Third Place: On the Run by William Shaw

On the Run by William Shaw

Reviewed by Lily Andrews Beyond the hills and the meadows of the coastal seaport of Sligo, Ireland, sits the fishing village of Mullaghmore, where William Shaw’s narrative, “On the Run,” begins. Set in the 80s, the touching and ultimately hopeful text follows members of a peasant family whose lives take a cruel turn following political turmoil in their country as they search for belonging, identity, and justice in the face of dire circumstances.  Purchase here. After the assassination of Lord Mountbatten, a beloved British Royal, at his holiday home in Sligo in 1979 by suspected IRA officials, suspicion and tension grew, heightening the Northern Ireland conflict that had lasted for decades. Three years later, the residents of Mullagmore still bore the brunt of this attack, and the Connolly family was not spared. Terrence, a Sligo farmer, is wrongfully arrested, and his wife, Bridget, overcome with despair and worry, sends his son, Tim, to America to live with his aunt, hoping to shelter him from being part of the IRA group and possible death. She also hopes to secure a job to sustain herself and the farm and spare her time to visit her husband. The three are confronted with cruel realities on their own. With two of her most beloved people gone, Bridget felt an emptiness envelop her upon her return home. Terrence, on the other hand, was soaked in despair and desolation behind the prison walls with the loss of his simple and predictable life, and frequent abuse from prison guards. In America, Tim was in a woeful joyless place, being the object of attack by bullies in his new school. Separated, yet united at heart, the three face their situations with unyielding resilience. Terrence joins an escape team that conducts a prison break, while Bridget joins a women’s group protesting against the abuses at the filthy H-Block Prison where her husband is detained. Tim, on the other hand, discovers a hidden God-given gift and joins the 1983 national AAU Championship hoping to win in honor of his brave parents. A page-turner, “On the Run” delivers much more than it promises and affirms the value of family. Shaw’s genius lies in the book’s alternating perspectives, vividly drawn characters who exhibit unique strengths, and its lush descriptions of diverse terrains. Across, powerful feelings are divulged, elucidating emotions of pain, joy, frustration, hopelessness, and determination. Tim, one of the main protagonists in the story, is a vulnerable and disillusioned character, desperate to fit in among his peers, a tall order on his part. Through him, the author deftly draws out complex social themes such as racism, bullying, navigating relationships, and finding identity. Weaving a tapestry based on actual historical events takes the skillful pen of a writer and this author does not disappoint. The book’s pacing is steady, and the dialogue is expositional, and this adds to the reading experience. “On the Run” by William Shaw is a tale of an unshakeable bond between three family members and will captivate historical fiction aficionados and any reader who enjoys fictional stories that carry along impressive takeaways and offer more than escapist entertainment.
Second Place: Young Adult/Second Place: Historical (Fiction and Non-Fiction
Odd Dog Out

Odd Dog Out by Rob Biddulph

Reviewed by Nancy Eaton

What does it mean to be different?

Odd Dog Out is a story about a dog that is different and does not fit in. No matter what, this dog just stands out from all the other dogs.  Purchase Here.

Tired of trying to fit in, Odd Dog decides it is time to leave and go to another town. After walking through many seasons and climbing mountains, she walks till she can walk no more. Did she finally find the place she was looking for? She found Doggywood. Much to her amazement, she found hundreds of other dogs just like her.   They also rode a bike and played guitars. Oh no! She spotted one dog behaving differently. Odd Dog told her new friend that she feels for her.   Odd Dog was really surprised when her new friend said “You’ve got it wrong. I really feel like I belong”. She explained that she loves to stand out in a crowd and told Odd Dog that she should stand tall and be proud.

Odd Dog now realized that her new friend was right. She is now convinced that nothing is wrong with being different and just being “me”.

Odd Dog began her journey home with a new attitude. All of her friends were do happy to see her return. They were cheering and clapping.   They told her how much she was missed and that being different is really great. Odd Dog now noticed other dogs behaving differently. Everyone has a right to be a star!

I love to review children’s books. These books all have a message, and the one emphasized here is BE WHO YOU ARE!   Everyone, even if they are different, has something special to offer and there is nothing wrong about standing out in a crowd!

Odd Dog Out is recommended for ages 4-8 and is a wonderful picture book for parents to read to their children. This book is written and beautifully illustrated by Rob Biddulph.  The illustrations are colorful and attention grabbing!

 


Front & Center

Front & Center Leadership by Brandon Birkmeyer

Reviewed by Christine Kinori

It has been said that a true leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus. Being a leader is no easy task and there are thousands of books out there detailing how to step into leadership. In Front & Center Leadership, Brandon Birkmeyer takes a chance and gives us his take on how to be a present leader. With a tone similar to that of a best friend urging you to believe in yourself, Brandon lures us in. He brings in expert leaders from the personal branding industry, shares inspiring stories, reflective activity exercises and a can-do attitude. This book is almost the perfect guide on how to stand out in the personal branding business.  Purchase Here.

From the beginning, Brandon grabs the reader’s attention by sharing his story and explaining how he started, what he learned, and the decisive nature that ignited his dream to be the best he can be. The book is well written, with the 22 chapters perfectly divided into three parts.

The first half of the book talks about his personal journey and explains what front and center leadership is. The second half delves into the art of personal branding and how to go about it. This part is multilayered with each chapter giving step-by-step guidance. The third chapter broaches the four laws of leadership and encourages the reader to step out of their comfort zone and take a seat at the high table. For example, in Chapter 21 “The Confidence Crisis” dares the reader to gain confidence in themselves. It talks about the importance of knowing and trusting yourself. We all have fears that keep us from achieving our goals, and this chapter is quite relatable. It gives us the necessary tools to help us slay our dragons and push ourselves to go after our dreams.

The best part of the book is the activity break that engages the readers to reflect on what they have learned and how they will utilize the information. Each activity break encourages the reader to take a step and audit themselves. It helps the readers get invested in the book as the questions are tailored to inspire them to write their plans and set up the necessary resources, such as social media platforms, to start building their brands. The activity breaks after chapter six helps the readers pick a platform they would like to start.

The book also contains amazing interviews with people well placed in the industry to be dishing pieces of advice. Brandon interviews Nicky Saunders, one of the hosts of the famous Nicky and Moose podcast, and they talk about the importance of choosing the right media platform. He also interviews Kat Norton and many other content creators who happily share their stories and knowledge from years of personal branding.

Ultimately, Front & Center Leadership is an interesting and quick read. Brandon broaches personal branding in a friendly and relatable way that incentivizes the audience to step up to the plate. For anyone looking to become a leader in personal branding, this book is a must read. It is a great guide and will help you decide where to start and how to go about each step. It is a mind-opener for those who are tired of waiting and are ready to take matters into their own hands. If you need some motivation to believe and bet on yourself, then this is the book for you. One of the things I loved about the book is the encouraging tone and Brandon’s choice to include interviews with people who have done it already. It is inspiring to see how they did it and they also share the blueprints of their success. What are you waiting for?  Grab a copy of this book and learn how to become a leader in personal branding!

 

Consciousness is All there Is by Dr. Tony Nader

Consciousness Is All There Is: How Understanding and Experiencing Consciousness Will Transform Your Life by Dr. Tony Nader

Reviewed by Lisa Brown-Gilbert

We are beset in a world that is swiftly spiraling into becoming a world populated by people who are devoid of spiritual, physical and moral wellness leading to many of us experiencing life as often chaotic and disheartening.  Purchase Here.

Meanwhile, offering another way of approaching life which is sure to lead to a happier and more balanced existence, is an empowering text by award-wining author, and expert on Vedic Knowledge, Dr. Tony Nader, titled, Consciousness Is All There Is: How Understanding and Experiencing Consciousness Will Transform Your Life.

As a matter of fact, within this book Dr, Nader shares a work of great scholarship and wisdom.  This is a text brimming with eye opening, mind altering, information and would be best defined as the blueprint necessary for understanding, creating and living one’s best life. Divided into five sections this tome of learned stature includes deep explorations of the aspects of consciousness through the following general scopes including the topics of; What is Consciousness, The Consciousness Paradigm, Higher States of Consciousness, Technologies of Consciousness and Implications for Human flourishing.

Moreover, within this work is a wellspring of pertinent information necessary for the approach towards transcendence.  Each section dutifully presents a well written compilation of thoroughly detailed sub-topics of consciousness, including elements of modern science, philosophy and Vedic wisdom. A profound teacher, Dr. Nader delves into complex transcendent subjects with a relatable but scholarly approach, including but not limited to; the four states of consciousness, king sleeping, dreaming, the brain as a transducer of consciousness, the consciousness of animals, plants and computers, and transcendental consciousness all of which work towards fomenting the steps to a radical departure from the normative mindset of reality which is that the brain creates consciousness, to realizing that, in reality the opposite is the case where consciousness is the basis for everything in life and creates reality.

Ultimately, Consciousness Is All There Is: How Understanding and Experiencing Consciousness Will Transform Your Life by Dr. Tony Nader, made for a phenomenal read.  This is a large compendium of knowledge which leaves an indelible impression on the psyche, chock full of extensive detail, simple meditative exercises and pertinent illustrations and diagrams. This was not just an average read that one can peruse through.  In fact, it is a thesis meant to be savored and studied because what it ultimately offers is divine guidance, not only to those curious minds but to those dedicated to transcending into a better life a better life. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to read this dynamic book as it has guided me into expanding my awareness of wellness through a higher state of being and my comprehension of reality, as well as my spiritual knowledge base. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend reading it.  I look forward to exploring Dr. Nader’s other scholarly works.

 

 

 

 

Cargo Hold 4

Cargo Hold 4 by Lonnie Busch

Reviewed by Douglas R. Cobb Cargo Hold 4 is a Science Fiction/Horror novel by Lonnie Busch that takes the old trope of a stowaway aboard your spaceship to a different level. Perhaps the most famous example of having a stowaway aboard one’s spaceship in a Science Fiction movie is Alien. In literature and in movies, the trope of having a stowaway aboard a ship or even a train is a time-honored one.  As with using any trope, it’s what an author does within the framework of one that attracts and holds the attention of the reader or fails to so. If you are a fan of the Science Fiction genre, I’d highly recommend that you check out Cargo Hold 4, a book that plays within the framework and also one that held my attention from the very beginning to the end.  Purchase Here. I don’t want to mention many spoilers, but it’s not a very big one to say that there’s a stowaway aboard the Gretel, the spaceship of interest in Cargo Hold 4. The woman commanding the Gretel is Captain Desna and Berlin is the spaceship’s First Mate. One twist here is that the rather noisy and troublesome stowaway is somehow not an organic being. According to the book’s very first paragraph: “Everything they’d discovered on Planet J–S was stored in Cargo Hold 4, but none of it was organic, according to their scanners.” I won’t give away how Busch deals with this issue. My desire to read how this could happen was one of the things that made me want to keep on reading, so I don’t want to ruin anybody else’s pleasure. Suffice it to say that Busch’s solution to this apparent problem of a nonorganic stowaway aboard the Gretel was a pretty cool one. One of the other problems Captain Desna and her crew is confronted with is the ethical one of deciding exactly what should be done about the irksome stowaway.  Two of the other things making life difficult for Desna, Berlin, and everyone else aboard the Gretel include the necessity of their handling an unplanned spacewalk and also how they should attempt to dislodge the unwelcome alien that had stowed away in Cargo Hold 4. I asked myself as I read Cargo Hold 4 questions like: “is the book’s plot fast-paced?” “Are the complications that Captain Desna and her crew have to deal with dealt with in a realistic way?” and “Does Cargo Hold 4 have a plot that holds my interest and keeps me want to keep on reading it?” I’m glad I read Cargo Hold 4. Besides being a captivating, page-turning Sci-Fi/Horror thriller, I liked reading the book for the added reason of discovering how the book’s author, Lonnie Busch, came up with inventive ways to play within the confines of the stowaway trope. I highly recommend Cargo Hold 4 for anyone who enjoys reading intelligent, fast-paced examples of the Sci-Fi/ Horror genre. Check it out today!    
First Place: Mystery/Thriller/Horror/Suspense./Second Place: Science Fiction
Involuntarious

Involuntarius by J. R. Izquierdo

Reviewed by Lily Andrews

J.R. Izquierdo’s gripping mystery and suspense novel “Involuntarius” traces a young man’s quest to unearth secrets his father left behind that might prevent a war between two secret societies fighting to be the dominant sect.  Purchase Here.

The sight of his mother’s lifeless body with a pool of blood underneath it shocks Ellis Cattivo. She has a deep gash on her right forearm and is clutching a mystery garnet-encrusted golden knife in her left hand. The dagger is suddenly taken by his father, Julius, who makes off with it. It quickly becomes clear to Ellis that the dagger, Aurum Pugio, is a prized object, and those seeking it would stop at nothing to get it.

Later, Ellis creeps after Sadie, also known as the Profeticis, whom Julius had brought home earlier. They come to a building where Julius is brutally killed because he will not divulge the whereabouts of the dagger. Ellis gets caught eavesdropping and is put in a tough scenario where he has to choose between returning to his former life and becoming a member of the Involuntarius, the secret organization his father was a part of before he was labeled a defectus. Selecting the latter, he makes rapid progress through a series of rituals, catching the interest of Princeps Dominus, the Involuntarius’s leader.

Puzzles, dominance, secrets, killings, and horrifying conspiracies are all central to this lengthy and deeply riveting story. The protagonist, a young man of resilience, perseveres through many setbacks in an attempt to uncover whatever purpose fate may have in store for him. He is at the center of a tense period in which a way of life that has provided many people with a sense of purpose is under threat. He immediately makes an impression on the audience as a guy on a mission after escaping a planned blood fest by an extremely vengeful woman posing as a friend.

The book “Involuntarius” by J. R. Izquierdo is quite entertaining despite its length. The relic that Princeps Dominus passed down over the years and how the adversary may detect vulnerability without it are two of its most intriguing ideas. One distinctive aspect of the book is its gradual pacing and shift in tone as stakes rise along with its exciting conclusion. A worthy page-turner, Izquierdo’s work will tug at the heartstrings of all mystery and suspense enthusiasts who love stories that defy quick solutions.

 

Star Maker

Star Maker by Jessa Nevins

Reviewed by Jacquelyn Tolksdorf

The novel captures the essence of the 1980s rock scene, with vivid descriptions of the music, fashion, and culture of the time. From the highways of Nevada to the bustling streets of Los Angeles, Nevins paints a rich backdrop that immerses the reader in the era. The authenticity of the setting adds depth to the story and enhances the overall reading experience.  Purchase Here.

Star Maker, written by Jessa Nevins, is a vibrant and thrilling narrative set in the summer of 1984. The story follows the adventures of Kit as she signs on Joe Arden to one rock band, and Sully Foxx to another. From high-speed chases to the gritty realities of the music industry, Nevins crafts a compelling tale that delves deep into the heart of rock and roll culture.

Star Maker explores several themes, including the pursuit of dreams, the complexities of friendship and relationships, and the consequences of living a life of excess. Sully, a talented musician, and Kit, a woman from a prestigious family, form an unlikely pair whose connection is tested by external pressures and internal insecurities. Sully’s discomfort in Kit’s world is palpable during their interactions with her family.

Overall, Sully and Kit’s relationship in “Star Maker” is a beautifully crafted narrative of love triumphing over adversity. Jessa Nevins adeptly portrays their journey with authenticity and emotional depth, making their story resonate with readers. Their relationship is a beacon of hope, illustrating that true love can withstand the trials imposed by a judgmental world.

Nevins’ writing is energetic and engaging, much like the world she describes. Her dialogue is snappy and realistic, perfectly capturing the voices of her characters. The pacing is brisk, keeping the reader hooked from the opening scene to the final chapter. Additionally, Nevins excels at creating tension and building up to climactic moments, making Star Maker a page-turner.

Star Maker is a must-read for fans of rock and roll and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted story about ambition and the pursuit of dreams. Jessa Nevins has created a memorable and exhilarating novel that not only entertains but also offers a poignant look at the highs and lows of  life in the fast lane. With its vivid characters, dynamic plot, and authentic setting, Star Maker is a standout addition to contemporary fiction.

Tommy Rocket and the Goober Patrol

Tommy Rocket and the Goober Patrol by Thomas Kuhn

Reviewed by Teri Takle Nate lives a reasonably everyday life for a 10-year-old boy. Along with his parents, little brother, big sister, and grandmother, life survives with little excitement. The school exists, but Nate’s standard is to get by doing as little work as possible and to tolerate his admiring little brother.   Nothing exciting has ever happened to Nate until he met Tommy Rocket.  Purchase Here. Tommy Rocket is your typical 10-year-old boy, except he only has one human friend. Life with a wheelchair can be confining, but Tommy has adjusted well by creating his social group with A.I. robots that he invented with his father’s help. Normal? For his one human friend, Nate Turner, this relationship can be challenging as Tommy really does not understand what it takes to be a friend.   Tommy doesn’t usually use the telephone to call Nate. How would you react to a robotic helicopter tapping at your window with a coded message? Yes, you have to use a decoder ring to decrypt the message. Have you ever been treated as an obedient robot?  That is how Nate feels when he plays with Tommy. Learning how to relate to others is not Tommy’s strong point, but his robots are fascinating. Tommy’s basement is his playroom which isn’t your typical playroom.  Functioning robots are everywhere.  Each one has their own purpose which Tommy created.  These are Tommy’s true friends, his Goober Patrol.  Also, his creations are extraordinary.  Sentient, meaning they can think for themselves, best describes them.  Due to a special chip Tommy’s dad created, called a Prometheus Chip, each robot has some degree of freewill.    Now you can begin to see what intrigues Nate with this unusual friendship. Tommy Rocket and the Goober Patrol is a wonderfully engaging adventure for boys aged 8-12. I strongly feel that most children would thoroughly enjoy this book either to read by themselves or as read out loud to them.  The adventures are fun, and yes, even dangerous.   As for characterization, the reader knows Nate and Tommy well.   You can easily visualize each boy as well as the various robots. The illustrations are perfectly matched and enhance the story line. Moral character and doing the right thing is woven within the storyline.   This often-overlooked development is expertly exhibited as problematic for the characters which is realistic. The illustrations perfectly match the text. These are needed to show that Nate is black and Tommy is white. Nate comes from a blue-collar family and Tommy from white. Tommy’s family is well-educated, Nate’s is not. Through all these differences the friendship grows through Nate’s compassion, patience and morality. My only complaint was the reference to Marlin Perkins who passed away in 1986. Do kids today have any idea who this renowned zoologist is?    I would suggest to the author to rewrite that section and either use Steve Irwin, who is still well-known although deceased, or the Kratt Brothers.    The challenges of Tommy Rocket and the Goober Patrol are vocabulary and the length of the novel. Vocabulary might be difficult for the younger readers, but the story is so engaging that readers are likely to want to know any unfamiliar word. The book length can be overwhelming to some readers, but this author expertly engages the reader with this captivating tale on the first page. Tommy Rocket and the Goober Patrol is difficult to separate yourself from the book from the beginning. Warning: This book is addictive. I adored this novel, and even though I am far from being a 10-year-old boy, I have purchased and am currently reading the author’s other book.
First Place: Science Fiction/First Place: Children/Second Place: Humor/Satire
Broken Pencils

Broken Pencils by J.R. Rice

Reviewed by Michaela Gordoni In Broken Pencils by J.R. Rice, 18-year-old Jonah is in for a whirlwind prom night when his emotions mount on top of drug use and alcohol. He has a personal recipe for disaster, and the ingredients are as follows: First, his best friend Keon suddenly died a few years ago, and prom night coincides with Jonah’s birthday and the anniversary of Keon’s death. Second, Jonah’s got depression and bipolar disorder. Third, he hasn’t been taking his medications. Fourth, his parents are getting a divorce and fight right before sending him off to prom. Fifth, his friends influence him with alcohol and drugs. Sixth, unfortunate events drive out incredible anger and violence in him that have very serious results. And eighth, well, let’s just say his dad letting him take his Mercedes wasn’t such a great idea. And let’s not forget the ninth ingredient—a trip to the strip club.  Purchase Here. Though the focus is on the events that Jonah is a part of, J.R. Rice found time to weave in elements about class, race, and humanness in unexpected yet poignant ways. The words out of his character’s mouths have a way of sticking with you long after you’ve read the book. And though no very detailed descriptions are given about many of the characters, Rice has made them seem very real from the way they talk and the words they say. It’s all around just incredibly authentic-feeling dialogue. Jonah’s tragic adventure is an extremely thought-provoking one. His story is the ultimate unbottling of pain. His friend’s death impacted him deeply, and he needs help, but he seems to believe himself beyond help. Jonah’s already struggling through life as it is, but on prom night, he drops to a point where he is completely devoid of hope. Rice wrote the story in such a way that it’s hard to know if everything Jonah sees and hears is reality, as he battles with mental illness and a body full of drugs and alcohol. It’s clear he just wants to feel something, to find some kind of comfort. But after a sad visit to the strip club, it seems comfort doesn’t exist anymore. Jonah’s spiral happens so fast, and it begs the question: is it even possible that this fall could have been prevented? This is an emotionally rough read. And as I flipped from page to page, many times all I could think was, “Jonah, no, no,” as he made terrible decisions one after the other. Broken Pencils is certainly creatively written and eye-opening. Though Jonah is technically still a teen, he’s a legal adult, and the choices he made could have easily happened years later instead of that night if he kept dwelling inside his hurt. All in all, this is a very serious book on an important topic and is perhaps best suited for adult readers.    
Third Place: Young Adult
V Life Cover

V-Life: So It Begins (Sugar Bernstein RV-Living Vampire Series, Book 1) by Honey Parker

Reviewed by Lily Andrews

In “V-Life: So It Begins (Sugar Bernstein RV-Living Vampire Series, Book 1)” by Honey Parker, a young Jewish woman discovers empathy and a method to put an end to her long-standing pain, self-loathing, and wrath after gaining insight into the adversary’s mind, whom she has always wanted to murder.  Purchase Here.

Sugar Bernstein, a vampire and a former creative director for advertising, has made the decision to live alone, away from friends and family. This follows the death of her lover, Curtis, whose memory now remains deeply etched in her mind. She has no desire to socialize with anyone and prefers to travel the world in a luxury camper van.

Throughout her travels, she meets and gets acquainted with a vampire couple. She now has individuals who are like her and whom she does not need to hide anything from. As she engages with them, she learns and develops inner superhuman abilities that she never dreamed she had. This may be precisely what she needs to get revenge on an adversary who appears to have no trouble penetrating her thoughts and dreams. She quickly learns, though, that she underestimated the intensity of her opponent’s bloodlust when two shadowy creatures abruptly appear to kill her, both brandishing sharp swords and long, emerald-green coats.

This is a terrific vampire thriller that will not disappoint, with a plot that effortlessly balances comedy and dread. A major plot point is the protagonist’s love life, grief period, self-discovery, and desire for revenge. The protagonist experiences several mental episodes, each of which heightens the suspense and mood of the story. Through time, she changes from a young woman who has been beaten to an unlikely heroine who triumphs over a binding enchantment and a terrible hate-fueled conspiracy. One of the many poignant scenes is where the antagonist informs her of a secret regarding her deceased boyfriend. Many readers will be caught between two extremes at this crucial juncture.

Parker’s writing style combines elements of horror and slow-burn romance to chilling effect, putting a unique spin on vampires in the process. Many of the scenes have a humorous tone, and the language-melding prose along with the vivid world-building accomplishes much. Vibrant descriptions draw you in right away and tease you with what is ahead. There’s so much in “V-Life: So It Begins (Sugar Bernstein RV-Living Vampire Series, read 1)” that feels fresh. If you are searching for a book that will captivate you and leave a lasting impression, this is the right place to be.