Tag: book review
Ogwen Blues by George Veck Review
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A toxic family dynamic threatens to burst in an explosive way in author George Veck’s “Ogwen Blues”.
The Synopsis
Fifty-year-old football referee Colin Tudur has endured a pitiful, people-pleasing existence up in the mountains of north Wales. But his time has come! Now finally chasing his dream, he quits his steady job and commits to full-time training, itching for promotion to the Welsh Premier League and the chance to ref on S4C. But such selfishness far from serves his parasitic, coercive wife Clare and stepson Dale, who have long grown dependent on his salary.
Now thwarted in his pursuit of freedom by North Wales’ second-home owner induced housing shortage, twenty-year-old Dale’s forced to wallow in the family’s toxic, co-dependent bubble. Someone’s bound to break…
Hard hitting and fiercely raw, Ogwen Blues charts their plight to thrive in an area starved of adequate opportunities.
The Review
A genuinely compelling and thought-provoking read, author George Veck once again captures the raw, visceral, and emotional tidal wave that often overpowers everyday people in harsh living environments. The culture and social aspects of life in Northern Wales are skewed by the toxicity of this family dynamic and the chilling nature of the drug trade and life lived immersed fully into the world of drugs. The author creatively weaves the tension and heavy atmosphere into the narrative, allowing the painful memories and layers of the family’s toxic history to manifest and bloom naturally on the page.
The heart of this narrative is in the character development and powerful themes the author explores. The narrative allows the reader to look behind the curtain of life in Northern Wales and glimpse the dysfunction within this family unit. The raw, nearly overwhelming nature of human cruelty and the viciousness of drug use skillfully bring this story to new heights and allow the reader to explore the complex depths of human relationships and the cruel nature of life itself.
The Verdict
Memorable, honest, and gritty, author George Veck’s “Ogwen Blues’ is a must-read suspense thriller. The seamless blend of action, drama, and suspense will keep readers invested in the developing story, and the emotional rollercoaster that these characters find themselves on will make the chilling events of the narrative stay with readers long after that final page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Born in Hastings but raised in North Wales, George mostly writes gritty crime fiction set in Wales.
His inspiration partly derives from political greed, and the plights of those who suffer as a result; whether that’s from mental health issues our criminally underfunded health system won’t treat, housing shortages, domestic abuse, or living in crippling poverty without hope.
As of 2024 George has published six books. Dark domestic thriller Belabour is his latest.
My Year of Casual Acquaintances (The South Bay Series Book 1) by Ruth F. Stevens Review
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A woman hurt by the man she loved seeks to reinvent herself through casual acquaintances, but finds a man who wants more from her than she is willing to give as she struggles to find within herself the strength to open her heart up again in author Ruth F. Stevens’s “My Year of Casual Acquaintances”, the first book in The South Bay Series.
The Synopsis
When Mar Meyer’s husband divorces her for another woman, she reacts by abandoning everything in her past: her home, her friends, even her name. Though it’s not easy to start over, Mar is young-looking, fit, and ready for new adventures – as long as she can keep things casual.
With each passing month, Mar goes from one acquaintance to the next. Among them: a fellow gym member down on her luck, a flirty hip-hop instructor, a bossy but comical consultant, a kindly older gentleman . . . and Charlie, a handsome best-selling novelist who wants more from Mar than she’s able to give. She learns something new from each encounter. But can she change enough to open herself up to happiness and true connection?
Surrounded by an ensemble of quirky, endearing characters, Mar follows a tortuous and unpredictable path as she navigates the first year of her reinvented life. My Year of Casual Acquaintances is packed with laugh-out-loud moments mingled with scenes of loneliness and self-doubt that will put a lump in your throat.
The Review
What a compelling and engaging read. The author expertly weaves together a story that is equal parts women’s fiction and character-driven narrative. The rich dialogue and atmosphere the author gave this story gave the reader a sense of familiarity and relatability to the narrative and the characters. The tension and tone the author establishes for the protagonist are great motivators for the character’s arc overall, something readers will instantly connect with.
The heart of this narrative rests with the heartfelt themes and the strong character dynamics at play here. The heartbreak of losing a relationship, especially in the way that Mar has, plays well into the character’s sense of reinvention and the themes of friendship, love, and identity, playing off one another often in life. The balance that the author finds in Mar rediscovering who she is and the ability for her to open her heart to new possibilities in the face of betrayal makes this such a tremendous read.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, engaging, and memorable author Ruth F. Stevens’s “My Year of Casual Acquaintances” is a must-read novel. The character-driven and character-focused story helps elevate the overall narrative, and the slight inclusion of romance allows the reader to relate and root for this protagonist as her journey progresses slowly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Advertisements
About the Author
Ruth F. Stevens likes to create stories that will make readers laugh and cry. A former public relations executive in New York and Los Angeles, she is a produced playwright and author of a previous novel, Stage Seven, which was a featured selection of national online book club and Alzheimer’s awareness organizations. Ruth is a proud member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association and the Dramatists Guild of America and serves as a volunteer and acquisitions editor for AlzAuthors.
Ruth lives in Torrance, California with her husband. In her spare time, she enjoys travel, hiking, hip-hop and fitness classes, yoga, Broadway musicals, wine tasting, leading a book club, and visiting her grandsons in NYC. Visit Ruth at https://ruthfstevens.com and consider signing up for her monthly newsletter to receive publishing updates, book reviews, and special offers.
Website: https://ruthfstevens.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthfstevensauthor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rfsauthor
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ruth-f-stevens
Purchase a copy of My Year of Casual Acquaintances on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.org. Add to your GoodReads reading list.
Advertisements
Blog Tour Calendar
September 23rd @ The Muffin
Join us at The Muffin when we celebrate the launch of Ruth F. Stevens’ book My Year of Casual Acquaintances. We’ll be interviewing the author and giving away a copy of her book.
https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com
September 24th @ The Faerie Review
Join by Lily’s blog for a spotlight of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.
https://www.thefaeriereview.com
September 25th @ Words by Webb
Visit Jodi’s blog for her review of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.
https://www.jodiwebbwriter.com/blog
September 27th @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews
Stop by Lisa’s blog for an interview with author Ruth F. Stevens.
September 29th @ Book Review From an Avid Reader
Visit Joan’s blog for her review of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.
https://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com
September 30th @ Just Katherine
Visit Katherine’s blog for an excerpt from My Year of Casual Acquaintances.
https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com
September 30th @ Choices
Visit Madeline’s blog for a guest post about how casual acquaintances play an important role in our life.
http://www.madelinesharples.com/
October 1st @ A Storybook World
Visit Deirdra’s blog for a spotlight of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.
https://www.astorybookworld.com
October 2nd @ Create Write Now
Visit Mari’s blog for a guest post by Ruth F. Stevens about why fifty is nifty for a fictional character.
https://www.createwritenow.com/journal-writing-blog
October 3rd @ Knotty Needle
Visit Judy’s blog for a review of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.
http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/
October 5th @ What Is That Book About
Stop by Michelle’s blog for an excerpt from My Year of Casual Acquaintances.
https://www.whatisthatbookabout.com
October 6th @ Storey Book Reviews
Visit Leslie’s blog for a review of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.
October 7th @ Life According to Jamie
Stop by Jamie’s blog for a review of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.
https://lifeaccordingtojamie.com
October 9th @ Beverley A. Baird’s blog
Stop by Beverley’s blog for her review of My Year of Casual Acquaintances
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com
October 11th @ Beverley A. Baird’s blog
Visit Beverley’s blog for an excerpt from My Year of Casual Acquaintances.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com
October 12th @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog
Join Anthony for his review of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.
https://authoranthonyavinablog.wordpress.com/category/blog-tours
October 13th @ Rosh’s Reviews
Visit Roshni’s blog for her review of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.
https://roshreviews.blogspot.com
October 15th @ Frugal Freelancer
Visit Sara Trimble’s blog for a guest post by the author about whether AI is a friend or a foe.
https://saratrimble.wordpress.com
October 18th @ A Wonderful World of Books
Visit Joy’s blog for an excerpt from My Year of Casual Acquaintances.
https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com
October 20th @ Chapter Break
Visit Julie’s blog for an interview with author, Ruth F. Stevens.
October 23rd @ Boys’ Mom Reads!
Visit Karen’s blog for a review of My Year of Casual Acquaintances.
https://karensiddall.wordpress.com
October 26th @ Boots, Shoes, and Fashion
Visit Linda’s blog for an interview with author Ruth F. Stevens.
Voices of the Civil War (Voices of History Book One) by Barry Robbins
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Barry Robbins shares a unique look into the history of the U.S. Civil War through narrative storytelling in the book “Voices of the Civil War”, the first book in the author’s Voices of History series.
Advertisements
The Synopsis
“Voices of the Civil War” offers a revolutionary approach to experiencing America’s defining conflict. This groundbreaking work brings the Civil War to life through meticulously crafted first-person narratives, imagining the thoughts and words of those who lived through this tumultuous era.
From the highest halls of power to the bloodiest battlefields, readers witness the war unfold through the eyes of presidents and generals, soldiers and civilians. Each chapter presents a unique voice, offering intimate perspectives on key moments and decisions that shaped the course of history. Feel the agonizing weight of command, the terror of battle, the hope of emancipation, and the anguish of a nation torn apart. “Voices of the Civil War” goes beyond mere facts and dates, plunging readers into the raw emotions and moral complexities of America’s bloodiest conflict.
This isn’t just a retelling of history—it’s an immersive journey into a nation at war with itself. Prepare to experience the Civil War in a whole new way, through voices that bring the past vividly to life.
The Review
What an engaging and thoughtful approach to one of the United States’ most brutal and morally vital wars. The heartbreak and divide this book explores in the Civil War (before, during, and after the battles fought) lets the readers experience the tumultuous time in American history like never before. The imagery in the author’s writing style and the atmospheric nature of the writing draws the reader in, immersing the reader into the lives of those living through these harsh realities in a way that feels real and relatable all at once.
The story’s history, setting, and narrative became the heart of this story. The transformative nature of the stories being told and the morality around the central conflicts of this war became about allowing the reader to think critically about the war while also feeling the emotional stories being told. The first-person narrative each chapter brought and the variety of different people each chapter captured, from everyday Americans on both sides of the war to historical figures and more, gave a well-rounded conversation starter for readers to engage in surrounding the Civil War.
The Verdict
Remarkable, passionately written, and thoughtful in its approach, author Barry Robbins’s “Voices of the Civil War” is a must-read history meets historical fiction book. The blend of first-person storytelling to get into the mindset of Americans during this war and the use of speculation amongst scholars allowed the reader to get both an entertaining yet educational look at this era and, more than anything, feel the emotional and mental weight of what this war cost and what people were fighting for. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Advertisements
About the Author
Barry Robbins is a celebrated author, having penned five notable satirical works that earned him three gold medal awards, and the first book in his ‘icons’ series. With a 26-year tenure as an accountant for an international firm under his belt, he took a bold leap, relocating to Finland’s tranquil shores. There, amidst its enchanting landscapes and in the company of his Finnish wife and two beautiful daughters, he found a renewed passion for storytelling and mastered the subtle intricacies of expatriate life (including, notably, the fine art of taking out the trash). Now, from his home in Florida, Barry crafts tales that are both engaging and thought-provoking, adding to his diverse literary canvas.
Schroeder by Neal Cassidy Review
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A seemingly ordinary man unleashes terror on an unsuspecting city in author Neal Cassidy’s psychological thriller, “Schroeder”.
Advertisements
The Synopsis
A gripping new psychological thriller by author Neal Cassidy, SCHROEDER, weaves together elements of the literary thriller/horror genre, stream-of-consciousness narration, and critical social commentary.
When an ordinary young man wakes up in his quiet neighborhood on a day seemingly like all the others, the city he’s lived in all his life has no idea what’s about to befall it once he sets out on a day-long bike ride carrying a purposefully packed backpack and a definitive plan.
Who is Schroeder, and what motivates his brutal killing spree? As he cycles from one victim’s home to the next, keeping pace with the rhythm of a city that burgeons to life under an increasingly dazzling sun exposing both its beauty and vivacity and its dark, dirty, underbelly, Schroeder lays bare his dreams, disappointments, delights, and dismays, establishing himself as a compelling contemporary antihero. The day rolls ominously towards its climax through hectic city streets, lush suburban gardens, stately mansions, and decrepit housing projects, punctuated by Schroeder’s reflections on a society in shambles and a deeply damaged, if not broken, humanity—but not without revealing life’s boundless wonder and infinite possibilities for joy and redemption through moments that are within—and yet tragically beyond—Schroeder’s grasp. A tell-all denouement brings Schroeder out of the shadows of his actions, the pathos of his questions about the kind of world we live in lingering long after.
The Review
This was definitely a thrilling, chilling, and shocking read. The author perfectly touches on the culture of bullying and violence and the actions society often takes to give violent people a place to grow. The author’s writing style, namely the stream-of-consciousness style of narrative work given by the protagonist, allows the reader to feel the adrenaline and tension that mounts as the deadly actions intensify throughout the story.
The heart of this narrative is the character-driven story, namely the protagonist Schroeder. The eerie, calm direction of the character’s mindset and the haunting ease with which the character takes these heinous actions is mirrored by the emotional backstory of what this individual endured, from loss and harassment to enduring depression and more. The thoughtful contemplation and examination of society and the daily actions people take against one another showed the depth of this character and the haunting mindset of a violent individual, one born out of tragedy yet still disturbing in his approach.
The Verdict
Memorable, haunting, and entertaining author Neal Cassidy’s “Schroeder” is a must-read psychological thriller. The narrative’s twists and turns and compelling commentary on the violent state of our world today will stay with readers long after the final page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy today or grab your own copy on October 15th, 2024!
Rating: 10/10
Advertisements
About the Author
Neal Cassidy is the author of THE FINAL WEEKEND:A STONED TALE and SCHROEDER. He was born in 1975 and raised in Forest. He is a graduate of The Nene School and lives nowhere in particular.
https://www.facebook.com/theNealCassidy
IG – @thenealcassidy
Kindred of the Unseen: The New Temple by Micah Beardsley Review
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A group of individuals are called to find what is unseen in author Micah Beardsley’s “Kindred of the Unseen: The New Temple”.
Advertisements
The Synopsis
Which is real and which is shadow? The unseen has webs that draw and realms that open to those who will knock . . .
At the start of the fourth age of mankind, the Kindred of the Unseen are being called to awaken to discover the worlds and realities that exist beyond their five senses.
Four travelling musicians in pursuit of new adventures; new stories and new sounds for their songs, never imagine they would be invited to discover the nature and power of sounds born of the unseen . . .
Prince Léyondir faces a crossroads; down one path is the life he planned for himself, on the other is a mysterious summons, an invitation to a path shrouded in ambiguity . . .
Beldrien, a sorcerer-hunter, serves as the chief spiritual advisor and right hand to a king but there is more to hunting darkness than he has learned in his years of spiritual study . . .
And in the far east wilderness of Auburntungle, an unassuming hunter dreams of a greater destiny than the life which he presently knows. Are they dreams or something else . . .
A fantasy novel by acclaimed author Micah Beardsley. Beware! It will leave you spellbound and may draw you to the unseen yourself.
The Review
What an engaging and marvelous read! The author immediately distinguishes their narrative, playing with spirituality and destiny through the introduction pages with the Council of Thunders and the Lords of Light that come forth when this fourth age arrives. The world-building and mythos that come to life on the page instantly draw the reader in and keep the narrative flowing at a great rate.
The balance of action and storytelling with fantastic character arcs was outstanding to see come to life on the page. The ideas and themes the author introduces, from finding spirituality amongst the epic tales and legends of fantasy storytelling to the concept of music having its kind of power and so much more, allowed the reader to feel more connected to this fictional world and the narrative itself.
The Verdict
Memorable, thought-provoking, and entertaining author Micah Beardsley’s “Kindred of the Unseen: The New Temple” is a must-read fantasy novel with a spiritual twist. With the compelling character dynamics at play here, the multiple points of view the story is told from, and the immersive mythology, the author has created a thrilling tale that readers will instantly fall in love with. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Advertisements
About the Author
The reality of the supernatural has been evident throughout my life.
Through a passion for music and sound, I have discovered and explored unseen mysteries – the realms of spirit my training ground as I continue to grow and learn of even greater realities.
In writing this book, I have explored these realms in a new way, using fantasy to push the limits of what I believe to be reality – this genre is the perfect environment to expand that foundation.
I desire to bring others along for the ride, that together, we would journey the unseen realms, and discover more about the dimensions we cannot see, and ourselves, in the process.
https://www.micahbeardsley.com
Echoes of Fortune: The Search for Braddock’s Lost Gold by David R. Leng Review
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A former Navy officer turned History professor faces a swarm of adversaries chasing the hidden treasure of a French and Indian War era general in author David R. Leng’s “Echoes of Fortune: The Search for Braddock’s Lost Gold”.
Advertisements
The Synopsis
The race is on! A Gripping Historical Thriller Full of Action, Mystery, and Suspense.
Dive into a whirlwind of adventure, mystery, and danger with Echoes of Fortune, a historical thriller that will leave you breathless. Jack Sullivan, a history professor and former Navy officer with a knack for unearthing the past, stumbles upon a clue that might lead to General Braddock’s legendary lost treasure of 1755: gold to pay the troops and secure Native American allies.
Join Jack and his friends as they race against time and relentless and aggressive adversaries and embark on a dangerous quest to uncover the legendary treasure. Follow them as they decipher cryptic codes and navigate deadly traps. With danger lurking around every corner, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Discover a heart-pounding story filled with a mix of history, action, treasure hunting, and loyalty, with a touch of romance, where ancient codes and modern-day dangers collide. Will Jack and his friends’ loyalty successfully withstand the ultimate test, or will the pursuit of wealth cost them everything, including their lives?
For fans of historical thrillers, action-packed adventures, and suspense-filled mysteries, Echoes of Fortune seamlessly blends stories of the past and present. If you enjoy books by Clive Cussler or Dan Brown, this tale of codes, loyalty, treasure, and intrigue will keep you hooked until the very last page. Dive into a world where treasure hunting meets mystery and espionage, where heroism, loyalty, and sacrifice are tested. Experience the adventure of a lifetime—get your copy today!
The Review
What an engaging and thrilling historical fiction meets action adventure read. The author does a fantastic job of finding the right balance between the historical background that this mystery is based on and the modern-day adventure that sees the hunt for the treasure takes place. The reader gets a historical perspective of the events that led to this adventure and the mystery that drives many people in our modern era to search for hidden treasures and historical artifacts.
The themes this story explores and the rich character development allow for a more remarkable and connecting tale for readers. The author’s ability to infuse themes of loyalty, a sense of duty, and the cost to people at the expense of a person’s ambition was profoundly felt. The rich character dynamics allowed for tense interactions and deep personal growth within the characters. The imagery used in the author’s writing brought these locations and the historical background to life perfectly.
The Verdict
Thrilling, memorable, and entertaining author David R. Leng’s “Echoes of Fortune” is a must-read historical fiction thriller. The attention to detail, solid historical presence in the main story, and twists and turns in the overall narrative will keep readers invested in this author’s breathtaking tale. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Advertisements
About the Author
David R. Leng is the author of the International #1 Best Sellers – Insured to Fail, The 10 Laws of Insurance Attraction and Turning Premiums Into Profits, as well as Stop Being Frustrated & Overcharged By Your Workers’ Compensation Program. He is an accomplished and well know speaker, and performs as a Certified Risk Manager to many employers. David is also Executive Vice President and Partner of the Duncan Financial Group – he is a 30 year veteran of the Risk Management and Insurance industry and is regarded as one of the brightest minds in the industry due to his unique Risk Profile Improvement Process, which identifies, controls and reduces the risk factors inherent in any business that drive costs to an organization’s bottom line and hinders employee productivity. Since 2004, David has saved his clients well over $42,000,000 in premiums and overcharges.
David was awarded the Advisor of the Year for 2008 by the Institute of WorkComp Professionals and is a frequent contributor to Dynamic Business, Environmental Health & Safety magazines, and has been published in several other periodicals and association newsletters.
David, who has 16 years’ experience specializing in Risk Management, is an alumnus of Penn State where he received a Bachelor of Science in Insurance and Risk Management. His professional designations include Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC), Certified Risk Manager (CRM) and Charter Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Certified Benefits & Wellness Advisor (CBWA), and he’s been designated a Certified WorkComp Advisor (CWCA) by the Institute of WorkComp Professionals.
David is also Co-Founder of Keystone CompControl, the nation’s largest single network of Workers’ Compensation specialists, and is one of only 14 nationwide Level-5 Advisors of the Institute of WorkComp Professionals.
David is a frequent speaker for the Hardwood Manufacturers Association, Wood Products Manufacturing Association, National Workers’ Compensation Symposium, PA Society of Public Accountants, SMC Business Councils, Westmoreland HR Association, as well as other organizations; and was added to the faculty of the Institute of WorkComp Professionals in 2012.
David spends his leisure time boating in the summer and skiing in the winter with his wife, Lynn, and their two children. David and Lynn are active members of Emmaus and Autism Speaks, organizations that help support individuals with special needs, including their son, who was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 18 months.
David’s hobbies include woodworking and ice hockey, as well as donating considerable time to his local high school by helping to design and build sets for their musical productions.
David can be contacted at (724) 863-3420 ext. 3329 (toll free at 888-383-3420 ext. 3329), or emailed at dleng@duncangrp.com.
The Sorcerer and the Necromancer: A Tale from the City of Magic by Susan Ann Walker Review
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young warrior discovers a hidden yet frightful gift for magic, and must find a way to stop a powerful necromancer and prevent either one of them from triggering a firestorm that could decimate the city he calls his adopted home in author Susan Ann Walker’s “The Sorcerer and the Necromancer”, the third book in the “Tales from the City of Magic” series .
Advertisements
The Synopsis
A young swordsman with a threatening secret. A rogue mage with a forbidden power. When they do battle, will the city survive?
Daric came to ignore the slur of being called “blank.” Growing up without magic of his own in a remote enclave of wizards, he left as soon as he could to make his way with his sword and his wits. Then the seventeen-year-old bodyguard accidentally discovers he has a hidden Gift for sorcery, enabling him to drain mystical energy from others, and he is terrified that his suddenly-appearing talent places everyone around him in deadly peril.
Determined to master his new abilities, Daric finds a mentor to guide him and friends who support him, even though many fear him and demand his exile. But while he trains, a necromancer is killing elderly merchants and animating their corpses to rob them; and seers are dreaming of a devastating firestorm soon to come. As rumors swirl and panic mounts, the fledgling sorcerer realizes he may be the key to saving the place that’s become his adopted home—or the cause of its destruction.
Can Daric wield his dangerous skills to stop a madman from burning everything and everyone around him to ashes? Or will he lose control, and bring about the very disaster he is desperate to prevent?
The Sorcerer and the Necromancer is the third book in the “Tales from the City of Magic” sword and sorcery series. It can be read on its own, although there are some continuing characters from earlier books. If you enjoy stories of hidden powers, dark prophecies and found families, then you’ll love Susan Ann Walker’s exciting fantasy adventure.
Get The Sorcerer and the Necromancer to return to the City of Magic today!
The Review
Immediately, I was struck by the incredible world and character-building the author put into this story. As a fan of the show Heroes, I instantly thought of Peter Petreli and Sylar from the show when it came to the book’s antagonist and protagonist. Each sought to be someone special but took very different paths, and even the hero struggled with whether they were this story’s true villains. The emotional aspect of their journeys and the attention to detail that the author gave to each of them as their stories progressed allowed the reader to get lost in this narrative in the best way possible.
The mythology and the world itself were the shining stars of this narrative. Whether you are a newcomer to the series or a longtime fan, the author’s development of Torrenbeck, the city of magic, was engaging for a reader to dive into. The imagery in the author’s writing style allowed this city and the world around it to breathe and live on the page, which only served to elevate the magical system and the magical creatures that roamed this realm and made the entire world feel tangible and within reach to the reader.
The Verdict
Memorable, entertaining, and thrilling, author Susan Ann Walker’s “The Sorcerer and the Necromancer” is a must-read fantasy novel. The twists and turns in the story, along with the climactic final battle between the hero and villain, not only do an incredible job of wrapping up this particular story but also build enough mythos to return to these characters and the world itself in the future, a bonus for fans of this growing series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Advertisements
About the Author
Susan Ann Walker began writing professionally after retiring from her first career as an aerospace IT architect.
Susan’s novels are informed by her life as an admitted serial hobbyist. A former equestrian and martial artist, she knows first-hand how to ride a horse, throw a punch, and wield a katana. She has not yet managed to work database design or Lego set construction into a medieval fantasy, but she’s still trying.
Susan lives in Southern California with her husband and a variable number of fur persons.
Istanbul Crossing by Timothy Jay Smith Review
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A closeted Syrian refuge helping other refuges cross over into Greece finds his life on the line when both ISIS and the CIA approach him about using his skills for their own needs, and his growing feelings for two men put his secrets within reach of those who would see him killed in author Timothy Jay Smith’s “Istanbul Crossing”.
Advertisements
The Synopsis
In this coming-of-age literary thriller, Ahdaf, a gay Syrian refugee, after watching his cousin executed by ISIS for being homosexual, flees to Istanbul for safety.
Ahdaf’s reputation as a people smuggler has put him in danger once more. A Syrian refugee himself, Ahdaf earns a meager living in Istanbul helping others make the crossing to Greece – a perilous line of work, but no less so than what he would face if the truth of his sexuality were discovered by ISIS.
Yet when the CIA and ISIS approach him about transporting high-profile individuals and serving as a double agent for their causes, Ahdaf ’s life is thrown into turmoil. And when his feelings for one of his clients come to light and as another possible relationship grows, the decision is taken out of his hands. Now a new choice lays before him, between two men and two different futures – if Ahdaf will live to see either of them. Istanbul Crossing is a story of adversity, love, and the courage of an ordinary man who must brave impossible situations in order to survive.
The Review
What a compelling, tense, and emotional read. The author does a remarkable job of building a engaging cast of characters that drive the narrative forward while also allowing the realities of the conflicts in the Middle East and the impact it has on innocent people to have the spotlight. The heavy atmosphere and the tension brought to the narrative allowed the stress and emotion that the protagonist felt throughout the story to be more widely felt by the reader.
The heart of this narrative, though, was in the protagonist’s personal development and struggles. Life as a member of the LGBTQ+ community is tough enough in places like the United States, but in the Middle East, hiding oneself from the world is a means of survival, and the author highlights how dangerous and deadly living out in the open can be for people in countries where homosexuality is a crime punishable by death. The pain and heartbreak that come with living in this reality, along with the humanitarian and trafficking conditions found there thanks to the war being fought, put a special spotlight on these real-world problems.
The Verdict
Author Timothy Jay Smith’s “Istanbul Crossing” is a must-read domestic and political espionage thriller that is thought-provoking, haunting, and emotionally investing. The themes of LGBTQ+ life and the refugee crisis in the Middle East made this story stand out, and the tragic yet hopeful tones found in the book’s ending will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Advertisements
About the Author
Raised crisscrossing America pulling a small green trailer behind the family car, Timothy Jay Smith developed a ceaseless wanderlust that has taken him around the world many times. En route, he’s found the characters that people his work. Polish cops and Greek fishermen, mercenaries and arms dealers, child prostitutes and wannabe terrorists, Indian Chiefs and Indian tailors: he’s hung with them all in an unparalleled international career that saw him smuggle banned plays from behind the Iron Curtain, maneuver through Occupied Territories, represent the U.S. at the highest levels of foreign governments, and stowaway aboard a ‘devil’s barge’ for a three-day crossing from Cape Verde that landed him in an African jail.
Tim brings the same energy to his writing that he brought to a distinguished career, and as a result, he has won top honors for his novels, screenplays and stage plays in numerous prestigious competitions. Fire on the Island (to be released by Arcade Publishing in July 2020) won the Gold Medal in the 2017 Faulkner-Wisdom Competition for the Novel, and his screenplay adaptation of it was named Best Indie Script by WriteMovies. Another novel, The Fourth Courier, set in Poland, published in 2019 also by Arcade Publishing, received tremendous reviews and is currently competing in many competitions. Previously, he won the Paris Prize for Fiction (now the Paris Literary Prize) for his novel, A Vision of Angels. Kirkus Reviews called Cooper’s Promise “literary dynamite” and selected it as one of the Best Books of 2012.
Tim was nominated for the 2018 Pushcart Prize. He’s an avid theater-goer and playwright himself. His stage play, How High the Moon, a gay love story set in Nazi-occupied Warsaw, won the prestigious Stanley Drama Award. He is the founder of the Smith Prize for Political Theater.
