Tag: reviews

Freedom City by Philip A. Becnel IV Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews3 Comments

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

A near future that could easily mirror our own world comes to visceral life in author Philip A. Becnel IV’s Freedom City. Here’s the synopsis:

FREEDOM CITY hilariously ridicules the current kakistocracy (government run by the worst people) in a gripping satire that pays homage to The Monkey Wrench Gang. 

After President Trump unceremoniously dies from natural causes, four misfits from Washington, D.C. who call themselves the Fearless Vampire Killers sever the heads of Confederate statues and wage a comedic guerrilla war on post-Trump America. When President Pence enlists droves of fascist volunteers to crush the “alt-left” uprising, the rebels must risk their lives to run the fascists out of D.C. 

What follows is not only a battle for survival—but a desperate search for remnants of what once made America great.

This book is both humorous and touches on the scary reality of the Trump era United States. Those of you who know me on this blog know I am more liberal than anything else, and although I don’t agree with everything the democrats do, this book does resonate with me greatly. You see while it may appear to be an anti-Republican novel, this is actually just an anti-Trump, anti-racism and anti-bigoted book. It strikes at the heart of a corrupt government and the abuse of power that comes with it. It showcases how quickly personal freedoms are stripped away and those who don’t fit the government’s perfect mold are persecuted fiercely.

In this comical yet politically driven novel, it showcases how lost ordinary people are when they’re put in the middle of political rivalries between parties, and how it’s the average person’s duty not to blindly follow our leaders, but to question them and remind them that they were elected to represent us, not themselves. The characters are all relatable, each coming from a vastly different background than the other, and yet all brought together with the common goal of reestablishing the freedom that the United States was built upon. While each is damaged or comes with their own baggage, they find a closeness and family none of them knew they needed, all driven by a desire to fight for what’s truly right in the world.

The imagery was great in this novel, depicting a very real possible future that is both terrifying and hopeful. Terrifying in that one never wants to live in such a violent, chaotic and fear driven society, but hopeful in that it feels like there are more people out there willing to stand up for what’s right, despite the outpouring of negativity in the media and online. Overall I loved this novel, as it spoke to me as a liberal minded person without getting to heavy into the specific political views of each character, approaching it from a moral and human standpoint rather than a political one. This is a truly unique and one of a kind novel, so if you haven’t yet be sure to pick up your copies today!

Rating: 10/10

https://www.amazon.com/Freedom-City-Philip-Becnel-ebook/dp/B078YCZ4KW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1524562638&sr=8-2&keywords=freedom+city

Keeper by Kim Chance Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

An exhilarating story of a young woman who’s life is turned upside down one frightful night when she discover’s her destiny is far more dangerous than she would have ever thought in author Kim Chance’s novel “Keeper”. Here’s the synopsis:

When a 200-year-old witch attacks her, sixteen-year-old bookworm Lainey Styles is determined to find a logical explanation. Even with the impossible staring her in the face, Lainey refuses to believe it—until she finds a photograph linking the witch to her dead mother.

After consulting a psychic, Lainey discovers that she, like her mother, is a Keeper: a witch with the exclusive ability to unlock and wield the Grimoire, a dangerous but powerful spell book. But there’s a problem. The Grimoire has been stolen by a malevolent warlock who is desperate for a spell locked inside it—a spell that would allow him to siphon away the world’s magic.

With the help of her comic-book-loving best friend and an enigmatic but admittedly handsome street fighter, Lainey must leave her life of college prep and studying behind to prepare for the biggest test of all: stealing back the book.

This book definitely reminded me so much of The Mortal instruments by Cassandra Clare. A seemingly ordinary young girl is taken out of the comfortable and normal world she knows and thrown into this chaotic, life or death world filled with magic, mayhem and death. However the book stands out above the rest of the YA Fantasy series I’ve had the pleasure of reading, and I don’t mean because it takes place in the South. No, I mean the characters themselves are just amazing. I found myself pulled into the story because of the fantastic cast of characters, from the very relatable nerdy best friend Maggie to the strong yet caring Uncle Gareth and the mysterious yet handsome stranger Ty. These characters really allowed Lainey to develop into a strong, vulnerable yet brave protagonist who works hard to overcome the shock of this strange new world and become the person her friends and family need her to be.

The fantasy world created by author Kim Chance was incredibly vivid and incredible, with the haunting encounters with the dead and the deep dive into her family’s witch centric past. In just one book Lainey Styles has become the YA Fantasy genre’s newest heroine, a relatable young woman who must quickly become something greater than herself. It’s a story of family, of destiny and of overcoming life’s obstacles, no matter how difficult or how unfair they may seem.

Overall I loved this novel. It’s a fantastic first entry into what I hope will be a phenomenal YA Fantasy series. Author Kim Chance proves in this book that she is a force to be reckoned with in the YA world, mastering the ability to relate her characters to both her target audience and beyond. If you haven’t yet be sure to pick up your copies of this incredible novel Keeper today!

Rating: 10/10

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1635830125/ref=x_gr_w_glide_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_glide_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1635830125&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

About the Author

B1TELStNriS._UX250_

Kim Chance is an English teacher from Alabama, currently residing in Michigan with her husband and three children. When not writing, Kim enjoys spending time with her family and two crazy dogs, binge-watching Netflix, fangirling over books, and making death-by-cheese casseroles. Keeper is her first young adult novel. Kim is also a YouTuber who loves connecting with other writers. She posts videos at http://www.youtube.com/kimchance1 and is the creator of the #Chance2Connect chat on Twitter. Connect with her on Twitter: @_KimChance, Instagram: kimwritesbooks, Facebook: @kimwritesbooks, and on her website: http://www.kimchance.com.

The Blustery Day by Caroline L. Thorton 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 wonderful children’s story takes life in author Caroline L. Thorton’s The Blustery Day. Here’s a quick synopsis:

A windy, winding, wonderful adventure. Grab your wellington boots and join the fun of The Blustery Day in this charming picture book for children.

This delightful children’s book was just charming. The artwork was beautiful, and the deeper message about people or things that come into our lives suddenly, helping us through one crisis or another and leaving before we even realized just how much that person or thing helped us is something we can all relate to. It teaches us to be appreciative of those who help us through tough times, and not to take anything for granted. Children will be delighted with the truly wonderful artwork in this story, and parents will love going on this magical journey with their child.

Overall this was an incredible children’s book. Full of passion, heart and emotion, this story not only has all the earmarks for a good children’s book, but goes on step further with vivid imagery throughout and a rare lesson not many people are able to master in their lives. If you haven’t yet be sure to pick up your copies of Caroline L. Thorton’s The Blustery Day today!

Rating: 10/10

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BV4615B/ref=x_gr_w_glide_ku_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_glide_ku_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07BV4615B&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

The Cottontail by Jennifer Renson 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.

An exciting prequel explores the dark origins of a monstrous villain and the impact he had on the emerging story in author Jennifer Renson’s The Cottontail. Here’s the synopsis:

Victorio is one of few children blessed to live in the palace under the rule of the King and Queen of the small but prosperous Kingdom of Lucca. The palace is a prison in the young boy’s eyes, as he desires to see the world and be of greater service. What Victorio doesn’t realize is he’s become the interest of the mysterious Feletti, who’s looking to expand his collection of dolls. The clock is ticking, and Victorio must escape the clutches of the mysterious doll maker as his influence spreads and another unforeseen danger approaches

This incredible prequel to Carousel, (read my review of that here), was an immensely impactful short story. The tale of Feletti and his dark deeds enraptured me as a reader. Getting to see life before Feletti and his rise of power in the kingdom of Lucca was fascinating to read. Getting to see life inside the former royal palace through the eyes of Victorio was a masterful choice, allowing players to see the privilege the royalty felt and how they viewed the commoners, and how this ultimately led them to their fates. Your heart went out to the children of the palace, who fought against this mindset but found themselves bound by law and tradition.

The setting was beautiful, bringing Lucca to life in such a short amount of time and making the reader feel as if they could walk through these larger than life palaces. The eerie nature of Feletti seeped through every page of his story, painting a vivid image in the reader’s mind as if it were playing on a television screen.

Overall I loved this story. Although a quick read, the story itself was both fun and an exciting new entry into this wonderful world of Lucca the author has created. It leaves me wanting more to say the least. If you haven’t yet be sure to pick up your copies of author Jennifer Renson’s The Cottontail today!

Rating: 10/10

https://www.amazon.com/Cottontail-Jennifer-Renson/dp/154710399X/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1524113813&sr=8-5&keywords=Jennifer+Renson

 

Author Photo.JPG

Social media links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JennyRenson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/booksandpoetrybyJenniferRenson/

Tumblr: http://jenniferdarjeeling.tumblr.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHS5sW_xOgZSXhpUwhK36Bw

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/45251647-jennifer-renson

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Jennifer+Renson

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Jennifer+Renson?_requestid=976857

The New 52: Futures End, Vol. 1 Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

A horrific future filled with mechanical bugs and cyborg heroes terrorizing the world lead one man to take the fight into the past in DC Comic’s very own The New 52: Futures End, Vol. 1! Created by  Brian Azzarello, Jeff Lemire, Dan Jurgens, Keith Giffen, Patrick Zircher (Illustrator), Aaron Lopresti (Illustrator), Jesús Merino (Illustrator), the first volume shows the groundwork for this apocalyptic future where the evil program Brother Eye has decimated the DC Universe as we know it, and the fight for the future rests on the shoulders of everyone’s favorite future Batman, Terry McGinnis. Here’s the synopsis:

Five years from now, the DC Universe is reeling from a war with another Earth, leaving the world unprepared for an approaching evil that threatens to destroy the future. As heroes are turned into mindless villains, the planet as we know it is no more. The only salvation lies in the past, where this future apocalypse must be averted. Can a time-traveling Batman Beyond help a massive cast of the DCU’s finest avert the impending apocalypse? 

Written by a cast of the industry’s best talents, including Jeff Lemire, Brian Azzarello, Keith Giffen and Dan Jurgens, this new epic series will expose the secrets of the New 52 universe!

Collects issues #0-17.

The artwork and story of this DC Comics event is both breathtaking and haunting all at once. The first pages hit the reader hard with a monstrous future. Seeing the likes of Wonder Woman, Constantine and other beloved heroes transformed into mechanical cyborgs programmed to kill or assimilate the heroes of the world, seeing these iconic heroes bodies torn asunder by these machines is heartbreaking to watch, and really sets the stage for this life or death fight that Batman Beyond has to make.

The trip back to the past shows a world torn apart by politics, war and conflicting ideologies. A more relevant reflection of our current society, this story shows what happens when people fear refugees that hail from the same region as known enemies, and the hardship these refugees face because of narrow minded politics. We also see the beginnings of a major conspiracy, with a new Superman who wears a mask and becomes more and more violent, a Firestorm divided amongst themselves and Frankenstein traveling into space to find the cause of a superhero team’s demise. It’s everything you want in a huge DC Comics event, exploring both the cosmic and mystical realms of the DC universe.

Overall this was a fantastic start to an intense comic book event. By the first volumes end, the true enemy will be revealed, and the fight for the future will truly begin. Can Terry stop Brother Eye from gaining power before it’s too late? Will the heroes of the DC universe be able to stop the coming threat? Find out by picking up your copies of The New 52: Future’s End today!

Rating: 10/10

https://www.amazon.com/New-52-Futures-End-Vol-ebook/dp/B00MV1O02U/ref=sr_1_10?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1523852018&sr=1-10&keywords=The+New+52

Murder in the Heart of It All by Michael Prelee 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.

An aspiring journalist finds himself in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a disturbing individual in author Michael Prelee’s Murder in the Heart of It All. Here’s the synopsis:

Someone is angry in Hogan, Ohio.

Residents of the small town are plagued by vicious, anonymous letters. The personalized notes land in mailboxes with devastating effect, revealing secrets and deeds better kept unknown. Whoever the sender is, they know the town and the people who live there.

Reporter Tim Abernathy is assigned to the story and tasked with finding out who is sending the letters and why. The letter writer doesn’t want to be found, however, and will kill to keep his secret.

A cat-and-mouse game ensues between reporter and letter writer as the violence escalates, shocking the residents of Hogan. Can Tim discover who is terrorizing the town before becoming the next victim?

I absolutely loved this book. To me it felt like a commentary on the anonymous nature of those who the world has deemed “online trolls”. In a sense, it showcased the overwhelming harshness these individuals faced that made them this way, while also showcasing the painful ramifications these hurtful comments or in this case, “letters”, have on those receiving it.

The story itself was well developed, and the characters themselves were incredibly engaging. It was refreshing to see a change in the typical “journalist” character. Normally in stories involving journalists they are eager to get the story by any means necessary, often hurting the people involved in that story. However Tim was a thoughtful, kind hearted individual who worked not for his own gain, but for the good of his community. The story also showed how easy it is for people to go to such violent extremes, and how fear of discovery can turn a harmless troll into a violent madman.

In the end this was a thought provoking and engaging read. This thriller allowed us to analyze the anonymous nature of the internet through the lens of a small town setting. Substituting emails or comments for letters, this story showed the power words have in our society, and how we can step above and beyond the pain we endure to become better people. Everyone experiences pain of one kind or another. It’s how you handle that pain and move forward that defines you. If you haven’t yet be sure to pick up your copy of Michael Prelee’s Murder in the Heart of It All today!

Rating: 10/10

 www.michaelprelee.com

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1682010635/ref=x_gr_w_glide_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_glide_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1682010635&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

Forever Evil (Justice League, Volume II) by Geoff Johns Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

For this installment of comic book reviews, we are diving head first into the DC Comics event Forever Evil by writer Geoff Johns. A story of a world without it’s heroic protectors, and the people who rise above themselves to battle a world conquering evil. In a world filled with villains, will a hero arise? Here’s the synopsis:

The Justice League is DEAD! And the villains shall INHERIT the Earth! In a flash of light, the world’s most powerful heroes vanish as the Crime Syndicate arrives from Earth-3! As this evil version of the Justice League takes over the DC Universe, no one stands in the way of them and complete domination … no one except for Lex Luthor. By New York Times #1 best-selling creators Geoff Johns and David Finch, FOREVER EVIL is the first universe-wide crossover of The New 52.

Collects FOREVER EVIL #1-7.

This was a truly unique story. Exploring the DC Comics universe without a Justice League to protect it was a marvelous story for the writer to explore here. Are there villains strong enough or willing enough to step up to the plate and become heroes when the OG heroes are gone or worse, dead? The big highlight of this story to me are the characters Lex Luthor and Captain Cold. Luthor is a fantastic character because he showcases selfish motivations throughout his criminal career, and the beginning of this tale is no different. However we also see another side to the villain when a new life is bound to his, and the fate of the world hangs in his hands. Captain Cold meanwhile is the perfect anti-hero, as he is a Flash villain with a code of honor, not willing to sacrifice the fate of innocent people for his own needs. Going up against the ruthless version of the Justice League, these two and other villains rise to face the Syndicate, which showcases the mirror image of our favorite heroes.

The artwork for this collection was amazing, showing the gritty and brutal nature of the Syndicate and the real life or death stakes that these characters face against this all powerful enemy. The shocking deaths of certain characters and the heroes that work from the shadows to fight the enemy make this an incredible read, but the beautiful use of color in this story highlights the shocking turn of events this DC Comics event represents.

Overall this was an amazing story. Filled with humor, action and unbelievable character development, the story of Forever Evil is one that deserves to be read over and over again. If you haven’t yet be sure to pick up your copies of Forever Evil by Geoff Johns today!

Rating: 10/10

Happy Holiday Homicides By Micah Minnefer 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.

What should be a day of celebration turns into a deadly game of espionage and mayhem in author Micah Minnefer’s novel, Happy Holiday Homicides. Here’s the synopsis:

Murder is on the list of gifts this holiday season. At least it is when you’re apart of the deadliest gang in town. When young Anuaka’s family discovers her involvement with the local criminals, they give her an ultimatum. Get out of the gang or get out of their lives. However, removing herself from the gang is inconceivable. The only way out is death.

Anuaka must choose between her loving family and a new family promising something she truly desires. A life out of poverty. On the surface the decision is unimaginable. Underneath lies something more sinister. Anuaka is powerful, stunning, and downright conniving.

Happy Holiday Homicides takes you to the land of Serenium. An island of gods, pharaohs, and ancient power. An incredible short, that releases and action-packed opening to Anuaka’s twisted world.

This short story was an explosive introduction into a fantasy driven world of mythological beings. Anuaka’s story is one that reflects the struggles of our own world’s lower class people, who struggle day in and day out and sometimes feel forced to become something they never wanted to become. The story also has quite a few shocks in store for the reader, as the true story of who Anuaka is and what she truly desires slowly gets revealed through the amazing character development of this story.

Overall I loved the tale. The origins of a high stakes, action fueled world like Serenium is a breathtaking story that fantasy readers will devour immediately. The imagery used create this magical and surreal environment you can easily picture playing out across a television screen. As the introduction to a larger story, readers will immediately be drawn into the story of Anuaka and want more. If you haven’t yet pick up your copies of Happy Holiday Homicides by Micah Minnefer today!

Rating: 10/10

Walking the Pendulum by H.A. Dawson 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 young woman looking for a fresh start instead finds herself tumbling into someone else’s past in author H.A. Dawson’s thriller Walking the Pendulum. Here’s the synopsis:

A stolen existence triggers the ultimate identity crisis
Megan’s made a hasty escape. Now she’s perplexed by the confusion sparked by events on the train journey and her effect on the locals, whose disconcerting behavior makes her skittish. She’s determined and headstrong yet vulnerable, unaware of the imminent danger posed by the scheme hatched by her mystery assailant.

 

How long could you wait to take revenge?
Megan’s never experienced visions or fainted before. The vivid images have
a momentary impact, though they’re a harbinger of future events where Megan is
not the only victim to fall prey to a scheming murderer.

 

The journey of life is as much a cliché as is the idea of seeing
yourself through others eyes. In this compelling thriller, Megan’s assumptions are foolish as her real journey starts when she reaches her
destination. There are many scrutinizing her activities; a few are threatened by her presence,
questioning her reasons for moving to this small town. The situation is intriguing especially as her striking features resemble Saskia a lively woman who vanished 3 decades ago.

 

This story embraces a British style of mystery that merges into the
suspense, culminating in a thriller with an enthralling finale that
leaves us to question our personal strengths and endeavors

 

This author takes pride in presenting the reader with a strong theme
immersed in dramatic content.

 

Do you try to avoid all conflict?
How calm are you when handling uptight friends and family members?
If their behavior becomes irrational does this influence you in any way?
Do you turn tail and run or stand your ground by confronting the issues?

This was an evenly paced yet chilling thriller. The British style mystery thriller explores the way other’s perceive us and our actions, and how sometimes the only people who get to see the truth of the matter at hand is ultimately you. The mystery surrounding Megan and her connection to Saskia is intriguing to explore, and the way it reflects on Megan’s own past and troubles that she is desperate to escape make the reader invested as they go through the book.

The character growth in this story is definitely the biggest draw in for this story. Whether we witness the emotional roller coaster Megan is forced to ride or the chilling air surrounding the townspeople of this small British town, the characters help breath fresh life into the classic murder mystery genre. Think of this book as an incredible literary version of the Insidious film franchise mixed with a good BBC thriller like Broadchurch.

Overall I loved this story. It was unique in it’s approach and had a wonderful cast of characters that kept the book flowing smoothly. It’s a book filled with twists and turns galore, so if you haven’t yet be sure to pick up your copy of Walking the Pendulum by H.A. Dawson today!

Rating: 8/10

“Walking The Pendulum” is the first book in a collection of exciting
Traditional British psychological suspense mystery crime, laced with
romance, packaged with the intensity of a thriller. There are seven to be
published up to November 2017.
Further British Mystery – Suspense – Thrillers to come from H A Dawson

Walking The Pendulum
Beds of Rusty Nails
Edging On Despair
Naive Retribution

Novellas

Twist Of A Steel Bracelet
Snapping That Lock

Mystery Novels

Drifting On Distant Murmurs

If you enjoy gripping stories, spotting subtle clues and can cope with the dark chilling complexity of the human psyche! You will be excited to read this emotional thriller. Realistic male and female perspectives are blended into plausible situations, abduction and kidnapping, psychological suspense and crime,

 

You will definitely enjoy the diverse content of H A Dawson’s “Women’s Contemporary Thrillers”.

 

She has praise for the following best selling authors. A J Waines,
Rachel Abbott, Mark Edwards, Louise Voss, C L Taylor, Sophie Hannah,
Elizabeth Haynes, Angela Marsons, Sharon Bolton and Linwood Barclay.
They have had a positive influence in her style development.