Blog Archives
Casualties and Survivors
Casualties & Survivors takes this stance: life cannot be seen as black and white, as every situation always has gray areas. One could argue that there will always be casualties and survivors, whether the loss of a friendship or an opportunity. However, there are times when people die, leaving behind the survivors, who must endure the loss.
In a series of short stories, Len Joy takes the reader on a journey of lost love, opportunities, and coping with the void of someone no longer around. While there is a backdrop of tragedy and melancholy to each tale, each story presents new opportunities for the survivors, though not always in the way they expect. You’ll encounter tales of an artist coping with the loss of his lifelong love, only to experience another side of this journey with a surprising twist. Another tale follows how a couple develops a relationship over a simple object, a trash can.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and each story’s unique plot and character dilemmas. While some of the stories were shorter than others, I mainly found them more gut-punching and vivid, as they quickly built momentum and anticipation of what was to come. Other stories were a bit longer, which allowed for more character and setting descriptions, leaving a strong visual impression of well-crafted scenes, such as a Christmas tree lot, the naked winter yoga, and an artist’s sparsely furnished apartment. Len Joy creates lasting moments that stay behind with the reader for a fantastic reading experience.
Len Joy’s writing style is clear and concise, which makes for easy, enjoyable reading. The recurring message in Joy’s stories is gut-wrenching, realistic, reassuring, and comforting. The author leaves the reader curious about each character’s future and what’s in store for them. While, at times, the author uses explicit language in some scenes, fans of short stories will enjoy the loosely threaded stories and how they interact with each other throughout the book.
Pages: 178 | ASIN: B0B92QYYYV
Mystical Force: Vol. 4
Mystical Force Volume 4: Many are 1, 1 is 0, by Craig Weidhuner, is the next installment in the series following a Taman Knight from the planet Thalia. An evil sorceress, Zolida, is trying to find an ancient scroll. Unfortunately, the scroll releases an omnipotent being named 0, whom she wants to control and use against her enemies.
The story begins with Zolida hiring a mercenary to steal the scroll. Shi-ria, a Taman Knight from the previous volume, tries to prevent Zolida from obtaining the scroll. Shi-ria does not know what power the scroll has but knows Zolida will use it to try and change the future for the worse. Zolida ends up with the scroll and releases 0 from its world. 0 is an almost God-like being that can change matter, time, and space. He becomes an important character and alters the reality that humans, mages, and demons know.
The writing in this book unveils a lot at a fast pace. There are many different characters involved in the plot, which gives the book depth. However, there is still minor individual character development. Nevertheless, the pace and tone of the book are well written and easy to read.
Although this is another installment in the series, this book focuses on a different character. The main characters from volume 3 were involved, but I don’t think you need to read the previous book to understand this one. I would’ve liked to see more depth in the characters between volumes and a better continuation of the plot overall. This volume reads as a stand-alone that could potentially have a sequel.
Mystical Force Volume 4: Many are 1, 1 is 0, by Craig Weidhuner, is a continuation that focuses on the evil mage Zolida. If you like action, adventure, magic, and triumph over evil, this book is for you.
Pages: 72 | ASIN : B09VY2KVRZ
Desert Angels
Desert Angels by Lyman Ditson is an eloquently written short story interspersed with bursts of poetry throughout and charmingly drawn illustrations. The reader follows our protagonist and his dog Lion as he wanders the desert trying to find his way home to his cabin. Along the way, he meets a host of characters amidst a series of fantastical interactions with them, starting with a Slavic angel named Boris, who implores him to conduct a sacred mission.
The desert wanderer appears in an active state of confusion and, following his meeting with Boris, is catapulted to the bow of a ship where he meets a parrot trying to seek the tree of eternity.
Throughout the book, various philosophical themes are examined, from immortality to the secret of life. In addition, the theme of belief is addressed throughout the story, with multiple characters asserting what they promised can only come true if the recipient truly believes it will happen.
Ditson’s writing is both philosophical and humorous. I particularly liked the funny aspects of the book; it was both easy to read and comical, which made the story entertaining. All the characters are well thought out and written with sharp, flowing dialogue. The dynamic between the protagonist and his dog is particularly amusing as Lion the dog begins to talk.
The author Lyman Ditson is clearly a talented poetry writer, and the poems included throughout add a level of depth to the story. I liked how the poems are spread through the book, making them easier to relate to compared to a traditional volume of poetry. The book’s ending is somewhat ambiguous, and we are left wondering what exactly happened to the protagonist. However, that suits the style of the story. Readers looking to take an adventure with side trips into the author’s poetry and philosophical thoughts will find this short read magical.
Pages: 78 | ASIN : B0B57RBP6K
The Eyes Of My Imagination
Life Lottery: Pandemic Life Stories is a compelling collection of short stories that take place during the pandemic. What was the inspiration for the setup to your stories?
“Life Lottery” is not the first book inspired by the pandemic years, and it will certainly not be the last. Someone even said to me, “What came to you to write about this too?! Aren’t we fed up with the pandemic already?” Truth is, I didn’t try to capitalize on a possible opportune moment. Judging by the above reaction, I would say that, on the contrary, for some people, now is not the right time. It is true also that the pandemic gave me time and opportunity for more or less inner reflections. But it’s just the setting, the background. The book is about people; different, real or fantastic, as I saw them with the eyes of my imagination. Some stories are indeed inspired by real people I read or heard about in the news during these years. Some are just expressions of various states of my mind.
I enjoyed the varied and interesting characters in your collection. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I always try to bring to light characters that feel real. That’s why I employ a more direct writing, with less poetry or metaphors, to express their struggle through the happenings in a certain period of time in their lives.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this collection?
Mental health, in the first place. Because in the modern days is an important part of our life. In the pandemic time, even more so. Secondly, is the constant pursuit of happiness, whether the characters are from a humble background like Sveta or from the royals like Mylana.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
My next book (written in English) is a crime and mystery novel named „Two dangerous people”. I think it will be done by the end of this year. But this year I will publish a two part Young Adult Sci-Fi saga called „Arcon Evolution,” first the Romanian versions, and hopefully will have them translated to English as well in the near future.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook
A beggar only asks for benzodiazepines to make it through the day. A biker is unhappy with life in his polluted city. A sweet girl navigates a mean father and the possibility of his redemption after his near-death experience. A woman is beset with vivid dreams from anxiety medication. Pranksters feel the rebound of going one joke too far. A doctor needs to decide who lives and who dies at the height of the pandemic. A real prince charming meets a real princess from an alternate reality. A naïve girl has her heart broken by a false prince charming. Two beautiful women, disbelieving the reality of the pandemic, become ugly furies. A lonely druid jumps through time to help save humanity in the aftermath of a pandemic. A man is vaccinated three times and even wants to take a fourth dose because he thought he could hear and see better and his knees didn’t hurt anymore. A creature of the sea saves a young woman from human traffickers.
Enjoy this collection of life stories amid the pandemic.
Gender
Gender is a thought-provoking pair of novellas that artfully convey profound ideas using a mix of free verse, form, and rhyme. In the first story, Martin/Martina, we follow Martina, who was born female, but when she comes of age she learns that her father plans to marry her off so he can join a monastery. Martina refuses to be married off and wants to live with her father so they begin to dress and act like a boy in order to stay in the monastery with their father. Martina enjoyed living in the monastery and remained there even after their father’s passing. An affair ensues and a child is born, but out of shame the family abandons the child and Martina raises the child as their own. Readers follow her path to becoming a Saint in an emotionally-resonant and intellectually-stimulating story that I enjoyed heartily.
The second story, Aftermath, is a post-apocalyptic tale that tells the story of three distinct groups that are working together in the aftermath. The language, I felt, is more colorful and works to create a vivid view of a stark future. The lines within a stanza rhyme nicely and evoke strong emotion and lend this otherwise bleak story a rhapsodic feel that is engrossing.
Author Anne Harding Woodworth writes beautiful and poetic stories. The intense and emotional journey that Martin/Martina embarks on takes readers through many different phases and perspectives in life. The author is able to tell a compelling story and capture the emotional weight of being a man, a woman, a mother, and a father all in one short story. The author switches perspectives throughout the story, switching between narration and Martina’s perspective. This allows the reader to hear Martina’s thoughts and understand their motives and connect with them on a deeper level.
Woodworth’s writing is simple in Martin/Martina, but this helps to keep the reader focused on the story, the characters, and the weighty emotions that affect them. The writing in Aftermath has a grand eloquence with a focus on imaginative descriptions. I enjoyed the setup of the book because it was similar to reading short stories that rhyme. It was sometimes hard for me to tell the timeframe of events in the stories. Martin/Martina jumps through time, which I felt was a little disorienting, but this doesn’t take away from the impact of the story.
Gender is a heartwarming pair of stories with a unique voice and a keen perspective on gender that is earnest and meaningful. These are stories that will stay with you long after you’ve put the book down.
Pages: 116 | ISBN: 1639882979
I Have Always Been An Activist
Poetic Mind is a collection of poetry that is thought-provoking and inspiring with topics ranging from fantasy to social struggles. What was the inspiration for the poetry in this collection?
Over the years I have struggled in many ways. One of them being diagnosed with and living with PTSD after returning from the war. One of the biggest add-ons to PTSD is insomnia, which I suffered from for many years. With the lack of sleep, I found myself more in tune with what was happening with the world around me. I have always been an activist for many things: women’s rights, equal pay, etc. I found myself indulging more and more on the topics going on and current events. I display a lot of my beliefs in my poetry, and writing in general. Activism comes in many forms; writing is mine. I have always had a vivid imagination as I began writing poetry at as early as ten years old. I’ve studied it…perfected it in my own style and technique.
Kiss of the Dragon is one of my favorite poems, do you have a favorite in this collection and if so why?
I don’t have a favorite, per say, as all of them are my babies…my creations. It is hard to pick one from the hundreds I have written. My favorite poems are the ones that have a sense of rap laced lyrical content, such as Pandemonium. I also enjoy those which reflect my childhood because I was always taught by my mother to never forget where I came from, and to honor the rough times. Life gets better with age.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The general theme in this particular collection is the coming of my poetic style. The rise of the mind of poet John Nevel; my debut of what is to come. I wanted to unload thoughts and feelings that have been dwelling in my brain for years and this was my opportunity to do so. I wanted to talk about current things in society that need to be changed, from how we treat each other to giving it all you have got in this one world we are given to live. I think I accomplished that with this collection…one that came straight from my heart and soul. I hope each reader enjoys the journey of my thoughts splattered onto each and every page.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am currently working on Poetic Mind 2: The Collection, and from what I have written thus far, it is going to be a show-stopper in the world of poetry. I am really showcasing my lyrical talent in this one! Perfection takes time, and trust me, it will be worth the wait! This next collection will be coming by the end of 2022 and will be announced through social media and my official website.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
-Robert Jerome
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
Passion and Fear are Close Bedfellows
Another Slice of Fear is a collection of short stories that explore fear in different ways. What inspired the theme behind this collection?
This is the second collection of horror short stories. The first was “A Slice of Fear”. The central theme of fear is complex since people do not share the same fears, nor can they be inspired by the same approach. Instead each of the stories tends to play on another approach inside of how people find fear. From fear of the unknow, fear of being powerless, to fear of other people they try to find at least 1 commonality that can see inside a persons mind.
What were some driving ideals behind your character’s in these stories?
It is funny. I also write daily about passion and the positives in life. Passion and fear are close bedfellows and I would suggest that fear is a type of passion, a near uncontrollable emotion. With that in mind things like revenge, survival, and greed are strong motivators to the characters inside the book. For the story “Monster” there is a sense of purpose that was missing that came out. Originally I planned 16 stories but in the first book “A Slice of Fear” I received many letters on “The Edge” a story that was written for my daughter who has a form of MD. When she found a sword in a second hand shop she was restored and it pushed me to add one more story to this anthology, the follow up “Edges”.
My favorite story from this collection is ‘Stung’. Do you have a story that stands out to you from this collection?
I like Stung as it explores a different type of greed and there is a substory about a crime free city. I suppose if your pet giant scorpion eats all the bad guys it becomes a good city. Monster has surprised me. It was originally a 600 word flash fiction that called to me and I expanded it. I have gotten several wonderful reviews on it and it made my editor cry. It pulls at a great many emotions. Those two stand out but each of the stories has a special place with me.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am currently working on “Curious Cousin”, books 6 in my action adventure series “The Masterson Files”; “Stealth Drive”, a story about a man who find a way to let go of the material; “Morgan”, book 2 in “The Eternal Forever” series; “Burial Ground”, a YA thriller; and “Yet Another Slice of Fear”, my third set of 15 stories of suspense and terror. I have to decide with the last if it will be 16 again or even 17 as some have suggested “Monster” and “Stung” deserve a follow up. It will be fun non matter what!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
A man finds the secret to immortality, or does he? A selfish woman gets eternal servitude, for a price. A monster awakens and has to decide who is the monster? A family fortune is saved by unlikely allies. A scene unfolds from three different perspectives and creates a problem for Kate with exciting results. A man wins a special vacation for the newly almost divorced.
All this plus a new installment of the story from A Slice of Fear “The Edge”.
Are you ready to see how deep the rabbit hole can go? Another Slice of Fear contains 16 original short stories from the mind of Andrew Allen Smith that may help you get there!
LITERARY TITAN 