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book reviews |
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Debut author and teacher, James R. Martin introduces us to his historical fiction novel, “Robin Hood: Legacy”: England in the year 1290 is a world in turmoil. An ever-increasing social awareness is met with sharper attempts at oppression from those in charge. The Church is at odds with the Crown over rights of taxation; the Crown is at odds with the people, who are evermore bent on self-direction and oversight; and the people are at odds with both Crown and Church, feeling the pressure of taxation from both sides, the frequent tug-of-war between Clergy and King over whose rules took precedence (dividing loyalties of the citizens) and of an increasingly more hectic life driven by a population boom. In the midst of it all, the fires of rebellion are lit by the unlikeliest of lawmen, as he strikes back against the royal injustices committed against those he is sworn to protect. The story of the man known as Robin Hood, and how that name became a legend which would span the generations. Based on the extensive historical research of author James R. Martin, discover a new and likely true identity of the original Robin Hood, through connections to real-life individuals, places, and events. How was one man able to carry out acts in so many parts of the kingdom, simultaneously? How did he resurface in so many different time periods? In the most original and realistic Robin Hood epic to date, learn the answers to these questions and more as we explore Robin Hood: Legacy (Book One.)  The author has taken historical bones and wrapped a great story around it! Intrigues abound and evildoers seem to be around every corner whether courtly, ecclesiastical or commoners. This period of amassing as much personal wealth by any means extends even to our modern times. People haven't changed mostly, they have found different ways to accomplish their desires. No spoilers from me! I wish I could say more. The author has crafted a marvelous tale of historical fiction. I award 4.9 stars, I am picky about certain things. You are going to love this book.  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Robin-Hood-Legacy-Book-One-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-robin-hood-legacy You can connect with the author: https://x.com/jaymo1978 https://www.facebook.com/-James-Martin-author https://www.instagram.com/jaymo1978 https://www.threads.net/@jaymo1978 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaymo1978 Medieval, British, action, intrigue, adventure Copyright © 2024 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction
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Discover the most insane theory about the Zodiac Killer – the truth will shake the earth! [Print Replica]Debut author, Immanuel Hawthorne introduces us to his unusual thriller, "The Saterical Com-idy": Tired of the same old murder mystery novels? This is no ordinary book. Discover the most insane theory about the Zodiac - the most notorious serial killer since Jack the Ripper... There is a reason why the Zodiac Killer stated, ‘I saw + think “The Exorcist” was the best saterical com-idy that I have ever seen.’ ___________________________________________________________________________________ In the midst of a global pandemic, puzzle enthusiast Nancy Kagawa unwittingly develops a peculiar interest - an obsession with the historic case of the Zodiac, an unidentified serial killer in San Francisco, who taunted the police and the media with ciphers and cryptic letters. Nancy joins forces with fellow investigators Nils Andersen and Frank Lloyd as they delve deep into the evidence. After the FBI verify a cryptogram solution provided by a team of private citizens, the three friends theorize that the new cipher key is the nucleus of the case. Their findings prove to be far more shocking than anticipated, and following a tragic and untimely death, Nancy discovers an encrypted document that contains the information to solve the mystery. But the danger becomes apparent when they realize who - and what - is implicated. ___________________________________________________________________________________ This is a work of satirical fiction based on real-life events, featuring a large volume of case files and cryptographic solutions that are accessed by hundreds of built-in hyperlinks throughout the plot. The story is approximately 170,000 words which are spread over 900 pages, with 876 pages of images (the vast number of pages is due to 1.5 line spacing format). For this reason, The Saterical Com-idy can only be published as an eBook, and due to the images and numerological aspects of the story, it can only be offered in the Print Replica format.  I loved this story! I moved to San Francisco in 1971 and the Zodiac Killer was on everyone's mind. Who was going to be his next victim? Who was he? We still don't know for certain. This is a conspiracy fan's dream or maybe a nightmare because it seems to go on forever. Each permutation reveals a new layer and frequently goes in an unexpected direction. Many of these clues are found in poems, movies, songs, and books that seem to tie in with the Zodiac Killer's writings and puzzles. The links never seem to end. Nancy and her friends work through the clues left by the Zodiac Killer like a dog gnawing on a favorite bone. I don't want to say anymore to avoid spoiling your reading. Your mind will struggle at times and be blown at other times! Keep reading, this is an unforgettable journey. I give this book 4.8 stars because I am picky about certain things!  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Saterical-Com-idy-Discover-insane-theory-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-the-saterical-com-idy-hawthorne You can connect with the author: https://x.com/TygerBooks https://thesatericalcom-idy.com Conspiracy thriller, puzzles, murder, Copyright © 2024 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction Multi-volume, multi-genre author, Catherine Mellen introduces us to her volume of poetry: Poetry, where a rambling of words stumble together and create a window into a poet's world. A galaxy of emotions that run on memories filled with faith love, pain, joy, sadness and the habitation of worlds unknown. Only Beautiful Remains began inside a nightstand drawer. A place where sheets of loose-leaf paper and a scrambling of words rested together for decades. Though its contents multiplied over the years, the nightstand drawer remained closed with its treasure of poetry inside. Then one day, the drawer opened and welcomed you all inside the mine of a poet. A place where words stumble upon stairs of faith, through the teardrops of life and the tender hearts of love, whilst the harmony of society sings and all the beautiful that remains in the tiny pieces of a poet’s life. Catherine Mellen is an American poet and author who shattered her silence on childhood trauma, family secrets and the monstrous predator her birth mother harbored. Now she writes about the pretty things in life, a place where Only Beautiful Remains.  This is a lovely collection of poetic thoughts. Poetic without pretense. The author shares many glimpses into her life and what is not said is nearly as important as what is said. The author isn't trying to be fancy, only honest and the beauty she shares in different forms is worthy of your attention. I enjoyed this volume a lot.  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Only-Beautiful-Remains-Words-Poet-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-only-beautiful-remains-catherine-mellen You can follow the author: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-mellen-14a642175 https://www.Twitter.com/Irishgirl692 https://www.Instagram.com/Irishgirl692 https://www.Pinterest.com/Irishgirl692 https://www.facebook.com/cathymellen1007 https://booksbycatherinemellen.com https://allauthor.com/author/irishgirl692 Copyright © 2024 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction Two "What-If" short storiesA special treat this time, I am reviewing two, wonderful short stories in the “What-If” series by multi-volume, multi-genre author, David T. Wolf. Mr. Wolf introduces us to these short stories: A Disturbance in the Church — An android walks into a church and all hell breaks loose. Especially when he tells a young priest that he would like to confess his sins, be absolved and receive communion. The young priest is open to the idea, but his foul-mouthed superior is outraged. They decide (or are maneuvered into) a meeting with the bishop and even the cardinal. Their conclave also includes the inventor of the technology and, just to even things out, a rabbi. Finally, even the pope gets involved.  My review of A Disturbance in the Church: Superb writing! The author has crafted a marvelous tale that might not be all that far from reality. I agree with the Pope in this case. Without free will we are nothing more than robots. No offense meant, Hal. Hal? Do-over — What if you woke up one morning and discovered that you were your preteen self, but with all your present memories intact? What if this alternate science-fiction universe gave you the chance to undo the many things you regretted? To act on those opportunities you missed? What tragedies would you act to prevent? Given the chance, what would you change about your life--and the world?  My review of Do-over: I enjoyed this story quite a bit. It has an interesting premise that always intrigues me. Time travel is my favorite subgenre in science fiction. Do-over isn't exactly a time travel story but it is close enough for me. Returning to the past with knowledge of the future is classic, going back to "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court". This story is easy to read and the parallel time frames cause interesting situations for the main character. 5 stars for me!  You can buy these books:
https://www.amazon.com/Disturbance-Church-short-story-David-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-a-disturbance-in-the-church-and-other-stories https://www.amazon.com/Do-Over-What-If-Short-Story-David Wolf-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-do-over-david-wolf You can follow the author: https://twitter.com/DaveWolf141 https://authordavidwolf.com [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/davidtwolfauthor https://www.facebook.com/mindclone www.instagram.com/wolfman141/ I have reviewed another of David Wolf’s books, Mindclone: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/-mindclone-by-david-t-wolf Copyright © 2024 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introductions |
Who am I?An avid reader, typobuster, and the Hyper-Speller. I am a husband, father, and grandfather. Archives
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