Book Title: Creating Stories by Hank Quense Category: Adult Non-Fiction, 106 pages Genre: Self Help, Publisher: Strange Worlds Publishing Release date: April 1, 2017 Content Rating: G
MY REVIEW
Creating Stories by Hank Quense caught my eye because I have been writing for a long time. Not a novel, or anything like that, but journals. My mind pens a story and I jot down ideas. Isn’t it the follow through that is the difficult part? Where do I even begin?
Creating Stories by Hank Qunense is chock full of everything I need to know to write that novel I feel is buried deep, deep, deep inside. LOL The biggest problem was the amount of information.
That means, taking a step by step process. Beginning at the beginning. Hank Quense gives references, graphs, maps, and his process for writing in a 150 page book. It was not a quick read, because I find myself pausing, thinking. He gave examples of his work to clarify. A bit self serving, using his books for examples, but that’s okay. I would do it too.
I read an ebook, but if I ever do decide to write that novel that is buried deep, deep, deep inside me, I will be purchasing a physical copy. I love having things at my fingertips, laid out before me so I can easily move from one thing to another, whether it’s a book, a graph, or a Castlesque workboard. I can see myself laying things out like a murder board in a crime movie or TV show. I can see myself with a swivel chair, numerous boards surrounding me, and my computer at the forefront.
I highly recommend picking up a copy of Creating Stories by Hank Quense if you are writing. A book like Hank’s is hard for me to rate, as a novice. I didn’t understand some of it. I think it was a bit over my head. So, rating this for an author that is experienced and needs to refine their craft, I think this would be a 5 Star read. For someone like me, I would rate it a 4 Star read. I would think I would grow into it if I wanted to become a full time author.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Creating Stories by Hank Quense.
.
5 Stars
Book Description:
Do you have a story in you?
Do you know how to write it or how to tell it? Creating Stories has the answers. Hank Quense, the author of more than twenty books, tells you how to do it. He believes that stories come from the melding of three elements: getting ideas, story design and story-telling. Ideas have to come from the author. Creating Stories covers the last two. The book concentrates on developing characters including such rarely discussed requirements such as a dominant reader emotion and the character’s biography. Plots are also covered in depth and a number of graphics are included to illustrate complex points. Another topic discusses subplots and how to utilize them and how to nest them within the main plot. A separate chapter discusses the relationship between the plot and the emotional arcs. Other topics covered are: character arcs, scene design, point-of-view, writing voice.
Book Title: Self-Publish a Book in 10 Steps: And Market Itby Hank Quense Category: Adult Non-Fiction, 88 pages Genre: Self Help Publisher: Strange Worlds Publishing Release date: Dec 1, 2021 Content Rating: G
Book Description:
Self-publishing a book is difficult.
This book simplifies it by breaking down a self-publishing and marketing project into 10 steps. This step-by-step process will get your book published and initiate the pre-launch marketing.
Hank Quense has written and self-published over twenty books, both fiction and non-fiction. He is the author of the Author Blueprint Series of books. The Series concentrates on providing valuable guidance on fiction writing, self-publishing and book marketing. Self-publish a Book in 10 Steps is Book 6 in the series.
The book details such vital tasks as developing a compelling book description, building an author platform and getting book reviews to list a few.
Learn the ten-step process that will self-publish and market your book!
Hank Quense has self-published his books for over 12 years. His non-fiction books cover fiction writing (Creating Stories), self-publishing (How to Self-publish and Market a Book, Self-publish a Book in 10 Steps), marketing (Book Marketing Fundamentals) and author business (Business Basics for Authors).
He also lectures on these subjects in schools, libraries and on webinars.
Hank recently started https://hankquense.podia.com/ The site provides solutions to pain points (problems) for fiction writers, self-publishing authors and authors who are trying to market their books.
WOW, such an amazing cover for Afterworld: Losing Salvation by Olivia Boothe and Victoria Liiv. There is no way I could say no when Olivia asked me if I wanted to read the series. Sure, there are a lot of trigger warnings that readers need to be aware of, but I love the dark world the authors have created.
Afterworld: Losing Salvation by Olivia Boothe and Victoria Liiv is not available for purchase. It is a bonus that I received from the Olivia Boothe and is included as part of a special edition Afterworld hardcover and Renegade City anthology.
I want to thank Olivia Boothe for allowing me to get my introduction to Jax and Kate through Afterworld: Losing Salvation, a prequel. I was immediately drawn into this dark world that made me think of Supernatural and The Walking Dead. I love it!
A virus is spreading throughout the city creating zombie like creatures that can only be killed by a blow to the head or decapitation. Sound familiar? But, how they came to be…well…
I love the dog!
Everything comes full circle and we are on to the next ‘adventure’ in the Afterworld series.
EIGHTEEN MONTHS AGO, THE WORLD LEARNED THE UGLY TRUTH: GOD EXISTS. HE JUST DOESN’T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT US.
Afterworld: Road To Redemption by Olivia Boothe and Victoria Liiv is Jax and Kate’s love story. It was a traumatizing meeting for her…and him…
In the beginning, we bounce between Kate’s journal and Jax’s Grimoire in the year 2031.
I love one of Kate’s first entries…out scavenging and she scores some tampons. Aunt Flow still flows, even during an apocalypse. AND, she meets Hank, a service dog who lost his master. They become hard and fast companions. As they fight the beasts, there comes a blinding light…an angel, who gives his life to save hers.
Jax sees the light, knows it’s an angel, and races to get there. It’s his only hope of getting rid of the demon, War, one of The Four Horsemen, who resides inside him. When he sees her fight, he realizes she is more than a woman.
We do have that gruesome, brutal, blood and guts going on, The Walking Dead vibe, but we also have the, sort of, lightness of Supernatural. I found myself laughing in the middle of danger. Couldn’t help myself.
I would think if there is any kind of attraction, sex would arise. After all, how often do you come across a human that doesn’t want to kill you? She found it easy to trust him, but he has yet to tell all to her and how dangerous he can be. I feel there is even a dash of Fifty Shades of Grey…some smoking hot scenes.
At 65% an amazing surprise came to light…and I loved it.
There is one scene with rats in the sewers that The Walking Dead made it so easy to visualize. Also, the movie references made me think of Denizzo on NCIS. So many things I referenced to TV shows made the book even more special because it had those familiar elements that had me smiling or cringing.
Well, I read and read and read, slept, then read and read and read. It was so hard to put the book down, but I couldn’t get it read in one sitting. The pace and danger kept rising, the suspense off the charts, the action so fast paced near the end I was shouting out loud…NO, NO, NO…I was so fearful, but…well…all I can say is, if you love the dark side of paranormal romance, some Supernatural, some Walking Dead, some angels and demons, the Four Horsement of the Apocalypse…..this is a must read.
The story does end with a happy ever after, but there is more to come and I can hardly wait to begin. Bring it on!!!!!!!!!!!
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Afterworld: Road To Redemption by Olivia Boothe & Victoria Liiv.
5 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
EIGHTEEN MONTHS AGO, THE WORLD LEARNED THE UGLY TRUTH: GOD EXISTS. HE JUST DOESN’T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT US.
After a deadly virus wipes out most of the world’s population, those of us who survive are left as food for the Damned, the walking corpses ravaged by the infection.
Yet, something far more sinister stirs in the bowels of New York City. The Four Horsemen are prowling the streets, kidnapping young girls and dragging them back to their lair. And when a supply run becomes a rescue mission turned deadly, I’m left at the mercy of a sexy stranger.
Jax Constantine weaves himself into my life with blood tingling charisma and a smile that rekindles my hope in love. But a dark secret lurks beneath his penetrating gaze and sizzling touch. One he’s not willing to share, leading me to believe he might not be the man I thought.
Now, humanity’s last stand rests in my hands. To save a world consumed by evil, I must choose between stopping Lucifer from claiming an already scorched Earth as his own or saving the man I love.
The same man destined to curse my soul.
This is a dark apocalyptic paranormal romance and is intended for audiences 18 years+.
Please see below for the full list of content/trigger warnings: Angels and demons, biblical lore, zombies, Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, blood and gore, PTSD, trauma, profanity, graphic violence, explicit sexual content, and kidnappings.
Reader discretion is advised.
While Afterworld can be read as a standalone and has a resolution, this is a planned series, and the book ends with a Happily For Now.
Published: September 16, 2022 by Three Brothers Press
Language: English
Series: Hell’s Angel, Book I
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
OLIVIA BOOTHE
REAL LOVE AS IT IS. MESSY, COMPLICATED & SINFULLY ADDICTIVE.
Born in Colombia and raised in New Jersey since the age of eight, Olivia always dreamed of becoming a story teller.
If you enjoy deadly-hot romance novels with deep, layered plots, she’s your gal. Because it’s not just about the first kiss and the happily ever after, it’s about everything in between.
In addition to writing contemporary and paranormal romance, Olivia is currently working on an adult contemporary fantasy.
Fun Facts: When not locked away in her writing tower at the wee hours of the night, Olivia works a government 9-5 job and manages a house full of males (a husband, three sons, and a doggo named Hunter). On occasion, she summons her tribe for a night of wine and shenanigans. Dark chocolate is her kryptonite, she hates/loves to ugly cry during movies, and is a die-hard Bon Jovi fan.
Don’t forget to subscribe to her newsletter to receive exclusive news and updates such as book releases, giveaways, sales, events, sneak peeks and bonus material for upcoming projects.
Victoria Liiv is a writer, reader, nature lover and traveler at heart. She has been traveling through magical worlds since a very young age and wants more than anything to share the wonder with everyone else eager to escape from all things mundane. Let it be a magical adventure through slowly darkening Earth or a soul crushing fight for survival and love while the world burns. Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of romance.
She self published her debut novel Through Hell & Highwater on 2020 when the pandemics keeping her isolated gave her the reason to follow her dream of becoming an author. She hasn’t looked back since. Afterworld: Road to Redemption is Victoria’s second novel. She is grateful for the opportunity to be able to co-write it with Olivia. This February 2023, she’ll also be releasing Treasure Me, a contemporary romance, as part of Tease Me box set. With many more ideas and characters keeping her awake at night this is only the beginning of her writing career.
In her everyday life she found the magic in her partner, who gave her courage to move out of Estonia, the country she was born in, to an equally small but more known The Netherlands. He was also the one who encourages and supports her throughout her writing process.
Grace And The Golden Rule is a book that teaches children how to treat other people.
Title: Grace and the Golden Rule Author: Negrita Smart Publisher: C Black Expressions LLC Publication Date: February 4, 2023 Pages: 34 Genre: Children’s Book (Ages 3 – 11)
Grace
loves the Winter season. It is her favorite of all seasons because she
loves to play in the snow with her friends. Winter is also Grace’s
favorite season because she can wear her favorite purple scarf. Grace
wears it every day until she meets Ruth. After meeting Ruth as school,
Grace feels differently about playing in the snow and wearing her
favorite purple scarf. This is because Grace learns a valuable lesson
about how to treat other people.
Negrita Smart is a small-town girl from Dadeville, Alabama. She is a wife, sister, believer, and teacher at heart.
The
first of her family to graduate from college, Negrita holds a Masters
in Business Administration and the insurance designation of Chartered
Property & Casualty Underwriters and holds insurance licenses in
Property and Casualty and Life and Health. She credits and shares her
accomplishments with her supportive family.
Negrita
loves spending time with her family and has happily taken on the
official role of Event Planner bringing family members together through
fun and love.
In
her professional life, Negrita utilizes her talent for sharing
knowledge and information as a new-hire trainer creating user-friendly
webinars, courses, tests, and gauge learning within business areas such
as auto, property, and agriculture.
As
an author, Negrita is a member of the Society of Children’s Book
Writers and Illustrators always looking to connect, share and grow with
fellow writers.
An
active supporter of her local church ministry, Negrita is driven to
share life lessons with children through story-telling and relatable
characters.
Vampire In The Jungle is the second book in Mimi Jean Pamfiloff’s Immortal Series. The characters are to die for and I found myself laughing at these unique supernatural creatures antics. The creative writing keeps the story flowing smoothly for nonstop action.
The book comes with a WARNING…a hilarious warning that I highly recommend you hop over and read in the preview, regardless of whether or not you grab the book. I think it will add some cheer to your day. Did I make you curious? I hope so.
Cimil should be the Goddess of Chaos, seeing she thrives on it. LOL She creates chaos, then trades for the means necessary to put an end to it.
Vampire in the Jungle by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff is all about Damien being coerced by Cimil into finding Maxton, the last vampire, and bringing him back to her. She has a plan and it comes with a price. Who will be able to stop her evil plan? Where are all the other Gods and Goddesses? Do Gods and Goddesses retire?
Going to whine about me now, brother? You are such a pussy. Some people have three,f our, even five souls inhabiting them. You though? Just one extra. And he’s awesome. You’re also welcome. Damien ignored the evil twin residing inside him…
He may have an evil twin, but the real him is a pushover and his supernatural friends know it. He may say no to them, but they never accept it.
Vampires may have a vicious reputation, but when it comes to rollercoasters…do vampires vomit? What do you think?
To know how all this came to be, you need to read the first book in the Immortal Tailor Series. For that reason, I will not go into the details and spoil it for you, but I highly recommend beginning at the beginning. I have read many of her books and she is able to keep me involved in every way, leaving me wanting more.
The action is nonstop, the humor is over the top, along with the one of a kind supernatural creatures with very large personalities. Every time I visit them, I brace myself for a fabulous adventure into the unknown and tons of laughter.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Vampire In The Jungle by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff.
5 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
From New York Times bestseller Mimi Jean Pamfiloff comes Vampire in the Jungle, a Paranormal Rom-Com.
“Bring me that vampire! Or else!”
When a powerful goddess gives Damien one week to deliver the world’s last vampire, he only has one question: “Why is the vampire hiding in the jungle?”
Damien isn’t sure, but he knows what’ll happen if he fails: the insane goddess will execute the only two women Damien’s ever cared for. (It’s complicated.)
Also, there’s the small matter of his assistant, who believes her destiny is to become a vampire herself. (It’s very complicated.)
Unfortunately, the vampire in question hates the modern world, has a severe attachment to his lair, and he makes it a point to kill anyone who gets too close. No mercy.
Can Damien and his crew of supernatural oddballs convince this deadly vampire to come out of hiding before it’s too late?
Expected publication: September 8, 2023 by Paper & Silver, Inc.
Language: English
Series: The Immortal Tailor
ABOUT MIMI JEAN PAMFILOFF
MIMI JEAN PAMFILOFF is a New York Times bestselling author who’s sold over one million books around the world. Although she obtained her MBA and worked for more than fifteen years in the corporate world, she believes that it’s never too late to come out of the romance closet and follow your dreams.
Mimi lives with her Latin lover hubby, two pirates-in-training (their boys), and their three spunky dragons (really, just very tiny dogs with big attitudes) Snowy, Mini, and Mack, in the vampire-unfriendly state of Arizona.
She hopes to make you laugh when you need it most and continues to pray daily that leather pants will make a big comeback for men.
D V Berkom draws me into the danger and intrigue of Terminal Threat from the opening pages. She is recovering, mentally and physically, after her last SHEN mission, so she retired for a quiet life. All Leine Basso wanted was a fresh start in a small town. She loved Italy and was in the process of opening a bookstore. Santa will be visiting her in a month.
Gabriela is running for her life. She comes upon the closed bookstore. In desperation, a delicate knock, so as not to be heard from her pursuers, a woman draws her in with gun in hand. Leine is always quick to help. She can’t turn her back when confronted by evil. The assassin in her rises to the surface. The townspeople need her help and she has the skills…and connections to do just that.
“Evidently, you could take the girl out of the assassin, but you can’t take the assassin out of the girl.”
She is…or was… The Leopard and she is ready to roar. She knew she had many enemies, and now they had found her.
Threats, gunfire, bombs…an all out war has been mounted.
Santa is her hunkalicious honey, finishing out his time on the police force before retiring in a year. He isn’t privy to what is happening until it’s all over. Will he stick with her considering…
“Yeah, yeah. I know. Your life is a series of Terminal Threats.”
Action packed from the first page to the last, D V Berkom knows how to keep the suspense and pacing racing at a breakneck speed. White knuckled, edge of the seat reading. Terminal Threat is a finely tuned, suspenseful thriller that achieves excellence in writing. I cannot think of one thing that could be improved upon…and that is the wonder of D V Berkom’s ‘pen’.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Terminal Threat by D V Berkom.
5 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
A former assassin makes a new start in a small town on the coast of Italy, but puts herself squarely in the sights of an old enemy when she helps the townspeople fight back against the local crime boss.
Leine Basso is settling into her new life in a quiet village in Italy when a small-time crook threatens the town. Leine steps in to help, drawing the attention of an old adversary who she thought was long gone.
When her enemy learns that Leine is still alive, he orders her assassination. But Leine is not an easy target, and she eliminates the hired guns sent to kill her. Frustrated by his failed attempts, her adversary vows to take vengeance and kill her himself.
As tension builds and the threat escalates, Leine’s past collides with her present, blurring the line between friend and foe. In a breathtaking showdown, Leine unleashes her deadly skills to protect not only herself but the tight-knit community she has grown to love. Will she succeed–or will her enemy destroy everything she holds dear?
With adrenaline-pumping action and a formidable female lead, D.V. Berkom takes readers on a thrilling ride as Leine fights to protect her new home and herself from the ultimate terminal threat.
Genre: Fiction, Suspense, Thriller
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2023 by Duct Tape Press
Series: A Leine Basso Thriller
ABOUT D V BERKOM
DV Berkom is a slave to the voices in her head. As the author of two popular thriller series (Leine Basso and Kate Jones), her love of creating resilient, kick-*ss female characters stems from a lifelong addiction to reading spy novels, mysteries, and thrillers, and longing to find the female equivalent within those pages.
Raised in the Midwest, she received her BA in political science from the University of Minnesota and promptly moved to Mexico to live on a sailboat. Many, many cross-country moves (and several years) later, she now lives just outside of Seattle, Washington with the love of her life, Mark, an ex-chef-turned contractor, and writes every chance she gets.
For more information, please visit her website at www.dvberkom.com.
Book Title: Sammy & Scarlett’s Coral Reef Adventure by Robert Andrew Provan Category: Children’s Fiction (ages 3 to 7), 46 pages Genre: Children’s Book Publisher: Archway Pub Release date: May, 2023 Content Rating: G. This children’s book is for everyone.
MY REVIEW
I love the magnificent illustrations created by Mary Wentzel in Sammy & Scarlett’s Coral Reef Adventure by Robert Andrew Provan. Detailed and colorful that lead us, step by step, through the story. I was eager to get my hands on it, and wasted no time diving in. I love anything to do with oceans, seas, lakes, ponds…and all of their inhabitants. I am fascinated with water and find it soothing, hypnotizing.
We are introduced to Sammy, a sergeant major fish, and Scarlett, a yellowtail snapper who are washed out of their tidal pool, fiding safety in the mangroves. They decide it”s time to head to the Florida Keys, where they will spend their adult life.
They meet Howie, a Hawksbill Sea Turtle, and become fast friends. They learn a lot from him, as did we. Didn’t we, little ones?
I can imagine the delight a young child can gain from the wonderful illustrations as they learn about the symbiotic relationship of the Florida sea creatures. As Sammy and Scarlett learn from Howie, so do we. We learn of corals, reefs, solitary fish, schools of fish, who could be a friend, who could be your enemy and who could eat you. We, also get a glimpse of ourselves and our contributions, good and bad.
I loved it. I loved it. I loved it.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Sammy & Scarlett’s Coral Reef Adventure by Robert Andrew Provan.
5 Stars
Book Description:
Sammy, a sergeant major fish, and Scarlett, a yellowtail snapper, are best friends who have found safety in a mangrove forest after being washed out of a tidal pool in a large wave. But they’ve decided to leave the mangroves and their friend Manny and journey across the sea-grass meadows to the barrier reef of the Florida Keys, the place that will be their home in adulthood.
Along the way, they make a new friend, a hawksbill sea turtle named Howie. Howie is a kind sea turtle who gives the young fish the guidance they need to get where they’re going and stay safe. The three quickly become fast friends and learn that they can trust one another through thick and thin. Howie protects the little fish from predators, and in return they help keep the turtle safe from the dangers of human litter such as plastic bags. Join Sammy, Scarlett, and new friend Howie as their epic journey continues through the magnificent Florida Keys.
Robert Andrew Provan is the author of three children’s books Ronnie the Raindrop, Sammy & Scarlett’s Mangrove Adventure, and Sammy & Scarlett’s Coral Reef Adventure.
Born and raised in Vermont, he has lived most of his adult life in the Sunshine State of Florida. When not writing, he is often to be found in the Florida Keys snorkeling or scuba diving as he conducts research for the next book in his children’s series. You can learn more about Robert at www.robertandrewprovan.com.
I received an email from C D Kester with an opportunity to read and review The Bunker and Chasing Demons. If you check out the covers (find The Bunker here), you will see why I did not hesitate.
Just looking at the cover for Chasing Demons…and the one for the novella, The Bunker by C D Kester, made me jump all over these horror, paranormal, supernatural stories. You would benefit from reading The Bunker first. I will introduce you to the evil permeating these small towns. It is filled with detestable characters, heroic characters, and those that overcome their fears and make the ultimate sacrifice to save others.
I have so many highlights in my ereader, I had to sift through them and try to share only those that will tell you why I love the world that C D Kester has so vividly created. Thanks to the Supernatural TV show, it was easy to visualize many scenes and the actions of the demons that are called forth by vile humans that will do anything for greed and power.
I didn’t know what to rate the book, a four or a five, so I figured I would wait and decide while I write this review. Will it get my dander up, after it being a week or so since I have read it. Now, I will browse my highlights and we shall see. The point of view shifts from character to character, allowing us to experience their individual terror.
It has been ten years since The Bunker.
We are back in Texas, in a small town called Fairmont, right next door to Fern Hollow. If you are traveling in the area, don’t stop. Keep on driving. I am immediately drawn in as a body is dumped in a landfill. From there, the evil spreads, and spreads, and spreads. Blood flows and heads roll, literally.
The main characters are four youngsters, Tim, Mike, Logan and Dominic. They are in a band. They are bullied at school. Basically, just average kids, doing average things, until…
When Mike walked into the garage with a shadow following him, all I could think is…not Mike. He has been through so much. He doesn’t deserve this. And it goes downhill from here. It’s a good thing he has such good and loyal friends that will not turn their back on him.
Logan is sent to Camp Gensis for conversion therapy. I think most of us know what that means. Cruelty and torture, but this camp is run by a pedophile. A sheep in wolves clothing.
Nancy is the owner of the Halloween story and has become their friend. Her, on the airplane, I was terrified. I have a fear of flying and sure wouldn’t want to read this book while I was on a plane. LOL
There are so many evil, terrible characters that belong on the bottom of the pond, or that may be too good for them. They conjure evil worse than themselves and I can only hope it will demand a steep price from them for doing so. After all, demons are not your friend.
Every time I turned around, another evil popped up and I was terrified for all the characters I came to love. I was constantly surprised, shocked, saddened, devastated…and the ending. As I write this and check out my last note in my ereader…
She broke down into tears…
And so did I, at least, tears formed in my eyes…again. And that is worth a 5 star rating.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Chasing Demons by C D Kester.
5 Stars
GOODREAD BLURB
Be true to yourself and stand up for what’s right. Michael, Tim, Dominic, and Logan are four buddies in the suburban town of Fairmont, Texas. Their lives are turned upside down when a demonic entity begins to terrorize their families and all of Fairmont as a whole. Logan knows that he is gay, but has to deal with his family that go to a hate-fueled church led by Johnny Cumberland, otherwise known as Johnny Gospel. The four friends must band together through thick and thin to stand up in the face of evil and hatred. Days and years may come and go, but one thing remains the same. When you’re at your lowest you shouldnt be afraid to admit you need help. And don’t forget, that we can get by with a little help from our friends. Thanks, Joe Cocker.
Genre: Fiction, Horror, Paranormal, Supernatural
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2022
ABOUT C D KESTER
C. D. Kester is an author of fiction who does most of his work in the horror genre. He lives in Kingwood, Texas with his wife and two children. Kester recently published his first full length novel, Chasing Demons. His first self-published work is a novella titled The Bunker. He has also had many stories published in anthologies, ezines, and read in podcasts and YouTube videos.
I read the first book, The Reservoir Man (he gives you the illusion of reality instead of reality itself), and loved it, BUT Reflections on the Boulevard by L J Ambrosio BLEW ME AWAY. It was so thought provoking, that I had to stop at times and let it simmer. My mind was overwhelmed by the writing of L J. I laughed and I cried.
I love car trips and we (Michael, Ron and I) traveled the west, hitting new to me places. I loved seeing it through the eyes of an innocent, absorbing the wonder of our parks. I have never been to Europe, but seeing it through Michael and Ron’s eyes, and L J’s vivid descriptions, the world came alive and we knocked out his bucket list.
Ron is on a journey of intellectual awareness without knowing it.
Find your truth, then you will find your freedom.
Michael’s heart has no limits. He strives to see the good in people and shares his life lessons frreely. He is gay, but his relationship with Ron is one of friendship. Helping someone who needs a hand can leave him open to those who want to take advantage, but not so with Ron. His help pays off as Ron creates a life he never envisioned. When he met Michael, he was just looking for a safe place to lay his head and food in his belly. Michael took a lost boy and helped him to become a man. The journey was amazing, and I am so glad I was able to be there with them.
When Michael talks about sitting at his friends side while they struggle through the final stages of Aids, his words rang true, sometimes a person needs permission to go. I sat at my father’s side in the hospital and said those words. Within moments, I heard his final breath. My older sister was in hospice and, for some reason, I got up in the middle of the night to sit by her side for a while. I told her she could go, and she passed in the night. There were more moments like that in Reflections on the Boulevard by L J Ambrosio and I took them all in.
At the end, I saw what was coming and knew it would break my heart. I fought it as long as I could, before tears began streaming down my face as I struggled to see the words. I got so deep into the story, I felt I was sitting on the bench with them. Michael and I both have an appreciation of the power of benches, the incentive to sit a while and watch life happen.
I have never thought of myself as an intellectual reader, but L J, you can put me on your super fan list.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Reflections On The Boulevard by L J Ambrosio.
5 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
Michael’s story continues from “A Reservoir Man” (2022) where we find him teaching at a university ready to retire. He unexpectedly meets a young man named Ron who becomes his protege and journeys in a haphazard adventure with him throughout America and Europe in Michael’s final journey in life, each twist and turn of the road bringing unexpected adventures. The journey taken is one of joy, friendship and discovery.
Genre: Action & Adventure, Comedic Drama & Plays, Coming Of Age
238 pages, Paperback
Published April 23, 2023 by Film Valor
ABOUT L J AMBROSIO
Louis J. Ambrosio ran one of the most nurturing bi-coastal talent agencies in Los Angeles and New York. He started his career as a theatrical producer, running two major regional theaters for eight seasons. Ambrosio taught at seven universities. Ambrosio also distinguished himself as an award-winning film producer and novelist over the course of his impressive career.
The Valkyrie’s Shadow by Tiana Warner is up for preorder and will be released on 7.25.23. I want to thank NetGalley and Entangled Teen Publishing for the opportunity to read and review The Valkyrie’s Shadow.
The Sigrid and the Valkyrie’s series by Tiana Warner has become an epic saga for me. I loved the first book, The Valkyrie’s Daughter, but got lost in The Valkyrie’s Shadow. The characters came to life on the pages in this coming of age story and, even though it is a long book, 435 Kindle pages, I read and read and read…
Because the series needs to be read in order, I will do my best to include NO spoilers.
We have some familiar characters and creatures. Royal politics are complicated and the lines of loyalty are often blurred. I am glad that Sigrid stayed leery, and even though she is a young woman, she does know the difference between right and wrong. Each individual is as important as any other.
Sigrid wants the best for everyone and slowly builds her self confidence as she is forced to make decisions that will affect the lives of many. She is an lgbtq character and I love that Tiana Warner adds that extra something to make her character stand out. The romance with Mariam was sweet and innocent.
Tora, what a fabulous character. She made me smile. Fisk is another outstanding and unique character that stuck with me.
I loved all the supernatural characters and creatures.
The Valkrie’s Shadow by Tiana Warner has so much depth and detail to the world she has vividly created. I traveled miles with the characters, and not all will survive. We walked, we flew, we sailed…We have valkyries, elves, humans, winged mares (so how do they reproduce), and an eight legged horse that once belonged to a god…We have loyalty and betrayal, friends and lovers…
There is 435 pages of deliciousness and I hated to read the final word. I was left with a feeling of happiness and hope. Tiana, you blew my mind with this awesome story! I don’t feel my review conveyed how much I loved this book, but, maybe I shared enough to make you want to read it for yourself. I do want to stress that it is best to read The Valkyrie’s Daughter first.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Valkyrie’s Shadow by Tiana Warner.
5 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
Being both a valkyrie and a princess isn’t turning out quite the way Sigrid imagined. The other valkyries still treat her like a stable hand. Her relationship with Mariam is less “long-distance” and more “worlds apart.” And lately, she’s been wondering if Sleipnir, her new horse, isn’t making her a little bit…well, evil .
But Sigrid’s first official valkyrie mission sends ripples through the Nine Worlds. She’s attracted the wrath of not only the Night Elves but their sinister king, who wants nothing more than to bring darkness down on everyone. Worse yet, Loki might just be interfering with the balance of light and dark…
When war threatens the shores of Vanaheim and her friends are in danger of being exiled, Sigrid makes a deal with the new queen. She will ride Sleipnir against their enemies and use his might to defeat them, even as he pulls her closer to that line between good and evil.
What she becomes will either save everyone…or unleash disaster upon them all.
The Sigrid and The Valkyries series is best enjoyed in order. Reading Book #1 The Valkyrie’s Daughter Book #2 The Valkyrie’s Shadow
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, LGBTQ, Myths and Legends, Queer, Teen and Young Adult
435 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 25, 2023 Entangled: Teen
ABOUT TIANA WARNER
Tiana Warner is an LGBTQ+ author from British Columbia, Canada, best known for her critically acclaimed “Mermaids of Eriana Kwai” trilogy and its comic adaptation. Tiana is a lifelong horseback rider, a former programmer with a Computer Science degree, and an outdoor enthusiast who loves to explore nature with her musician boyfriend and their hyperactive rescue mutt, Joey. Find her online at tianawarner.com.
The first book in the series, Wings Of Mayhem is free. Go ahead. Grab a copy. You will see why I am so hooked on this series and these characters.
I am so excited to have Sue Coletta visiting fundinmenal today. I have all of her books and eagerly await whatever she writes next. Her books speak to me and Mr Mayhem is one of my all time favorite villains…but his story has changed and I asked Sue about it. Here is what she had to say:
Sherry asked me a valid question that many readers might be wondering about:
“I am curious about how you got so involved in the eco part and why it became the crux of your Mayhem novels. Was that the intent from the beginning or what Mayhem morphed into?”
The short answer to the latter question is no, it was not my intent from the beginning. When I created Mr. Mayhem, I knew he was special. Yes, he’s a killer, but he’s no ordinary killer. From the first time he walked onstage in Blessed Mayhem, I hinted for readers to hold their judgment until they got to know him better. I wanted them to think big picture, even though I hadn’t unraveled all his layers yet. Little by little, as I finished writing that book, I began to understand him on a deeper level.
In that same year (2015), a wealthy and entitled Caucasian trophy hunter shot Cecil the lion with a crossbow and let him suffer FOR HOURS before death while he posed for photos beside him. To help illustrate my rage and devastation, I need to rewind to my childhood.
I grew up with a houseful of animals. My mother rescued injured wildlife and pet-sat for anyone who needed a haven for their furred and feathered babies. At one point, she even cared for an opossum for a solid year while his human traveled. Throughout my childhood, Mom shared stories about Ruthie, the blue-eyed elephant. For years, every time the circus came to town, Mom spent her days with Ruthie, tortured by the mistreatment by Barnum & Bailey.
There came a time when Mom couldn’t bring herself to say goodbye to Ruthie. So, she followed Ruthie to her next stop. And the next. And the next. The bond they shared reached deep, their souls entwining as one. Ruthie knew her heart, she knew Ruthie’s. Mom tried everything to save her. The circus even offered her job riding Ruthie while she performed, but Mom turned them down. She refused to be part of the slow destruction of her best friend. After years of sleepless nights and sick with worry, one morning Ruthie’s pen sat empty. She died during the night. In hindsight, Mom recalled Ruthie stroking her cheek more than usual the day before—one final goodbye to last a lifetime.
The story still kills me. At a young age, these stories taught me how some unlucky animals endured horrendous treatment by humans. My brother and I both grew up to respect the Natural World around us and to cherish every being in the Animal Kingdom. So, you can see how protection of animals is imbedded in soul, perhaps even in my DNA.
While writing Silent Mayhem in 2017, I left a few breadcrumbs to explore later. Around this same time, I also tossed around ideas for a new series set in Kenya about a conservationist who murders poachers.
Also in 2017, I learned about a three-year-old Orca named Lolita, who was ripped away from her family in 1970, transported to Miami Seaquarium, and forced to perform for food. For over 50 years, Lolita’s been imprisoned in a tank the size of a hotel pool, isolated and depressed, withering away until she dies or commits suicide, which many Orcas do in captivity.
How can anyone think imprisoning an animal is okay?
In 2018, news hit about the death of Sudan, the last male white rhino on earth. I’d been watching Sudan’s live feed for months. His death shattered me. There were still two living female white rhinos and Sudan’s protectors saved his sperm but come on! How did we, as a society, let this happen?
For the first time, I witnessed firsthand how human greed and selfishness wiped out an entire species. And that changed me in such a profound way. No longer could I look away or pretend this crisis didn’t exist. I had to do something, anything, to stop this. But what could I do? I wasn’t a celebrity, nor did I have a massive worldwide platform. The audience I’d amassed expected pure psychological thrillers from me. How could I lead them into a new genre with a strong focus on wildlife conservation?
This passage from Unnatural Mayhem explains how I’d been feeling for years…
Imagine a world without animals. No pattering of paws, no wingbeats, no singing in the treetops, no howls at the moon, no buzzing in flower blossoms, no slithering through garden beds, no sympathetic eyes begging for a treat, no unconditional love and companionship, and the oceans, ponds, and lakes devoid of life. The Natural World as we know it would forever be silenced. For eternity.
All trees and plants would also disappear—they depend on animals to reproduce—a dead empty landscape left in the wake.
Does that sound like a world you want to live in? I sure don’t.
With passion driving my every step while writing I AM MAYHEM, I pulled that thread from Silent Mayhem and introduced Jacy Lee, a Diné Medicine Man. I fell in love with his purity and kindness. Sparks flew between Shawnee, Mayhem, and Jacy Lee. On their own, they’re strong and well-developed enough to take the lead. What I didn’t expect was how well they worked as a team.
Once Jacy Lee hit the page, it dawned on me—I didn’t need to create a new series; I already had the perfect characters primed and ready. Though readers loved my Mayhem Series, did they love the cast enough to transition into a new genre of eco-thrillers imbued with metaphysical elements of Native American spirituality and culture? To my surprise, everyone loved Jacy Lee as much as I did.
Then Covid hit in 2020. Friends from LA told me they’d never seen stars before the lockdown. Imagine the amount of pollution it takes to block stars in the night sky?
Without humans, wildlife thrilled. I could see it unfold out my window. Moose, black bear, wolf, fox all visited my yard. They could finally roam freely. What did that say about us? Well, it spoke volumes to me. So, when I wrote Unnatural Mayhem, I figured it was now or never. Silence was no longer an option. So, I went for it, willing to risk losing some readers for the greater good. To my surprise, my audience loved it. The feedback and emails I received brought me to tears. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who felt strongly about saving the voiceless.
From a career standpoint, I’m finally living my truth, fulfilled by a lifelong passion for animal protection. Along the way, I kill a ton of poachers, animal traffickers, and trophy hunters. There’s something so deeply satisfying about erasing the worst of society. If I can include a karmic twist like endangered animals feeding on the meat of their would-be killers, all the better. The Mayhem Series means a lot to me. They educate and entertain while still delivering an action-packed plot.
That doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy writing any of my previous books. I did. I just reached an age where I wanted—needed—more. And that passion drives me to the keyboard every single morning. My goal from the very beginning was to help fight animal trafficking through donations from the proceeds. Equally strong is my hunger to touch lives through Native spirituality, culture, and a beautiful connection to Mother Earth. The more Shawnee learns about her heritage, the more I learn about mine (that’s a whole other conversation).
I hope this helps explain why I took the Mayhem Series to where it is today. Thank you, Sherry, for posing the question.
It is my pleasure, Sue. I am overwhelmed. I don’t think anything I can say will top what you said. WELL DONE! and thank you so much for you touching and inspiring post.
Sue Coletta outdid herself in Tracking Mayhem. The characters came to life on the pages. The action was intense and I found myself constantly trying to picture the characters…whether kicking the shit out of the traffickers, climbing trees, or dressing for dinner. The interaction between Shawnee and the crows is both sweet and filled with sibling rivalry. I found myself laughing out loud at her antics with Poe and awwing with the sweetness and love between her and Spirit Dove.
I found myself constantly surfing the web because of the information that Sue Coletta shared and my need to know how accurate her research was and I wanted to know more. How much is fact, how much is fiction? So much of it is truly frightening, angering and shows man’s lack of humanity and disrespect to the Innocent Ones. Everyone and everything has a place in this world. It takes all of us to make it complete.
I love all the indigenous lore and the chapter headings that are filled with Native prayers and saying. I love all the practices and training scenes that Sue Coletta described in such vivid detail, I could almost see Shawnee running, weaving in and out of the trees, trying to keep up with Mayhem. I could hear the chatter of the animals. I could smell the pungent scent of the earth, and felt the touch of the bark of the trees as they scaled them, using them as a lookout. Mayhem is always on the alert, seeing so much more than Shawnee, teaching her to see it too.
I love that the characters have come so far, from a serial killer and thief to eco warriors. In Tracking Mayhem, we are out to protect the polar bears. By doing so and taking out the KillzMe corporation, they will save many more species’ lives in the process. Help will come from an unexpected source and I loved it.
Sue Coletta’s detailed, sickening, disgusting descriptions of butchered animals and the killing rooms is enough to turn my stomach, making me want to puke. Sometimes, visualization….well, it makes me want to reach into my ereader and do more than punch someone. Sue doesn’t get all preachy, she just says things how she and her characters, see them.
I love an author who can blend fact and fiction into an epic read, making me want more. I want to go on another adventure. An eco warriors mission is never over. There will always be another trafficker to take out, another animal to save…and that is real life.
Tons of action and bloodshed keep the pacing intense.
I could go on and on and on, and maybe I did, but I want to impress on you, the reader, that these characters are amazing. Sure, we have their mission, but it is them, together, Shawnee, Mayhem, Jay Cee, Poe and Spirit Dove, who make the story shine.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Tracking Mayhem by Sue Coletta.
5 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
Three unconventional eco-warriors are on a mission to save polar bears from the nation’s largest animal trafficking organization—one dead poacher at a time.
When eco-warriors, Shawnee, Mayhem, and Jacy Lee race across the country, dodging bullets and fighting their way through a gauntlet of danger, they soon realize they must risk everything to protect the bears before it’s too late. With courage, conviction, Native spirituality, and an innate connection to Mother Earth, the trio faces off against the notorious Killzme Corporation to stop the killing of Innocent Ones, the voiceless who can’t fight for themselves. But the stakes are high—blood will spill.
The war to save polar bears begins now. Can the eco-warriors evade Killzme’s relentless pursuit in time to make a difference?
Genre:
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2023 by Crow Talons Publishing
ABOUT SUE COLETTA
Sue Coletta is an active member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. Feedspot and Expertido.org named her Murder Blog as one of the “Top 100 Crime Blogs on the Net” (Murder Blog sits at #5) for four years in a row. And recently, she appeared on an Emmy award-winning true crime show.
Sue also blogs at the Kill Zone, a multi-award-winning writing blog, and writes two serial killer thriller series (Tirgearr Publishing) and narrative nonfiction/true crime for Globe Pequot, trade division of Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group.
For readers, she has the Crime Lover’s Lounge, where members will be the first to know about free giveaways, contests, and have inside access to deleted scenes (if available). As an added bonus, members get to play in the lounge. Your secret code will unlock the virtual door.
BONUS: When you join Sue’s community you’ll receive two free killer reads!
Sue lives in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire with her husband, and begins each by feeding all the wildlife in her yard. Her favorite “pets” are a murder of crows who live free but come when called by name.
