Category Archives: Authors

Book Review: All the Lights Above Us: Inspired by the women of D-Day by M. B. Henry

Posted on March 10, 2024 | Leave a comment

I’ve had this book on my e-reader for quite some time, and I even wrote a review for it back in 2021. However, I recently realized that I forgot to publish it on my blog. I only discovered this oversight when I was reviewing my drafts. My apologies to M.B. Henry, sorry for the very long delay.

The story of All The Lights Above Us unfolds in the days leading up to D-Day, told through the perspectives of five different women. Mildred, a renowned radio personality in Berlin, shares her experiences. Theda, a 26-year-old nurse with the Voluntary Aid Detachment in Portsmouth, England, seeks independence above all else. Adelaide, residing in Sainte-Mere-Eglise, France, is a devoted mother on a desperate search for her daughter and granddaughter amidst the chaos of war. In Caen, France, occupied by Germans, Flora works as a messenger for the Resistance. Meanwhile, Emilia, also in Caen, works as a German typist for the highest Gestapo/intelligence office, navigating the complexities of her role.

I adored the characters in this book! Each of them possessed distinct personalities, complete with their own set of strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, I found them relatable because they grappled with choices that resonated with the things we are facing today.

While I appreciated the various viewpoints on the pivotal day of WWII, I found the storytelling execution to be a hindrance to my full enjoyment. Five different points of view proved challenging, especially as only Flora and Emilia’s narratives intersected, essentially presenting five distinct storylines. Some plotlines captured my interest more than others. Nonetheless, I got some valuable insights from the book and am in awe of the resilience demonstrated by these women amid their harrowing experiences.

At the end of the book, it lists real events and people mentioned in the story. Overall, I really recommend this book. The writing is great, easy to read, and creates vivid pictures, making it a fascinating read, especially for people who like historical fiction.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Published May 10th 2022 by Alcove Press

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Book Review: Glimmer by Marjorie B Kellogg

Posted on November 21, 2021 | Leave a comment

Glimmer by Marjorie B. Kellogg is a pseudo-dystopian novel set in New York City in 2110, where climate change has altered the city’s landscape, mostly flooding and practically destroying it. Those who could escape did, and those left behind bonded and created some sort of faction, akin to “Water World,” called dens. 

The titular character, Glimmer, is simply a name that she gave herself and who seems to have lost her memory—narrating the grim situation of the city and the world entire, and her life in Unca Joe’s den. I do love Glimmer as a character. She’s charming, intelligent, and incredibly resolute. She’s a young adult who consistently makes admirable decisions.

The author’s world-building in this narrative presents a scenario highlighting humanity’s vulnerability on Earth, emphasizing the urgency for us to unite and take action before it’s too late. Several elements mentioned reflect ongoing issues in different regions globally. For instance, during the Covid-19 pandemic, there was widespread panic-buying and hoarding of supplies, illustrating the detrimental impact of selfishness. In “Glimmer,” the depicted situation is even more severe, prompting readers to contemplate its implications.

It took me a while to finish Glimmer. The first half was sluggish and not as engaging, but the premise is interesting enough for me to push through. After the very slow beginning, the pacing started to pick up, and the story morphed into something scary, exciting, and thought-provoking. There are many great scenes here, especially when the group came together to move into a new home within the city. It was heart-racing and heartwarming at the same time.

I do love the relevance of this book on what’s happening in the world now. I commend the extensive research put into it as the scenarios depicted are all plausible, with some even occurring currently. While the slow pacing at the beginning may require perseverance, I can guarantee that it ultimately offers a compelling and well-crafted narrative. Although the ending may feel sudden, it becomes inconsequential once you reach the conclusion.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Published October 19th 2021 by Daw Books

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

About the Author
Writer and scenic designer Marjorie Bradley Kellogg lives in Franklin, NY, where she is the editor of The New Franklin Register. She is the author of Glimmer, A Rumor of Angels, Harmony, The Dragon Quartet, and Lear’s Daughters. She has designed scenery for Broadway, Off-Broadway, and for resident theatres across the country and in Europe, receiving many industry awards for her work. She taught at Princeton and Columbia and was Associate Professor of Theater at Colgate University from 1995 to 2017.

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Book Review: A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske (ARC)

Posted on November 2, 2021 | Leave a comment

I had three days off last week, and I finally got the time to read this debut by Freya Marske. Billed as Red White & Royal Blue meets Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, A Marvellous Light features an Edwardian England full of magic, contracts, and conspiracies. It was absolutely delightful!

Robin Blyth has just been named the new civil service liaison to a hidden magical society. He is assigned to work in a government office that liaises between magic users and the Prime Minister of Edwardian England. His new job suddenly turned dangerous when he was targeted for something involving his predecessor and had the misfortune to be under a curse. And it’s up to his official counterpart, Edwin Courcey, to help reverse the curse.

The book touches on the social division between classes, race, sexuality, and magic-users over non-magic users (you get the drift). As a fantasy romance, you cannot ask for more. The author sure knows how to pack everything into this story! The whole premise of the book was just fantastic. It has impressive world-building, the entire magical system was engaging, and of course, the chemistry between Robin and Edwin – ugh. It was so much fun to read. I loved the adorable scenes between them, including the sexy times, which are totally off the charts!

I guess my only qualm about this book is its misogynistic undertone. I am not sure if it’s just me or if I’m reading too much into it, but there’s just some commentary that I’d rather ignore since I didn’t think that I would enjoy it as much as I did.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Kindle Edition, 377 pages
Published November 2nd 2021 by Tordotcom

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher, Macmillan-Tor/Forge, Tordotcom, via Netgalley for an impartial and honest review.

About The Author
Freya Marske lives in Australia, where she is yet to be killed by any form of wildlife. She writes stories full of magic, blood, and as much kissing as she can get away with, and she co-hosts the Hugo Award nominated podcast Be the Serpent. Her hobbies include figure skating and discovering new art galleries, and she is on a quest to try all the gin in the world. Her debut novel, the queer historical fantasy A MARVELLOUS LIGHT, is forthcoming from Tor.Com Publishing in 2021.

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Book Review: Oddball by Sarah Andersen (ARC)

Posted on October 25, 2021 | Leave a comment

The topics in Oddball include social awkwardness, anxiety, the pandemic, pets, reading, being introverted, and more. Reading it reminds me so much of my younger self, when I easily get embarrassed to go out there, was unassertive, just wanting to be alone and read, and tends to overthink things. I’d like to think that I’ve already overcome some of those characteristics— at least to a degree.

This collection of scribbles is a laugh-out-loud read with scenario after scenario that would make you think that maybe, you’re taking your life too seriously. It would make you think of the things you’re not aware of doing, and perhaps that includes your pets, who are probably out for blood every time you forget their mealtime. Lol. Speaking of pets— there’s a ton of cat jokes here that are silly and just adorable! If you’re a cat person, in particular, you’d get a kick out of the charming cat jokes here.

Although I’ve seen half of what I’ve read here in memes online, I still find them funny because of the author’s way of writing, as it is very engaging and relatable. If you’re looking for some light reading that would make you laugh-out-loud, and get you out of your funk, then this could be the perfect read for you.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Kindle Edition
Expected publication: December 7, 2021 by Andrews McMeel Publishing

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

About the Author
Hello! I’m Sarah and I’m a cartoonist and illustrator. I graduated from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2014 and currently live in Brooklyn. My comics are semi-autobiographical and follow the adventures of myself, my friends, and my beloved pets.

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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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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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