I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
An artist and paranormal investigative reporter must seek answers to his missing brother when he disappears in Germany and in the process discovers an unparralleled evil in author Alan Golbourn’s “The Last Breath Before Death”.
The Synopsis
BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER
A missing brother … An imminent phenomenon …
Award-winning comic book illustrator and artist Jimmy Cochran is also a freelance reporter in New York City, specialising in the supernatural. Upon hearing that his estranged brother, Quentin, has gone missing with his best friend over in Germany, Jimmy becomes concerned — unable to shake off the feeling of foreboding and dread. Things worsen when he quickly learns that the missing two are in great danger from an unequalled evil, which is connected to an upcoming, ominous and phenomenal event.
A mysterious ‘man’ with a terrifying tale …
With time running out, Jimmy investigates further, in spite of the strong warnings and the danger to his own life — particularly after he is contacted by a peculiar and mystifying man with a horrific, nefarious past of his own, linked to old Serbian and German folklores and a sinister, secret brotherhood.
The Review
Another compelling supernatural thriller from author Alan Golbourn. The author does a remarkable job of simultaneously creating atmospheric supernatural stories and a cult following. The imagery in the author’s writing brought the European setting and folkloric atmosphere to life on the page in a way that will stay with the reader.
The heart of this novel was in the balance the author found between relatable character development and deep, folkloric mythos. The unique spin on the classic “vampire” that the author found through Germanic folklore was so inspired and added a depth of terror that few vampire books manage to capture these days. The protagonist’s complex familial bonds with his brother and mother and the relatable life experiences he exudes throughout this narrative will instantly draw readers in.
The Verdict
Haunting, detailed, and entertaining, author Alan Golbourn’s “The Last Breath Before Death” is a must-read supernatural horror thriller. The unique twists and turns that this narrative takes, the relatability of the protagonist, and the chilling nature of this take on vampires will stay with readers long after the final chapter ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Alan Golbourn was born in Essex, England. He has enjoyed writing stories since a young age, when he was recognised early for his writing abilities. Amongst several interests and hobbies, including football and computer games, he holds a love and compassion for animals.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A powerful and moving story of the impact toxic masculinity has on those growing up and the way it drives others to become what they fought so hard not to drive author Michael Swerdloff’s “Raised by Wolves, Possibly Monsters”
The Synopsis
This is a story about a boy who wanted to be kind and loving but was raised by wolves and monsters who taught him to choose violence and aggression. As the boy grew to be a man, he wanted to be a protector of women but ended up being what girls and women needed protection from. He lied, cheated, and scammed his way through life until he couldn’t.
This memoir is his moving account of discovering healthy masculinity from the inside out. His journey has been sensational at times and unbelievable at others, but for many readers, it has been absolutely inspiring. Will the hungry wolves outlast the desire to be loving and beautiful? Can men truly change?
There is hope in witnessing the depth and commitment of a person willing to try to be better without knowing exactly how. This memoir captures one man’s struggle to transcend his past and imagine an entirely new future for himself premised on compassion, care, and advocacy.
We do not have to be what they did to us, but it’s our responsibility to do something about it.
The Review
The author’s story’s raw honesty and emotional impact were refreshing and memorable. The way the author can honestly depict and write out the painful experiences of his childhood, as well as the actions he himself took to continuously perpetuate this harmful lifestyle and the transformative experience of bettering himself, made this such a phenomenal memoir. The imagery found in his writing style and the importance of his ability to hone in on the conversational aspect of his writing, allowing readers to feel as if they have been having a true heart-to-heart with the author, made this an engaging read.
The true heart of this story is both the author’s transformative journey and the theme of toxic masculinity, and the impact toxicity can have on child development as a whole. The heartbreak of the author’s experiences in childhood, primarily his father’s actions, and the role addiction and toxicity played in his life were so poignant. The author never shies away rom the challenging moments, from his lying and cheating to his hospitalization in a mental hospital and the reformative path he found afterward in healing energy and Reiki as a whole.
The Verdict
A remarkable testament to the power of forgiveness and transformation as one man shares his journey to overcome the toxic traits that defined his early life, author Michael Swerdloff’s “Raised by Wolves, Possibly Monsters” is a must-read nonfiction memoir. The way the author can creatively paint an image of each and every experience he shares and can find a way of bridging the gap between the lessons he grew up with and the path to better-helping others, especially women, after the way he acted in his youth, made this a stunning message of hope and the path of change that hope can provide. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
MICHAEL SWERDLOFF is an Ordained Minister of Natural Healing from The Seminary Training Program and a Reiki Master. His work is Brief Holistic Counseling/Coaching. Michael has received training from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, The Gottman Institute, and other revered teachers and healers. He has been a counselor, coach, social worker, community organizer, educator, writer, and DJ for more than twenty-five years. Along with his private practice, Michael is the Program Manager at Dance New England, a volunteer-centered non-profit that hosts dance events that cultivate a vibrant multi-generational community. Michael facilitates retreats in New England and globally. He lives by the water in Rhode Island, which is not an island.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author and poet Andrew LaFlechce shares a heartfelt and honest poetry collection in the book “MedEvac.”
The Synopsis
From award-winning author and veteran Andrew Lafleche, MedEvac is a raw and reflective poetry collection. It delves into the harrowing realities of combat in Afghanistan, the anguish of divorce, the loss of a child, and the destructive force of alcoholism. With brutal honesty and unflinching introspection, Lafleche captures the weight of grief and the search for meaning, both in life and in faith. In MedEvac, poetry becomes a vehicle for self-examination and spiritual reflection, making it a powerful read for those familiar with trauma.
“I will not cry here, at least
I cannot let him see me cry in this place, even
though I’ve come to learn that being a man
isn’t the ability to hold back tears, rather,
understanding the things in life which matter
most when lost will make you weep. Still,
brave for him, faking it for me. “I knew you’d
come, daddy. They told me you might not
make it in time, whatever that meant. But
I knew you’d come.”
—MedEvac
Written with heartsick honesty, the collection concludes in collision with an acceptance that will break your heart. It offers refuge for those who wish to find peace:
The Review
The wellspring of emotion that this collection inspires is gut-wrenching and heartfelt, speaking with an intensity and honesty that is truly impactful. Each poem’s imagery paints an emotional picture in the reader’s mind, allowing these haunting themes to give beautiful life on the page.
The Themes, of course, are this collection’s driving force, covering everything from grief, war, alcoholism, divorce, and so much more. The personal and honest nature of the poems allows these themes to rise and delve into the heart of what it means to be human, never once shying away from the messy side of these painful memories yet using an artist’s mind to find beauty in the chaos. Through that chaos and beauty, the writer finds a universally beloved voice everyone can relate to, naturally connecting the author’s experiences to the reader.
The Verdict
Memorable, honest, and emotionally driven, author Andrew LaFleche’s “MedEvac” is a must-read poetry collection. The heartfelt delivery of each poem, the relatability of the poems and their powerful themes, and the way the author has given life to the buried pain and grief so many share in life made this a remarkable collection that is not to be missed. Be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Andrew LaFleche is the award-winning poet and novelist from St. Catharines, Ontario. He served under Operation Enduring Freedom during the Afghanistan War. Following his duty as an infantry soldier in the Canadian Armed Forces, Lafleche received an M.A. in Creative and Critical Writing from the University of Gloucestershire. He is inspired by the philosophy that when young men become readers, they become better men.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young autistic teen must navigate and stop a Shogun in power in author Sharon Curcio’s “Asayi: An Autistic Teen’s Journey to Topple a Shogun in Medieval Japan.”
The Synopsis
There’s harrowing tension in being Asayi. But join Asayi’s circle to oppose a punitive regime. Court intrigues swirl, underbelly characters from different levels of society emerge, deceptions reign, yet truth emerges at the end.
Layers of nuance unfold: the vulnerability of an autistic young woman in a merciless time period; political unrest, physical survival, secret identities, and finding one’s tribe and love while facing injustices and revolts that are just as real as today’s inequities and discontents.
The underdogs prevail in this remarkable medieval Japanese saga replete with true to life characters, political and personal sagas, and the enduring Asian cultural icon: the ghost.
The Review
This was a compelling blend of historical fiction and paranormal suspense. Readers’ unique perspective when dealing with this genre, namely from the perspective of an autistic protagonist, as they face a powerful and ruthless regime, added depth to the story that very few historical fiction tales have. The exploration of life at court in the Shogun life and the political intrigue of this culture was so fascinating to behold.
What stood out from other historical fiction reads was how the author presented many aspects of hardship and struggle through the protagonist’s character growth. The character was not only a woman but an autistic woman who drew more rage and wrath from those around her than sympathy and understanding. Her steadfast journey of staying mute in the face of abuse due to her being autistic helped amplify her story. Going from a very timid and submissive person in the face of great injustice to a strong and dignified spirit who underwent a remarkable transformation was a brilliant way of showcasing the unique Japanese culture of that era and highlighting the protagonist’s evolution as a whole.
The Verdict
A story of resilience, hope, and finding one’s place in the world was a powerful way of introducing readers to Sharon Curcio’s “Asayi,” a powerful historical fiction meets paranormal suspense thriller exploring Japanese culture and a powerful autistic protagonist. The twists and turns in the narrative and the heartfelt and emotional pull of Asayi’s journey, especially when connecting with her lost parents and beyond, made this memorable read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Sharon Curcio graduated from Carnegie-Mellon University with a B.A. in Humanities and from Washington University (STL) with an MBA. Sharon worked in marketing for major corporations in the New York area, and even landed her dream job as copywriter for a Madison Avenue Ad Agency (Benton & Bowles). Next Sharon moved to Miami, where she taught as an adjunct professor for several universities (Florida International University and the University of Miami), earned her Florida Teaching Credential, taught high school English and joined the USAR as an Intelligence Analyst.
Sharon lived in Miami for a decade before moving to California in 1992.
In California Sharon served as a project officer for the Army Reserves for six years and then returned to high school teaching. From 2003-2004 active duty called Sharon to Guantanamo Bay to conduct intelligence analysis. Sharon retired from the USAR as a CW-4 in 2012, then retired from teaching in 2018. In retirement Sharon wrote five screenplays, two with co-writer, Diana Saenz, and in October of 2022 heard her libretto for the oratorio “Contemplating Fire” onstage in Michigan. In 2024 she published the Asian novel “Asayi.”
In August, 2024 “Asayi” won a Gold Star from Literary Titans.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Two people affected by the horrors of WWII must return to a post-Soviet Union Russia and see if they can find peace from the past in author Marina Osipova’s “The Drau River Flows To Siberia: The Victims of Victory”.
The Synopsis
February 4–11, 1945. Yalta, a resort town on the Crimean Peninsula, Soviet Union. The Big Three are posing for a camera. Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin. All smiling. Stalin, his head is half a turn away from the other two. A shrewd smirk is hiding behind his walrus mustache. He seems to be pleased. Why wouldn’t he be? The Big Three signed the agreement that will shape the fate of Europe and . . .
In 1941, Anna is sixteen, almost an adult yet still a child, craving independence and keen to become an operetta actress. Her rosy aspirations are disrupted by the war. When Krasnodar is taken by the Wehrmacht, she is one of the populace who are ordered to repair roads for the occupants’ trucks and cars and, in fall, to toil in the fields for the sake of sending the harvest to the enemy’s land. A dire event coerces her to go to Germany where she is auctioned as a slave worker.
Born in Berlin into an émigré Cossack family, young Zakhary is more interested in books and archeology than in the war that is raging through Europe, even less in the cause of his parents and their friends, which is to overthrow the Bolshevik regime in the Soviet Union and revert to Imperial Russia. He just doesn’t want to be a part of it. That is, until he finds himself among the Cossacks fighting alongside the Germans against the Allies.
In Italy, he meets Marishka, a young woman of Cossack heritage who fled the Soviet Union with other anti-Soviet Cossacks and departing German troops under the push of the Red Army. They fall in love and marry. And then, on June 1, 1945, Lienz happened.
After the war, a ghastly fate propels each of them to the merciless land where skies are leaden gray, frosts plunge below -60°C in winter, and the woods are impenetrable and so vast, there is no escape from there.
Anna and Zakhary carry with them their personal wounds, at the same time haunted by unbearable guilt, which they can’t undo or fix. In 1955, fate brings them together on an isolated peninsula of the Ob River, connected to one another in inextricably entangled ways they do not yet realize. More than a decade later, can they bury the cruel past and build a future for themselves in the country without Stalin but sealed behind the Iron Curtain?
This is their story, relived in one day.
The Review
This was such a compelling and heartfelt read. The author did an incredible job of drawing attention to a crucial yet rarely discussed part of WWII history: the impact of the war on the former Soviet Union and its citizens. The amount of detail the author can pour into this narrative and the emotional impact these characters and their journey have on the reader will leave a lasting impression on them.
The haunting realities the author painted with the imagery in their writing brought the horrors of war and the challenges many faced during this time. The savage nature of humanity during this time and how people were forced to endure and embrace resilience in the face of unimaginable horrors is a central theme of this story and the heart of these characters overall. The exploration of history as a whole was also remarkable, from the role and development of the Russian Gulag to the role that the Russian Cossacks played in the war and so much more.
The Verdict
Author Marina Osipova’s “The Drau River Flows to Siberia: The Victims of Victory” is a must-read novel, a genuinely harrowing, emotional, yet vital piece of historical fiction. The heartbreaking connection the two protagonists share and the honest style of writing that the author deploys will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
In Angel Monge’s The Time Codes, an archeologist discovers a history-altering secret and must decipher clues while outrunning dangerous forces.
The Synopsis
Discover The Time Codes, an enthralling historical thriller where ancient secrets, mystical artifacts, and conspiracy collide on the mysterious streets of Istanbul.
Michael Rothban, an archaeologist, makes a life-changing discovery in a forgotten library—a hidden manuscript linked to a legendary alchemist. What starts as a simple find quickly spirals into a dangerous quest, unlocking centuries-old secrets that could alter the course of history. Chased by powerful forces intent on keeping these secrets buried, Michael must decipher cryptic codes while staying one step ahead in a race against time.
As danger mounts and allies emerge from unexpected places, Michael’s journey will test his wits, courage, and heart. With a touch of romance and a sweeping narrative that blurs the lines between past and present, The Time Codes will keep you on the edge of your seat.
For fans of Dan Brown, historical mysteries, and thrillers packed with intrigue, The Time Codes is a must-read. Dive into a gripping adventure where every page brings you closer to uncovering a truth that could change everything.
Unlock the mystery today and join the adventure.
The Review
A genuinely compelling and captivating read. The author does an excellent job finding the perfect balance between historical fiction and science fiction thriller. The way the city of Istanbul and its history became its character in a sense more than just a setting allowed the reader to feel transported, engaged with the natural beauty and man-made iconic locals that helped elevate this narrative and engage in the rich imagery the author’s writing produced.
The book’s heart was in the character development and the narrative itself. Exploring alchemy and how advanced science could have played a role in ancient history and mythology was so consuming as the story progressed. Getting to explore the secret society known as Tempus and how they evolved was fun, and yet the emotional core of protagonist Michael and how he grows after suffering a significant loss and learning to love again made this a relatable and heartfelt story at its core.
The Verdict
Author Angel Monge’s “The Time Codes” is a must-read novel, a thrilling and expansive historical fiction meets sci-fi thriller. The shocking twists and turns, the open-ended mysteries, and the cliffhanger ending for some characters will have fans eager for more entries into this fascinating new series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Angel Monge is a storyteller born amidst the rich coffee lands of Costa Rica. Having journeyed across the Americas, from the bustling streets of Toronto to the welcoming embrace of Santander, Colombia, he has soaked up a tapestry of cultures that infuse his writing. With “THE TIME CODES,” Angel weaves a thrilling adventure of mystery and discovery, marking his literary debut with a story that is as breath-holding as it is soul-warming. A lover of thrillers with a deep appreciation for narrative, Angel combines his passion for history with a talent for crafting tales that traverse the boundaries of time and space. In his personal life, he is devoted to his family as a husband and father of two boys and finds his strength and guidance in his Christian faith. With a voice as authentic as the lands that raised him, Angel Monge invites readers to dive into stories that promise not just entertainment but also a window into the mysteries that have captivated humankind throughout the ages.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Sandy Bravo shares the simple, everyday lifestyle changes that can help alleviate the pain your joints endure in the book “Pain-Free Joints”.
The Synopsis
Are aching joints holding you back from enjoying life to the fullest?
Whether you’re dealing with arthritis, injuries or the wear and tear of daily activities, Pain-Free Joints: The Ultimate Guide to Modifying Your Lifestyle or Joint Health” is your essential companion on the journey to lasting relief and vitality.
Discover the transformative power of simple lifestyle changes that can help you manage and reduce joint pain.
From the importance of maintaining a healthy weight and the benefits of specific exercises to the role of nutrition and the impact of proper body mechanics, this comprehensive guide covers it all. Learn about the latest research, practical tips and lifestyle modifications that will inspire you to take control of your joint health.
Packed with actionable advice, this book will empower you to:
Understand the common causes and types of joint pain
Explore effective exercise and activities that support joint health
Make informed dietary choices to combat inflammation
Implement ergonomic strategies to protect your joints in daily life
Develop a personalized plan for long-term joint care
So, say goodbye to stiffness and discomfort, and hello to a more active, pain-free life.
Whether you’re taking your first steps toward joint health or looking for advanced strategies to enhance your current routine, this book offers valuable insights and guidance for everyone.
Take charge of your joint health today and embrace a future filled with movement, freedom and joy!
The Review
This was an informative and thoughtful read. The author did a fantastic job of balancing their personal experiences with joint pain with the techniques and exercises that help alleviate some of that pain. The straightforward, honest, and educational way the author wrote this book will keep readers’ attention as the book progresses. It is also written in a very succinct way.
I instantly connected with this book. As someone who struggles with joint pain, has a family history of arthritis, and is being tested for it himself, the experiences and pain the author pinpoints in this book resonated with me on a personal level. The author not only helped explain some of the causes and symptoms of this pain but also spoke on the mental and emotional toll it takes and utilized exercises of the mind to help combat this pain was terrific to see come to life on the page.
The Verdict
Informative, balanced, and engaging author Sandy Bravo’s Pain-Free Joints is a must-read nonfiction book on health. The fast pacing and relatability of the author’s writing will draw readers in, and the education gained will keep them invested in coming back to this book time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Sandy is a retired teacher venturing into the field of nonfiction to talk about a topic that’s dear to her heart.
As she entered her early to mid 50’s she began to feel discomfort and sometimes even pain in her knees. She was alarmed by this development because as an recreational tennis player she knew if this continued and became a chronic issue it would definitely derail her participation and enjoyment in the sport.
Secondly, she loves traveling and didn’t want anything, certainly not pain , derailing her plans.
So, she immediately began researching non-medical remedies that would help to alleviate her pain and was pleasantly surprised by her discoveries.
It gives her pleasure to share her findings with you and hopes this book will help to alleviate your pain and bring back joy into your life.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A former serial killer takes control of the world in a dystopian future after being digitized in author Liudmila Brus’s “No Life but Immortality”, the first book in the Geryon’s Code series.
The Synopsis
Set at the end of the 22nd century, this dystopian epic takes readers into a hauntingly plausible future where humanity must navigate the consequences of its technological ambitions and societal failure.
The main storyline begins decades after a catastrophic global Blackout—a disaster that coincided with a devastating solar flare, obliterating much of Earth’s infrastructure and throwing the world into chaos. But this isn’t just a tale of survival in a post-apocalyptic world. It’s a gripping exploration of dictatorship, deception, and the lengths to which one will go to reshape civilization.
No Life but Immortality introduces Geryon Lindon, a once-convicted serial killer and the first human to be fully digitized. Geryon’s mind survives beyond the physical realm, evolving into a shadowy mastermind who manipulates tech and people from his lair on the Moon, leaving the future of Earth and its colonies hanging in the balance.
Can those who stand against Geryon’s tyranny uncover his secrets and restore hope to a fractured society? Or will his vision of a reimagined Earth become humanity’s dark fate?
Liudmila Brus’s storytelling takes inspiration from classics like Neuromancer and The Martian, combined with the intricate politics and environmental topics. Readers can expect a narrative that blends psychological drama with interplanetary intrigue, perfect for fans of dystopian fiction, virtual reality, and richly layered worlds.
The Review
This was such a unique and compelling dystopian read. The author did a remarkable job of creating a world that felt shockingly realistic, even in a dystopian setting. The terrifying thought of a brutal killer like Geryon having his consciousness digitized and using his connection to this advanced technology to inflict his twisted worldview instilled a sense of suspense and an adrenaline-fueled dive into the thriller genre, unlike anything I’ve read before.
The author found an outstanding balance between character development and world-building with this book. The surreal, terrifying world that has emerged in the aftermath of this Blackout and the impact that growing technology has in the wake of this global event is something that will stay with readers as the story progresses, feeding into that adrenaline and anxiety the world the author has created gives to readers. The way these characters evolve, from the killer Geryon to Winston and his family and even the discovery of Minna, allows the reader to have a more personal connection to the story, and the interesting twist of religion and cult mind activity playing into the dystopian sch-fi setting was so engaging.
The Verdict
Memorable, thought-provoking, and entertaining author Liudmila Brus’s “No Life But Immortality” is a must-read dystopian sci-fi thriller. The perfect entry into a new and action-packed series, the narrative twists and turns and the deeply human themes of morality and the dangers of technology will keep readers on the edge of their seats. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Liudmila lives in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, with her small family and her adopted cat. She is currently a video game writer at Ghost Workshop, working on the game Marsbound.
Under the influence of her grandparents, Liudmila fell in love with reading at an early age and developed a passion for writing. She began collaborating with a city newspaper at the age of 15. At 16, she entered the Moscow State Institute of International Relations to study journalism. She also participated in a student exchange program with Sciences Po, one of the leading universities of France.
Her earlier literary works include the short story Fury (mystery, 2008) and the novella Three Days with Light Off (erotica, 2012), both published in St. Petersburg. Liudmila has extensive experience in journalism, with professional interests in environmental issues and green initiatives worldwide. Although climate change is not directly addressed in her novels, it has shaped the world of Geryon’s Code, leading to such dire social and moral consequences that the Martian colonies declared independence, starting a new civilization and aiming to be free from the evils of the past.
She is also a fan of heavy music and a LARP (Live Action Role-Playing) enthusiast. In 2012, she co-founded the “After Us” post-apocalyptic LARP club in Moscow and organized several themed parties and festivals.
Her sci-fi book cycle Geryon’s Code consists of three novels: No Life but Immortality, The Orphaned Earth, and From The Abyss, To The Abyss (currently in progress).
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
In author Maria Ian’s ” The Mascot, ” the first in the Cave Sun Series, a human rights attorney uncovers a secret war waging in Latin America by clandestine groups and finds himself the target of a band of assassins.
The Synopsis
Prostitution is not glamorous, but why is the undercover soldier so proud to keep up appearances?
Several contenders vie for power in the hidden, forbidden territory in Latin America. Their fighters are organized militaries; only their inner cores know the truth. To the populace, they appear as morally bankrupt criminal gangs.
Top candidates must undergo brutal training and conquer the tortuous race to destroy evil for the only livable land, the victorious state code-named Ara Pacis, or Altar of Peace. That one is led by an illusive insider. He is priceless, and not only in cash.
When Washington D.C. human rights attorney Craig Malcault’s investigations uncover connections to U.S. military intelligence and the mysterious wife of an international biochemical conglomerate’s founder, the assassins are dispatched. Craig’s job is to extract evidence from the hellish pitfall while the top candidate is en route to face and pass his final test. From the executive branch in Washington D.C. to devastating underground hide-outs, from all force of arms to one man alone, Craig is on the terror-stricken path to discover some of the world’s top intelligence secrets, while justice might be done … if Craig and his career can survive the lies and the hate.
The Review
This was a riveting and harrowing read. The author found a great balance between personal character development and conspiracy thriller. The slow-burn pacing yet thrilling events in the protagonist’s everyday life and the gripping drama that unfolds even in the earliest chapters of the narrative will stay with readers as they delve deeper and deeper into this new series.
The mix of courtroom drama, criminal investigation, and character growth will keep readers invested in this narrative. The protagonist is a compelling character, driving readers to engage not only with his legal actions but also with his personal development, from the friends and romances in his life to the clients he is willing to go the extra mile for to uncover the truth, with the truth being a prominent theme in this conspiracy thriller.
The Verdict
Harrowing, thrilling, and entertaining author Maria Ian’s “The Mascot” is a must-read conspiracy and crime thriller and the perfect introduction to this new series. The twists and turns in the story and the rich character growth will keep the shocking events of this narrative embedded in the reader’s minds as the human psyche becomes the novel’s focal point. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Maria wrote her first novel at the age of thirteen and has been writing ever since. She is the author of seventeen books, including an international bestseller. She has also served as editor of numerous books, including an Amazon health and fitness bestseller.
As a legal project manager for fifteen years, Maria assisted survivors of violence and torture from conflict zones internationally and wrote and published for trade publications. She also worked in PR and was host and producer for a regional public access TV show featuring interviews on current affairs.
Maria has a Ph.D. in political science, a JD in law, and is licensed in traditional Chinese medicine, trauma counseling, and physical fitness.
She created the crime and spy thriller Cave Sun series.
