Tag: books

Push Me Off The Cliff by Marina Osipova 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 soviet woman searches for an Armenian man as both face the events haunting them from their past to find solace once more in author Marina Osipova’s “Push Me Off the Cliff.”

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The Synopsis

March of 1948. Three years have passed since the Great Patriotic War ended in victory, disposing into the streets of the destroyed and hungry cities and villages brave decorated soldiers: thousands of them having been burned, maimed, or disfigured beyond recognition.

On a crowded commuter train, Maria hears an invalid singing, which painfully connects her to her time at the front and to the love that failed to happen to her. Why, then, since that day, does the voice from the past echo so insistently in her present life? The torture of uncertainty—was it really Armen?—intensifies after the next encounter and leaves her with an unsettling compulsion to do . . . what? Help him? Or, rather, rescue herself from her lonely and unassuming existence her heart subtly rejects? She must decide whether she is willing to let go of the life she knows for feelings she had never thought she could experience.

But, first, she has to find him.

As the genocide of 1915 within the Ottoman Empire destroyed the lives of Armen’s parents and about one-and-a-half-million ethnic Armenians, his future is shattered by this other war and betrayal. Incapacitated and totally alone, it seems the most merciful thing for him would be to end his miserable existence by leaping off a cliff. Otherwise, he must find the courage to continue living in the condition the war left him and find his place in the bitter every-day reality full of difficulties prone to men like him.

Maria and Armen. Each carries private wounds. In the face of despair, will fate offer them a chance to heal their souls and hearts?

The Review

Wow, what an incredible novel. I am always amazed by the level of research and detail the author pours into the historical fiction novels that she writes, and this one was no different. The honesty with which the author crafts these strong character-driven narratives was inviting to readers who wanted to delve deeply into this historical fiction read. The visceral imagery in the author’s writing style captured the notes of horror that war brings, as well as the notes of hope underlying those horrific moments. 

The central theme of how war and genocide impact the human mind and spirit was on full display in this narrative. The protagonists in this story were both heavily emotional and compelling in their own right, and not only their connection to one another but their emotional experiences, especially Armen and his life with his mother growing up and the impact the Armenian Genocide had on him, not only kept readers invested in this story but educated over the details of these moments in time as well.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, compelling, and enthralling, author Marina Osipova’s “Push Me Off The Cliff” is a must-read historical fiction. The twists and turns in the narrative, the emotional connection readers felt with these characters, and the shared experiences and mutual respect that the two protagonists share elevate their journeys, making this a remarkable character-driven narrative to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Marina Osipova was born in East Germany into a military family and grew up in Russia, where she graduated from the Moscow State Institute of History and Archives. When she was five, she decided she wanted to speak German and, years later, she earned a diploma as a German language translator from the Moscow State Institute of Foreign Languages. In Russia, she worked first in a scientific-technical institute as a translator, then in a Government Ministry in the office of international relations, later for some Austrian firms. For many years, she lived in New York, working in a law firm, and then in Austria for several years. In the spring of 2022, after spending ten months in Russia, some unfortunate world events brought her back to the United States.

A long-standing member of the Historical Novel Society, she is dedicated to writing historical fiction, especially related to WWII. Her books garnered numerous literary awards, including a 1st Place WINNER of the 2021 Hemingway Book Awards novel competition for 20th Century Wartime Fiction (a division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards). At some point or another, all her books hit the Amazon Top 100 lists in Historical Russian Fiction and Historical German Fiction and How Dare the Birds Sing even #1 or #2 in War Fiction in Canada, the UK, and Australia.

Her readers praise her books for “emotional realism,” for “taking on a subject that few authors have touched,” for “writing with heart and compassion while not holding back from hard cold realities of war,” for “giving an authentic and in-depth look at a culture that tends to baffle westerners.”

To learn more about Marina Osipova and her captivating books, visit her website at marina-osipova.com.

You can find her also on

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marina.osipova.14/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4701687.Marina_Osipova

Twitter: https://twitter.com/marosikok

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-osipova-65b81418/

Savior of Lost Souls (Retribution Series Book One) by James R. Bateman 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 powerful being must traverse time to block a great tragedy and save an innocent family in author James R. Bateman’s “Savior of Lost Souls”, the first book in the Retribution series. 

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The Synopsis

In a world where the threads of fate are woven with the hands of ancient gods, one divine being must step into the lives of a seemingly perfect family to prevent a tragedy that could shatter their world forever.

Since the dawn of humanity, the ancient god Lavek has been around, listening to the anguished cries of souls taken before their time. In the purgatory existence of Ul’Den, these restless spirits yearn for a second chance.

Every so often, a spirit’s plea is so loud it stands out above all else. Lavek is drawn to the time and place leading up to their death. His mission is to save them before that fateful moment and deliver retribution to those responsible. He is merciless to the guilty and a savior to the innocent.

In 1986, the Williams family seems to have it all – a good house, stable jobs, and a perfect daughter. They are the epitome of happiness. But their world is about to be shattered.

Lavek must piece together the clues, as he races against time to prevent a tragic loss. His journey tests his resolve and wisdom at every turn. Can he alter fate and save them from their darkest hour?

Experience a tale where the stakes are high, and the outcome hinges on the choices of one powerful being striving to bring justice to the world. Get your copy today and dare to unravel the mystery and see if fate can truly be rewritten in Savior of Lost Souls.

Savior of Lost Souls is the first installment of the dark fantasy thriller Retribution series.

The Review

This was one of the more compelling and gripping dark fantasy reads I’ve come across in a while. The story balances dark fantasy with a crime thriller reminiscent of stories like the film Prisoners and The Lovely Bones, as readers are plunged into a tale of a family torn apart by tragedy and the lone figure who sees the wrongs that need to be righted again. The detail and the imagery of the author’s writing style felt transportive as readers were plunged into the 80s and a story that felt almost cinematic on the page. 

The dynamic character development and essential themes the author delved into were equally matched with the world-building that brought the whole story together. The cosmic realms and ideas around destiny and fate were so creative in this story, and just as much as Lavek was a powerful and gripping hero to get behind, the family this story focuses on is relatable and heartbreaking in their delivery of the story. The two villains of this tale are haunting and instantly draw the reader’s ire when their story unravels. 

The Verdict

A suspenseful and entertaining dark fantasy and thriller, author James R. Bateman’s “Savior of Lost Souls” is a must-read book and a grand first entry into the Retribution series. The twists and turns the narrative takes, the metaphysical and philosophical themes and concepts the author plays with, and the balance of action with world-building and mythos make this a compelling novel that readers won’t be able to put down. 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 Staffordshire, England, James has spent over thirty years working in the IT and software industry. Along the way, his fascination with storytelling and narrative development led him to dive into fiction writing.

James is currently working on a series of novels, blending fantasy, urban fiction, and crime, with his debut book Savior of Lost. His stories explore life, death, and morality, as well as how the human spirit endures through complex and challenging times.

When he’s not writing, James enjoys spending time with his family, going to the gym, and indulging in his love for reading and video games. He lives with his wife, two grown-up kids, a dog, and three cats.

https://jamesrbateman.com/

Lemons and More Lemons by A.D. Williams and Kendal Fordham 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 young boy learns the highs and lows of owning his own business and how hard work can make dreams become a reality in authors A.D. Williams and Kendal Fordham’s “Lemons and More Lemons.”

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The Synopsis

Mark has big dreams and even bigger plans.

Since opening his lemonade stand, Mark has learned that running a business is more than just making money—it’s about working hard, learning from others, and believing in yourself. With the help of his family, a special notebook, and even a wise squirrel, Mansa… Mark is ready to grow his lemonade stand to new heights.

But along the way, he faces challenges that test his smarts and creativity. From adding new flavors to his stand, dealing with friends, and deciding if he’s ready to bring on a partner, Mark learns valuable lessons about family, business, and never giving up.

Lemons and… More Lemons by A.D. Williams and Kendal Fordham is an inspiring, fun-filled story that shows young readers—and adults—how big dreams can turn into reality with a little grit, a lot of heart, and of course, a splash of lemonade.

The Review

What a genuinely thoughtful and engaging read. The author does an incredible job of presenting a children’s story that both entertains and informs young readers. While infusing the narrative with humor and heart through Mark’s friendships and adventures in building up his lemon stand business, the author also takes the step to begin educating young readers on the world of business and finances.

Using Mark’s story, the author can introduce concepts about business and entrepreneurship, such as expenses and profits, investing in your business, going into debt, and so much more. The author did a great job of balancing this educational narrative with rich character dialogue and interactions that made the book feel relatable and entertaining.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, engaging, and memorable, authors A.D. Williams and Kendal Fordham’s “Lemons and More Lemons” is a must-read children’s book. The book is the perfect transition book for children going into their preteen years, as they engage in longer form content in their books and begin to educate themselves on real-world topics through the lens of entertaining interactions, making this one book parents won’t want to miss out on getting for their children. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Award-winning author A.D. Williams learned early on how powerful representation is in books. Ensuring that kids can see and feel success through the lens of characters that look and face many of the same challenges they do. When I was growing up no one talked about investing, wealth, business plans or how to acquire real wealth,” said A.D. His underlying motivation is that this book will ignite discussions around finances in households across the world and be a seed that blossoms until wealth equity for our children. In addition to his writing, A.D. is a children hospital administrator, private investor, and entrepreneur.

Kendal Fordham grew up in a home brimming with financial literacy. Her father tried eagerly to engage all his children in economics, financial planning, and investing as children. Out of the three children, Kendal found it fascinating. Straight out of college, Kendal studied hard and became a fully licensed Financial Professional. A year later as a Dave Ramsey endorsed financial professional, she started her own business as a financial and investment advisor. It didn’t take long for her to realize the value in her skillset, but after becoming a mother, Kendal saw how crucial it was to plant the seed of this knowledge into our youth. Kendal is the mother to 2 young children, a landlord, a multi business owner, a mentor, and now, an author.

Code Name Seven (The Starstruck Hunters Trilogy Book 1) By Suinne Clara Lee 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 young woman finds herself on a path to destiny she could never have seen coming as she investigates the death of a queen in author Suinne Clara Lee’s “Code Name Seven”, the first book in the Starstruck Hunters Trilogy.

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The Synopsis 

A spellbinding tale of the Enrici, the starstruck shapeshifters

In a world where the breath of a star transforms humans in ways we thought impossible, Sarah, a nerdy, rather cocky sixteen-year-old girl, investigates the mysterious death of the last queen. It is not much later, however, that she is visited by a dream… a dream that calls to her like a siren in the sea; a dream that foreshadows a great predestined bond and a perilous journey.

This debut novel by the musician Suinne Clara Lee invites readers on a journey unlike any other—through intricately woven plots, ingenious devices, starstruck love and enthralling insights into the laws of nature that only she, as an adorer of physics and mathematics, can offer. Though crafted for young readers, the story’s rich layers promise an equally captivating experience for adults.

The Review

This was such a breathtaking and rich narrative. The author did an incredible job of world-building in this novel, giving readers a sense of the unknown right out of the gate and allowing readers to feel the chaos and curiosity, as well as the fear, that comes when the protagonist’s entire sense of reality is upended in a moment. The mythos surrounding the Enrici and the physics behind transformation as a whole was so unique and original, and something that I had not yet come across in any supernatural or fantasy-driven narrative before, making this so creative in its delivery. 

The theme of transformation was so powerful in this novel, in more ways than one. How the physical transformation Sarah was undergoing as she embraced her new life, mirrored her transformation from young adult to adulthood, was eloquently brought together. The lyrical, almost magical quality of the author’s writing style was beautiful. It transported the reader into every moment. At the same time, the heartfelt connections between the characters, especially Sarah and Carlos, kept the reader invested in the story long enough to become engrossed in the world building.

The Verdict

Remarkable, entertaining, and thrilling, author Suinne Clara Lee’s “Code Name Seven” is the perfect coming-of-age fantasy narrative and a great start to the Starstruck Hunters trilogy. The twists and turns in the narrative, the outstanding balance between mythology and physics the author brought from their own life, and the harrowing adventure readers are brought along on made this an exciting new series to get invested in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Suinne Clara Lee is a student in composition who writes stories as a hobby. With music being her lover and literature her lifelong twin, she aims to illustrate her love for the world, bringing to attention of listeners and readers the beauty, the sparks and hopes, the strife and greatness hidden beneath the scales of nature and humanity.

Lee has, in her past, journeyed through the natural sciences and storytelling. Although it may seem unrelated in the eyes of many, it all comes together in her pursuit for music. Music is one of the most fundamental things that touches the soul, speaks directly to it; and everything she has explored is something that could be molten and woven into that message. Strengthened through her studies, her music will integrate ideas of natural philosophy and stories told with or without words. This is Lee’s idea of contemporary music.

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Oh, Tal! Not Today. By Tal Anderson (Illustrated by Michael Richey White) 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 Tal Anderson shares the joys of celebrating our differences in the children’s book “Oh, Tal! Not Today.”

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The Synopsis

Oh, Tal! Not Today is the delightful first book in the “OH, TAL!” series, created by autistic actor Tal Anderson and Hollywood artist Michael Richey White. In this beautifully illustrated picture book, we meet Tal and her loyal cat, Winnie. Though Tal doesn’t speak much and has a unique way of doing things, vibrant imagination, creativity, and independence shine through.

As Tal’s parents learn that things aren’t always what they seem, true intentions come to light. Perfect for young readers, parents, and educators, this heartwarming story celebrates being different and doing things your own way!

The Review

What a thoughtful and kind read. The author did an excellent job of creating a story that felt both relatable and engaging for both children and parents alike, especially for the community the book represents so eloquently. The beautiful artwork also speaks to both the whimsy of the narrative and the childlike wonder with which Tal approaches life in every scene of the book. 

The theme of communication and understanding for parents and visibility for children, such as Tal, is extensively showcased in this fast-paced children’s book. How the autistic community is showcased in a heartfelt, understanding way while also delving into how parents can learn to understand how their child’s way of thinking may differ from others, and in doing so, give their child the free space to be themselves, makes this such a special and even emotional book for readers to hold onto.

The Verdict

Memorable, engaging, and thoughtful in its delivery, author Tal Anderson and artist Michael Richey White’s “Oh, Tal! Not Today” is a must-read children’s book. The ease with which readers will be able to connect with Tal the writer and Tal as a character, and the heartfelt message that underscores the importance of understanding and communication with children from all walks of life, made this one book parents won’t want to put down for their children. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

TAL ANDERSON is a professional actor, filmmaker, and writer. She is an advocate for change, using her voice and unique platform as an autistic actor to support inclusion and authentic representation in front of and behind the camera in Hollywood. She is best known for her work in the Netflix series “Atypical” as Sid, but can also be seen and heard in many other productions including, guest-starring in Season 5 of “Magnum P.I.” on NBC, and as the English voice of Tina in the Disney Plus series, “Team Chocolate.” Tal has always been a storyteller, and as a child could be seen constantly using her FLIP video camera, or one of several hand-held voice-recorders to record every day life, or her daily performances of stories/scripts she had made up or written. It is this love of imagination that led her to acting and filmmaking as an adult. “Oh, Tal! – Not Today,” is Tal’s first book. She lives in Los Angeles with her cat Winifred, where they can both live their best lives and be their true selves.

https://www.thetalanderson.com/

MICHAEL RICHEY WHITE is an illustrator and graphic artist working in television and film. He has created artwork for many different shows including the art for the character, Sam, on the Netflix series, “Atypical,” and has been self-taught, drawing and painting most of his life. He wrote and illustrated the book “Little Hipsters” and continues to illustrate all of the guests for the podcast, “And the Writer Is.” He tries to make the time to draw something daily, even if it’s just a little doodle on scrap paper. He is autistic and uses his powers mostly for good. A quote by Walt Stanchfield has stuck with him over the years: “We all have 10,000 bad drawings in us. The sooner we get them out the better,” but from Michael’s own experience, he’s rephrased it to, “It takes 100,000 drawings before you make your first good one.” Michael lives in Los Angeles with his wife and youngest daughter.

https://michaelricheywhite.com/

Pulstar III: The Cracked Mirror of the Cosmos by Giancarlo Roversi 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.

Humanity faces surprising changes as some push to see beyond the edges of the cosmos in author Giancarlo Roversi’s “Pulstar III: The Cracked Mirror of the Cosmos.”

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The Synopsis

Astralvia will never be the same. The world will never be the same. Humanity will not be the same either. What about yourself?

Still, there are those who have hope and refuse to give up. Others only yearn for the truth, no matter how cruel and unfathomable it may be.

Meanwhile, Telssa, a scientist who has just been awarded a prize, is still obsessed with reaching the borders of the cosmos, even though this might entail losing the only thing he has ever loved in his life.

Pulstar III is the conclusion of the bewildering Pulstar trilogy, the climax of a story packed with suspense, drama, mystery, and compelling philosophical ideas. The mind-blowing denouement of a plot that dared to question everything. If you have been able to digest the ideas of Pulstar II, get ready for your brain to explode into a thousand pieces and merge with the cosmos.

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The Review

This was such a compelling and climactic entry in this stellar sci-fi trilogy. The author’s powerful imagery in their writing style created a genuinely cinematic experience, allowing readers to connect with the evolving narrative. The massive amount of world-building, while most engaging when readers consume the entire series, really makes this vast universe feel alive on the page. The adrenaline of the action and the suspense as this series of events unfolded kept the reader on the edge of their seat.

Yet the true power of this narrative came from the sheer volume of philosophical and emotional conversation that inspired readers throughout the book. The author’s ability to seamlessly integrate the heavy sci-fi elements of the story with more metaphysical and even spiritual concepts was astounding, exploring everything from past lives and alternate realities to life on other worlds and the universe’s interconnectedness. This also allowed readers to connect with the characters on a much deeper level and feel the depth of emotions behind every realization and sacrifice these characters made.

The Verdict

Mind-blowing, heart-pounding, and intellectually stimulating, author Giancarlo Roversi’s “Pulstar III: The Cracked Mirror of the Cosmos” is a must-read sci-fi epic that readers need to read. The twists and turns in the narrative, along with the rich character dynamics the author explores, as well as the thoughtful philosophical questions that delve into deep metaphysical realities, make this a memorable and entertaining novel that stands out as one of the best sci-fi reads of 2025. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Venezuela-born Giancarlo Roversi isn’t only a writer. He’s also a computer engineer and a musician who shared stages with artists such as REM, Oasis, Travis, Duran Duran, and Maroon Five.

When his band Fractaler broke up in 2011, he devoted the next ten years to cue the Pulstar Trilogy and three prequels in that universe.

He surrendered his personal life and wrote these manuscripts in his native language, Spanish, and then he translated them into English. He also composed a soundtrack for each book; they’re currently in production.

When he’s not living and breathing in his Pulstarverse, he loves family time, cooking, astronomy, animals, and having philosophical discussions—especially about the meaning of life—with anyone who cares to join him.

Interview with Author Rowland Grover

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1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I’ve enjoyed writing since I was a kid, although back then I was mostly coming up with ideas for fantasy stories and drawing maps. Then in high school, I expanded my writing to include short stories, and I continued scribbling ideas in several notebooks. It wasn’t until I went to college that I first discovered nonfiction essay writing. I enjoyed taking seemingly unrelated and inconsequential events and turning them into an interesting and humorous story.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

I was in graduate school in Thailand, sitting through a boring lecture, so I began pondering my life growing up biracial. Then I had the idea to write a memoir about my experiences. However, I just wanted to procrastinate working on my thesis.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

My desire is that people who read my book will have a better understanding of other people’s experiences and sympathize with them. And for those who have gone through similar experiences can empathize, and we can connect, grow, and heal together. Then hopefully the world will have a little more peace, love, and happiness.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

When I first had the idea to write a memoir, I asked an old high school classmate for tips because he was the only person I knew who was a writer. He gave me a list of books and essays that influenced me so much, such as Educated by Tara Westover and Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris. Sedaris specifically made me want to focus on nonfiction essays, which became the majority of my book.

5) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

My advice for starting authors out there is not to be afraid to tell your story. All of us have stories to share, so write them down for the world to read. Also, find joy in each part of the writing journey. It is long and difficult, but it is also rewarding and thrilling.

6) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I have too many ideas and need to focus on one project at a time! First, I would like to record the audiobook and create a visual novel video game based on my book. Later, I would like to write bilingual children’s books because that is what my son loves to read. Finally, I will write a fantasy book based on Thai mythology. I have notes, maps, and ideas, but one day it will become a book. 

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About the Author

Since he was young, Rowland has loved to create stories. Whether that was using stuffed animals to portray the horror of war and class division or writing and drawing maps in a notebook for a fantasy story that was not a rip-off of any other popular series. Rowland’s debut book, ลูกครึ่ง: Only Half a Person, utilizes his love of story-telling to reflect on and analyze his life, race and ethnicity, culture, faith, family, and more.

Rowland Grover was born and raised in Idaho, which, believe it or not, is a real place in the United States. Starting in his late teens, he lived on and off in Thailand, China, and Taiwan for several years. Rowland graduated with a B.A. in International Studies because he had no life plan. Then, he enrolled at Chulalongkorn University to study Southeast Asia Area Studies, but he had to drop out because, quote, “no money.”

He currently lives in Taiwan with his wife, two children, and two cats. Besides unromantic walks on the beach, he enjoys playing video games and studying languages.

https://rowlandgroverauthor.weebly.com/

The Planet That Was Mistaken For A Fool by Tamas Szikszai Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

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

In a universe run by corporations, humanity learns firsthand what happens when a planet becomes fed up with their antics in the satirical sci-fi dystopian novel “The Planet That Was Mistaken for a Fool” by author Tamas Szikszai.

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The Synopsis

What if Douglas Adams and Orwell sat down together after a third bottle of wine and wrote a novel? A mind-bending, soul-pricking, laugh-out-loud satirical sci-fi adventure By Tamás Szikszai What happens when a planet gets fed up with humanity’s nonsense? Welcome to a universe where nothing is sacred, everything is absurd and the planet has finally decided it’s had enough. Join Winston, a confused Earthling, as he crash-lands into a reality where megacorporate empires control thought, a philosophical grizzly in a top hat questions everything, and an AI named Amanda has decided that emotions are overrated and expendable. 🚀 Perfect for fans of Douglas Adams, Kurt Vonnegut, and Terry Pratchett, this cosmic odyssey blends razor-sharp satire, sci-fi weirdness, and raw human truth in a world on the edge of meltdown. Dystopia was never this funny. Hope was never this weird. The end of the world? That’s just the beginning.

The Review

This was such a thought-provoking and engaging story. The author was able to craft a world that felt both relevant to the issues facing our lives today and yet absurd and dystopian in the best ways possible. The intricate mythos surrounding the rise of this massive Corporation that takes over the world is both twisted and chilling, all at once. The unique settings, spanning multiple areas of Earth and the solar system itself, were imaginative and thoughtful in a dystopian context. 

The dynamics between the protagonist and the cast of characters he comes across were exceptional. His friendship and alliance with Gaben were a strong motivation for much of the story, as was Winston’s determination to see his family again. The dark world of advanced computer programs and hostile corporations helped elevate the more personal and heartbreaking setbacks the protagonist faced in the story. Yet, the rush of humor and wit in the dialogue helped balance everything out.

The Verdict

Twisted, engaging, and haunting in its delivery, author Tamas Szikszai’s “The Planet That Was Mistaken For A Fool” is the perfect dystopian sci-fi satire that readers need to read. The twists and turns the story takes, the complex themes mixed with humor, and the commentary on humanity itself and the balance we need of the good and the bad in our lives, made this a compelling novel to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

When he’s not raising four kids (one son and three brilliantly adopted daughters), baking doughnuts, building houses, or playing the trumpet just to prove it’s hard, the author writes to keep the voices in his head from staging a rebellion.

He’s welcomed hotel guests, survived home construction, and firmly believes that everyone is human — even those who butter their toast on the wrong side.

This is his first published novel. Several more are currently trapped in his brain, pending parole.

Interview with Author Melanie Lane Durham

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1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I have always loved writing since I was a young girl. I would get lost in books, and would spend hours pretending to be the characters in my favorite stories. I was very drawn to writing poetry and short stories as a kid, and knew I wanted to write something some day!

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

My family and I had just moved into a new house, it was a big move for us and I was constantly telling my two small children how magical everything was going to be when we got settled in. Unfortunately, the house ended up making me very ill. I was stuck in bed all the time and wracked with guilt for life not living up to this magical promise I had made. I was looking for a way to communicate this to my older daughter, and in that, the first draft of Every Day Magic was born. I wrote it as a note in my phone and asked if I could read her a “book with no pictures”, and explained to her that it would help her understand how life could still be full of magic even while Mommy was sick. She ended up loving it, and that inspired me to pursue publishing! 

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

I really hope that all readers of my book, young and young at heart, come to realize that the magic in life is what’s happening while we’re out there searching for it. We as a society, as parents, as partners, as friends, tend to put so much pressure on how things look and less on how they feel — and often we miss what’s right in front of us. Those small, quiet moments filled with beauty, that’s where the magic lies!

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I never planned to write a children’s book, but having kids can definitely give you the courage to do things you never thought you were capable of before!

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5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

I’d love to ask the main character, Edie, how she plans to include the baby in the book in some of her rituals. The characters are all based on my own family, and with my youngest walking and talking now, I’d love to see how her role in the story may change!

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Unfortunately, social media hasn’t been a huge help to me. I’m sure it’s just user error! I have loved sharing my book within my community, as a small business owner my current clients and customers have become my biggest fans!

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Just start. If you wait for it to be perfect, you’ll never be ready. Jump in, learn as you go, and believe in yourself!

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

As for now, I’m still learning how to adjust to selling, marketing, and managing the one book on top of my business and raising two small children. I really hope to write more in the future, and hopefully get some good footing navigating the landscape that is children’s books! It’s been an incredible ride so far.

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Melanie, and I’m so grateful you’re here! As a small business owner, mom of two small children, and lover of magic and mindfulness — the opportunity to share my book with the world is a dream come true. I have loved to write since I was a young girl and I hope getting my words out there shows readers, young and old, that it’s never too late to follow your dreams! When I am not writing or working in my business, you can find me chasing my two littles (and the dog!) around my Northern California backyard or spending time with family friends.

My Story: I believe in the power of life’s little wonders. Born out of a personal journey, Everyday Magic is one of those wonders! In 2023 I was met with the sudden onset of a chronic illness caused by unforeseen circumstances with roots going back to my early childhood. What felt like overnight, I found myself going from an active entrepreneur to a woman often stuck in bed.

I began dreaming up ways to engage with my kids and make meaningful memories, even when my energy was low. These ideas became the heart of this book, a story crafted with love, imagination, and the belief that magic isn’t something we find; it’s something we create! I believe every single one of us has the power within to bring that magic to life.

I hope this story sparks wonder, connection, and a little bit of magic for you and your family- just as it has for mine!

https://a.co/fGhcEpp