Atlantis Mystery Plays Out on Archaelogical Dig

Title – Travels in Elysium
Author – William Azuski
Author's website link -
Genre or category – metaphysical mystery/psychological thriller/literary fiction

ISBN-10: 3952401528

ISBN-13: 978-3952401521

Available on Amazon

Reviewed by archaeologist and historian Haighleagh Winslade for Travels in Elysium

A Story of Archaeology and Greek Culture That I Could Not Put Down

I started reading Travels in Elysium by William Azuski on a cold and wet spring day it proved to be the perfect tonic for such a dismal day. Travels in Elysium is the story of former student Nicholas Pedrosa who lands a position as assistant to archaeologist Marcus Huxley on Huxley's excavations of the lost settlement on the Greek island of Santorini (Thera) destroyed by the colossal eruption that occurred c. 3600 years ago during the time of the Minoan civilization.
Mr Azuski is a master at setting the scene and placing the characters and action in the landscape. After describing Nicholas Pedrosa's journey across Europe and the graphic account of the treacherous storm that blew up as the ship that he was travelling in crossed the Aegean Sea, on landing on Santorini the other main characters are introduced when Nicholas Pedrosa becomes entangled in the funeral procession of Benjamin Randal his predecessor who died on the excavation in mysterious circumstances. The funeral also provides the opportunity to introduce one of the main themes in the novel that of the Grecian burial rite of placing a silver coin in the mouth of the deceased to pay the boatman Charon for their journey across the river Styx to the afterlife.
The narrative of the excavation is cleverly entwined with the mythology of the afterlife and there is a good twist in the plot. Without giving anything away my favourite scene was where Nicholas Pedrosa is in Charon's boat and his barrage of questions and remarks to Charon about the journey across the Styx results in Charon pushing Pedrosa from his boat into the river! All in all an excellent book which I could not put down and a recommended read for anyone interested in Greek culture!

— Archaeologist and historian Haighleagh Winslade

 

Synopsis

It was the chance of a lifetime. A dream job in the southern Aegean. Apprentice to the great archaeologist Marcus Huxley, lifting a golden civilisation from the dead... Yet trading rural England for the scarred volcanic island of Santorini, 22‐year old Nicholas Pedrosa is about to blunder into an ancient mystery that will threaten his liberty, his life, even his most fundamental concepts of reality.

‘Then chalk it up to experience, Mr Pedrosa. Trust no one. Believe no one. Question everything. Remember, there is nothing here you can take at face value... No — not even yourself.’
An island that blew apart with the force of 100,000 atomic bombs... A civilisation prised out of the ash, its exquisite frescoes bearing a haunting resemblance to Plato’s lost island paradise, Atlantis... An archaeologist on a collision course with a brutal police state... A death that may have been murder... And a string of inexplicable events entwining past and present with bewildering intensity... Can this ancient conundrum be understood before it engulfs them all?

About William Azuski

William Azuski was born in the United Kingdom, and is of British and Yugoslav descent. Travelling widely through the Mediterranean since childhood, his frequent sojourns in Greece included several months on Santorini in the 1970s, an experience that provided firsthand experience for this exceptional novel’s local setting. Writing as William Miles Johnson, Azuski is also author of the critically-acclaimed The Rose-Tinted Menagerie, an Observer Book of the Year (nonfiction), and Making a Killing, an end of the world satire, both titles recently republished by Iridescent.

 

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Awakening the Harmony Within Touring Online

Title – Awakening the Harmony Within : How to Create with Spirit
Author – Eugenia Oganova
Author's website link - http://eugeniaoganova.com/
Genre or category – Spiritual/Self Help
ISBN-10: 0979381711
ISBN-13: 978-0979381713 

At some point in time, every person arrives at an understanding that material life is not all that there is.  Questions like “there must be something more than this?!” and “what is my purpose, why am I here?” begin to surface. If you are one of these people ,then this book is for you.

By clearing resistance to being a spiritual adult, by taking responsibility not only for our actions, but also for our emotions, our thoughts, and our beliefs, we begin walking the Soul path of Harmony. By facing the circumstances of our lives and learning through them, we dutifully study the lessons inside of our material classroom. As this is occurring, we remember more of our spiritual journey beyond this lifetime – past, parallel, future lifetimes – because the identity of this lifetime expands to incorporate the larger Self of the Soul, the Divine Mind is activated and knowledge that is not linear becomes readily available.

I endeavor to explain, in detail, conceptual systems which are required in order to move out of survival and on into conscious, harmonious with Spirit, living. I also describe, in detail, what the practical steps are that can be undertaken to make this possible. This fascinating upward evolutionary movement between levels of consciousness requires effort, a focused intention to remain aware, Self-Love, and Self-Responsibility. Following this leads to Awakening the Harmony Within.

What People Are saying About
Awakening the Harmony Within: How to Create with Spirit

As a person who regularly reads titles related to metaphysics and spiritual growth, I usually know in fairly short order whether a book I've begun to read is going to resonate with me or not. It only took reading the first chapter of "Awakening the Harmony Within" for me to be deeply drawn into the balance of it. In the context of this work the author addresses many very complex metaphysical subjects that, in many instances, I'd never encountered previously. Even with twenty years of walking the path of spiritual growth, I am delighted to report that I was able to learn a lot from this book. Ms. Oganova is clearly an expert in her field, and based on my experience in reading this work I now also look forward to reading her first book, "Mission Alpha."

From Jeff Maziarek, author of Spirituality Simplified

In a very direct and concise way, in her newest book "Awakening the Harmony Within," Eugenia Oganova explains what others have only touched upon. This book digs deeply beyond surface explanations to reveal aspects of the puzzle of Life that I have never seen or heard described before. With compassion and heartfelt insight, Eugenia shows us how to progress in our evolution. "Awakening the Harmony Within" describes in detail how to "stand at the edge of what is coming" with new awareness that comes from looking at life from the expanded perspective of the Soul. In a powerful and impactful way, this book gave me the metaphysical context (conceptual framework) and the practical tools. The first time I read it, I had to lie down and "rest" (integrate the information) after the first 50 pages. The second time, I could swear that certain sentences were not there when I read it the first time... I am going for my third read in the next few days. Who knows what I will find!

From Eugenia Oganova

I have always felt myself to be “on a mission” of enlightenment – for myself, others, and the planet. My clairvoyant abilities allow me to have an intimate relationship with Earth, the Galaxy, and the Universe, which have never felt far away to me. Being able to perceive the multidimensionality of universal energy, I live in a perpetual experience of Source’s Light/Code in every moment, parallel to regular life’s circumstances, thoughts and feelings. The holographic nature of our reality was apparent to me from birth, and the exploration of that hologram became my life’s work.

I have studied science, history, archaeology and astronomy in Russia and in the U.S. and have a BFA degree from the Art Institute of Boston. I am an autodidact in anatomy and biology, nuclear physics, archaeology, ancient history and mythology, metaphysics and Theosophy. I now live in Maine with my husband, and have a company called Pravda, Inc. (which means “truth” in Russian). For over twenty years now, using my ability to see and read energy, I help people figure out solutions to many life’s challenges through my books, seminars, and private sessions.

Eugenia Oganova’s full bio - http://bookpromotionservices.com/2013/07/29/eugenia-oganova-bio/

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Author Becomes Fan of Mike Wells' Work

Title: Passion, Power & Sin: Book 1

Author: Mike Wells
Author Twitter: @MikeWellsAuthor
Author Website: MikeWellsBooks.com
Available on Amazon

Original Reviewed by Zach Tyo for his Indie Book Reviewer

           For my second review I responded to author Mike Wells’ post from twitter with a free download of book 1 in his three part series Passion, Power & Sin. Since I’d never heard of Wells’ work before I assumed he was a fellow Indie author, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. While Wells may have published this book on Smashwords like many unpublished authors, his work speaks against any semblance of an amateur that comes sometimes with self-published authors. Instead you get well-polished, seasoned writing that speaks of someone with the skill and eye that is needed to excel in the industry.

           Now I’m sure by now you can pretty much guess that I’m a fan of Wells' work, though this first book in the Passion, Power & Sin series is my first experience with him. I had considered putting this on hold until I read the whole series and reviewing it all at once, but with Wells being much more seasoned I’m sure that anybody who takes my advice and picks up the first part will go right for the whole series.

           The story begins on a super yacht in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea with Ricardo Maya. A playboy of sorts that has made millions by just allowing people to break the law, his introduction seems short and you’re left wondering just who this man is, but it becomes apparent early on that this reclusive man that sits on top of the world will play a big role in later parts of the series.

           After the prologue we’re dipped straight into the main story, and we meet the main character of this story, Heather Bancroft. Wells does well painting a picture of her personality from the get-go and you see her as any one of the droves of people who go to New York to try and make it big in business, particularly the PR game, and end up biting off more than they can chew financially. You can really feel her struggle, and her bitterness from being thrown under two ‘yes men’ as bosses and having all her work go unnoticed by those who matter in the business.

           Things get worse for Heather when troubles from her home find her, and she becomes entangled in doing anything to save her mother from the coming storm that is about to descend onto her childhood home.

           As things get worse for Heather, Wells again succeeds in making you truly feel the desperation and hopelessness the character experiences and you can’t help keep turning the page hoping the solution will be found on the next turn.

           As things seem to grow continually darker two different things begin to happen for Heather. On one hand she gets an email from a‘friend in need’ which gives her an opportunity to end her struggling financial woes, as long as she’s willing to trust; on the other hand she is courted by a handsome young playboy who just so happens to be heir to one of the largest real estate firms in New York.

           The stage slowly becomes set and Wells builds the tension, and the secrets, keeping you wondering just what/who you would trust in if you thought you could save someone you loved.

Finding a pro/con for this story was rough, and I mean that. Many new authors make mistakes with clichés, or they have trouble setting the stage in the readers mind. In this case I had to pick out my favorite pros to list:

• The characters Wells creates are simply wonderful. From entry level, stress filled environment of a busy office at the lowest level, to the elite of the elite you can feel the differences in the class by the way they talk and react in situations. You feel like you know each character, and that relationship only builds.

• This sort of goes right along with my first pro but the settings you’re taken to are so vivid, but yet explained so simply that your mind has no trouble picturing both the beauty of a New York skyline, to a seedy Yakuza casino.

• The last ‘pro’ I’m going to list is the way that Wells keeps you reading on. Though the ‘action’ is relatively low, you can’t help but turn the page. I’m typically a person who sticks to reading action packed thrillers that involve shooting, punching and sometimes aliens but Wells proved to me that those things aren’t always needed for a great story (I have to say I read this in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down).

Finding a true con in this story is sort of like, and yes I’m going with a huge cliché, finding a needle in a haystack…and then finding out there was no needle at all. Obviously somebody else may be able to but I am at a true loss.

           In the end Wells’ Passion, Power & Sin Book 1 was more than a pleasant read for me and it deserves the awards it has received, and is still likely to receive. Everything about the story from the characters to the overall story is written as I mentioned earlier, just like a seasoned author. The length is a little short, but that’s more of a complaint on my part since I want to read more.

Overall I’m going to give Passion, Power & Sin Book 1 a 9/10 based on:

• 10/10 for readability- the story starts off on a pace that draws you in, and doesn’t let you go. Each chapter smoothly transitions from one to the other.

• 9/10 for story- Wells delivers a strong, original story that I can’t find any similarities between. Each idea seems new and original; even the ‘down on her luck girl meeting a millionaire’ that seemed like for a second to be just like a feel good story has been changed in a wonderful way.

• 9/10 for characters- I stated this earlier but each character has such a strong individual personality, well besides the drones that are Heather’s direct reports but they’re so wonderfully reminiscent of Tweedledum and Tweedledee that it made me smile. (I don’t mean that they act the same, when you read it you’ll see what I mean). Each character is relatable and you will find at least one person you know that will remind you of one of these characters.

• 9/10 for buildup- The buildup is what seems to be this stories X-factor. While there are no shootings, car chases, or fight scenes that many associate with ‘thrillers’, Wells does a marvelous job of building you up throughout and I found myself entangled the whole time.

           I have to thank Mike Wells for allowing me the honor of reviewing Passion, Power & Sinand I look forward to filling my shelves, or ereader as it may be, with the whole series. I definitely suggest picking up this story, especially if you’re not familiar with his other work and you’re looking for a new author.

If you would like to check out this story, Wells is offering if for free here.
 

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Norman Rockwell's America Gets New Life in New Nonfiction

Title:  Hidden in Plain Sight: The Other People in Norman Rockwell’s America

Author: Jane Allen Petrick

Author’s Website:  www.janeallenpetrick.com

Genre: Narrative Nonfiction

ISBN: 9780989260114

Available from: Ingram, Barnes & Noble, iBookstore, Sony, Kobo, Amazon  

Name of Reviewer:        

Publisher:                          Readers’ Favorite

Reviewer’s Rating:           Five Stars

 

 

Reviewed by Jack Magnus originally for Readers Favorite 

 

 

In Hidden in Plain Sight: The Other People in Norman Rockwell's America, author Jane Allen Petrick tells the story of the Rockwell models who were people of color. She also brings to life a Norman Rockwell that the vast majority of people never knew -- a man who saw the world as multi-cultural and was thwarted in every instance of his attempts to portray that world in his art. Petrick interviewed child models, now middle-aged, to get a first-hand account of what it was like to be a Rockwell model and how he affected their lives. This book is, in many respects, an artistic biography of Rockwell, and it chronicles his struggles with and despair at the magazine The Saturday Evening Post, whose conservative editor only allowed blacks in the publication if they were in subservient positions. Rockwell's own ideology was quite progressive, and he came to hate the magazine that created a Rockwell persona so far from the reality of who he was. Petrick concludes her work by citing African-American artists who were greatly influenced by Rockwell's work, who saw those hidden in plain sight.

 

Jane Allen Petrick's book should be required reading in art history classes. It's that good. It should also be required reading for anyone interested in United States history and the fight for civil rights and progress in our nation. I had no idea who Rockwell was before I read this book and harbored a vague contempt for the man whenever he was mentioned as an American artist. The great cover-up and whitewash Petrick exposes is much too effective. What an inspiring man Rockwell was, and how much I would have liked to have known him. Petrick's work shows him finally in a light Rockwell would have felt at ease with and even delighted in. Hidden in Plain Sight: The Other People in Norman Rockwell's America is an amazing piece of scholarship and very highly recommended.

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Restitution a Must Read

 

Title:  Restitution
Author:  Tess C. Frey

Catagory:  Memoir/Creative Non-Fiction

Authors Website:  www.itsneverinvain.com ISBN-10: 1492118990
ISBN-13:978-1492118992
Available on Amazon
Reviewer Rating:  5 Stars

Review By Christine Favarra, Author of Forever Different

Sometimes we grow in silent places that do not burst through to daylight and voice for years. Restitution is the Light and the Voice for all of the Tess' and Rebecca's in the world. Bravo and all hail, Tess C. Frey, our Heroin for shining that everlasting Light on the pain and the shame.

This book is a journey, one that explores how the scars that we bear in life develop the content of our character. Tess' emotionally charged description of her abuse and suffering leaves the reader asking by Chapter 5, how has she lived to write this book? I'll tell you, as the pages are full of determination and faith.

Joel Osteen said "out of your greatest rejection comes your greatest direction". A charitable person would ask, what I can do to make life less difficult for those who come after me, and Tess takes that direction and rises to the occasion and answers that question with this wonderful testament to survival.
"Be Still and Know that I am God "Psalms 46:10 Tess has been silent and still long enough, it's time to let that beautiful Voice be heard!


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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Laugh-Out-Loud Historical Fiction

 

The Doctor's Daughter

by Belle Blackburn

https://www.facebook.com/belle.blackburn.3

Historical fiction (romance & mystery too)

ISBN 978-0615690957
Available on Amazon
Publisher: Createspace

 

 

Reviewed by Don Creekmore originally for Amazon

 

 

I have to admit that I normally am not a reader of fiction. However, on the suggestion of a friend I found myself immediately engrossed in the story of Kate, a young woman coming of age in the early days of Civil War Nashville. Belle Blackburn has succeeded in weaving the little known details of that time into a story that includes love, revenge, compassion, and humor. She provides insight into how the upheaval of the Civil War affected individuals and families on both sides of the social "tracks". The story has more twists, turns, and surprises than the road from Nashville to Peony. When you think you have "figured it out" you quickly find out you don't. Blackburn's humor sneaks up on you in the oddest places. I actually laughed out loud - not something that I do very often when reading a book. If you like a story that tugs at your heart, raises your spirit, surprises you continuously, and educates, I highly recommend the "Doctor's Daughter." I look forward to the sequels.

 

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Children's Author Calls Fellow Author's Book Wonderful Read

Cassie & Chloe's Captivating Crystal Crawlspace Chronicles

By Trinisse ChanelISBN: 978-1460994030Paperback: 194 pages

• Genre: Children's fantasy fiction.
  Author Website:https://sites.google.com/site/cassieandchloebooks/

Purchase this title in paperback 
Purchase this title as an e-book

Reviewed by  Sarah Renee originally for Amazon

The first in a series, Cassie and Chloe's Captivating Crystal Crawlspace Chronicles introduces readers to two brave, adventurous girls named Cassie and Chloe. As the story unfolds, the two curious girls find themselves stumbling into an exciting new world filled with incredible new sights. Along with their adorable Pomeranian Moondoggie and their sweet cat Pierre, the sisters explore the new world of Serendipity Springs and meet a lot of curious but delightful people and find a lot of amazing adventures.

The siblings Vicky and Nicky, who live in Serendipity Springs, become Cassie and Chloe's guides to show them this new world--and along the way, form a deep friendship. The group of six: Cassie, Chloe, Vicky, Nicky, Moondoggie, and Pierre -take part in a lot of exciting different activities. Among many other spectacular adventures, the six friends play exciting games in a place called the House of Fun, have exciting adventures in many different places from New York to Japan at a place called the Dress-Up Pavilion, enter into the worlds of different books in the Magical Mystical Library, and see dozens of other incredible places in Serendipity Springs.

However, the group is also troubled by the appearance of two evil twins. The brave girls, along with their pets and their new friends, try to help the people of Serendipity Springs stop the twins evil plan and must use logic and courage to outwit the evil pair.

Cassie and Chloe meet many friendly people in Serendipity Springs and form plenty of wonderful friendships. The adventures they go on in this new world are exciting and very imaginative. The girls and their friends are great role models to exemplify friendship, creativity, and bravery in the face of danger. The different adventures Cassie and Chloe find in Serendipity Springs will captivate and delight the imaginations of children. I recommend this book for children around ages 7-11 who enjoy a good book filled with wonderful characters and exciting adventures.

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

The reviewer is an author of children's books in her own right.

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The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.