I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A lone survivor of a deadly plague must leave her safe haven and face the creatures of the world in author S.M. Sykes’s “Eyes of Blue”.
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The Synopsis
In a world ravaged by an inexplicable plague, society lies in ruins. Amidst the desolation, a lone survivor perseveres in a secluded state park along the Delaware Coast. Over a year has passed since she lost everything, yet as the sanctuary she’s carved for herself begins to crumble, she must summon the strength to endure once more.
Venturing beyond her haven exposes her to the horrors spawned by the plague, creatures both cunning and primal. Their origins shrouded in mystery; they pose a formidable threat to any who cross their path. Armed with scant knowledge and a grim resolve, she understands only two truths: they hunt relentlessly, and their chilling gaze is unmistakable—they have eyes of blue.
The Review
This was an engaging and exciting thriller. The author did an incredible job of building a wholly unique and distinct turn on the undead/zombie genre, giving a post-apocalypse with creatures far more dangerous and chilling than the typical creatures survivors face. The twist on not only how these creatures act and hunt humans but also what they feed off of, to begin with, makes this story so unique.
The shocking imagery that the author brought to life on the page was haunting and engaging, making the world feel very visceral on the page. The protagonist’s character development hit home, as the character felt relatable and memorable, capturing the inexperience of youth with the survivor’s experience.
The Verdict
Compelling, thrilling, and entertaining, author S.M. Sykes’s “Eyes of Blue” is a must-read post-apocalypse thriller. The narrative’s twists and turns and the exciting new take on the genre will have readers clamoring for more from this fantastic author. Be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
S.M. Sykes never saw himself as a writer, facing struggles with English classes in school. Even his wife, who doubles as his editor, can attest to occasional challenges with organizing his thoughts. However, despite these obstacles, he discovered a passion for storytelling that he couldn’t ignore. Beginning with his debut novel, Eyes of Blue in 2018 at the age of 38, he found the genesis of his stories in a simple idea that sparked in his mind. As the narrative unfolded, it took on a life of its own, leading to the ongoing series that began with Eyes of Blue and continues with his current project, Loss of Blue. With Loss of Blue, he aims to weave together the threads of his previous works into a conclusion that is both profound and satisfying.
Balancing a full-time job with his writing endeavors, which include advertising and marketing his work, has proven challenging. Yet, his motivation lies not in financial gain or replacing his day job but in the satisfaction of sharing his ideas with readers.
Looking ahead, he remains focused on his writing journey, eager to explore where it may lead. He invites others to join him on this adventure by checking out his books and sharing their thoughts.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young rescue pup and her friends go on an adventure to the beach in authors Kathleen Conway and Juanita Ellis’s “The Adventures of Dori: A Rescue Pup”.
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The Synopsis
“The Adventures of Dori, A Rescue Pup” is a delightful children’s book that promises to take young readers on a fun and adventurous journey. Join Dori and her friends as they explore the beach, showcasing the beauty of working together, the magic of friendship, and the joy of seeing the world through a rescue pup’s eyes. From playing in the sand to uncovering unexpected treasures along the shoreline, every page captures the essence of wonder and the bonds formed between friends. This enchanting book not only offers a heartwarming story of friendship and hope but also allows young readers to become a part of Dori’s legacy. That’s because we donate a portion of our profits back to the rescue that helped Dori find her forever home; Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue. With each purchase, you contribute to a meaningful cause by supporting Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue (SCMR), the organization that played a pivotal role in transforming Dori’s life from uncertainty to a world filled with love.
The Review
What a heartwarming and refreshing children’s book. As a pet parent who recently adopted a shorkie (Yorkshire terrier and Shih Tzu mix), I find it great to see a book that delves into the adoption of rescue pups. The love and sense of found family that rescue adoptions like this bring to mind is a great lesson that children can absorb.
The warmth of the illustrations and the atmosphere of adventure the authors can bring to life in this story were remarkable to behold. The camaraderie between Dori and her friends and the sense of community and environmental care the tale takes on make readers connect with the characters.
The Verdict
Memorable, heartfelt, and entertaining authors Kathleen Conway and Juanita Ellis’s “The Adventures of Dori: A Rescue Pup” is a must-read children’s book. I always examine children’s books through the lens of whether or not they will bring parents and children together in a bond, and this story hits that mark, allowing families to bond and see the value of friendship, family, and the heart that is given to rescue dogs everywhere. If you haven’t already, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Authors
Kathleen Conway is the co-author of The Adventures of Dori, A Rescue Pup! Kathleen is a former military veteran (Air Force) and works fulltime in the health care industry as an Occupational Therapist. This is Kathleen’s passion behind the book was to share Dori with the world, while bringing awareness to rescue animals. Kathleen is already dreaming up more fun escapades featuring rescue animals.
Juanita Ellis is a first-time author and co-wrote the Adventures of Dori, A Rescue Pup to spread awareness about rescue dogs, and to share a little bit of Dori’s spirit with others around the world! Juanita volunteers her time with the same animal rescue group that rescued Dori. Juanita enjoys spending time with family, both human and furry, and enjoys trips to the beaches of NC and the mountains of TN. Juanita works full-time in the consumer service industry as an HR Executive.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Austin W. Bunch uses his years of sales experience to share a guide to improving one’s own sales technique in the book “The Bunch Book of Selling: How to Sell a Bunch…Not a Little”.
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The Synopsis
They say those who can, do. And those who can’t, teach. But those who can both do and teach, well, they’re named Austin Bunch.
Considered the leading expert on sales training in the gift, home accessories and furniture industries, Bunch has sold everything from pots and pans to pantyhose and has taken that knowledge to create “The Bunch Sales Process,’ a hands-on, easy method that has proven itself time after time.
Now he’s taken those years of sales trainings, those dozens of companies he’s helped and those hundreds of people he’s taught and put it all into a new book, “The Bunch Book of Selling,” now available on Amazon.
Austin doesn’t consider himself a motivational speaker nor a technician…much less a miracle worker. But what’s he developed is a process that uses simple tools like scripts, key words and just plain old common sense to show both sales veterans and newcomers a new approach to selling, on the telephone, online and in-person.
It starts simply enough — “May I” are the two most important words any good salesperson can use in working with their customers – and goes from there to sample scripts that can be used to address any number of selling situations.
How well does Austin’s Process work? Ask the people who have used it:
“We thought he could put into place a unique marketing program that would at least keep our heads above water. But what occurred instead was that business rose well above our expectations and we flourished, having the biggest sales years in our business history.
The Review
This was an insightful and compelling read. The author did a great job of laying out the steps and lessons he gathered during his career and weaving those lessons into the events and memories of where he acquired them. The educational value of those lessons and the interactive nature of what the author is laying out for readers made this book highly engaging.
The author’s pointed and matter-of-fact writing style allows readers to really get into the lessons he lays out. The details that go into the author’s message to readers and the unique perspective on seeing products to both the consumer directly and the retailers selling these products were enthralling to read. The emphasis on writing out scripts, backing up those lessons with example scripts, and encouraging readers to develop their scripts made this an educational book to get lost in.
The Verdict
Memorable, thoughtful, and enlightening author Austin W. Bunch’s “The Bunch Book of Selling” is a must-read nonfiction business book. The ability to show readers how to utilize clear-cut communication and the improvement to the salesman’s toolkit made this one book you don’t want to miss. Be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Austin Bunch is renowned for his prowess in both practical salesmanship and instructional acumen. He stands as the preeminent industry leader in sales consulting and training within the gift, home accessories, and furniture sectors. With a rich background spanning diverse product categories, Bunch has meticulously distilled his extensive expertise into The Bunch Sales Process” -—a pragmatic methodology for selling just about anything to just about anybody in a variety of industries.
Drawing from years of experience as a salesman, a sales manager, a CEO, and a sales consultant and trainer across numerous enterprises, Bunch has authored “The Bunch Book of Selling,” a practical and comprehensive how-to guide in selling. Bunch modestly positions himself not as a motivational speaker or technical guru, but rather as a purveyor of practical wisdom gleaned through years of learning by trial and error. Every piece of advice is backed up with evidence. His transactional approach revolves around elemental tools such as scripts, pivotal phrases, and common sense, offering both seasoned professionals and neophytes a fresh perspective on telephone, online, and face-to-face interactions. He also explains ‘why’ his methods excel over others.
Testimonials from those who have embraced Bunch’s methodology attest to its transformative impact, taking their businesses from a downturn in sales to unprecedented heights with strong profit margins. As one beneficiary succinctly reflects, the implementation of Bunch’s approach not only surpassed expectations but ushered in an era of unparalleled prosperity, marking the pinnacle of their business’s sales history.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Linda Herron takes readers on a fun journey to self acceptance and what family truly means in her children’s book, “Twins Mac & Madi’s Big Sister”, the seventh book in the author’s children’s series.
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The Synopsis
Inspire children to realize their self-worth and celebrate being themselves with this adorable rhyming story!
Twins Mac and Madi are local superstars! But their big sister Molly doesn’t have a twin of her own, and she often feels lonely and left out. Sometimes, it’s like she doesn’t even exist. But Mac and Madi love their big sister, and they’re determined to show her that even though there’s only one of her, she’s special just the way she is!
Featuring a delightful rhyming story and gorgeous illustrations that bring these pages to life, this heartwarming children’s book inspires kids ages 8-10 to cherish their differences and develop their sense of self-worth. Inside, children will follow Molly and her twin sisters as she discovers that even though she sometimes feels envious of them, there are plenty of things that make her unique!
Book details:
Beautifully Crafted as a Heartwarming Story For Boys & Girls
Encourages Kids To Celebrate Their Differences & Embrace The Things That Make Them Unique
Makes a Perfect Read For Twins or Siblings Who Struggle With Self-Confidence & Self-Esteem
Reminds Kids That Even If You Feel Jealous of Others, People Are Envious of You
Great as a Fun & Colorful Gift Idea for Twins and Siblings You Know!
And So Much More…
As a must-read for parents or educators who want to help children realize their inner worth and stop comparing themselves to others, Twins Mac & Madi’s Big Sister is an entertaining and educational book that helps both twins and non-twins alike learn to appreciate their unique selves.
Are you ready to help your child celebrate the things that make them special? Then scroll up and grab your copy now!
The Review
Yet another delightful and heartfelt children’s story from author Linda Herron. The author does an incredible job of not only telling a compelling story for young readers but balancing that with a proper life lesson that speaks to another member of a family unit other than the twins, making this feel even more accessible and engaging to bring both parents and children together.
Not only was it amazing to see this theme of self-acceptance and family come to life on the page, but the idea of taking this series known for putting the Twins at center stage and instead giving their older sister a voice made this feel truly emotional and uplifting. The artwork and warmth of the scenery also added to the theme’s impact on the reader.
The Verdict
Remarkable, educational, and memorable, author Linda Herron’s “Twins Mac & Madi’s Big Sister” is a must-read children’s story. The fast pace of the narrative and the engaging character dynamics will draw readers in and keep families engaged with one another, even after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Linda Herron is a children’s author, proud Rhode Islander, and identical twin who loves crafting heartwarming tales about siblings’ magical bonds. With first-hand experience of the joys and struggles of being an identical twin, Linda was inspired to write a series of fun children’s stories to help kids embrace their differences and cherish their special relationship with their sister or brother.
As a seasoned financial expert by day, when Linda isn’t dreaming up new children’s stories to delight and entertain her readers, she’s writing business articles and blogs. Her financial expertise has been featured in major media outlets, including American Express, LendingTree, and Daily Business News. Currently, Linda enjoys the sunny weather in California but often returns to Rhode Island to spend time with her beloved family.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A lone warrior wakes to a world he no longer recognizes, and must take it upon himself to stop the otherworldly threat stripping his world’s natural resources in author Paul G. Zareith’s “Revenge of the Wraith Paladin: Book 1 – The Wraith Returns”.
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The Synopsis
Rana has given up all hope when he realises that his decade long quest to exact revenge on a corrupt aristocracy and a totalitarian religious order has been exploited by an otherworldly malicious organization determined to destabilize the very foundation of the known civilization.
Against all odds though, he finds himself free of his shackles in a world that he barely recognizes. With his army long vanquished and his allies dead, does he have a chance to stand up against the evil gods who are stripping the entire planet of the mineral that serves as the fundamental prerequisite of all runecraft – Ildaria’s ultimate defence?
The Review
This was such a vast and richly developed narrative. The scope of the world-building that the author took on was not only imaginative but captivating to read as the story progressed. The suspense and mystery that immediately hit readers as the protagonist wakes to this changed world and the haunting atmosphere that brought these deadly threats to life made the story feel alive on the page.
The amount of detail that went into the mythology of this world and the diverse character development made the story feel cinematic in its approach. The multiple POVs make the reader feel connected to these characters. They showcased both the heart of the heroes and the chilling nature of the villains, allowing readers to witness the protagonist’s long and harrowing journey in this first novel.
The Verdict
Imaginative, entertaining, and thrilling, author Paul G. Zareith’s “Revenge of the Wraith Paladin: Book 1—The Wraith Returns” is a must-read fantasy novel and the perfect entry into a new series. The narrative’s twists and turns and shocking ending will make fans eager to dive further into this magical world. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Avid fiction aficionado and fantasy author dabbling in the grimdark, arcane and all things forbidden and forgotten.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Discover the best practices and principles to properly invest in cryptocurrency in the book “Cryptocurrency Investing: The Fundamental Analysis Guide”.
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The Synopsis
Uncover the mysteries of successful crypto investing with this all-encompassing guide to fundamental analysis.
Cryptocurrency, one of the most exciting and revolutionary investment forms of the 21st century, continues to evolve. As it does, the potential for smart, sustainable investment increases. However, with these great opportunities come considerable risks. This is where this comprehensive guide becomes your essential companion.
Embark on an in-depth journey through the complexities of crypto investing, guided by the insights of fundamental analysis. This is more than just a book; it’s your roadmap to navigating the volatile waves of the crypto market, designed to steer you toward your financial goals.
This book will educate you on everything you need to know about crypto investing, from the fundamentals of investments to advanced portfolio management strategies. Dive into the art and science of fundamental analysis, a strategy respected in traditional finance and now cleverly adapted for the crypto sphere.
The guide is designed for everyone, whether you’re a newcomer to the crypto world or a veteran investor seeking to expand your knowledge.
Here’s what awaits you:
• A deep understanding of cryptocurrency investment backed by evidence and experience.
• Strategic insights drawn from traditional finance enable wise decision-making.
• Examining crypto’s interaction with various fields broadens your investment viewpoint.
• A detailed guide to devising and implementing a successful investment strategy.
• Methods to identify, select, and invest in top-tier crypto projects.
• Resources to manage your portfolio, reduce risks, and accurately track your investment progress.
Distinguish yourself from the speculative crowd. This book simplifies complex concepts into practical knowledge, avoiding baseless predictions and technical jargon. Instead, it offers a balanced, unbiased perspective on crypto investing, highlighting the unique benefits of cryptocurrencies, including Tokenomics, decentralized finance (DeFi), and more.
This guide is organized into three key sections—Portfolio Management, Investment Strategy, and Investment Implementation—providing a step-by-step path to crypto investing expertise. From setting achievable financial goals, building a solid portfolio, identifying innovative crypto projects, and refining your investment strategies, we’ve got you covered.
It’s more than just a book; it’s a mentor, a guide, and a market ally all in one. This is the result of years of expertise designed to protect you from the pitfalls of crypto investing while accelerating your journey to success.
Grab this opportunity to be at the cutting edge of the crypto revolution. Arm yourself with the knowledge, strategies, and confidence to prosper in the dynamic world of cryptocurrency investing. Your journey to financial empowerment begins here. Don’t just observe the crypto wave—surf it. Order your copy now and start an investment journey that could transform your financial future.
The Review
One of the things that immediately stood out to me as a reader was the accessibility of the subject matter. Personally, finances and investment, as well as cryptocurrency, have always been a mystery to me, and finding a means of connecting the average reader, such as myself, to these industries has always been a challenge. Still, the author does a marvelous job of writing in a way that explains the intricacies of cryptocurrency and relates to the reader in the process.
The insight and detail the author goes into is brilliantly laid out. Not only does the author go into managing one’s portfolio and the reasons one should invest, but also what goes into trading and the different cycles in the market overall. The strategies and step-by-step guide give readers a blueprint to success while cautioning readers on all the risks involved, creating the perfect balance.
The Verdict
Educational, memorable, and insightful, Crypto Engineer’s “Cryptocurrency Investing: The Fundamental Analysis Guide” is a must-read nonfiction business and financial book. The knowledge and guidance the author provides will not only expand readers’ knowledge of cryptocurrency as an industry but also help those looking to expand their ongoing investments. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
For the last ten years, Crypto Engineer has worked as a consultant and manager in the IT industry. He also owned a software company and a fintech start-up.
He invested his financial surplus in the stock market. After learning about cryptocurrencies, he also entered this space. In the absence of a complete guide, he learned from his mistakes.
In 2021, he started publishing educational content on X (Twitter) as a Crypto Engineer. He aimed to professionalize the industry by sharing how to invest in this market.
He won many competitions for the best crypto writer and earned thousands of dollars (you can find more details on his website). This demonstrated the demand for high-quality content about investing in cryptocurrencies.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A fallen angel must contend with her growing friendship with a human tribesman and the promise of her dream of returning to heaven by a secret, beautiful angel who visits her at night as the war continues between humanity and heaven in author Richard Harland’s “Ferren and the Doomsday Mission”, the second book in the Ferren Trilogy.
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The Synopsis
The unique friendship between an angel and a human is the only hope for the future – but can they remain friends?It’ s one thousand years since medical scientists brought a dead brain back to consciousness. When they discovered the reality of life after death, they laid claim to Heaven and set off a war against the angels.Now the Earth is a ruined wasteland. Descendants of the original scientists continue the war with their armies of artificially created Humen. When the greatest of Doctors, the all-knowing Doctor Saniette, takes control of the Bankstown Camp, the fighting moves to a terrible new phase.Miriael is the angel who fell to Earth, ate mortal food and can no longer return to Heaven. Ferren is the young tribesman who has been her only friend since her own kind abandoned her. Together, they work to unite the tribes in an alliance independent of the Humen.But suddenly Miriael has another friend. A beautiful, caring angel visits her in secret and offers her what she most desires: the chance to return to Heaven. The consequences will be extreme … for her, for Ferren, for the world.
The Review
This was another fantastic entry into the author’s rich, fantasy-driven dystopian world. The immense scope of the world-building the author took on in bringing this story to life was incredible to see expanded upon in this book. The threat of Dr. Saniette and the Humen in this story and the action-packed drama that unfolds as the battle rages on make this narrative genuinely memorable.
Yet the action and drama are so well balanced, thanks to the rich character dynamics. The friendship and the evolution of the relationship between the protagonists, Miriael and Ferren, is the core heart of the narrative. However, the exciting directions their journey takes them on as individuals, from the interesting romance/love triangle between Ferren, Kiet, and Zonda to the twist connection Miriael has to Asmodai, and the impact Miriael has on the growing alliance amongst the last of the tribes of humanity made this a remarkable narrative to get lost in.
The Verdict
Exhilarating, thrilling, and heartfelt, author Richard Harland’s “Ferren and the Doomsday Mission” is a brilliant sequel and a memorable fantasy-driven story that readers won’t put down. The twists and turns in the story will keep readers on the edge of their seats, and the cliffhanger final moments will bring readers back for the third book of the Ferren trilogy. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Interview with Richard Harland
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What is the biggest difference between writing a solo novel and a series?
I don’t have much experience of starting out to write a series! The only time I’ve done it was with my Wolf Kingdom quartet, and they were kids’ books. My first novel The Vicar of Morbing Vyle was a standalone until fans pushed for a sequel. My SF/detective movel The Dark Edge was a standalone until my publisher demanded sequels. And ditto with my steampunk fantasy, Worldshaker – I was ready to be asked for a sequel, but I’d spent 20 years planning the novel as a standalone.
With Ferren and the Angel, I wasn’t even ready to be asked for a sequel. I loosened it up at the end when my publisher first talked of a sequel, but that was only in the last stage of editing before publication. There’s a whole complicated story there, which I haven’t much explained to anyone anywhere.
ANTHONY: Let’s hear it.
OK, confession time! There’s an earlier version of The Ferren Trilogy called The Heaven and Earth Trilogy. It came out only in Australia, published by Penguin Australia, had some success, but wasn’t marketed very well (internal publisher politics!) and Penguin let it go out of print. That first publication was twenty years ago.
My new publisher, IFWG, sells mainly into the US, and it seemed a smart move not to make a lot of noise about the first version, which never even existed in America. Why create confusion? But it ended up being confusing anyway, because the audio format of Ferren and the Angel is under a separate contract and still on sale on Amazon. Not so smart after all!
But here’s the best bit of the story. After the Penguin version dropped out of print, and after I’d moved on to some international success with Worldshaker and its sequels, there were still fans of the original trilogy who’d fallen in love with it and refused to forget about it. They wanted those novels out there and wouldn’t let them die! They hounded publishers year after year, until they finally succeeded. One day, out of the blue, I received an email from IFWG Publishing, saying they’d like to do a reprint of the Ferren books. Yay!
ANTHONY: So is this a reprint or a new version or what?
It’s a total rewrite! Although I’d moved on to writing other books, I always had the feeling that the trilogy deserved better than it got. The fans of the book believed that it deserved better from publishers, but I believed it deserved better from its author too! The raw material was there, the incredible future world where the armies of Heaven do battle with the armies of the Earth – so much potential! But not fully realized. When IFWG offered to do a reprint, I said I wanted time to rewrite the books first. After twenty years of mulling over the stories in the back of my mind, I just knew they could be better told. And now they are!
It’s a wonderful thing, to be given a second chance. I haven’t wanted that chance for any other novel I’ve written, only the Ferren books. They’re finally turning into the books they were always meant to be!
Um, maybe I’ve left the question behind … What was your first question again?
ANTHONY: What is the biggest difference between writing a solo novel and a series?
Right! I knew there was some connection! The thing is that when Penguin Australia were about to bring out the early version of Ferren and the Angel, they hit me with the request for a sequel to be written within twelve months. Which was great, but … I’m not a fast writer, and, even more, I needed time to recharge my batteries for imagining a whole further expansion of the world and story. I think I did well – better than I could ever have expected – with the ideas I came up with. Trouble was, I was forever playing catch up and never had time to shape them into a truly effective story dynamic.
I always felt that Book 2, originally called Ferren and the White Doctor but now called FERREN AND THE DOOMSDAY MISSION, needed more of a rewrite than any other volume, I read through the Penguin version before starting, but then hardly looked at it again while I went through the rewrite. And the rewriting just flowed! I guess the difference was that I knew where the story was going, so I knew how to set it up right! I’d planted the seeds properly in Book 1 and got them growing at the start of Book 2. When I wrote the original Ferren and the White Doctor, I remember always struggling to pull the story back into line. With the rewrite, it just unfolded all by itself!
I guess I experienced the hard way what makes a series a series. The three novels in the new Ferren Trilogy all have their own individual story dynamic, but now they’re not merely tacked on one after the other – they grow out of each other, bigger and bigger with every volume.
So what’s the biggest takeaway you want readers to have when finishing your series?
I suppose as the trilogy develops, it puts you more and more on the side of Heaven. For all their blinkered sense of superiority, the angels and archangels do hold strong ethical principles – and they learn to shed their sense of superiority in the end. Their basic goodness comes through, whereas the Humen who make up the armies of Earth are just plain bad and nasty. But there’s no religious message. The beauty of angelology – the traditional lore about angels and Heaven – moves me emotionally, but I’m still an agnostic.
I think the takeaway would be more of a humanist one – for human beings to believe in themselves, respect themselves and stand up for themselves. That’s what the Residuals, descendants of the original human beings, learn to do in the course of the trilogy, even as they eventually choose to fight alongside Heaven.
As for the moral balance between Heaven and the Humen, I’d say that the Humen lack reverence for anything and everything – they’re only interested in what they can exploit for their own purposes. I suppose that’s my religion – a humanism that isn’t self-centered but has respect for what’s other than ourselves. It’s not a message, and I’m not preaching it, but it probably colours the story and events.
Do you plot out your novels and the characters within them, or do you write and let the story develop at its own pace?
I don’t like the word ‘plot’ because it’s sounds mechanical and controlling, but it’s true I do a huge amount of thinking and imagining before turning a story into actual words. I’ve always had a very vivid visual imagination, so I tend to watch my story unfold like a movie before verbalizing it.
One thing I love is a narrative that builds and converges to a huge rolling climax. In Ferren and the Angel and Ferren and the Doomsday Mission, the climactic scenes take up nearly a quarter of the book – and the climax of Book 3, Ferren and the Invaders of Heaven, will be the biggest of the lot! But you can’t produce those sorts of climaxes just by ambling along page after page. I don’t believe in weak endings or fade-out endings (I mean, I don’t believe in fade-out endings for fantasy fiction), but I also don’t believe in artificially imposed big endings. The climax has to grow naturally out of everything that’s gone before.
Am I starting to sound like a broken record? I believe you have to grow those big climaxes by planting the seeds early on. I’m the sort of author who’s always looking ahead – I don’t know exactly how the final development will work out, but I can sense when I’ve got all the material for it. Like the volume of a wave that’ll just sweep me along at the end!
I think of being an author as like being on the back of some humungous, lumbering beast! The beast is the story, with its own vast mass and momentum. You can’t drag it round suddenly to where you want it to go, e.g. a big, rolling climax. You have to begin guiding and nudging it right from the start, looking far ahead and applying tiny prods that are all the influence you ever get to have.
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About the Author
Richard was born in Yorkshire, England, then migrated to Australia at the age of twenty-one. He was always trying to write, but could never finish the stories he began. Instead he drifted around as a singer, songwriter and poet, then became a university tutor and finally a university lecturer. But after twenty-five years of writer’ s block, he finally finished the cult novel, The Vicar of Morbing Vyle. When he contracted his next book to a major publisher, he immediately resigned his lectureship to follow his original dream.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Mamadou Diakite shares the painful reality of a corrupt family court system in the United States in the book “Broken Justice: My Harrowing Experience in the United States Court System”.
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The Synopsis
I revere the American Judicial System. In fact, in my opinion, I believe it is the most advanced judicial system in the world. That said, it is marred with corruption. I recently lived the most horrific experience of my life dealing with the system. I emerged from my ordeal believing that the Family Court system is notoriously corrupt.
Family Court in the U.S. is a highly-profitable business. Statistics show that more money passes through Family Court than any other court. The more the attorney charges, the more people are willing to pay because they believe that money equals skills. The only winners in these courts are the attorneys. This is not what it was intended to be. Let’s change it!
The unethical conduct of attorneys and bad Family Court judgments leave families financially devastated and emotionally damaged. In my specific case, the court erred in 4 crucial areas and ignored my repeated pleas to fix its errors:
1.The Court erred in allowing Petitioner to use self-authenticated exhibits while dismissing mine under the pretext that they were self-authenticated.
2.The Court erred in reinstating child support payments, although said child has reached majority, graduated from college, and was no longer attending high school.
3.The Court erred in allowing a claim of disability not substantiated by clinical findings and refuted by
4.The Court erred in denying me the opportunity to counter Petitioner’s claim that I failed to honor my timesharing obligation. Petitioner’s own physical assessments.
It is the Court’s responsibility to prevent error-ridden trials. That I chose to represent myself (Pro Se) during the trial because I could not afford an attorney should not have diminished the importance of my case nor be cause to ignore my pleas. Only the facts should have determined the outcome of the case. A Judge should be very acutely aware of the limitations and exercise of his/her judicial power. Those limitations should come in the adherence to the facts, which the court failed to do in my case. As a consequence, I have lost trust and respect for the system. Trust, respect, and legitimacy are essential to the Court’s authority, which depends on its credibility, credibility that I have lost.
Please sign my petition on change.org: tinyurl.com/464v6z58 to help me make my case. Together, we can indict the system and hopefully make legislative changes to improve the legal process to better serve the families that utilize it.
The Review
I was immediately struck by the balance the author achieved in this book. While the author was able to relay the personal details of their experience, the detailed and educational value of exploring the justice system, particularly the way family courts work, both how they are supposed to work and how corruption changes those concepts, made this book so engaging.
The research and experience the book’s content brought out were significant to see and allowed the reader to connect more to the author’s struggles. The emotional pull that the author’s story brings out enables the reader to connect to his journey, and the shocking details of the author’s story will resonate with readers long after the book ends.
The Verdict
Memorable, engaging, and thoughtful author Mamadou Diakite’s “Broken Justice” is a must-read nonfiction book. The twists and turns in the author’s struggles and the detail the author went into made this a remarkable book. If you haven’t yet be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Hi, I am Mamadou, and this is my story. In 1985, I immigrated to the United States with the noble pursuit of the American Dream. Through years of dedicated effort, I attained a culmination of achievements, acquiring degrees and expertise in diverse fields such as math, chemistry, pharmacy, healthcare administration, and even contributing to the development of a clinical intervention software in 1998, when the World Wide Web was only 5 years old. Alongside these accomplishments, I built a business in nutritional supplements. However, my story took a disheartening turn as it intersected with a justice system led astray by the manipulations of a bitter and vindictive ex-wife, morally bankrupt attorneys, and a corrupt judge.
I like to think of myself as a resilient man facing the relentless storm of a justice system gone awry, and who stood as a testament to the endurance of the human spirit. My journey through the harrowing post-divorce legal battles began in 2014, yet the echoes of injustice continued to still reverberate in my life. I have found myself entangled in a web of deceit woven by my ex-wife and her unscrupulous lawyers. These legal vultures, devoid of morality, concocted schemes that transcended the boundaries of human decency.
One of their most egregious acts involved emotionally abusing me and my children. I write in details about this in the book. Other examples include, manufacturing evidence and filing it with the court, orchestrating a deplorable plan to seize my vehicle, abduct my children, and drain my bank account. The cruelty of their agenda knew no bounds, leaving scars that ran deep within the hearts of a broken family.
In their pursuit of financial gain, my ex-wife was advised by one of her attorneys to quit her job and fraudulently apply for Social Security disability benefits, so I would pay child support at an even higher rate. A chilling example of how these attorneys manipulated the system for their own gain, regardless of the human cost. The depths to which they sank seemed bottomless, filing motions that bordered on the absurd, such as demanding that I provide my mother’s will, even though she was very much alive.
The depravity reached its zenith when a judge, seemingly blind to justice, dismissed nearly all my exhibits and declared my ex-wife disabled without evidence. This, despite Social Security rejecting her disability application and her own physician’s clinical findings refuting her claim of disability. The judge, an inexplicable arbiter of fate, ruled in favor of the fraudulent disability benefits. And this despite me having already paid seven years of child support for my two kids and seven years of spousal support to my ex-wife and that my child support and spousal support obligations had been achieved.
Although my children have emancipated, I have also paid an additional 29 months of extra child support for my older daughter and 9 months of extra child support at twice the rate of the previous seven years for my younger daughter. I have also given half of my retirement savings to my ex-wife, although she refused to go to work for 10 of the 13 years we were together. I am also responsible for my children’s health, dental and vision insurance premiums, which I do not mind. Despite all of that, a Judge with a corrupt sense of reality ordered me to pay my ex-wife’s attorney fees, $73,000 and an additional $52,800 in child support. HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH, HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH?
I, however, refuse to be broken by the system that has failed me. I have therefore decided to embark on a journey to expose the truth and hold those responsible for these egregious acts accountable.
Faced with injustice within the legal system and feeling a lack of recourse elsewhere, I am compelled to bring my case to the COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION. In this endeavor, I am wholeheartedly dedicated to recounting my story within the pages of this book and please Sign and Share My Petition. By joining forces, we aim to hold the system accountable and advocate for legislative changes that can improve the legal process, ensuring better service for the families it serves.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A fruit-based music group shares mind and body wellness through fun beats in author Jordan Mann’s “Banana and the Beat”.
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The Synopsis
Deejay B-Fruit and his music group, the Fresh Fruit Crew, are vibing on their Brooklyn brownstone stoop. Dropping mind-body nutrition rhymes and creating fire music loops. As the crowd gathers round, there’s an unexpected showdown. Find out if this whole food group passes the test to be the best – to help every kid’s mind, body and soul.
The Review
This was such a fun and exciting read. The author found the right balance between children’s book storytelling, hip-hop lyrical writing style, and dynamic character development with which children would be happy to connect. The illustrations and pops of color on the page are also an immediate attention grabber for readers.
The author’s ability to bring fun and hip-hop to young readers when discussing health and wellness, both of the body and mind, was fascinating. How each character got their unique personality and perspectives on this topic allowed children to engage with and harness the author’s message.
The Verdict
Author Jordan Mann’s “Banana and the Beat” is an imaginative, fun, and entertaining children’s book. The interactive story and insightful theme of body and wellness that these characters embody are sure to leave a lasting impact on kids reading this book. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
