New Book Reviews Blog Pages

At God's Mercy by Liron Fine






Review
“At God's Mercy," by Liron Fine, is a suspense thriller that follows the journey of two 50-something identical twins as they travel through Poland, trying to piece together their past.

The novel is set in motion when Rabbi Jeremiah Neumann discovers he has a long-lost twin brother, who happens to be a priest.

The brothers put their religious differences aside and travel to Poland to uncover the details of their origin.

In Poland, they find an unexpected evil that manifests itself gradually, in addition to their history.

The plot moves quickly once it gets going, and it is exciting to see the brothers uncover their past as danger grows around them.

One of the strongest attributes of the book is its social commentary.

Fine has a knack for making the reader think about about religion, relationships, and human nature itself.

For example, there is a subplot involving Jeremiah's strained relationship with his daughter, Eva, who is romantically involved with a Christian.

The novel's ability to make the reader ask questions, as well as its ability to put the reader on the edge of his or her seat, make it a must-read for any suspense-thriller fan.



More Information
Buy it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/At-Gods-Mercy-suspense-thriller-ebook/dp/B00GJMBFS4
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LironFineAuthor

I'll Never Be Free - The Fires of Love & Hate" by Sky Alexander

Review
The first book in a four-part historical-romance series, “I’ll Never Be Free - The Fires of Love and Hate," by Sky Alexander, tells the story of how a strong woman deals with an unwanted arranged marriage in nineteenth century America.

The 460-page novel, inspired by the author's family stories, is set in small-town Missouri, when the state's biggest wedding is about to take place.

The bride-to-be is the strong-willed Hattie Morran, whose poor father has offered her to be married to the cruel Abner Garland as payment for gambling debts.

Although Hattie is furious she is forced to marry someone she hates, she plans a way to gain the upper hand in the situation, which eventually results in her becoming extraordinarily wealthy.

In addition to the interesting plot, "I'll Never Be Free" has a few underlying themes, the main ones being optimism, perseverance, and faith.

One of the strengths of the novel is the interesting dialogue, which is both engaging and realistic.
The highlight of the novel is its cast of strong female characters. Regardless of the trials set in front of them, they remain determined and optimistic.

Overall, the book is an inspiring, interesting read that is perfect for anyone interested in the historical-romance genre -- and fortunately for the fans, there are more books in the series to look forward to.

Additional Information
Buy the book: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ENRCXAQ
Website: www.romancefictonbooks.com

Learn To Tie A Tie With The Rabbit And The Fox: Story With Instructional Song by Sybrina Durant

Review
Sybrina Durant's "Learn to Tie a Tie with the Rabbit & the Fox: Story with Instructional Song," illustrated by Donna Marie Naval, is a clever mnemonic story intended as an activity book for families with children.

The story describes the encounter between a carefree white rabbit and a ravenous gray fox.

One afternoon, when the rabbit is foraging for food far away from his cozy, underground home, he stops to enjoy the tastiest shoots.

But soon, the aggressive fox, hearing the rabbit chomping loudly on the grass, stuns the little rabbit into a shocked state with his approach.

With a racing heart, the rabbit quickly comes to his senses and bounds off to avert the fox's attack.

At this point in the story, simple diagrams on how to tie a tie are included that parallel the chasing patterns between the fox and the rabbit. For example, just as the rabbit slides under the bush, the tie blade slides under the neck loop.

Children and parents alike will delight in the tale's creativity, the hands-on practice of tying a tie, and the illustrator's energetic and bright designs, as well as the accompanying song that helps commit the skill to memory.

More Information
Website: http://www.sybrina.com

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/SybrinaPublishing?ref=hl and https://www.facebook.com/SybrinaSongs

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/102965665530138163417/posts/p/pub

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6455676.Sybrina_Durant

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sybrina_spt

Amazon Buy print book: http://www.amazon.com/Learn-Tie-Rabbit-Fox-Instructional/dp/0972937218

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Sybrina-Durant/e/B009K3WGMS/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Youbtube book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiyIoftP2yg

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/sybrinad/learn-to-tie-a-tie-with-the-rabbit-and-the-fox/

"Queen Darkara" by Renn McWolfe


Review
Renn McWolfe's "Queen Darkara" is a brilliantly written fantasy novel for teens with an engaging plot and a fascinating world.

The story follows the young, beautiful enchantress Queen Darkara after she is summoned to a distant land rife with death and destruction.

When Darkar learns that the land is being overtaken by a powerful, cunning witch, she agrees to do her best to hunt the witch, with a team of equally dedicated warriors, including the dashing, headstrong General Dominik the Brave.

As engaging as the plot is, it is the writing that truly makes "Queen Darkara" shine.
It is one of those books where you forget you are reading, and instead feel as though you are a transient observer in a far-off world.

The well-developed characters and otherworldly creatures, such as the Trickster, a creature with a hunger for human hearts, feel tangible.

The humor in the book adds a light-hearted element to the book, despite the somewhat dark plot.

Unlike humor in many books aimed at teens, the humor does not feel forced; it feels like a natural part of the situations.

Because of the writing, humor, and world, the cat-and-mouse game between Darkara and the evil witch is continually interesting, and the reader finds his or herself not wanting it to end.

"Queen Darkara" is a must-have for any teen craving an accessible, fast-paced fantasy novel.

More Information
Buy it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ECZWI1S
Buy it on Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/queen-darkara-renn-mcwolfe/1117607966?ean=2940148648437

Jayden & the Mysterious Mountain by Katrina Cope


Review
“Jayden & the Mysterious Mountain," the first book in the Sanctum series, is a young adult novel with a fantasy-themed plot that will have readers on the edge of their seats.

Katrina Cope's 222-page novel begins when Avando, a mysterious old man, makes Jayden, a homeless youth, an offer that seems too good to be true --  food and shelter in exchange for academic performance.

The plot takes off when Jayden takes the offer, enrolling at a mysterious school called The Sanctum.
The school itself is interesting for the reader, hidden in the mountains and filled with imaginative technology.

One of the strongest points of the novel is Cope's descriptions of the characters' backgrounds, which add a layer of characterization that helps the reader understand their decision-making.

Cope also does a wonderful job describing scenes and action, giving the reader a vivid picture of what is going on.

The plot is paced well and will have the reader eager to learn what will happen next -- there are even a few twists along the way.

Overall, "Jayden & the Mysterious Mountain" is a good read for anyone looking for an imaginitive, fast-paced YA book.

More Information
Buy it on Amazon: www.amazon.com/Jayden-Mysterious-Mountain-Sanctum-ebook/dp/B00EYSKMF2

Author website: http://katrenee11.wix.com/katrina-cope-author
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author.Katrina.Cope
Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/K_CopeFunRead/


Hearts for Sale! A Buyer's Guide to Winning in Afghanistan by Farzana Marie

Review
“Hearts for Sale! A Buyer's Guide to Winning in Afghanistan," by Farzana Marie, is an insightful look at the conflict in Afghanistan that will have even the most informed reader questioning what they have been told.

Marie's 155-page book draws upon her six years of experience as an active duty military officer and her two years of deployment in Afghanistan, as well as her experience as a PhD student of Middle Eastern Literature.

Marie's firsthand experience in Afghanistan is apparent in her writing, giving the reader a taste of what is really happening during the conflict. She incorporates descriptions of her firsthand experiences throughout the book, which makes the topics she discusses easier to visualize for the reader.

The conflict in Afghanistan is complicated in nature, but Marie presents the information in a way that is easy to digest, without neglecting anything important, covering everything from politics to culture.

Not only does Marie chronicle what is happening in Afghanistan, but she offers clear solutions to the problems.

Overall, "Hearts for Sale! A Buyer's Guide to Winning in Afghanistan" is an incredibly informative and fascinating read that is a must-have for anyone interested in culture, human rights, politics, or the conflict in Afghanistan.

More Information
Buy it on Amazon: http://goo.gl/yFyjj
Goodreads page: http://goo.gl/a0TM15
Publisher's Facebook page: http://goo.gl/A9puq

Ametsapolis Rising by Shaun Myandee


Review
Shaun Myandee's "Ametsapolis Rising" is a vast, post-apocalyptic sci-fi with a riveting plot and unique world that will have even the most jaded sci-fi fans clamoring for more.

The story is set in the 24th century in the futuristic city of Ametsapolis, the last city on Earth, where humans depend upon cybernetic implants to survive the harsh environment.

Although the implants are humanity's saving grace, they are also used by the government for control.
A mysterious group called the Zorastran Order uses special implants that give them extraordinary powers.

The ambitious Jonas Evermount is trained by the order because of his unique way of harnessing the power of the implants.

After much training, Jonas leads a rebellion against the corrupt government of Ametsapolis and is joined along the way by a geneticist and researcher with similar goals.

The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge of his or seat the whole way.
The characters in "Ametsapolis Rising" are dynamic and interesting; one of Myandee's strengths is showing the reader what drives each character.

The technology and world Myandee created are unique and well-thought out.

The book's pacing is not too fast and not too slow, perfectly leading up to the dramatic climax.
Overall, "Ametsapolis Rising" is a fresh sci-fi novel that is a must-have for anyone who likes a gripping story.

More Information
Buy it on American Amazon: http://amzn.to/15m2Akh
Buy it on Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1eCIOJH
Author Website: http://bit.ly/1dDN9t2
Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShaunMyandee

Speed Reading by John Kelley

 Review
"Speed Reading: In 24 Hours: Learn to Read Faster, Think Faster and Remember What You Read" is a recently-published Kindle Ebook by John Kelley about the requisite skills, practice, and applications of speed reading.

Kelley's book is designed to benefit high school, college, and adult students who can apply his techniques to their schoolwork and in their professional careers to gain a competitive edge.

The book follows Kelley's five basic steps, beginning with "isolating the trouble" using practice tests that assess rate, comprehension, page response, fast thinking, and vocabulary.  Readers are encouraged to calculate their individual scores and to chart their progress in their Profiles.

Next, readers learn the basic techniques of speed reading, such as analyzing paragraph structures, as well as more advanced abilities, such as speed reading while maintaining a high comprehension level.

All the while, there are exercises devoted to practicing these new frameworks and an answer key to "verify your success."

Lastly, Kelley encourages his readers to apply his techniques to all reading material, and he acknowledges that speed reading is a skill that can be honed throughout one's life.

The book is most interesting in its broad approach to cultivating one's speed reading ability by teaching multiple components of the task.

Overwhelmingly, "Speed Reading: In 24 Hours: Learn to Read Faster, Think Faster and Remember What You Read" is a successful "how-to" manual for learning and improving upon one's speed reading.

More Information

Buy it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Speed-Reading-ebook/dp/B00F3Q5JY8

Changed Forever: The Dreams of Sara Knight by Steven Misosky


Review
"Changed Forever: The Dreams of Sara Knight" is the first book in Steven Misosky's Young-Adult Series of Empowerment encouraging readers to seek out the "divine splendor within."
It begins on the birthday of 10-year-old Kara and Sara Knight who are the twin daughters conceived out of great love by their parents, Steve and Cindy, whose plan is that the twins will take the "extraordinary path" to help the Earth.

Steve and Cindy Knight as well as Steve's mother, Grandma Gaddi, tell the girls about the presence of "awakened ones" called "Heart Knowers" who are attuned to their souls and to God.  Kara and Sara become increasingly excited about this new challenge of "waking up" and experiencing each moment in the present.     

The day after the twins' birthday, the family meets Grandma Gaddi for a hypnotist show, and Gaddi presents the girls with symbolic necklaces and dream journals. From that point on, Kara and Sara reflect upon their dreams, the subconscious, love, karma, and synchronicity.

The novel is most interesting because of the philosophy Misosky presents and in the way that his narration makes one feel like he or she is there experiencing the wide range of dreams, including one involving the country singer Taylor Swift.

The emphasis on family, harmony, and one's inner-life is especially unique for a novel catering to the Young-Adult demographic.  It is refreshing that Misosky is tapping into the spiritual reservoirs of teens and adults and asking them to think about living in a different way.

By and large, "Changed Forever: The Dreams of Sara Knight" is a wonderful, descriptive narrative about challenging oneself to look within to seize the "limitless possibilities" that await. 

More Information

Buy it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Changed-Forever-Dreams-Knight-ebook/
Blog: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7221699.Steven_Misosky/blog
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18331265-changed-forever
   

Kindreds: An Alliance of Bloods by Tani Mura



Review
“Kindreds: An Alliance of Bloods," book 1 of the Kindreds series, a fantasy/dystopian novel with a dash of sci-fi, is an engaging novel that will have the reader hooked from the start.

Tani Mura's 330-page novel follows the exploits of Raine, an ambitious twenty-year-old, in an unfriendly world.

Raine, an inhabitant of a dangerous region known as the Outer Rims, opts to become a warrior, rather than join the Breeders like most most women in her village.

Although being the only female warrior is tough, Raine manages to cope; however, her coping is in vain for she is soon whisked away to a peculiar kingdom fixated on war and genetic manipulation.

Mura masterfully builds Raine's world, immersing the reader in details that make the universe feel real.

One of the strongest points of the novel is Mura's description of each culture and its history, which adds a layer of depth to the plot that truly engages the reader.

The plot really takes off when Raine leaves the Outer Rims, steadily building until its dramatic climax.

Mura's writing is descriptive yet concise, with telling narration and dialogue.

Overall, "Kindreds: An Alliance of Bloods" is a great read with a riveting plot and a fascinating world.

More Information
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Kindreds-Alliance-Bloods-Series-ebook
Blog: http://tanirsmura.wordpress.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18332939-kindreds