail and the mindfulness that the author poured into this book, and the new perspective that readers gain from learning about how habits can change a person biologically, make this a worthy book to turn to in educating oneself about one’s health. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Raphael E. Cuomo, PhD, is a professor and scientist at the UC San Diego School of Medicine. He is internationally recognized for his research at the intersection of cancer prevention, addiction, and public health. His work bridges molecular biology, epidemiology, and behavior to illuminate the deeper roots of chronic disease.

https://raphaelcuomo.com/crave

The Boy, The Cube, and the Elf (Central Fire Series Book One) by Brent Golembiewski 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. 

After his parents’ sudden disappearance, a boy must partner up with a mysterious young girl and flee the only space station he has ever called home to evade a deadly bounty hunter in author Brent Golembiewski’s “The Boy, The Cube, and the Elf.” The first book in the Central Fire Series. 

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The Synopsis

Unexpectedly abandoned, Nico is determined to find the reason behind his parents’ mysterious absence. Problem is, he’s never left the space station he’s called home for all of his twelve years. As if his situation isn’t bad enough, a young girl arrives on a spaceship demanding to meet his father. While searching the station, they’re attacked by a vicious bounty hunter. Nico and his reluctant new ally must escape at all costs. Thrust into a world he doesn’t understand, Nico has to tolerate and put his trust in a stranger with objectives of her own if he hopes to evade deadly enemies, find his parents, and learn the answers to the questions that seem to pop up at every turn.

The Review

This story was fun, action-packed, and engaging for young adults and middle-grade readers. The pacing was fast-paced, allowing the reader to understand the world-building the author brought to life on the page without sacrificing action or suspense surrounding the story itself. The imagery in the author’s writing captured the wilds of space travel, making the idea of Earth a long-lost part of history to the protagonist while vividly bringing space stations and ships to life with relative ease.

Yet the heart of this story was in how the author effortlessly meshed the fantasy and science fiction genres together seamlessly. The way Nico was able to look at life in space with such relative ease, and yet find the magic and wonder of fantasy elements, such as the inclusion of Maddie, an elf, into the cast of characters, as well as creatures like goblins or even dragons. The mythology the author can draw out is impressive, revealing enough to draw the reader in and yet leaving enough mystery to keep readers invested in future books.

The Verdict

Entertaining, thrilling, and phenomenally written, author Brent Golembiewski’s “The Boy, The Cube, and the Elf” is a must-read YA and middle-grade sci-fi meets fantasy novel, and a grand entry into the Central Fire Series. The twists and turns the book takes, the humorous dialogue and character development between Nico and Maddie, and the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Nico’s parents will leave readers with a cliffhanger that will instantly keep them intrigued for the release of the next book in the series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Brent Golembiewski is a U. S. Air Force veteran with 20+ years of service. He started his career as an enlisted troop, working as an Electronic Warfare Technician, and completed it as an officer, never working a day as a Helicopter Evaluator Pilot, flying the mighty UH-1N “Huey”. After retiring from the USAF, he began Valkyrie Air, providing aircraft charter operations for people who find value in time. He met the love of his life in the second-worst place he’d ever been stationed and she’s still on active duty. Together they have two boys, the terrible Ts, and one old caricature of a dog that will never die.

www.authorbrentg.com

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