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Genre: Poetry

Pages: 112

ISBN: 9781597096171

ASIN: B07V26DRJB

Format: Paperback, eBook (Kindle)

Publication date: July 9th, 2019

Publisher: Red Hen Press

Type: Poetry collection

I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to Red Hen Press and Edelweiss+!

Introduction:

Schumann’s cover caught my eye with its different dimensionality and pleasing aesthetic. The blurb tugged at my interests and emotions, so I decided to give Praising the Paradox a chance. Poetry, you know, is something I can’t live without.

And this book left a positive memory in me.

Let’s see how together, shall we?

The Blurb:

This full collection of fifty-six poems reflecting on the concept of self, loss, fragility, and the constructs we must create in order to face the transient nature of life was named a finalist in the National Poetry Series, The New Issues Poetry Prize, The Four Way Books Intro Prize, and others. It was also listed as a "remarkable work" in the Tupelo Press 2012 open submission period.

The Positive Sides:

Let’s start with the beautiful and elegant cover. In my opinion, the caged bird in a woman's head really fits the poems' themes such as the feeling of entrapment and freedom, as well as exploration. It suggests pain yet something more, something to reach for.

Her raw choices of words make for a delicious read. She uses essential ideas like breakfast and morning mixed with notions of ennui and flowers and jackets with confusion. Different, lovely, and captivating in its own right. I love, just love the manner in which the author transcends ordinary things and concepts with deeper meanings such as freedom, routine, solitude, boredom, feeling trapped… Moreover, the author tackles topics that are hard to hear about, to admit and to think about. I both congratulate and thank her for this initiative. It was fun, good, and refreshing to read about such truths that are rarely seen. I don't necessary mean horrible things like (rape, racism, and others), no, I mean like our own redundancy, our inability to have compassion or the energy to care at some point in our lives, and so on. These are rarely touched upon, but she did. In addition to these topics, her extensive culture and knowledge show on the pages. Interesting!

As for the writing itself, I LOVE her line breaks. They make you want to read more, it's a nice "pause" and it always feels like some renewal. The words are well-chosen and the imagery is good.

But what about the poems themselves?

Central Ave. is the one that made me feel. It had deeper meanings and a hard one at that. The choice of words was well done.

Ode to Time, Lance and December Rain is so different (she wishes things we usually don't, and that's beautiful in its own way). I love the format like a staircase, it's long but the verses are short. Her thoughts and emotions and personality are exposed in this one. As well as the story surrounding this poem. And that makes it a beauty.

I (In the Absence of You-Meaning Me) goes well beyond the surface both in words and meaning. It's a fun read and it makes you ponder about the self, yourself. Loved the different approach here!

As If really got me. It seems to speak about pretence and the lack of knowing oneself and others. We keep up the pretence, as if…

Momentary Mother is sweet and delightful and just. So. True. Most of us will protect a child or at least make sure they're all right.

For a Single Summer. Wow. Just wow. About our fears, insecurities and how we want to leave them behind or get rid of them, forget them "for a single summer". How they impact our lives at home.

Facing the Rain. Love it! About our courage, our resilience, how we face the bad things in our life, how we dare Life and The Reaper to send us more problems, but to give us a new chance also.

The Mass Migration of 60 Million Monarch Butterflies May Soon Be History. What guts the poet has! She writes about such a hard and conflicted topic: why care about global things if we can't even care about ours first? Won't we be history too at some point? Ourselves first, and then if we still have compassion and energy, we'll care about bigger things. We always need to deal with bigger things (like one's beloved person suffering from dementia, her father, my grandfather… and others).

I have to admit the last few poems are heavy with meaning and emotions. I love them!

Finally, the last verse of the last poem really fits the end of this poetry collection. It's honest, it FITS, and it's true to her style.

The Negative Sides:

Unfortunately, while the poems are enjoyable to read, you forget them soon after. Why? They didn't make me feel anything. They were beautiful, well-crafted, but my emotions weren't stirred (except for Central Ave.)

In Conclusion:

For all these reasons, and the lack of emotional connection, I give Praising the Paradox a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. The first half wasn't really thrilling… But when it picks up, it's amazing!

I will definitely be on the lookout for more from Tina Schumann.

If you want to learn more about the author, you can visit her Web site, you can also follow her on Facebook and her Goodreads author account. You can visit her publisher, Red Hen Press. You can also add Praising the Paradox to your bookshelves on Goodreads and LibraryThing.

*Please note that some links are affiliate links. This means I get a percentage off your purchase if you buy through my link, without any extra costs to you! Thank you very much.

Complete the Story: My Review and Free Flash Fiction

Book Reviews, flash fiction, Freebies May 6, 2020 Leave a comment

Hi, folks!

Remember the book Complete the Story I told you in this article of mine I'd come back to?

Well, here it is!

Copyrighted Catherine G.V., 2020.

This book gives you the first sentence of a story that you have to complete. I even added the limit of only on one page since there's a new sentence on every page. So, here's to the added challenge! *raises her glass of iced coffee*

As I thought, I simply love this book! Not only is it fun, but it is surprising. The sentences are so varied that you can write a sci-fi story, then fall into romance, historical, and so on. You never know what to expect!

Did I expect the first sentence to turn into a sci-fi flash fiction? Heck no, I barely write in that genre!

Was it fun? YES! Did it make me expand my writing skills and field? YES. Do I regret it? NOT AT ALL.

Here's what I have (you can read it as part of this article further down):

Copyrighted Catherine G.V., 2020.

And now, please enjoy my flash fiction and don't forget to check out Complete the Story at Indigo!

Shine a Light, I Might Accept

It was that fleeting hour of day when the moon and sun are high and bright at the same time. Like many things in my life, these summer nights wouldn’t last much longer. I sat quietly on a fallen tree, staring at the reflections of the sun and the moon on the sparkling purple lake’s surface. A smile expanded on my face as their rays both warmed parts of me while cooling others. I took a deep, satisfying breath with my eyes closed, the chirping of the Lagún birds reaching my ears through the transparent Nhelmet on my head.

Beep ding!

I sucked in my interrupted breath, a bitter disappointment in my chest. Cursing, I pressed on the side of the Nhelmet, just above my right ear.

“Yeah?”

“Kitley, get back inside! School’s tomorrow.”

The shrill voice of my mother echoed in my head. I blinked, defiance boiling in me.

“Come on, they’re out for a few more nights only!”

“That’s very well, but you’ll still come in, Kitley.”

“But dad—”

“Inside.”

The beep sounded and I grumbled. With one last glance at the wonderful moon and sun, I started towards the house. My heart shattered a bit more as I walked to join my breaking family. Maybe it would be better if it ended now.

Enjoyed it? Feel free to leave me a comment!

See you next post, lovelies!

Face Your Word: A Book Review

Book Reviews April 11, 2020 Leave a comment

Amazon.ca

Amazon.com

Goodreads

Genre: Fiction, Poetry

Pages: 162

ISBN: 9780578448237

ASIN: B07NVS6V2B

Format: Paperback, eBook (Kindle)

Publication date: February 7th, 2019

Publisher: Self-Published

Type: Poetry collection, Short story collection

*I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to dear Michal Yaccoby, Shmuel Yaccoby, and BookTasters!*

Introduction:

I was intrigued by the concept of words running amok through poems and stories, accompanied by what seemed to be cute drawings. So I decided to give this book a try.

It turned out to be quite unique and an enjoyable read despite its few flaws.

Let’s go over it together, shall we?

The Blurb:

Written words leave their text and become alive. Each has its own expressive face and mysterious personality. Amusing short stories and poems with lessons for those who are forever young. Seasoned with surprising word characters: Stucker and Unstucker, who deal with being stuck in life; the difference between an ambitious one who likes TooBee and another who prefers NotTooBee; the funny virtual MaxiMax-Axe who breaks Box to activate Think-Outside-Box; the Scratch each of us carry through life; Known and None particles that handle our body and Mind within Atoms; the revenge journey of Cancer Cell; and much more. Written by Professor of Medicine, Shmuel Yaccoby (Ph.D.), and illustrated by his wife, Michal Yaccoby. They live in USA with their three children.

The Positive Sides:

For starters, this book is greatly original, unique. It was a surprise with each page and I couldn’t wait to keep reading to find out what drawing and topic was on the next page! Creativity and imagination run wild in this book, that’s for sure. The drawings of the words are so cute and adorable. Plus, these drawings and the play on words are all linked to the actual text in very clever ways. Honestly, I loved the illustrations and their names (and the twists on those!). Also, I liked the Capitalization (see what I did there?) of the names of the drawings/words; it makes you think they’re even more important than usual, just like people. And you start to recognize them as the stories go on like characters, which is a nice bonus.

Moreover, I really enjoyed how the poems could go on for a few pages, like a slow-going story to savour. The humour is fun to read and sprinkled here and there and everywhere.

I must say the last few pages were WOW. The mix of each of the words/drawings telling a story with a small sentence, all in line for a bigger one, just makes for a great and surprising experience. It left me with a sense of amazement and deep contemplation about what had been said, along with my own life. This was the highlight of the book, certainly!

The Negative Sides:

While this book is entertaining and original, I had the displeasure of sometimes stumbling over verses that are confusing—one can’t grasp their meaning quite easily. Even though they make you think, I’m not sure they’re meant to be confusing to the frowning point (which I did a few times). In the first poems/stories, the wording is strange here and there, which doesn’t help understanding.

Moreover, what bothered me was the overall lack of depth in the poems/stories. There are several with depth, such as the one about Atoms (capitalized in respect to the word running free in the book) and the one about Cancer, but the rest is very light and seems superficial. I don’t mind either, but doing both in the same book that’s advertised as “funny” and “for those young at heart”, is kind of against the point. One must choose between the two, and in this case for the promotion of the book, I think more light poems/stories would fit better.

Lastly, I found several poems/stories to be a bit too much on the religious side, which doesn’t fit the lightness of the book. I don’t think religion belongs in a light and funny read, unless you make jokes about it, but this is not the case. However, I greatly enjoyed the medical poems; they were both highly amusing and informative, coming from a Professor of Medicine.

In Conclusion:

This book was a wild, unique and informative ride, though it came with a few points to improve in my opinion. For all these reasons, I give Face Your Word by Shmuel Yaccoby & Michal Yaccoby a rating of 3.5 out 5! I recommend it to all types of readers, and mostly to those enjoying twists on formats, poetry and humour! Overall, if you’re looking for a unique reading experience, this is the book for you.

If you want to learn more about the author, you can follow him on his Twitter account. You can also add Face Your Word to your bookshelves on Goodreads.

Hello: A Book Review

Book Reviews March 28, 2020 Leave a comment

Amazon.ca

Amazon.com

Jonathan Parker Bell's Web site

Genre: Poetry, Prose Poetry, Short Story
Pages: 123 (289 pages in the paperback edition)
ASIN: B07ZXM7JC6

ISBN: 9781687225122
Format: eBook (Kindle), paperback
Publication date: November 1st, 2019
Publisher: Self-Published
Type: Collection

*I received a free eCopy in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to Jonathan Bell!*

Introduction:

You know me, a poet myself and writer, and a great lover of the poetry in prose genre and short stories, I couldn’t resist Bell’s offer to review his prose poetry and short stories book. Plus, his publication age (he’s 15 years old!) really impressed me and his activism intrigued me, and so I wanted to help him out.

Let me tell you I don’t regret the choice I made!

The Blurb:

It's a risky business, saying hello. In "Hello," Jonathan Bell explores themes like hope, faith, adventure, loneliness, relationships, and life itself through insightfully crafted short stories and poems that transcend traditional genre boundaries. "Hello" is a cultural commentary, a longing for something more, and a voice speaking out and standing up.

The Positive Sides:

I noticed two things right away: the wit in his verses, which is admirable, and there’s such imagery! I feel like in another world yet I relate. His texts are so personal and profound, yet accessible, and all delivered with an enhanced vocabulary and beautiful, gripping, and surprising imagery. Seriously, these points are what made the book a success to me! It made me feel the stories, the emotions, and think about the different situations. Wonderful!

It’s very pleasant to read and touching, and I like how there are subtle activist messages about environment and the human nature. They were hard but satisfying to read because most of them ring true, at least to me.

There’s something intriguing he does in his writing. I sometimes do it myself in my poetry. The author intertwines nature with the texts, making it resound with importance, as well as putting important words such as “Hope” and “Someone Else” in capitals for a touching effect.

Finally, I couldn’t wait to resume reading every day. I would look forward to going to bed to read more of his prose and poetry, and most importantly, to feel intensely. Now, I feel stuff intensely on a daily basis, but his book really grabbed me to the point I connected with his words and they echoed in me. And it was all so beautiful, I just wanted to see what was in store next, and so on.

The Negative Sides:

Despite all these good sides, there is one thing that bothers me. The introduction, which is uninterested and careless is off-putting. It’s quite a shame because the rest of the book is wonderful and enriching!

There are people who read these introductions (like me!) and this one is more harmful than fun or informative. More professionalism is preferable in this particular aspect.

As you can see, my complaint isn’t about the work itself, the prose and poetry are great. But the introduction needs polishing.

In Conclusion:

While the introduction is upsetting, I’m telling you this book deserves to be read. Thanks to its relatability, its depth and sublime imagery, I give Hello by Jonathan Bell a rating of 5 out 5! I recommend it to all readers either for a discovery of the poetry in prose genre or for an emotional, poignant read that makes you think and feel.

If you want to learn more about the author, you can visit his Web site and you can also add Hello to your bookshelves on Goodreads

Build Your Best Writing Life: A Book Review

Book Reviews March 24, 2020 Leave a comment

Genre: Non-Fiction, Self-help

Pages: 200

ASIN: B08358CWF6

Format: eBook (Kindle/Kobo/Nook)

Publication date: February 7th, 2020

Publisher: Self-Published

Type: Nonfiction book

*I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to dear Kristen Kieffer (whom I secretly admire)!*

Introduction:

I own every workbook by Kieffer as well as her Scrivener course (which is SO useful!) and I’ve been one of her newsletter subscribers for a few years now. So, when she sent out the invitation to review her Build Your Best Writing Life ARC to help her out, how could I not? I mean, I always find what she does to be helpful and excellent, so the book probably wouldn’t differ from her usual work. Plus, the invitation came at a dire time in my life where I needed writing more than ever to stay afloat.

And trust me, it impressed me, taught me essential stuff about the writing life, and helped me like I thought it would.

How about we explore it together?

The Blurb:

Is there a gap between where you are and where you want to be in your writing life?

Maybe you have a drawer full of unfinished manuscripts or a story idea you’re struggling to develop. Perhaps you’re frustrated with your writing progress or overwhelmed by creative doubt, burnout, or writer’s block. Or you just can’t seem to sit down and write.

No matter the roadblock standing between you and writing success, here’s the good news: You’re capable of becoming the writer you want to be—and that work can begin today. In this actionable and empowering guide to personal writing success, Kristen Kieffer shares 25 insightful chapters designed to help you:

Cultivate confidence in your skills and stories
Develop a personal writing habit you can actually sustain
Improve your writing ability with tools for intentional growth
Discover what you (really) want from your writing life—and how to get it!

By the end of Build Your Best Writing Life, you’ll know how to harness the simple techniques that can help you win your inner creative battles, finish projects you can be proud to share with the world, and work with focus to turn your writing dreams into reality.

The Positive Sides:

For starters, I learned several things, especially about the Resistance, such as the indifference I feel sometimes when I come to put pen to paper. I didn’t know what was wrong with me, and reading about this reassured me. Seriously, her book reaches out to us writers and our specific troubles, our hopes, and our vision. She gives interesting tips on how to recognize and battle resistance, which I think is invaluable if you want to create your best writing life. Her book is informative and tackles topics like what is inspiration and what are the two types of creative energy.

Moreover, I liked that Kieffer links to professionals in theirs fields like Laura Vanderkam for time management. This makes the author more credible and professional. I also love that she gives tidbits of how she came to be a writer and overcome these issues and so on. It’s nice to have a personal experience thrown in at some points. It makes the reading richer and more entertaining.

As for the quality of the writing itself, it is beautiful and approached in a friendly and caring manner. It’s also no nonsense about things such as doubt (among other issues) and how it can impact us and so on. Kieffer is matter-of-fact, such as in the topic of finding time to write. She won’t tell you what you want to hear, but instead present you with facts and how reality is different for each of us, etc. As a last point, I personally enjoyed that she uses battle metaphors against Resistance; this reminds me a lot of The War of Art by Steven Pressfield.

In addition to these great points, she explores several important notions, concepts and issues experienced by writers. She tackles the external need for validation and the best way to cultivate confidence. Also, she talks about what habit is and why it is good and essential for writers. It’s very interesting to see its various benefits. Want tips and principles on how to find and make time to write? She’s got you covered! I liked the creative mindset chapter and loved the habit triggers part. Her explanation made me understand those better and now I want to try a few out! I loved her genuine thoughts against the productivity hot topic for writers that they have to write more etc when it’s a creative activity! Kieffer also explores writer’s block and its causes in detail and what we can do to help ourselves overcome it or deal with it. She is quite positive even in the face of doubts and taking action. It is inspiring and reassuring. She even goes into details on how to choose between traditional and indie, and she goes into details for the author career paths like the four business models we can use. Superb! And several chapters offer well-chosen and helpful questions meant to make you think about what you want and who you are as a writer. All the while, she goes deep into the subjects in a concise manner.

Lastly, kudos for mentioning fan fiction naturally while other writers shy away from or deride this creative outlet. I started out as a fan fiction writer too, so it always pleases me to see others respect this type of writing.

The Negative Sides:

Honestly, I would have preferred more tips and information about how to organize and build a writing routine. As one who struggles with this, I feel there wasn’t enough depth and guidance. It’s unfortunate, as the book is otherwise perfect!

In Conclusion:

Despite the lack of information about organizing and building a writing routine, all the rest of the book was immensely captivating and insightful. Thus, for the sheer helpfulness of this book and the joy and enthusiasm I felt reading it, I give Build Your Best Writing Life by Kristen Kieffer a rating of 5 out 5! I recommend it to all types of writers, both beginners and seasoned, and mostly to those considering a serious career in writing (or a more serious hobby)!

If you want to learn more about the author, you can visit her very informative Web site, you can also follow her on Twitter, Facebook, Amazon author page and Goodreads. You can also add Build Your Best Writing Life to your bookshelves on Goodreads.

Twisted Reunion: A Book Review

Book Reviews March 6, 2020 Leave a comment

Genre: Horror, Dark Fiction, Thriller

Pages: 280

ASIN: B016PVWZBY

ISBN: 9781938475177)

Format: eBook (Kindle), Hardcover, Audiobook

Publication date: December 22nd, 2015

Publisher: Vincere Press

Type: Short story collection

*I received a free eCopy in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to dear Mark Tullius and BookTasters!*

Introduction:

Last year, I started reading horror. It's a new literary genre for me, although I watch a lot of horror movies. But to this day, I yet hadn't reviewed a book in this genre. So when I saw Twisted Reunion, which offers 28 dark and creepy short stories, I figured it would be the best entrypoint into reviewing horror. Short stories read well and fast, and to be honest, the descriptions of a few of his stories really drew me in. His characters seemed all so different, raw, and his stories indeed twisted and intriguing. I am so glad I received a free eCopy of Twisted Reunion!

The Blurb:

Plunge deep into disturbing darkness with these 28 short stories. Explore heartache, fleeting happiness, and horror in this fascinating collection.

Experience chills as you read these creepy stories and more:

• A pornographer's horrific early morning ritual

• A beautiful baby boy who knows what he wants

• An engineer sees life on the other side of the tracks

• A drug run goes awry

• A family's unique Christmas tradition

• An artist whose paintings become reality

• A man who longs to rid himself of an annoying companion

• A child terrified by things that slither and ooze in the night

• Come join a soldier on the run in the jungle

• An old man's quest for the perfect photo

• A woman who sniffs out killers

• A life coach whose own brand of “therapy” goes way beyond cruel and unusual

• A young man who can't let go of the past

(Seriously, this blurb is everything. These are just a few of his weird, unique ideas which make up his fantastic short story collection.)

The Positive Sides:

First of all, his ideas are really original and creepy and well-advertised as twisted. Each of them either gave me goosebumps or made me feel a weight in my stomach. I love them! Plus, all the situations and characters are so varied! I will definitely read more by this author. Speaking of characters, most of the main characters are likeable and relatable in some way. But gosh, do I freaking hate his villains and antagonists! They are despicable, believable, true to their awful character, and so well done. I also noticed and loved the diversity present in this book! There are people of colours and LGBTQs, among others. It's a really nice touch for minorities to be in stories, and it stays true to us (at least I can say so from the LGBTQ's POV). His characters are of all ages too, which makes the reading even more interesting with a lot of flavour. (It reminds me of BBQ, flavour… Hmmm, BBQ.)

As for the writing itself, I have high praise for him. All of his short stories are expertly structured with the clues cleverly disseminated throughout. They were a pleasure to read, the rhythm was great as well. I loved it! Plus, his dialogues feel natural. They're a lot of fun to read and flow smoothly, back and forth between the characters with ease. It's as though we're eavesdropping. But don't tell them, shhhhh!

Finally, there are a lot of surprises sprinkled in the stories! I had such a blast reading this book. Mostly, when I finished a story, I kept reading another and another and another… just because I wondered "What would he pull out next?!" That's how great this collection is.

The Negative Sides:

Despite all these great points, I've noticed two things that bother me. The first is how in the story "Out There", the name Mike keeps changing to Matt then back to Mike. It's rather annoying and confusing. Also, while his stories are twisted and creepy, they're not scary per se (except for the second one in the collection, this one gave me the creeps, haha!). I think it should be marketed as twisted and dark only, with a dose of horror without it being classified as horror, maybe? But don't get me wrong: they're EXCELLENT! I've enjoyed Tullius's stories a lot, I just think the book isn't labeled correctly. Or maybe it takes a lot to scare me. I'm not sure about which one is the right way to go. Either way, I'm not taking any stars away for this, I just figured it was worth mentioning, that's all.

In Conclusion:

With all these positive sides, such as the originality and creepiness of the stories, as well as the diversity of the characters and the sheer FUN I had reading his book, I give Twisted Reunion by Mark Tullius a rating of 5 out of 5. You can't go wrong with this book, I assure you. It was better than I expected and I was expecting a fun time already. I was surprised, enthralled, shocked, amused, creeped out, and so many other glorious emotions. If you love anything dark, twisted, horror… Give this collection a try, really. Like I said earlier in the review, I will definitely read more by this author, and I think you'd do yourself a favour by doing the same.

If you want to learn more about the author, you can visit his Web site, you can also follow him on Instagram (mark_tullius), Twitter, Amazon author page, Facebook, and Goodreads. Love podcasts? Listen to his. You can also add Twisted Reunion to your bookshelves on Goodreads.

**Please note that there are affiliate links in this post. This means that I make a percentage off your purchase, but it doesn't cost you anything more than the price you pay for your purchase. Thank you very much! 🙂

Oblivion Song: A Book Review

Book Reviews February 23, 2020 Leave a comment

Image Comics Web Site

By Kirkman & De Felici, Volume 1

Genre: Science-fiction, Fantasy, Adventure

Pages: 144

ISBN: 9781534306424

Format: Paperback, Kindle

Publication date: September 18, 2018

Publisher: Image Comics

Type: Comics, Graphic Novel

Issue(s): 1-6

*I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to dear Edelweiss+ and Image Comics!*

Introduction:

I’ve got to be honest here: the cover art drew me in with its darkness, beautiful colours, and mirror effect. Then, the blurb did it for me. I can never resist a story about parallel dimension, even less comics about that topic! I was thrilled when they granted my request to review this graphic novel. And I was even happier with how good this book is!

Let’s explore it together!

The Blurb:

Ten years ago, half of the city was crushed and has been lost in Oblivion, a parallel dimension invaded by monsters. There are those who can do the “transference” and travel to the parallel city. Nathan Cole, along with a small team, goes into the other dimension to rescue people stuck there since the tragedy occurred. They will have to fend their way through a city covered in slime and weird plants while fighting against a group of survivors.

Positive Sides:

Let’s jump right into what’s obvious to the eye: the colour palette used what with its beautiful colours with gradients is lovely. And even though the drawing style takes a while to get used to… it’s similar to the first comics in a few aspects. Yes, I’m talking about dear old Batman in the ’60s and such. With a modern spin, of course.

The characters are another thing that is definitely worth discussing. The realism of the relationships between the characters and how we’d all react may it be from a societal to personal POV is SO well depicted! But that’s not all: there is a lot of diversity in this book! Nathan’s girlfriend, Heather, is black and also looks Latina (it’s not clear, but she’s a POC), Duncan’s wife is Asian and Duncan himself is black! This is really cool and inclusive. Speaking of which, I found the book to be inclusive on another level: on body shapes. Now, hang on, there’s a squared and muscular woman dating a slender man. That is rarely seen in stories, and even less in comics. Love, love all this diversity and realism!

But what about the story itself? I must admit it is quite intriguing. And it starts right into the action! I’m a fan of such beginnings. We also encounter a few fun surprises along the way… before the mega ending of WHOA SURPRISE UPON SURPRISE! I adored it, really! Also, please note that the story and details we’re looking for during the reading, well, are NOT supposed to make sense… at all… Why? Because our questions are inherently linked to the plot ending. There’s a reason why if you stick with it and while a bit uncomfortable at first, it’s genius in the end! Moreover, EVERYTHING is linked! I mean it, when I look back and think about it, all the details matter. Amazing!

Negative Sides:

The only negative point is how the story is a bit too vague for a long while, which confuses us until we get about half into it or so.

In Conclusion:

I recommend this book whole-heartedly! It might have a slightly annoying negative side, but the whole story is engrossing, unique, and the drawings are beautiful. It offers us many positive points such as diversity, vibrant colours and surprises! For all these reasons, I give Oblivion Song a rating of 5 out of 5! This graphic novel is too good not to give it a perfect score.

If you want to learn more about the Robert Kirkman, you can visit his page on Image Comics, you can also follow him on Twitter and Goodreads. If you want to learn more about Lorenzo De Felici, you can follow him on Twitter and Facebook. You can visit their publisher, Image Comics. You can also add Oblivion Song to your bookshelves on Goodreads and LibraryThing.

The Sea: A Book Review

Book Reviews February 3, 2020 Leave a comment

Amazon.ca *

Amazon.com

Goodreads

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Dystopian

Pages: 75

ASIN: B082WQ21TT

Format: eBook (Kindle)

Publication date: February 7th, 2020

Publisher: Self-Published

Type: Novella

*I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to dear Sophie Jupillat Posey and Book Sirens!*

Introduction:

As a new reviewer on Book Sirens, I was browsing the books available for review and this cover caught my eye. It looked grand and dangerous-two things I love in a book. Its title held my interest as a big fan of nature herself. So, why shouldn’t I pick it up? No reason, exactly!

I went through many states and emotions reading this novella, but I’d go through them again if I had to. Read on to find out why!

The Blurb:

Forty-year-old Amos Heinig avoids family, society, and emotional conflicts. People bring far too much drama, as if he doesn't have enough of his own. The ultra-realistic nightmares he's been having for as long as he can remember have made his isolationist existence nearly unbearable. After each bizarre, visionary dream in which the wild, untamed ocean rises up and destroys humanity, he wakes in his bed, drenched in seawater. All he wants is to forget the dreams and avoid the sea at all costs.

Surprising himself, he attends his nephew's birthday party and reconnects with his relatives. During the party, he learns that his sister not only knows about his strange visions, but that the gift runs in the family. In his worst nightmare, Amos discovers his own unique legacy as the lines between dream and reality become muddled. He alone recognizes the dire omens for humanity. Amos’s empathy is tested in the most terrifying way possible and a new, urgent purpose catapults him into action.

Can a force of nature, subject only to time and the tides, ever be patient, persuaded, let alone subdued? Or will Amos's efforts only delay the inevitable desolation and ruin of the entire human race?

The Positive Sides:

The main character, Amos, is entertaining. I like his apathy and fear, which makes him interesting to me. His sadness and depression are quite apparent in the way he speaks. I love it! We hear HIM. And he’s so cynical and snarky… Bad boy. Haha! I think the other characters were realistic and intriguing enough in their own right, mostly Tivana his sister), his nephew, and the sea (she talks to him and it’s amazing). I enjoyed Amos and Tivana’s relationship; it is hard, rocky, and toxic, even dark.

Speaking of the sea herself, she talks and communicates with Amos. It is beautiful and enchanting! It made me squeal with awe. Imagine if that happened! Also, this story has good morals for humans and a strong respect for nature-how could I not love it? The effects of climate change and how we mistreat water and the Earth in general are well informed. The author did her research as to how it would look in the future because of humans… One word: bad. There were really good surprises along the reading! And everything is connected to the sea and drowning in one way or another; it feels like a whole and it’s wonderful.

As for the writing, the descriptions and showing of emotions and sensations are great! I even admired the words she chose because I was all: “Yes, she’s so right, that’s how it feels!” Plus, this book has been well proofread. I couldn’t find a mistake, which made me so happy. It was damn right pleasant, okay?

Moreover, I enjoyed Amos’s nightmares; they were lush with descriptions and impending doom. Although I would have preferred them a bit scarier for full effect. And what about him waking up all wet with water pooling near his bed and smelling of salt?! I mean, this detail is very intriguing and original! Despite the slow first half of the story, it starts being thrilling halfway through. And the ending? OH MY GOD! SO WEIRD! To be honest, it’s the weirdest story I’ve ever read-I had goosebumps. BUT I loved it because of its weirdness. Sure, some people will be put off by this, but if you like oddities a bit, read this book! It won’t disappoint!

The Negative Sides:

However, the negative side is a bit too present not to notice it. There is too much exposition and telling which could be best used as flashbacks and other techniques, in my opinion. I took one star away from the rating because it was rather annoying and unfortunately didn’t help the story. May I suggest showing vs telling classes? (I am taking some myself, so this is a friendly suggestion)

In Conclusion:

I am grateful that The Sea is so inclined on respecting the sea and nature. It touches me. Plus, the weirdest ending just got under my skin (and I welcomed it). It was so intense. Sophie Jupillat Posey’s book might use telling too much, but it was overall a great experience. For all these reasons, I give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

If you want to learn more about the author, you can visit her Website and Goodreads author page, you can also follow her on Twitter and like her Facebook page. You can also add The Sea to your bookshelves on Goodreads.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links indicated by a * next to them. If you purchase through my affiliate link, I receive a percentage of the sale, but it doesn't cost you anything more! Thank you.

Lost Boy: A Book Review

Book Reviews December 19, 2019 Leave a comment

Genre: Science-fiction, YA, adventure

Pages: 300

ASIN: B07ZCCRC9R

Format: eBook (Kindle)

Publication date: December 17th, 2019

Publisher: Bleeding Ink Publishing

Type: Novel (Series – The Neverland Transmissions)

I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to dear J.M. Sullivan and Bleeding Ink Publishing!

Introduction:

So, I’ve been waiting for Lost Boy since I reviewed Second Star, and let me tell you it satisfied me! Of course, I had to try and review the new book. Fortunately, Miss Sullivan did obtain me an ARC. (I’m immensely grateful!)

I mean, the Second Star story kept popping up in my mind throughout the years and I wondered what would happen next. I read a lot of books and for one to get stuck in my head like this means it’s excellent.

But what about the sequel?

Let’s find out, shall we?!

The Blurb:

Wendy swore she would return . . .

But Peter isn’t willing to wait. After marooning himself on Neverland to ensure his crew’s return home, Peter is determined to find a way off the ageless planet and back to the Jolly Roger and Wendy’s arms. Looking to the future, he presses on, until someone from his past reveals the dark secrets hidden in Neverland’s depths.

Meanwhile, traveling across distant galaxies, Wendy’s ship is failing. With systems malfunctions increasing and supplies running low, Wendy and her crew must find a way to keep the antiquated vessel afloat. But creaks and groans on an aging vessel aren’t the Captain’s only concern–there are whispers onboard, quiet voices skittering through the shadows that warn of something much more sinister.

The Positive Sides:

Let me start with the biggest and best news: there are no inconsistencies in the story this time around! The author really improved on this point. Kudos to her!

I liked the introduction by Aidan Boyce in his log at the beginning of the book. It’s interesting, and it does fill us in on the details and what’s going on with the crew since we last saw them. Speaking of Aidan, his introduction is foreboding—I like it greatly! Okay, okay, I won’t lie: I love it! It’s a bit unsettling too with his acting strange and the darkness he mentions at the end. Creepy. Which only intensifies throughout the book—very intriguing. The fact that the important details of the first book are seamlessly and believably inserted in the sequel is hugely appreciated and even pleasant to read. I felt no weight as I read through them. Seriously good writing skills here!

What about the writing itself? Well, the reading is smooth and flows. Plus, there is a lot of jokes and funny moments, which is so nice. I laughed out loud a good three times, so it’s always welcome! So the verdict? Her writing is lovely! The words are diversified and well-chosen, but the writing isn’t heavy. Like I mentioned above, it flows smoothly as we read. And the editing is super well done! Another great point.

Moreover, I really enjoyed the friendships in Lost Boy, notably with Wendy and her pilot, Dawes. They’re funny and adorable. Two awesome female friends! Peter’s friendship with Tinc and Seven (respectively a nanobot and a cute fox-like animal) is sweet, and Wendy’s friendship with Johns and Michaels is, as always, beautiful and caring. Funny, too.

As for the, ahum, “trouble” with Aidan… Well, I love their angsty love triangle (insert Wendy and Peter here). It’s amusing to read and sad at the same time. Poor Aidan, hahaha.

I think that the secondary characters having romances too is sweet. I’m glad the author made this choice and that not only Wendy and her love triangle exists. It makes it more realistic.

And… YES!! There is still Peter’s point of view. I was SO waiting for him. He is charming, funny, and lovely as always. Just like I love him. Oh, and he’s a red head, did you know? Psssst, I love red heads! Ahum, yes, so…

Moving on. Peter’s plan is thrilling and fits so well with his skills (you’ll see when you read it). The plot is interesting and intriguing, and I did enjoy the Stjarnins’ presence and collaboration with Peter. Also, I’ll admit I was as surprised as Peter with the Stjarnins’ secrets. Cool!!

All in all, this series is definitely my favourite retelling!!! And I read a lot of those. If that’s not convincing you to read Lost Boy (or Second Star, if you haven’t), I don’t know what will.

The Negative Sides:

The good news is I couldn’t find many of them. Heck, there was only one I noticed! What is it?

Well, the plot hints are too big and obvious. We can see right away what is happening on the ship and Boyce, and that’s a bit saddening. I’m not sure it was intentional or not. As one who figures out the twists quite easily, this one was given on a golden plate, unfortunately.

But the plot was still good and intriguing, don’t worry. It’s just it was obvious.

In Conclusion:

I loved, loved, loved Lost Boy by J.M. Sullivan! Meeting with the crew and Peter Pan again made my heart pulse with energy, curl up in bed with my Kobo and squeal like a total fangirl (which I am). It was wonderful! Now I’m waiting for the third book! GIVE IT TO ME!

So, what’s the rating? Due to the plot being too obvious, I’m taking away a .5, but I give Lost Boy a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which proves how excellent it is. I’m telling you, read the sequel, it does not disappoint and you get to know all the characters much better. They become your friends, believe it or not.

If you want to learn more about the author, you can visit her (gorgeous) Web site, you can also follow her on Instagram, Twitter, Amazon author page, Facebook, Goodreads and LibraryThing. Love podcasts? Listen to hers. You can visit her publisher, Bleeding Ink Publishing. You can also add Lost Boy to your bookshelves on Goodreads.

Desire of Whimsy: A Book Review

Book Reviews December 15, 2019 Leave a comment

Amazon.com

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Goodreads

Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 76
ASIN: B07M8DH3GV
Format: eBook (Kindle), paperback, hardcover
Publication date: December 11th, 2018
Publisher: Lulu Publishing Services (Self-Published)
Type: Novella

I received a free ecopy in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to Charletta Barksdale and BookTasters!

Introduction:

Coma? Dreams? And a young woman who’s taking care of said guy in a coma? Sign me up to read this book!

Seriously, when I read the blurb, I was so hooked and intent on reading this story. I love any idea that explores such topics, and there aren’t enough of those. I would not pass this opportunity up, and thankfully the author sent me a free ecopy through BookTasters reviewing program. I was pacing all over the room with excitation!

On with the review, then!

The Blurb:

Serenity is a young woman living alone in Edinburgh, Scotland, and working as a nurse in the coma ward of a hospital. She has been dreaming of a mysterious man—and since she can interpret and control her dreams, her gifts make her dreams that much more intense. During her day job, she focuses on her favorite patient, Mr. Thomas, who has been in a coma for five years. Trance lives in a world that allows him to control the emotions and thoughts of others while they are sleeping, a task he accomplishes under the watchful eye on his recruiter, Impedes. Unaware that he is actually in a coma, he is stuck between two worlds, unable to determine which is real. But when he meets Serenity in her dreams, those worlds collide, sending both of them on a path of loss and love. In this novella, a young nurse and a man in a coma meet in their dreams and soon discover there is more to the world than they ever imagined.

The Positive Sides:

Let’s go over the characters first, okay? I’ve got a lot to say about them and they are quite interesting. The main character, Serenity, is charming, and it’s easy to understand how she feels and thinks. I love her passionate love of things and people in her life. Plus, I like how clever she is and how quickly she understands things and situations, and that she goes to the library for more information (that’s a good one!). She is also bold and tries several techniques to meet with Trance again and help him!

But what about her relationships with others? She’s got a good and loving relationship with her sweet mother, although Serenity’s adult life is beginning with her moving out and living on her own. The setup is amazingly precise and sweet. Also, her kind and lovely friendships with other women. She is caring. But let’s be honest here, the sheer kindness of most of her characters is refreshing, heart-warming and adorable! And Thomas? Serenity is so lovely and caring with her patient, Thomas. It is beautiful and I love the genuine kindness of Serenity and the help she provides. As for Trance and Serenity’s relationship, their fascination with each other is amusing and intriguing. How will they meet and what will happen with those dream visits and appearances?! Lastly, the villain is a bastard. I enjoy hating him, though I’d have loved to see more of him.

Furthermore, the fact we get to see other POVs such as Trance, the guy Serenity sees appear and disappear in her bedroom blew me away! I wasn’t expecting this and it’s fantastic (he’s so mysterious). Also, you’re telling me he’s a drifter? Possibly not human? In love with Serenity? Not supposed to appear in her world physically? Wow, you got me intrigued! I greatly enjoy all the weird things that happen with them both, including their prodigious meeting which is so faithful to the weird side of this story. I am in love! There is also the importance of all matters of heart, like the wish that touched Trance… Magnificent and poignant, you have to read it yourself! Seriously, this story even made me tear up—it’s so beautifully emotional.

Speaking of weird things, there are a lot of surprises and twists in this book, which I love! For example, the book Serenity finds at the library about dream shifters, so cool! And the twist with her mother’s gift is awesome and explains a lot (based on what we know so far)! Plus, I didn’t expect the elders to be what they are. It’s both fitting and surprising!

Besides all these characters, relationships, and surprises, there are the amazing rules of the coma and sleep states as well as dream shifters! I personally love that there is lucid dreaming in this story, because I do that since I am a wee child thanks to my mom who trained me to at a very young age. She always told me they were my dreams and I could control them, not reverse. And you know what? She was damn right! So it’s a big pleasure to read about lucid dreaming in a fiction book. Kudos to the author!

Lastly, I just want to say I love this story and what happens to souls in coma. I’ve always wondered what was up with them and we get to see one possible explanation for it. A fun ride, I’m telling you! Moreover, the soul’s transition is just plain beautiful—I got shivers when I read that passage! As for the ending, it is great and a really awesome setup for the next book!

The Negative Sides:

Unfortunately, there are negative sides most of the times no matter how hard we try. I’ve noticed two major ones in this book. The biggest one is there is too much telling (mostly in dialogue), which makes it awkward to read and a bit hard to believe. For example, Serenity talks a lot aloud to herself, even personal things that would be better suited as thoughts. And their discussions just describe everything they’re feeling and intend to do. I strongly suggest to the author to read more about the infamous “showing vs telling” problem and perhaps take a class. Because her book and ideas are fantastic, but this is holding back her story as we get annoyed.

The other point is her writing is simple. Her vocabulary isn’t enhanced. Now, this might just be perfect for some people, but I prefer a diversified writing with some big or odd words here and there and generally enhanced vocabulary. This one I’m not taking any stars out of the rating because it’s not bad, it’s just not my style, I guess. But it’s still worth mentioning.

In Conclusion:

While the major negative point is prominent, I still had a blast and a whole lot of emotions reading Desire of Whimsy by Charletta Barksdale! So, for the sheer magical ideas contained in this book and the lovely characters that populate it, I give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. I still encourage the author to work on the “showing vs telling” issue, but other than that, I’m going to be here for the second book because yes, there will be 5 of them according to the author! Amazing!

If you want to learn more about the author, you can visit her Web site, you can also follow her on Twitter, and on Goodreads. You can also add Desire of Whimsy to your bookshelves on Goodreads.