New book release: ‘The Founders’ Plot’ by Frank Victoria

‘The Founders’ Plot’ is the new political thriller from Frank Victoria. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Today’s new book release is perfect for readers who like political thrillers full of action, suspense, and conspiracy theories. “The Founders’ Plot” by Frank Victoria weaves together intricate layers of political intrigue, personal sacrifice, and moral dilemmas. Set against the backdrop of contemporary issues, the story offers a gripping story that not only sheds light on the dark underbelly of politics and immigration but also challenges the audience to question the true intentions behind the exercise of power. What happens when the newly elected California Governor Mike DiGrasso defies the Supreme Court? No one would ever know the meeting took place. Sounds intriguing? Find out for yourself and pick up a copy of this exciting thriller today. It is a masterful political thriller and winner of the Beverly Hills Book Award and it is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle format. (Frank Victoria, 2023)

Frank Victoria was born and raised in Chicago, but now lives in Orland Park IL, a suburb of that city. He served in the Marine Corps, graduated from Northern Illinois university with a B.A. in Journalism, and was a writer and editor for several business magazines for more than twenty-five years. Then he made a career change into Education and taught American history and government in the Chicago Public Schools for sixteen years. In his new book “The Founders’ Plot,” Afghanistan war hero Mike DiGrasso has just been elected Governor of California by an overwhelming majority and immediately sets out to work on keeping his campaign’s primary promise – to create a strict immigration law.

“The Founders’ Plot” – In the wake of Mike Digrasso’s (50s) election as California governor, the sordid and dangerous world of illegal immigration becomes a central focus. DiGrasso, a decorated Afghan war veteran, initiates a stringent immigration law, which later faces opposition as the Supreme Court declares it unconstitutional. Despite the Court’s ruling, DiGrasso chooses to continue enforcing the law, igniting a collision of federal, state, and judicial powers. This clash not only jeopardizes the country’s political and justice systems but also tests the limits of authority.

United States President Martin W. Ballard (50s), a long-time friend of Governor DiGrasso, is faced with a pivotal decision – whether to federalize the California National Guard in order to enforce the Court’s ruling. As tensions escalate, Senate Minority Leader Elizabeth Stern, a cunning member of the opposition party, emerges as a formidable adversary. Stern is relentless in her pursuit to make DiGrasso comply with the Court’s decision, even resorting to tactics such as planning impeachment proceedings and blackmailing the governor over a past affair. The strain on DiGrasso’s personal life is undeniable, as his wife learns of his infidelity and temporarily leaves him.

Amid this turmoil, the lives of two Mexican families living in the country illegally are deeply affected by the hyperintense atmosphere brought about by the new immigration law. Their struggles underline the human toll of such policies, revealing the heartbreaking consequences for those caught in the crossfire.

Behind the scenes, several political players share the belief that federal courts have amassed excessive power, operating beyond the bounds of authority outlined in the Constitution. They orchestrate a clandestine plot that is rooted in a desire to recalibrate the balance of power and reflects their conviction that their actions align with the principles of the Founding Fathers. Thus, the title “The Founders’ Plot” takes on a deeper meaning, encapsulating the audacious plan to reshape the nation’s legal landscape.

Sponsored Post

Author Frank Victoria. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

New romance novels by R.A. Harolds

‘Love’s Forbidden Path’ is a contemporary romance novel by R.A. Harolds. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Romance novels tend to be escapist fun reads and have always been popular through the years. If you are a fan of contemporary romance and historical/regency romance novels (think Bridgerton and Pride and Prejudice) here are two new ones by R.A. Harolds that deserve mention. So whatever mood strikes today, whether a modern romantic ‘forbidden love’ suspense novel, or a historical romance filled with pirates and arranged marriages, consider the following novels. They are both available on Amazon.

“Love’s Forbidden Path: Bound by Society, United by Forbidden Love: A Passion Ignited Against All Odds: Defying Boundaries, Igniting Hearts: A Forbidden Love that Transcended All”

Contemporary romance
Romantic suspense

Their first impression of each other was like a bolt from the blue. It was a moment that would change their lives forever. The instant they laid eyes on each other, they knew they were in trouble. It was a forbidden love that they could not control. In a world divided by strict societal norms and prejudices, two individuals found themselves entangled in a forbidden love affair. Despite the odds stacked against them, their attraction for each other burned with an intensity that could not be ignored.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

“The Buccaneer’s Princess”

Historical regency fiction
Regency historical romance
Fantasy romance

Elsie Barclay does not want to marry Baron Alistair Duncan. He is a shrew, vile, and she is furious that her father, Viscount Everly Barclay, has arranged the marriage to the dolt of a man. She wants to marry for love and not for standing within the Scottish monarchy. Feeling sullen and dwelling on her future as Alistair Duncan’s betrothed, Elsie’s surprised when someone enters her bedchamber and whisks her away. But she is even more flabbergasted when she realizes Brigg Cronan, marauder, and pirate captain, kidnapped her. She met the bandit years ago and despised him for how cruel he treated her, but after spending months at sea with the buccaneer, Elsie has fallen in love with the man.

Buccaneer Brigg Cronan has vowed retaliation upon Viscount Barclay for taking his younger sister, Charlotte Cronan, months ago, and his plan to retrieve his sister fails. Still, Brigg decides to return the abduction if the viscount’s only daughter is equivalent enough for now. Little did Brigg know the fiery viscount daughter would be his undoing when he realizes he has fallen in love with her while she had been held captive aboard his ship. When Elsie is taken from his ship during an attack on Everly’s army, Brigg vows to get her back.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Sponsored Post

Book review: ‘Root of All Evil’ by Ayura Ayira

‘Root of All Evil’ is the thrilling new novel by Ayura Ayira. Photo: Amazon

Ayura Ayira is a melting pot author who, with a masterful blend of genres, effortlessly spins captivating tales that empower, uplift, and celebrate the enduring power of strength, love, and diversity. Her books delve into dark content and feature characters from diverse social, economic, and racial backgrounds, often set in international locations. “Root of All Evil” is set in an intricate world of politics, spies, and assassinations where nothing is ever as it appears. It is available on Amazon and Goodreads. (Amazon, 2023)

“Root of All Evil” – What do you do when your true existence is cloaked in darkness? Set in fictional Togulisho, West Africa, First Lady Zayani Ada, formerly known as Chinasa, resides in a realm of duality, fueled by a clandestine operation orchestrated by her dictator husband Changa Ada and the powerful foreign forces that sustain tyranny. Balancing a facade of humanitarianism with internal turmoil, she keeps her identity concealed, haunted by the heinous acts she once played a part in during her country’s harrowing genocide. The story begins as a flashback in the Prologue, when, as a young girl, Zayani witnesses the total slaughter of her village and is taken as a child bride. In the first chapter, she is hosting a charity gala to benefit the Ijun people when she meets Stefan, who will ultimately challenge everything she has ever believed. In that moment, she tumbles into an overwhelming infatuation. With him, she can finally shed the layers of pretense and confront the consequences of her past actions—the damage she inflicted upon the world as a child soldier and the devastation she furthered by marrying the man responsible for spearheading the ethnic cleansing campaign that shattered her life. The weight of her secrets has placed her life, as well as the lives of her people, in constant jeopardy. Before she can embrace her own rendition of a blissful ending, she knows she must confront her past and seek redemption. As love beckons to her soul, the urge for revenge is stronger. She must reconcile her past misdeeds, charting a course that paves the way for her ultimate happily ever after.

In novels, politics, civil war, and humanitarian issues can sometimes be one sided and feature mostly male characters. What makes “The Root of All Evil” unique is that the protagonist is a strong female character who has been through hell and back, yet wants to help her people but still needs to look out for herself. Zayani can never let her guard down as she is under constant threat of violence. To make matters worse, she has to pretend to like her husband as a survival mechanism but in reality she cannot stomach him. She is complex and multidimensional; vulnerable but strong and smart enough to know when to push an issue and when to let it go: “Zayani wondered if she was boundary-defying or just a bitch with a long memory.” Due to her circumstances, she was a child soldier so as an adult, she has no qualms about killing when necessary. Even though she experiences love, she does not let it cloud her judgement because she learns that “Love, the soul’s highest aspiration, was remarkably unreliable. Hate is the most reliable emotion in the world.” With complex and well developed characters, this well written political thriller goes deep into the mind of a woman who has been through enough trauma and pain to last her a lifetime. The language is down to earth yet hauntingly poetic and descriptive: “The cut sounded like a foot sliding into a slipper, but the red of his insides splattered her face.” Overall, “The Root of All Evil” is a must read page turner with a riveting story that shines a light on how far people are willing to go due to greed and an unquenchable thirst for power. It is recommended for fans of Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum, and Vince Flynn who appreciate political thrillers with an added human element component.

*Disclaimer: due to violence and sexual content, this book is intended for mature readers, but in this reviewer’s opinion, the violence is not graphic.

“Sometimes the only response to unspeakable cruelty is cruelty. There is no speech, no prison, no meeting of the minds, that reaches these people. There is only blood for blood.”

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

New book release: ‘Are You A Light Or A Shadow?’ by Ayodele Abina

‘Are You A Light Or A Shadow?’ is Ayodele Abina’s debut book. Photo: Ayodele Abina, used with permission.

Today’s new book release is for those seeking inspiration, guidance, and a deeper connection with their faith. Ayodele Abina’s debut book “Are You A Light Or A Shadow?” is a must-read and will empower you to walk in the light. Unleash your inner light and burn with the power of the Holy Spirit with this insightful spiritual guidebook. Are you ready to begin becoming the light that God wants you to be? Then order your copy today!

Ayodele Abina is a writer and a beacon of faith and inspiration within his community. He grew up in Washington, DC after his family moved to America. As an investor, independent contractor, and successful businessman, his accomplishments stand as a testament to his unwavering dedication and entrepreneurial spirit but his most important roles are those of a devoted husband and proud father of two beautiful children.

“Are You A Light Or A Shadow?” – Are you a Christian who wants to strengthen your faith and walk closer to God? Are you searching for spiritual resources to rejuvenate a dry soul and inflame your passion for righteousness? Or do you want to scatter the many shadows that surround you? Then keep reading.

Beautifully written with a profound and soul-stirring collection of timeless spiritual reflections and practical guidance, “Are You A Light Or A Shadow?” is an eye-opening book that inspires Christians to deepen their faith and begin walking fearlessly in the light.

Featuring key life lessons that challenge you to cultivate inner virtue, author Ayodele Abina invites you to uncover the mysterious – and often surprising – revelations that God uses to communicate with us. Written with a warm and friendly tone, this book encourages readers to meditate on the fruits of the Holy Spirit, from love and peace to gentleness, meekness, and self-control, so that we can accept God’s life-giving graces and uplift the people around us.

Inside you will discover:

  • Exploring The fruits of The Holy Spirit (and How a Christian Can Acquire Them)
  • Why Love Is The First Characteristic of Light – and How Our Culture Gets It So Wrong
  • Practical Ways To Develop an Attitude of Peace, Gentleness, & Self-Control
  • Why You Should Strive To Develop a Spirit of Long-Suffering
  • One Powerful Antidote To Spiritual Depression That Will Uplift a Weary Soul
  • How To Follow God Amidst The Many Storms & Challenges of Life
  • And Much More…

As a must-read for any aspiring or committed Christian, as well as for those curious about cultivating virtue and leading a life of peace and joy, “Are You A Light Or A Shadow?” seeks to dispel our inner darkness and create a ripple effect that will rejuvenate our communities.

Sponsored Post

New book release: ‘The Seattle Fugitive: The Story of Jimmy James III’ by Elonzo Phillips

‘The Seattle Fugitive: The Story of Jimmy James III’ is Elonzo Phillips’ exciting new novel. Photo: Amazon

Today’s new book release is “The Seattle Fugitive: The Story of Jimmy James III” by Elonzo Phillips. It is the story of seventeen year old Jimmy James III as told by Jimmy himself and begins with him trying to reassure us that he is not a monster, that he is not a killer. He is a fugitive in hiding, accused of killing two of his classmates but insists he is just a normal high school kid and proceeds to recount the events of that tragic day. The first couple of chapters take place at school and revolve around Jimmy and his friends during a typical school day. Want to find out what happens to Jimmy? “The Seattle Fugitive” is available through the author’s website and Amazon.

Elonzo Phillips is a writer who was born and raised in Wharton, Texas. He started writing when he was 19 years old while in his second semester in college and wrote his first book when he was 21. By the time he graduated college, he had written four books. He wanted to become a writer because he has always excelled at creating stories, both fiction and non-fiction. When he was in school, he was constantly teased for daydreaming and now he has turned it into writing, his favorite hobby, for when he is daydreaming, he is re-writing reality in his head as his own personal multiverse. His favorite author is Stephen King and the movies based on his books, especially Stand By Me, Misery, Pet Sematary, and The Shawshank Redemption partially inspired him to become a writer. His new book “The Seattle Fugitive: The Story of Jimmy James III” is his 5th book and the story of a young high schooler named Jimmy James III. (Elonzo Phillips, 2023)

“The Seattle Fugitive: The Story of Jimmy James III” – Jimmy James was living life the way any other genius student would until an infamous tragedy takes place. One day he was casually sitting in class when all of a sudden he blacks out. He wakes up in the middle of a murder scene involving two of his classmates. With blood all over him, almost the whole school stands witness, as they all point fingers at him, believing he had murdered the two students who were lying dead next to him. Now, while on the run from the police, swat, the army, and even the national guard, Jimmy James has no choice but to prove his innocence while hiding out in the very city that claims him as a monster. Will he solve his case in time or will he serve the death penalty?

“This book will catch you by surprise every minute!”
“This book is based on a true story!”
“This book is very inspiring and it inspires people, who feel different, that they’re somebody too!”

Sponsored Post

New book release: ‘Mindful Communication’ by Asher Blythe

“Mindful Communication: Mastering Personal and Professional Interactions: A Guide to Promoting Openness and Understanding with Mindfulness Techniques” by Asher Blythe. Photo: Amazon

Today’s new book release is about communication. Mindfulness is a type of meditation in which you intensely focus on what you are sensing and feeling in the moment without interpretation or judgement. When applied to communication, it means talking less and listening more and focusing on connecting with others, among other skills. If you would like to learn more about this topic, consider “Mindful Communication: Mastering Personal and Professional Interactions: A Guide to Promoting Openness and Understanding with Mindfulness Techniques” by Asher Blythe.

Asher Blythe is a passionate writer dedicated to exploring meaningful themes in personal development, mindfulness, and work-life balance. His focus is on providing actionable insights and practical advice to empower readers to lead more fulfilling, balanced lives. He believes in combining research-driven information with accessible writing to ensure complex concepts are comprehensible to all. He is also a firm believer that books can act as catalysts for personal growth and transformation and he is committed to providing thoughtful, impactful content. When he is not writing, he enjoys reading, exploring nature, and pursuing continuous learning. Join him on this journey towards personal growth and transformation. His new book is “Mindful Communication: Mastering Personal and Professional Interactions: A Guide to Promoting Openness and Understanding with Mindfulness Techniques” focuses on applying mindfulness to communication. (Asher Blythe, 2023)

“Mindful Communication” – This guide explores mindful communication and provides practical applications for improved skills in personal and professional interactions. Topics include mindful listening, speech, non-verbal cues, overcoming barriers, and the long-term benefits of incorporating mindfulness.

Sponsored Post

New book release: ‘The Amber Menhir’ by Jonathan N. Pruitt

‘The Amber Menhir’ will be released October, 4, 2023. Photo: Amazon

Jonathan N. Pruitt is a lifelong educator, a former scientific researcher, and a provocative fantasy author. Rising from humble beginnings in a rural, economically disadvantaged county in Florida, he skyrocketed to academic success, earning a PhD at the youthful age of 24. Pruitt’s journey took him from the concert halls as a child prodigy pianist to the globally recognized halls of esteemed universities including the University of Pittsburgh, Princeton University, and the University of California, Santa Barbara. His life experiences—from living in diverse corners of the world like South Africa, Namibia, Australia, and Canada, to navigating the wild landscape of his career—richly inform his narratives. Pruitt’s storytelling defies reality yet resonates with emotional truth. He makes readers question the differences between good and evil and the murky area between the two. With his debut novel “The Amber Menhir,” Pruitt delivers biting humor, deep human insights, and a unique scientist’s perspective. Readers visit a modern-day, grimdark fairy tale where reality bends and twists. Jonathan N. Pruitt’s metamorphosis from a prodigious scientific mind into a fantasy author is a testament to reinvention. Avoiding the usual expectations of fantasy by way of satire, humor, and a race of nefarious evil cats, it is the first in Jonathan Pruitt’s The Shadows of the Monolith series and arrives this October from Spinner Loom Press. It is available now for pre-order on Amazon. (Black Château, 2023)

“The Amber Menhir” – With each new dawn, the celestial body known only as ‘Calamity’ draws closer – and with it the end of the world. Humanity’s only hope from oblivion rests in the menhirs, towering bastions of scholarship and imagination which cast long shadows across the lands. The scholars within the menhirs devote themselves selflessly to the discovery of new magic that will help avert the impending apocalypse … or so the masses have been made to understand.

In a society divided between those with occult potential and lay citizens, Tara Langcraw is recruited into the Amber Menhir with great interest. The long-awaited heiress of a bloodline bearing the rarest of the six magical disciplines, time manipulation, she is expected to flourish within this noble citadel of learning, as are her friends and fellow recruits, Roland Ward and Peony Bianchi. They soon find, however, that those who fail to meet expectations, or who dare to challenge the prevailing order, put more than their marks on the line. For the menhir squirms with rivalries, and those who stand against the status quo may not stand for very long.

Having earned the title of the world’s most infamous spider biologist, Pruitt has penned a grimdark fantasy lampooning the academic and scientific communities, while also offering an immersive, diverse, and fast-paced story. What exactly is a Menhir? “Found across the globe, Menhirs are mysterious, ancient, imposing monoliths that prove evidence of a civilization’s existence. They’re often the subject of superstition, just like the magical institutions that make up this world. Whether they stand as pinnacles of grandeur and discovery, or blemishes of political pestilence will be up to the reader,” explains Pruitt.

1696418299

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

‘The Amber Menhir’ release date

New book release: ‘The Protectress’ by Ayura Ayira

‘The Protectress’ is the new novel by Ayura Ayira. Photo: Amazon

If you like ancient world historical romance and romantic erotica, today’s new book release is just for you. “The Protectress” by Ayura Ayira features a strong female character, a demigoddess, who wages war on Earth. It opens with Tilelli, the Protectress, leading her soldiers in an epic battle. After reading the sample, the language appears lyrical with vivid metaphors: “Ever the graceful killer, she watched and waited, expecting them to say something. No one did, death had already stolen their words;” and there is plenty of battle violence. *Disclaimer: This book contains violence, graphic language, and sexual content and is intended for mature readers. It is available on Amazon, Goodreads, Audible, and other booksellers.

Ayura Ayira is a melting pot author who, with a masterful blend of genres, effortlessly spins captivating tales that empower, uplift, and celebrate the enduring power of strength, love, and diversity. Her books delve into dark content and feature characters from diverse social, economic, and racial backgrounds, often set in international locations. In her new book “The Protectress,” a demigoddess wages a war that spawns betrayal and the loss of her divine powers. (Ayura Ayira, 2023)

“The Protectress” – a demigoddess, descended from a long line of demigoddesses, is banished to Earth to safeguard humanity from a looming destiny of destruction. She finds solace and refuge in the arms of a mysterious stranger—a mortal. With unwavering faith that her loyal troops will orchestrate her daring escape, the Protectress counts on her return to the secure embrace of her palace. Yet, with each passing day, she finds herself increasingly drawn to this handsome man, surpassing the bounds of prophecy. The weight of duty and legacy occupy her thoughts, but her body hungers for something else. If she is not careful, her heart may soon follow, and how would the Gods judge her actions then?

Sponsored Post

Book review: ‘From Food to Grave: The Link Between Food, Water & Chronic Diseases’ by Marc St. Omer & David Daniel

‘From Food To Grave’ will be released October 2, 2023. Photo: Amazon

Marc St. Omer is chef-in-charge and chief principal of Foodeva. He has spent the past three decades perfecting his skill and creating authentic Jamaican Caribbean Fusion cuisine since he graduated from the Art Institute of New York City. He was named one of the top chefs for Jamaican Jerk Chicken and other Jerk dishes by the Journal, a prominent New York publication. He was also featured in the James Bread Foundation magazine for his exquisite delicacies and milestone projects to shape the face of the nutritious food industries in the world. David Daniel is the Wellness Content Strategist, Curator, and Editor at Foodeva. They are co-authors of the upcoming new book “From Food to Grave: The Link Between Food, Water & Chronic Diseases” where they write about how food and water can affect our bodies and cause chronic diseases. If you are genuinely concerned about your health and are open to learning more about this connection, consider this book. It will be available on their website beginning October 2, 2023.

“From Food to Grave: The Link Between Food, Water & Chronic Diseases” by Marc St. Omer and David Daniel is composed of six chapters including The Emergence of Ultra-processed Foods and Their Effects on Health, Water’s Effects on General Health, and Diets & Exercises For Healthy Living.

In this book, you will:

  • take a journey into the anti-processed food movement
  • examine how our eating habits affect our health
  • learn about the growing popularity of organic and unprocessed food
  • discover nature’s amazing healing abilities
  • set out on a path to a more wholesome and unprocessed way of feeding your body.

The goal is to present the best choices for losing weight and getting enough vitamins and minerals as well as promoting a healthy lifestyle. It “discusses the decline of today’s diet as a result of our fast-paced lifestyles and the need to pause, reflect, and commit to our health.” In the Introduction, they write that when we eat pleasant tasting foods, it releases a dopamine rush that promotes the behavior that caused that ‘feel good’ feeling. So if eating delicious food causes a rush, we become addicted to that rush, and therefore keep eating food that tastes good, even if it is not good for us: “the more processed food you consume, the more you will desire it.” The cultural shift in today’s modern world has made unhealthy foods more readily available. Other topics include modern diet trends, the effects of today’s fast life on our eating habits, diets and exercises for healthy living, and much more.

When it comes to learning about nutrition, exercise, and healthy living, you can never get too much information. What makes this book different is that it also shines a light on how water affects our bodies and the dangers of water contamination on the community and the environment. Highlights include Chapter Four: Water’s Effects on General Health– an in-depth examination of water contamination, its importance to humanity, how to treat water contamination, and the efforts from leaders, organizations, and others to solve the issue of water contamination; and Chapter Five: Food & The Timeless Teachings of the Classics – examines the healing ability of herbs, the health benefits of organic food and how it benefits the community and the environment. Poor eating habits have created an increase in medical issues like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and cancer and the authors do an excellent job of explaining the long terms effects and how better eating habits can help. They use language that is easy to understand while the tone is educational without being patronizing. Especially helpful is the chapter on maintaining a healthy diet with examples of different diet plans and exercise recommendations. Overall, “From Food to Grave: The Link Between Food, Water & Chronic Diseases” is an outstanding reference guide on the effects and benefits benefits of dietary life choices. It is recommended for readers who appreciate health and wellness information.  

“This literary work thoroughly examined the notable detrimental consequences of consuming unhealthy and manufactured food products on both persons and communities, highlighting the urgent need for modifying current practices.”

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.
1696259667

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

‘From Food To Grave’ release date

Book review: ‘Freeborn: Genesis’ by Steven Calkum

‘Freeborn: Genesis’ by Steven Calkum. Photo: Amazon

Steven Calkum was born in 1967 and grew up on a small ranch in East Central Colorado. He earned BS and MS degrees and worked in natural resources for 13 years before becoming disabled in 2011. A voracious reader, he created his own style by rewriting drafts until he would want to read his own work. He remarried in 2016 and plans to be a househusband and work toward a career as a writer/storyteller in addition to raising more children. He currently lives in Wyoming with the youngest of his children from his first marriage. His book “Freeborn: Genesis” is book one of the Freeborn saga. It is the story of Freeborn, a half human and half elven who learned from birth that though he can live among humans and elven peoples, he belongs to neither. (Amazon, 2023)

“Freeborn” – “Half of one world, half of another and anathema to both.” That is what Freeborn has heard all his life. Tishamon, the elven woodsman also known as The Long Walker, took him in when he was born and is the only person who accepts and respects Freeborn as he is. The story begins with Prologue: The Blizzard Birth as a pregnant young slave girl, a Copper Elf, ends up at Tishamon’s doorstep asking for help. She manages to deliver a healthy boy but she does not survive and pleas Tishamon to take care of her son and name him Freeborn. As Freeborn grows up, he and Tishamon travel the Shattered Empire. Tishamon helps Freeborn learn the rules and customs of the Empire’s many peoples, as well as the dangers of the world. An epic saga fantasy novel, it is divided into 58 chapters and follows Freeborn’s many adventures, battles, disappointments, and lessons learned along the way. Join Freeborn as he grows from boyhood to manhood and explores his expansive world.

When the real world gets to be too much, there is nothing better than getting lost in a fantasy novel filled with imaginary worlds, epic battles, and the different inhabitants of these worlds: elves, dwarves, giants, and more. “Freeborn” is definitely one of these novels. It combines a coming of age novel and a fantasy epic and brings readers along as Freeborn grows into the man he is meant to be. Tishamon, his guardian, is centuries old and teaches him survival skills but rarely gives rewards or compliments because “If you lived, that was your reward. If you didn’t, that was your penalty.” The author’s imagination is extensive, as evidenced in the detailed world building and the different societies in those worlds. The map at the beginning is a good idea, but in a Kindle, it is hard to see the details. Even though the language is simple, it is descriptive: “Freeborn swallowed the scream clawing up his throat and drew his sword with a trembling hand” and makes the action come alive throughout the pages. The battles scenes are written in such vivid detail that it is hard not to get immersed in them: “the goblinoid was so heavily muscled and had such thick bones that the arrows were stopped before they could hit anything vital.” Since this is Freeborn’s story, the character development is focused on his life as he grows through the years. Overall, “Freeborn” is a thrilling fantasy adventure. Despite the target demographic being young readers, it should appeal to anyone who appreciates epic sagas similar to the Lord of the Rings.

“We choose, consciously or unconsciously, to react to events in a certain way, for good or ill. The course of a person’s life is charted by those decisions.”

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.