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The US Review of Books connects authors with professional book reviewers and places their book reviews in front of subscribers to our free monthly newsletter of fiction and nonfiction book reviews. Learn why our publication is different than most others, or read author and publisher testimonials about the USR.

Recent Reviews Focus Review Featured Reviews Author Spotlight US Review Blog   Author Spotlight Jennifer Harris "Brilliant! Now I can write that novel." This is what I thought as a surgeon... (read more) Author Spotlight George Koch Although I am endlessly fascinated by the world, science and people, easily amused, and generally happy, my writing... (read more)

Recent Book Reviews

 

Focus Review

Children of Saturn by John Neeleman Open Books "Each of us has arrived here by our own unlikely path..." The apt title of this historical novel mirrors the intensity of the bloody, tumultuous French Revolution. The scenario is revealed through the well-researched but dramatized characterizations of three primary figures: radical journalist and politician Camille Desmoulins, statesman and politician Joseph Fouché, and English-American philosopher and political activist Thomas Paine. Author Neeleman successfully distills the complexity of the era through the perspectives and actions of these men and the equally dynamic women—wives and paramours—who loved them and shared their beliefs. The decision to narrate the story through the eyes of these men and women is a wise one, as it limits the scope and helps make sense of this long and complicated era. ... (read more)

• Abnormal Gumshoe, The by Tamar Anolic
• Adventures of Bailey & Bernard, The by Stacey A. Raymond
• Adventures of Blue and Turkey by John Wallace
• Against All Odds by Richard A. Danzig - RECOMMENDED
• America, but Bigger by Mark Kawar - RECOMMENDED
• Arboreal Destiny by Gregg Coodley - RECOMMENDED
• Big Dream, The by Owen Thomas
• Battle Beyond the Veil by Cassie Sanchez - RECOMMENDED
• Beyond the Burn by Jeremiah Davidson, LSW
• Cooking by Methods by Dr. Luis Mispireta - RECOMMENDED
• Dad, What Happened to Your America? by Christian Terry Doyle
• Dancing with Red Flags by Anna Rajmon
• Dark Agenda by CD Miles
• Died Three Times Lived Once by Robert Garcia
• Door Number Three by Ronald Paul Stassens - RECOMMENDED
• Elis: Irish Call Girl by Anna Rajmon - RECOMMENDED
• Escala's Wish by David James - RECOMMENDED
• Everywhere She Ran by A. Eveline - RECOMMENDED
• Footsteps in the Light by Carlo Armenise - RECOMMENDED
• Forest Fusion by A.D. Parker
• Four Rs of Parenting, The by Carmen E. Bynoe Bovell, PhD - RECOMMENDED
• Golden Codex, The by William Sandberg
• Goodflyers, The by John J. Domina
• Goodnight, Wiggles by Destany B. Stevens
• Goon by Glenn Erick Miller
• Gordian Knot, The by David O. Thomas
• He Has Made Me Glad by Vicki Lyle Potter
• Idea Miners, The by P. W. Cross - RECOMMENDED
• Identity by A.J. Thibault
• Jaxon Discovers Dimension Z by Marva Washington
• Je Suis L'Esprit by Cormac McDermott, BA, MEconSc.
• Legend of the Maara by Patrick Castles
• Let There Be Music, Volume 1 of 3 by Pat Mann
• Letters to My Dog by Scott Tomlinson - RECOMMENDED
• Low Carb Diet: The Healthy Way to Lose Weight by Dr. Luis Mispireta
• Man on the Bench, The by Hy Conrad - RECOMMENDED
• Mission: The Figueroa Cipher by C.W. James
• Morgan's Gift by Mary S. Finch - RECOMMENDED
• Mountain Home by Grace Zacaroli - RECOMMENDED
• Muppit Boy and the Allergies of Evil by Michael J. Bowler
• Need to Believe, The by Donovan J. Rose
• Perp Walk by John Moccia
• Pharaoh's Lightning by M.B. Nasdeo
• Poetic Reflection in Sedulous Romantica by Dr. Harry John Visser, II
• Prince Michael and the Unicorn by P. G. Badzey
• Rabbi's Suitcase, The by Robert Kehlmann
• Rebirth of the Knights Templar, The by John A. Nichols and Myra E. Nichols
• Return to Spirit by Christopher B. Soltis - RECOMMENDED
• Return to Vietnam, The Memories by Stan Bain
• Scripture of Attaining Tao through Body Perfection by Imios Archangelis
• Seen at Last by J. T. Tierney - RECOMMENDED
• Sensual Relativity by Carol L. Monfredo
• Sky Fly Adventures by Justin Shepherd
• Stick With Me, Honey, And I'll Have You Farting Through Silk by William Furest Jr.
• Sydney by Janis Rice and Marshall Rice
• To Touch One Heart by Pamela Benner
• Tom's Girl by Riley Leigh
• Tricky Pickle Carrot Cake by Brytta Fitzgibbons and Judy Fitzgibbons
• War of the Twins, The by Brian Bowen
• Which god Is God by Adrian J. Adams - RECOMMENDED

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Featured Book Reviews

 

A New Trilogy Begins

Highlight Review Of Wind and Wolves (The Steppe Saga Book 1) by J.M. Elliott Warden Tree Press book review by Mark Heisey "That with all our tools of language and art, we forever strove to apprehend the inner worlds of others—and to make our innermost hearts plain to them—and fell woefully short on both accounts." Anaiti's father knows he needs help to fend off the warriors from Agathyrsi. He decides the best chance for his kingdom to survive is to offer his daughter to the Scythian king to build an alliance and gain their protection. Anaiti would rather spend her time out on the plains with her horses, but she feels the pull of duty and agrees with her father's decision. When they meet the Scythian king and his three sons, Anaiti is surprised by just how old the king is. Still, she will do what she must for her family and kingdom. ... (read more)

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Stormy Lives

Best friends Mikaila and Chara love each other like sisters or soulmates, sharing family struggles, high school drama, and premonitions about each other that bind them. But they argue over Asa, the bullied boy who has been infatuated with Mikaila since she befriended him in elementary school. A chess player, Asa strategizes to win Mikaila away from her boyfriend by hitting on Chara, then humiliating her. ... (read more)

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Smart Food

Highlight Review Cooking By Methods by Dr. Luis Mispireta Mispireta Family Foundation book review by Barbara Bamberger Scott "Cooking at home is more than just preparing food—it's an act of care, creativity, and connection." Author Mispireta, a medical practitioner and an expert in the field of food processing and preparing, here offers his extensive knowledge not only of preparing delicious foods but of the basic chemistry that each preparation entails. He begins with an explanation of each method, urging the reader, whether "a curious beginner or an experienced cook," to use the recipes he offers and to understand the science that will increase one's competence across a unique array of cultural roots, modern additions, and inventions. ... (read more)

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Sadness & Strength

When a car accident kills Suzanne Summerfield's husband and parents, she wakes from a coma to find her world empty. Along with the heavy weight of survivor's guilt comes the discovery that her life may not be what she thought it was. While struggling with loss, Suzanne finds something that changes everything. Cleaning out her parents' attic, she discovers adoption papers and medical records from Bolivia. Many are covered up. Most are in Spanish. With Marilee's determination and the help of their friend Polly, the search for answers begins. It starts with dusty boxes and old family memories, then stretches across continents as Suzanne travels to Bolivia to uncover the truth. ... (read more)

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Get Fit

Highlight Review Low Carb Diet: The Healthy Way to Lose Weight by Dr. Luis Mispireta Mispireta Family Foundation book review by Mihir Shah "As soon as you eat anything, your body triggers changes through hormones and enzymes to transform what you consume into energy." Obesity is arguably the most chronic and universal condition of the human species. At a time when obesity has reached record rates globally, society is being inundated with an infinite amount of content pertaining to getting healthy. In Mispireta's cookbook, audiences are given a tool that is not glamorous, not an overnight fix, but undoubtedly sustainable in the long run. Varying nutrition programs are dime-a-dozen, but the author's low-carb approach stands the test of time, both scientifically and experientially. While Mispireta talks about science, the technical elements are distilled in a way that even the layman can comprehend the guidance. ... (read more)

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Vivid Portrait

McVeigh's sequel to Sense and Sensibility picks up three years after Austen's ending, following Marianne Brandon as a young widow trying to find her place in London society, while her sister Margaret is accused of stealing lace from a shop. The story unfolds through Marianne's journals, Margaret's diary entries, and third-person narration, giving readers multiple viewpoints on the same events. This structure keeps the story dynamic and lets readers see how Marianne's personal struggles ripple through her family and friends. Margaret's voice stands out with a perfect mix of teenage drama and self-awareness as she pens her own Gothic novel from her cell in Spitalfields. ... (read more)

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Social Pressures

Highlight Review Kingdom of the Sprayhound Kids by Al Tobin Archway Publishing book review by Michael Radon "Next year, we will get a new class of all-American rejects and reprobates. I look forward to it." Todos Los Santos Middle School is a chaotic Arizona educational institution where students spend more time filming online challenge videos and fighting each other than learning anything. George Shelf is a seasoned, grizzled security monitor doing his best to help these kids stay out of trouble and stop from attacking each other, within the confines of being a modern-day mediator for pre-teens. Every day is both an adventure and a nightmare filled with pranks, violence, immorality, immaturity, and the occasional heartwarming moment. George, known as Mr. George to the children, is often tasked with intervening or supporting them, although he has the experience to know when to step back and protect himself from the chaos or an angry parent. ... (read more)

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Realism & Life

Johann Gutenberg is a skilled artisan in Germany in the 1400s. He is a gem cutter, engraver, and smelter, among other things. His talent helps him stand out, and he is soon approached by a friar who wants him to embellish a book with some silver adornments and stamp a long Latin phrase on the cover. Gutenberg becomes engrossed in the work and begins to form ideas in his head for improving the stamping method. These ideas will eventually lead him to dream up a new idea—a printing press. Books are currently made only by painstaking hand copying, mostly by religious orders. A single book can take a year to copy, and the price is exorbitant. In order to pursue his dream, Gutenberg must give up his job and constantly borrow and worry over money. Also, he meets a young woman named Ennelin, and the two begin a passionate relationship. He plans to marry her, but when his finances crumble, he insists on breaking the engagement, convinced she deserves better than to be tied to a man constantly in fear of debtor's prison. Through years and years of hardship along with trial and error, Gutenberg eventually realizes his dream. However, old debts and misfortune are not finished with him. ... (read more)

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Entertaining & Thoughtful

Three female lawyers give up their comfortable, though stifling, jobs at prestigious firms to start their own law firm in hopes of being recognized and respected as professionals despite prejudices against their various appearances. One lawyer is an achondroplastic dwarf. Another is obese, and the third is so drop-dead gorgeous she is often assumed to be a Barbie. ... (read more)

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Urgency

The proliferation of artificial intelligence is everywhere. Nearly every commercial break, every website a person visits, and every app they use will include some discussion of artificial intelligence, how it is used, and the benefits it offers an individual. While AI has long been a goal of many in the field of computing and a mainstay in science fiction, the cultural saturation point seems to have passed us completely by and is now ever-present. But what does this mean for the average person? What can they do with it, how can it help them, and what does it mean for their careers, livelihoods, and sense of purpose in life? Who holds the leash on this technological movement, and how can we expect those who profit most from it to govern its use and adoption properly? ... (read more)

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Hitting His Stride

A reporter for the Austin Free Press, Callie McFee, sometimes compares notes with her brother, State McFee, the youngest homicide cop in Texas history, recently assigned as lead investigator of a homeless man's murder. By chance, Callie had encountered Barney on her daily runs through a waterfront park and felt compelled to chat with him. The quiet but charismatic man became a popular fixture among city residents for his ability to listen to their problems without judgment. His death seems to be a random street crime, but as Callie and her brother dig deeper into the facts, it seems that Barney may not be who he claimed to be. ... (read more)

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Empowering Language

This novel, based on the author's mother's life, reveals a legacy of cultural and religious tension. A rabbi decides, together with community members, to emigrate from Lithuania to Jerusalem in the late 1800s. With pushback from his wife, his two daughters' mutiny, and being turned away at their first attempt, they almost give up, but make enough bribe money to enter on the second try. The rabbi's eldest son, Yosef, becomes a scholar and scribe. Yosef's oldest granddaughter, Zipora, whose father Yosef's wife had given to another family to raise on the advice of a rogue rabbi after losing their first two children, is the author's mother and star of most of the book. Like her matriarchs, Zipora seeks advice outside Jewish law; she longs for more education than Jewish girls are permitted at the time. She falls in love with Reuven, a Zionist and law student. She emigrates to New York, working at an orphanage to support her family and Reuven during his studies at the Sorbonne. The couple's relationship is sustained and strained by letters exchanged over six years. Writing classes and new friends widen Zipora's horizons. ... (read more)

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Resonant Sorcery

This collection of poetry is arranged in four parts loosely based on the stages of transformation from alchemy. They have an intrinsically modern feel and address themes such as psychology, modern technology, and the desire for connection. There are poems about the relationships between lovers as well as parents and children, discussions on society, observations from nature, a playful verse about verse, and several looks into the life of the mind. One thread that runs through most of the work is the tension between wanting better connections with others and the desire for isolation from the world. Most of the poems are confessional in tone, but the persona isn't always considered to be that of the poet. ... (read more)

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Wonderful & Whimsical

Joey's best friend Ben has moved away. Saddened, he and his dog, Lady, venture down to the swimming hole where the two boys used to fish away their afternoons. Joey's entire world is turned upside-down when he meets a most peculiar character named Frendric, who eventually leads the boy through a portal to a fantastical parallel realm. Joey is ecstatic to discover Ben is there, waiting for him. The two spend extended periods of time together—equaling barely any time back home—due to time differentials, so Ma and Pa are none the wiser. There is, however, one huge catch: the best friends have been chosen for an enormous mission, involving an intriguing girl named Ella, lively dwarfs, dangerous trolls, giants, and more. This "world" where their amazing adventure unfolds is the birthplace of all ideas—ones shaping the history, present, and future of humanity on Earth. ... (read more)

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Spiritual Journey

This book is an in-depth exploration of one of the best-known sections of the Bible—the Book of Ecclesiastes, specifically Chapter 3, verses 1-12. Its chapters challenge individuals to consider not only how they interpret this set of scriptures, but also how they apply them. It also asks them to consider how they perceive, utilize, and approach their faith. These chapters also provide insight into how to cope with life's difficult circumstances, particularly the negativity one may encounter from others. Other chapters provide personal narratives about incidents that may test one's faith. The author shares how her faith guided her through both difficult and easy circumstances. Other chapters remind readers that they must take care of their spirits as well as their bodies and minds. ... (read more)

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Betrayals

Marian and Jason have been married for over twenty years and have two adult children, Olivia and Mark. Marian discovers that Jason cheated on her during a business trip to Sydney, a realization triggered by hearing the laughter of another woman on a phone call. Feeling deeply betrayed, Marian still decides to take a trip with Jason to Paris in the hope of saving their marriage. They have visited the city several times before. While working on their relationship, Marian is confronted with painful memories, including the loss of their unborn child many years ago. During this time in Paris, she is also organizing a vernissage with her art colleague and friend, Stephanie. As Marian navigates her marital issues, she finds herself juggling both personal struggles and professional responsibilities. ... (read more)

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Human Imperfection

In Armenise's collection of short stories, which features a range of characters enduring moral conundrums, it is refreshing to see an emphasis on flawed characters working to better themselves. Rather than the exemplary, picture-perfect model of the heroic arc, the author expertly develops dynamic characters who struggle, sometimes miserably, but ultimately find a silver lining as their stories reach completion. Throughout the collection, Armenise comprehensively explores everything from tenuous sibling bonds and belief in God to the effect of one's upbringing and the desire for revenge. ... (read more)

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To Catch a Unicorn

Prince Michael lives with his family in a beautiful castle. He visits the Great Forest, playing with the elves, dwarfs, and sprites. His friend Imre, Prince of the Dwarves, tells him one day there is a unicorn in the forest—a magical creature with four legs, a long tail, and a horn. "They protect good people from the gremlins and goblins and monsters," Imre explains. Michael has never heard of unicorns before. The young prince decides he would like to capture the elusive creature and returns to the castle to retrieve his magic rope. ... (read more)

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Respect

Writer and early childhood professional Bovell shares assiduously gleaned information and inspiration directed toward parents and caregivers, allowing opinions and personal hopes and practices, and offering them to anyone involved in, planning for, or reflecting on the rearing and intimate companionship of children. "Intentional parenting," a designation created by the author, includes and explicates four requirements: respect, responsibility, reciprocity, and restraint. Suggestions and broad explorations are arrayed to active parents, to those considering having children, and to the elderly, such as grandparents. This overall thesis is designed by Bovell to supply the need for immediate, pragmatic application, planning, and organizing for the future, and sensitive reflections based on memories and acquired understanding. ... (read more)

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Egyptian Surprise

Kelly and Jeff are reporters assigned to travel to Egypt and cover the story of King Tut's return. There are rumors of several sightings, and the two are to track down the story and try to get pictures. Of course, neither reporter believes the boy king has returned from the dead, but a free vacation to Egypt while uncovering a hoax sounds fun. With the help of a local guide, they track down a couple of witnesses and meet members of an ancient, secret cult that has been trying to summon King Tut since his death. In addition, Kelly begins having strange visions of the boy king and ancient Egypt. Soon, it is noted that Kelly looks remarkably like King Tut's concubine, Resha. It isn't long before Kelly begins having memories that could only belong to Resha and begins to believe she really is being transported back to ancient Egypt by her lover, King Tut. She realizes how dangerous this is as the Queen doesn't wish to share her King and plots to have his concubine killed. However, a counterplan is also in play to dispose of the queen. Is it possible that Kelly, reincarnated as Resha, can change history? ... (read more)

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A Testament

In this intimate book, the author embarks on a journey to "understand better the events that had so dramatically transformed the optimistic and fearless young man" he had once been. What he shares in this book is his attempt to better reconcile with the "haunted and troubled veteran" he had become. After a generous donor offers to fund the author's return trip to Vietnam, the author begins the arduous task of planning the trip. From the cross-country trip from Florida to LAX, then from Tokyo onward to Ho Chi Minh City, the author details the intricate, complex emotions he feels upon his return. As he travels to Saigon, he carefully observes Vietnamese culture and what makes Vietnam a beautiful and alluring country. From humorous encounters with shoeshiners who insist on shining tennis shoes to emotional recollections about the war, this book guides its audience not only through some of Vietnam's most famous places and cities, but also through one man's journey to healing. ... (read more)

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Surprises Abound

While visiting his grandmother in South Carolina, Jaxon is troubled by strange and only half-remembered dreams. "Grandmom" is keen to encourage a delight in healthy foods by helping him grow his own vegetable garden. But as Jaxon explores the shed, he encounters a mysterious, catlike creature with a shifty air who telepathically tells him he hails from another dimension—Dimension Z. ... (read more)

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Enter Taoism

The precepts and fundamentals of Taoism are presented here with commentary to make them more understandable and attainable to English-speaking audiences. Focusing on the physical elements of the body and the exercises that can be performed as part of Tao alchemy, the original Chinese text is presented alongside this new translation to ensure authenticity and accessibility for a wider range of practitioners and students. Using diagrams and illustrations, the body's different systems and the flow of energy are explained and demystified for students at any skill level. After presenting the text in its original and translated forms, the author then provides a more personal, peer-like explanation for the audience. By following the methods in this book, the journey to Tao can be felt physically and practiced until it becomes a natural part of meditation or daily routine. ... (read more)

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Experience

Author Soltis offers spiritual advice and insight, melding with his encounters with earthly struggles and underpinned by a finely tuned introduction to yoga and its realities. His childhood was spent in New Jersey, with an identical twin brother and upright parentage stemming from early-nineteenth-century immigrant backgrounds. His tale is predicated on an experience as a young adult in 2013, when he had a "Kundalini awakening" (KA), became wrapped in pure bliss, felt his former transgressions dissolve, and was charged with an unmistakable, overarching insight that "the divine in me connected with the divine of ALL." ... (read more)

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Complex Patchwork

In this intriguing tale, the first few chapters throw the reader off-balance because they initially seem to belong in different books. What is immediately apparent from this content is that Thomas' characters are in life-threatening situations much of the time. As readers become acclimated to the author's literary device, they realize that this is Thomas' strategy to enable the reader to enter Mack's world, in which several plots, people, and problems comprise the life and work of a character that might have come from the mind of Raymond Chandler, Mickey Spillane, Dashiell Hammett, and others who rely on grit and guns more than more esoteric ways of detection. Mack has been betrayed in multiple ways. Will he return to an organization that apparently set him up to be a fall guy, claiming him guilty when he was not, and of being a person he was not? ... (read more)

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Struggles Endured

What does it feel like to be lost in a marriage while falling in love with someone else? This is the story of Grace Brennan, a forty-two-year-old therapist with two small children, who is married to Michael (a surgeon). She is coping with the dissolution of her marriage and struggling with her identity as a wife and mother, all while realizing that she's attracted to a female co-worker. The story journeys through her work and personal life, with client sessions interspersed throughout. The book examines her struggle with seeing that her marriage is over and her difficulty in seeing that she is gay or bisexual. While Grace is dealing with her own issues, her children and husband are also having significant issues coping with the breakup of the family and their own traumas. How do her decisions to live authentically impact her and others? ... (read more)

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Fresh Look Coloring Book

The dawning of a new day means another day of work and another project for the industrious and enthusiastic bulldozer, Sydney. On the way to work, the bulldozer encounters many of the city's fixtures, like Captain Stoplight and Mr. Railroad Crossing Gate. The work is hard and exhausting, but it is satisfying for Sydney, whose attitude and capabilities make the bulldozer a perfect fit for the job. Readers are invited to become part of the story as well, not only coloring the reusable scenes in the book with dry-erase markers but also drawing in new characters and background details of the town and construction site. Sydney's world is one where the person most excited to do the job gets a chance without a second look or question, and everyone is encouraged to follow their passions, making every day an exciting prospect. ... (read more)

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Spiritual Quest

This second book in The Carpenter and The Apprentice series continues the story of Danat, Solomon. Jonah, and Asbat as they undertake a journey to find Solomon's paternal family. Solomon is a twelve-year-old war orphan. "Solomon's desire for peace and his concern for others was pure and heartfelt. It was consistent. It was simply his way." Danat is Solomon's protector and is fulfilling a promise to Solomon's mother to get him to his father's people. Jonah is the strongest and most able of the group. Asbat is a seasoned traveler whose knowledge of the land helps lead the group to their destination. Regardless of the dangers they will inevitably face, all are dedicated to Solomon and their quest to find his father's people. Those dangers become more real when Danat is arrested and imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit. Solomon locates Danat's cell, and he speaks to him through a small window. With a heavy heart, Solomon and the group realize that Danat is now beyond their reach and, at Danat's insistence, continue their journey. ... (read more)

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Inside Burning Man

Davidson shares memories of his involvement with the Burning Man festival over many years, beginning with his first visit in the summer of 2007 at the age of twenty-eight. Having just completed his undergraduate degree, Davidson was working an entry-level job in Nevada when he first made the trek to Black Rock City, an experience he compares to the moment in The Wizard of Oz when Dorothy flew over the rainbow. The laissez-faire vibe of Burning Man so resonated with Davidson that he returned again and again. ... (read more)

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Into the Roots

Built upon dramatic historical discoveries that move full circle from the Dark Ages and medieval Europe to present-day America, the authors begin this intriguing work with an incident in the Sonoran Desert in the late 1990s, seemingly unrelated but yielding a surprising clue to their unknown ancestry. Thinking that the Nichols family stemmed from only a simple Scottish fisherman who emigrated to Cape Cod in the eighteenth century, the couple didn't know of the true family heritage as descendants of a Roman senator and of many royals, including the Emperor Charlemagne and a long line of Frankish kings who ruled one of the largest kingdoms in post-Roman Europe. ... (read more)

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Brimming woith Love

Morgan Finch is a little girl whose loving parents tell her about gifts and treasures that are to be hers. Curious, Morgan searches for treasures. Initially, she finds a key to a closet filled with items the girl decides are not for her, but the discovery sharpens her desire to find her own treasures. She searches in places where Morgan thinks the booty may be hidden, including her school and other familiar environments, all year. She asks the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny if they have the gifts, to which they respond kindly but in the negative, saying "not yet." The Tooth Fairy sends a glowing, beautiful response, but it is still somewhat disappointing to the young explorer. After Juneteenth and her birthday pass without the anticipated major surprises, Morgan reminds her parents of their apparent promise and finally discovers what it meant. ... (read more)

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Family Ritual

Snuggled up in pajamas with her mommy, the little girl reaches her hands up against a backdrop of outer-space decorative curtains and a mobile featuring a crescent moon and brightly lit star. Then, she stretches down to the bedroom floor. Mother and child enjoy giggling as they wiggle their noses, fingers, and toes, and count each finger on their hands. Then it's time to give both Mommy and Daddy a big high-five. Next, Mommy checks under the bed for any pretend monsters, making a silly face to scare them off. After so much fun wiggling, it's time to rest. Eyes are closed, and sweet dreams enter the sleepy mind. It's time for a big hug. Covers pulled up close, Mommy reminds her "sweet thing" how much she loves her and that she'll see her in the morning's first light. ... (read more)

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Longing

The warmth of words can act as a safe haven, a welcoming harbor. In much the same way, this poetry compilation kindles the fire of life, exploring the intricacies of human connection through the vignette of the poet's unyielding love for his wife and the softness of nature. While the poems themselves are unnamed, they are undoubtedly connected, flowing seamlessly into one another and creating a feel-good vibe that persists throughout the work. ... (read more)

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Secrets & Power

At fourteen, Piers' father helps him get an after-school job working at an antiques store. Unbeknownst to Piers, the shop is a place full of secrets and cosmic power, and his father hopes the shopkeeper can mentor Piers and make him strong enough to combat the interdimensional forces that will soon come for him. Piers displays great power and unlocks an important codex whose verses will be seared into his being. However, his secret will be discovered, and a being from another orb of existence will claim Piers as his own property. Years later, middle-aged, married, and a schoolteacher, Piers' reality is turned inside out when his owner decides to collect him. Piers begins to suspect almost everyone around him is against him and seeks a few allies as he tries to fight an ancient and powerful sect bent on taking him to another plane where he'll be a slave and share all his secrets and power. ... (read more)

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Vibrant Portrayal

Author Garcia offers exuberant, sometimes terrifying scenarios of life nearly shattered, then salvaged through determination and spiritual focus. He battled tough realities from early childhood. His father, hard-working but alcoholic, beat the boy harshly for the smallest infraction, making him work in the garbage collection trade at an early age. Garcia's first brush with death occurred when, riding with his father, his uncle at the wheel, a disastrous collision with a gas tanker could have killed all three. The seven-year-old felt dead, then awoke in hospital with serious injuries. ... (read more)

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Spiritual Allusions

After the Battle of Riftbridge, twins Emma and Emrys, along with their companions, are seeking to find their brother Aiden and free him from the malevolent Zaphon, who has him prisoner. Zaphon has been using his dark magic to cloud Aiden's mind and finally manipulates Aiden into agreeing to act as a bridge so Zaphon can bring his three demonic children back to his world. With the help of a resistance group, Aiden is able to escape, but he is racked by guilt that he allowed Zaphon to unleash such horrible beings upon the world. Although his sole purpose has been to find his siblings and return home, Aiden begins to realize he has an obligation to put things right and stop Zaphon. However, Zaphon's army is immense, and his children are extremely powerful and cruel. Will Aiden, Emma, and Emrys be able to find each other and, more importantly, find a way to stand against Zaphon's tide of darkness? ... (read more)

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Growing Up Rural

This collection of a dozen short stories explores the experiences of growing up as a girl in rural America. Most of the stories revolve around school and friends, with a few more focused on family life. The central character remains the same throughout, while the supporting characters change according to the individual story's theme and setting. The main character is a bit of a tomboy, having spent much of her time on the farm and around her male cousins. She and her friends race bikes, develop teenage attitudes, and scoff at softer city folk. The stories include ones about school bus rides, bullying, jealousy, learning to live with siblings, and the value of hard work and good friends. ... (read more)

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Intense Action

In this riveting book, the narrative introduces Lieutenant Frank Nicolosi, a US Navy flight instructor in Pensacola, Florida. His code name is Pizza, and he lives for nothing more than the speed of jets and the wide, blue infinity of the skies. Nicolosi is a tough instructor. He shares harrowing rides with students who, like him, dream of conquering the skies. His rival, Joe Christmas, is just as intense as Nicolosi, and the two find themselves working together when another instructor threatens to surpass them and their students. Meanwhile, unexpected and whirlwind love affairs unfold, causing some of the best students, like the unconquerable, unquenchable, and unbreakable McGrady, to rethink their entire careers. ... (read more)

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Dystopian Future

After man has nearly ended the world through self-destruction, most of those who remain have changed. Most regular humans went underground, and the multi-year confinement, along with a struggle for resources, turned many of them more selfish and angrier than before. Those who remained on the surface had their DNA altered, becoming more fantastic over the years. Some became giants, others diminutive, and some took on animal characteristics. However, these changed humans also had to learn to help each other and became more peaceful. When the underground humans began to emerge—some trying to escape the madness that had consumed so many, others ready to hurt and hunt anyone as they sought precious resources—those already on the surface soon learned that more trouble was on the way. Should they band together and try to fight for their homes, or should they search for more peaceful lands? ... (read more)

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Helping Friends

One day, while Bernard the seagull was out flying, he spotted his sheepdog friend, Bailey, running along the shore. When Bernard asked Bailey what she was doing, she told him she was trying to get her red ball, but it had been swept away by the ocean. Bernard was always willing to help his friend, so he flew over the water and spotted the ball. Now, he needed a way to get the ball to shore without being pummeled by the waves. Bernard unstrapped the guitar from his back and began swinging it like a golf club, driving the ball towards the shore. Bailey was very happy to have her ball returned and to spend time with her friend. After Bernard played her a tune, Bailey let Bernard hop on her back and took him for a ride. ... (read more)

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Heartwarming

Mr. and Mrs. Bunny live in their good-sized bunny hole with their 100 bunny children. One bright and sunny day, the oldest bunny sibling, Brenda Hazel, has the great idea to gather the ingredients to make a delicious, tricky pickle carrot cake. Brenda Hazel's younger sister, Allison Elizabeth, does not want to repeat the mistake of going into their neighbor, Mr. Foxington's, garden without permission. Instead, the 100 bunny siblings empty their piggy banks, don their helmets, mount their bicycles, and embark on an adventure to the farmer's market. Despite Allison Elizabeth's fear of Mr. Foxington's residual anger, the bunnies are able to successfully secure the carrots, pickles, and trickies needed to bake their cake. With their mother's help, the older bunny children follow the recipe and make a delicious cake, while some of the younger siblings write a song about its deliciousness. The bunnies share their wonderful treat with the Foxingtons, and Mr. Foxington gifts Allison Elizabeth with her very own baby tricky plant. ... (read more)

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Rising Man

Jax is a college student who indulges in the typical undergraduate pastimes of partying, gaming, and procrastinating. His favorite game is "Dark Agenda," an interactive game in which elite soldiers battle secret, nefarious governments. The primary joy Jax gets from playing the game is in his fun and flirtatious interactions with Kat, a group member in the role-playing game. Jax fancies Kat and asks to meet her outside the digital universe. After their initial date, he is enamored with Kat and can't wait for the next time they see each other. As their relationship develops, Jax sees that Kat's life is far from ordinary. There is an aura of mystery surrounding Kat and her family, and Jax is about to be dragged into their orbit. Soon, Jax will be facing an adventure greater than any he's played in a gaming simulation. ... (read more)

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Dog Dreams

Man's best friend is not just a phrase, but an expression of the human spirit. Tomlinson's work is both a tribute and an ode to the unconditional love that dogs bring into one's life, as well as the massive hole they leave in our hearts when they are gone. In a simple yet authentic way, Tomlinson's poetry rekindles an appreciation for our furry friends that is infinite. ... (read more)

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One True God

Some of the most intriguing conversations happen during "cooler talk." The origins of Adams' work begin in the same way: a lunchtime conversation that has transformed into a thought-provoking commentary on understanding God and religion from the secular prism of circumstantial evidence. Though there are infinite texts delving into this topic, few put religion on the stand in such an illuminating way. From atheism and the Jewish faith to Hinduism, Buddhism, and more, the author is comprehensive in his scope while maintaining an easy-to-digest conversational tone. Adams first explores each potential God story individually and impartially. Logic, he insists, suggests that the initial step before deciding which god is God is to establish that this divine force indeed exists. Bearing the burden of proof, the author cites both English astronomer Sir Arthur Eddington and the footprints in the sand in Defoe's Robinson Crusoe to show how science and spirituality are intertwined forces rather than clashing mechanisms. ... (read more)

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A Love Profound

Potter's work exemplifies a genuine, unconditional love for both the Lord and mankind, providing a pathway for seekers to reunite with their true spiritual selves—an identity that the original sin, by default, has stripped away. She paints salvation as a spiritual resurrection, and throughout the work, the purity with which she wishes the same realization for her fellow man is commendable. ... (read more)

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