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​book reviews

Legend by Barry Maher

7/27/2025

60 Comments

 
Multi-volume author Barry Maher introduces us to his debut fiction novel, “Legend”:
This growing cult classic is now available in a new edition. It ranks with the best, most imaginative, and most inspirational novels of the genre. It has been favorably compared to Dune and The Postman (the books not the movies). The story takes place in a decaying city of the future, a city that is in the process of devouring itself. The heroes—a young man and woman—escape their rough lives on the streets only to be trapped between a parasitic government and an insane satanic netherworld. The only way for the young woman to triumph is to penetrate what cannot be penetrated. The only way for the young man to survive is to become a god. In this futuristic, post-apocalyptic novel, the author convincingly portrays one of the major elements of so-called spiritual fiction—an imaginative presentation of self-discovery amid life’s hindrances and limitations, out of time and place.

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Interesting story, I enjoyed reading it. The story unfolds slowly, a fair amount of description and information is told from a first-person point of view and which affords deep intimacy with the characters and the settings. Different characters share their part in the overall plot, and there are lots of twists and turns as a result. I don't give spoilers, so I will say no more except that you will enjoy the story of life that is brutal for most people. I award 4.9 stars.
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You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Legend-Barry-Maher-ebook 
https://www.goodreads.com/Legend 
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/legend-barry-maher 
 
You can follow the author:
https://x.com/barrymaher 
http://www.barrymaher.com 
https://bsky.app/profile/barrymaher.bsky.social 
https://www.facebook.com/barry.maher.98 
 
tags: dystopian, future, science fiction, tyranny, oppressive government 
Copyright © 2025 Mark L. Schultz, except for the author’s introduction 
60 Comments

The One-Man Iris Davis Fan Club                           by Dan L. Walker

7/13/2025

28 Comments

 
Multi-volume, historical fiction and teen and young adult fiction author Dan L. Walker introduces us to his latest book, “The One-Man Iris Davis Fan Club”:
Sam Barger returns in this Classic quest story set in the 1960s with a damsel in distress, a reluctant hero, and a journey into the unknown. Sam pursues his dream of commercial salmon fishing but soon finds his whole life turned upside down. The One-Man Iris Davis Fan Club takes Sam out of his familiar Alaska home on a mission across the West into a world he has only read about. Once more, Sam has to think on his feet and adapt to new surroundings as he tries to do the right thing.

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A fabulous, coming-of-age story set in a turbulent period of American history!
The author has done a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life. They are all on point and serve the plot ever so well. The activities of daily living seem so authentic to the situations Sam finds himself in.
I have never run a gillnet or anything like that, but I might even survive the first day based on what I learned in the book.
I give 4.9 stars to this marvelous and touching story! I am picky about certain things.

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You can buy this book:
https://www.danlwalker.com/index.html 
https://www.amazon.com/One-Man-Iris-Davis-Fan-Club-ebook 
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/the-one-man-iris-davis-fan-club-dan-l-walker 
https://www.goodreads.com/-the-one-man-iris-davis-fan-club 
 
You can connect with the author:
https://x.com/DanWalkerAuthor 
https://www.danlwalker.com/index.html 
https://www.instagram.com/dlwalkerak/ 

Copyright © Mark L. Schultz 2025, except for the author’s introduction. 

28 Comments

The Braking Point by Wayne Kerr

7/6/2025

2 Comments

 

Multi-volume, multi-genre author, Wayne Kerr introduces us to his exciting story about Formula 1 racing, “The Braking Point”:
Follow two young drivers, Niki Madera and Shu Wheeler, as they compete in an adrenalin-fueled season of Formula 1 racing. Ride along as they work hard in the simulator… Adjust and fine tune the racing lines and braking points during practice sessions… Then push it to the limits in qualifying… Perform a daring dance of speed, precision and pure guts during the race… When every element comes together taste the glory of a podium finish!

Off the track, things aren't any easier, as they must manage the complex dynamics with teammates, rival drivers, friendships and family.

Imagine hurtling down a grandstand straight, the engine howling, with a bright red Ferrari closing the gap behind. At speeds over 300 km/h, the next corner is approaching fast. Should you apex early or late? Make the decision and choose the ideal BRAKING POINT!
Multi-volume, multi-genre author, Wayne Kerr introduces us to his exciting story about Formula 1 racing, “The Braking Point”:
Follow two young drivers, Niki Madera and Shu Wheeler, as they compete in an adrenalin-fueled season of Formula 1 racing. Ride along as they work hard in the simulator… Adjust and fine tune the racing lines and braking points during practice sessions… Then push it to the limits in qualifying… Perform a daring dance of speed, precision and pure guts during the race… When every element comes together taste the glory of a podium finish!

Off the track, things aren't any easier, as they must manage the complex dynamics with teammates, rival drivers, friendships and family.

Imagine hurtling down a grandstand straight, the engine howling, with a bright red Ferrari closing the gap behind. At speeds over 300 km/h, the next corner is approaching fast. Should you apex early or late? Make the decision and choose the ideal BRAKING POINT!
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I haven't read a racing book in a long time and this was a great way to return to the driver's seat. This book definitely deserves the pole position.
I love how the book is structured around each race of a Formula One season, the top level of racing. The details about the cars from the driver's position and the pit crew are fascinating. The characters, at all levels, come across very authentically.
Don't get me wrong, it's not only about the race; many of the characters have lives away from the track. I won't say more to avoid spoiling the reading for you.
This wonderful story gets 4.9 stars from me. I am picky about certain things.
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You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Braking-Point-Formula-Racing-Novel-ebook 
https://www.goodreads.com/-braking-point 
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/braking-point-wayne-kerr 
 
You can follow the author:
https://waynekerrnovels.allauthor.com 
https://www.tiktok.com/@waynekerrnovels 
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You can write Wayne: [email protected] 
 
I have reviewed other books by the author:
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/framed-black-swann-investigations-book-1-by-wayne-kerr 
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/a-pinot-noir-to-die-for-a-black-swann-investigation-book-2-by-wayne-kerr 
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/murder-on-the-okanagan-express-a-black-swann-investigation-book-3-by-wayne-kerr 
https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/-ric-a-dam-doo-the-snow-devils-by-wayne-a-d-kerr 
 
Copyright © 2025 Mark L. Schultz, except for the author’s introduction. 
2 Comments

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