Whenever people are confronted by grief or loss, they often turn to memories to return to a time when they felt closest to that person. Those seemingly small, everyday moments that resonate with people across time after that person is gone make a deep impact on those who are left behind. That is the driving force behind artist the moment between’s first single, “Jersey Nights”.
The single hits a deep, emotional tone throughout the entirety of the song, delving into the artists’s inspiration for their music, the sudden loss of their soulmate. The song begins with an almost bluesy, jazzy soul vibe as the singer on this track captures the tone of the lyrics so perfectly. Quickly the song transitions into a more uptempo, whirlwind of a melody, showing a clear fusion of almost Amy Winehouse meets Tegan and Sara and an almost nostalgic tone.
The fast pace of the song and the pop rock sound that it encapsulates is a perfect juxtaposition to the grief and emotion that the song’s lyrics convey, and speak to the feeling of being overwhelmed and lost as the bright memories of the past collide with the harsh, hurtful realities of the present. Audiences will tune in for the soulful melodies and fast-paced tempo, but stay for the realatability and heart that the story found in this song seems to bring out in people.
The artist behind this song found the perfect balance to capture this emotional trauma while also creating a song that is heartfelt and highlights the personal memories we hold onto when confronted by a sudden loss, where even an ice cream cone can hold a powerful memory to our hearts. This is a must-listen single that speaks to the creativity and the heart of this artist.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
In the book Faraway Tables, author and poet Eric D. Goodman shares a collection of poetry that showcases a world both familiar and just out of reach.
The Synopsis
Faraway Tables is a mesmerizing collection of poetry that captures the monumental and the mundane with eloquent precision. Written largely during the Covid pandemic, these poems are imbued with a reflective depth that explores the essence of human experience—ranging from the personal to the geopolitical.
The Review
What a powerful and engaging collection of poems! The author expertly crafts each poem to stand alone and add to the collective nature of life’s journey and what it means to be human. The imagery and tone each poem strikes with the reader will leave a lasting impact, and the poems do a remarkable job of connecting the reader to the poet’s intent and experiences overall.
The emotional connection with the poems and the overall themes became the heart of this collection. The author perfectly delves into social commentary on everything from the Pandemic to the war between Russia and Ukraine and the more personal, mundane aspects of daily life that speak of the love and connection we form in those everyday moments. The collection is written in a way that readers of all backgrounds can relate to and connect with, speaking to an accessibility that is sometimes missing from other collections that resonate here.
The Verdict
Memorable, honest, and passionately written author Eric D Goodman’s “Faraway Tables” is a must-read poetry collection. The way the poems evoke a strong emotional response, and the relatability of each poem’s message or theme will draw in many readers seeking to find a profound way of speaking to the experiences so many people have had in recent years. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Eric D. Goodman lives and writes in Maryland. He’s the author of six previously published books of fiction. More than a hundred of his short stories, articles, and travel stories have been published in literary journals, magazines, and periodicals. Eric’s recent poetry has been featured in more than twenty publications, including Gargoyle Magazine and The Main Street Rag.
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 his demons when a simple trip home from college turns into a chaotic run from the law and a dangerous series of mazes in an underground sewer under Los Angeles in author Lincoln James’s “Devils Like Us”.
The Synopsis
Why does it smell like… blood?
What was supposed to be a quick trip home from college turns into a nightmare for Jason Murich when two runaway teens hijack his car, pulling him into a chaotic, high-stakes chase through Los Angeles. Forced into the city’s sewers to escape the law and those hunting them, Jason soon realizes survival is far more dangerous underground. With Christopher and Nicole—two teens whose pasts are as twisted as the tunnels they’re lost in—Jason must navigate a shadowy world of crumbling passageways, where trust is fragile, and every step could be their last. As the sewers close in and unseen threats circle, Jason finds himself trapped in a fight not just to escape but to stay alive. “Devils Like Us” is a pulse-pounding thriller where the lines between ally and enemy blur, and survival demands more than just escaping the darkness of the city—it requires facing the demons within.
The Review
What a chilling and engaging read! The psychological horror aspect of this narrative instantly hits readers, as does the stark contrast of the world above clashing with the world below as readers embark on this twisted journey with the characters. The bond that forms between these characters, especially Christopher and Jason, allows the horrors that await them in the sewers underneath the city to have much more of an impact, terrifying readers as the story progresses.
The strong sense of imagery in the narrative stood out to me as a reader. The descriptive nature of the settings emphasizes how terrifying and haunting this story is, and the potent antagonists that the author created will stay with readers long after the story ends. The exploration of themes like grief and identity will also keep readers engaged in this story, as the book takes advantage of a time of significant change on the surface just as the horrors of the narrative wait to burst forth.
The Verdict
Haunting, memorable, and entertaining, author Lincoln James’s “Devils Like Us” is a must-read psychological thriller meets horror novel. The fast pace of the narrative and the heart-pounding terror that awaits readers as the cast of characters finds themselves lost in the nightmare underground will leave a lasting impression on readers from now on. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Lincoln James, a seasoned college professor specializing in communication and public speaking, seamlessly channels his captivating expertise into the world of suspenseful thrillers. Known for his unique blend of dreadful and heart-wrenching scenes, James crafts narratives that enthrall readers from the first page to the last.
Beyond academia, he leads a life as a dedicated content creator turned wordsmith, finding solace in the chilling embrace of suspense and the liberating laughter of comedy. As an author and curator of horror memorabilia, James is able to create a tangible connection to the spine-tingling tales he spins. Drawing inspiration from history and art, he breathes life into his narratives.
James lives in the bustling heart of New York City and cherishes moments with family, proving that the most thrilling stories often lie in the laughter and love shared with those closest to us.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author B. Johny shares the transformative journey he undertook during his 8-week trip across India in the book “The Candid Odyssey: Exploring India and the Philosophy of LIfe”.
The Synopsis
The Candid Odyssey is a captivating travel memoir and philosophical journey into self-discovery. Join the author on a transformative eight-week solo trip across India, where he explores diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures while delving into life’s deeper questions about happiness, purpose, and meaning. This unique blend of travel, philosophy, and self-help offers readers a special invitation to journey through both the outer world and the inner self.
Over the course of this adventure, the author traverses more than 50 cities and locations, capturing the essence of India through its tranquil landscapes, historic sites, bustling urban centers, majestic mountains, and more. Memorable and unexpected experiences—including chance encounters at festivals, challenging situations, and being stranded in deserts and foggy hills—add depth and richness to the narrative. With a conversational tone that fosters a personal connection, each chapter is filled with engaging, relatable, and authentic reflections on life.
Whether you’re a travel enthusiast, a philosophy lover, or someone seeking personal growth, The Candid Odyssey encourages you to reflect on your own perspectives and experiences. This memoir is more than a travel record; it’s an authentic journey of self-discovery that inspires readers to explore their own paths and pursue a life of meaning.
The Review
Immediately, I found myself enthralled with this book. The author did an excellent job of finding the perfect balance between the travel narrative and the journey’s more personal, philosophical, and insightful aspects. The honesty and depth of detail the author conveyed in such a short read were terrific to see come to life.
The author’s narrative choice was the biggest thing that set the book apart from other travel or philosophy books. Thanks to a journal-writing style, the author allowed the reader to experience the journey as he did. The approach to each location was unique, too, for the author could hone in on the spiritual and philosophical side of things rather than the surface touristy stuff that so many others see every day.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, insightful, and meaningful author B. Johny’s “The Candid Odyssey” is a must-read travel-meets-philosophy book. The author’s trials, from a night spent in a train compartment to the near assault he faced and more, as well as the profound lessons on happiness found in accidental moments and the value of authenticity in life as a whole, made this a compelling read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
. B. Johny, born Bibin Johny in Vaikom, Kerala, India, is a writer, philosopher, traveler, musician, and technologist whose diverse experiences shape his work. His debut book, The Candid Odyssey: Exploring India and the Philosophy of Life, is a reflection of his philosophical insights and travel experiences. Johny holds a Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Master’s in Philosophy, and works as a Senior Product Manager. Through his writing and music, Johny encourages others to lead a better life for a better world. Discover more at bjohny. com.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Discover what happens when human civilization on Earth finally goes silent and leaves behind explorers and settlers spread throughout the galaxy in author James Bow’s anthology, Tales from the Silence.
The Synopsis
On August 4, 2151, the world will end.
It’s been a long time coming: climate disasters brewing conflict, conflict breeding chaos. But on that fateful day, someone will set off the nukes. On August 4, 2151, human civilization on Earth will fall silent.
There are survivors, of course—and not just on Earth. There are scientists on the Jovian moons. Miners in the asteroid belt. Thriving colonies on the surface of Mars and above the clouds of Venus. Far more precarious ones on Mercury. When the silence falls across human space, one thing is clear: Earth’s space-born children are on their own. No more supplies are coming. No more orders. No more meddling. No more help.
Set in the universe of James Bow’s new novel, The Sun Runners, Tales from the Silence is a gathering of award-winning science fiction, fantasy, and YA authors who explore the worlds the Earth left behind, as well as the Earth itself, as they struggle through Earth’s new dark age.
Join James Bow, Phoebe Barton, Kate Blair, Cameron Dixon, Mark Richard Francis, Jo Karaplis, Kari Maaren, Fiona Moore, Ira Nayman, Kate Orman, and Jeff Szpirglas as they tell the stories of what happens after the end of the world.
The Review
What a phenomenal and engaging collection of short stories. The authors of this story found the perfect way to make each story feel wholly individual and unique while also tying together the overall narrative set up by James Bow. The relatability of the characters brought that unique humanity to the otherwise cosmic and space-traveling adventure in which the story takes place.
What stood out amongst other sci-fi collections is how Earth was more of a catalyst for these stories rather than the protagonist or primary setting. Instead, readers are treated to a universe in which Earth has gone quiet, and most of humanity is now out amongst the stars, inhabiting other worlds and wondering how to survive without their home world. The emotional ebb and flow of the stories and the unique spin on survival, from the opening story of The Phases of Jupiter by James Bow to the actions of Venusians in Ira Nayman’s “Famous Last Words,” allowed readers to immerse themselves in this collection fully.
The Verdict
Harrowing, insightful, and entertaining author James Bow’s Tales from the Silence is a must-read sci-fi and dystopian short story collection. With elements of The Expanse peppered throughout, the book touches on the meaning of survival and the evolution of humanity beyond Earth and will stay with readers long after the book ends. 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 world that magic has returned to sees a struggle for power as the witch clan seeks to prevents the sorcerers from ruling over the world in author Jonni Jordyn’s “The Old Child: Tome 3”, the third book in the Lost Art of Magic series.
The Synopsis
Destiny prevented the sorcerer clan from claiming power, but her survival from the battle is in question. Who will step up to lead the family? The Old Child is the third book in the Lost Art of Magic series. Magic has returned after remaining dormant for centuries and this means there will be those that covet power over the powerless. The witch clan must do something to prevent the sorcerers from claiming the world, but must they do it without the strongest of them?
The Review
From the very first page, this book is written so cinematic that the reader is immediately transported to the aftermath of the epic battle between Honey and Destiny at the end of book two. The shock and awe of the situation, from the way the world watched as two influential magic users waged a war that the entirety of the US Military could not touch with their firepower and the destruction left in their wake, both property and lives, was felt throughout the novel as events unfolded. The imagery and atmosphere the book conjured in the reader’s minds delivered a powerful setting and tone that stayed with readers throughout the book.
The character development and growing mythos the author was able to develop will instantly jump out to readers. The tension that arises when the fate of protagonist Destiny comes into play and how characters like Ashlin stepped up in her place kept the readers invested in the story as it unraveled. The way magic and its impact on the modern world was explored, and the divide between Honey and her sorcerers and the witch clan was so palpable that it left the reader eager to see where the story takes off next.
The Verdict
Action-packed, thrilling, and entertaining author Jonni Jordyn’s “The Old Child” is a must-read fantasy action novel and a grand entry into The Lost Art of Magic series. The twists and turns that this story takes readers to, including exploring how those we love who are no longer with us can sometimes return to us in surprising ways, will leave fans on the edge of their seats and dying for the next entry in this series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy today or grab your copy on December 6th, 2024!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Jonni Jordyn, an American author born in Oakland, Ca, started out playing music at age two, and moved on to singing and acting in grade school. High School introduced writing and film making followed by drawing and photography in college. In other words, she had a VERY LIBERAL arts education.
Jonni published some poetry and some india ink drawings in literary magazines while in college, won critical acclaim for her acting in a cabaret theater, but was faced with a decision to pick out the arts she wanted to pursue.
Of all the available opportunities, music and song writing won the first round when she found herself performing with legendary stars of the sixties and seventies.
Round two began years later, after leaving California for Arizona. It all started with a blank piece of paper and the question, “how can I possibly write more than eleven thousand words for a single story?” A valid question which was followed up a year later with, “How did I ever write 160,000 words?”
Now, the writing comes much easier, but still there are questions like, “How will I ever get all these ideas written down?” followed closely by, “How many times can I edit the same book?”
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Magic rises again in England in the wake of the events of The Hiding in author Althea Lyon’s “Reawakening”, a collection of short stories set in The Seer of York universe.
The Synopsis
After centuries of suppression, the magic of England is
Reawakening
Return to the world of The Seer of York with this collection of new tales set in the aftermath of The Hiding.
Harper, Grace, Saqib, Heresy, and AJ bond as a team and as a family to save innocents, supernatural and human, despite hunters pursuing them.
Introducing Zero, a starlight cat with a bleak and painful past.
Demonic-possession
Faery circles
Pūcas
And more…
The Review
A compelling, haunting, and action-paced collection of short stories, the author marvelously showcases a modern-day York that has found the supernatural to be an everyday fact of life. The self-contained nature of each story allows readers to pick and choose which stories to read without risking losing too much background story from the main series while also paying respect to the original novel that began it all. The chilling nature of the threats facing the protagonists and the robust and emotional writing style the author brings to each story will resonate with many readers.
The flawed yet relatable nature of these characters, the substantial use of mythology and religion throughout human history, and the grounded nature of the supernatural made this book feel vibrant and alive on the page. The book’s slow exploration of some powerful themes, including but not limited to the blurred lines between what is considered good and what is considered evil, with many presenting as one thing and being another, allowed readers to engage with the stories on a whole other level.
The Verdict
Harrowing, memorable, and entertaining, author Althea Lyon’s “Reawakening” is a must-read collection of short stories. The stories themselves were fantastic, and with the holidays coming up, the gothic nature of Christmas in the Shambles was a personal favorite. The twists and turns in each story and the new additions to this universe’s growing mythos will make readers eager for more from this incredible author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Alethea (she/ze) writes various forms of SFF, with a particular love for science-fantasy, dark fantasy, dystopias, and folklore. Many of her works take place at the intersection between technology and magic. She enjoys writing stories with subtle political and philosophical messages, but primarily wants her stories to be great tales with characters readers will love. She also has soft spots for found family, hopeless romances, and non-human characters. Her short stories can be found in a variety of publications and links for these are on her website.
Alethea lives in Manchester, UK with her husband, little Sprite, a cacophony of stringed instruments, and more tea than she can drink in a lifetime.
Bonus content for The Hiding & other works can be found on her website.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Three men must work to retrieve a Nazi communication machine during WWII in authors Charles Breakfield and Rox Burkey’s “Out of Poland”.
The Synopsis
Beneath the storm clouds of a deadly war, three men are poised to unlock the secrets to redeem the world.
Poland 1939—Germans are moving their Panzers toward Warsaw, showing the world the devastating effects of Blitzkrieg warfare. Poland’s cavalry is no match against the Nazi military machine overrunning Europe.
Three young men volunteer to hit back by locating and extracting the German military communications device, Baby, kept under heavy guard. Polish patriots die to aid the three to secure the information of the escaping prize. The race is on as German’s match wits with the clever patriots.
Odds are they won’t succeed getting Baby Out of Poland.
The Review
The depth of humanity and emotion blew me away the authors managed to bring out in this historical fiction tale. The fascinating thing about this book was how much of it was rooted in not only WWII history but the origins of the author’s other books, the techno-thriller series The Enigma series. The varying points of view that the authors bring to the story, from the ambassador of Poland to his son and the allies they make in their mission to recover this machine, allow the reader to feel the desperation and fear that this period brought.
The wealth of character development and the emotional impact of these characters’ lives made this a compelling read. The confusion, deception, and tension in this novel reflect the chaos of that era and the impact that so many small clusters of freedom fighters, spies, and soldiers had on the overall global impact of the war effort.
The Verdict
Thrilling, engaging, and grounded, authors Charles Breakfield and Rox Burkey’s “Out of Poland” is a must-read historical fiction novel and a fabulous prequel to their main series. This novella infuses urgency and heart into a story that will stay with readers, and the twists speak to the emotional impact these characters endure during this tumultuous time. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Authors
BREAKFIELD-Charles works as a data/telecom solution architect and supports digital security, blockchain solutions, and unified communications. He enjoys writing, studying World War II history, travel, and cultural exchanges. Charles’ love of wine tastings, cooking, and Harley riding often provides writing topics.
Much of his personality comes from his father who served in the military for 30 years and three wars. Charles grew up on multiple bases and different countries. The multi-cultural exposure helps him with the various character perspectives they bring to the series. His personal ambition is to continue to teach his co-author Burkey, humor.
BREAKFIELD AND BURKEY together build stories as fictional story writers. Storytelling is the best method to share excitement, thrills, and insights to today’s technology risks.
EnigmaSeries.com has information on their 12 books, 10 short stories, audio books, book trailers, and the upcoming Enigma Heirs.
Look for our cozy mysteries/murders in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles.
Rox Burkey is a Customer Experience Specialist who works with businesses around the world. As a gifted speaker and accomplished listener, she bridges the chasm between business problems and technical solutions to optimize business productivity. She has written technology papers, white papers, but launches into high gear when plotting our next technothriller or short story.
As a child, she led the other kids with her highly charged imagination generating new adventures with make believe characters. She is proud of being a Girl Scout until high school, and contributed to the community as a member of a Head Start program. Rox enjoys her family, learning, listening to people, travel, outdoor activities, sewing, cooking, and thinking about how to diversify the series.
BREAKFIED AND BURKEY
We have traveled to many places around the world. These travels are pulled into stories that requires real knowledge of specific locals. We deliver well-rounded thrillers that include levels of humor, romance, intrigue, suspense, and mystery.
We love to talk about their stories at private and public book readings or events. Burkey conducts podcast style interviews with a couple of author groups, and enjoys extracting the tidbits from authors, especially new ones. Her first interview was, wait for it, Breakfield. You can learn where they will be from the calendar on their website.
EnigmaSeries.com has information on the Enigma Series, 12 books, 10 short stories, audio books, book trailers, and the newest series Enigma Heirs releasing in 2023. We have proudly earned multiple awards for our fictional creations.
We are also part of the Underground Authors group writing cozy mysteries/murders in the Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. We are committed to providing an installment for Season 2 and Season 3 to accompany The Flower Enigma, released in Season 1.
Please enjoy snippets of our stories, book trailers, audible sections, CONTEST and get FREE stuff at www.EnigmaSeries.com.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author and poet Randi-Lee Bowslaugh’s book Thoughts of a Warrior contains a collection of poetry meant to inspire and help those struggling with depression overcome that feeling.
The Synopsis
This is the follow-up poetry book to Thoughts of a Wanderer. The poems depict climbing out of a deep depression to take back a life that was felt to be meaningless.
Tears, heartache, trauma and depression.
Is life worth it? That is the question.
Making no more concession,
It is time to take possession.
Enjoy the passionate poems that show we should never give up on ourselves and our life. Each poem is accompanied by a nature photo bringing the beauty of world and words to life.
The Review
It is a genuinely emotional and heartfelt read. The reader can instantly feel how personal and brave this work is for the author, and each poem becomes a piece of her heart laid bare. The progression of each poem does a remarkable job of showcasing the authentic struggles with depression and the fight it takes to overcome those struggles daily. It is never a straight line to recovery, but the setbacks and struggles only strengthen a person’s resolve.
The poem that stuck out to me instantly was Dear Future Me, which allowed us to picture our futures while still struggling with the voices of doubt in our minds. The fight to imagine a future is sometimes a struggle for those suffering from depression, and the inner voice that one must work through was perfectly illustrated in that poem. The theme and message behind mental health and the willpower to seek out help and acknowledge it was a great reminder as well, really honing in on the poet’s journey.
The Verdict
Memorable, honest, and engaging author Randi-Lee Bowslaugh’s “Thoughts of a Warrior” is a must-read poetry collection. The power to stand up for mental health and acknowledge the need to care for and grow that circle of protection everyone needs in their lives, and the acknowledgment that while things are different for everyone and mental health can be overwhelming to overcome, finding the strength to overcome it all can be achieved. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on December 7th, 2024 or preorder your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Randi-Lee was born and raised in Ontario, Canada and from a young age she had a passion for helping others. She attended Niagara College and graduated at the top of her class from Community and Justice Services after completing her placement at a recovery house for alcohol and drug addictions. Post-graduation she worked at a Native Friendship Centre for two and a half years while pursuing a university education in psychology. Randi-Lee continued working in social services for another four years as an employment counselor until she left to pursue her other passions.
In 2017 Randi published her first book about mental health awareness and from there knew that this was her dream. Since then she has continued writing and expanding the genres that she writes.
Another of Randi-Lee’s passions is kickboxing, which she did for over 10 years. She was a Canadian National Champion in 2015, competed at the World’s kickboxing tournament later that year and in 2016 competed at the Pan-Am games where she received silver in her division. In 2020 she was chosen as one of the coaches for the Ontario Winter Games where she inspired and coached young athletes.
While she isn’t working, she is spending time with her two teenage children and a grand-baby. Randi tries to speak honestly and openly about her struggles with her own mental health and as a parent – wanting to ensure that no one feels alone.
