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.“
#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.
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.
Refe Tuma is an author in his own right, and a Co-author with his wife. He lives in Kansas City with his family and their plastic dinosaurs.
SYNOPSIS
Frances is a super-smart scientist little girl. Her mother and father are great scientist and she wants to be just like them, only better. Raised in an overprotective environment, Frances couldn’t even leave the house. She spent her days studying and doing experiments with her mother and father. When her parents leave to go to a symposium; Frances, left on her own with just the robot nanny, finds her grandfathers secret laboratory.
Studying her grandfathers notes, she quickly picks up his experiments where he left off. She wants to succeed where her grandfather failed. She uses the robot body from her nanny to enhance the cadaver left in the laboratory. Then BOOM! The monster awakens! He goes on a rampage and escapes the laboratory and starts to terrorize the town. Frances has to catch him and bring him back. What follows is an adventure through a town she has never been in. Being chased by the local constable, Frances has to stay one step ahead of him while trying to track down and capture the monster. Can she stay out of jail? Will she capture the monster before it kills someone? The chase takes her through seedy alleyways, in the sewers and over the rooftops. Her adventure has just begun.
CONCLUSION
Frances and the Monster is targeted at kids 8-12 years old, but will appeal to most ages. It is a high paced thriller with a bit of horror; especially at the end. The prose is appropriate for anyone 8 or older, while the plot is both interesting and engaging.
Refe has done a great job with this story. I was unable to put it down and almost finished the entire book in one sitting. The last 2 chapters really threw me for a loop. The plot twist and the horror element was surprising and disturbing (in a good way).
I definitely recommend this book. If you like thrills, suspense, excitement and a little horror, then you will love this book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank Refe Tuma, NetGalley and HarperCollins for affording me the opportunity to review Frances and the Monster.
Badger is alone and at a loss to find a distraction for his listlessness. Soon however, a cast of animal characters arrives and together they manage to conquer tedium through…
A Dragon Named Egg is written for children 4 to 7 years old. The tale revolves around Egg and makes up a wholesom morality and ethical tale. A Dragon Named…
Jubilee: The First Therapy Horse and and Olympic Dream is a book about courage, determination, overcoming insurmountable obstacles, and a love for horses. This book is an inspiration to all…
Currently Warrior’s Ransom is Free-to-Read on Kindle Unlimited
AUTHOR
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
Warrior’s Ransom starts where Knight’s Ransom ended. Sir Marshall Barton, A.KA. Ransom, is on a pilgrimage to the “Chandleer Oasis.” There he hopes to discover some answers about his extraordinary abilities. He wants to find out if he is genuinely “Fountain Blessed.”
Ransom discovers that not only is he “Fountain Blessed,” but he has been chosen to defend the Argentine line. The Lady of the Fountain presents him with a scabbard with immense restorative powers to aid him in his quest.
Once Ransom arrives back in Kingfountain, he is quickly put in the service of King Devon the Elder. What follows are more deceit, rebellion, war, intrigue, battles, death, and love. How will Ransom fare? Read the story and find out!
CONCLUSION
Warrior’s Ransom is another fantastic tale. In book two, we resume Ransom’s journey as a Knight and Lord. The story is brilliantly concocted with plenty of loyalty, action, suspense, intrigue, love and betrayal.
Once again Jeff Wheeler has done a great job of mixing fantasy with history. He’s taken some historical events and employed them as a backdrop to design this world in which Ransom lives. The picture he depicts is so effectively presented that I can visualize the scenery in my mind without any issues. The castles, the battles and the environment are all described in exquisite detail.
Another incredible book from Jeff Wheeler. I heartily recommend this book to all readers who enjoy historical fantasy. If you like Knights, chivalry, ancient kingdoms, intrigue, betrayal, fantasy, suspense and massive battles, then is the book for you.
Knight’s Ransom is a truly awesome book! It is full of Knightly Honor, sword play, jousting, loyalty, and betrayal. It has plenty of suspense, thrills, intrigue, and action. Written to please the fantasy reader, Knight’s Ransom has just the right amount of history mixed with magic and fantasy.
The Killing Fog is the first in The Grave Kingdom series. Magic, mystery, intrigue and betrayal are all included in this fantasy. Bingmei must use all her wit, skill, and abilities to stay ahead of the ancient entity determined to capture and kill her. With the help of her friends and colleges, she embarks on…
This book continues Bingmei’s quest for survival. With the help of her friends, she continues a mission to evade the evil she unwittingly released in the first book. She has many adventures, experiences great loss and witnesses more unspeakable horrors.
Currently Knight’s Ransom is Free-to-Read on Kindle Unlimited
AUTHOR
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
Knight’s Ransom is a fantasy book in the times of ancient knights, magic, and multiple kingdoms. The main character, Marshall Barton, is just a boy when he was taken as a hostage to ensure his fathers loyalty to the King. Claire, another hostage, nicknamed him Ransom just to annoy him, but the name stuck.
Ransom’s father disobeys the King, thus he is destined to be hung in front of his father’s Keep. The King, however, has a change of heart and takes Ransom into his household. When the King dies, Ransom is left to his own devices. He returns home only to be turned away by his own father.
What follows is a journey of hardship, pain, loyalty, honor and ambition for Ransom. He trains to be a Knight, and he becomes one of the best in all the Kingdom’s. He is “Fountain Blessed,” a term used for those who have a certain gift or “power,” with the innate ability to sense danger and the uncanny capability to fight.
The new King charges Ransom to look after his eldest son. Ransom is quickly intertwined in royal espionage, intrigue, political maneuvering and life-or-death battles. What follows is a tale for the ages.
CONCLUSION
Knight’s Ransom is a truly awesome book! I had trouble putting it down. It is full of Knightly Honor, sword play, jousting, loyalty and betrayal. This book has plenty of suspense, thrills, intrigue and action.
Written to please the fantasy reader, Knight’s Ransom has just the right amount of history mixed with magic and fantasy. The world that Jeff creates is described in a way that brings it to life in the reader’s mind.
I evaluate a book by the way it effects me. If I can see the world that a book creates in my mind, and keep thinking of it long after I put it down; then it is a very good book. I’ve already stared book two; Warriors Ransom.
I definitely recommend this book to all readers who enjoy historical fantasy revolving around knights, chivalry, kingdoms and massive battles.
Jeff Wheeler is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. His Grave Kingdom series was spectacular and now the First Argentines series is even better.
The Killing Fog is the first in The Grave Kingdom series. Magic, mystery, intrigue and betrayal are all included in this fantasy. Bingmei must use all her wit, skill, and abilities…
This book continues Bingmei’s quest for survival. With the help of her friends, she continues a mission to evade the evil she unwittingly released in the first book. She has many…
The Eye of Ra is the first book in the saga of Sarah and John. They are a preteen sister and brother who travel through time and experience all sorts of adventures and life challenging situations. Sarah is 12 and believes she is worldly. Whilst John is 10 and is more reserved and the “Little Chef” of the house. Together they make a great team of adventurers.
In this first installment, we are introduced to the siblings and their upcoming move from Colorado to Maryland. They experience all kinds of reservation about the move; the loss of friends and the unknown that lies before them in a new state. Sarah, the more adventurous of the two, is looking forward to the move. While John doesn’t want to leave his best friend and the only home he has ever known.
Prior to the move, the family goes for a hike up the mountain behind their house. Sarah and John go off on their own and find a cave. Of course Sarah wants to explore the cave while John thinks that is a bad idea. In the cave, they are astonished to find ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs on the wall. While tracing the Eye of Ra with her hand, Sarah accidentally transports the two to ancient Egypt.
Lost in the time of the Pharaohs, Sarah and John have to find a way back home. They meet a local boy, Zach, who takes them in while they are trying to figure out what happened and how to reverse it. While in Egypt they meet all kinds of people, learn about ancient Egyptian culture, and even help build the first pyramid! They even become temporary sleuths and uncover a local criminal. Along the way they have to deal with cobras, scorpions, and Nile crocodiles.
Will Sarah and John ever make it home? Will the criminal come after them? Will they ever see their parents again? Are they stuck in the land of sand forever?
CONCLUSION
The Eye of Ra is the introduction into the series. It is an entertaining and exciting historical science fiction story. In this first installment Ben Gartner sets the stage for the future adventures of Sarah and John. While it doesn’t have as much adventure as the later two books, it is a great beginning. Sarah and John experience life and death situations, criminals, venomous snakes and scorpions, and crocodiles. Along the journey we learn about ancient Egyptian culture, beliefs and their religion. Sarah and John learn valuable life lessons and more about their own strengths and weaknesses.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While it isn’t as fast paced or as crammed packed with adventure as the next 2 books in the series; I found it gripping and hard to put down. I read it in less than 2 days.
The Eye of Ra is recommended for children 8-12 years of age, but I believe people of all ages will be entranced by this series. If you like science fiction, time travel, ancient history, travel and adventure; then you will enjoy this book.
Find out about Ben Gartner and The Eye of Ra series here.
SYNOPSIS
Sol Invictus is the second book in the Eye of Ra series. It continues the adventures of its two main characters Sarah and John.
Sarah and John are pre-teens that are transported through time to the ancient Roman frontier. There they must unite the Roman Emperor Caesar Constantius with an enemy to save the time line and return home. This proves to be a difficult task since his enemy, the Alemanni teen Crocus, was made a slave after the Emperors soldiers killed his father. Crocus hated the Romans and only wanted revenge for his father death.
Sarah and John go through a lot of death-defying adventures to accomplish their task and return home. They fight in the arena, go on the run from the Romans, are turned into slaves, fight wild wolves and much more. The odds seem insurmountable, but they must endure if they ever want to get back to their own time and family.
CONCLUSION
Sol Invictus is an action-packed adventure into ancient Roman times. Mixed with a little history and a lot of imagination this book has it all for a young reader. There are ancient sword and shield battles, arena fighting with wild animals, chases through rough mountainous country, the defeat of capture and slavery, and the joy of friendship and camaraderie. This book has plenty to keep a young reader enthralled.
My only criticism is the constant referral to the first book in this series. My OCD wanted me to stop reading this book and start at the beginning of the series. Sol Invictus is a strong book and can stand on its own without the constant reminder of the previous book. If you can get past this little inconvenience, then you will truly enjoy this story.
My final thoughts on this book are: it is a great read. It has a lot of action and suspense, there are times of joy and sorrow, but overall, I’m glad I read it. Now, I must go get the first book, so I can appease my OCD.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to thank Ben Gartner, NetGalley, and Crescent Vista Press for affording me the opportunity to review Sol Invictus.
Emily writes under two names: Emily Ecton and Emily Fairlie. She grew up in Virginia and owned a variety of pets. She moved to Chicago and became a writer and producer for the National Public Radio (NPR) news quiz. She now lives in Charlottesville, Virginia. To find Emily’s webpages; click here for Ecton, and here for Fairlie.
SYNOPSIS
When Mrs. Food gets injured and must go to the hospital her little band of pets are left to wonder if she will come back. Afraid that they may have to go to a shelter if she is not able to take care of them; they decide that they must take matters into their own hands…or paws.
Will they live in the ducts, or the park, or will they have to support themselves? These are the options they must choose from. Of course, being wealthy has its benefits and so this merry little band decides to conduct a heist. There is someone in the complex with a stash of gold that they will soon acquire.
Oscar– Mynah bird and the brains of the outfit. He speaks a little human. He develops plans and strategies.
Walt – A black cat with cunning and stealth. When not preening himself, he is the backup for Oscar. He also has connections…Chad the Octopus.
Butterbean – Longhaired wiener dog. She is cause of the whole situation they are in. She conducts reconnaissance and information gathering.
Marco and Polo – Rats. They help with reconnaissance and observation.
Chad – Octopus. Great at moving through the apartment complex, opening doors, bottles and windows.
Wallace – Ex-pet rat. Now he lives in the apartment complex duct system. He is the guide.
Madison– Human girl. She is the temporary caretaker of the pets while Mrs. Food is in the hospital.
Mrs. Food– Elderly human. She is the owner of the pets.
Through careful planning and clever strategy, they execute the mission. Not all goes well, though, and poor Madison is kidnapped! Now they have to plan and execute a rescue mission. Will they save Madison? Will they have to go to a shelter? Will they have to live in the ducts or on the streets? You will have to read the book to find out.
CONCLUSION
The Great Pet Heist is beautifully written. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this daring tale. The plot is well constructed. The descriptions of the characters are exciting and detailed. The idiosyncrasies of the individual characters are spot on and humorous.
The illustrations in my copy were black and white, but they were very well drawn. Dave brings to life the characters in vivid detail. I only wish my Kindle was color. His illustrations are wondrous to look at and each one is its own work of art.
This is a great book to read to children. It is full of adventure, intrigue, mystery, danger, and adventure. I highly recommend this book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
SPECIAL MENTION – ILLUSTRATOR
Dave starting drawing as a young child. He drew his first comic strip at the age of ten. He studied Design in college. His first paying design job was with a park creating posters and trail guides. His resume includes Designer, Senior Designer, and Freelance Designer. He is also an accomplished book illustrator. He lives in Ohio and has a daughter who has also taken an interest in drawing. See Dave’s webpage here.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank Emily Ecton, NetGalley and Atheneum Books for Young Readers for affording me the opportunity to reviewThe Great Pet Heist.
LITERCURIOUS CHILD FRIENDLY JOKE
Q. How many tickles does it take to make an octopus laugh?
A. Ten-Tickles (tentacles).
OTHER BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR
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