Hello everyone! I am so excited to share today a special review. Recently I had the pleasure of reviewing author M,E, Grantham’s Shifting Realities: The Hill. Today I am happy to share writer and content creator Aly Avina’s review of the book. Some may know her as Aly with the Curves, and today she is sharing her thoughts on this book as well. I hope you all enjoy.
“Shifting Realities: The Hill” by M.E. Grantham is a thought-provoking, suspenseful tale that crosses genres in a beautifully intricate and compelling way. It is no easy feat to blend sci-fi with metaphysical fantasy and political strife reminiscent of our own modern America but that author does so seamingly effortlessly.
You will easily lose yourself within the pages of this tale of resilience that will have you feeling as though you are on your own spiritual journey with these incredible and well-developed characters that Grantham has expertly crafted. With the stunning backdrop of Ireland setting the scene for this eerie, powerful read, you will be on the edge of your seat as you find out what is drawing these characters to each other and how this will impact not only their lives but the world as we know it. Will they stand together and create a better world and future or will they fall, leaving us all in perpetual misery and defeat? This is the question that will be on your mind throughout this unbelievable and astonishing read as it builds to its inevitable climax.
This fictional tale is intriguing, suspenseful, and is not one I’m soon to forget. I thoroughly enjoyed the character development and the way the author detailed the feeling of there always being meaning or a reason that things happen. That the energy that is put out into the universe by us all is actually connected to a bigger, more important picture. It is not only a beautiful sentiment but a scientific study that will make you reflect on your own life as well as the world we live in. If you haven’t picked up your copy of “Shifting Realities: The Hill” by M.E. Grantham, be sure to do so immediately! You won’t want to miss out on this one.
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I grew up in a military family and had the opportunity to travel and experience diverse cultures. I studied sociology to delve deeper into the dynamics of human and group interactions. My curiosity expanded into studying nursing, holistic healing, and energy work. These transformative practices and studies became an integral part of my personal growth and inspired me to share my experiences and insights through writing.
I live just outside Nashville, TN with my husband, sister, and a small pack of dogs. In my leisure time, I read and listen to audiobooks across various genres. I enjoy spending time with my grown children and grandson, painting, traveling, playing hide and seek with my yellow lab, and watching hummingbirds divebomb as they compete for the feeders on my back deck.
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2) What inspired you to write your book?
I am inspired by the younger generations and the unique struggles they face with the ending of the American dream, unattainable housing/rental costs, inflation, AI, and global wars. They are much stronger than their label as “snowflakes” and have within them the ability to create the change they want in this world.
The resilient human spirit and ability to overcome adversity serve as my greatest source of inspiration. Witnessing individuals rise above their circumstances and transform into the best versions of themselves fuels my desire to learn, grow, and evolve personally and as a writer. I aspire to contribute to the collective human journey by offering hope, encouragement, and insight through my words.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
There are several messages I hope will be takeaways from my novel.
1) The younger generations are strong and capable of becoming the heroes of their stories and our society. Unlikely champions are born out of adversity and are not necessarily whole or completely healed when called upon to act.
2) There are people you meet who are part of your destiny. They become your circle and are often more important than the circle into which you are born.
3) Today our society is fractured on so many levels including by generations. We have all heard the Gen Z and millennials discounting “Okay Boomer” as well as the derogatory name-calling by the older generations of “Snowflakes”.
I would like a takeaway to be that there is strength in all the generations and by joining together we are all stronger and better able to redirect our attention to the true evil corrupting our world.
4) Trust your instincts when you sense a connection and when you sense bad intentions. You do not always need to act immediately but do not discount either. Keep an open mind, observe, and be honest with others and most importantly yourself. Good or bad, if people show you who they are, believe them.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
My novel is a mixed genre of speculative fiction with elements of science fiction.
I have always been intrigued by novels and movies that make you think and wonder if that could happen in some near or distant future.
From Orwell’s 1984 and Huxley’s Brave New World to the many Star Trek shows and streaming series from Dark to Stranger Things, we are transported to a compelling and often frightening future. Once there, in that created future, we are challenged to consider the impossible, including our own reality.
5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
I would love to sit down with Niamh. She is a seer and a sage. With her piercing black eyes she sees beyond the veil and the layers of reality. I think we could all benefit from her wisdom.
I would ask her about our world and society’s future, specifically, the geopolitical upheavals and global climate changes. Are we already in WWIII? Will Russia invade more of Europe? Will America fracture and fade or reunite and become stronger?
Too many questions given our current times! I would end my conversation with Niamh by asking her about personal concerns about my loved ones. Will my family be safe? Should we prepare for lean times? Will they move closer to home?
6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Instagram and Facebook have been the most helpful in developing my readership. I enjoy engaging directly with my readers and keeping them updated on book fairs, travel, and new projects.
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Keep going and do not give up. Writing is an intimate process, even when writing fiction. You are putting your soul out on display for others to critique. It is hard not to take it personally so grow a thick skin and push through the discomfort.
Your story is worthy. It needs to be told and someone out there needs to read it!
If you are new to writing, join a writing community for support and to learn your craft.
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
My future is full of books! Reading them, writing them, even listening to them. I have just finished the second novel in the Shifting Realities series. I am making revisions before I send it out to my editor. I am hoping to have Shifting Realities: The Alternates out to my readers this summer.
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About the Author
M.E. Grantham, the author, brings a wealth of life experiences and a diverse background to her writing. Her upbringing in a military family exposed her to various cultures and ideas through extensive travel. Having lived in England for two years, she was fortunate to have an English teacher who ignited her passion for literature, laying the foundation for her literary journey.
Captivated by the intricacies of different societies, Grantham pursued a study of sociology, delving deeper into understanding the dynamics of human interaction. Her curiosity eventually led her to explore nursing, healing, and energy work , including modalities such as Reiki, Tibetan shamanic healing, and multi-dimensional healing. These transformative practices became an integral part of her personal growth following her father’s passing, inspiring her to share her experiences and insights through her writing.
To refine her artistic expression, Grantham dedicated herself to honing her writing skills. She immersed herself in the writing community, becoming a proud member of both The Porch in Nashville and the Atlanta Writers Club. Here, she engages with fellow writers, sharing ideas and fostering a supportive environment that nurtures creativity.
The resilient human spirit and the ability to overcome adversity serve as Grantham’s greatest sources of inspiration.
Witnessing individuals rise above their circumstances and transform into the best versions of themselves fuels her desire to learn, grow, and evolve, both personally and as a writer. She aspires to contribute to the collective human journey by offering hope, motivation, and insight through her words.
Outside the world of writing, Grantham resides just outside Nashville with her husband, sister, and a small pack of dogs. Her leisure time is enriched with reading and listening to audiobooks across a variety of genres. She enjoys spending quality time with her grown children and grandson, exploring the joys of painting, traveling, and engaging in playful rounds of hide and seek with her yellow lab, Bear. M.E. Grantham’s life experiences and dedication to holistic healing are deeply reflected in her writing, offering readers a unique perspective and inspiring stories.
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 group of people must traverse Ireland in the midst of great upheaval and turmoil to restore reality and face a powerful enemy intent on destroying their destiny forever in author M.E. Grantham’s “Shifting Realities: The Hill”.
The Synopsis
At the brink of civil strife, Maeve, a remarkable energy healer in the serene landscapes of Ireland, struggles with haunting visions of three mysterious individuals. As chaos breaks upon their troubled homelands, Nick, James, and Carrie, driven by a desperate need to escape the inexplicable turmoil, unexpectedly come together on a destined journey to Ireland, where an unnatural connection weaves its magic among them.
Drawn by unseen forces and mysterious visions, their paths combine upon Maeve, a mysterious figure harboring the key to their intertwined destinies. United, they unravel harrowing revelations about their shared pasts, unfamiliar with the insidious destruction lurking within the shadows. Now, standing at the edge of an unraveling world, they must confront a daunting truth: the weight of restoring reality to its rightful course rests solely upon their shoulders.
In this gripping tale of resilience and sacrifice, follow Maeve, Nick, James, and Carrie as they navigate a deadly odyssey of uncertainty, danger, and self-discovery. As their connected destinies come together, they must confront their deepest fears and pass a tough test of their determination. Will they set things right and live to see a better future, or will a powerful enemy destroy their fate, leaving the world in endless misery and damage?
The Review
This was a compelling and gripping sci-fi meets metaphysical fantasy story. The reader is instantly transported to an alternate future storyline in which America sees states seceding from the Union, and people feel the political and social divides, something many modern readers can attest to in their own lives. The relatability of the inciting incidents and the tense atmosphere the author crafts allow the magic and spiritual journey the characters go on to be more profound and engaging.
Yet, as with any fantasy-driven story, character development was the heart of the narrative. Maeve brings these three people together, and how each character is given proper attention and personal history that they must overcome for the greater mission ahead of them makes this story’s overall action and wonderment feel more thoughtful. The exploration of ideas like cosmic scientific study and physiological aspects of our bodies and energy being connected to the grander tapestry of the universe allowed the reader to engage with more profound and exciting ideas through this fictional tale.
The Verdict
Memorable, thoughtful, and entertaining author M.E. Grantham’s “Shifting Realities: The Hill” is a must-read sci-fi and fantasy metaphysical novel. The international suspense narrative delves into different cultures and backgrounds and other universes, making this a remarkable journey that readers won’t be able to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
M.E. Grantham, the author, brings a wealth of life experiences and a diverse background to her writing. Her upbringing in a military family exposed her to various cultures and ideas through extensive travel. Having lived in England for two years, she was fortunate to have an English teacher who ignited her passion for literature, laying the foundation for her literary journey.
Captivated by the intricacies of different societies, Grantham pursued a study of sociology, delving deeper into understanding the dynamics of human interaction. Her curiosity eventually led her to explore nursing, healing, and energy work , including modalities such as Reiki, Tibetan shamanic healing, and multi-dimensional healing. These transformative practices became an integral part of her personal growth following her father’s passing, inspiring her to share her experiences and insights through her writing.
To refine her artistic expression, Grantham dedicated herself to honing her writing skills. She immersed herself in the writing community, becoming a proud member of both The Porch in Nashville and the Atlanta Writers Club. Here, she engages with fellow writers, sharing ideas and fostering a supportive environment that nurtures creativity.
The resilient human spirit and the ability to overcome adversity serve as Grantham’s greatest sources of inspiration.
Witnessing individuals rise above their circumstances and transform into the best versions of themselves fuels her desire to learn, grow, and evolve, both personally and as a writer. She aspires to contribute to the collective human journey by offering hope, motivation, and insight through her words.
Outside the world of writing, Grantham resides just outside Nashville with her husband, sister, and a small pack of dogs. Her leisure time is enriched with reading and listening to audiobooks across a variety of genres. She enjoys spending quality time with her grown children and grandson, exploring the joys of painting, traveling, and engaging in playful rounds of hide and seek with her yellow lab, Bear. M.E. Grantham’s life experiences and dedication to holistic healing are deeply reflected in her writing, offering readers a unique perspective and inspiring stories.
