Tag: review

The Emerald Lady (Gemstone Series Book 1) by J.L. Hill Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A science-driven young man and a young Mermaid defy the order of their worlds when their paths cross, and they must face the consequences as the worlds of men and mermaids split at the seams in author J.L. Hill’s “The Emerald Lady”, the first book in the Gemstone Series.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

A fantasy Pirate/Mermaid love story set in the golden age of Pirates of the 17th and 18th centuries.

Jeremy Simmons is a midshipman on the commercial vessel, Rummy Gale. An honorable young man, he believes in the science of the day not age-old superstitions of the sea. But a hurricane will do more than sink his ship; it will forever change his world.

Shera, a mermaid, rescues him; they fall in love and in her attempt to return him to his world, she approaches her sisters at Usea Maya for assistance. The Maiden Queen forbids her from giving any further aid, condemning the man to a watery tomb. But Shera, a free spirit, defies the orders, goes it alone and inadvertently causes a tragedy.

Infuriated by Shera’s defiance and Jeremy’s steadfast defense and willingness to take the punishment meted out to her, the Queen curses them both. She locks Shera in human form and binds Jeremy’s life to hers. A fate so cruel it will cause a split in the realm of Mermaids and turn good men into Pirates.

Grand Slam New York

The Review

I am an absolute fan of the world-building that took shape here in this novel. The author did an incredible job of bringing life at sea to life, utilizing an impressive knowledge of sailing and life on the ocean in his writing style, giving the setting and atmosphere a rich texture on the page. The tension that the author was able to infuse into the character interactions was excellent, both with the romance that develops between the two protagonists, the disdain the evil queen has for them both, and the growing tension between both worlds. 

Yet the mythos and the themes felt iconic and original to the narrative. The wonder yet chilling nature of life for mermaids and mermen and the world they hail from, as well as the historical nature the author paid to the world of man above the ocean surface and the inclusion of pirates and dragons as a whole, made this story feel fantastic and enthralling. Themes of love, power, destiny, and consequences were creatively utilized in this narrative, keeping the reader engaged from the very first page.

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

The Verdict

Remarkable, thrilling, and adventurous author J.L. Hill’s “The Emerald Lady” is a must-read historical fantasy narrative. The narrative’s twists and turns, rich world-building and mythos, and an open ending that will undoubtedly lead to a sequel will all keep readers coming back for more of this incredible new series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

A native New Yorker, born and raised in the Bronx, James L Hill spent his adolescence years in Fort Apache, the South Bronx 41st precinct during the 60’s, during a time when you needed to have a gang to go to the store. Raised on blues, soul, and rock and roll gave him the heart of a flower child. Educated by the turmoil of Vietnam, Civil Rights, and the Sexual Revolution produced a gladiator. Realizing the precariousness of life gave him an adventurous outlook and willingness to try anything once, and if it did not kill him, maybe twice. 12 years of Catholic education and a couple of years in college spread between wild drug induce euphoric years, which did not kill him, gave James an unique moral compass that swings in any direction it wants. A scientific mind and a spirit that believes nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough guides his writings. He enjoys traveling to new places and seeing what life has to offer. James began writing short stories and poetry back in his early years. In his twenties moved on to novels. He worked in the financial industry and later got a degree in computer programming, his other love. James has a successful career as a software engineer designing, developing and maintaining systems for the government and the private sector. He has been programming for nearly forty years in various languages. After years in the computer world he returned to his first love, unleashing the characters in his head. Still a hopeless insomniac, he feels free to pound out plots. James L Hill is a prolific storyteller writing crime stories, fantasies, and science fiction, with a slant on the dark side of life. The next step on his journey naturally led to the business of publishing. He started RockHill Publishing LLC not only to produce his own work, but to give others access to the literary world. His computer background and experiences in word processing gives him insight into what it takes to publish good books.

https://www.jlhill-books.com/index.html

Stay Salty: Life in the Garden State (Anthology) Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A group of authors and artists come together to share their unique take on the Garden State in the anthology “Stay Salty: Life in the Garden State”.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Dear Reader, the book you hold in your hand is as relaxing as a day at the Shore, as tense as the traffic you hit on the way down to get there, and as expansive as the Pine Barrens you find yourself lost in after that wrong turn off the Parkway.

Stay Salty, the second volume in Read Furiously’s popular New Jersey Anthology series, once again reminds us of everything we love and hate (and love to hate) about the Garden State.

Following the tradition of storytelling of The World Takes, Stay Salty features prose, poetry, comics, and photography that showcase the mysterious and fascinating elements that make up New Jersey and its inhabitants.

Grab some salt water taffy and listen in to voices from Sussex County to Cape May.

Because in New Jersey, there’s always a story to tell.

Watermelon

The Review

If you don’t hail from New Jersey, I feel like the state is one of those places that everyone has a particular view on, thanks to popular media. Whether it’s the complexities of the film Garden State or the reality of The Jersey Shore, there are always preconceived notions about places like this that pale in comparison to the real thing. That is what the authors and artists in this anthology have done so beautifully, capturing the unique, often humorous, but always human charm that the people and its inhabitants usually have.

Several pieces in this collection stand out, but one in particular that was so unique was New Jersey in Photographs (Part 1) by Shannon Linder. The unique chapter was a beautiful collection of photographs the artist took, from self-portraits to long-since bulldozed diners and so much more. It showcased the every day yet culturally heartfelt moments locals could enjoy in the artist’s part of the state. It brought the emotional and compelling narrative these intimate stories and photographs were trying to instill.

Advertisements

The Verdict

Memorable, iconic, and engaging, “Stay Salty” is a refreshing and must-read anthology you cannot put down. Each chapter’s thoughtful approach to bringing New Jersey as both a state and a destination to life made the reader want to come back repeatedly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

The Seven Mistakes New Managers Make: How to Avoid Them and Thrive by Janet Polach, PH.D. Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Janet Polach, PH.D., shares some insights into the common mistakes new managers make and how they can best prevent these mistakes from occurring in the book “The Seven Mistakes New Managers Make: How to Avoid Them and Thrive”.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Whether you are a manager of many, or a team leader of a few, being a leader requires letting go of the day-to-day work tasks you did so well as an individual contributor and, instead, encouraging production and success through others. New managers are usually promoted because they were outstanding individual contributors: they spoke up in staff meetings, shared good ideas, and executed on time and within scope. Yet, these characteristics are not necessarily the same ones that will make you successful as a frontline manager. Often, organizations invest little in new manager development; thus, new managers are left to guess at what effective leaders do. They often find themselves pressing forward through trial and error. If this sounds familiar, then this book, which examines the seven most common mistakes new managers make, is for you. Each chapter highlights a common challenge that new managers will recognize and then describes strategies and behaviors to build the skills needed to avoid mistakes and achieve success. This book is ideal for the new manager who hopes to evolve into a great leader.

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

The Review

This was an engaging and fast-paced read. The author does an incredible job of balancing the book’s objectives, allowing readers to get a glimpse of the problems new managers face and the solutions to those problems. The clear and concise nature of the book’s message pairs well with the author’s friendly and personal writing style in each chapter.

The way the author showcased how new managers often come from a place of personal, individual success and need to evolve into team leaders was great to see unfold on the page. From gathering the right tools to effectively lead the team to helping your team develop as individuals and as a group, each chapter effectively walks readers through the steps to become fantastic new managers in their field.

Shop Finejewelers.com's Gift Finder Today & Be Ready for Every Holiday and Birthday Celebration!

The Verdict

Concise, effective, and engaging author Janet Polach, Ph.D., “The Seven Mistakes New Managers Make” is a must-read business and nonfiction book. The book’s message’s quick pace and interactive nature will keep readers returning to it repeatedly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Janet Polach, Ph.D., is a global coach and leadership development professional. She has coached leaders around the world, including China, South Korea, Singapore, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the U.S. She believes all leaders can be great if they invest the time and energy into gathering feedback on themselves and focusing on their development. Janet’s foundation for leadership started in the United States Marine Corps, where she achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring from the Marine Corps Reserves. She possesses deep academic knowledge in adult learning, leadership development, and coaching. Janet holds her Ph.D. in organizational leadership and development from the University of Minnesota.

https://janetpolach.com

Lancer, Hero of the West: The Virginia City Affair by Bob Brill Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A call to help an old friend leads to a confrontation with a killer and shocking secrets in author Bob Brill’s “Lancer, Hero of the West: The Virginia City Affair”.

Advertisements

Th Synopsis

“The Virginia City Affair” is the seventh book in the “Lancer; Hero of the West” series and is the most aggressive to date. Our hero heads to the silver fields of Nevada to help an old friend, only to learn he’s up against a killer on a mission.

As justified in his mind as the killer’s mission may be, Lancer still finds himself caught between right, wrong and indifferent. When an old calls upon Lancer to save his family from a killer bent on revenge, Lancer answers the call as always. This time however, he learns he can’t always trust his friends. Lancer also learns someone else from his past is waiting for him; a woman from very long ago.

Plot twists, good detective work, old connections and a little pure luck mixed with revenge in the silver fields of Nevada. Another Lancer adventure to keep you glued to your seat.

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

The Review

The author did an incredible job crafting a new narrative for protagonist Lancer that felt personal and action-packed. The reader will immediately be drawn in when the protagonist begins interacting with Wyatt Earp in the aftermath of the O.K. Corral gunfight. Trading Tombstone for Virginia City, the wildness the West had to offer in this era, and the imagery in the author’s writing style allowed these infamous sites to come to life on the page.

The unique character development in this book was incredible. From the strong yet vulnerable protagonist with a penchant for justice to the sudden loss of an old flame and the corrupt system for which he must fight, the reader is engaged with the hero’s journey. The personal nature of the story and the shocking revelations that this plot held allowed the reader to feel a sense of mystery that will stick with readers long after the book ends.

Smiley Campaign

The Verdict

Memorable, haunting in its delivery, and entertaining, author Bob Brill’s “Lancer, Hero of the West: The Virginia City Affair” is a must-read historical fiction meets Western novel. The twists and turns the author delivers in this narrative and the rich character dynamics will keep readers invested in the story’s driving force, protagonist Lancer. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

A native of Pittsburgh, PA and a hardcore Pirates and Steelers fan, Bob began in radio career in 1972 and worked all over the western US, several times in the L-A market. He’s currently a news anchor at CBS Radio LA; KNX 1070 News Radio.

Bob has won multiple broadcast awards including an Edward R. Murrow Award (among others) for anchoring KNX’s storm coverage in 2011.

A baseball historian, Bob writes the very popular weekly column found at http://www.baseballinthe1960s.com. He also is a podcaster who has teamed with former NFL Quarterback Erik Kramer for a weekly Fantasy Football Podcast called Kramer and Brill, which can be found where ever you get your podcasts or at their website http://www.kramerandbrill.com. Both are always posted on Facebook as well as Twitter.

Bob made his mark with the UPI Radio Network when a gunman went crazy in a San Diego fast food restaurant and Bob covered the story. It was his first big break. He later became a UPI National Correspondent and Bureau Chief. He has interviewed presidents, covered Super Bowl games and Hollywood as well as major news stories.

He lives in L-A. He has survived earthquakes and a beating during the 1992 L-A riots while covering the story, which was recorded on audio tape.

Bob is considered to have an excellent voice and has not only done many voice overs and radio spots, he’s starred in television commercials. Bob authored “Fan Letters to a Stripper: A Patti Waggin Tale” from Schiffer Publishing and “NO BARRIER: How the Internet Destroyed the World Economy.” His third book “Al Kabul; Home Grown Terrorist” is sure to be a controversial novel as well as a great read. “Lancer; Hero of the West – The Prescott Affair” is the first in a series of western novels set in the 1880’s, centering on the central figure; Lancer. Lancer is a gun for hire, good guy, who works the West out of Tombstone.

https://www.bobbrill.com/index.html

Finding Color: A Hilarious and Messy Backpacking Adventure in the 90s (Back in a Year Series) by Candace MacPhie Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Author Candace MacPhie begins a journey to share her experiences leaving behind a life of stagnation in the wake of a major loss, and finds a new direction in life in the process in the book “Finding Color: A Hilarious and messy Backpacking Adventure in the 90s”, the first book in the Back in a Year series.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

I have a nice job, a nice one-bedroom apartment, and a few nice friends. My days are filled with drab meetings, subway commutes, and lonely nights watching must-see Thursday TV.

I used to be the life of the party but have led a lackluster existence since my mom’s death. I’m twenty-five, but I might as well be seventy-five.

Desperate for change, I take off for a three-week vacation to Greece in search of fun. And I meet him. He reignites my zest for living, and the thought of returning to my dull routine after getting a taste of sublime is soul-crushing.

So I don’t. I sell everything and leave for England to reunite with him for my grand escape—but there are no piña coladas. Instead, I get a roller-coaster relationship, lame temp jobs, and endless misunderstandings while sharing a flat with Aussies, Kiwis, and the sexcapade Spanish couple in a sketchy part of London. But as my delicious and cringeworthy moments collide, I discover a path that changes the course of my life forever.

About the Series

Grab your backpack and get ready for an adventure in the ’90s when the Internet was scarce but laughs weren’t. Finding Color is book one in the five-part Back in a Year series, the true story of a young woman traveling around the world. Each book can be read independently, but it’s more fun to take the full trip.

Smiley Campaign

The Review

This was a compelling and heartfelt read. The book does a fantastic job of balancing the warmth and heart that the author had and experienced with the humor and wit displayed in her interactions with people on her journey. The author captured the sense of adventure and wonder that travel can bring, setting the reader in an atmosphere of engaging travels that will inspire them.

I truly enjoyed the truthfulness and honesty with which the author shared her adventures. From the need to change up her life and find passionate love to find the details of travel and the reality of life in another country, each chapter helps the reader understand both the author and the travel lifestyle. The author also perfectly brings each location she travels and lives to life. 

Purlisse 2021

The Verdict

Adventurous, engaging, and thoughtfully curated author Candace MacPhie’s “Finding Color” is a must-read travel memoir. In the first part of a series, the book does an incredible job of drawing you in with its wonderful travel pieces and keeping you invested in the author’s personal experiences as well. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Born in Montreal, Quebec, I spent years backpacking and working around the world. I have a Bachelor of Commerce degree, an MBA, and worked for twenty years on four different continents and now call Calgary, Alberta home.

I got married, had kids, and things got busy. Time was moving by quickly, and my kids were growing up fast. I shifted gears and quit my job to spend time at home. During the COVID lockdown, I had time on my hands, decided to try writing, and started writing the Back in a Year series.

When I’m not at my computer yelling, “Just a few more pages, then I’ll make dinner,” I love hiking in the Rocky Mountains, hot yoga, reading romance novels, and making up new cake recipes. I especially like to laugh and spend time with my husband, the self-proclaimed grumpy motherf*%ker, and my three awesome kids.

Follow me on Instagram: @candacemacphie

Or on TikTok: @candacemacphie

And visit my website for trip photos: www.candacemacphie.com

SIN:THETICA by Keith Anthony Baird Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A feared bounty hunter must enter cyberspace to find his latest quarry in the futuristic sci-fi thriller “SIN:THETICA by Keith Anthony Baird”. 

Advertisements

The Synopsis

The Sino-Nippon war is over. It is 2113 and Japan is crushed under the might of Chinese-Allied Forces. A former Coalition Corps soldier, US Marine Balaam Hendrix is now a feared bounty hunter known as ‘The Reverend’. In the sprawl of NeuTokyo, on this lawless frontier, he must track down the rogue employee of a notorious crime lord. But, there’s a twist. His target has found protection inside a virtual reality construct and Hendrix must go cyber-side to corner his quarry. The glowing neon signs for SIN:THETICA are everywhere, and promise escape from a dystopian reality. But will it prove the means by which this hunter snares his prey, or will it be the trap he simply can’t survive?

Perfect for fans of Bladerunner and Neuromancer!

Smiley Campaign

The Review

The almost rhythmic, haunting atmosphere was immediately the first thing that this reader noticed. The gritty and dark future of NeuTokyo against the cyberspace world, which the protagonist finds, adds excellent contrast and texture to the world’s setting. The incredible imagery found due to the author’s descriptive writing style brought this city to life, as did the rich characters that populated this world.

Yet the grim character development and large-scale world-building made this story so unique. The novel gives very human and realistic motivations for these futuristic characters. It allows a healthy balance of emotional pull and sci-fi action to keep the reader invested in the story. The mythos of this future and the world within the world concept were fantastic narrative devices to help keep the reader driven to move deeper into the lore of this universe.

Grand Slam New York

The Verdict

Thoughtful, entertaining, and richly told, author Keith Anthony Baird’s “SIN:THETICA” is a must-read sci-fi novel. The imagery found throughout this book brought a healthy balance of films such as The Crow, Blade Runner, Robocop, and more. The dynamics found within the novel and the visceral take on the future made this a compelling read. Be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Keith Anthony Baird is the author of The Jesus Man: A Post-Apocalyptic Tale of Horror (Novel), Nexilexicon (Novel), And a Dark Horse Dreamt of Nightmares (Book of Shorts), This Will Break Every Bone In Your Heart (Novelette) and Snake Charmer Blues (Short) A Seed in a Soil of Sorrow (Short) and the anthology Diabolica Britannica. His works can be found on Amazon and Audible. He is currently working on a dystopian novella titled SIN:THETICA, a post-apocalyptic novel titled Wind Rust.

When not at his desk writing, you might find him up a mountain, snorkeling on a coral reef, or having adventures. Failing that, it’s a good bet he’ll be on Twitter.

https://5f2dd297cf905.site123.me

An American Tragedy (A Peter O’Keefe Book 4) by Dan Flanigan Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Detective Peter O’Keefe must confront the darkest aspects of human nature in author Dan Flanigan’s latest novel, “An American Tragedy”, the fourth book in the series.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

In the scorching summer of 1988, amidst the frenzy of the Satanic Panic gripping the nation, private detective O’Keefe finds himself thrust into a trial like no other. As he strives to establish his fledgling agency, the last thing he anticipates is being drawn into a harrowing legal battle. But when Virginia Montrose, “Miss Ginny” to her students and his daughter Kelly’s most beloved teacher, is accused of heinous crimes against her current and former students, O’Keefe faces a moral quandary unlike any before.

Despite the risks and the overwhelming stigma, O’Keefe’s encounter with the shadowy child protection figures driving the prosecution sparks a fierce determination to seek truth and justice.

In this gripping tale of courage and conviction, O’Keefe’s resolve is put to the ultimate test as he confronts the darkest facets of human nature and dares to challenge the prevailing hysteria. O’Keefe must summon every ounce of his strength to uncover the shocking truth while struggling to reverse the relentless tide of injustice.

Grand Slam New York

The Review

The author did a marvelous job of honing in on the real-life fear and terror many American families found themselves in during the late 80s. The setting, set during the Satanic Panic era, made this a compelling story. The mass hysteria and the criminals who preyed on the terror gripping the nation made this story feel very atmospheric.

As with the previous entries in this series, the heart of the narrative rested in the character development. The very personal and challenging nature of the crime the protagonist is investigating, as well as the shocking twists and turns the narrative takes, will leave fans eager for more adventures from this new private investigator lead. The gritty imagery the author’s writing utilized brought these crimes and the perpetrators to life in a visceral way, allowing the reader to feel the natural horror building up in this crime thriller.

Wedding bands starting at $66.78 + free shipping at FineJewelers.com!

The Verdict

Memorable, captivating, and thrilling, author Dan Flanigan’s “An American Tragedy” is a must-read crime thriller and the perfect next entry in the Peter O’Keefe series. Due on June 25th, 2024, this is the best way to preorder your copy of this narrative and see the gripping story that captures the heart of one of America’s scariest historical moments. 

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Dan Flanigan is a novelist, playwright, poet, and practicing lawyer. He holds a Ph.D. in History from Rice University and J.D. from the University of Houston. He taught Jurisprudence at the University of Houston and American Legal History at the University of Virginia. His first published book was his Ph.D. dissertation, “The Criminal Law of Slavery and Freedom, 1800-1868.”

He moved on from academia to serve the civil rights cause as a school desegregation lawyer, followed by a long career as a finance attorney in private law practice. He became a name partner in the Polsinelli law firm in Kansas City, created its Financial Services practice, chaired its Real Estate & Financial Services Department for two decades, and established the firm’s New York City office and served as its managing partner until October 2022.

Taking a break from the law practice for two years, he and his wife, Candy, founded Sierra Tucson, a prominent alcohol and drug treatment center located in Tucson, Arizona.

Recently, he has been able to turn his attention to his lifelong ambition—creative writing. In 2019 he released a literary trifecta including “Mink Eyes,” the first in what has become the Peter O’Keefe detective series, which was a 2023 Best Book Award Legacy Fiction Finalist, “Dewdrops,” a collection of shorter fiction, and “Tenebrae: A Memoir of Love and Death.”

“Tenebrae” is a bracelet of verse and prose poems dedicated to his wife, Candy, to honor her last illness and death and their 40-plus years together, a work that has been described as “celebratory” and “heartbreaking and exquisite.” It was a Finalist for both the 2022 IAN Book of the Year in Poetry and in the 2022 American Book Fest “Best Book” Award in the Legacy: Autobiography/Memoir category.

“The Big Tilt”, the award-winning second book in the Peter O’Keefe series, was published in 2020 and has been described as “deft, hard-boiled, but literary prose that’s reminiscent of Raymond Chandler’s best work.” The Big Tilt won the 2022 National Indie Excellence Award for Crime Fiction and was a Finalist for the 2022 Independent Author Network’s Book of the Year in Thriller/Suspense. Most recently, “The Big Tilt” was a Legacy Fiction finalist for the prestigious Eric Hoffer Award as well as making the 2023 Eric Hoffer Book Award Grand Prize Short List.

“On Lonesome Roads,” published April 26, 2022, is the third book in the series and continues in the award-winning tradition of its predecessor. Honored as a Notable 100 Book in the 2022 Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition, “On Lonesome Roads” has more recently been a finalist for Crime Fiction in the 2023 National Indie Excellence Awards (after “The Big Tilt” won the award in 2022), a silver medalist for the 2023 IPPY Ebook awards, and winner of the 2023 American Fiction Awards in the Mystery/Suspense category.

Dan has also written stage plays including “Secrets” (based on the life of Eleanor Marx) and “Moondog’s Progress” (inspired by the life of Alan Freed), which was awarded the 2022 Honorable Mention in the 91st Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition for “Script.”

His novella, “Dewdrops,” was originally written for the stage and enjoyed a full-cast staged reading at the Theatre of the Open Eye in New York. The short story collection comprised of “Dewdrops,” “On the Last Frontier” and “Some Cold War Blues” was a Finalist in the 2022 Independent Author Network Book of the Year for Short Story Collection and a 2022 American Book Fest “Best Book” Award Finalist in Fiction-Short Story.

Dan serves on the Board of Directors of Childhood USA, the U.S. arm of the World Childhood Foundation, established by Queen Silvia of Sweden, working to end child sexual abuse and exploitation everywhere. He divides his time among Kansas City, New York City, and Los Angeles.

Dan Flanigan

Ancient Tides Ashore by Mike Robinson Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Two people separated by time and culture must embrace their destiny to face a malevolent entity in author Mike Robinson’s “Ancient Tides Ashore”.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Modern Meets Ancient. Tropical Paradise Meets Paranormal Terror.

In the year 620, a young Polynesian man named Kaimi arrives on the virgin shores of Hawaii. He is among the first people there, though quickly realizes they aren’t alone. Strange company watches on from the trees and shorelines: elemental beings only Kaimi can perceive. Like the dark presence in one particular bay, in the verdant island that will become Kauai.

Fifteen-hundred years later, a Mormon mother named Marilyn Toomey—secretly harboring her own sensitivity to such beings—finds herself whisked away with her husband to the remote Huna’ia Resort on Kauai. Though hesitant, Marilyn feels compelled to go—if only because something seems to be calling her there.

As their lives drift closer across the centuries, and as they come to fully embrace their talents, Kaimi and Marilyn must pull away from their communities and former beliefs in the face of an empowered and malevolent entity—and the looming threat of utter catastrophe.

A thoughtful and beautiful eco-fantasy, Ancient Tides Ashore explores human kinship across time, culture and belief, as well as our relationship to the unknown within—and among—us.

Grand Slam New York

The Review

This was a compelling and engaging cosmic horror meets eco-paranormal drama. The intensity of the world-building and the vivid imagery that each scene brought to life were breathtakingly beautiful in the writing. The shifting setting between the past and the present was fantastic to see come to life, as the author captured the tone and atmosphere of each era perfectly.

Yet, it was the character development that shined brightly in this book. The grand, cosmic nature of the threat that the protagonists were facing and the paranormal atmosphere were significantly highlighted and drew the reader in because of the realistic approach to character development. The author’s ability to draw on each character’s problems and see both Kaimi and Marilyn’s journeys and how they came together through their shared connection made the story much more inviting.

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

The Verdict

Remarkable, passionately written, and entertaining author Mike Robinson’s “Ancient Tides Ashore” is a must-read cosmic horror meets eco-driven paranormal drama. The narrative’s twists and turns and open ending allow the reader to become invested in the characters and the environment and seek out new stories within this new world. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Mike Robinson is the award-winning author of multiple novels and dozens of short stories, most of them speculative fiction. His work has appeared in the likes of American Gothic Fantasy, Storyteller Magazine, December Tales II, Underland Arcana and more, and has received honors from Writers of the Future, Publishers Weekly’s BookLife Contest, the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Maxy Awards and others.

As an editor, he worked closely with J.P. Barnett on his bestselling “Lorestalker” series. He is also a book coach with Wordsmith Writing Coaches, as well as a copywriter, illustrator and award-winning screenwriter with two produced credits.

Between all this, he hikes (often with his two dogs), swims, draws, and tries to learn the didgeridoo.

“One of the best speculative fiction authors writing now.”

— Leslie Ann Moore, bestselling author of the “Griffin’s Daughter” series

“Chock full of mind-bending goodness. Mike Robinson delivers equal parts of scares and the bizarre with wit and style―put him on your list of authors to watch!”

— Guy Anthony De Marco, HWA Bram Stoker Award Finalist

https://www.mike-robinsonauthor.com

What About Tuesday: One ’n Done Book 1 by Adam Wilson Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

One man learns the consequences of asking too many questions when one day of the week disappears in author Adam Wilson’s “What About Tuesday”, the first in the One ’n Done series.

Advertisements

The Synopsis

An entire day of the week has disappeared. 

That’s normal, right?

In What About Tuesday? Adam Wilson reminds us that should you ever wake up to find a day of the week missing due to a freak abnormality in the nature of space-time, it’s probably a good idea not to mention it to anyone.

Seriously. Just leave it alone. Definitely don’t hire a private investigator.

Oh, and definitely don’t ask questions. Forget anything happened.

Because, technically, nothing did.

Grand Slam New York

The Review

This was a fantastic narrative. The quick precision with which the author could infuse heart and depth into these characters and make them feel real and fully realized in such a short read made this a compelling novella. The imagery in the author’s writing style and how each scene was brought to life made the story’s fast pace feel necessary and engaging.

The mystery element and prose of this story were fantastic. The commentary on social interactions in various scenarios, from roommates and office employees to random people on public transportation, was such a fun use of character development and allowed the mystery and world-building aspects of the story to feel more vibrant and alive on the page.

Advertisements

The Verdict

Author Adam Wilson’s “What About Tuesday” is a must-read novella. It is memorable, fast-paced, and entertaining. The mystery and wit in the main narrative and the commentary on societal standards and how we interact with the world around us make this a compelling yet short read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10