Review: The Power of Your Past & the True calling of Your Soul!

The Power of Your Past & the True calling of Your Soul! by Angelika Schulze
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Self Love Self Worth & Vocation| The Power of Your Past & the True calling of Your Soul!: 23 Highly Effective Exercises - Overcome the Feeling of Low Self Worth & Discover Your Vocation
by Angelika Schulze

Say that title five times fast, I dare ya,

This author's past experience with abuse and dysfunction gives her an extra layer of trustability and makes her an excellent source for this kind of self-improvement. There is an emphasis on both past and present experiences and their impact on our mental health. She writes with clarity and devotion to the subject. It's very clear in the text how strongly she feels about the truth of what she says. I haven't read thousands of books in this genre but based on my limited experience, that feeling coming through that strongly is rare. Who doesn't like a super positive self-help book? I suggest you try this one.

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Review: Life is Big

Life is Big by Kiki Denis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Life is Big
by Kiki Denis

I'll just say it upfront, this book is bizarre. There are characters and places with names that are seemingly unpronounceable and there is a jumpiness about the plot flow that, while sometimes annoying, does seem fitting for this story. I felt like the author went a little overboard with the exclamation points and the dialogue was wanting here and there. Another reviewer said it was like being in someone else's dream, and I agree. The oddities in our own dreams are subliminally understood through personal knowledge and experiences, but here the reader has no such clarification to help decipher the meaning. I think Life is Big is a clever and insightful read if you have the fortitude to focus through the absurdity and confusion.

Death and his brother, the obituary writer, among many others, are brilliant characters, in my opinion. It's not that Death hasn't been a character before but that brother... nice move, Mrs. Denis, you can write.

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Review: You're Retired...Now What?: Discovering & Funding Your Purpose-driven Retirement

You're Retired...Now What?: Discovering & Funding Your Purpose-driven Retirement by Debra Brede
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

You're Retired...Now What?: Discovering & Funding Your Purpose-driven Retirement
by Debra Brede

This 200-page book is selling well in the Wealth Management and Retirement Planning genres and with good reason. It's not so much about planning your retirement as managing your wealth during retirement and that's a key difference from so many other books on the same reading lists. The author is a graduate of Harvard Business School and founder of DK Brede Investment Management Company, so she's definitely got the chops for the subject matter at hand. She gives clear and concise advice on making sure your money lasts as long as you do. She also makes suggestions for making any philanthropic aspirations you might have a safe and smart choice. I might have a way to go before retirement but the earlier you get your financial ducks in a row, well, the richer you'll be. And that's the goal, right?

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Review: Die for Her

Die for Her by R.B. Hilliard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Die For Her (Steele Raiders MC) Kindle Edition
by RB Hilliard

Romance and motorcycle riding bad boys go hand in hand, right? And with names like Steele and Luciana, you know their characters are gonna be on fire. Trust me, they are. I don't want to give away any of the plot but the suspense here is sometimes so much that it makes you forget the romance part. I don't say that as a negative, I was pleasantly surprised. I've always focused in on the dialogue and MC dialogue can make or break a book for me. Hilliard did well here, I thought. Yes, there is profanity; it's a book about a motorcycle gang, they cuss. Beyond the words used, it's the unique cadence that the author creates for these characters' dialogue that makes it stick with you.

Die For Her is actually the second book in this series and I wish I had read that first, just for knowledge sake. I was able to keep up fine having not read it.

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Review: A Red Sun Rises

A Red Sun Rises by K.D. Van Brunt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Red Sun Rises (The New Earth Trilogy Book 1) Kindle Edition
by K.D. Van Brunt

Ah, dear readers, we have another 'global pandemic requires post-apocalyptic survival' story. But this one is filled with young adult angst in a dystopian world. Paige and Jake, the main characters, are teenagers, and the way the dialogue is written makes that perfectly clear, which is no easy feat to accomplish.

I appreciated that this story takes place many years after the pandemic and mass deaths that it caused for this book but I do hope the author considers writing a prequel. Van Brunt has written some amazingly imaginative characters and creatures in A Red Sun Rises but where I thought he shined was with the virus itself. The Red does some messed up stuff beyond killing people within an hour of infection and mutating animals in terrifyingly strange ways and that's what I want more of.

By the way, I despise cliffhangers. Book 2 better be worth it.

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Review: Do Overs: A Time Travel Thriller of Sudden Second Chances

Do Overs: A Time Travel Thriller of Sudden Second Chances by Jon Spoelstra
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Do-Overs: A Time Travel Thriller of Sudden Second Chances
by Jon Spoelstra

Author Jon Spoelstra brings forth a science fiction novel fleshed out with time travel and thrills en masse. Time travel is hard to write seamlessly but I thoroughly enjoyed the way this scribe pulled it off. The plotline - down and out writer is offered the deal of a lifetime to write one book for one man, but he is given no further information to help him make his decision. His choice plunges him into an adventure full of thrills via time travel in order to re-do some key moments in his life. That's a relatively brilliant hook for a novel, in my opinion. I mean who among us hasn't wished we could go back and make a different decision or choice in our lives? An actual do-over, what would you change?

I hope to see a lot more from this talented author.

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Review: Muskrat Hill

Muskrat Hill by Easy Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Muskrat Hill by Easy Jackson, AKA Vicky Rose

If you want that classic murder mystery with a Western twist, Muskrat Hill is a novel you might enjoy. Not for nothing but there's also some romantic and sexual tension woven throughout for those of you who like a side of melodrama. The murders though, they are nothing if not vicious! If you like your crime gritty, this should whet your appetite quite nicely. Suspects range from religious nuts to prostitutes, a misogynist mayor, a child-molesting butcher... more red herrings than you might imagine. That doesn't take anything away from the plot at all. And that plot, holy twists, Batman! If you saw it all coming, you're the author.

I found the changes in point of view necessary for telling the story so well but those transitions felt somewhat abrupt. The time period and place in which Muskrat Hill happens should be considered if things like racism and sexism trigger you.

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Review: Weight of Shadows

Weight of Shadows by Ana Domini
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Post-pandemic Washington D.C. might be a setting a little too real world for some of us right now, given the state of things, but "Weight of Shadows" by Ana Domini is thoroughly enjoyable none-the-less. This dark fantasy penned for teens and young adults is as odd as it is fascinating. The world that author Ana Domini describes so vividly is terrifying in a dozen different ways, most of them subtle which is even creepier (once you read the book, you'll get what I did there). The specifics of the plague and its aftermath were fascinating and Mathis as a character brought the whole thing together so well. This isn't just a survival story, it's not just a post-apocalyptic tale, and it's certainly not your average fantasy, dark or otherwise. I never give much of the plot away in my reviews but trust me on this, this plot and its twists are on fire!

Ana Domini is a talented writer, one I am excited to read more from in the future.

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Review: Fly Twice Backward: Fresh Starts in a World of Troubles

Fly Twice Backward: Fresh Starts in a World of Troubles by David McCracken
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"Fly Twice Backward: Fresh Starts in a World of Troubles" by David McCraken is an alternative history/science-fiction story about a man returning to his youth with all the knowledge of an adult. Who hasn't thought and fantasized about the possibilities of that very scenario? Told from multiple points of view and enhanced with links to relevant songs, plays, shows, movies, books, and the like throughout the text, "Fly Twice Backward" has the makings of a classic. There's never a dull moment considering everything this novel includes; time travel, history, romance, fantasy, action, and sci-fi addressing everything from political and environmental issues to morality and love.

This thing is 700+ pages long and it truly could have gone on and on without losing my attention. McCracken is a true story-teller full of imagination and gusto who writes characters a reader can fall in love with. "Fly Twice Backward" is a book I will be recommending a lot now and in the future.

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Review: Captain Quark and the Time Cheaters: Donald Trump's Favorite Sci-Fi Novel — NOT!!

Captain Quark and the Time Cheaters: Donald Trump's Favorite Sci-Fi Novel — NOT!! by William Shatspeare
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Look, this book is bound to be both loved and hated by readers with equal passion due to the unabashedly in your face style of satire and political commentary embedded within. Luckily we live in the United States, where, for now at least, we are free to state our beliefs for or against anything we choose. My hope is that those who can't shake off a differing opinion just save yourself the irritation and move along. For the rest of us...

Sometimes you just need to laugh! With a name like Captain Quark and the Time Cheaters: Donald Trump's Favorite Sci-Fi Novel — NOT!!, just try not to. This book is rife with intelligent satire and my goodness do I appreciate intelligence, especially in comedy. The plotline is, on the surface silly and seemingly far-fetched, but such a fun and relatively harmless way to view the political atmosphere we are currently navigating. Recommended to anyone with a sense of humor.

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Review: After Olympus

After Olympus by Santiago Xaman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After Olympus
by Santiago Xaman

Talk about a mixed genre, After Olympus is one of those books readers struggle to answer the question, "What's it about?" because it's about everything. Trust me, you can find something to love here whether you're a history buff, a science fiction & fantasy fan, an adventure nut, a literature hound... it's all here in Santiago Xaman's debut novel. However, the quasi-fiction aspect of this book was the defining characteristic that made this so good for me, personally.

I found the multiple sources of info throughout the text to be a clever storytelling technique and the writing is much more eloquent than I expected after reading the synopsis. I consider that fact to be what gives After Olympus that note of true literature. I know some readers see the word 'literature' and think 'boring' but not so here; there are many plot twists to keep you on your toes. Xaman's writing of characters and dialogue is masterful, especially for a newly published author. Fantastic read!

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Review: Murphy's Will

Murphy's Will by Edward a McCoyd
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It's been a good while since I've come across a legal thriller that wasn't a cheap John Grisham knockoff. Let's just be real, it's not easy to make probate and estate law titillating but then comes Edward A. McCoyd with Murphy's Will, a novel chock full of thrills, drama, action, mystery, and suspense. It is a rather quick read at only 224 pages but it packs a good punch. The opening scene grabs your attention and holds it tight right through the epilogue. That it is set in 1987 at first had me groaning but as it turns out, that one aspect made the whole thing work in just the right way.

Something else that I appreciated was the lightness of the story despite the dreary circumstances of the plot. This author has a way of writing that makes the reader feel like everything will work out in the end without detracting from the heaviness of the events in the story without going all Pollyanna about it. Very well done. I will be reading everything else Mr. McCoyd publishes.

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Review: Forging of a Knight: Knighthood's End

Forging of a Knight: Knighthood's End by Hugo Negron
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Knighthood's End is the fifth in the Forging of a Knight series by author, Hugo V. Negron. Though I've seen these fantasy novels labeled as being for children and teens, adults are easily enthralled as well. At least I was. I have not read the first four installments so I did have to play catch up some but the author made even that easy.

Negron's writing is simple but by no means dull. All of the characters seem to be well developed and dynamic. Characters and dialogue can make or break a book for me. This author managed to create dialogue that has that sense of old-world cadence without the excessive wordiness that readers, especially young readers, tend to shy away from.

In Knighthood's End, we follow Qualtan and a Mah-Zakim as they navigate this complex world full of mythical creatures and curses. There is plenty of action to go around in between lessons in friendship, loyalty, and even romance. Huge Negron has created a vast and vivid fantasy world for you to fall deep into and I suggest that you do so.

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Review: The Girlfriend

The Girlfriend by Michelle Frances
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Want to have a conversation about despicable characters? Easy to do after reading this book. Cherry and Laura were both pretty vile but top billing goes to Cherry, for sure. Not that the male roles stood up to any positive models of masculinity - a cheater and a torn mama's boy. Even the side characters seemed to be vessels for one stereotypical negative attribute or another - Izzy, Bridgett, Nicole, the girls in Cherry's office... The ONE person in the entire novel who wasn't clambering over someone else's figurative corpse was Cherry's poor mother, Wendy. That poor woman.

*spoiler alert* The only thing that would have been better than Cherry's comeuppance at the hands of Laura would have been at the hands of her own mother directly. Though kudos to her for getting that ball rolling, I suppose. *end of spoiler*

Michelle Frances can whip up some dicey dynamics, making for a really good book. I read it in 2 short afternoons at the pool and I'm looking for another by this author as we speak. Or type, as is the case here.

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Review: The Body on the T

The Body on the T by Mike Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Following up The Walker on the Cape, The Body on the T is the second in Mike Martin's Sgt. Windflower Mystery series. This time the titular body is unidentified, leaving Windflower and Tizzard that much more behind in that case from the get-go. A blast from the series' past comes in the form of another body, identity known this time, linked to Harvey Brenton. Add in Sheila's near-fatal car accident and one of his own Constables' involvement in the distribution of drugs and you've got the bones for another adventure in Newfoundland with Sgt. Winston Windflower.

The tone of this installment is the same overall as the last, cozy, but there is a lot more going on here and murder is just the tip of the iceberg. Windflower's relationship with Sheila has strengthened over time so he is understandably rocked when her car is hit head-on, leaving her in a coma. He has had to suspend one of his own, Claude LaPierre, and struggles with that decision in the face of the knowledge that LaPierre is involved in the drug trade. That very narcotic activity has led to a temporary transfer for Windflower to Marystown to aid the task force hoping to bring down the illegal enterprise. On a positive note, Marystown is where Sheila convalesces so at least he can visit her regularly. There is no shortage of the homey feeling that comes from the setting, Newfoundland, nor the quirkiness of the characters. As a sophomore release, The Body on the T does its job keeping readers interested in the heart of the series, leading to devoted fans who will wait with bated breath for each new book.

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Review: The Palace of the Stars

The Palace of the Stars by Karina McRoberts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Set in Australia, The Palace of the Stars is a time travel slash magic slash romance slash mystery novel by Karina Roberts. This is book one of her The Harker Investigates Mysteries series. The premise is that, through a few convenient circumstances, former police officer Michael Harker is boarding with bookshop owner Mari Linden when an earthquake somehow opens a time portal, sending Michael 100 years into the past and leaving Mari in the present. Mike meets Mae Bell and becomes embroiled in a series of murders, both of which keep him busy there. Having been left in the present, Mari frets with keeping her business afloat and trying to get Mike back to his own time period.

The Palace of the Stars is uniquely enticing to readers of numerous fiction categories, the murder mystery aspect being my favorite. Romance lovers will no doubt treasure the tale of star crossed lovers, Mike and Mae, and fans of the fantasy genre have plenty of that facet to nosh on as well. Historical fiction buffs and adventure junkies can get their literary fixes in The Palace, too.

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Review: THE DUBAI GIRL: How My Life-Changing Journey Will Unlock Your Destiny

THE DUBAI GIRL: How My Life-Changing Journey Will Unlock Your Destiny by Dr. Sandra Weppler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

THE DUBAI GIRL: How My Life-Changing Journey Will Unlock Your Destiny is a short (only 116 pages) memoir written by Dr. Sandra Weppler. The book quickly outlined is a simple story about the circumstances throughout her life, notably the death of her father, that led to her personal relationship with spirituality, religion, God and Jesus.

I am the first to admit to getting my hackles up where religion (specifically organized religion) is concerned, but if you've chosen this book, you're most likely at least open to the concept of spirituality. Readers in that camp will not be disappointed with The Dubai Girl. Weppler has penned a mental and metaphysical inspirational novel with a Christian influence that is motivational without being preachy, something hard to come by in this genre. The book felt heartfelt and honest, almost conversational. Though the numerous Bible passages added nothing to the experience for me, readers lacking my religious/Bible abrasiveness might get that much more from this.

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Review: Thirteen Across

Thirteen Across by Dan Grant
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

If I had stumbled upon the summary of "Thirteen Across" by Dan Grant before I read it, well, I wouldn't have, for fear the entire novel would be as badly written. Of course, having done so, now I can decipher the synopsis, but it leads me to wonder how many potential readers might have passed it up out of sincere confusion.

"Thirteen Across" has been classified genre-wise as a suspense and medical thriller. I think the downright horrifying, unethical experimentation on human beings should be noted, perhaps veiled with a more diplomatic designation such as medical terrorism. It would also sit squarely under action, medical science fiction, and domestic terrorism labels.

Regarding the story, the 411 pages are surely responsible for many chewed fingernails. The plot is intricate, woven just the right way to carry the weight of the content. Characters are developed nicely and dialogue between them is well written. I won't go into more specifics to prevent giving too much away, but my final word on Thirteen Across is - I suggest you read the book.

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Review: Above The Grave: The Complete Series

Above The Grave: The Complete Series by Andrew De Zilva
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Above the Grave is a graphic novel written by Andrew De Silva and Mitchell Hall. Yes, you read that correctly, this one is a graphic novel. A comic book. I am aware that the two terms indicate that there are differences between them, though the distinction remains a mystery to this novice. Anyway, I prefer the term graphic novel now, having finally read one. If you're missing it, I am rather proud of the accomplishment, especially considering the abstract horror I felt when I realized the genre I was diving into. As a graphic novel new recruit, it took me a good bit to acclimate my reading style to authentically experience Above the Grave. The nuts and bolts boil down simply enough; a clandestine lockup where super-naughtiest of villains are confined for the safety of the outside world and the evil hijinks some of its wicked detainees orchestrate.

As it turns out, I dig comics. Who knew? Despite more glaring editing issues than any novel should go to publishing with, I found the story engaging, characters well developed, and pacing of the action appropriately done.

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Review: The Beckoning of Beguiling Things

The Beckoning of Beguiling Things by Calinda B.
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Beckoning Series by author Calinda B. begins with The Beckoning of Beguiling Things. Though I have never read any of her work before, I truly did not expect to be enamored by her writing so quickly. I mean, page two and there she is describing Las Vegas heat as "Satan's ball sack." I'm a fan, okay? Then, I realize that Marissa's pregnant sister is responsible for dragging her to Sin City, which already makes zero sense already based on my personal experiences and impressions these characters made on me so early in the book - #1 Pregnant women probably won't find much that is healthy for them on the Strip so why in the name of all that is holy would she choose there? and #2 Marissa strikes me as pretty much the opposite of a Vegas-weekend-trip-to-cut-loose kind of girl and shouldn't her sister be aware of that? Tidbits of reality such as those poking their uptight noses into my fiction aside, Beguiling Things runs the gambit in terms of adjectives to accurately describe the plot, but I'm going to list the ones bouncing around in my head anyway; modern, magic, funny, tragic, exciting and a healthy dose of fantasy. I'm looking forward to the follow-up.

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