Sunday, November 14, 2021

Berlin 2039: The Reign Of AnarchyBerlin 2039: The Reign Of Anarchy by Karsten Krepinsky
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Berlin in the year 2039. The world is much more densely populated and only the rich can afford to live in comfort, peace and security. All others are living in slums, divided among racial lines and pushers work hard to keep the divisions going. Hauke, a pusher who is the main character in the story is not a likeable person and he echoes the views of the authorities in disquieting ways. I didn’t like the story as it reminded me too much of my history lessons in Germany of the lives during Hitler’s reign. If this Author’s vision is where we are headed as a society, we are certainly in more trouble than we know.

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Friday, November 12, 2021

Hellward (The English Cantos #1)Hellward by James Sale
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

James Sale nearly dies when he is a patient of the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. Utilizing the poetic writing style by Dante, James Sale guides us through his experience with an artful flair. At times disturbed and others triumphant, this book certainly will be interesting to read.
While the story was certainly interesting, the style was reminiscent of a stage play for me. I am ok with poems and this one was ok but not something I’ll be re-reading again.


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VirgilVirgil by Samuel Alexander
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Virgil’s life has been a trail by fire. He has suffered many abuses and traumas that haunt him to this day. The book is set up as a conversation he has with you as you then dive with him into the memories of his past and explore the formative events in his life.
This was a very dark book, and even though there was some light, the detailed descriptions of the trauma will be hard for certain readers. You can use this book as a story of one’s journey to acceptance and a fight for a normal life. Well worth the read if you dare.


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Tuesday, November 9, 2021

The Missing Links: Launching a High Performing Company CultureThe Missing Links: Launching a High Performing Company Culture by Phillip Meade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Columbia Space shuttle is arguably the most devastating event in NASA history and how they managed to prevent a repeat from happening is what this book is about. The authors are the ones who were consulted and reimagined the operational culture at NASA and they also give ways that others can use their knowledge to reimagine their own companies operational culture and behaviors. The importance of the person behind the task is a great concept to explore and I am glad I read this book to help me understand how it all works in greater detail.

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The Proxima PlagueThe Proxima Plague by Robert Thornton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dr Hope Allerd is a genius, one that frequently consults with other doctors around the world. This time, her patient is terminally ill and the disease takes on a paranormal cast. Hope is determined to find the source and find a cure, all the while she is fending off supernatural creatures that are intent on stopping her.
This was an interesting take on the genre and I really liked how the author put it together. The Heroine, while smart was not irritatingly so and her character development throughout the story felt real. I liked that the pacing was consistent, I was not bored reading this story, it certainly kept my attention which is great.


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His to Bedevil: (Men of the Mafia Book 1)His to Bedevil: by Stasia Mars
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A con artist attempts a daring heist: steal form a dangerous Mob Boss in Havana. Little does she know that she’ll be caught, and he won’t simply let her go. He must set an example and he knows the perfect way. Will there be an HEA or will Irma be left to pick up the pieces of herself alone in the end?
A thrilling ride which will leave you guessing at the twists as they come around. I really liked Irma’s defiance and determination, and her eventual surrender was well written. Alejo was intimidating and that bad boy we all love to hate. Great story!


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Saturday, November 6, 2021

Battered Doctor SyndromeBattered Doctor Syndrome by Eugene Wrayburn MD
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really intriguing book about the hidden state of Ireland beyond the dreamy tourist draw it portrays itself to be. Statistics, examples and harrowing accounts of homicidal violence that is pervasive in Ireland will give you the sense that in Ireland, things are not as well as they seem, and this should certainly provoke serious though about reform and routing out corruption within the system.
I found this to be an eye-opening book and one needed in our society today. I’ve always wanted to see idyllic Ireland and now I would be able to see everything beyond the rosy picture.


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A Beckoning Hellfire: A Novel of the Civil WarA Beckoning Hellfire: A Novel of the Civil War by J.D.R. Hawkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a vivid description of the brutal and harrowing realities of war. A young man heads out into the Civil War, full of romanticized ideas about his ability to seek revenge for his father’s death. He comes face to face with death on the battlefield as well as off of it and his world will be forever changed.
A tumultuous time in our history, the book does a really good job of showcasing the harsh life people led during the war. A really good book to read.


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Thursday, November 4, 2021

Awakening: Ladies, Leadership, and the Lies We've Been ToldAwakening: Ladies, Leadership, and the Lies We've Been Told by Areva Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

How effective can breaking the Glass ceiling be, if the entire building is built upon a framework of oppression of those that do not fit a narrow set of criteria? Making her case for an entire restructuring of the business models, Awakening is the author’s chance to show us exactly how society and the existing corporate system is keeping women in pigeon-holed roles and preventing them from succeeding at equal levels of men.
The statistics in this book were really eye-opening. I found that the writing here was very accessible and I was able to connect to the personal stories of some of the women and really see how I went through similar situations.


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My Alien ManumitterMy Alien Manumitter by Isla Noir
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Interesting story

Libby is rescued from a Zoo by an Alien God. They find out they are fated but it isn't just so easy. Libby suffers mentally from her time in captivity and Reid, the God is cursed. With so many obstacles to overcome, will they ever have their happily ever after?
While the premise was really interesting, and put a unique twist on the "fated mates" trope, the writing was at times awkward with the word choices the Author made and at other it wad rambling on. As such, the pace of the book is very slow and can be hard to read. There is a scene of assault against the main Heroine, that may trigger some people as well.

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Soul SeedSoul Seed by Randy A. Rutledge
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Remembering your childhood dreams, those gifts and talents that made you, well you, is one premise in this book. There is a gentle guidance here, from the author that will help you realize that sometimes it is okay to not simply follow along with what everyone else in society is doing. Personal growth is more the goal here, than using this for a professional growth. I think that the emphasis on curiosity, and discovering your own unique talents again is a great focus and the chapters on this are really profound. Obviously the author knows how to talk and write about this and her guidance here is really helpful.

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Monday, November 1, 2021

Dairy Hollow EchoDairy Hollow Echo by Charles L. Templeton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a collection of short stories from the online magazine eMerge, they each showcase a different interpretation of love, self-reflection, self-growth and so much more. I really think the group of authors were able to bring a collection of works that, while individually unique, still promoted a collective joy of the beauty in the human spirit. This was a very sweet book to read for me and I enjoyed the diversity in here very much.

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1960s purple sex gas (space scrap 17 book 2)1960s purple sex gas by Erick Drake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book and after reading the first I knew I had to read on. Daisy Daryl is back, along with her Ex and her misfit crew. While she only wants a peaceful life after the events from the past book, Daisy’s orders are to transport some toxic gas on a humanitarian mission. Hilarious hijinks ensure and Daisy attempts to stave off mutations, fix problems and obey her orders as best she can. I think that if you liked the first book, you will certainly be entertained by this one.

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Saturday, October 30, 2021

Ripley of Valor: Illustrated VersionRipley of Valor: Illustrated Version by Thoren Syndergaard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An interesting novel set in the fictional world of Valor, where women are relegated to traditional roles and certainly not allowed to be soldiers or go to war. Ripley does not agree and trains her whole life, fighting for her chance to become a soldier and defend her country. When she finally gets to prove herself, Ripley is pitted against others in the infamous trials to prove her mettle. I liked Ripley, she was tenacious even as a teenager and she went after her dreams even with a few mistakes and hiccups along the way.

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The Big Solution: Deactivating The Ticking Time Bomb Of Today’s Economy (The Wolfe Trilogy)The Big Solution: Deactivating The Ticking Time Bomb Of Today’s Economy by Jarl Jensen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book takes us on a journey to understand the past 50 years of the American economy and how it has gradually changed over the years. Globalization, mounting debt, and more are only a few of the topics touched on by the author. The author blends his personal thoughts on solutions to some problems within the individual topics and uses a wide-ranging array of examples to showcase his points. While I found this to be interesting, I didn’t always agree with the solution the author brought forth. It is certainly a thought-provoking book though.

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Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Blend Out: From Ordinary To Irresistible: How Advisors Can Market Like The Greatest Brands In The WorldBlend Out: From Ordinary To Irresistible: How Advisors Can Market Like The Greatest Brands In The World by Robert Sofia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is very pertinent in today’s market as more and more people are working in the “gig” economies. Especially with everything after Covid’s emergence, it is even more critical for you to set yourself apart from your competition and portray your busines in a positive light.
I liked the book; I think the author has made really good points and the anecdotes he included from other companies who with minor tweaks were able to really up their market presence really help illustrate the advice he is making in that chapter. Great book to read for any leader or entrepreneur!


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The Essential Guide to Assertiveness: How to Speak Up for Yourself, Stop People-Pleasing, and Win Respect in Your Life and RelationshipsThe Essential Guide to Assertiveness: How to Speak Up for Yourself, Stop People-Pleasing, and Win Respect in Your Life and Relationships by James Turnbull
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Learning how to be assertive as a self-proclaimed introvert can be daunting. This book gives us(me) guidelines and practices that can make the process easier. The author also explores different concepts, for example what is assertiveness, how to stop negative behavior such as people pleasing and more.
I liked this book; it gives you a boost in confidence and the author makes it easy to believe that you can become assertiveness with enough practice. I like that there isn’t a magic formula, as that would never work, but enough advice, tips, and encouragement to keep you learning how to do better.


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Monday, October 25, 2021

A Sun Going DownA Sun Going Down by A. C. Aerie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On a far away Island, Jonas Rowan meets a assassin in the castle and the chance meeting will change his life in ways he had never suspected. Travelling to the eastern portion of Cavan, Jonas is tasked with thwarting an uprising in the making and bring the man known as Korthan to justice and to kill his bride.
This story had intrigue, court politics, magical remedies and poisons as well as plenty of action to carry over the course of the book. Jonas is a little idealistic and easily led by some, but he shapes up to be competent by the end. This is certainly a good book to enjoy.


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The demogra-fate hypothesisThe demogra-fate hypothesis by Thanh Nguyen-Ba
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This short book takes a look at the Demogra-Fate, a Hypothesis that examines the hypothesis of demographic aging. Through compelling arguments, illustrations and research links, the author makes a case for the idea that everything in this universe gets older, and eventually must die. I remember hearing something about this years ago and so it was a nice refresher to read this book. This was not stuffy and dry material, the author did a good job in making the language accessible and interesting.

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Saturday, October 23, 2021

As Sure As Death & TaxesAs Sure As Death & Taxes by Rush K. Sterling
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A thriller set around the world, a multitude of characters interact when a Portfolio manager is extorted and blackmailed into a risky mission into Tehran that will destabilize the country. Full of action and intrigue, the pacing is fast as you race along, moving back and forth between past and present events. I found the writing to be a bit choppy and disjointed which made it a hard book to read for me. I think if the writing were better, I would have enjoyed the book more.

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Outpost (The Fylking, #1)Outpost by F.T. McKinstry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A rich world full of characters, gods, alliances, and rifts that will immerse you into a story full of fantastical whimsy and dark plots. Pitting one side against each other, praying to the gods of the realm, and our three unlikely heroes that band together to defend the Gate against those who seek to destroy it. A high fantasy book, the first in a new series that is promising. This book is hefty, so don’t expect light reading, the pacing is moderately paced, events do not move quickly. I did enjoy the story and would certainly read again.

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Thursday, October 21, 2021

The Omicron SixThe Omicron Six by Endy Wright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fair warning, there is a lot of abuse of one character right out the gate. This proves to be important towards the characters development later on, how he combined with his friend Cooper battle their insecurities and struggle to harness these powers that develop. A contemporary take on superheroes and how DNA manipulation can affect the human body in mysterious ways. I liked the book in that there is a clear growth for both the boys individually and together. While I don’t like darker stories of abuse and neglect, I see how the author wove this into the plot to really bring it along.

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Hidden Demon (Altered Demons Book 1)Hidden Demon by Fish Phillips
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dee Johnson is a US Secret Agent embedded in Japan. Set in the near future, her operation goes terribly wrong, and she is blamed for the failure. Together with another disgraced agent from another country, Ko and Dee team up to investigate strange new attacks on the leaders and members of politics. This is a political/espionage thriller with paranormal underlines. I found the author did a fantastic job in his descriptive storytelling, so to really pull us into the story more. I enjoyed Ko as a character the most.

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Monday, October 18, 2021

A House on Liberty Street (The Tony Valenti Thrillers Book 1)A House on Liberty Street by Neil Turner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tony Valenti, a successful lawyer until recently, returns home to regroup and is confronted with a unique situation. His father shoots the deputy and in taking on his father’s defense, Tony unearths corruption in the Sheriff’s department. Now trying to figure out how deep the corruption is, Tony must still fight for his father’s case.
1st book in a new series, I found the story to be gripping, compelling, and fast-paced once things started rolling. The plot was well defined, and the characters were very fleshed out, made it very realistic.


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The Cluttered Mind: Organizing the Junk Drawer of Your MindThe Cluttered Mind: Organizing the Junk Drawer of Your Mind by Deborah McKenna
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book has an interesting concept: unclutter your mind as you would a closet or a whole house. There is some scripture quotes and the author uses stories from the bible to showcase some points. Identifying “clutter” in your mind and life can be important, but I really resonated with the chapter on identifying and overcoming obstacles. I found the book overall to be very helpful and I think that many people can benefit from this book and the advice within.

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Saturday, October 16, 2021

Buried Secrets: The Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series Book 11Buried Secrets: The Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series Book 11 by Mike Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sgt Windflower is back in the 11th book of the series. This time, he is at the end of the pandemic in his little peaceful town and finds a new investigation for him to focus on: national security and murders amongst them. Leading a family also presents him with interesting challenges and Sgt Windflower will have to figure out what is truly important to him.
I’ve enjoyed the other books in this series, and I enjoyed this one as well. The storytelling is well balanced with the character building and the mystery of the story. This one has some more drama to it as there is more going on in the MC personal life, but I liked it as it was a departure from the previous books.


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THE TRUETHE TRUE by Sarah Kornfeld
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Billed As a non-fiction true story about a woman who is seeking the truth about the death of her lover and friend, The True will take you on a wild ride of human emotions, betrayals, deceits, and self-reflections.
While the story was interesting, I wasn’t too impressed by the authors reminiscing and her frequent bouts of self-pity. However, as this is a book that covers grief and everyone grieves in ways best for them, I cannot completely expect that I would be able to see myself in this story.


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Friday, October 15, 2021

Wild Dogs: An Adventure in AdolescenceWild Dogs: An Adventure in Adolescence by Christos Kalogirou
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Coming of age stories, especially ones based on true events in real life, can be hard to believe sometimes. So too, this book requires us to stretch our imaginations to believe the crazy events, pranks, and other instances that the author along with his friends got up to during their high school years. Reminiscing on the events back then, the author now draws on life lessons and can view his actions in a different light. I liked reading the book, as I had never heard of these events, some of it was new to me and it certainly proved to be very entertaining.

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Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Blood SymbolsBlood Symbols by Izak Botha
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jennifer Jaine travels to the Vatican, desperate to prove her theory and suspicions that the Catholic Church is involved with a deadly conspiracy that would forever alter the planets understanding of faith. Chased by the Vatican guards, assisted by two handsome men with their own agendas, Jennifer will have to make the ultimate leap of faith.
I like books in the vein of “The Davinci code” and this book is a worthy addition to that genre. Full of action, intrigue, mystery and cover ups, there is little that will leave you wanting. The pacing is fast, except for the areas when the author gives longwinded descriptions, but other than that this was well worth the read.


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Sunday, October 10, 2021

3 Secrets to Landing Your Dream Literary Agent and Signing a Book Contract with a World-Class Publisher: Discover How to Earn a Traditional Book Contract in 6 Weeks!3 Secrets to Landing Your Dream Literary Agent and Signing a Book Contract with a World-Class Publisher: Discover How to Earn a Traditional Book Contract in 6 Weeks! by Caleb Breakey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very brief book, but the information within is concise, to the point and clear in its delivery. Being a new writer means that at one point you will be ready to publish and getting through that process will be confusing. The author of this book brings some of his considerable knowledge and offers it to you in order to help you gain better success. I liked the no-nonsense approach of this author and find that the information in this book looks like it is very good advice.

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Powerless (Soothsayer Series Book 3)Powerless by Adron J. Smitley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third in a series and while you could read it without the previous book, I strongly suggest reading the previous two books. I felt I had a better grasp on the story after rereading the first two and refreshing my memory of the overarching plot that runs throughout this story. Banzu returns and will have to face his greatest fears and enemies. He will face loss and betrayal and will need courage to follow his destiny. A satisfying conclusion to this trilogy of good vs evil and the author does a great job in closing all plots.

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Bivrost NineBivrost Nine by Andrew Tanner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A War veteran of a interspecies war, Nysse has been tasked with utilizing her experiences with aliens to form and lead a newly form space colony on a distant planet. Joining her is a rag tag group of people who all seem to have their own agenda. Nysse only wanted to be left alone, but thrust back into a leadership role, she will strive to do the best she can to keep those under her charge safe and secure.
This is the first in a new SciFi series and as such, the worldbuilding is extensive. Nysse and her compatriots are unlikely heroes, but the author does a great job in bringing them together and letting their relationships build organically. This is certainly a book I could recommend to others.


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Thursday, October 7, 2021

Chasing the ProphetChasing the Prophet by Orson B. Wolf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

IF your sacrifice could save humanity, would you do it? This is the central question in this book about human deceit, courage, bravery, and betrayal. With World War 3 on the horizon, A detective is put on the trail of a teenager on the behalf of a mysterious prophet. Figuring out who is pulling the strings in the background, what the ultimate goal is and how it will all end, will keep you glued to the story. The author did a great job in creating a world that mirrors our own and yet shows us what can happen if only a few things were different. This one is well worth the read.

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Monday, October 4, 2021

The Power of Strategic Influence!: 10 Success Factors of Highly Influential LeadersThe Power of Strategic Influence!: 10 Success Factors of Highly Influential Leaders by Gary C Laney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As a leader, it is always good to be able to leverage strategic influence over your domain. Some people require more than others, and recognizing the various degrees is almost as important as how to effectively wield your influence. Communication, relationship building, and most important accountability are only a few things learned in this book.
The biggest take away from this book is that it does not apply simply to a business environment. I think that this is able to be cross referenced into more personal relationships and situations which makes this book infinitely more valuable. The information weas easy to understand and I enjoyed reading the book.


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Of Prophets and Pinioned Angels: Tales of ExileOf Prophets and Pinioned Angels: Tales of Exile by Kyle Fox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this second book, Jacobus returns to continue his journey. The kingdom of Korigane is now lost and Jacobus is tasked with yet another angelic mission. In his travels, he encounters mysterious hermits and other characters who slowly cause him to question the divine righteousness of his mission.
As in the first book, this story was well written, and the plot and characters are developed and move swiftly through the story. I enjoyed the return to the familiar apocalyptic landscape and the existential twist that the author weaves seamlessly into the story.


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In 1990 London, life is full of opportunities for a young woman. An aspiring model, English is fascinated by the lifestyle and is tempted easily by money and fame. This book is a fictional autobiography of one woman’s account of what happened behind the scenes. The topic, the life of a young model, is pretty interesting and that is what saves the book. The main character, English, didn’t appear too bright and she fell too easily into many trappings. I didn’t like her and so it was difficult to care about her. She also did not mature any throughout the book, so the ending of the book felt anticlimactic.

Friday, October 1, 2021

Maggie Dove's Detective AgencyMaggie Dove's Detective Agency by Susan Breen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Maggie Dove is back with a new mystery and her passion for her latest endeavor: her brand new detective agency. Building off of the last book, Maggie is struggling to make people understand she is serious about her new vocation and doesn’t want to entertain weird requests. She is dragged into a family feud when a murder happens and she is called upon to solve the possible crime.
As in the first story, the mystery is well done and entertaining. You are pulled into the story easily and the pacing keeps you turning pages until the very end. I really liked this addition to the series and am looking forward to the next book.


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Trapped in TikTok: An Epic AdventureTrapped in TikTok: An Epic Adventure by Quirky Viral Media
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Stacey is your typical teenager, addicted to her cellphone and dreaming of becoming famous. After connecting to an unfamiliar network, she is transported into the world of TikTok where she and others are asked to become the next superstars. There is a more sinister aspect to the story and Stacey will need to think fast to escape this world.
The book is fairly short and easy to read, it certainly is more geared towards younger teens who have a sense of humor and are interested if not immersed in the TikTok app.


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Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Interstellar Angel (Astral Heat #1)Interstellar Angel by Laura Navarre
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I order to save her sister from a terrible fate, Samurai Kaia enters into an intergalactic mating game where she is the ultimate prize. 500 suitors take up the call in order to win her as their own. Kaia of course has no intentions of simply letting one win her easily and with her traitorous heart set on males she can never have, the book will become much more interesting by the end.
The main premise of the story was good. The writing was a bit clunky or awkward and so it took quite a few chapters before I was able to easily read the story. Kaia wasn’t the most likeable character for me, but I understood her reasonings. There is a cliffhanger at the end.
I received a ARC from Book sirens and voluntarily decided to leave a review.

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MaxwellMaxwell by Jeremy Gredone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story about a little spider who bult his web on the family car and inspired the family’s imagination. From his determination in rebuilding the web, until his disappearance, the story recounts the real and fictional life of Maxwell the spider.
The book was cute, and the illustrations were very well done, I liked the later portion of the book the most where it shows the creation story, of how the author thought of the story and included the initial sketches. My young boys thought the book was nice.


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Mistress Of RyeMistress Of Rye by Emma Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A regency romance full of mystery and courage, hidden secrets, mysterious encounters, dastardly villains and hopeless romantics. Lady Katherine is seeking to hide her identity after a vicious encounter with her stepbrother. She seeks the position as mistress for a reclusive Duke and soon the secrets begin to pile up around them both.
Recently diving into the regency world, I have to say I liked this book, the story was predictable in some spots, however, the relationship between Katherine and Duke Rye developed at a good pace and the tension between them and her secrets kept the story flowing smoothly. Very good book.


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Monday, September 27, 2021

Voidstalker (Voidstalker #1)Voidstalker by John Graham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having already read the 2nd book, I came back and read this one. The author did a great job in how he set this SciFi series up. The worldbuilding was excellent and the suspense and mystery that carried the main story was great.
In this book, humanity as a whole is out among the stars and has countless colonies and research centers. One research center that goes “dark” is the main setting for this book, as it sets into motion some interesting developments and plotlines.


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Simple SimonSimple Simon by William Poe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While journaling his life’s experiences, Simon Powell relives his early childhood into his young adult years where he denied his own sexuality and who he was as a person all in order to “fit in” with those around him. Confronted with the sins and betrayals of his religious elders, Simon is finally set out on his own journey of self-discovery.
Interesting portrayal of a LGBTQ person and how this society can shape their lives. The depression, despair, anger and even courage that Simon experiences at different intervals in his life were written well and I liked the story.


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Thursday, September 23, 2021

Unleashing My Superpowers: How to navigate and succeed in a male-dominated mining work environmentUnleashing My Superpowers: How to navigate and succeed in a male-dominated mining work environment by Dr. Patience Mpofu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A compelling memoir detailing one woman’s journey in a STEM career field that we don’t typically hear of: Mining. Within her journey, the author Patience Mpofu, gives advice on how to navigate these type of careers as a woman.
This book was very empowering and helps you feel as if you can achieve most anything in any field that interests you. I found the memoir portion to be very interesting and that carried the majority of the book. This is well worth the read.

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How Teams Triumph: Managing By CommitmentHow Teams Triumph: Managing By Commitment by Clinton M. Padgett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Working with a team can be challenging as well as frustrating. There are a few things that can help facilitate a team’s success and the author has gathered many of those strategies in this book. Communication strategies amongst others, this book is set up to help you get the most out of your team.
I found this to be a great book. I had an introduction to teamwork’s pros and cons in college and this book went over some of the basics, but really dove into the do’s and don’ts for a more successful team. The information was easy to understand, and I feel that this book will help me a lot.


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Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Daughters of MenDaughters of Men by J. Martain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In a small coastal town, a single mother with special sight that allows her to see more than your average human struggles to connect with those around her. A stranger to town threatens to unravel her life in new ways that can have major consequences for both of them as well as her daughter.
At times slow and overly descriptive, the relationships and struggles of the characters was very well fleshed out. The paranormal and scifi blend was also well done. As it’s a slower pace than other novels in this genre, some readers might find a harder time enjoying this book.


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Friday, September 10, 2021

Judge, Jury, ExecutionerJudge, Jury, Executioner by Mitchell P. Jones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gritty and violent, this book is an edge of your seat ride. Nathan is wallowing in his grief for Anna, his one true love. But the only solace and satisfaction he can find now is when he is on the hunt for a rapist and when he finds him, he is brutal and without mercy. Will his revenge be enough to heal Anna? Or will they both succumb to their emotions?
Vigilante justice at its finest in a world where the justice system failed. This is so close to our reality that I can easily see this as something happening in the real world. Good book,


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X Point (Quanta Chronicles Book 2)X Point by B.A. Crisp
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Waking up disoriented in a military hospital is daunting, and for Samantha Blake it is only the beginning of a new chapter in her life. Offered her freedom in exchange for a terrible task, Samantha must confront her morals and decide exactly what she stands for and what she is willing to do.
The second in the series, I liked the story. It was intriguing enough with the liberal mystery within, but then action, the sci-fi, the suspense all balance it out and the fight will go on. Great handling of multiple character story arcs and continuation of worldbuilding.


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Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Clement: The Green ShipClement: The Green Ship by Craig R. Hipkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Clement, the hero of the first book returns in this sequel. Now 14-years-old, Clement is tasked by the King to seek out A new land that is rumored to be far off the coast of Ireland. With secret messages, and the Kings spymaster on his ship, Clement once again sets sail on a new adventure.
My daughter loved the first book, and this one is no exception, she liked Dagena the most and she also liked the addition of the monsters. The author did a great job with the writing, balancing between the correct vernacular and keeping it focused for younger readers.


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Sons of a BrutalitySons of a Brutality by Daniel Jeudy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

LAPD has a public image problem after a sting of murders. Detective Mowbray teams up with the medical examiner to solve a fresh set of murders, all the while trying to balance the wishes of his boss who wants to avoid any negative press. The occult nature of the murder is certainly press worthy and the clock is ticking.
I love a good murder mystery and this book was very good. The plot was believable and intriguing and did not give away the villain until the end. I’d read more from this author.


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The Successful Manager: Practical Approaches for Building and Leading High-Performing TeamsThe Successful Manager: Practical Approaches for Building and Leading High-Performing Teams by James Potter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A manager can make or break a team and deeply influence a company’s success. In this book, the authors combine their experience and lay out information that if utilized can help you either prepare for your next promotion, or for improving yourself to become not just a manager, but a leader.
I liked this book, the information was clear and understandable and although I have 6 years as a manager, there were points in here I either hadn’t considered, or had forgotten.

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