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Multi-volume historical-fantasy-thriller author, Rob Samborn introduces us to his latest book, “Painter of the Damned”, the second volume in the Painted Souls series: A soul mate trapped in purgatory. Dangerous alliances. The quest for ultimate power. After escaping Venice with their lives, Nick & Julia O'Connor have one goal: return home so they can end their nightmare vacation. But before they reach the American consulate, they're captured by Interpol and returned to Venice. Behind Nick's detention is Salvatore della Porta, the corrupt head of an ancient, enigmatic order that controls Paradise, Tintoretto's Renaissance masterpiece that's also a purgatory for thousands of souls—including Nick's soul mate from the 16th century. Della Porta believes Nick's previous life knows the location of a book lost to the ages. This mysterious manuscript will bring him world-changing power—or topple the order. As Nick's link to the past consumes him, it's up to Julia to save her husband and crush della Porta. But with friends in short supply, she must enlist Carlo Zuccaro, unaware the young artist is the order's new Painter and warden of the damned.  I absolutely loved this book! I didn’t think Rob could top the first book! Boy, was I wrong! The mystery, mild horror and adventure made this story hard to put down! The writing is so good, the author has a wonderful blend of dialogue, action and description to keep the story moving at a good clip! Julia is never sure who her friends are because everyone she knows in Venice and Europe seems to have their own agendas that she can only guess at. She does a lot of guessing seeking every possible avenue to find and free her husband! You are going to love this book! A fun and exciting read with 5 stars from me!  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Painter-of-the-Damned-Book-2-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-painter-of-the-damned-book-2 https://www.kobo.com/painter-of-the-damned-book-2 Here is the link to the review of the first book and interview with the author: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-prisoner-of-paradise You can follow the author: https://twitter.com/RobSamborn https://robsamborn.com https://www.facebook.com/RobSambornAuthor https://www.instagram.com/robsamborn Copyright ©2022 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction
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Multi-volume and multi-genre authors Bibiana Krall and Veronica Cline Barton introduce us to the third volume in the The Haunted book series, “Wicked Mist”: Welcome to Wicked Mist, Book 3 (The Haunted Series) Filled with Urban legends, ghosts, haunted houses, magical realism, and supernatural themes. This year it's all about the mist! Travel the world and enjoy a collection of luxurious, award-winning, short stories with a paranormal edge from the writing desks of Bibiana Krall and Veronica Cline Barton. This 'spirited' anthology is guaranteed to give you the shivers and keep you reading late into the night with heady doses of mystery, haunted imagery and psychological suspense. Catch up and read Hearth Fires, Book 1 and Tangled Webs, Book 2 and prepare for an intense ride to places unknown. Diamonds & Ashes by Veronica Cline Barton (California Coast) The seeds of greed reap their reward... Witch by Bibiana Krall (Mackinac Island) An Island adventure in Michigan becomes an alternate history lesson, after a young woman discovers something treacherous lurking in the water… Area 58 by Veronica Cline Barton (#SomewhereInNevada) Somewhere in Nevada Everything you thinksh you knowsh ish about to changshe. Devil's Breath by Bibiana Krall (Columbia) Beware the wrath of a beautiful and mysterious woman taking over the streets of Medellin. One man at a time... Unrequited by Veronica Cline Barton (England) Don't go breakin' my heart now, boys... What does your garden grow? Ningyo by Bibiana Krall (Japan) A troubled spirit wanders beyond the forests of Mt. Fuji, hoping for their chance to avenge a brutal murder. Will good or evil prevail? Thanks so much for reading! Enjoy the bonus pages with bespoke cocktails and savory appetizers to help make this a wonderful and spooky Halloween!  I love this newest book in The Haunted series. Wicked Mist keeps the reputation of these writers and series spotless. The different stories set in different cultures give us a spooky glimpse into other parts of the world. These stories are not extremely gory and I like that a lot. I have also enjoyed Barton's other writings in the cozy mystery genre. Witch by Krall was the creepiest story for me and I loved it. Area 58 by Barton gave me the most pleasure and still creeped me out. It has a sci-fi bent to it and is pretty funny also. Which story is your favorite? They are all good and not to be mist! 😉
You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Wicked-Mist-Haunted-Book-3-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-wicked-mist https://www.barnesandnoble.com/wicked-mist-krall-barton Here is the review of Hearth Fires, the first book in the series: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/hearth-fires-the-haunted-book-1-by-bibiana-krall-and-veronica-cline-barton Here is the review of Tangled Webs, the second book in the series: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/tangled-webs-the-haunted-book-2 You can follow the authors: https://www.twitter.com/Bibiana1Krall https://www.bibianakrall.com https://www.amazon.com/author/bibianakrall https://www.youtube.com/channel/bookem channel https://twitter.com/VClinebarton https://www.veronicaclinebarton.com https://myamericanalmostroyalcousinseries.com https://www.facebook.com/myamericanalmostroyalcousinseries https://www.amazon.com/Veronica-Cline-Barton https://www.goodreads.com/author/Veronica_Cline_Barton https://www.youtube.com/channel/#Bookem Copyright © 2022 Mark L. Schultz except for the authors’ introduction Multi-volume, multi-genre author, Sandra Sperling introduces us to her latest romantic suspense story, “The Stash”: People have fantasies about finding buried treasure, but for Sarah Altman it becomes a reality when she convinces herself that it isn't really a crime to appropriate a large stash of money hidden by a meth dealer after he has a car accident. Every dollar will likely add to the time he spends in prison, so she chooses to be a good Samaritan and relieve him of the burden. Already contemplating a divorce, Sarah realizes that the money will allow her the freedom to do so with financial security---so long as no one learns she has it. Deputy Nate Carlson has been giving protection to the dealer in exchange for a share of the profit from the meth. He's severely injured, but before he dies, he manages to tell Nate where the cash is buried. Sergeant Frank Devich, Nate's widowed brother-in-law, questions Sarah, triggering a mutual attraction. Frank doesn't recognize her as the young woman he'd left with a broken heart years ago, and he's determined to have her. Sarah, however, resists involvement. Nate soon discovers that only Frank and Sarah had easy access to the Minnesota gravel pit where the stash had been hidden. Desperate for money, he will do anything to get it  This is a marvelous story! I love it. The stash is a suspenseful, romantic comedy or is it a comedic, romantic suspense story or is it a romantic, suspenseful comedy? Whatever! I can’t figure it out, but I do know this is a lot of fun to read! I loved the action and the dialogue. Sarah is strong, sassy and sharp as a tack! I wouldn’t want to have a battle of wits with her. I really like Frank also; he is steady as they come, committed to his job and he is thinking ahead. Nate is a couple of fries short of a happy meal, but he tries hard if mainly in the wrong direction. Good story and lots of fun! The Stash gets 5 stars from me!  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/The-Stash-Sandra-Sperling-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-the-stash I reviewed another book by the author: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/elisabets-will You can follow the author: Twitter: @sandysperling3 https://www.facebook.com/sisuforever http://sandrasperling.com Copyright © 2022 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction. Multi-genre, multi-volume author, J. D. Edwards introduces us to his science fiction story, “The Phantom Seer”: Sam’s future lies in the past but like Sisyphus, changing history is a punishment he must continue to pay. When Sam discovers a timepod containing a cryptic note from the future, he chooses to fulfill his destiny and restore the timeline rather than allowing the government to confiscate his discovery. After failing to change the course of human events on a grand scale, Sam crisscrosses time to modify historical events on a smaller scale. Earning the moniker of “The Phantom Seer”, Sam discovers that even the smallest stone can create a broad ripple in the ocean of time. For Sam, a single choice can save the lives of millions but endanger his own. How much is a single life worth?  Science fiction is my favorite genre, stories about time travel are at the top of that list also. This story was completely entertaining and dealt with historical events in a gentle manner. The author did a marvelous job of incorporating events and themes from the Bible. No spoilers from me! I give this story 4.9 stars.  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Phantom-Seer-J-D-Edwards-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/book/-the-phantom-seer I reviewed another book by the author: Indomitable: The Story of Eliza Harris by J. D. Edwards - Word Refiner You can follow the author: https://twitter.com/FaerieRealms https://www.facebook.com/FaerieRealms https://www.linkedin.com/in/twyrch https://www.wattpad.com/user/FaerieRealms https://www.instagram.com/twyrch https://www.pinterest.com/twyrch https://www.tiktok.com/@faerierealms Copyright © 2022 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction Multi-volume, cozy mystery author, Mary Lu Scholl introduces us to the second book in the Nature Coast Calamities series, “Big Foot and The Bentley”: "There are more things..." Life in Citrus County Florida, on the Nature Coast has Bernie scratching his head. There's no shortage of mysteries and an occasional murder. Bernie is Irish, and the mythology seems to have followed him. With the help of his brother and friends, he encounters Big Foot. Or does he? This is a man's Cozy mystery - A Brozie - and will have you chuckling all afternoon.  I have enjoyed several of Scholl's books and this is no exception. I quite like it. She has some of the people from another series in this story, yet she keeps the focus comfortably on Bernie and his brother, Ralph. They get along like most siblings. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest I heard many tales about Big Foot, AKA Sasquatch. Even the few hints and incidental encounters add intrigue to this story. A Bentley is a luxurious car and the mystery surrounding it makes this story even more fun. I think you will love this story as much as I did. Enjoy!  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Big-Foot-Bentley-Nature-Calamities-ebook You can follow the author: https://twitter.com/MaryLScholl1 https://maryluscholl.blogspot.com www.facebook.com/maryluschollauthor/ My review of the fourth book in the Nature Coast Calamities, "Pu'ka and the Pirates": www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/puka-and-the-pirates My review of the first book of the Trailer Park Travails series, “Camper Catastrophe”: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/camper-catastrophe-by-mary-lu-scholl My review of the second book of the Trailer Park Travails series, “Mobile Mayhem”: Mobile Mayhem: Book Two of Trailer Park Travails by Mary Lu Scholl - Word Refiner My review of the third book of the Trailer Park Travails series, “Birds, Bees and RVs”: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/birds-bees-and-rvs-by-mary-lu-scholl My review of the fourth book of the Trailer Park Travails series, “Trailer Trauma”: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/trailer-trauma-trailer-park-travails-book-4 My review of the ninth book of the Trailer Park Travails series, "Fatal Philandering": www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/fatal-philandering Tags: cozy, murder, mystery, Florida, pets, dog, cat, neighbors, fiction, action Copyright © 2022 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction Multi-volume, multi-genre author G. David Walker introduces us to urban, paranormal fantasy, “Three Blood Prince”: J.D. Williams’ parents have kept a secret from him and his big sister, Megan, for their entire lives. Now, that secret might just get J.D. killed. The arrival of a strange girl at his school sets J.D. on a journey which will completely change the course of his life as well as that of his sister. Together, they discover that none of the closest people in their lives, from their parents to J.D.’s best friend, are who they thought they were. Which means neither are J.D. and Megan. J.D. becomes the target of a dark Fae who believes his blood contains the key to ultimate power. She will stop at nothing to achieve her goals, sending bloodthirsty creatures of nightmares and legends in pursuit of him and his family, from their home in the Ozarks to the shores of northern Scotland. With teeth and claws potentially lurking in every shadow, the Williams need any allies they can find to keep J.D. safe from the malevolent creatures hunting him and stop their dark mistress forever.  I have read two other books by Mr. Walker and he is getting better in his craft! I see improvement in his character development and dialogue. His story is not to be missed! The relationship between JD and his older sister seems very normal and there is a lot of interaction between them. The parents seem typical until they are forced to reveal the truth about their identity to their children. It gets rather complicated after that. No spoilers from me! Mr. Walker has done a marvelous job of respecting the familiar tropes of most fantasy stories and spun them into something quite good. I am fervently hoping this is merely the first volume of several. This is such a good start! If you like fast-paced action, urban fantasy and a decent dose of the paranormal you have found a home.  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Three-Blood-Prince-David-Walker-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-three-blood-prince You can connect with the author: https://twitter.com/gdavidwalker https://gdavidwalker.com https://www.amazon.com/G.-David-Walker https://www.facebook.com/gdavidwalker https://www.instagram.com/g_david_walker This is my first review of a book by the author: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/jabens-rift-by-g-david-walker This is my review of another book by the author: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/redemptions-edge Tags: urban fantasy, high school, modern paranormal, dark, action, quest, family Copyright © 2022 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction Multi-volume, historical-fantasy author, Jay Veloso Batista introduces us to the fourth volume in his wonderful series, “Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire”: Battles and adventure crisscross the Viking Age! From monumental sea clashes to beleaguered mountain strongholds to war with the tribes of Eire, circumstance drives the scattered Agneson clan across the known world. And beyond the lands of Midgard, mythic hidden folk challenge our forerunner hero. The award-winning Forerunner Series epic continues…. Fleeing an arranged marriage, Kara escapes across the narrow sea to follow her warrior dreams. Escaping slavery, Cub joins Rollo’s horde in Britany, while his outlawed brother Sorven fights for survival in the Welsh mountains. Uncle Karl and his warriors rally to Harald Tanglehair in his ambition to unify the wild kingdoms of the North Way, and young Thorfinn is left behind, safe and secure in a tiny fishing village... or is he? Kara gains her place in king of Dublinn’s ranks to prove her mettle, but being a warrior is not what she expected, and what of these new feelings she finds for her closest companion? Will Karl and his crew perish in the great battle of Hafrsfjord? And how will an unprepared Thorfinn survive kidnapping by an 8-armed giant, leaving behind worried friends and a very angry dragon? Don’t miss this 5-star epic fantasy critics are calling “whimsical and gritty,” with “fabulous, engaging characters.” If you enjoy the history of The Last Kingdom and Nordic myths and legends, the Forerunner Series is a grand tale not to be missed!  I love how the author keeps the family members that are scattered far and wide connected. While it seems like four stories at times, it is only one story about the different family members. They go through trials and tribulations that are quite staggering at times. The plotting is so well done it flows seamlessly from one character to the next. I love how Finn is able to bring comfort to fearful hearts in the family. The blending of history and the Viking worldview is quite enjoyable; I have learned a lot about Viking customs and religion from reading the series. I love this book and the series! Five stars from me!  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Kara-Shieldmaiden-Eire-Forerunner-Book-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-kara-shieldmaiden-of-eire https://www.barnesandnoble.com/kara-shieldmaiden-of-eire-jay-veloso-batista My review of the first book, “Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse”: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/thorfinn-and-the-witchs-curse My review of the second book, “The Vardoger Boy”: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-vardoger-boy My review of the third book, “On Viking Seas”: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/on-viking-seas You can follow the author: https://twitter.com/JayVBatista https://www.jayvelosobatista.com http://www.amazon.com/author/jayvelosobatista http://www.facebook.com/jayvelosobatista http://www.instagram.com/jayvelosobatista https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jay-veloso-batista https://www.goodreads.com/JayVelosoBatista Copyright © 2022 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction Multi-volume, historical fiction author, B. K. Greenwood introduces us to the first volume in The Last Roman series, Exile: What if The Gladiator smashed into The Highlander, and then careened into Jason Bourne? You would get The Last Roman: Exile. Some debts you cannot repay, even if you live forever... Seasoned imperial officer Marcus Sempronius Gracchus leads the 9th Roman Legion into a bloody battle against a fierce barbarian tribe. It's a battle he won't survive. When he awakens three days later, clawing his way from a shallow grave, Marcus must face the reality of his new existence. He will never see the afterlife--but that won't stop him from dying time and again over the next 2,000 years. But Marcus is not the only one cursed with eternal life, and they are determined to bring the world crashing to its knees. Forced to confront the only brother he has ever known, can Marcus prevent the inevitable and find redemption? Follow the story of a man who should be dead, as he tries to save the world... and his soul.  This story is marvelous storytelling! Taking a minor character from the most pivotal event in the New Testament and making him and other biblical characters the center of all the conflict is genius! This is A+ action. It is easy to picture the frequent action sequences in your mind's eye. The dialogue is good also, the characters come across as very real, they have feelings, hopes and goals. I guess there are some advantages to being immortal, after enjoying this story, the price seems too high for me. This book gets 4.8 stars from me!  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Last-Roman-Exile-B-K-Greenwood-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-exile https://www.barnesandnoble.com/the-last-roman-b-k-greenwood You can follow the author: https://twitter.com/bkgreenwood70 https://www.instagram.com/bkgreenwood70 https://www.facebook.com/BKGreenwood http://www.bkgreenwood.com I have reviewed the second book in the series here: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-last-roman-abyss I have reviewed the third book in the series here: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-last-roman-absolution tags: Christian fiction, action, adventure, spirituality, historical fiction, politics, conspiracy, prophecy Copyright © 2022 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction. Multi-volume, multi-genre author, Priscilla B. Shuler introduces us to her mystery story, “Favored”: She was left for dead. Now all the townspeople rally together to hunt down the perpetrator… South Carolina. Sheriff Boyd Custer is fit to be tied. Enraged that someone under his protection was brutally attacked, he vows to do whatever it takes to expose a murderer. And to spring the trap, he keeps a secret that the killer will never suspect… As the search for the man responsible heats up, Sheriff Boyd heads a group of mourning friends and families while knife-edge feelings rip open old wounds and inspire acts of heroism. But when the tragic truth is finally revealed, this tight-knit community may never recover. Can they heal from the devastating blow of a horrifying crime? FAVORED is a mind-blowing standalone murder mystery. If you like small-town characters filled with faith, surprising twists, and startling happily ever afters, then you’ll love Priscilla B. Shuler’s thought-provoking tale.  This is a powerful story! Nobody has been white-washed or their actions excused. Everyone gets to live with the consequences of their choices, frequently, for many years. Just like real life. This is an exciting Christian Historical Fiction book and I really enjoyed it. The major storyline is the solving of a crime of rape and severe physical abuse, almost to the point of death. There are several other storylines also involving secrets, marital unfaithfulness, alcoholism and more. My faith is encouraged by the reading of this book. Make no mistake, this book is full of Christian concepts and precepts. Anyone can read this book, but if the reader is not a Christian, they may find some of their beliefs challenged and they may not understand everything in the book. I enjoyed the book a lot and give it 4.7 stars!  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Favored-Priscilla-Shuler-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-favored https://www.barnesandnoble.com/favored-priscilla-shuler You can follow the author: twitter.com/ShulerPriscilla https://priscillabshulerartistauthor.com https://www.amazon.com/Priscilla-B.-Shuler www.facebook.com/priscilla.shuler.33 I have reviewed another book by Priscilla, "Kuimba": www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/kuimba Copyright © 2022 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction Modern essayist, Brett Chrest introduces us to his book, “My Vacuum Sucks”: After I resigned from my office zombie job after 15 years, I emerged to find so much has changed. For starters, 15 years ago, the hack joke was "Why are there so many cable channels?" Now, it is "Why are there so many social media/digital TV streams?" Personal health is another one. Time was, taking down a full-rack of baby back ribs was a badge of honor. Last time I ordered them, a few weeks ago, it became quite the cause célèbre. Several patrons even started a pool to Uber me to a morgue. Some things never change. Hiking with the family, sports, getting old, etc. Whether new or old, there is always something funny about what's going on. If you want to read stories about all the humor in the world that you can only see when you take a step back, this book is for you. Topics include:
 I enjoyed this book a lot. I laughed and chuckled nearly nonstop from cover to cover. Brett is quite a funny guy! His humor, rather self-deprecating, is a lot like many other guys. I would feel right at home sitting with him in the garage sipping an adult beverage. We would be sharing stories of home improvement disasters and wildlife encounters of the third kind. There would be clinking bottles and many high-fives. Get this book, I will meet you in Brett's garage. 4.9 stars for “My Vacuum Sucks”.  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/My-Vacuum-Sucks-Humorous-Stay-at-Home-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-my-vacuum-sucks Brett Chrest and his wife, Leah Chrest (author of At the Edge of Jordan, reviewed elsewhere on this website) published their books within 1 week of each other and about a week before Brett's unexpected passing in late August of 2021. In Brett's stead, Leah, his wife and the editor of My Vacuum Sucks will be fielding the interview questions. You can visit the author’s website and his wife’s Twitter and Instagram: http://www.brettchrest.com https://twitter.com/ChristianMedit2 https://www.instagram.com/christianmedit2 Copyright © 2022 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction Debut author, Tammy Horvath introduces us to “Gone in an Instant”: How Do You Forgive the One Person in Your Life Impossible to Forgive? On August 2, 2017, a knock on Tammy Horvath’s front door shattered her world. “Your son has been murdered,” a police officer said in a quiet voice. As she struggled through the horror of the following months, another Voice spoke. “Forgiveness is a choice and you must forgive him, Tammy.” But How? What Would You Do? How Would You Find the Strength to Forgive the Killer and Have Faith After Loss? How Do You Deal With Grief and Get Help to Go On Living After Losing Someone You Love? In this deeply moving and ultimately triumphant Christian book about child loss, Tammy shares the story of how God revealed Himself in astounding ways and set her free in a manner she could never have imagined. Tammy got through the pain and grief of losing her only child to murder, and so can you. Gone in an Instant is for you, if
Can you believe that? It’s true! You can absolutely be set free. With insight, humor, and deep authenticity, Tammy will take you on a journey that will utterly change your life forever. You’ll find the self-help you need and the grief steps after child loss. Tammy’s heart breaks for you if you are experiencing any of these emotions. Please come alongside her and learn from her. You are loved, and you have a purpose.  How is it possible to forgive the person who murdered your son? I cannot think of many more dreadful situations to exact vengeance than making the person who killed your child pay. The author clearly describes this problem because she lived through it. She faced her son's death and came through it with the support of many loving people and our heavenly Father. She could have made it without the former but not the latter. We have all lost loved ones at one time or another but not often to personal violence. Many of us have lost our loved ones to a disease or an unrecoverable accident, we had time to say our goodbyes, which is very comforting for us who are left behind. I loved this book, it encouraged my faith and brought me to tears more than once. There are many lessons to be gained, not the least of which is that we are not islands in a stream. Our lives and our choices are intertwined with others. If you want to know more then read the book. I give "Gone in an Instant" 5 stars!  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Gone-Instant-Losing-Loving-killer https://www.goodreads.com/-gone-in-an-instant https://www.barnesandnoble.com/gone-in-an-instant-tammy-horvath You can follow the author: https://twitter.com/thorvathauthor http://www.tammyhorvath.com https://www.instagram.com/tammyhorvathauthor https://www.facebook.com/Tammy-Horvath-Author https://www.pinterest.com/TammyHorvathAuthor https://www.youtube.com/channel/Tammy Horvath https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-horvath Copyright © 2022 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction Multi-volume author Jay Veloso Batista introduces us to the third volume of his paranormal historical fiction in The Forerunner Series: “On Viking Seas”: From Cornish pit mines to Jorvik back alleys, from the Mercian Court to beyond the North Sea, the Agneson clan continues their adventures across Midgard and the 9 realms: Scheming aldermen, duplicitous monks, slave drivers, dark elves, trolls, ghosts, shapeshifting witches, the legendary Norse Wild Hunt, and… a dragon! With the fall of the Danish army at the battle of Ethandun, historical events scatter the Agneson family: Cub is enslaved in the Devonshire tin mines while Sorven stalks retribution in Jorvik; Kara is unwillingly propelled toward a convenient Saxon marriage while Karl and his crew are castaway on a mythic floating island. Separated and marooned, each is forced to tackle their challenges alone while the forerunner Thorfinn faces supernatural revenge, a battle to lift a Jarl’s curse and the release of his Jotenhiem wyrm in Midgard! Can Cub escape his overseers in the tin pits of Devon? Can Kara evade her Saxon uncle’s plans for her marriage? Will Sorven succeed in his bloody revenge? Can Finn save a Jarl’s daughter and break a mysterious curse? Can the forerunner find and help his scattered family overcome their trials? And what can Finn do with… a pet dragon?!? Based on actual historical events and authentic legends, this epic fantasy follows the paths of the sons and daughters of Agne, Son of Ironfist in the Viking Era circa the year 880. Don’t miss this grand panoramic tale!  Not only is the series getting better with each volume the characters are growing and evolving, I think Kara is my favorite character. There are dark moments that add some great depth to the story, especially for Cub, the oldest son, I think he gets the worst of it. There are lighthearted moments also, the humor isn't gone. The settings and action are to be commended also; they add so much to the plot lines. The setup for the next volume promises to be very exciting! If you like historical fiction stories with an exciting, paranormal angle that fits perfectly in the story age, then you will love this book and the series, indeed. 4.8 stars from me.  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Viking-Seas-Forerunner-Book-ebook/ https://www.goodreads.com/book/-on-viking-seas My review of the first book, “Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse”: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/thorfinn-and-the-witchs-curse My review of the second book, “The Vardoger Boy”: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-vardoger-boy My review of the fourth book, "Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire": www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/kara-shieldmaiden-of-eire You can follow the author: https://twitter.com/JayVBatista https://www.jayvelosobatista.com http://www.amazon.com/author/jayvelosobatista http://www.facebook.com/jayvelosobatista http://www.instagram.com/jayvelosobatista https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jay-veloso-batista https://www.goodreads.com/JayVelosoBatista Copyright © 2022 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction Multi-volume, multi-genre author, Melissa Rea introduces us to her steamy, historical-fiction tale about love and betrayal in old Venice, “Maestro”: Gabriella stands on a gallows one day before her 19th birthday in 1718. She tells her story to a young blacksmith, a surly milkmaid, and a mute dwarf who is much more than the muckraker he seems. The pampered daughter of a count, Gabriella's entire existence has been her music, until one afternoon's sensual exploration leads to the shame of two noble families and her exile to a convent school for orphan girls, the Ospedale della Pieta in Venice, Italy. Antonio Vivaldi, the school's Maestro of the Concerto, teaches the students and composes inspired by their talent and beauty. She tells of her friend, Veronica, a sublimely talented violinist whose cold eyes hide tragic secrets and of whose murder she now stands convicted. With tears in her eyes, she speaks of her love, Raphael, the handsome overseer whom she had planned to marry. The story of her desperate attempt to learn the truth of a terrible curse that took her own child's life, and save Veronica from a dark affair, holds the crowd's rapt attention. Now she must escape with the help of her friends, from the Ospedale, and perhaps those in the crowd assembled to watch her hang.  I enjoyed the story so much. It is rich, like a wonderful dessert that requires time for each bite. This is an exciting and seductive story. The premise draws you in with a shot of sympathy for the woman who was facing being hanged that very day. But the executioner was absent. She faces a hostile crowd and begins to relate the story of her life that led to the charge of murder of which she proclaims her innocence. This story is so compelling, that it's hard to put it down. Descriptions are opulent without being overbearing, much of the dialogue is quite enticing and the action is plentiful. I found the balance of this three-legged stool to be very even and the story was very enjoyable for it. The author does a marvelous job of incorporating all of the senses. I will say no more to avoid spoilers. "Maestro" is a sensual feast and gets 4.8 stars from me.  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Maestro-Melissa-Rea-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-maestro https://www.barnesandnoble.com/maestro-melissa-rea https://www.smashwords.com/maestro You can follow the author: https://twitter.com/author_rea http://www.melissareaauthor.com Copyright © 2022 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction. Multi-volume author Jay Veloso Batista introduces us to the second volume of his paranormal historical fiction in The Forerunner Series: “The Vardoger Boy”: A 2020 WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS RED RIBBON WINNER! Vikings war with the last Saxon Kingdom, blood feuds stalk the family, the werebear takes revenge and our forerunner hero must face trolls, a kelp man and his nuggles, and a dark elf… The epic adventures of the Agneson Clan continue! The year is 878… Danish forces assemble for war on Wessex and the loyal Agneson Clan heeds the call to join the Great Viking Horde, but while honorable men gather in the midlands, a blood feud draws mercenaries to their undefended homestead for murderous revenge. Sailing his Viking crew to fulfil their oath, Karl harbors suspicions over strange occurrences that bedevil his nephew Thorfinn, while far to the north their sworn enemy the werebear and his dark elf master strike back… And the young forerunner Thorfinn learns the Nine Realms are full of surprising hidden folk, but to earn his place aboard the Viking’s ship he must accept a mast troll’s quest…. Will the family escape the despicable vendetta? Can Thorfinn face the evils prowling the bottom of the Humber Estuary? Does Cub battle to victory against King Alfred’s men? How can Karl and his Vikings find and defeat a mysterious lair of were-beasts? The epic saga of Thorfinn the forerunner and his clan in Danelaw England continues…. Don’t miss The Vardoger Boy, second book of The Forerunner Series by Jay Veloso Batista, historical fantasy and supernatural suspense! if you love the work of Bernard Cornwall, Susanna Clarke or Elizabeth May, then this will have you turning the pages!  I love this book; I love the series! The author has crafted a wonderful continuation of the first book. He has some wonderful dialogue; it rings so true to each character's station in life. The action is glorious at times and easy to read. I am enjoying learning about the Viking myths and lore regarding their gods and supernatural beings. Jay is so good at weaving in lots of details about everyday life for people of this age along with the paranormal elements which they easily accepted as a part of their lives. Following multiple plot threads, the story of the Agneson family continues. I can hardly wait to read the next book! 4.9 stars!  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Vardoger-Boy-Forerunner-Book-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/book/-the-vardoger-boy My review of the first book, "Thorfinn and the Witch's Curse": www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/thorfinn-and-the-witchs-curse My review of the third book, “On Viking Seas”: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/on-viking-seas My review of the fourth book, "Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire": http://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/kara-shieldmaiden-of-eire You can follow the author: https://twitter.com/JayVBatista https://www.jayvelosobatista.com http://www.amazon.com/author/jayvelosobatista http://www.facebook.com/jayvelosobatista http://www.instagram.com/jayvelosobatista https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jay-veloso-batista https://www.goodreads.com/JayVelosoBatista Copyright © 2022 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction Multi-volume, multi-genre author, Mercedes Rochelle introduces us to the fourth volume in “The Plantagenet Legacy” series, “The Accursed King”: What happens when a king loses his prowess? The day Henry IV could finally declare he had vanquished his enemies, he threw it all away with an infamous deed. No English king had executed an archbishop before. And divine judgment was quick to follow. Many thought he was struck with leprosy—God's greatest punishment for sinners. From that point on, Henry's health was cursed and he fought doggedly on as his body continued to betray him—reducing this once great warrior to an invalid. Fortunately for England, his heir was ready and eager to take over. But Henry wasn't willing to relinquish what he had worked so hard to preserve. No one was going to take away his royal prerogative—not even Prince Hal. But Henry didn't count on Hal's dauntless nature, which threatened to tear the royal family apart.  I am a big fan of the author. Her books about all of these kings are so good! I confess that I zipped through this stuff in history class and was so happy when it was over. Mercedes has turned that all around for me. I really enjoy historical fiction and stories from history. She takes the old and withered bones of history and brings them to life in a compelling and dramatic way! Her descriptions of traveling through towns on the way to battle or negotiation are first rate. She accounts for weather, geography and other impediments to human activities whether benign or nefarious. Some of the historical characters are well known, others not nearly as much. She gives them all their proper due and allows them to be real humans, flaws and all. While the action sequences are quite good, the dialogue is what really locks it in for me. Whether you like history or a political thriller this book is for you!  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Accursed-King-Plantagenet-Legacy-Book-ebook https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-accursed-king-mercedes-rochelle https://www.goodreads.com/-the-accursed-king You can follow the author: http://www.twitter.com/authorrochelle http://www.mercedesrochelle.com http://www.mercedesrochelle.net I have reviewed other books by this author: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-usurper-king 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/the-kings-retribution https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/heir-to-a-prophecy-by-mercedes-rochelle-narrated-by-kevin-e-green https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/godwine-kingmaker-part-one-of-the-last-great-saxon-earls-by-mercedes-rochelle https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-sons-of-godwine https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/fatal-rivalry-by-mercedes-rochelle Tags: history, biography, fiction, medieval, European, Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, France, historical, biographical, Copyright © 2021 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction. Multi-volume, historical fantasy fiction author, Jay Veloso Batista introduces us to the first volume of the Forerunner Series, “Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse”: THE 2020 WISHING SHELF BRONZE MEDAL WINNER! Viking legends, unforgettable characters and authentic history combine in an exciting series starter! Vikings and Saxons, ghostly curses, witches and soothsayers, dangerous were-creatures and a young boy who must find his courage! Danelaw life is good! Practicing martial skills, grumbling over chores, listening to scary stories and shadowing his brothers everywhere, Finn is a normal boy of ten in the Viking Kingdoms of ninth century England. A bit timid, his father plots his apprenticeship while the family prepares a grand wedding. Off to the North, his uncle sails home after years of exile. And unbeknownst to all, the ghost of an ancient mage sits sentinel over his clan freehold. But when a witch’s curse comes alive, a mishap turns young Finn into a vardoger, haunted by his own forerunner ghost. Suddenly thrust into a new realm beyond Midgard, Finn struggles to be a boy by day and a ghost at night. His own clan fears him, he overhears murder plots, he learns the truth of giants and the hidden folk, and the witch still hunts revenge… Will Finn find the courage to defeat his enemies, save his uncle, and accept his new half-ghostly existence? Don’t miss Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse, first book of The Forerunner Series by Jay Veloso Batista.  This is such a good story. I was quite captivated by Finn and his Viking brothers and sisters. The author has such a good eye for detail that brings the story and the characters to life without burying me in extraneous information. I love the dialogue and the plotting was very exciting. Finn comes across as an ordinary, ninth-century, Viking boy looking for adventure. He finds far more than he expected when he sneaks off with a big brother and a friend to investigate a local legend about a witch. If you like a touch of the supernatural and are interested in legends of old you are going to love this story!  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Thorfinn-Witchs-Curse-Forerunner-Saga-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-thorfinn-and-the-witch-s-curse https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/thorfinn-and-the-witchs-curse-jay-veloso-batista My review of the second book, "The Vardoger Boy": www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-vardoger-boy My review of the third book, “On Viking Seas”: https://www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/on-viking-seas My review of the fourth book, "Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire": www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/kara-shieldmaiden-of-eire You can follow the author: https://twitter.com/JayVBatista https://www.jayvelosobatista.com http://www.amazon.com/author/jayvelosobatista http://www.facebook.com/jayvelosobatista http://www.instagram.com/jayvelosobatista https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jay-veloso-batista https://www.goodreads.com/JayVelosoBatista Copyright © 2022 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction A sequel to The Black Douglas TrilogyMulti-volume, multi-genre author introduces us to her latest work of historical fiction, “The Douglas Bastard” is the sequel to the Black Douglas trilogy: King Robert the Bruce and the Black Douglas are dead — and Scots once more must fight for their freedom. Young Archibald, the Black Douglas's bastard son, returns from exile to a Scotland ravaged by war. With treachery and danger on every side, he must learn to sleep with a claymore in his hand and one eye open because even his closest friend may betray him... Content warning: violence against a child  This is a marvelous book! I love historical fiction it’s my third favorite genre. Books centered on the United Kingdom are particularly attractive to me because much of my heritage comes from there. The author has taken a minor figure and walked with him through the major events he would have faced and been involved in. She did a great job! I love how she wove so many minor details of daily life into the story. I felt I was right there with Archibald. His struggles with being the bastard son of a noble included repeated bullying by his peers. He held his own with even odds. The fights, jousts and war scenes were brutal like daily life for most people. The dialogue came across quite real. This is a great read and I award 4.9 stars.  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Douglas-Bastard-Sequel-Black-Trilogy-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-the-douglas-bastard https://www.barnesandnoble.com/the-douglas-bastard You can follow the author: https://twitter.com/TomlinJeanne http://www.jrtomlin.com http://jeannetomlin.blogspot.com I have reviewed another book by the author: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-wayward-alliance Here is my review of another of Tomlin's books: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/the-lion-of-galloway Copyright © 2022 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction At the Edge of the Jordan: What Waits for Us After This Life and Why It Matters by Leah Chrest5/28/2022 Debut author, Leah Chrest introduces us to her fiction story about the afterlife: What waits for us when we die? How can the truth of heaven revolutionize our faith? In this unique work, Leah Chrest, a lifelong Christian, draws from both hundreds of near-death experiences and the Bible to create a captivating tale of faith and personal transformation. Based on the NDEs of Nancy Rynes, Rev. Howard Storm, Dr. Eben Alexander, Mary C. Neal, George Ritchie, and dozens more, Aislinn's story will answer your heart's deepest questions and inspire you to live a more peaceful, inspired, faith-filled life. Journey with Aislinn, a young woman who is no stranger to grief, having lost her sister and grandparents in the span of just a few years. On her honeymoon, Aislinn drowns in a freak surfing accident. Her soul leaves her body and enters heaven, where she meets with Jesus and has the innermost questions of her soul answered:
If you have always wondered about near-death experiences, this well-researched narrative account will warm your heart and inspire you to live with deeper purpose and meaning.  A fascinating story with tantalizing glimpses of what heaven and hell might be like. It’s an emotional rollercoaster at times with the death of loved ones and suffering being part of the story. Those darker moments are balanced with healings and connecting again with family members. I found the footnotes to be interesting and they add a welcome depth to the story. I enjoyed them as an information junkie. However, you can enjoy the story quite well without reading any of the footnotes. The story easily stands on its own. I give “At the Edge of the Jordan” 4.8 stars.  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/At-Edge-Jordan-Waits-Matters-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-at-the-edge-of-the-jordan You can follow the author: https://twitter.com/ChristianMedit2 http://thecontemplativechristian.com https://www.instagram.com/christianmedit2/ https://www.youtube.com/c/christianmeditation https://www.facebook.com/christianmedit2 Copyright © 2022 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction Multi-volume, multi-genre author, Jacqueline Mead introduces us to her children’s book, “The Tales of Mr. Mouse and Friends”: Join Mr. Mouse as he tends to his award-winning garden, makes friendships, meets Hilda his future wife, all the while drinking lots of tea and eating lots of cake. Mr. Mouse is a popular character whose door is always open, who is on hand to help anyone who needs assistance, who will rally around a worthwhile cause and who is highly thought of throughout the woodland community. Each chapter is a short story of its own and set in a season, there are twelve chapters following Mr. Mouse over three years. Read about the woodlands during a harsh winter when the woodlands are covered in six-foot snow drifts, during spring when the season is changing from winter, summer when Mr. Mouse’s award-winning gardens are at their best and autumn when the trees and plants are losing their leaves. Mr. Mouse with a house on the River Louse will become a favourite bedtime story for your children.  I enjoyed this book a lot. My two granddaughters did also. The casual rhyming was clever and the character names were pleasing. I loved the illustrations also, they are soft, the pastels are easy on the eyes. Each chapter has a full-page illustration. They look nice even on my Kindle. Each chapter is its own story. That makes for a pleasantly short read for bedtime, leaving time to answer questions a child might have. The overarching theme of the book is that family and friends are important and worthy of attention. Another wonderful theme is caring for your surroundings and environment. You are going to enjoy this peaceful visit to the river and woods where Mr. Mouse and his friends live.  You can buy this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Tales-Mr-Mouse-Friends-ebook https://www.goodreads.com/-the-tales-of-mr-mouse-and-friends https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-tales-of-mr-mouse-and-friends-jacqueline-mead You can follow the author: @Jackiem158 http://www.jacquelinemead.com Copyright © 2022 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction A Battered Mother’s Message to Her Son |
Who am I?An avid reader, typobuster, and the Hyper-Speller. I am a husband, father, and grandfather. Archives
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