‘Sidhe’ by Aria Storm is on sale now on paperback and e-book. Photo: Aria Storm, used with permission.
Aria Storm is influenced by major authors from a wide range of genres and time periods. The earliest influences come in the form of Lord Dunsany, William Shakespeare, and H.P. Lovecraft. Modern influences include Gary S. Kadet, Chloe Neill, McKenzie Hunter, Laurell K. Hamilton, Timothy Zahn, and K. F. Brenee. She avidly believes in representing LGBTQIA+ people with valid heroes/ heroines and plots which can be sizzling at times but also contain other aspects outside the queer sex. This author’s entire adult life has been devoted to becoming a better storyteller and to bringing LGBTQIA+ characters to everyone. Most of Aria Storm’s works have been Lesfic, but the author also publishes various other genres and is about to expand even further in the near future. In her new book ‘Sidhe,’ a woman discovers she is a rare breed of fairy. (Aria Storm, 2022)
‘Sidhe’– A college freshman discovers she is a rare breed of fairy as she is brought to the world of Fairey. Her life is threatened instantly when human assassins discover her in the forest of Fairey. Now, she will be forced to unravel a deeper plot with the help of a sexy female protector called The Hawthorn Knight. Sexual discovery and awakening of her true attractions manifest. Ella is made aware of who she is, not just as a being, but also as a maturing woman.
‘Dream Town’ is David Baldacci’s new novel in the Archer series. Photo: amazon
David Baldacci is a global #1 bestselling author, and one of the world’s favorite storytellers. His books are published in over forty-five languages and in more than eighty countries, with 150 million copies sold worldwide. His works have been adapted for both feature film and television. David Baldacci is also the cofounder, along with his wife, of the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy efforts across America. In his new book “Dream Town: An Archer Novel,” the third in the Archer series, private investigator and World War II veteran Aloysius Archer heads to Los Angeles, the city where dreams are made and shattered, and is ensnared in a lethal case. (amazon, 2022)
“Dream Town”– It is the eve of 1953, and Aloysius Archer is in Los Angeles to ring in the New Year with an old friend, aspiring actress Liberty Callahan, when their evening is interrupted by an acquaintance of Callahan’s: Eleanor Lamb, a screenwriter in dire straits. After a series of increasingly chilling events—mysterious phone calls, the same blue car loitering outside her house, and a bloody knife left in her sink—Eleanor fears that her life is in danger, and she wants to hire Archer to look into the matter. Archer suspects that Eleanor knows more than she is saying, but before he can officially take on her case, a dead body turns up inside of Eleanor’s home and Eleanor herself disappears.
Missing client or not, Archer is dead set on finding both the murderer and Eleanor. With the help of Callahan and his partner Willie Dash, he launches an investigation that will take him from mob-ridden Las Vegas to the glamorous world of Hollywood to the darkest corners of Los Angeles—a city in which beautiful faces are attached to cutthroat schemers, where the cops can be more corrupt than the criminals and where the powerful people responsible for his client’s disappearance will kill without a moment’s hesitation if they catch Archer on their trail.
‘The Adventure of Reese Rabbit’ features a fun-loving, energized, life-size bunny named Reese Rabbit. Photo: Hunter Reese, used with permission.
My name is Hunter Reese. I am a young writer who grew up in Southern California loving comic books; my favorites were the ones about superheroes. I am also a big fan of cartoons so I thought I would make some cartoony comics as well. Over the years I have written so many stories and characters and I thought it was time to finally bring them to life. This is the start of many issues of Reese Rabbit comics I plan to write as well as other comic books from multiple genres. “The Adventure of Reese Rabbit” is the first in the series. Read all about the adventures of a fun-loving, energized, life-sized bunny named Reese Rabbit as he travels through his animal-filled world. It is illustrated by Inggit Awalliyah. (Hunter Reese, 2022)
“The Adventure of Reese Rabbit” – This comic book is about an anthropomorphic bunny rabbit named Reese who lives in a carrot-shaped house within a city filled with other anthropomorphic animals. This particular issue focuses on Reese Rabbit and his best friend, Jack Houndsberg, trying to get rid of a rat that has made itself at home in Reese’s house.
Available now through CWS Book Store in paperback form or digital download.
‘L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 38’ will be released June 28, 2022. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
The Writers of the Futureanthology of award-winning science fiction and fantasy short stories just released volume 38 at a major Hollywood event. L. Ron Hubbard, the author of the sci-fi classic “Battlefield Earth,” started the contest as “a means for new and budding writers to have a chance for their creative efforts to be seen and acknowledged.” Bringing on board a panel of blue-ribbon authors to select the stories, it continues to make publishing history year after year. There is not publication or program like this for new authors. “L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 38”will be released June 28, 2022. It is available now on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited for a limited time. (Writers of the Future, 2022)
The judges include fantastic authors like Brandon Sanderson, Nnedi Okorafor, Orson Scott Card, Kevin J. Anderson, Jody Lynn Nye, Tim Powers, Larry Niven, Katherine Kurtz, and many more. A literal who’s-who of fantasy and science fiction masters.
The writing contest is free to enterand the stories are judged blind to ensure authors and illustrators of every ethnic background, gender or age compete on equal footing. Very cool. (If you are an aspiring writing, you need to check this out).
Volume 38 also has bonus content from several great authors: Frank Herbert (yes, THE author of “Dune,” who was also a judge!), L. Ron Hubbard, and David Farland as well as writing tips for new writers.
Featured authors: L. Ron Hubbard; Frank Herbert; David Farland; Brian Herbert; Kevin J. Anderson; Diane Dillon; Azure Arther; Desmond Astaire; J. A. Becker; Lazarus Black; Z. T. Bright; John Coming; Em Dupre; N. V. Haskell; Michael Panter; Brittany Rainsdon; Mike Jack Stoumbos; M. Elizabeth Ticknor; Rebecca E. Treasure
The International Review of Books calls it a “literary smorgasbord where each new story comes with a feeling of excitement and mystery. It’s a binge read. Just one more, you think, and the next thing you know the entire book is gone!”
“L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 38” – In the world of science fiction, this Anthology stands out for three reasons: The stories. The art. The extras. Which will you love most? Standing on the shoulders of giants, these writers of the future have earned their place in the hallowed pages of volume 38. With 25-award winning authors and illustrators, this collection is a master work. These diverse stories will fill you with wonder and new ideas. And a few just might break your heart.
Just imagine…
It is game on, the fate of the universe is on the line—and you are about to go all in.
Saving the mammoths is in your hands—can you conjure the magic to make it happen?
You have got a monster BFF—whom you are hiding from your own monster-hunting family.
You are part of a sting, out to catch some bar hoppers who are not only bending their elbows, but bending time as well.
And much more!
Would you like to know the “Single Most Important Piece of Advice” from the author of “Dune?” The beautiful art and writing tips by Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson, Frank Herbert, L. Ron Hubbard, and Diane Dillon are just as wonderful as the collection of stories.
Volume 38 is a treasure. You will love this collection from past and future science fiction masters because these stories will keep you turning the page.
Paulino Mamiir Chol’s ‘Leading the Lost Boys: The Untold Story’ tells the story of his extraordinary personal journey from kidnapping survivor to leader. Photo: amazon
Paulino Mamiir Chol is an author and current PhD candidate dedicated to using his experience, expertise, and education to help his current community in the US as well as his East African homeland, South Sudan. For decades, despite multiple kidnapping attempts by the radical militias, airborne assaults, and the murder of his friends and family, Mr. Chol rose in the leadership hierarchy and helped over four thousand Lost Boys to come to America. Mr. Chol has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Colorado and a master’s degree in Law and Policy from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. He looked death in the eye multiple times, surviving abduction, a 3,000-mile barefoot trek in searing heat across South Sudan, and unspeakable starvation during the Second Sudanese Civil War. His memoir, “Leading the Lost Boys: The Untold Journey” tells of his extraordinary journey from kidnapping survivor to leader, showing how tragedy can be turned into triumph. (Mac Foundation, 2022)
As a member of the Lost Boys of South Sudan who led over 700 boys across three African countries, from refugee camp to refugee camp, Paulino Mamiir Chol is the only one in a position to tell this story. A testimony to the atrocities happening at that time—the killings and kidnappings committed by radical militias before and during the Second Sudanese Civil War—the book describes how the author had to build the grit, determination, and sheer organizational ability to save lives, and find freedom. In so doing, he also offers hope in the power of the human spirit to overcome trauma and tragedy—especially when we focus on serving others. “Leading The Lost Boys: The Untold Journey” is part of Paulino Chol’s effort to fight the inhuman darkness we are all capable of, and to empower and inspire the hearts of those suffering.
“This book is a form of defense, and I promise to fight against inhumanity and human rights abuses. This fight consolidates my belief, faith, and hope in humanity, and human rights.” – Paulino Mamiir Chol
All proceeds will go to the Mamiir Chol Foundation (MACH), which will provide funds to villagers in Twic County for clean drinking wells, clinics, schools, and community centers. Proceeds will also support organizations working for human rights, homeless children, widowed mothers, disabled people, and to protect women and girls from sexual abuse, exploitation, and gender-based violence. “Leading the Lost Boys: The Untold Journey” is available in digital and paperback on amazon and other major retailers.
‘You’re Crazy, Volume Two’ by Craig Lewis. Photo: Craig Lewis, used with permission.
Craig Lewis is an Expert by Experience, a Psychiatric Survivor, author, a lifelong punk rocker, a fearless activist, a workshop trainer, and international speaker. Craig has survived a lifetime of struggle and has chosen not to waste it. Craig shares his experiences, knowledge, and lessons learned in the hopes of supporting others in living happier, healthier, and more satisfying lives. This is an ongoing journey and Craig, like all of us, is a work in progress. Two of his books are “The Craig Lewis Guide to Surviving the Impossible” and “You’re Crazy, Volume Two: First Hand Accounts of Surviving Trauma, Addiction & Mental Health from within the Punk Rock Scene.”
“The Craig Lewis Guide to Surviving the Impossible” is written by a human being who learned the hard way the difference between being alive and truly living. This book is intended to help readers figure out their true path. If you put in the effort, you will experience improvements. The bottom line is this: You, the person reading these words, have the power within to heal and become whoever you were born to be. That is the path that this author has chosen. May your journey result in healing, peace and love. “The Craig Lewis Guide to Surviving the Impossible” features fifteen passages and worksheets intended to encourage the reader to go within themselves and figure out how to heal what is hurting them.
“You’re Crazy, Volume Two” is a collection of personal stories written by twenty punk rockers from around the world. All of the writers have experienced trauma, addiction, and mental health struggles. As you read these stories, you will know both the pain and the beauty that makes these uniquely brilliant human beings who they are today. We are unapologetic for surviving. Instead, we choose to live the lives we deserve. We hope that others like us will read these stories and recognize that they, too, have the power to create the better lives they want. After all, we are Punk Rockers!
‘The Still Point’ is Kevin Krenitsky’s new book on spiritual enlightenment and awakening. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Kevin Krenitsky has been, at times, a professional rock musician, a medical doctor, and a business executive. Despite leading a life deemed outwardly “successful,” he lived with a deep background of anxiety, fear, and stress that came and went since early childhood. At the age of forty, in the midst of decades of suppressing tremendous inner and outer conflict, he reasoned there must be another way. This “willingness” led to a decade of studying non-duality by way of “A Course in Miracles.” At the height of a successful business career, he turned away into relative isolation and soon found the direct path to the recognition of our true nature. One day in meditation, a thought came that a book called “The Still Point” would be written. Five years later, the first words arrived. Krenitsky’s “The Still Point: The Simplicity of Spiritual Enlightenment” takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately leading to the recognition that our self-aware nature is happiness and peace itself.
“The Still Point” begins with an Introduction where the author explains that this book is about “discovering and living as your indestructible, true self, which is deeper than just the body and the mind.” He refers to our true self as the Still Point and defines it as the experience of recognizing our own awareness; simply put: “being aware of being aware.” According to him, our unconscious living has not only created stress, anxiety, wars, and famine, but our choices have brought us to the edge of mass destruction. The earth has suffered greatly from our collective human unconsciousness. With this book, he shows us how to discover and live our lives in alignment with our true self. Each chapter begins with an introduction of the subject and is followed by a question and answer discussion. Some of the questions are from people he has encountered but most of them are questions he himself has had in his journey to self-discovery. The book is divided into two parts: the first has chapters such as The Discovery of Our True Nature, The Healing of Our Relationships, and Awakening and the Limits of the Mind; the second part deals with subjects such as Taking Responsibility for Your Happiness, Be a True Student of Peace and Happiness, and The Illusion of Control.
For such an intense subject, “The Still Point” is relatively easy to read, due in part to the Q & A format that the author chose to present his ideas. It reads like an interview and the language is straightforward and down to earth. The important takeaways include the significance of living in the moment, realizing that we share a consciousness with each other and the planet, and self-awareness. When we focus on the noise of the outside world, we lose our feelings of peace and happiness. Highlight include Chapter 14: Taking Responsibility for Your Happiness, as it reminds readers that “The desire to project blame on others, the world, or past events is a universal trait of the egoic mind” and Chapter 20: Be a Seed of Light in a Desperate World where it emphasizes the importance of taking pride in your job. It is important to find a job you like but “…never diminish whatever it is you find yourself doing in the present.” These may not be new theories, but in today’s world, in the midst of all the chaos, both external and internal, it pays to slow down and re-evaluate what makes life worth living. Filled with practical life advice, “The Still Point” is recommended for readers who value concepts such as meditation and self-awareness and are searching for tips on easing the load we all sometimes have to carry.
“There is no denying the terrible injustice that has been happening for a long time, but treating people who are desperately calling out for love with hate and anger simply will not work.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
Norman Reedus’ debut novel ‘The Ravaged’ will be out May 10, 2022. Photo: amazon
Norman Reedus is known for starring in the popular AMC horror drama series The Walking Dead as Daryl Dixon, in the film The Boondock Saints (1999) and its sequel The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day (2009) as Murphy MacManus, as Scud in Marvel’s Blade II (2002), Marco in Deuces Wild (2002), and for his AMC TV show Ride with Norman Reedus. His highly anticipated debut novel “The Ravaged,” which will be released on Tuesday May 10, is a fast-paced, up-in-your-face novel of gritty realism, exploring three different personal quests with eerily parallel outcomes. (amazon, 2022)
“The Ravaged” – Jack’s dying mother told him, “Run and never look back.” He spent his life amassing wealth, but after losing his family, he has no one to share it with. Alone with his demons and a backpack, he heads to South America, where people with nothing teach him what matters.
After thrashing his dog-abusing boss, Hunter learns of his father’s death in a mysterious fire. Biker buddies Nugget and Itch ride with him from North Carolina to California. Stories from his father’s life help ease the struggles of small-town Americans. Hunter discovers a secret past.
Seventeen-year-old Anne flees Tennessee after her older brother attacks her. She whacks him with a skillet and hops a freight to Alabama with her best friend. Living hand to mouth, they build friendships, uncovering something they never had.
‘You Speak For Me Now’ is the new novel by Sandy Graham. Photo: amazon
Sandy Grahamis a dual citizen of Canada and the United States. His dual citizenship reflects a North American ancestry dating back to both sides of the American Revolutionary War. It also leads to a desire to see all North Americans find a way to embrace their multiple cultures, languages, and ethnic backgrounds in a manner that provides an opportunity for all to enjoy a full life. His previous books include the Pillage Trilogy, (“Life Shattered,” “Life Rescued,” and “Life Threatened”) “Murder – On Salt Spring?” “The Pizza Dough King,” and “A Quite Rampage.” In his new novel “You Speak For Me Now,” Emma and John, a young couple, risk their marriage, their business, and their lives to speak out against inequality, racism, and fascism.
“You Speak For Me Now” – Emma Simon is a brave but introverted deaf woman of color and John McEwan is an extrovert with a passion for politics and singing. When they meet in the seventh grade, John is immediately smitten, proving that opposites do attract. Not only do they find happiness in marriage, but as business partners. They create an app – Sign-Talk, as a way to give deaf people a way to talk to everyone. As the popularity of the app grows, so does John’s public persona. While promoting Sign-Talk on national TV, John turns the conversation into a discussion about politics. He is quickly targeted by a popular conservative commentator who uses his platform and social media following to attack John’s views and his family. John becomes embroiled in this battle and drags Emma in with him. Forces against them turn violent, driving them into seclusion, tearing them apart, and destroying their rapidly growing company. In a world torn between democracy and dictatorship, can America survive the onslaught of authoritarianism and become once again a beacon of democratic leadership? In a dramatic role reversal, Emma reveals how a strong individual can rise in the face of crises.
Romance novels usually have a happy ending when a couple finally ends up together. Rarely do they expand the narrative to include a lifetime of ups and downs and unexpected surprises that come along the way. This is what makes “You Speak For Me Now” a more realistic account of one couple’s struggles and victories. Emma and John’s story is not a typical ‘happily ever after’ account and is both heart warming and heart breaking. Mr. Graham puts readers through an emotional rollercoaster while at the same time emphasizing music’s ability to heal and bring people together. It is an easy read and the action is mostly dialogue driven and since the story spans decades, the character development is excellent. It is worth mentioning that politics and social issues, such as income and race inequalities, as well as the current state of affairs in the United States plays a big part in the story which will no doubt elicit strong reactions, depending on the reader’s political leanings. Regardless, the book’s underlying message of unity and the need for peace and understanding stands out. “You Speak For Me Now” is a must read novel of love and courage in the midst of life’s toughest moments and is recommended for readers who enjoy romance and political fiction.
“Regardless of our political leaning, liberal or conservative, we must come together to right our ship, to return to morality, integrity, and mutual respect.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
Suzie Newell’s ‘The Path 365: Daily Direction for Ladies and Mothers, Witches and Others’ will be released April 26, 2022. Photo: Suzie Newell
In today’s fast-paced and unpredictable world, everybody needs effective coping strategies to deal with anxiety and change. Based on extensive research and work experience, Suzie Newell’s book, “The Path 365: Daily Direction for Ladies and Mothers, Witches and Others,” provides a roadmap for reclaiming health from the inside to the outside. The book releases April 26, 2022. (Suzie Newell, 2022)
“The Path 365: Daily Direction for Ladies and Mothers, Witches and Others”demystifies the concepts of mind, body, and spirit, allowing the readers to create a Path that is uniquely their own. It is a comprehensive guide to life that will empower them to become their best selves by fostering a healthy mindset and giving them daily direction. The book’s down-to-earth coping strategies will enable readers to live in balance and joy again. Most importantly, they will learn how to create activities and mindsets that build the feel-good hormones in their body.
“One day, I was sitting in my tub, where I do all my best thinking, and realized that there [are] a myriad of books out there for people who struggle with substance use disorder or other mental health issues. Those who are religious have access to all sorts of literature. But what about someone who is just tired, emotional, confused, or a hundred other states of mental distress? So, the idea of writing The Path 365 came to me. I can provide coping mechanisms based on my research for everyone, as a gal who has lived it, studied it and totally gets it. This book could be something that was not only useful, but something beautiful, poetic, and entertaining; something people would want to read.” – Suzie Newell
“The Path 365: Daily Direction for Ladies and Mothers, Witches and Others” is the culmination of Suzie Newell’s lifetime of work in health care, in peer support and within her own personal journey. Designed to be a daily companion, the book provides actionable steps for choosing compassion over resentment, willingness over avoidance, and self-love over anything in order to access happiness and endless possibilities. The book includes exquisite art and illustrations that make the hardcover version worthy of any nightstand or coffee table.
The book is available to pre-order on amazon and will be released in digital and hardcover editions. Suzie Newell has her doctorate specializing in coping mechanisms. She is a speaker and a nurse anesthesiologist. The work she did on substance abuse led her to the evidence revealed in image scanning, peer-reviewed research, and practical science about how the way one copes affects the brain’s ability to be happy.
Suzie’s journey began with a degree in political science working in social justice, but was inspired to work in anesthesia while in Guatemala during the 500 Years of Resistance campaign. From her experience working with women on obstetric units, she saw how mental health issues and substance abuse were tearing apart communities in heart of the opioid crisis. After the tragic loss of her own sister to an overdose, she was compelled to help more, and dedicated her life to health care.
