Tag: book review

Tales from the Silence by James Bow 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. 

Discover what happens when human civilization on Earth finally goes silent and leaves behind explorers and settlers spread throughout the galaxy in author James Bow’s anthology, Tales from the Silence.

The Synopsis

On August 4, 2151, the world will end.

It’s been a long time coming: climate disasters brewing conflict, conflict breeding chaos. But on that fateful day, someone will set off the nukes. On August 4, 2151, human civilization on Earth will fall silent.

There are survivors, of course—and not just on Earth. There are scientists on the Jovian moons. Miners in the asteroid belt. Thriving colonies on the surface of Mars and above the clouds of Venus. Far more precarious ones on Mercury. When the silence falls across human space, one thing is clear: Earth’s space-born children are on their own. No more supplies are coming. No more orders. No more meddling. No more help.

Set in the universe of James Bow’s new novel, The Sun Runners, Tales from the Silence is a gathering of award-winning science fiction, fantasy, and YA authors who explore the worlds the Earth left behind, as well as the Earth itself, as they struggle through Earth’s new dark age.

Join James Bow, Phoebe Barton, Kate Blair, Cameron Dixon, Mark Richard Francis, Jo Karaplis, Kari Maaren, Fiona Moore, Ira Nayman, Kate Orman, and Jeff Szpirglas as they tell the stories of what happens after the end of the world.

The Review

What a phenomenal and engaging collection of short stories. The authors of this story found the perfect way to make each story feel wholly individual and unique while also tying together the overall narrative set up by James Bow. The relatability of the characters brought that unique humanity to the otherwise cosmic and space-traveling adventure in which the story takes place.

What stood out amongst other sci-fi collections is how Earth was more of a catalyst for these stories rather than the protagonist or primary setting. Instead, readers are treated to a universe in which Earth has gone quiet, and most of humanity is now out amongst the stars, inhabiting other worlds and wondering how to survive without their home world. The emotional ebb and flow of the stories and the unique spin on survival, from the opening story of The Phases of Jupiter by James Bow to the actions of Venusians in Ira Nayman’s “Famous Last Words,” allowed readers to immerse themselves in this collection fully.

The Verdict

Harrowing, insightful, and entertaining author James Bow’s Tales from the Silence is a must-read sci-fi and dystopian short story collection. With elements of The Expanse peppered throughout, the book touches on the meaning of survival and the evolution of humanity beyond Earth and will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

The Old Child: Tome 3 (The Lost Art of Magic Book 3) by Jonni Jordyn 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 world that magic has returned to sees a struggle for power as the witch clan seeks to prevents the sorcerers from ruling over the world in author Jonni Jordyn’s “The Old Child: Tome 3”, the third book in the Lost Art of Magic series.

The Synopsis

Destiny prevented the sorcerer clan from claiming power, but her survival from the battle is in question. Who will step up to lead the family? The Old Child is the third book in the Lost Art of Magic series. Magic has returned after remaining dormant for centuries and this means there will be those that covet power over the powerless. The witch clan must do something to prevent the sorcerers from claiming the world, but must they do it without the strongest of them?

The Review

From the very first page, this book is written so cinematic that the reader is immediately transported to the aftermath of the epic battle between Honey and Destiny at the end of book two. The shock and awe of the situation, from the way the world watched as two influential magic users waged a war that the entirety of the US Military could not touch with their firepower and the destruction left in their wake, both property and lives, was felt throughout the novel as events unfolded. The imagery and atmosphere the book conjured in the reader’s minds delivered a powerful setting and tone that stayed with readers throughout the book.

The character development and growing mythos the author was able to develop will instantly jump out to readers. The tension that arises when the fate of protagonist Destiny comes into play and how characters like Ashlin stepped up in her place kept the readers invested in the story as it unraveled. The way magic and its impact on the modern world was explored, and the divide between Honey and her sorcerers and the witch clan was so palpable that it left the reader eager to see where the story takes off next.

The Verdict

Action-packed, thrilling, and entertaining author Jonni Jordyn’s “The Old Child” is a must-read fantasy action novel and a grand entry into The Lost Art of Magic series. The twists and turns that this story takes readers to, including exploring how those we love who are no longer with us can sometimes return to us in surprising ways, will leave fans on the edge of their seats and dying for the next entry in this series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy today or grab your copy on December 6th, 2024!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Jonni Jordyn, an American author born in Oakland, Ca, started out playing music at age two, and moved on to singing and acting in grade school. High School introduced writing and film making followed by drawing and photography in college. In other words, she had a VERY LIBERAL arts education.

Jonni published some poetry and some india ink drawings in literary magazines while in college, won critical acclaim for her acting in a cabaret theater, but was faced with a decision to pick out the arts she wanted to pursue.

Of all the available opportunities, music and song writing won the first round when she found herself performing with legendary stars of the sixties and seventies.

Round two began years later, after leaving California for Arizona. It all started with a blank piece of paper and the question, “how can I possibly write more than eleven thousand words for a single story?” A valid question which was followed up a year later with, “How did I ever write 160,000 words?”

Now, the writing comes much easier, but still there are questions like, “How will I ever get all these ideas written down?” followed closely by, “How many times can I edit the same book?”

Jonni currently lives in Colorado with her bird.

Reawakening by Althea Lyons 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. 

Magic rises again in England in the wake of the events of The Hiding in author Althea Lyon’s “Reawakening”, a collection of short stories set in The Seer of York universe. 

The Synopsis

After centuries of suppression, the magic of England is

Reawakening

Return to the world of The Seer of York with this collection of new tales set in the aftermath of The Hiding.

Harper, Grace, Saqib, Heresy, and AJ bond as a team and as a family to save innocents, supernatural and human, despite hunters pursuing them.

Introducing Zero, a starlight cat with a bleak and painful past.

Demonic-possession

Faery circles

Pūcas

And more…

The Review

A compelling, haunting, and action-paced collection of short stories, the author marvelously showcases a modern-day York that has found the supernatural to be an everyday fact of life. The self-contained nature of each story allows readers to pick and choose which stories to read without risking losing too much background story from the main series while also paying respect to the original novel that began it all. The chilling nature of the threats facing the protagonists and the robust and emotional writing style the author brings to each story will resonate with many readers.

The flawed yet relatable nature of these characters, the substantial use of mythology and religion throughout human history, and the grounded nature of the supernatural made this book feel vibrant and alive on the page. The book’s slow exploration of some powerful themes, including but not limited to the blurred lines between what is considered good and what is considered evil, with many presenting as one thing and being another, allowed readers to engage with the stories on a whole other level.

The Verdict

Harrowing, memorable, and entertaining, author Althea Lyon’s “Reawakening” is a must-read collection of short stories. The stories themselves were fantastic, and with the holidays coming up, the gothic nature of Christmas in the Shambles was a personal favorite. The twists and turns in each story and the new additions to this universe’s growing mythos will make readers eager for more from this incredible author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Alethea (she/ze) writes various forms of SFF, with a particular love for science-fantasy, dark fantasy, dystopias, and folklore. Many of her works take place at the intersection between technology and magic. She enjoys writing stories with subtle political and philosophical messages, but primarily wants her stories to be great tales with characters readers will love. She also has soft spots for found family, hopeless romances, and non-human characters. Her short stories can be found in a variety of publications and links for these are on her website.

Alethea lives in Manchester, UK with her husband, little Sprite, a cacophony of stringed instruments, and more tea than she can drink in a lifetime.

Bonus content for The Hiding & other works can be found on her website.

Socials: @AletheaRLyons

Out of Poland by Charles Breakfield and Rox Burkey 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. 

Three men must work to retrieve a Nazi communication machine during WWII in authors Charles Breakfield and Rox Burkey’s “Out of Poland”.

The Synopsis

Beneath the storm clouds of a deadly war, three men are poised to unlock the secrets to redeem the world.

Poland 1939—Germans are moving their Panzers toward Warsaw, showing the world the devastating effects of Blitzkrieg warfare. Poland’s cavalry is no match against the Nazi military machine overrunning Europe.

Three young men volunteer to hit back by locating and extracting the German military communications device, Baby, kept under heavy guard. Polish patriots die to aid the three to secure the information of the escaping prize. The race is on as German’s match wits with the clever patriots.

Odds are they won’t succeed getting Baby Out of Poland.

The Review

The depth of humanity and emotion blew me away the authors managed to bring out in this historical fiction tale. The fascinating thing about this book was how much of it was rooted in not only WWII history but the origins of the author’s other books, the techno-thriller series The Enigma series. The varying points of view that the authors bring to the story, from the ambassador of Poland to his son and the allies they make in their mission to recover this machine, allow the reader to feel the desperation and fear that this period brought.

The wealth of character development and the emotional impact of these characters’ lives made this a compelling read. The confusion, deception, and tension in this novel reflect the chaos of that era and the impact that so many small clusters of freedom fighters, spies, and soldiers had on the overall global impact of the war effort. 

The Verdict

Thrilling, engaging, and grounded, authors Charles Breakfield and Rox Burkey’s “Out of Poland” is a must-read historical fiction novel and a fabulous prequel to their main series. This novella infuses urgency and heart into a story that will stay with readers, and the twists speak to the emotional impact these characters endure during this tumultuous time. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Authors

BREAKFIELD-Charles works as a data/telecom solution architect and supports digital security, blockchain solutions, and unified communications. He enjoys writing, studying World War II history, travel, and cultural exchanges. Charles’ love of wine tastings, cooking, and Harley riding often provides writing topics.

Much of his personality comes from his father who served in the military for 30 years and three wars. Charles grew up on multiple bases and different countries. The multi-cultural exposure helps him with the various character perspectives they bring to the series. His personal ambition is to continue to teach his co-author Burkey, humor.

BREAKFIELD AND BURKEY together build stories as fictional story writers. Storytelling is the best method to share excitement, thrills, and insights to today’s technology risks.

EnigmaSeries.com has information on their 12 books, 10 short stories, audio books, book trailers, and the upcoming Enigma Heirs. 

Look for our cozy mysteries/murders in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. 

Rox Burkey is a Customer Experience Specialist who works with businesses around the world. As a gifted speaker and accomplished listener, she bridges the chasm between business problems and technical solutions to optimize business productivity. She has written technology papers, white papers, but launches into high gear when plotting our next technothriller or short story. 

As a child, she led the other kids with her highly charged imagination generating new adventures with make believe characters. She is proud of being a Girl Scout until high school, and contributed to the community as a member of a Head Start program. Rox enjoys her family, learning, listening to people, travel, outdoor activities, sewing, cooking, and thinking about how to diversify the series. 

BREAKFIED AND BURKEY

We have traveled to many places around the world. These travels are pulled into stories that requires real knowledge of specific locals. We deliver well-rounded thrillers that include levels of humor, romance, intrigue, suspense, and mystery. 

We love to talk about their stories at private and public book readings or events. Burkey conducts podcast style interviews with a couple of author groups, and enjoys extracting the tidbits from authors, especially new ones. Her first interview was, wait for it, Breakfield. You can learn where they will be from the calendar on their website. 

EnigmaSeries.com has information on the Enigma Series, 12 books, 10 short stories, audio books, book trailers, and the newest series Enigma Heirs releasing in 2023. We have proudly earned multiple awards for our fictional creations. 

We are also part of the Underground Authors group writing cozy mysteries/murders in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. We are committed to providing an installment for Season 2 and Season 3 to accompany The Flower Enigma, released in Season 1.

Please enjoy snippets of our stories, book trailers, audible sections, CONTEST and get FREE stuff at www.EnigmaSeries.com. 

Thoughts of a Warrior By Randi-Lee Bowslaugh 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 and poet Randi-Lee Bowslaugh’s book Thoughts of a Warrior contains a collection of poetry meant to inspire and help those struggling with depression overcome that feeling.

The Synopsis

This is the follow-up poetry book to Thoughts of a Wanderer. The poems depict climbing out of a deep depression to take back a life that was felt to be meaningless.

Tears, heartache, trauma and depression.

Is life worth it? That is the question.

Making no more concession,

It is time to take possession.

Enjoy the passionate poems that show we should never give up on ourselves and our life. Each poem is accompanied by a nature photo bringing the beauty of world and words to life.

The Review

It is a genuinely emotional and heartfelt read. The reader can instantly feel how personal and brave this work is for the author, and each poem becomes a piece of her heart laid bare. The progression of each poem does a remarkable job of showcasing the authentic struggles with depression and the fight it takes to overcome those struggles daily. It is never a straight line to recovery, but the setbacks and struggles only strengthen a person’s resolve.

The poem that stuck out to me instantly was Dear Future Me, which allowed us to picture our futures while still struggling with the voices of doubt in our minds. The fight to imagine a future is sometimes a struggle for those suffering from depression, and the inner voice that one must work through was perfectly illustrated in that poem. The theme and message behind mental health and the willpower to seek out help and acknowledge it was a great reminder as well, really honing in on the poet’s journey.

The Verdict

Memorable, honest, and engaging author Randi-Lee Bowslaugh’s “Thoughts of a Warrior” is a must-read poetry collection. The power to stand up for mental health and acknowledge the need to care for and grow that circle of protection everyone needs in their lives, and the acknowledgment that while things are different for everyone and mental health can be overwhelming to overcome, finding the strength to overcome it all can be achieved. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on December 7th, 2024 or preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Randi-Lee was born and raised in Ontario, Canada and from a young age she had a passion for helping others. She attended Niagara College and graduated at the top of her class from Community and Justice Services after completing her placement at a recovery house for alcohol and drug addictions. Post-graduation she worked at a Native Friendship Centre for two and a half years while pursuing a university education in psychology. Randi-Lee continued working in social services for another four years as an employment counselor until she left to pursue her other passions.

In 2017 Randi published her first book about mental health awareness and from there knew that this was her dream. Since then she has continued writing and expanding the genres that she writes.

Another of Randi-Lee’s passions is kickboxing, which she did for over 10 years. She was a Canadian National Champion in 2015, competed at the World’s kickboxing tournament later that year and in 2016 competed at the Pan-Am games where she received silver in her division. In 2020 she was chosen as one of the coaches for the Ontario Winter Games where she inspired and coached young athletes.

While she isn’t working, she is spending time with her two teenage children and a grand-baby. Randi tries to speak honestly and openly about her struggles with her own mental health and as a parent – wanting to ensure that no one feels alone.

Follow Randi’s YouTube Channel: RB Media

Follow Randi on TikTok @randileebowslaugh

The Fractured Veil (Callum Walker Series Book Three) by J.M. Shaw 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. 

Hero and warlock Callum Walker befriends a demigod while working to heal the barrier between humanity and the magical realm, but in the process is taken by the Furies and must come to terms with the events that brought him to them in author J.M. Shaw’s “The Fractured Veil”. 

The Synopsis

Callum Walker triumphed over the darkest of evils but, in doing so, the veil separating humankind from the magical realm was damaged. To protect humanity, Callum patrols the border to prevent malicious vagrants from wreaking havoc. Realizing his self-assigned task is impossible and, after failing to garner support from his elven allies, Callum sets out to repair the fractured veil…alone.

After the veil’s near collapse, Neola, the goddess of the veil, calls upon her demigod son, Jax Foster, to determine if the responsible one poses any further threat to the barrier. Jax finds Callum and accosts him for answers, seriously injuring him in the process. Learning that they are both protecting the veil, Jax atones by forcing Callum to accept help, and their friendship develops.

Meanwhile, the Harpies resent the warlock’s previous escape from their clutches. They manipulate the goddesses of vengeance and retribution, the Furies, into effecting their revenge. As Callum begins to heal, the Furies abduct and pronounce him guilty of the Harpies’ fabricated crimes. While the warlock endures gruesome tortures, Jax seeks to rescue Callum and risks punishment for past misdeeds.

Callum’s deliverance carries a heavy cost, and his experience leaves him broken. Recovery takes time, but the warlock now has a valuable friend in Jax, and the demigod harbors a hopeful secret for their future.

The Review

It’s a genuinely haunting and compelling dark fantasy read. The author found a great way to elevate the dangers and threats the protagonist must face while finding unique ways of making the story feel personal and grounded. The natural ebb and flow of the narrative allow the reader to feel immersed in every aspect of the narrative, from the heavy atmosphere as the protagonist endured more hardship than ever before to the elevated sense of camaraderie that came out of this adventure.

The personal growth of Callum as a hero, the mysteries that the author unveiled within this universe, and the backstory of Callum as a character overall made this feel like such an elevated chapter in the Callum Walker universe. The emotional connection and friendship that form between Callum and Jax add depth to Callum’s overall arc, and the shocking revelations about Callum’s origins will stay with readers and leave them wanting more.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, entertaining, and thrilling, author J.M. Shaw’s “The Fractured Veil” is a must-read dark fantasy meets horror novel. The personal nature of Callum’s struggles, overall arc, and the unique nature of figures like the Furies or Neola will add a new layer of mystery and intrigue to an already powerful mythos. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

J. M. Shaw lives in Airdrie, Alberta with her husband and two young children. She has a background in x-ray technology, psychology, and personal training, as well variable personal interests in martial arts, airsoft, and running. A diagnosis of autism for herself and both her sons has begun an incredible journey of understanding, acceptance, and life-long learning. She has immensely enjoyed writing creatively for more than thirty years, and with many novels in various degrees of completion. The Ascension is her debut novel in the Callum Walker series.

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Dash Allman, PI Volume 1 (Dash Allman Mysteries) by Diane Bator 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. 

Private investigator Dash must contend with jewel thieves, murderers, a runaway Llamma, and more in author Diane Bator’s “Dash Allman PI Volume 1”, the first in the Dash Allman Mysteries series!

The Synopsis

Meet Dashiell Allman-Dash for short. She loves long walks on the beach, Jimmy Buffet, and a good mystery, which is why she became a Private Investigator and lives in a cottage on the beach.

Join Dash as she tackles jewel thieves, killers, a runaway llama, a cat lady, boyfriends, and many more!

The Review

This was such a fun, thrilling, and engaging story. The author did a fantastic job crafting a collection of short stories that felt like a vignette of different cases from the case files of the PI. The story follows Dash, a private investigator, from the earliest days of her fascination with criminal investigations at the age of twelve to her storied career and beyond. The variety of the cases that the author brings to each story and the entertaining, fun nature of the setting itself allows the reader to get lost in these cases. 

The relatability of the protagonist and the fast pacing of the stories made for a smooth and memorable read. Dash’s stubbornness as she rushes to find the truth and the interesting dialogue between herself and the people in her sphere (police investigators and criminals alike) made her such a powerful protagonist to root for. 

The Verdict

Fast-paced, entertaining, and memorable, author Diane Bator’s “Dash Allman, PI Volume 1” is a must-read cozy mystery. The quirky and fun vibes that the author layers into each story within this volume will stay with readers and leave them wanting more from this brand-new series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on November 22nd 2024 or preorder today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

An award-winning author, Diane Bator began writing as a kid when she fell in love with storytelling. After ten years with various traditional publishers, she’s created her own company, Escape With a Writer Publishing to relaunch her previous work plus many new titles. She is also a member of Sisters in Crime, Crime Writers of Canada, The Writers Union of Canada, and International Thriller Writers.

Diane is a proud mom of three, a Reiki Master, a blue belt in goju-ryu karate, and an artist who loves stopping at odd places on road trips. She is represented by Creative Edge Publicity.

https://www.dianebator.ca/

A Light of Little Radiance by Keith Anthony Baird and Beverley Lee 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 traveler who succumbs to great darkness must evade the brutal hunt of a witchfinder in authors Beverley Lee and Keith Anthony Baird’s “A Light of Little Radiance.”

The Synopsis

Selina Dragavei wanders the northern wastes in fear of persecution from the Holy Roman Church. In Europe’s Dark Age, witchfinders scour the lands and traveller folk such as she are put to flame and suffering. On the ruthless steppes, she evades them but something far sinister will lay claim to her soul.

Returning to the world of men, a dark, transformed Selina has a thirst for blood and only the drift down through the centuries will quench it. But she won’t make that journey alone, as she determines to bring others to her. As a troupe of entertainers, they attend pageants, festivals, and even royal galas, where a family bound to darkness feed on unsuspecting mortals. Such debauchery, however, does not go unnoticed. Famed witchfinder, Desider von Brandenburg, becomes obsessed with bringing this band of vampire-devils to a righteous cleansing, and so a deadly game of cat and mouse ensues.

Will the holy man bring God’s wrath down upon them, or will Selina and her nightwalkers battle the might of Heaven and emerge unscathed? Only instinct, cunning, and a little luck under the watch of a wolf moon will tell…

The Review

This was a truly unique and compelling read. The bone-chilling imagery the author deploys in this writing is so haunting to visualize as the story progresses. Immediately, readers are given an original and terrifying origin to the vampires of this story, as a Lovecraftian terror emerges from the darkness to turn the protagonist of this tale into a creature of the night. The action and historical setting played well into this story, as the author explored the persecution so many suffered during this time of religious persecution for anyone who walked a path outside the Holy Roman Empire and the church. 

The depth of character development the author can achieve in such a short time is fantastic. The complex nature of Selina before and after her transformation and the evolution of her nature itself was fascinating. Desider’s juxtaposition as the religious witchfinder who takes his horrific actions in the name of his faith was also intriguing. The theme of horror and the depths to which humanity is willing to plunge itself into those dark depths will both shock and engage readers as the story progresses.

The Verdict

Haunting, entertaining, yet thrilling, authors Beverley Lee and Keith Anthony Baird’s “A Light of Little Radiance” is a must-read horror novel. The shocking twists and turns in the story and the unique mythos the author develops in this narrative will stay with readers long after the story ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Beverley Lee is the bestselling author of the Gabriel Davenport series (The Making of Gabriel Davenport, A Shining in the Shadows and The Purity of Crimson) The Ruin of Delicate Things, The House of Little Bones and The Sum of Your Flesh.

Her shorter fiction has been included in works from Cemetery Gates Media, Kandisha Press, Brigids Gate Press and Off Limits Press.

In thrall to the written word from an early age, especially the darker side of fiction, she believes that the very best story is the one you have to tell. Supporting fellow authors is also her passion and she is actively involved in social media and writers’ groups.

You can visit her online at beverleylee.com (where you’ll find a free dark and twisted short story download) or on Instagram (@theconstantvoice) and Twitter (@constantvoice).

Keith Anthony Baird is the author of The Jesus Man: A Post-Apocalyptic Tale of Horror (Novel), Nexilexicon (Novel), And a Dark Horse Dreamt of Nightmares (Book of Shorts), This Will Break Every Bone In Your Heart (Novelette) and Snake Charmer Blues (Short). His works can be found on Amazon and Audible. He is currently working on a dystopian novel titled SIN:THETICA, a post-apocalyptic novel titled Wind Rust, and a psychological/horror short titled A Seed in a Soil of Sorrow.

The Diabolica Britannica horror anthology was his brainchild, in which you’ll find his own contribution Walked a Pale Horse on Celtic Frost.

When not at his desk writing, you might find him up a mountain, snorkelling, or simply having adventures. Failing that, it’s a good bet he’ll be on Twitter.

He lives in England’s beautiful Lake District.

Twitter – https://twitter.com/kabauthor

Amazon UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Keith-Anthony-Baird/e/B078TQD1J2

Amazon US – https://www.amazon.com/Keith-Anthony-Baird/e/B078TQD1J2

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16771035.Keith_Anthony_Baird

See you In Eden: The Short Stories of Leonid Pekarovsky by Leonid Pekarovsky 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 Leonid Pekarovsky’s short stories are brought to the English language and showcases the struggles of life through the lens of Judaism, Israeilism, and European views in the collection “See you In Eden.”

The Synopsis

One of Israel’s most distinctive literary voices is showcased in this collection of short stories that are alternately profound, insightful, entertaining, and surprising. Leonid Pekarovsky’s short stories will make you weep, laugh, and shake your head in amazement.

“See You in Eden” is the first English collection of literary short stories penned by one of Israel’s premier masters of the format. With the unique perspective of an immigrant, Leonid Pekarovsky views the surreal, beautiful, and often touching constant struggle of life in modern Israel. Drawing from his own experiences and struggles, Pekarovsky blends the cultural traditions of Europe, Judaism, and Israelism to create a rich tapestry of illuminating and always surprising short stories.

Leonid Pekarovsky broke into the Israeli literary sphere when his short story “Broom,” which describes his spiritual struggles and ultimate elevation while cleaning the streets of Tel Aviv, was accepted for publication in one of the country’s premier literary supplements. Since then, he has regularly published his tales, released several Hebrew collections, and achieved international success with his short stories appearing in various magazines in Russian and English.

“See You in Eden” makes this important Jewish literary voice available to English-language readers for the first time. Pekarovsky skillfully blends the fantastic and the realistic, the diasporic experience with the Sabra experience, and the constant struggle to find the sublime and the artistic even when faced with life’s most dire circumstances, cynicism, and cold necessities.

The Review

It’s such a moving and profound read. The author has found the perfect voice and captured the culture and heart of life in Israel. The honesty and the balance of surrealism with the truthful reality that many face in modern Israeli culture will resonate with many readers who have experienced this firsthand and give others a unique insight into this world. The Jewish culture and the author’s life as a Ukrainian immigrant were also distinct and engaging aspects of these stories.

One story in particular, The Umbrella, really hit a special note for me as a reader. The story speaks of themes of identity, purpose, and the work that we do to fund our passions. The idea of someone or something losing purpose when not being used or utilized and the idea that something can find purpose once again made this a memorable story.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, memorable, and engaging author Leonid Pekarovsky’s “See You In Eden” is a must-read literary fiction and collection of short stories. The artful, almost poetic way the author examines life through these stories and the diversity that the author exudes through this work will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Born in Kiev, Ukraine, Leonid Pekarovsky is a writer, journalist and art critic.

Pekarovsky served in the Red Army before studying art theory and history at the Fine Arts Institute in Kiev. He worked for the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture for many years, where he organized art exhibitions both in the USSR and worldwide.

His essays on art theory and history have been published in professional journals.

After he immigrated to Israel in 1991, he worked as a gardener and a printer and, in 1995, became a security guard until he recently retired to focus on his writing.

His stories and novellas have been printed in the Russian press as well as in the Haaretz Culture and Literature Supplement. His first book, Broom and Other Stories, was published in 2012. His second book, A Parabola of Success, was published in 2015.

His third short story collection, Ten Agorot, published in 2018, was shortlisted for the prestigious Israeli Sapir Prize.