Book Reviews

In the Image of Man

1/18/2020

A small god, a handful of followers and the end of the world
(The godling series Book 1) by Mark Long

Multi-volume, multi-genre author, Mark Long introduces us to the first in a series, “In the Image of Man”:
Would you know if a small god paid you a visit?

Would you trust in the least of miracles or believe in the messages that appear out of the blue on your computer screen? What would it take to make you believe?

As the story unfolds, there is an ancient godling adrift in the Universe and he is desperate for believers. This tiny god, who comes to be known as Bob, is small, powerless and unseen. Drifting through the ages he is brought to consciousness following a tragedy but, he must gain followers, as without true believers, there is no capacity for miracles. Worse, without them, he will cease to exist.

So, Bob goes to work, invisible and inexperienced, silently watching and hoping for people to love him. He learns all about vending machines and then computers and quickly grasps the human concept of spending money. As the days pass into mundane routine, his energy increases as his unknowing colleagues mutter… “Oh God.”

But modern life takes its toll, even on a higher deity.
Bob needs a sacrifice……not any old sacrifice, no blood or guts or murder and mayhem, just a chocolate bar given freely.

Ray Charles and Mary Callahan had no idea that their lives were going to be changed forever when a very weak but desperate god introduces himself. Ray’s anger over his wrecked car tyre draws Bob like a beacon to him. Mary’s emotional turmoil teaches Bob all about love and betrayal. He watches over her but not even a god is safe from making serious mistakes.

Soon, a psychiatrist, the Police and even the Pope are brought into the confusion. But then, Bob finds that he needs a far bigger audience if he is going to save the world from impending doom. Can he do it?

The first in a new humorous fiction series and written in a tongue-in-cheek style by author Mark Long, this story is both thought-provoking and funny. It’s guaranteed to make you smile.

This was such a delightful story to read. The originality of the premise caught my eye in the beginning. A small god that needed followers to have an existence.
The tone of the book was very enjoyable, it was mild and unassuming for the most part as the small god, Bob, struggled to help his two followers in a meaningful way.
I loved the plotting and characterizations; the dialogue was most interesting as Bob sought ways to make his presence known to his followers. I chuckled many times. The scene setting left little to be desired. There was a nice balance throughout the book.
The conclusion of the book was very satisfying and I look forward to the sequel.
I award 4.9 stars to “In the Image of Man”! The score would have been higher except for a few spelling errors. The author assures me they are now corrected, so your reading will be smoother.

You can buy this book and you should:
https://smile.amazon.com/image-Man-handful-followers-godling-ebook
https://www.goodreads.com/-in-the-image-of-man
https://www.kobo.com/in-the-image-of-man
You can follow the author:
http://intheimageofman.com
https://www.facebook.com/InTheImageOfMan
https://www.marklongauthor.co.uk
https://twitter.com/BluesScale
Tags: Religious humor, science fiction, satire, British humor, metaphysical, fantasy
Copyright © 2020 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction

20 Comments

Heir to a Prophecy By Mercedes Rochelle Narrated by Kevin E. Green

1/11/2020

98 Comments

Multi-genre multi-volume author, Mercedes Rochelle introduces us to her newest historical fiction story, “Heir to a Prophecy”:
Shakespeare's Witches tell Banquo, "Thou Shalt 'Get Kings Though Thou Be None". Though Banquo is murdered, his son Fleance gets away. What happened to Fleance? What Kings?

The road to kingship had a most inauspicious beginning, and we follow Fleance into exile and death, passing the Witches' prophecy to his son Walter. Born on the wrong side of the blanket and raised in disgrace, Walter was caught inside of a destiny he barely understood. In an effort to untangle Banquo's murder and honor his lineage, Walter moved through events that shaped the course of England and Scotland. His relationships with the great men of his time drove his destiny: Harold Godwineson, Alain of Brittany and finally Malcolm III. After a long and treacherous journey through Wales, England, and France, Walter fulfilled the witches’ prophecy as the first Steward of Scotland and ancestor of James I—for whom Shakespeare wrote Macbeth.

This is an amazing story! I enjoyed the world building and the characters really come to life. An audiobook is a great way to enjoy a marvelous tale.
I have read other books by this author and have derived many hours of pleasure from the experience. Listening to the audiobook was so different, I am really glad I used my ears for the story, instead of my eyes. The narrator made a big difference, he performed multiple voices flawlessly.
The author’s research is phenomenal, it brings a wonderful foundation to the story. I felt like I was walking with the main character throughout. The heartbreak, joy and anger were easily felt and helped make the story so good! Everything felt so authentic and organic.
I award “Heir to a Prophecy” five stars! Such a fabulous experience in the audiobook and a wonderful story overall!

You can buy this book:
https://www.audible.com/pd/Heir-to-a-Prophecy-Audiobook
https://smile.amazon.com/Heir-Prophecy-Mercedes-Rochelle-ebook
https://www.goodreads.com/book/-heir-to-a-prophecy

You can follow the author:
http://www.twitter.com/AuthorRochelle
http://www.mercedesrochelle.com
http://www.mercedesrochelle.net
http://www.historicalbritainblog.com

I have reviewed two other books by the author:
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/a-king-under-siege-book-one-of-the-plantagenet-legacy-by-mercedes-rochelle
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/godwine-kingmaker-part-one-of-the-last-great-saxon-earls-by-mercedes-rochelle

Tags: Medieval, Britain, Scotland, Wales, historical, history, king, queen, royalty, fiction
Copyright © 2020 Mark L Schultz except for the author's introduction

98 Comments

Camper Catastrophe By Mary Lu Scholl

1/4/2020

75 Comments

Multi-genre, multi-volume author, Mary Scholl introduces us to her latest cozy murder book, “Camper Catastrophe”:
Nothing is easy, nothing works out the way you expect. These are lessons learned by Patty Decker when she finds herself living in a travel trailer in a park in Florida. With a bit of a chip on her shoulder she winds up solving the mystery of her neighbor's murder. She liked him a lot better after he was dead...

I love to read and this story reinforced my love of reading quite a bit. Patty Decker is a wonderful, crotchety, old woman who has recently undergone more than one upheaval in her life.
I love the realistic attitude that Patty has, the first person POV writing is wonderful and brings me completely into the story. The author has a delightful knack for describing an elderly woman’s train of thought. The scene setting is perfect for me, the trailer park feels right at home and I have never lived in one.
The characters in the story were very vivid, even the recently deceased Albert, as a new ghost. I loved how forthright the deputy was, he brought a welcome balance into the situation. Even the cats and dogs had their parts to play in the story.
I award 4.9 stars to “Camper Catastrophe”! The score would have been higher except for a few spelling errors.

You can buy this book:
https://smile.amazon.com/camper-catastrophe-mary-scholl
https://www.goodreads.com/-camper-catastrophe
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Camper-Catastrophe-Trailer-Travails-Book

You can follow the author:
https://twitter.com/MaryLScholl1
https://maryluscholl.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/maryluschollauthor/

Tags: cozy, cosy, murder, mystery, Florida, pets, dog, cat, neighbors, fiction, action

Copyright © 2020 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction

75 Comments

The Comeback Kid: the memoirs of Thomas L. Hay by Thomas L. Hay

12/28/2019

33 Comments

Multi-genre, multi-volume author Thomas Hay introduces us to his memoir, “The Comeback Kid”:
The Comeback Kid is the memoirs of Thomas (Tommy) Hay, written from cradle to senior citizen. Raised in the Golden Valley town of Clinton, Missouri in the 1950's. Experience the people, places and events that influenced his life portrayed through songs. How often a song reminds us of a person, a place or a time in our lives. Follow my journey from Clinton, Missouri to towns and cities around the Globe. From a US Navy sailor to a TWA/American Airline employee. From puppy love to an International playboy. From marriage to divorce. From UFO's to abductions. An adventure filled with mystery, romance, joy and heartbreaks.

As memoirs go, this is pretty darn good! The author is quite optimistic and doesn’t shy away from recounting some of the decisions he made that had less than desired results. The story is full of action and he made me laugh out loud many times.
The author admits to being kind of hard-headed at times, because he reminds me of myself in many ways.
I award a score of 4.6 stars to “The Comeback Kid”! The score would have been higher except for a large handful of spelling errors I found. The author has told me that they are corrected, so your reading experience will be much smoother.

You can buy this book:
https://smile.amazon.com/Comeback-Kid-memoirs-Thomas-Hay
https://www.goodreads.com/-the-comeback-kid
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/the-comeback-kid-thomas-hay

You can follow Thomas:
https://twitter.com/thomaslhay
http://thomaslhay.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Thomas-L-Hay

I have also reviewed two of the author’s novels:
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/-an-abduction-revelation-the-comeback-kid-returns-by-thomas-l-hay
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/-abduction-revelation-ii-truth-be-told-by-thomas-l-hay

Tags: travel, military, navy, overseas, UFO, abduction, biography, teen, YA

Copyright © 2019 Mark L Schultz except for the author's introduction

33 Comments

George Pringate's Last Hurrah By Stewart Hoffman

12/14/2019

38 Comments

Multi-genre, multi-volume author, Stewart Hoffman, introduces us to his funny story about life in the afterlife, George Pringate’s Last Hurrah:
Hell is tears, pain, and depression, baked into a cake made of misery and despair.
Heaven is meet-cutes and puppies, life-affirming moments, and hanging out with Elvis!
George Pringate is dead, and he really wants to go to Heaven! But first, he must survive Hell’s assassin, confront his demons with the help of his afterlife counselors, and most critically, be honest with himself.

George is in big trouble. He doesn’t automatically qualify for heaven. He has some work to do, and that’s hard for a depressed slacker.
This book is so much fun! I love the way Stewart writes. He has a wonderful knack for humor and I love the humor. His scene-setting is just right. The dialogue makes me laugh so much and the plotting is perfect. George has to go through so much to prove himself worthy of entrance to heaven, including not being destroyed by an assassin from the underworld. The action is really good also, the pace and flow make for a very smooth read. George thought life was hard, he is learning it’s even harder being dead.
I award “George Pringate’s Last Hurrah” 5 stars! You will laugh yourself silly!

You can buy this book:
https://smile.amazon.com/George-Pringates-Hurrah-Stewart-Hoffman-ebook
https://www.goodreads.com/book/-george-pringate-s-last-hurrah
https://amazon.co.uk/George-Pringates-Hurrah-Stewart-Hoffman
You can follow the author:
https://twitter.com/stewartfhoffman
http://www.talkiegazette.com/books
https://www.facebook.com/StewartFHoffman
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15583189.Stewart_Hoffman
Tags: humorous fantasy, fiction

I have also reviewed this book "The Bug Boys" and interviewed the Stewart under the review, here is the link: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-bug-boys-by-stewart-hoffman
I reviewed the next book also “The Bug Boys Vs. Professor Blake Blackhart” https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-bug-boys-vs-professor-blake-blackhart-by-stewart-hoffman

Copyright © Mark L Schultz 2019 except for the author’s introduction

38 Comments

Rise: Birth of a Revolution (The Flynn Chronicles Book 1) By Mark S. Moore

12/7/2019

60 Comments

Debut author, Mark S. Moore, introduces us to his historical fantasy novel, “Rise: Birth of a Revolution”:
Mark S. Moore's debut novel follows the fledgling Ricchan rebellion. A dark and gritty tale of war, intrigue, and betrayal. Rise is driven by a diverse array of complex characters and moral consequence. Between muskets and firebrands, Damien Flynn finds himself in the midst of growing turmoil. Political espionage, assassinations, scandalous affairs, underhanded deals, and dirty politics threaten to plunge the known world into chaos. What makes a patriot? What makes a traitor?

The desire to be free and make your own choices is a huge part of the human experience, no one wants to be a slave. This book taps into that theme very effectively. Change a few names and this could be the story of every free society on earth.
This book brings a great mix of big picture events, the people who cause them and the people who are caught up in them.
I enjoyed the dialogue tremendously; personalities are captured so well. The action is plentiful without being overwhelming. The scene setting is very well done, just enough to avoid getting in the way. The characters are gorgeous, so real and full of life.
I give “Rise: Birth of a Revolution” 4.9 stars! The score would have been higher except for a handful of spelling errors that the author has corrected. Your reading experience will be that much smoother.

You can buy this book:
https://smile.amazon.com/Rise-Birth-Revolution-Flynn-Chronicles-ebook
https://www.goodreads.com/rise-birth-of-a-revolution
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rise-Birth-Revolution-Flynn-Chronicles-ebook

You can follow the author:
https://twitter.com/RedBeardFlynn
http://marksmoorebooks.com
https://m.facebook.com/MarkSMooreBooks

Tags: historical fiction, historical fantasy, war, romance, politics, spies, rebels
Copyright © 2019 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction

60 Comments

Megamax Let the Blood Flow By Rhani D’Chae

11/29/2019

111 Comments

Multi-volume, multi-genre author, Rhani D’Chae introduces us to her short story, “Megamax”; that is a prequel to a novel coming out next year:
In a future time, the greed and destructive nature of man has resulted in the fall of civilization as we know it today.

America is a wasteland, where the scattered cities that remain have become overcrowded havens for those who seek refuge behind protective walls.

In Seattle, where the Seahawks once played to the roar of the 12s, Century Link field stands quietly in the shadow of Megamax prison.

Impenetrable and inescapable, Megamax houses the worst of the worst: criminals whose heinous acts have condemned them to life in a place where blood flows like water, and an inmate's worth is determined solely by his or her performance in the Arena.

This story is the prequel to "The Vanguard", which will be out in 2020.

This story contains violence and adult language. It is not intended for young or easily offended readers.

I love this story! Not for the brutality and dystopian setting, though there is a lot that can be said for that. The author has captured the essence of people in desperate circumstances so well. It is so easy to find yourself cheering and hoping for the title character. He is caught in this situation by forces beyond his control.
The prose is nice and tight, the scene setting is more than enough, without being too much. Most of the dialogue is terse and fits the storyline perfectly.
This short story is a wonderful introduction to a story that will land somewhere between “Seven Samurai” directed by Kurosawa, the precursor to “Star Wars”; a hint of “Kelly’s Heroes” a movie set in world war 2, and a mashup between “Zombieland” and “World War Z”. It will be a wild ride, I am sure.
I award “Megamax” 5 stars! Darn good story and leaves me wanting more.

You can buy this book:
https://smile.amazon.com/Megamax-Rhani-DChae-ebook
https://www.goodreads.com/ebook/-megamax
www.amazon.co.uk/Megamax-Rhani-DChae-ebook

You can follow Rhani D’Chae:
https://twitter.com/rhanidchae
https://rhanidchae.wordpress.com/

Rhani and I have had three interviews previously, you can see them under these book reviews:
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/one-dyke-cozy-by-rhani-dchae#comments
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/shadow-of-the-drill-by-rhani-dchae#comments
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/ive-always-loved-women-by-rhani-dchae#comments

Tags: prison, future, death, cage fight

Copyright © 2019 Mark L Schultz except for the author's introduction

111 Comments

The Good Audit By C.P. Aiden

11/23/2019

48 Comments

Multi-format author C.P. Aiden, introduces us to his insightful and very funny look (really, it’s very funny) at big-time accounting, “The Good Audit”:
The Good Audit – Everything goes wrong when you put eight accountants in the same room for too long.
The excitement begins when a top-notch team of over-achieving, excessively ambitious CPA’s at The Audit & Tax Firm is paired with a motley crew of highly incompetent finance professionals at Widget Maker. As expected, nothing goes as planned.
Frustration grows, pressure builds, and even the plumbing will not cooperate. Everything is swirling out of control until legal troubles unexpectedly land everyone on the same side of trouble. Will mutual animosity towards Widget Maker’s legal department be enough to bring everyone together to get the job done?
Laugh out loud through every comical twist and turn, let your jaw drop at the absurd nonsense that perhaps happens in today’s corporate world, and soak up the life lessons offered for those who pay attention as you fly through this business adventure!

MEET THE TEAMS - all character names reflect the resource aspect of Human Resources and are simply generic titles.

The Accounting Firm Team:
Intern – the sharp and spirited college student
Staff 1 – the overly enthusiastic first-year staff
Staff 2 – the highly ambitious and somewhat temperamental second-year staff
Backup Staff – the extra help who is a few fries short of a Happy Meal
Senior 1 – the professional mom
Senior 3 – the guy who gives everyone the benefit of the doubt
Manager – the family man and balancing force on the team
Senior Manager (SM) – the single workaholic
Partner – the arrogant and clueless one at the top

The Widget Maker Finance Team:
Senior Accountant – persistently absent
Assistant Controller – the awkward and quirky one who never makes any sense, married to Legal Assistant which also doesn’t make sense
Legal Assistant – the cranky, bossy one
Financial Reporting Manager (FRM) – the clueless one who doesn’t do anything
Inventory Manager – the conceited and egotistical jerk who hates auditors (and everyone else)
Finance Manager – the former auditor turned inept accountant
CFO – the fearless leader of the finance team and arch-nemesis of the legal department

I love this book! I laughed all the way through it. You don't have to be an accountant to enjoy this book. If you have ever worked in an office with more than one person you will understand what is going on. You can't go wrong choosing this book!
I think the best part of the story is all the instant messaging that is going on between different characters. It fills the story out quite nicely. The author’s comedic timing is wonderful and will give you many endorphin rushes from all the laughing.
The next best part is the names. There are no personal names, only position titles. It highlights how impersonal business can be. Yet, every part of the business is composed of people. What a mixed-up world we live in.
I award “The Good Audit” a score of 5.0 stars! So funny and so good!

You can buy this book:
https://smile.amazon.com/Good-Audit-C-P-Aiden-ebook
https://www.goodreads.com/-the-good-audit
Audio book: The Good Audit
You can follow the author:
https://twitter.com/CPAiden1
https://www.facebook.com/cp.aiden
https://www.instagram.com/cpaiden/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/c-p-aiden

Tags: Satire, comedy, fiction
Copyright © 2019 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction

48 Comments

Leaderology By Oleg Konovalov

11/22/2019

0 Comments

Multi-volume, business productivity expert, Oleg Konovalov introduces us to his newest book about leading and organizational culture:
Foreword by John Spence
"This book shares the best lessons in modern management!" - Marshall Goldsmith, Only two-time Thinkers 50 #1 Leadership Thinker in the world
"Every once in a while you encounter a book that makes you rethink how you think about management. This is one of those rare gems." - Jonas Ridderstråle

We stand on the brink of a great unknown. The Digital Era has clearly demonstrated that we can't progress further without developing leadership capabilities on a global scale. Leaderology defines the beginning of the Renaissance period in modern management and leadership while helping leaders to reach a new level of success.
Leaderology is a new approach to managing organizations in the new realities which identifies common and specific errors that arise in any business and to spot problems that distance it from customers and limit the company's capacities early, and how to treat them before they threaten the business itself.
While defining new areas of improvement this book offers recommendations that can create ultimate leaps in performance and customer satisfaction. Through different case studies and responses from industry experts, it shows how devoting effort and time to honing leadership competencies is the best investment in the future.

What an awesome book! Oleg really makes the issues and stakes clear! What is at stake? Merely the ultimate success or failure of your organization. Follow the prescription that the author provides, take care of the people, success will follow naturally. Pay attention, this is not a set-it-and-forget-it exercise. This is the new paradigm.
I award this book 4.9 stars! The score would have been higher except for a handful of spelling errors.

You can buy this book:
https://smile.amazon.com/LEADEROLOGY-Oleg-Konovalov-ebook
https://www.goodreads.com/-leaderology
https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Leaderology/Oleg-Konovalov

You can follow the author:
https://twitter.com/olkonol_oa
http://olegkonovalov.com/
https://valuekod.com/2-hour-free-executive-workshop-to-diagnose-fix-corporate-culture-problems/

I have reviewed the two previous books also:
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/organisational-anatomy-a-managers-guide-to-a-healthy-organisation-by-oleg-konovalov
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/corporate-superpower-cultivating-a-winning-culture-for-your-business-by-oleg-konovalov

Tags: Business production, business operations, business management, strategic management

Copyright © 2019 by Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction

0 Comments

Santa's Magical Christmas Tree by Doris Bowers

11/16/2019

25 Comments

Debut children’s author, Doris Bowers, introduces us to her first book, “Santa’s Magical Christmas Tree”:
Terrance and Velda Powers get to help mom pick out their special Christmas Tree. When they get it home, they find it is Magical! They find something Special and Magical in their Christmas Tree! What can it be?
Keep reading to find out, and all the fun Velda and Terrance have with their discovery.

This is such a cute book; children will love reading this or having it read to them. The joy and excitement captured in this story is quite contagious and will leave you feeling wonderful.
I have cut many Christmas trees in my life, my family owns a wholesale Christmas tree farm, and I have never found one like this tree. I didn’t know what I was missing!
The action and dialogue are great fun, from a nice, old man selling the trees to a mystery guest.
I found one missing word. That has been fixed.
I award “Santa’s Magical Christmas Tree” a score of 5.0 stars, just for all the cuteness.

You can buy this book:
https://smile.amazon.com/Santas-Magical-Christmas-Tree-Book-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-santa-s-magical-christmas-tree
You can follow the author:
https://twitter.com/DorisKoalaGirl
http://www.instagram.com/dkoalagirl/
facebook.com/doris.jarrett.52
Copyright © 2019 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction

25 Comments

Mistletoe and Mayhem: Yuletide at Castlewood Manor

11/9/2019

1 Comment

(My American Almost Royal Cousin Series Book 4)
By Veronica Cline Barton

Multi-volume, award-winning author, Veronica Barton introduces us to the fourth volume in her cozy murder series “Mistletoe and Mayhem”:
A family's legacy, a mother's anguish, deadly revenge, and bridezilla wannabes are set to rendezvous around the Christmas tree this Yuletide season. Rumor has it a feature film is in the works for the hit period drama series, Castlewood Manor, as the PR plans go into overdrive.

History is about to be righted by royal decree, which may have a devastating impact not only to the British/American family relations in the Lancaster household, but might also jeopardize the future of the Castlewood Manor production on the estate. American heiress Gemma Lancaster Phillips, PhD, is facing a unique crossroads in her life—marrying the man she loves and becoming the first American marchioness in British nobility as she teeters on the edge of accepting the family peerage and title from her cousin, Evan. Father Christmas has his hands full as tragedy, royal drama, conniving foes, and meddling friends and family threaten to bring this 'Tis the Season' to a fiery and disastrous end.

I love the stories that Veronica writes. I feel like a close friend of the family now. Veronica has built an amazingly realistic world for her characters to live, love and exist in.
The story is told in the first-person point of view of Gemma, the American heiress. Gemma and the other characters have real experiences and problems as they seek to deal with mysterious tragedies and snobby acquaintances. Danger seems to be lurking around every other corner.
It’s a very special holiday season because a family member that disappeared has returned home. I won’t say anymore to prevent giving out a spoiler.
I enjoyed this tale so much, “Mistletoe and Mayhem” gets five stars!

You can buy this book:
https://smile.amazon.com/mistletoe-and-mayhem
https://www.goodreads.com/mistletoe-and-mayhem
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/mistletoe-and-mayhem
You can follow Veronica Cline Barton:
https://twitter.com/VClinebarton
https://myamericanalmostroyalcousinseries.com
https://www.facebook.com/myamericanalmostroyalcousinseries
https://www.amazon.com/Veronica-Cline-Barton
https://www.goodreads.com/author/Veronica_Cline_Barton

Tags: mystery, suspense, traditional detective, cozy, castle

Here is the interview with the author and the review of the first book: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-crown-for-castlewood-manor-by-veronica-cline-barton
Here is the interview with the author and the review of the second book: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/cast-crew-and-carnage-the-filming-of-castlewood-manor-my-american-almost-royal-cousin-series-by-veronica-cline-barton
Here is the interview with the author and the review of the third book: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/deadly-receptions-the-debut-of-castlewood-manor-by-veronica-cline-barton

Copyright © 2019 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction

1 Comment

Eternal Shadow

11/9/2019

45 Comments

(Fall of Gods Book 1) By Trevor B. Williams

Debut science fiction author, Trevor B. Williams, introduces us to the first volume in his series, “Eternal Shadow”:
What would you do if the world was going to end in ten years? For Jennifer Epstein, a by-the-books senior researcher at SETI, there is only one answer: prevent the apocalypse from happening. Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus were destroyed by an alien threat. The deck was stacked against humanity before the cards came out of the box.

But Jennifer isn’t alone. She has Samantha Monroe, her excitable but brilliant colleague. From South Africa, CEO Muzikayise Khulu of Khulu Global supplies his vast resources to the ultimate race for survival. The three find themselves in an unlikely alliance while political brinkmanship, doomsday cults, and untested technologies form ever-growing obstacles.

Will humanity unite to face the greatest challenge of their time, or will it destroy itself before the alien ship arrives?

I love science fiction, especially hard sci-fi! This is a great story! It is so well written. Trevor’s plotting is quite good, combining an imminent destruction of the earth with a first-contact type of story provides a white-knuckle ride!
The science is very well done and quite believable; the scenes are set perfectly. Some of the dialogue is so funny, I laughed out loud. The antagonists on Earth, a zealous, religious cult is very scary and very realistically presented. It is nearly impossible to stop a person willing to die for their cause, except to stop them before they do too much damage.
I am anxious for the continuations of the series. I award “Eternal Shadow” a score of 5 stars!

You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Eternal-Shadow
https://www.goodreads.com/-eternal-shadow
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/eternal-shadow-trevor-williams
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/eternal-shadow-1

You can follow the author:
http://www.trevorwrites.com/
https://twitter.com/tw_trevorwrites
https://www.facebook.com/tw.trevorwrites/
https://www.instagram.com/tw_trevorwrites/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/Trevor_B_Williams
Tags: action, adventure, outer space, solar system, sci-fi, international, space station
Copyright © 2019 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction

45 Comments

Slowed by a Baby

11/2/2019

10 Comments

The African Woman’s Journey – Book 2
By Eileen Omosa

Multi-volume, multi-genre author, Eileen K. Omosa, introduces us to the second volume of “The African Woman’s Journey”: “Slowed by a Baby”:

Is being a millionaire’s wife and pregnant, an automatic ticket out of the world of employment?

Richie and Sophia have returned from a ten-day honeymoon when he asks her to resign from her job and stay at home with his mother. His wife being in employment will reflect on his capability to provide for her.
In this second book in The African Woman’s Journey Trilogy, Sophia confronts a new challenge–as a career woman, can she become a stay-at-home-Mom if her husband is a millionaire?
Buy this book to learn from a tale of change and adaptation, where ambition, social expectations, and love intertwine.

This story was very enjoyable. I like the way the author writes. I think I liked it even better than the first one (link at the bottom). Getting married introduces many changes in the dynamic of two people and two families, as they work to blend their once-separate lives. Getting pregnant makes that work even more complicated, especially, when the baby shows up a few months after the wedding.
Eileen does a wonderful job of exploring the conflicting visions and desires of two people who are just learning how to communicate. This story is not short on description or scene setting, it is the richness of dialogue that made me laugh out loud so many times.
The personal and relationship growth of Richie and Sophia is heartwarming and encouraging. Each of them is fully fleshed out as well as the supporting cast of family and friends.
I award 4.9 stars to “Slowed by a Baby”, the score would have been higher except for a handful of spelling errors.

You can buy this book:
https://smile.amazon.com/Slowed-by-a-Baby-African-Womans-Journey
https://www.goodreads.com/-slowed-by-a-baby
https://www.amazon.co.uk/slowed-by-a-baby

You can follow Eileen Omosa:
https://twitter.com/iGrowideas
https://www.eileenomosa.com
https://www.facebook.com/EileenOmosaAuthor

Previous book review and interview: http://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-choices-she-must-make-africas-billionaire-heirs-book-1-by-eileen-k-omosa

Tags: multicultural, hope, contemporary women’s fiction, sweet romance, marriage, communication, relationship, pregnancy, international business, Kenya

Copyright © 2019 Mark L Schultz except for the author's introduction

10 Comments

Lake on the Moon by H.E. Wilburson

10/26/2019

14 Comments

The War of the Worlds (The Martian Diaries, Vol. 2) Audio Drama Sequel: A New Martian Menace Invades Earth
Narrated by Terry Thompson and Harry Preston

Multiple volume author, H.E. Wilburson, introduces us to the second audio book of three in his sci-fi series, Lake on the Moon: The Martian Diaries:
When a Martian cylinder lands on Horsell Common, Ogilvy the astronomer barely survives a deadly heat-ray attack and wakes up in a hospital inundated with casualties as the first War of the Worlds alien invasion rages. He alone discovers the real significance of the Red Weed brought to Earth by the Martians and dispatches vital evidence on board HMS Thunder Child, but it is lost when the ship is attacked and sunk by Martian tripods. Years later in 1919, in the aftermath of the Great War and Spanish Influenza, an insidious new alien menace emerges on Earth from the long forgotten Red Weed. A dangerous and daring plan is devised as Ogilvy, George (HG Wells' narrator), and other original characters strive to combat the devastating Martian plague threatening to extinguish all life on our planet.
Don't miss this compelling continuation of H.G.Wells' iconic book in the exciting second volume of The Martian Diaries science fiction series, featuring the original characters and a bespoke musical score.

I have been waiting to resume the story from “The Day of the Martians” for a long time. I loved the first audio book!
This is so well written and acted out! The voice actors do a very credible job and the sound effects along with the music really make the story come alive. Science fiction is my favorite genre, and both of these books are a wonderful extension of the classic story from H. G. Wells “The War of The Worlds”.
I give “Lake on the Moon” a score of 5 stars!

You can buy this book:
https://smile.amazon.com/-lake-on-the-moon
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lake-Moon-Martian-Invades-Diaries
https://www.audible.com/lake-on-the-moon
https://www.audible.co.uk/lake-on-the-moon
https://www.goodreads.com/-lake-on-the-moon

You can follow the author:
http://martiandiaries.com
https://twitter.com/martiandiaries
https://www.facebook.com/martiandiaries

Here is the link for my review of the first book: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-day-of-the-martians-the-martian-diaries-volume-1-by-he-wilburson-narrated-by-terry-thompson-and-harry-preston

Tags: sci-fi, science fiction, historical, aliens, Mars, invasion, England, Wales
Copyright © 2019 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction

14 Comments

Fix By Amanda Gregory

10/19/2019

55 Comments

Debut author, Amanda Gregory, introduces us to her novel, Fix:
Tammy was only fifteen when she was introduced to the world of drugs. Five years later, she finds herself on the other side of the country in California. Life is different here compared to the small town she grew up in New Jersey, but Tammy is still up to her old tricks bumming at her polar-opposite, lifelong friend Alecia’s place. Her new beau, Randy, is anything but good with his cold, mysterious demeanor but how can she say no when he suggests a road trip to visit his relatives in Colorado? Along the way, they make a detour at the Bad Karma Club in Las Vegas where they meet an unruly group: Mark leads the group with his obnoxious personality, his sidekick Ty, Angel whose dark disposition makes her seem just out of reach, and Alpha whose mysterious, green eyes unravel feelings inside Tammy that she can’t understand. The moment she meets them she has this unnerving feeling like she has finally found where she belongs. Tammy’s adventure gets even more interesting when Randy goes out on a “business” trip the next day with Mark and Ty, leaving her to defend herself in an unfamiliar area with Angel who introduces Tammy to her crush Charlie. The all-around funny guy Charlie is a dream to be around except for the fact that he has his own entanglement in the drug ring among other things. The moment of bliss turns sour when the boys return from their trip as Tammy finds out who she can really rely on and is faced with crossroads ahead. She finally finds the “family” that she has always wanted but it comes with a price. Will she self-destruct just to belong somewhere, or will she find another way to have it all?

At first glance, this Young Adult story seemed rather superficial, typical of so many who have no real aim in life other than survival and trying to feel good. However, it graphically shows how easy it is to become addicted to narcotics. Opioids are a serious issue in today's world. Navigating through the teen years into adulting is very difficult. Most of us decide to do it on our own, without seeking help from those who have been down that path already, the previous generation.
I was surprised by the depth of the story and I was pleasantly shocked by the ending. This is quite a good story.
The scene-setting was good, not too much or too little. The characters really shined for me; they came across as quite real, with depth. The dialogue, inner and outer, was the best part of the book. I was drawn into Tammy’s world effortlessly and empathetically. The first person POV made a huge difference, I really appreciate the intimacy it provides. The mark of good writing on my score card.
There are a few steamy sections and many instances of drug use.
I enjoyed the story a great deal.
I award a score of 4.8 stars to “Fix”, the score would have been higher except for a large handful of spelling errors. The author has corrected those errors, so your reading will be smoother.

You can buy this book:
https://smile.amazon.com/Fix-Amanda-Gregory-ebook
https://www.goodreads.com/book/-fix
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fix-Amanda-Gregory-ebook
You can follow the author:
https://twitter.com/manderz19
https://amandagregoryauthor.com
https://amandagregoryofficial.tumblr.com
https://smile.amazon.com/Amanda-K-Gregory
https://www.goodreads.com/author/Amanda_K_Gregory
Tags: fiction, literary fiction, YA, road trip, addiction, romance
Copyright © 2019 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction

55 Comments

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Book Reviews

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(My American Almost Royal Cousin Series Book 4)
By Veronica Cline Barton

Eternal Shadow

Slowed by a Baby

The African Woman’s Journey – Book 2
By Eileen Omosa

Lake on the Moon by H.E. Wilburson

The War of the Worlds (The Martian Diaries, Vol. 2) Audio Drama Sequel: A New Martian Menace Invades Earth
Narrated by Terry Thompson and Harry Preston

Fix By Amanda Gregory

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Book Reviews

A small god, a handful of followers and the end of the world ​(The godling series Book 1) by Mark Long

(My American Almost Royal Cousin Series Book 4)By Veronica Cline Barton

The African Woman’s Journey – Book 2By Eileen Omosa

The War of the Worlds (The Martian Diaries, Vol. 2) Audio Drama Sequel: A New Martian Menace Invades Earth Narrated by Terry Thompson and Harry Preston

Who am I?

Archives

Categories

A small god, a handful of followers and the end of the world
(The godling series Book 1) by Mark Long

(My American Almost Royal Cousin Series Book 4)
By Veronica Cline Barton

The African Woman’s Journey – Book 2
By Eileen Omosa

The War of the Worlds (The Martian Diaries, Vol. 2) Audio Drama Sequel: A New Martian Menace Invades Earth
Narrated by Terry Thompson and Harry Preston