The Fear of Winter: Book One in The Fear Of Series

In The Fear of Winter, we follow Tom, who is still looking for his missing daughter two years later. On a December night in Colorado, Megan never came home. With no leads, the case has gone cold, but Tom hasn’t given up yet. He contacts Marshall York, a private investigator, who with his assistant, Hannah, delves deep into Megan’s life. Maybe finally, all working together, the three of them will discover what really happened to Megan, if it doesn’t get them killed first.

I found the premise very interesting as well as the title, but the title never came into play. It was never once mentioned. Also, there were a lot of errors for something that wasn’t an advanced reader copy. The main characters’ names kept getting switched, the plot didn’t even match the description on the back, and there were often no breaks when switching points of view.

I’m not quite sure what to think about this book and I don’t know where the author will go in the next installment. The characters in this were all incredibly broken and there wasn’t much light or redemption. If that is something you enjoy, then this book might be for you.


Cascadia Field Guide: Art, Ecology, Poetry

CMarie Fuhrman, Elizabeth Bradfield, Derek Sheffield

As a field guide, the editors of this edition have assembled a collection of endemic natural, historic, and cultural features of the Pacific Northwest to familiarize the reader with the area. But rather than restricting the contents to strict scientific categorization, the descriptions of the areas and their inhabitants are painted in an inviting narrative style, embellished with poetry and illustrated with entrancing black and white drawings. The blend of verse, art, background, and factual descriptions awakens the wonder a wanderer experiences when exposed to the wonders of this world.

Though the book is divided into thirteen regional sections, the reader can open randomly, perhaps to a page with a graffiti sketch of mosquitoes, to read that while mosquitoes can be annoying, we should nonetheless appreciate why they are necessary and smile at the accompanying verse. Or why we call the Hoary Marmot the Whistle Pig or identify Pinus contorta as the scientific name of the Lodgepole Pine, aptly named for its use by the Coastal Tribes for their lodges.

There is so much more about birds and bears, slugs and herbs, and fish, lizards, and crabs, all bound together in this ecological masterpiece aiming to meld art and cultural history with science.


Into the West

A story about the founding of Mercedes Lackey’s most well-known world, Valdemar, Into the West is about an ethical leader, Baron Kordas Valdemar, guiding his people into the wilderness and away from a tyrannical Empire. In the process, Kordas encounters exotic people, unnatural creatures, and absolute terror.

Into the West is the second in a series, and I recommend that before you read it, you read Beyond, the first book in the series. Mercedes Lackey creates beautiful characters in a well-developed world; however, it is writing about emotion that she does best. The reader is overcome with terror when Valdemar encounters an unnatural woods that broadcasts a feeling “Like rage, if rage had been smothered and sleeping for centuries, until it had dulled down to a sort of ambiance.” The reader joins with Kordas to feel “Gratitude so sweet, simple and heartfelt that he found himself sobbing.”

This incredible emotion is such that I must say that every middle school, high school, and public library should carry one or more copies of Into the West. This is a book that is best appreciated by people aged twelve and up who love fantasy and can handle adult content. Every fan of Valdemar should read Into the West. But beware! Once you pick it up, you may be incapable of putting it down again!


Big Truck Playdate

Corey loves trucks. He takes his trucks with him wherever he goes. And his trucks are his only companions. When there are other children around, Corey stays in his own lane and goes solo. One day, while sitting in class, Corey hears a sound that is music to his ears. A big turbo-charged semi-truck pulled into the schoolyard. The teacher announces that the class is going to have a big truck playdate! Corey runs to the starting line, but the traffic was all jammed up with children between Corey and where he wanted to be. He skids to a stop. All the other children are able to get into the truck and push the buttons. Will Corey find a way to join the fun?

Laurie Carmody has written a sweet story of a truck-loving boy who is on the autism spectrum. She deftly portrays how such a child would act and react in an exciting situation he might face. This story will help children learn about others on the spectrum while those who are on the spectrum will be able to see themselves in a book. Fun, bright illustrations by Jennica Lounsbury complete the story.


Frontier

Earth has become a dangerous place with humanity taking to space for better planets to call home. Those that remained adapted to their new environment, a lack of technology, and a shaky justice system under the High Sheriff. The life that they know is shaken when a stranger arrives, having fallen from the sky. The stranger is on a mission to help Earth but her arrival is met with hostility and distrust. All she knows is that she wants to complete her mission and return home.

A compelling opening sets the tone with the residents on Earth discovering the wreckage of a ship which leads to a turn of events perfectly fitting with a Western. It explores the new reality that the residents are living on a post-apocalyptic Earth. Friction is a consistent theme throughout such as the reactions people have toward the stranger and between the people of the planet as they’re experiencing a lawless environment. Curtis blends science fiction elements into this Western-inspired world, using it as a brilliant backdrop for the stranger’s adventure across it. /Frontier/ has a unique premise that puts a fresh perspective on the Western and science fiction genres with a stunning setting, strong voice, and addictive premise.


Forager: Field Notes for Surviving a Family Cult: a Memoir

This is a heart-breaking true-life tale of a young girl raised in a cult. Really, “raised” is too strong a word since she was neglected, starved, toughened up, and beaten. There are so many painful moments in this story; one constantly asks oneself how could any child endure this torture? In a similar manner, since she grew up in the Angeles National Forest, one wonders how the abuses of this cult went undetected for so long while so close to the major urban center of Pasadena. The ending of her tribulations is abrupt and the reader may wonder what the method of escape was. Perhaps they hardly noticed that she was missing?

Lest this book be totally sad, there are beautiful chapter heading illustrations of the plants that kept her alive and somewhat nourished. There is also a page of descriptions about the plants, their preparation, and usefulness as food. The book is a case study of the indoctrination of religion and how it degrades into megalomania.


No Strangers Here

The body of horse owner Johnny O’Reilly is found on a beach in County Derry. There are no tracks around the body, only a vial that once contained euthanasia medication used by veterinarians and sixty-nine black stones arranged to spell Last Dance, the name of Johnny’s most famous racehorse. Everyone knows everyone in this small Irish community, but the histories of the two families are especially closely entwined. Many years ago, Dimpna Wilde, daughter of the local veterinarian, was raped by O’Reilly’s son. It was hushed up, and neither the outcome of that violence, a boy, nor the perpetrator have any knowledge of the other. Then there’s the death of Last Dance. The newspapers of the time reported how Dimpna, then a teenager, released the million-dollar thoroughbred from its stall, and the panicked animal raced to its death. The multitude of convoluted motives spawned by these events bedevils the investigation of Cormac O’Brien, an inspector brought in from Killarney. No Strangers Here is an exceptionally well-paced page-turner, with clues, surprises, and red herrings appearing effortlessly, yet effectively, from start to finish. If that is not enough, this excellent mystery is masterfully rounded off with a gripping and totally unexpected ending.


The Lost Witch

Brigid Heron awakens in the basement of her Evermore cottage with no idea how she's gotten there. When she makes her way upstairs, she is confronted with odd furniture and two women she's never met--Finola and Ophelia--who now live in her house. Brigid has been gone for one hundred years and must find her lost memories and the truth about her past in Paige Crutcher's fast and fun new novel The Lost Witch.

Evermore is an Irish island long forgotten by time and anyone who lives beyond it. In the hundred years since Brigid's disappearance, it's become even more forgotten as the coven of Knight—four witches who swear allegiance to the demigod Luc Knightly—try to siphon the power in a locked lough and release every monster ever imprisoned in the icy waters. Their motives are purely evil and nefarious, but Knightly has a secret that has led him away from their darkness. His past is tied to Brigid's, and she will need him to reveal the truth and to help her find the most precious of all her lost items: her daughter Dove.

Brigid is a thoughtful and smart character who drives the action, but Crutcher should be lauded for all the strong women in this book. There are about fifty unnecessary pages that seem to be simple recaps (i.e. previously on The Lost Witch), but they don't distract from the plot. This one is a great read for fans of Paula Brackston or Deborah Harkness.


The Drift: A Novel

The Retreat is the property of The Drift, which stands for the Department of Research into Infection and Future Transmission. Meg, an ex-cop, is on her way to the Retreat when she awakens in a cable car suspended above snowy mountains with five strangers. Hannah, a boarding school student, was also on her way to the Retreat when she awakens after her bus crashes during a snowstorm. Carter, a man with a past as disfigured as his face, is currently at the Retreat where the power is threatening to go out. All of these people are survivors who will be faced with many challenges if they hope to make it through the end of the world. ||Be forewarned, there are no happy endings here. This is brutal and horrific, but it felt like the not-too-distant future if we keep having outbreaks. It doesn’t take much for society to break down, and everyone begins to look out for themselves. I thoroughly enjoyed the points-of-view changes and how they all came together. If you enjoy apocalyptic-type stories, this is for you. The author managed to encapsulate all of my worst nightmares into one book, so definitely a good horror story.


Polar Exposure: An All-Women's Expedition to the North Pole

Felicity Aston delivers an incredible true story. Felicity is no stranger to adventure but coming up with a rather original idea gives her the opportunity to have a remarkable journey. She gathers together women from all around the world with limited experience to tackle the environment of the North Pole. This book features a thorough account of their epic trip, from their training to how they successfully reached the North Pole.

Aston gives a thorough exploration of what they experienced with non-fiction that contains a story-like writing thanks to vivid descriptions such as describing the sun on the horizon as too sluggish to reach a zenith. The book features snippets written by the various women, with each sharing their individual experiences, such as how skiing on the Arctic Ocean is unlike anywhere else to how they got to know each other better in Oman. This permits you a chance to truly get to know who these women are and grounds the adventure in the bonds they formed. Photos included give you incredible visuals of amazing sights that range from the Sugar Dunes to ice boulders. A truly inspirational book, Polar Exposure is an adventure about eleven amazing women that is highly recommended.


House of Cotton: A Novel

Monica Brashears has written a dark and twisted thriller with House of Cotton. The book deals with everything from racial tensions to addiction to sexual abuse to ghosts all set against a stunning backdrop of the Deep South. The protagonist, nineteen-year-old Magnolia, is trying to process her grandmother's death and survive on the little money she makes from a gas station job when she meets Cotton Reuter, a white man who offers her a modeling job and the chance at a better life.

Magnolia's work with Cotton and his aunt Eden takes place in a home situation above a funeral home. Eden's makeup artistry and Cotton's photography transport Magnolia--when she's in character, she becomes someone else: the dead person she emulates for the grieving family and friends. This ability to transform isn't new; she also does it while having anonymous sex with men she meets through Tinder. The compartmentalization she manages is startling given the way she embodies her pain and loss. Brashears brilliantly renders her agony; Magnolia is razor-sharp about her circumstances, even as she continues to use her body in ways that don't make life better. There is a lesson, but she isn't learning it.

Ultimately the book is a great choice for people who like Gothic lit and want to delve into the darkness, but House of Cotton is not for the squeamish or faint of heart.


The Coach’s Way: The Art and Practice of Powerful Coaching in Any Field

Prolific author Eric Maisel offers sound advice and food for thought through The Coach’s Way, a dynamic guide designed for business and personal coaches of various experience levels. The work of coaching others to realize their goals and improve performance requires disciplined strategies for introspection and self-reflection. With self-awareness as the grounding lesson in becoming a better coach, the book offers helpful tips for folks considering coaching as a profession and a refresher for those who want to enhance their craft. He shares examples from the business world, but his primary audience is people seeking to maximize their creative pursuits.

People work with coaches because they want to improve an aspect of their life. Coaches help others to navigate challenges and cultivate novel approaches to solving problematic patterns of behavior. I serve as a leadership coach for organizations looking to enhance diversity and inclusion efforts. I found the book a helpful guide in seeing how I may enhance my interactions with clients. I appreciated Maisel’s emphasis on helping others as the foundational purpose of coaching. There are important lessons on how to encourage and hold people accountable to sustain the practice of newly adapted skills. The learnings also are relevant for people managers who help improve the performance of work teams.


How Far the Light Reaches: A Life in Ten Sea Creatures

Science writer Sabrina Imbler has an amazing talent for forging words into burning images that occasionally sear the soul. She cleverly juxtaposes descriptions of the patterned lives of ten different sea creatures with emotional events in her own life.

Her adolescent bout with weight is contrasted with the engaging octopus which refrains from food when brooding over its eggs. She tries to protect goldfish from being self-poisoned by their ammoniacal urine when confined within restrictive fishbowls, while they can grow to the size of cantaloupes if liberated into ponds or streams. Life conditions can be restrictive and cruel, as she sadly bemoans her sense of being a hybrid due to her part-Asian background in this Western white world.

The wonders of marine biology are vividly described in the tragic stories of giant whales and ancient threatened sturgeons, down to transparent, constantly reproducing jelly fish. Yet all these life forms are designed to best survive within their environment. Meanwhile, the author’s narrative whines about gender discrimination and her own struggle to survive. She is gifted with an amazing facility to transform language into lyrical imagery and a sensitivity to the creatures she studies, but her memoir story itself becomes tiresome.


Tenmile

Sissy, daughter of the town doctor, often helps her father as he ministers to the people of Tenmile, a poor mining town in Colorado. At age thirteen, sometimes this work is a heavy burden, especially when it involves her school friends or their families. When one of her best friends, Jack, has to leave school and go down into the mine, it’s hard for them both, but when he is badly injured, it really drives Sissy to examine the lives of young people in Tenmile. She is hired as a tutor for the son of the mine owner, and this brings a new perspective. Sissy finds ways to help many people in the town in surprising ways.

Sandra Dallas has written a very effective and compelling story that will give young readers a real taste of what it would be like to live in a mining town in Colorado in the late 1800s and the problems young people faced. The writing is excellent and shows the author’s fine research through period-appropriate language and issues. The characters are well-rounded and believable, and the masterfully rendered setting nearly becomes another character. Fans of historical fiction will love this book.


Izzy Paints

Izzy loves the art that she sees at an art museum. She decides that she would like to create her own art. So Izzy finds inspiration in the world around her to create her own art. It all starts when she looks at the sun and starts with a little bit of yellow. It takes some time, just as all good art does, but she creates a masterpiece that represents her and her world.

This was a really cute little book. The illustrations are bright and colorful, and it really shows how Izzy pulls inspiration from the color of the world around her. The story is really cute, and I love the ending of the book and Izzy's artwork. It would be cool to see more books about Izzy.


Musical Tables: Poems

The works in Billy Collins' latest collection Musical Tables: Poems are referred to as "small poems" by the author in the introduction. What they really are, though, is an assortment of puns, obvious observations, and downright pointless musings stretched far too thin. The goal of the book may be to illustrate the poet's craft even in a smaller form than he typically writes in, but that goal is not met given the pure drivel of these pieces.

In fact, it's hard to call them poems at all. There is absolutely no way this trash would be published were it not graced with Collins' name as the author. Ridiculous missives like "The Sunday Times: There's so much / going on in the world / besides these sausages" aren't deep or fraught with poignant observation—they are as average as average can be.

As an academic and educator who has studied, written and published poetry for over thirty years, I simply cannot grasp what is of value about this bundle of wasted paper other than the binding is beautiful and the font choice is easily read. There are a few poems that grip the heart; "Headstones," "A Small Hotel," and "Deer Hit" are exceptional. But, if Collins is capable of that kind of beauty, then shame on him for burying it in the pile of swill that is the rest of the book.


Maze

What happens to our dreams when we are awake? We remember our dreams, but do our dreams remember us? There is one dream that remembers. At night, Góreck comes to life in Nico’s dreams. A life full of color, fantasy, and adventure. In this dream, Góreck and Nico are best friends. When Nico is awake, Góreck’s world fades to gray. Something terrible happens that Góreck does not understand. Nico no longer dreams. Góreck breaks out of the land of dreams to save his friend and enters the maze of memories to find Nico.

Maze by artist Thiago Souto was first published in Brazil and now Dark Horse has released a version in English. The touching story of Nico and Góreck is creative and imaginative. It is a unique tale told from the dream’s point of view. As fun as the story is, the artwork makes this graphic novel stunning. Souto puts a lot of detail and intensity into his illustrations. The coloring is vibrant. With a balance of an intriguing story and awe-inspiring imagery, this graphic novel is the complete package. Join Góreck in his journey through the maze.


I Don't Care

Julie Fogliano,Molly Idle,Juana Martinez-Neal

Two little girls are talking about what they don’t care about: if the other likes what shoes she is wearing or if the other thinks her singing is funny or if the other thinks her drawing of a frog looks more like a bunny or if the other thinks her lunch smells funny. Neither of them cares about such things as that. But what each does care about is if the other always plays fair and is willing to share and if the other will hold hands when they are spinning. And they each care if the other is sad, worried, or upset. They really both care about what good friends care about.

Julie Fogliano has written a perfectly delightful homage to what friendship is really about. It will help youngsters understand that friendship takes cooperation and work, but it is well worth the effort. Her lyrical writing is always a treat to read, especially aloud to little listeners. The enchanting illustrations by Molly Idle and Juana Martinez-Neal complete the story perfectly and will help to keep youngsters engaged with the book. Don’t miss this one.


The Home Cafe

I don't think I have ever been so excited to try so many recipes out from a cookbook. And this isn't even really a cookbook! It's a coffee and tea recipe book. The Home Cafe had me at "Wake Up, Lavender," a coffee concoction that consists of lavender milk with a mocha layered on top. Gorgeous and mouthwatering! My husband loves cookies and cream, so I will make him the "Cookies 'n' Cream Coffee," which is iced coffee topped with cookies and cream-cream topping. Delicious! "The Strawbasil Float" is another recipe I will be trying immediately. It is a tea-based drink incorporating a scoop of homemade strawberry basil sorbet that floats on top.

The recipes in this book are so creative yet seem so easy. The recipes don't require a large number of ingredients or tools, which I think most people would appreciate. It makes the recipes doable for the average joe. The vivid photographs of each drink are eye-catching and will help the reader understand what a drink is supposed to look like since many of the drinks are layered. This book would be a welcome addition to any coffee or tea lover.


Acclaimed author and illustrator Jason Chin gifts readers with his newest masterpiece, The Universe in You: A Microscopic Journey. In it, he explores matter through a kaleidoscopic lens, beginning with the tiniest bird in America, the Calliope Hummingbird, to the itty-bitty microns that are less than a millimeter in length, and on down the measurement scale to nuclear pores that measure a mere one hundred and fifty nanometers across. He describes elementary particles that are so small their size is undefined. Chin concludes with the fundamental building blocks of all living organisms: molecules.

Through his articulately ornate illustrations and comprehensive, easy-to-understand elucidations, Chin provides an experience of wonder and awe. Even children who rarely choose non-fiction picture books may give this one a second take. It’s fact-filled but not overly dense and is truly fascinating in presentation.

This is a must-have for young biology-lovers, upper-elementary school science teachers, and all others simply interested in studying matter and the essential elements of which it consists. A central theme running throughout is how intricately all living things in the universe are related.


The Sun Is Late and So Is The Farmer

A mule, a milk cow, and a miniature horse are waiting patiently by the door of the barn for the sun to rise. After a little while, they come to realize that the sun is late, and if the sun is late, the farmer won’t wake up, and if the farmer doesn’t wake up, she won’t feed the animals their breakfast. The animals decide to ask the barn owl for his advice. The barn owl tells the three that they must take a long journey past the field of sheep, through the acre of corn and all the way to the edge of the world. There they will find the sun sleeping, and if they take the rooster along, he will know what to do.

Phillip C. Stead has written a quiet story that is sweet and humorous with some adventure thrown in. The writing is lovely, and the story is surprisingly compelling. Children will be enchanted by the journey these creatures take and what they face along the way. The charming illustrations by Erin E. Stead are filled with wonderful details and are done in soft, quiet colors that perfectly complement the story.


Nero: Matricide, Music, and Murder in Imperial Rome

The Roman Empire was a formidable presence during its reign of power. The might of the empire was reflective of the strength of its leadership. Augustus was the first Roman emperor, expanding the reach of the Empire far and wide. Augustus longed to see leadership be passed through familial bloodlines. The emperors who followed in his wake ranged from amoral (Caligula) to possibly insane (Claudius). In 54 AD, power passed to Nero, a reluctant heir to the throne. However, his mother Agrippina saw promise in him and was willing to engage in behind-the-scenes manipulation to ensure Nero’s ascent. As Nero sat atop the throne, he wielded his power in often ruthless and unsavory ways. The future of the Empire hung in the balance. During his fourteen years in power, Nero carved an immortal niche in history.

Authors Anthony Everitt (Cicero, 2002) and Roddy Ashworth offer up a well-written and nuanced assessment of the contentious subject whose growing lust for power was only rivaled by his desire to be loved. The palace intrigues that developed during Nero’s reign are narrated at a breathless pace, possessing all the aspects of a political thriller. The authors have written a remarkably candid biography of a notorious personality.


Kings of Nowhere Volume 1

Bili Moreno is the favorite target of a gang of bullies. A trio of young thugs often smack him around, leaving him bloody. It didn’t matter that his father was the notorious captain of the Lo Divino Cartel. His father denied Bili existed. After being pushed too far, something inside Bili woke. Fueled by trauma and his consuming anger, Bili transformed into a beast. Now as an ape aided by other chimeras, Bili sets out on his new path. Those who hurt him soon found themselves on the wrong side of Bili’s vengeance.

Kings of Nowhere: Vol 1 is the debut graphic novel by Soroush Barazesh. As both the author and illustrator, Barazesh is the sole creative contributor to this new project. As short as this comic is, it packs a punch. The story is as intense as the artwork that accompanies it. Barazesh does not hold back from depicting the violence that follows Bili. With a storyline this grim, Barazesh’s artwork fits the mood. His characters started as doodles, but this finished product is far from their humble beginnings. Join Bili and his crew as they take on the rough streets of Lo Divino as the Kings of Nowhere.


Yellow Butterfly

A young girl, perhaps six or seven years old, finds her country trademarked with the signatures of war: barbed-wire fences blocking once-traveled regions, remnants of missile attacks desecrating the earth, bullet-pocked vehicles left behind, long forgotten. The devastation leaves her breathless and enraged. Tears trickle down her pale face. If only she could reverse time and erase all the markings of the enemy. Those lost too soon would regain life; dilapidated buildings would stand tall again. She imagines this as the future of her great nation, one in which light prevails over darkness and the yellow butterflies roam free.

Yellow Butterfly is Ukrainian author and illustrator Oleksandr Shatokin’s response to the Russian invasion of his homeland, Ukraine. This timely picture book has no words, but its silence speaks volumes of the atrocities and reverberations of war. Shatokin’s imagery is brilliant; his black and white illustrations, some of which are emboldened by electric yellow and cornflower blue, illuminate the stark contrasts of war and peace, despair and revival. Children ages eight to twelve who are sensitive to the needs and lives of others will love this soundless story. Those captivated by world events will find it a deeply moving account as well.


The Little Toymaker

Enchanted Illustrations Children’s Book Roundup

Children will learn and grow from the books in this roundup. Each book is beautifully illustrated to accompany the lessons children will learn. From bright, vivid cartoon drawings to more muted, realistic illustrations, these books will mesmerize little eyes. These books are perfect for gift-giving or becoming a new favorite bedtime story.

You Are Growing All the Time
Deborah Farmer Kris, Jennifer Zivoin
Free Spirit Publishing
9781631987090

A book that celebrates the ways children grow inside and out, You Are Growing All the Time is written in beautiful, gentle prose with rhymes, affirmations, and positivity. With wonderful color illustrations and words that will help to comfort children and help them understand how they are growing physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially, adults will enjoy reading this book and discussing it with their little ones.

Let's Add Up! (Big, Little Concepts, 4)
Victoria Allenby
Pajama Press
9781772782486

Let’s Add Up will not only teach little ones their numbers but how to use them creatively. With cute and lively illustrations by Maggie Zeng, author Victoria Allenby uses the number ten to give readers and educators activities for learning that are simple and easy to use. Little ones will love the fun concepts in this book as they hone in on some basic math skills.

The Little Toymaker
Cat Min
Levine Querido c/o Chronicle Books
9781646141807

A twist on gift giving, The Little Toymaker is about a boy who makes toys for grandparents and older folk. This heartwarming story brings to life the act of giving and recognizing the nostalgia of an older generation. With sweet, vibrant illustrations, this dreamlike tale is sure to become a new holiday reading favorite.

Paradise Sands
Levi Pinfold
Candlewick Press
9781536212822

An enchanting book that finds a young girl and her brothers trapped in a ghostly land of paradise. Making a bargain with the commanding creature to let them go back home, the girl is unsure she can fulfill her end of the bargain. With sophisticated, realistic drawings in a muted palette, this book is surreal and haunting and will bring its readers deep into another realm.

All Through the Night
Polly Faber, Harriet Hobday
Candlewick Press
9781536227512

This book illustrates the many jobs that people perform at night. While a young child is getting ready for bedtime, workers such as nurses, cleaners, and police officers are just starting their work shifts. With the deep, vibrant colors used in the illustrations, this book will help children to understand that there are still people awake all through the night while they are tucked safely in their beds. A wonderful book for children who have nighttime anxiety.


How to Become a Superhero (Somos8)

Fun for all ages, How to Become a Superhero is sure to spark creativity in young readers. This book is a step-by-step guide with fun, color illustrations on how to become a superhero. What is your costume going to look like? Will you have a mask? What is your superpower, and will you have a sidekick? Will you team up with other superheroes to fight the bad guys and save the good guys? These are all things that one must contemplate when deciding to become a superhero.

The illustrations in this book are hilarious. The expressions on the characters' faces are adorable and sometimes silly. What would it be like to stop a falling meteorite or an alien invasion? Little minds will want to make costumes and masks of their very own after reading this book. What a great idea for a rainy day!

How to Become a Superhero is appropriate for children of all ages, especially children ages four to ten. Imaginations will run wild as little eyes and ears consider the possibilities of superheroism.


The Broken Horn

"The Broken Horn somehow manages to effortlessly deliver character-driven plot lines as well as realistic world-building while simultaneously offering non-stop high-stakes action alongside incredibly descriptive and highly original backdrops. Between the amazingly diverse cast of characters and the flawless setup for further books in the series, Elliott has delivered top-tier adult fantasy with this promising saga." —Beatrice Toothman, Portland Book Review


Holding On and Not Giving Up On Self

 Holding On and Not Giving Up on Self  by Ms. Dee Bryant was a short read, full of lessons and anecdotes from her personal life. Byrant grew up as such puts it, “young, naïve, and misinformed.” Throughout middle school, she was bullied and generally very shy. This pattern continued into high school, where she lived in her popular older sister’s shadow. However, after getting her first job, Bryant began to blossom. This endeavor forced her to get out of her shell, become more independent, and learn to socialize better with customers and management.

But like many at her age, Bryant loved money and began to put her job before all else. Working almost forty hours a week while still in high school, Bryant looks back with regret at the school functions and high school memories she missed out on. Despite her schedule, Bryant managed to graduate high school and moved into the next chapter of her life by joining the Army.

The rest of the novel is based on Bryant’s time in the military. She discusses basic training, weapons training, and much more. Personally, I found the story of her sexual harassment most impactful, something she says she has never shared before. In mixed-gender barracks, Bryant was fast asleep when she was awoken by an intruder standing over her bed telling her how beautiful she was. Immediately troubled, Bryant escaped and locked herself in the bathroom, reporting to her First Sergeant the incident the next morning. Disgustingly, the First Sergeant did not take her seriously – a common theme amongst sexual harassment survivors. Fortunately, the soldier in question was moved to a different site where Bryant was able to feel more comfortable.

This novel is set up in a sort of interactive format, where after each chapter there is a question for readers, Bryant’s advice, and an applicable bible verse. I have to say I did not find this format to be helpful as intended. In the novel description, it is described as being for young adults, teachers, school administrators, and church leaders, but the questions do not align with this. For example, the first question asks about what the reader wants to do after graduating high school, something not relevant to an adult or anyone post-high school. I found this conflict of audience to be an issue with a lot of the anecdotes in the novel as well. I would suggest Bryant find her specific target audience, and tailor her passages to them. The generality that the book has now is simply confusing.

As a whole, I have to say this novel needs some work. Although the content itself is not without some value, it needs thorough editing and reconstruction to be ready for print


Holding On and Not Giving Up On Self

Having retired from the military after serving for twenty-one years with the US Army and then securing a good civilian job, Dee Bryant has written Holding On and Not Giving Up On Self in an effort to help young people see the benefits of her military path and learn how developing strength, resilience, and faith can lead to them living fulfilling and purposeful lives. Through a combination of personal reflections and anecdotes, brief stories of other people’s troubling times, thought-provoking questions, and passages from the Bible, she explains her journey from being a naïve and shy teenager to becoming a successful and resourceful military veteran who is dedicated to improving young people’s lives and opportunities.

Bryant’s account of the key events that have shaped her life begins with her youth in Jacksonville, Florida. As a quiet and reserved middle schooler, she was a frequent target for the school bully, although when that girl made the mistake of pushing her to the ground, Bryant drew on a previously unknown reserve of grit and strength and beat the girl in the ensuing fight. While she takes pains not to advocate violence, this incident is a good example of Bryant’s steely determination and inner resolve. She goes on to get good grades at high school, but it is securing her first job that proves to be the making of her. Still, while she enjoyed making money and finally coming out of her shell, she does regret how work impinged on her high school experience.

After an abortive attempt at attending college in Atlanta, Bryant was at a loss for what to do next. Fortunately, a split-second decision to visit an Army recruiter changed the course of her life forever. While Bryant doesn’t shy away from how grueling basic training was, nor does she overlook troubling aspects of Army life such as discrimination and sexual harassment, her gratitude to the military and her pride in being able to serve her country really shine through. She worked as a telecommunications data operator for some years before gaining a college degree and successfully completing officer training, and her time in the Army allowed her to enhance her education, learn valuable skills, improve her physical fitness, travel the world, and more.

In Holding On and Not Giving Up On Self, Bryant draws on all these experiences to demonstrate how it is possible to achieve pretty much anything so long as you put the hard work in, persevere in the face of difficulty, and place your trust in God. As her aim is to help direct the lives of young people, the book is probably best suited to those in the final few years of high school, although teachers and youth workers would also benefit from its lessons. Bryant closes each chapter with a question related to the preceding discussion, which should help young readers to see how the ideas and messages can be applied in practical terms in their own lives. Her inclusion of relevant Bible passages means that the book will likely also prove particularly impactful for those with Christian faith.


"UNDERGROUND: A Memoir of Hope, Faith, and the American Dream weaves a compelling narrative about a man's fortitude and strength in a world where he feared a tragic development with every level of growth. Deji Ayoade's lyrical, honest writing explores the social hurdles and personal hardships that accompanied him on his unique professional path, chronicling an epic journey from doctor to nuclear missile operator in a different country. The novel is an enthralling read that not only reminds us of the great American spirit but also retains important facets of Nigerian history and the rich Yorùbá culture." —Foluso Falaye, San Francisco Book Review


The Grand Promise

It takes a book with broad scope to tell the tale of so massive an endeavor as the construction of the massive Grand Coulee dam across the Columbia River. The Grand Promise tells that tale as seen through the eyes of various characters, each with their own ambitions, dreams, and follies. Carter, the central character, is a young man whose life has faltered ever since he was involved in a mining accident. His wife wants a divorce, his father belittles him at every turn, and Carter can’t seem to do anything right.

Carter’s father, Ozzie, is a hot-tempered local gadfly, determined to resist the federal government’s offer—nay, insistence—to buy out the entire town of Kettle Rapids. His ferry business will be made obsolete and Kettle Rapids will become one of hundreds of places flooded once the dam is complete. The 1930s are tough enough, still mired in the Great Depression that the Grand Coulee might alleviate, at least for some people. Even so, Ozzie wants more than the feds are willing to provide and he’s not afraid to stir up trouble.

Other characters include Carter’s younger sister, Ona; a local orchard-keeper; Carter’s Native American co-worker, Joe; a reporter who wants a “big story” to help him move up in the newspaper business; and Starks, whose company won the federal dam contract and who stands to make big money as a result.

Carter runs away from his hometown rather than turn himself in to the sheriff, and he ends up working for Starks, first on a blasting crew, and later, helping to clear the floodplain of anything that might end up snared in the dam, whether trees, brush, buildings, or Native American burial grounds. Throughout his journeys and his many efforts to create a fresh start, he struggles to regain a sense of self and morality.

Rebekah Anderson has a wonderful way of succinctly drawing her characters’ inner state: “Reporters…had an impenetrable, righteous belief in their perception of the truth, but as far as Starks could tell, they made up that truth as they went along,” “Crossing the Columbia always made him feel small and inconsequential in the scheme of things. Putting boats, bridges, and dams on this river was like fleas saddling a dog,” and “People talked about him being hot headed, but what they forgot was it sometimes takes fire to make things happen.”

With plenty of action, vivid descriptions, and unexpected twists, readers will be swept up in the current of this historical drama that brings to life how the dam “destroyed to build.” Progress often has a price that is unevenly levied, and Anderson encourages us to consider its full cost.


Rituals of Death: From Prehistoric Times to Now

In Rituals of Death, Stan Beckensall offers a glimpse into the past by sharing archaeological evidence of burial sites and rites. The richly illustrated volume includes photographs of ancient graves across the English countryside from the Neolithic to the Christian and modern eras. While focusing on graveyards in the United Kingdom, Beckensall’s approach emphasizes their archaeological significance, discussing the symbols, artifacts, and other materials that accompanied the departed. Because he has been part of excavations, he shared his first-hand experiences in finding and interpreting human activity in constructing the sites. He alludes to stories about ceremonies in certain sacred places; however, the book focuses mostly on what can be readily seen and observed in the mounds, monuments, graves, and mausoleums. Some of the locations described by Beckensall are part of active archaeological digs.

I was interested in this book because of my lifelong fascination with burial rituals across cultures. How communities mourn their dead reflects what they value in the realm of the living, as well as spiritual beliefs about the afterlife. While the book lacks detail about the everyday lives of ancient peoples in Britain, it is a useful tool for lay archaeologists eager to explore and find the sites available to the public.


The Invisible Machine: The Startling Truth About Trauma and the Scientific Breakthrough That Can Transform Your Life

Eugene Lipov, Jamie Mustard, Holly Lorincz

The Invisible Machine by Eugene Lipov, Jamie Mustard, and Holly Lorincz is about a revolutionary new way to treat trauma disorders. Dr. Lipov, a renowned anesthesiologist, discovered that injecting anesthesia into a particular part of one’s back can lead to a dual sympathetic reset. This leads to one being able to have increased functioning and decreased activated symptoms of trauma.

As a therapist, I think this book is highly valuable. I was curious as to why the medical field has not promoted this practice for treating trauma. I was pleased when the authors addressed this question. Most of the therapy I provide is to clients who have varying levels of trauma. I really appreciated Dr. Lipov’s view on PTSD being changed to PTSI. This made him credible and as a practitioner, I found myself wanting to work with him and refer clients for his treatment. The numerous patient anecdotes, as well as, the information from studies provided supportive data for Dr. Lipov’s treatment. I am interested to see how this treatment will impact the mental health field.


Living Consciously in a "Zombie" Apocalypse : The Kingdom of Heaven Is in You

Flora Bell Smith’s Living Consciously in a “Zombie” Apocalypse offers an interesting approach to evaluating one’s life choices to achieve clarity of purpose. Bell is to be commended for using an eye-catching title to describe the living dead who lack awareness and direction, mindlessly pursuing desires and stumbling into challenges. Bell shares several principles loosely tied to spiritual beliefs to explain energy, archetypes, and natural laws. She encourages readers to use esoteric tools to understand the nature of the human experience. The author offers sound advice to follow the path to consciousness and lead a meaningful life.

The author offers a content warning about using discernment while taking in the book's lessons. Smith draws from different philosophies and belief systems but does not explicitly cite what they are. The advance reader copy I reviewed could use some work with the design. It still needed a cover. The illustrations are attractive, but the author needs captions or source credit. At times, the book reads like writings in a personal journal or a blog. While one can follow the author’s flow of thought, the book can benefit from dutiful editing and organization.


We Love to Entertain: A Novel

Author Sarah Strohmeyer spins a breezy tale with cinematic scenes of Vermont in Autumn. A local couple has been chosen for an online show, To the Manor Build (TMB), along with two other couples elsewhere in the US. Each couple will be rehabbing a home in hopes of winning the prize – all expenses paid that were incurred during the rehab. The voting will be done online by TMB viewers, clearly a popularity contest.

Appearances are deceiving. Several of author Strohmeyer’s main characters at the Vermont rehab have dangerous secrets that are bound to cause serious damage for everyone. Kim, the town clerk, and mom of Erica, has access to the most volatile information. Erica is an assistant to Holly Simmons and Robert Barron, owners of the Vermont rehab project house. Holly and Robert are determined to win with their cabin turned eco-friendly elegant home.

Erica has a past mishap that haunts her. Kim can be over-protective even though her daughter is a 27-year-old adult. Holly has a thin veneer of sparkle hiding a truly different woman. Robert is a blogger who has difficulty measuring up to his father’s expectations.

The tale moves through dangerous turns. Enjoy the ride!


The Healer's Miraculous Discovery

Set in 1960s Cleveland, Stephen A. Robbins' The Healer's Miraculous Discovery tells the story of a man who questions his community's religious beliefs and influences its residents through his strong philosophical convictions and supernatural abilities. Stevie's life is drastically changed after coming onto a mysterious object in a basement while carrying out a tedious task. The 13-year-old boy decides to keep the object to himself, which proves to be a prudent move as he performs one miraculous act after another over the course of the years, attracting a lot of attention. As a result, the people around him are compelled to reexamine their beliefs and all they know about life while remaining unaware of his secret. Is the world prepared for the serious questions and thought-provoking ideas that Stevie raises?

The Healer's Miraculous Discovery is filled with complex philosophical concepts that will stay with you long after you finish reading. Because I spent a significant portion of my reading time reflecting on the profound ideas and dialogues, I occasionally forgot I was reading fiction. One of my favorite quotes from the book suggests that if we didn't have to confront death, religions would probably not exist. Another remarkable aspect of the novel is its strong historical components, which appear throughout the tale in the form of religious intolerance, racial conflict, crime, and other crucial depictions of the 1960s Cleveland milieu.

Readers will be intrigued by the characters' complex planning and techniques for navigating the religious world and its politics. It was fascinating to see the drama unfold in various scenes, such as when Stevie begins publicly confronting religious leaders, causing some to feel uncomfortable and others to respond emotionally.

The book's uncomfortable, quick pace is one of its biggest flaws. Because of how fast the years pass throughout the novel, it's difficult to establish a deep sense of familiarity with the characters. Additionally, information about their religious beliefs and dealings with the general public is revealed much more frequently than specifics about their daily routines and intimate relationships.

The novel will appeal to sci-fi aficionados and fans of works that logically critique society. However, it includes a wide range of themes such as law, war, history, religion, philosophy, miracles, extraterrestrials, starting, interracial relationships, prejudice, family troubles, and more.

I don't believe I'd forget any of the lessons I gleaned from this fascinatingly insightful book. Every time I remember the relationship between death and religion henceforth, it's the first thing that would come to my mind. If individuals challenged everything they believed in the manner Stephen A. Robbins' characters do, the world would experience a far more enlightened reality than its current state.


The Healer's Miraculous Discovery

Stevie Katz is a thirteen-year-old boy working away his Summer days in his father’s hardware store. The Katz family lives in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio. By 1958, the city of Cleveland is undergoing a dramatic demographic shift. The industry is beginning to die out, and a heavy percentage of White families are relocating to the suburbs as the city becomes more diverse. Stevie observes the changes with the discerning eye of a teenager.

 Stevie’s thoughts and ambitions soon take a backseat when he makes an unlikely discovery hidden behind a brick in the basement of his father’s store. He takes the object but initially doesn't give it a second thought. An accident occurs while Stevie and his father are assisting two friends with furniture. Stevie lends a hand to the critically wounded man, and soon the man is fully recovered. The incident leaves Stevie, his father, and the others perplexed but they're inclined to chalk it up to life’s randomness. As time passes and Stevie gets older, there are other incidents and accidents that affect people in Stevie’s life. A friend suffers an injury during a football game and a touch from Stevie heals a possible crippling injury. People begin to look at Stevie in a different way, but Stevie knows the power flows from the mysterious rock.

Stevie would prefer not to brag about these instances and wants to get on with his life. He wants to go to college and then law school, choosing a path in life that would make his parents proud. Yet, fate seems to be offering a different road. Stevie’s purpose in life may be deeper than a courtroom argument. The miracles he’s been involved with may provide deeper insight into his next steps. However, the reaction he will face from family and community may provide a challenge all on its own.

The Healer’s Miraculous Discovery is a mesmeric book wherein the debate between faith and science takes center stage in the world of Stevie Katz. Author Stephen A. Robbins has created a story where strongly held beliefs are examined as the inexplicable happenings surrounding one young man divide a city. Stevie is a normal young man thrown into circumstances that are well beyond his understanding, yet as he matures, his own spirituality begins to take shape. He is modest about his own abilities and never wants to mislead anyone. Robbins’ take on the various religions and their beliefs, especially when compared to the supernatural provides for a great deal of the dramatic interplay between the characters. Robbins has written an extraordinary book with tremendous appeal.


A Happy Ghost

A Happy Ghost by Karl Kristian Flores is a wonderful read for twenty somethings who feel lost in the world. Told from the perspective of hotel receptionist Andrei, the novel follows his journey of self-discovery and what the true meaning of life is. Andrei is sort of an angsty young man, emotional and full of melancholy. He does not find his profession fulfilling, nor see any true point of life in general. Beaten down by the affluent customers he caters to, although he financially is well off, he falters to find anything that truly fills the void within. In spite of his disdain for living this way, Andrei continues to brood in his own personal darkness, questioning love, friends, joy, and what it means to be happy.

Until one day, Andrei meets a new hotel guest. This striking woman is different. She is, as Andrei describes, “a precious gem,” beautiful, nurturing, and with a mind of her own. This woman guides Andrei to find the answers he is looking for, reminding him that to feel alive he must “live like a comet.”

And boy does Andrei take her advice! The story continues as the reader follows his journey to truly begin living a life of magnificence, one that he does not wake up dreading. He imparts much wisdom to his readers throughout this journey, reminding them that adventure truly can be around the corner, if one simply chooses to break through routine and into the extraordinary.

As a whole, I really enjoyed this novel. Flores is a fantastic writer, employing rich imagery, metaphors, similes, and other kinds of figurative language throughout the book. His attention to detail and emotion in Andrei’s character made him humorous and delightful to read about. I also appreciated the many detailed adventures we got to experience with Andrei. They were written in a way where it felt like I was seeing the scene with him, not just a sparse description.

My only complaint about this novel concerns two very uncomfortable sexual scenes that even Andrei’s character himself was repulsed by. Given Andrei’s reactions and embarrassment, I am not sure why they were necessary to be constructed this way, and I think Flores could have drawn to his bigger theme a lot more effectively in other ways. I ended up having to skim over small sections, simply because I was physically cringing at the discomfort. However, once you get past these scenes, the book is definitely worth diving into.


"Amsterdam Ascendant: A novel of rebellion, faith, and daring enterprise that launch a Golden Age. is a rich, compelling work of historical fiction that follows the lives and relationships of lovers, traders, soldiers, immigrants, shipbuilders, and other fascinating individuals in the late 1500s. Several themes related to the book's history are smoothly integrated throughout the story, making it easy to lose track of time and become immersed in its historical world. This book is a must-read for everyone interested in the history of Europe, particularly Amsterdam." —Foluso Falaye, Manhattan Book Review


The Martyr's Blood

"Joel Manners’ epic Chronicles of the Martyr fantasy series continues in fine style with The Martyr’s Blood, an action-packed and thrill-a-minute continuation of the exploits of Danielle and Wyn as they strive to defeat the Magi, overcome the Crunorix, and save the realm of Albyn. There are swords and sorcery galore as the heroes embark on their most dangerous adventure yet, journeying through a meticulously crafted and compellingly evoked world where magic and danger prevail even in dreams and the fate of the many rests in the hands of the few. It all makes for a fast-paced and exciting story with a good dose of humor and humanity at its heart." —Erin Britton, Seattle Book Review


Unexpected: A Postpartum Memoir

Unexpected is a beautifully written, candid memoir written by Emily Mosqueda about her struggle with postpartum depression and anxiety after the birth of her second daughter. As a mother of three, I was able to relate to so many of the struggles Emily went through throughout her pregnancy journey and afterward. There were times, in fact, when I was reading her story that I wanted to reach out and just give her a hug because I could feel her emotional pain.

The book starts off in the delivery room where she gives birth to her first daughter, Corazón. The experience sounded like it was euphoric with everything going right. Emily describes herself as floating "in wonderment" and sitting "tall in my new status as mother." Rising to the demands of motherhood and working part-time, Emily is able to find some normalcy in her life with the help of family

In 2016, Emily becomes pregnant with her second daughter, Juliet. This pregnancy ends up being much different than her first, partly because she has an expressive two-year-old who demands her attention, and just keeping up with her is a chore. Emily's second delivery includes a drug used to induce labor called Pitocin, crippling contractions, and Emily pleading for an epidural. In this new life of having two children instead of one, Emily and her husband Luke learn that one plus one doesn't exactly equal two when it comes to children. But they manage, and Emily goes back to work with a full caseload as a bilingual speech pathologist. She is able to go to acupuncture sessions to replenish her body and in doing so, releases a lot of stress. Sometimes, the release of this stress comes out in the form of crying and irritability after the sessions. Emily finds she is having meltdowns more often and feels overwhelmed. There is a chapter in the book about her Latino heritage in which she feels like motherhood should feel natural to Latinas and doesn't understand why she feels so much emotional distress.

One of the qualities that Emily has that I really respect is her ability to be self-aware and see how her behavior affects those around her. Emily tries everything, from healing massages to reiki and Chinese herbs. Luke and Emily even hire a nanny to help out and Emily takes some time off to attend a retreat with a small group of women in Montana. Unexpected unfolds Emily's story little by little and the reader will imagine walking alongside Emily as she makes some difficult life decisions and finds some wonderful life discoveries. This is a book that many women, especially mothers, will relate to and it can certainly help a new mother find, even if it's just a little, peace with her own postnatal journey. A book that will captivate its readers from cover to cover.


Unexpected: A Postpartum Memoir

In Unexpected: A Postpartum Memoir, Emily Adler Mosqueda, a bilingual pediatric speech-language pathologist, mother of two, and wife of acupuncturist Luke Adler, writes candidly about her harrowing battle with postpartum depression. Climbing out of its devastating grip takes thoughtful reevaluation of all she’s been through as well as tremendous effort to make lasting life changes that will inevitably save her and the relationships she most endears.

As she looks back into her childhood and the depths of her own psyche, Emily unveils some of the precursors of what’s to follow. Achievement and success are virtues her parents hold in high regard during her youth. Her perfectionist tendencies and intrinsic desire to please result in feelings of inadequacy and fear. By the time she’s a junior in high school, she plummets into despair. With great effort, she’s able to regain her footage and enjoy relative wellness throughout her mid-twenties. Her first little one is born six years into marriage. The tides turn in delicate rhythms until her pregnancy with her second child. Irritability, despair, and rage denigrate her days and color years of her and her family’s life with dark hues. However, her husband’s love, support, and loyalty are unwavering. With help from naturopathic specialists and remedies as well as her participation in workshops, psychotherapy, and more, Emily achieves stability and contentment and even begins to offer a helping hand to others in need.

This is an eye-opening account and one that’s likely to resonate with those who’ve struggled with postpartum depression. The author’s poignant descriptions, masterful use of imagery, and steadfast veracity in telling her story shed light on this affliction that’s plagued millions across generations and national divides. The life-altering effects of it are profoundly disabling.

Mosqueda’s insightful reflections illuminate long-held beliefs and biases that are common among many. Her sense of humility is palpable and her determination unrelenting. She journals and self-monitors in an attempt to uncover the mysteries behind her ailments. Accordingly, she notes: “Once the crying meltdowns happened more than a few times, we noticed a pattern. This whole scenario repeated itself every six weeks until April when I was eight months postpartum.” She later comments: “At first, the meltdowns seemed related to my impending menstrual cycle. What originally seemed like an extra bad day, with instances of raising my voice to a yell and slamming doors, repeated weekly. And I had begun to notice an additional symptom: skin-crawling irritability with a dollop of rage.” Her self-awareness assists her in making vital connections. Such extrapolations as well as the book in its entirety may propel readers to search for a deeper understanding of their own adversities and challenges.


In Black Menace: Scourge of an Apocalyptic World, Kenneth J. Sousa takes the reader on a journey that spans several generations of wild birds living on a marshy lake in the lush wetlands of Florida. Based on the title alone, I expected a story similar to what Kira Jane Buxton wrote in Hollow Kingdom. However, what Sousa has created with this adventure feels more akin to a Brian Jacques-style Redwall novel. Filled with memorable descriptions of the natural world and likable characters, but without the age-appropriate frills.

Mik, a feisty moorhen chick and last surviving member of his family, must navigate the treacherous waters of his home; escaping ravenous turtles, voracious alligators, and larger more aggressive birds long enough to settle his own territory and find a mate. Unfortunately for him, a mysterious black substance residing in the lake is changing the birds it comes into contact with, infecting their minds and bending their wills toward destroying the lake’s inhabitants and unbalancing its delicate ecosystem. With the help of a wise great white heron and his mate Bek, Mik has to figure out how to overcome his traumatic past in order to ensure his home’s future.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! My only real complaint stems from my background as an avid birder. Granted, I’m not expertly informed on the wetland birds of the everglades, but it’s my understanding that the Muscovy ducks represented in the novel stray pretty far behaviorally from their real-life counterparts in terms of the fictional males keeping semi-crazed harems rather than the seasonally monogamous reality of actual Muscovy ducks. So many of the novel’s other birds’ physical and behavioral descriptions were so spot on that such a large discrepancy with the main fleet of antagonist birds threw me off and took me out of the story a little bit.

I’m generally of the opinion that there’s something extra magical about stories that use anthropomorphized animals to relay what amounts to very complicated and intrinsically human experiences. So I was especially intrigued by the author’s description of mindfulness and meditation techniques that basically equate to trauma-informed therapy for several of the characters who had been through psychologically damaging life events. So many fiction authors seem to struggle with presenting an authentic window into the human condition through their writing without falling into the tropes stereotypical to their specific subgenre that it’s extra rewarding to find a story that uses devices like this to relate an original adventure without resorting to worn-out plot devices.


Kenneth J. Sousa’s Black Menace: Scourge of an Apocalyptic World is an unusual, action-packed, and thought-provoking fable set in a dystopian avian society centered on a Florida lake. Although the timeframe of the story is not clear, it is certain that life on the lake revolves around the birds that inhabit it and the various predators that hunt them. There are no humans to be seen, but the dynamics of the different communities of birds clearly reflect the complex relationships and associations that characterize contemporary human society.

Into this environmentally conscious milieu is born a young moorhen named Mik. The runt of his litter, he lives with his parents and five siblings near the edge of the lake. Tragically, during an outing on the lake one day, all the family except for Mik are killed and eaten by an enormous alligator. Now alone and unwelcome in the territory of any other moorhens, Mik’s personality quickly hardens, although it takes longer for his fighting skills and ability to defend himself to develop.

He does not initially realize it, but circumstances force Mik to embark on a sort of odyssey as he travels north up the lake in search of food and a place to call home. Along the way, he meets a kindly limpkin named Coal, who warns him of the dangers that lurk in the marsh farther to the north. While secretly pleased to meet a friendly character like Coal, Mik disregards his advice and continues with his journey, little concerned about the fact that his chosen route will inevitably lead him into the marsh.

This soon proves to be a significant mistake, as the marsh turns out to indeed be a “horrifyingly dark evil place” and Mik has to beat a hasty retreat. He learns more about the evil that inhabits the marsh when he meets the Sage, a great white heron, who warns Mik that he is destined to go through a lengthy period of suffering due to the trauma of watching his family be killed. Yet, despite this suffering, Mik is also fated to travel to the south of the Wide Bridge, where he will finally find love and a sense of belonging.

From this point onwards, Black Menace follows Mik on his quest to fulfill his destiny, which see him journey Lord of the Rings-style through unfamiliar environments and encounter perilous situations. Sousa clearly has a strong love for both the fantasy genre and real-life birdwatching, as the story features many of the tropes of great swords-and-sorcery novels but also includes vivid, detailed, and seemingly realistic descriptions of the different birds involved. He also does a great job of adapting major set pieces of the story, such as the battle scenes, to the constraints of birds’ capabilities.

The world Sousa has crafted for Black Menace is just as comprehensive, compelling, and strangely believable as the characters. It is by turns wonderfully alien and undeniably familiar, and the action that takes place—both the good and the bad—would be just as fitting if the characters were humans rather than birds. It all makes for a highly unusual but very entertaining story.


The world has changed, resources seem scarce, life is violent, the cruel are harsh, and there is not a human in sight. As a matter of fact, in this post-apocalyptic world, humanity doesn’t seem to have a place or impact on the life of our main character Mik the Moorhen. This is the landscape the reader finds themselves in Black Menace: Scourge of an Apocalyptic World by Kenneth J. Sousa. Since the explosion of bird pictorial guides and illustrated nonfiction of the 1960s, our feathered friend’s impact on printed media has only grown in popularity. Since then there may have been legions of stories featuring anthropomorphic animals as main characters, yet they have never felt so fully formed as Mik the Moorhen.

Mik the Moorhen has grown up knowing as all animals do about the fragility of life and his delicate place on the food chain. Mik was just a young bird when he witnessed the great horror of his entire family being devoured by an alligator. The youngest of a family of six, Mik now finds himself in this hostile world alone, the sole survivor. Throughout the entirety of the story, it is clear that this pain is something that defines his personality, and its trauma finds its way into most of his actions and impulses. If this was the entirety of the story, it would be a satisfying read for any animal lover. But what we get instead is something so much more extraordinary. Mik is thrown into his own hero’s journey. While suffering from despair, Mik travels North to the Dark Marsh where many cunning and violent predators assault him.

Before long, it becomes clear to the reader that this is not an ordinary tale or fable containing the mythos of any hero’s story. Sousa has created a rich and textured world, strangely foreign in its world-building. Yet equally universal in its themes of grief, discovery, adventure, and destiny. Sousa has masterfully managed to avoid the usual animal parody or tropes, creating characters that are surprisingly relatable.

This is high-concept fiction in all its glory. With vivid characters and engaging action that never seems overblown or unearned. A gripping narrative about a glimpse into the natural world, with compelling animals that grieve, boost, rage, seek vengeance, inflict cruelty, and face tragedy. Ultimately this is a detail-driven, exceptionally crafted work that will appeal to naturalists, fantasy addicts, and readers of beloved fiction young or old.


Mik, a young and lively moorhen, experiences a sad loss when an alligator devours his family. He encounters the Sage, an old family friend and a big white heron, who directs him to proceed to the safer side of the Wide Bridge, where he must find a spouse and a nesting area to guarantee his line continues. He also cautions him to stay on the lookout for several predatory, dangerous beasts, including Greybeard: a fierce, bloodthirsty great blue heron who would stop at nothing to destroy his bloodline. Will Mik be able to defend himself and his new family from Greybeard? Kenneth J. Sousa's Black Menace: Scourge of an Apocalyptic World is a stunning environmental thriller that depicts a furious struggle in the perilous wilderness between killer, villainous birds, and courageous, heroic birds.

The fierce, strategic combat sequences of Braveheart meet the adorable, entertaining setting of the Angry Birds movie franchise in Black Menace. Instead of war strategies involving guns and artilleries, the book's war methods integrate flying tactics, securing a bridge and the water beneath it to gain an edge, shocking the enemy with a huge number of birds, and other bird-centric plans. Instead of swords and machetes, the feathered warriors in the novel use beaks and claws to attack their foes' most vulnerable body parts. Following the well-planned battle strategies, inconveniences, victories, and losses was incredibly entertaining and thrilling.

I found it easy to connect to and comprehend Mik, since his personality is sophisticated and well-crafted. The awful tragedy that occurs early in his life has a significant impact on how he behaves for the majority of the novel, expressing fury, sadness, and longing, among other emotions, as he navigates various circumstances. Interestingly, he is taught the value of meditation and conscious breathing—an aspect of the novel that will appeal to meditation enthusiasts like myself. Nature lovers will appreciate the author's attention to detail, as he explains the colors, feathers, and forms of the birds in minute detail and ensures that the animal kingdom's cycle of life, including the food chains and web, are smoothly integrated into the novel.

The book is a fantastic choice if you're searching for a narrative that feels unique and different but has all the essential components of the great tales you love. Although it is primarily about birds and other creatures rather than humans, it is nonetheless an exciting, suspenseful, dramatic, and evocative book. I suppose my next nature walk will be extremely exciting and full of imagination, as I will be seeing every bird as a possible Mik, Greybeard, or any of Kenneth's other cute and memorable animals.


MAN-DAR of Atlantis

MAN-DAR of Atlantis is a two-for-one story in the present and past, based between Earth and the seemingly mythical city of Atlantis. The story begins in the present day with Manny, a young man who has the future ahead of him but feels the pressure of a hidden draw to travel to Central America to search for the city of Atlantis. Manny forsakes relationships and uncertainty as he embarks on a journey where he meets strangers whose actions seem to suggest that their relationships are one-sided.

Before falling ill, he meets with a fortune teller who informs him that things aren't as they seem; moving on to the past is MAN-DAR on a pursuit to rescue a barbarian princess and her husband from the evil High Priest and Priestess of Inanna with the help of his slave and, later on, a temple prostitute. MAN-DAR discovers their scheme is to travel to the underworld to claim leadership among the unearthly beasts and bring them back up to take over Atlantis and become the supreme rulers.

MAN-DAR is familiar with and prepared for challenges, hardship, and proving himself, but what he isn't prepared for are the feelings he develops for the barbarian princess and the challenges that will accompany these feelings as he must juggle his assigned task from the Atlantean government and his personal feelings, which come with rules and limitations as well.

MAN-DAR of Atlantis is the first book in a trilogy that will follow MAN-DAR on his many adventures. The storyline is involved and comprehensive, action and suspense are found in every chapter, albeit more often when it's about MAN-DAR versus Manny. MAN-DAR's adventures involve unearthly creatures that can barely be imagined, along with characters whose every emotion radiates from them and is difficult to not be felt as well: evil, bravery, fear, sorrow, etc. MAN-DAR is portrayed as a mighty warrior with relatable characteristics and is proudly found by the end of the story to have evolved into a more well-rounded man.

MAN-DAR of Atlantis contains themes commonly found in the action, romance, fantasy, and erotica genres; this reader would be remiss not to include some trigger warnings/situations a reader would expect to find: slavery and the degradation of that "class," violence and torture, demonic rituals, and sexual situations, including reference to incest between a mother and son.

The ending of the story confused this reader and presented as two endings, with the final ending not seeming as a "normal" one for today's culture, but is heavy on "old-fashioned" values. Regardless, the entirety piqued this reader's interest and the unknown of what the next book is about is weighing heavily on this mind.


MAN-DAR of Atlantis

The first novel in Kenneth J. Sousa's trilogy, MAN-DAR of Atlantis, is a fast-paced and highly suspenseful dark fantasy and adventure blend. The primary character, MAN-DAR, is first seen as Manny Silva on his journey to Central America to find evidence of Atlantis in the Mayan pyramids. During his travels, he encounters an old, spiritual woman who tells him that he once helped save the world from tremendous evil. She also advises him to continue on his mission while keeping an eye out for evil forces attempting to obstruct his path and alter the course of history.

Subsequently, Manny develops an illness and becomes delusional, which causes him to travel to a different time and place as MAN-DAR. He embarks on a rescue expedition to save a barbarian princess from the evil High Priest of Inanna. Meanwhile, another significant character, Zarharrab, attempts to rule the world with the assistance of underworld monsters. Will MAN-DAR be able to keep evil at bay in a perilous world filled with strong magic, bizarre creatures, and ambitious villains?

MAN-DAR of Atlantis kept me guessing. I'd think the novel was headed in one direction, then it'd switch to another. Kenneth is an expert at attracting the reader's attention by producing several surprising, spine-chilling beasts, one of which has a lizard's head with sharp, shining teeth on its shoulders. Even more thrilling is the power and drive with which MAN-DAR faces such beasts in battle. Furthermore, the sharp axes, snarling fangs of deadly beasts, and enormous crowds in the book will look amazing in movies and games.

Aside from the book's magical elements, the adventures and trips are also engaging. Its meticulous details regarding the missions and environment provide a sense of adventure and unraveling the unknown future, whether it's a mission to collect a vile of magical water or a trip to the underworld.

Unfortunately, the novel loses points for providing an excessive number of complicated details about its characters, world, and creatures; the flow of the tale is hampered by the fact that there is too much to recall and retain. Another issue is that the characters appear distant and mysterious since information about their activities and relationships with others outweighs information about their feelings and thoughts.

As a big fantasy fan, I noticed that the book's adventure and magic in some ways remind me of fantasy classics such as The Lord of the Rings and Percy Jackson & the Olympians. However, I would have preferred a smoother, more balanced read. Hopefully, the other books in the series will be less complicated while retaining the excellent qualities of this one.


MAN-DAR of Atlantis

Reminiscent of pulp classics such as John Carter of Mars and Tarzan of the Apes, Kenneth J. Sousa’s MAN-DAR of Atlantis is an action-packed mashup of the science fiction and fantasy genres that exudes all the excitement, creativity, and unmitigated fun of those early twentieth century novels. Just as the great pulps allow readers to escape from the mundanity of their day-to-day lives and explore fantastical worlds and strange civilizations populated by extraordinary people and outlandish creatures, MAN-DAR of Atlantis provides a gateway to another time and place, to a setting where pretty much anything can and will happen.

Manny Silva has been attempting to write a novel for around six months, but all he has to show for his efforts is a rough outline and a dumpster full of discarded paper. To make ends meet, he works as a night security guard at G&G Trucking Company of Boston, where he reluctantly interrupts his writing to make his hourly patrols of the complex. Yet, he actually has a much greater plan in mind for himself. As a devotee of Edgar Cayce, Silva is convinced that the fabled lost city of Atlantis is real, and he intends to travel to Central America to find proof of its existence in the form of carvings on ancient Mayan pyramids.

After an alarming encounter one night at work, Silva decides that the time is right to abandon his old life, make his way to Central America, and finally discover the grand purpose that he is sure the universe has for him. A series of misadventures lead to him hitchhiking in Mexico, where chance puts him in the path of Senora Camilla, an elderly woman said to be the reincarnation of a great mystic, who warns him that he will face great evil during his quest to do great good for the world. In fact, the first danger he encounters is an epic bout of dysentery, which discombobulates him to such an extent that he transmogrifies into MAN-DAR, a lieutenant commander with the Atlantean military.

MAN-DAR and his servant Lugaar are tasked with transporting the Euro delegation—Kirack, son of the chief of the most important barbarian clan, and his wife Sulina, a priestess—to a conference about the threat posed by the Galactica Beasts. However, the nefarious priest Zarharrab and his minions have other ideas, including shooting MAN-DAR and Lugaar out of the sky. Will MAN-DAR be able to defeat the various evils that threaten Atlantis?

MAN-DAR of Atlantis is a fast-paced and gripping book that comprises two main storylines: Manny Silva’s delusion-filled adventures in the contemporary world and MAN-DAR’s thrilling exploits in Atlantis some twelve thousand years ago. Both storylines are packed with action, danger, and intrigue, and Sousa does a great job of tying them together despite their very different settings and tones. The various ways in which people and actions bleed through from the time of Atlantis to the present day are portrayed particularly well, reflecting how MAN-DAR’s actions have serious consequences for Silva and the rest of humanity.

Sousa’s worldbuilding in the Atlantis-era sections of the story is very strong, especially the different Atlantean technologies and the civilization’s political structure as well as the many strange creatures that MAN-DAR encounters and, often, fights. There’s certainly scope for more adventures set in Atlantis. A great mix of science fiction and fantasy, MAN-DAR of Atlantis is a rip-roaring tale of derring-do that shines a light on what contemporary society could learn from the failings of Atlantis.


MAN-DAR of Atlantis

Manny Silva was uncontented by his current situation. He was dissatisfied with his job as a night security guard and struggled with the novel he was writing. Only two things brought him joy. First was a visit to his ex-lover, Iris. The second was continuing his trip to Central America, seeking the Lost Continent of Atlantis. Even though his rendezvous with his ex-lover turned out to be a bust, he continued his journey south with the knowledge that he would find the evidence he sought of the existence of Atlantis.

His travels were never easy and made more difficult by some he met. Almost being beheaded in Texas only hastened his travels. But being poisoned and then abandoned at the border of Guatemala by a beautiful fellow traveler brought his journey to a screeching halt. Manny fell into a fever dream. In these hallucinations, Manny lived as the Atlantean MAN-DAR as he fights evil to save mankind.

MAN-DAR of Atlantis by Kenneth J. Sousa is the first book in a new adventure trilogy. Similar to Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Barsoom series, Sousa’s protagonist exists in two worlds. The misadventures of Manny lead into the struggles of MAN-DAR. The bulk of this epic focuses on the Atlantean warrior’s mission to guide Euro delegates safely out of Angleland back to Atlantis. Like John Carter, MAN-DAR is the wild, ferocious hero type. The macho hero takes on hordes of foes to rescue the princes he loves.

Contrary to Burroughs’ he-man. MAN-DAR is flawed but grows to be a better person. The character’s imperfection makes Sousa’s tale more relatable. MAN-DAR recognizes his shortcomings and asks for guidance and help when in trouble. He also humbles himself in the face of those he believes are beneath him. If John Carter was the ultimate male of his time, MAN-DAR is a real man for today.

Sousa’s novel is fast-paced and exciting. With references to Greek and Egyptian mythology, this fantasy has a bit of everything. Prepare for brutal battle scenes, dramatic escapades, demon summoning, and virgin sacrifices. Though the dialogue can sometimes be clumsy, the story’s action and pace keep the reader engaged. As an action adventure wrapped up in a tale of the search for Atlantis makes, this epic saga is a joy to read. Join MAN-DAR of Atlantis in his campaign to rescue his true love and saves the world from evil.


WEREWOLF ON MADISON AVENUE

To say that I’m an avid horror reader would be an understatement. If there’s a book out there that’s even vaguely spooky, it’s getting into my hands at some point. But there’s something about the classic horror tropes that never really go out of style. There’s always a new iteration, a new take, or new lore being created and circulated, breathing new life into our old favorites. For this review, I’m talking about one of the first Hollywood monsters to ever creep its way into the collective unconscious of readers across the globe. No, not vampires. Although if Lipinski decides to write a novel featuring the iconic bloodsucker I’ll be the first to wish list it. No, I’m talking about the quintessential primitive shapeshifter himself: the werewolf.

In Werewolf on Madison Avenue, Lipinski takes archetypal werewolf lore and the accompanying supporting character tropes and adds his own special blend of comedy, romance, and a healthy dose of satire to create a story that, while still definitely horror, gives such an air of almost madcap depravity that you can’t help but root for the dozy logic behind the characters’ every move. Jeff Foxglove is a recent graduate trying to get his foot in the door of the advertising world in New York City. Unfortunately for him, he lands a job at an agency with the sleaziest reputation in the business and is soon drawn into a world of raunchy work assignments that completely challenge his moral compass and begin to wear down his upstanding fortitude.

Between putting in grueling hours to create bawdy ads that go against every marketing ideal he ever valued and a ditzy commercial actress trying to use him as a rung on her climb up the social ladder, Jeff is in dire need of a vacation. Unfortunately for him, the Yucatan vacation he books doesn’t go according to plan when he ignores the warnings of the local tour guide and is attacked by a beast on a moonlit mountaintop. Upon his return to the city, Jeff experiences increasingly alarming changes in his body and mind until the volatile first full moon after his attack. After a harrowing night, Jeff tries to explain his situation to his boss, Damon Cudmore of the famous (now explosively ostracized) Cudmore Brothers, who soon takes full advantage of Jeff’s condition for his own sinister business ends.

With the help of Willard, a work-acquaintance-turned-friend, and the steel of his own resolve, Jeff tries desperately to find a cure for his lycanthropy and salvage what’s left of his life. If you’re even remotely a fan of classic monsters and like a little dark humor with your horror, I highly recommend picking this one up!


WEREWOLF ON MADISON AVENUE

Jeff is an ordinary guy with a not very bright girlfriend working as a copywriter for an advertising agency. Now, this advertising agency is in competition with the owner's brother's agency for who can make the most disgusting and vulgar commercials. This is important to the story and used well. What's a better way to exploit your employees then to use him for commercials when he's a werewolf? The whole aspect of this idea is well done, with characters that don't care, characters that know something is wrong and have to decide for themselves what the right thing to do, and characters that are too oblivious to notice.

All the characters are flat, with one defined trait; all the girls are dumb, ugly or so useless to the plot I don't know why they appeared. The guys are all married to their job. Everyone was given a short back story, not enough that it was boring and unnecessary information, but enough that I knew who these characters were. Jeff is the main character of the story, but there was another character that takes the spot light and has a character arc. The story was about him as well, if not more so than Jeff.

The opening chapter is the background of the agency, I found this chapter very entertaining and my favorite part of the book, though it also left an unanswered question; what exactly was the brothers' falling out about? An answer that isn’t necessary to the story, but I wanted to know anyway.

The descriptions are wonderful and visual, showing the beauty of the jungle and flowers. When it comes to the werewolf changing and killing, its kept to a minimum with brief mentions of blood and gore, but nothing in depth and the details are skimmed over.

The plot itself was engaging, entertaining, and a different take on the werewolf story. There are several scenes that are repeated, as if giving déjà vu, there weren't many, just enough to tie the story together at different points.

It was an enjoyable read that took me an afternoon to finish and once I started I really did want to know how it ended until i got to the end and was disappointed. It was a dumb ending, but it did fit with the overall tone of the book, so I wasn't all that surprised.


Werewolf On Madison Avenue

In the world of advertising, most would say that tact and social norms must exist to be successful, yet others say that "anything goes." Damon Cudmore is highly successful in the field of New York advertising, and he follows the advice of the latter - the more crude, insulting, and subjectively honest the slogan can be, the more successful it proves for the overall sales of the product. In walks Jeff Foxlove, a newbie to the field, but full of energy, ideas, and dreams of changing the world. Jeff gets brought under Cudmore's wings, exposed to the darker side of advertising that he soon adapts to, albeit reluctantly. Jeff notices something isn't right in his life and takes a vacation down south for refreshment, relaxation, and to become recharged. To a young, successful New Yorker, the thought of anything going wrong or the truth behind cultural stories, aka superstitions, is not on his radar. One decision made there shows him returning home as a werewolf and having to abide by its curse- unfortunately for others, fresh meat and blood are part of the werewolf package. Is it possible to tame his animal instincts? How can Jeff reverse this curse, if it's even possible?! One last trip down south to search for the fabled cure is the ending to Jeff's exciting and unpredictable life.

  When it comes to werewolf stories, this reviewer identifies as a "newbie;" accepting that title, reading Werewolf on Madison Avenue was an enjoyable and thrilling introduction to the fantasy genre, reading of creatures who put your hair on end. This debut novel by Edward R. Lipinski reads as the work of a seasoned author yet contains his artistic writing style within and throughout each page. Written in the third-person style, the story gives an overall feel of a narrator relaying the happenings and events, allowing the reader to view them externally and at a safe distance, versus the opposing first-person, with the reader likely to feel and read the characters differently through their internal dialogue. Rest assured horror fans, there is still blood and guts and savagery. The characters in the story are likable and relatable; while being largely about Jeff, other characters have their moments to shine and learn about, with many of them experiencing a coming-of-age moment by the end. The text is comprehensive, yet understandable to the lay reader. The chapters are written in similarly-lengthed bite-sized portions for the capability of gearing through the book at a speedy pace. Werewolf on Madison Avenue is recommended to literally anyone - it will appease the horror junkie given its theme and well-written descriptions of events, yet contains a solid storyline to appease all other readers through the characters and lessons learned.


WEREWOLF ON MADISON AVENUE

Jeff Foxlove's life is drastically changed when he decides to take a vacation and go to the natural paradise of the Yucatan Peninsula to get away from the madness of Madison Avenue, where he cranks out one contemptible ad campaign after another for a firm known for writing obviously bad advertising: Cudmore Agency. Jeff experiences a life-altering incident in the Yucatan Peninsula that seems to have happened in a dream.

When he returns to Madison Avenue, he discovers he has transformed into a werewolf, which leads to his being abused for profit by his employer and enduring deterioration in his health. To feel alive again, Jeff must visit the Yucatan Peninsula once more and find a cure. Werewolf on Madison Avenue by Edward R. Lipinski is a thought-provoking, suspenseful, and darkly comical work that brilliantly illustrates the horrific circumstances surrounding its werewolf protagonist while also exposing the harsh realities of capitalism.

In this fast-paced narrative that keeps you eager to find out the next surprise, there are no pointless, tedious details. Every detail about the setting and characters is given succinctly and plays a significant part in the main narrative. For example, the book offers an impression of the unhealthy, draining, and crude milieu that Jeff finds himself in by shining light on the underlying competition between two antagonistic brothers in the advertising industry.

Edward does an excellent job of blending the realities of the corporate, money-driven world with the dark, wild themes of werewolves and vicious human hunts. The book includes obscene, vulgar characters who will stop at nothing to make money. I also liked that the characters feel very genuine and are vividly depicted, such as the grandmother who forces her visitor to consume "disgusting, homemade" cookies.

Anyone who likes horror literature and werewolf stories will appreciate this book. Its scope, however, is broad, since it includes such themes as acting, advertising, magic, business, nature, love, relationships, friendship, ambition, and more. The author's tone is unapologetically candid, caustic, and matter of fact, so anticipate some stinging remarks about its shallow characters as well as detailed descriptions of werewolf assaults.

This brilliantly humorous and thoroughly enjoyable horror novel effectively portrays the times we live in—a time when people are progressively waking up and choosing mental wellness over exhausting workaholism. I loved the book's message about the simplicity of nature and the improved quality of life attained via downsizing and minimalism. Furthermore, I read the book wide-eyed with terror as if held captive by some spell—I just had to finish it! Prepare for your senses to be heightened and your mind to be stimulated with this treasure find!


Godsmack, Part I, The Mother Earth

Yahn Marynugh, a gay businessman, is filled with bitterness and despair because he is losing his position to someone he thinks an idiot. His poor luck is exacerbated by the news that a former business client has been slain. Yahn quickly realizes that he must flee drug lords who are likely involved in the death of his former business client. At the same time, he is suffering from an ailment that, if untreated, might lead to death. Yahn relocates to a distant farm to get away from the drug lords and re-energize his body to combat his disease. Unfortunately, his attempt to flee the drug lords is useless, as they discover new ways to employ him in their drug schemes and criminal operations. Josie Peterson's Godsmack, Part I, The Mother Earth brings together hardened criminals and white-collar characters in a world of crime, greed, and various heinous practices.

One of the book's best features is its diverse cast of characters. I don't believe I'll quickly forget names from the book, like Salvador, a pure genius who resolves to get back at the world for destroying his mother with addiction by developing and distributing the "world's harshest of natural highs". The presence of therapeutic and meditative terms in the book further adds to its appeal. Furthermore, various pieces of valuable planting information are cleverly woven into the story. The planting tactics used by one character, for example, represent his objectives to improve his planting profit.

Though the novel contains some fascinating features, the events in the plot are not well-connected. The characters do not reflect on prior events in the book sufficiently, and their future ambitions are not clearly related to future happenings. Furthermore, the dialogues are also a touch tiresome because there aren't many details provided regarding the characters' physical reactions and thoughts. Finally, the characters appear distant since the story's interior monologues are rare and short and the discussions reveal only a few details about their personalities.

Fans of thrillers and crime fiction will appreciate some elements in this book. It features fierce, vicious characters that aren't afraid to wreak harm when necessary. They use elaborate methods to boost profits while avoiding government scrutiny. Fans of consciousness and spirituality movements will also like the book's integration of spiritual concepts such as chakra and healing energy.

I was quite surprised to discover therapeutic and spiritual elements in a novel about drug traffickers and criminals. It was, nonetheless, a welcome surprise, since I appreciated the book's distinct atmosphere. Unfortunately, it falls short in key areas, making for an unpleasant experience. A revised version of Godsmack, Part I, The Mother Earth would undoubtedly be enticing.


Hatch an Egg (Bobo and Pup-Pup): (A Graphic Novel)

Hatch an Egg is the fourth book in the Bobo and Pup-Pup series. I have read every book so far and enjoy them all because Bobo and Pup-Pup have adventures, and even when they are not getting along, they find a way to stay friends by the end. I also like that the books in the series have short and funny chapters.

In Hatch an Egg, Bobo and Pup-Pup are outside swimming when something hits them on the head. The friends try to figure out what it is and decide it is an egg! They look at everything about it to decide what kind of egg it could be and the best way to help it hatch.

Hatch an Egg is silly because the type of egg the friends decide couldn't be true, and their ideas on getting it to hatch are funny. I like their imaginations and ways of thinking things through. I hope there are many more books in the Bobo and Pup-Pup series because I do not see there ever being a book that I won't enjoy reading!