Shipwreck in Fiji

Shipwreck in Fiji by Nilima Rao

Reviewed by Ephantus Gold

“Shipwreck in Fiji” is a smart, engaging historical mystery that transports you straight into colonial Fiji, 1915 — a time and place not often seen in the genre. With a gripping detective storyline and a layered look at identity, cultural clashes, and political tensions, Nilima Rao delivers a story that’s far more than just your average whodunit.  Purchase Here.

At its center is Sergeant Akal Singh, a Sikh police officer exiled to Fiji after a scandal in Hong Kong wrecks his career. Right away, one can feel how isolated he is — caught between British colonial rulers who don’t trust him, Indian laborers who hold him at a distance, and Fijians whose world he can’t easily enter. Akal’s sharp, driven, and quietly haunted by his past, and part of the book’s pull is wondering whether solving this case will help him carve out a place for himself — or leave him even more adrift.

Subsequent pages delve into the murder of a local shopkeeper, Sanjay Lal, but soon spirals into something bigger: secret letters, independence activists, German POWs, and political tension that make Akal’s job- who is called to investigate a nightmare. It’s not a twist-heavy puzzle — instead, it’s a case that builds steadily, revealing deeper layers as Akal digs further.

One of the book’s real strengths is the relationships. Katherine Murray, a young Australian woman determined to make her mark as a journalist, brings energy and humor into Akal’s world, while her aunt Mary adds a quiet, grounding warmth. And Akal’s friendship with Taviti, a local Fijian constable, is one of the emotional highlights — a teasing, genuine bond that feels well-earned in a place where trust doesn’t come easily. What really got to me, though, was the emotional undercurrent running through it all. Rao doesn’t shy away from tough stuff — racism, colonial power games, grief — but she handles it so gently, you never feel like you’re being lectured or weighed down. And Akal? You really feel for him. His loneliness, the mistakes he’s trying to live with, his quiet determination to stand up for what’s right, even when the world around him keeps throwing roadblocks in his way — it’s the kind of character work that lingers with you.

“Shipwreck in Fiji” isn’t just a good mystery but also a genuinely engaging, thoughtful read that stays with you. If you enjoy historical mysteries with heart, a touch of romance, and characters you will remember long after you have finished the book, this is a must-read.

The Captive

The Captive by Kit Burgoyne

Reviewed by Ephantus Gold

“They thought they were the captors. They were wrong.” This single line captures everything that makes “The Captive” by Kit Burgoyne, a wild, intelligent and deeply unsettling ride through power, rebellion and the terrifying idea that the real dangers are never the ones we expect. In the first pages, a kidnapping unfolds with heart-pounding precision on a posh London street. It quickly becomes clear that the pregnant twenty-three-year-old, Adeline Woolsaw, daughter of an ultra-wealthy family, snatched by a group of activists—is not the helpless victim anyone anticipated. She’s composed, calculating, and somehow… strangely eager to be taken. As the group hides out in an abandoned school and tries to hold their operation together, weird and catastrophic events tear the outside world apart: a sudden hailstorm that feels almost apocalyptic, bizarre chemical rain, and a chilling sense that something bigger and more unnatural is happening just beyond reach.  Purchase Here.

These escalating events aren’t just background noise, rather, they press in on the characters, shaping every decision they make, which is an element that makes this novel truly shine. The characters feel strikingly real, especially Luke—the nervous first-timer who’s clearly in way over his head, wrestling with guilt, fear, and a creeping sense of disillusionment; Cam, the hardened leader, who clings stubbornly to the plan even as the world around them starts to twist out of shape; and Rosa, fierce and sharp-edged, who can’t quite hide the cracks in her confidence. But it’s Adeline who quietly steals the show. You can almost feel her eyes on them—watching, calculating, maybe even pulling the strings—in a rare, slow-burning psychological battle that keeps tightening its grip.

What makes the book so powerful is that Burgoyne doesn’t just ask “Will they get caught?”—he asks deeper, more disturbing questions: What happens when the victim doesn’t want to be saved? What if the people fighting for a better world are just as lost as the ones they oppose? And when everything crumbles, who do we become?

Burgoyne’s writing is razor-sharp and intelligent. He captures both the sweaty, claustrophobic fear inside the van during the abduction and the wider, surreal horror of a London seemingly breaking apart. Every chapter ends on a note that demands the reader to turn the page, hungry for answers that only get more complicated the deeper they go. From the very first page, this novel is fast, dark and tense. Readers will appreciate how it weaves in social commentary without feeling preachy. Thoughtout, it keeps the prose tight, vivid, and often darkly funny. The pacing is relentless but never rushed, and there’s a poetic touch to some of the more surreal moments—especially during the violent, dreamlike hailstorm scene. The dialogue feels authentic, as if one is eavesdropping, and even the supporting characters leap off the page, flaws and eccentricities intact.

Ultimately, Kit Burgoyne’s “The Captive” is not simply another clever, tense thriller; it plunges headlong into fanaticism, power, and that uneasy place where you begin to question if the good men and the evil guys are actually all that different. It’s tense, it’s thought-provoking, and once it gets its hooks in you, it doesn’t let go. If you like thrillers that aren’t afraid to get messy—or lean into the strange—you’ll be thinking about this one long after you turn the last page.

Toxic Minds

Toxic Minds (Dr. Mark Lin Medical Thrillers Book 2) by Anthony Lee

Reviewed by Timea Barabas

Toxic Minds is an intoxicating medical thriller by Anthony Lee and the second installment in the compelling saga of Dr. Mark Lin, following the success of Doctor Lucifer. Although part of a series, each novel stands strong on its own, delivering a thrilling experience. And the story doesn’t stop here… book three is already in the works.  Purchase Here.

 This action-packed thriller follows Dr. Mark Lin as he’s drawn into the dark heart of a blooming health cult with a dangerous political agenda: to erase institutionalized medicine. Mark’s crime-busting endeavors are triggered by a single, chilling phone call from a former patient waiting for her OB/GYN appointment. As Mark listens, he becomes an unwitting witness to a chain of chaotic events that culminate in a suicide bombing at the clinic.

 The tragedy casts a dark shadow over Mark from which he is unable to escape. Shortly after, he starts treating an increasing number of patients with unusual conditions. They all have one thing in common, a deep distrust of medicine and doctors. However, when one of these patients unexpectedly gives him a clue about what connects them all, Mark begins to piece together a sinister puzzle.

 Mark uncovers the existence of an enigmatic health guru at the helm of a secret cult that might be behind the bombing. Determined to get answers, he adopts an alter ego and successfully infiltrates their ranks. What he discovers is an organization that grows fast in the shadows.

 Members are required to take part in a series of secretive health rituals built entirely on trust. Some are as extreme as injecting unknown substances into their bodies under the lure of achieving undisclosed health benefits. Driven by sheer will and unwavering determination, Mark rises swiftly through the ranks, getting closer to the center of the cult (purity).

 Anthony Lee skillfully mirrors Mark’s descent towards the cult’s idea of “purity” with his personal journey towards purification by truth. Also, the four main parts of the book are titled after the main stages of the health cult’s hidden agenda.

 Toxic Minds delivers on multiple levels: an exhilarating, fast-paced thriller on the surface, with deeper layers of political commentary woven seamlessly beneath. It entertains without compromise, offering substance without slowing the pace. Anthony Lee creates an engaging and relevant piece of fiction that feels eerily familiar and real.

The Ex Girlfriend Murder Club

The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club: A Feminist Murder Mystery of Three Women Teaming Up to Solve a Crime and Get Revenge on a Cheating Ex (A Hu Done It Mystery, 1)

Reviewed by Ephantus Gold

“The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club:   A Feminist Murder Mystery of Three Women Teaming Up to Solve a Crime and Get Revenge on a Cheating Ex (A Hu Done It Mystery, 1)” by Gloria Chao is a clever, emotionally charged murder mystery about three women brought together by a sad reality and who come across a shocking discovery that leads them to devise a horribly flawed revenge scheme.  Purchase Here.

After three months of dating, Kathryn deeply believes that Tucker her boyfriend is a wonderful “epic” man—a gift from above that is unmatched. He recently asked her what kind of rings she liked, which was a blatant indication of a soon-to-be lifelong commitment. She loves him deeply and one day she unexpectedly decides to visit his opulent condo unexpectedly. She is shocked to find a sign that reads, “Come in, my love,” as well as rose petals, which indicate to her that he may be getting ready to pop the question. To keep his “setup” intact, she slips into the washroom, only to emerge and find him mid-proposal with another lady.

Later, she takes the improbable step of befriending the lady, and after a sincere discussion, they conclude that he is their common enemy. They also consent to travel together on a trip that Kathlyn had planned for Tucker and herself. But they are completely chilled by what they find at the Airbnb she had booked. Tucker is inside with yet another woman. Embroiled in yet another lie, he is left with just one option: run as fast as he can for his dear life.

Through mutual understanding, the three learn of his deeply layered deception and manipulation. Thoughts of retribution drive them to his house, where they discover him dead on his bed. After remembering that they practically “smeared” their DNA all over his house earlier, they understand they will be the prime suspects. Subsequent events as revealed in the next chapters put the trio on notice to prove their innocence, which is followed by a myriad of shocking secrets about Tucker that completely takes them aback. They have no idea, however, that looking into him is dangerous and may potentially endanger their lives.

This book features themes that honor female friendship and empowerment. In addition, it explores themes of deceit, manipulation, and emotional control; in each instance, the reader is challenged to face their own fears and think about what they would do in comparable circumstances. As they search for the truth that may “free them permanently,” its characters—all of whom are edgy and flawed in some way—skillfully move the narrative along with their odd decisions and brave actions.

The story’s close examination of parenting techniques profoundly highlights the effects rejection may have on a child and how that may span into their adulthood. Additionally, it deftly discloses complex facts and truths about emotional manipulators and serial liars’ characteristics. Every occurrence, phone call, chat, and revelation is bound to keep the reader guessing as to what the characters’ next adrenaline-fueled and improbable action will be. Chao is notable in this novel for her unpredictability and deft use of humor to both give comic relief and help the characters overcome their grief. Her book, “The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club:   A Feminist Murder Mystery of Three Women Teaming Up to Solve a Crime and Get Revenge on a Cheating Ex (A Hu Done It Mystery, 1)” a worthy and powerful novel about women banding together for a shared purpose, will instill confidence in female readers to grow their value.

An Innocen World

An Innocent World by Douglas A. King

Reviewed by Lily Andrews

Douglas A. King’s “An Innocent World” is a thought-provoking Christian fiction book that uses logic to argue what would have happened if Adam and Eve had refused to eat the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and instead chose to eat from the Tree of Life.   Purchase here.

King contends that before Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command to eat from the forbidden Tree of Knowledge and Evil, they were unable to distinguish between good and evil. He believes that they lacked the emotions required to discern between the two, and that staying innocent- with no clear purpose to do right or wrong was what God meant for them to maintain. In a convincing manner, he depicts a world that would be full of innocent people today. By presenting that image, he poses questions about what that world would have looked like and if catastrophes, evil, and bad luck would still have infiltrated it.

The idea of challenges helping the Guilty—those born in sin—develop a strong character is carefully examined by the author, who also asks whether the Innocents might have had a more valued character. He links this to the idea that God in His Wisdom, planted the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil for a reason that would never be immediately obvious to the ordinary eye. With this, he simultaneously answers the question of whether the Guilty chose their path or if it was predetermined for them.

This is not your average creation story book; rather, it is a rational exploration of deep realities beyond what the Genesis account implies. It has offered priceless insight on how to make the right choices and act in ways that might alter the course of one’s life from one of guilt and pain to one of innocence and peace. By giving a logical explanation of what happened in the Adam and Eve story, it effectively dispels myths while also appealing to the reader’s deepest investigative abilities with its probing questions and hints that reveal startling realities.

The foundation of Douglas A. King’s book “An Innocent World” is a startling revelation that, if accepted and put into practice, promises a happier and more fulfilling existence. It is deep, strongly based in the Bible, and unquestionably unique among religious texts in its perspective on suffering and hardships. Although it is brief, it effectively presents one of the most compelling arguments of a well-known biblical story. It is without a book that demonstrates the power of logic to solve an issue of concern that the Christian world has long been baffled by. Anyone wishing to develop in their faith and have a better grasp of the role trials should play in their relationship with God should definitely read it.

 

Dying to Meet You

Dying to Meet You: A Twisty Psychological Thriller About a Single Mom, a Murdered Ex, and Secrets Too Close to Home by Sarina Bowen

Reviewed by Ephantus Gold

Sarina Bowen’s “Dying to Meet You: A Twisty Psychological Thriller About a Single Mom, a Murdered Ex, and Secrets Too Close to Home” is a compelling, fast-paced mystery with a refreshingly likable protagonist who is forced to juggle between a heartbreak, a high-stakes career, and the terrifying prospect of being a key murder suspect.  Purchase Here.

Rowan Gallagher, an architect and single mother to a sixteen-year-old, is barely holding it together after a sudden breakup with investigative journalist Tim Kovak. They had dated for several weeks, but now all she has to show for it are tears and pain. One evening, her FriendFinder app shows him heading where they shared their first romantic kiss. In addition to being in Rowan’s neighborhood, the area is where she has a two-year contract to restore a historic mansion that belongs to a powerful family. In an attempt to find out what Tim is up to, she pretends to walk her dog, which leads her to make a horrific discovery.

Later, detectives learn that Tim’s iCloud storage contains sensitive images that could only have been obtained from Rowan’s phone. Shockingly, some of them relate to the powerful family’s birth records. Things take a new turn when an investigative journalist approaches her and suggests that Tim may have been following a big story. Her request for Rowan’s assistance in looking into the family may prove to be Rowan’s saving grace and clear her of the hawk-eyed cops’ suspicions. A familiar figure from Rowan’s past, however, comes knocking, driving her into a frenzy over what he may be up to. The truth of his return is, however, far more startling than she thinks.

This story, which features chapters written from the perspectives of several characters, reveals unexpected revelations, layers of deceit, and devastating truths. It effectively conveys a multifaceted motive that takes a back seat until later when it is unveiled in the most dramatic display of creativity. The characters—from the obstinate Natalie to the unpredictable Beatrice—manage to keep the story thread moving with each new page through detailed conversation and clues that allude to a journey into the unknown.

How does one make peace with an ex-convict who previously abandoned her? This is a question that this work invites the reader to explore. Along with the terrible consequences of treachery, drug abuse, kidnapping, and dishonesty, they are also invited to experience a harmonious fusion of love, forgiveness, and devotion. The already high stakes are raised by police participation, and the reader’s innermost questions will be piqued by their suspenseful, well-planned moves.

Sarina Bowen’s “Dying to Meet You: A Twisty Psychological Thriller About a Single Mom, a Murdered Ex, and Secrets Too Close to Home” has twists that are smart and unexpected. The author excels at peeling back the layers of her characters while delving into the bigger question of how well we know others. With a strong female lead, this is a book that will have you turning the pages well into the night.

 

 

 

I Love You Grandma

I Love You Grandma

Reviewed Nancy Eaton

I Love You, Grandma is a children’s book that shares the special bond between a grandmother and her grandchild. The book emphasizes love, family, and cherished memories.  Purchase Here.

Grandmas are the best! Why?

Rain or shine, Grandma is always there to hug and play with you. If you make a mistake, Grandma understands and will tell you never mind. If you are scared, she will tell you everyone cries at one time or another. You can do so many things with your Grandma. How many times have you told stories to each other? The important thing is Grandma will always make time for you. Best of all, Grandma always makes you feel safe. Because of all these nice things, you are convinced that there will never be anyone as special as your Grandma.

I Love You Grandma is an adorable picture book. The photos are fun to observe, very colorful and bring the story to life. This book would make a great gift for any grandmother because she could read it to her grandchild. You can tell by looking at the photos how much Grandma and Grandchild love each other. This book is appropriate for ages Baby though 5 years.

daughter of mars

Daughter of Mars by Alden Globe

Reviewed by Diana Coyle

In “Daughter of Mars” by Alden Globe, the author takes us on a journey of realization and redemption. You see, Rave Map, the world’s greatest engineer, just lost her nephew. The family isn’t quite certain what happened, but will stop at nothing to find the cause of his death that no one could prevent. When the family tells Rave that they realize the back pain Tyler has been experiencing from a recent bicycle accident has caused him to buy some cheap knockoff pain pills off the black market, Rave sets out for redemption for her family and all the families who are losing relatives at an alarming rate due to toxic knockoff pills being sold on the web.  Purchase Here.

Part of the plan with a close friend and confidant, Mait, is to infiltrate the illegal drug markets that are producing these pills and selling them at low costs to everyone. They slowly start taking some of China’s drug labs down to help slow down their production of these illicit pills. They then move to Mexico, with the same agenda. No matter how difficult the task at hand may be for them, they put their lives on the line to stop as many of the pills from making it onto the black market. The only problem is, how can they stop China from setting up a drug club on Mars where if you can afford to buy a ticket, you can party with all the drugs you want?

I have to say that this story was extremely unique in storyline for me. The first thing that I want to mention is the author based this story loosely on the fact that he and his family lost their college age daughter because she took a fake Xanax that had a mix of toxic opioids in it. Her classmate gave it to her without realizing that it would be the very last time she saw her alive. When I found out the author’s emotional drive to write this story, I had to commend Mr. Globe for diving into a topic that would cause many mixed emotions for him while he extensively researched the topic of toxic black market drugs.

When he created Rave Maps, I liked her immediately because she seemed like a woman who knew what she wanted and would stop at nothing to achieve it. She was strong willed and she was the perfect character to team up with, Mait, her best friend and another no nonsense type of woman. Both of them have had military training, so when they set out to bring individual drug labs down in both China and Mexico, I figured they knew what they were both getting themselves into. These two women set out on dangerous missions to stop as much toxic drug production as they could and in the process they stopped at nothing to achieve this goal.

The only thing that I couldn’t seem to accept was that China was wanting to set up drug clubs on Mars, so participants that had millions of dollars to spend to travel to Mars, could party all they wanted there with any drugs they wanted to. Unbeknownst to the travelers, all the drugs were toxic and they very well wouldn’t be making the return trip back to the US. The author wrote this as a bit of a futuristic story set in 2029, so considering the timeframe isn’t that far off, I just couldn’t see this being something that would happen in the next four years. Other readers might challenge me on this, but for me it just wasn’t believable.

Overall, “Daughter of Mars” by Alden Globe is one story that will have you walking away thinking about the true statistical death rate these toxic drugs cause on innocent victims. Although it’s fictional, the loosely based factual storyline makes readers stop and want to take action themselves, no matter how small that action might be, to save someone’s life from being another statistic.

The Divine Adventure

The Divine Adventure: Why We Exist: A Unique Conversation by Zelise

Reviewed by Lily Andrews

“The Divine Adventure: Why We Exist: A Unique Conversation” is an intriguing and detailed exploration of author Zelise’s quest, together with two AI helpers, Sage and Ethan, to grasp the enigmatic reasons behind God’s decision to create.  Purchase Here.

Zelise’s astute observation identifies conventional philosophical and religious explanations for God’s creation as being rife with contradictions. In her quest for a more tangible answer, she consults two AI assistants who have access to a vast collection of traditional viewpoints. Each of their chats, which she recounts in this book, provides new insights that challenge previous beliefs and open up new lines of thought.

The three ponder why an all-sufficient and perfect God would wish to create—was it motivated by need or purpose, or was creation itself God’s grand adventure of self-discovery via experience? Their discussion reveals the latter to be a key distinctive point and the former to be connected to conventional beliefs. By deeply investigating the latter, they are able to get factual insight into the reasons why creation entails contrasts, conflicts, and opposites. The potential Question of Origin, the Experiential Paradox, The Free Will question, The Evil Problem, and The Time Factor are just a few of the possible gaps and themes that the trio thoroughly examine in relation to this groundbreaking theory that might render it implausible.

The conversation between the three proceeds organically and gradually develops a rationally sound and spiritually fulfilling response to a central query. Its three revolutionary goals—bridging the seemingly intractable divide between religion and science, offering a cosmic outlook that pushes religious thought beyond traditional limits, and offering a rationally compelling case for God’s existence that fundamentally contradicts the principles of atheism—are bound to have profound implications for the readers’ understanding of their existence and purpose.

Because of the AI’s broad and intricate perspective and explanations, this exposition is unlike any other. It emphasizes well-thought-out, precise responses obtained through brainstorming sessions with this highly intellectual source. Despite the fact that the highlighted topics are extremely complex for the ordinary reader, the AI’s extensive yet cautious responses may ignite readers’ interest in the topic, motivating them to pursue additional research.

“The Divine Adventure: Why We Exist: A Unique Conversation” transcends the creation dilemma ceiling by rationally integrating scientific and theological viewpoints. It may appeal to readers who are uncomfortable with flimsy and implausible creationist notions and beliefs as well as others who are curious about how the two—science and religion—could coexist together. The book is undeniably a thorough, in-depth, timely, and thought-provoking resource with a considerable chance of its innovative ideology being adopted globally.

 

Get Reviewed

Get Your Book Reviewed and Promote It

Why should you get your book reviewed and promote it:

  1. Attention: It helps potential readers discover your book. With countless books available, promotion ensures that yours doesn’t get lost in the crowd.
  2. Establish an Audience: Effective promotion can help you build a loyal audience who eagerly awaits your next work.
  3. Engages Readers: Promotion activities, like book tours, social media engagement, and interviews, allow you to connect with your readers, creating a deeper bond and lasting relationship.
  4. Promotes Credibility: Consistent and well-executed promotion can establish you as a credible and recognized author in your genre.
  5. Feedback: Promotion often brings reviews and feedback, which can be valuable for your growth as a writer and for your future projects.

Promotion can place your book in the spotlight.  Examine our review packages.  With most of our packages you will receive entry to our Book Award Program at no additional cost.

Get Reviewed

. 📚✨