PEOPLE OF THE SUN – REVIEW

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People of the Sun by Ben Gartner
People of The Sun – Third in The Eye of Ra Series
TITLEPeople of the Sun (book 3 “Eye of RA” series)
AUTHORBen Gartner
PUBLISHERCrescent Vista Press (February 1, 2022)
FORMATKindle, Hardcover, Paperback
PAGES262
LANGUAGEEnglish
GENREChildren’s Historical Fiction, Science Fiction
ASIN / ISBN
10/13
B09B9FGWSW / 1734155272 / 978-1734155273

AUTHOR

Find out about Ben Gartner and The Eye of Ra Series here.

SYNOPSIS

People of the Sun is the third book in The Eye of Ra Series. Sarah and John continue their adventures in time!

Sarah is John’s older sister and together they make up a team of time traveling detectives. Their goal is to make sure that the time line remains intact. It seems that Dr. Tidewell (Sarah) and Mr. Tidewell (John) created a time machine in the year 2049. During a demonstration things go awry, and the entire audience is transported to various places throughout time; and the trouble begins!

The adult brother and sister duo travel back in time to enlist their earlier versions of themselves to help fix the timeline. If they can’t fix the timeline then life ceases to exist on Johns birthday in 2049 (the date of the presentation).

In this installment, they travel to Mexico in the year 1519 to prevent the death of Hernán Cortés de Monroy y Pizarro Altamirano, a Spanish Conquistador. Toci, an expert scholar in Aztec culture and fluent in English, Spanish and the Nahuatl language, is determined to prevent Cortés from conquering the Aztecs. What follows is an adventure that sees Sarah and John almost becoming human sacrifices, battling for their very lives and having to make some hard decisions about whether or not to change history.

CONCLUSION

People of the Sun is an excellent book. It has time travel, history, action, and adventure! It is filled with moral conundrums, universal impacting decisions, and morality.

Ben has done another superb job with this book. He has managed to mold history with adventure again. Just reading this book and the Author’s Note at the end, I learned quit-a-bit about the Aztecs, Cortés and the fall of an entire empire.

This book is a great read for the young and old alike. I highly recommend this series and don’t forget to read the Author’s Notes. Ben provides links to the historical references if the reader would like to learn more about the period.

I can’t wait to read about Sarah and John’s next adventure!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to thank Ben Gartner and Crescent Vista Press for affording me the opportunity to review People of the Sun.

OTHER BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

The Eye of Ra is now available for a short time for 0.99 cents.

RIVERS – REVIEW

Litercurious Book Review

Rivers: From Mountain Streams to City Riverbanks by Claudia Martin. A picture book.
Rivers From Mountain Streams To City Riverbanks
TITLERIVERS: From Mountain Streams to City Riverbanks
AUTHORClaudia Martin
PUBLISHERAmber Books (October 5, 2021)
FORMATHardcover
PAGES224
GENRETravel, Reference, Adventure
LANGUAGEEnglish
ISBN 10/131838861025 / 978-1838861025

AUTHOR

Claudia Martin has worked in book publishing for 17 years. She is the author of several books and websites for children and young people. Her favorite subjects are history, current affairs and technology.

SYNOPSIS

Rivers by Claudia Martin is a visual catalogue of rivers and riverbanks across the globe. It covers such diverse locations as: North, Central, and South America; the Caribbean; Europe; Africa; the Middle East; Asia; and Oceania.

There are 225 totally immersive images in Rivers. It is a beautiful collection of plates with a perfect accompaniment of a precise but informative narrative. The images are mesmerizing and stimulating.

Images such as the commingling of the Blue Nile and the White Nile I found distinctly captivating. The Colorado River in Arizona with its adobe canyon walls and the azure blue of the river bend is an exciting image. The raging waters of the Iguazu River in Brazil with as many as 300 waterfalls surging over the Parana Plateau is especially intriguing and beautiful. The Thames in Great Britain lined with its iconic and historic riverbanks complete with Tower Bridge and shadowed by the White Tower is particularly special to me.

CONCLUSION

Martin has been a prolific writer for almost twenty years, and Rivers could be her pinnacle work. It has pages upon pages of glorious high quality, full color plates that feed the eye and fill the mind. It is a book that you can return to again and again and still enjoy it as much as you did the first time that you opened it. 

There are a number of images that are conspicuous especially because of their excellence that will remain with me long after I close the book. I highly recommend Rivers. Order a copy, but be prepared to never stop looking at it.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank Claudia Martin, NetGalley, Amber Books and for affording me the opportunity to review Rivers: From Mountain Streams to City Riverbanks.

OTHER BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR

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COUNTRY JUMPER IN HONDURAS Claudia Dobson-Largie. Travel, adventure. #ChildrenslatinAmericanhistory

ANTHONY AND THE GARGOYLE – REVIEW

Litercurious Book Review

Anthony And the Gargoyle Written by Jo Ellen Bogart Illustrated by Maja Kastelic
Anthony And the Gargoyle Written by Jo Ellen Bogart Illustrated by Maja Kastelic

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TitleAnthony and the Gargoyle
AuthorJo Ellen Bogart
IllustratorMaja Kastelic
PublisherGroundwood Books (October 5, 2021)
Pages48
GenreChildren’s European Books, Children’s
Friendship Books, Children’s Fantasy &
Magic Books
LanguageEnglish
ISBN /ASIN #978-1773063447 / B0937KDQJH

#Children’s European Books #Children’s Friendship Books #Children’s Fantasy & Magic Books

AUTHOR

Jo Ellen Bogart studied education and psychology at the University of Texas, Austin.

SYNOPSIS

Anthony and the Gargoyle by Jo Ellen Bogart and illustrated by Maja Kastelic, is a revelation. The story begins with the enigmatic image of a small house with a tiny garden in a semi-rural setting; and just like that the scene is set for Anthony’s adventure. The story revolves around the friendship between a young boy, Anthony, and a recently hatched Gargoyle. 

We quickly learn that Anthony is part of a traditional French family unit consisting of his Mother (Mère), Father (Père) and Anthony (Antoine). His home environment is comfortable without being extravagant. Going to bed one night his favorite rock metamorphosis’s into something rare. On waking he discovers a surprise that leads him into a close relationship with his new-found friend. Recognizing that his new pal is different from him, Anthony questions his mother in order to better understand his bon ami. An unexpected phone call requires his mother to go to Paris. She takes Anthony and the Gargoyle with her. What follows is a journey of discovery for both Anthony and his Gargoyle. Anthony experiences love, loss and mortality. The Journey is tinged with both happiness and sadness; with new beginnings and endings.

CONCLUSION

Bogart’s work relies heavily on the graphics of Kastelic and together they have managed to infuse what could have been an average children’s book into a sparkling gem. Anthony and the Gargoyle exudes warmth and magic previously only seen in works of great authors such as Lewis Carroll. Whilst the styles are diametrically opposed, they both share the ability to tell a captivating story and include illustrations as a central part of the process.

The illustrational nature of the book is compelling from the outset. The plates are so finely sculpted that they capture the natural inclination of the child to continue exploring until the end. In this kind of word-free novel the synergy between the writer and the illustrator are crucial and Bogart and Kastelic together have created a rare synergy here. Nothing less than a literal feast for the child’s eye and mind. The pictorialization is exquisite throughout and the force of Bogarts illustrated narrative are enhanced through the symbiosis of their collaboration. The quality of their mutual creativity and the visualization of their work stands alone and speaks for itself. 

The story seems to be inspired by an allegoric theme, that is to say in the style of a morality play. The absence of text frees the child from the encumbrances of reading whilst enhancing the child’s ability to stretch their comprehension and their imagination simultaneously. Additionally the concepts of love, responsibility, and mortality are all covered providing a realistic view on life and its challenges. 

The work may be especially valuable to challenged children and their guardians. Children who find communication difficult could benefit greatly from the lack the print in this wordless novel. 

Bogart’s story is recommended for ages 6-9 years but it could easily be enjoyed by younger or older children. It would not be hard to imagine that Anthony and the Gargoyle could easily become a favorite of any child. 

Rating: 4 out of 5.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank Jo Ellen Bogart, NetGalley, and Groundwood Books (October 5, 2021) for affording me the opportunity to review Anthony and the Gargoyle.

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SADIE SPROCKET BUILDS A ROCKET

Litercurious Book Review

Sadie Sprocket Builds A Rocket by Sue Fliess Illustrated by Annabel Tempest

#1 AMAZON BEST SELLER

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TitleSadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket
AuthorSue Fliess
IllustratorAnnabel Tempest
PublisherTwo Lions (February 1, 2021)
Pages40
GenreChildren’s Space Exploration, Young Childrens
Fantasy and Adventure, Children’s Technology,
Fiction, Girls and Women’s Books
LanguageEnglish
ISBN 10/13/ASIN‎ 154201803X/978-1542018036/B088FFR2D7

AUTHOR

Sue Fliess

Sue Fliess, pronounced “fleece,” is an award winning author. She lives in Northern Virginia with her family and English Labradors. Find out all about her, her books and upcoming books here.

ILLUSTRATOR

Annabel Tempest

Annabel Tempest is a freelance illustrator living in Somerset, England. She received her fashion/textiles degree in Bristol in the 90’s. You can learn more about her or contact her here.

SYNOPSIS

Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket is an adventure in imagination for children aged 3-7 years. Sadie, a very young girl, wants to be an astronaut some day. So she decides to become the first person on Mars. In her imagination she builds her own rocket and crews it with her stuffed animal friends. Once the rocket is built, she blasts off to explore Mars.

Once on Mars, Sadie and her crew conduct all sorts of scientific experiments. But when the weather starts to turn bad, they have to leave in a hurry. However, all does not go well with the take-off! The rocket gets stuck! Sadie and her friends have to think fast if they want to get back to earth safely.

CONCLUSION

Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket written by Sue Fliess and illustrated by Annabel Tempest is a little jewel of a book. The story flows well with a lot of rhyming and the illustrations are splendid. The combination of the story and the pictures make this a great read for young children.

The story itself is cute and shows the power of imagination. The story and the depictions are age appropriate. The rhythm of the tale is perfect for this type of book. It is easy to read and understand.

The illustrations are fabulous! Annabel did a great job bringing this story to life. Her depictions are bright and colorful. They fit the story and the tempo. I especially like the drawing of Sadie and her crew trying to play cards in zero gravity.

Sadie’s Notebook at the end was a very nice touch. It has information on Mars and some women who were pioneers in space.

Overall, I must say this is a fabulous little book. This is a great book for a bedtime story.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to thank Sue Fliess, Two Lions Publishing, and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to review Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket.

OTHER BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR

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City of death – review

Litercurious Book Review

City of Death, Scott McEwen & Ephraim Mattos
TitleCity of Death: Humanitarian Warriors In the Battle of Mosul
Author Scott McEwen (#1 Best selling Author of American Sniper) & Ephraim Mattos (Former US Navy SEAL)
PublisherCenter Street, Illustrated edition (October 23, 2018)
Pages 305
GenreHistory of Iraq, Philanthropy & Charity, Iraq War History
LanguageEnglish
ISBN/ASIN1546081828 / B079L5QNM3

#HistoryofIraq #PhilanthropyandCharity #IraqWarHistory

AUTHOR

Scott McEwen (#1 Best selling Author of American Sniper)

Ephraim Mattos (Veteran) United States Navy, Sea, Air, and Land (SEAL)

SYNOPSIS

City of Death by Ephraim Mattos and Scott McEwen is the recollections of Mattos’ time with the Free Burma Rangers (FBRs) in Mosul, Iraq, during April-July 2017.

Ephraim Mattos, a U.S. Navy Seal veteran and deeply spiritual man, becomes disenchanted with the military. Seeking a way to utilize his training and combine it with his spiritual beliefs he decides to invest himself in more philanthropic endeavors by joining the FBR. He wanted to use his skill set to help the FBR in their quest to provide humanitarian aid and record war crimes in high conflict areas of the world. 

The Free Burma Rangers (FBRs) are comprised of an eclectic mix of characters. They are a diverse multi-cultural, multi-denominational dedicated team of men and women. They share a unified mission to provide aid and comfort to those who require it the most in conflict areas of the world. 

Collectively, Mattos and the FBR quickly commingle to form a tight nit team. They unite spiritually, mentally, and emotionally in their commitment to provide medical aid to the Iraqi soldiers and citizens; whilst recording war crimes committed by The Islamic State a.k.a. ISIS/Daesh. The international melange manages to forge close bonds with the Iraqi Army during their efforts to retake Mosul. Although the FBR is mainly there to provide medical aid and comfort to the Iraqi soldiers and the fleeing citizens, they are targeted by ISIS and forced to fight for their own lives. Equipped with worn out AK-47’s and inferior equipment, the FBR continuously expose themselves to enemy fire while trying to evacuate the wounded soldiers and civilians. With bullets flying, bombs exploding and suicide bombers charging, the FBR set about their daily routine business. They witness horrific war crimes, bloody battles, and refugees trying to escape being gunned down by ISIS; victims that include small children. 

In an environment where alms meet arms, the FBR might be the civilians last best hope of help. 

CONCLUSION

City of Death is as gripping as it is gritty. It is action packed from beginning to end. The descriptions of daily life have a visceral intensity not normally present in works of this kind. The Author recreates the chaotic and unpredictable nature of modern urban warfare. The book describes the horror and humanity in the war to retake Mosul from ISIS in 2017. 

City of Death is, at times, deeply disturbing and infinitely inspirational. The synergy of Ephraim Mattos’ graphic reminiscences and Scott McEwen’s stirring prose provide a captivating read for lovers of real-life action adventure and war stories. 

Scott McEwen’s skill in writing top selling literature and his unique style combine to produce a breath taking look at humanitarianism meeting a merciless and unrelenting foe. The result is a deep dive into catastrophic effects on the lives of those souls living in Mosul during April-July 2017. 

City of Death is a compelling and heart breaking look at asymmetric warfare at its worst in the early years of the 21st Century. The climax of the book is unbelievably breath-taking; involving life and death decisions. The account is all the more intense because it was visually documented and is available online.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank Scott McEwen and , Ephraim Mattos, and Center Street for affording me the opportunity to review City of the Dead: Humanitarian Warriors In the Battle of Mosul .

OTHER BOOKS BY SCOTT MCEWEN