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The Legend of the Silver Star
The Legend of the Silver Star is a thrilling children’s adventure that follows siblings Gabby and Anthony as they journey through time via a magical pine box in their Aunt Sophie’s attic. Transported to the Old West, they meet legendary U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves and find themselves embroiled in a mission to deliver a dangerous outlaw to justice. Along the way, they encounter blacksmiths, bandits, cattle rustlers, and a caring Chickasaw community, learning valuable lessons about bravery, honesty, and the power of standing up for what’s right. Full of charm, danger, and heart, the story weaves together history and fantasy into a compelling ride.
The book is written with such energy and warmth, and the pacing is spot-on. The dialogue feels real, the characters are instantly likable, and there’s a lot of clever humor woven in. Gabby, with her sharp wit and fearless spirit, is an absolute standout. And Bass Reeves? What a figure. He’s cool, wise, and full of grit. The writing isn’t flowery or complex, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s punchy and clear, the kind that makes young readers sit up and hang on every word. The story moves quickly but never feels rushed. It’s adventurous without being scary, smart without being preachy.
I enjoyed the depth packed into this short book. It introduces big ideas like racism, justice, and courage, without ever feeling heavy. There’s a real tenderness in how the story handles fear, responsibility, and teamwork. I found myself grinning at the kids’ antics one moment and getting choked up the next. The way the book highlights Bass Reeves, a historical figure often overlooked, is powerful. I felt genuinely moved by the ending, especially the moment with the silver stars. That got me.
This book is a gem. I’d recommend it to kids in upper elementary grades, especially those who love action, history, or stories with gutsy young heroes. It’s also a great read-aloud for classrooms or families. There’s something magical about how it mixes real history with fantasy. I walked away from it not just entertained, but inspired. If you’re looking for a story that makes kids feel brave and seen, this one’s for you.
Pages: 101 | ISBN : 1959110136
Kid Pharaoh
The Secret Key Adventures: The Kid Pharaoh is a time-traveling adventure that follows siblings Anthony and Gabby as they stumble into ancient Egypt via a mysterious special key gifted by their eccentric Aunt Sophie. They meet the young Tutankhaten, soon to be King Tut, and after an uncanny resemblance between Anthony and the boy pharaoh, a classic switcheroo sets off a chain of risky encounters, political intrigue, and personal growth. The story combines humor, suspense, and history in a fast-paced narrative packed with colorful characters, vivid settings, and plenty of heart.
What struck me first was how fun this book is to read. It’s loaded with personality. Anthony’s wide-eyed curiosity and Gabby’s razor-sharp wit make for a perfect sibling duo. Their banter felt real and funny. I was especially charmed by Tut himself. He’s playful, burdened, and a little rebellious, which makes him relatable. I didn’t expect to laugh, but moments like the ostrich egg breakfast or Tut’s street market blunders genuinely cracked me up. The pacing is brisk without feeling rushed, and the short chapters kept me flipping pages. The language is simple and accessible, but never dumbed-down. It’s the kind of storytelling that respects its young audience.
The book surprised me with how layered it is. Behind all the comedy and chariot chases, there’s a thoughtful message about responsibility and leadership. Anthony starts off wanting adventure, only to realize that being Pharaoh means more than parades and fancy clothes. Gabby’s arc was especially powerful. Her experience as a servant opens her eyes to inequality and unfairness, and she comes out stronger for it. The villain, Baki, is just the right amount of creepy without being cartoonish. The tension builds slowly, and the final scenes had me holding my breath. There’s also a real emotional payoff at the end.
The Kid Pharaoh is a total win. It blends imagination and history in a way that feels fresh and exciting. Young readers who love adventure, history, or sibling hijinks will have a great time reading this book. But honestly, even as an adult, I had a blast with it. This book would be perfect for middle-grade readers, classrooms studying ancient civilizations, or any kid who dreams of opening a secret door and ending up somewhere wild. It’s clever, heartfelt, and just plain fun.
Pages: 102 | ISBN : 1959110039
Rough Diamond Rough Justice
Avien Gray’s Rough Diamond, Rough Justice is a gritty and cinematic thriller that follows Cain, a former professional photographer turned MI5 surveillance agent, as he navigates a world of espionage, betrayal, and violence. Starting in early 1990s Britain, where the digital world had yet to take over, the story opens with a stakeout gone wrong and spirals into a bloody encounter that sees Cain commit his first kill. What follows is his slow, reluctant descent into a covert government agency known as the Bureau, an off-the-books group tasked with eliminating threats to national security. Alongside his best friend Jerry, a member of the Royal Protection Team, Cain undergoes a transformation from observer to executioner, trading in his camera lens for a Beretta.
I enjoyed the writing style. It’s punchy and full of swagger, packed with banter, dry wit, and sharp observations. The dialogue pops. There’s a real rhythm to it, almost like watching a well-rehearsed play where the pauses and timing matter just as much as the lines. The early scenes between Cain and Jerry crackle with believable camaraderie. I felt like I was eavesdropping on two lifelong mates who’d seen far too much and still managed to laugh at life’s mess. And the pacing was great as well. It hits the gas early and never really lets up. Even the quieter moments carry a tension, like something’s about to go sideways. And often, it does.
But it’s not just the action that carries the weight. The book dives deep into moral gray areas like what it means to kill, how one justifies it, and what’s left behind after the blood dries. Cain isn’t a gung-ho hero. He’s thoughtful, even reluctant, but deadly when pushed. His reflections after his first kill, mixed with dark humor and flashes of raw honesty, got under my skin. I found myself rooting for him and questioning him at the same time. That tension between duty and humanity gave the story its real punch. I also appreciated the nostalgic backdrop. The pre-digital details, the analog grit. It grounded everything in a tangible, almost tactile realism.
Rough Diamond, Rough Justice is a fierce and memorable read across the world. In Britain, Australia, the United States, South Africa, and a Chinese prison in 2005. It blends old-school spy grit with a modern sense of psychological depth. I’d recommend it to fans of The Spy Who Came In from the Cold who don’t mind a bit more blood and banter, or anyone who enjoys fast-paced thrillers with brains. If you like your action served with sharp edges and a stiff drink, this one’s for you.
Rough Diamond, Rough Justice is a recipient of the Literary Titan Book Award.
Pages: 516 | ASIN : B0DDW2C1XP
The Secret of the Magic eyePad: Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures–Book 1
The Secret of the Magic eyePad: Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures, by Marsha Tuff, presents an engaging story about Putney Hicks, a young and socially awkward girl navigating the complexities of middle school within the unfamiliar terrain of a prestigious STEM academy. Set against the backdrop of a school populated by students from diverse backgrounds and higher social classes, the narrative deftly explores Putney’s internal struggles with self-doubt and social anxiety as she adjusts to this new, high-pressure environment. The plot takes a fascinating turn with the introduction of a mysterious gadget—a sentient and quirky artificial intelligence known as the “eyePad.” This twist propels Putney into a whirlwind of unexpected adventures, blending mystery and innovation in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Marsha Tuff skillfully intertwines middle school drama with elements of mystery and adventure, creating a delightful tapestry of characters and scenarios that captivate the reader. Putney’s journey is particularly compelling, as she emerges as a resilient and inspiring young inventor. Her character resonates strongly with readers, offering a portrayal of a young female protagonist who is both well-crafted and relatable.
The book’s charm lies in its ability to weave a story reminiscent of classic tales like Nancy Drew while infusing it with modern scientific and technological elements. This blend not only entertains but also educates, making the story a valuable read for young audiences. The narrative’s creativity, excellent writing, and inspiring messages stand out, providing lessons in perseverance and self-discovery. Furthermore, Putney Hicks serves as an exceptional role model for young girls and women aspiring to excel in STEM fields. Her character demonstrates that not only can they succeed in such areas, but they can also thrive and lead. This novel is a refreshing addition to the genre, offering both enjoyment and empowerment.
The Secret of the Magic eyePad is a captivating read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I eagerly anticipate the next installment in Putney Hicks’ adventures.
Pages: 232 | ASIN : B0B1LBXGJ9
The Forgotten Treasure
Isabel Ricardo’s The Forgotten Treasure is an enchanting fantasy novel inspired by captivating myths and folklore. Set within a treasure hunt, the story uncovers a wealth that transcends mere material worth and delves into the realm of profound knowledge. This pursuit spans multiple sects and kingdoms, traversing the vast tapestry of time itself. Presently, a group of enterprising young individuals, Mike, Kelly, Sarah, and Andy, find themselves entrusted with a clue that leads them through the hallowed halls of museums and monuments, beckoning them ever closer to the final treasure. Yet, even they remain blissfully unaware of the intricacies unfolding around them.
The author crafts a narrative that seamlessly integrates explanations for the events taking place by deftly weaving together historical facts, fiction, and mythical elements. The prose flows with elegance and clarity, captivating readers with its fluidity. I was entranced by the author’s skillful employment of evocative phrases on numerous occasions. The book’s relentless pace, replete with daring escapes and perilous predicaments, imbues the entire adventure with an exhilarating, spine-tingling quality. Notably, the interactions between the young protagonists and their unwavering dedication to their quest are truly commendable. Throughout the story, an ever-present allusion to “The Lusiads,” an epic poem by Portuguese poet Luis Vaz de Camoes, lends an additional layer of depth and richness. The manner in which the narrative unfolds, gradually unveiling the arduous and protracted journey in search of the forgotten treasure, greatly appealed to me. The unexpected twists and turns along the way ensured a consistently engrossing read. Nevertheless, it should be acknowledged that, on occasion, certain actions displayed a degree of predictability. Furthermore, while exploring the intricate tapestry of historical facts and references within the narrative, I discovered the need for supplementary research to fully grasp their profound significance.
I wholeheartedly recommend The Forgotten Treasure to avid readers who relish fictional works grounded in the realities of life. This book will undoubtedly captivate adventure seekers and mystery enthusiasts alike, piquing their curiosity with its tantalizing blend of excitement and enigma.
Pages: 316 | ISBN : 1949868923
Fly by Night: A Riveting Spy Thriller
![Fly by Night: A Riveting Spy Thriller (Michelle Reagan Book 3) by [Scott Shinberg, Becky Stephens]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51-GPZpD2tL.jpg)
Michelle is a CIA agent. She is good at her job, matter-of-fact, and knows when to pull back and avoid becoming emotionally involved in her assignments. Bella, however, changes all of that. When Michelle’s tactical team rescues Bella from an abusive and tortuous situation in Mosul, everything Michelle thought she understood about herself changes. Bella, kidnapped and held for two years by her captors, struggles to acclimate to life outside again, but Michelle, the reluctant chaperone, begins to make great strides in Bella’s reentry into a normal life. On a trip to New York City, Bella is kidnapped again–or is she?
Fly by Night, by Scott Shinberg, is book 3 in the Michelle Reagan spy series. The main character is outspoken, has her own set of quirks, and gets the job done. She is a likable main character whose actions and reactions keeps readers on their toes. Her determination and resolve to find out what has happened to Bella, the woman she had just begun to take under wing, is admirable and enviable.
I am drawn to characters who are richly developed and undergo major changes in levels of empathy. Michelle is a prime example of characters who do a complete turnabout. Though she maintains her rough and ready exterior, she clearly allows a soft spot to grow for the embattled Bella and the incredibly horrific journey she has endured.
Shinberg addresses sexual abuse and kidnapping, which may be triggering for some readers. Bella’s experience is one some readers may find uncomfortable reading about though Shinberg expertly weaves it into the story line and uses it to facilitate character development.
Bella’s kidnapping takes a very unexpected turn and, for me, changed the whole tone of the story to that point. I can’t say it was an unwelcome change, but it was definitely not what I had anticipated. Shinberg’s approach is unique and fits well into the genre.
Though Shinberg’s book is by and large, a fiction work that falls under the spy heading, the author manages to include bits of history and culture along the way. In many ways, Shinberg has made his book all the more believable as readers find themselves hit periodically with references to historical events.
I would recommend Fly by Night to anyone who enjoys the spy genre and is a fan of strong female characters. Michelle Reagan is a stand-out in this genre, and Fly by Night is a must-read.
Pages: 259 | ASIN: B08DLYY5LZ
Pandora’s Gardener
John Cranston had no aspirations to be a spy. He was a gardener for goodness sake, and enjoyed the mediocrity that came with the job. But as is often the case, the unexpected came knocking and suddenly John found himself in the middle of a plot involving an old friend, the Russians, secret societies, and crooked cops- just to name a few. To make matters worse, they all seemed to think he was on par with them in regards to secrets and skills. As each day pulls him further from his business as usual, John has to uncover and help stop a sinister conspiracy that is revealed to be a matter of world security.
Pandora’s Gardener by David Mason is a fun and fast paced thriller that tows the line between the serious espionage of James Bond and the absurd escapades of Austin Powers. With each new obstacle that John comes across, Mason does an expert job of weaving the stories together until the reader is effectively hooked. To keep the mood from getting too heavy, even the situations that provide a real degree of danger are met with a ridiculous sense of humor that helps keep the events moving right along. It’s a classic tale of “good guys” versus “bad guys” but crafted in a way that makes it difficult to determine which is which, since so many of the characters are delightfully charming. The notable exception of course is our unlikely hero who insists, time and time again, that despite his apparent skills, he really is just a gardener. No one believes that, and hijinks ensue.
The sheer amount of plot lines, characters, and double crosses could potentially make for a dense and unreadable story, but instead everything works in perfect synch. As mentioned before, Mason is superb at crafting the story, ensuring that there is always something new around the corner, even as other loose ends are resolved. Every character adds a distinct flavor to the story, no matter how briefly they may appear, and while some of them aren’t given the resolution they may deserve, it doesn’t affect the tone of the book.
Pandora’s Gardner was enjoyable and fun to read from start to finish and if there is any complaint I have, it’s that it was long enough to consistently surprise me with its new developments, and that it never fully fleshed out John’s past, which was referred to occasionally. Even at that, I was never disappointed. It maintained an excellent balance between goofy and serious while John consistently plays the part of reluctant spy perfectly.
Pages: 466
Callie’s Ghost
![CallieâS Ghost by [Christian, James]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/414qidhLDpL.jpg)
You know you’ve started a good mystery story when within the first few pages you’re hooked and questions are flying. Ben is eagerly awaiting a trip to Morocco that he has been planning to undertake for some time when he’s given an offer. From here the book takes the reader on an exploration of how money is used around the globe to sponsor terrorists and undermine countries. The pace picks up quickly, and the intrigue is built up well, making the book hard to put down.
Author James Christian’s career as a university professor at universities around the world shows as he builds up the different locations in the novel. I really felt like I was being taken across the world as I was zipped from the United States to Morocco. The writing style is clean and descriptive. It’s clear that Christian really understands how to pull together an engaging plot and create characters that feel real and easily pull the story along.
From the very beginning of this book, I found myself questioning everything. Government employees, a secret offer, an international trip, and add to that the mysterious title of the story. I was sucked in and was captivated beginning to end. This has an exciting plot that really makes you think about the world around you. Christian was very successful on this front as he was able to deliver a clear message with a thought-provoking plot while never sounding preachy.
The story is action packed and full of fun twists and turns that kept me on my toes. I really liked Ben as a character. He’s smart and dedicated to his job and shows a lot of passion. He’s a great vessel through which to enter into this story. If you like international mystery stories, or political corruptions and espionage stories, then I would definitely suggest that you pick up this book. A unique and wonderfully written story.
Pages: 258 | ASIN: B0794ZKBHH
LITERARY TITAN 