Tag: book review

Big Al The Dream Maker’s Emporium of Curiosities Oddities, and Strange Things by Alan McGill 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 Alan McGill shares a tantalizing collection of short and spooky stories featuring a mysterious shop owner in  the book “Big Al The Dream Maker’s Emporium of Curiosities, Oddities, and Strange Things”.

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The Synopsis

Shorties of Supernatural Suspense

What is the mysterious Emporium? Who or what is Big Al? Friend or Foe? Demon? Alien? or Mystical Shaman?

To answer those questions, you’ll have to visit the store, if you can find it.

Somewhere, nowhere, and everywhere all at once it appears at the oddest times and strangest places. The neon shines brightly, like a beacon to a troubled mind. The Emporium looks deceptively small from the outside, but once you enter, it is a place beyond reality.

Come inside and have a look, but beware, nothing is for sale, and nothing is free. Don’t be afraid of the Poliger, it won’t bite. And don’t be afraid of Big Al, well, on second thought…he might!

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The Review

What a compelling and haunting collection. What made these stories stand out was how each story could stand on its own feet and yet continuously held this connective mythos surrounding Big Al and the mystery behind the seemingly powerful “man” and “store” themselves. The author once again demonstrated a command over imagery in his writing style, with each story feeling like an episode of Twin Peaks or The Twilight Zone on the page. 

One of my favorite stories in the book was The Grinning Man, as it took the iconic story and legend of Indrid Cold, a prolific figure in the Mothman case, and intensified the legend surrounding the man/alien (Depending on what you believe). The tension and heavy atmosphere the author brought out in each story, and the way these characters embodied the best and worst aspects of humanity, created an almost “devil deal” scenario that made people question who the true monster was, giving this a thriller element that will stay with readers long after the book ends.

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The Verdict

A masterful work of short horror fiction that weaves three twisted tales of terror, author Alan McGill delivers a fantastic collection to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Stephen King’s Needful Things meets the atmosphere of Twin Peaks; the mystery of not only the Emporium but its chilling properties, Big Al, will have readers eager for more of this fantastic world the author has crafted. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Alan McGill is an American author who lives in an old farmhouse with a clowder of cats. Alan was close to his grandparents, who grew up during the Great Depression. They were married young and remained together until his grandmother’s passing. His grandfather served in the Navy during WWII and was a gifted storyteller who wove humorous tales about tough events. Alan grew up listening to these stories of right and wrong and watching fictional heroes–such as the Lone Ranger, Adam West’s Batman and Captain America–stand up to bullies and protect those who count not protect themselves. This inspired him to always do what was right in his own life and shaped his love of storytelling. He is a multigenre author whose debut novel, A Cry in the Moon’s Light, combines horror, romance, and mystery. As with all his books, A Cry in the Moon’s Light centers on characters who strive to do the right thing regardless of the adversity they face. The book focuses on the theme of love–a pure and deep love that defeats all evil.

https://www.alanmcgillbooks.com

A Journey of Perspective (GROWTH) by Dune Stewart 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 Dune Stewart shares a personal journey of tackling depression, anxiety and identity through powerful personal narrative and poetry in the collection “A Journey of Perspective (GROWTH)”.

The Synopsis

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**A Journey of Perspective** by Dune Stewart is an evocative exploration of the human spirit, captured through a powerful blend of poetry and personal narrative. Written during a time of deep introspection, this collection delves into the raw emotions of depression, anxiety, and the search for identity. Stewart’s words paint a vivid picture of the struggles and triumphs that define our lives, offering readers a chance to see the world through the lens of someone who has faced darkness and found the strength to rise above it.

From poignant reflections on love and loss to candid discussions about mental health, Stewart’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and self-discovery. This book is not just a collection of poems—it’s a testament to the enduring human spirit and the belief that even in our most challenging moments, there is always hope.

*A Journey of Perspective* is a must-read for anyone seeking solace in their struggles, inspiration in their journey, and a reminder that we are never truly alone.

The Review

This was such a personal and heartfelt collection of poetry. The imagery and raw nature of the collection allowed the reader to view the journey that the author took to heal and find himself amidst the issues he was facing. The relatability and honesty that the author and poet conveyed in these poems will strike a harmonious chord with readers who are facing similar situations as the author.

What stood out was how the author’s writing style came across as a balance of stream-of-consciousness with artistic flair. The author was able to bring powerful themes of mental health struggles, body image struggles, and depression to these poems without being too on the nose with them. This allowed the reader to feel the raw emotions of the poems and the notes of hope that are peppered throughout the book, bringing a sense of inspiration.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, engaging, and memorable poetry, author Dune Stewart’s “A Journey of Perspective (Growth)” is a must-read poetry collection. The hopeful tone and the relatability of the author’s struggles and achievements when dealing with mental health made this a personal and promising read. If haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I wrote my first book thinking I was becoming a recluse as a result of feeling lonely, but it quickly changed once I harnessed my energy into the act of writing poetry. I found myself beginning to regain who I had lost, and I will always be grateful for the craft.

In addition, I am a professional photographer, podcast host, and twitch streamer. You can find my photography at Dune Stewart Photography, my podcast at Do You Like Ice Cream? : An Artist Podcast, and my twitch profile at R2DUNE2.

https://www.dunestewart.com

Spurious Scrapper by George Veck 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 warnings – Self-harm, drug use, profanity & violence.

A young man living on the fringes of society attempts to steer a straight laced new tenant towards his ways of thinking, with disastrous results in author George Veck’s “Spurious Scrapper”.

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The Synopsis

Chrissy’s parties never stop in the profitable confines of his locally renowned trap house. Fuelled by North Wales’ lack of prosperity, his aimless cretin entourage are dragged along for a parasitic, rampant ride, rinsing the deprived town’s insatiable addicts of their spare change.

When Sam, a naïve, straight-edged student moves in and jeopardizes this anarchic way of life, Chrissy stops at nothing to get him onside. Never did he envisage the tragic consequences…

Such short-term brazen gain has long tarnished Chrissy’s local reputation; tight-knit communities sometimes forgive, but rarely forget. Aching to escape this pit-hole existence is great, but being allowed to execute change is a privilege only some get.

The Review

This is a truly gritty, haunting, and engaging read. The author expertly weaves together a story of chaos and drama, delving into a dark and realistic depiction of what addiction and life in a university can be like. The imagery in the author’s writing style brings this lifestyle to the forefront, delving into the shocking realizations and raw language that readers often find themselves confronting in these characters. 

The author achieved both dark humor and harrowing life experiences within one narrative. The overwhelming feeling of intensity and the raw look into drug culture, not only in general but in particular in a university setting, allowed the reader to see through the eyes of these realistic characters. The added depth of a revenge story and the consequences others must pay for one’s mistakes made the reader feel the shock and awe this particular story brought.

The Verdict

Author George Veck’s “Spurious Scrapper” is a must-read vigilante justice meets crime thriller and drama novel that is shocking, honest, and gripping. The thought-provoking look into the mindset of characters like Chrissy and the evolution, or at times devolution, of these individuals allows the reader to get a firmer idea of what tragedy is waiting for those who are sadly immersed in the underbelly of the drug world. The haunting ending will stay with readers long after it ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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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.

The Last Waltz in Zurich and Other Stories by Amir Tomer 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 Amir Tome shares a unique and fantastical journey into a collection of short stories that are entertaining and engaging in the collection “The Last Waltz in Zurich and Other Stories”.

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The Synopsis

From the surprising and shocking to the heartbreaking, erotic, and philosophical, Amir Tomer’s debut collection of literary short stories will delight both avid readers of the short story genre and casual readers seeking entertainment and enlightenment.

“My right eye, which was lost in the accident, was alive and well and by some miraculous means, it continued to transmit to my brain all that it saw! … My left eye saw, concurrently, the hospital room, and the brain, as it always does, fused the two images transmitted by the eyes, creating a sort of photomontage in which the images blended!!!”

A car crash leads to an unexpected voyage across dimensions of perception, a painting reveals more than just artistic vision, and a forgotten childhood game becomes the backdrop for reconciliation with the past. These are just a few of the surprises hidden among the pages of Amir Tomer’s debut short story collection.

The Last Waltz in Zurich offers its readers a rich tapestry of unusual and thought-provoking stories. Shifting between the surreal, the mundane, and the fantastical, this collection of stories never fails to surprise, challenge, and offer unique insights into the human psyche.

The Review

This collection of stories was genuinely emotional and thought-provoking. The author found various ways to touch upon the fragility of life and kept the reader engaged in each story and the characters that drove them. The visceral imagery and the poetic writing style helped capture the settings of each story and the connections between the characters, allowing the reader to bond with these characters as they experienced life’s various challenges.

The heart of this story is in the powerful themes that the stories touch upon. The bond we share, the power that love holds in our hearts, and the emotional threads that connect us all. The standout stories for me were The Last Waltz in Zurich, The Proposal, and my favorite, A Quiet Evening with the Parents. Each touches upon the pain and love that comes with those bonds that connect us, from the loss of a parent to the romance between two people connected by tragedy and so much more.

The Verdict

Memorable, authentic, and heartfelt author Amir Tomer’s “The Last Waltz in Zurich and Other Stories” is a must-read short story collection. The twists and turns in the stories themselves, the emotional and engaging stories and characters, and the powerful themes will keep readers coming back to this book time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Dr. Amir Tomer is a professor for Software Engineering. He holds three degrees in computer science and has worked in various industrial and managerial positions at Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. He transitioned to academia to meet the challenge of establishing a new Software Engineering department at Kinneret College on the Sea of Galilee. He headed the department for over ten years, successfully earning its official recognition from the Israeli Council for Higher Education.

The Last Waltz in Zurich is Amir Tomer’s second book. His first, a poetry collection titled Love Designer, was published in Hebrew by Assif Publishing House in 2021.

A Practical Guide to Spanish: Learning Simplified by Zakary Kerr 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. 

Author Zakary Kerr shares with readers a simplified and easier way of getting started on the path to having conversational fluency in Spanish in the book “A Practical Guide to Spanish: Learning Simplified”.

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The Synopsis

Concise, relatable, and contextual, with self study techniques for your independent learning!

Spanish simplified! If you’ve tried learning Spanish before or if you’re a total beginner, this book is for you. In my own experience, I’ve found many of the answers to my questions needlessly complex or simply lacking. I wrote this for you to be just what you need for a strong start in this rich and beautiful language. This concise guide comes with explanations and exercises for all you need to reach conversational fluency and explorative literacy in Spanish!

This book was written for you if you’re sick of these things:

  • Not enough material at the earliest stages of learning
  • Overly complex grammarian answers
  • Overly broad or simple answers
  • Scouring the web, forums, and social media, for just the right explanation
  • A lack of recommendations for further material


I understand and sympathize with how difficult it can be to get started in a new language. I’ve also met enough people with the same questions and frustrations and perhaps you’re in a similar spot. Break common misconceptions around learning, go through the basic parts of speech and grammar structures, learn how to immerse with recommendations for material, and round it off with a few graded reading exercises and more written just for you in this brief guide to the big, wide world of Spanish!

The Review

This was such an engaging and motivating read. The practicality and simplicity with which the author crafted this book allowed the reader to not only understand the lessons the author was teaching but to put these lessons into use with ease. The balance the author found in explaining and translating each word or phrase with the personal anecdotes that went with the author’s own experiences made this a very personable read as well.

The heart of this book was the ease and frequency with which readers will be able to turn to this book. Often, some educational or practical lessons found in books can be too wordy and overcomplicate the basics and necessary lessons a person needs about a particular subject. The author did a great job of pushing past this, allowing each chapter and lesson to speak for itself and to enable readers to go out and practice these lessons, all while bringing them back to freshen up on these lessons whenever they need to. This allowed a certain level of interactivity between the reader and the author’s lessons. 

The Verdict

Fast-paced, educational, and motivating author Zakary Kerr’s “A Practical Guide to Spanish: Learning Simplified “ is a must-read book for anyone looking to explore the Spanish language conversationally. The lessons found within, including the use of acute accents on certain phrases that change the meanings of the words used and so much more, allowed the reader to gain more insight into this beautiful language and find a means of communicating with more people in this world. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Zakary Kerr is the founder of Little House Publishing and the creative force behind Language Haus, a unique educational initiative dedicated to making language learning accessible and enjoyable for adults and children alike. With a passion for linguistic education and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by language learners, Zakary has developed the Language Haus Master Suite, a comprehensive series of educational resources designed to guide learners from beginner to advanced levels.

The first Language Haus Master Suite, focused on Spanish, combines a concise, practical guide, graded readers, children’s books, and engaging multimedia content. Zakary’s approach emphasizes real-world application, cultural understanding, and a structured yet flexible learning process. His materials are crafted to help learners independently achieve fluency in their target language while enjoying the journey.

Zakary continues to expand Language Haus with new language offerings, aiming to foster a global community of enthusiastic language learners.

Abyss of Tyranny: When the System Strikes Back by Justin Cook 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 Justin Cook share the shocking realities of prison and the lack of rehabilitation that is used there and instead a system designed to break down its prisoners in the book “Abyss of Tyranny: When the System Strikes Back”.

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The Synopsis

In the heart of the scorching Arizona desert, a man ensnared in the web of an oppressive justice system that thrives on officials, driven by power and relentless pursuit, inflicting harm while casting shadows of despair over those they are meant to supervise. Cook is confronted with the harsh realities of a system designed to control and break, rather than rehabilitate. This true story recounts rouge officers hellbent on destroying his rebuilt life after leaving San Quentin, as well as a viral vendetta across state lines.

Burdened by the weight of isolation, Cook finds himself navigating the rules created to destroy him, where he is trapped by a system gone awry, full of officials wielding their power to crush individual freedoms and minds with malicious intent. Amidst the desolation and adversity, a glimmer of hope emerges. Cook discovers a hidden strength within, a dormant set of knowledge that is the key to true freedom and finding solace and liberation.

Part Two of the #1 Amazon Best-Selling novel, Infectious Injustice, this evocative narrative explores the indomitable nature of the human spirit and the consequences of unchecked authority, this is a how-to guide on enduring the shadows that threaten to extinguish the light of freedom in all of us.

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The Review

What a truly profound and moving read. The author did an incredible job of writing with enthusiasm and honesty, never fearing to get too deep into the emotional journey of his life outside of prison. The balance the author found in relaying the personal information from his life with the justice system and his interactions after leaving San Quentin and California behind was so well kept and allowed the reader to get a true sense of who the author was and still is.

The author not only focused on the corruption and injustices found in so many aspects of the United States legal system but mirrored that with the examination of mental health and the impact that a prison sentence can have on an individual. The fight to have a relationship with his children, the choppy relationships within his own family, the new bonds formed with friends and possible romantic partners, and even figures like a vigilante parole officer and opinionated judge allowed the reader to feel engrossed in the author’s life, and feel the heated and passionate emotions that came as a result of these chilling actions from the justice system. 

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, emotional, and heartfelt author Justin Cook’s “Abyss of Tyranny” is a must-read. The depth and detail the author poured into his story and the themes of humanity, resilience, and hope peppered throughout made the book come alive on the page and will leave readers completely enthralled. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Justin Cook was born in Nevada. The swashbuckling action-adventure Infectious Injustice is his first novel, which hit #1 on the Amazon Best Seller list in multiple categories in three languages. Abyss of Tyranny, his second novel, is also a #1 Amazon Best Seller. When he isn’t writing, he’s a technical architect who has worked at the most prestigious companies and holds over fifty technical certifications, including top-tier status among the technical community worldwide. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish literature, a master’s in information systems, a master’s in information technology, and is pursuing a PhD in Education. He also taught at a college in Nevada and was a faculty member in the information technology department. In his spare time, he is a marathon runner who has also run with the bulls in Pamplona, twice. He speaks four languages, which he developed while living abroad in Spain, France, and Germany. He has traveled to over thirty countries, which translates to he doesn’t know how to save money. He enjoys teaching Kenpo, where he holds a black belt, playing piano, snowboarding, and hiking. He is a father of rambunctious kids who enjoy reminding him that he is no longer cool and is gaining weight. He now lives in a house free of bars that is made for naps, reading books, and drinking too much coffee. Most days, you will find him lounging in his Kirkland sweats from Costco, writing, where he transports readers to a place where bold heroes have endearing flaws, as he broadly addresses the human experience.

https://justincook.us

Social Security and the Three Bears by Burt Williamson 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 family of bears engage in the conversation and decisions surrounding social security in the United States of America in author Burt Williamson’s “Social Security and the Three Bears”.

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The Synopsis

Mama and Papa Bear Bear have built a successful fishing business in the Great River Valley, and they have many of the same concerns about Social Security as most Americans. Mama tells stories of family members who had difficult situations in retirement, which worries her to no end. She meets a financial planner at a seminar, who turns out to be the only guide Papa will listen to.

Meanwhile, Baby Bear grows up and takes over the business along with a human partner. Thanks to Baby’s girlfriend, he later helps to solve the Social Security funding crisis once and for all.

The short story helps demystify the essential aspects of Social Security. It will appeal especially to women who are married, divorced or widowed, as the majority of the important decisions about Social Security for retirement apply to them.

The Review

This was a fun, heartfelt, and insightful blend of financial education meets fairy tales and was playful and engaging. The fast pace of the narrative and the relatable character development of the humans and the bears were playful and engaging, as they thoroughly represented all of the talking points surrounding our nation’s social security issues. The descriptive nature of the setting and actions the main cast of characters found themselves in allowed the reader to picture this fun story playing out in their mind’s eye.

The heart of the story, however, was the education and insight that the author provided to younger readers about this important program. The history of the program’s creation and purpose, along with the issues and fears that many have surrounding the program’s future, were expertly addressed in this book, which allowed both kids and adults to come together to better understand their own futures as well.

The Verdict

Memorable, thoughtful, and entertaining author Burt Williamson’s “Social Security and the Three Bears” is a must-read children’s fairy tale meets financial educational and retirement planning book. The development of this bear family, their engagement with the Social Security program, and the lessons readers will gain from this book make it a fantastic story 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

Burt is an award winning financial planner and a Certified Financial Planner (TM). He’s the owner and Retirement Specialist at PlanPrep. His goal is to teach important concepts people really need to know in ways that makes it easy and FUN for them to learn.

His daughter used to ask him to tell her bedtime stories rather than read them to her. Each night, the stories were about different characters in unusual situations. The stories here try to capture that magic with a spin on them.

Mastering Agile Software Development: A Quality Code, Requirements, and Craftsmanship Guide by L.D. Knowings 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 L.D. Knowings shares the real-world approach to use Agile to help a team’s workload and move forward on software projects in the book “Mastering Agile Software Development: A Quality Code, Requirements, and Craftsmanship Guide”.

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The Synopsis

What you don’t know about Agile Software Development could boost your projects: Here’s how to increase your impact, team efficiency, and project success today!

Have you ever felt the pressure of a project deadline looming, yet your team’s progress seems stuck in a loop of inefficiency?

Imagine it’s Monday morning. You’re at your office desk, sifting through a backlog that is growing faster than you can manage.

Your team seems disoriented, deadlines are slipping, and ‘Agile’ feels more like a buzzword than reality.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

A staggering 75% of software projects are doomed to fail, often due to misapplied or misunderstood Agile practices.

But what if there’s a compass to navigate through this chaos?

This is a guide that not only explains Agile methodologies like Scrum, Kanban, and XP but also shows you how to implement them effectively to transform your team’s dynamics and project results.

That’s precisely what this book offers— a practical, no-nonsense approach to real-world Agile.

This isn’t just another Agile theory book. It’s a deep dive into the practicalities of applying Agile in everyday software development. Move past the jargon and cookie-cutter strategies to a more nuanced understanding of what makes Agile work.

Here’s just a tiny fraction of what you will discover inside:

  • The 12 Agile Manifesto principles… and how they can revolutionize your approach to software development, even if you’re a newcomer to Agile
  • The ultimate Kanban guide – transforming the way your team works, step by efficient step
  • Pair programming perfected: 7 tips that will take your code (and collaboration) from good to great
  • SAFe demystified – a straightforward guide to scaling Agile effectively, even in large organizations
  • How to equip yourself with strategies to pivot effortlessly in response to changing project requirements and market trends
  • A step-by-step strategy for running impactful retrospective meetings in just six steps
  • The insider’s roadmap to estimating sprint velocity, elevating your Agile planning to new heights
  • Culture is vital: Uncover the often-overlooked cultural shift necessary to embed Agile in your team’s DNA truly
  • The 12 most effective strategies for fostering team collaboration and overcoming the most significant collaboration challenges

And much more.

Perhaps you’re skeptical because Agile has yet to work for you. This book tackles that head-on, demystifying why past attempts may have faltered and providing a clear, tailored path to Agile success.

It’s not about a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s about understanding your team’s unique landscape and sculpting Agile practices to fit it perfectly. Even if you’ve been down the Agile road before, this guide will show you unexplored paths and new possibilities.

Ready to shift from Agile confusion to Agile confidence?

If you’re looking to genuinely improve your team’s performance and software quality, this book is your roadmap. Don’t wait for another project to go wrong: Scroll up and click “Add to Cart” right now!

The Review

This was such a valuable and engaging read. Anyone with an interest in learning or developing further the skills needed to put into practice Agile software development will find a comprehensive yet entirely understandable and engaging book. The detail and exploration of so many different Agile methods, from Scrum to XP and so much more, along with examining how important taking cultural shifts into account is in maintaining your teams project momentum and connectivity amongst themselves, made this book so knowledgeable and memorable to read. 

This book’s inspiration and practical nature made it so appealing. Whether you are new to Agile software development and the process of working on software projects as a whole or are a seasoned professional looking to increase productivity during deadlines, the author not only writes in a way that allows everyone to understand the practices but also gives real-life scenarios to showcase how these practices are used and help give teams the confidence they need to move forward.

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The Verdict

Honest, knowledgeable, and engaging, author L.D. Knowings’s “Mastering Agile Software Development” is a must-read nonfiction book on business and software work. The book’s practicality and the details the author uses will help any reader interested in developing their software development skills. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

L.D. Knowings is the author of several books related to information technology. His writing is dedicated to information technology, guiding readers toward a firm understanding of specific topics in the field.

Knowings has over 29 years of experience in the IT industry, spanning various technical and leadership roles. He has a bachelor’s degree in information technology and a master’s degree in business administration, and he has also studied computer science and mathematics.

Knowings has always been passionate about the power of IT to drive a company to success and leads his organization, which partners with small to medium-sized businesses to plan and manage their IT environments so that they will support their business goals. He aims to empower companies with the knowledge to get the most out of their technology and tailor its use to suit their specific needs and objectives.

This drive and his passion for education led Knowings to extend his reach through his writing. As a former member of the Desoto ISD T-STEM Advisory Board, he is dedicated to preparing students for successful careers in STEM subjects, and he is a firm believer in empowering individuals to understand IT and harness its powers to suit their needs.

Knowings lives in Texas, is a big football fan, and takes any opportunity to watch a game.

She Tames the Sea by E.M. Etheridge 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 woman must trust in the men who took her from her life as a socialite in South Carolina when a ruthless captain hunts her for the key to the creature her family helped imprison in the sea in author E.M. Etheridge’s “She Tames the Sea”.

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The Synopsis

Men fear a woman on the sea. They say women bring about bad luck and anger from the gods who rule the waters. Estella Bohem fears being aboard Captain Eric Price’s ship, amongst the pirates who kidnapped her for her abilities. It was the Bohem family who used magic to tame the beast of the sea decades ago. They trapped it in an ancient spell to make the waters safe to travel, but it was the vagabonds of the sea who wanted to free it, tame it, and use it for their own ambitions. All her life Estella never had control of her future, but as the notoriously brutal Captain Edward Laggatt hunts her down for the key to the beast’s cage, she has no choice but to trust the same men who stole her away from her socialite life in Charleston South Carolina.

She Tames The Sea is an adult dark fantasy novel that delves into the complications of familial relations, magic and mythology.

The Review

What a powerful and engaging read. The powerful blend of colonial witchcraft meets the Age of Pirates made this story so compelling to get lost in. The strong use of imagery in the author’s writing style brought the sea-faring adventure to life perfectly, allowing the reader to get lost in the setting and the use of history and mythology all at once. The world-building brought together that sense of action that the story embodied while also developing the mythology surrounding the relationship between witches and pirates and the personal family history of the protagonist. 

The heart of this narrative was in the character development and the theme of femininity and finding power in a male-dominated world. The history of witches and those who practice it is already a prime example of women being targeted and cruelly hunted down simply for practicing a different belief system and way of life. Yet the protagonist brought this to a whole new level, from the horrors she experienced at the hand of her father to the tragic loss of a mother who prepared her for a world in which women must do whatever it takes to survive and the evolution of her magic, in particular, showed the inner power that women must harness to find themselves in such a cruel world.

The Verdict

A remarkable and engaging dark fantasy and swashbuckling adventure, author E.M. Etheridge’s “She Tames The Sea” is a must-read novel. The twists and turns in the narrative, the power struggles, and the shocking final chapters will keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager for the next book in the franchise. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I’d always known I was going to publish books, and after years of writing my first book, I decided I wanted to publish traditionally. While still queering agents for that book, I came up with a whole new concept and decided to try my hand at publishing independently so I could gain experience in both industries. I’ve worked as a teacher, interned as an editor, and now I am ready to make books my livelihood through publishing and through freelance editing.

https://emetheridgewriter.wordpress.com