Review: The Broadcast: A Mystery Thriller

The Broadcast: A Mystery Thriller by Liam Fialkov
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Broadcast by Liam Fialkov begins with the reader being told of video footage of a famous murder to be released on air; a celebrity accused of killing his ex-wife and a friend. It's a thinly fictionalized O.J., right down to the car chase. Such footage shouldn't exist but does and soon more impossible recordings surface, proving and disproving various mysteries throughout history. Mixed in are characters who could be deeply affected by the source of the films or are trying to sniff out a hoax around the films.

I'm a character-centric reader so let's talk characters. That Sarah and Jonathan met while he was institutionalized and she was his psychologist grated on me. Although it is stated that the relationship was "wrong, even unethical", Sarah decided she is entitled to be happy so that's that, it's A-okay and no big deal! Um, it's really NOT okay. Neither Sarah nor Jonathan ever endeared themselves to me but I cared about how it would all play out for them and the others none the less.

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Review: Do Good To Lead Well: The Science And Practice Of Positive Leadership

Do Good To Lead Well: The Science And Practice Of Positive Leadership by Craig Dowden PhD
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Craig Dowden is a psychologist who concentrates professionally on business and has significant experience coaching players in the business world from small start ups to the top CEOs. In Do Good To Lead Well: The Science And Practice Of Positive Leadership, Dowden hangs success on six pillars of positive leadership: Self-awareness, Civility, Humility, Focus on positive, Meaning and purpose, and Empathy. These are not words most people think of when they consider the brutality that has proven to be so present in the business world. This book is different from other industry insider manuals in its positivity as a whole. The message Dowden seems to be pushing is in some ways so simple yet so foreign now days; Do the right thing, treat people with respect and you'll be rewarded with loyal people. In short, don't be a jerk. It's a shame there is a need for a book like this and professionals like Craig Dowden to teach that but I am thankful he's doing it. I see this as a must read for managers and CEOs alike.

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Review: The Book of Hot: A Manifesto

The Book of Hot: A Manifesto by Mrs. Hot
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Book of Hot! is a sexual health, love & romance, sexuality manifesto authored by Mrs. Hot about what women sixty and older can look forward to in regard to their sexual and romantic lives. Penned for "Boomers" it holds some truths and advice for those of us even decades away from that stage can store in our reserves.

The term "inner goddess" conjured up bad memories from Fifty Shades of Grey but beyond all that this is a tale of how Mrs. Hot changed not only her outlook on her love life but she changed careers, changed her lifestyle, transformed her health, improved her looks through diet, exercise and a whole lot of plastic surgery. I'll admit to questioning the avenue through which she achieved this being that she lived on savings in New York City. Overall it is an uplifting feminine, but not in your face feminist, self help book for women. Nice job, Mrs. Hot!

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Review: WASTED PAIN

WASTED PAIN by Ken Ross
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

"A man is never too old to chase young women."

This line is on page one. Also on page one, "ageing". Ken Ross's novel, Wasted Pain, is billed as contemporary romance and/or romantic comedy. As I read on, there wasn't a lot that I found comedic or romantic. "The guy", unnamed throughout the entire novel, has sexually crude thoughts more suitable for the villain of a story rather than the so-called romantic lead. And the female of the couple is as repulsive as he is! It's maddening because it is possible to have unlikable characters in a good novel, even as the main characters. I feel like this was a missed opportunity for Ross to create one of those novels.

In the summary it is stated this takes place in an American city but the author is clearly British, based on the use of terms like bloke and hostel and the incessant capitalization of Martini. I wouldn't care if it did take place in England so why the pointing out of the setting being America? If it is necessary to take place in America, use American terms.

Beyond the storyline, the text is filled with disjointed sentence fragments that cannot be explained away by claiming 'poetic prose'. Editors are underrated and I'm saying that as a lover of reading, not just an actual editor. In the end, I see potential, I really do.

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Review: Chinatown: Ten Possible Endings...One Way Out Alive

Chinatown: Ten Possible Endings...One Way Out Alive by Charles Hanna
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Create your own story, wow, I haven't read one of these in years! Chinatown: Ten Possible Endings...One Way Out Alive (A Fork in the Road Adventures) is of this type in the fantasy genre. Chinatown is only fifty-eight pages long so it's perfect for a quick read before bed or on a plane. With so many different outcomes, well, ten actually, no two readers will have the same experience. That is true of reading books in general but more so in a choose your own adventure. This, as opposed to others I remember reading, is not targeted toward the younger reader but it still felt juvenile somehow. That could simply be due to the mind set I associate create your own adventures with. Chinatown was, however, entertaining in a superficial sense.

I wouldn't be me if I didn't mention editing issues. Grammar problems, missing text, incorrect words, misspelled words, etc... Those things make a difference, though admittedly more to me than the average reader.

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Review: Interconnectivity, Flow, and Balance: A Values-Based Framework for Reinventing Leadership in Uncertain Times

Interconnectivity, Flow, and Balance: A Values-Based Framework for Reinventing Leadership in Uncertain Times by Yvette Bethel
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Interconnectivity, Flow, and Balance: A Values-Based Framework for Reinventing Leadership in Uncertain Times by Yvette Bethel is an informative book for business owners and managers on workplace behavior and culture divided into three distinct parts.

In part one, we are introduced to the idea of interconnectivity, flow and balance in business. At 406 pages, this is a pretty in depth look into the subject and I felt like this part could have been simplified and significantly shortened while still getting the idea laid out.

Part two is titled, Pillar of Trust. This pillar, consisting of integrity, self-mastery, and a "we" mentality, is what her model of leadership is based on.

Part three, IFB by Design, lays out the path on how to create and maintain a positive workplace environment encompassing interconnectivity, flow, and balance. Though a lot of this boils down to common sense, the author is correct that good values in business are less and less common. I'm not sure I agree with her claim that this system can be implemented across the board, from baseline social interactions to entire governments to cure all that ails us.

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Review: We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies

We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival under Great Skies by Matthew Tysz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reading the summary for We Are Voulhire, I was not expecting to really be that impressed, to be honest. First, being listed as Teenager/Young Adult was a strike against the chances of this being something for me, personally. Also, based on the summary, I expect the time period to be at least a couple hundred years ago but the cover of the book shows a kid in a hoodie and cargo pants looking out over what appears to be a modern city. I went in confused and remained that way regarding the time period before finally deciding that lanterns, ships, and monarchies put Voulhire in the 'way back when'.

Now, after that lackluster intro, surprise! Turns out this is much more than it seems initially. The struggle for a throne, brother against brother, treachery in a dangerous world full of dangerous people... how can you not be enthralled? I think Matthew Tyzs wrote a fantastic fantasy with We Are Voulhire: A New Arrival Under Great Skies and I hope to get ahold of the next installment soon.

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Review: Forsaken Wrath

Forsaken Wrath by Alexander Ferrick
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In Forsaken Wrath by Alexander Farrick, Bartimaeus No Last Name tells the story of how he and Nicholas (Nick) Reed, AKA Scorpio, meet and become partners (and eventually good friends). We get to know them and read some of the adventures they experience during those first months together.

This is titled Book 1 of the Scorpio Files, implying more is to come. It is a very short, ninety-eight pages (in my kindle edition) so it easily could have been a longer, more involved stand-alone novel. Based on the length alone, I would label this more a novella than a novel. There are some pretty glaring editing errors; you instead of your, its instead of it's, words not separated by a space many times throughout the text, etc... But those are technical notations from someone who finds those for a living. Speaking strictly from an entertainment point of view, Forsaken wins with a fun, action packed story and fairly likable characters. I see this series being popular with fans of the action fiction genre.

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Review: Health-Wealth For You: 11 Steps To Save Big & Live Healthy

Health-Wealth For You: 11 Steps To Save Big & Live Healthy by Josh Luke
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Here is another Josh Luke foray into the abyss that is the American healthcare system; Health - Wealth For You: 11 Steps To Save Big & Live Healthy. This is the third book by Luke I've read, the second in what I can only assume will be a Health - Wealth series. In this installment, the author lays out specific steps to follow to not only navigate but take advantage of the quagmire that is our healthcare system. A sort of How To manual for making sound decisions for the average family's personal and financial health.

I haven't been the biggest fan of the way this author has come across in the past but I believe that's simply due to my own personal issue because he has a very devoted following. I can objectively say that his message is clearly stated and his background suggests he has all the experience necessary to be giving the advice he is giving. I would be interested in hearing from anyone who followed his plan to find out some real life outcomes.

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Review: Alpha and Omega

Alpha and Omega by Robert W Gallant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alpha and Omega is one of a series of five novels by Robert W. Gallant featuring Chesney Barrett and Travis Weld. Chesney is an environmental scientist and Travis is a covert government agent. The two have partnered in the past to bring down some nasty characters so when Chesney finds herself in a quandary during a project in the Smokey Mountains, she appeals to Travis for help.

I have not read any of the other books in the series so this was my first exposure to Chesney and Travis. It took some time for me to warm up to Chesney. When a character is written with so few flaws, I have a habit of discounting their legitimacy. I enjoyed the character of Travis right away. The story was brisk and full of action without being too over the top. I know it's fiction but some level of reality is necessary unless the fiction is science fiction or fantasy. Many authors don't write that way but Gallant did it well.


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Review: When a Fox Mourns

When a Fox Mourns by Shara B. Allen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Novels with content this dark should come with a warning. When a Fox Mourns is deeply disturbing and profoundly sad. The author's use of a unique poetry style of writing took some getting used to but turned out beautifully in a story that needs the beauty.

Fox is a victim of abuse via many sources and to cope with that horror she does what many women do; everything from cutting herself severely and drug abuse to seeking out dangerous men and drinking herself into oblivion. To no one's surprise, she develops severe symptoms like terrifying hallucinations that leave her conversing with the devil. Full of violence and angst, When a Fox Mourns is a mine field of triggers for trauma and abuse victims and that should be noted.

There were some errors here and there that a decent editor could have pinpointed but overall, Shara B. Allen has put out an in depth and sadly, realistic, book that shows what it is to live through hell. Now I have to go watch Happy Feet to clear my brain.

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Review: Power: The Leadership Mantra: How to Develop an Effective Leadership and Management Skills

Power: The Leadership Mantra: How to Develop an Effective Leadership and Management Skills by Vikrant Shaurya
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When the opening paragraph of Power: The Success Mantra included the phrase "I'm a twenty-four year old entrepreneur and book launch manager". I may or may not have rolled my eyes. I mean I don't read romances starring twenty-somethings because I literally can't take the subject matter seriously through the eyes of someone that young. From that very perspective came the eye-roll. Then I had to remind myself... Zuckerberg, you judgmental heifer! Vikrant Shaurya is young but he's also very talented and obviously someone who wants to share the secrets of his success rather than hoarding them and hoping no one ever comes along to challenge those accomplishments.

The book is written clearly and in common terms rather than going the jargon heavy route for effect . Personal examples of whatever skill he is showcasing at any given time bring this business, money and small business informational text to life. This is a prime example of a book that is actually helpful and entertaining.

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Review: The Time I'm Given: Six days to make it real

The Time I'm Given: Six days to make it real by Guy Wheatley
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Somehow, The Time I'm Given is not listed under science fiction in the Kindle categories. The sci-fi aspect is the entire premise that the novel is built on, which is obvious even from the summary. Fans of the genre might miss this and what a shame that would be.

There were some editing issues, "all ways" instead of always and "you" where "your" would be the correct word for instance. The "all ways" mistake was all over the book. Missing commas, paragraph long sentences... human editors, people, they can't be replaced by spell check or even the best grammar checking programs.

The Time I'm Given gave me a run for my money when it came to reviewing. I feel like I can't say much without blowing it totally. Zee is Susan who is dead but she's not dead, she's Zee. Zach is the potential love interest but also someone who absolutely cannot be so. I badly want to talk about that but in the interest of not spoiling the whole book for everyone, I'll stop. All of the stars I'm giving are for creativity in terms of the plot.

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Review: Welcome to Spicetown

Welcome to Spicetown by Sheri Richey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Spicetown Mysteries is a new amateur sleuth series by Sheri Richey. I have heard this style of mystery referred to as cozy mystery or cozy crime, meaning the usual sex and violence associated with other sub-genres in crime is missing. I tend to prefer that dark grittiness with my crime. It feels more real for me. But there do come those times when it's nice to get caught up in and enjoy a more innocent atmosphere. That's what happened with Welcome to Spicetown, the first book of the series.

Spicetown, Ohio, with its street names like Paprika Parkway and Sage Street, is running high on the cutesy factor. Mayor Cora Mea Bingham plays the main character role and you can't help but adore her. She's funny and the dynamic between her and the other main character, police chief Conrad Harris, is amusing to read. Despite the saccharine setting, the mystery is something you find yourself totally immersed in solving. And after all, isn't that the whole point of a mystery novel?

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Review: Ascend Online

Ascend Online by Luke Chmilenko
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Sort of a Jumanji meets a slightly less sinister USS Callister/Dungeons and Dragons, Ascend Online is a science-fiction fantasy set in the not so distant future, 2047. Marcus is pulled into the interactive online video game he plays with his friends and from there he has adventures beyond his wildest imagination. Luke Chmilenko created this premise and seems to have written every word for his gamer buddies. I don't mean that in a derogatory way necessarily but I am saying there is a specific target audience for this and I'm probably not in the clique. My kids, definitely, even my techie nerd husband would probably be entertained by Ascend Online. Being that my youngest is eleven and my husband is forty-something, well that's a wide age range and I would be remiss if I didn't admit that Chmilenko deserves come commendation for delivering that kind of appeal.

I have to stick to my roots and point out that the dialogue was at times somewhat overly dramatic and unrealistic and a more thorough editing and proofreading job most certainly could have been done.

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Review: Dolphins Don't Run Marathons: 26.2 loving thoughts on why you should not run a marathon

Dolphins Don't Run Marathons: 26.2 loving thoughts on why you should not run a marathon by Sam Brand
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Initially, I thought Dolphins Don't Run Marathons was going to be some cute Mama Llama type book. It is really isn't, though it sorta is. Let me explain. The byline is "26.2 loving thoughts on why you should not run a marathon" and that seemingly silliness plus the graphics on the cover tend to color this a children's book but the message inside gets a tad more complicated. Though this entire book is written in a simple, child-like language prose via vignettes, I really didn't get it overall and I don't see any kid I know being over the moon about it. Neither can I see my adult friends really getting it. Even the runners among us.

If I'm getting it right, the author is saying people are either ants, dolphins or chimps and we live our lives as we would run a marathon, or not run a marathon, as the case may be. I'm not sure if I should be insulted or proud right now... I feel like I need some clarification or validation or something!

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Review: The Scent of Distant Worlds

The Scent of Distant Worlds by W.D. County
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a science-fiction fantasy novel that will grab the attention and imagination of even the most sci-fi/fantasy reluctant reader amongst us. Though I admit that I have liked more of the genre than I ever expected to, I still carry that hesitancy when I get a whiff of that specific subject matter. The same was true with The Scent of Distant Worlds yet I'll be the first to confess that W.D. County has created something grand in this seemingly short 317 pages. I definitely wanted more of the Obsidion domain and more of Cassie and her wit and grit. The idea of first contact with alien life and how that might come about is brought to life vividly in The Scent of Distant Worlds in a way I've never experienced. As someone who tends to focus on the nuts and bolts of any writing, I was more than willing to suspend my critical eye in favor of the pure enjoyment of the story being told. It didn't hurt that there wasn't a lot of errors and typos to contend with. Bravo!

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Review: The Gilded Lynx

The Gilded Lynx by Leah Erickson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Gilded Lynx opens up once the trouble has already began but no one is sure exactly what the 'trouble' is quite yet. Daphne is the privileged, fourteen year old daughter of a wealthy CEO, who skips class to wander around town and that is how the reader gets their first glance at what the world in this story is like. I loved the opening and was drawn into the muted chaos right away. I didn't connect to the characters at first as much as I did the state of the world, the apocalyptic abyss everyone fears so much. It certainly was not because the characters were badly written because they weren't but the psychology of people during times of turmoil is a fascination of mine in literature. This book though, goes beyond in terms of the dynamics between human beings and how unthinkable revelations can shock you into a different viewpoint on their whole lives. Leah Erickson is a very talented writer and I'm looking forward to reading more of her work.

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Review: Cthulhu Armageddon

Cthulhu Armageddon by C.T. Phipps
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

C.T. Phipps is the author of Cthulhu Armageddon, a clever novel of the western/post apocalyptic/horror genre. Oh, you didn't know there was such a genre? Neither did I. But there are no rules against it in literature so off we go! This is only western in the desert wasteland setting sense but it plays well here anyway. There are some very 'Big Lebowski dream sequence' parts here and there that can start to feel almost too weird and despite my initial aversion to this type of story, I rather liked it. A few of the names are nearly impossible to sound out; talking to you, Cthulhu and Nyarlathotep! That irritated me more than it probably should have but this is my review so I can say what I want. Monsters, aliens, gods, and humans both good and evil leave their mark in this book and it makes for reading that is never dull. I loved the humor the author was able to insert amongst everything else. I would recommend this to a specific group of my friends, for sure.

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Review: The Beginner's Guide to Winning an Election

The Beginner's Guide to Winning an Election by Michael R. French
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Beginner's Guide to Winning an Election is a teen and young adult novel about a spunky teenaged girl named Brit Kitridge who decides to run for student body president of her high school. Her opponent, the popular incumbent determined on a future in politics, is only one of the obstacles she faces down while learning to navigate the seedy underbelly of campaigning. Michael French has written the perfect book to expose youth to politics, good and bad. I feel like we need more younger people involved, or at the very least more informed about our government and the politics behind the scenes, if there is any chance for a promising future. In this book, the themes at issue are displayed in a way that feels real and honest to a person of that age while still pushing the notion that there is more and worse out there. Every character was developed well and the ending was satisfying, hopeful and realistic.

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Review: DUALITY OF TIME: Complex-Time Geometry and Perpetual Creation of Space

DUALITY OF TIME: Complex-Time Geometry and Perpetual Creation of Space by Mohamed Haj Yousef
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

DUALITY OF TIME: Complex-Time Geometry and Perpetual Creation of Space (The Single Monad Model of The Cosmos Book 2). I hate to sound like a yokel but that title alone is a bit intimidating. The author, Mohamed Haj Yousef, is a scholar and obviously a man of superior intelligence. His grasp of physics along with the incredibly vast array of other themes that are discussed in Duality of Time is astonishing. The notion of time travel and alternate realities is as fascinating as it is complicated but somehow this author was able to put his ideas out there in a way that can be at least understood superficially by the average person. I will be going back to reread parts to get a better understanding of the parts I am most interested in. I enjoyed reading this much more than I expected to when I initially read the title and then the summary. It's nice when you come off a book feeling a tad smarter or more informed.

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Review: Exposed

Exposed by Jennifer Kittredge
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Exposed is book three in the Dare to Dream series by author Jennifer Kittredge. They are each a true stand alone romance so they can be read in any order. I started here, with the story of Melinda and Mason. Melinda is an uber-famous supermodel and Mason is the brooding private investigator hired to find out who is out to get her. They've both got secrets and there are hints of shady in their backgrounds so you wonder how real any relationship could be that might develop between these two. All in all, if you're in the mood for a sexy read, Exposed fits the bill. There's a lot of graphic sex though, so if you prefer the cut to the next morning over all the gory details, you may not be comfortable with this. Profanity is also generously spread throughout, which I happen to appreciate, but again, if it's not your thing...

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Review: Slower

Slower by Ted Shepherd
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Slower is a young adult science-fiction novel about an average fourteen year old boy named Emit Friend. After realizing he holds a special power to slow time, he first uses it to have some fun, as any normal kid might do but soon he starts noticing odd things about other people around him. It becomes clear that Emit isn't the only one wielding such power and that some of them may be doing things more sinister than impressing their friends with it.

Author Ted Shepherd has written a fantastic book for young readers that will keep them entertained as well as get them thinking about things like history, time travel and even politics. Slower, despite the title, is a fast paced fantasy packed full of humor, engaging characters, well placed action, and a satisfying ending that leaves the reader hoping for a sequel. This is going right to my 14 year old's Kindle.

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Review: Health - Wealth: 9 Steps to Financial Recovery

Health - Wealth: 9 Steps to Financial Recovery by Josh D. Luke
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Health - Wealth: 9 Steps To Financial Recovery is the second book I've read on healthcare written by Dr. Josh Luke. It cannot be said that the man doesn't know what he's talking about, he definitely does. He presents the facts bluntly, something that is unquestionably necessary when talking about health and wealth. I know this is written for an audience of business owners and managers but certainly the subject matter is relevant to all Americans and I would encourage everyone to get informed.

This is purely a personal opinion and really has no bearing on the validity of the information Dr. Josh Luke provides in his books but I think I would quickly tire of conversations with him because they would be all about him. Yes, he's a successful man, there's no doubt about that and there are instances throughout the book where he shows himself humble but humility is not this man's strong suit. Some readers might be turned off by the brag rich tone of this author.

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Review: Terrifying Tales Unleashed

Terrifying Tales Unleashed by Scott D. Gottschalk
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Creepy, scary short stories are one of my favorite things to read so Terrifying Tales Unleashed by Scott D. Gottschalk didn't sit on my To Read list very long at all. Each story in this book is more macabre than the last but the most brilliant thing is that the fear is delivered via a wide range of avenues; werewolves, aliens, zombies, ghosts and even run of the mill mortals. There are fun, unexpected twists to many of the tales that you don't see coming.

There are a couple entries that, on the surface, seem almost cheesy but you'll find yourself thinking about those the most after you've finished them. If you are a fan of the darker side of literature, Terrifying Tales Unleashed will be a welcome addition to your bookshelves. I have already lent it to a few friends and they have all enjoyed it as much as I did.

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Review: The Bottomless Cloud: How AI, the next generation of the cloud, and abundance thinking will radically transform the way you do business

The Bottomless Cloud: How AI, the next generation of the cloud, and abundance thinking will radically transform the way you do business by Thomas Koulopoulos
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Authors Thomas Koulopoulos and David Friend have written a short (only sixty-four pages) but thorough technology book called The Bottomless Cloud: How AI, the next generation of the cloud, and abundance thinking will radically transform the way you do business. Their intended audience is obviously entrepreneurs, owners and managers in business and they write in a way that is clear and to the point. Their use of graphs, charts and illustrations accentuates the themes and ideas throughout. That the authors explained the use of these applications in specific industries is another example of how this book is a good read for someone in any business.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning is a subject that I think is often glossed over and I liked that in The Bottomless Cloud, cold hard facts are presented. Every one of us, not just business owners, need to be aware and well informed to both the perks and the consequences that can and will come with this type of technical evolution.

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