Praeceps: A Rain City Story
by Albert Aykler
On Praeceps there is no crime because there are no laws.
Every neon-stained gray dawn reveals the body of another ‘impossible person' floating face down in the drainage canals.
A group called The Syndicate controls Precip City with a brutal security force made up of off-world mercenaries. Under their watch, even possible people have no rights or recourse.
Sancho Panza Borkman takes a job working for the Galactic Consortium to help bring justice to his home world, but when the Consortium's machine mind Garde T-31 arrives to validate the need for GC-administered rule of law, anomalies begin to occur. Rain stops falling, Praeceps goes silent, and constructed minds die.
Panza must find the source of the anomalies and stop it before T-31 is destroyed and the galaxy's best hope for justice along with it.
Praeceps is a thrilling sci-fi mystery that will please fans of The Expanse, Iain M. Banks, and the Wayfarer series. Join Panza on his journey and buy it today!
Robin's Review: Praepes: A Rain City Story by Albert Aykler is an amazing read! The dynamic characters, adventurous plot and bold storylines create a great fantasy world. With easy-to-follow dialogue and descriptions, the author skillfully crafts an immersive journey through a dystopian future. It leaves you feeling like you’ve only scratched the surface of what this mysterious city holds in store for its inhabitants. So, if you like futuristic stories that keep you on your toes with suspense, don’t miss out on this unforgettable tale of courage and perseverance!
Last Girl Standing: A Journey Through the Zombie Apocalypse
by Tom Marshall
In the heart-pounding novel, "Last Girl Standing," prepare to embark on an electrifying journey through a zombie-infested Britain.
As a harrowing virus outbreak engulfs London, the contagion spreads like wildfire, leaving Lily and her friends fighting tooth and nail to defy the odds and survive.
Amidst the chaos, Lily's father, a jaded soldier serving in Afghanistan, learns of his daughter's perilous situation. Steals a helicopter and sets off on a perilous mission to rescue her, braving the treacherous hordes of the undead and facing insurmountable challenges along the way.
Robin's Review: This virus starts out across the pond in the United Kingdom where a man intentionally releases a contagion. Thereby starting a chain reaction breaking down the infected into two types:
First Type:Direct Exposure = Certain Death
“We estimate the period between exposure and death as being about 12 minutes, but during that time they are extraordinarily aggressive and destructive, usually trying to kill everyone else around them with their bare hands, when they are not trying to claw their own faces off.”
Second Type:First Exposed Bites Others = Second Type
“The second type are those who have been bitten by the first type and thereby get a mutated version of the toxin. It causes them to become almost comatose in their appearance, until the infection hits their central nervous system, then they display similar symptoms to the original casualties.”
Favorite Lines:“Namely?” “They try to kill everyone they see.” “How long do they live for?” asked an Admiral, “A couple of hours? A day?” “No Sir, unfortunately from what we can determine at this stage, they seem to live for far longer. Their hearts aren’t put under the same amount of pressure as the type-one infected personnel due to the initial coma they are put into. Their bodies become impervious to pain and will continue attacking others even with a large number of bullets in them.”
“Kevin, are they padded cycling shorts?” I asked “or have you done a big poo in your pants?”
“Three-months with the squadron, mainly trying to catch up with the pre-deployment training, and now I’m here, the armpit of the world, with some nutters trying to kill me simply for being alive!”
“Camel Spiders are just plain evil.” he said before chopping again “they are the most malevolent, hate-filled creatures on God’s green earth.”
“We’ll have to send O’Toole back as well, he caught one in the ear, took it clean off and although it might have knocked some sense into him, it’s probably better to send him and his ear back to get reattached in case his eyesight fails in the future.” Seeing the confused look on the Junior Officer’s face the Flight Sergeant clarified “It’s hard to wear glasses without both ears, Sir!” before he hustled off again, chuckling to himself.”
“The PM turned to his General with an ashen face as the realisation that the ship was not only sinking in the eyes of the world, but that any rats trying to escape it would be shot for the greater good.”
Houses = People = Zombies
Less People = Less Trouble
"Last Girl Standing" by Tom Marshall is the perfect zombie apocalypse read - it's well-written, easy to digest, and packed with relatable characters that will have you rooting for them from page one. But let's be real, the real MVP is Marcy, whose sass and quick wit had me LOL-ing for days. And don't even get me started on the sarcasm - it's so good, it's scary. Trust me, this book is a joyride you don't want to miss out on.
The Enneagram: A Guide to Determining Your Personality Type, Unlocking the Power of Personal Growth & Self-Discovery
by Relove Psychology
This title will be available on June 12, 2023.
Are you tired of feeling stuck in life? Have you ever wondered what hidden forces shape your thoughts, actions, and relationships?
Discover the mysterious tool that reveals the complex nature of human personality.
The Enneagram is a powerful tool that can help you:
Gain insights into yourself and others.
Uncover hidden pain points that are holding you back.
Understand your deepest desires and core fears.
Empower yourself with tools to overcome life's challenges, and much, much more…
Robin's Review: The Enneagram is a useful tool for exploring your personality, its underlying motivations and potential for growth. Although it can be helpful to explore the basics of the system, it is important to not become too fixed in one type. Utilizing the guidance of an accredited practitioner may help you uncover the areas where more attention is needed for personal development and foster deeper self-awareness.
Breaking News of Tomorrow
by Igor Chirashnya
What would you do if you knew what would happen in the world news of tomorrow?
Mike leads a quiet, unremarkable life. He is smart but lacks the charisma to rise in the ranks of his job.
What will Mike do with the knowledge of the world’s biggest events at his fingertips the day before they happen, and when the choice is between the addiction to power or his own family, what will he choose?
Breaking News of Tomorrow is a fast-paced, suspenseful, page-turner. Packed with action, a colorful cast of characters, and philosophical questions to make you reflect on your own morals, Breaking News of Tomorrow is a debut novel you won’t be able to put down.
Robin's Review: Breaking News of Tomorrow was an exciting read that was truly unforgettable. The characters drew me in and did not let go, like a fish caught on Leland’s fishing rod. Igor Chirashnya’s writing style was enjoyable and I know now that this is the first book in a trilogy! I highly recommend reading this story if you’re looking for something new, exciting, and captivating - it’ll definitely surprise you. Keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming books in this series – I will be sure to be there when they come out!
The Vengeful Dead: A Supernatural Dark Horror Collection
by John James Minster
Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.
But can silly graves truly contain every species of hate? The Vengeful Dead is eleven wholly different mini supernatural horror novels crafted to take even the most jaded horror fans on a spine-tingling rollercoaster ride deep into the dark realms.
Angels and demons, ghosts, graverobbing ghouls, pagan desert gods, animal possession, psychological horror, evil spirits, charming gigolos and pretty witches, ancient dark magic artifacts, frozen corpses, gangster hit men, blood-sucking freaks, a snuff film gone wrong, Heaven and Hell, Santa Muerte unholy death cult and a creepy clown statue: Nothing is beyond Minster’s nightmare imagination. The living are capable of great good—and unimaginable evil—but in a world where dead doesn’t always mean gone, the evil dead with scores to settle are even worse.
Robin's Review: Overall, The Vengeful Dead: A Supernatural Dark Horror Collection was the perfect read for all horror fans alike. From the violence to the darkly humorous stories, John James Minster truly crafted a collection of short stories that will keep you thinking long after you’ve put down the book. It’s hard to believe that someone could write and send such disturbingly fun chills down your spine in 11 short stories, but this author did it. I personally gave this book a Dread Factor rating of 4 out of 5 and highly recommend it to any reader looking for a chillingly good time. So, get yourself some popcorn, make sure you have something to hold on to whenever something unexpected pops up, and get ready for an otherworldly experience with The Vengeful Dead: A Supernatural Dark Horror Collection by John James Minster.
P.S. I couldn’t do the clown I chickened out on that one.
Snuff
Book of the Dead
Son of a Ghoul
Magic 8 Ball
Corpsicle
Magus
Family Plot
Yoyo the Clown
Dog
Casilda
Death Macabre
Soul Scepter: Time Marauders
by Eric Westergard
Medieval Time Travel...
Modern Militants...
Young Love...
Will Donovan’s life is turned upside down when he discovers his family’s connection to a mysterious scepter.
As the son of an infamous terrorist, the 16-year-old grew up bullied, shamed, and yearning for a life away from a dark reputation. Meanwhile, people seeking power have been monitoring him for years.
A militant organization attacks Will’s friends, sending him, a girl named Celeste, and their assailants time-traveling to medieval England. As a cunning modern-military commander plots a global conquest to rewrite history, Will and Celeste struggle to navigate the perils of 1345 while being hunted by the modern men.
With every heartbeat, the stakes grow higher as Will races against time to avert disaster—a challenge made more complicated by his growing feelings for Celeste and his uncanny link to the Soul Scepter.
Robin's Review: Sixteen-year-old Will Donovan's life is thrown into chaos when he discovers a mysterious connection to an ancient scepter. Growing up with the shadow of his father's terrorist past cast over him, he knows all too well the pain of being an outcast and yearns for a way out. But now, forces seeking power are tracking his every move.
Will and Celeste join forces to fight enemies from medieval England as they're chased by a militant organization attempting to rewrite history with a global conquest. With each second that passes, dangers become more perilous until Will realizes that the unexplainable link, he forms between himself, and Celeste must be used to control the Soul Scepter before it falls into enemy hands.
This book was amazing, filled with excitement and unpredictable storylines. It contained many unique characters, settings, and plot elements that kept me engaged throughout the story. Action, adventure, mystery, and plot twists were abundant throughout its pages. I highly recommend it and its author.
One Life to Be You: An inner self-journey to reinvent your job, your corporate career, and your life
by Juliana Tabares
ONE LIFE TO BE YOU, a powerful and inspiring book
How many more years of your precious life will you waste toiling away in a job that only brings you pain and unhappiness? You were told that joining a big corporation or a well-known firm was the key to success, and you fought hard to achieve it. But now, after months or even years, you find yourself trapped in a cycle of anxiety and monotony, longing for a way out. It's time to ask yourself if this is really the life you want to live.
Robin's Review: This book is an excellent resource for people in the corporate world - or anyone looking down the barrel of change - looking to effectively manage relationships, handle self-doubt, and reach their emotional goals. ONE LIFE TO BE YOU contains practical, uncomplicated advice for all stages of life. Even those just beginning their career will gain useful insight into recognizing and seizing positive moments or navigating through negative ones. Readers will find themselves relating on many levels, discovering a new understanding of experiences that have already been lived. This book provides an easy approach to overcoming obstacles that may have seemed complex before.
Feelings Detective: Noticing the Clues Our Bodies Send
Teach your child how to manage BIG emotions with this fun and engaging story!
Dylan loves robots and is delighted when his mother brings a robot named Maddox home from work. Dylan can hardly contain his excitement, but things start to go wrong when Maddox starts to act impulsively. Will their friendship be over before it even begins?
Robin's Review: Feelings Detective: Noticing the Clues Our Bodies Send - This book is a great way to help kids understand their emotions. It's creative, and clever, and empowers your child to decode their emotions. The illustrations are great, and the overall message is very positive. I would highly recommend this book to parents looking for a way to help their kids understand their feelings.
The Brother's Curse Book 2
The Stone the Curse of Mastema
by Christine M. Germain
She broke one Brother's immortality and killed the other...
...by destroying the amethyst chariot stone, but not from the Twenty-five demonic ShapeShifters that were held captive inside the stone itself. Now that Crystal Francois has consumed the Lazurkismurma demons and the entity of "Mastema" the evilest shapeshifter demon to humanity, her reign of terror has just begun. One by one, she will torment, torture, and try to eliminate the rest of her friends and the entire town of Lakeview Falls, including two female detectives that arrive unexpectedly looking for one of their missing undercover cops. Leaving nothing but destruction, Mastema faces off to destroy his now mortal son Jason Warwick, his arch-nemesis Tilly Rice and her Wiccan granddaughter, Simone Carter. Fighting to save Crystal, the powerful ensemble will not stop till they find a way to create a new amethyst stone to vanquish "Mastema" for good.
Robin's Review: Get ready to be thrilled and terrified by the latest addition to "The Brother's Curse Saga" series- Book 2, "The Stone the Curse of Mastema" by Christine M. Germain. This gripping horror novel is the perfect sequel to the first story, with every detail carefully woven together to create an unforgettable reading experience.
Germain's storytelling ability and unparalleled attention to detail explain why she's such an admired author, and this book is no exception. From nostalgia-inducing Easter eggs to grim humor and a great storyline, this book has it all- including more gore than the first.
Crystal Francois has already broken one Brother's immortality and killed another, but now, having consumed the Lazurkismurma demons and Mastema himself, her reign of terror has only just begun. With the entire town of Lakeview Falls and their friends in her crosshairs, our hero ensemble must band together and fight to create a new amethyst stone to vanquish Mastema for good. What will happen? I’m not going to tell. Read to find out in this electrifying sequel that'll keep you on the edge of your seat...
Reading Order:
The Brother's Curse - The Brother's Curse Saga Book 1
The Stone the Curse of Mastema - The Brother's Curse Saga Book 2
Christopher's Curse - The Brother's Curse Saga Book 3
Fazarell - The Bothers Curse Saga Book 4
The Resistance
by Daniel House
Missiles strike Southern California, school is canceled—and the fate of society lies in the hands of seven kids…
13-year-old Elijah Samuel is normally concerned about his next karate kick, taking down the middle school football rival, Valley…and keeping Gordon—the goblin-looking bully—from hurting his friends. These worries are quickly replaced when his hometown, West Garden, is attacked by Leon Abel, the notorious terrorist leader from the Inferno Sanctum, who has declared war on any country known to have Throngorian—a new metal discovered on Earth with intriguing scientific potential.
Elijah and his friends are evacuated to a safe haven—where they inadvertently become vital to the war efforts along with three rival gang leaders. The three gang leaders must be convinced to work together while Elijah has to persuade his friends to join alongside them to drive Leon Abel’s influence out of town. If not, destruction is imminent, and all lives are on the line.
Robin's Review: Rick, Taylor, Josh, Camyrn, Greg, Trevor, and Elijah, aka the Seven, are Oak Grove Middle School students. They are protected from the local bully Gordon and his crew by Elijah, who is a natural-born leader. As protector over the "Neighborhood," school, and dojo, everything is tense when he is around. Still, soon enough, that would become the least of their worries as terrorist leader Leon Abel and his troops take over parts of California in search of Throngorian. This special metal can be undetectable. It is up to Elijah and the crew to stand up to him, but this is something that they can't do alone. They must team up with some rival gangs and the National Guard in the hopes of pushing back Abel and his troops.
This book has a wide appeal and is easy to read. It follows a coming-of-age story primarily featuring young characters and offers an exciting glimpse into a potential apocalyptic future. With elements from multiple genres, this is an excellent read for any audience.
Favorite Lines and Quotes:
It’s funny how the news people talk for instance.
“This is Anchorman Guy and to my left is Anchorwoman Selena, and we have breaking news,” said Anchorman Guy frantically.
“The Missile Heard By None”,”
“One of the capabilities of Throngorian metal broadcasted here was that anything with Throngorian couldn’t be detected.”
“Leon Abel has also taken a stronger hold in the Inferno Sanctum. Northern Lowry and some parts of Mason have been forced to give their metal to him.”
