Author Archives: paddylastinc

Book Review: A Spell of Rowans by Byrd Nash (ARC)

Posted on October 19, 2021 | Leave a comment

The Rowan siblings were born with powers – both a gift and a curse. Phillipa could charm anyone, Victoria could see through someone else’s deepest secrets and emotions, and Liam could read memories by touching an object. Their mother, Rachel, was abusive, and even after her death, she’s still terrorizing their waking hours.

I enjoyed reading this book so much that I had to read it twice. It’s fascinating and affecting because it has the elements of mystery, magic, and, most importantly, family drama. At first, I was under the impression that it would be a fantasy/magic kind of book, but it turns out to be more than that. The ‘magic’ element isn’t even that prominent in the book. It tackles more on how these siblings cope and grew together after enduring years of abuse from their mother.

I love the characterization of each character. I particularly adore the interaction of the siblings and the little romance in there. (And speaking of romance, you have got to watch out for Reed—I think we all need a person like Reed in our lives.) I also enjoyed the fact that it kept me guessing until the end about their mother’s death. I wished it did have some time skip or a future view of these characters because you’d absolutely root for them. I know I did.

I highly recommend this book and would explore other works from the author. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Kindle Edition
Expected publication: October 26th 2021 by Rook and Castle Press

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher, Rook and Castle Press, via Netgalley for an impartial and honest review

About the Author
Spinning tales of subtle magic with unexpected twists, Byrd writes the book you need, not the one you expected.

As one reviewer wrote: “When I get a Byrd story, I know I’m in good hands.”

Whether it is a Doppelgänger who was once a medieval knight now working in college administration, or an updated Red Riding Hood escaping a post-WWI wolf pack, her characters all feel real.

That Celtic goddess at the pet store? She’s someone you know. A medieval queen fleeing an abusive marriage? You experience her pain and triumph.

With a B.A. in journalism, she’s worked in the writing field for over thirty-five years. Discover more about her, sign up to be a beta reader, or grab a free book at her website ByrdNash.com.

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Book Review: Gone But Not Forgotten (TIN Book 1) by Charlie Cochet

Posted on October 10, 2021 | Leave a comment

Dexter and Sloane Daley have worked as TIN Operatives for three years now. Their next big assignment is to retrieve a virus that mutates a human’s gene to that of a Therian. And it may just be their most critical and dangerous mission to date.

I’m a big fan of the THIRDS series, and I’m glad that this first book from its spin-off series, TIN, has finally come out! Gone But Not Forgotten isn’t THIRDS. It’s very different from that series, even though the main protagonists are the same. This first book is more serious, way darker, and lacks the humor we’ve gotten used to, mainly from Dex’s character. I love that Dex and Sloane are very much in love, and their bond is stronger than ever. We’ve seen Dex’s evolution from the THIRDS series, and the manifestation of that is even more prominent here. I thought it was exciting to imagine what Dex’s final evolution/form would be.

I’ve some concerns about this book, though. There was a trigger warning at the beginning for kidnapping, sexual abuse, and trafficking, which are very much on-page. That surprised me. I mean, am I reading a Charlie Cochet novel? The sex scene with other Therians around just doesn’t feel right for me. It was too graphic and uncomfortable to read. Another thing is the whole undercover stuff. I mean, I shouldn’t be wondering where this and that guy came from, given the nature of what they do, but it’s unnerving for characters to just pop up out of nowhere.

Considering the issues I stated above, it’s still a good read, but I am not sure If I would be that keen to follow this series, the way I was so crazy about the THIRDS series. I understand that this is a different series, but this is still part of the THIRDS universe, so hopefully, there’s a way to incorporate that fun-ness of that series here.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Published September 16th 2021 by Charlie Cochet

About The Author
Charlie Cochet is the international bestselling author of the THIRDS series. Born in Cuba and raised in the US, Charlie enjoys the best of both worlds, from her daily Cuban latte to her passion for classic rock.

Currently residing in Central Florida, Charlie is at the beck and call of a rascally Doxiepoo bent on world domination. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found devouring a book, releasing her creativity through art, or binge watching a new TV series. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.

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I’m With Leni Robredo! #LabanLeni2022 #LetLeniLead2022

Posted on October 7, 2021 | Leave a comment

Vice President Leni Robredo filed her certificate of candidacy for president in the May 2022 elections. Robredo is running as an independent candidate, with incumbent Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan as her Vice President.

Robredo with daughters Aika and Tricia.

Ngayong may malinaw na lider na ang oposisyon, nawa’y gawin po natin ang lahat ng ating makakaya para masiguro ang tagumpay ng ating pambato sa pagkapangulo. Naniniwala po ako na may pag-asa pang makabangon ang Pilipinas at ito po ay sa pamamagitan ng paghalal ng mga lider na katulad ng ating butihing Bise-presidente Leni Robredo.

#LabanLeni2022

Kung kayo po ay maaari ng bumoto sa #Halalan2022 sa Mayo at kung hindi pa kayo nakakapagparehistro, extended po ang voter registration hanggang October 30, 2021.

Nananawagan po ako sa ating mga kababayan, na pag-aralan ng mabuti ang inyong gagawing pagpaili para sa magiging susunod ng pangulo ng ating bansa dahil hindi lamang po ang inyong kinabukasan ang nakataya dito, kung hindi na rin ang kinabukasan ng inyong mga anak, at ka apu-apuhan.

Lalaban po tayo. Dasal, tiwala at ang inyo pong boto ang kailangan natin para mapagtagumpayan ito.

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Book Review: Marvin the Very Tall Bear Kindle Edition by T.A. Unwin

Posted on October 6, 2021 | Leave a comment

This charming tale revolves around Marvin, a Bear who yearns to be less towering so he can enjoy the simple pleasures of fitting through doorways, joining family meals, and playing on park slides like other bears. One fateful night, his wish unexpectedly materializes, leading Marvin on a journey that echoes the cautionary adage, ‘be careful what you wish for because you might just get it…’

The story’s message resonates deeply, offering children a gentle reminder that it’s perfectly alright to be different. Through Marvin’s adventure, it beautifully underscores the importance of embracing one’s uniqueness and recognizing the inherent value in being oneself. While I wished for more vibrant and prominent illustrations, the narrative itself shines as a delightful addition to any bedtime routine.

In essence, ‘Marvin’s Wish’ serves as a heartwarming testament to self-acceptance and the magic of being true to oneself, making it an excellent choice for children’s literature collections.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Kindle Edition, 16 pages
Published October 19th 2015

You can download it for FREE via Kindle on Amazon.

About the Author
T.A. Unwin is a writer and artist from London, now living on the Hampshire coast in England. Her childhood revolved around animals; looking after pets and writing stories about them. A passion for the natural world led to a Zoology degree followed by a Masters in Animal Welfare. Writing then took a back seat as the young adventurer set off to gain experience of working with different animals around the world. She trailed after the macaque monkeys in Gibraltar, as well as their monkey cousins in India, studied birds in Scotland, researched vultures in Namibia and spent ten weeks monitoring marine mammals from a boat in the Mozambique Channel. Currently she works part-time in a zoo and has finally returned to her favourite hobby – writing stories about animals. She has two noisy budgies who do their best to put a stop to this.

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Book Review: The Missing Rainbow (Lil Bub and Friends Presents Book 1) Kindle Edition by C. Hagerman

Posted on October 6, 2021 | Leave a comment

These past few days, during my break time at my day job, I’ve been reading these little short stories intended for a younger audience, which I find therapeutic because they’re just so full of positivity—talks about friendships, rainbows, butterflies, and whatnot. I thought they would keep me from stressing about this pandemic, politics, job-related incidents, and more. Some were cute, and some were nice. Others, I’m thinking of reading to my little nephews and nieces the next time I visit them. Anyway, enough of my rambling.

The first installment in the ‘Lil Bub and Friends Presents’ series, ‘The Missing Rainbow’ by C. Hagerman, revolves around the endearing friendship among a whale, a frog, and a bunny, whose joy in watching rainbows takes an unexpected turn when one disappears from the sky.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book for several reasons. Firstly, the illustrations are both colorful and adorable, capturing the attention of young readers effortlessly. While the text is simple, it occasionally veers towards repetition, which may appeal to some children but might feel slightly redundant for others. Nevertheless, the story remains highly engaging throughout.

One of the book’s standout qualities is its subtle yet valuable lesson on conflict resolution, skillfully woven into the narrative. By witnessing the characters navigate the challenge of the missing rainbow, children are imparted with important insights into cooperation, problem-solving, and the significance of friendship.

At just 19 pages, ‘The Missing Rainbow’ is perfectly suited for young readers eager to explore colors and language. Its accessibility also makes it an excellent resource for children learning English as a second language, providing both linguistic exposure and a delightful storytelling experience.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

You can download it for free on Amazon.

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Book Review – MonsterMind: Dealing With Anxiety & Self-Doubt by Alfonso Casas (ARC)

Posted on October 4, 2021 | Leave a comment

“This isn’t the triumphant tale of a hero who defeated his monster… it’s just the story of somebody…. who’s learning to live with them.”

In ‘MonsterMind,’ Alfonso Casas introduces readers to his inner demons — past traumas, social anxiety, sadness, doubt, and fear — which reside within his mind and manifest in his day-to-day life.

Reading this graphic novel unexpectedly struck an emotional chord with me. It vividly reminded me of my early post-college days when, despite obtaining my degree and believing I had everything under control, I found myself adrift in the complexities of the real world. Like the main character depicted here, I grappled with numerous challenges, battled through periods of depression, and harbored an overwhelming fear of the uncertain future.

What resonated deeply with me was how the author tackled these themes with a delicate balance of adorableness and humor. Casas skillfully acknowledges that everyone experiences anxiety and depression differently, reassuring readers that it’s perfectly normal not to be okay, to feel alone, and to seek help. This narrative emphasizes the importance of prioritizing one’s own well-being.

Despite the weightiness of its subject matter, ‘MonsterMind’ employs the power of art to connect with its audience. Through its humor, the novel doesn’t trivialize the struggles depicted but rather serves as a means to confront and navigate them. I believe this book holds universal appeal, especially in today’s climate, where the pandemic has not only impacted our livelihoods but also tested our resilience. I wholeheartedly recommend ‘MonsterMind’ as a poignant and timely read.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Harbound Copy, Expected publication: December 21, 2021

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher, Diamond Book Distributors, Ablaze via Netgalley for an impartial and honest review

About the Author
Desde que recuerda sabe que lo suyo es dibujar, no porque se le de excesivamente bien, sino porque lo demás se le da peor. Desde 2007 lleva colando sus ilustraciones en diferentes periódicos y revistas, hasta que en 2010 pone sus lápices al servicio de Julián Almazán para dibujar Marica tú, su primera incursión en el mundo cómic. Alfonso vive en Barcelona, continúa dibujando y espera que sus sueños sigan cumpliéndose. El último en hacerse realidad es lo que tiene en las manos. Amores minúsculos es su primer obra en solitario. Espera que no sea la última.

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Book Review – Misty Presents: The Jaume Rumeu Collection by Bill Harrington, Jaume Rumeu (ARC)

Posted on October 3, 2021 | Leave a comment

The Jaume Rumeu Collection offers readers a captivating glimpse into the eerie world of Misty, a renowned supernatural horror comic from the late ’70s targeted at young girls, transporting us back to an era steeped in chilling tales. Although I wasn’t even born when these comics first graced the shelves, the allure of Misty somehow found its way into my childhood curiosity during the ’90s.

For those less familiar, Misty was a weekly British comic magazine published by Fleetway, serving as a cornerstone of supernatural storytelling for its time. The collection exudes a nostalgic charm, with artwork that starkly contrasts the sleek, digital aesthetics prevalent in today’s comics and manga. The vintage feel of the graphics enhances the overall experience, evoking a sense of fond reminiscence for enthusiasts of classic horror.

What pleasantly surprised me was the collection’s academic depth, offering intriguing insights into the creative process behind these iconic works. Despite its brevity at just 128 pages, delving into the pages of the Jaume Rumeu Collection feels more like an enriching exploration than a mundane task.

This book undoubtedly stands as a must-read for aficionados of Jaume Rumeu’s work and serves as a valuable addition to any horror comics collection. Its fusion of nostalgia, scholarly discourse, and spine-tingling tales ensures a thoroughly satisfying reading experience for fans old and new alike.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Paperback, 128 pages
Expected publication: November 11th 2021 by 2000 AD

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher, Rebellion via Netgalley for an impartial and honest review

About the Author
Jaume Rumeu Perera was born in 1930 in Catalonia. He began drawing comics in 1952 when he signed to the art agency Creaciones Editorial, under the name Romeo, and debuting on the comic Johnny el Temerario (Johnny the Daredevil). A master of multiple genres, he drew science fiction, adventure, espionage, sports and romance comics and during his forty year comics career his work was published across Europe. In the UK he worked primarily romance and girls’ comics, adopting the pseudonym Homero in the late 1960s. For DC Thomson he drew Susette for Cherie and Juliette for Romeo, and for IPC, he drew comics for Tammy, Jinty and Misty. His work for Misty includes such iconic stories as The Black Widow, Spider Woman and The Loneliest Girl in the World. As the comics market shrank in the 1980s, he continued to draw comics across the continent, such as football comics for DC Thomson and horse comics for the Swedish and Dutch market. He retired from drawing comics in 1992, and died in 2003.

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Book Review: It’s Owl Good (The Super Adventures of Ollie and Bea) by Renée Treml (ARC)

Posted on September 28, 2021 | Leave a comment

This review will be short, and I want to tell you that I loved this book and would read this story to my little nieces and nephews.

It’s Owl Good by Renée Treml is an adorable story about an Owl named Ollie who wears glasses and is insecure about how others see him. With the help of Bea, a super-nice bunny, who has her struggles, they help each other accept their differences and what makes them unique and beautiful.

It is a beautiful little book that sends a good message and is great for kids to read. I finished it in 15 minutes, and it’s just all kinds of adorable and funny. The dialogues are simple, full of cute puns and the illustration is just as good as the story. It is absolutely delightful!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher, Capstone, Picture Window Books via Netgalley for an impartial and honest review
Expected publication: January 1st 2022 by Capstone (first published August 1st 2021)

About the Author
Renée Treml was born and raised in the United States and now lives on the beautiful Surf Coast in Australia. Her stories and illustrations are inspired by nature and influenced by her background in environmental science. When Renée is not writing or illustrating, she can be found walking in the bush or on the beach, and exploring museums, zoos, and aquariums with her family and superenthusiastic little dog.

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My 12th Anniversary with WordPress.com!

Posted on September 28, 2021 | Leave a comment

So apparently, I’ve been blogging at WordPress for 12 years now. That is on-and-off blogging, of course. I started when a lot of social media wasn’t as big as it is today. I didn’t begin with WordPress. I had my first blog with Xanga, and then I opened a Blogger account that I maintained for a good few years until a colleague enticed me to transfer to WordPress, so give and take, I’ve been blogging for 15 years now. It’s mainly just a journal for me, to be quite honest, and until now, it is a way to relieve my stress, and I’m glad to be able to share things with strangers all over the world. Some I become friends with, some just online acquaintances or what the Gen-Z calls now ‘online mutuals.’

I appreciate your time if you’re reading this and have already read some of my entries. Here’s to many more years of blogging!

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Book Review: World Class by Jay Sandlin (ARC)

Posted on September 25, 2021 | Leave a comment

World Class is a Young Adult graphic novel by Jay Sandlin, which centers on Adrian Molina, the Colombian Cannon, who received a scholarship to play football for an elite school. Then he meets the rich, powerful, and star of the school’s soccer team, Titan Evans, who immediately sees Adrian as a rival. After numerous bullying incidents from Titan, Adrian suffered anxiety attacks that may derail his scholarship and spot on the team.

Can we talk about that phenomenal cover first? The color, the drawing, the symbolism—just stunning! If you’re like me, who’s absolutely in love with this cover, then you’d love what is inside even more. The colors are popping; they’re vibrant in continuous panels and just a feast to the eye.

Story-wise, the novel doesn’t feel as fresh, but that did not diminish my enjoyment from reading it. I loved Adrian as a character. I loved that he is from Colombia because we don’t get to see many POC main characters.

I also loved that the author tackled important topics such as bullying, racism, and diversity. I think these aspects of the novel are where the author succeeded, making these topics the story’s focus and associating them with what’s happening in the current events.

I wished we got more of Adrian and his friendship with Luciano, I am personally rooting for them, but I loved how the author handled this relationship. The bullying part, which also relates to racism, was uncomfortable to read. As a person of color myself, I was horrified for Adrian. It felt a bit too much, with the supposed adult in the story not doing anything about it.

Overall, the novel is very entertaining. It is evocative in a way, and I wouldn’t mind reading a continuation of Adrian’s story. 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Expected publication: February 22nd 2022

A copy of this graphic novel was provided by the publisher, Diamond Book Distributors, Maverick, Mad Cave Studios via Netgalley for an impartial and honest review.

Artists: Patrick Mulholland, Rebecca Nalty

Pre-order your copy now:

About the Author
Jay is an author and host of his podcast, GeekOPedia. In addition to World Class, he’s written Hellfighter Quin and Over the Ropes for mad cave studios. Find more on his other books and comics at JaySandlin.com

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