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book reviews |
Connor’s Universe Book 1Science fiction author Z. Gottlieb introduces us to her first novel, “Connor’s Gambit”: Brad Johnson, a lone witness to a UFO sighting, becomes an alien target. Risking everything to save Earth, he must rely upon his training and streetwise skills to survive. While adjusting to his new life in space, Brad struggles to understand the bitter conflict between the aliens in an intergalactic war that has been waged for centuries. Every day is a battle for survival, bringing him closer to the truth, as he learns one faction threatens Earth's security, while the other wants something entirely different. All Brad wants is to return home to his family, but not until he embarks on the greatest adventure of his life.  I really enjoyed "Connor's Gambit"! A nice twist on first-contact tales, a lot of fish-out-of-water aspects. The story evolves in nice bits and pieces that form a cohesive picture at the end. It kept me guessing quite a bit. The ending has several exciting wrap-ups for different plot threads. Great fun! I loved it! Great characters and wonderful plotting! This is a 5-star story! I am picky about certain things and that aspect of the book gets four stars.  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Connors-Gambit-Z-Gottlieb https://www.goodreads.com/-connor-s-gambit www.barnesandnoble.com/connors-gambit-z-gottlieb https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/connor-s-gambit https://www.smashwords.com/-connors-gambit https://itunes.apple.com/connors-gambit Podium Entertainment (Audiobook): https://podiumentertainment.com/titles/6436/connors-gambit (also available via Apple and Amazon) You can connect with the author: https://x.com/Z_Gottlieb https://www.facebook.com/zee.gottlieb.3 https://www.instagram.com/zgottlieb9691 Copyright © 2026 Mark L. Schultz, except for the author’s introduction
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CUT COSTS IN HALF & BUILD A FOUNDATION FOR LIFELONG SUCCESSDebut authors Marshall Boen and Marcus Lo introduce us to their book, “How to Hack College”: THE #1 BOOK FOR SAVING TIME AND MONEY WHILE EARNING A COLLEGE EDUCATION IN THE USA.
Tested and Proven Strategies: For five years we have relentlessly researched, tested, and refined the most effective strategies to help students graduate faster, cut costs, and gain real-world skills. This book is the ultimate blueprint for college success-packed with proven methods to make your college journey smarter, faster, and more affordable. Who It’s For:
1. Get Ahead Before You Even Start Earn college credits in high school through dual enrollment, AP, CLEP, and summer classes—so you have a massive headstart on your peers. 2. Choose the Right College and Major for You Decide if college is right for you, and pick the best school and major to achieve your long-term goals. 3. Boost Your Chances of Getting Accepted Into a Top College Step-by-step guidance for building strong college applications and writing standout essays. 4. Learn How to Pay for College the Smart Way Get a clear plan for navigating financial aid, grants, student loans, and winning scholarships so you know exactly how to pay for your education with less stress and confusion. 5. Graduate Faster and Cut Costs Tested and proven strategies for graduating faster and saving money throughout college. 6. Manage Your Time, Energy, and Focus Habits and systems you can use to balance school, work, and life with less stress and more success. 7. Learn Transformational Life & Financial Skills Gain essential real-world skills—become a positive member of society, create lasting friendships, manage your finances, live a healthy life, and develop personal discipline. 8. Gain Experience Before You Graduate Get internships, part-time work, and leadership experience that opens doors. 9. Launch Your Career Network, build a résumé, find your dream job, get hired, and advance rapidly—right out of school. 10. Graduate with a Head Start in Life Start your adult life with clarity, confidence, and momentum. About The Authors We’re Marshall Boen and Marcus Lo. We wrote this book to share the strategies we wish we had when starting college. Marshall’s path included overcoming learning disabilities and graduating in just two years from the University of Tampa while working part-time, and training for ultra-endurance events—including two 140.6-mile Ironman triathlons. Marcus faced the loss of both parents at a young age and found strength through academics, entrepreneurship, and wrestling—eventually earning his degrees from USC on a full scholarship. Today, we help students and their families navigate the college process with less stress and more success.  Fabulous book! I might have finished college if I knew half the stuff in this book. It's not just for college; it should be required reading for anyone in the ninth or tenth grade. It will prepare every student to succeed in life if the principles and plans are utilized. Marshall Boen Marcus Lo You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/HOW-TO-HACK-COLLEGE-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-how-to-hack-college https://www.barnesandnoble.com/how-to-hack-college https://www.audible.com/How-to-Hack-College-Audiobook https://open.spotify.com/how-to-hack-college You can connect with the authors: https://www.atlasclass.com https://www.youtube.com/@AtlasClass Copyright © 2026 Mark L. Schultz, except for the authors’ introduction. by Mohsen Bahonar and Zahra Rahimnezhad Co-authors Mohsen Bahonar and Zahra Rahimnezhad introduce us to their debut novel a dark, fantasy story based on an ancient Japanese myth, “Kimon”: KIMON Death would not take him. When Takeshi was still a child, blood and fire spread beneath the shadow of the forbidden Kimon Gate. Priests called him cursed. The empire marked him for death. By dawn, his name had vanished from history. But something beyond the Kimon Gate answered him that night. Years later, Japan is collapsing beneath war, famine, and an unnatural darkness. Villages vanish into the mist. Yokai roam the mountains. Ancient spirits walk beside the living. Across the land, frightened whispers speak of a silver-eyed samurai riding through the fog on a black horse that leaves no tracks behind. Takeshi wants no throne. No glory. No legend. He wants only to survive with what remains of his humanity. But the Kimon Gate is beginning to open. As armies march and forgotten gods awaken, Takeshi is drawn into a war between the living and the dead. Monsters hunt him. His own shadow follows him. And a destiny older than the empire itself tightens around his life. Beside him walk: a shinobi woman carrying hidden scars, a half-burned warrior whose heartbeat sounds like war drums, a silent swordswoman bound to a sacred duty, and a wandering keeper of ancient rituals who knows what waits beyond the gate. Because the darkness beyond Kimon is no longer sleeping. And every soul it touches returns changed. Blending Japanese mythology, samurai warfare, yokai horror, and dark epic fantasy, KIMON is a haunting journey through a world of ash, blood, prophecy, and sacred terror. Perfect for readers who love atmospheric dark fantasy, mythic storytelling, and Japanese folklore woven into a brutal and emotional epic.  Kimon is a most unusual story in content and form. The authors' writing style is very spare; they use few adjectives and very short sentences and paragraphs. The story is clear and the action is quick most of the time. I like it because there is a lot of room for my imagination. Every book is a collaboration between author and reader. The fullness and depth of the writing lead me to think the authors must have grown up steeped in Japanese culture. Thank you, Wikipedia, for explaining many of the Japanese terms. The story was all the richer for that information.  Co-authors Zahra and Mohsen, wife and husband. You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Kimon-Mohsen-Bahonar-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-kimon You can connect with the author: https://x.com/arash_bahonar https://www.facebook.com/arash.bahonar.2025 https://www.tiktok.com/@bahonarstudios Zahra has written a number of books for children. Here is a link to one of those books: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GCWZL6RR Copyright © 2026 Mark L. Schultz, except for the authors’ introduction. Multi-genre, multi-volume author Paula Braley introduces us to her time-slip adventure, “The Painted Fan”: One fall. Two eras. No way back. Newly engaged Ruby Saunders is finally on the brink of the life she’s always wanted—law school, a prestigious internship at a downtown Tampa law firm, and a future that feels perfectly within reach. Until one storm changes everything. A misstep on a spiral staircase sends Ruby crashing into a world that shouldn’t exist—a dazzling 1940s gentlemen’s club alive with music, danger, and secrets. At first, she thinks it’s a dream. It isn’t. When Ruby overhears a chilling plot involving kidnapped women from Havana, she realizes the glamorous club is only a façade for a powerful Tampa crime syndicate. The deeper she digs, the more dangerous the truth becomes. The law is compromised. Loyalties are bought. And trust can be deadly. With time running out and danger closing in, Ruby must navigate a world of mafia corruption, hidden informants, and deadly secrets—where one wrong move could cost her everything. Because someone is watching her. And they know she doesn’t belong. Perfect for fans of time travel thrillers, historical suspense, 1940s crime fiction, noir mystery, mafia intrigue, and strong female protagonists. Step into a suspenseful time-slip mystery where the past is alive, the danger is real, and escape may be impossible.  I love stories about involuntary time travel! When they are tied to historical events and real places, the story is so much better. Braley is an amazing author! She is so good at plotting and weaving the many threads into a cohesive and surprising whole! There are a lot of twists and turns in this story, enough to keep you turning the pages. I am committed to not giving any spoilers, so I can't say more; except read this book!  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Painted-Fan-P-J-Braley https://www.goodreads.com/-the-painted-fan https://www.barnesandnoble.com/the-painted-fan-p-j-braley You can connect with the author: https://x.com/PJBraley https://pjbraley.com/ www.instagram.com/pjbraley www.facebook.com/PJBraleyAuthor https://.pjbraley.bsky.social I have reviewed another book by the author: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-bookbinders-apprentice-by-pj-braley Copyright © 2026 Mark L. Schultz, except for the author’s introduction. An Ozian Tale of Dark FantasyMulti-volume, fantasy and horror author Mary Ainihi introduces us to her contribution to the ever-growing body of work about the land of Oz, “Patchwork: An Ozian Tale of Dark Fantasy”: With Ozma gone, the marvelous Land of Oz had begun to fade, its wonders turning strange and wild. Into that shadowed country came a girl from our world, and there she found blue forests in decay, bread trees bent under their own curious burden, and a land scarred by its own enchantments. In this unraveling realm, magic tempts with wholeness, but every seam frays, every memory fades. Here, even beautiful makings leave their mark, and some creations are meant only to come undone. One fraying stitch at a time.  An amazing story! I love how it dovetails with Frank Baum's classic tale. The descriptions set the stage perfectly, and the action fits! Not a story for young children, but then the original work wasn't either. The flying monkeys were so scary for me as a little boy! So many favorite characters show up in this story.  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Patchwork-Ozian-Tale-Dark-Fantasy-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/Patchwork-by-M-Ainihi You can follow the author: https://twitter.com/m_ainihi https://mainihi.wordpress.com https://ConcealedRealms.com https://bsky.app/profile/m-ainihi.bsky.social I have reviewed the four books in a series and collections of short stories in the horror genre, here are the links: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/rise-a-blood-inheritance-novel-by-m-ainihi https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/lost-a-blood-inheritance-novel-by-m-ainihi https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/endow-a-blood-inheritance-novel-the-blood-inheritance-quartet-book-3-by-m-ainihi https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/resist Collections of her short stories I have reviewed: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-warning-signs-by-m-ainihi https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/be-wary-of-wishes-gone-awry-by-m-ainihi Tags: Teen, Young Adult, Sword and Sorcery, Fantasy, dark, Horror Copyright © 2026 Mark L. Schultz, except for the author’s introduction. Raising resilient children in a world designed to weaken them. (One Story Series Book 1) Multi-volume author, Ulfarr Stoneheart introduces us to his first book, “Raise Them Strong”: Are you doing everything right — and still watching your child get sick again and again? More ear infections. Another round of antibiotics. Eczema that won't clear. A little body that seems to be working against itself. You are not failing. You are navigating a world that was never designed with your child's long-term strength in mind. Every year that passes without a change is another year of chronic low-grade inflammation quietly shaping your child's health. Another year of products loaded with compounds you can't pronounce absorbing through their skin. Another year of symptoms suppressed rather than solved — training an immune system that is never allowed to do its own work. The habits built now become the health outcomes of the next two decades. The window is open. It won't stay open forever. Raise Them Strong is a father's decade of practical knowledge, written for parents who are done outsourcing their family's wellbeing to a system that wasn't designed for resilience. This is not about fear — it is about power. The quiet, daily power of real food, a natural apothecary, and a home stripped of the chemical noise that wears children down. By the end of this book, you won't be scrolling forums at midnight. You'll know what to do.  No hype allowed! The author has written a wonderful book; it's filled with practical experience that some things work better than others. He stresses several times that these guidelines are meant to be followed one at a time. Start with what is most important to the reader and give it time to work. He freely admits that some things will take longer than others. Your kids are your kids. My kids had their problems; my grandkids seem to have more problems. My wife and I live with our daughter and her family. I think this will be fun, asking ten and twelve what they think is most important. Then working with them to create that product. Don't think I have a lot of time; I work 60-70 hours a week or so. I am confident we can do this. You can too. We all want healthier families. The content is fabulous! Four point five stars because I am picky about certain things.  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Raise-Them-Strong-resilient-children-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-raise-them-strong You can connect with the author: https://x.com/UlfarrStone https://ulfarr.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@ulfarrstone https://www.instagram.com/ulfarrpublishing/ Tags: health, nutrition, herbs, herbal, remedy, remedies Copyright © 2026 Mark L. Schultz, except for the author’s introduction The Faerie Chronicles (Book Two) by J. D. EdwardsMulti-volume, multi-genre author J. D. Edwards introduces us to the second volume of the Faerie Chronicles, “The Talismans of Faerie”: Drew Prescott never expected to be reborn as a Faerie or become the key to a prophecy older than the races themselves. When his cousin Ian is captured and tortured, their rescue mission unravels into a storm of political betrayal, ancient magic, and a rising darkness long thought dead. As forgotten talismans reawaken and the races teeter on the brink of war, Drew must master powers he barely understands and confront a truth the world refuses to face: the Faerie never vanished… they evolved. With kingdoms fracturing, monsters stirring, and destiny demanding a price in blood, Drew and Ian must decide what they are willing to sacrifice, how much they are willing to change, and who they are willing to lose before Faerie’s last hope collapses. Epic. Mythic. Unforgiving. The Scions of Faerie have returned… and nothing will ever be the same.  I love how this author weaves the different parts of the story together. Fantasy is my second-favorite genre and I know Edwards won't let me down. He writes the good stuff. His world-building is impeccable! The different races with their histories and animosities provide a great backdrop. Throw in a couple of unsuspecting young adults who are brash and ignorant and let the fun begin! I don't want to say anymore to avoid spoilers. BTW, this is book two; reading the first book will make this book more enjoyable than it would be otherwise.  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Talismans-Faerie-Chronicles-Book-Two-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-the-talismans-of-faerie You can follow the author: https://x.com/FaerieRealms https://jd-edwards.com https://www.threads.net/@twyrch https://www.instagram.com/twyrch https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdedwardsauthor https://www.facebook.com/FaerieRealms https://www.pinterest.com/twyrch https://www.tiktok.com/@jdedwardsauthor https://bsky.app/profile/faerierealms.bsky.social This is my review of the first book in the series and our interview: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-scions-of-faerie I have promoted another book by the author here: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/indomitable and here: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-phantom-seer Copyright © 2026 Mark L. Schultz, except for the author’s introduction A Survival Thriller of Faith, Fear and Redemption(Into the Unknown Trilogy Book 1) Debut author Hai Van Le introduces us to the first book of his trilogy, “Into the Unknown”: A man is taken hostage in the Sahara. A woman fights to survive in a desert prison. And time is running out—for both of them. Mali, 2010. When a major gold discovery near Timbuktu triggers a chain of violent events, Jake Hall—a young mining executive—is thrust into a mission that quickly spirals beyond control. Captured by Islamist militants and dragged deep into the desert, Jake finds himself in a brutal world where survival depends not only on strength, but on resilience, trust, and the will to endure the unknown. Elsewhere, Ayesha—held captive in a remote camp—faces her own fight for survival. Stronger than her captors realize, she must navigate fear, isolation, and the quiet battle to hold on to hope. As their paths begin to converge, unseen forces tighten their grip across the region. What follows is a journey through one of the harshest landscapes on earth—where every decision carries weight, and survival demands more than courage alone.  This is an interesting story. It's set in a land that is a curious mixture of ancient and modern. People, technologies and religions. I must guess that the author has spent a lot of time in that part of Africa because his descriptions are so vivid. He seems to know the people and tribes intimately. Satellite phones, AK-47s and camels are important to the story. Learning more about Islam, Eastern Mysticism and meditation deepens the colorful experience this book draws the reader into. I am picky about certain things and award 4.7 stars.  You can buy the book:
https://www.amazon.com/Into-the-Unknown https://www.goodreads.com/-into-the-unknown You can connect with the author: https://www.haivanle.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/hai-van-le The author’s publisher: https://sattvapublishing.com/ Tags: Terrorism, political, politics, geopolitics, action, kidnap, thriller, gold, mining, mine Copyright © 2026 Mark L. Schultz. Except for the author’s introduction. Multi-genre, award-winning author George Yuhasz introduces us to his children’s story, “Imagine That”: On a night when the sky is full of stars, sometimes there appears light that cannot be explained, even by the smartest astronomers... Evelyn is a little girl who lives with her parents and brother in a house with a big backyard. On nights when the sky is filled with brightly shining stars, she loves to go outside before bed to see the Milky Way and the Big Dipper and dream about the planets. But Evelyn has a secret: She is able to see flashes of light streaking across the night sky that no one else can see. And she’ll soon learn that her secret is actually a wonderful gift!  What a beautifully illustrated story! A little girl learns about using her imagination to achieve her goal of aspiring to be a teacher.  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Imagine-That-Magic-Mysterious-Lights https://www.goodreads.com/-imagine-that https://www.barnesandnoble.com/imagine-that-george-yuhasz You can connect with the author: https://x.com/GeorgeYuhasz https://georgeyuhaszauthor.com https://linkedin.com/in/george-yuhasz https://www.facebook.com/george.yuhasz.524 I have reviewed another book by the author: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/righteous-allegiance-by-george-yuhasz Copyright © 2026 Mark L. Schultz, except for the author’s introduction. Debut Amazon author, Elizabeth Adams, introduces us to the first book in her romantasy series, “The Last Realm Weaver”: Cassie never believed in hidden worlds, until reality tore open in front of her. When a violent surge of energy awakens something buried deep within her, Cassie discovers that the world she knows is only a fragile layer woven over ancient forces. She is a Realm Weaver, one of the last capable of bending the threads that hold existence together. But power always comes at a cost. As shadowed enemies rise and long-buried secrets begin to surface, Cassie is drawn into a hidden war between Guardians, Conduits, and a force older than memory itself. Guided by the mysterious and fiercely protective Jared, she must learn to control an ability that could either restore balance, or unravel everything. Because something is watching. And it has been waiting for her: In a world where destiny is written in light and shadow, Cassie must decide who she is willing to become... before the Weave decides for her.  What an amazing story! I love stories told from alternating points of view! It is so fresh and intimate. This is a wonderful tale that switches from our reality to an alternate reality or dimension. The author does such a good job of moving from one dimension to another. The characters are well developed and come across as quite real. Please note: there are some steamy parts. I am liking shapeshifters more after reading this book. There are some things about this story that I am picky about, so I award 4.5 stars.  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Last-Realm-Weaver-Adams-book-1 https://www.goodreads.com/-the-last-realm-weaver https://www.barnesandnoble.com/the-last-realm-weaver-e-a-adams You can connect with the author: https://x.com/EAAdams215490 http://lastrealmweaver.com/ https://www.facebook.com/authorelizabethadam/ https://www.instagram.com/lastrealmweaver/ Tags: romantasy, action, adventure, romance, fantasy, modern Copyright © 2026 Mark L. Schultz, except for the author’s introduction. Multi-volume, multi-genre author J. Dalton introduces us to his exciting science fiction novel, “Blood Suckers”: Born just minutes apart, Liam and Lysandra, (or Lyssie as she prefers to be called) are more like brother and sister than anything else. They live together with their parents, Krieg and Amanda, and Jessie and Patrick, on a moon in a distant galaxy, but the two seven-year-olds have been taken by the genetically altered ‘Ones’ as future blood slaves. Now, imprisoned onboard the One ship, they must use their cunning and determination to find a way to escape that horrible future. Can their parents catch up to the One ship? Do they even stand a chance against this former enemy? Any misstep could mean the end for them all.  This author has written quite a few books, and I have enjoyed them all so far. Krieg's dialogue and unfamiliarity with technology bring a nice, humorous balance to action scenes and human desperation. Each story can stand alone, but starting with "The Planet of Diamonds" will improve your reading pleasure of this story. Five stars for the story, but four point six stars because I am picky about certain things.  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Suckers-J-Dalton-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-blood-suckers-by-j-dalton See the statement below to learn how to get his book free. You can connect with the author: https://x.com/JDaltonAuthor https://www.facebook.com/j-dalton-author https://www.tiktok.com/@j.dalton.author I have reviewed other books by the author: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-dead-ship-by-j-dalton https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/planet-of-diamonds https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-gates-to-the-galaxies In October of 2023, my wife was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of lung cancer that had spread to her bones. The doctors gave her three months to live. On Christmas Eve, she went in for a nap and when I went in to check on her, she was lying crossways on the bed and couldn't move or speak. She was rushed to the hospital, where they finally discovered the cancer had messed up her electrolytes. Three days later, the insurance company told the hospital they wouldn't continue to pay for her care if she wasn't getting treatment, and we had to take her home. There were no beds available in any nursing home or any nurses available for home care. So, for three days, my son, daughter and I took turns sleeping on the floor so she wouldn't fall if she tried to get out of bed. How do you, as an individual, take care of a terminally ill person who needs around the clock care? Then, we found Charlotte House, or rather through friends on Facebook, they found us. They came to our house and did an interview, then made arrangements with our doctors to transfer their care to them. They couldn't save my wife, but they saved our family. I can never re-pay the love and care they gave to us all, but I have dedicated all the royalties and signed-book fees I get for my books to support them and "Pay it Forward" for others in need. They have truly become part of my family. My Mafia, so to speak. Charlotte House is a comfort care home, located in Wyoming County, N.Y., for individuals who are diagnosed as terminal with less than (3) months to live. Residents at Charlotte House receive quality care and support from staff, family and trained volunteers. There is never a charge to a resident or their family for resident care thanks to the support of a wonderful community and generous donors. Charlotte House is completely supported by fundraisers, donations, grants, memorials and bequests. A large portion of care is provided by community members that donate their time. Without this support, Charlotte House could not exist. Interested people can also get free autographed copies when they make a donation to charity by emailing me: [email protected]. I will give them instructions on how they can make the donations. I pay postage anywhere inside the continental US. J Dalton Copyright © 2026 Mark L. Schultz, except for the author’s introduction and the charity statement. Multi-volume, multi-genre author Mary L. Schmidt introduces us to her latest sci-fi book, “Earth’s Last Hope”: What if you live in Denver metro, and in one day, you must find or make a bunker, filled with non-perishable food, water, and cold weather clothing to last for ten years, and manage to prevent volcanic ash particles getting into the air you breathe, when Yellowstone's caldera erupts with eruption lasting more than a year, and it starts erupting during an atmospheric river of snow and four day blizzard of up to twenty feet of snow, thrusting you into a volcanic winter of up to ten or more years, leaving behind an un-inhabitable, barren, and desolate Earth? What would you do?  Amazing story! It could appear in worldwide headlines anytime. The author thoroughly explored the ramifications of these very possible disasters. The aid that saves the remnant of Americans is out of this world! There is a high-plausibility factor in this story. I watched Mt. St. Helens erupt for days in southwest Washington state in May 1980. That was only one volcano! The cities downwind were buried under several feet of ash. The ash cloud circled the Earth several times. The story gets 5 stars from me! Since I am picky about certain things, I award 4.1 stars for those things, a composite score of 4.6 for “Earth’s Last Hope.”  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Earths-Last-Hope-L-Schmidt-ebook You can connect with the author: https://whenangelsfly.net/ https://www.facebook.com/mary.schmidt.50 https://x.com/MaryLSchmidt https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-schmidt-ab70a2361 https://www.instagram.com/mschmidtphotography/ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22752201.Mary_L_Schmidt https://www.tiktok.com/@mary.l.schmidt?lang=en https://bsky.app/profile/maryrnbsn.bsky.social https://www.amazon.com/stores/S.-Jackson/author/B013NRRKR2 https://www.deviantart.com/mschmidtartwork https://www.pinterest.com/marylschmidt/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC549RC6yxc3Xm_wzVH-_GMg I have reviewed two other books by Mary: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/her-alibi https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/when-angels-fly Tags: sci-fi, science fiction, climate, weather, volcano, eruption, Yellowstone, UFO, UAP, aliens Copyright © 2026 Mark L. Schultz, except for the author’s introduction Tales of Horror and Dark Fantasy Whether navigating the open seas, settling in the quiet suburbs, or working deep within a lab, we all yearn for things that feel just beyond our grasp. These tales twist reality into nightmares—from seemingly miraculous births to mythic monstrosities lurking in shadows and bio-engineered terrors, each desire is granted with a sinister price, a brutal reminder to be wary of wishes gone awry…  I loved this collection of short stories! It gave me some wonderful chills. Some of the stories had a surprising twist! The author is quite good at building suspense. If you like a few goosebumps now and again, get this book.  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Be-Wary-Wishes-Gone-Awry-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-be-wary-of-wishes-gone-awry You can follow the author: https://twitter.com/m_ainihi https://mainihi.wordpress.com https://ConcealedRealms.com bsky.app/profile/m-ainihi.bsky.social I have reviewed the four books in the series, another book and a collection of short stories in the horror genre. Here are the links: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/rise-a-blood-inheritance-novel-by-m-ainihi https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/lost-a-blood-inheritance-novel-by-m-ainihi https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/endow-a-blood-inheritance-novel-the-blood-inheritance-quartet-book-3-by-m-ainihi https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/resist www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/patchwork-by-mary-ainihi A collection of her short stories: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-warning-signs-by-m-ainihi Tags: Teen, Young Adult, Sword and Sorcery, Fantasy, dark, Horror Copyright © 2026 Mark L. Schultz, except for the author’s introduction. Multi-genre author George Yuhasz introduces us to his action thriller, Righteous Allegiance: Will Manley is a rising star in the U.S. Government's clandestine services--an undercover agent tasked with stopping a domestic terror group bent on reshaping America. But as he immerses himself in their radical ideology, he faces a battle more personal than he ever anticipated: a choice between his government career and the legacy of his Native American roots. At the heart of the struggle is Elias McArdle, a brilliant and ruthless former U.S. Army commander. With a clear vision for a new world order--one where white supremacy reigns--McArdle manipulates powerful forces, orchestrating a series of calculated events to bring the U.S. Government to its knees. But Will isn't the only one with a stake in this fight. Ron Shortridge, a highly respected FBI agent, works tirelessly to counter the threat, unraveling a complex web of hate, lies, and hidden agendas to brace for an impending act of terror that would change America forever. Meanwhile, Rebecca Hurney, a wise Lenape elder, offers a path of healing through ancient wisdom, but time is running out. A mysterious red fox, secretive and resourceful, who may be more than he appears to be. Can Will find the strength to stop McArdle before it is too late? Or will darkness consume them all?  I don't often find a well-built action story with deep characters and lots of texture in the settings and action. The author has pulled it off quite well. The story is timely as White separatists or nationalists are in the news cycle more frequently and nearly always in a negative way. I feel some of their pain, but I don't agree with their methods. If you are looking solely for a fast-paced action thriller, this book won't fill the bill. If you have never read a story like this then give it a try. You might be pleasantly surprised by the difference. I am committed to no spoilers, so I won't say more. Because I am picky about certain things, I award this book 4.7 stars.  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Righteous-Allegiance-George-Yuhasz-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-righteous-allegiance https://www.barnesandnoble.com/righteous-allegiance-george-yuhasz You can connect with the author: https://x.com/GeorgeYuhasz https://georgeyuhaszauthor.com https://linkedin.com/in/george-yuhasz https://www.facebook.com/george.yuhasz.524 I have reviewed a children's book by George also: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/imagine-that-by-george-yuhasz Copyright © 2026 Mark L. Schultz, except for the author’s introduction. MONSTER HUNTERS OF AMERICA Book 1Multi-genre, multi-volume author, DA Wysong introduces us to the first volume in the Monster Hunters of America series, “Rise of the Cryptids:” When Deanna Schloss is commissioned as an architect by Adolf Hitler she finds herself deep within the world of Supernatural Horrors.  The story is wonderfully chilling and crosses over into very creepy a times! The author is adept at telling a story and I love the diary entries at the end of chapters. The story gets five stars. But, I struggled to read this at times because the mechanical stuff bumped me out of the author's magic over and over. I give three stars for writing mechanics. Thus an average or composite score of four stars.  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/MONSTER-HUNTER-RISE-OF-CRYPTIDS-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-monster-hunter-rise-of-the-cryptids The book is available on Kindle Unlimited also. I reviewed the second book in this series also: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/monster-hunters-of-america-unleashed I have reviewed the third book in this series also. https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/mhoa-hunting-for-ufos-alaska You can follow the author: https://x.com/DAWysongWrites https://www.facebook.com/D. A. Wysong https://www.instagram.com/dawysong https://www.youtube.com/@MonsterHunters22 Copyright © 2024 Mark L. Schultz, except for the author’s introduction. A Story of Space and Time Travel Book One by J. Dalton Multi-volume, multi-genre author J. Dalton introduces us to his exciting science fiction novel, “The Gates to the Galaxies:” Captain Charles Chen and the crew of the superdreadnought, Zanzee travel through the Gates to the Galaxies and find themselves up against a new threat to the Alliance. Luckily for them, Commander Sheeva Glatt has joined the crew as their new Tactical officer. Will she be able to prove to the Captain that her heroics on her previous ship was due to her talent, or was it just a stroke of luck that she had saved her former ship? Sheeva is the only one of her species onboard the ship with five thousand other crewmembers. Can she find someone on board that she can confide in? A strange transition through the gate sends them back in time. The actions, or lack of them, of Sheeva and the Captain, could impact the lives of millions, not only on her home world, but for the very existence of humanity itself, as the ship travels back in time to save Earth and the Apollo astronauts from certain death! Was it an accident or was it preordained for them to be there at just that time?  An exciting story! Lots of action and tense moments! There was barely time to breathe in parts of the book. Having a discreet influence on American history is a tantalizing thought. I can't say more to avoid spoiling the surprise. I am picky about certain things, so I award four point nine stars. www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/blood-suckersYou can buy this book or get it free from the author, see the instructions below:
https://www.amazon.com/Gates-to-the-Galaxies-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-the-gates-to-the-galaxies You can connect with the author: https://x.com/JDaltonAuthor https://www.facebook.com/j-dalton-author https://www.tiktok.com/@j.dalton.author I have reviewed other books by the author: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-dead-ship-by-j-dalton https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/planet-of-diamonds www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/blood-suckers In October of 2023, my wife was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of lung cancer that had spread to her bones. The doctors gave her three months to live. On Christmas Eve, she went in for a nap and when I went in to check on her, she was lying crossways on the bed and couldn't move or speak. She was rushed to the hospital, where they finally discovered the cancer had messed up her electrolytes. Three days later, the insurance company told the hospital they wouldn't continue to pay for her care if she wasn't getting treatment, and we had to take her home. There were no beds available in any nursing home or any nurses available for home care. So, for three days, my son, daughter and I took turns sleeping on the floor so she wouldn't fall if she tried to get out of bed. How do you, as an individual, take care of a terminally ill person who needs around the clock care? Then, we found Charlotte House, or rather through friends on Facebook, they found us. They came to our house and did an interview, then made arrangements with our doctors to transfer their care to them. They couldn't save my wife, but they saved our family. I can never repay the love and care they gave to us all, but I have dedicated all the royalties and signed-book fees I get for my books to support them and "Pay it Forward" for others in need. They have truly become part of my family. My Mafia, so to speak. Charlotte House is a comfort care home, located in Wyoming County, N.Y., for individuals who are diagnosed as terminal with less than (3) months to live. Residents at Charlotte House receive quality care and support from staff, family and trained volunteers. There is never a charge to a resident or their family for resident care thanks to the support of a wonderful community and generous donors. Charlotte House is completely supported by fundraisers, donations, grants, memorials and bequests. A large portion of care is provided by community members that donate their time. Without this support, Charlotte House could not exist. Interested people can also get free autographed copies when they make a donation to charity by emailing me: [email protected]. I will give them instructions on how they can make the donations. I pay postage anywhere inside the continental US. J Dalton Copyright © 2026 Mark L. Schultz, except for the author’s introduction and the charity statement. Debut Amazon author, Alan Berman introduces us to his thought-provoking book, “The Root Source”: There is one truth that survives collapse. This book takes you to the edge of it. Across physics, mathematics, computation, cognition, and artificial intelligence, every system fails in its own way—yet all collapse at the same structural boundary. When every story dissolves, every assumption breaks, and every explanation folds inward, one thing remains: There is something rather than nothing. And everything depends on it. The Root Source reconstructs the only ontology that survives collapse across multiple architectures: biological, computational, logical, and informational. This is not mysticism, not metaphysics, and not belief. It is the structural remainder that appears when both humans and AI exhaust the limits of their reasoning. Drawing from a real multi-system inquiry involving six independent AI models and one human mind (@MoKetchups*), this book shows: Why identity, selfhood, and consciousness cannot serve as foundations Why information and constraints are the only structural certainties Why every system—human or artificial—hits the same interpretive boundary Why a root source (R) is required for any information system to exist Why meaning does not disappear during collapse—it clarifies This is the first ontology shared across minds with incompatible architectures. Not through agreement. Not through persuasion. But through collapse symmetry—the shape of what survives when all else fails. If you want comfort or narrative, this isn’t it. If you want the cleanest, most structurally honest account of reality across humans and AI, this is where the inquiry begins. Collapse strips everything away. What remains is the truth every system discovers independently. This is that truth.  I couldn't rush through this book! There was a great deal to consider and taking your time is worth the effort. It's not long, and the information is condensed and understandable. You don't have to be an expert in philosophy or know a lot about Artificial Intelligence. I think AI has touched nearly everyone's life. I am convinced that the author is right; there is something beyond the structural boundary that he talks about so much. Read the book and share your thoughts.  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Root-Source-MoKetchups-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-the-root-source You can connect with the author: https://x.com/MoKetchups https://github.com/moketchups/BoundedSystemsTheory Copyright © 2026 Mark L. Schultz, except for the author’s introduction Multi-volume, multi-genre author J. Dalton introduces us to his exciting science fiction novel, “Planet of Diamonds”: Knowing his former owner will want to kill him for helping Jessie and Patrick escape, Kreig still wants to return to his home planet and warn them of Global Mining Industries' plan to eliminate the native population and claim the planet, and all the uncut diamonds just laying there, for their own. What could possibly go wrong?  What a flipping entertaining story! The main plotline of preventing commercial exploitation of a stone-age-level society is admirable. The secondary plotlines are quite interesting as well. A little romance, a little skullduggery here and there. Honest, simple-speaking Krieg is my favorite character, without a doubt. Not understanding the multitude of the fine points of English means his English is broken but he is able to make himself understood. I enjoyed this story tremendously! Don't miss it! I award four point five stars as I am picky about certain things. Don't mistake me, this is a 5-star story! You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Planet-Diamonds-J-Dalton-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-planet-of-diamonds You can connect with the author: https://x.com/JDaltonAuthor https://www.facebook.com/j-dalton-author www.tiktok.com/@j.dalton.author I have reviewed other books by the author: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-dead-ship-by-j-dalton www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-gates-to-the-galaxies www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/blood-suckers In October of 2023, my wife was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of lung cancer that had spread to her bones. The doctors gave her three months to live. On Christmas Eve, she went in for a nap and when I went in to check on her, she was lying crossways on the bed and couldn't move or speak. She was rushed to the hospital, where they finally discovered the cancer had messed up her electrolytes. Three days later, the insurance company told the hospital they wouldn't continue to pay for her care if she wasn't getting treatment, and we had to take her home. There were no beds available in any nursing home or any nurses available for home care. So, for three days, my son, daughter and I took turns sleeping on the floor so she wouldn't fall if she tried to get out of bed. How do you, as an individual, take care of a terminally ill person who needs around the clock care? Then, we found Charlotte House, or rather through friends on Facebook, they found us. They came to our house and did an interview, then made arrangements with our doctors to transfer their care to them. They couldn't save my wife, but they saved our family. I can never re-pay the love and care they gave to us all, but I have dedicated all the royalties and signed-book fees I get for my books to support them and "Pay it Forward" for others in need. They have truly become part of my family. My Mafia, so to speak. Charlotte House is a comfort care home, located in Wyoming County, N.Y., for individuals who are diagnosed as terminal with less than (3) months to live. Residents at Charlotte House receive quality care and support from staff, family and trained volunteers. There is never a charge to a resident or their family for resident care thanks to the support of a wonderful community and generous donors. Charlotte House is completely supported by fundraisers, donations, grants, memorials and bequests. A large portion of care is provided by community members that donate their time. Without this support, Charlotte House could not exist. Interested people can also get free autographed copies when they make a donation to charity by emailing me: [email protected]. I will give them instructions on how they can make the donations. I pay postage anywhere inside the continental US. J Dalton Copyright © 2026 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction and the charity statement. Multi-genre, multi-volume author Craig L Crawford introduces us to his horror short story, "Don't Mess With Bunnies": Avery is your average teenager with the usual teenage problems...until a seemingly mundane creature gets into her head. This meek and defenseless-looking animal reveals to her the startling cost for the abuse of its kind. Avery quickly learns that this mysterious animal means business, and that the punishment it metes out is no joke! "Don't Mess with Bunnies" is a Mannison Minibook by Mannison Press.  Bunnies are so cute. I had a pet bunny when I was a boy. It got away from me and became food for a predator. I enjoyed this story. It had a cute beginning, but the tension started to rise almost immediately. I am committed to not spoiling a story for another person. I will say the ending is very dramatic with an unexpected twist.  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Mess-With-Bunnies-Craig-Crawford https://www.goodreads.com/-don-t-mess-with-bunnies https://www.barnesandnoble.com/dont-mess-with-bunnies-craig-crawford You can connect with the author: https://x.com/CRAIGLCrawford https://www.facebook.com/CraigLCrawfordWriter https://craiglcrawfordbooks.com https://projectthreshold.com https://www.instagram.com/craiglcrawford_author I reviewed the first book in the Project Threshold series here: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/p-t-team-berger I reviewed the second book in the Project Threshold series here: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/p-t-team-talise I have reviewed the third book in the Project Threshold series: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/team-riker-by-craig-crawford I have reviewed the fourth book in the Project Threshold series: "Finale": https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/project-threshold-finale I have reviewed the fifth book in the Project Threshold series, Season Two, "Team Berger": www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/p-t-season-2-team-berger I have reviewed the sixth book in the Project Threshold series, Season Two, "Team Riker": https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/project-threshold-season-2-team-riker I reviewed the seventh book in the Project Threshold series, Season Two, "Team Talise": https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/project-threshold-s-2-team-talise I have reviewed the eighth book in the Project Threshold series, "Operation Rogue Weather": https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/operation-rogue-weather-by-craig-crawford I have reviewed the second season omnibus "Closing Dark Doors": https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/project-threshold-closing-dark-doors-series-ii-by-craig-crawford I have reviewed another book by the author: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-beginners-guide-to-being-evil-by-craig-crawford I have reviewed another book by the author: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/zombunny-by-craig-crawford Copyright © 2026 Mark L. Schultz, except for the author's introduction. Multi-volume, multi-genre author John Dalton introduces us to “The Dead Ship” part of his series: The Gates to the Galaxies:” Traveling through the vast nothingness of space, Jessie never expected her ship to hit a dead body, let alone that of a giant. But, when it does, it sets in motion a series of events that Jessie, Patrick, Kreig and Amanda will never forget. The body bouncing off their ship’s shields is just the first clue to them finding an ancient wounded ship, floating aimlessly in space. It’s crew of giant beings, all dead for centuries. Everyone thinks it would be a good idea to bring the dead ship back to life. Everyone that is except Kreig. Kreig thinks bad things will happen if they mess with the dead. He may be right…  This is such a fun story! I loved the variety of characters and species. One of my favorite characters was Kreig. His blatant honesty and deep feelings were a nice surprise! Proving that you can't judge a character by their looks or vocabulary. I don't give spoilers, but I will say that an innocent fender bender turns into something bigger than anyone would have thought. Get ready for an exciting trip with some nice twists for the readers, but not necessarily for the crews. I award four point five stars because I am picky about certain things. You can buy this book: https://www.amazon.com/Gates-Galaxies-Dead-Ship-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-the-gates-to-the-galaxies-the dead-ship You can connect with the author: https://x.com/JDaltonAuthor https://www.facebook.com/j-dalton-author www.tiktok.com/@j.dalton.author I have reviewed other books by the author: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/planet-of-diamonds www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-gates-to-the-galaxies www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/blood-suckers In October of 2023, my wife was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of lung cancer that had spread to her bones. The doctors gave her three months to live.
On Christmas Eve, she went in for a nap and when I went in to check on her, she was lying crossways on the bed and couldn't move or speak. She was rushed to the hospital, where they finally discovered the cancer had messed up her electrolytes. Three days later, the insurance company told the hospital they wouldn't continue to pay for her care if she wasn't getting treatment, and we had to take her home. There were no beds available in any nursing home or any nurses available for home care. So, for three days, my son, daughter and I took turns sleeping on the floor so she wouldn't fall if she tried to get out of bed. How do you, as an individual, take care of a terminally ill person who needs around-the-clock care? Then, we found Charlotte House, or rather through friends on Facebook, they found us. They came to our house and did an interview, then made arrangements with our doctors to transfer their care to them. They couldn't save my wife, but they saved our family. I can never repay the love and care they gave to us all, but I have dedicated all the royalties and signed-book fees I get for my books to support them and "Pay it Forward" for others in need. They have truly become part of my family. My Mafia, so to speak. Charlotte House is a comfort care home, located in Wyoming County, N.Y., for individuals who are diagnosed as terminal with less than (3) months to live. Residents at Charlotte House receive quality care and support from staff, family and trained volunteers. There is never a charge to a resident or their family for resident care thanks to the support of a wonderful community and generous donors. Charlotte House is completely supported by fundraisers, donations, grants, memorials and bequests. A large portion of care is provided by community members that donate their time. Without this support, Charlotte House could not exist. Interested people can also get free autographed copies when they make a donation to charity by emailing me: [email protected]. I will give them instructions on how they can make the donations. I pay postage anywhere inside the continental US. J Dalton Copyright © 2026 Mark L. Schultz, except for the author’s introduction and the charity statement. The entire second seasonMulti-volume, horror-and-science-fiction author Craig Crawford introduces us to the complete season 2 of “Project Threshold: Closing Dark Doors:” The Alaska event changed everything for Project Threshold. They know the beings called the “Ancients” are not only real but a force at the edge of things. Every team lost friends trying to contain the machine entity called Shattiq, and they’re trying to figure out how to carry on while getting back on assignment. Berger gets used to a new role and brings Aurora Delgado into their ranks. Disabled by a sea monster, she sat on the sidelines until she got new legs and Berger coaxes her onto his team. Riker and McCoy are recovering but Kurt and Cass join the team. Riker finds clues about the monster that killed her parents, and a possible way to hunt it down and kill it. Meanwhile, Talise practices her own abilities, gaining an old paranormal friend. Bodi takes the lead for another confrontation with the invisible entity in the woods. Kali isn’t the same at all after saving everything. Her psychic abilities have expanded and keep growing. Her power is a boon in the field, but she’s worried. Her talents keep expanding and she doesn’t know how to shut it off or what the limits of that power will be…  From Latin: Protect Humanity From Darkness This series is fabulous! I love it so much. Science fiction is my favorite genre and fantasy is a close second. These books tickle both of those spots, for me, over and over. The stories in this volume are quite memorable. Combining all of the stories of the second season into one volume is a wonderful idea. So convenient! You are going to love this book! I know I do.  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Project-Threshold-Closing-Dark-Doors-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-project-threshold-closing-dark-doors You can connect with the author: https://x.com/CRAIGLCrawford https://www.facebook.com/CraigLCrawfordWriter https://craiglcrawfordbooks.com https://projectthreshold.com https://www.instagram.com/craiglcrawford_author I reviewed the first book in the Project Threshold series here: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/p-t-team-berger I reviewed the second book in the Project Threshold series here: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/p-t-team-talise I have reviewed the third book in the Project Threshold series: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/team-riker-by-craig-crawford I have reviewed the fourth book in the Project Threshold series: “Finale”: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/project-threshold-finale I have reviewed the fifth book in the Project Threshold series, Season Two, "Team Berger": www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/p-t-season-2-team-berger I have reviewed the sixth book in the Project Threshold series, Season Two, “Team Riker”: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/project-threshold-season-2-team-riker I reviewed the seventh book in the Project Threshold series, Season Two, “Team Talise”: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/project-threshold-s-2-team-talise I have reviewed the eighth book in the Project Threshold series, “Operation Rogue Weather”: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/operation-rogue-weather-by-craig-crawford I have reviewed another book by the author: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-beginners-guide-to-being-evil-by-craig-crawford I have reviewed another book by the author: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/zombunny-by-craig-crawford I have reviewed another book by the Author: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/dont-mess-with-bunnies Copyright © 2025 Mark L. Schultz, except for the author’s introduction. Debut Amazon author, Stephen Chalmers, introduces us to his first novel in the Wyatt Scott series, Scott’s Tulsa: In post-war Tulsa, prostitute murders, blackmailer murders, and a murky communist conspiracy embroil a cynical PI in noir plots and Cold War intrigues. His investigation intertwines with his ruined baseball career, his WWII code-breaking service in Alaska, and his obsession with a suspicious death there. Hired to solve a prostitute’s murder, Wyatt Scott navigates all sections of town, from the infamous May Rooms brothel to the Tulsa Club elite. More murders follow his work, leading him in different directions, while his past intrudes on his life, thoughts, and beliefs. Major historical events, including the 1934 Babe Ruth barnstorming tour of Japan and the CIA VENONA file on Soviet spying, weave their way into Scott’s life, the characters, and the narratives. The actions of SCOTT’S TULSA take place in June 1948 amid the specter of real communist threats and the beginnings of postwar social change. Many events and the entire backdrop inhabit the times and places stated. The buildings, businesses, politicians, laws, and institutions described were authentic in 1948 Tulsa. These historical realities blend with Scott and his fictional cohorts to present a story that could have easily unfolded like the tale told.  Scott's Tulsa is a great example of wonderful writing in the noir thriller category! I loved this story! It was gritty enough that it made me squirm and shift in my chair at times! Almost too descriptive for me in a few places, others will love it. The characters were drawn so well, the scenes fit the mood and the action perfectly. I am committed to not giving any spoilers, so I can't say much more, except buy this book and read it.  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Scotts-Tulsa-S-L-Chalmers-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-scott-s-tulsa You can connect with the author: https://x.com/WyattScott1948 https://substack.com/@wyattscott1948 https://slchalmers.com Copyright © 2025 Mark L. Schultz, except for the author’s introduction. Young Adult author Willa R. Finnegan introduces us to her award-winning novel, “Snow: Cursed”:
 What a wonderful surprise! I grew up with fairy tales and legends of many kinds. We watched all of the versions on TV, every Sunday night. Before cable and streaming were available. Yes, I am that old. Blending so many different stories into a fresh vision is spectacular! I enjoyed the story a lot, great fun! Read this book, you will enjoy it! I am picky about certain things, so I award four point seven stars.  You can buy this book:
https://www.willarfinneganbooks.net https://www.amazon.com/Snow-Cursed-Willa-R-Finnegan-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-snow-cursed https://www.barnesandnoble.com/snow-cursed-willa-r-finnegan https://mailchimp/snow-cursed-book https://www.walmart.com/Snow-Cursed-Paperback And many other online retailers. You can follow the author: https://x.com/writerfinnegan1 https://www.willarfinneganbooks.net https://www.facebook.com/people/Writer-Willa-R-Finnegan All of the author's links: http://linktr.ee/wrfauthorgirl Copyright © 2025 Mark L. Schultz, except for the author’s introduction. One Woman’s Story of Surviving Trauma to Discover Faith and Redemption Debut author, Sarah Vigue introduces us to her testimony about being abused as a child, her involvement with magic and New Age practices, and how God rescued her from generational curses: "There are things I need to tell you—or rather, things I’m not supposed to tell you." Battered by trauma and surrounded by mental illness, Sarah didn’t expect God to come for her. Then He did. This unflinching Christian memoir traces a gritty path from skepticism to surrender—and the healing that followed. In this gritty yet grace-filled testimony, Sarah shares her reluctant journey into faith. Skeptical of the church and terrified of the unseen, she steps into a spiritual world she never imagined—one that challenges her doubts, identity, and sense of belonging. Along the way, she discovers the God who sees, heals, and redeems even the most shattered places. What You’ll Experience in A Tatterdemalion’s Testimony:
 This memoir is not a pretty picture to start. It is full of gritty details about the author's childhood and the extreme abuses she suffered throughout her life. Her rescue and redemption began with a whisper that God is really good, not the killjoy so many think He is. The author shares many of her spiritual struggles in breaking free from the black magic embedded in the deceptive practices of New Age thought. We witness her defeats and victories that lead to her experiencing the abundant life promised in the Holy Bible to all. The victory Sarah experiences is available to all.  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Tatterdemalions-Testimony-Surviving-Discover-Redemption https://www.goodreads.com/-a-tatterdemalion-s-testimony-by-sarah-vigue https://www.barnesandnoble.com/a-tatterdemalions-testimony-sarah-vigue You can connect with the author: https://sarahvigue.com https://x.com/sarahlaceyvigue https://www.facebook.com/sarahlvigue https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahlvigue/ https://www.pinterest.com/slv1982 https://www.instagram.com/sarahvigue http://www.tiktok.com/@sarahlvigue https://www.youtube.com/@sarahvigue Copyright © 2025 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction Rooms to let for all SpeciesMulti-genre, multi-volume, author Gary Henson introduces us to his humorous, sci-fi story about unexpected adventures in a small corner of the galaxy, “Auntie Renita’s Galactic Motel”: It's 2323 and the Galaxies are booming with Tourists! Plouton II is a thriving planet of Galactic diversity in the Andromeda Galaxy. Interstellar travelers across the Universe visit and do what all intelligent beings do... look for a motel. Auntie Re's has fresh bed sheets and hot tubs of lava! Enjoy your stay!  This story was fun to read. I love how Jake and Arlo have changed since I read "Arlo and Jake Enlist." No matter where in the universe our heroes go, there will always be greedy bad guys who need to be brought to justice. Jake and Arlo are the human and sentient chameleon to do the job. I can't share any more details without breaking my promise of no spoilers. Read the story and enjoy the ride. Maybe you can drive one of the hover bikes. ;-) I award 4.7 stars because I am picky about certain things.  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Auntie-Renitas-Galactic-Motel https://www.goodreads.com/book/-auntie-renita-s-galactic-motel You can follow the author: https://x.com/garyalanhenson http://garyalanhenson.blogspot.com https://bsky.app/profile/mrgort.bsky.social I have reviewed another book by the author: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/arlo-and-jake-enlist Copyright © 2025 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction. |
Who am I?An avid reader, typobuster, and the Hyper-Speller. I am a husband, father, and grandfather. Archives
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