Red, White & Verse

A lyrical celebration of the rich and diverse history of the United States, Greg McNeilly’s Red, White & Verse: Our Myths, Legends & Stories transports readers through time to present pivotal people and moments from the country’s past. With unabashed patriotism and clearsighted love for his homeland, McNeilly’s poetry traverses historical ground as varied as the Marshall Plan and Disneyland, the War for Independence and Yellowstone National Park, introducing influential and inspiring personalities along the way. By turns poignant and entertaining, Red, White & Verse should appeal to American history lovers from across the political spectrum.

The included works are presented chronologically based on the people, places, and events featured in them, starting with a biographical poem about Pocahontas (1596–1617) and ending with a poignant ode dedicated to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. There are also three additional poems included at the end of the collection, likely sitting outside the chronological order due to the timelessness of their subject matter: the Mississippi River, Grand Canyon, and Great Lakes, respectively. In these latter works, McNeilly captures the majesty of nature, for example, “The river, America in a watery flow, / Tells the story of a nation that continues to grow. / Its water whispers tales old and new, / The Mississippi, America’s river, steadfast and true.”

Among the famous faces profiled by McNeilly are political giants such as Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, with the former being described as “In the forge of revolution, his vision held fast, / A founding father, his lot was cast” and the latter termed “a leader without peer.” There are also poems dedicated to key figures from the abolitionist and civil rights movements, including Frederick Douglas (“Indeed, a man of words, a man of deeds, / Whose eloquence the soul of the nation feeds.”), Harriet Tubman (“Assuming the mantle of Moses, a codename worn with pride, / She was a conductor on the Underground Railroad’s secret tide.”), and Malcolm X (“He instilled pride where shame once lay, / In the hearts of many, he ignited the way.”).

Moreover, from the sphere of business and industry, the likes of J.P. Morgan, Henry Ford (“whose heart was set on industry”), and John D. Rockefeller are represented, while from the fields of literature and entertainment, McNeilly profiles figures such as Mark Twain, Harper Lee, and even Hollywood itself (“In the heart of Los Angeles rests a luminous jewel, / Hollywood, where dreams are spun and stories rule”). Sports and sportspeople are not forgotten either, as McNeilly pens a tribute to America’s love of baseball, which he describes as follows: “In the lush expanse, where field and sky unite, / Where heroes are chiseled in the crucible of eternal fight, / Emerges a symphony, America’s long days of light, / A Homeric saga unfurls in the halcyon summer night.”

All these extraordinary people and more, as well as the principles they represent, are elucidated by McNeilly, thereby unveiling their influence on the growth and development of the United States and its position in the world today. His verse also explores key moments and events from history that have shaped the country, including the Gettysburg Address (“Where hope was born anew from a past so keen”) and Pearl Harbor. Furthermore, he pens tributes to important annual traditions such as Thanksgiving and Independence Day, highlighting the things that bring and bind Americans together. What’s more, he also takes time to consider the things that divide the nation. In accomplishing all this, McNeilly certainly succeeds in achieving his aim “to recapture the heroic as our myth with a nod to our imperfection.”

As each poem is preceded by a bullet-pointed list of facts and figures related to its subject matter, McNeilly’s work serves to inform as well as to entertain. There are plenty of avenues suggested for further research and exploration. The text is also interspersed with illustrations by Rupert Van Wyk depicting certain scenes from the poems, which may serve to engage younger readers in particular, who will likely especially enjoy having the poems read aloud to them. As a collection, Red, White & Verse offers an impassioned tribute to everything that has gone into the making of the United States and to everything that continues to shape the nation today, making it a great choice for poetry-loving aficionados of American history and those seeking to learn more about the country.


WHO LEFT GOD PLAYING WITH MUD?!

Every year it seems the writing world is awash with new books brimming across new genres and subsections. Works that are meta commentaries on current issues or cultural happenings, presented in fantasy or science fiction to paradoxically add relevance to the reader. So it’s always interesting to discover a work that reads almost like mythology or fables. Author Namir L. Naoum’s new book, Who Left God Playing With Mud?!, is equal parts daring and refreshing. The sober approach the author takes to explaining and exploring cruelty, the oddity of humanity’s nature, its ability to be both profound and profane.

There is a quality about Who Left God Playing With Mud?! that reminds you of all those heroes and demigods of our literary past. You see shades and shadows of the gods gambling over the fate of Troy, the humans made of clay doing their respective god’s shadow boxing.

This can be found in the synopsis, A few heroes will endure the assaults of despair, while others succumb to the whims of the gods, who, seemingly in a quest to satisfy an insatiable lust for blood, had gifted the humans with fertile minds for the sole purpose of enhancing a savagery far more amusing in its gore than that of the wildest beasts. Naoum doesn’t pull back from the graphic nature of the time, the cruelty and disregard many had for others. We are so used to imagining that the ancient world was a communal world, that didn’t suffer such cruelty. Yet, this ancient world seems almost foreign, alien in how it handles life.

Naoum has created a rich tapestry for the reader, transporting us throughout the ancient world, the glory of Babylon, the binary births of civilization and systematic cruelty. In ancient glorious Mesopotamia, a vast assortment of characters fill the book’s pages, the author grabbing and creating every single manner of human experience from the period. From priests to heretics, a wise school master, nobles and slaves, a princess, one thriving merchant, a struggling boatman, sculptors and a serial killer in a love triangle.

There is a lot to this tale and Naoum does an outstanding job of world building. The drama and prose come at you with a rush and don’t venture into various pitfalls that await other authors who attempt such a cast narrative.

This is a compelling book that asks much from the reader, that takes chances in its content, and that presents one of the most engaging and earnest portrayals of the ancient world.


Holmes, Marple & Poe: The Greatest Crime-Solving Team of the Twenty-First Century (Holmes, Margaret & Poe, 1)

As a big fan of James Patterson, when I read the description of this book, I really didn’t know what to expect. The book features three of the biggest names in mystery fiction in the title, Holmes, Marple, & Poe.

It turns out, the story features a group of three private investigators, all with these surnames. There is Brendan Holmes, Margaret Marple, and Auguste Poe. The book starts with them purchasing a property to use as both their office and homes. From there, they are called upon to solve several mysteries including the disappearance of a young Black attorney, stolen paintings, and a missing teen and her stepfather.

I have to say, this book was a bit hard to stomach. The mysteries did not display the excellent sleuth work of the three PIs, rather it displayed work that was so sloppy it was embarrassing. Each mystery was solved as quickly as a slap on the back of a naughty child’s hand. To top it off, Holmes is a heroin addict. Although the famous Sherlock Holmes was a cocaine addict, so it wasn’t a surprise that this version of the sleuth had some sort of drug problem, again, this was put into the story so sloppily as if it was just thrown into the mix. Overall, I believe fans of Patterson will be quite disappointed with this mess of a book.


Coyote Lost and Found (Coyote Sunrise)

Coyote is having a hard time with her foray into actual school after five years of homeschooling as she and her dad, Rodeo, meandered around the country on a converted bus. She finds a box with her mother’s ashes, and at the same time, schools close due to COVID-19, so she and Rodeo decide a road trip is in order to take Mom’s ashes to where she’d wanted them scattered. That place is unknown because she had written it in a book that Coyote lost. But Coyote lets Rodeo think they are on a quest Mom had set up. They take Coyote’s best friend and Rodeo’s new girlfriend along. Coyote is on a secret quest to find the book, but can she?

Anyone who read The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise will be thrilled to find this sequel. Dan Gemeinhart has brought back the cast from that book to continue their delightful wandering ways. The writing is simply spectacular with smart, snappy dialogue, well-rounded characters, and a sweet, funny story that will keep all readers, middle-grade and up, happily turning pages. Coyote tells the story, and her voice is pitch-perfect for a seventh-grade girl. Do not miss this book!


California Bear: A Novel

In 2018, a dormant predator is roused from a decades-long slumber. He was known as The California Bear and his spree of murder and mayhem haunted citizens and perplexed law enforcement. The hunger has arisen inside him again. As one killer plots his next strike, an alleged killer is set to rejoin society. Jack “Killer” Queen was convicted of running over a wealthy realtor, but his conviction was overturned due to new evidence uncovered by a retired detective. Jack wants to begin life anew and reconnect with his teenage daughter Matilda. However, Jack’s savior, Cato Hightower has plans for Jack. Hightower wants to enlist Jack in a convoluted plan to nab a killer and make some money in the process. Jack rebuffs Hightower initially, but begins to feel differently once he learns Matilda is sick and funds are in short supply.

 California Bear is the newest thrilling mystery from Duane Swierczynski(“Revolver”). The story is seen through the eyes of various characters and each perspective proves compelling and rewarding. The story’s heart is Matilda, aka “The Girl Detective” who doesn’t let Leukemia stand in the way of searching for justice in her father’s case. This is a story with plenty of chills coupled with heart and humor.


Random in Death: An Eve Dallas Novel (In Death, 58)

Another fantastic thriller by J.D. Robb, Random in Death is the latest installment in her In Death series. Lieutenant Eve Dallas is on the case when a young girl at a concert is mysteriously killed. The method used? A deadly cocktail of drugs including close-to-pure heroin. Jenna, the vic, was as clean as you could get. She was a sixteen-year-old who wanted to be a musician. She was at the concert with friends and wanted to give lead singer, Jake, her demo. Ironically, Jake is the one whom Jenna stumbles into after she is drugged and is also the one who tries to save Jenna's life.

As Eve, her husband Roarke, and Eve's partner Peabody pool their resources to figure out who the killer is, the killer strikes again.

Like the other books in this series, the writing is outstanding and the profiling that Eve and her team do to figure out who the perp is is deeply intricate, taking readers down a rabbit hole they didn't know they wanted to fall in. This book will have readers hooked from cover to cover.


Ride the Snake Road: Beamo Roamer's Hard Core Jaunt to the Wasteland (1) (The Adventures of Beamo Roamer)

Beamo Roamer is a scavenge man. Running digger crews, Beamo is always looking for the next big score. Beamo got his hands on a map after a shootout. The map shows the location of the lost Fort Knox gold buried over a thousand years ago during the “Doomtime.” Reluctantly, Beamo teams up with Tee Sal and the Sawbird Gang. But to find the lost treasure, Beamo and the outlaws must cross an apocalyptic wasteland patrolled by the Mutant Angels. To avoid the mutant chopper-riding marauders, the treasure hunters must Ride the Snake Road.

Ride the Snake Road is the debut Apocalyptica novel by LeRoy Wow. This hardcore Waitland punk saga is filled with savage chase scenes, wild gun battles, bloody knife fights, and more. The violence and mayhem will leave the reader clinging to the edge of their seats. But after the action dies down, so does the story. For an apocalyptic thriller, there is too much personal drama. The fast-paced thrill ride is too often interrupted by soap opera-style love interests and interpersonal conflict.


Not the End of the World: How We Can Be the First Generation to Build a Sustainable Planet by Hannah Richie is equal parts revealing and reassuring. Ritchie shows that environmental problems, while daunting, are indeed solvable if we remain focused and optimistic.

Ritchie deftly counters the doomsday narratives with hard data showing significant progress on environmental issues like declining carbon emissions, slowing deforestation rates, and improving air quality. She argues we have a unique opportunity, through advances in technology and renewable energy, to become the first generation to build a truly sustainable planet.

Her pragmatic guidance feels like a breath of fresh air amid the overwhelming deluge of negativity. Ritchie doesn't diminish the urgency of the crisis, but outlines concrete lifestyle changes and areas to prioritize that can have real impact. Her lucid writing and enlightening visuals transform complex data into an accessible, inspirational wake-up call. An uplifting and galvanizing read, this book is essential to empower ourselves to leave a better world for future generations.


The Deepest Lake

Aspiring writer Jules lands a dream job assisting famous writer Eva Marshall at her retreat near Lake Atitlán, The Deepest Lake in Central America. One day, her mother, Rose, gets the news that Jules is missing, supposedly after swimming alone, and feared dead. After three months of no answers and no body, Rose decides to go to the writer workshops that Eva offers at her estate. As Rose digs deeper, she discovers there is so much more to this story and Eva has crafted a narrative unlike anything else.

I was interested in the plot but had a hard time connecting with the characters. There wasn’t much depth to them and the conversations were unengaging. I found myself not really caring about what happened. I’m not sure why anyone would go to a writer’s retreat if they were all like this. This story was more weird than suspenseful. Perhaps if you like the author’s other stories, you may enjoy this one. I personally am not a fan of her writing style and storytelling.


Out of the Valley of Horses

Out of the Valley of Horses by Wendy Orr is an interesting fantasy adventure. When Honey's family escapes a spreading illness by finding refuge in an enchanted valley, it seems like the perfect safe haven. For seven years, they live alongside the magical horses and basically recycle everything they brought with them. But the valley becomes a prison when they are held captive by powerful magic so they can never leave.

When Honey suspects her father is ill, she knows she must find a way to break free and seek help from the outside world. I loved how their cozy valley life blended realistic details like recycling everything, with the magical elements like the valley's protective enchantment.

The backstory about Honey's grandfather added wonderful depth. And I was on the edge of my seat as Honey embarked on a daring quest to escape the valley's boundaries. Fantasy readers will love this world, blending reality with fiction and the magical horses. I liked the way the author used texts and emails to help readers understand what other people thought and what was going on.


What Waits in the Woods: A Chilling Novel of Suspense with a Shocking Twist

Esme Foster had left the small town of Graybridge, Massachusetts to fulfill her dream of being a professional ballerina. After a career-ending injury and a long-term break-up she returned home, the same day one of her childhood friends is found murdered in the woods behind her house. She wonders if this is related to her mother’s death, or the drowning of a friend when she was a child. To Detective Rita Meyers, everyone is a suspect. She wades through the small town secrets and the plethora of suspects to try and find the truth.

This suspenseful mystery was full of twists and turns. The author masterfully doles out the perfect amount of information to keep you guessing until the end. The characters were authentic and well rounded. Usually I don't like stories that switch between character perspectives because many times it feels too choppy and hard to follow, this is not the case with this book the author does a brilliant job and I found it easy to follow and riveting. I loved this book and would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys mystery thrillers.


The Spellshop

All Kiela had was some books when she left Alyssium and her best friend Caz, who also happens to be a talking spider plant. With the Great Library up in flames and the revolutionaries tearing everything apart, all they can do is salvage what they can and flee by boat. The only place Kiela can think to go is the island where she was born. She finds refuge in her parents’ old home and unexpectedly connects with a handsome neighbor. Rebuilding their lives won’t be easy but Kiela develops a dangerous plan: opening a spellshop that may be super illegal.

The story opens directly into the heart of chaos as the two friends flee. This is a creative way to immediately take you into the unique world that Durst has created and sets the tone of the setting. The story feels fresh and original, with a quirky charm and humor that maintains a light tone that stirs the imagination. From merhorses to winged cats, the world is filled with lots of magic and heart. The relationships are delightful with Caz and Kiela’s friendship at the core of the story, driving the plot and humor forward. I was instantly obsessed with The Spellshop for its charming, funny, quirky, and heartwarming story!


Sex, Lies and Sensibility

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde:

In "A Love Song for Ricki Wilde," readers are swept into the pulsating world of the music industry, where Ricki's journey towards love and self-acceptance unfolds amidst the backdrop of catchy tunes and heartfelt lyrics. Through trials and triumphs, Ricki's story resonates with the universal quest for belonging and authenticity. With its melodious narrative and relatable characters, this novel offers an enchanting blend of romance and self-discovery that will linger in readers' hearts like a cherished melody.

The Kiss Countdown:

"The Kiss Countdown" beckons readers into a world where time is of the essence, and love hangs in the balance. With each page turn, the tension mounts as two unlikely souls navigate the highs and lows of romance against the backdrop of a ticking clock. Will they seize the moment and find their happily ever after before time runs out? This captivating tale is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, promising readers a whirlwind romance that will keep them on the edge of their seats until the final countdown reaches zero.

The Partner Plot:

In "The Partner Plot," intrigue and deception reign supreme as protagonists unravel a web of lies to uncover the truth. With secrets lurking around every corner, the stakes are high as they race against time to save what matters most. This thrilling tale keeps readers on the edge of their seats, guessing at every twist and turn. As the tension mounts and suspicions deepen, "The Partner Plot" delivers a gripping narrative that will leave readers breathless until the very end.

Zora Books Her Happily Ever After:

"Zora Books Her Happily Ever After" invites readers on a heartwarming journey of self-discovery and resilience. Through Zora's quest for love and fulfillment, readers are reminded of the transformative power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to oneself. As Zora navigates the trials and tribulations of life, her story serves as an inspiring reminder that happiness is often found in unexpected places. With its uplifting message and relatable characters, this novel is a celebration of hope, courage, and the enduring power of love.

Sex, Lies, and Sensibility:

"Sex, Lies, and Sensibility" delves into the tangled web of relationships and desire, offering readers a tantalizing blend of scandal and romance. As characters navigate the complexities of love, lust, and betrayal, secrets are revealed and passions ignite. With its gripping narrative and steamy encounters, this book is a captivating exploration of human nature and the lengths we will go to in pursuit of our desires. From forbidden affairs to shocking revelations, "Sex, Lies, and Sensibility" keeps readers hooked until the very last page, craving more of its deliciously scandalous drama.


The Phalanx Code: A Garrett Sinclair Novel (Garrett Sinclair, 3)

General Garrett Sinclair had become a disposable patriot. He was in the midst of serving an indeterminate jail sentence at Fort Leavenworth when he learned he was being freed due to a Presidential pardon. Sinclair was skeptical, particularly as he held the President culpable for his imprisonment. On the night before he is to be released, he is targeted for attack by a band of prisoners. He is sent to solitary confinement where he is soon liberated by a member of his elite team. Sinclair’s freedom has been obtained at the behest of a tech billionaire. The billionaire is engaged in a zero-sum battle with a rival over surveillance technology with frightening implications. Sinclair has no desire to fight this battle, but when he learns that those close to him are being targeted, he acquiesces. Sinclair and his team are in for a new kind of fight.

The Phalanx Code is the latest explosive thriller from author A.J. Tata. Duty, loyalty, and devotion to family guide Garrett Sinclair but also make him an identifiable character well worth backing from start to finish. The action is non-stop throughout this spirited book.


The Djinn's Apple

Nardeen is only twelve when her home is raided, and her family is slaughtered.  She is the only survivor. As fate would have it, she ends up in a hospital, and is taken under the wing of a doctor. He treats her as his daughter, and teaches her the art of healing (as her father used to do).  As she settles in her new life, she seeks to avenge her family’s murders, and we as readers are enticed into nineth-century Bagdad during the time of Harun Al-Rashid – a exotic world of intrigue, mystery and magic.

The book in divided into two parts: Part I is when Nardeen is twelve. Part II is when she is sixteen, comfortable attending to patients, and plotting her revenge. Things really pick up when she meets Shuaib (adding a dash of romance to the story). The book is a page turner with several twists and turns. Even the last page contains an unexpected twist.  Readers unfamiliar with nineth-century Bagdad are given a brief introduction on the age of Harun Al-Rashid and the functions of a bimaristan (hospital). While the book targets YA, general readers interested in mystery, magic and exotic places may find it enjoyable as well.


So Let Them Burn (The Divine Traitors, 1)

So Let Them Burn is an immersive Jamaican-inspired fantasy tale that follows Faron Vincent, a gods-blessed female hero facing a difficult choice. Having used her divine magic to free her island from the dragon-riding Langley Empire, Faron now finds herself without a war to fight.

Forced to attend a peace summit, she is surprised when her sister, Elara, forms a bond with an enemy dragon. This traitorous act can only be repaired by killing Elara. Faron, not wanting to lose her only close family left, searches for an alternative solution while Elara uncovers shocking secrets. Both sisters must make life-altering decisions that will determine their own fates and the destiny of their world.

With its sharp and clever tale, So Let Them Burn captivates readers from beginning to end. The novel explores themes of sacrifice and the unbreakable bond between sisters, delivering a compelling and immersive narrative. This book is amazing but is not a great fit for readers twelve and younger. It is better suited for teenagers and young adults. This book was a great read and I hope others find it the same way as I did.


Mamie Phipps Clark, Champion for Children (Extraordinary Women in Psychology Series)

Pioneering researcher and educator Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark, the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in Psychology from the prestigious Columbia University, may not be a household name. However, her groundbreaking research on Black children's self-identity paved the way for the desegregation of public schools. Along with her husband, Kenneth, she defied the confines of racial norms of their time. Clark pursued graduate studies in the 1940s and testified as an expert in the landmark case Brown vs. Board of Education.

Black history is American history. Author Dr. Lynnette Mawhinney shares the significance of Clark’s legacy in Mamie Phipps Clark: Champion for Children in an information-rich and thought-provoking book that exemplifies Black excellence, courage, and service. Illustrated by Neil Evans, the book captures the hopes, aspirations and triumphs of the Clarks, a young, gifted Black couple who used their educational privilege and scholarship to advance equality for the Black community.

The graphic novel format makes it accessible for readers of all ages to immerse themselves in the story of sacrifice and deep concern for the community. Mawhinney provides well-placed commentary and action steps for readers to consider. It is an engaging read for anyone who is interested in keeping alive the legacy of people who worked diligently to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities for all American children.


The Bad Weather Friend

How nice is too nice? You are about to find out. Benny Catspaw was enjoying a decent life. As a rising star in the Orange County, CA, real estate scene, he thought he had his future all planned out. Beautiful girlfriend, promising career, a potential for a great life. His positive outlook always at the forefront, even when he experienced the worst day of his life. All of a sudden everything was taken away, with no reason why, but he suspected some kind of conspiracy because nothing else makes sense. Add a mysterious inheritance from an uncle he never knew existed and mysterious turns into a quest for the truth. Will Benny find out who is out to get him and why?

This books starts out a bit ominous with palpable suspense that is carried throughout the story, but in between the terror there is also some positivity and humor. The characters had me invested immediately, men who are strong and kind women who do not need to be saved and can take care of themselves and villains that are truly evil. I would highly recommend this if you enjoy mysteries with paranormal undertones, monsters, and government conspiracies.


War of the Wind

Max’s world has changed. Before, he had friends, sports, and a life, but a boating accident left him deaf and stuck in the class with the zoomers (aka space cadets). And if that isn’t bad enough, his father won’t even try to communicate with him, which is just fine as he’s out to sea most weeks. When their Scottish island has a chance to get Wi-Fi, the residents are quick to agree to the ugly wind turbines that will be placed close to shore.

However, Max learns there’s more than just Wi-Fi coming. He notices how everyone else who can hear reacts to the turbines, which makes him suspect that there is a bigger problem than the ugliness at their coastline, and if he can’t stop it, it  may cost him everything.

Max is not likeable, not at first. Before the accident, he was the bully and picked on the kids who have disabilities, but his character arc over the course of the book is redeeming and hopeful. The portrayal of hearing loss is spot on (no, hearing aids aren’t the answer for everyone) and the science fiction mystery is compelling and original. Perfect for Roland Smith and Rodman Philbrick readers.


Scumbag Rehab

"Corey Croft creates a strangely fascinating tale about a lowlife who is bent on revenge. Scumbag Rehab is one of the funniest and most unhinged crime books I've read, ever! From it's self-depreciating humor to its unfiltered first-person observations and the graphic action scenes, the book offers an intense, evocative read that will keep you laughing and gasping in shock throughout." —Foluso Falaye, San Francisco Book Review


KYD'S GAME

Neil Kyd wanted to work his farm and leave his past in the rearview mirror. Despite the often unforgiving weather conditions in Kansas, Neil was determined to make a living and care for his gravely ill daughter. A visit from a former colleague in the CIA was the last thing Neil expected or wanted.

Paul Wexler has a pressing assignment and needs to bring Neil into the fold and out of his self-imposed exile. A highly contested presidential election is being waged in Russia and there exists confidential information that may sway the results. Neil’s previous work for the agency involved time spent in Russia and any connections he made could aid in procuring the intelligence.

Neil initially rebuffs Wexler’s entreaties, but when Wexler offers an experimental treatment for his daughter’s debilitating disease, Neil acquiesces. Neil believes his mission is cut and dry and he will be back in time for the beginning of his daughter Molly’s treatment.

Meanwhile in Russia, Major Alexi Zarefsky has been asked with foiling a domestic plot. The chief rival of the President is planning on exchanging some information with an outside party, which may damage Russia along with a variety of people. Zarefsky is told in no uncertain terms that his future depends on his success.

Upon arrival in Russia, Neil must confront his former self when he meets the intermediary for his contact, a one-time love interest. Before Neil can process this reality, a shot rings out and a body has fallen. Neil is on the run in a distant land and he has become a disposable intelligence asset. His pursuers will stop at nothing to terminate him with extreme prejudice.

The complex relationship between the United States and Russia and the spy games that often divide the great nations form the backdrop of this well-crafted thriller. Neil Kyd is reluctant to involve himself in foreign affairs, but his love for his daughter provides the impetus for his actions. Neil’s undertaking is contrasted with Zarefsky’s charge as both men are faced with do or die situations.

The story’s appeal comes from the dramatic chess game that unfolds with Kyd and Zarefsky as the two primary pieces. The enjoyment comes in Kyd’s race for answers and Zarefsky’s hunt for Kyd. Marc Rosenberg has composed a clever and absorbing book filled with more than a few surprises that will leave the reader satisfied and ready for his next work.


Ride the Snake Road--Beamo Roamer's Hardcore Jaunt to the Wasteland

Merica, 1,100 years after Doomtime. Beamo Roamer is a scavenge man from the Zarks. He and the digger crew he runs strike it big, unearthing the most incredible big rig ever found. Beamo’s profit from selling the big rig at auction bought him passage through the Heights Bluff Gate and into a mansion. Beamo was now a Big Man. A few months later, while on a scouting run, Beamo gets into a gunfight. As a result of the skirmish, Beamo scored a treasure map and loads of trouble with the Sawbird Gang. Outgunned, Beamo gives up the map to Tee and Bonehead. But to get to the treasure, the notorious gangsters hire Beam to get them through the Wasteland and past chopper-riding mutants to find the lost Fort Knox gold.

Ride the Snake Road by LeRoy Wow is a unique post-apocalyptic thrill ride. With its blend of motorcycle chases, knife fights, and shootouts, Wow delivers an action-packed novel that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The book is a perfect mix of blood, gore, and road grit, set in a dystopian Merica after Doomtime. Wow’s use of familiar landmarks and creative slang adds a unique flavor to the story, leading the reader on a high-adrenaline journey. Despite the characters’ lost state, Wow’s world-building is exciting and creative, yet still familiar enough. Wow’s novel could be considered post-apocalyptic urban fantasy.

As exciting as most of the novel is, the pacing sometimes comes to a screeching halt with Beamo’s loquaciousness. The dialogue is long-winded at times. The reader can get just as frustrated as Bonehead. As he said, “Ious calling yous out on that bullshi, Roamer…” It feels like the action sometimes takes a back seat to the interpersonal drama. Even though a lot of character development happens between the fighting, these slow points can be rough.

Ride the Snake Road is a gritty, action-fueled, and extreme journey. Wow’s wasteland-punk setting is a wild, untamed place filled with strange, fantastical monsters and mutated humans. Yet, it’s still believable enough to make this an exciting post-apocalyptic science fiction novel. Wow’s work is not for the faint-hearted, as it’s filled with heart-pounding moments. It will particularly appeal to fans of realistic world-building and smart, witty storylines. If one could imagine the disfigured offspring from the grotesque union of Easy Ride and The Road Warrior, it would look a lot like LeRoy Wow’s Ride the Snake Road.


Ride the Snake Road: Beamo Roamer's Hard Core Jaunt to the Wasteland (The Adventures of Beamo Roamer Book 1)

The world is still a mess in the aftermath of Doomtime. A combination of self-inflicted atrocities and a powerful plague led to a reduction in the world's population, leaving human civilization in shambles. Against this backdrop, we see Beamo Roamer excited about the prospect of finding the Lost Fort Knox gold and becoming the first scavenge man to windfall past the Gate into Heights Bluff. Beamo meets both allies and enemies on his journey as he faces various daunting dangers. He agrees to guide the Sawbird Gang through the Blills' gauntlet using the Snake Road that runs past the Giant Four Faces and is accompanied by Little Bit, the girl leader of a ruthless bank-robbing gang.

Ride the Snake Road by LeRoy Wow takes readers on a scavenger's perilous adventure in a world of maddening chaos and deadly desperation. Beamo's journey is not for the weak, and he must face Mutant Angels, ruthless fighters, booby-trap tech-goblin drones, and intimidating power struggles.

LeRoy's writing is highly creative and vividly descriptive. Whether the story depicts the peculiarities of the characters or the physical appearance of the weird creatures, the book's lyrical language paints glaring pictures in the reader's mind. I shuddered at the thought of actually seeing a tech goblin with "at least ninety feet long, two horns, one above each eye" and a massive black tarantula. Additionally, the brilliant worldbuilding allows readers to be deeply immersed in it. Prepare for fascinating details about Doomtime, such as the hard famine that caused food scarcity and led to dependence on traditional farming knowledge.

Several past events are recalled throughout the story. This offers readers a chance to gradually understand how the protagonist's personality is shaped by his previous experiences. I deduced that losing relatives in a gruesome way must have contributed to the protagonist's toughness and bravery.

I disliked that in many of the conversations, the names of the speakers were not clearly stated, and I was often confused about which of the characters were speaking. Also, the missions and actions felt quite sporadic, making the story appear to lack continuity.

Nevertheless, I had a blast with Ride the Snake Road. The book's smooth blend of captivating action, spontaneous sex, and monstrous villains engenders a deeply immersive experience. It reminds me of chaotic, action-packed movies like Mad Max and Crank. Reading LeRoy's book is a fantastic way to enjoy the unpredictability of collapsed civilization from the safety of your home. Enjoy!


The Pinocchio Chip

In a futuristic society where AIs are commonplace, there remains skepticism. For all the benefits AIs provide, doubt lingers among humans due to differences in motivation and reasoning. For Photina, a seasoned AI, being raised and taught the ways of humans has proven personally beneficial after a string of events affects her societal standing because of death, murder, and betrayal.

Corrinne, Photina's mentor, passes away; with the inability to experience human emotions, Photina is confused about how to move forward. After a potential incident at the burial, she notices a string of corrupt code in her programming, and doubt sets in her heart and mind. She begins experiencing flashes of someone's memory entangled with intense human emotions, with the happenings being violent and emotion-ridden, foreign concepts to her and many AIs due to their code of conduct programmed within themselves to protect humans.

Photina must place trust in those she would have initially been hesitant toward on her path to discovery for answers for herself and others. Secrets of lost characters come to light, and new ones reveal themselves; help from others is crucial when blame creeps in for serial murders across the city. The penalty for AIs includes no court but instant deactivation.

Photina works with Drew, a fellow AI, and other humans to track down her recently discovered twin, Gemini, with whom she shares memories through "entanglement." When Gemini is more advanced and programmed with human emotions, and Photina is not, and given the intensity of emotions, can the two mesh cohesively?

The Pinocchio Chip will appeal to science fiction fans, as the story is set in the future and contains robots and advanced technology; for familiar readers, it is also a novella in the Brink of Life series. With characters and references to the series, The Pinocchio Chip remains a proper standalone. This reader found/interpreted little "jabs" made by the author within the story about society's current behavior while referencing it from the futuristic point of view; it was entertaining and accurate. The story contains a balanced amount of religion and science, with neither reading as overpowering.

The overall story's theme is about moral and ethical dilemmas with varying points of view for the reader to contemplate. Understanding and accepting yourself is difficult, but it reads differently when the example is from AIs. The author's background as a psychiatrist is evident through the emotion-heavy theme and makes sense to the reader. Despite the shortened length, the reader will enjoy plenty of action and answers!


The Pinocchio Chip

Photina, who is suspected of murder, is on the run for a crime she knows little about. As an AI, Photina cannot be given the benefit of the doubt, and facing judgment before trial might be the fate of a human-made entity like her. She must stay within the shadows until the truth about the human's potential murder is uncovered. Meanwhile, Photina learns of another AI that looks exactly like her: Gemini. Gemini, however, appears to be more emotional and devious than her, and their minds seem to be mysteriously linked.

Is Photina ready to face the responsibility of the tough choices that await her as she delves deeper into her adversary's consciousness and discovers more about the human world? Rick Moskovitz's The Pinocchio Chip captivates readers with a mind-blowing sci-fi tale about AI and human consciousness. The book is the fourth book in the Brink of Life series.

I never thought I would love an AI character as much as I loved Photina. Photina's traits are even more intriguing and sophisticated than many human characters I've seen in fiction. She contemplates deep questions and thoughts about her existence in the first-person, which prompts the reader to consider intriguing philosophical ideas concerning AI. I especially loved the chapter that reveals that Photina wants to preserve her data from termination and depicts her wondering if it's "very different from what they call fear."

Apart from its captivating sci-fi themes, The Pinocchio Chip comprises various reader-friendly, attractive elements, including intense action scenes and heart-racing suspense. The smooth blend of the protagonist's determination to keep herself from getting terminated and the close calls creates an intriguing conflict that compels close attention and eagerness to see what transpires at the end.

Also, the book thrills readers with a mix of engaging themes: consciousness, dilemmas, philosophy, friendship, violence, rivalry, morality, and more. I found Photina's encounter with a caring character who strives to save her from getting caught adorable and very inspiring. In a way, Rick uses AI characters to shine a light on great human traits that are worth maintaining even in an age of advanced technology.

The Pinocchio Chip is a must-read for all sci-fi fans and readers who fantasize about a future where living with robots is more widespread and AI is even more advanced. Though it's in a series, the book is a standalone, and I didn't feel like I missed anything from the previous installments. Still, Rick's skillful twists and brilliant characterization have sparked my interest in the other installments. The Pinocchio Chip is just that good. This addictive, skillfully woven tale is a real page-turner!


The Pinocchio Chip

A philosophical and intelligent science fiction novella set in a near-future world where things are both recognizably familiar and startlingly different, Rick Moskovitz’s The Pinocchio Chip explores the meaning of life and the nature of consciousness and emotion through the experiences of an advanced artificial intelligence (AI), a cutting-edge clone, and the human creator of the two.

For Photina, a state-of-the-art AI that has been trained far beyond its initial programs and parameters, the first encounter with death results from the demise of Corinne, the human who has guided its existence for over twenty years. The experience is disorientating, but not in an emotional way, and the whole thing is made even stranger by the discovery of a few lines of rogue code that appear in Photina’s programming the night before Corinne’s funeral, code that nearly causes the AI to harm a human.

In an attempt to discover what’s going on, particularly if an AI can really be capable of murder, Photina runs away from the remainder of its human family, linking up with a fellow AI named Drew and learning more about the history of glitches in their programming, including memory lapses. When a human is hurt and identifies Photina as her attacker, the AI must confront the possibility of having a doppelganger with nefarious intentions.

With the help of Group 14, an organization dedicated to AI rights, Photina seeks a way to rescue her creator, Eli Kohana, a man long presumed dead, from the anti-tech Tribe of 23 in the hope that he will be able to shed some light on what’s happening. The adventure that this entails leads to far more significant revelations than Photina could ever have envisioned as well as unexpected opportunities for evolution, both for itself and for the world at large.

The Pinocchio Chip is the fourth installment in Moskovitz’s Brink of Life series and, while it can certainly be read and understood as a standalone novella, it might be useful to start with the previous books, given the amount of detailed world-building that seems to have taken place. It’s also interesting to note that the novella was written with the aid of ChatGPT, which means that an AI helped to write a book about an AI learning to exceed what was originally conceived for it. There’s something nicely sci fi about that.

In The Pinocchio Chip, Moskovitz adopts a unique approach to the nature and quality of futuristic technology by examining the evolving role of AI from the perspective of an actual AI. Witnessing the story unfold through Photina’s eyes is compelling and sometimes a little disorientating. The AI’s generally unemotional view of things highlights the puzzling nature of the rogue code, memory issues, and doppelganger, emphasizing the oddity of things. It does make the action feel a little removed though.

Moskovitz has clearly done a great job of the world-building for the plausibly futuristic world as a whole and of crafting a detailed and intriguing backstory for Photina. The events that unfold throughout the novella are exciting and attention-grabbing, although it would have been good if the story had been expanded to a novel, allowing for greater tension to be built and the revelations to be teased out more slowly and naturally.

Overall, The Pinocchio Chip is an innovative science fiction novella with a great premise and a unique perspective. Discovering the truth alongside Photina makes for an engaging and fast-paced reading experience.


The Pinocchio Chip

Photina is an advanced AI sentient being. Eli developed her but learned to be human from Corinne. Photina lived with Corinne and her family and was sworn by the advanced directive to protect her people at all costs. But At Corinne’s funeral, Photina experienced an unexpected urge to harm Natasha, Corinne’s daughter. Photina fled the compound to investigate these sudden urges out of love and loyalty for the family. Photina met Drew, another advanced AI, and together, while fixing the issue, learned of another of Eli’s creations, Gemini. Gemini is an exact clone of Photina, except for the addition of the Pinocchio Chip. Now Gemini is on a rampage, hurting those whom Photina cares about. It is up to Photina to stop the out-of-control AI.

The Pinocchio Chip is a new novel by retired psychiatrist and storyteller Rick Moskovitz. Writing his book in the first person from the point-of-view of Photina, his AI main character is absolutely genius. With a unique look into the naive quality that Photina possesses, Moskovitz not only tells an exciting story but delves into the question of “what it means to be human.” Moskovitz’s tale is a fast-paced crime drama that takes place in the near future. It is an excellent mixture of mystery, sci-fi, and psychology.

Moskovitz is not the first to write a story of AIs or robots grappling with the concept of humanity. However, his narrative stands out with its unique and original ideas. Drawing from his background in psychology and psychotherapy, Moskovitz delves into the intricacies of the human brain and aspects of humanity that many writers shy away from. Importantly, his tale is not one of warning or doom. Instead, it is a beacon of hope, with characters and messages that embody positive traits. Despite scenes of mild violence, this is not a story of AI annihilating humanity, but a tale that inspires hope for a more productive future.

The Pinocchio Chip is a fast-paced, easy read. However, in its brevity, it feels as if Moskovitz has skimmed over some details. While the action is thrilling, more depth could have been given to the narrative. The same can be said for the science of developing and educating the AIs in the story. As characters, they are well-crafted, but their creation is only hinted at. Moskovitz could have provided a more comprehensive understanding of the science behind AI.  For readers seeking a story about Artificial Intelligence with a positive message, look no further than The Pinocchio Chip.


The Pinocchio Chip

Photina, an advanced AI humanoid, suspects there could be an error somewhere in her programming, which would explain her recent weird behavior. But she's skeptical since it is almost impossible for anyone else to change even one line of her code except her creators. It all started when she tried to push Natasha into the grave at Corinne's funeral.

She lived with a couple—Marcus and Corrine and their daughter. She also protected them. They had developed a strong bond, and Photina was almost human. After the strange incident, there were talks of deactivating Photina. Worse still, they were a group of people strongly against the AIs. Things take a turn when Photina discovers she is the prime suspect in the murder of one of those advocating for the eradication of AI. She decides to flee but has nowhere to run. Luckily, she stumbles on Drew, a homeless AI who offers assistance to her. Later, Photina discovers she is being impersonated as another murder has been committed. She is on the run from the authorities, and this newly discovered double poses a risk for her.

The Pinocchio Chip is an interesting story that touches on the future of AI. It portrays a fictional world where AI has feelings and can be manipulated. It gets worse as there is the possibility of the creators losing control over it. This story was filled with action, suspense, and a deep reflection on the state of advanced AI. For the first time, I received a glimpse inside a humanoid's mind and understood their perspective. I was hooked on the story, especially after discovering there was an intelligent villain.

I wanted the best for Photina and hoped she would reconnect with the people she used to stay with. I liked how the story didn't drag on for long, the plot was fast-paced, and the characters were just a few. It was a short, sweet, and engaging read. I'm amazed that ChatGpt contributed to the creation of this work; it just shows how advanced AI is now. This book will open the eyes of the reader to some of the complexities around AI and even be a cause for debate on whether AI should be given advanced human traits like having feelings or not. Overall, it was an insightful book and quite an entertaining read. I recommend The Pinocchio Chip by Rick Moskovitz to anyone who likes science fiction. They'll find the book worth their time and money.


Love and Time: Embracing Change, Growth and Mature Relationships in the Winter of Life

Richard has enjoyed over four decades of a beautiful marriage with his wife, Alice. Now at eighty, he shares everything he knows about aging, relationships, love, and life. He uses stories to share valuable lessons and insights that he has gained over the years. He reminds readers of the brevity of life, why it's important to make each minute count, the joys of love and family, and how to maintain good health.

Before now, what I knew about aging was limited, and I had quite a few questions in my mind. But reading this book has taught me a lot about aging, and I'm glad I no longer fear being old. In the latter parts of the book, he discussed steps to take to ensure you're growing even in the last stages of life. I consider the book a guide on many aspects of life, and I found myself agreeing with his views on spirituality, art, and relationships.

The author talked about healing and letting go. I agree with what he said—that we should not play victim and open our hearts to new experiences. His words are filled with so much wisdom, and I felt like I was being spoken to by my grandfather. Death is a topic most people shy away from because it makes them uncomfortable, including me. We like to push the thought of our lives coming to an end someday aside because it's hard to imagine.

However, this book challenged how I approached the topic of dying. I'm learning to appreciate every moment and be conscious of the unpredictability of life. Reading the stories of people who lived long, happy lives is inspiring to me, and I'm determined to make the most of the time I have.

Over the past years, I have dealt with the fear of losing loved ones, and each time I hear of a stranger's death, I push the thoughts of it happening to people I love away. But now I'm learning to accept that death is inevitable and that no matter what happens, we will be happy again. It is also important to enjoy every minute by doing the things that make us happy and experiencing love.

As humans, we should give and receive love, and anyone who's experienced true love is blessed. Love and Time: Embracing Change, Growth, and Mature Relationships in the Winter of Life by Richard Matzkin is an enlightening memoir. I'm glad I got an opportunity to learn a thing or two from Richard, and I'll be on the lookout for his other books.


Blind Spots: A Novel

It began as an aberration but quickly became a worldwide pandemic, the blinding of every man, woman, and child. Despite the global affliction, scientists found a solution within a few years. A device dubbed a “vidder” brought vision along with other attributes to its prospective wearer. Marc Owens has emerged from the contagion a damaged man. He suffered the tragic loss of his wife and the actions he undertook as a police officer have tormented him over time. As he strives to move on with his life, the past will not let go so easily. A new relationship threatens to stagnate over his reluctance to have her move in and a commission wants his testimony over police actions that proved deadly. In addition to this, a murder has occurred which involves an invisible suspect and a doctor working on a possible cure for blindness.

Blind Spots” is a dark and hypnotic thriller by author Thomas Mullen(“Darktown”). Mullen paints a gloomy landscape, but the gravitas of the characters propels the plot compellingly. Mullen possesses the literary wherewithal to blend aspects of sci-fi and mystery while never subtracting an ounce of humanity and produces a terrific read.


The Butterfly Tree: An Extraordinary Saga of Seven Generations

All the elements to make an engaging story spanning seven generations are present in Woody Woodburn's debut novel The Butterfly Tree, but the writing is a bit too over the top for the book to be as engrossing as it could be.

Woodburn is more known as an essayist and memoirist--this is is his first novel, after all--and some of the fluffy writing that appears in essays to grab a reader's attention quickly just don't work in the novel form. The sweeping story of seven generations moves too quickly to feel rooted in any of the characters, and much of the dialogue is peppered with the kind of bumper-sticker wisdom that is more at home in the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Woodburn is a frequent contributor to that series.

There's no doubt that The Butterfly Tree is intended to be a wild romp through time with a message of kindness at its heart. But, it fell flat for me and left me wishing the writer had chosen to settle into one or two generations, rather than seven, to develop the characters he'd created and let the work breathe a little.


What the River Knows: Essays from the Heart of Alaska

Alaska, one of our more recent acquisitions, is a region filled with challenging mysteries that attract tourists, adventurers, and wilderness enthusiasts. Author and intrepid wilderness guide Michael Engelhard has assembled a collection of almost thirty essays describing his interactions and impressions from his years as a wilderness guide throughout Alaska. His background in anthropology fires his interest in the native people of this region.

Besides serving as a reluctant hunting guide for bear hunters, he also led treks for the Outward Bound, teaching these youths the survival skills that he hopefully thinks might help shape their lives. When the author is not ill-advisedly, but successfully, ascending Mt. Denali, then he is crossing rapids, constantly kayaking, snowshoeing over fields, greeting black bears and sometimes grizzlies, backpacking throughout the state while admiring and reveling in the natural life and landscapes that he beholds. He works with raptors, herds yaks, tries to rescue a raven, and even ruefully is foiled by a squirrel.

The essays seam together almost like a diary mirroring the writer’s passion for nature and especially the wilderness. Those who love adventure will thrill reading these heartfelt Alaskan revelations.


The Vacancy in Room 10: A Psychological Crime Thriller

In her latest psychological thriller, The Vacancy in Room 10, Seraphina Nova Glass does it again. Thrown out onto the street by her successful real estate boyfriend after finding out he is cheating on her, Cass is forced to find a new living situation. She ends up at The Sycamores, a motel turned apartment complex. The good news is that she's very handy and is allowed to trade her handy ma'am services for rent.

Anna's husband, Henry calls her and then commits suicide, apologizing for killing someone. Henry also rented an apartment at The Sycamores where he spent time painting. When Anna goes to the apartment, she becomes suspicious of the people living in the complex and does a little detective work to uncover any secrets Henry had.

The storylines of Cass and Anna melt together as neither of them knows who they can trust. I loved the characters in this book including the pool ladies who were your stereotypical white trash girls with kids and no baby daddies around, Cass' arrogant ex-boyfriend and her equally arrogant ex-friends, the big oaf named Barry, and the man who just lost his wife to cancer, Callum. Glass does an unbelievable job of cultivating a story that readers will not be able to take their eyes off.


The Last Word: A Novel (Ruth Galloway Mystery)

Although The Last Word by Elly Griffiths is the fourth in the Harbinder Kaur series, that character, now a Detective Inspector in London, is barely in this novel. Instead, the plot revolves around the members of the newly formed K&F Detective Agency comprised of Edwin and Natalka, who we met in The Postscript Murders. When the agency is asked to investigate the murder of a local writer, they soon find that several other writers have also died under mysterious circumstances—all who share a connection to a particular writer’s retreat. Edwin, joined by Benedict, barista and former monk, goes undercover hoping to discover truth. Unfortunately, The Last Word does not measure up to what we have come to expect from this author. It could be because of the lack of feisty Harbinder Kaur to move the action along, with less fleshed out detective characters taking her place. Or perhaps it is just too long with too many irrelevant details heavy-handed religious asides. Honestly, I wish I could point out one thing that makes this novel not work, but it simply does not. That said, I do hope there is a book five in this series, and I hope that Griffiths refocuses on what made the others work so well.


A Revolutionary Friendship: Washington, Jefferson, and the American Republic

The title of this book does puzzle me since, at best, the friendship between George Washington and Thomas Jefferson was difficult. Many of their ideas were at loggerheads. Though they did breakfast together during Washington’s administration, it seems that these meetings took place to make sure that Jefferson stayed on the same page.

The author of this book, although born in Boston, has spent thirty years in the UK. Perhaps it takes that kind of distance in order to take a fresh look at our founding fathers who were mendacious, slave-holding, land-grabbing opportunists. The two even bartered slaves for the land they coveted. The author details the hundreds of slaves owned by these men and the ordeals of the slaves at their hands. In addition, both took hundreds of acres of land from indigenous peoples in order to build a Virginia Dominion which would rival any great power. Washington and Jefferson, according to this author, loved luxury and were in debt to the British. When luxury taxes became burdensome, the two were ready to revolt. It is interesting that Sally Hemmings, Jefferson’s slave and the mother of six of his children, was half sister to Jefferson’s wife, but unable to enjoy any of the same privileges.


Close to Death

The price of disturbing the harmony of Riverview Close in Richmond upon Thames is a crossbow bolt through the neck. Such is the fate that befalls obnoxious newcomer Giles Kenworthy. Each of the residents in the gated community has cause to be upset with their new neighbor. But murder? A get-together is arranged to confront the bothersome new arrival, but he doesn’t show up; six weeks later, he’s dead.

Five years after these events, Anthony Horowitz—yes, the author appears in the story as himself—is writing about the murder in collaboration with the investigating detective, Daniel Hawthorne. The narrative switches from exchanges between the two men about their book to Horowitz’s live-action recreation of the crime and its aftermath. The solution to this locked-door mystery, or rather closed-Close mystery, is, as in many such stories, intricate, and its explication can be heavy-going (over twenty pages).

As customary, the reader is given all the clues to solve the mystery except for the final twist for which a previously undisclosed fact is required. With its intriguing premise, well-told story, clever structure and amusing dialogue, Close to Death is an entertaining mystery that will be a sure-fire hit with all Horowitz fans.


Being Black in America's Schools: A Student-Educator-Reformers Call for Change

The year 2024 marks the fiftieth anniversary of Brown vs Board of Education, the landmark Supreme Court case that ended segregation in U.S. public schools. While schools are technically integrated, racism continues to affect the experiences and outcomes of Black folks in the educational system. In Being Black in America’s Schools, educator Brian Rashad Fuller shares his personal journey as a Black student navigating American institutions and the lessons he learned that solidified his advocacy for actual change and reform.

Throughout the book, the author bolsters his arguments with data about the consequences of discriminatory policies and practices and offers concrete solutions to disrupt a racialized system. Fuller shares his narrative through the lens of an equity strategist who experienced K-12 education firsthand in Sumter, South Carolina. His college days at Emory offered eye-opening revelations about racial harm. Teaching in New York City, Fuller advanced his understanding of the impacts of overt interpersonal and systemic racial discrimination against students of color.

Educators and administrators will learn much from Fuller’s honest account of his lived experiences and observations about the invalidating and confidence-crushing experiences among his Black peers. Black in America’s Schools is a timely and relevant read for all well-meaning educators who want to improve their practices and create an environment where Black and Brown students are valued and supported.


Colored Television

Novelist Jane is a college writing instructor on sabbatical working to finish her second novel while temporarily living in her friend’s mansion in Los Angeles. After working tirelessly on her “mulatto War and Peace,” it is rejected by her publisher. Next, she tries her hand at television writing, yet this is a new world that she doesn’t exactly fit into. Jane wants to translate her musings about the mulatto identity to the screen, hopeful that a big-name producer can make her a star, or at least help her pay the bills.

This book is billed as a dark comedy, yet I found there was little humor. I would describe it as socially critical and controversial. I appreciated that Jane’s character was deeply developed rather than surface level. However, I found her decisions frustrating. Namely, her lying, avoidance of conflict and general apathy toward changing her financial situation.

I found the writing highbrow and over my head at times. However, the descriptions of domestic life were apt. I liked the evolution of Jane and her husband Lenny’s relationship throughout the novel. Overall, I found the book enjoyable, but it lost me at times and Jane’s antics left me stressed.


How to Look at a Bird: Open Your Eyes to the Joy of Watching and Knowing Birds

Birds are everywhere, and birdwatching can be a fun, satisfying hobby for people of all ages. One doesn’t need special equipment to begin. One simply needs eyes and ears and natural curiosity, although if one can get a sketchbook, colored pencils, and a pair of binoculars it will enrich one’s experience. Author and illustrator Clare Walker Leslie shares her journey to becoming a birdwatcher. Identifying birds begins with questions — Where are you? What time of year and day is it? What is the bird doing? Then start looking for markers. How big is the bird? What colors show? What is the shape of the bird, the bird’s beak, the bird’s talons, the bird’s tail? Make a sketch that shows these markers. Don’t worry about making a perfect drawing. A general sketch will do. What sounds does the bird make? Watch the bird fly and see how it moves about. Make notes of all this. Ask questions of other birdwatchers. Check a guidebook or online to see if you can identify the bird. Leslie even includes some sketching lessons and a place to list the birds you see in this handy little book. This is a terrific beginner's guide.


Continental Drifter

Meet Kathy - she never feels like she fits in, not in Bangkok where she lives, or in Maine where she goes every summer. Kathy loves American food and TV shows so Kathy can’t wait to visit Maine in the summer and looks forward to going to summer camp. However, when she arrives in Maine, she notices that she looks different from everyone else there. Will Kathy be able to fit in and make friends in summer camp?

The story was very interesting to read. It is odd that no one from Kathy’s summer camp has ever heard of a big city like Thailand. I feel bad for Kathy that she always felt alone in her family, and that it was hard for her to make friends at summer camp. I didn’t like how some of the kids were mean to Kathy and called her Jean. The art style is very simple, but the illustrations are very cute. I recommend this book to kids or anyone who likes to read a story about family and fitting in.


Kitten Ninja

Colleen AF Venable, Marcie Colleen, Ellen Stubbings

Kitten Ninja is so cute and funny! For readers who love cats, this will be a good book for them; and for readers who have cats, they will easily understand what is going on with Kitten Ninja. Kitten Ninja faces off against three enemies in and outside the house as it works to be better than its enemy and even helps a friend in need.

The three stories are short, so reading the whole story won't take long. Kitten Ninja is the first book in a series and I am excited to read more because (1) it's a cat and (2) I love laughing out loud at a good story. The illustrations are colorful and cheerful. The reading level is elementary age with easy words and not even words on every picture for young readers.


Murder Road

Murder Road is haunting and suspenseful. Readers follow newlyweds April and Eddie as they make their way from Ann Arbor to Lake Michigan for their honeymoon. But something happens along the way and they find themselves in a middle-of-nowhere town as the number one murder suspects of the girl they picked up on the road.

Murder Road is a thriller that will keep its readers on the edge of their seats. As April and Eddie try to figure out the mystery of Murder Road, it is their very own secrets that they realize are coming back to haunt them. This book left me with shivers going up and down my spine. I felt sorry for April and Eddie but also liked how they were both brave and stood up for themselves, especially when the local police detective bullied them. This is a fantastic mystery containing supernatural elements and creepy characters. Author Simone St. James does an amazing job of telling the story at the perfect pace-slow enough for readers to absorb the small details, yet fast enough to get readers’ hearts beating.


Woodlawn Giants

A lively, heartwarming, and often hilarious trip down memory lane, Woodlawn Giants draws on Robert Ross Williams’ memories of growing up in West Memphis, Tennessee, in the 1960s and 1970s to present a tribute to a bygone age and those who inhabited it. With nostalgia, fondness, and a sometimes critical eye, Williams reminisces about the people, places, and events that shaped his childhood and so contributed to making him who he is today.

It starts with the planting of the pines, just small seedlings in 1968 but “still there to this day, standing tall, looking good and high in the sky.” In Williams’ mind, these trees have come to symbolize “the giants and grown men that we the boys who grew up on Woodlawn became.” There are plenty of names to remember from that time, all of which still seem fresh in his memory. The fact that Williams continues to meet up with many of these guys when he’s back in West Memphis indicates how close they were and still are.

Of course, there’s always a slightly melancholy aspect when reminiscing, with Williams noting that he sees less and less of these old friends as life gets in the way but that, “although we have experienced some of our friends passing, the memories live on, and the trees are still standing.” He captures this bittersweet nature of memory well throughout Woodlawn Giants, bringing out the poignant elements of seemingly day-to-day events and situations.

Still, despite the reality of aging and reflecting, it is far from a depressing read. Focusing on the exploits of a gang of youngsters during the late 1960s and 1970s, when children seemed to have much more freedom to explore and be self-sufficient, Woodlawn Giants is packed with hijinks, shenanigans, and funny moments. For instance, the time Bobby decided to jump the bayou on his bike in the style of Evel Knievel, or when the gang convinced Williams that NASA was launching the next Apollo mission from West Memphis, or even when Williams’ father and Mr. Rick decided to haul a piano home.

Aside from these funny vignettes, Williams also reflects on issues that impacted his gang but reflected issues facing US society as a whole too, such as the racially segregated nature of West Memphis and the importance of religion to people’s place in the community. Such aspects ensure that Woodlawn Giants is both an autobiographic account and a contribution to US social history.

Overall, Woodlawn Giants is an fast-paced, episodic recounting of a fun-filled and action-packed childhood where almost anything seemed possible. Williams writes in a friendly and conversational style, drawing readers into his memories and making them feel like one of the gang.


Woodlawn Giants

The Woodlawn Giants are a group of friends that author Robert “Bobby” Ross Williams grew up with in East Memphis, Arkansas. Like their namesake pine trees, the young men stood proudly together and survived life’s trials and tribulations. Told as a series of stories, Woodlawn Giants reflects upon Williams’ childhood—complete with the hijinks he and his friends made, as well as the tough times. The book includes pictures that enhance the reminiscent nature of the stories, and allows readers to connect with a simpler time.

Woodlawn Giants is a collection of stories that describe memorable events from Bobby’s childhood, including fishing, summer jobs, playing outdoors, and going to church. Each story highlights a set of characters that were important to Bobby as a young boy. Author Williams’ witty sense of humor comes forth on the page, and although some of the jokes were over my head, I got the sense that he is quite the character in real life.

He likes to share lessons learned from events that both figuratively and literally scarred him. One of the main emphases of the book is that the power of community was a central theme during his childhood; he can even remember each neighborhood family’s name and what house they lived in. Throughout the book, he imparts the impact that his parents had on him and his friends, and the stories show that they were loving parents filled with wisdom.

One of the most enjoyable stories was about Bobby’s father and another neighborhood dad bringing home a grand piano for Bobby’s mother. It was a journey that ended in failure, though hilarity did ensue. Some of the stories were a bit longwinded, though the good ones were enjoyable and heartwarming.

The book begins a bit slowly, and it took me some time to get immersed in the story and become adjusted to Williams’ brand of storytelling. After a few chapters, it found its flow. The tone is conversational, and though it has some abrupt transitions, the diary-like format is conducive to this style. The ending was emotional and reflective, and I appreciated how Williams came back to the idea of the pines and how they represented meaningful friendships that he would value for years to come. The author reflects on how moving away from his childhood home impacted him, and the feelings of sorrow that came with leaving a closeknit community. This was a short book, though a charming read.


Woodlawn Giants

A pleasant walk down memory lane growing up in the late 1960s in West Memphis, Tennessee, with Robert Ross Williams. A glimpse into another time, this book follows young Bobby and the Woodlawn neighborhood gang as they explore their surroundings on East Woodlawn.

The Ten Mile Bayou just behind the neighborhood provided plenty of entertainment between catching crawfish and the infamous Bobby Kneivel attempt to jump the bayou. The combined backyards which were their baseball and football fields. The many neighbors that watched out for the boys. Pranks on each other and on neighbors that they didn’t like, getting into trouble and numerous injuries.

The hierarchy of the friendships, and how kind the older boys were to the younger ones, plus the mutual respect the boys had for each other. The fishing trips and summers working on his grandfather’s farm teaching valuable lessons to the boys about hard work and earning wages. The phrase “It takes a village” is a theme that is found throughout this memoir.

A poignant and humorous coming-of-age story, this book has all the feels. It gives you a view of life in another time from a child’s perspective and describes the antics of young children exploring their neighborhood and themselves as they are growing up. Plus memorable moments in his life involving neighbors, his parents and siblings, and interactions with strangers, makes this a nostalgia fest in the best way.

Reading this brought me back to my own childhood and the similar experiences I had with friends, playing in empty lots, exploring my neighborhood, enjoying the outdoors, and getting into trouble. This also reminded me of advice I’ve received over the years and important lessons learned. I loved the pictures included here and there, they really helped set the stage and helps the reader connect to the author’s story. The realization that people are pretty much the same wherever you go, some good and some bad, is an important lesson everyone can take to heart.

The author really draws you in and you feel like you are experiencing all these things with him. There is something for everyone in this book, sports, music, relationships, humor and religion. Overall, this positive and touching story was very enjoyable, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys non-fiction and anyone that would love a walk down memory lane, or to get a glimpse of what life was like for a young boy growing up in the South.


Woodlawn Giants

Trees planted as seedlings when the author was young grow to be giant trees, which, to the author, represent the men his many boyhood friends become. He names fifteen boys and indicates there are even more. Then we are transported back to his childhood to begin to meet this raft of friends.

As with most young boys of that time, bicycles are central to their lives, especially the ones they tricked out, sometimes in dangerous ways. After a bad crash, the boys decide that jumping tricked-out bikes is not the way to go, but they still want to have someone jump the bayou. Bobby (the author) is chosen. It does not go according to plan, but Bobby is okay.

In those times, kids had a lot of wide open space to play, but that is no longer the case. The town was basically segregated, even though the school was not. Bobby makes a good friend who is Black, erasing the lines of segregation for him. Visiting cousins give the author a bit of a picture of the world beyond his own backyard.

Church is an integral part of growing up in the South. There are services more than once a week, sometimes every day if there is a revival. Summer includes Vacation Bible School and Church Camp. The boys all learn some important lessons about what it means to live a Godly life at their church and at home through their parents' homilies. But the street they live on, Woodlawn, is the real heart of Bobby’s childhood.

All the adults keep close eyes on all the kids, and if someone needs some discipline, it is meted out by whoever is close by. Bobby’s father and another neighborhood dad keep the sports fields in the backyards in good shape. The kids spend most of their time there. Professional sports, particularly the St. Louis Cardinals, play an important role. With a bunch of kids involved, accidents of various kinds are peppered throughout the book, but the neighbors always step up to help everyone get through it with little permanent damage.

All isn’t fun and games. Kids work, too, chopping cotton, delivering papers, and more. As the kids get older, their horizons broaden to include stock car racing, country rock music, and snipe hunting. But with growing up comes changes as families move and kids become adults.

This is a memoir that would be of interest to the Woodlawn Giants and their families and friends, but it probably would not find much of an audience beyond that group. It is fairly well written, although, like a favorite uncle telling stories, it sometimes becomes repetitious and some of the stories go on too long. Part of it is written in first-person and part in third-person, which can be quite jarring.

The story is not told in chronological order, which leads to some of the repetitious nature. Some of the dialogue is written in a strong dialect, but some is not, which can be quite disconcerting. The family pictures would be fun for the hometown crowd, but, again, there wouldn’t be much interest beyond that. This book could use a good round of editing. If one grew up in the Woodlawn neighborhood in West Memphis, this is probably a book you would enjoy.


Girl Under Glass

Kelsey has one last chance before juvenile hall: community service with a crazy old botanist, in a boring green house where he studies plant communications. Ha, as if plants can communicate. Or can they? The more time she spends there, the more Kelsey learns that there’s more to plants then she believed. The only good things to come from being at the green house is Gen, an overly friendly cat, and being away from home and her alcoholic mother. And things can only get worse for Kelsey. She and two friends go to a party, a night that ends with a car crash and her best friend dead.

But there is still one person who cares, Dr. Hobbes, and he's willing to help her out when no one else seems to want to. When he's attacked in his greenhouse and left for dead, it's up to Kelsey to prove to the head detective that there was a whole room full of witnesses: the plants.

Girl Under Glass is a heartfelt story of friends, family, and growing up. The story was enjoyable, but the reasons behind Dr. Hobbes’ attack were weak. The attack is used as a reason to bring in the plants and Hobbes’ research, but otherwise didn't have a point. It did show how much Kelsey cared for him and how she stepped away from her hurt, but it still felt out of place.

The research is fascinating—can plants feel and talk?—and is important to proving who did it. Sources are listed in the back and I may have to check them out myself. The plants take a small part in the story, with facts that aren’t written like a textbook but fit into the narrative.

Kelsey and her friends are only in middle school, yet the only reason I'd know that is she states her age at one point. Most the kids read like they're teenagers. The characters are flat, but different from each other and I didn't have much trouble remembering who was who. Kelsey does change throughout the story. She starts with lots of sharp edges who will do anything for her mom, but ends with putting herself first for once and letting people care about her. Overall, I enjoyed the story, the science, and the idea that combines both.


Reaching Halfway to Heaven, California Redwoods and the Logger who loved them

I really enjoyed reading  Reaching Halfway to Heaven  by Lori Peelen. Educational, heartfelt, and enlightening, readers both young and old will love this tale.

Based on a true story,  Reaching Halfway to Heaven  discusses the story of Wade Sturgeon, a California logger with an unexpected story. Growing up amongst the redwoods, Wade loved spending time outside with his sister. Whether that was fishing underneath the magnificent redwood branches, digging up wild lilies, or journaling notes on forest life, Wade valued and appreciated the outdoors. Dreaming of starting his career as a botanist, Wade had the perfect childhood for fostering a deep love of our planet, with his most beloved memories residing underneath the shade of the redwoods.
Unfortunately, life had other plans for Wade. With his father’s passing, college and botany were no longer a feasible reality. At 15, he had no choice but to help and provide for his family, leaving school behind to work in the fields.

Fast-forwarding many years into the future, Wade’s dreams of botany may have died, but not his love of the outdoors. With an extensive home garden, Wade continued to value and appreciate wildlife. However, with a family to support and job scarcity in his region, logging was the only way to put food on the table. Although extremely painful for Wade to destroy the beauty he so deeply valued, what choice did he have in order to take care of his children?

An excellent children’s book on all accounts - theme, narrative, illustrations, and topic - I was truly moved by Wade’s story. I think this book provides a plethora of lessons for younger children, teaching them not just about the importance of conservation and America’s history, but valuable life lessons as well. Taking from Wade’s story, sometimes circumstances outside of our control dictate our future. Our initial dreams and plans can go awry, something disappointing, but not something that has to stop our efforts. In the case of Wade, he may not have been able to make as big of an impact as he may have liked; after all, he was a California logger! But he still was able to make small differences, whether that was planting new seeds, teaching his children about preservation and still simply appreciating and valuing the beauty of nature.

 A review of this book would be incomplete without mentioning the absolutely stunning illustrations by Kathy Goetzl. Breathing life into Wade’s story, I loved the vibrancy of color, attention to detail, and beauty these drawings brought over.  Overall, this children's book is a must-buy for young readers!


Red Clay, Running Waters

The story starts with Skaleeloskee, now known as John Ridge, being sent off to school in New England. John wrestles with fear about the long journey and living among White people. But he understands that education is necessary to become a leader like his father. At the school in New England, he experienced racism, and some of the Christians made him feel less human due to his background. John and his companions, David and George, face suspicion and condescension from a White authority figure named Dagget. However, Dr. Dempsey defends them, highlighting their respectful behavior.

John starts feeling the pressure to conform to White expectations for his future leadership role. His time in school was filled with ups and downs, but it helped him build solid relationships and teach him valuable life lessons. Life after school was hectic for John. He and David Vann were asked by the Creek Nation to represent them in negotiations with the US government.

The Creeks are trying to overturn a fraudulent treaty signed by McIntosh, a Creek leader, that ceded a large amount of Creek land to Georgia. John and David agree to help, even though it means giving up their positions on the Cherokee National Committee. John meets Sarah, who is from a different race, and they fall in love with each other. However, their love story is tumultuous due to racial differences and expectations from their family. Will the couple stand the test of time?

Overall, John is committed to serving his people and securing their future. He does it with so much determination and strategy. I liked how the language matched the time setting. It brought a sense of nostalgia, and as a fan of novels set in history, I found myself engrossed in the pages. The author writes beautifully and conveys the emotions of the characters well. Sarah and John are the stars in this book, and their love story is unique. They made a lot of sacrifices and were committed to making things work out. The novel touches on one of the most significant issues in society, which is racism.

We've come a long way toward stopping racism, but historical books like this remind us of what it's like to be a victim of racism at a time when it was rampant. Although John and his peers were discriminated against, they did not let it dampen their spirits, and John showed incredible leadership skills. Although Red Clay, Running Waters by Leslie K. Simmons is historical fiction, the book is based on true events, which added to its appeal for me. I had a great time reading, and I'm sure you will too.


LONGSTAR

Janus January was heading toward a purposeless future after being kicked out of school. He bridled at authority and didn’t like abiding by the rules. Years removed from his unceremonious expulsion, Jan is now immersed in an unexpected predicament. He is piloting a ship traversing the outer limits of space while fending off murderous pursuers. His previous captain was apparently taken out during the initial attack and Jan was forced to react quickly. Now, he is traveling with an alien creature named Bess. Bess is known as a ghast, an entity who Jan has been trained to fear yet the pair has formed an unlikely friendship.

Despite Jan’s maneuverings, their ship, the Lucky Star, is soon halted by another vessel and boarded. Jan is facing an unpleasant future as his actions are seen as rogue notwithstanding his protestations of innocence. Jan and Bess are held in isolation until they are approached with a salvatory solution in which Jan must fly his captors to a place called Stavanger. Stavanger is the location of a crucial person.

Tash was looking to escape with her loved ones before doom claimed them all. If nothing else, the family bloodline must be preserved. Tash hadn’t encountered many friendly faces after a brush with death, but she was a survivor with a healthy amount of distrust. Yet when she encounters Jan, there is a sense of familiarity with the brash young male. Once aboard the Lucky Star and after various debacles, Tash knows why she feels a sense of deja vu. She tells Jan that he is a character in a cult sci-fi adventure show that follows the story of a spaceship and its offbeat but lovable crew.

LONGSTAR is far from your average science fiction yarn as it possesses far greater depth and ambition in its narrative. Upon his initial appearance, Janus January possesses the hallmarks of a slacker, content to let others chart his path. Yet when the situation warrants, Jan exhibits heroism, strength, and loyalty. In spite of the popular stereotypes against ghasts, Jan doesn’t reject Bess’ offer of friendship. Their bond is strengthened under fire.

Once the crew of the Lucky Star meets Tash, the plot continues to gather steam as Jan, Bess, and Tash attempt to find a safe place from their pursuers. The story possesses a great deal of humor, a good portion is provided by the book’s meta moments referencing the TV show “Longstar’s Rangers.” This is a fun read that will hold appeal to readers desirous of an unconventional but superior epic.


Amy Unbound

Amy's sudden resignation from her partnership in a top-tier law firm is followed by a strong devotion to political activism and social change. Her husband Josh, on the other hand, couldn't care less about politics. Josh's father Max's betrayal turns him into a harder and more driven person as he pursues his career dreams and serves as mega-retailer MAG Corporation's vice-president of strategy.

With the couple drifting apart, Amy finds herself commuting to Chicago, becoming a part of the movement for Hope and Change, and expressing her excitement for Obama's presidency. Her commitment to social activism leads her to join the Chicago Alliance for Social Justice group, which is made up of dedicated community activists led by Stuart Spieglebaum and LaTanya Jones.

Amidst Amy's activism exploits Josh realizes he is losing his wife and strives to win her back before she's gone for good. Is it too late for Josh to save his marriage? Martin Sneider's Amy Unbound is a nuanced and highly engaging story with several twists and quests that are woven around the themes of politics, love, and betrayal.

The busy plot comprises fairly racy scenes, provocative acts of betrayal, adorable love goals, and intense rivalry. In essence, the story is designed to completely engage the reader and leave no room for boredom. Various events and goals are woven together and portrayed through multiple perspectives, allowing the reader to enjoy the book's unpredictability and attractive, intricate layers. I was very eager to find out if Amy would end up with a man she found very attractive or return to a marriage she was losing interest in. From start to finish, the protagonists' internal struggles are portrayed vividly through profound reflections and engaging conversations.

Furthermore, Amy Unbound offers readers a deep, revelatory portrayal of activism, politics, and business. Through its passionate characters, we see important moments in the history of American politics and its business world. I liked that some characters associated with Josh and his marketing efforts express skepticism towards the practicality of businesses operating online since it exemplifies people's expected reluctance to change.

Readers who love mind-blowing storylines, compelling twists, and strong characters will enjoy Amy Unbound. Martin's expertly written, evocative book will get you to feel a variety of strong emotions. I felt empathy, exhilaration, anger, surprise, fear, and many other emotions that made my time with the book an unforgettable experience. It takes top-notch writing skills to fully entertain readers while inspiring passion and provoking deep thoughts like Sneider does with his book.


Crosshairs

Crosshairs is the latest installment in James Patterson's Michael Bennett series. In this book, Bennett is assigned a partner in the form of an ex-Army Ranger named Rob Trilling. There is a sniper on the loose who is killing people and the two must work together to figure out what the victims have in common and find out who the sniper is.

As Bennett and Trilling work together on the assignment, several things go wrong. Then Bennett wonders if Trilling could be the sniper. The guy disappears at times and is very secretive. Also, Trilling's personality is really dry and Bennett has a difficult time reading him. This doesn't help when it comes to knowing if he can trust his partner or not.

Just like the other books in the Detective Bennett series, this one is full of colorful characters ranging from Bennett's superiors to the snipers they interview. And as always, there is a lot about Bennett's wife Mary Catherine, and their ten adopted children. Fans of the Michael Bennett series will enjoy this cat-and-mouse game.


Snowglobe (The Snowglobe Duology)

Snowglobe is the last place on earth that is warm. In order to live there, your life will be broadcasted and played out for the rest of the people living outside Snowglobe. Chobahm, a poor teenager who lives in the Outer World, is given an opportunity of a lifetime to live in Snowglobe when a famous resident, Haeri, commits suicide. Will living in Snowglobe be all it’s cracked up to be?

The book is billed as a cross between Hunger Games and Squid Games, and I can totally see the similarities. Snowglobe is a fantastic dystopian YA novel that reads like a good K-drama series filled with intrigue, betrayal, corruption, and the injustices between the haves and have-nots. I’m so happy that this novel got translated into English so I am able to read it. This is part of a duology so I’m looking forward to reading the sequel when it comes out. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good dystopian or K-drama story.


Masquerade

I was drawn to Masquerade by a brief description: Hades and Persephone set in fifteenth century West Africa. As with so many good books, once I got into the novel, I found there was so much more to it than that. On the surface, it is a retelling of the myth, but it is its own story, filled with rich details and fascinating characters. Òdòdó is not merely a captured girl; she is a young woman suddenly thrust from the edges of society to the heights of royalty. Sàngótè, the city to which she is brought, is not the underworld but a capital full of life and wealth and danger.

Her desire is not so simple as to escape and to return to her mother. It becomes both more complicated and simpler than that as more time goes on and she becomes more enmeshed in politics and treachery. She wishes to survive.

This is O.O. Sangoyomi’s first novel, and I hope it is the first of many. She has a knack for drawing readers into the immediacy of a story, and for creating complex characters which feel at once deeply human and intensely mythic.


Darker by Four

In an urban cityscape where demons lurk in the shadows, the lives of three individuals are about to collide. Rui, a cadet at a magical academy, is focused on nothing but avenging her mother’s death. Yurai, a powerless boy from a well-regarded family, wants nothing more than to fit in with the elite. Lastly, there’s Nikai, a reaper from the mysterious Fourth Court, who is thrown into the conflict when his master disappears.

If the death god is not found, the world as everyone knows it will collapse. When Rui’s powers are transferred to Yurai as the result of a spell gone wrong, she will do anything to get them back: even strike a deal with another King of Death. As the conflict heats up and a plague spreads across the city, the three will have to make some complicated decisions in order to save humanity.

This book was enchanting! Written for anime lovers and avid readers of fantasy, the setting and characters deliver an atmospheric world in which everything is unique yet familiar in all the best ways. The characters were well fleshed-out, with relatable personalities and honest relationships. I would recommend this to any fan of dark fantasy.


Theodora Hendrix and the Monstrous League of Monsters (1) (The Theodora Hendrix Books)

Have you ever wondered what happens when a human girl becomes part of a monster family? Then she becomes of the Monstrous League of Monsters, and someone threatens to take her away from her monster family. However, she doesn't want to be stripped from the only family she knows and loves. Read this book to find out what she does.

This cool chapter book has some illustrations throughout. I really enjoy books like this with illustrations. My favorite part was when Theodora faced her fears. I really like seeing the action I am reading about. This is a cool book, perfect for the spooky season. I see there are more books in the series, and I look forward to reading more.

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers


Dragonfruit

In the story Dragonfruit, ancient tales speak of the seadragon's egg, known as dragonfruit, possessing the power to undo a person's greatest sorrow. whether it be an unwanted marriage or an unpaid debt, the dragonfruit promises to make everything bad disappear. However, the legends also carry a warning : every wish comes at a price. Hanalei of Tamarind, the cherished daughter of an old island family, is forced into exile when her father steals a seadragon egg meant for an ill princess. In the years that follow, Hanalei finds comfort in studying the majestic seadragons, until one day an encounter with a female dragon offers her a chance to return home and right a terrible wrong. Meanwhile, Sam, the last remaining prince of Tamarind's matriarchal society, is left with two choices: to marry or to find a cure for the sickness plaguing his mother. When Hanalei, his childhood companion, returns from exile, she brings with her a glimmer of hope.

This captivating fantasy novel by talented author, Makiia Lucier, immerses readers in a richly-imagined world, where the search for the powerful dragonfruit pits characters against enemies both near and far. As Hanalei and Sam navigate their individual quests, they must also confront the dangers posed by the dragonfruit itself, leading to an exciting exploration of the consequences of wielding such powerful magic. Teenage and young adult fans of epic fantasy and intricate world-building will love this novel.


All This Twisted Glory (This Woven Kingdom, 3)

With the threat of war on the horizon, Alizeh must decide as her people flock to the city to stand behind her and two princes want her hand in marriage. But what is the right choice? Marry Cyrus then kill him once he's no longer in debt to the devil? Or marry Kamran, the first she fell in love with? Danger and secrets lurk around every corner, and Alizeh is running out of time.

The plot is heavily reliant on the romance, and though I enjoyed the plot, the romantic part drove me crazy. Two princes love Alizeh and she has fallen for both. For her, love is all passion and lust, while the princes treat her as an object of beauty. They don't consider her feelings on anything and Alizeh is always fighting everyone on what is right for her, even her friends are constantly telling her what to do and it got old fast.

The prose is very flowery and poetic, but it's usually telling what the characters are thinking and feeling, making it hard to actually feel for them. There is one spicy scene, but it’s very vague. There is heavy cussing sporadically throughout.