I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A family of bears engage in the conversation and decisions surrounding social security in the United States of America in author Burt Williamson’s “Social Security and the Three Bears”.
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The Synopsis
Mama and Papa Bear Bear have built a successful fishing business in the Great River Valley, and they have many of the same concerns about Social Security as most Americans. Mama tells stories of family members who had difficult situations in retirement, which worries her to no end. She meets a financial planner at a seminar, who turns out to be the only guide Papa will listen to.
Meanwhile, Baby Bear grows up and takes over the business along with a human partner. Thanks to Baby’s girlfriend, he later helps to solve the Social Security funding crisis once and for all.
The short story helps demystify the essential aspects of Social Security. It will appeal especially to women who are married, divorced or widowed, as the majority of the important decisions about Social Security for retirement apply to them.
The Review
This was a fun, heartfelt, and insightful blend of financial education meets fairy tales and was playful and engaging. The fast pace of the narrative and the relatable character development of the humans and the bears were playful and engaging, as they thoroughly represented all of the talking points surrounding our nation’s social security issues. The descriptive nature of the setting and actions the main cast of characters found themselves in allowed the reader to picture this fun story playing out in their mind’s eye.
The heart of the story, however, was the education and insight that the author provided to younger readers about this important program. The history of the program’s creation and purpose, along with the issues and fears that many have surrounding the program’s future, were expertly addressed in this book, which allowed both kids and adults to come together to better understand their own futures as well.
The Verdict
Memorable, thoughtful, and entertaining author Burt Williamson’s “Social Security and the Three Bears” is a must-read children’s fairy tale meets financial educational and retirement planning book. The development of this bear family, their engagement with the Social Security program, and the lessons readers will gain from this book make it a fantastic story 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
Burt is an award winning financial planner and a Certified Financial Planner (TM). He’s the owner and Retirement Specialist at PlanPrep. His goal is to teach important concepts people really need to know in ways that makes it easy and FUN for them to learn.
His daughter used to ask him to tell her bedtime stories rather than read them to her. Each night, the stories were about different characters in unusual situations. The stories here try to capture that magic with a spin on them.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author L.D. Knowings shares the real-world approach to use Agile to help a team’s workload and move forward on software projects in the book “Mastering Agile Software Development: A Quality Code, Requirements, and Craftsmanship Guide”.
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The Synopsis
What you don’t know about Agile Software Development could boost your projects: Here’s how to increase your impact, team efficiency, and project success today!
Have you ever felt the pressure of a project deadline looming, yet your team’s progress seems stuck in a loop of inefficiency?
Imagine it’s Monday morning. You’re at your office desk, sifting through a backlog that is growing faster than you can manage.
Your team seems disoriented, deadlines are slipping, and ‘Agile’ feels more like a buzzword than reality.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
A staggering 75% of software projects are doomed to fail, often due to misapplied or misunderstood Agile practices.
But what if there’s a compass to navigate through this chaos?
This is a guide that not only explains Agile methodologies like Scrum, Kanban, and XP but also shows you how to implement them effectively to transform your team’s dynamics and project results.
That’s precisely what this book offers— a practical, no-nonsense approach to real-world Agile.
This isn’t just another Agile theory book. It’s a deep dive into the practicalities of applying Agile in everyday software development. Move past the jargon and cookie-cutter strategies to a more nuanced understanding of what makes Agile work.
Here’s just a tiny fraction of what you will discover inside:
The 12 Agile Manifesto principles… and how they can revolutionize your approach to software development, even if you’re a newcomer to Agile
The ultimate Kanban guide – transforming the way your team works, step by efficient step
Pair programming perfected: 7 tips that will take your code (and collaboration) from good to great
SAFe demystified – a straightforward guide to scaling Agile effectively, even in large organizations
How to equip yourself with strategies to pivot effortlessly in response to changing project requirements and market trends
A step-by-step strategy for running impactful retrospective meetings in just six steps
The insider’s roadmap to estimating sprint velocity, elevating your Agile planning to new heights
Culture is vital: Uncover the often-overlooked cultural shift necessary to embed Agile in your team’s DNA truly
The 12 most effective strategies for fostering team collaboration and overcoming the most significant collaboration challenges
And much more.
Perhaps you’re skeptical because Agile has yet to work for you. This book tackles that head-on, demystifying why past attempts may have faltered and providing a clear, tailored path to Agile success.
It’s not about a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s about understanding your team’s unique landscape and sculpting Agile practices to fit it perfectly. Even if you’ve been down the Agile road before, this guide will show you unexplored paths and new possibilities.
Ready to shift from Agile confusion to Agile confidence?
If you’re looking to genuinely improve your team’s performance and software quality, this book is your roadmap. Don’t wait for another project to go wrong: Scroll up and click “Add to Cart” right now!
The Review
This was such a valuable and engaging read. Anyone with an interest in learning or developing further the skills needed to put into practice Agile software development will find a comprehensive yet entirely understandable and engaging book. The detail and exploration of so many different Agile methods, from Scrum to XP and so much more, along with examining how important taking cultural shifts into account is in maintaining your teams project momentum and connectivity amongst themselves, made this book so knowledgeable and memorable to read.
This book’s inspiration and practical nature made it so appealing. Whether you are new to Agile software development and the process of working on software projects as a whole or are a seasoned professional looking to increase productivity during deadlines, the author not only writes in a way that allows everyone to understand the practices but also gives real-life scenarios to showcase how these practices are used and help give teams the confidence they need to move forward.
The Verdict
Honest, knowledgeable, and engaging, author L.D. Knowings’s “Mastering Agile Software Development” is a must-read nonfiction book on business and software work. The book’s practicality and the details the author uses will help any reader interested in developing their software development skills. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
L.D. Knowings is the author of several books related to information technology. His writing is dedicated to information technology, guiding readers toward a firm understanding of specific topics in the field.
Knowings has over 29 years of experience in the IT industry, spanning various technical and leadership roles. He has a bachelor’s degree in information technology and a master’s degree in business administration, and he has also studied computer science and mathematics.
Knowings has always been passionate about the power of IT to drive a company to success and leads his organization, which partners with small to medium-sized businesses to plan and manage their IT environments so that they will support their business goals. He aims to empower companies with the knowledge to get the most out of their technology and tailor its use to suit their specific needs and objectives.
This drive and his passion for education led Knowings to extend his reach through his writing. As a former member of the Desoto ISD T-STEM Advisory Board, he is dedicated to preparing students for successful careers in STEM subjects, and he is a firm believer in empowering individuals to understand IT and harness its powers to suit their needs.
Knowings lives in Texas, is a big football fan, and takes any opportunity to watch a game.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A woman must trust in the men who took her from her life as a socialite in South Carolina when a ruthless captain hunts her for the key to the creature her family helped imprison in the sea in author E.M. Etheridge’s “She Tames the Sea”.
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The Synopsis
Men fear a woman on the sea. They say women bring about bad luck and anger from the gods who rule the waters. Estella Bohem fears being aboard Captain Eric Price’s ship, amongst the pirates who kidnapped her for her abilities. It was the Bohem family who used magic to tame the beast of the sea decades ago. They trapped it in an ancient spell to make the waters safe to travel, but it was the vagabonds of the sea who wanted to free it, tame it, and use it for their own ambitions. All her life Estella never had control of her future, but as the notoriously brutal Captain Edward Laggatt hunts her down for the key to the beast’s cage, she has no choice but to trust the same men who stole her away from her socialite life in Charleston South Carolina.
She Tames The Sea is an adult dark fantasy novel that delves into the complications of familial relations, magic and mythology.
The Review
What a powerful and engaging read. The powerful blend of colonial witchcraft meets the Age of Pirates made this story so compelling to get lost in. The strong use of imagery in the author’s writing style brought the sea-faring adventure to life perfectly, allowing the reader to get lost in the setting and the use of history and mythology all at once. The world-building brought together that sense of action that the story embodied while also developing the mythology surrounding the relationship between witches and pirates and the personal family history of the protagonist.
The heart of this narrative was in the character development and the theme of femininity and finding power in a male-dominated world. The history of witches and those who practice it is already a prime example of women being targeted and cruelly hunted down simply for practicing a different belief system and way of life. Yet the protagonist brought this to a whole new level, from the horrors she experienced at the hand of her father to the tragic loss of a mother who prepared her for a world in which women must do whatever it takes to survive and the evolution of her magic, in particular, showed the inner power that women must harness to find themselves in such a cruel world.
The Verdict
A remarkable and engaging dark fantasy and swashbuckling adventure, author E.M. Etheridge’s “She Tames The Sea” is a must-read novel. The twists and turns in the narrative, the power struggles, and the shocking final chapters will keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager for the next book in the franchise. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
I’d always known I was going to publish books, and after years of writing my first book, I decided I wanted to publish traditionally. While still queering agents for that book, I came up with a whole new concept and decided to try my hand at publishing independently so I could gain experience in both industries. I’ve worked as a teacher, interned as an editor, and now I am ready to make books my livelihood through publishing and through freelance editing.
I received a free copy o this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A family must overcome societal challenges and make new changes in their lives in author David B. Seaburn’s “Until It Was Gone”.
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The Synopsis
When, at the end of their fortieth anniversary dinner, Laney announces she’s leaving Franklin, he’s stunned and asks if she ever loved him, to which she answers, “Yes, until it was gone.”
Laney leaves for the Oklahoma panhandle in search of Roz, their estranged daughter, who left home at sixteen, and the nineteen-year-old granddaughter, Maggie, Laney has never met.
Shortly after she leaves, Franklin contracts COVID which morphs into long COVID. His episodes of fogginess and disorientation awaken memories of abuse at the hands of his father. His sister comes to take care of him, but she needs to return home soon for the sentencing of a mass murderer who killed her husband.
If that weren’t enough, Maggie becomes pregnant and, due to medical complications, needs an abortion, but she lives in a state where it’s outlawed. What will she do? Where will she go? Will the family find the resilience to come together for everyone’s sake?
Until It Was Gone tells of a family trying to make life work while being pummeled by the exigencies of contemporary society. It celebrates the thin strands of hope that hold us together and move us forward.
The Review
Immediately the author found that perfect balance of realism and hope within this narrative. The realistic emotions and troubles that this cast of characters faces throughout the story, from the complexities of marriage and relationships to more profound themes surrounding abortion and abuse, allow the author to explore how these topics impact a person and a family in our modern world. The setting of the COVID pandemic and studying the health concerns so many people were affected by during this period brought a relatability to the story many readers could attest to.
The character dynamics and how everyone connects made this story feel so compelling. What stood out was how all these characters felt so relatable and vibrant on the page, and despite their various flaws or struggles, they kept the reader engaged throughout the book. The journey for Laney to find her independence and reunite with her daughter and granddaughter was inspiring. At the same time, the shock of loss Franklin felt, the health struggles, and the recovered memories all brought a closer look at the hardships and benefits of self-reflection and growth, as well as the importance of family and powerful bonds in our lives.
The Verdict
Moving, compelling, and engaging, author David B. Seaburn’s “Until It Was Gone” is a must-read drama meets genre fiction novel. The evenly paced and emotional journey of these characters, the realism of the evolving story, and the equally realistic ending speak to the intricacies of life and the vastly different lives we each live within our own families. If you haven’t yet, preorder your copy today or grab your copy on December 12th, 2024!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
David B. Seaburn’s most recent novel is Give Me Shelter (italics) (2022). His tenth novel, Until It Was Gone (italics), will be released by Black Rose Writing in December 2024.
Prior to that he was an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Family Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center for almost twenty years (1986-2005). During his tenure there, he taught in a Family Medicine Residency Program, practiced Medical Family Therapy and was the Director of a Family Therapy Training Program.
In addition to this, David is an ordained Presbyterian minister, having graduated from seminary (Boston University) in 1975. He served a church full-time from 1975-1981 before entering the mental health field permanently.
His educational background includes two master’s degrees and a PhD.
From 2013 to 2020, David Seaburn wrote a blog for Psychology Today magazine called, “Going Out Not Knowing.” In this blog he talks about the uncertainty and wonder at the heart of life (and at the heart of writing, as well).
Common to all of David’s work is a commitment to the well-being of others, which often means active involvement in efforts to undestand and change their life stories.
David is married and has two married daughters, three adorable granddaughters and two wonderful grandsons.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Kunal Gupta shares a speculative look into the future of AI and its impact on humanity in the book “2034: How AI Changed Forever”.
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The Synopsis
“This book is a wake-up call for those who want to shape the future rather than be shaped by it.”
In an AI-driven future, are you truly ready for the disruptive changes ahead?
2034 is a speculative nonfiction that offers bold predictions about how AI might influence our world, inspiring you to embrace curiosity, challenge assumptions, and prepare for the future with a blend of caution and excitement.
This book is not about technology—it’s about humanity. Written from the future, 2034 prompts you to think more openly about how AI will change society and what it means to thrive in this new reality.
Whether you’re a builder, creator or simply curious about what’s next, 2034 will ignite your imagination and help you navigate the future.
The Review
AI has become a central focus for many people worldwide, including in the writing world. While I am against using AI to write our books and articles, the one thing that I’ve always said is that artificial intelligence is not some evil bogeyman to fear, but instead, a tool or partner in which to evolve day-to-day life. The dark aspects of AI rest not in the technology but in those who abuse it, and getting a book like this that explores the positive possibilities for this technology is great to see come to life.
The author touches upon one certainty in this speculative nonfiction book: the future will be closely connected to AI. Whether that future is brighter or darker is up to personal opinion, but AI is here to stay. The ability to find ways of utilizing the technology not as a replacement for mankind but instead as a companion to help through some of life’s biggest hurdles, from medical care to housing, is an uplifting message of hope the author manages to bring to life through their short yet powerful chapters.
The Verdict
Author Kunal Gupta’s “2034: How AI Changed Humanity Forever” is a must-read speculative nonfiction book that takes a thought-provoking look into the future and the possibilities of AI. The book’s focus on the impactful and insightful nature of AI and how it could affect society, the ethics of our world, and how people form relationships as a whole makes it engaging. It should open readers up to new ways of approaching this fast-moving technology. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
International best selling author Kunal Gupta is an entrepreneur and investor.
Kunal founded and successfully scaled an advertising technology company, serving as Chief Everything Officer for 15 years. Based in New York at the time, he worked with teams and clients across 30+ countries.
Born, raised, and educated in Canada, Kunal studied software engineering from the University of Waterloo and artificial intelligence at the University of Oxford.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A deadly political plot and the fractured memories of a past life drive author Giancarlo Roversi’s “Pulstar II – Meadows of Involution” to all new heights in the Pulstar universe!
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The Synopsis
Astralvia: a nation vibrating with change.
The most crucial presidential election in the country’s history is three days away. Journalist Larianne Blunt will interview the opposition candidate who embodies the hope of millions of Astralvians. It’s the most significant interview in Larianne’s career and could influence the election outcome. But she doesn’t suspect that Astralvia is about to cross into a stage that will shape it forever, a change both radical and irreversible for the nation, the world—and Larianne.
In turn, Jens faces the rise of involution, which is seizing her home and infecting everything in its path. It seems unstoppable. Jens must fight against it, even though she might also catch this incurable involution.
The Pulstar universe expands in this second installment, approaching its climax.
Pulstar II is the continuation of the mystifying events of Pulstar I. If you thought the first book blew your mind, brace yourself. Pulstar II will not only explode your brain, it will shake your ideas, your convictions, and everything you believe to be real—and safe.
The Review
As a sci-fi and fantasy fan, two things always stand out to me and draw me into a new story. The first is complex, detailed world-building that makes the world feel vibrant and alive, and the second is a cohesive cast of characters that converge two storylines and give life to the world the author has created. Pulstar II does that and so much more.
The tension and heavy atmosphere that the author created solidified the dangers and strife that accompanied the main characters and their plight. Larianne was a tragic newcomer to the story; her interview with a favored politician in an upcoming election turned into a twisted and heart-pounding journey through a corrupt movement with little means of escape, and the reader could feel the emotional weight of her plight while Jeral and Aris and their memories from the events of the first book impact their journey, all culminating in a shocking cliffhanger.
The Verdict
A memorable, richly developed, and entertaining blend of dystopian and hard-core sci-fi meets metaphysical fiction, author Giancarlo Roversi’s “Pulstar II – Meadow of Involution” is a must-read. The maps and fascinating language the author develops, and the worlds that stem from this story will stay with fans of these genres well after the book ends, and the thrilling final chapter will leave readers eager for the next book in this series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Venezuela-born Giancarlo Roversi isn’t only a writer. He’s also a computer engineer and a musician who shared stages with artists such as REM, Oasis, Travis, Duran Duran, and Maroon Five.
When his band Fractaler broke up in 2011, he devoted the next ten years to cue the Pulstar Trilogy and three prequels in that universe.
He surrendered his personal life and wrote these manuscripts in his native language, Spanish, and then he translated them into English. He also composed a soundtrack for each book; they’re currently in production.
When he’s not living and breathing in his Pulstarverse, he loves family time, cooking, astronomy, animals, and having philosophical discussions—especially about the meaning of life—with anyone who cares to join him.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinion are my own.
Author Robert Harwood explores the origins and impact of a blues and jazz song on the twentieth century and beyond in the book “I Went Down to St. James Infirmary”.
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The Synopsis
I Went Down to St. James Infirmary is the quintessential jazz-blues song of the early twentieth century. Many major performing and recording artists have covered it, from Louis Armstrong and Jimmie Rodgers to Van Morrison and the White Stripes.
Infused with ego-driven angst and once considered obscene because of the song’s stark depiction of death and the portrayal of a seedy underworld inhabited by gamblers, pimps, loose women, and every sort of rounder, it has been adapted, rewritten, borrowed, stolen, attacked, revered, and cherished. In its heyday of the 1920s and ‘30s, when recordings and sheet music of St. James Infirmary were first packaged and marketed, the public could not get enough of it. Nearly a hundred years later, its allure remains.
Author Robert W. Harwood follows the song as it travels from its folk origins into the recording studios, performance stages, and law courts of America’s jazz era. Along the way he picks up a retinue of fascinating characters whose stories are as fascinating as the song itself. Infused with humor and supported by meticulous research, this groundbreaking book explores the turbulent and mysterious history of one of the most important and influential songs of the twentieth century.
The Review
What a truly fascinating and engaging book. While I have always loved big band, jazz, and swing music, this particular song was not on my radar, so the exploration of the song and its impact on music and the world was so engaging. The author did a great job of exploring both the legends surrounding this song’s origins and the actual history, showcasing the drive to give each artist, no matter what origin, credit for their contributions to the music.
The overall drive and influence this book had on me as a reader was the exploration of how songs and music as a whole can impact a person or a society. The author wrote honestly and in detail, speaking to the cultural influences and divides that occurred with everything from minstrel shows to racism in the music industry (particular comments made to Louie Armstrong about his wife were shocking), as well as the multiple variations to the song as different artists added or removed lyrics. Artists went to court over changes, and copyright over the song emerged.
The Verdict
The history, culture, and detail found in author Robert Harwood’s “I Went Down to St. James Infirmary” made this song and the book so fascinating to read. The backstory behind each version of this song and the history of each person who contributed to its long and storied path will keep readers invested in this journey and coming back to the book time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Robert W. Harwood currently lives on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. His interests include writing, music, and photography – passions he shares with his wife, book designer and typographer Pamela Woodland.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A private investigator must discover the whereabouts of a missing granddaughter of a congressman in author Tracey Lampley’s “All Money Ain’t Good Money: A Jinx Curry Mystery Book 1”.
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The Synopsis
The Private Investigator
As a novice private investigator, Jinx Curry could f*ck up a wet dream. But as an experienced PI, she hates her job. The single mom spends her days spying on cheating wives and husbands, but she aches for more importance.
When her boss, Capricorn Hayes, finally assigns Jinx a missing persons case involving a congressman’s missing granddaughter, Jinx jumps at the chance. Not only to solve it, but to earn the fifty-thousand-dollar bonus that would pay her bills, and get a menacing creditor off her back.
But the investigation proves more dangerous and costly than Jinx believes. After an unknown individual in a black Corvette nearly runs Jinx down and begins stalking her, Jinx has to sacrifice her relationship with her daughter by sending Arielle to live with her father. Can Jinx find the congressman’s daughter while surviving her stalker? Or will this job be her last?
The Players
Deebo: He’s the scintillating rapper who may be secretly married to the missing teen. A marriage revelation infringes on the rapper’s rising-star status. Did Deebo off his wife to preserve record sales?
Bam: He’s Jinx’s childhood friend who loaned the sleuth a boatload of money. With Jinx unable to repay the loan, has Bam decided to make an example out of Jinx for lack of repayment?
Elena: She’s the missing person. Perhaps Elena doesn’t want to be found. Will she kill Jinx to prevent the sleuth from exposing her location?
Young Calloway: He’s the Georgetown Law School dropout and only grandson of Congressman Calloway. After Jinx discovers the rivalry between Elena and Young Calloway, Jinx also uncovers Young Calloway’s dark past. Has Young Calloway decided to eliminate Jinx to cover up his crimes?
Congressman Calloway: Up for re-election, the congressman cannot afford a family scandal. Did he hire Jinx to find Elena to coverup the young teen’s possible murder? If so, has he decided to eliminate Jinx to clean up the family mess?
The Review
A rich and mesmerizing mystery, the author perfectly balances the dynamic character developments with the unfolding mystery of this young woman’s disappearance. The protagonist is a strong yet vulnerable heroine who evolves and grows over time during this story in a way that feels real and honest about the situation. The action and intrigue that go into this narrative allow the mystery to unfold at a great pace, never revealing too much too soon.
The author was able to incorporate so many different themes into this story. From racism and corruption to family dynamics and vengeance, the story managed to not only bring readers into the investigation but also mirror the main story with Jinx’s personal growth and the threats she faced in her own life. The tension that built over time and the empathy that the protagonist brought to the investigations made her instantly engaging to readers.
The Verdict
Memorable, adrenaline-filled, and thrilling author Tracey Lampley’s “All Money Ain’t Good Money” is a must-read mystery thriller and a perfect introduction to Jinx’s private investigation series. The narrative twists and turns and Jinx’s shocking final moments will have readers clamoring for more. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
When she is not writing, Tracey Lampley loves attending and watching sporting events such as WNBA, NBA, college football and NFL football. Currently Tracey is completing her MA in Creative Writing at Southern New Hampshire University. She already holds an MS in Publishing from Pace University and a BA in English/Technical & Scientific Communication from Miami University of Ohio. She resides in the metro Atlanta, Georgia area with her pooch Neo and near her daughter Asia.
Join us as we celebrate the launch of Tracey Lampley’s novel All Money Ain’t Good Money. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of her book.
Struggle with what your characters should say? Author Tracey Lampley’s guest post is about writing realistic dialogue. They’ll also be a review of her novel All Money Ain’t Good Money.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A teen in the early 90s helps punk gurus form a mock religion in author Michael S. Gatlin’s “Delightmares”.
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The Synopsis
It’s 1994. Kurt Cobain has just died. Nineteen-year-old poet and ex-carnie Martin Hemlock has moved to Nashville, where he quickly befriends His Assholiness Pope Jas and Chuckie The Plague. Martin helps these two punk-rock gurus start a faux religion: The First Interplanetary Church of The Immaculate Deception. The goal is to make a mockery of all organized religions, and begs a question—is nothing sacred worth a damn?
As the church grows in size and infamy, recruiting more followers of Chuckie called Plaguists, religion turns to war on two fronts. Martin must navigate Nazis, preachers, and murderous Vanderbilt kids in Cadillacs, all while giving outrageous sermons and throwing the wildest parties imaginable. On top of all that: will Martin ever sell enough acid to make it back to Chicago?
Jack Kerouac meets Charles Manson in this wild story from Michael S. Gatlin.
The Review
What a compelling and thoughtful read! The author perfectly captured the fervor and issues that many organized religions face in their practices and beliefs. The satire and wit that the author’s writing style brought to life on the page were vibrant and alive, perfectly capturing the book’s tone and setting of the 1990s.
The character development and themes of the narrative really stood out. The protagonist’s journey and the way this mock religion explodes allow the exploration of religion, the politics of this era (and, in reality, our modern day as well), and human sexuality and how society treats it to become prominent in the story. The atmosphere of rebellion and striking out against organizations came through.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, compelling, and engaging author Michael S. Gatlin’s Delightmares is a must-read satirical novel. The narrative’s twists and turns and the protagonist’s insightful, humorous, and shocking commentary on such powerful themes make the book one that readers will return to many times. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Michael S. Gatlin is a fifty year old pirate, still surfing the seas of adventure. He owns and operates Owl & Whale, a bitters / cocktail consulting company in Portland Maine. He moved there from New York City where he owned and operated the restaurant / bar Verlaine on the Lower East Side. He moved to New York from Montana where he cleared trails for the National Park Service. After high school Michael joined a traveling carnival and drove from Vancouver to Quebec City operating a reverse bungee jump ride known as The Ejection Seat. After that he helped start a mock religion known as The First Interplanetary Church of The Immaculate Deception. His first book has just been published. Delightmares is about his time spent in Nashville helping that gang of punk rock misfits assemble a faux cult.
