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The Mole Vol XVIII: Adventures of the Strophe – Book III
How well do we truly understand the world around us? In The Mole Vol XVIII: Adventures of the Strophe: Book III, the speaker embarks on a quest to unravel the complexities of existence, including the elusive concept of immortality. Life is portrayed as a journey, with the speaker immersing himself in his surroundings, brimming with hope for what lies ahead. His heart overflows with the promise of reuniting with a beloved, whose presence has brought immense joy to his life. Through his words, he expresses a deep longing for this lover, celebrating the youthful energy, compassion, and dedication that define their relationship. Yet, the speaker also confronts the inevitable—death and the profound grief that accompanies the loss of a loved one.
The speaker’s reflections draw a striking contrast between the beauty and rejuvenation of morning and the enigma of nighttime. The passage of time emerges as a central theme, with the narrator continually revisiting the past and pondering its influence on the present. Memories serve dual purposes: they provide comfort and simultaneously remind us of what has been lost. Throughout this volume, vivid imagery and metaphorical language vividly bring these themes to life. The poems frequently explore longing, remembrance, and the relentless march of time. The narrator delves into the complexities of love, capturing both its moments of bliss and its inevitable challenges. A sense of nostalgia pervades the collection, evoking a longing for simpler times while acknowledging the inevitability of change and loss. In addition to these emotional explorations, the poems venture into philosophical territory, grappling with questions about the nature of existence, the meaning of life, and the roles that dreams and memories play in shaping our reality. The narrator’s reflections on the past are a constant thread, as he seeks to understand how it shapes his present. There’s an undercurrent of melancholy and a meditation on mortality, yet the poems also offer a glimmer of hope, celebrating the enduring power of human connection.
Ron Raye’s The Mole Vol XVIII: Adventures of the Strophe: Book III is a collection of introspective and evocative poems that invites readers to reflect on their own lives and the universal emotions that bind us all. Through its exploration of love, loss, time, and existence, this volume resonates deeply, offering a poignant reminder of the shared human experience.
Pages: 158 | ASIN : B0DB8S8MVN
Talk To Kids About the Hard Things
The Happiest Cat in the World follows a homeless dreaming cat who imagines what it is like to live each day in the lap of luxury while in dreamland. What was the inspiration for your story?
In the beginning, I was creating a completely different story in Japanese. I never imagined I would publish a picture book in United States. But one day, when I trying to wrap up the Japanese story, I suddenly got the idea of this book in my head.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Freedom. It’s a complicated topic. If someone said “I will give you freedom” then sometimes it ends up being that person subverts your freedom, without you even knowing. Sometimes freedom can create selfishness or careless…. It’s complicated, but personally, I believe freedom and a little bit of restriction are not in conflict and can mean the best version of freedom. I know some people think it’s too early to teach or share important topics with little children, but I don’t think so. I believe little kids understand things much more than we adults know. Also, I think it’s important to let your kids have a habit of contemplating hard or impossible things so they can find the answer. I have a feeling that the materialistic society of today is coming to an end and that a new era will begin in the not-too-distant future. And I believe that it is the generation of today’s young children who will take the lead in taking on the challenge of this new era. I thought I wanted to share my ideas with everyone in the hope of I can help little children in the future even a little bit.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing and illustrating?
All the scenes where the cat is enjoying freedom. That is what I want my kids to have in the future and for everyone else in this world to have in the future.
However, the reality is that a lot of people don’t have it right now.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out and what can your fans expect in the next story?
I don’t think I will make it series. But I’m sure I will share another story when it’s ready.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the publishers, BookBildr and Eliza. They made my first published picture book wonderful.
Author Links: Book Review
The purpose of this story is to prompt children to contemplate freedom and animal welfare, particularly given the swift changes happening in the world today. In this picture book, I endeavor to depict both the dreams and the reality of the cat’s life. In its dreams, the cat is free, happy, and has everything it needs for a comfortable and happy life. But the cat’s reality is very different.
While the cat remains unaware of its circumstances, readers can comprehend its situation. By mentally substituting “the cat” with “a human being,” the author hopes to encourage children to ponder freedom and how to attain it.
The story emphasizes that almost anything is possible if one refuses to give up.
The Power of Imagination
Winston The Titan Terrier: The Cosmic Bone follows a clever superhero dog who loses his bone and goes on a quest to find it. What was the inspiration for your story?
We have an incredibly entertaining Boston Terrier named Winston. He absolutely loves snacks, especially a South African treat called biltong, or beef jerky as it’s known in America. He’s also a huge sports fan and can often be found chewing on basketballs and rugby balls, all while constantly nagging us to play with him. He absolutely loves to win! Mia has known him her entire life and absolutely adores him. So, when we collaborated on her own book concept at the age of five, she didn’t hesitate to turn him into Winston the Titan Terrier, a superdog with a unique backpack that can launch all sorts of awesome sporting equipment and gadgets.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Some of the important ideas that we wanted to share in this book were:
- The Power of Friendship and Teamwork: The book highlights the importance of cooperation and support in overcoming challenges.
- Overcoming Adversity: It emphasizes the theme of resilience and perseverance in the face of difficulties.
- The Value of Curiosity and Learning: The story encourages exploration and a thirst for knowledge.
- Interactive Storytelling and Engagement: The book offers puzzles, mysteries, and interactive elements to keep readers engaged.
- Adventure and Exploration: It takes readers on journeys to new and exciting worlds.
- The Thrill of the Quest: The plot involves thrilling adventures, gadgets, and a formidable villain.
- The Imagination at Work: The book explores the power of imagination to see the world differently.
- Appeal to a Wide Audience: The story is designed to resonate with readers of all ages.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
My personal favourite, due to my love for big waves, is the scene where Smokestrike activates his Sea Sweeper device, which has the power to truly generate gigantic waves. Winston must quickly find a way to avoid being completely overwhelmed as one of these massive waves is barrelling towards him.
Some of Mia’s favourite scenes is when Teddy, the Australian Shepherd, leads Winston through secret entrances to his laboratory deep beneath the Bone Shop. There, Winston discovers a special cosmic bone that grants him incredible SuperDog abilities. As Winston demonstrates the bone’s powers, they stumble upon an ancient tunnel system that was built thousands of years earlier. Using the cosmic bone, Winston is able to translate the ancient text on the walls, revealing that they must complete five challenges to unlock a portal capable of transporting them anywhere in the universe. One of the most exciting interactive challenges on their journey is the Milky Way Gate. Here Teddy and Winston need to unlock a door by solving a code in front of them, using hints from various animal shapes illuminated by star systems.
Can you tell us what the second book will be about and when it will be available for fans to purchase?
We are excited to communicate that we have already storyboarded and mapped out Books 2 and 3 as part of the series over the last few weeks. The story is set to become even more exciting and intense as it unfolds, with the introduction of the ‘Time Twister’ device. Winston and the other characters will face off against old and new intergalactic villains across various time periods, as they journey through Mia’s favourite moments in history. We are aiming to launch Book 2 on World Book Day next year. In this instalment, Winston is transported back to Ancient Egypt in its original glory, where he must find a way back to his own timeline and save his world.
We plan to continue delivering all the adventure, mystery, secret tunnels, and interactive puzzles, ensuring readers of all ages remain captivated by what is going to happen next.
Author links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Music Video | Book Trailer | Chat with Winston
Packed with vibrant illustrations that ignite imaginations, this action-packed story follows Winston’s journey through daring rescues, ingenious inventions, and surprising alliances. As he teams up with quirky characters, the adventure takes an unexpected turn, leading him to an ancient underground world filled with mysteries and challenges. Winston must race against time, using his transformative backpack and cunning wit to outsmart Smokestrike and prevent a catastrophe that threatens their planet. This is just the beginning of Winston’s adventures!
This exciting tale is a treasure trove for young readers (ages 5-12) seeking action and excitement, and adults looking for a heart-warming story filled with camaraderie. Perfectly blending illustrations and narrative, this book promises a visual feast, an enthralling journey, and interactive puzzles and riddles that seamlessly engage young minds.
Prepare for an extraordinary escapade with Winston, where every page brings vibrant illustrations, unexpected surprises, and a world brimming with wonder!
Purchase from:
Amazon USA http://tiny.cc/winstonamazonusa
Amazon UK http://tiny.cc/winstonamazon
Amazon Global Links http://tiny.cc/winstonamazonglobal
Barnes and Noble http://tiny.cc/winstonbn
Apple Books http://tiny.cc/winstonapple
Takealot http://tiny.cc/winstontakealot
Testament
Testament by Eli Felix delivers a bold reimagining of humanity’s origins, blending fantasy, theology, and myth into a narrative that stands apart. The story unfolds in a celestial realm where beings like God, Satan, Life, and Death shape the fate of Earth. Felix crafts a tale that digs deep into the spiritual forces behind human existence, presenting a richly detailed world that pulls readers in with its unique perspective.
The writing in Testament grabs your attention. Felix’s prose is dense and packed with philosophical insights and theological musings. The dialogue between characters like Life and Death pushes readers to think, challenging them to keep up. The tone shifts often, swinging from playful to serious, keeping the reader on edge, never quite sure what to expect next. Felix’s reimagining of biblical and mythological themes stands out. As depicted by Felix, God is both proud and frustrated with His creation. This duality is persuasive. Scenes where God reflects on Man’s slow progress are particularly striking, revealing a character that is both divine and deeply relatable. The narrative can feel disjointed, with sudden shifts that might throw readers off. Though rich and thought-provoking, the dialogues can become intricate to the point of being hard to follow. The sheer number of personified concepts, from Love to Fear to Honour, adds to the complexity, making it a challenge to keep track of everything.
Testament is a novel that pushes boundaries. It’s thought-provoking, ambitious, and demands the reader’s full attention. Readers who are drawn to fantasy, theology, and philosophical fiction will find a lot to appreciate here. Felix challenges you to engage with the complex ideas woven throughout the story. For those looking for a book that challenges perspectives and offers a unique narrative journey, this book is worth the effort.
Pages: 349 | ASIN : B0DBP78MWY
Involuntarius
Involuntarius plunges into darkness, unraveling a tale of religious dominance, hidden truths, and brutal rituals. The story follows Ellis, a young man entangled in the sinister web of the Congregatio, a powerful religious order that dictates every aspect of society. Ellis, seeking answers, uncovers unsettling connections within his family, spiraling deeper into a nightmarish reality where nothing is as it seems.
Izquierdo’s writing is gripping. The prose, dense and vivid, pulls you into a world that feels alive yet eerily off-kilter. Early on, Ellis stumbles upon his mother’s lifeless body. The scene is stark and haunting. You feel the horror, the despair. This intensity doesn’t let up; it keeps you hooked. The rapid pace, combined with the heavy language, makes this book hard to put down. The Congregatio dominates, and its presence is tangible, almost like that of a character itself. Rigid hierarchies, secretive rituals, and absolute power—this is a world where blind faith is dangerous. The tension between control and rebellion pulses through the narrative. Sadie, an enigmatic figure, is both captivating and terrifying. Her relationship with Ellis and his father is a twisted dance of power, leaving you questioning who’s really in charge. The plot is filled with twists and tangles. Supernatural elements sneak in, voices whisper, and heat shimmers. There is a sense of something dark lurking beneath the surface that keeps you reading.
Involuntarius is a dark journey. Fans of gothic horror and psychological thrillers will find it compelling. Izquierdo crafts a world that’s as terrifying as it is fascinating. The characters are shadowed in mystery, their secrets pulling you deeper. It’s a story that will linger long after you’ve turned the last page.
Page: 343 | ASIN : B0D9ZZDJVB
The Broken Dollhouse
In The Broken Dollhouse by Sofia Ekebom, readers are drawn into a haunting psychological thriller with elements of horror, weaving together themes of trauma, mental illness, and suspense. The protagonist, Micayla, has been haunted since childhood by a devastating event, the brutal murder of her aunt, which she witnessed at the age of five. The trauma left deep psychological scars, affecting her well into adulthood. Now living in a villa by a lake steeped in dark folklore with her husband, she finds herself ensnared in an eerie mystery. The legends surrounding a mystical creature lurking in the lake are mere whispers—until her husband dies under suspicious circumstances, and her 17-month-old son vanishes. As Micayla seeks answers, she uncovers unsettling connections between these events, the lake, and its cryptic secrets.
Ekebom’s novel intricately explores mental health, beginning with the abandonment of Micayla and her brother due to their mother’s postpartum psychosis. As the story progresses, Micayla’s struggles with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts create a vivid portrait of a woman teetering on the edge. Her character becomes increasingly layered, shaped by a toxic marriage and long-standing abandonment issues, leading her to distrust those around her. When her son disappears, the narrative takes a sharp turn, propelling her into a desperate search filled with suspense and uncertainty. She encounters various characters along the way, some trustworthy, others far from it, heightening the tension and adding depth to her journey. While the novel’s title is captivating and the premise promising, it falters in execution. The lack of descriptive detail, particularly surrounding the mythical lake creature, leaves readers craving more. Key elements, such as the creature’s motivations and the ritual mentioned in passing, remain frustratingly vague. This underdevelopment of the horror aspect detracts from the novel’s potential to fully immerse its audience in fear and suspense.
The Broken Dollhouse by Sofia Ekebom presents a compelling blend of psychological thriller and horror centered around trauma, mental illness, and a chilling mystery. The novel offers a strong premise and intriguing character development. Readers of psychological thrillers and dark fiction will find the story engaging.
Pages: 328 | ISBN : 9526502035
Ending Body Burnout: Find Your Spark
Ending Body Burnout stands out for its depth and deep insights, offering an in-depth exploration of the human body—particularly the female body—and the experiences of burnout. Dr. Filipa Bellette writes with evident love and concern for those who have faced burnout, crafting a narrative that is both comprehensive and transformative. She challenges the notion of quick fixes and critiques the over-reliance on prescriptions and surface-level treatments. In addition, Chris Bellette presents a holistic approach that addresses the body, mind, and environment, aiming for true healing and sustainable health. Her method digs deep into the root causes of health issues rather than merely providing temporary relief.
Ending Body Burnout introduces a four-step method, drawing on decades of experience with burnout. These steps involve diagnosing issues at an intrinsic level, healing the mind, fostering healthy habits for the body, and optimizing your environment. Each step is carefully designed to help readers identify and comprehensively address their unique health challenges.
The book uses the journeys of three characters—Hazel, Isla, and Rose—to illustrate the Bellette method. These characters embody different aspects of body burnout that busy professionals, especially women, frequently encounter. Through their stories, readers can see themselves, relate to their struggles, and find inspiration in their triumphs. This narrative approach makes the book not only engaging but also highly practical and easy to read. Bellette’s emphasis on treating the whole person, rather than isolated symptoms, feels innovative and inspiring. She invites readers to think deeply about the interconnectedness of the body, encouraging a holistic view of health. The passion she brings to the subject is evident throughout, particularly in the way she uncovers the causes of burnout—from physiological imbalances to psychological factors—and offers actionable strategies for each. The personal nature of the book shines through when she advocates for self-love and self-care as essential components of recovery, making her advice feel authentic and sincere.
This book is not your typical health guide. It’s not a rehash of familiar advice, but a tried-and-true path to transformation. Bellette’s writing is empowering, and her engaging style keeps readers captivated from start to finish. Ending Body Burnout serves as a call to action, urging readers to navigate the complex interactions between their body systems, mindset, and environment. It doesn’t just offer a quick boost of energy to get through the day; it teaches the essentials of thriving in life. Timely and necessary, this book is a must-read, especially in a world still grappling with the lingering effects of the pandemic.
Pages: 240 | ASIN : B0CNK7SM2R
Your Biggest Fan
Jeremy Rosenholtz’s debut novel, Your Biggest Fan, is a captivating fusion of metafiction, satire, and horror. The story unfolds through three letters addressed to “TS,” and these letters gradually expose the intricately woven details of the author’s life, his admiration for TS, and the darker undertones that hint at his true motives.
While the letters never explicitly name her, I think it’s strongly implied that TS refers to none other than Taylor Swift, a global cultural icon. This premise becomes even more intriguing when we discover the author is a 53-year-old man claiming to be her “biggest fan.” The unexpected perspective immediately piqued my curiosity, and it will draw readers into the mystery of why he’s writing to her. As a fellow Taylor Swift fan, I found the narrator’s connection to her music both touching and unsettling, creating an emotional rollercoaster that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
One of the novel’s standout moments is the narrator’s use of Taylor Swift’s music in his AP Literature classes. This unique twist delighted me as both a Swiftie and a lover of literature. The book also touches on a deeper theme, the power of music to evoke memories and nostalgia, helping us revisit the past while forging new emotional connections. With layers of mystery, and a story that is packed with subtle references to Swift’s music and personal life, the book keeps readers guessing, and the twists leading up to the climactic reveal are fantastically shocking.
This novel is a great read for a wide audience, but I think Swifties will particularly love this story. Whether you’re a casual listener or a dedicated fan of Taylor Swift, this book will draw you in with its clever plot and leave you pondering its twists. Literature enthusiasts, in particular, will appreciate the intricate storytelling and the skillful way the ending unfolds.
Pages: 228 | ASIN : B0DDH6471B
LITERARY TITAN 