‘Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials’ is the debut YA novel by Ashlee Vitz. Photo: Barnes & Noble.
Ashlee Vitz is a teacher, actor, and writer from Indiana who discovered her Aztec heritage years after being adopted as an infant. This experience was the inspiration that led her to write “Amber Armitage and the Aztec Trials,” her debut novel. She enjoys life in the Midwest with her husband and daughter, performs with Crossroads Repertory Theatre in the summers, and cherishes teaching her students at Center Grove High School. Her debut novel “Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials” is a young adult fantasy adventure that takes readers on a fast-paced journey through ancient Aztec myths, family secrets, and self-discovery. (Amazon, 2024)
“Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials” – Amber, an 18-year-old adopted girl from Indiana, discovers her true Aztec heritage through a DNA test that leads her on a thrilling, mystical journey. Raised in a loving home, Amber always sensed something more beneath the surface of her ordinary life. Her world is turned upside down when she meets her biological mother and learns of her connection to the ancient Aztec god Quetzalcoatl. With her newfound powers, Amber must face challenges that blend reality with mythology, uncovering secrets of the past that could change her future forever. Will Amber embrace her heritage in time to stop the resurrection of an ancient power, or will her world fall under the shadow of the Aztec gods?
Review:
“Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials” by Ashlee Vitz is a captivating blend of adventure and mythology that follows the spirited Amber Armitage on her quest to discover the mysteries of her family background and her link to the ancient Aztec world. Her journey of self discovery leads to a series of trials that test her courage and intellect.
Vitz’s storytelling is vivid and immersive, bringing the culture and history of the Aztecs to life, while the prose is descriptive and poetic: “…all sporting an image of some kind of creature, most of them with their teeth bared, as though they were only moments away from popping off the wall to make the onlooker their last meal.” The narrative is fast-paced, with each trial presenting new challenges that keep readers engaged.
Amber is a relatable protagonist. Her growth throughout the story is inspiring and authentic as she learns the importance of family, friendship, resilience, and embracing her heritage. The supporting characters are well-developed, add richness to the story, and complement Amber’s journey. Vitz skillfully weaves in themes of bravery and self-discovery, making the novel resonate with a wide audience.
Overall, “Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials” is an enchanting read that will appeal to young readers and fans of adventure alike. It explores the intersection of personal identity and ancient history and is recommended for fans of YA fantasy, mythology, and coming-of-age stories.
“He would never know it, but his words made a young woman in the woods cry with gratitude that night, and where her tears fell, dead orange and red leaves turned bright green with new-found life.”
FRIED is a short series set in London; a psychological thriller with dark comedic elements. Photo: Richard Goss, used with permission.
A web series is a collection of scripted or unscripted episodes distributed online through streaming platforms, websites, or social media. Unlike traditional TV shows, web series are often shorter in length, with episodes ranging from 5 to 30 minutes. They offer greater creative freedom, catering to niche audiences and exploring diverse genres, from drama and comedy to thriller and documentary. Web series have gained massive popularity due to the accessibility of streaming platforms like YouTube. They provide a convenient, on-demand viewing experience, making them a favorite among modern audiences seeking flexibility and variety in entertainment.
I recently had the opportunity to watch FRIED, a fascinating web series by Richard Goss. It is made up of 4 episodes: Motivation, Placebo, The Trip From Hell, and Gone, with a total run time of a little over 34 minutes. This excellent series is short, to the point, and delivers a dose of reality, which is what makes it relatable to a wide audience. The two main characters struggle with the hardships of daily life, yet still manage to find the humor in even the darkest of situations. And that plot twist at the end – you won’t see it coming. See for yourself on YouTube.
As far as the production value goes, it is impressing, especially the bathroom scenes in the third episode, The Trip From Hell. With realistic dialogue, top notch acting, and raw emotion, it is a must-see. It is both entertaining and thought-provoking and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it. Highly recommended! Richard Goss is a talent to watch out for and I can’t wait to see what else he has in store for us.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Here’s some more information about FRIED.
FRIED is a nihilistic psychological thriller with dark comedic elements. A short series set in London, it explores themes of poverty, social class, mental illness, and addiction. (Richard Goss, 2024)
“A psychotic call centre worker and a depressed waiter struggle with minimum-wage life in London, sinking deep into despair and addiction, blurring the lines between reality and madness.”
Cast: Robert Pearson – Richard Goss Dave Turral – Jake McDaid The Supervisor – Marcus Massey The Therapist – Clifford Hume The Preacher – Andrew Norman
After a successful festival run and winning 38 awards, it has received critical acclaim and has been watched over 45,000 times since its release in September 2024. As a result of its success, he was invited to talk with Europe’s largest casting site e-TALENTA, the UK’s Actors Pro Expo, and at Sony in Pinewoods Studios.
FRIED is influenced by cult films WITHNAIL & I, AMERICAN PSYCHO, FILTH and IN BRUGES, literary classics CRIME AND PUNISHMENT (Dostoyevsky), DOWN AND OUT IN PARIS AND LONDON (Orwell) and Beckett’s WAITING FOR GODOT.
Created by Welsh actor Richard Goss, he financed the entire production with just £2.5k of savings from bar jobs between acting roles. Richard has acted in films for NETFLIX, LIONSGATE and WARNER BROS, alongside Sam Worthington (AVATAR), Liam Neeson (TAKEN), Rosamund Pike (GONE GIRL) and James Cosmo (GAME OF THRONES).
He recently worked with BAFTA-winner Stuart Brennan and Stanley Kubrick’s Emmy nominated cinematographer Doug Milsome (FULL METAL JACKET, THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS, ROBIN HOOD: PRINCE OF THIEVES).
Stable Hall’s November concert lineup includes Charli Parti, Tyler Farr, Rumours ATL, and more. Photo: Oscar Moreno, used with permission.
SAN ANTONIO, TX – San Antonio’s music venue, Stable Hall is excited to share its concert lineup. In a reimagined draft horse stable from 1894, Stable Hall is inspired by the legendary Texas dance halls and Pearl’s unerring commitment to historic preservation and San Antonio culture. Infused with the rich music ethos of Texas, Stable Hall welcomes a wide range of artists and music lovers from around the world to experience this one-of-a-kind venue. Its muraled and curtained jewel-box stage presents shows of all sizes – from 100 to 1,000 in seating and standing formats. (Stable Hall, 2024)
Stable Hall features include six full-service bars, house and band merchandise in the house store, hand-made culinary delights for purchase, along with mezzanine, floor, and VIP Hayloft ticket options available. Stable Hall is also a special event venue whose event department specializes in producing social, corporate, and philanthropic affairs. Stable Hall also offers a unique membership program, Hall Pass, for music lovers who want to take their music experience and access to the next level.
For the full calendar and to purchase tickets for these upcoming performances, please visit Stable Hall’s online.
The November schedule is found below:
Trampled By Turtles with Maggie Antone | Thursday, November 7, 2024 Trampled by Turtles, formed in 2003 by frontman Dave Simonett in Duluth, Minnesota, began as a side project after car thieves stole most of his gear. Left with just an acoustic guitar, Simonett built a new band, drawing inspiration from bluegrass, folk, and other acoustic genres.
Tyler Farr with Mac Hankins & The Moonlighters | Friday, November 8, 2024 Tyler Farr, the first artist signed to Jason Aldean’s Night Train Records, made his mark with three No. 1 hits, including “Redneck Crazy” from his 2013 debut album, which hit No. 2 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart. The opera-trained singer was a 2014 CRS New Faces of Country Radio and Music Row “Breakthrough Artist” nominee, and has toured with stars like Jason Aldean, Luke Combs, and Florida Georgia Line.
Old 97’s with Fastball | Saturday, November 9, 2024 The Old 97’s, an alternative country band from Dallas, Texas, are known for their high-energy shows and albums that blend rock and roll, punk, and old-school twang. Their distinctive sound features breakneck tempos, distorted guitars, and wry storytelling.
Real Friends with Can’t Swim, Carly Cosgrove, Slow Joy | Sunday, November 10, 2024 Since their 2010 debut, Real Friends has stayed true to their mission – creating unapologetically emotional music that embraces life’s highs, lows, and everything in between. The Chicago-based quintet continues to embarrass their blend of pop-punk and emo, charging toward raw emotion with distortion cranked and hearts wide open.
Silverada with Taylor Hunnicutt | Friday, November 15, 2024 In their early 20s, Mike Harmeier and his band gained recognition as working-class country artists through five-hour sets in Austin. By the early 2020s, they had become global ambassadors of Texas music, recording at Abbey Road Studios and performing at the Grand Ole Opry. As their sound evolved, Harmeier and his bandmates—Taylor Englert, Catlin Rutherford, Omar Oyoque, and Zachary Moulton—embraced a fresh start with “Silverada,” marking their boldest release and the name of their revitalized band.
Bob Schneider with Fastest Land Animal | Saturday, November 16, 2024 Austin, Texas-based singer-songwriter and former frontman of The Ugly Americans and The Scabs, Bob Schneider is one of the most-celebrated musicians in the live music capital. Combining diverse styles, Schneider’s music spans genres, blending elements of folk, rock, rap, funk, bluegrass, reggae and country with the more traditional singer/songwriter aesthetic.
La Doña with Max & Josh Baca of Los Texmaniacs, Ritmo Lokura and ¡Viaje! | Thursday, November 21, 2024 La Doña is a solo artist, music educator, activist, and cultural worker from San Francisco, CA. Embarrassing her Latinx traditional arts like corrido, bolero, cumbia, and mariachi, she blends these ancestral traditions with contemporary styles such as reggaeton, hip-hop, and jazz. Her live performances foster collective healing and political action, as she and her audiences sing, dance, cry, and chant together.
Better Than Ezra Presents Legends Of The Fall: Tokyo Drift with Graham Colton Band | Friday, November 22, 2024 Since debuting at LSU house parties in 1988, Better Than Ezra has left a lasting impact on the music world. Founded by Kevin Griffin and Tom Drummond, the New Orleans quartet is known for catchy melodies, strong guitar riffs, and confessional lyrics. From their 1995 hit “Good” to Taylor Swift’s 2010 cover of their classic “Breathless,” they’ve stood the test of time.
Emo Night Brooklyn | Saturday, November 23, 2024 Emo Night Brooklyn—a late-night dance party where the best emo and pop-punk jams take center stage! Stable Hall may even surprise guests with appearances from some favorite artists and bands. Attendees should get ready to scream, mosh, and dance alongside friends as they revel in the electrifying atmosphere of Emo Night Brooklyn!
Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute | Sunday, November 24, 2024 Formed in 2014, Rumours ATL has taken the U.S. by storm with their stage scorching renditions of Fleetwood Mac songs. Fans from across the nation claim that Rumours ATL is the band to see if you are looking for an authentic recreation of live Fleetwood Mac shows.
The Texases | Friday, November 29, 2024 The Texases transport their audience back in time with classic country hits from ’66 to ’96, covering everyone from Merle and Willie to George and Garth. They are excited to transport their audience back to the era of guitars, Cadillacs, and hillbilly music. Whether someone is an urban cowboy or has been country since it wasn’t cool, The Texases are here to satisfy their craving for classic country covers straight from the Lone Star State!
Siggno with Nathan Acosta | Saturday, November 30, 2024 Known for their high-energy performances and unique blend of Tejano, Norteño, and rock influences, Siggno is set to deliver an electrifying show that fans won’t want to miss.
Stable Hall 307 Pearl Parkway San Antonio, TX 78215
Stable Hall. Photo: Karissa Rangel & Giant Noise Partners, used with permission.
Serj Tankian’s Foundations mines music and lyrics from previous decades and reframes them in a hard-hitting, intensely focused collection. Like all of his work, the five songs that comprise Foundations encompass a wide range of sounds and styles. It is music that traverses multiple eras and vast swaths of emotions. It is also very much a rock album – “music of rebellion,” says Serj.
A true creative tour de force, he recorded Foundations primarily at his own Serjical Strike Studios in L.A. He wrote, performed, orchestrated and produced all the material, as well as contributed the artwork – an original piece titled “Sunburst” – that adorns the album cover. Dan Monti (guitars, bass and drum programming), provided additional instrumentation on the record and bassist Mario Pagliarulo and SOAD drummer John dolmayan on Cartoon Buyer.
Foundations, Serj says, is “A retrospective of songs from different eras of my life, meant to complement the memoir,” and caps what has been an incredibly prolific year for him, from the release of his memoir the New York Times bestseller “Down with the System,” to the massive, sold-out System of a Down headlining show at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco with over 50,000 fans. But even as he is now revealing his “foundations,” Serj is already looking ahead. “The next record will likely be a record of covers, collaborations and collages,” he envisions.
Serj has also released a diverse selection of limited edition variants of the Foundations EP on colored vinyl with an etching featured on Side B of every package. The Foundations vinyl package includes a Red & Black Starburst vinyl available on his own official webstore and an Opaque Purple version only available in U.S. record stores nationwide.
He was introduced to the melding of cultures, ideas, and ideals from a very young age. An Armenian born in Lebanon and raised in Los Angeles, the principles learned from this integration have led to his understanding of the oneness of all things and have since maneuvered and transfigured into the music and art that he lives to create. A proud Armenian American and a dedicated activist; along with Tom Morello, Tankian co-founded the non-profit organization Axis of Justice, which strived to bring together musicians, music fans, and grassroots political organizations to fight for social justice.
He has composed scores for many films and television series, had his paintings exhibited in galleries in the U.S. and New Zealand, and released two books of his own poetry. He has also been an executive producer on multiple documentaries, including I Am Not Alone, which tells the story of Armenia’s 2018 revolution, and which won awards at the Toronto International Film Festival, DOC NYC, The American Film Institute Festival, and the Palm Springs International Film Festival, among others.
Briscoe Western Art Museum celebrates Native American heritage at annual Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
San Antonio, TX – The Briscoe Western Art Museum invites the community to celebrate Native American culture with its annual Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival on Saturday, November 9, from 10a.m. to 4p.m. This free, family-friendly event honors the rich cultural traditions and artistic expressions of Native American communities, showcasing art, music, dance, storytelling and more. Taking place along the scenic River Walk, the festival provides the perfect setting for families to come together and enjoy a day of learning, creativity and celebration. Free event registration is available online. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2024)
A vibrant display of Native American heritage that brings together diverse tribes and artists from across the region, the free community festival features storytelling, artist demonstrations, pottery and carving throughout the Briscoe’s campus, as well as Native American-inspired food. The celebration includes free admission to the Briscoe, making it a perfect way to celebrate the important role Native Americans played in shaping the West while enjoying art and artifacts that highlight Native American history.
“Native Americans have played a profound role in shaping the history, culture and spirit of the American West. Their deep connection to the land, their traditions and their art have left an indelible mark on the region’s story. At the Briscoe, we honor these contributions by celebrating and preserving that heritage through exhibitions and events. It’s essential that we recognize and honor Native American communities today, not just for their historical significance, but for their ongoing influence on the culture and identity of the West.” – Liz Jackson, President and CEO of the Briscoe Western Art Museum
Held annually since the museum opened, the festival is named in honor of the Payaya people who were indigenous to the San Antonio area, “Yanaguana” was the word they used to describe what is now known as the San Antonio River.
Experience Native American Culture Through Art, Music and Dance
The Yanaguana Indian Arts Festival offers a unique opportunity to experience Native American culture firsthand. Admission and all crafts and activities included in the festival are free.
Throughout the day, attendees can enjoy:
Live Performances: Traditional Native American dancers, musicians and drummers and will share their cultural heritage through mesmerizing performances. From powerful drum circles to the soulful beauty of the Native American flute, these performances are sure to captivate audiences of all ages.
Storytelling Sessions: Engaging storytellers will share traditional Native American tales, offering insight into the values, beliefs and history of Native communities.
Hands-on Activities: Families can participate in hands-on art and craft workshops, allowing children and adults alike to create their own artwork inspired by Native American traditions.
Artisan Market: Browse a curated selection of Native American artwork and talk with the artists as they demonstrated their crafts, including jewelry, pottery, beadwork and textiles.
The festival’s focus on art and culture aligns perfectly with the Briscoe’s fall exhibition, Storytellers: Narrative Art and the West. This special exhibition explores how Native American and Western artists use narrative art to convey history, culture and identity. It features works that tell powerful stories of the American Southwest, blending traditional Native American art forms with contemporary perspectives.
The 2024 event features:
A spiritual blessing by United San Antonio Pow Wow, Inc., a group that works to provide Native American people the opportunity to participate, practice, teach and exchange tribal traditions among all tribes and to enlighten everyone about the history and culture of America’s first inhabitants.
A Pow Wow-style drum circle with United San Antonio Pow Wow and Enemy Horse Drumming demonstrating and explaining common pow wow dance styles.
Live music by Native American artists, including Tim Blueflint Ramel. An enrolled member of the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa, a federally recognized American Indian Tribe, flute player Blueflint Ramel has opened for and shared the stage with Grammy Award Winner Mary Youngblood and a wide variety of artists. He is also an accomplished flute and jewelry maker and will demonstrate his craft throughout the day.
Chikashsha Hithla dance troupe demonstrating traditional Chickasaw dance. Comprised of native people from Southeastern American Indian tribes, members of the troupe are Chickasaw, Choctaw, Seminole and Creek, who are dedicated to preserving their culture and educating the public through songs, storytelling and Stomp dancing.
Stories from Amy Bluemel, a Chickasaw storyteller and the great-granddaughter of Eastman Kaney, an original Dawes Commission enrollee. Bluemel shares Chickasaw customs and those of other southeastern tribes through elaborate storytelling.
Native American art demonstrations, including ledger art with artist George Curtis Levi, showcasing how ledger art captures a moment in time. A type of art that originated amongst the Cheyenne in the late 1840s, ledger art utilized pages of repurposed record books to depict everyday life. A member of the Southern Cheyenne tribe in Oklahoma, Levi also has ties to the Arapaho and Oglala Lakota communities.
Kachina carving with Kevin Horace Quannie, a Hopi/Navajo contemporary artist. Living on the Hopi reservation, Quannie specializes in carving contemporary kachina dolls using cottonwood roots.
See traditional pottery techniques of the Caddo Nation with Chase Kahwinhut Earles, a renowned Caddo pottery maker who has dedicated his craft to reviving and preserving the traditional pottery techniques of his Caddo Nation ancestors. Earles’ creates intricate, historically accurate pottery that reflects the deep cultural heritage of the Caddo people, whose pottery tradition dates back centuries. His works are celebrated for their authenticity, craftsmanship, and connection to Caddo history and spirituality.
Shane Hendren, a turquoise expert and a Diné/Navajo jewelry maker who is a member of the Indian Arts & Craft Association (IACA), an organization committed to promoting the integrity of materials used in native jewelry. Hendren returns to share his expertise of the turquoise gemstone.
Crafts and fun for all ages including making your own mosaic, leather medallions, basket and loom weaving, ledger art, a community weaving basket and creating your own parfleche case, a pouch typically made with rawhide that is painted with images or geometric designs. Plains Indians created the parfleche because of its utility, beauty and convenience. Other tribes in North America then adopted its use.
Festival visitors also enjoy free admission to the museum and its permanent collection of Western art and artifacts, including exhibitions that highlight the stories of the American Indian, cowboys, pioneering women and others that define the West.
‘The Forest of Lost Souls’ by Dean Koontz. Photo: Amazon
I have been a fan of Dean Koontz’ books for years because of their unique blend of suspense, horror, and philosophical depth. The characters usually face extraordinary challenges, navigating a world filled with malevolent forces and moral dilemmas. He often explores the themes of love, loyalty, and the battle between good and evil and his ability to weave humor and warmth into tense narratives adds an engaging layer, make his books thrilling and emotional. That’s why I’m so excited for his newest book “The Forest of Lost Souls” and can’t wait to read it for myself.
International bestselling author Dean Koontz was only a senior in college when he won an Atlantic Monthly fiction competition and he hasn’t stopped writing since. He is the author of “The Bad Weather Friend,” “After Death,” “The House at the End of the World,” “The Big Dark Sky,” and seventy-nine New York Times best sellers. Hailed by Rolling Stone as “America’s most popular suspense novelist,” his books have been published in thirty-eight languages and have sold over five hundred million copies worldwide. In his new book “The Forest of Lost Souls,” a fearless woman, raised in the forest, fights against a group of powerful men in a novel about good versus evil, the enduring nature of myth, and the power of love.
“The Forest of Lost Souls” – Raised in the wilderness by her late great-uncle, Vida is a young woman with an almost preternatural affinity for nature, especially for the wolves that also call the forested mountains home. Formed by hard experience, by love and loss, and by the prophecies of a fortune teller, Vida just wants peace. If only nearby Kettleton County didn’t cast such a dark shadow.
It’s where José Nochelobo, the love of Vida’s life and a cherished local hero, died in a tragic accident. That’s the official story, but Vida has reasons to doubt it. The truth can’t be contained for long. Nor can the hungry men of power in Kettleton who want something too: that Vida, like José, disappear forever. One by one they come for her, prepared to do anything to see their plans through to their evil end. Vida is no less prepared for them.
Vida, the forest, and its formidable wonders are waiting. She will not rest until goodness and order have been restored.
The crime drama Rock will be available on digital platforms in November. Photo: Breaking Glass Pictures, used with permission.
Crime dramas often examine the complex lives of ex-cons trying to reintegrate into society after serving their time. These narratives explore themes of redemption, struggle, and the impact of past choices. Characters frequently face societal stigma, challenging their attempts to find employment and rebuild relationships. The tension between their desire for a fresh start and the lure of old habits creates a compelling dynamic. As they navigate this rocky path, audiences witness the emotional turmoil and resilience of individuals striving for a second chance, ultimately raising questions about justice, forgiveness, and the possibility of change in a flawed system.
In today’s movie news, there’s a new crime drama coming to digital platforms, including Tubi, on November 5, 2024.
Breaking Glass Pictures recently released the trailer for the forthcoming crime drama Rock starring Omar Gooding (Baby Boy, Barbershop) and Lee Coc (The Mule). (Breaking Glass Pictures, 2024)
Rock – Faced with his past, Rock must try to break free from the expectations the streets have for him in order to begin a new life with the woman he loves.
Director: Craig Thomas
Cast: Chris Savage (Rock), Darris Love (Q), Leli Hernandez (Sophia), Lee Coc (Lobo), Wilson Ramirez (Rey), Kevin Phillips (Tiny), Noel Gugliemi (Mario), Omar Gooding (Rio).
SA Examiner 