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!
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.
ANTOINE DE SAINT-EXUPÉRY, the “Winged Poet,” was born in Lyon, France, in 1900. A pilot at twenty-six, he was a pioneer of commercial aviation and flew in the Spanish Civil War and World War II. His writings include The Little Prince, Wind, Sand and Stars, Night Flight, Southern Mail, and Airman’s Odyssey. In 1944, while flying a reconnaissance mission for his French air squadron, he disappeared over the Mediterranean.
SYNOPSIS
The Little Prince’s flower is sick. He decides to travel around the world and take some pictures of tourist attractions in order to cheer up his flower. The end.
CONCLUSION
Although the graphics are nice and the historical data included for each landmark is accurate, there is no plot and no story. The Little Prince Around the World is simply a bunch of colorful drawings of landmarks with a small blurb of information about each one. I would give this one a miss, there are much better books out there for your children.
⭐
Rating: 1 out of 5.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry estate, NetGalley and CrackBoom! Books for affording me the opportunity to review The Little Prince Around the World.
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 group participation and collaboration.
My Little Green Umbrella is a cute short story for kids. It describes the circle of life in an imaginative and entertaining way. The plot and wording are designed in a manner fitting for…
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 Egg not only entertains…
Turkey Goes to School is the story of how a barnyard full of animals try to go to school. They try multiple ways to get into school, but they are constantly thwarted. Turkey Goes…
Come with us aboard the London bus. Let’s take a fantastic ride, through the streets both narrow and wide. Let’s see the sights that stimulate and thrill. Aboard the bus, excitement you will feel.
Author J. Scott Savage is the author of 19 published novels. He has been a teacher and presenter at writing conferences for adults and youth, and has developed Common Core-aligned projects for elementary school writing curricula. He has presented at more than 3000 schools across the country, inspiring students to read,
write, embrace their own creativity, and change the world. He is represented by Michael Bourret of Dystal, Goderich, and Bourret.
Scott is the author of The Lost Wonderland Diaries, which is the Juvenile Fiction Bronze Medalist for the 2020 Foreword Magazine Indie Book of the Year.
Scott lives in Utah with his wife of 34 years, Jennifer. He has four amazing children, and nine perfect grandchildren. He enjoys reading, watching movies, camping, traveling, and spending time with his family.
The Secrets of the Looking Glass is the second installment of The Lost Wonderland Diaries series. In this episode our protagonists, Celia Lofton and Tyrus Weller, are tricked by the Bandersnatch and part of their id’s are stolen. Celia has all of her logic taken and Tyrus loses his imagination to mirror images of themselves. The Bandersnatch whisks the two doppelgängers through the looking glass into another dimension.
Celia and Tyrus follow their mirror images and the Bandersnatch through the mirror and find themselves in a strange and conflicted world. In order to become whole once again, they have to convince their other halves to rejoin with them. What follows is an adventure across another dimension, a war between the White and Red Queens, a trip across the uncharted seas and a journey through dangerous mystical lands.
Celia and Tyrus have to overcome a continuous array of obstacles in the search for their other halves. Not only must they pursue their doppelgängers, but they have to keep themselves and their images alive long enough to reunite. Can they do it? Read the book to find out.
CONCLUSION
Secrets of the Looking Glass is another exceptional book in this series. The author has outdone himself once again in this installment. He has created another world full of imagination and imagery. He filled that world with suspense, thrills, charismatic characters, and a hefty dose of conflict and tension. The plot is well thought out and proceeds along an established, yet exciting pathway. Along the way there are several side plots that have to come together in order to not only save the characters but to also save the Looking Glass world.
If you have not read any books in this series, I strongly recommend that you do. The Lost Wonderland Dairies(Book 1) is a masterpiece in itself. These books will appeal to all reading ages. WARNING! Once you start reading it is very difficult to stop.
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…
Moritz Petz was born in Hamburg, Germany. Upon completion of his studies, he traveled through Italy, Denmark, and Sweden, working a variety of jobs before returning to study history and German. His interests include: music and writing.
Excerpt from NorthSouth.com
ILLUSTRATOR
Amélie Jackowski was born in Toulon, France. She studied at the Higher School of Decorative Arts in Strasbourg and at the University of Provence in France. She has published many children’s books. Her work has been exhibited at numerous group shows, including the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Italy.
Excerpt from NorthSouth.com
SYNOPSIS
Badger is Bored by Moritz Petz and illustrated by Amélie Jackoski is a magical and original tale. When the story begins, 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 group participation and collaboration.
CONCLUSION
Badger is Bored is illustrated throughout in a colorful, child friendly style. The work is ideal for children 4-8 years of age and is 32 pages in length. The book is short enough to maintain a child’s attention and yet long enough to be entertaining. The story is uplifting and positive. The illustrations and the narrative combine in harmonious unity.
Badger is Bored is a perfect way to harness and reset preschool children’s indifference, encourage their engagement and provide them inspiration. The brevity of the book is its strength. Sadly, this book will only be distributed in hardcover format. Overall, there is a feeling of fun and it is a great way to fill those times when children’s minds want to wander.
⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3 out of 5.
AKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank Moritz Petz, NetGalley and NorthSouth Books for affording me the opportunity to review Badger is Bored.
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 Egg not only entertains but also delivers…
With so many diverse and disparate nations, cities, and cultures on our world, Tiny Travelers builds a greater level of understanding through infographics and interactive challenges.
Birds of a Feather is an engaging, informative, entertaining and educational language learning experience for pre-school children. The book aims to improve your child’s reading experience by exciting the eye and engaging the mind
Tanya Landman has authored more than forty books for children and young adults. She writes across a broad age range and has earned many awards and accolades for her literature. Learn more about her and her books on her website.
Sònia Albert is an illustrator from Mataró, a Mediterranean city near Barcelona. Her true love has always been the illustration world. When she’s not drawing you can find her walking by the beach, reading or learning to play the ukulele.
SYNOPSIS
Meg just turned ten today and she dearly loves horses. Her sole wish in life is to have her very own pony. She dreams of ponies; she wishes for ponies; she even writes Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy asking for ponies. Unfortunately, for Meg, her parents have fallen on hard times. Not only can they not afford a pony, but they had to dramatically cut back on her riding lessons.
When Meg wakes up on her tenth birthday, she notices something is different today. She smells stables, but that can’t be because she lives in a housing estate. Going to the window Meg sees a pony in her front garden! Did her dream finally come true? Did mom and dad finally find a way to get her a pony? Read the book and find out what happens to Meg and the pony.
CONCLUSION
Meg and Merlin: Making Friends is a wonderful tale for young children. The reader can feel Meg’s frustration and anguish at being unable to have her own pony or be able to ride when she wants to. The reader sympathizes with her plight and roots for her to get her very own pony. When Merlin arrives in the yard, there is a feeling of expectancy yet tempered with suspense; will she be able to keep the horse?
The story is heartwarming and up-lifting. I enjoyed all the little nuances the author included in the story such as when horses twitch their lips when they are tickled. She does an outstanding job of integrating the horse characteristics with the riders instincts.
Sònia Albert has done a superb job with the illustrations. Although they are black and white, they are age appropriate and tell the story wonderfully. Her depictions are accurate and simplistic in nature and possess just the right amount of detail to make them perfect for this book.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who has ever wished to have a horse or misses their own horse. Young children will love this feel-good story!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank Tanya Landman, Barrington Stoke Ltd and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to review Meg and Merlin: Making Friends.
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 those who not only love horses, but to those who are undergoing extreme hardships.
Zofia was a young girl in Poland when the Germans invaded. Many years later she has the opportunity to help another refugee from a war torn country. Mira loves horses and Zofia takes her under her wing and mentors her to become a wonderful horsewoman.
Horses, by Paula Hammond is a stunningly illustrated, beautifully narrated and skillfully written work. Containing 200 high definition, highly colored, rich, photographs that paint an evocative image of the species. So powerful in fact, that you can almost smell the leather, sweat, and soil that is so familiar to horse lovers everywhere.
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.
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