Mustafa Marwan worked as a humanitarian in multiple high-conflict zones. He is a lecturer, trainer, consultant, and now a writer. In 2013, the Mosaic Leadership program chose him as a Youth Leader.
Mustafa received a Bachelor’s degree from Misr University for Science and Technology in 2007. He obtained his Master of Nanotechnology, Nanoscience & Technology from Nile University in 2012. From the University of Sheffield in 2013, Mustafa received a Master of Public Health (MPH) (Management & Leadership). In 2021, he completed the Leading Strategic Projects Programme, Management at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.
Mustafa’s work experience includes being an Assistant Manager at Al Amir Pharmacies, A Business Analyst at Ameco Tech Corporation, working with the British Council, A Research assistant at Nile University, a Research and Policy Analyst at University of Sheffield, Humanitarian Projects Manager at Emergency and Relief Agency, Arab Medical Union, Lecturer and Programme Leader, Health and Social Care Management at ABI College, and International Committee of the Red Cross – ICRC.
SYNOPSIS
Adam Elraey, A.K.A. Luke Archer, is a disillusioned British doctor of Egyptian descent. Having suffered multiple personal traumas in his life, Luke is looking for a fresh start. He joined a non-governmental organization (NGO), Group d’Aide International (GAI), which provides medical care in high-conflict zones and winds up in Yemen during intense fighting.
Adam lost both of his parents when he was seven years old. He was then adopted by an English couple that had converted to Islam. They renamed him Luke Archer. Luke had a terrible motorcycle accident when he was eighteen, which left him with a traumatic brain injury that, if left untreated, would cause him seizures. Then, he lost both of his adoptive parents. Luke quickly became dependent on opioids to control his headaches and to cope with life.
Luke trained and became a surgeon. Unfortunately, he had an episode and passed out in the operating room as he was trying to save a patient that another doctor had accidentally nicked an artery. Even though the other doctor was drunk at the time, Luke was the one fired due to his opioid use.
Without a job or prospects, Luke wound up in some nefarious dealings with Irish mobsters. After barely escaping with his life, Luke joined Group d’Aide International as a surgeon. He landed in Yemen during a civil war.
This is where the story picks up. Luke and his fellow humanitarians are caught between the rebels, the government forces, and the mercenaries all fighting over the city. They quickly become intimately involved in the politics and the fighting. They are just trying to stay alive amidst all the carnage.
CONCLUSION
“Guns and Almond Milk” is an entertaining read. Mustafa Marwan does an excellent job of creating realistic battleground scenes. The characters are well-developed with lots of idiosyncrasies. The plot is interesting and exciting. There are many layers to the backstories of each character that keep the reader constantly wondering what will happen next.
The main character’s “James Bond” persona is the book’s only downside. Luke is an excellent character with a lot of personal demons and flaws. However, I find it difficult to believe that he can outsmart the mob, kick the shit out of some rebels, and shoot a gun like “John Wick.” Luke is complicated, haunted, a little psycho, and conflicted. He is just trying to find his place in the world, and the world is blowing up around him.
Mustafa Marwan obviously has an extensive background in humanitarian aid in high-conflict zones. His expertise is easily identifiable in the main storyline. He creates an accurate and compelling scene of a war-torn city under siege. The battle scenes with the graphic aftermath of the damage war creates, are spot-on.
I recommend this book for a good read. It is interesting, entertaining, and exciting. The reader will have to have a suspension of disbelief only a little around Luke, but otherwise, it is terrific.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I thank Mustafa Marwan and Interlink Books for allowing me to review “Guns and Almond Milk.“
Jason has a problem. He doesn’t remember anything before waking up on a school bus bound for the Wilderness School, a boarding school for “bad kids.” When a strange creature attacks, he and his friends discover that they are demigods and the adventure begins.
Oscar, the Orca Whale takes kids on a journey through pictures to discover Orca’s habits, characteristics, strength and speed to their communication skills, family bonds, and unique traits.
Humorous and charming with vibrant illustrations of animals in preposterous settings. It captivates the mind with its interactive storytelling and delightful blend of humor .
An impressively diverse range of topics and illustrations in a multiple-choice format that will engage the whole family. Presented in a simple and clear style that will ensure younger family members can easily participate and enjoy.
After being cursed by the Witch of the Waste, Sophie Hatter sets out to find her destiny. She comes upon the Wizard Howl and his moving castle. To break her curse, she has to help the Fire Demon, Calcifer, break his contract with Howl. Sophie has to unravel the puzzles around the contract in order to help Calcifer break it, thus saving herself.
#1 Horror Fiction*/#3 Psychological Thrillers*/#3Horror Literature* Horror Suspense / Horror Fiction / Mystery Thriller/Suspense/Contemporary Thriller/Horror Literature & Fiction/Crime Fiction /Tales of the Macabre/ Scary Fiction / Mystery Chiller/ High Tension Drama/ Gory Horror / Horror Aesthetic/ Anthropophagy *Audible Books & Originals as of December 6, 2023.
Language
English
ASIN#
B0BSRFPQXV
EVERYONE THOUGHT THEY WERE A SWEET OLD COUPLE UNTIL THE BODIES BEGAN TURNING UP IN THE BACKYARD. “Killer old folks, I thought. That’s my story.” King, S “Holly.” pp. 449-450. New York: Scribner, 2023.
AUTHOR
Stephen King was born in Portland, Maine, on September 21, 1947. He is a prolific American author renowned for his significant contributions to the horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, and fantasy genres.
His writing career began in the 1970s with the publication of his first novel, “Carrie,” which set the stage for a series of bestsellers.
Stephen King is often hailed as the “King of Fright” and the “Master of Dread,” and has captivated horror fans for decades with his deep dive into the darkest corners of the human psyche.
King’s unique storytelling style, characterized by its immersive narratives, deeply layered character development, and keen insight into the human condition, has earned him a revered place in modern literature. He’s penned over 60 novels and nearly 200 short stories, many of which have been adapted into feature films, television series, and miniseries. His works often explore themes of good versus evil, the supernatural, and the mundane aspects of life in small-town America turned sinister.
Stephen King’s impact on literature and popular culture is undeniable, with numerous awards and accolades, including the Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters from the National Book Foundation. His ability to tap into universal fears and desires continues to captivate readers worldwide, solidifying his legacy as a master storyteller.
Stephen King’s legacy as the “King of Fright” is evident in “Holly.” He continues to push the boundaries of horror and suspense, proving once again why he remains a towering figure in the realm of scary fiction, mystery thrillers, chillers, the supernatural, and dark genres.
SYNOPSIS
Stephen King’s “Holly”begins with a missing girl, an anxious mother, and a telephone call to a grieving Holly Gibney of Finders Keepers. What follows is a mystery arguably deeper and darker than anything Holly and Finders Keepershave ever faced.
Holly Gibney, the beloved character first introduced to us in the “Bill Hodges Trilogy,” is back, and the shadow of her previous investigation in “If It Bleeds” has inevitably followed her. She has come a long way since her first appearance in “Mr. Mercedes.” She is now a mature fifty-five-year-old investigator. Even though her quirks have diminished, she has maintained her unwavering focus and determination. Still, despite all these changes, she is haunted by her childhood experiences. She isn’t “Jibba-Jabba-Gibbering-Gibney” any longer, but she still feels the burn and the bullying of it all these years later.
As the narrative unfolds, Stephen King addresses real-world fears and the prophetic zeitgeist that was the global outbreak, the spread of disease, and the societal impact of those recent events. He uses his horror aesthetic to highlight the real-life horrors of murders, homicides, slayings, kidnappings, and abductions, reflecting the unease and terror of a world in crisis. Politicians, mad with power, have plunged the globe into an open prison. The mask mandate has split public opinion, and the pandemic of the Novel Virus (COVID-19) is overhyped to a medically naive population.
We catch up to Holly during the unfolding of a life-changing event. Deaths in the family have a considerable impact, and never more so than when the relationship is contentious; never was this truer than the dysfunctional interpersonal relationship that Holly and her mother shared. The event significantly affects Holly’s personal life in multiple aspects. She continues to surprise as she devolves from “Miss Perfect” and acquires a couple of compulsions that plague her throughout the story. The emotional turmoil from “The Life of Chuck” from the novella “If It Bleeds” has left its mark on her character and psyche. Gone is the burgeoning confidence of the previous incarnation of Holly; she is now a more seasoned and cannier lass. As Holly struggles to come to terms with her loss, she receives multiple phone calls from a grieving mother pleading with her to look into the disappearance of her daughter, Bonnie Rae Dahl, and as Sherlock Holmes would say, “the game is afoot.”
The game is as challenging and arduous as any she and Finders Keepers had previously encountered. Holly has the help of Jerome and Barbara Robinson in this scary, film noir-style cannibal-themed mystery come thriller. Together, they collaborate to hunt down those responsible for the disappearances and engage in psychological contests with their adversaries, one of whom is “ball-to-the-wall psychotic.”
The story is set against the backdrop of a small town harboring dark secrets. The story unfolds in the basement, where Professors Rodney and Emily Harris commit chilling and harrowing acts on their unfortunate victims, a catalog of horrors that begins with their abduction, physical neglect, and psychological abuse and ends with them consumed as a tasty snack. Holly Gibney is hot on their scent, setting the stage for a high-tension drama that keeps readers on edge.
Holly must use her superior deductive reasoning to investigate and create a rigorous hypothesis extrapolated from the scant seemingly unrelated clues gained from interviews and observations. As the story advances, King drops the breadcrumbs, and Holly and the cohort follow them to their inevitable conclusion, or so it would seem. In an unforeseen turn of events, she again finds herself in an impossible quandary with no way out and little time remaining. Holly is isolated and confined; her life is in the balance, and her location and situation are unknown.
Does Holly Gibney go quiet into that dark night, or does she somehow use that remarkable, unique, and fantastic mind that we witnessed in “End of Watch” to find a way to survive?
CONCLUSION
“Holly,” showcases King’s mastery in blending mystery and suspense. He delves deeper into her complex character, unraveling her struggles and encounters with the uncanny. The story, set in King’s quintessential small-town American backdrop, weaves a gripping tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, blending King’s signature horror elements with a profound exploration of human resilience and courage.
“Holly” is a standalone sequel to King’s acclaimed “Bill Hodges Trilogy” (“Mr. Mercedes,”“Finders Keepers,” and “End of Watch”), spotlighting Holly Gibney, a character who has resonated deeply with readers. In this gripping narrative, King explores society through the lens of dark genres. He addresses contemporary issues like vaccine hesitancy, climate change, and the horrors of a health crisis akin to the SARS virus. He paints a vivid picture of a world grappling with a pandemic virus, the challenges of vaccinations, immunization, and the skepticism surrounding them.
The novel delves into harrowing themes of abductions, brutal slayings, sexual harassment, sexual assault, molestation, and rape. It presents a chilling exploration of the never-ending human capacity for evil. Amidst the backdrop of these horrors, the narrative also weaves in elements of cannibalism, adding an even darker and sinister layer of primal fear to the story.
“Holly” has received some friction from fans upon its release. I must admit that I am a fangirl of “Hollyberry” since King revealed her as a character in “Mr. Mercedes.” I was incredibly excited to hear Stephen King planned to write her into another publication.
It was a surprise to discover that Holly lied about significant aspects of her life, including her education and work history. She also concealed from Bill Hodges her mental breakdown and her time at the Treatment Center arising from a sexual assault. A sexual violation that was carried out by Frank Junior, the son of her earlier employer, who was the owner of Mitchell Fine Homes and Estates. The assault has a profound and long-term effect on Holly, and she carries the wound of it across the combined anthology.
I was sad to read of Holly’s family bereavement when her mother died after contracting an acute illness, an event that opens early in the book. Then, after a brief reacquaintance with Holly, the indoctrination began: the mask-wearing, hand washing, and vaccinations accompanied by divisive and hateful comments directed towards those who, during the ‘pandemic’ considered their bodily autonomy as sacred and not up for discussion, as is their right. The overt and politically biased undertones became ubiquitous and an epidemic of their very own. There were no less than approximately eighty-two references to “COVID-19,” or some variation thereof throughout the book, and the prevalence of psychological conditioning seemed to overwhelm the central theme. It quickly began to feel like it was less a novel and more of an exercise in brainwashing.
I’m going to be blunt here: In the first instance, I was hugely disappointed—my reaction after only a few chapters was to abandon reading any further. I put the book down, and I walked away – dejected.
I did, however, go back and read the entire book. I felt compelled to do so out of some unnatural loyalty to a favorite character, and I’m glad I did. The political rhetoric continued, as did the constant unrelenting references I mentioned previously. However, witnessing Holly’s character development and evolution is worth the price of admission alone. Her “Asperger’s like tics.” (Finders Keepers, p. 210) may have lessened, but her savant-like qualities, childish innocence, and unique multi-dimensional personality, combined with her soft and gentle disposition, contrasted with her old-school pragmatism, is a symphony all its own.
Stephen King feels very strongly regarding his beliefs and opinions, as is his right. However, a fine line exists between enthusiasm and self-destructive rhetoric-infused storylines that drive away loyal readers. When the politics and the rhetoric eclipse the narrative, the story is no longer relevant, and its message is clouded, or worse – it’s occluded. He anticipated the pushback. In the book and audio version, he shared his reasoning for including his political and societal opinions. His argument is both emotional and sincere. He clearly has a genuine concern for the greater good and enjoys a platform from which to share his sentiments widely, but the politics still distract from the central theme.
King’s “Holly” is not just a horror novel; it is a mystery suspense and a mystery chiller that delves into the realms of high tension and drama. His narrative construction weaves a complex tapestry of characters, each with their own personalities and secrets, adding tiers of surprise and depth to the story. King further cements his legacy as a master storyteller, expertly layering narratives and intertwining the macabre with the magic of a true novelist.
This book will appeal to horror fans who appreciate dark, grim, and gruesome themes.
If my review doesn’t win you over, please consider reading the perfect introduction to the Holly Gibney character in the “Bill Hodges Trilogy,” which consists of:
If you are a Holly fan, I still recommend you read Stephen King’s “Holly” with the previous disclosure for your consideration; after all, forewarned is forearmed.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. All that said, I’m still a Hollyberry fangirl- strike that- replace with Holly Gibney fangirl. Sorry, Hol!
“My name is Mika Moonwind, and I am no longer prey. I am a hunter.”
Mika Moonwind – The Night Raven by Johan Rundberg (2023)
AUTHOR
Johan Rundberg is an award-winning author of children’s books who lives in Stockholm. He has written picture books, early readers, and middle grade, including Kärlekspizzan, Knockad Romeo, and the series Häxknuten. In 2021, he was awarded Sweden’s most prestigious literary prize, the
August Prize, in the children’s and YA category for Nattkorpen, the original edition of The Night Raven, which was first written in Swedish. Nattkorpen was also the winner of a Swedish Crimetime Award in the children’s and YA category. There are now four books in this series published in Sweden.
Excerpt taken from Amazon.com
SYNOPSIS
In 1880 Stockholm, 12-year-old orphan Mika gets entwined in the search for the notorious serial killer the “Night Raven.” She is a very intelligent, determined and caring young girl. Not only does she help look after all of the other orphans at the Public Children’s Home, but she also works at the Chapel, a local bar.
Late one night in the orphanage, Mika answers the door to find a young boy with a new born baby. He quickly puts the child in Mika’s arms, but before he runs off he says, “The Dark Angel knows I’m the one who took her.” The boy disappears before Mika can stop him. That’s not the only odd thing happening in Stockholm that night – there is a murder! Not just any murder, but a murder that fits the modus operandi of the “Night Raven!” However, the Night Raven was supposedly dead; “The executioner’s axe made sure of that.”
Detective Valdemar Hoff, who is investigating the murder, is impressed with Mika’s uncanny ability to remember explicit details and how well she makes deductions based on her observations. He takes her to the murder scene and asks her opinion. Impressed with her analysis, he enlists her help in solving the crime. Together, they have to work in opposition to the local government and overcome police corruption to locate and apprehend the villain before they can hurt someone else.
Who was the boy that left the baby behind and who’s baby was it? Who is the “Dark Angel?” Is the Night Raven truly dead or is he on the rampage again? Can a 12-year-old orphan really help the police solve such a horrific crime?
CONCLUSION
The Night Raven is an enthralling fast-moving period crime mystery. Rundberg’s writing is well rounded, the characters are well defined, and the plot is multi-faceted and easy to follow. The descriptions of 1880’s Stockholm are detailed and allow the reader to formulate the scenes in their mind easily.
I really like this book. Even though I find a 12-year-old orphan a stretch working with the police on a gruesome murder investigation, Rundberg creates a believable justification for her involvement. She is pretty much a young Sherlock Holmes, or Holly Gibney (Stephen King).
Overall, I think this book is great for all audiences, even though it is marketed for 10-14-year olds.
There will be 4 books in The Moonwind & Hoff series: The Night Raven (November 1, 2023) , The Queen of Thieves (March 5, 2024), The Angel of Death, and The Blood Pact. I can’t wait for the other 3 books to be released in english.
One final note; SF studios has acquired the film rights to the Moonwind and Hoff series. They are expected to start filming the first movie based on “The Night Raven” in 2024 with a projected film release in 2025.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank Johan Rundberg, Amazon Crossing Kids, and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to review The Night Raven.
Taryn Souders was born in Texas. She didn’t plan on being a writer. She worked as a middle school math teacher prior to trying to be a poet. However, serendipitously she turned her poetry into books. She now lives in Florida with her husband and three kids.
When Eudora “Kooky” Klinch passes away, she leaves Grady a 300-year-old tapestry and a note that reads: “To Whom It May Concern: This is no ordinary piece of needlework. It’s a treasure map. Riddles and clues. To the victor go the riches. Don’t forget to feed the cats.”
Grady and his father are down on their luck. Living very poorly after his mother passes away and the huge debt left from her medical bills, they are forced to sell their last possession; the trailer and 5 acres of land they live on. Grady doesn’t want to leave his friends and everything he knows behind. This is why when they receive the tapestry, Grady feels as if it could fix all of their problems. Only he isn’t the only one interested in obtaining the treasure. Someone else wants the treasure and is willing to steal and even kill for it.
Grady, with the help from his friends Thadddeus Carlton (Thad) and Clementine Powell (Clemmie) race against time and a killer, to discover the treasure and save his home. They have to investigate the images on the tapestry, research the ancient inhabitants of the town, study the local history and remain one step ahead of the villain.
Can they save Grady’s home? Will they unearth the treasure? Can they avoid the killer?
CONCLUSION
The Mystery of the Radcliffe Riddle is a suspenseful, action-adventure tale. It has drama, mystery, crime, suspense, thrills and murder mixed with a little history. It also has a bit of a “Goonies” feel to it.
The characters are diverse, well composed and the interplay is superb. “Kooky” Klinch, and Ophelia add little bits of unique characteristics to the tale. The plot is easy to follow with plenty of twists and turns.
The War of Jenkins’s Ear features heavily in this book. I must admit, I had never heard of this particular war and so I did some research and learned some interesting history.
Although the book is advertised for reading ages 8-12, I found this book entertaining and enlightening for all ages. Anyone with a little bit of kid left in them will enjoy this book. I highly recommend this book.
Thomas McKelvey Clever grew up in Denver, Colorado. At a very young age, aviation history excited his mind and imagination. He would spend his Saturday’s at the public library reading everything he could get his hands on about aviation and WWII history. Later, he joined the U.S. Navy and served
during the Vietnam War as an enlisted soldier in the field of aviation. In 1970 he obtained his own pilots license and has been flying ever since. His passion is the aircraft of WWII, which he had the chance to fly a few over the years. He met many famous WWII pilots and wrote various articles in such publications as: Air Enthusiast Quarterly, Air International, Air Force, Aviation History and Flight Journal magazines.
As an author, Thomas has several “best-selling” titles in the aviation and military history genre, including the best-sellers “The Frozen Choseen: The First Marine Division at the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir” and “MiG Alley: The US Air Force in Korea 1950-53.” He is also a produced screenwriter.
SYNOPSIS
Clean Sweep is a detailed chronological book about the air war in Europe during WWII. The book details the air war mainly as it pertained to the U.S. Army Air-corps, but additionally includes the RAF and the Luftwaffe. It covers some of the great battles and aerial conflicts of the war. It further provides personal accounts by some of the pilots involved in the life and death struggle of aerial combat.
In his book, Thomas Clever describes the fighter and bomber aircraft as they pertain to both sides of the conflict. He provides the reader with a descriptive evolution of aircraft as they were modified and improved to meet the enemy and the mission requirements. He further discusses air battle techniques, operating procedures, and fighter concepts employed by all sides.
No book about WWII would be complete without a discussion of the toll the war took on the people, countries, and soldiers involved. Thomas does discuss the cost of war as it pertains to manpower, economics, resources, and lives. We also get a glimpse at the decision makers and their policies that effected the outcome of the war.
CONCLUSION
Clean Sweep is an excellent book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and learning more about this great conflict. I especially enjoyed reading some of the personal notes and stories of the pilots; no matter which side they were on. This book was so well written that I felt bad for the young German pilots towards the end of the war. They were thrown into aircraft with minimal training just to become cannon fodder.
When one reads this book, it discusses the toll mainly in aircraft numbers, but one has to realize that each aircraft had a crew compliment. A fighter might only have 1 pilot, but a B-17 has 10 crewmen. When the air battle aftermath is discussed and the reader is told that 60 B-17’s out of 146 were shot down, the reader has to realize that means 600 men; the author seems to gloss over this important aspect at times.
I must admit, some of the stories are very personal and tragic, while others are hard to believe. An example might be: the pilot that tried to bail out but his parachute got caught on the vertical stabilizer of his aircraft and it drug him down to his death; or the pilot that did bail out only to land in his mother’s back yard and then went in to his home to eat pancakes.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book. Clean Sweep is full of great historical characters and stories full of valor and bravery. It also provides the reader a brief glimpse into the lives of the pilots that flew these life-or-death missions.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank Thomas McKelvey Cleaver, Osprey Publishing, and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to review Clean Sweep: VIII Fighter Command Against the Luftwaffe, 1942–45.
To find out more about Ben Gartner and what he is up too, check out his website here.
SYNOPSIS
Written mainly through the eyes of Fin, the teenage main character, One Giant Leap is his story. He starts by talking about how he is drifting through space with a leak in his suit and water from his cooling system seeping around his face and mouth. He knows he is about to die drifting forever in the dark void, but then he goes back in time and tells the story of just how and why he ended up in this particular predicament.
Four teenage kids, Fin, David, Kal and Mae, win the ultimate worldwide competition and the grand prize: an all expenses paid trip into outer space!
After all of the physicals, psychological assessments and training; Fin, David, Kal and Mae are on their way to the International Space Station (ISS). Mission plan: stop and resupply the ISS, then move on to the Gateway outpost orbiting the moon to drop off two astronauts, and then slingshot around the moon and head back to earth.
After visiting the ISS the four kids move back into their launch vehicle, Aether, to await the adults; then BAM! The whole space station is turned topsy turvey and sent spinning out of orbit. With holes in the space station, air leaking out and the whole thing spinning uncontrollably the kids are on their own. Separated from the flight crew and their guardians, the kids have to work together and think fast to save themselves and hopefully, the adults.
Will they make it? Can they save themselves? What about the adults trapped on the ISS slowly falling out of orbit to burn up in Earths atmosphere? How long can the astronauts survive on the ISS with all of the oxygen slowly leaking out into space? Can Fin, David, Kal and Mae save themselves? Can they save the adults? Can Mae even fly a spaceship? Will Fin’s body drift forever in the cold dark void of space?
CONCLUSION
One Giant Leap is Space Camp (1986) meets Gravity (2013). It is an intriguing tale of heroism, overcoming insurmountable odds, faith and courage. Ben Gartner has once again written a story that ignites the imagination and fuels the passion.
It is obvious that Ben did a lot of research for this book. The story plot is solid and the characters are well rounded and established. The interplay between each character is stable and believable. There is plenty of suspense, thrills, sorrow, excitement, danger and mystery in the story to keep the reader riveted to the book.
I not only enjoyed the story, but I really enjoyed all the little tidbits of education that is strewn throughout the book. Ben includes a section at the end that separates the facts from fiction and a glossary. He discusses future space missions and mentions some of the important milestones in space exploration. This book is not only enthralling, but it is educational as well. I highly recommend this book to young and old alike.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank Ben Gartner and Crescent Vista Press for affording me the opportunity to review One Giant Leap.
Jeff Wheeler is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He majored in History at the San Jose State University. He worked at Intel while attending college but retired early to write full time. Learn all about Jeff, his books, and his new projects on his website here.
SYNOPSIS
The Hunted is the second installment of the Dawning of Muirwoodseries.
In the first book, The Druid, Eilean is a young woman who was raised at Tintern Abbey. She and a few others were chosen to travel to the swampy Bearden Buir and help establish the new Abbey: Muirwood. There, she is tasked with looking after the Druid Mordaunt; a prisoner within the abbey accused of heresy.
Slowly, Eilean learns from Mordaunt how to speak in different tongues, read different languages and how to control her hidden powers. The more she learns the more her eyes open to the injustice of his imprisonment.
In this installment of the Dawning of Muirwoord, Mordaunt tasks Eilean with recovering a sacred tome, translating it and delivering it to another Aldermaston. This tome is prized by the High Seer and the Aldermaston of Muirwood who will stop at nothing to obtain it. When Eilean leaves on her quest, she is hunted by Captain Hoel an inquisitor and loyal to the High Seer. He has been tasked with recovering the tome. The two play a cat and mouse game across the lands and through many dangers. Utilizing the power of the Medium, both characters duel throughout the chase. Will Eilean succeed or will Captain Hoel?
CONCLUSION
Jeff Wheeler has quickly become one of my favorite fantasy authors. This installment is in keeping with his exceptional story telling talents. As with his other books, the intrigue, mystery, suspense and fear is palatable. The constant “what comes next” kept me reading the first two books which I completed in just a couple of days. I can’t wait for book three, The Betrayed, to be released in February, 2023.
The story is well rounded and thought out, whilst the characters are both dynamic and compelling. The entire plot throughout the series is exceptional, and Jeff does a great job bringing the story to life in technocolor detail.
I really loved this book and the entire series so far. If you like fantasy, then you will love this series. Check out Jeff Wheelers other books; you will not be disappointed!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank Jeff Wheeler, 47North, and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to review The Hunted.
History Humor, Supernaturalism, Internet Social Media Humor
Pages / Runtime
304 / 6 hours and 45 minutes / 473 KB
Language
English
ISBN /ASIN
Book 978-1524872106 Kindle B09TVHJLLC Audiobook B09VYDGBWQ
AUTHORS
SYNOPSIS
A Haunted Road Atlas is written and performed by Christine Schiefer and her co-author Em Schultz. There is one word that sums up this insanity; cleverly wrapped up in either the written work or the unabridged audiobook, and that word is – fun. Schiefer and Schultz have created a powerful diversion from everyday irrelevant concerns with their fantabulous journey across the entire Continental United States!
Now back to the review. The book is subdivided into individual geographic locations. The reader joins the trip mentally with Christine and Em, visiting haunted hotels, paranormal tours and strange and weird places. That’s not all; oh no! A Haunted Road Atlas also covers: notorious criminals, murders, mayhem, massacres, and con-men. All these are accompanied by fun facts and opinions. I both read and listened to their productions, and I highly recommend the audiobook version. The narrative is rapid delivered and the staccato humor just blew my socks off.
CONCLUSION
Imagine for a moment the most unhinged but fun person that you know or can imagine. Now add in a touch of Zac Bagin’s of Ghost Adventures fame. Sprinkle in some spooky places with two uproarious, loud and gregarious story tellers, and you have a simple idea of just how deep the rabbit hole goes.
It confounds me just how they managed to cram so much humor into this book. If you enjoy alternative humor, delivered by consummate entertainers look no further.
I sincerely hope that they manage to get to visit Alaska and Hawaii just so that there will be another magical creation.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank Christine Schiefer & Em Schultz, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to review A Haunted Road Atlas: Sinister Stops, Dangerous Destinations, and True Crime Tales.
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Be it the times of Pax Romanaus or Pax Britainica always have your trusty and reliable cartographic entertainment on your person, because you never know when you’ll need the London A-Z.
Norman 2 is the sequel to Norman: The Doll That Needed to Be Locked Away. An ominous comment from the store owner peaked Lancaster’s interest, and he bought the doll and took it…
The crew, alerted to an emergency transmission, reluctantly answers the call and discovers horrors, mysteries, phantoms, and challenges beyond their imagination. Claire Kovalik must conquer her conflicted self, the crew, and the company…
Brad McLelland was born and raised in Arkansas and spent several years working as a crime journalist in the South. In 2011, he obtained his MFA in creative writing from Oklahoma State University, where he met his writing partner, Louis. A part-time drummer and singer, Brad lives in Oklahoma with his wife, his stepdaughter, a mini Aussie who gives hugs, and a chubby cat who begs for ham. He is also the co-author of the Legends of the Lost Causes series.
Louis Sylvester is a professor at Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. He and his wife spend their free time playing tabletop games from his collection of over a thousand card and board games. Louis enjoys watching Western films and reading fantasy novels. He has two dogs that go wild when they hear the word treats. He is also the co-author of the Legends of the Lost Causes series.
Excerpt taken from The Crooked Door.
SYNOPSIS
Thirteen year old Ginny and her family are moving to a new state and a new town. They are forced to take a detour off the main highway when their troubles begin. Bernard, their crusty old pick-up truck, breaks down just outside of picturesque Pottsville. It is a story book town; clean, no traffic, happy people, with kids playing and riding their bikes in the streets.
While the local mechanic takes a look at Bernard, Ginny is taken away by some of the local kids for a tour of the town. Toy stores, ice cream shops, and bike shops are everywhere but there is something disturbing about the town. The lack of cars on the streets, the aged dress of the locals and the distant looks on their faces give Ginny a bad vibe. When the kids take her into the Town Hall basement, she really gets spooked. There, in the middle of the floor is a crooked door. She’s told to knock twice, donate some blood and the thing most dear to her and she will receive a wish. Her wish comes true but what is the price?
After Ginny gets back to the hotel, things really get spooky. The town at night transforms into something twisted with demonic creatures roaming the streets. Her parents are no where to be found, and Ginny is frantic. She learns that picturesque Pottsville is really a dimensional realm for twisted fairies and creatures of the night. The creatures demand sacrifice and Ginny’s parents are next on the menu. No one can escape Pottsville; everyone that tries to leave always end up back where they started.
Will Ginny find her parents in time? Can they escape Pottsville? Can she avoid the creatures of the night and the ghouls that are tracking her? Can she save her family and the kids of Pottsville?
CONCLUSION
The Crooked Door is a slow starter; about half-way the book took off and I couldn’t put it down once things got going. Reminiscent of Stephen King, it has just the right creepy feel to it. As I read the book, it reminded me of the Twilight Zone episode “It’s a Good Life,” featuring Bill Mumy. It also has a “Children of the Corn” vibe throughout the story, and it even takes a little from “The Lottery,” by Shirley Jackson. A really good combination of horror and creepy.
Although the first half of the book was slow and the story and characters weren’t fully developed, the second half more than made up for it. In the second half the characters really come to life and the suspense is palatable. You can feel the fear and anxiety in the prose. The authors take the reader on a fantastic but scary journey filled with suspense and excitement. The horror seen through a young desperate girls eyes trying to save her family and escape demonic beings is an intense and adrenalin fueled journey.
Suitable for all ages, I highly recommend sticking with the book once you start it. You will not be disappointed. I really enjoyed The Crooked Door.