Tag: books

Interview with Author Marina Osipova

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

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

The idea of becoming a writer never entered my mind until I moved to the United States from Russia. With my little English, I, inevitably, should have set my mind on studying the language seriously. I signed up for an ESL course in Manhattan, NY. To evaluate the level of my knowledge, the teacher asked me to write a quick test. “My name is . . . I was born in . . . I came from . . . Something like that,” she said. Boring, I thought. Let me write a story, I decided, and I did. It was about a young man in the subway car, who took a sit facing me. He blew his nose into his blue and white floral kerchief, scrutinized the result, then wound the kerchief around his head covered with dark, long, braided hair.

Next time I had the class, during the break, I presented my very first literary opus to the teacher. While she was reading it, I watched her eyebrows shooting up several times. Returning the paper with my scribbles, she said, “You should publish it.” Years later, after two manuscripts, one of 600 pages and the other of 260 (eventually, I buried them somewhere in the bottomless deposits of my PC) the idea of writing a story, which would be set up during WWII came to my head. Since then, I have published seven books, all WWII historical fiction, except for the last one, which is a bit different.

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 2) What inspired you to write your book?

My own life. I was born in East Germany, in Beelitz-Heilstätten, a Soviet military hospital, and since I can remember myself, I wanted to visit the place. My desire came true in 2018. The history of the place is so rich and ominous, I couldn’t help but to tell its story to my readers.

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

WWI, WWII . . . Other wars . . . Before and after . . . Wars wasted millions of innocent lives. What for? The territories? Subsoils with deposits of minerals? Somebody’s (or of a group of individuals) ambitions? Lust for power and recognition? Why do some people become murderers? Isn’t it all relevant today?

I hope the readers of my book will close the last page and ask themselves, “Why?” and “Should we remember?”

“The one who doesn’t remember history is bound to live through it again.” — George Santayana.

 4) What drew you into this particular genre?

All my published books are historical fiction. This one, to some extent, is too. To integrate my personal life experiences and biographical details, I resolved to turn to the elements of time-slip, thriller, and psychological drama so to broaden my readership, to make my book more appealing to those who are interested in these other genres.

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

Writing WWII historical fiction, I subconsciously wanted to come face to face with Adolf Hitler—his inescapable presence is obvious in all my books. I made this wish come true in this story. If you read it, you’ll feel my feelings and disgust at this evil of the 20th century. Unfortunately, his insidious influence on some minds expands—a sickening trend tendency!

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

Bloggers like you, Anthony, and FB helped me to find most of the like-minded people, writers and readers.

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

Who was it who said that everyone has a story to tell? If you feel you can’t continue living without telling your story/stories to the world or just to yourself, don’t suppress this inner push – write and see if it makes you happy. Don’t think about fame and money. Only a bunch of authors live on royalties. Do it for your inner peace and excitement. Trust yourself. Write only if you feel you’ll “drown” if you don’t. Write from your soul. If the process, however difficult, brings you joy, it’s a sign you are a writer.

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

My problem is that too many enticing stories live in my head, waiting to be spilled into my PC screen. Time will show which one will win next time.

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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 wants 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 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 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.

Osipova is passionately dedicated to the stories she writes, but when away from her desk and laptop, she, even if for one time, knows how it feels to fly with a helicopter over the Alaskan glaciers, to jump with a parachute upstate NY, to dive to the bottom of the Black Sea with a scuba gear, to fish on a little boat in the Gulf of Siam and catch a real shark however small. She brags about mounting a pensive elephant in Thailand, or an apathetic camel in Gran Canaria. She will never forget her experience riding a retired Russian circus mare who tried to throw her off, which she found much scarier than riding a Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle at a speed of up to 260 km/h (about 162 mph). She experienced a thrill while zip lining through boreal forests at a dizzying height. She will never forget that feeling of humble ecstasy while performing on stage of an off-off (but close) Broadway; the most profound excitement she experienced as Marquerite in Camino Real by Tennessee Williams and Queen Elizabeth in The Dark Lady of the Sonnets by George Bernard Shaw. What other dreams does she have? Well . . . to find herself inside a Cheops pyramid (not like a mummy) and write all the stories that populate her head. The To-Write-List is big and growing.

Website: https://www.marina-osipova.com

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

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

Max and the Mighty Hurricane by Ben Jackson and Chrissy Hobbs 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. 

In the children’s book “Max and the Mighty Hurricane” by authors Ben Jackson and Chrissy Hobbs, a young boy learns the essential things that matter when facing a deadly storm.

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The Synopsis

A hurricane is barreling toward Max’s coastal home. Max is scared. What will happen to his family and friends and home as this monster storm roars in?

Max knows about hurricanes. Over the years, some have hit his coastal town. The locals talk about ferocious winds, heavy rain, and flooding. His mom and dad are worried about the hurricane, which is getting stronger by the hour.

Max worries his home could be blown away. He’s nervous as his dad helps them gather the supplies they will need. When his parents tell him it’s time to evacuate to an emergency shelter, Max wonders if his world will ever feel safe again.

Max and the Mighty Hurricane explores the natural fears of a young boy who is forced to face the possible loss of his life, his home, and the people he loves. As Max and his family, friends, and neighbors come together, they show us the power of community in the face of a major natural disaster.

Max and the Mighty Hurricane is an engaging resource for parents, grandparents, and educators to help young people understand and accept our natural fears of extreme weather events and plan ahead to survive them. Included are checklists for emergency supplies, links for online resources, and an Award of Merit for young weather heroes.

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The Review

This was equal parts educational and engaging. The authors did an excellent job of crafting a narrative that felt realistic and informative while also providing illustrations with rich tones and powerful images that spoke volumes about the nature of hurricanes and life in towns within a hurricane’s path.

What stood out about the book was how relatable the characters were to readers and the balance the authors struck in the terrifying reality of storms such as hurricanes and the essential things in life. While the fear that can come with dealing with powerful storms like the one found in this book is very relatable, the struggle with the destruction and loss of property is equally relatable, and not without its merits. However, the authors do a great job of showing how important it is to remember that no matter how devastating property loss can be, keeping our families safe is far more important than things, a lesson that younger children could easily adapt to now.

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The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and educational, authors Ben Jackson and Chrissy Hobbs’s “Max and the Mighty Hurricane” is a must-read children’s book. The information and the passion the authors poured into this book, as well as the connection readers will make with the characters and their struggles, will surely bring parents and children together, especially when facing a crisis of their own. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Ben is the owner and writer for Author Services Australia, while also working at Indie Publishing Group Inc.

Ben Jackson was born in Tasmania, Australia, and is a successful indie author that has been writing for over four years. Ben owns and manages a self-publishing company, Author Services Australia, which helps Australian authors self-publish their books. 

Ben is married to Sam Lawrence, and together they specialize in self-publishing children’s books. They have been married for several years and have traveled together between Australia and Canada. Ben is also a freelance writer that specializes in writing website content for businesses and a wide variety of different articles. They have published a series of children’s books called My Little Fart, Hockey Wars, as well as If I Was A Caterpillar and several other non-fiction books.

Chrissy Hobbs, also known as Sam Lawrence, is a bestselling author of the My Little Fart and Hockey Wars series. Since 2015, she has been writing books with her husband, bringing humor and heartfelt stories to readers worldwide. Before her writing career, Chrissy spent seven years as a police dispatcher, a role that profoundly influenced her passion for emergency management. Recently, she has returned to her education, expanding her knowledge in emergency management as she plans to step back into the field.

While pursuing her studies, Chrissy noticed a significant gap in children’s literature—books that help kids navigate the emotional and physical challenges of natural disasters. Having witnessed the devastation of recent global disasters, Chrissy felt called to create stories that inform and empower children during these challenging times.

Her Navigating Natural Disasters series is designed to help kids understand what happens during disasters, how to prepare, and, most importantly, how to process their emotions and find strength in their community. Through relatable stories of resilience and hope, Chrissy aims to provide children around the world with the tools to face life’s storms with courage and confidence.

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Softball Strikeout: Pitch Perfect by Ben Jackson & Sam Lawrence 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 girl must balance her schoolwork, a new business venture, and her softball team in authors Ben Jackson and Sam Lawrence’s “Softball Strikeout: Pitch Perfect.”

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The Synopsis

Olivia had been scared starting over in a new town, with new friends and a new softball team, but her worst fears hadn’t materialized, and, in the end, she was settling in as the Blue Jay’s lead pitcher and had quickly formed a small group of core friends she was growing to love.

With the first softball game of the season done and dusted, the Blue Jays were off to a great start, but could they carry their winning momentum into their upcoming games? Only time will tell.

The girls were working hard on and off the field, with a new business venture quickly taking shape and their friendship group getting a little bigger with a new addition to the trio. However, Olivia knew that she couldn’t afford to slip up. She’d need to put 100% into everything, including softball, her schoolwork, and her new business, if she didn’t want it all to come crashing down.

Will Olivia’s new business collide head-on with softball and schoolwork, or will she be able to pull it off? Read Softball Strikeout Pitch Perfect now to find out!

Stay tuned for more books in the Softball Strikeout Series!

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The Review

What a fun and heartfelt read. The authors did a fantastic job capturing the story and the characters that made the first book so relatable while providing new challenges that reflect the problems many people face in their youth, especially when juggling real life with athletics. The realistic descriptions and imagery in the author’s writing style were memorable and vividly ingrained the reader in these characters’ lives.

Much like book one, the second book in the series perfectly balanced rich and dynamic character development with personal themes that many readers can relate to. The themes of friendship, teamwork, and finding balance were well represented, and the characters were memorable and relatable. The entrepreneurial spirit that the protagonist and her friends showed in their new pet-friendly business and the struggles with acceptance and even early relationships with others in school will be something so many readers will respond to favorably. 

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The Verdict

Heartfelt, evenly paced, and entertaining, authors Ben Jackson and Sam Lawrence’s “Softball Strikeout: Pitch Perfect” is a must-read children’s and middle grade coming-of-age story. The ability for young readers and parents alike to see themselves in the shoes of these characters and the struggles they faced in their youth will resonate with so many and keep readers eager for more in this series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Ben is the owner and writer for Author Services Australia, while also working at Indie Publishing Group Inc.

Ben Jackson was born in Tasmania, Australia, and is a successful indie author that has been writing for over four years. Ben owns and manages a self-publishing company, Author Services Australia, which helps Australian authors self-publish their books. 

Ben is married to Sam Lawrence, and together they specialize in self-publishing children’s books. They have been married for several years and have traveled together between Australia and Canada. Ben is also a freelance writer that specializes in writing website content for businesses and a wide variety of different articles. They have published a series of children’s books called My Little Fart, Hockey Wars, as well as If I Was A Caterpillar and several other non-fiction books.

Owner and head formatter at Indie Publishing Group Inc.

Sam Lawrence was born and raised in Ontario, Canada, and has traveled extensively in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. She founded and operated a self-publishing company, Indie Publishing Group Inc., specializing in helping indie authors self-publish their books. She grew up playing hockey and still plays in a recreational league. Sam is the proud mother of two boys and one girl and enjoys volunteering with the London Lacrosse Association.

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A Song at Dead Man’s Cove by Ana Yudin 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 author Ana Yudin’s ” A Song at Dead Man’s Cove,” a young woman is confronted with a terrifying reality when a spirit targets her. She must solve the mystery of what happened to this spirit before it is too late.

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The Synopsis

Never turn your back on the ocean…

2023. Another person has disappeared at Dead Man’s Cove in coastal Washington. Jaded from her job at the historic Irving Hotel, Zarya wanders to the scene of the tragedy. She has heard her Russian mother’s tales of rusalki—vengeful spirits that have died unclean deaths near a body of water—and never paid them much attention. But now, on a misty headland beside an abandoned lighthouse, Zarya locks eyes with the rusalka and is chosen to be the next victim. She must unearth the siren’s tragedy before Rusalka Week, a period in early summer when water-spirits roam freely on land.

1850. Josephine has just joined her newlywed husband in Washington, in the lighthouse erected by local businessman Hurley Irving. Marriage is not quite what she expected, and her melancholia grows over the course of the winter. The medic prescribes pregnancy as the antidote. What he doesn’t realize is how far Josephine is willing to go in order to become a mother.

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The Review

What a truly emotional, compelling, and haunting gothic horror read. The atmospheric nature of the setting and tone this novel exuded from beginning to end was intense and mesmerizing, with the reader instantly transported to this small Northwestern Pacific town. This narrative also artfully handled the idea of small-town life and deep-rooted beliefs playing a role in how events are perceived.

The heart of this narrative was the rich history of life in the mid-nineteenth century, especially life in a coastal town, and the rich character development explored in both periods. The historical fiction bend in this gothic horror story was an excellent addition that made the narrative feel more alive and pronounced on the page. The root of both perspectives and protagonists, Zarya and Josephine, respectively, explored what it truly means to be haunted in life, both emotionally and psychologically, giving readers more depth to this horror story and inviting them down the rabbit hole, so to speak.

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The Verdict

Haunting, engaging, and heartbreaking, author Ana Yudin’s “A Song at Dead Man’s Cove” is a must-read gothic horror novel that is impossible to put down. The twists and turns the story takes, and the question of what happens when the ghosts chasing us are those of people who never were, make this one book that readers will turn to time and time again, much like Henry James’s “The Turn of the Screw,” making it an instant classic. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Ana Yudin is an author, content creator, and Doctor of Clinical Psychology. She writes Gothic horror, psychological thrillers, and journaling workbooks.

https://www.dranayudin.com/

The Ashes of Coral Cove: Murder and Mayhem in Paradise by J.J. Macaw 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 violent storm and a powerful fire reveal a shocking death that unravels a small town’s hidden secrets in author J.J. Macaw’s “The Ashes of Coral Cove: Murder and Mayhem in Paradise.”

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The Synopsis

A massive storm sweeps Coral Cove. Townhall consumed by flames. The city clerk’s tragic death sparks suspicion.

Maxine Harper, (Maxy) is a renowned investigative reporter who returned to her childhood hometown, steps into the web of confusion and chaos with Tony Blane, high school sweetheart turned therapist. Tom Mitchell, a retired cyber sleuthing expert and local bookstore owner, adds his unique skills to the investigative team. Recalled intimacy sparks between Maxy and Tony as they dig through the town’s past..

The arson investigation smolders under the fire chief’s incompetence, and the community’s trust burns out quickly. With remarkable skill and steely determination, the trio unravels a puzzle of cyber clues, red herrings and long buried motives.

A forgotten victim turned villain lurks amid the ashes. With vengeance in his veins and decades of rejection in his heart, he continues his arsonist rampage, targeting Coral Cove’s historic buildings.

As embers cool, the team races against time to uncover the truth before Coral Cove’s history turns to smoke. A shocking confession halts the town’s heart.

The Review

This was a short yet powerful story. The author did a great job immediately captivating readers with vibrant scenery and relatable characters they could invest in. The emotional drama and intimate relationships the story explores, while adding weight to the suspense and mystery this narrative provides, kept the short story feeling balanced and engaging.

This narrative powerfully felt the rich history of this small town and explored small-town life. It explored the all-too-familiar theme of forgotten people and what happens to those forced to live on the fringes of a society, whether that be by choice or circumstance. The emotional heartbreak of that situation and the steady pace at which this mystery unraveled throughout the story made this a standout read.

The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and thrilling, author J.J. Macaw’s “The Ashes of Coral Cove” is a must-read small-town cozy mystery and suspense thriller. The mystery’s twists and turns, and the attention to detail the author paid to developing these rich characters, will make readers eager for more stories from the author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

J.J.Macaw is a pen name, but the biographical information here is real. His  prose reflects  the experience of being a husband of 34 years, parent and grandparent.  It also reflects his four decades of entrepreneurship, having founded several companies in such diverse fields as water treatment, public policy consulting, fertilizer manufacturing and engineering. This experience lends authenticity to the settings, characters and descriptions of science, technology and business operations as they occur in his novels.

J.J. is an avid sailor spending years sailing San Francisco Bay and its environs.  He also holds Dan rank in Aikido.

There are no spicey sex scenes nor an abundance of cursing or overt graphic violence in his novels . That said, his characters do what real people do and the characters reflect the fullness of their lives.

J.J. lives with his wife and two cats (who own the house). Panama became their home  a few years ago and enjoys writing in that beautiful country.

https://www.jjmacaw.com/

The Magic Maze Trilogy by Samuel Warren Joseph and Phil Proctor 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. 

Twins Tyler and Tess must navigate perilous worlds within 12 mazes and stop a wicked queen and a nefarious wizard before finding a way home in the novels “The Magic Maze Trilogy” by authors Samuel Warren Joseph and Phil Proctor.

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The Synopsis

THE MAGIC MAZE TRILOGY is about eleven-year old fraternal twins, Tyler and Tess Porter, who accidentally get sucked up into the bizarre world of the Magic Maze. Geared to appeal to children from seven to thirteen and older fantasy fans as well, the story propels the twins into an “Alice in Wonderland/Wizard of Oz” world. In order to return home, they must get through twelve separate parts of the maze. Each is its own world with strange rules, riddles and puzzles that the twins must solve using their wits, knowledge and athletic prowess. Tyler and Tess learn how much they mean to each other as they evade the evil QUEEN ZEBRA and her ZENTAURIAN GUARD of two-faced POLINERDS, and a duplicitous wizard, SIMON PERCIVAL. They form alliances with the rebel TRIDGETS (tiny trolls with Mohawk hairdos) led by the feisty BELKIN, and an assortment of other bizarre and funny characters. At the end, they must track down and put back together three parts of a MAGIC AMULET before they can be finally transported home, safe and sound.

The Review

What a powerful and memorable trilogy of middle-grade, fantasy-driven novels. Each novel’s pacing was superb, instantly capturing the reader’s attention with magic and action while delivering relatable, engaging character development from the two protagonists. The world-building and mythology the authors brought to life in these books were a unique blend of magical realism and sword and sorcery style fantasy storytelling, complete with magical beings such as the Tridgets and an evil queen who pits a full-blown rebellion against her nefarious ways. 

At the heart of this story is the bond and understanding each of the two protagonists holds for one another. The series starts with Tess and Tyler on opposite ends of the spectrum from one another. Yet as the series progresses, their shared bond and ability to see one another instill a sense of understanding and connection between the reader and the characters. The imagery and atmosphere of each book create a sense of wonder and awe that draws younger readers into the magic of that world, and the variety in the different mazes and worlds shows the creativity and depth of world-building that the authors brought to this series. 

The Verdict

A story of magic, adventure, and family, authors Samuel Warren Joseph and Phil Proctor’s “The Magic Maze Trilogy” is a must-read children’s and middle grade fantasy read. The twists and turns this series takes, and the open-ended nature of the final chapter of this trilogy, will stay with readers. As someone with a close bond with his sister, I find this book an excellent way of bringing siblings together and showing the importance of that bond in a magical way. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Samuel Warren Joseph – is a writer whose credits include DuckTales, Batman, Beast Wars, and the film Off Your Rocker. His plays and musicals, including Window of Opportunity, Campaign, and God Help Us!, have earned critical acclaim. He co-authored Ed Asner’s autobiography and teaches college English and Creative Writing.

Phil Proctor – is a founding member of the Grammy-nominated Firesign Theatre and a veteran actor with voice credits in Rugrats, Assassin’s Creed, Dr. Dolittle, and Pixar films. He has performed on stage, screen, and in video games, earning numerous theater awards. Phil co-wrote the political comedy God Help Us! and several books, including his autobiography Where’s My Fortune Cookie?

http://www.magicmaze.com/

Fables from Villa Viva: The Stupid Goose by Lars Bo Appel Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

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

Author Lars Bo Appel discusses the dangers of losing one’s sense of self in the modern world and self-expression in the book Fables from Villa Viva: The Stupid Goose.

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The Synopsis

Step into Villa Viva, a world where fables aren’t just stories—they’re a reflection of the world we live in. A compelling and insightful tale, The Stupid Goose delves into the struggle for true freedom in a world where independent thought is often dismissed. Inspired by classic storytelling but deeply relevant to today, this book challenges the dangers of group behavior and the loss of self-expression in modern society.

Meet The Stupid Goose:

In this first tale, we follow The Stupid Goose—a character as insightful as she is misunderstood. While others turn a blind eye, she sees what they refuse to acknowledge. But rather than being praised, she’s dismissed as ‘stupid’ by those who prefer comfort over truth. Her journey is a reminder that seeing clearly and speaking up can be lonely—but it’s a path worth taking.


Why This Book Is for You:

  • A Thought-Provoking Fable: Blending humor, charm, and a touch of philosophical wisdom, The Stupid Goose invites readers to think for themselves and see beyond the surface of the world around them.
  • Relatable Characters, Real-World Parallels: The struggles within Villa Viva mirror real-world challenges—peer pressure, personal responsibility, and the courage to stay true to yourself.
  • For Readers Who Value Independent Thought: If you’ve ever questioned something that others blindly accepted, this book is for you.

Perfect For:

  • Fans of classic fables and innovative storytelling, where lessons bear real-world significance
  • Curious minds and lifelong learners who enjoy stories that entertain while stimulating deep reflection
  • Educational settings—whether in schools, homeschools, or one-on-one learning—as a valuable teaching resource.

…

Dare to think differently—step into Villa Viva and see the world through new eyes. Get your copy of The Stupid Goose today.

The Review

What a fun and engaging read! The author did a remarkable job of capturing the tone and heart of a fable, expertly crafting a narrative that felt fresh and unique in each tale while showcasing a unique theme or message. The warm and creative artwork accompanying each fable felt like a great way to harken back to one’s youth and explore essential messages for a more modern audience. 

The themes these fables played with were so thought-provoking as well. The idea of corporate overreach and how it impacts smaller businesses and individuals as well came to life perfectly in the first fable, while further themes of individuality versus conformity and how free thought and expression are so important in this modern and digital age, and allow readers to see how free expression is needed even in our literature in an age when censorship is at an all-time high.

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The Verdict

Exciting, fun, and yet profound in thought, author Lars Bo Appel’s “Fables from Villa Viva: The Stupid Goose” is a must-read modern-day book of fables. The twists and turns each fable takes and the necessary and valuable lessons modern-day readers can take away from them will make a lasting impression while entertaining readers. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Website – https://wildernessstate.com/

Amazon Link – https://www.amazon.com/Fables-Villa-Viva-Independent-Responsibility-ebook/dp/B0DK5T6DPT/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2MEJ57Z25LDEW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.T9zCaayV9QeQ6jM_AY0RIA.QAjM39Z7pvlquHixm4_dnUXwTzAYIvDxl1D60RfgwQA&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+stupid+goose+villa+viva&qid=1731938129&sprefix=the+stupid+goose+villa+viv%2Caps%2C338&sr=8-1

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wildernessstate/

Amanita Virosa: The Destroying Angel by Barry Harden 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 author Barry Harden’s novel Amanita Virosa: The Destroying Angel, a band of citizens rises up to fight against the corruption of 1980s London.

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The Synopsis

It’s the 1980s, and London is crumbling under the weight of political corruption while the have-nots are further victimized by unfettered rogue gangs. Children are lured into the dark, lurid chambers of Whitehall, some never to be seen again. Citizens are coerced through intimidation and threats of harm against their families. Utter chaos reigns. Amanita Virosa, a courageous Roma fighter who fled the horrors of war-torn Bosnia, sought refuge in the heart of North London, only to discover that the specter of corruption and injustice haunts her adopted home. Forming an alliance with Everard, a young, homeless firebrand, and Doris, a feisty pensioner, the group embarks on a daring mission to sever the insidious grip of Whitehall’s corruption and the extortion and violence perpetrated on the innocent. Sedition, conspiracy, murder and betrayal all have a voice; some are quickly silenced, while others persistently challenge the very existence of those bold enough to defy the status quo. Loosely based on actual sociopolitical events in eighties London, Amanita Virosa is a riveting warning about the perils of government overreach and the indomitable power of the individual to resist oppression. Will their collective courage be enough to shatter the chains of oppression, or will they become casualties in a war that demands the ultimate sacrifice?

The Review

This was a compelling and intriguing read. The author established a visceral, gritty atmosphere and tone that set the stage for a unique setting that has not been widely discussed in modern history. The action and graphic violence the book depicts highlight the narrative naturally, allowing these relatable and impactful characters to grow and evolve at an even pace as the story and the stakes escalate. 

This fast-paced read prominently displayed the themes of greed, power, control, and fighting against corruption. The way the author stepped into this grim reality immediately allowed the reader to feel the desperation and how these characters became fed up and disillusioned with how those living on society’s fringes were treated. The personal connections these characters form with one another and the emotional bond they form with one another, especially Amanita and Richie later on in the book, keep the reader engaged and invested in this growing and dangerous world the author has brought to life on the page.

The Verdict

Author Barry Harden’s “Amanita Virosa: The Destroying Angel” is a must-read thriller that is memorable, engaging, and chilling. The real-life connection to historical events in London during the 80s and 90s and the adrenaline-fueled action gave readers a unique perspective and thrilling narrative that is nearly impossible 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

Barry Harden is the author of a memoir, five novels, two books of poetry and a collection of short stories in the genres of political thriller, satire, Gothic fantasy poetry, and allegorical short stories. An animal rights, environmental protection, and civil rights proponent, he often injects his affinity for such in his writings.

“Words can be like gems or sticks. A coalition of words can become a diamond necklace or a broken picket fence, whichever way one wishes to use them, and as such, I use them for my works of fiction and poetry. Dark fantasy can be alluring but dark reality is sometimes unavoidable and can cascade one’s imagination deep into the hollowed skulls that litter the subsoil beneath our feet, to be returned once again to the world in the voice of a poet.” ~Barry Harden

Some of Mr. Harden’s poetry can be viewed in video format on YouTube: Dark Gothic Poetry and Stories.

www.barryhardenauthor.com

The Hungry Bear: A Story of Courage and Compassion by Ronnie J.C. 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 bear learns the power of self-love and acceptance in author Ronnie J.C.’s children’s book, “The Hungry Bear.”

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The Synopsis

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A very hungry bear searched the forest for something to eat when he bumped into a few mean critters along the way. Bear’s spirit was broken after he was called a few mean things. He tried to hide in his cave until his friends came to cheer him up and gave him some advice. Bear learns a valuable lesson in courage and self love thanks to the power of friendship.

The Review

What a moving and heartfelt read. The author perfectly captures the trials and hardships that so many children face in their formative years, allowing younger readers to easily see themselves in the main character’s life. The powerful imagery (both the warmth of the illustrations and the symbolic nature of the book’s themes) allowed the reader to engage with the story while allowing parents to have honest conversations with these young readers simultaneously.

The theme of self-love and acceptance is widely felt throughout this book. The author showcases how cruelty and meanness can seep into everyone and anyone’s life at any turn, but having the courage and strength to rise above their words and embrace what makes a person special and unique will ultimately pay off and make life much more enjoyable. 

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The Verdict

Author Ronnie J.C.’s “The Hungry Bear” is a must-read children’s book. Its heartfelt, thoughtful, engaging themes, strong imagery, and fun and relatable nature will speak to modern audiences and keep parents and children alike engaged. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10