About the Book Narmada Rao's "Open Up" is a book of quotes that helps the reader understand how to shape the life they want. As a psychologist, author, NLP trainer and coach, Rao is uniquely poised to write on this topic. One of the themes of the book is our tendency to focus on one thing -- whether it's something from a conversation, a thought, or anything else. Rao writes how to harness this phenomenon to create change in one's life. With a succinct writing style, Rao has organized a book of quotes that lets you get to the heart of the matter without having to trudge through hours and hours of reading to build up to it. Additionally, the important lessons are presented in a creative manner so the ideas stick. If you're looking for a self-help book written in a concise, creative manner, then look no further than Narmada Rao's OPEN UP. More Information International Links Buy OPEN UP for Kindle. Buy hard copy of OPEN UP. India Links Buy the book on Amazon. Buy the book on Flipkart. More Information Visit the author’s website. Check out the book on Goodreads. Like the author on Facebook. Find the author on LinkedIn.
About the Book Sola Togun-Butler, Ph.D.'s "Where Do You Keep The Lions? An African Girl's First Day of School in America." is a children's book with an important message. The story follows Kemi an 8-year-old African immigrant girl who is excited about her first day of school in America. Unfortunately, her first day of school is derailed by hurtful questions from her classmates. Kemi speaks with her father who offers advice on dealing with the situation. This is an important book that teaches children the value of cultural diversity and sensitivity and how to be polite when learning about cultures outside of their own. More Information Buy the book on Amazon.
About the Book Angela Savidge's "Urban Faery: A Modern Fantasy" is a visionary fantasy novel that is sure to delight fans of imaginative fiction. The books is novella-sized and is a fast read. The protagonist is Cate, who has grown disillusioned with her life in Hollywood/LA. Her life turns upside down when she meets a mysterious surfer, Luc, who has a unique history. She embarks on a journey of self-discovery and learns a lot about herself and the world. This book is sure to be a hit with people who enjoy fast-paced, imaginary reads with lovable characters. More Information Buy the book on Amazon.
About the Book Steven Thompson's "BRUTAL" is a thriller/suspense novel that follows a team of detectives on the hunt for a viscous killer. The leader of the team, Augustine Boyle, is bedridden, so the team must fend for themselves. It's a non-stop action-packed ride as the team races to catch the killer before he causes more damage. The author, who studied linguistics, shines with attention-grabbing prose. More Information Buy the book on Amazon.
About the Book Antonio D. Sommerio's "Borrowed Time" is an edge-of-your-seat suspense/thriller book with a novel plot idea! The story follows Jacob Parnell, a man who becomes obsessed with punctuality after the death of his wife. His life becomes mundane and routine until he discovers his watch has a magical power to determine how long someone has left to live. If you love thrillers, you'll love this book. More Information Buy the book on Amazon.
About the Book Christina Hagmann's “Stratagem" is a young adult suspense/fantasy novel that revolves around a young girl with shape-shifting powers. The main character, Meda, is taken from her family to train as a shape-shifting operative. Her task is to discredit political figures! When she's kidnapped, her mission unravels and she must take her destiny into her own hands. More Information Buy the book on Amazon.
About the Book Trevy Thomas's "Companion in Grief: Comforting Secular Messages for the Daily Journey Through Grief" is a self-help book that helps people in grief and friends/family of grievers with coping with grief. One of the strengths of this book is that it is written from a secular perspective, so it is very inclusive for people of all walks of life. The author experienced grief and used the lessons she learned to write this effective guide for moving through grief. It also includes step-by-step activities for helping you work through grief. More Information Buy the book on Amazon.
Review The Sacred Artifact (book 2 of the Young Alchemist series) is a middle grade fantasy novel that tweens and young teens who are fans of fantasy and adventure will devour. The story picks up where the first book left off. Craig Pike, the student alchemist, goes on an adventure with his teacher, Cornelius, and his friend, an archer named Audrey. Just like the first book, the plot is very fast-paced and doesn't waste time in getting things going. The protagonists are soon on a dangerous quest to uncover the secrets of a sacred artifact (the namesake of the book). As one would expect, their journey isn’t easy. Within a day of setting out, things start getting tricky. Craig, Audrey, and Cornelius find themselves in a swamp region where they enter a competition reminiscent of the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter. Eventually, they make it Tarvel, a mysterious place where alchemy was started, hoping they can find out more about the mysteries of the sacred artifact. The book is divided into two parts, with the first part being the journey to Tarvel and the second part, without giving too much away, being a quest to keep a powerful object out of the hands of the story's antagonist. One of the greatest strengths of the book is the cast of characters. Readers get more of Craig and Audrey, who are familiar to fans of the first book, but also get some interesting new characters. Blackwell does a good job of making the characters feel real and their interactions interesting. Another strength of the book is the sense of adventure. The characters are travelling to exotic places, from swamps to barren tundra, with action around every turn and plenty of alchemy. There is certainly no shortage of action. In terms of weaknesses, if you don’t like fast-paced books, you won’t like this book. There isn’t much “down time," so to speak. The plot is always moving forward, but that could just be a function of its aim at a younger audience (middle school and elementary school students are most likely to enjoy the book). If you’re looking for a middle-grade novel with lots of action, adventure, and fantasy elements, you’ll enjoy “The Sacred Artifact.” More Information Buy a paperback copy of "The Sacred Artifact" on Amazon Buy the Kindle version of "The Sacred Artifact" Visit Caldric Blackwell's website Follow Caldric Blackwell on Twitter
Review “Blue Sun,” by Tracy Abrey, is a YA urban fantasy novel about a teenager whose world is turned upside down when she moves to the Isle of Man. She expects challenges adjusting to the new environment, but she never could have imagined the adventure that awaits her, involving danger, mystery, and mysticism. The main character, Genny, moves to the Isle of Man for her last year of high school, although she’s already been accepted to the nuclear science and engineering program at MIT. Abrey employs powerful, first-person writing to put the reader in Genny’s head as she navigates the twists and turns of the plot. With lots of descriptive figurative language, Abrey draws the reader into a plot that builds dramatically all the way to its climax. One of my favorite things about the book is Genny. She’s a well-rounded character who has her flaws but is able to rise to the occasion with determination. If you’re a fan of YA fantasy, then “Blue Sun” is a recommended read! More Information Buy "Blue Sun" on Amazon Visit Tracy Abrey's website
Review Glen Craney's "The Virgin of the Wind Rose" is a mystery-thriller that grips you from the beginning and doesn't let you go until the very end. The story follows Jaqueline Quartermane (Jaq), a lawyer with the State Department, as she searches for answers after stumbling into a mystery that ultimately uncovers deep secrets about Christopher Columbus himself. Having grown up on a farm in eastern Kentucky, the State Department is foreign to the recently hired Jaq, but with perseverance, she manages to catch herself up to speed, quickly learning the lingo and culture of her position. What she lacks in experience, she makes up for with a sharp wit and unyielding determination. "The Virgin of the Wind Rose" opens with a boy exploring a subterranean church in Ethiopia and making a startling discovery related to the biblical Adam. Craney does an excellent job of pushing the story forward by shifting the plot between different time periods and regions, from Yemen to Portual to Washington D.C. and more. Craney manages to weave together history, fiction, and religion with writing that is descriptive yet concise, pulling you deeper into the story with every page. "The Virgin of the Wind Rose" is a must-read for any fan of historical thrillers! More Information Buy "The Virgin of the Wind Rose" on Amazon Check out the author's website
