I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A quiet suburban neighborhood turns into chaos when troublesome Greek gods move in to cause trouble in author Stephen Statler’s “Gods of Glenhaven.”
Advertisements
The Synopsis
From comedy writer and McSweeney’s contributor Stephen Statler comes Gods of Glenhaven, a David Sedaris-meets-Tom Perotta, fast-paced, bighearted comedy about love, sex, death, and rock and roll–and everything that happens when our white-knuckle grip on life gets pried open against our will.
When Greek gods sweep into the quaint suburban town of Glenhaven to untangle their messy love lives, the helpless mortals don’t stand a chance.
Christian Orr, struggling with work and erectile dysfunction after discovering his wife’s infidelity, has just moved into what his daughter Francesca calls the Divorced Dads Apartment Complex. His high-powered attorney ex, Sloan, is jaded and restless, leaving precocious Francesca caught in the crosscurrents of change.
Enter Dionysus-“Dee”-the god of wine, sex, and questionable decisions, who shows up searching for his estranged wife Ari and their teenage son Maron. After three thousand years of Dee’s antics, Ari has had enough. She’s struck a deal with Zeus to start fresh-as a mortal suburban mom. And what’s more normal than falling for a regular guy like Christian? If only Dee would stop tearing through Glenhaven in his quest to win her back.
Drunk on Dee’s wine, the residents of Glenhaven form chanting covens in the woods, participate in ecstatic rituals, and experience divine revelations-all while Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” loops faintly in the background of their lives.
Gods of Glenhaven is a hilarious, poignant, and confronting novel about the universal fears and follies of the human condition, and the joy and freedom we can experience by letting go.
The Review
This was such a fun and engaging mix of dark humor and mythological fantasy-driven narrative. The quick wit of the cast of characters stood out immediately, as did the way the author was able to infuse Greek gods and mythology into the story effortlessly. The way the author was able to bring laugh-out-loud suburban satire and humor that closely examines personal relationships with the madness and chaos that are often associated with the Greek gods was both hilarious and enthralling.
For every hilarious, funny piece of dialogue or ridiculous yet entertaining mythological event that took place in this story, there was an equally underlying emotional character development that played well into the idea of identity and love. The loss of a sense of self that Christian goes through, along with the disconnect Sloan feels with her daughter and the way the gods and their actions inadvertently help these individuals find themselves in the process, was a rewarding and thoughtful portrayal of modern relationships and personal development.
The Verdict
Memorable, hilarious, and entertaining, author Stephen Statler’s “Gods of Glenhaven” is a must-read dark humor and mythological fantasy narrative. The twists and turns the story takes, the dark satire that portrays life in the suburbs, and the heartfelt character development will keep readers invested in the book’s final pages. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Advertisements
About the Author
Stephen Statler is a comedy writer whose work has appeared in McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, Points in Case, and other magazines. The Breathing Show, a feature film he wrote and directed, was distributed by Film Threat. A screenplay, Big Time, co-authored with Mouncey Ferguson, is currently under option by Gulfstream Pictures. Statler lives in the Bay Area with his wife and two children.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young explorer with a shocking past and an immortal warrior must temper their growing attraction in the face of a growing threat in author Eden Robins’s “Gold: Heart of a Warrior”.
Advertisements
The Synopsis
It’s just gonna be one of those days…
Empathic healer and business owner, Dora Alexander decided to celebrate her 25th birthday by exploring the stalagmites and stalactites in Kartchner Caverns. Kinda nerdy? Maybe, but you do you, right? Things take a nasty turn when an earthquake rocks the cave, leaving her alone in complete darkness. Searching for a way out, she accidently awakens an immortal warrior who’s kind of cranky after his 100-year nap. Wouldn’t you be?
Philoctetes, one of Demeter’s immortal Gold warriors wakes up to the disturbing sound of a female sobbing. Thinking she’s one of the Silver demons he’s sworn to hunt down and destroy, he almost kills her before realizing she’s human. Correction. Turns out she’s not just human. She’s also the woman responsible for sending his kind to hell and causing woe and misery for the entire human race.
Dora never asked to be Pandora reborn. And she certainly didn’t ask to be paired up with an insanely hot immortal demon hunter on a mission to save the world and redeem them both. But The Fates seem to have their own quirky ideas. One of them being if she and said hot demon hunter consummate the inferno like attraction blazing between them, they’ll simply cease to exist, with any memory of their time on earth erased forever.
Oh goody, the day just got worse.
The Review
This was such an engaging and impressive blend of mythology and modern fantasy. The author masterfully brought the mindset and morality of the Ancient Greek gods and goddesses to life in the more modern-day setting of Arizona, with its blistering heat, technology, and desert environment. This allowed the reader to get lost in the rich atmosphere that was developed.
The narrative did a great job of bringing out those epic, destiny-fueled adventures to life on the page, and the action and dangers the villainous Silvers represented allowed the reader to feel the stakes of this story. Yet the dynamic between the two protagonists and their back-and-forth chemistry that evolved and grew over time brought the heart of this narrative to life. Their singular evolution throughout the narrative and how they embraced their journey was unique. Yet, the growth they shared and the romantic tension were an immediate draw into the story.
The Verdict
Author Eden Robins’s “Gold: Heart of a Warrior” is a heartfelt, compelling, and entertaining novel. The narrative’s twists and turns, the emotional pull of the protagonists’ shared goals, and the shocking cliffhanger will keep readers eager for more of this incredible story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Eden Robins believes in second chances. Eden’s journey as an author started in 2000 with the release of her first book, a time travel romance entitled, Never Until Tomorrow. Over the course of the next eleven years, Eden wrote and shared nine stories from her heart with her readers. After a divorce and big changes to her personal life, Eden’s writing came to a crashing halt and her path took a different direction.
Twelve years after her last romantic tale was published, Eden found a home for her latest novel, Gold: Heart of A Warrior with Champagne Book Group. A magical, modern-day romantic romp into Greek myths come to life, this story gave her a second chance to do what she loves. Write. Connect with Eden Robins and check out her blog, Living the Path.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I’m a creatress at heart. Always have been. Creativity has been my companion and guide since I was little. I love to create through writing, gardening, cooking, crocheting, and playing piano. I’m an avid reader who loves to get lost in a great book. I also love to move my body, whether that’s through dance, or hiking or running or jumping or working out at the gym. Moving my body on a regular basis keeps me happy. What I eat matters a lot to me as well. I switched to a mostly whole food plant-based diet several years ago, and like how that makes me feel. I enjoy being outdoors, but also can spend a lot of time writing, reading, and daydreaming inside my home. My home is my sanctuary, my respite from the rest of the world. I often interact in group settings and like to be social, but I always need to balance that with alone time to decompress for a bit afterward. I can be, at times, very “hermit-like.”
I got into writing after I finished my first book. Seriously, that’s exactly how it happened. Growing up, I journaled, penned poetry, and wrote some articles for my high school newspaper, but I never pictured writing as a career path rather than a hobby until I finished my first novel. Both of my parents were in the medical/science field, and I was (and still am) fascinated by many aspects of science. The catalyst for my dive into writing was the death of my paternal grandfather. After he died, I had regrets about not spending more time with him. I kept wishing I could go back in time to get to know him better. I felt the urge to sit down and write about it, and that’s how my first book, a time travel romance entitled, Never Until Tomorrow, was born. It was as I typed the words “The End” that I knew I was hooked, and realized writing was something I wanted to take seriously for the rest of my life.
From that point forward, I was lucky enough to find publishers interested in my work and have had the privilege of sharing ten of my published novels with the world.
What inspired you to write your book?
Each book has its own inspiration. My current release, a modern-day romantic romp into Greek mythology entitled, Gold: Heart of A Warrior, was inspired by a children’s book on Greek myths I had bought for my kids. I read a lot to my children while they were growing up and was always looking for literature that would stimulate their minds and inspire their imagination. I picked up Usborne Illustrated Guide to Greek Myths and Legends by Cheryl Evans, and the complex and juicy lives of the characters in these myths caught not only my children’s attention, but mine as well. Particularly, reading about Pandora opening the Jug of Woes and releasing evil and misery into the world pulled at something inside of me. I felt like this was a woman who had been used by the Gods (Zeus) as a pawn, and then forever punished and maligned after she had done the deed she was manipulated to accomplish. I began thinking about how her story could go in a different direction. I started wondering what would happen if Pandora was offered a second chance at life. What would she do? How would she live? Who would she become if she were no longer a pawn of the Gods, or at least less of a pawn than before?
What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
The path to empowerment is always through the self, and second chances are possible at any age.
What drew you into this particular genre?
Love and hope. Although romantic fiction isn’t the only genre I write (I also write mainstream fiction and nonfiction), that feeling of falling in love is so magical. I enjoy creating that for my readers. I also like writing stories that have a happily ever after that leaves the sweet taste of optimism in my readers’ mouths. Those two reasons keep me excited about writing in the romance genre.
What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
At this point, I’d have to say it’s Instagram. The reader community is very supportive, engaged, and interactive.
What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Just pick up the pen and write. It’s not about perfection or getting the grammar just right. There’s a magic in the process of simply putting your story on the page that can transform a writer’s thoughts into a masterpiece. As Michelangelo once said, “Every block of stone has a statue inside it, and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.” That blank page offers a writer the opportunity to unlock the story of their heart. Just start writing. The rest will come together.
What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
The future feels so bright. Especially in light of the past. After my initial foray into my writing journey, with nine of my novels getting published, I hit a wall. I got a divorce, and for more than a decade after, I just couldn’t write. I came to believe my creativity had dried up. I didn’t put a book out into the world during that time. It was a frightening period in my writing, but looking back, I know that “ten years of drought” taught me so much and provided an evolution and a deepening for me that I needed. I understand now that while I wasn’t creating stories for my novels during that time, I was creating the story of my life. A story I needed to establish before I could continue my book writing journey.
Now, more than a decade with no books published, I’ve begun this second chance chapter of my life with the release of Gold: Heart of a Warrior. I’m forever grateful to my publisher, Champagne Book Group, for providing me with this opportunity to share my writing with the world once more. I’m excited to announce that editing has begun on A Warrior’s Peace, book two in my Gold series! I’m also working on a short story holiday collection of modern-day fairytales, a fallen angel romantic suspense, a magical realism retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, and a nonfiction book about the creative path. I’m so thankful to have my creatress back as my companion and look forward to her guiding me for years to come.
Eden Robins believes in second chances. She’s been lucky enough to have a few in her life and knows there’s a magic in seizing the moment to try again. As a mentor, her heart’s purpose is to guide people into living as their full, innate, creative potential. As a writer, her heart leads her to inspire readers through her tales. Creating stories about people courageously living, loving, and experiencing life true to themselves, no matter how messy it gets, are the ones Eden wants to write and will keep writing for you…and for her. Connect with Eden at https://linktr.ee/edenrobins and check out her blog, Living the Path, https://awholeheartedme.com/blog
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Four authors bring a unique collection of folklore with a modern twist in the book “Dark Tales of Whimsy”.
Advertisements
The Synopsis
Dark Tales of Whimsy
Dark Tales of Whimsy is a collection of four short stories which weave elements of folklore with modern influences, engaging readers with tales of danger, curses, and more than a little mischief. This collection also includes illustrations by Oz Osborn.
Tooth, written by Simone Le Roux
In her short, Tooth, Simone LeRoux introduces us to Peg, who is feeling the pressure of surviving tooth to tooth. Join Peg and her ambitious cousin, Orla, as they aim to evade the woeful fate of Tooth Fairies who break the rules.
Anti-Cupid, written by Carlotta Cosmai
In Carlotta Cosmai’s story of love, we follow dead-beat husband and father, Cupid. In time, his arrows have been replaced by an enchanted smart phone, and his desires have become sleazy and self-serving. Follow his daughter, Pleasure, as she tries to bring true love back to Rome.
Little Miss Muffet Meets Anansi The Spider, written by Remy Fernandes
It’s been a while since ‘The Spider Incident,’ when Missy lost her foot from the bite. Now, she has grown to adulthood and landed a job at the Ice Cream Hut at the zoo. When her lunch break is interrupted by a talkative spider, Missy finds herself in a deal with a hungry, eight-legged intruder, whose antics could cost Muffet more than her job.
Three’s Last Stand, written by Alyssa Blackmon
In Alyssa Blackmon’s re-telling, we meet Three, the brick house-maker, who now has spent years being hunted by the big bad werewolf and his turned brothers. The day has come that Three can finally find closure with his brothers, and gain vengeance on the wolf.
The Review
One of the most challenging genres to break into is the retelling genre, which involves taking classic tales and giving them a fresh spin. Yet, in this collection, the authors have done just that, taking some of the world’s most iconic myths and legends and providing a unique, adult, and engaging spin. The amount of world-building that each tale can incorporate in such a short time is fantastic, and the haunting atmosphere that each story provides brings about that dark fairytale feeling that the collection aims to provide.
This was a short story collection driven by character dynamics. The heart of this collection was the way each story provided a unique, vulnerable, yet impressive protagonist to stand behind and a worthy problem to overcome. The chilling take on the black market and illegal thefts of children’s teeth regarding the lore of the tooth fairy was such an inspiring twist in the first tale and brought a standard of dark whimsy that each story thereafter lived up to.
The Verdict
“Dark Tales of Whimsy” is a must-read short story collection that is captivating, enthralling, and memorable. The chilling adult storylines and unique twists on iconic fairytales made this compelling collection richly developed and mesmerizing to behold. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A mission to learn the truth turns into a mission for resurrection as a widow fights inhuman forces of nature to reunite with her long lost beloved in author Myron Edwards’s “Julie’s Odyssey: Alpha and Omega”, the third book in The Cypress Mysteries series.
Advertisements
The Synopsis
Julie Cole, homemaker, mother, and widow is unconvinced that her husband’s death was an accident. To discover what happened Julie returns to the one place she said she would never go back to, the Island of Cyprus. To aid her in her task, she enlists the help of Peter Shaw, Richard’s friend from the first Gulf War.
As the two begin their enquiries, they meet with the mysterious Christoulides, who shows them the reason for Richard’s demise and his real identity. No longer is it a simple matter of finding out what happened to Richard, this is now a mission to bring him back.
But in order to do this Julie has to work with her nemesis the Goddess Aphrodite who she sees as the protagonist in Richard’s demise. Together all three must travel to the depths of the Underworld to release Richard before his soul is trapped there forever.
Standing in their way is the Lord of the Underworld Hades and a host of creatures and beasts as well as one very determined hunter whose sole task is to destroy Julie. Into this maelstrom of chaos and confusion and possible certain death, Julie and her companions must travel. Their first task being to retrieve the Gorgon’s blood, which has the power of resurrection, but can they do it in time to save Richard?
The Review
The author did such an incredible job of building upon the other two books in the series and doubling down on the rich mythology and culture of the series. The imagery and atmosphere of the narrative immediately grab the reader, as they are drawn further and further into the depths of the underworld, and readers are treated to a whole new host of mythological figures that test the limits of fate.
The heart of this narrative was the rich character development of the novel. The new perspective of Julie as the protagonist of this narrative showcases the depth of the impact that the first two books had on her and the family she and Richard were building together. The bond that she and Peter build as they seek out the means of finally bringing Richard back to life is incredible, and the gripping mythology will draw these characters to new heights, giving readers a fresh perspective of classic characters and storylines.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, imaginative, and entertaining, author Myron Edwards’s “Julie’s Odyssey: Alpha and Omega” is a must-read mythological thriller and fantasy novel you won’t want to miss. The twists and turns in this adventure and the shocking final revelation as the journey comes to its emotional end will leave readers hanging onto the author’s every word. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Advertisements
About the Author
Born in 1952 in Orsett, Essex in England, the youngest son to Welsh parents Iris and Bill Edwards. Upon leaving school, he went into the travel industry, where he travelled the world, working in travel agencies, tour operators and airlines for some 30 years. In 1976 Myron began freelance writing for BBC, radio and television, his credits include the Two Ronnies, Week Endings, and the News Huddlines. In 1980, he joined JWT advertising, as a copywriter writing his first TV commercial for dog food inside 10 days. His love for the creative never left him and in 1987 he created Tubewalking, a new map concept, to help people get around London easier on foot, which still operates today. In 1990 he married Niki, whose family background is Greek Cypriot. On a family trip to Cyprus, visiting Aphrodite’s Rock for the first time, the beginnings of his passion to write the story of Mistress of the Rock came into fruition. Moving his family in 2005 to Cyprus to live, gave him the opportunity to write, as during this time he worked on campaigns for TV and Radio in an advertising agency in Limassol. The first manuscript of the book was completed in 2007, released by a local publisher it had a limited audience, but was well received by those who had read it. He has now completed the sequel and is working on the third part of this story. Myron has three children, two sons and one daughter all grown up.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A man must face a wrathful goddess for whom he rejected and find a way of stopping the chaos and destruction she is reigning down on the Mediterranean coast in author Myron Edwards’s “Scylla: The Revenge”, the second book in The Cyprus Mysteries.
Advertisements
The Synopsis
She’s back and this time she brought a friend…
The story continues: the sequel to The Mistress of the Rock, is The Revenge.
Still smarting from Richard Cole’s rejection, Aphrodite plans a series of events that will bring about his return to the island. Only this time, his welcome will not be so warm, as he will have to battle bureaucracy and the islanders’ contempt for the devastating aftermath of his chance discovery and his sudden departure. In addition, he confronts his internal demons, and with his return to Cyprus, might completely consume him.
For Aphrodite is set upon a path of cold vengeance and summons the Scylla, a legendary cryptid of the deep, to do her bidding. The creature wreaks havoc on the once idyllic coast of Cape Greco and the tourist resorts of Ayia Napa, Protaras, and Paphos.
Richard must not only face his devils but also the goddess, if he is to stop the terror that now lurks in the Mediterranean’s crystal-clear waters.
But how is he going to do it?
The Review
This was an exhilarating and thoughtful read. The author once more brought a great deal of depth to the mythos and balanced the Greek supernatural and mythological forces that the protagonist was facing with the memorable, heartfelt character moments that made the characters so beloved and engaging to the reader.
The character development and world-building really pushed the narrative in new directions this time around. The author was able to hone in on the cruelty and vulnerability of Aphrodite and the determination and heroism of Richard Cole. The introduction of the Scylla and the higher stakes of the story and the life that Richard had carved out for himself were great to see come to life on the page, as was the relationship that Richard had with the people of Cyprus and the locals themselves.
The Verdict
Action-packed, emotionally driven, and perfectly tense, author Myron Edwards’s “Scylla: The Revenge” is a fantastic fantasy meets supernatural thriller with a large dose of mythology. The second entry into the author’s Cyprus Mysteries series, the novel has some great twists and turns, and the shocking finale will be both a gut-punch and a nail bitter to readers as they await the third book in the series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Advertisements
About the Author
Born in 1952 in Orsett, Essex in England, the youngest son to Welsh parents Iris and Bill Edwards. Upon leaving school, he went into the travel industry, where he travelled the world, working in travel agencies, tour operators and airlines for some 30 years. In 1976 Myron began freelance writing for BBC, radio and television, his credits include the Two Ronnies, Week Endings, and the News Huddlines. In 1980, he joined JWT advertising, as a copywriter writing his first TV commercial for dog food inside 10 days. His love for the creative never left him and in 1987 he created Tubewalking, a new map concept, to help people get around London easier on foot, which still operates today. In 1990 he married Niki, whose family background is Greek Cypriot. On a family trip to Cyprus, visiting Aphrodite’s Rock for the first time, the beginnings of his passion to write the story of Mistress of the Rock came into fruition. Moving his family in 2005 to Cyprus to live, gave him the opportunity to write, as during this time he worked on campaigns for TV and Radio in an advertising agency in Limassol. The first manuscript of the book was completed in 2007, released by a local publisher it had a limited audience, but was well received by those who had read it. He has now completed the sequel and is working on the third part of this story. Myron has three children, two sons and one daughter all grown up.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Six immortals must work together to confront a dangerous enemy in author Melanie P. Smith’s “Divergence”, the first book in The Immortals series.
Advertisements
The Synopsis
Part Mortal, Part Divinity, Fully Devoted.
The gathering has begun. Six demigods embark on an epic journey of danger, mystical creatures, dark magic, and intrigue. When an ancient prophesy is triggered, the tale of six powerful immortals begins. Legend has it, the chosen six will triumph over evil and restore peace. But first, they must gather together and converge on the land where their parents were defeated. Time is running out, the Titans want revenge, and the future of the entire world is at stake.
Meet the immortals -The wiccan, the shifter, the Master of Water, the siren, the healer, the Reader of Minds. Their destiny awaits — if they accept their fate and unite to confront a dangerous enemy in the battle of a lifetime.
The Review
This was quite an epic and captivating fairy tale fantasy and mythology novel. The captivating imagery and steady buildup of tension early on in the novel help underscore the vastness of the mythos that the protagonists find themselves thrust into suddenly. The complex dynamics of the Greek gods and demigods, as well as the mythical creatures that inhabit the world and the infamous Titans, helped elevate the stakes that this narrative holds and added a great foil to the more modern era in which the setting takes place.
The core of this narrative had to be in the captivating character dynamics that this book brought to life. The friendship that is tested and highlighted in Zander and Beckett and the romance Beckett builds with another of the immortals are just a couple of the multitude of relationships that the narrative effortlessly brings together and engages with the reader. The emotional depth of the character’s backstories and the heightened tension that builds from those relationships helps drive the action and intensity of the novel’s plot tenfold.
The Verdict
Captivating, entertaining, and gripping, author Melanie P. Smith’s “Divergence” is a must-read fairy tale fantasy and mythology novel and a great first entry into The Immortals franchise. The twists and turns that keep the shocks and mythos alive on the page and the balance of adult storytelling in a fantasy-driven world of gods and monsters made this a complex yet inviting narrative that readers will want to get lost in for hours. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Advertisements
About the Author
Melanie P. Smith was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. She has an Associates of Science degree in Marketing, a bachelor’s in Business Management, and a Masters Certificate in Conflict Resolution, Negotiation and Mediation.
Long before she delved into the world of fantasy and suspense, Melanie P. Smith served nearly three decades in the Special Operations Division at her local sheriff’s office working with SWAT, Search & Rescue, K9, the Motor Unit, Investigations and the Child Abduction Response Team. She now uses that training and knowledge to create stories that are action-packed, gripping, and realistic. When Melanie’s not writing, she can be found riding her Harley, exploring the wilderness, or capturing that next great photo.
I received a free copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young man with dreams of using his passion for piñata pulling finds himself immersed into an underground sport with a lucrative income and a dark secret in author Rey Barrera’s “El Piñatero – The Legend of Simon Alejandro De La Peña”.
Advertisements
The Synopsis
Simon-Alejandro dreamed big about small things. Since his twelfth birthday, he has wanted nothing more than to become a professional piñata puller.
Now he’s eighteen and is realizing that no one wants to pay for his piñata-pulling services. But when he is approached by a mysterious stranger, Simon is invited to join an underground piñata-fighting league that meets in secret while the rest of the city sleeps. Before he can hope to become the league’s champion, Simon must learn how to balance his new secret life with his small family.
The Review
I absolutely loved this book. As someone who comes from a Hispanic background myself, I loved the amount of culture and passion that the author infused into the narrative. The story had a vast amount of powerful imagery and unique settings that allowed the reader to feel immersed in the novel as if they were transported to those underground events and witnessed this exciting fictional sport for themselves. The world-building and mythos behind the fictional world of piñata pulling as a sport and the emphasis on the culture that it brought spoke to the deeper themes of family, identity, and hope that the author touched upon.
For me, the heart of this novel rested in both the character development and the balanced of whimsy and heart that the author found in the story itself. The relationships that the book explores with the protagonist Simon, from his mother and his sister to his Uncle Beto and his new group of friends, all felt very authentic to both the experiences of a young teen and a young man growing up in a Hispanic household. Even the rivalry that evolves between himself and The Dark Panda is great to see, as the conflict that comes from it and the emotional evolution that occurs help emphasize the whimsy of the sport and yet the heart of the players themselves.
The Verdict
Captivating, highly imaginative, and thoroughly entertaining, author Rey Barrera’s “El Piñatero – The Legend of Simon Alejandro De La Peña” is a must-read children’s book of folk tales meets Hispanic American fiction and even some elements of YA storytelling. The twists and turns in the narrative, the way the author brings the reader into such a strong and beloved culture, and the wealth of powerful themes and emotional life lessons the protagonist learns along the way, all culminate into a thoroughly enjoyable novel that readers won’t want to miss out on. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Advertisements
About the Author
Rey grew up in the South Texas town of Corpus Christi. His love of writing came from reading books well into the night and eventually dreaming of coming up with his own worlds and characters.
While in high school, Rey read a quote from Mark Twain, in which he referred to Tom and Huck as “his boys”. The notion that Twain had brought these characters to life, to the point of referring to them as his children, was a concept that Rey had never considered. And that notion brought so much meaning to everything he wrote – even short, seeminlgy insignificant, stories that no one would ever read. With El Piñatero, Rey hopes to blend the fictional world of piñata fighting with some real family experiences.
Rey makes his home in Texas, with his wife, Asored, his son, Simon and their cat, Albus Neko Potimus Prime of the Fifth Age of the Dragon Crown (or Neko for short).
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A flute player who finds good fortune from a dancing snake finds his greek overpowering him, and must trek on a journey to find his good fortune after losing everything in author Anthony L. Manna’s “Loukas and the Game of Chance”.
Advertisements
The Synopsis
While Loukas is playing his flute at the seawall one day, he befriends a mysterious talking, dancing snake that rewards him with fortune and favor. Some years later, tempted by greed and pride, Loukas loses all his riches and his family. He must now set off on a treacherous journey through a frightening forest filled with suspense and strange creatures to find Destiny, her son Ilion, the Sun, and her daughter Luna, the Moon. These celestial guardians will surely allow him to reverse his misfortune, restore his honor, and win back all that he loves and treasures, won’t they? A reimagined Greek folktale, Loukas and the Game of Chance is illuminated with dramatic and evocative pen and ink drawings that provide an ideal backdrop for the dark intrigue that fills this haunting story of human struggle, courage, and resilience.
The Review
This was a profound and captivating reimagining of Greek folklore. The author does an amazing job of writing in a way that vividly paints an image of the story to life through engaging imagery and a fantastical atmosphere. The adventurous and hero’s journey elements of the narrative immediately jump off the page, and the mythical tone of the author’s writing brings readers into the magical frame of mind.
The beautiful story that the author tells early on between Loukas and the snake when combined with the themes of love, loss, and the power of kindness over greed made this a truly thrilling story to behold. The way the author is able to relate this story to young readers and still maintain the magic and wonder that has resonated with all readers throughout the time that other fables and folktales have done time and time again was amazing to see come to fruition.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, entertaining, and mesmerizing, author Anthony L. Manna’s “Loukas and the Game of Chance” is a must-read folktale and children’s Greek and Roman Myth story. The wonder and atmosphere the author infuses into this narrative and the rich character development made this a short yet powerful read that young and older readers alike won’t be able to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Advertisements
About the Author
ANTHONY L. MANNA, Ph.D., is a retired professor from the Department of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies and the English Department at Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, where he taught Children’s Literature, Young Adult Literature, Writing, and Educational Drama and served as one of the co-directors of Kent State’s National Writing Project (sponsored by UC/Berkeley).
A New Jersey native, he received his doctorate from the University of Iowa, Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University (high honors), and his B. A. from Seton Hall University (with honors). He has taught on nearly every grade level, from preschool to graduate school, and has held positions at the American College in Istanbul, Turkey, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, the University of Maine (Farmington), and the Center for Literature and Medicine (Hiram College/Northeast Ohio College of Medicine), where he received a fellowship to research the intersection of the arts and the practice of medicine and healing.
He is the recipient of Kent State University’s Distinguished Teaching Award, Kent State’s Student Choice Award, and the Arbuthnot Award from the International Reading Association for outstanding university teaching.
Manna is a former member of the executive board of the Children’s Literature Association, former Director of Publications for the Association, and former editor of various columns in the Children’s Literature Association Quarterly.
He is co-author of Children’s Literature for Health Awareness and co-editor of Many Faces, Many Voices: Multicultural Literary Experiences for Youth and Art and Story: The Role of Illustration in Multicultural Literature for Youth. He has published numerous articles, book reviews, and book chapters on literature, drama, and teaching both in the U.S.A. and abroad.
The children’s picture book he co-authored with Soula Mitakidou, Mr. Semolina-Semolinus: A Greek Folktale (Simon & Schuster, 1997; Aladdin Paperbacks, 2015) was selected a 1998 Notable Children’s Book of the Year by the American Library Association was listed among the one hundred best books of the year by the New York Public Library, and was the recipient of the 1997 Marion Vannett Ridgway Award for first-time authors and illustrators.
In 2002, he co-authored a collection of twenty stories titled Folktales from Greece: A Treasury of Delights (Greenwood Press World Folklore Series). His most recent picture book, The Orphan: A Cinderella Story from Greece (Schwartz & Wade/Random House 2011) was selected a Bank Street College of Education Best Book of 2012.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman must leave her village and find her place in the world after discovering the power within herself in author Kinga Szumska’s “The Sacred Mountains”.
Advertisements
The Synopsis
We are all on a journey. Some of us see our mountain very clearly but some can see just a glimpse of it from a distance. Some of us are confident that there must be another world than the one we were born in, while others don’t question it. But far beyond the forests in a village was a girl who decided to go on a journey and learn which world she was really from. This is a story about finding the world we belong to. I am sure you’re on your quest too.
I dedicate this book to all who one day felt out of place but had the courage to cross the bridge.
The Review
This was a beautifully written and profound story of mythology and legends meets coming-of-age storytelling. The imagery and atmosphere spoke to the power of storytelling itself, exploring the power that stories have on a people’s culture and how future generations can learn from the past to grow into their futures. The themes the author explores here, from the iconic “hero’s journey” to the power of dreams and the importance of forging our own paths in life kept me invested in the story of Lola and her journey into the mountains outside of her own village.
The dynamic character development and world-building balanced out the emotional pull of the journey the narrative itself takes. The story of Lola will resonate greatly with many readers, as her heart and her passions in life lead her to an almost outsider status in her village, with her dreams separating her from the lessons taught and embedded into the majority of the villagers. The power she discovers and her otherworldly origins play well into the mythos the author builds upon and keep the reader both entertained and enthralled by the journey.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, captivating, and engaging, author Kinga Szumska’s “The Sacred Mountains” is a must-read folklore and mythology-driven narrative. The empowerment and encouragement Lola’s journey gives the reader and the magic of the storytelling made this a compelling and entertaining journey to go on and made this a brilliant story that showcases the amazing talent of this up-and-coming author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Advertisements
About the Author
Kinga was born in Poland and now lives in London. She writes inspirational stories on personal and professional development, work, and travel on her blog: http://www.kinga.blog. Kinga is certified by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and is a Qualified Performance Coach and talent hunter. Besides writing and creative living, Kinga is a keen traveller, speaker, painter, foodie, and social media junkie.
