Blog Archives
A Place Called The Way
A Place Called the Way by Corrine Ardoin is set in the fictitious Pine Valley in the early 20th century. It’s a sweeping drama that follows the births, lives, and deaths of the inhabitants of a small rural town known as ‘The Way.’
This novel is the third in Ardoin’s Pine Valley series. The main protagonist is Jim Hart, a man who was physically abused by his uncle as a child in the event that left both physical and emotional scars. As a result of his trauma, his life is blighted by depression and a self-harming habit. As a result, he tries to commit suicide, lets the only woman he ever really loved slip through his fingers, and even loses the right to call his son, ‘son’. The Way is a haven and a blessing for some residents; it seems to offer only a curse for others. Yet, ultimately, it offers hope.
At the beginning of the book, Ardoin helpfully provides a detailed description of the connections from one character to the next. The reader will need these signposts if they want to keep track of the story and the complicated relationships between all the individuals. The characters’ relationships ebb and flow through the novel as they face their own personal challenges and heal from their past experiences.
As the book is named for the town, it’s a nice touch that it’s presented almost as another character, with deep flashbacks interspersed throughout that examine its history. The town’s mysterious healing powers and history give it its own personality adding to the reader’s experience that the town is its own character and just as important as the people residing in it. At one point, I mistakenly thought the main story was just background to a plot twist that never came. However, the strong personal story of the characters and their experience with the town made this novel enchanting.
A Place Called the Way is a coming-of-age novel set in a small rural town with a long tradition of helping the inhabitants heal from their past. Fans of soft-focus historical drama will enjoy it for its sense of community and the complexity of its interpersonal relationships.
Pages: 208 | ASIN : B09WZYQPNS
INFINITY: Book of Matthew II
In INFINITY: Book of Matthew II by Catalina DuBois, readers follow Sara during the Civil War era. Sara is a black woman that was a former slave at the Colburn Plantation in the states. She falls in love with a white man named Matthew who sweeps her off her feet and takes her to France. Now Sarah has become one of the few women in the world to become a medical doctor and has built a successful practice. After a terrible incident occurs in Sarah’s home and her children are almost taken away and put into slavery, Matthew and Sarah make the hard decision to fight in the war to protect their family.
Catalina DuBois takes readers on a spellbinding journey through time that forces readers to face the harsh reality of slavery, the Civil War, and the impacts it had on people. Sarah is a strong and mesmerizing character, but she is also kind even after all of the abuse she went through. Matthew’s character is one that many readers will fall in love with, especially after seeing his love for Sarah and his family.
The author immerses readers in the couples lives and we feel the love that they have for one another. The romance scenes are written tastefully, making the reader want to read more as the couple express their love and lust for one another.
This is book two of the series, but I think this novel can be read without having read book one as the author quickly recaps the first story, catching the reader up to Sarah’s current situation. The scenes of war are just as impactful as the romance scenes, and readers will be rooting for Matthew’s safe return. The author gives readers an inside look into Matthew’s thoughts as he writes in his journal. I enjoyed how this allows the reader to get a sense of what Matthew is feeling. This is a compelling book that gives just as much emotional depth to the horrors of war as it does to the romance in the book and I was enthralled with the story because of it.
INFINITY: Book of Matthew II is an engrossing story of courage, hope, and love. This is a rousing historical romance novel that I highly recommend to readers who are looking for a thrilling read with romance throughout.
Pages: 192
Spoiler (The Healer Chronicles Book 3)
Fresh off a chaotic battle, Colonel Walker and his band of superhuman kids, created through government-sanctioned experiments, realize that the world is in more danger than they thought. There’s a breach in the barrier separating earth from the dimension housing demons, and dark entities are slowly seeping into our world. Even worse, Ms. G, a strange but powerful woman, is bent on opening the gates between both worlds to let demons into ours. Once again, Alex the healer, Colonel Walker, and the group, with help from the Pentagon, the Vatican, and others, must stop Ms. G before she causes untold darkness to overrun the world and end the human race.
Spoiler, by Michael J. Bowler, is the third book in a gripping series that is brimming with adventure and imaginative science fiction elements. It’s a compelling coming of age story of camaraderie, exploring what is means to be human, and the evils that are lurking on the fringes of the world as we know it.
The book sounds a tad spooky, right? It is, but only when it has to be, otherwise it has an adventurous spirit overall. The author finds a great balance between the dark themes and the refreshing fantasy ones. Frankly, reading Spoiler took me back to the description of Netflix’s Stranger Things which once caught my eye: “hair-raising and heartwarming.”
There are no flowery words or complex descriptions. The writing is simple and evocative as Bowler relies on the strength of his plot and characters to keep you spellbound. It’s been a while since I read a book that had me wondering, “how have I read 100 pages already?” Spoiler reels you in with the promise of chaos, drama, and twists and delivers massively.
The author has a fantastic ability to create gripping tension. He expertly teases several possibilities and leaves a few crumbs of evidence here and there, just enough to heighten your suspicion without giving too much away too soon. I think the book moves along at a good pace. Bowler nicely builds up to the inevitable chaos and uses that buildup to connect readers with the characters before everything devolves into chaos.
Spoiler is a real page-turner and an occasional tear-jerker. If you’re looking for an exciting young adult urban fantasy story with imaginative paranormal elements then you’ll heartily enjoy The Healer Chronicles series.
Pages: 377 | ASIN: B0B2V5J6C4
Wanda’s Tower
Wanda’s Tower is an erotic novel by Robert Beatty. Meticulous and calculated, Wanda has been sure since her teenage years about what she wants to do with her life. As her sexuality suddenly awakens, she makes a detailed plan to follow: to live on the road, chasing the horizon and hopping from bar to bar, sleeping with any man that sparks her interest. With time she gets used to her highly calculated routine, leaving no trace behind her as she mysteriously departs from her lovers, leaving them with the hope of someday seeing her again. She’s determined to live life with no attachments, following her own rules, but might her lifestyle eventually, against all odds, lead her to finding the one person that will change her perspective on love for good?
Robert Beatty’s novel stands out for one main thing, and that is its highly descriptive narrative. He makes sure to give details about everything, be it things that are happening or the characters’ internal monologues: not one detail is left out. This gives a very structured storyline to the book, making it easy for the readers to immediately immerse in the world and the characters’ minds. Lots of interesting themes are explored, and one can clearly see through Wanda’s character the often times present female fantasy of living a sexually liberated life.
The story is gripping and has a good pace; there is always tension present that makes the reader want to keep reading. Though this is an erotica, various dimensions of the characters are explored apart from sex. Wanda is an unusual woman; it’s not only because of her uncharacteristic sexual nature that she lets completely free, but she also has other interests and passions and excels in a profession that’s dominated by men: electronics. A phone company technician during the day and a wanderer temptress during the night, Wanda has carefully organized her life to fully enjoy what she’s attracted to the most.
Going by many names, Wanda’s life will eventually be uprooted by a mysterious man that seems to share lots of similarities with her. She’ll have to make a decision: to accept love and welcome it into her life, or to stick to her plan of forever living on the road, pleasing herself with as many men as she can get.
Wanda’s Tower by Robert Beatty is a fun and playful erotica with intriguing characters and a compelling narrative.
Pages: 516 | ASIN : B097P8SC1L
Life Lottery: Pandemic Life Stories
Life Lottery: Pandemic Life Stories contains an enthralling collection of stories all told in less than 200 pages. Author Ionel Rusanu takes readers on a thought-provoking journey through life during the pandemic. In the form of short stories, we witness a plethora of different emotions and circumstances that are affecting the characters much as they would everyday people. From drug addiction to cope with pain, financial struggles, and domestic abuse, there is no stone left unturned in this poignant collection of short stories.
This is a well-written collection of stories that does a fantastic job of setting up characters in intriguing circumstances in a short amount of time. With many anthologies we will end up with stories that range in quality, but one thing I like most about Ionel Rusanu’s book is the consistency. Each story skillfully conveys the emotion of the characters, imbuing the story with its own unique feel, and setting up the plot and conclusion succinctly. Readers will be taken on an emotional-rollercoaster as they breeze through these intriguing stories. Some stories are humorous while others are thoughtful, but all have their own message.
The author does a fantastic job examining and displaying all aspects of the human condition. I enjoyed how readers are able to understand the actions of characters, empathizing with them, even when they are the antagonist. You almost sympathized with them to a degree. The first story in the collection is a shining example of this at work. Another thing I enjoyed was the simple writing style. Rusanu conveyed the stories messages beautifully without the use of flowery language or unnecessary metaphors. You got the point of the story immediately but you are not left underwhelmed by the writing. A short story collection such as this deserves a straightforward approach. When you’re asking a reader to think deeply about life’s struggles, you can’t add the weight of deciphering poetry. The subject matter is poetry within itself.
If you are looking for a thought-provoking but quick read, check out Life Lottery: Pandemic Life Stories by Ionel Rusanu. This is an absorbing collection of stories that blends genres and ideas in creative ways and will leave readers pondering well after the stories end.
Pages: 168 | ASIN: B09V37STC3
Kairn (Mates of the Alliance Book 1)
Daria lives in a warzone ravaged by aliens who aim to build an empire and drain the Earth’s resources while enslaving humans. As a medical doctor, she’s focused on survival and helping treat those affected by the siege without wanting to get romantically involved with anyone. Survival is paramount and helping restore what’s left of the planet to a livable state is the only goal on Daria’s mind.
When allies from another world, in the form of the Galactic Alliance, begin to work alongside humans to rebuild Earth with their advanced technology and abilities, Daria becomes keenly aware of Kairn, one of the impressive and skilled aliens, the Luperans, and a member of the Alliance. As Daria focuses on doing her part to make Earth a better place, Kairn becomes an easy distraction, stirring feelings and emotions that she has not experienced in a long time. The connection between these two captivating characters is one of the most unique and intriguing relationships I’ve seen in a science fiction novel in a long time. Author Fionne Foxxe Farraday takes their emotions seriously and the result is a compelling compelling drama that was hard for me to put down.
In a vivid dystopian world, with a looming sense of dread and despair among the people, Daria begins to develop a sense of hope for the future while falling in love with the alluring Kairn. As the planet grapples with the aftermath of a major alien attack, Daria and others must learn to trust the Luperans. As Daria adapts to this new reality and works to rebuild and help others heal, she becomes quickly drawn into Kairn’s world, where she finds many similarities despite their physical differences. I really enjoyed the methodical way this detailed world is laid out for the reader.
The author beautifully narrates a story of an unlikely romance and develops a deeper understanding and trust between individuals from other worlds. It’s a great story that explores hope and love on a planet that is devasted by evil and terror. Kairn and Daria’s romance transcends the horror of this intergalactic war, and their intense connection creates a page-turning read.
Kairn: Mates of the Alliance by Fionne Foxxe Farraday is a refreshing science fiction drama that tells an enthralling story of a blooming romance in a devasted world. This sci-fi book is a wonderful read that engages the reader with wonderfully descriptive narration and an intense and exciting romance.
Pages: 223 | ASIN: B0B16GPS33
Infinity: Detroit Nights
Life wasn’t easy, but it was much more straightforward when Matthew was home in the Louisiana bayou snagging catfish by hand with his sister Nicole. Nicole, who was deaf, was still much the leader of her little family and Matthew’s best friend. However, when Matthew wakes up and finds he is being held hostage, he wonders if he will ever see the bayou’s waters again. He is a young man in the 1930s and desperately wanted by more than one unlawful group for his skills, and now he has a big decision to make.
Infinity: Detroit Nights, by Catalina DuBois, is the story of a young man who appears in all ways to be backward and racist. His character is well-written–DuBois gives vivid details about Matthew’s background and provides dialogue that brings him to life. His words are sometimes difficult to read, but they are, unfortunately, accurate and dead-on for the type of character he portrays. DuBois has not to mince words when it comes to her main character, and this is what makes the entire story so impactful.
Sarah, Tony, the mobster’s girlfriend and proprietor of a brothel, is quite the match for Matthew. She is everything you want to see in a strong female character. Even though her business is not morally upright, Sarah comes across as a fierce protector who will stop at nothing to defend the women she is helping. She is one of the most attractive female characters I have read in a long time.
One of the most fascinating aspects of DuBois’s writing is the dynamic she creates between Matthew and Sarah, who are polar opposites for all intents and purposes. They are living in a time when the two should be mortal enemies. Matthew’s upbringing in Louisiana makes him see the world through the eyes of a racist, and Sarah is black. They are nothing alike on the surface, but how the author has shaped the two, and their relationship is nothing short of amazing.
The drama surrounding gangster activity and all of the associated intrigue serves to make this an exciting read. In addition, the storyline’s distinctly romantic feel will entice readers of the romance drama. I recommend DuBois’s work to anyone interested in reading fiction set in the 1930s. It is clear DuBois has done her research and made her story as historically accurate as she has made it rich with well-developed characters.
INBRED!
Author Andrew Toth’s Inbred! is a meandering tale about a salesman who is trying to figure out his path. While the locals make only a few brief appearances in the novel, most of the story explores Tom Paxton’s dive into Buddhism and his general unhappiness with his life.
As a failed farmer and husband, Tom wanders through the local “inbred” town of Woolen, getting into drunken bar fights. Finally, he leaves that life to become a traveling salesman, who’s apparently good at his job while exhibiting few redeeming qualities. Unhappy, he turns to Buddhism and joins a temple on the outskirts of the same “inbred” town from his farming days. Tension builds as he trains himself for the inevitable confrontation between the monks and the locals.
Toth has a smooth and easy-to-read style. Most of the story takes place from the point of view of Tom. Depending on the circumstances, the main character’s tone shifts from worldly to over-confident to self-loathing. Side characters earn his respect or contempt depending upon their mood. We see him struggle. We see him succeed. We also see him as a mentor in sales and a student of Buddhism. The problem is that Tom isn’t very likable. He doesn’t even seem to like himself through much of the story.
Inbred!, at times, is reminiscent of action movies of the 80s and 90s. The action scenes harken back to old country fighting movies like Road House or Walking Tall. The story maintains orbit around a sales competition and the events at the temple. Where Toth shines is in his attention to detail. His narrative picks up on the smallest details, so readers have a strong visual of the situation in front of them. His ability to bring dialog to life in a manner that is realistic and believable.
INBRED!: Welcome to Woolen. Population 2500 inbreds is a story about a man trying to find his way in life, working with a mediocre hand that fate has dealt him, and the author makes readers want to hear this profound story. Readers will find the unexpected in this suspenseful character-driven novel.
Pages: 205 | ASIN : B0089ME214
LITERARY TITAN 