Blog Archives
Premonition: The Gift
Premonition: The Gift, the inaugural entry in E.C. Quinn’s middle-grade adventure series, introduces readers to the world through the eyes of 12-year-old Sammy Greene. Often the target of school bullies, Sammy’s ordinary life takes a turn towards the extraordinary following a school incident and a bizarre accusation. This event unlocks a hidden aspect of his destiny, propelling him into a realm of enigmatic dreams, family secrets, and a cryptic message from his grandmother.
At its core, Premonition: The Gift is a narrative of resilience, portraying how confronting our deepest fears can be the ultimate test of courage. Quinn skillfully weaves suspense, mystery, and supernatural elements, maintaining a delicate balance throughout the story. Sammy, portrayed with maturity and sensitivity beyond his years, navigates challenges that mirror those faced by many young people. In Sammy’s journey, these trials unfold with far-reaching implications, enriching the narrative with layers of urgency and significance that add depth to his story. E.C. Quinn’s portrayal of Sammy highlights a crucial message: irrespective of one’s age, individuals possess the power to effect change in the world. His journey serves as a poignant reminder that our most significant gifts often lead us into peril, where we discover our true strength. Aimed at middle-grade readers, this book delivers an adventurous tale. It deftly explores moral complexities while infusing the story with magical elements that will captivate young readers. Quinn navigates the darker themes of animal testing and kidnapping with a light touch, ensuring they are well-balanced with the lighter aspects typical of middle-grade fiction.
Premonition: The Gift by E.C. Quinn is a commendable addition to the middle-grade literary landscape. It presents a blend of adventure, moral introspection, and the fantastical, appealing to a wide range of young readers. The novel not only entertains but also offers deeper reflections on bravery, the challenges of adolescence, and the impact of individual choices. Quinn’s ability to balance darker themes with the whimsical elements of middle-grade fiction makes this book a noteworthy and engaging read.
Pages: 242 | ASIN : B0CW2TFH5C
The White Star of Twilight
Russell Sebring’s The White Star of Twilight navigates the intricate themes of adolescence, companionship, and a harmonious relationship with the natural world through the lens of its young protagonist, Valeria. Grappling with the loss of her mother, Valeria relocates to her father’s home in Wyoming, where she becomes enamored with the wintry landscape and its wildlife. Her journey takes a dramatic turn following a severe accident, leading to her rescue by Philip, a Native American man. Philip introduces Valeria to the world of wolves, fostering a deep connection that becomes central to the story.
Sebring’s narrative takes a less conventional path by subtly addressing complex family dynamics without delving into melodramatic side plots. This approach lends an air of authenticity to Valeria’s experience, particularly in her adaptation to her new environment. One thing I enjoyed about the story was the transformation of a character that was initially hostile towards wolves who undergoes a significant change in perspective regarding wildlife conservation.
Sebring explores themes such as personal conflict, wildlife conservation, and the intricacies of family dynamics and custody matters in a unique context. The story involves a legal dispute over the custody of a pack of wolves. The nuanced portrayal of these elements adds significant depth to the narrative and is something I admire.
The White Star of Twilight intertwines themes of adolescence, companionship, and nature, as Valeria connects deeply with wolves and navigates family dynamics, prompting reflections on wildlife conservation and cultural understanding. The White Star of Twilight will appeal to teens, young adults, and mature readers with an affinity for nature and wolves, and those seeking a narrative free from typical adolescent drama.
Pages: 244 | ASIN: B0CW1JT377
Bacon Grief
In Bacon Grief, author Joel Shoemaker skillfully navigates the intersection of faith, sexuality, and the tumultuous journey of self-discovery. We’re introduced to Charlie, an exuberant musical theatre aficionado, and Tim, who, with a palate for the peculiar, faces the challenge of reconciling his sexuality with his conservative Christian upbringing. Their online meeting blossoms into a deep and complicated friendship against a backdrop of Christian youth culture, which sets the stage for a narrative that is rich with humor, warmth, and poignant reflections on faith and identity.
Shoemaker’s writing shines in its ability to infuse humor and heart into a story that tackles complex themes. The character development is robust, with Charlie’s unapologetic embrace of his identity providing a stark contrast to Tim’s internal struggles. Their online interactions, which are laced with wit and teenage awkwardness, are particularly well-crafted and capture the authenticity of youthful dialogue. While I enjoyed the story, I felt that, at times, the narrative meanders through anecdotes and backstories, which, while charming, occasionally take readers away from the central storyline. Despite this, the novel’s heart remains in its exploration of acceptance, both self and societal, within the context of religious belief.
The thematic juxtaposition of conservative Christianity and LGBTQIA+ issues is handled with both sensitivity and boldness. Shoemaker doesn’t shy away from depicting the pain and conflict inherent in such a clash but also injects a sense of hope and potential for reconciliation. The characters’ journey through the landscape of religious dogma, family expectations, and self-acceptance resonates with a raw honesty that is both touching and thought-provoking.
Bacon Grief is a provocative novel that offers a story that is as entertaining as it is meaningful. This book is an excellent pick for readers who appreciate a blend of humor and depth in their reading. It will particularly resonate with young adults grappling with their identities, as well as anyone interested in the nuanced interplay between faith and sexuality. Shoemaker’s book is a heartening reminder that amidst life’s challenges, acceptance and love can often find a way.
Pages: 114 | ASIN: B09JV8F3HD
Searching for Proof and Faith
In Searching for Proof and Faith, authors Waverly Hasty Cowart and Richard Hasty explore the dynamic intersection of faith, doubt, and intellectual inquiry at Blanchard University. The narrative follows Harper, a student whose steadfast belief in God is challenged by Professor Meek’s atheistic views. Her encounters with Jay, a charismatic junior teaching assistant, and an avowed atheist, further compel her to scrutinize her convictions. This journey of faith is marked by her engaging in thought-provoking discussions, delving into research, and grappling with the elusive nature of truth.
The book delves into various philosophical, scientific, and religious perspectives, enriching the narrative with diverse viewpoints. It includes a newly added chapter addressing LGBTQ issues, enhancing its contemporary relevance. Through its balanced presentation, the story offers insights into the challenges Christians face in the modern world, backed by logical arguments and reflective questions. Searching for Proof and Faith is noteworthy for integrating biblical quotations with ideas from a range of intellectuals, making it a comprehensive exploration of faith-related topics. Each chapter concludes with questions for the reader and blank spaces for personal reflections. This interactive approach is complemented by a “Sources for More Study” section, offering additional reading materials and online resources for those who wish to delve deeper. Titles such as “I Don’t Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist” by Dr. Norman Geisler and Frank Turek are among the intriguing recommendations provided.
Targeted particularly at high school and university students, the book serves as a guide for young Christians navigating faith amidst an abundance of information and diverse viewpoints. Its blend of engaging dialogue, relatable themes, and valuable recommendations make it a compelling read for those seeking to reaffirm their faith or gain a deeper understanding of Christian beliefs. Searching for Proof and Faith stands out as an educational and thought-stimulating work, inviting readers to explore the complexities of faith in today’s world.
Pages: 223 | ASIN : B0CQ8T1R35
Nature Has a Voice
Soar a Burning Sky follows a group of warriors from Earth who are tasked with saving Earth and its counterpart, Eonthera, who have a symbiotic relationship. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’m taken with two stories. The first is, of course, the ultimate ensemble in fantasy, The Lord of the Rings. Simply put, it states the needs of the many can be solved by the very few IF those very few bear the right heart. The second tale I was inspired by is more woeful, primarily given its urgency: An Inconvenient Truth. There’s nothing to add towards its application. We’re in dire straits, and we need to be honest about that.
If you take to heart the challenges these two books present, and you combine the simple yet powerful nature of their champions, you land somewhere near my conceit. From there, I simply extrapolated along the lines of the epiphany I had, which became the foundation of this story: “what happens to the body affects the soul.”
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Culpability, primarily. Responsibility second. Accounting, third. Duplicity is in there too. Then there’s the awareness that Nature has a voice as well—that was at the top of my list. Let’s hear from Nature for once.
My goal has always been to search, if not find, the simplest way to a solution. Words can glorify a point of view, but they can also obscure it. I wanted my readers to not only recognize themselves as part of the problem, but more importantly, to also see themselves as the ultimate solution. If Nature’s point of view, regardless of the fantasy, can help with that realization, then more power to the conceit.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing, or did it come out organically as you were writing?
I tend to write from the character’s point of view, which could be inferred as being organic (if I was schizophrenic). All kidding aside, I need my characters to recognize their worth in the conversation and have to position their POVs accordingly. Ultimately, I need their words to sound authentic to who and what they are, and why they’d say the things they would. I guess that takes some thinking. Unfortunately, that doesn’t come organically with me.
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
This is but the first book of four. All are outlined, but given publication issues this is the only one written. You have to understand I have a bit of a conundrum on my hands. My concept extols the need to be more aware of this big blue jewel we call Earth. It is our home, our ONLY home, and sooner or later our bill will come due regarding the toll it’s taken—which we’ve caused. That said, if I were to follow the traditional route of printing on basic paper stock (like EVERYONE else), I’d reek of hypocrisy. That, in turn, would nullify the power of Soar‘s message. My challenge is to find a way to print my manuscript on 100% recycled paper, and yes, if I can, include a sapling, a tree, to go along with it.
My goal is simple…when you’re done reading the first book, simply go plant it somewhere. Three more books will come in time. Come back in five years and voila, you’ve got a beautiful tree on your hands. Do this four times, and you’ve started your very own forest. You can’t say that every day. And yes, that’s where I want to take my readers—to their very own woods. There they will find the voice of Nature just waiting to chat. Until then, I plan to release a large portion of my saga digitally, where its carbon footprint will remain minuscule and always within my control.
FastFlight 540: In Search of Xander
FastFlight 540: In Search of Xander whisks readers away on an exhilarating adventure alongside the indomitable Anslie Dawn as she embarks on a daring mission to reunite with her missing husband, Xander Bump. This latest installment in the series is nothing short of captivating, ensuring that readers will be glued to its pages from the very beginning to the thrilling conclusion.
M.M. Mesldorf’s writing shines brilliantly as she effortlessly paints vivid landscapes, breathes life into well-rounded characters, and weaves a narrative that effortlessly resonates with a wide audience. What’s truly impressive is her ability to craft a story that stands alone while seamlessly fitting into the broader series narrative, ensuring that readers, whether new or returning, never feel lost. To fully immerse yourself in the characters’ journey and appreciate the depth of their struggles in book 3, I highly recommend devouring all three books in order.
Mesldorf’s story unfolds seamlessly as we transition between the perspectives of Anslie and Stuart. Stuart’s intriguing adventure and the enchanting world he discovers while searching for his mother will transport you to a magical realm. Yet, this tale is more than just an adventure; it imparts valuable lessons on determination, courage, and the importance of family. These underlying values add depth and substance to the narrative, turning it into a rewarding read for all. The inclusion of simple yet evocative images throughout the book breathes life into each chapter, enhancing your reading experience in unexpected ways.
Anslie’s quest to find Xander is filled with excitement, emotional depth, and valuable life lessons. Its universal appeal and seamless integration into the series make it a must-read for anyone yearning for an adventurous tale that resonates on a deep level. FastFlight 540: In Search of Xander promises a delightful and meaningful reading experience that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this remarkable journey.
There is Much in Life that is Unexplained
The Journal of Hidden Truths follows a 13-year-old girl who receives a journal from her mother that she uses to record her introspective revelations. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
What I love most about fiction is that it allows the reader to enter the interior worlds of characters. Star’s Journal provides a clever way to give readers a peek into her personal experiences and beliefs, access her mother does not have.
In a lot of contemporary coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?
I can’t imagine writing a story that doesn’t include the author’s own experiences. I can’t claim to have been as precocious as Star; however, like Star, I have and do pay attention to synchronicities in my life. I struggled to fit in, am sensitive to people’s “energy”, and love animals. I have kept a journal most of my life. Having raised a strong-willed daughter, I can relate to Mariah’s annoyance (and deep love) for Star.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Love is a powerful force that can override all kinds of physical/psychological barriers.
There’s a lot that is not easily explained, but clearly exists.
The universe is fundamentally a friendly place.
In my own life I have been amazed by the many “coincidental” happenings that have shaped my path. The findings of quantum physics open “the door” to the possibility that an interconnectedness exists among those we encounter.
I love the character of Candice Quinn. As a dutiful scientist she assumed a materialist view of life. And then, several unexpected personal challenges led her to re-examine her notions of reality. Michael Talbot’s book, The Holographic Universe, is important to both of us and Candice gives it to Star to read.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
For starters, this is my second novel. Both have taken ten years to complete. Granted, until recently I had a demanding day job in Seattle Public Schools as a school psychologist. My first novel, Once Upon a Time a Sparrow is a fictionalized memoir of my experience growing up in rural Minnesota with severe dyslexia at a time when it was not understood. Despite my struggles with reading, I knew I wanted to write stories early on.
“Working on” is still a bit premature. I am contemplating an illustrated book themed around the grief experienced, singularly and collectively, that we humans experience with change. Change is the constant in life and it comes with a hefty package of emotions, including grief.
