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Shelby Morrow Journals, 1929-1935, Book One
In Shelby Morrow Journals, 1929-1935, by A.C. Holmes, readers are transported through an intricate tapestry of letters, journal entries, and audio recordings, painting an intimate portrayal of Shelby Morrow. This radiant yet tragically marked young woman navigates the complexities of her early life, burdened by neglectful parents and a malevolent older brother. Thankfully, an empathetic aunt steps in, striving to shield Shelby from the simmering political tensions of the era.
Despite Shelby’s intellectual depth and gentle demeanor, making connections proves a challenge. She forms an unexpected bond with Cecile, a young heiress with a benevolent yet enigmatic father, Monsieur Verrault. As the narrative progresses, we witness Shelby facing harrowing experiences that render her increasingly introverted, placing her in a stifling environment while the world outside plunges into turmoil.
What sets Shelby Morrow Journals, 1929-1935 apart is its blend of mediums that breathe life into this historical fiction. Our first encounter with Shelby is mediated by a letter addressed to Freddie, our narrator. Freddie’s diligent pursuit to unravel Shelby’s story is chronicled through riveting interviews and voice memos. A particularly memorable exchange is with Anselm Caulder, one of Shelby’s past admirers. The interplay between these gentlemen not only hints at Shelby’s multifaceted existence but also ignites a burning curiosity to delve deeper into her psyche. This intriguing juxtaposition between recounted events and real-time dialogue intensifies the narrative’s underlying tensions.
The book’s prose elegantly mirrors the era, encapsulating sentiments and contemplations that feel both authentic and deep. A standout moment is Shelby’s meditation on the ephemerality of time and memory, made all the more haunting as we observe her grappling with her own cognitive challenges in later entries. Additionally, Shelby’s heartwarming relationships with Cecile and her aunt provide a much-needed respite from her often troubling interactions with predatory older figures.
For fans of immersive historical fiction interwoven with elements of mystery, A.C. Holmes’s Shelby Morrow Journals, 1929-1935 promises to be a captivating discovery and one I highly recommend.
Pages: 422 | ASIN: B0CB97P2YJ
Vengeance of the Vanished Ones, Book One
Vengeance of the Vanished Ones, Book One by Lee Orlich Bertram, is a thrilling tale that masterfully weaves mystery, suspense, and adventure. The story centers on Marcos Andersson, an archaeologist in Mexico determined to uncover the truth behind his best friend Dave’s mysterious death. Dave had claimed to have discovered something groundbreaking before his demise. What could it have been, and did it cost him his life? Marcos’s journey becomes even more complex when he crosses paths with Susan Cohen, an intelligent and alluring woman with secrets of her own. As the layers of deception unravel, the stakes rise. Can Susan’s revelations bring them closer together, or will they drive them apart? And what about Marcos’s own hidden truths? Their adventure takes a perilous turn, propelling them into a deadly dance with forces beyond their control.
Marcos stands out as a sharply drawn, captivating protagonist. His charisma and intellect make him an instant favorite, pulling readers into his journey. Susan, his enigmatic love interest, matches his intrigue with her own blend of brilliance and cunning. Their chemistry crackles on the page, with each interaction a highlight of the narrative. The story’s tone strikes a perfect balance—upbeat yet tinged with darkness, always keeping the reader on edge. The pacing is precise, propelling the plot forward while allowing moments of rich character development. Lee Orlich Bertram’s world-building is exceptional, immersing the reader in a vivid, pulse-pounding adventure.
Several moments shine in this gripping tale. The instant connection between Marcos and Susan adds a spark to their partnership. Marcos’s internal struggle over Susan’s ties to the spirit world raises intriguing questions about trust and belief. Their perilous trek through Mexico, punctuated by breathtaking landscapes and looming threats, brims with tension. The mystery surrounding Dave’s death unfolds with masterful precision, and the danger posed by the spirits heightens the stakes to electrifying levels.
This story is flawless. It’s one of the most compelling narratives I’ve read in recent memory. From its dynamic characters to its intricate plot, every element resonates with excitement and intrigue. Lee Orlich Bertram has crafted a mesmerizing, action-packed, and character-driven adventure. Vengeance of the Vanished Ones, Book One is a triumph, and I eagerly anticipate more stories featuring the unforgettable Marcos Andersson.
Pages: 237 | ISBN : 978-1685135188
18 Cranes: Kaifeng Chronicles, Book One
![18 Cranes: Kaifeng Chronicles, Book One by [Campbell, Robert]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41yNsThvW0L._SY346_.jpg)
For most of his life, Bing has prepared ceaselessly to take the civil servant examinations, with little time for anything beyond the collections of texts that dictate political matters. Passing the exams would be the first step in following his father’s path, and also determine nearly everything else about his future. Finally, the day to begin them has arrived, and Bing faces the grueling challenges before him with understandable anxiety, but also a necessary determination. Outside of the exam compound, however, his focus is frequently drawn to a mysterious dream that recurs almost nightly, as well as a glimpse into history from his beloved grandfather.
In 18 Cranes by Robert Campbell, we’re introduced to Bing, his loved ones, and some of the traditions of village life in 17th century China. With an engaging narrative and colorful descriptions of Bing’s world, 18 Cranes does an excellent job of holding the reader’s attention, even while discussing a subject as mundane as civil servant exams. Despite a lack of any real action, the story never seems stagnant. Of course, there’s more going on than just rigorous testing. Bing is also suddenly plagued by a recurring dream, the meaning of which eludes him. The reader learns a lot about Bing and his relationships with his loved ones over the course of several expertly crafted conversations that examine each part of the dream, which always ends with 18 red-crested cranes ascending into the sky. The number 18 in particular holds special intrigue and multiple explanations are suggested for its meaning. To further the feeling of mystery, toward the end of the story, Grandfather Ai begins to tell Bing about the origins of their family. The short oral history is enough to stoke Bing’s stifled imagination. Restricted by his strict studies, Bing has never had the opportunity to read many legends or works of fiction and his curiosity, although kept under control, nonetheless exists. Grandfather Ai’s revelations also provide an interesting twist for the reader.
The uncertainty of the future is an overarching theme throughout the book and is explored through both tangible avenues, like Bing’s performance in the exams, as well as in deciphering the symbolism of his dream. There is also a considerable emphasis placed on Bing’s age, with repeated mentions that he could be one of the youngest people to ever pass the exams on the first try. Because of this, it reads a good bit like a coming of age story.
18 Cranes is subtitled “Kaifeng Chronicles Book One”, in reference to the village that Bing’s maternal ancestors came from. I’d be excited to read the rest of the series and follow Bing further through the avenues of his life. The abundance of detailed descriptions make it easy to picture the aspects of Bing’s village life, from the shores of West Lake to the flowers in the gardens. This book is an interesting and well written story that moves at a good pace.
Pages: 123 | ASIN: B07C8LC32H
LITERARY TITAN 