Blog Archives
Elizabeth’s Mountain
Elizabeth’s Mountain is a poignant and intricately woven narrative that elegantly traces the life of Elizabeth. The story begins in her childhood, capturing a tender romance at eighteen with Robbie, a young man whose life is tragically cut short by war. The novel eloquently navigates Elizabeth’s journey through the depths of grief and her eventual path to healing. A pivotal moment occurs with a tragic bus accident that steers Elizabeth’s life in an unexpected direction. During her recovery in the hospital, she meets Joe, who becomes her future husband. Their romance is depicted with a sense of enchantment, embodying a love that is both pure and enduring.
Parallel to Elizabeth’s story is the tale of her granddaughter, Amanda, who finds herself at a crossroads after ending a lackluster relationship. Amanda’s yearning for a love as profound as her grandmother’s adds a contemporary twist to the narrative. Author Guarino excels in crafting a well-structured story that seamlessly navigates between two distinct timelines. The characters are crafted with care, making them both relatable and endearing, which keeps the reader deeply invested in their journeys. The novel’s strength lies in its ability to juxtapose romantic experiences across generations, highlighting themes of love, family, and the cyclical nature of life. While adhering to the conventions of a classic romance novel, Elizabeth’s Mountain steers clear of the grittiness often found in modern narratives. Instead, it celebrates the essence of true love and traditional romance, making it a heartwarming read that honors both romantic and familial bonds.
Elizabeth’s Mountain is a testament to the enduring power of love and the beauty of a well-lived life. Its uplifting nature makes it an ideal read for those seeking solace or a touch of optimism. The book concludes on a note of satisfaction, leaving the reader with a sense of fulfillment and joy.
Pages: 328 | ASIN : B0CPHFWCHF
Beyond the Father: Book 1 (Gods on Trial: The Series)
Beyond the Father: Book 1 (Gods on Trial: The Series), by Opëshum Patroz, is a gripping sci-fi narrative. Set on the planet Xżyber, this novel introduces us to a society where the lines between organic life and mechanical existence blur, creating a stark division between the metal-reborn citizens of the Sub-Median Region and the organic beings they oppress. The story unfolds against a backdrop of escalating tension and imminent conflict. Resources are scarce, sparking the flames of war, while internal revolution simmers within each region.
The novel employs a compelling storytelling technique where each chapter unfolds from the distinct perspective of a character, enhancing the reader’s engagement and curiosity about their intricate lives and secrets. Petroz introduces us to a dynamic cast, including Queen Evaline, King Thio, and their son Anglid, whose lives are a tapestry of hidden regrets and untold stories. As the narrative progresses, the reader’s journey shifts alongside perspectives, notably to Flexix, a deity-like being, and the complex dynamics between Luscious and his sister, among others. Each character is meticulously crafted, with their depth and mysteries unfurling gradually, hinting at a grander scale awaiting in subsequent installments. Petroz’s use of vivid, immersive descriptions allows the reader to visualize each scene with remarkable clarity. The slow, deliberate development of each storyline doesn’t just build anticipation but suggests an overarching narrative yet to unfold fully. The layered exploration of characters bound by destiny and secrets, promises an enthralling series to follow.
Beyond the Father: Book 1 is a masterful blend of character-driven narratives and rich, vivid world-building that marks a promising start to the Gods on Trial series. Opëshum Patroz has crafted a novel that not only entertains but also immerses the reader in a complex tapestry of intrigue and mythology. The meticulous attention to character depth and the seamless narrative transitions make this book a compelling read for those who appreciate detailed storytelling and multifaceted plots. As the first installment concludes, it leaves a lingering sense of anticipation and curiosity about the future adventures and revelations that await in the series.
Pages: 315 | ASIN : B0BL3YPKWN
Intuition Offers Key Guidance
What the Heart Knows follows an artist from a privileged background who moves to a small town on a journey of self-discovery and to find purpose in her life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The basic journey of self-discovery is based on my own experience, but I also have observed this same arc for others. Our culture tends to emphasize logic, AKA “head” information, as being more legitimate than intuition, or “heart” information. Yet intuition offers key guidance if we can learn to listen for it. My protagonist’s specific journey, but also the theme of my book series, is “The Journey from Head to Heart.”
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?
Yes, and some are very specific. For example, I served as a crew member on a Greenpeace voyage to save whales, and so does my protagonist Miranda. I also grew up with privilege, and my parents were high achievers who expected the same of their two daughters. This is mirrored in my novels. It’s very powerful to “write what you know.”
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The first is the “Heart” theme: in your heart of hearts, what did you always want to do? Are you doing it? If not, why not? If not now, when? This is echoed throughout all the storylines in the book. Some characters embrace their intuition and progress; others resist it.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
What the Heart Knows is novel #1 in my series. Novel #2, Where the Heart Lives, and Novel #3, Why Hearts Keep Secrets, are already available. I’m working on Novel #4, Whose Hearts Align, which will be published in May 2024.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Contrasts Erupt Into Humor
Raptor Canyon follows a gin-brewing recluse, who witnesses a murder, and sets out to investigate what is happening in the canyon. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Discovering ancient petroglyphs in unexpected places off-trail sparks curiosity and imagination: What do some of these unusual shapes mean? Is it possible that some depict extinct dinosaurs? This possibility inspired this key question in Raptor Canyon.
All of your characters are unique, and readers would not automatically expect them to be put together in a story. What was your approach to writing the interactions between characters?
Conflict and contrast between characters display their personalities and also shove the story forward, sometimes in surprising ways. I like to let the contrasts create conflict. I especially like to let those contrasts erupt into humor.
Your novel takes readers through some hair-raising action at times. How did you balance the action scenes with the story elements and still keep a fast pace in the story?
I think the story elements often happen best when the characters are running for their lives. I think you have to tell the story through the action.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
The Relic novels are not a “series,” strictly speaking. Sometimes I refer to them as a series, so readers know they are closely related, and involve the same key character, but each is a “stand alone” novel. The next is Moonshine Mesa, set to be released later this month.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
As a fresh graduate, Wyatt is anxious to make his mark among the army of lawyers in a respected Denver law firm. When his boss invites him to tour a client’s development project bordering Canyonlands National Park, Wyatt jumps at the chance, but his boss is not what he seems…
When a treacherous security chief tries to kill Relic, Wyatt is caught in the deadly chase. An unusual pair, Wyatt and Relic must tolerate each other while fleeing through white-water rapids, remote gorges, and hidden caverns. Relic devises a plan to save the treasured canyon but Wyatt must come to terms with the cost to his career if he fights his powerful boss…
A college student with secret ties to the site, Faye joins the kitchen crew so she can spy on the enigmatic project. She catches Relic and Wyatt red-handed, preparing for action. But when she hears their desperate plan, she has a decision to make…
Armed with a full box of toothpicks (and a little dynamite), can the unlikely trio monkey-wrench the corrupt land deal and recast the fate of Raptor Canyon?
Raptor Canyon
Raptor Canyon by A. W. Baldwin plunges readers into a gripping tale where capitalism clashes with history and ancient relics. Dive into a world where a scheming group, which includes lawyers, unlawfully claims land from an elderly man to set up a resort. Their audacity doesn’t stop there – they plot to place fake petroglyphs on rocks, hoping to lure in more tourists. Yet, within this group, one conscientious lawyer overhears their intentions and bravely opts out, setting the stage for a thrilling chase.
Baldwin’s narrative style pulls you in, effortlessly blending action-packed sequences with realistic scenes that address today’s concerns about preserving natural landscapes. In a post-coronavirus world where we’re eager to explore, it makes us question: At what cost? The story reminds us that as we seek solace in nature, there are those who exploit it for profit, reshaping and even fabricating its history.
I was particularly enthralled by the vivid portrayal of the protagonist’s adventures and escapes. The encounters with sinister characters, the narrow getaways, and the intricate planning elements all craft an exhilarating thriller. While the ending offers hope, Baldwin leaves some threads untied, giving readers a touch of intrigue even on the last page.
Raptor Canyon is a must-read for those craving an adventure tale infused with timely environmental themes. Dive in and get lost in Baldwin’s riveting world.
Pages: 342 | ASIN : B07G1FFZ29
We Are All Humans And We Must Live Together
The Soul Machines follows three young friends who discover a mysterious artifact that brings out the worst in people. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I chose Transylvania, the place where I grew up and that I still visit every year, because it is a region with a convoluted past, where different ethnicities, cultures, and religions coexist. I wanted to depict life at the dawn of two of the most devastating political currents in our history, because I see a lot of unfortunate similarities between the rise of extreme left and extreme right politics and the current tendency to move away from the political center.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
My goal was to challenge the reader to be less hasty when judging other people, irrespective of their identities. I tried to pack this message in a story that shows love, beauty and generosity, but also hatred, cruelty and insanity. I wanted to emphasize the inner struggle of my characters, and to show their growth. You can still recognize who the “good” and “bad” characters are, but in some circumstances, good people do bad things and vice versa. I wanted to show that it is important to navigate through life following strong principles (things like taking care of the family, following your dreams, helping others, and so on), yet without committing to any idea too far. We are all humans and we must live together if we want our civilization to continue to flourish.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Among the many themes I tried to portray in this novel, I’d mention the coming-of-age, prejudice, family, life and death, change vs. tradition, and more.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
At the end of “The Soul Machines” I closed a full circle from the moment the main character unearthed the artifact in Transylvania to the moment an explosion buried it again in Austria. There are many directions to explore in a sequel with our heroes facing the rise of socialism and nazism in Europe. But first I need to publish my second novel, this time a Science Fiction story set in the near future – just a few decades from now.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook
The Soul Machines
Set in the 19th-century Austro-Hungarian Empire, Alexandru Czimbor’s The Soul Machines is a captivating novel that explores the impact of a mysterious device on the lives of three young friends and the residents of a burgeoning mining town in Transylvania. As the discovery of this peculiar object unleashes a wave of violence, murder, and lunacy, the three young men must navigate a complex web of conflicts, including a pauper’s love for a wealthy girl, a villain’s sinister plans, and a group’s plot to harness the power of the device.
What I appreciated most about this gripping book was the author’s skillful weaving of multiple minor conflicts, which together create a dramatic and engaging story. Czimbor expertly blends genres, including mystery, thriller, and forbidden love, to deliver a rich and elaborate reading experience. By shifting between multiple perspectives, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the story and how the character’s interactions with the device influence their plans and objectives. Moreover, the book raises insightful and thought-provoking discussions around religion, naturalism, Marxism, and Darwin’s theories of evolution. The combination of themes makes this genre-blending novel perfect for eclectic readers.
The Soul Machines is an emotional rollercoaster, filled with unexpected twists and turns that will keep you glued to the pages for hours. For readers looking for a historical narrative that is both captivating and emotionally engaging, this book is a must-read. Be warned, however, that the book ends on a cliffhanger, leaving readers eagerly anticipating a sequel. Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking an unforgettable reading experience.
Pages: 584 | ASIN : B0BRT85YMG
On the Bank of the Chippewa
On the Bank of the Chippewa by Steven Lomske is a heartwarming tale of a family living on a small farm in rural Michigan during the time period of 1965-1981. The story revolves around Steven and his relationship with his brothers, which shatters over time after Paul and Steven develop feelings for the same woman. Jealousy and resentment ruin the brotherly bond, and the two of the brothers, Paul and Gus, go their own ways leaving Steven behind. The story takes a turn when an unexpected event brings the brothers back together on the same old farm, and generations of this family reunite.
During this time, Steven discovers his family’s legacy and secrets that were long forgotten. Their ancestor’s tragic history, sacrifice, and heroism in WW1 make the boys see the world from a whole new perspective. The question remains whether this long-held secret will bring the family back together or give roots to greed and deception once again.
Author Steven Lomske’s debut novel On the Bank of the Chippewa is a delightful tale that will take you on an emotional roller coaster. The visual description of central Michigan is applause-worthy as Lomske’s amazing writing gave me a vivid image of what it’s like to live on a farm. This coming-of-age story is emotional, tragic, and heartwarming all at once, and this story reminded me of Legends of The Fall.
Lomske has created amazing characters, such as the boys’ grandmother, who gave life-changing lessons in this novel, and you can’t help but love her. We get to see the brothers as they grow up together close, but they start to change, especially once Shannon comes into the picture. The historical aspects that were placed in the story give the book a realistic feel. The author shows that though conflicts and deception can tear a family apart, the blood bond and love are like the river of Chippewa, and it will flow no matter what.
On the Bank of the Chippewa is historical fiction with family drama that is impossible to put it down because readers will want to know more about the boys and their lives.
Pages: 302 | ASIN : B09WDKRT1G
