Tag: book review

Lancer, Hero of the West: The Virginia City Affair by Bob Brill 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 call to help an old friend leads to a confrontation with a killer and shocking secrets in author Bob Brill’s “Lancer, Hero of the West: The Virginia City Affair”.

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Th Synopsis

“The Virginia City Affair” is the seventh book in the “Lancer; Hero of the West” series and is the most aggressive to date. Our hero heads to the silver fields of Nevada to help an old friend, only to learn he’s up against a killer on a mission.

As justified in his mind as the killer’s mission may be, Lancer still finds himself caught between right, wrong and indifferent. When an old calls upon Lancer to save his family from a killer bent on revenge, Lancer answers the call as always. This time however, he learns he can’t always trust his friends. Lancer also learns someone else from his past is waiting for him; a woman from very long ago.

Plot twists, good detective work, old connections and a little pure luck mixed with revenge in the silver fields of Nevada. Another Lancer adventure to keep you glued to your seat.

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The Review

The author did an incredible job crafting a new narrative for protagonist Lancer that felt personal and action-packed. The reader will immediately be drawn in when the protagonist begins interacting with Wyatt Earp in the aftermath of the O.K. Corral gunfight. Trading Tombstone for Virginia City, the wildness the West had to offer in this era, and the imagery in the author’s writing style allowed these infamous sites to come to life on the page.

The unique character development in this book was incredible. From the strong yet vulnerable protagonist with a penchant for justice to the sudden loss of an old flame and the corrupt system for which he must fight, the reader is engaged with the hero’s journey. The personal nature of the story and the shocking revelations that this plot held allowed the reader to feel a sense of mystery that will stick with readers long after the book ends.

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The Verdict

Memorable, haunting in its delivery, and entertaining, author Bob Brill’s “Lancer, Hero of the West: The Virginia City Affair” is a must-read historical fiction meets Western novel. The twists and turns the author delivers in this narrative and the rich character dynamics will keep readers invested in the story’s driving force, protagonist Lancer. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

A native of Pittsburgh, PA and a hardcore Pirates and Steelers fan, Bob began in radio career in 1972 and worked all over the western US, several times in the L-A market. He’s currently a news anchor at CBS Radio LA; KNX 1070 News Radio.

Bob has won multiple broadcast awards including an Edward R. Murrow Award (among others) for anchoring KNX’s storm coverage in 2011.

A baseball historian, Bob writes the very popular weekly column found at http://www.baseballinthe1960s.com. He also is a podcaster who has teamed with former NFL Quarterback Erik Kramer for a weekly Fantasy Football Podcast called Kramer and Brill, which can be found where ever you get your podcasts or at their website http://www.kramerandbrill.com. Both are always posted on Facebook as well as Twitter.

Bob made his mark with the UPI Radio Network when a gunman went crazy in a San Diego fast food restaurant and Bob covered the story. It was his first big break. He later became a UPI National Correspondent and Bureau Chief. He has interviewed presidents, covered Super Bowl games and Hollywood as well as major news stories.

He lives in L-A. He has survived earthquakes and a beating during the 1992 L-A riots while covering the story, which was recorded on audio tape.

Bob is considered to have an excellent voice and has not only done many voice overs and radio spots, he’s starred in television commercials. Bob authored “Fan Letters to a Stripper: A Patti Waggin Tale” from Schiffer Publishing and “NO BARRIER: How the Internet Destroyed the World Economy.” His third book “Al Kabul; Home Grown Terrorist” is sure to be a controversial novel as well as a great read. “Lancer; Hero of the West – The Prescott Affair” is the first in a series of western novels set in the 1880’s, centering on the central figure; Lancer. Lancer is a gun for hire, good guy, who works the West out of Tombstone.

https://www.bobbrill.com/index.html

Finding Color: A Hilarious and Messy Backpacking Adventure in the 90s (Back in a Year Series) by Candace MacPhie 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 Candace MacPhie begins a journey to share her experiences leaving behind a life of stagnation in the wake of a major loss, and finds a new direction in life in the process in the book “Finding Color: A Hilarious and messy Backpacking Adventure in the 90s”, the first book in the Back in a Year series.

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The Synopsis

I have a nice job, a nice one-bedroom apartment, and a few nice friends. My days are filled with drab meetings, subway commutes, and lonely nights watching must-see Thursday TV.

I used to be the life of the party but have led a lackluster existence since my mom’s death. I’m twenty-five, but I might as well be seventy-five.

Desperate for change, I take off for a three-week vacation to Greece in search of fun. And I meet him. He reignites my zest for living, and the thought of returning to my dull routine after getting a taste of sublime is soul-crushing.

So I don’t. I sell everything and leave for England to reunite with him for my grand escape—but there are no piña coladas. Instead, I get a roller-coaster relationship, lame temp jobs, and endless misunderstandings while sharing a flat with Aussies, Kiwis, and the sexcapade Spanish couple in a sketchy part of London. But as my delicious and cringeworthy moments collide, I discover a path that changes the course of my life forever.

About the Series

Grab your backpack and get ready for an adventure in the ’90s when the Internet was scarce but laughs weren’t. Finding Color is book one in the five-part Back in a Year series, the true story of a young woman traveling around the world. Each book can be read independently, but it’s more fun to take the full trip.

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The Review

This was a compelling and heartfelt read. The book does a fantastic job of balancing the warmth and heart that the author had and experienced with the humor and wit displayed in her interactions with people on her journey. The author captured the sense of adventure and wonder that travel can bring, setting the reader in an atmosphere of engaging travels that will inspire them.

I truly enjoyed the truthfulness and honesty with which the author shared her adventures. From the need to change up her life and find passionate love to find the details of travel and the reality of life in another country, each chapter helps the reader understand both the author and the travel lifestyle. The author also perfectly brings each location she travels and lives to life. 

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The Verdict

Adventurous, engaging, and thoughtfully curated author Candace MacPhie’s “Finding Color” is a must-read travel memoir. In the first part of a series, the book does an incredible job of drawing you in with its wonderful travel pieces and keeping you invested in the author’s personal experiences as well. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Born in Montreal, Quebec, I spent years backpacking and working around the world. I have a Bachelor of Commerce degree, an MBA, and worked for twenty years on four different continents and now call Calgary, Alberta home.

I got married, had kids, and things got busy. Time was moving by quickly, and my kids were growing up fast. I shifted gears and quit my job to spend time at home. During the COVID lockdown, I had time on my hands, decided to try writing, and started writing the Back in a Year series.

When I’m not at my computer yelling, “Just a few more pages, then I’ll make dinner,” I love hiking in the Rocky Mountains, hot yoga, reading romance novels, and making up new cake recipes. I especially like to laugh and spend time with my husband, the self-proclaimed grumpy motherf*%ker, and my three awesome kids.

Follow me on Instagram: @candacemacphie

Or on TikTok: @candacemacphie

And visit my website for trip photos: www.candacemacphie.com

SIN:THETICA by Keith Anthony Baird Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A feared bounty hunter must enter cyberspace to find his latest quarry in the futuristic sci-fi thriller “SIN:THETICA by Keith Anthony Baird”. 

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The Synopsis

The Sino-Nippon war is over. It is 2113 and Japan is crushed under the might of Chinese-Allied Forces. A former Coalition Corps soldier, US Marine Balaam Hendrix is now a feared bounty hunter known as ‘The Reverend’. In the sprawl of NeuTokyo, on this lawless frontier, he must track down the rogue employee of a notorious crime lord. But, there’s a twist. His target has found protection inside a virtual reality construct and Hendrix must go cyber-side to corner his quarry. The glowing neon signs for SIN:THETICA are everywhere, and promise escape from a dystopian reality. But will it prove the means by which this hunter snares his prey, or will it be the trap he simply can’t survive?

Perfect for fans of Bladerunner and Neuromancer!

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The Review

The almost rhythmic, haunting atmosphere was immediately the first thing that this reader noticed. The gritty and dark future of NeuTokyo against the cyberspace world, which the protagonist finds, adds excellent contrast and texture to the world’s setting. The incredible imagery found due to the author’s descriptive writing style brought this city to life, as did the rich characters that populated this world.

Yet the grim character development and large-scale world-building made this story so unique. The novel gives very human and realistic motivations for these futuristic characters. It allows a healthy balance of emotional pull and sci-fi action to keep the reader invested in the story. The mythos of this future and the world within the world concept were fantastic narrative devices to help keep the reader driven to move deeper into the lore of this universe.

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The Verdict

Thoughtful, entertaining, and richly told, author Keith Anthony Baird’s “SIN:THETICA” is a must-read sci-fi novel. The imagery found throughout this book brought a healthy balance of films such as The Crow, Blade Runner, Robocop, and more. The dynamics found within the novel and the visceral take on the future made this a compelling read. Be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

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

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

https://5f2dd297cf905.site123.me

An American Tragedy (A Peter O’Keefe Book 4) by Dan Flanigan Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Detective Peter O’Keefe must confront the darkest aspects of human nature in author Dan Flanigan’s latest novel, “An American Tragedy”, the fourth book in the series.

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The Synopsis

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

In the scorching summer of 1988, amidst the frenzy of the Satanic Panic gripping the nation, private detective O’Keefe finds himself thrust into a trial like no other. As he strives to establish his fledgling agency, the last thing he anticipates is being drawn into a harrowing legal battle. But when Virginia Montrose, “Miss Ginny” to her students and his daughter Kelly’s most beloved teacher, is accused of heinous crimes against her current and former students, O’Keefe faces a moral quandary unlike any before.

Despite the risks and the overwhelming stigma, O’Keefe’s encounter with the shadowy child protection figures driving the prosecution sparks a fierce determination to seek truth and justice.

In this gripping tale of courage and conviction, O’Keefe’s resolve is put to the ultimate test as he confronts the darkest facets of human nature and dares to challenge the prevailing hysteria. O’Keefe must summon every ounce of his strength to uncover the shocking truth while struggling to reverse the relentless tide of injustice.

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The Review

The author did a marvelous job of honing in on the real-life fear and terror many American families found themselves in during the late 80s. The setting, set during the Satanic Panic era, made this a compelling story. The mass hysteria and the criminals who preyed on the terror gripping the nation made this story feel very atmospheric.

As with the previous entries in this series, the heart of the narrative rested in the character development. The very personal and challenging nature of the crime the protagonist is investigating, as well as the shocking twists and turns the narrative takes, will leave fans eager for more adventures from this new private investigator lead. The gritty imagery the author’s writing utilized brought these crimes and the perpetrators to life in a visceral way, allowing the reader to feel the natural horror building up in this crime thriller.

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The Verdict

Memorable, captivating, and thrilling, author Dan Flanigan’s “An American Tragedy” is a must-read crime thriller and the perfect next entry in the Peter O’Keefe series. Due on June 25th, 2024, this is the best way to preorder your copy of this narrative and see the gripping story that captures the heart of one of America’s scariest historical moments. 

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Dan Flanigan is a novelist, playwright, poet, and practicing lawyer. He holds a Ph.D. in History from Rice University and J.D. from the University of Houston. He taught Jurisprudence at the University of Houston and American Legal History at the University of Virginia. His first published book was his Ph.D. dissertation, “The Criminal Law of Slavery and Freedom, 1800-1868.”

He moved on from academia to serve the civil rights cause as a school desegregation lawyer, followed by a long career as a finance attorney in private law practice. He became a name partner in the Polsinelli law firm in Kansas City, created its Financial Services practice, chaired its Real Estate & Financial Services Department for two decades, and established the firm’s New York City office and served as its managing partner until October 2022.

Taking a break from the law practice for two years, he and his wife, Candy, founded Sierra Tucson, a prominent alcohol and drug treatment center located in Tucson, Arizona.

Recently, he has been able to turn his attention to his lifelong ambition—creative writing. In 2019 he released a literary trifecta including “Mink Eyes,” the first in what has become the Peter O’Keefe detective series, which was a 2023 Best Book Award Legacy Fiction Finalist, “Dewdrops,” a collection of shorter fiction, and “Tenebrae: A Memoir of Love and Death.”

“Tenebrae” is a bracelet of verse and prose poems dedicated to his wife, Candy, to honor her last illness and death and their 40-plus years together, a work that has been described as “celebratory” and “heartbreaking and exquisite.” It was a Finalist for both the 2022 IAN Book of the Year in Poetry and in the 2022 American Book Fest “Best Book” Award in the Legacy: Autobiography/Memoir category.

“The Big Tilt”, the award-winning second book in the Peter O’Keefe series, was published in 2020 and has been described as “deft, hard-boiled, but literary prose that’s reminiscent of Raymond Chandler’s best work.” The Big Tilt won the 2022 National Indie Excellence Award for Crime Fiction and was a Finalist for the 2022 Independent Author Network’s Book of the Year in Thriller/Suspense. Most recently, “The Big Tilt” was a Legacy Fiction finalist for the prestigious Eric Hoffer Award as well as making the 2023 Eric Hoffer Book Award Grand Prize Short List.

“On Lonesome Roads,” published April 26, 2022, is the third book in the series and continues in the award-winning tradition of its predecessor. Honored as a Notable 100 Book in the 2022 Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition, “On Lonesome Roads” has more recently been a finalist for Crime Fiction in the 2023 National Indie Excellence Awards (after “The Big Tilt” won the award in 2022), a silver medalist for the 2023 IPPY Ebook awards, and winner of the 2023 American Fiction Awards in the Mystery/Suspense category.

Dan has also written stage plays including “Secrets” (based on the life of Eleanor Marx) and “Moondog’s Progress” (inspired by the life of Alan Freed), which was awarded the 2022 Honorable Mention in the 91st Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition for “Script.”

His novella, “Dewdrops,” was originally written for the stage and enjoyed a full-cast staged reading at the Theatre of the Open Eye in New York. The short story collection comprised of “Dewdrops,” “On the Last Frontier” and “Some Cold War Blues” was a Finalist in the 2022 Independent Author Network Book of the Year for Short Story Collection and a 2022 American Book Fest “Best Book” Award Finalist in Fiction-Short Story.

Dan serves on the Board of Directors of Childhood USA, the U.S. arm of the World Childhood Foundation, established by Queen Silvia of Sweden, working to end child sexual abuse and exploitation everywhere. He divides his time among Kansas City, New York City, and Los Angeles.

Dan Flanigan

Ancient Tides Ashore by Mike Robinson Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Two people separated by time and culture must embrace their destiny to face a malevolent entity in author Mike Robinson’s “Ancient Tides Ashore”.

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The Synopsis

Modern Meets Ancient. Tropical Paradise Meets Paranormal Terror.

In the year 620, a young Polynesian man named Kaimi arrives on the virgin shores of Hawaii. He is among the first people there, though quickly realizes they aren’t alone. Strange company watches on from the trees and shorelines: elemental beings only Kaimi can perceive. Like the dark presence in one particular bay, in the verdant island that will become Kauai.

Fifteen-hundred years later, a Mormon mother named Marilyn Toomey—secretly harboring her own sensitivity to such beings—finds herself whisked away with her husband to the remote Huna’ia Resort on Kauai. Though hesitant, Marilyn feels compelled to go—if only because something seems to be calling her there.

As their lives drift closer across the centuries, and as they come to fully embrace their talents, Kaimi and Marilyn must pull away from their communities and former beliefs in the face of an empowered and malevolent entity—and the looming threat of utter catastrophe.

A thoughtful and beautiful eco-fantasy, Ancient Tides Ashore explores human kinship across time, culture and belief, as well as our relationship to the unknown within—and among—us.

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The Review

This was a compelling and engaging cosmic horror meets eco-paranormal drama. The intensity of the world-building and the vivid imagery that each scene brought to life were breathtakingly beautiful in the writing. The shifting setting between the past and the present was fantastic to see come to life, as the author captured the tone and atmosphere of each era perfectly.

Yet, it was the character development that shined brightly in this book. The grand, cosmic nature of the threat that the protagonists were facing and the paranormal atmosphere were significantly highlighted and drew the reader in because of the realistic approach to character development. The author’s ability to draw on each character’s problems and see both Kaimi and Marilyn’s journeys and how they came together through their shared connection made the story much more inviting.

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The Verdict

Remarkable, passionately written, and entertaining author Mike Robinson’s “Ancient Tides Ashore” is a must-read cosmic horror meets eco-driven paranormal drama. The narrative’s twists and turns and open ending allow the reader to become invested in the characters and the environment and seek out new stories within this new world. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Mike Robinson is the award-winning author of multiple novels and dozens of short stories, most of them speculative fiction. His work has appeared in the likes of American Gothic Fantasy, Storyteller Magazine, December Tales II, Underland Arcana and more, and has received honors from Writers of the Future, Publishers Weekly’s BookLife Contest, the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Maxy Awards and others.

As an editor, he worked closely with J.P. Barnett on his bestselling “Lorestalker” series. He is also a book coach with Wordsmith Writing Coaches, as well as a copywriter, illustrator and award-winning screenwriter with two produced credits.

Between all this, he hikes (often with his two dogs), swims, draws, and tries to learn the didgeridoo.

“One of the best speculative fiction authors writing now.”

— Leslie Ann Moore, bestselling author of the “Griffin’s Daughter” series

“Chock full of mind-bending goodness. Mike Robinson delivers equal parts of scares and the bizarre with wit and style―put him on your list of authors to watch!”

— Guy Anthony De Marco, HWA Bram Stoker Award Finalist

https://www.mike-robinsonauthor.com

What About Tuesday: One ’n Done Book 1 by Adam Wilson 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. 

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One man learns the consequences of asking too many questions when one day of the week disappears in author Adam Wilson’s “What About Tuesday”, the first in the One ’n Done series.

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The Synopsis

An entire day of the week has disappeared. 

That’s normal, right?

In What About Tuesday? Adam Wilson reminds us that should you ever wake up to find a day of the week missing due to a freak abnormality in the nature of space-time, it’s probably a good idea not to mention it to anyone.

Seriously. Just leave it alone. Definitely don’t hire a private investigator.

Oh, and definitely don’t ask questions. Forget anything happened.

Because, technically, nothing did.

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The Review

This was a fantastic narrative. The quick precision with which the author could infuse heart and depth into these characters and make them feel real and fully realized in such a short read made this a compelling novella. The imagery in the author’s writing style and how each scene was brought to life made the story’s fast pace feel necessary and engaging.

The mystery element and prose of this story were fantastic. The commentary on social interactions in various scenarios, from roommates and office employees to random people on public transportation, was such a fun use of character development and allowed the mystery and world-building aspects of the story to feel more vibrant and alive on the page.

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The Verdict

Author Adam Wilson’s “What About Tuesday” is a must-read novella. It is memorable, fast-paced, and entertaining. The mystery and wit in the main narrative and the commentary on societal standards and how we interact with the world around us make this a compelling yet short read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Suffer the Children by Craig DiLouie Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A mysterious illness takes the lives of the world’s children, only to bring them back with a need to ingest human blood in author Craig DiLouie’s “Suffer the Children”.

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The Synopsis

Nominated for a 2014 Bram Stoker Award and a 2015 Audie Award!

A mysterious disease claims the world’s children before bringing them back. To continue surviving, however, they need to ingest human blood. As the blood supply wanes, parents struggle and compete to keep their children alive.

In the end, the only source left will be each other.

For these parents, the ultimate question will be: How far would you go for someone

you love?

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The Review

This was such an incredible and powerful horror story. The unique twist on the genre that captivates readers to be drawn in was breathtaking. How the author explores concepts like “vampires” and “zombies” through this unique illness that impacts the children of the world was somehow even more chilling than classic vampire stories have come to be. 

This chill factor is due to the unique character development and world-building here. Rather than seeing these characters battle vampire children, the horror comes from the lengths to which these parents and guardians are willing to go to protect and save the children, putting their morality and sense of self on the line to show who the actual “monsters” are in this new world.

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The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and gripping author Craig DiLouie’s “Suffer the Children” is a must-read horror story that readers need to have in their lives. The engaging terror and storytelling that readers are treated to remind me of a classic Stephen King and Dean Koontz novel, in which the characters build the world around them and keep readers invested in the story, no matter how terrifying. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Craig DiLouie is an author of popular thriller, apocalyptic/horror, and sci-fi/fantasy fiction.

In hundreds of reviews, Craig’s novels have been praised for their strong characters, action, and gritty realism. Each book promises an exciting experience with people you’ll care about in a world that feels real.

These works have been nominated for major literary awards such as the Bram Stoker Award and Audie Award, translated into multiple languages, and optioned for film. He is a member of the HWA, International Thriller Writers, and IFWA.

At www.CraigDiLouie.com, you can find all of Craig’s major works, interviews, and hundreds of interesting blog posts. Be sure to sign up for Craig’s mailing list so you can stay tuned on new releases.

Actionable Life Skills for Young Adults: 11 Powerful Steps to Achieve Financial Independence & Kick-Start Your Road to Successful Adulthood by Maya Shine Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

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Author Maya Shine shares a holistic and spiritual approach to preparing young people for adulthood in the book “Actionable Life Skills For Young Adults”.

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The Synopsis

Discover What School Didn’t Cover!

Are you a parent or guardian worried about whether your teen will be able to fend for themselves when they leave the nest?

Are you a teen or young adult wondering which life skills you should learn to prepare for independence?

➡️ If the former, help your teen with this practical guide designed to assist them in building essential life skills while fostering communication with trusted adults.

➡️ If the latter, embark on a transformative journey, from self-discovery to the exhilarating moment of breaking free, with this research-backed, easy-to-read book, based on an innovative version of the proven 5WH framework.

Shatter the myths surrounding the challenges of adulthood as you’re guided through real-life stories, practical milestones, and thought-provoking questions. Embrace a holistic approach to personal and professional growth and learn how to:

  • Set clear goals to achieve your aspirations with purpose and determination.
  • Study smartly and conquer boredom.
  • Understand student federal and private loans.
  • Gain a clear understanding of how to succeed in the professional world.
  • Handle neurodiversity in the workplace for a successful professional journey.
  • Develop responsible financial habits to help avoid debt and achieve financial security.
  • Understand tax filings.
  • Tackle interpersonal conflicts confidently.
  • Ensure safety both at home and online.
  • Unlock a healthier and more vibrant life.
  • Much, much more.


In addition to the basic life skills necessary to “kick-start” the exciting adventure of adulthood, this guide encourages you to further investigate abilities that align with your specific needs and goals using the suggested method. This way, you aren’t confined to the book’s content and can explore new horizons with the guidance of trusted adults.

“But everyone’s journey is unique.” You’re right! That’s why the book offers a customizable feature, empowering you to shape your own future.

“I don’t have time for a comprehensive guide.” That’s okay! You can read chapters independently, offering a flexible approach that fits your schedule.

“I’m not sure it’s relevant to my situation.” The diverse range of topics ensures relevance to common challenges faced by teens, aged 16+, in the U.S.

Choose Your Destiny!

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The Review

When it comes to education, I’ve always been a firm believer in positive reinforcement. It’s how I approach reviewing as well, as I think finding the good in a person’s work and utilizing positive comments to help a person’s weaker points is the right approach. That is the heart of the author’s book here, using positivity to help guide young adults into adulthood naturally.

The book does an excellent job of honing in on various topics, from decision-making and finances to self-care and even street smarts. The reflective nature of the author’s work allows the reader to put the author’s advice and educational value into practice and serves as the perfect book to return to time and time again. 

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The Verdict

Engaging, thought-provoking, and insightful author Maya Shine’s “Actionable Life Skills for Young Adults” is a must-read self-help and guidebook. The straightforward yet positive approach to the subject matter and how this book can help young adults and parents hoping to ensure their children’s future is as secure as possible made this a compelling nonfiction read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Maya Shine, a proud “award-winning author” specializing in literature for teens and young adults, takes extra pride in crafting impactful, high-quality, and innovative books. With a unique blend of expertise, personal experience, and a heartfelt commitment to literary excellence, Maya celebrates her achievements by delivering exceptional narratives to readers worldwide.

Her journey, shaped by a background in computer engineering, a master’s degree in administration, and certifications in information security, has led her through diverse roles as a consultant, team leader, and manager over the past two decades. Additionally, she maintains a profound interest in psychology, art, science, literature, and spirituality.

Her most significant role unfolds in her personal life as a devoted mother to a daughter navigating the tumultuous stage of adolescence—a phase Maya herself faced unprepared. Her personal life experience acted as the catalyst for her mission: to bridge the gap in guidance and preparation, helping teens and young adults navigate the challenges of adolescence, and prepare for successful adulthood, both personally and professionally.

Driven by her passion for empowering teens and young adults, Maya penned an “award-winning book” inspired by her formative years, drawing from her transformative journey where trial and error became the path to self-discovery.

Her unique value lies in sharing personal experiences, the wisdom of inspirational figures, and innovative ideas derived from exploring literature and scientific research.

Raised by a single mother, Maya often faced limited resources, influencing her writing dedicated to young adults navigating difficult circumstances, like those raised by single parents, growing up without parental figures, facing incarceration, or identifying as neurodivergent.

Maya’s commitment extends beyond individual empowerment; it’s grounded in her belief in the collective intelligence and compassion within the global community. She envisions a world where collective efforts contribute to the growth and success of flourishing generations.

Maya’s “award-winning book” is more than a guide; it’s an empowering resource designed to inspire, enlighten, and ultimately help teens and young adults achieve fulfillment — and pass the torch to the next generation.

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The Undead Wars (A Cry in the Moon’s Light Book Two) 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.

A deadly threat emerges and former enemies must band together to stop it in author Alan McGill’s “The Undead Wars”, the second book in the A Cry in the Moon’s Light series. 

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The Synopsis

A LEADER WILL RISE AND A KINGDOM WILL FALL.

The former Duchess of Harcourt lives a quiet life. The events of the Dark Forest are a distant memory. But evil does not forget so easily. The sinister Witch King has sent new creatures to find the remaining witches.

Gruesome murders plague the land as eerie Wolf Song echoes from the mountains. Is this the return of Seth? Or something else?

Alessandra de Moreau must decide if she can work with those who killed her love, for only together will they be able to stop the Undead Army. But first, she will have to find the Dagger of Dark Silver and unravel the Mystery of the Wolf, if they are to survive The Undead Wars.

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The Review

This was a gripping and captivating fantasy read. The perfect sequel to A Cry in the Moon’s Light expands upon the mythos and world-building of the first novel, allowing readers to dive deeper and deeper into the world the author has crafted. The author’s dark and grim imagery in the book is spine-chilling and beautiful in its delivery.

The story’s fantastic character development and pacing became the heart of the narrative. The pacing matched the suddenness and shock of the emerging threat of this undead army, and getting to see the way these characters from the first book have progressed in the years since the shocking ending of that first novel was incredible to see, especially the emergence of Alessandra as the heroine who has to bring these ragtag fighters together to face this undead threat was great to see come to life on the page. 

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The Verdict

The harrowing narrative and shocking twists and turns make this a must-read dark fantasy and gothic horror read. The introduction of both historical figures and new foes for the heroes of this tale to face will draw readers in instantly, with a couple of threats emerging as new iconic villains in the genre and the emotional pull of the main cast of characters and their emerging struggles made this a top contender for novel of 2024 early on in the year. 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