Title: Q: Awakening
Author: G.M. Lawrence
Author's Website:
http://www.gmlawrence.com/
Genre: Fiction/Philo-Thriller
ISBN: 9781935142539
Variance Publishing
Reviewed by Sigmarie Soto originally for ZiggySoto
G.M. Lawrence’s
career as an author can only excel from here given the sophistication of his
first novel. Q: Awakening focuses on the quest of conflicted hero, Dr.
Declan Stewart, in not only searching for an ancient manuscript
(“quelles”), a lost gospel believed to be written by Christ, but also
regaining his faith in people and God after years of hiding.
The
writing in Q: Awakening is elegant and clever, providing multiple
layers and insight into a variety of complex cultural, political, and religious
components. While this is an action-packed, save-the-world adventure, there is
significantly more depth due to the philosophical aspects and the conflicts
among and within the characters as well as the motives driving each of them. And
all of this can draw a variety of audiences ranging from diehard
adventure/thriller fans to those interested in modern philosophical
fiction.
The read is captivating and enjoyably consuming in
everything from character development to the vivid settings covering anything
from New Zealand to the deserts of Saudi Arabia. While most plots have one
villain, Q: Awakening has multiple villains with multiple agendas. Some
want to profit from Q while others want to destroy it.
Beyond struggling with accepting that Q is his destiny
and obsession, Declan is also interesting because of his struggle with moving
forward after already having lost so much during his prior search for
Q. As with any good and believable hero, Declan is flawed and even
mysterious. His constantly weighed conscience forces him to accept his mission
despite the fact he insists he doesn’t believe it is the salvation of the human
race.
The quality of writing and imagination mixed with the detail
and realness of the characters and places is quite refreshing. Since Q:
Awakening is the first in Lawrence’s trilogy, the remaining novels have
quite a bit to live up to as well as a lot of questions to answer. Given the
complexity and adventure in this novel, a screen adaptation would also be
successful and well-received.
-----
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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
This blog, #TheNewBookReview, is "new" because it eschews #bookbigotry. It lets readers, reviewers, authors, and publishers expand the exposure of their favorite reviews, FREE. Info for submissions is in the "Send Me Your Fav Book Review" circle icon in the right column below. Find resources to help your career using the mini search engine below. #TheNewBookReview is a multi-award-winning blog including a MastersInEnglish.org recommendation.
Friday, June 8, 2012
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Women's Nonfiction Reviewed by Book Club
Title: My Pilgrim's Heart
Subtitle: A woman's journey through marriage and other foreign lands
By Stephanie DaleSubtitle: A woman's journey through marriage and other foreign lands
Author's Web site: www.stephaniedale.net
Genre: Travel memoir
ISBN: 978 09821 40765
Reviewed by Chocolate Amethyst (chocolateamethyst) originally for Talk the Talk Women's Book Club
“You won't find Stephanie Dale in My Pilgrim's
Heart, you will find yourself. What you will find is Stephanie Dale right beside you." Stephanie - thank you. Every time you comment, My Pilgrim’s Heart comes alive in a different “light”. I would like to thank you for for creating a “atomosphere” of sincerity, truthfulness, and “tough love”. This blog page has allowed the TTT Ladies a precious opportunity to be “real”. I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to comment and answer each question. I did my final post on 6 May 2012, and honestly I have been on a “journey” of self reflection. Your book My Pilgrim's Heart has opened up the flood gates to my soul and mind. I did not realize how much “tension” that is in my spirit. I have set some new goals for myself, and I have a plan to be proactive with each one. Your Journey is full of wisdom, and your insight is limitless. TTT Ladies I really hope that other book clubs take this journey with Stephanie Dale and My Pilgrim’s Heart. They will discover the” journey” in their heart, Stephanie you are a ‘rare jewel’, and I have the upmost respect for you.”
Heart, you will find yourself. What you will find is Stephanie Dale right beside you." Stephanie - thank you. Every time you comment, My Pilgrim’s Heart comes alive in a different “light”. I would like to thank you for for creating a “atomosphere” of sincerity, truthfulness, and “tough love”. This blog page has allowed the TTT Ladies a precious opportunity to be “real”. I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to comment and answer each question. I did my final post on 6 May 2012, and honestly I have been on a “journey” of self reflection. Your book My Pilgrim's Heart has opened up the flood gates to my soul and mind. I did not realize how much “tension” that is in my spirit. I have set some new goals for myself, and I have a plan to be proactive with each one. Your Journey is full of wisdom, and your insight is limitless. TTT Ladies I really hope that other book clubs take this journey with Stephanie Dale and My Pilgrim’s Heart. They will discover the” journey” in their heart, Stephanie you are a ‘rare jewel’, and I have the upmost respect for you.”
Stephanie Dale
Traveling writer
Twitter:
@stephaniedale22
'A lover is a fighter who believes
her desires are shared by all the world' Harriet Rubin
-----
her desires are shared by all the world' Harriet Rubin
Monday, June 4, 2012
Tim Ward Gives Karina Fabian's Fantast a Five!
Title: Mind Over Mind
Author: Karina Fabian
Category: fantasy/science fiction
ISBN-13: 978-1897942369 (print)
1897942362 (e-book)
Format: Trade paperback, e-book
Publication Date: Aug 8, 2011
Pages: 314
Price: $19.95 US (print) $2.99 (e-book)
Available from: DragonMoon Press, http://dragonmoonpress.com
More Info: www.fabianspace.com
Reviewed by Tim Ward, originally for Amazon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I heard that the main character, Ydrel, was a telepath empowered by an alien only he can see and hear, I had to buy it. I am writing a book with telepaths and so I came at this book from a researcher’s perspective. What Karina gave me was more than I anticipated. Here’s a rapid-fire list of what this book offers:
*Solid, clear-cut writing. She keeps it fresh, insightful, emotional, fun, and rewarding.
*Three point-of-view characters with emotional investment and story lines that keep you engaged to the end.
*A fascinating idea about an alien world contacting a young boy from two different angles. One source trains him to kill, and then makes him pay when he refuses. The other needs help to prevent her people from being wiped out in war. The images, conflict, and threats that this side of the novel presents offer a grand scale for the rest of the series. I can’t wait to find out what happens.
*When not set in a fantastical alien world, Karina explores the carefully hidden secrets that could thrive in a mental health facility when you have a telepath and a manipulative chief psychiatrist. Joshua, the young intern who walks into this snake pit, must deal with this psychiatrist, while also gaining Ydrel’s trust so that he can help him escape. Sound research makes this setting real, and you trust the author to tell it how it is, even if that makes things more difficult for the heroes.
*Finally, from a research standpoint, this book offered a ton of inspiration for writing my telepath characters. The best part was, I didn’t feel like I was researching. I came for the story, and was pleasantly surprised to find a new author and series to follow.
~ Learn more about Karina Fabian at http://fabianspace.com Books to challenge the
mind, touch the heart, and tickle the funny bone.
----
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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Author: Karina Fabian
Category: fantasy/science fiction
ISBN-13: 978-1897942369 (print)
1897942362 (e-book)
Format: Trade paperback, e-book
Publication Date: Aug 8, 2011
Pages: 314
Price: $19.95 US (print) $2.99 (e-book)
Available from: DragonMoon Press, http://dragonmoonpress.com
More Info: www.fabianspace.com
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I heard that the main character, Ydrel, was a telepath empowered by an alien only he can see and hear, I had to buy it. I am writing a book with telepaths and so I came at this book from a researcher’s perspective. What Karina gave me was more than I anticipated. Here’s a rapid-fire list of what this book offers:
*Solid, clear-cut writing. She keeps it fresh, insightful, emotional, fun, and rewarding.
*Three point-of-view characters with emotional investment and story lines that keep you engaged to the end.
*A fascinating idea about an alien world contacting a young boy from two different angles. One source trains him to kill, and then makes him pay when he refuses. The other needs help to prevent her people from being wiped out in war. The images, conflict, and threats that this side of the novel presents offer a grand scale for the rest of the series. I can’t wait to find out what happens.
*When not set in a fantastical alien world, Karina explores the carefully hidden secrets that could thrive in a mental health facility when you have a telepath and a manipulative chief psychiatrist. Joshua, the young intern who walks into this snake pit, must deal with this psychiatrist, while also gaining Ydrel’s trust so that he can help him escape. Sound research makes this setting real, and you trust the author to tell it how it is, even if that makes things more difficult for the heroes.
*Finally, from a research standpoint, this book offered a ton of inspiration for writing my telepath characters. The best part was, I didn’t feel like I was researching. I came for the story, and was pleasantly surprised to find a new author and series to follow.
----
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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Saturday, June 2, 2012
How to Blog a Book: Write, Publish, and Promote Your Work One Post at a Time
How to Blog a Book: Write, Publish, and Promote Your Work One
Post at a Time
By Nina Amir
- Paperback: 168 pages
- Publisher: Writers Digest Books (May 21, 2012)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1599635402
- ISBN-13: 978-1599635408
- Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
Reviewed by Deborah Carney, originally for Amazon.com
Excellent book for blog authors or authors who
blog, May 5, 2012This book very clearly lays out what, how and why you would want to blog a book. From making you accountable to an audience that wants you to keep writing, to establishing good writing habits, to actually writing a business plan about what you want the blog and book to accomplish. Easy to read, easy to understand and easy to implement, must read for bloggers and authors both.
Learn more about the author Nina Amir:
http://www.ninaamir.com
http://www.copywrightcommunications.com
http://www.howtoblogabook.com
-----
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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Monday, May 28, 2012
Cary Pepper Tells Five-Star Maltese Tale
Reel Life Crime
Author: Cary PepperAuthor’s Website: www.carypepper.comGenre: Fiction/Detective/CrimeISBN: 978-1-4658-4263-3
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/81833
Author: Cary PepperAuthor’s Website: www.carypepper.comGenre: Fiction/Detective/CrimeISBN: 978-1-4658-4263-3
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/81833
Reviewed by Kathy C
originally for Hampton Reviews
Five-Star Review
This book is a lot of fun. It roughly follows the plot of the Maltese Falcon, and it’s fond references to the 1941 movie are skillfully woven into it. The story itself-that of the theft of the statue from the movie, is full of twists and turns. Like the movie, the reader thinks the case is dine until the next monkey-wrench is thrown into the works. The main character, Ed Sampas, is a character right out of 1940’s film noir. He keeps up a running commentary to the reader about his thoughts and feelings about the other characters. Used incorrectly, this device could have become annoying or too precious, but in Cary Pepper’s skilled hands it enhances the story greatly.
A fairly quick read, this story and its characters will absorb the reader to the last page.
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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Carol Upton Reviews and Reveals A Quarter Horse Love Story
Horse at the Corner Post:
Our Divine Journey
By Denise Lee Branco
Strolling
Hills Publishing
Soft Cover,
2010, $17.95 U.S.
ISBN:
879-0-9845888-0-0
Available at
http://www.horseatthecornerpost.com
Reviewed by Carol
M. Upton – www.dreamsaloud.ca
I have been blessed with many animal friends in my
life, but you were unique. I had a connection with you since your wobbly foal
legs held you up and until your aged arthritic legs no longer allowed you to
stand. ~ Denise Lee Branco
In the award-winning Horse at the Corner Post,
Denise Lee Branco writes straight from the heart about her deep, lifelong
connection to her quarter horse, Freedom.
At an outsider’s first glance, there may have been
nothing special about this particular foal. Yet, Branco and Freedom connected
almost immediately, soul to soul. Sharing hugs, playing racing games alongside
the fence, and winning 2nd Place in a Kindergarten Western Pleasure
Class, the two youngsters formed a powerful relationship. All that changed as
Branco neared college age and her uncle took a fancy to the horse. Thinking
Freedom would have a great temporary home, Branco let him go, only to discover
some years later that he had been sold.
What ultimately takes place is an astonishing tribute,
not only to the profound relationship between a girl and her horse, but also to
the deep support of a family that understood this bond and cared enough to see
it through.
The strength of this book lies in Branco’s skilled and
honest storytelling. The reader is there
every step of the way, reminded of the animals that may have graced their own
life.
Branco’s hope in writing about Freedom is that it will
encourage animal adoption. This inspired family reading achieves all of that and
more.
~ About the author: Denise Lee Branco spent her childhood on a California
ranch, befriending all the furry and feathered residents there. From reading
horse books to competing in western shows and gymkhanas, Denise has always felt
horses are a part of her identity. Visit her at:
-----
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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Friday, May 25, 2012
Title: The Otherworld
Author: Margo Martin Benning
Publisher: Advocate House,
An imprint of A Cappela Publishing,Sarasota
ISBN: 978-0-9846177-8-4 (Adult Fiction/Fantasy)
Reviewed by Jodi Grant
Ever wished you could leave your life behind and find happiness and romance in another world? So did Jenny McQueen, sixty year old widow and former shop owner who found no sparkle to her life in Omniville, Ohio – when suddenly her damned cell phone rang yet again as she battled rain, traffic, telemarketers, and hidden keys in her effort to reach a dental appointment she was late for. This was not the usual tin can ring. It was harp music. She answered irritably, only to hear a wise wizardly voice invite her to The Otherworld.
In Jenny’s many trips to this magical kingdom she encounters mythical animals, fairy-tale people, and her own personal dragons. And, of course, Jenny ends up living happily ever after.
This wise, witty Jungian tale of rebirth and rediscovery is truly a tale of enchantment for the disenchanted.
Publisher: Advocate House, an imprint of A Cappela Publishing, Inc
Author: Margo Martin Benning
Publisher: Advocate House,
An imprint of A Cappela Publishing,
ISBN: 978-0-9846177-8-4 (Adult Fiction/Fantasy)
Reviewed by Jodi Grant
Ever wished you could leave your life behind and find happiness and romance in another world? So did Jenny McQueen, sixty year old widow and former shop owner who found no sparkle to her life in Omniville, Ohio – when suddenly her damned cell phone rang yet again as she battled rain, traffic, telemarketers, and hidden keys in her effort to reach a dental appointment she was late for. This was not the usual tin can ring. It was harp music. She answered irritably, only to hear a wise wizardly voice invite her to The Otherworld.
In Jenny’s many trips to this magical kingdom she encounters mythical animals, fairy-tale people, and her own personal dragons. And, of course, Jenny ends up living happily ever after.
This wise, witty Jungian tale of rebirth and rediscovery is truly a tale of enchantment for the disenchanted.
Publisher: Advocate House, an imprint of A Cappela Publishing, Inc
Sarasota ,
FL
____________________________________
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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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
Write Better - Get Published with your Author's Advocate
A Cappela Publishing - Celebrating our 16th Year Leading the independent publishing revolution since its inception in 1995
www.acappela.com
Want to receive our free monthly newsletter for writers?
Join at: A Cappela Publishing - www.acappela.com
----- 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. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :
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