Righteous Rebellion by James Hooker Review

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

A daring move by a religious movement leads to a southern state seceding from the United States, leading to a domino effect that will change the landscape forever in author James Hooker’s “Righteous Rebellion.”

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The Synopsis

In the waning days of the Great Republic, a small, conservative southern state, having lost faith in the country and being led by an overzealous “servant of the Lord,” decides to secede from the Union.

In the process, we meet characters from both sides of the culture clash, including a mad pastor, a delusional Nazi pervert, religious zealots, a self-interested wanna-be “President,” a scheming real estate developer, a mysterious Middle Eastern monarch, a crazy ayatollah with a dangerous scheme to embarrass America, an oversexed administrative assistant, a territory-grabbing drug kingpin, an unhinged “First Lady,” a befuddled General Staff, and a beleaguered American President who tries to keep the whole wild world in check.

Can the United States keep itself in tact in the midst of a “Righteous Rebellion?”

The Review

This was a gripping read. The author did an amazing job of capturing the heart of the political divide that has become the heart of the American political machine. The imagery and atmosphere of the novel allow the reader to feel the rising tensions across the nation, and the way the author blends in humorous dialogue through these characters helps underscore the stakes at play for the narrative.

The heart of the story rests in the massive character arcs played out throughout the narrative. Early on readers see the influence religion and old school mentality has on modern day politics, and the way each character’s motivations impact the story were greatly felt. The story doesn’t just impact the nation, but the world as a whole, and highlights how much the United States influences how the  rest of the world turns at this point in time.

The Verdict

A brilliant blend of Stephen King’s The Stand meets Civil War, author James Hooker’s Righteous Rebellion is a must-read political and historical fiction. The use of satire and real-world political divides allowed the reader to get fully immersed in the minds of these figures, and see how that divide impacts the world stage as a whole.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

James Hooker is an American writer who explores various genres, from humor, satire and historical fiction. In the realm of literary achievements James Hooker stands out as a brilliant writer with a boundless imagination. Recent books include “Redneck Riviera” and “Righteous Rebellion”. He entices his readers to believe that true meaning can be found not just in the destination but in the journey itself.

Vermillion Harvest – Playtime at the Bagh by Reenita M. Hora Review

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

A young couple from very different communities must find each other and safety before an attack that will be heard around the world in author Reenita m. Hora’s “Vermillion Harvest – Playtime at the Bagh.”

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The Synopsis

In a politically tense Amritsar, India, Aruna, an Anglo-Indian schoolteacher, and Ayaz, a feisty Muslim law student, fall in love only to discover that courting openly is easier said than done. Not only are they from different communities, but his political activism during the tumultuous year of 1919 comes at the cost of their romance.

Against the deadline of a military order, Aruna, who is only nineteen, must find her lover and warn him about Colonel Dyer’s impending attack on Jallianwala Bagh. An attack that is eventually heard around the world.

Playtime at the Bagh during Baishakhi is a metaphor for Colonel Dyer’s rain of bullets released upon thousands on the one fateful day of April 13th, 1919.

Love, hate, denial, and betrayal are wrapped inside a single love story capturing today’s hope with yesterday’s despair.

The Review

This was such a powerful and emotional read. The historical romance of the novel is prevalent from the beginning, allowing the relationship between Aruna and Ayaz to grow and develop naturally, allowing the reader to form an emotional bond with the characters. The author’s intense and heavy atmosphere throughout the narrative brings the reader into the shocking and heartbreaking realities of this historical moment in time.

The large-scale struggles of the conflict to come may be the setting of this novel, but the personal struggles of the two protagonists as they deal with their love for one another, his political protests, and the clash of cultures that make their relationship a struggle overall made this novel so enthralling. The attention to detail that the author puts into the historical side of the story showcases the tragedy and horrific nature of what so many people had to live through and helped put into perspective so much of what the Indian community had to endure during that time.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, engaging, and powerfully written author Reenita M Hora’s “Vermillion Harvest – Playtime at the Bagh” is a must-read historical fiction romance novel. The twists and turns in the story, the heartbreaking realities that the people faced during this event, and the rich and dynamic character arcs made this one book readers woulnd’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

Reenita, the ‘Nora Ephron’ of South Asian storytelling, spinning yarns as eclectic as Mumbai’s iconic ‘Bhel Puri’ – a tantalizing concoction of flavors with an occasional bug for that extra crunch! Her stories star a motley crew of characters caught in the whirlwind of imperfect scenarios, all while stubbornly refusing to sell out. Her writing, unapologetically Indian, pulses with the colors and rhythms of her culture, deftly blending humor and authenticity.  LA Weekly spotlighted my unique approach to weaving Indian humor and culture into the American tapestry, celebrating the innovative narrative of Operation MomRead the LA Weekly Article here.

In her previous life, Reenita was a journalist, editor, and writer for platforms like National Geographic Kids, Disney India, Cartoon Network Asia, the New York Times, CNN, Radio Television Hong Kong, and Bloomberg. Her awards and accolades include the Eric Hoffer Book Award, IndieReader Discovery Award, Santa Barbara International Screenplay Award, Script2Comic, Launchpad, and Emerging Screenwriters awards, and second round consideration (OPERATION MOM) for the Sundance Institute Development Slate. No one-trick pony though, she’s the brains behind not one but two rib-tickling podcasts: the ‘True Fiction Project’ (where reality takes a hilarious nosedive into the scripted world) and ‘Shadow Realm’ (a magical portal to riveting narrative fiction).

Reenita has honed her screenwriting skills through topnotch programs like Writers’ Bootcamp and Roadmap Writers, so you know she means business. She has optioned her book, ’Ace Of Blades,’ and her screenplay, SHADOW REALM. Brace yourself for her upcoming books, ‘Festival of Lights’ published by HarperCollins and ‘Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh’ published by Indignor Press, coming soon to a bookshelf near you! Dive headfirst into her world fantastical tales, and laugh-out-loud moments at http://www.reenita.com. And, don’t forget your bug spray!

Rune of Renewal (Outside The Thalsparr Series Book Two) by Bjorn Leesson Review

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

The famed Viking warrior woman known as The Dokkrsdottir must continue her battle against the Dark as she finds herself in a time far from her own in author Bjorn Leesson’s “Rune of Renewal”, the second book in the Outside the Thalsparr Series.

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The Synopsis

The Dokkrsdottir is not your ordinary Norse woman of the Viking age. One of the great warriors of her time, she soon learns that the hardest battles are not always those fought with a sword and shield. Through countless trials and tests, she is led by visions and omens on numerous adventures with the help of steadfast friends and family to discover her mysterious supernatural destiny, one more extraordinary than anyone could ever have imagined.

RUNE OF RENEWAL (Book 2)

The story of the Dokkrsdottir continues in a strange new time and place finding her out of her familiar world, but the pressure on her to continue as one of the greatest warriors ever increases as the stakes are now world wide and on a grander scale than she could ever have imagined.

However, through the foresight and dedication of many of her descendants, she has the diehard support of friends and family to see her through to her destiny of thwarting the plans of the Dark.

The Review

The world-building and mythos that the author establishes in this series are amplified greatly in this sequel. The exploration of the time travel element is also amplified in this book, bringing the protagonist into one of human history’s darkest times, WWII. The development of the Dark and its forces and the suspense that forms with each step that Dokkrsdottir takes on her journey makes this a compelling story.

This story’s character development and action were the true highlights of the narrative. The rich development of the protagonist as she continues to engage with new allies and descendants and the out-of-this-world action, including one major battle that changes the entire landscape of the series, create a rich and dynamic story that will instantly draw the reader in.

The Verdict

Memorable, action-packed, and entertaining author Bjorn Leesson’s “Rune of Renewal” is a must-read epic fantasy novel. The fast pace of the narrative, the bountiful amount of setting changes, and the chemistry of the characters all converge on a story of twists and turns that ends with a cliffhanger, bringing forth an emotional reunion and a promise for an epic battle of light and dark that hopefully will carry over into new novels in this series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Bjorn Leesson has always been fascinated with many topics to include history, the supernatural, and writing. These interests combined led to the Outside the Thalsparr series, with the first book in the series, “Runes of the Dokkrsdottir.” Bjorn was not formally trained as a writer and has worked in the industrial manufacturing field his entire life. Writing his stories and hoping others enjoy them is a passion and not a career.

Land of the Dragon (Land of the Dragon Series) by Steffanie Costigan Review

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

A young girl and her siblings trying to escape the horrors of WWII, including their Nazi father, stumble upon a world only glimpsed in the stories of their youth and discover the horrors of war can never be fully escaped in author Steffanie Costigan’s “Land of the Dragon,” the first book in the series of the same name.

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The Synopsis

They had not even started to fight, yet I already could smell blood in the air…

I am a traitor, victim, fighter, survivor, sister, and daughter of a Nazi. I am Eleanor Kuhn. I will not be indoctrinated by Hitler. I fight for the truth my world has forgotten and ignored. Upon escaping the country, I stumbled into a whole new world, and I soon realized that war is everywhere you look.

With nothing but the clothes on my back and five siblings in tow, I wash up on the coast of a world I’d only glimpsed in books and the clouds of dreams: Land of the Dragon. But there’s something about this new world that rings with familiarity. Or perhaps someone . . .

Land of the Dragon is a historic fantasy layered with details and rich symbolism a Eric Hoffer Award nominee and Literary Titan Award winner book. If you like details in stories, magic, adventure, romance, and dragons this book is a read you will enjoy time and time again. With each read, you may uncover more details layered throughout the book that you didn’t originally recognize. This book is brought to you from Reading Dream Press where stories come alive.

The Review

This was a powerful and thoughtful fantasy read. The blend of historical fiction and fantasy was incredible, effortlessly merging the theme of war and its impact on those caught in its gravity into our world and the Land of the Dragon. The world-building, layered mythos surrounding the realm, and the depth of various creatures, from dragons to unicorns and even werewolves, allowed readers to get lost in this world altogether.

The emotional core of this story rests in Eleanor’s story, both her past and the adventure she finds herself on. The heartbreaking reality of the impact of WWII, from her father’s fate after helping Jewish members of his community escape from Nazi control to the never-ending fight to keep her family safe, at least the family she had left when she swore to keep her siblings alive. Her experiences’ impact and heart on the narrative will stay with readers long after the book ends.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, adventurous, and engaging author Steffanie Costigan’s “Land of the Dragon” is a must-read historical fiction and fantasy story and a grand entry into a new series. The twists and turns in the story, the emotional toll the protagonist’s experiences take, and the wealth of mythology poured into this story will keep readers invested in the narrative. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Steffanie Costigan has always held a strong passion for writing despite her severe disability with dyslexia. She is currently living in Canada, Alberta, with her husband and three children.

Steffanie is a journalist and hopes to continue her passion for writing books and her dream of continuing as a journalist.

Steffanie studied creative writing and took her program in digital communications and media at Lethbridge College. She hopes her writing will resonate with people and inspire those that read her writings. This novel is her life’s work as she started writing this book at the young age of 12 years old and didn’t stop until publication.

Her passion for writing started at the young age of three years old; She has also written plays and had the opportunity to direct one of her written plays, “A Stoney Gaze,” in 2021. Steffanie met the love of her life Jarom Costigan in Adelaide, Australia. They soon married in March 2015. The love between the two protagonist characters within this novel was strongly inspired by Steffanie’s own experience meeting her husband. If it is something Steffanie believes in, it’s love at first sight, as that is the experience, she, and her husband both share with one another.

Gunmetal Ridge by Jeffrey C. Morris Review

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

An elderly man must decide if he can share the painful past of his experience in WWII with a young man before its too late in author Jeffrey C. Morris’s “Gunmetal Ridge”.

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The Synopsis

Ninety-three-year-old Will Morgan remembers December 21, 1944, like it was yesterday. Now a widower and alone with his torment, how can he tell it? If not for a chance meeting with a younger man named Jack Owens, Will’s haunting account would surely die with him. Not every soldier fought through Battle of the Bulge or lived to tell the tale—one that Will has sworn to secrecy. What happened on that ridge was one thing, but what Will sees as his own personal failure is another. Can he finally reveal the one heartache he never shared with anyone, one he has carried for so long?

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The Review

This was such a powerful and moving read. The author did an incredible job of bringing a depth of emotional storytelling that kept the reader invested throughout this narrative. The author’s writing style was detailed yet vividly captivating, allowing the reader to feel transported to this era as Will told his story. The imagery and atmosphere the author crafted brought the horrors of WWII to life eerily and made the shocking moments in the story truly stick out.

The heart of the narrative was in this book’s world-building and character development. Not only is Will’s story a great emotional mirror for Jack as he deals with his struggles, but the bond they form together, as well as Will’s nurse Bea, forms the emotional background this novel needs. The tragedy of Will’s long-ago friend Al and the commentary on war’s impact on soldiers long after the battle ends make this a compelling story.

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The Verdict

Thoughtfully written, memorable, and engaging, author Jeffrey C. Morris’s “Gunmetal Ridge” is a must-read novel. The historical fiction aspect of the story and the depth of emotional character development will keep readers hanging onto the author’s every word. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Jeffrey C. Morris began his career in the United States Air Force as an Avionic Inertial Navigation System Specialist at Seymour Johnson AFB in North Carolina. His unit was one of the last to maintain and fly the F-4E Phantom, earning the crew the moniker “Phantom Phixers.”

After receiving an honorable discharge from Air Force Active Duty, he served in the USAF Reserves before transferring to the 130th Tactical Airlift Group in the West Virginia Air National Guard. He served with the 130th until the end of Desert Storm.

Jeffrey attained an HVAC certificate upon leaving the military and worked in the HVAC field until accepting a position as a natural gas meter and installation specialist with Dominion Energy (Formerly PSNC) in 2000.

His love of American military history as well as his many conversations with veterans who served in wartime influence Jeffrey’s writing. GUNMETAL RIDGE, a composite story of many World War II veterans, is Jeffrey’s way of paying homage to the Greatest Generation.

A native of Charleston West Virginia, he lives with his wife and “spousal unit” of thirty-five years, Jennifer, in North Carolina. With their three grown children out living successful lives, Jeffrey intends to devote more time honing his craft and carving out the next historical military novel in his man cave. He also enjoys writing in other genres such as sci-fi, mystery, and romance.

Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip by Gail Ward Olmsted Review

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

A woman goes on a road trip and experiences a series of adventures along the way in author Gail Ward Olmsted’s “Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip”.

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The Synopsis

In the fall of 1907, Katharine decides to drive from Newport, Rhode Island to her new home in Jackson, New Hampshire. Despite the concerns of her family and friends that at the age of 77 she lacks the stamina for the nearly 300-mile journey, Katharine sets out alone. Over the next six days, she receives a marriage proposal, pulls an all-nighter, saves a life or two, crashes a high-society event, meets a kindred spirit, faces a former rival, makes a new friend, takes a stroll with a future movie mogul, advises a troubled newlywed, and reflects upon a life well lived: her own!

Join her as she embarks upon her remarkable road trip.

Katharine Prescott Wormeley (1830-1908) was born into affluence in England and emigrated to the U. S. at the age of eighteen. Fiercely independent and never married, Kate volunteered as a nurse on a medical ship during the Civil War, before founding a vocational school for underprivileged girls. She was a philanthropist, a hospital administrator, and the author of The Other Side of War: 1862, as well as the noted translator of dozens of novels written by French authors, including Moliere and Balzac. She is included in History’s Women: The Unsung Heroines; History of American Women: Civil War Women; Who’s Who in America 1908-09; Notable American Women: 1607-1950; A Biographical Dictionary; and A Woman of the (19th) Century: Leading American Women in All Walks of Life and figures prominently in With Courage and Delicacy: Civil War on the Peninsula by Nancy Scripture Garrison.

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The Review

This was a heartfelt and thoughtful historical fiction meets biographical fiction novel. The life and impact of protagonist Katharine Prescott Wormeley were so fascinating to see come to life on the page, and the protagonist’s characterization engaged the reader immensely. The atmosphere and sense of adventure the book spoke to kept the reader engaged as the journey progressed. 

This novel’s themes of self-independence and living life on one’s terms were so impactful. The protagonist’s drive to live her life her way and her decision to do so despite the health, age, and social conventions others felt were a detriment to her life allowed the reader to get a sense of the real woman’s strength of character and free spirit.

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The Verdict

Adventurous, thoughtful, and fast-paced author Gail Ward Olmsted’s “Katharine’s Remarkable Road Trip” is a must-read historical fiction novel. The author does a great job of showcasing afterward the truth of the events in the book and the passion that made her life have such an impact on others. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today. 

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Gail Ward Olmsted was a marketing executive and a college professor before she began writing fiction on a fulltime basis. A trip to Sedona, AZ inspired her first novel Jeep Tour. Three more novels followed before she began Landscape of a Marriage, a biographical work of fiction featuring landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, a distant cousin of her husband’s, and his wife Mary.

Her latest is a pair of contemporary novels featuring a disgraced attorney seeking a career comeback: Miranda Writes (9/8/22) and Miranda Nights (7/6/23)

For more information, please visit her on Facebook and at gwolmstedauthor.carrd.co

Runes of the Dokkrsdottir (Outside The Thalsparr Series) by Bjorn Leesson Review

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

A Norse woman in the Viking Age must face her supernatural destiny and her status as a legendary warrior in author Bjorn Leesson’s “Runes of the Dokkrsdottir”, the first book in the Outside The Thalsparr Series.

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The Synopsis

The Dokkrsdottir is not your ordinary Norse woman of the Viking age. One of the great warriors of her time, she soon learns that the hardest battles are not always those fought with a sword and shield. Through countless trials and tests, she is led by visions and omens on numerous adventures with the help of steadfast friends and family to discover her mysterious supernatural destiny, one more extraordinary than anyone could ever have imagined.

RUNES OF THE DOKKRSDOTTIR (Book 1)

The story of Myrgjol the Dokkrsdottir begins with her birth in 800s Scandinavia where it becomes immediately obvious that she is very different in so many ways.

After adventures abroad and continuously making friends and loyal allies, and after suffering many losses and setbacks, she bravely travels the many winding paths of her destiny – facing and defeating a dark foe she never expected to face.

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The Review

This was such a compelling and gripping read. The rich blend of historical fiction meets fantasy and the immersive way the author uses imagery draws the reader into the sea-faring settings of this novel, making the world-building feel larger than life on the page. The author’s use of mythology and detail in the narrative allows the reader to feel transported back to the Viking age, keeping the reader invested in the story.

Yet, it was the dynamic development of the protagonist that fueled this story. The rich and thoughtful detail that went into the protagonist’s backstory, from the tragic circumstances that brought her father over to live amongst the Norse people as a child to the tragedies she faces and the supernatural prophecy that hung over her head as she spent her life struggling to balance the light and darkness within her, made her character arc and journey so much more impactful and engaging.

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The Verdict

Remarkable, thoughtful, and entertaining author Bjorn Leesson’s “Runes of the Dokkrsdottir” is a must-read historical fantasy. The shocking events, significant narrative twists, and open ending leave readers wanting more from the author’s “Outside the Thalsparr” series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Bjorn was born in the Lowcountry of South Carolina a long, long time ago.  He has worked in manufacturing all his working life to feed himself but has nourished his mind with the study of many topics; history of all eras, the paranormal, astronomy, writing of different types, photography, archeology, genealogy, vexillology, some other -ologies, even stock car racing for a couple of years, and on and on.  Bjorn finds just about everything fascinating in some way and has been accused of being too easily entertained.  A blend of a few of his interests led to the creation of the Thalsparr Universe.  The first installment of the series will be “Runes of the Dokkrsdottir,” with a release date to be determined.  He currently lives in the Midlands of South Carolina with his wife of 25 years on their hobby farm.

Falling Stars by Julie Rogers Review

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

A young boy seeking a magic cure to his illness befriends a local artist, who may hold the secret to the boy’s journey as he falls for the boy’s mother at the same time in author Julie Rogers’s “Falling Stars”. 

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The Synopsis

Everyone says vampires aren’t real. Tommy Lucas isn’t so sure.

Nine-year-old Tommy Lucas needs a bone marrow transplant to survive. But he’s convinced his disease is a curse on his bloodline, that he’s a vampire. His mother’s an oncologist, but Tommy believes only magic can cure him—or the same synthetic blood substitute developed for urban legend Viscount Claudius Fallon.

Tommy is stoked when he discovers a five-part series about Fallon in an online pulp fiction magazine called Philly’s Argosy. Descended from a ruling class of vampires in Cardiff, legend has it that Fallon traveled to Eureka Springs, Arkansas seeking a cure for his own leukemia during WWII.

Tommy’s quest leads him to befriend local artist and gallery owner Callan Masters, who struggles with his growing affection for Tommy’s mom, June—for he is Fallon, cured in 1939 at Norman G. Baker Cure-for-Cancer Hospital.

Dedicated to living off-grid and as a human, Callan must decide whether he will take the risk involved in helping Tommy or falling in love with June. His bite is no longer capable of turning anyone—or so he thinks.

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The Review

This was such a compelling read. The author did a wonderful job of weaving together fantasy and historical fiction elements, taking readers on a journey between magic and reality. The story’s profound atmospheric nature and the imagery of the author’s writing style brought the reader into the narrative, keeping them brilliantly immersed in the characters’ lives.

Yet despite the fantastic depths of the fantasy and magical realism that the author imbued this story with, the true heart of this novel was the immense and profound humanity found within these characters. The themes of family, love, and what we are willing to sacrifice to save or protect those we love all play a vital role in the story. These characters’ relatable nature and journey made the story feel tangible and heartfelt.

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The Verdict

Memorable, engaging, and thoughtfully written author Julie Rogers’s “Falling Stars” is a must-read fantasy meets historical fiction and magical realism novel. The heart and compassion found within these characters and their struggles balanced the narrative’s more fantastic elements, keeping readers invested until the book’s final pages. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Julie Rogers’s award-winning articles and stories have been featured in trade, self-help, inspirational, and fiction publications including Writer’s Digest, Coping With Cancer, Daily Meditation, Mocha Memoirs, Anotherealm, Horsethief’s Journal, Images Inscript, Complete Woman, and the annual anthology Writes of Passage: Every Woman has a Story!

She is the author of the the urban fantasy Falling Stars, the self-help books Happy Tails: How Pets Can Help You Survive Divorce and Simeon: A Greater Reality, the ghost story collection Seven Shorts, the inspirational upper-elementary reader, Hootie, the romantic comedy When Pigs Fly Over The Moon, and co-author of the existential teen guide Letters: Sidereal Insight for a 21st Century Mystic.

Julie currently ghostwrites creative fiction for clients through Julie Rogers’s Books, Edioak, and The Authors’ Assistant.

julierogersbooks.com

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The Emerald Lady (Gemstone Series Book 1) by J.L. Hill Review

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

A science-driven young man and a young Mermaid defy the order of their worlds when their paths cross, and they must face the consequences as the worlds of men and mermaids split at the seams in author J.L. Hill’s “The Emerald Lady”, the first book in the Gemstone Series.

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The Synopsis

A fantasy Pirate/Mermaid love story set in the golden age of Pirates of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Jeremy Simmons is a midshipman on the commercial vessel, Rummy Gale. An honorable young man, he believes in the science of the day not age-old superstitions of the sea. But a hurricane will do more than sink his ship; it will forever change his world.

Shera, a mermaid, rescues him; they fall in love and in her attempt to return him to his world, she approaches her sisters at Usea Maya for assistance. The Maiden Queen forbids her from giving any further aid, condemning the man to a watery tomb. But Shera, a free spirit, defies the orders, goes it alone and inadvertently causes a tragedy.

Infuriated by Shera’s defiance and Jeremy’s steadfast defense and willingness to take the punishment meted out to her, the Queen curses them both. She locks Shera in human form and binds Jeremy’s life to hers. A fate so cruel it will cause a split in the realm of Mermaids and turn good men into Pirates.

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The Review

I am an absolute fan of the world-building that took shape here in this novel. The author did an incredible job of bringing life at sea to life, utilizing an impressive knowledge of sailing and life on the ocean in his writing style, giving the setting and atmosphere a rich texture on the page. The tension that the author was able to infuse into the character interactions was excellent, both with the romance that develops between the two protagonists, the disdain the evil queen has for them both, and the growing tension between both worlds. 

Yet the mythos and the themes felt iconic and original to the narrative. The wonder yet chilling nature of life for mermaids and mermen and the world they hail from, as well as the historical nature the author paid to the world of man above the ocean surface and the inclusion of pirates and dragons as a whole, made this story feel fantastic and enthralling. Themes of love, power, destiny, and consequences were creatively utilized in this narrative, keeping the reader engaged from the very first page.

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The Verdict

Remarkable, thrilling, and adventurous author J.L. Hill’s “The Emerald Lady” is a must-read historical fantasy narrative. The narrative’s twists and turns, rich world-building and mythos, and an open ending that will undoubtedly lead to a sequel will all keep readers coming back for more of this incredible new series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

A native New Yorker, born and raised in the Bronx, James L Hill spent his adolescence years in Fort Apache, the South Bronx 41st precinct during the 60’s, during a time when you needed to have a gang to go to the store. Raised on blues, soul, and rock and roll gave him the heart of a flower child. Educated by the turmoil of Vietnam, Civil Rights, and the Sexual Revolution produced a gladiator. Realizing the precariousness of life gave him an adventurous outlook and willingness to try anything once, and if it did not kill him, maybe twice. 12 years of Catholic education and a couple of years in college spread between wild drug induce euphoric years, which did not kill him, gave James an unique moral compass that swings in any direction it wants. A scientific mind and a spirit that believes nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough guides his writings. He enjoys traveling to new places and seeing what life has to offer. James began writing short stories and poetry back in his early years. In his twenties moved on to novels. He worked in the financial industry and later got a degree in computer programming, his other love. James has a successful career as a software engineer designing, developing and maintaining systems for the government and the private sector. He has been programming for nearly forty years in various languages. After years in the computer world he returned to his first love, unleashing the characters in his head. Still a hopeless insomniac, he feels free to pound out plots. James L Hill is a prolific storyteller writing crime stories, fantasies, and science fiction, with a slant on the dark side of life. The next step on his journey naturally led to the business of publishing. He started RockHill Publishing LLC not only to produce his own work, but to give others access to the literary world. His computer background and experiences in word processing gives him insight into what it takes to publish good books.

https://www.jlhill-books.com/index.html