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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

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

1/11/2020

90 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

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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

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Book Reviews

In the Image of Man

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

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

Camper Catastrophe By Mary Lu Scholl

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Book Reviews

In the Image of Man

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

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

Camper Catastrophe By Mary Lu Scholl

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