Tag: bookreview

The Grumpface by B.C.R. Fegan Review

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A new children’s book looks to become an instant classic in The Grumpface by B.C.R. Fegan. Harking back to the days when fairy tales and folklore were intertwined, this story of a mythical creature and the young man who must try to outsmart it in order to escape is something children will love instantly. Here is the synopsis:

The Grumpface is a poetic fairy-tale that tells the story of Dan, an inventor who ventures into a forest looking for a rose. Instead he finds the mysterious Grumpface who threatens to hold him captive unless he passes some difficult challenges. What follows is a humorous adventure that neither Dan nor the Grumpface could have anticipated.

The Grumpface is a tale in the spirit of any grand adventure. It is about a clumsy young inventor’s quest for love and the challenges he must face to find it. It is also a tale of bravery, absurdity and happiness, and the power of these qualities over negativity and sheer grumpiness.

Every parent will be acquainted with their own little ‘grumpface’ now and then. This story stands as a small piece of hope – that no matter how ingrained the grump, there will always remain in every one of us a smile or a laugh just waiting to come out.

A wonderful blend of poetry and childlike wonder, this amazing story was incredibly well written and the artwork was superb. A wonderful hark back to the days of classic children’s stories, the story helped blend elements of romance, adventure, self-worth and the fight to never give up on your dreams. The poetry inspired writing was well done, and the artwork made great work of vivid color schemes and warmth that many children will flock to read.

Overall this was a fantastic children’s book that any parent would love to read to their child. A great story with wonderful artwork, B.C.R. Fegan has a wonderful grasp on not only what children will be entertained by and enjoy, but on the kind of stories parents will want their children to read and grow up with. I highly recommend this book to anyone who reads children’s books, and I look forward to seeing more from this incredible author.

Rating: 10/10

Links
Author Website – http://www.bcrfegan.com/
Further Information – http://www.taleblade.com/books/the-grumpface/
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34546012-the-grumpface
Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Grumpface-B-C-R-Fegan-ebook/dp/B06XFFK7VZ/

Ashes to Ashes by Valerie Thomas | REVIEW

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A mysterious note leads one young teenage girl on a journey of discovery in the YA novel Ashes to Ashes by Valerie Thomas. Exploring the themes of social interactions amongst teens and the unpredictability of the future, this novel sets the stage for a YA series that asks the question: can we prevent the future? Check out the synopsis:

From tragedy came power. And from mishandled power came mystery.

After moving into a new gated community with her family, Natalie is ready to begin a peaceful year at Emerson High. A year complete with boy troubles, school dances, new friends… everything an average girl could expect.

Then she starts receiving notes warning her not to go to school November first. Notes in her day planner, on a piece of homework, on a homecoming ticket… The more notes she receives the more details she uncovers, and the clearer it becomes: words like peaceful and average are about the worst ones anyone could use to describe the year she’s about to have. Crazy? Maybe. Violent? Definitely. Heart-wrenching, mind-blowing, life-changing?

Well, that remains to be seen. All Natalie knows from the start is that she shouldn’t go to school on November first. And maybe you shouldn’t either.

 

SPOILER ALERT

Trigger Warning: As is the case with some books I read, I feel compelled to disclose that there are some story lines that might be triggering for some readers out there. Story lines involving suicide and a possible large scale tragedy are referenced in this book. Although I’m reluctant to get into specifics, I felt it pertinent to at least mention this before going further.

This book starts off with a lot of action right from the first page. Introducing us to Natalie, we already get a glimpse into the social hierarchy of high school, showing the dividing lines amongst the students and how kids view one another. Exploring the nerves that go into attending a new school, starting freshman year of high school and trying to make new friends, Natalie finds her life complicated even more when these mysterious notes teasing November 1st start arriving. Who’s behind the notes, and what are they trying to prevent?

The story itself was strong, indicating a large-scale series that can span three or four novels easily. Delving into a thriller/mystery realm, this YA drama focuses strongly on the bonds we make in our teenage years and the importance those relationships have on us in the long run. The characters were what really drew me into the story however. The complicated relationships Natalie has with those around her kept the mystery of the story in constant shadows, and her story often felt personal, as if anyone who’d ever been a struggling teen could identify with it.

Now I will say the novel took a little more time than maybe it needed to in order to get into a rhythm thematically, I will say the writing was overall precise and delivered a strong thriller. While it touched on the emotional aspects of Natalie’s various relationships with family, friends and others towards the end of the book, I’d love to dive more into the emotional side of Natalie’s tale in future stories.

Overall I liked this book a lot. With a huge cliffhanger that will leave readers wanting to learn more about Natalie’s story, this was a strong entry in a new YA Drama series that deserves to be explored. While I will reiterate there are some pretty strong story lines that should be handled with care in future installments and should be read with care by you readers out there, I do think this was a great book and I hope guys will check
it out!

Rating: 7/10

Can’t Buy Forever by Susan Laffoon Review

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Love and fate go hand in hand in the romantic period drama Can’t Buy Forever by Susan Laffoon. A tale of romance, family feuds and unexplainable
power, this incredible story takes readers through the post World War II mid-west American setting to tell the story of two star crossed lovers
that must fight to be together. Here is the official synopsis:

In the early 1950s, Odessa Drake (Dessa) is rescued from a bleak existence with a single mother. She takes a chance on the unknown to work in a boarding house owned by a widowed great aunt in Mineville, New York. Dessa is devoted to Aunt Flo and especially a young man, Nicholas, who appears and takes shelter in the attic, the only available space. Four years pass. She looks forward to each day because of his presence, in spite of the tedious work. Dessa is now eighteen and knows little more of Nicholas than the day he arrived to work the mines. She knows only he is a remarkable man who has a limp and she trusts Nicholas explicitly. There is a familiarity both recognize and an unshakable bond develops. Nicholas has reasons to keep his past buried. Dangers loom and become evident when Nicholas gets too close and exposes their bond. What is the mystery behind this threat? To discover the answer, they escape by railway heading West, colliding with treachery and uncovering secrets, mile by mile. Their journey is impossible, but, they are supported by friends who risk their lives to make sure a great love and lineage is preserved. Or is it? None will forget their odyssey as they proceed to their destiny farther than they imagined.

The story of Odessa and Nicholas is a blend of Romeo and Juliet with a splash of the supernatural. The mystery behind Nicholas spans the entire
novel, with twists and turns that no one will see coming. The bond between these two lovers is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Its a whirlwind
romance that takes the reader through a roller coaster of emotions.

The writing was fantastic, with a wonderful attention to detail that made me feel as if I were living in the early 1950s. I could almost feel
the biting cold of winter and smell the sawdust on the small farm Odessa lives in. The imagery of the Midwest setting was breathtakingly beautiful
in it’s description, and the emotions felt throughout the novel were evident in every page of every chapter. It’s a wonderful read that’s full of
heart that everyone should read, so if you haven’t yet please be sure to pick up your copy of Can’t Buy Forever by Susan Laffoon today!

Rating: 8/10

HEY DOORMAN VIII: True Tales of an Uncommon Bouncer in Los Angeles by John P. Kildemm Review

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A short yet action fueled memoir set in the post 2016 Election era defines the novel by author John P. Kildemm. Titled “HEY DOORMAN VIII: True
Tales of an Uncommon Bouncer in Los Angeles, this 36 page story takes readers through the life of an LA Bouncer, and the experiences he encounters
in a California city where Donald Trump has become President of the United States. Here is an official synopsis:

SEX — VIOLENCE — TRUMP Eight true tales from your wittiest bouncer’s, wittiest bouncer
Mister Kildemm chronicles the night life in the City of Angels as only he can, in the fourth installment of, Hey Doorman. But this time with a biting political edge working in cahoots with his always hilarious edge. That’s two edges people. TWO.

As Jerry Seinfeld once said, “I’m sure he’s having a good laugh over this with his doorman buddies.”

This short yet sweet read is fun yet mind-blowing, as the often overlooked job of a bouncer at a nightclub showcases the struggles one faces with
various patrons, from the would be robber to the wannabe NBA player. While I will say for younger readers that this is a very adult book, featuring
adult language and sexually explicit terminology, overall I think the book was well told and painted a vivid image in one’s head of these insane
situations. The use of pop culture references worked perfectly here, and the humor and wit used by the author is as lightning fast and entertaining
as the author himself.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While it wasn’t the lengthiest of stories, the tales that were told in this memoir are unlike anything I’d
read before and makes you appreciate the men and women who work in the service industry like that and put up with the reckless and chaotic behavior
of trouble causing patrons. It’s a chaos fueled world out there, and author John P. Kildemm has done a marvelous job of bringing that chaos to the
forefront with this novel. If you haven’t yet, be sure to pick up your copies of this book today!

Rating: 8/10

The Steps by Iveta Redliha REVIEW

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An attempt to create the perfect family leads to secrets and tragedies in Iveta Redliha’s novel, The Steps. The Latvian author, (along with a beautiful translation from translator Karina Loza), builds a haunting world in which two decades collide and a haunted past could lead to a bloody future. Here is the official synopsis:

“Shivers ran down Reyna’s spine. For a moment she thought his last words were meant as a threat. The stranger’s look had been so sharp and penetrating, horrifying and exciting at the same time. She embraced herself and shuddered once again. This time it was due to the pungent wind that was becoming stronger as the evening grew closer. For a while she stood there watching Lucas walk away, then finally looked away.”

Bradbury is a gorgeous property that stands amidst dark secrets. One fine day a young reckless woman Leonora, driven by desire for easy money that a rich couple would offer their surrogate mother, comes to live at the mansion, unsuspecting of the paths this seemingly carefree life and lust for money will bring to.
Meanwhile, Reyna’s steady life is turned upside down the moment her mother dies in suspicious circumstances and leaves her an unknown property and dark secrets from her turbulent past. Around that time handsome yet secretive Lucas comes into Reyna’s life. At the end the truth about the young man and the horrors of his past that haunt him, not allowing him to give in to his feelings, serves a final blow to Reyna.

Iveta Redliha (b. 1977) is a Latvian writer. With great passion she unravels in writing destinies of people of different walks of life, and their entangled feelings. “The Steps” was born out of the writer’s imagination and built on inspiration from gothic love and detective novels.

This Gothic Thriller is extremely unique and delivers a chilling story. The characters are flawed, human and sometimes terrifying. The story of a young woman’s mission of greed becomes a horrifying family drama, while another woman meets a mysterious man and learns he may have a dark side he is hiding from her. Telling the tale of a powerful family ruled by money and influence, and those that get ensnared in their power struggles and selfish desires is something we’ve seen play out time and again, and yet it’s given a breath of fresh air from author Iveta Redliha.

The writing is exceptional, delivering a spine-chilling account of two worlds colliding in messy and unexpected ways. It was a fast paced read with
lots of twists and turns, and while there are a few spots where you can see where the grammar didn’t match up with the translation, overall the
book was greatly translated for the English speaking audience, delivering a powerful literary experience that is wholly unique and fun.

Overall this was a fantastic read. The atmospheric nature of the Gothic genre blends perfectly with the mystery of the thriller genre in Iveta
Redliha’s The Steps, and if you haven’t yet I highly recommend you pick up your copies today!

Rating: 8/10

Jane of Manchester by J.G. Dow Review

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An intimate look into the life of a twenty-something woman living in the U.K. shines brightly in the debut novel from author J.G. Dow, “Jane of
Manchester”. The story showcases Jane as she goes through her life, watching friends and family grow and excell in life, love and friendship while
she feels as if she isn’t growing at the same pace. Here is the official synopsis:

Jane’s life on the face of it isn’t really too bad…she has great friends like party girl Natasha who’s always up for a laugh and her close pal Polly, always there for her and of course her loving parents, but things could still be better…

Most people she knows are either married or have kids and she has been single a while now and wonders if a good man is ever to be encountered again. The single life is far from a quiet one for Jane however, as she is constantly getting dragged to night clubs and bars by Natasha and the crew as well as enduring a particularly boozy weekend away at the seaside!

Jane loves a lot about her life, disregarding rude plumbers in her flat and dealing with annoying superiors and a smug sister, but as a certain someone takes her eye, is everything about to change and get a whole lot more serious or is the single life determined to keep her captive a while longer yet…

This story is definitely more of a chill and relaxing read, taking the reader on a personal jouney of one young woman who must decide for herself
what kind of life she wants to lead. While so many young women are constantly pressured to get married and have children, the world is also evolving
and women are finally being recognized and respected for wanting a career before family. Jane feels caught in the middle of these two ideologies,
as her sister is excelling in her career and her friends are all getting married and having children, while Jane herself kind of just lives her
life. Working as a florist and enjoying simple nights out with friends or curling up with a good movie and a glass of wine, Jane begins to
wonder what more she wants out of life.

The story is well written, taking the reader into the everyday life of this woman and showcasing her interactions with friends, family and
strangers. Showcasing things like drunken bar crawls, sexual harrassment and more, this story does a marvelous job of delving into the everyday
life of a modern woman and showing the struggles women face when the world seems to be waiting for them to decide who they want to be. While
this book is not an edge of your seat thriller, it is a pleasant and wonderfully simple read that drama and coming of age story fans will fall in
love with. For a debut novel this was a wonderful read from author J.G.Dow and I look forward to seeing what he has in store for the future.
Be sure to pick up your copies of Jane of Manchester today!

Tales of Wonder Anthology from Inklings Press Review

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(I was sent a free copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.)

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a book blogger is working with people you know and trust, and getting the opportunity to witness writers
and authors working together on collective works. An example of this is the wonderfully written anthology Tales of Wonder from Inklings Press.
A collection of the fantastic genre Science Fantasy, these stories explore worlds that fuse science with magic in the most wonderful way possible.
Here is the synopsis:

Science Fantasy is the collision of science fiction and fantasy – where the impossible and the improbable come together. This is a universe of spaceships and sorcery, of mechanics and magic, where zeppelins soar through the ether and conjurers stalk dark tunnels with a ball of light in their fist. So cut loose, let slip the mooring ropes on your imagination, and join these nine authors as they set course for the horizon – and beyond.

Nine tales of science. Nine tales of fantasy. Nine tales to make you wonder.

These tales are perfect examples of taking the fantastic and larger than life aspects of both the fantasy and science fiction genres with the
real life human struggles we face on a daily basis. Stories of discovered love, surviving poverty, exploration of the unknown and the bonds
formed between a parent and their child is fused with tales of time travel, magic wielding assassins and space exploration gone wrong. The
stories are short yet sweet, as they bring to life deep and emotionally driven characters that connect to you on a personal level in the midst
of these amazing mythologies that the authors have created. The writing was excellent and each story flowed smoothly, keeping a fast yet even
pace that quickly set the tone and backstory in order to deliver the best possible story and shocking twist endings that people won’t necessarily
see coming.

Overall this was a wonderful read. Full of adventures, terror and heart, these tales will dazzle and amaze readers with their galaxy spanning
stories and passionate characters that speak to us all. The imagery used is incredibly vivid and paints a picture that one wants to see
translated to a television screen, leaving the reader breathless and hanging on the edge of their seat wanting more. If you haven’t yet please be
sure to pick up your copies of Tales of Wonder from Inklings Press today!

Rating: 10/10

Adultolescence by Gabbie Hanna Review

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Poetry. It illuminates the mind and speaks from the heart. Poetry is the art of piercing the soul and opening oneself for all the world to see.
It allows poets to pour their hearts out and wear their emotions out on their sleeves, whether they be hopeful, romantic or sometimes sad. In
the book Adultolescene, poet Gabbie Hanna shows the world the humor she’s become known for and the depth and emotion that dwells within her, and
is brought to stunning life through over 200 pages of rich poetry and beautiful illustrations. Here is a synopsis:

From Teen Choice Award-nominated comedian and vlogger Gabbie Hanna, known on YouTube as The Gabbie Show, an astounding debut poetry collection that captures the essence of what it means to come of age in today’s world.

Full of confessional, whimsical, and darkly humorous observations about life, love, and the early years of adulthood, this collection of over 150 poems, each illustrated by Gabbie herself, will introduce you to the unique point of view of one of the internet’s most remarkable voices.

The popular online personality showcases her incredibly smart comedy skills with her heartfelt emotional tales of breakups, childhood and loss,
and the struggle many young adults face as the years between childhood and adulthood are bridged. The piercing emotions displayed in these poems
is beautiful, sometimes tragic and yet authentic in every way. Poems such as “Time”, which explores the connections we make with loved ones, or
“Poetry”, which shows the struggle to communicate the feelings one has for someone they love. One poem that I especially loved was a short one
called “Nap”, which in it’s simplicity spoke volumes of the feeling of loss that feels like it will never heal, and yet often is reawoken
unexpectedly.

These poems are a real work of art, and it’s refreshing in this digital age to see the art of poetry is not dead but thriving in our society.
The recent trend of online personalities writing their memoirs has been a popular trend that I have enjoyed, but this change of writing
style-wise is a fantastic approach to opening the readers minds and hearts and discusssing important topics in sometimes lighthearted and often
impactful ways. Whether you buy this book as a fan of Gabbie’s or as a true lover of poetry, this is a book everyone needs to have in their lives.
If you haven’t yet, be sure to pick up your copies of Adultolescence by Gabbie Hanna today!

Rating: 10/10

You Can Follow Gabbie At The Following Links!
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheGabbieShow
INSTAGRAM: @thegabbieshow
http://instagram.com/thegabbieshow
TWITTER: @thegabbieshow

The Angel Alejandro by Alistair Cross Review

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Sin and mankind’s misconceptions about the world at large play major themes in the supernatural thriller The Angel Alejandro by Alistair Cross.
Exploring the world of tempations and the battle everyone faces within themselves when they give into their darkest desires, this incredible story
showcases the ruthlessness that can reside in the best of us, and the strength it takes to push temptation aside to do what is right. Here is
the synopsis:

The Angel Alejandro

A Man without a Past

After a near-fatal accident, Madison O’Riley is faced with an astonishing problem: What to do with the man who saved her life. Naive and heart-stoppingly handsome, he calls himself Alejandro … and he has no memory of his past. As they set out to recover his lost identity, Madison realizes he harbors deep – and otherworldly – secrets that will shatter her understanding of reality … secrets that may put her in grave danger.

The Devil in the Details

And now, there’s another stranger in town. Gremory Jones has something for everyone, and for a small price, he’s willing to make a deal. By day, he walks the streets of Prominence in top hat and trench coat, tempting the citizens with nefarious wares from his shiny black briefcase. By night, he and his legion of insatiable acolytes corrupt the locals at Club Mephistopheles, a den of unholy delights housed in an abandoned church.

The Battle has Begun …

The townspeople are changing in outrageous and appalling ways and it’s up to Madison – with the help of a psychic, a local priest, and the new chief of police – to help Alejandro unlock his forgotten powers before an unspeakable evil tears apart the fabric of existence … and costs them their very souls …

 

The first thing that grabbed me about this story was how similar the premise is to one of my favorite Stephen King stories, Needful Things. A
charming salesman brings chaos and destruction to a small town, and must be battled by the forces of good within that very town. However this story
is unique in that the overpowering threat of Gremory Jones and his followers is evenly matched by a powerful force for good working to help
those few souls who see the cracks forming amongst the townspeople. The mysteries of the town’s descent, the arrival of Gremory Jones and the
identity of Alejandro come colliding in the final moments of the book in a vicious and bloody battle between good and evil, and the small town of
Prominence threatens to be destroyed forever by its own greed and sin.

The story and characters were very well drawn out throughout this story. Combining the best elements of authors like Stephen King and Dean Koontz,
Alistair Cross showcases a unique talent for bringing to life the complex differences between people and showcase how supernatural or extraordinary
events are handled by ordinary people. The characters are very relateable and the story itself flows smoothly, setting up the arch slowly and then
zig-zagging at lightning speed as the action begins and the town begins to tear itself apart. The grammar was spot on and the imagery throughout
the story is vivid, painting a picture that can easily be played across the recesses of the mind like a movie on a projector screen.

Overall this was a wonderful read. It had twists, shocking deaths and a fantastic ending that leaves the story for some characters open and brings
a dramatic conclusion for others. This story highlights the incredible storytelling abilities of Alistair Cross, and he proves that he is one of
the growing voices in the supernatural thriller genre. Be sure to pick up your copies of The Angel Alejandro by Alistair Cross today!

Rating: 10/10

The Angel Alejandro: http://amzn.to/2fAGFUE