Author: likelystory18

Review: Maestro! Maestro! by Fred Calvert

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

Synopsis:

A tale about a deal with the devil and a feel-good romance. In 1900 romantic Vienna, a young composer, Anton Becker was fighting to be the best. But the stuffed shirts of tradition considered his radical music ‘barbaric and loony.’ In truth it was brilliant, but only to discerning ears, such as those of Lisa von Schelling, the off-limits love of his life. And also, to the ears of the Prince of Darkness, who was desperate to upgrade the cringingly awful music of hell. The heavenly angel Ludwig van Beethoven gets involved, and so does a gargoyle angel from hell, Villi, who, back when he was human, had been a cruel-hearted music critic.

Favorite Lines:

“Sir, your taste in music must be in the tongue of your shoes.”

“Everything this lunatic had just said made perfect sense. But then nightmares always seemed to make sense.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Set during the 19th century in Vienna, Austria, this story follows Anton Becker as he discovers and explores his passion for composing music. I found this to be a beautifully written story full of laughter and love that brings to light the relatable hardships we all might face as we progress through life.  I thought this flowed very well and really captured what a struggling musician might do to succeed. The plot was fantastic and I especially enjoyed the highlights of the forces of darkness and light engaging each other in a battle of wills. I could definitely see this being an animated movie in the future!

I was surprised that there were complementary illustrations and I loved them! It made sense once I found out that Calvert used to be (might still be) an illustrator. He has contributed to many projects including Sleeping Beauty and 101 Dalmatians. The illustrations truly reminded me of fantasia-esque story.

Summary:

Overall, if you like coming of age stories full of fun, laughter, love, and life lessons and would enjoy illustrations to compliment a story, then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Maestro! Maestro!

 

Review: Awaken the Dawn by Ellis K. Popa

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

Synopsis:

A cryptic puzzle. A family secret. A deadly betrayal. When her dad dies during a business trip to Romania, Kat Barrett blames herself for their failed relationship. She’s racked with guilt, haunted by strange dreams about the crash that killed him, and she’d do anything to have him back. Then a package arrives. It’s from her dad and contains a list of clues — one of his classic scavenger hunts. Desperate for answers, she follows the clues to Bucharest and meets Maksim, a local with a dark past who offers to help. Kat doesn’t trust him, but when she hits a dead end, she’s left with no other choice. As they work together, decoding the clues and trying (unsuccessfully) not to fall for each other, the scavenger hunt reveals a deadly secret the dreams have been pointing to, something Maksim’s old crime ring has been hiding all along, and Kat has walked into their trap. Can she beat them to the final clue — and solve it — before she suffers the same fate as her dad?

Favorite Lines:

“I love how the forest is shadowy but the flowers are glowing. Like they’ve found their own magical life amid the death and decay.”

“Friendship is the hand that wipes your tears when life hurts.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This story follows Kat Barrett after she receives a package that seems to come from her dad beyond the grave that sends her on a journey from the US to Romania to solve cryptic clues on a scavenger hunt for answers.

This is Popa’s debut novel but you would think Popa has been writing for years. It was very well written in its creativity, descriptions, and overall writing style. Full of puzzles, mystery, red herrings, romance, suspense, and adventure, this book has it all! There were also hints of supernatural notes that I hope Popa explores further in the future – anyone who knows me knows that I am a sucker for the supernatural.

If I had to complain about one thing, it would be that the beginning was a tad bit slow for my taste. But I promise you that if you stick with it, you won’t be disappointed and you’ll find yourself sucked into a world of mystery and suspense! I found myself unable to put the book down!

Summary:

Overall,  I thought this was an amazing debut novel and I cannot wait to see where Popa takes us next. If you like fiction, mystery, puzzles, suspense, and romance then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Awaken the Dawn

 

Monthly Features – February

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

Early Adopter by Drew Harrison

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: The Price of Tomorrow, Paid Today

“Early Adopter” is a collection of short stories from the edge of human progress. Eight stories hold dark mirrors to our own world… experience thought-provoking sci-fi, technologic tragedy, and pulse-pounding thrillers.

To Run Again: Dr. Laura Brandie is ready to change the world.
She’s the lead researcher behind the KSE, a revolutionary cure for paralysis and neurodegenerative conditions. And now, by good fortune, she’s found the perfect candidate for her first human trial: a man who suffers from locked-in syndrome.
Brett Harmon’s paralysis is total: he can’t move his arms, legs, torso, neck, or face. To the outside world, he’s little more than a statue that breathes… but Dr. Brandie’s KSE might be the miracle that allows Brett to run again.

Homonoia: The world faces an unprecedented alignment of catastrophes and failing systems, far too intricate and interconnected for any human to solve. Frank Burman joins with seven other volunteers for Project Homonoia–a radical, last-ditch effort to postpone the apocalypse. Separate minds link to form one multidisciplinary consciousness, the world’s first human superorganism… a hive mind. But with the world’s health rapidly failing, can Project Homonoia work out its kinks in time to make a difference?

Early Adopter: A loner enters into a relationship with a new type of partner: an AI agent, programmed to be the “perfect companion.” Sure, it’s all self-deception and a game of pretend, as she’s not actually real… but where simulated consciousness is concerned, maybe the lines between real and real enough can get blurry.

And many more!

Summary: Overall, I really enjoyed this anthology. Harrison did a fantastic job at shining light on too-close-for-comfort alternate realities that left me thoroughly disturbed in the best way possible. If you’re a fan of fiction, thrillers, suspense, sci-fi, and mirrored realities similar to Black Mirror, then this book could be for you. 

See the full review here: Early Adopter
Purchase here

Facts Are Stubborn Things by Richard A. Danzig

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Facts are Stubborn Things is the story of Chance Cormac, a litigator, boxer and lapsed Catholic who confronts some hard facts about the law and himself when he reluctantly agrees to represent a client in a divorce action as a favor to another attorney. It is a story of corporate intrigue, international money laundering and corruption. Chance is forced to face a professional and personal crisis and learns that pride often goes before a fall.

Summary: Overall, I found this to be a really clever and witty novel. I really enjoyed Danzig’s writing style and tone of voice throughout. If you like legal dramas, fiction, thrillers, and suspense, then this book could be for you!

See the full review here: Facts are Stubborn Things
Purchase here

The Collector by Eli Stephens

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion:

Synopsis: “A once believed distant past returns for Collector Karson. With possessing the only license accepted galaxy wide, Karson’s employer, the Solicitor General, forces him back to his memories. Hoping a defined life could be muddled into the grey, he encounters something that shows him just how black and white his world is. Standard routine becomes a complex adventure, men become evil beasts, women become a divine treasure, a simple contract becomes his purpose. Karson must find his Brother of the Forge, before the Fool takes him.”

Dive into the rich world Collector Karson must navigate to fulfill his simple contract. Technology, Empires, Kingdoms, Lovers, Veterans, Warlords, and the Divine, all can be found inside The Collector , a sci-fi action thriller and the debut novel of author Eli Stephens.

Summary: Overall, with the compelling characters, intricate world-building, and interesting plot, this would be a great read for fans of the genre and newcomers alike. If you like sci-fi, thrillers, action, adventure, and a touch of romance, then this book could be for you

See the full review here: The Collector
Purchase here

Goyhood by Reuven Fenton

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Funny, poignant, and revelatory while plumbing the emotional depths of the relationship between estranged brothers, Goyhood examines what happens when one becomes unmoored from a comfortable, spiritual existence and must decide whether coincidence is in fact destiny.

When Mayer (née Marty) Belkin fled small town Georgia for Brooklyn nearly thirty years ago, he thought he’d left his wasted youth behind. Now he’s a Talmud scholar married into one of the greatest rabbinical families in the world – a dirt poor country boy reinvented in the image of God.

But his mother’s untimely death brings a shocking revelation: Mayer and his ne’er-do-well twin brother David aren’t, in fact, Jewish. Traumatized and spiritually bereft, Mayer’s only recourse is to convert to Judaism. But the earliest date he can get is a week from now. What are two estranged brothers to do in the interim?

So begins the Belkins’ Rumspringa through America’s Deep South with Mom’s ashes in tow, plus two tagalongs: an insightful Instagram influencer named Charlayne Valentine and Popeye, a one-eyed dog. As the crew gets tangled up in a series of increasingly surreal adventures, Mayer grapples with a God who betrayed him and an emotionally withdrawn wife in Brooklyn who has yet to learn her husband is a counterfeit Jew.

Summary: Overall, if you like slice-of-life stories full of humor, heart, family, faith, and so much more, then this book could be for you. 

See the full review here: Goyhood
Purchase here

The Exorcism of Adolf Hitler by Connor Gunnin

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: It is March 1938 and Nazi Germany has plans for war. But it doesn’t have to happen. Can one exorcism change history?

When Werner Stengel entered the Nazi fold, he was a young Catholic priest. World War I had ended in defeat. He was desperate and loyalty to his country pushed his faith aside. It seemed Adolf Hitler had the answers Germany needed. But as Stengel watched Hitler’s rise, his skepticism grew. Was something more than evil at play? Something demonic?

Now, as Minister of the Interior, and with Germany’s plans for an even greater war in motion, he’s reached a critical point. Stengel’s small, loyal team of conspirators has just kidnapped the Nazi leader. They suspect Hitler is demonically possessed, but what they find is darker and more horrifying than they could have imagined.

The Rite of Exorcism may reveal the truth…if they survive. Can their plan actually prevent a second world war? You’ll love this chilling supernatural thriller because the clever melding of horror, historical events, and unholy possibility by Connor Gunnin will keep you hooked until the end. Get it now.

Summary: If you are a fan of horror, historical fiction, and thrillers especially of the supernatural variety then this book could be for you. 

See the full review here: The Exorcism of Adolf Hitler
Purchase here

The Caiman of Iquitos by Bayard and Holmes

I received a copy of this book from the author(s) in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: In a chilling continuation of their Apex Predator novels, Bayard & Holmes compel us into the darkest corners of the Shadow World. A world where billionaires are not subject to governments and assassins, rogue nations, and terrorists are their tools to obtain global dominance. In an explosion of unrelenting action, one man and his team risk everything to protect the Western world.

Former CIA Operations Officer John Viera is doing his best to lead a “normal” life and start a family. Fate has other ideas.

When a Russian ship is mysteriously torpedoed off the coast of Peru, untracked enriched uranium is revealed within its cargo. Protecting his family’s multi-billion dollar business interests, the US president blocks agency investigations into the incident. Top intelligence officials covertly call in John Viera and his unofficial network of former operatives to uncover the new player on the nuclear chessboard. What they discover threatens the annihilation of the West.

From the jungles of the Amazon to the Sea of Japan, John and his network are the only ones who stand between international security and the Caiman of Iquitos.

Summary:  If you like spy fiction full of realistic intelligence terminology with great world building, fast paced plots, and strong character writing, then this book could be for you!

See the full review here: The Caiman of Iquitos
Purchase here

The Stones of Riverton by Clif Travers

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my  honest opinion.

Synopsis:  The Stones of Riverton is a collection of linked short stories and novelettes inspired by the gravestones in a small Maine town. The stories are bound together by place and ancestry spanning over 200 hundred years. They un-bury an often shameful history of unexplained deaths and deeply held secrets in a town that is divided both economically and culturally. While fictional, the stories are grounded in the lore, rumors, and fables that were told to the author by parents, grandparents, and local storytellers.

  • We meet a mother who is forced to give up her eldest daughter to a tradition that is not hers.
  • A young and talented woman is promised to a farmer who physically and mentally abuses her until the death of one of them becomes inevitable. Her efforts to poison her abuser backfire, ending in her own death, although the community is certain he was the murderer.
  • Three children find the body of a young boy in their favorite swimming hole, and the discovery puts a town on alert, deepening a long-existing cultural divide. The children learn the truth, but they can never speak of it. That truth would put an impoverished part of town in even more peril than they have already endured for a hundred years.
  • A debutante from the city marries a local woodsman against the wishes of her family, only to learn that love is not enough to quell the ferocity of a harsh Maine winter. The real story of how the family perished that winter in 1924 is discovered after sixty years, and it is not at all what townsfolk had assumed.
  • In a story that spans four decades, we meet two closeted gay men who fall in love in the ‘60’s amidst the social unrest of the time. As their political careers grow and diverge, one decides to come out while the other is horrified by what it might do to his future. An argument grows into a physical fight, resulting in the death of one and thirty years of guilt for the other.

There are fourteen stories and a prologue. Some of the voices speak from the grave in search of resolve. Others struggle with the conflicts and the sweet-and-sour of life in a town where everyone knows you and your mistakes. But most importantly, these stories are about the secrets of both the living and the dead that reveal the prejudices and the shameful pasts that often exist in rural communities.

Summary: If you like creative short stories – especially ones with somewhat creepy origins – and all of which that span a variety of themes, then this book could be for you!

See the full review here: The Stones of Riverton
Purchase here

Review: The Stones of Riverton by Clif Travers

~ likelystory18 ~ 1 Comment

Synopsis:

The Stones of Riverton is a collection of linked short stories and novelettes inspired by the gravestones in a small Maine town. The stories are bound together by place and ancestry spanning over 200 hundred years. They un-bury an often shameful history of unexplained deaths and deeply held secrets in a town that is divided both economically and culturally. While fictional, the stories are grounded in the lore, rumors, and fables that were told to the author by parents, grandparents, and local storytellers.

  • We meet a mother who is forced to give up her eldest daughter to a tradition that is not hers.
  • A young and talented woman is promised to a farmer who physically and mentally abuses her until the death of one of them becomes inevitable. Her efforts to poison her abuser backfire, ending in her own death, although the community is certain he was the murderer.
  • Three children find the body of a young boy in their favorite swimming hole, and the discovery puts a town on alert, deepening a long-existing cultural divide. The children learn the truth, but they can never speak of it. That truth would put an impoverished part of town in even more peril than they have already endured for a hundred years.
  • A debutante from the city marries a local woodsman against the wishes of her family, only to learn that love is not enough to quell the ferocity of a harsh Maine winter. The real story of how the family perished that winter in 1924 is discovered after sixty years, and it is not at all what townsfolk had assumed.
  • In a story that spans four decades, we meet two closeted gay men who fall in love in the ‘60’s amidst the social unrest of the time. As their political careers grow and diverge, one decides to come out while the other is horrified by what it might do to his future. An argument grows into a physical fight, resulting in the death of one and thirty years of guilt for the other.

There are fourteen stories and a prologue. Some of the voices speak from the grave in search of resolve. Others struggle with the conflicts and the sweet-and-sour of life in a town where everyone knows you and your mistakes. But most importantly, these stories are about the secrets of both the living and the dead that reveal the prejudices and the shameful pasts that often exist in rural communities.

Favorite Lines:

“I’m told that Alzheimer’s is a horrible end, and I’m sure for most people it is. But for some of us, memory will be the worst torture of all.”

“Cemeteries can make us think about our lives. Our futures….And mostly our pasts.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

When I received this request, I thought it was too interesting not to read it. I admit that I’m still not entirely convinced these are just from a fictional town – I think it adds extra spook factor that their could be some truth to the stories. For context, this is a collection of short stories with an interesting twist: they are inspired by gravestones in a small town in Maine.

As I usually do with short stories,  a couple that I personally enjoyed were Baby and Gertie. Baby was a bit on the creepy side and I found myself living right along with the characters in the story. I could see it being a ghost story; it really reminded me as Scary Stories To Tell In the Dark. Gertie was sad to me but I really enjoyed the conversation between a mother and her child in a moment of seemingly lucidness – it made me ponder some life questions of my own. Be on the lookout for those two but also enjoy the rest of the collection!

I thought this was a really creative idea that led to an utterly unique collection of short stories. I found it especially satisfying the way that some of the stories are woven together and feature a few recurring characters. Travers did a great job at world building through detailed descriptions that made me feel like I was there right along with the characters on the pages.

Summary:

Overall, if you like creative short stories – especially ones with somewhat creepy origins – and all of which that span a variety of themes, then this book could be for you!

The Stones of Riverton

 

Review: The Caiman of Iquitos by Bayard and Holmes

~ likelystory18 ~ 1 Comment

Synopsis:

In a chilling continuation of their Apex Predator novels, Bayard & Holmes compel us into the darkest corners of the Shadow World. A world where billionaires are not subject to governments and assassins, rogue nations, and terrorists are their tools to obtain global dominance. In an explosion of unrelenting action, one man and his team risk everything to protect the Western world.

Former CIA Operations Officer John Viera is doing his best to lead a “normal” life and start a family. Fate has other ideas.

When a Russian ship is mysteriously torpedoed off the coast of Peru, untracked enriched uranium is revealed within its cargo. Protecting his family’s multi-billion dollar business interests, the US president blocks agency investigations into the incident. Top intelligence officials covertly call in John Viera and his unofficial network of former operatives to uncover the new player on the nuclear chessboard. What they discover threatens the annihilation of the West.

From the jungles of the Amazon to the Sea of Japan, John and his network are the only ones who stand between international security and the Caiman of Iquitos.

Favorite Lines:

“How could he continue to fight for a better world for his child without sacrificing the very home and family he was fighting for?”

“She now knows that it is to kill. What it is to watch a comrade die. That the true sacrifices aren’t just hearth and home, but that a piece of each of us is traded with every friend we lose, and with every victim we cannot save. She now knows that we live our lives as a tribute to them so that they will not have died in vain.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author(s) in exchange for my honest opinion. 

When I received this request, I was trying to remember the last time I read a true spy story and was coming up short. I have read romance books where a character happens to be a spy but the main focus was on the relationship not the operation so I was quite excited to jump into this one and was not disappointed.

The story follows John Viera, a retired CIA officer as he tracks down enemies of the nation to prevent a billionaire cartel from having access to nuclear capability technology. I thought this was a really well written and addictive read. The plot had me turning page after page to find out what happens next. I also really enjoyed the character writing especially Angelina; the authors did a wonderful job at writing a strong woman in a realistic way.

This is just one of the books in the Apex Predator series. I haven’t read the others but I was able to dive right into this one without confusion so I think it can be a stand alone or be read with the whole series. I know that I will be returning to finish the rest of the series soon!

Summary:

Overall, if you like spy fiction full of realistic intelligence terminology with great world building, fast paced plots, and strong character writing, then this book could be for you!

The Caiman of Iquitos

 

Review: The Exorcism of Adolf Hitler by Connor Gunnin

~ likelystory18 ~ 1 Comment

Synopsis:

 It is March 1938 and Nazi Germany has plans for war. But it doesn’t have to happen. Can one exorcism change history?

When Werner Stengel entered the Nazi fold, he was a young Catholic priest. World War I had ended in defeat. He was desperate and loyalty to his country pushed his faith aside. It seemed Adolf Hitler had the answers Germany needed. But as Stengel watched Hitler’s rise, his skepticism grew. Was something more than evil at play? Something demonic?

Now, as Minister of the Interior, and with Germany’s plans for an even greater war in motion, he’s reached a critical point. Stengel’s small, loyal team of conspirators has just kidnapped the Nazi leader. They suspect Hitler is demonically possessed, but what they find is darker and more horrifying than they could have imagined.

The Rite of Exorcism may reveal the truth…if they survive. Can their plan actually prevent a second world war? You’ll love this chilling supernatural thriller because the clever melding of horror, historical events, and unholy possibility by Connor Gunnin will keep you hooked until the end. Get it now.

Favorite Lines:

“The weariness and humility sewn into her face made her beauty feel earned.”

“We exorcised a demon but unleashed a monster.”

“Because to him, faith was not about evidence. He taught her that if
people all had proof, there would be no test, no purpose, and ultimately, no redemption.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

I must admit that when Gunnin contacted me about this book, I read the title and thought to myself that there was no way this wasn’t going to be satire despite Gunnin reassuring me it was a serous tone – I was quite wrong.

This story explores a creative blend of history and horror, presenting readers with a creepy what-if scenario that I found to be both disturbing and addictive. Without giving any spoilers away, this book is as the title suggests – it presents the possibility that perhaps Hitler was not “human evil” but rather, was demonically possessed.

Gunnin did a great job at both world and character building. I also thought the mix of history with horror was really unique and only added to the world building. I could definitely see reading this around Halloween with the lights dimmed in order to be thoroughly creeped out and I could also most definitely see this being on the big screen someday.

Summary:

Overall, if you are a fan of horror, historical fiction, and thrillers especially of the supernatural variety then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

The Exorcism of Adolf Hitler

 

Review: Goyhood by Reuven Fenton

~ likelystory18 ~ 1 Comment

Synopsis:

Funny, poignant, and revelatory while plumbing the emotional depths of the relationship between estranged brothers, Goyhood examines what happens when one becomes unmoored from a comfortable, spiritual existence and must decide whether coincidence is in fact destiny.

When Mayer (née Marty) Belkin fled small town Georgia for Brooklyn nearly thirty years ago, he thought he’d left his wasted youth behind. Now he’s a Talmud scholar married into one of the greatest rabbinical families in the world – a dirt poor country boy reinvented in the image of God.

But his mother’s untimely death brings a shocking revelation: Mayer and his ne’er-do-well twin brother David aren’t, in fact, Jewish. Traumatized and spiritually bereft, Mayer’s only recourse is to convert to Judaism. But the earliest date he can get is a week from now. What are two estranged brothers to do in the interim?

So begins the Belkins’ Rumspringa through America’s Deep South with Mom’s ashes in tow, plus two tagalongs: an insightful Instagram influencer named Charlayne Valentine and Popeye, a one-eyed dog. As the crew gets tangled up in a series of increasingly surreal adventures, Mayer grapples with a God who betrayed him and an emotionally withdrawn wife in Brooklyn who has yet to learn her husband is a counterfeit Jew.

Favorite Lines:

“He burst into another mercury-popping day, the sun a white disk in the immutable blue, and took his first breath of air since discovering that hell had no bottom.”

“You know how sometimes you don’t appreciate the constants in your life until they’re not there?”

“Goyhood…the state of rebounding from one travesty to the next.”

“I’m giving you the shittiest Yelp review you’ve ever seen.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

When I received the request for a review on this book, I thought it sounded like a cute, slice-of-life story and I was partially incorrect. It does fall into what I would consider the slice-of-life category but it is so much more than that.

This story follows Mayer,  a Almud scholar who is married into a great rabbinical family. When his mother dies, he and his brother, David, find out that they are not even technically Jewish. This somehow turns into David insisting on a road trip where they bond and discover/rediscover who they are as people.

This was an enjoyably funny novel that touched on surprisingly deep topics in a light-hearted way. I am not Jewish myself but Fenton did a great job at writing a story that can resonate with anyone regardless of religious views. I was really impressed and a bit skeptical that this is Fenton’s debut novel! I found this to be amazingly well written, witty, and overall fantastic at capturing what it means to belong. Fenton did an incredible job with this one and I can’t wait to see what he comes out with next!

Summary:

Overall, if you like slice-of-life stories full of humor, heart, family, faith, and so much more, then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Goyhood

 

Review: The Collector by Eli Stephens

~ likelystory18 ~ 1 Comment

Synopsis:

“A once believed distant past returns for Collector Karson. With possessing the only license accepted galaxy wide, Karson’s employer, the Solicitor General, forces him back to his memories. Hoping a defined life could be muddled into the grey, he encounters something that shows him just how black and white his world is. Standard routine becomes a complex adventure, men become evil beasts, women become a divine treasure, a simple contract becomes his purpose. Karson must find his Brother of the Forge, before the Fool takes him.”

Dive into the rich world Collector Karson must navigate to fulfill his simple contract. Technology, Empires, Kingdoms, Lovers, Veterans, Warlords, and the Divine, all can be found inside The Collector , a sci-fi action thriller and the debut novel of author Eli Stephens.

Favorite Lines:

“You may know her every move, but I know her every desire, so I suggest you step back before those desires sway against you…friend.”

“‘You walked into my club with a T-seven, what did you expect?’ Karson added, ‘It was two actually.’ ‘Pardon?’ Karson repeated, “It was two, I had two T-sevens.’ ‘Oh shit my bad…you came in with TWO T-sevens, what did you expect?'”

“So, you are blind suddenly?…Nope just oblivious.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is a debut novel for Stephens and I thought it was a fantastic first book! It was a really refreshing and creative story concept that I am jealous Stephens was able to pull off and bring to life. Karson’s journey was an interesting one as he finds himself whisked away from the world he thought he knew that was rooted in routine and into a world full of intrigue, action, and adventure.

Stephen’s world building is nothing short of extraordinary, weaving together elements of technology, empires, kingdoms, and the divine to create a tapestry of rich details that keep readers invested throughout the story. Stephens does a great job at blending elements of sci-fi, action, and thriller genres to create a story that is quite unique. 

Summary: 

Overall, with the compelling characters, intricate world-building, and interesting plot, this would be a great read for fans of the genre and newcomers alike. If you like sci-fi, thrillers, action, adventure, and a touch of romance, then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

The Collector

 

Review: 2024…Your Year of More by Noah William Smith

~ likelystory18 ~ Leave a comment

Synopsis:

ELEVATE YOUR LIFE WITH THIS UNIQUE SELF-HELP NEW RELEASE

“2024… Your Year of More” is your go-to book to set goals and mindfully invest your efforts. It appeals to adults of all ages, nationalities, and backgrounds who wish to improve their lives. Its pages are packed with something special for everyone.

The pages contain practical ideas from A to Z, thought-provoking questions, and self-reflective exercises that inspire you to live your best life.

The book is an ideal companion during your moments of solitude. You can read it in the early morning before the rest of the world wakes up or during the evenings after a long day. You may also find it enjoyable while writing in your journal or taking a lunch break.

Enthusiastic indie author Noah William Smith knows the blessings and challenges of intelligence, creativity, high sensitivity and being a minority, underdog and outsider. While his books are based on his experiences, they offer valuable insights without being prescriptive or offering advice.

The book’s authenticity and invaluable insights make it a compelling read that will remain relevant for many years!

Are you considering investing in yourself or searching for the perfect gift for someone special? “2024… Your Year of More” is a life-changing book that you cannot afford to miss!

Favorite Lines:

Because this is more of an activity/active participation book, I thought rather than have favorite lines that I would flag some of my favorite sections which were: Letting Go, Openness, Peace, Resilience, and Vibrancy. 

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

I rarely trade in fiction for another genre but when I do, I always hope to be blown away and this book was no exception. My 2024 goals include practicing more mindfulness and I think this book had a lot of tones that resonate with that.

This book is in a workbook format that includes space for readers to write down their thoughts and progress. It focuses on motivation, and planning for success and overall happiness. It helps readers adapt to unanticipated changes and how to work with/through them.

I could see how the structuring is a bit weird to some. As a type A individual, I am pretty rigid with planning etc. so it threw me off at first but I decided to make it a learning exercise in itself and to practice going with the flow of the information that was provided in the structure that it was provided in. Looking at it through that lens made it much easier to just enjoy the information being provided to me.

Summary:

Overall, if you’re looking for a self help book to inspire you to live your best life, then this book could be for you!

2024…Your Year of More

 

Review: Facts are Stubborn Things by Richard A. Danzig

~ likelystory18 ~ 2 Comments

Synopsis:

Facts are Stubborn Things is the story of Chance Cormac, a litigator, boxer and lapsed Catholic who confronts some hard facts about the law and himself when he reluctantly agrees to represent a client in a divorce action as a favor to another attorney. It is a story of corporate intrigue, international money laundering and corruption. Chance is forced to face a professional and personal crisis and learns that pride often goes before a fall.

Favorite Lines:

“To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible. Be true to yourself and your beliefs.”

“Facing facts is not an easy thing to do. Some facts are not only stubborn, but they are cold and hard to swallow.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

I must admit that I think this is my first legal drama/fiction book. You would think as a law school graduate myself, I would have read more but somehow that is not the case. Facts are Stubborn Things follows Chance Cormac, an attorney accepts a case to represent a client during their divorce but somehow finds his way into something much darker than a marriage that fell apart. 

This was a great legal drama that had me on the edge of my seat. This could be called a suspenseful thriller that just happens to take place in the legal world. This book has it all: New York vibes, the Russian mob, cyber crime, and navy seals. Danzig definitely does a great job at keeping readers from getting bored. I could definitely see this being a movie someday!

I was actually a huge fan of the character writing in this book. Danzig did an amazing job at writing both likeable and unlikeable characters. They had realistic qualities that really brought them to life – which I think is very important – and even when I didn’t like a character, I understood their motives. 

Summary:

Overall, I found this to be a really clever and witty novel. I really enjoyed Danzig’s writing style and tone of voice throughout. If you like legal dramas, fiction, thrillers, and suspense, then this book could be for you!

Facts are Stubborn Things