Blog Archives
The Greater Good
In The Greater Good by Dr. Frank J. Sapienza, readers are plunged into a riveting contemporary medical thriller that keeps them glued to the pages. The story introduces us to Jonathan Morrison, a dedicated ER doctor navigating the complexities of a recent divorce and caring for a child with cystic fibrosis. His life takes a sharp turn when he encounters cluster headaches and meets Darla, who brings a refreshing energy to his life. Amidst these personal challenges, Jonathan is presented with a dubious yet tempting offer from Emory Stone, a pharmaceutical representative. This proposition involves covertly collecting DNA for a project aimed at curing cystic fibrosis, the very condition afflicting his son, but it teeters on the edge of legality.
The narrative thrives on its well-paced plot, full of unexpected twists that keep readers engaged and guessing. The characters are convincingly portrayed, lending authenticity to the story. The blend of description, action, and dialogue creates a seamless reading experience complemented by a subtle romantic subplot. The novel also delves into significant ethical questions surrounding genetic data collection, consent, and privacy, adding a layer of thought-provoking complexity.
While I found the story captivating, a bit more character development and interaction could have enriched the narrative, offering deeper insights into their motivations. Expanding on the characters’ dialogues and relationships would have added further dimensions to the story.
The Greater Good by Dr. Frank J. Sapienza is a suspense-filled medical thriller that will entertain those looking for a gripping and straightforward read. This is the perfect book for vacations or long travels, and readers will find much to appreciate in this novel.
Pages: 298 | ASIN : B0CP2Y7NQQ
Teaching Machines how To Cry
Teaching Machines how To Cry is a wondrously unique novel that explores the complex relationship between humans and AI technologies. Alba, who requires a bionic leg, and her family host an AI prototype called M in their house. The story lapses between Alba’s childhood and ten years later when she discovers that she and M are more deeply connected than she ever could have imagined. Teaching Machines how To Cry stirs up some riveting and relevant questions: what happens when machines are able to learn emotions, and how far are we willing to push the boundaries of ethics for science?
Paula Hidalgo-Sanchis weaves numerous thought-provoking contrasts into the book, including her writing style. This is seen in her matter-of-fact tone paired with flowery descriptions of nature and the alternation between the first and third-person points of view. The book’s ending is also fascinating and relatively obscure, leaving the reader to make their own interpretation. This ties in well with the overall theme of uncertainty found in both Alba’s story and the concerns about developing technologies. The addition of Alba’s inner thoughts throughout the book really brings her character to life. Her innocent articulation and fleeting ideas create a fondness for the character, making the turn of events in the story even more emotional. The story is a genius mix of science and romance, with some teary moments along the way.
Teaching Machines how To Cry is a five-star read, perfect for anyone interested in the future of science and AI technologies. The topic is quite fitting with the recent advancements in robotics and touches on interesting topics, such as transhumanism and wild thinking. It will leave the reader reflecting on the negative impacts of AI on our mental health in the near future despite providing positive physical benefits.
Pages: 199 | ASIN : B0CH45Z63K
Fulfilling a Collective Destiny
House of Giral follows a woman orphaned as a child who sets out on a quest to rediscover her forgotten memories, only to uncover her family’s dark history. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Inspiration for the setup came from three different sources. Firstly, the vision of a girl whose life had become traumatically and tragically ‘interrupted’ took flight from the borderline personality depicted by Angelina Joli in the movie GIRL INTERRUPTED.
The idea of her trauma as LATENT genomic imprinting past forward from a previous life arose out of source material readings, especially those of archetypal origin (Jung, Freud, Hesse, Tao) and accumulated psychedelic research (Leary, Harvard Medical Program, Neuroplasticity)
Last but not least, spiritual inspiration, which guided the adventure, came from divination systems like Tarot, Astrology, and Kaballah, significantly so as they relate to the identity plight and challenges faced by an orphan.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
The first is that distinction made between latent and manifest, that which is consciously known, subconsciously recognized through dream or song, and that which is unconsciously suspected.
The second interesting aspect is the dynamic interplay that exists in the soul between often competing and opposing forces of light and darkness, how the lives of each of our fictional characters seem synchronically bent from the get-go towards fulfilling a collective destiny.
The characters in House of Giral are extraordinarily complex. What is your process for creating such in-depth characters?
The simple answer requires only becoming attuned to unconscious archetypes. A more complex awareness, however, beckons a much richer understanding of the mechanics and metaphysics manifesting through the autobiographical muse itself.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Too early to say. Lots of connective ideas in the workings. Maybe down the road, a sequel will arise, or if reader responses are most favorable, perhaps a movie script.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
I Wanted It To Feel Real
Burned Out follows a pediatric cardiac specialist who, while trying to build a state-of-the-art intensive care unit, undergoes multiple challenges with logistics, staff, and nature. Where did the idea for this novel come from, and how did it develop over time?
The idea came from encounters experienced by myself and colleagues throughout our careers. These encounters were pieced together to build a story combining real-life experiences (from myself and others) and fictitious experiences, to form a story detailing the many factors that contribute to physician burnout.
Eric Philson is a passionate character that struggles with everything that lands on his shoulders. Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
Yes, while this story is fiction, there are true elements. The true parts of this story pertain to my own feelings of burnout that I began experiencing prior to writing this novel. Also, the near-death events that occurred to Dr. Philson in the book are, in fact, true and actually happened to me.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Though this book is fiction, for me, it was very important that it feels real to those reading it because burnout is very real. I tried to incorporate all of the different aspects that contribute to physician burnout. I also wanted to detail the catastrophic effects having an imbalance between work and personal life can have on one’s health and family.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?
That is a bit of a secret right now, but I will give you a hint. I am hoping to write a story detailing the connection between childhood trauma (PTSD) and the development of mental illness in adulthood.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Burned Out
Burned Out is an insightful medical book penned by Dean Mafako, M.D., delving into the challenges faced by healthcare professionals. Embarking on a transformative journey at a renowned children’s hospital in Biloxi, Eric Philson, a determined cardiac specialist, aspires to establish an exceptional cardiac intensive care unit. Amidst the labyrinth of healthcare complexities, Dr. Phil remains resolute in safeguarding the well-being of his young patients. However, the demanding nature of his profession gradually engulfs his entire existence, prompting him to confront crucial decisions and recalibrate his priorities to avoid succumbing to burnout.
Dean Mafako, M.D., crafts an engaging narrative in this book, employing fictional characters to illuminate a prevalent reality. Set against the backdrop of Biloxi, the story revolves around Dr. Phil, a dedicated cardiac surgeon grappling with the formidable challenges of his career. Mafako masterfully weaves a tapestry of suspense, thrusting the protagonist into gripping medical emergencies, navigating nurse shortages, and weathering the cataclysmic aftermath of a hurricane. Amidst the narrative’s ebbs and flows, Mafako maintains a consistent pace, ensuring the reader remains captivated without feeling overwhelmed. The author’s vivid and descriptive writing style brings to life even the most chaotic scenes, enabling readers to envision the scenarios with remarkable clarity. By depicting the realities and struggles faced by healthcare professionals, Burned Out offers readers a unique glimpse into the life of a doctor and unveils the unforeseen toll of a seemingly rewarding profession. This spellbinding page-turner not only encompasses suspenseful plot twists but culminates in an unpredictable finale, leaving readers enthralled until the last page. While Mafako skillfully constructs a captivating and well-developed storyline, it is worth noting that the book occasionally delves into unexplained medical terminologies, which may pose a challenge for readers outside the medical field.
Burned Out is an enthralling and thought-provoking book that sheds light on the medical profession with remarkable insight. Dean Mafako, M.D., artfully navigates the intricacies of the healthcare system, showcasing the resilience of doctors while addressing the pervasive issue of burnout. This compelling work serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of self-care and maintaining balance in one’s professional and personal life.
Pages: 571 | ASIN : B0BQSS68LS
House of Giral
Immersing readers into an intricately-woven universe of suspense, mystery, psychology, and resilience, Mark Lawrence Latowsky’s House of Giral traces the profound journey of Dr. Jennifer Hart—often known as “Jo”—as she navigates the labyrinth of her own memory and identity. With elements of her past life, dreams, and unsettling experiences shadowing her at every step, Jo courageously confronts haunting echoes of abuse, ultimately finding empowerment through self-understanding and support from those around her.
Centered around the captivating character of Jo, a dedicated Jungian psychologist, this psychological thriller addresses a multitude of compelling themes, such as the trauma inflicted by her abusive father, Pablo Giral, explorations with psychedelics, the nuances of insanity, and a keen juxtaposition of the present era and the 1920s. Above all, Latowsky delves into the complexities of a woman’s journey to confront and embrace her repressed fears and desires.
A particularly captivating aspect of this narrative lies in its integration of Jungian psychology—more specifically, the theories of Carl Gustav Jung. Jo’s psychological quest is one of individuation, in which she assimilates her fears and endures grueling experiences that reveal intricate facets of her psyche. The author’s execution of these themes invites readers to traverse the mindscape not just of Jo but also of a vibrant array of characters. Moreover, Latowsky skillfully intertwines the storylines of characters across different epochs, thus providing an intriguing commentary on the influences and interplay of various eras.
Another commendable facet of House of Giral is its immersive realism, vividly depicted through details such as test results and fingerprint images that lend the narrative a strikingly lifelike dimension.
Brimming with enthralling themes and a dynamic cast of characters, House of Giral stands as an excellent choice for aficionados of psychological murder mysteries, as well as those intrigued by spiritual themes such as past lives, numerology, and tarot card reading. With its intricate exploration of psychology, memory, and resilience, this book offers a captivating and thought-provoking reading experience.
Pages: 333 | ASIN: B0BWML96SX
Magical Suspense
Trial and Redemption is an intriguing fantasy novel blending medical and legal fiction into the storyline. What was the inspiration for this book?
My inspirations were twofold. The first was to continue the entertaining storyline of magical suspense introduced in my first book, Chasing Time. Second, was the goal to describe to the reader the exciting, challenging, and very personal struggles of a biomedical researcher career.
What were some challenges you felt were important to defining your characters in this story?
As a writer, it was important for me to detail the characters’ struggles as they rebounded from their own personal tragedies. I wanted to provide a bit of magical realism in the form of the Janus key to aid them in their struggles, but not to lessen the degree of courage and persistence required to achieve their redemptions.
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
At the start, I had a central plot in mind, but many twists and turns occurred to me as I was writing and rewriting.
Will there be a third book in the Janus Key Series? If so, what can you tell readers about it, and when will it be available?
I am planning a third book in the Janus Key series. Once again it will combine magical suspense and medical fiction. No timeline is available.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook
In his latest inspirational and suspenseful novel, Trial and Redemption, Reilly continues the saga of a mystical Janus key and its time-bending influence on 21st-century characters, first introduced in the award-winning Chasing Time.
Disgraced scientist Brian Ellis finds an improbable ally in Julie, a college student trying to reset her life after a family tragedy. Guided by a Janus key with magical powers to predict future events, they embark on a crusade to bring a corrupt pharmaceutical executive to justice, prevent a medical tragedy, and restore peace to their shattered lives. However, Brian guards a dark secret that may imperil both their mission and their redemption.
Filled with unexpected twists and turns, memorable characters, and heart-stopping suspense, Trial and Redemption is an emotive mix of medical and legal fiction with a touch of fantasy.
The First Harm
Steven Piskula’s The First Harm is a gripping, action-packed thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Tanna’s discovery of a cadaver in the lab sets off a chain of events that leads her down a dangerous path. When her roommate, Krystal, dies in what appears to be a murder disguised as an accident, Tanna begins to suspect that something sinister is afoot. Her investigation soon uncovers a shady body parts trading scheme between the university and a mortuary and the nefarious activities of Modern Genetics, a research laboratory creating deadly viruses.
Tanna becomes a target of the malevolent plotters, and with nowhere else to turn, she teams up with Jason, a former drug addict, to hunt down the bad guys. Despite being outmatched and outgunned, their unwavering commitment to justice and the safety of others is truly admirable. Along the way, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, including Solomon, who stands up for the truth at a significant personal cost.
The First Harm boasts a well-crafted plot filled with unending twists and turns, and the characterization is top-notch. The chemistry between Tanna and Jason is palpable, and their courage in the face of danger is inspiring. Piskula’s writing style keeps the story moving rapidly, sprinkling in just the right amount of humor and romance to make it a delightful read. The plot moves quickly, but that is because the scenes are intense and violent.
The First Harm is a well-written and engrossing medical thriller that will satisfy fans of mystery mixed with science fiction and conspiracy. The storyline is engaging, the characters are well-developed, and the suspense is mind-blowing. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling read that will keep them on the edge of their seat.
Pages: 328 | ASIN : B0BCXCF88X
