I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
The search for a young girl in another realm brings in new allies and new challenges in author Kim Idynne’s “Eridanus”, the second book in the Enigma series.
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The Synopsis
In this sequel to Enigma, Dominic and Surina travel to a mountainous region of Peru in an attempt to enter the celestial realm. Their plans seem to go awry when Surina becomes trapped in the stars alone. Surina and Hannah team up to solve the puzzle of Orion, but in order to get there, they will have to travel the Eridanus: the longest and most enigma-ridden river of the underworld.
The Review
This was a grand entry in the Enigma series. The introduction of new characters and expansion upon the mythos the author built up in the first book of the series was great to see come to fruition in this narrative. The fast pace of the plot and the mysterious atmosphere the author layers throughout the story help create the necessary tension and action that drives both Surina and Hannah forward in their journey.
What stood out, though, was the character development that this narrative took forward. Surina was a great new protagonist to take the reins from Dominic for most of the plot, and the ways that the stars and this new reality begin to change Hannah slowly, and her perspective as she becomes lost in this reality, were heart-pounding and tense. The development of Wibben as a character was equally thrilling to see come to life on the page.
The Verdict
Memorable, entertaining, and thrilling, author Kim Idynne’s “Eridanus” is an excellent entry in the Enigma series and a must-read fantasy-driven book. The twists and turns continue in this mystery-driven narrative, and the puzzles and enigmas themselves were thought-provoking and compelling as the story ends on another big cliffhanger that will drive readers to read book three easily. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Kim Idynne is a Minneapolis-based writer and illustrator. She is the author of several novels for adults and young adults, and she has also published a variety of short fiction. Her first short story, “Meat,” was published in the February 2015 issue of Literary Mama; the following year, Idynne received a Silver Pen award for her story “Fungus.” Her artwork has been featured in journals, books, datebooks, and at galleries around the Twin Cities area. You can check out her work at idynne.com.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young man must travel to the underworld to save a young girl from untold danger in author Kim Idynne’s “Enigma”, the first book in the Enigma Trilogy.
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The Synopsis
When twenty-one-year-old Dominic is persuaded to rescue a young girl from the underground tunnels of Wupatki, the two find themselves lost in a strange realm of celestial enigmas, riddles, and otherworldly creatures. When Dominic arrives in the land of the dead, the underworld queen offers him passage home on one condition: he can’t return as the person he was; he must leave parts of himself behind as he travels the underworld road. Hannah is eager to prove herself an expert at solving the zodiac’s mysteries, but failure will lead to self-destruction, and unlocking the gate may unleash a powerful demon on her own world. Enigma is the first book in a trilogy, followed by Eridanus and The Secret of Ophiuchus.
The Review
This was such a compelling first entry into the Enigma series. The author does a masterful job of crafting a narrative that feels imaginative and visceral at the same time. The world-building was the first element of the story that came to life on the page, with the reader immediately transported from the desert ruins found in Arizona to a world where time and reality don’t exist, at least in the way humanity has come to think of them. The imagery of the author’s writing style brought this to life so vividly.
The character development and mythos of the story were the two biggest draws for this first entry in the series. The beginning of both Dominic and Hannah’s stories is chaotic, both dealing with harsh realities from their pasts, and yet Dominic is more of a reluctant hero to begin with, having trouble accepting this new reality. At the same time, Hannah finds herself stepping up into a role she feels born into in many ways. The discovery of her importance to the stars and the connection between ancient mythology from differing cultures and astrology kept the reader invested in this novel and the characters’ well-rounded arcs.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, entertaining, and compelling, author Kim Idynne’s “Enigma” is a grand first entry in the Enigma series and a must-read fantasy-driven middle-grade book. The twists and turns in the story, the shocking revelations, and the cliffhanger finale will keep readers on the edge of their seats and eager for the next story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Kim Idynne is a Minneapolis-based writer and illustrator. She is the author of several novels for adults and young adults, and she has also published a variety of short fiction. Her first short story, “Meat,” was published in the February 2015 issue of Literary Mama; the following year, Idynne received a Silver Pen award for her story “Fungus.” Her artwork has been featured in journals, books, datebooks, and at galleries around the Twin Cities area. You can check out her work at idynne.com.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A battle-hardened veteran navigates a treacherous path to save his community from corruption and inequality in the novel “The Emancipation of Limits” by A. Paj Turner.
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The Synopsis
Richie, a visionary and an entrepreneur, returned to Chicago to help build businesses in the black communities. He provided better opportunities for his people by recreating the success of Black Wall Street using profits from the drug trade. Richie planned to exit the game once he felt the communities could flourish without his assistance. However, his connect takes extreme measures to solidify Richie’s ties to the business. Richie’s ability to adapt to any situation is tested by the unpredictability of the violence of the game, which leaves him vulnerable and pressured to stay the course. To add to his already difficult situation, an opposing crime organization and Chicago’s deadliest gangs aim to knock him off his path toward emancipating his people from society’s controlling influences. Can Richie overcome the obstacles and roadblocks placed before him? Or will he and his team fall victim to the streets, sending their revolutionary plans up in a blaze?
The Review
This was such a compelling and gripping crime thriller meets urban fiction drama. The visceral imagery and atmosphere that the author laces throughout every chapter make the story come to life on the page. The rich settings, from the cold streets of Chicago to the warm yet deadly underbelly of Belize and beyond, make this novel feel cinematic in its delivery, keeping readers enthralled with the growing narrative from start to finish.
The driving force behind this narrative was the dynamic character development of the protagonist, Richie. The author first introduces him as a cold, heartless mobster, but slowly unravels the layers of this character to reveal a heartbroken soldier who is willing to use the path society has put him on to create a better world for his community, even at the expense of his soul. The shocking realities of the life of criminality he is immersed in and the twisted games that opposing gangs and organizations play to drive a wedge in his plans create the tension and heart-pounding action that drives any great crime thriller, yet shines a light on the injustices and inequalities so many in the African American community face every day at the same time.
The Verdict
Memorable, engaging, and thrilling, author A. Paj Turner’s “The Emancipation of Limits” is a must-read crime thriller that blends urban fiction elements. The twists and turns the novel takes, the vast cast of characters, and the dynamic attention to detail in bringing the gritty and chilling nature of crime and its impact on communities to life make this one novel readers will be hard-pressed 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
My name is A. PAJ Turner and I was born on the 29th of December, 1971, in Chicago, IL. My parents are Russell Leon Turner Sr. and Joann Turner. They divorced when I was two and he was an absent father to my brother and I. He died in 2002, of natural causes, but had two strokes that probably aided with his passing. He was fifty-two when he passed. My older brother, Russell Jr, took the role as my guardian and protector as he ensured if harm ever came our way, he would shield me at all cost. He was my first superhero and I looked up to him because he had abilities that I felt I could never obtain.
My early childhood was a typical middle-class environment in the 1970’s. My mom worked for Illinois Bell and my grandfather, Richard Watson Sr., who lived with us was my first and the example of what a man should be like. I did everything an inner-city kid would do for fun. Ring doorbells and run, play hide and go seek, kill-the-man, baseball, and other mischievous things. Snowball, rock and crabapple fights,was the thing to do in our neighborhood. When Michael Jordan touched down in Chicago, every child dream was to be like Mike, so basketball became my dream.
My mom did not want Public School education for my brother and I, so she sent us to catholic schools from Kindergarten through High School. I wasn’t the best student, I understood the work, but school just didn’t interest me. My grades showed it and my brother, my defense attorney pleaded his case to mom on why my grades was the way they were. I was proud that he would represent me. As my mom stood there, frowning with her hands on her hip with her leather belt folded in her right hand, she listened. When he told her, my F wasn’t really an F, what he did wrong was or trying to drag a teacher’s work ethic through the mud…. In short, he never won a case. It would have made more sense for my brother to tell her that I was adopted. He never hesitated to tell me that. He reasoning was because I didn’t have many baby pictures.
Eighth grade was the last straw for my mom and grandfather. I remember my grandfather and I was having a conversation about my grades. He said that he didn’t want to die knowing I was doing bad in school. That destroyed me! They last thing I ever wanted was for him to die and not showing him what I could become. I honor rolled in High School and went on to Kennedy King Jr. College on a basketball scholarship. One night, heading to a home game, I got held at gunpoint. I was at the wrong place at the wrong time. My uncle, Richard Watson Jr., convinced me to join the military and don’t look back. I did just that.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A man searches for a means of living a more analog life as he goes on a soul-searching journey of life and death in the book “Analog Sun” by Alex Woodard.
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The Synopsis
A small book with a big message for anyone searching for life beyond the algorithm.
A lost traveler stumbles onto a hidden path, untouched by code or concrete, in this modern fable about navigating between the world we’ve built and the one that built us.
The Review
This was a thought-provoking, engaging, and compelling read. The author does an incredible job of creating a dream-like, at times chaotic but always driven atmosphere that delves into the core narrative’s themes with ease. The introspective narrative makes an outstanding balance of atmosphere and philosophy, using the protagonist’s story as a lens for a greater societal problem as a whole, and the rich imagery in the author’s writing brings both the beauty and the darker elements of the narrative to life so vividly on the page.
The heart behind this narrative is in the story’s main themes and the rich, character-driven narrative that unfolds. The exploration of addiction, both from substance abuse and technology as a whole, felt honest and visceral on the page, striking at the heart of the lies people tell themselves as they sink more and more into that mindset and behavior. The duality of the protagonist’s personality, from his love of nature and animals to his loss of direction and sense of self as he sinks further and further into his own bad decisions, created a complex character study full of heart and emotion.
The Verdict
Insightful, emotionally-driven, and poignantly written, author Alex Woodard’s “Analog Sun” is a must-read genre fiction drama. The twists and turns in the story, how the story seemed to fuse elements of stories like Requiem for a Dream and The Game with a modern-day twist and yet takes the time to find the glimmers of hope and heart that can be seen when people lend a helping hand, this novel brings both realism and a sense of spirituality to the battle of addiction in fresh and heartfelt ways. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Alex Woodard lives with three horses, two dogs, two chickens, and two beautiful humans on a small ranch near the California coast.
His first novel found an early supporter in Woody Harrelson, who said, “Ordinary Soil brings to haunting life the desperate realities of the American heartland, but also offers a glimpse into a better future . . . a call to action for all of us.”
His nonfiction For the Sender book, album, and concert series has garnered praise from Huffington Post (“important, enlightening, and ultimately inspiring”), Deepak Chopra (“a beautiful tribute to the resilience of the human spirit”), Dr. Wayne Dyer (“an inspiring, thought-provoking, and life-changing work”), and Billboard magazine (“one of the year’s most touching, unique releases”), among others. Alex has also toured nationally behind several critically acclaimed albums, earning a few prestigious industry nods while sharing the stage with some of his heroes.
Analog Sun, a sequel to Ordinary Soil, is his second work of fiction.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A grieving father descends into obsession in his search for justice as the past and present collide in author Tamel Wino’s “Visage of Moros”, the first book in the Decay Abloom series.
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The Synopsis
A relentless first instalment of the Decay Abloom series that probes into the psychological toll of grief and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance.
In the wake of a vicious and calamitous loss, Drystan Caine finds himself on the verge, his life thrown into chaos. With the law enforcement investigation stagnating, he embarks on a self-imposed crusade. However, as Drystan becomes increasingly consumed by this undertaking, his personal and professional life starts to unravel.
Driven by deep resentment and reckless desperation, this rogue pursuit of justice rapidly takes a treacherous turn. As Drystan draws closer to uncovering the truth, he must confront how far he is willing to go before succumbing to darkness.
The Review
This was such a compelling, haunting, and gripping read. The author does an incredible job of transporting the reader into this visceral and gritty world of grief and vengeance. The chilling imagery and raw emotions the author pours into this story help ground the narrative and emphasize the trauma that so many parents feel when facing such a horrific loss, especially when it comes to a murder investigation.
The balance of suspense, dark thriller, and raw character-driven narrative made this story incredible. Readers get to see both the past and present collide to showcase the horrors of losing a child and the dark path that those in grief will often go to find justice or make sense of what happened to those they love. The horrors, the heartbreak, and the duality of the protagonist being both a loving father and family man who turns to alcohol and obsession in the wake of such trauma all lean into the theme of grief and how it can change anyone, even if it blinds them in the end.
The Verdict
Suspenseful, gripping, and engaging, author Tamel Wino’s “Visage of Moros” is a must-read psychological thriller and dark mystery read. The twists and turns in the narrative, including Drystan’s descent throughout the book and the truth behind his daughter’s death, will stay with readers long after the book ends. They will keep readers invested emotionally and mentally in the protagonist’s heartbreaking struggle. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Tamel Wino is a Canadian award-winning, dark fiction author from resplendent British Columbia. His works focus largely on the erratic facets of human sanity and morality. He majored in Health Sciences and Psychology, which only furthered his interest in human nature.
With inspirations including Ray Bradbury, Jack Ketchum, Cormac McCarthy, Stephen King, Margaret Atwood and Edgar Allan Poe; Tamel’s expositions are strongly grounded in traditions of dark fiction. Yet, with his bold narrative voice and incisive plot construction, Wino is paving a new movement within the space.
When he is not reading or scribbling away on his laptop, Tamel often indulges in stargazing, rekindling classic shows and unearthing obscure music.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Achim Zinggrebe, M.D., shares the experiences and practices that shaped their journey through their cancer diagnosis and the subsequent treatments in the book “Rise and Thrive Above Cancer.”
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The Synopsis
A cancer diagnosis changes life in an instant. There is the cancer itself, whose unpredictability triggers fear and feelings of powerlessness. And then there is the seemingly overwhelming medical system, which is often difficult to navigate.
It’s hard not to despair in such an existential situation. Achim Zinggrebe, M.D., a cancer survivor, knows this firsthand. He experienced firsthand how essential it is to take the reins when facing this challenge. Fighting his way out of profound hopelessness, he embraced new approaches and consciously shaped his path to recovery.
From these experiences, he developed a scientifically grounded, holistic, and customizable therapeutic concept. This approach combines alternative healing methods, conventional medical treatments, nutritional and exercise recommendations, and spiritual practices—because it’s not about choosing one or the other. It’s about creating a powerful synergy that addresses the body, mind, and soul as one.
This book is an energizing guide that redefines the meaning of health and the unique path each person can take toward it. A knowledgeable yet deeply compassionate companion for cancer patients and their loved ones, it offers support from the shock of diagnosis to the end of treatment—and far beyond.
The Review
Transformative and insightful, this book does a tremendous job of creating a guide and motivation for those struggling through the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other ailments. The author’s authenticity shines through on every page, with the book balancing the technical aspects of the author’s process of healing with the more personal and insightful experiences from their own life that helped create these guiding steps in the book. The research and detail that the author provided in this book were astounding, as the author’s journey and his revelation of the bleeding edge of cancer research and science were carefully backed up with medical studies, which helped balance out the more spiritual and holistic steps in the author’s process.
That is what made this book stand out from all the other books in this medical nonfiction, motivational style. The author’s interwoven process of both modern medical practices and holistic methods, as well as the role of mentality and spirituality in the entire healing process. The personal nature of this process, including the emotional component of struggling through the diagnosis and the various treatments, and how the author can help readers reclaim their sense of self and gain the strength needed to face this diagnosis, is so motivating and refreshing to see in a holistic, medically-driven book.
The Verdict
Insightful, compelling, and engaging, author Achim Zinggrebe’s “Rise and Thrive Above Cancer” is a must-read nonfiction book. The powerful mental and emotional therapeutic properties of an inspiring book such as this can have a profound impact on those struggling with a similar diagnosis, and the depth of research the author poured into this book gave readers a spark of hope and comfort in their journey of navigating this shocking experience. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Dr. Achim Zinggrebe, a medical doctor turned pharmaceutical professional, reassessed his approach to health after a cancer diagnosis in 2017. Once a staunch advocate of conventional medicine, he embraced a holistic view, integrating body, mind, and soul in healing. Through his Rise and Thrive Above Cancer Pathway, Achim supports cancer patients and their loved ones with scientifically backed methods that blend conventional and alternative medicine, nutrition, exercise, and spirituality. He provides guidance through books, online coaching, and resources to help individuals harness their self-healing potential. He lives with his family, dog, and cats near Weinsberg, Germany.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Secrets are unraveled and rivalries are ignited as a battle between the pickleball and tennis communities leads to deadly consequences in author Crystal Quast’s “Dinked: Serenity Acres.”
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The Synopsis
If you love cozy mysteries, welcome to Serenity Acres in the town of Southpoint, where everyone is a hot mess with a secret to hide.
Dinked: Secrets of Serenity Acres, dives deep into the deadly tensions between pickleball and tennis players in the bucolic, ball-buster neighborhood. When Margot Fields tries to push through a plan to expand the local courts, secrets start to come to the surface and residents start to unravel. It’s a death match to the end, but who will come out unscathed in this fun, feisty thriller?
The Review
This was such a compelling and engaging cozy mystery thriller. The balance of wit and charm that the story brought to life, both in the humor of the character interactions and the drama as tensions rise between them all, made this a thrilling read. The Imagery in the author’s writing allowed the reader to feel fully immersed in this small community, and the author did a great job of making sure the violence and more mature content happened off-page, leaning heavily into the cozy mystery atmosphere that the genre is known for.
What drove this narrative forward so well was the character development and the theme of change that the book embraced. The ways these characters either fought against change or tried to embrace it speak to the struggle so many communities have with adopting new approaches over time. The drama and the tension between this cast of characters, whether it was protagonist Margot and her rival Daphne, each of whom have their struggles behind closed doors, or the competitiveness of those who see pickleball as a progressive step in a new sport or those who see it as the death of tennis as a whole, these dynamic character events infuse both drama and humor into the narative, which helped elevate the overall mystery of these threats and the twisted nature of the town’s secrets.
The Verdict
Visceral, humorous, and mysterious, author Crystal Quast’s “Dinked: Serenity Acres” is a must-read cozy mystery thriller. The twists and turns in the narrative, the shocking revelations about the town and its citizens, and the complex web of connections among the citizens of this town will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the book’s final shocking pages. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
With over twenty years of spinning stories in corporate communications, Dinked: Serenity Acres. Where Secrets Barely Stay Hidden is Crystal Quast’s debut novel. When she’s not writing, Crystal loves playing pickleball and tennis, paddleboarding, hiking, and spending time with her family.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Deborah Hammett shares the journey of adventure and self-discovery she found after retiring in the book “Young Salt At Sixty.”
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The Synopsis
Why settle for ordinary when you can make your retirement epic? This is your time to embrace adventure, push boundaries, and live your boldest dreams.
For Deborah Hammett, that dream didn’t reveal itself until after she retired from teaching on Martha’s Vineyard. Only then did she set her sights on an audacious new chapter—becoming a sailor. With her sharp wit and seasoned teaching skills, she not only masters the art of sailing but also guides and inspires fellow adventurers of all ages.
Join Deborah on her remarkable solo voyage from New England to the Southern Bahamas and back. Along the way, she conquers fears, navigates unexpected challenges, and reexamines long-held beliefs. Her journey is more than a sailing expedition—it’s a testament to the power of reinvention and the limitless possibilities that await when you dare to chase the horizon.
Why just retire when you can embark on the greatest adventure of your life?
This riveting tale of personal growth will:
Empower you with the courage to live your dream fully
Inspire you to confront your own biases
Captivate you as you join in an enthralling sailing adventure
Teach you the essential vocabulary and concepts the novice sailor must learn
Give you the courage to think young and become something completely new and different in your golden years
If you are interested in sailing, or in making a significant lifestyle change in retirement, you must read Young Salt at Sixty.
The Review
This was an insightful and engaging read. The author did an excellent job of balancing the book with memoir-style storytelling, with insight into the world of sailing and so much more. The educational value and detail the author went into when discussing the world of sailing and how she was able to use her years as an educator to delve into the more technical aspects of sailing was engaging to get into for anyone with an interest in boating as a whole.
The book also perfectly brought an emotional component to this author’s story, showcasing the psychological and personal journey the author went on while confronting her fears, and embracing new challenges rather than feeling the need to slow down after retirement. This was a motivational message readers could get behind, speaking to the idea of embracing change and finding what makes us passionate in life.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, inspiring, and engaging, author Deborah Hammett’s “Young Salt at Sixty” is a must-read nonfiction book. The insight and educational value of the sailing experiences the author had were perfectly mirrored by the author’s emotional journey, and will resonate with many readers, both facing retirement and seeking the things that make us passionate for life again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Deborah Hammett grew up in Katonah, NY and received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Western Connecticut State University. She moved to Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, on the island of Martha’s Vineyard in 1986 when she began her career as a teacher. She commuted off-island for graduate school and received her MEd. in school leadership from Salem State University. Within her thirty-three years as an educator, she taught at several grade levels and was a school principal before she retired and learned to sail. She has two grown daughters, Rilla and Emily. She now lives everywhere aboard her boat, Mavia.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A soviet woman searches for an Armenian man as both face the events haunting them from their past to find solace once more in author Marina Osipova’s “Push Me Off the Cliff.”
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The Synopsis
March of 1948. Three years have passed since the Great Patriotic War ended in victory, disposing into the streets of the destroyed and hungry cities and villages brave decorated soldiers: thousands of them having been burned, maimed, or disfigured beyond recognition.
On a crowded commuter train, Maria hears an invalid singing, which painfully connects her to her time at the front and to the love that failed to happen to her. Why, then, since that day, does the voice from the past echo so insistently in her present life? The torture of uncertainty—was it really Armen?—intensifies after the next encounter and leaves her with an unsettling compulsion to do . . . what? Help him? Or, rather, rescue herself from her lonely and unassuming existence her heart subtly rejects? She must decide whether she is willing to let go of the life she knows for feelings she had never thought she could experience.
But, first, she has to find him.
As the genocide of 1915 within the Ottoman Empire destroyed the lives of Armen’s parents and about one-and-a-half-million ethnic Armenians, his future is shattered by this other war and betrayal. Incapacitated and totally alone, it seems the most merciful thing for him would be to end his miserable existence by leaping off a cliff. Otherwise, he must find the courage to continue living in the condition the war left him and find his place in the bitter every-day reality full of difficulties prone to men like him.
Maria and Armen. Each carries private wounds. In the face of despair, will fate offer them a chance to heal their souls and hearts?
The Review
Wow, what an incredible novel. I am always amazed by the level of research and detail the author pours into the historical fiction novels that she writes, and this one was no different. The honesty with which the author crafts these strong character-driven narratives was inviting to readers who wanted to delve deeply into this historical fiction read. The visceral imagery in the author’s writing style captured the notes of horror that war brings, as well as the notes of hope underlying those horrific moments.
The central theme of how war and genocide impact the human mind and spirit was on full display in this narrative. The protagonists in this story were both heavily emotional and compelling in their own right, and not only their connection to one another but their emotional experiences, especially Armen and his life with his mother growing up and the impact the Armenian Genocide had on him, not only kept readers invested in this story but educated over the details of these moments in time as well.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, compelling, and enthralling, author Marina Osipova’s “Push Me Off The Cliff” is a must-read historical fiction. The twists and turns in the narrative, the emotional connection readers felt with these characters, and the shared experiences and mutual respect that the two protagonists share elevate their journeys, making this a remarkable character-driven narrative to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Marina Osipova was born in East Germany into a military family and grew up in Russia, where she graduated from the Moscow State Institute of History and Archives. When she was five, she decided she wanted to speak German and, years later, she earned a diploma as a German language translator from the Moscow State Institute of Foreign Languages. In Russia, she worked first in a scientific-technical institute as a translator, then in a Government Ministry in the office of international relations, later for some Austrian firms. For many years, she lived in New York, working in a law firm, and then in Austria for several years. In the spring of 2022, after spending ten months in Russia, some unfortunate world events brought her back to the United States.
A long-standing member of the Historical Novel Society, she is dedicated to writing historical fiction, especially related to WWII. Her books garnered numerous literary awards, including a 1st Place WINNER of the 2021 Hemingway Book Awards novel competition for 20th Century Wartime Fiction (a division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards). At some point or another, all her books hit the Amazon Top 100 lists in Historical Russian Fiction and Historical German Fiction and How Dare the Birds Sing even #1 or #2 in War Fiction in Canada, the UK, and Australia.
Her readers praise her books for “emotional realism,” for “taking on a subject that few authors have touched,” for “writing with heart and compassion while not holding back from hard cold realities of war,” for “giving an authentic and in-depth look at a culture that tends to baffle westerners.”
To learn more about Marina Osipova and her captivating books, visit her website at marina-osipova.com.
