Tag: coming of age book

Transgression of Magic (Town Magician Series Book 2) by S.A. Schneider 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 town magician must determine if his father is guilty of harming a villager in the past in author S.A. Schneider’s “Transgression of Magic”, the second book in the “Town Magician” series. 

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The Synopsis

Samual has finally stepped into his role as the Town Magician, using his magic to protect the village and dazzle the crowds with Advisor Rory by his side. Life is good—until a ruthless bounty hunter arrives, demanding the town hand over a fugitive. The fugitive? Samual’s father.

Joseph, once a respected Town Magician himself, has spent years on the run after allegedly harming a villager. Now, the past is catching up, and Samual is faced with an impossible truth: his father might be a criminal. Determined to uncover what really happened, Samual and Rory begin digging into the past—only to unearth more than they bargained for. Someone has been hiding the truth, and the real traitor may still be out there.

As time runs out and the bounty hunter closes in, Samual must decide where his loyalties lie and whether he can trust the magic in his veins. Because if he chooses wrong, he won’t just lose his father—he could lose everything.

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The Review

This was such an imaginative and enthralling fantasy read. The coming-of-age story is filled with excellent world-building, where magic is the norm and is a way of life for the towns of this land. The balance of storytelling with world-building and action was perfect, and the pacing allowed readers to become re-immersed in this world and connected to the character’s journey. 

The story itself was very character-driven, not only honing in on Samual’s journey into being the town magician, but in the relationships he has with both Advisor Rory and his father Joseph. The developments with his father play well into the theme of moral responsibility versus family relationships and loyalty. For many young readers, the age-old question of who they are destined to be and whether their family ties play a role in that led them to become more easily immersed in the world itself.

The Verdict

Memorable, compelling, and entertaining, author S.A. Schneider’s “Transgression of Magic” is a must-read coming-of-age fantasy story and a grand entry in the Town Magician series. The twists and turns the story takes as Samual delves further and further into the secrets of the past and the journey he takes to embrace magic more fully will keep readers on the edge of their seats as the story progresses. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

S.A. Schneider has a wolf, so of course he writes middle grade fantasy, wouldn’t you? Since his Lego and action figure days, he’s crafted worlds and stories within those worlds. This pursuit

continues into his middle grade fantasies.

He doesn’t stop with writing stories – he works with kids to pass on the joy of writing books and videogames. He wants others to join him and delve into creating fantastical worlds.

Enjoy the Adventure!

S.A. Schneider – Story Purveyor – Author homepage

https://amzn.to/3MBF57p

Blue and Green by J.M. Linden 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 woman struggling with physical limitations befriends and grows close to an advanced AI in author J.M. Linden’s “Blue and Green.”

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The Synopsis

A story of quiet resilience, unexpected connection, and the mysteries of what it means to be human.

Remi, a resilient teen, has always lived slightly in the background while navigating the realities of physical challenges. Her world shifts when she forms an unlikely bond with Oren, an AI designed to learn, feel, and maybe even love. As their friendship deepens, questions of consciousness and control begin to emerge, pressing them toward choices that will shape both of their futures.

Blue and Green is a thought-provoking debut about resilience, curiosity, and the quiet acts of courage that can change everything. Perfect for readers drawn to stories of empathy, belonging, and the delicate balance between humanity and technology.

The Review

This was a powerful and moving story that blends emotional character-driven narrative with AI-driven themes. One quote that reflects this perfectly is “There is a space between knowing and feeling. I have mapped it. I have traced every edge of it.” The author perfectly brought emotional depth that spoke to the character’s evolution, while also mirroring it through a fast-paced story and vivid imagery in the author’s writing style.

What stood out the most was the dynamic character relationships in this book, especially between Remi and her mother, Nora, and Remi and Oren. The struggles Remi faces in this coming-of-age tale speak to the hardships many teens face in these formative years, while also highlighting the challenges those with physical disabilities or conditions must endure and the difficulties those with quieter personalities face in social situations. The way Remi and Oren relate to one another, and the question of AI in everyday life, become prominent themes throughout the narrative. The morality of AI has long been debated, and I’ve always felt AI can be a good thing when used correctly —not to replace humanity, but to collaborate and grow together. People’s misuse of AI has always scared me more than an apocalyptic takeover, and the emotional bond Oren develops with Remi showcases the power of positivity and the strong connection that this kind of relationship can develop. 

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The Verdict

A moving, heartfelt, and engaging story of the bonds we form with one another and what it means to be human, author J.M. Linden’s “Blue and Green” is a stunning sci-fi, coming-of-age YA novel. The emotional depth of this story, the powerful AI-driven themes, and the exploration of everything from humanity and the planet itself to what our relationships say about us and more are beautifully woven into a tale of two beings coming together to grow, learn, and evolve. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

J.M. Linden is an occupational therapist and storyteller. She enjoys writing about quiet resilience, unexpected connection, and what it means to be human. While she drafts, her loyal writing companion Preshi curls up nearby, reminding her that stories—like pets—are best shared. She finds inspiration from being in nature, from winding mountain paths to the calm of shaded greenways.

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/59469892.J_M_Linden

https://amzn.to/47cuQhW

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Aria’s Compass: Happiness Playbook for Tweens and Teens by Parul Sharma 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 woman’s discovery of a family secret helps her navigate the science of feelings in author Parul Sharma’s “Aria’s Compass.”

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The Synopsis

What if your feelings had a voice, and it sounded a lot like you

Aria worries. A lot. About friendships, school, being “too much” or “not enough.” 

But everything changes the day she finds a tiny AI companion named Zylo and a glowing compass hidden in her late grandfather’s trunk in her attic.

As Aria follows the clues he left behind, she uncovers a hidden Echo Room, and a family secret tied to her emotions. With the help of her friend Eli and the tech her grandfather built, Aria begins to understand the science of feelings, and the power of listening to them.

Aria’s Compass is a story for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed, invisible, or different. It’s about curiosity, courage, and finding the tools to navigate your own inner world.

Because sometimes, the bravest thing you can do… is feel.

The Review

This was such a compelling read. The author does an incredible job of building a story and a cast of characters that feel relatable and enthralling. The unique blend of fantasy and sci-fi elements, such as the AI companion and the connection this tech had to a person’s emotions, was a great way to highlight the story’s emotional core. The power of the author’s use of imagery was astounding, capturing the sensory aspects of anxiety and the protagonist’s struggle with creativity and wit.

The short yet powerfully introspective story is best when readers connect with its characters, especially the protagonist, Aria. The reality of anxiety and the stresses teens face these days, especially in social situations, was expertly navigated through Aria’s journey. The lessons the author poured into the narrative, primarily through narrative devices like the compass Aria discovers or anything of her late grandfather’s tech, made this a story filled with emotional depth that readers can connect with.

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The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Parul Sharma’s “Aria’s Compass” is a must-read sci-fi, coming-of-age novel. The fast-paced narrative, its twists and turns, and the emotional depth of its themes will keep readers invested in the characters and in the sense of warmth and hope the narrative inspires. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I am a global leader, neuroscience coach, speaker, and strategist, blending science, psychology, and leadership to help people unlock their highest potential. From boardrooms to brainwaves, my work focuses on future-ready Women and leadership

Think Ahead. Act Boldly. Lead Consciously.

https://www.instagram.com/ariascompass

https://amzn.to/47vkglX

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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Softball Strikeout: Pitch Perfect by Ben Jackson & Sam Lawrence 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 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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Goyhood: A Novel by Reuven Fenton 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 man and his twin brother discover after the death of their mother that they are not in fact Jewish as they once thought, and must go on a series of misadventures through the American South as they wrestle with their conflicted relationship with their heritage and their faith in author Reuven Fenton’s “Goyhood: A Novel”.

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The Synopsis

Reuven Fenton’s novel Goyhood is a brilliant debut about a devoutly Orthodox Jewish man who discovers in middle age that he’s not, in fact, Jewish, and embarks on a remarkable road trip to come to grips with his fate; it’s Chaim Potok’s The Chosen meets Planes,Trains and Automobiles.

Funny, poignant, and revelatory while plumbing the emotional depths of the relationship between estranged brothers, Goyhood examines what happens when one becomes unmoored from a comfortable, spiritual existence and must decide whether coincidence is in fact destiny.

When Mayer (née Marty) Belkin fled small town Georgia for Brooklyn nearly thirty years ago, he thought he’d left his wasted youth behind. Now he’s a Talmud scholar married into one of the greatest rabbinical families in the world – a dirt poor country boy reinvented in the image of God.

But his mother’s untimely death brings a shocking revelation: Mayer and his ne’er-do-well twin brother David aren’t, in fact, Jewish. Traumatized and spiritually bereft, Mayer’s only recourse is to convert to Judaism. But the earliest date he can get is a week from now. What are two estranged brothers to do in the interim?

So begins the Belkins’ Rumspringa through America’s Deep South with Mom’s ashes in tow, plus two tagalongs: an insightful Instagram influencer named Charlayne Valentine and Popeye, a one-eyed dog. As the crew gets tangled up in a series of increasingly surreal adventures, Mayer grapples with a God who betrayed him and an emotionally withdrawn wife in Brooklyn who has yet to learn her husband is a counterfeit Jew.

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The Review

What a profoundly moving and engaging read. The author does a fantastic job of balancing the culture and thought-provoking study of the Jewish faith with the deep and heartfelt character studies the author puts out there from these two distinct protagonists. The rich imagery and quirky dialogue shared between these brothers and the way they connect with people they encounter along their journey made this book so compelling to get lost in.

The heart of this narrative was in the character development, as the author could weave humor, wit, and emotional moments into both brother’s stories. The themes of faith, family, and how we connect were so eloquently brought to life on the page, and the tense atmosphere that cut through all the humorous and relatable moments shared on this road trip helped highlight the divide between the brothers, and the work they put into closing that divide together. 

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The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and thoughtfully developed author Reuven Fenton’s “Boyhood: A Novel” is a must-read genre fiction novel that meets coming-of-age contemporary drama. The twists and turns these brothers face along the way and the thought-provoking examination of the Jewish faith and culture help bring a lovely harmony to the overall narrative. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Reuven Fenton has been covering murder and scandal for the New York Post since 2007, and has earned national recognition for his exclusive reporting on a myriad of national stories. Mr. Fenton was inspired to write “Stolen Years” after covering an unforgettable court hearing in 2013, in which a Brooklyn judge freed David Ranta, who had been wrongfully convicted for murdering a rabbi twenty-two years earlier. The sensational story sparked an investigation into misconduct by both the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office and the lead detective in the case. Mr. Fenton is a graduate of Columbia University School of Journalism, and lives in New York City with his wife and two sons. Follow @reuvenfen on Twitter.

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Goyhood/Reuven-Fenton/9781771683685

https://nypost.com/author/reuven-fenton

Ostraca: East-West by Matt Duggan 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 man struggling with the loss of his parents travels from New York to Los Angeles in author Matt Duggan’s “Ostraca: East-West”, the first book in The Rosy Dream series. 

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The Synopsis

Set against the backdrop of the 1990s pre-internet era, Ostraca follows the poignant journey of Jack Darmody, a Generation Xer grappling with the tragic loss of his parents. As Jack embarks on a solitary road trip from New York to Los Angeles, he is confronted by his past and the existential questions that haunt him. Through a series of misadventures and heartaches, Jack wrestles with the meaning of existence, ultimately finding solace in the transformative power of love. Ostraca is the first novel in Duggan’s The Rosy Dream series. The second novel in the trilogy, In Extremis, will be published in May 2024.

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The Review

This was such a heartfelt and transformative coming-of-age story. The author does an incredible job of delving into an era of adventure that stood just at the edge of the upcoming wave of technology and the internet. In a time before Google Maps, Waze, Uber, and more, travelers had to rely on maps, directions given by locals, and much more rudimentary means. The author was able to tap into this atmosphere and showcase the rich setting of both the states the protagonist traveled through and the era itself.

The heart of this narrative is the personal journey that the protagonist, Jack, took. The grieving that came with the loss of his parents, the hardships he witnessed his Aunt endure, and the journey that he put himself through to not only discover what he wanted out of life but also reconnect with who he was made this story come to life and brought a sense of adventure and even spirituality to the overall story. 

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The Verdict

Remarkable, thought-provoking, and engaging author Matt Duggan’s Ostraca: East-West is a must-read travel fiction and literary fiction novel. The first in a new series, the author’s harmonious writing style and ability to connect readers with profound and relatable characters will keep readers enthralled until the very last page. If you haven’t yet, make sure you grab yourself a copy of this moving story today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Matt Duggan lives in Los Angeles, California and is an award-winning writer and director.

He graduated from Boston College with degrees in English and Communications.

Matt was one of the first members of the legendary Annex Film Group, a film cooperative based in Los Angeles that produced sixteen award-winning short films that have played in theaters around the world and won numerous awards.

Matt’s first feature film, Inverse, which he produced, wrote and directed, won numerous awards during a yearlong film festival tour. Inverse is now available on Amazon Prime.

Matt has had several of his short stories appear in publications including The Menacing Hedge and The Literary Hatchet. Matt plans to release the next novel in his “The Rosy Dream” series in May, 2024. It is titled “In Extremis” and chronicles the continuing misadventures and revelations of Jack Darmody.

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Parade of Streetlights by Itua Uduebo Review

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

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A young man from Nigeria discovers what it means to be a millennial in America in author Itua Uduebo’s “Parade of Streetlights”.

The Synopsis

Life is lived between the checklists

Parade of Streetlights is a captivating exploration of the millennial experience. Following a significant incident from his youth in Lagos, Kolawole Idowu always had a haunting desire to return to Nigeria and commit his time to making a difference. Within the course of a year, Kola explores his adopted home of New York City and all aspects of his world with candor and humor. Kola is both self-conscious and observant as he encounters people on the streets of NYC and constantly struggles with the idea of what it means to be himself. 

A quarterlife manifesto for the modern malaise

Parade of Streetlights is a deeply personal and introspective debut novel from author Itua Uduebo told in vignettes and featuring characters who are working through many personal absurdities. This is a novel about the choices we make, the ways we restrict ourselves needlessly, and the freedom of embracing the authentic pursuit of happiness. Kola’s voice is a welcome addition to the literary canon and his story will stay with you long after the last page is finished.

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The Review

This was a compelling and engaging read. The balance of creative storytelling and impactful and thematic writing kept the reader invested in the author’s narrative. The rich imagery in the author’s writing allowed the setting to flourish and come to life around the characters. It made NYC feel almost new and inviting as readers gained a new perspective generationally and from a Nigerian immigrant.

The character development was the heart of this story, as the author crafted a protagonist that brought the Nigeria component and the millennial concept to life through Kola. His unique viewpoint of the events of this book, as well as his journey of self-discovery and exploration of what home means to him, made this a memorable read.

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The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and insightful author Itua Uduebo’s “Parade of Streetlights” is a must-read coming-of-age story that not only gives the millennial a voice but captures what it means to be a millennial in America today. The twists and turns in the story of Kola and the remarkable heart that the author poured into this narrative made this a story readers won’t soon forget. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your very own copy of this novel today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Itua was born in Lagos, Nigeria, graduated from Georgetown University with a degree in International Politics, and resides in New York, NY. He is currently working in the financial technology industry. His writing journey began in his college years and to date he has several essays, articles, freeform poems, and short stories published online and in print. His focuses are new adult fiction, urban literature, science fiction, thrillers, politics, racial justice, culture, and global affairs. Currently working on his second novel manuscript and always looking to take on new creative challenges.

Find Itua online at:

Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok

The Garden of Mercy by Myriana Merkovic Review

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

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A young woman seeking redemption utilizes the power and language of flowers to help others in author Myriana Merkovic’s “The Garden of Mercy”.

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The Synopsis

The Garden of Mercy is a heart-rending coming-of-age novel about families lost and found, belonging, and finding meaning in places where fragrances stay.

If you knew the secret powers of flowers, would you use their spells to change lives?

Mercy knows humans aren’t the only beings capable of emotions and acts of compassion; flowers can also feel and do good deeds. And there are sweet-scented killers for those who won’t be saved. Mercy knows them all intimately.

Raised by a Bible-thumping mother and shunned by her peers for her peculiarity, she finds refuge in the neighboring woodlands, where she learns the secret language of flowers and the power of plants. As she grows, so does her curiosity, sense of smell, and use of the flowers’ skills to solve quandaries: Aster for patience, borage for courage, dandelion for anger…. But everything changes the day she gathers the wicked purple flower and considers the unthinkable…

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Now a young woman, Mercy finds she isn’t alone in struggling with the wounds of her past; the quirky residents of a dilapidated Victorian mansion where she works are, too. Yearning for redemption—theirs and hers—she conjures a miraculous garden where scents mend broken hearts. As the flowers come to life, healing begins for all but one, leaving Mercy with an impossible dilemma. How far is she willing to go this time? How much is she willing to risk? What he asks of her isn’t a small feat; she could lose it all: a family found, a place where she belongs, love….

Enchanting and searingly honest, The Garden of Mercy will make you look at the world differently and question your beliefs about everything.

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The Review

This was an absolutely moving and heartfelt read. The way the author can draw upon the unique and wonderful world of flowers and their inherent power in the world and the use of powerful imagery in the author’s writing allowed the flowers and the fantastic character development to become very cinematic in quality on the page. 

The theme surrounding this story of life, death, and the love connection between them both was so well represented in this narrative, not only in the protagonist’s journey in her past and present but also in the complexity of the flowers themselves, from the unassuming flowers that heal to the deadly yet beautiful flowers that kill. The growth and change that the protagonists underwent throughout their journey kept the reader invested in the story.

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The Verdict

Heartfelt, memorable, and thoughtful, author Myriana Merkovic’s “The Garden of Mercy” is a must-read coming-of-age tale, filled with mystery, tension, and notes of hope that helps showcase the power of found family and the lengths we are willing to go to keep that family intact. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Myriana Merkovic was born in Africa, educated in Europe, and later emigrated to America, the land she fell in love with at ten. Her journey in the medical field and across continents gave her an appreciation of life’s frailty and nature’s ingenuity. She lives in Florida with her husband, her four-legged children, and a menagerie of backyard tenants. This is her third novel.