New book release: ‘The Key on Edge’ by Michael J Piatt

‘The Key on Edge’ is the thrilling new novel by Michael J. Piatt. Photo: Amazon

Abstract topics such as creativity, creative thinking, and innovation can sometimes be difficult to comprehend. This is why it is so refreshing when experts in those fields feel the need to share their knowledge with the general public, especially young readers. Today’s new book release is by Michael J. Piatt, whose profession as an inventor spans multiple decades and strongly believes that creativity is a skill that can be nurtured. In “The Key on Edge,” mystical images from the past are intertwined with present-day realities that are just too coincidental to be real—or are they? A small town, a gang of friends, the courage to discover, and too many mysterious coincidences to be real, make this exciting adventure come to life for all who dare. The faceted edges of the key are destined to heighten individual creativity throughout this work. As you enter the world of the Sharefield Gang you do so at your own risk. Discovery is not for the faint of heart! It may be geared towards young readers, but even adults can learn from the self-help instructional material offered within the pages of this gripping narrative.

Michael J. Piatt, is a seasoned technologist and prolific inventor, now turned author. He has made creativity a lifestyle and is the author of over 130 US patents. He wants to share lessons learned with the younger generation, knowing that they will face problems that do not yet exist. He has a passion for fostering creativity in youthful minds. Through his books, he aspires to make a positive impact by sharing decades of life lessons in the art of innovation. His new book “The Key on Edge” combines his heartfelt enthusiasm for storytelling with his dedication to encouraging creative potential. It is Illustrated by Juan Giraldo. All profits from this book go to educational charities. The book is available on Amazon, select Barnes and Noble stores, and can be ordered from most bookstores. (Michael J. Piatt, 2023)

“The world around us is evolving faster than ever, driven by a cascade of new technologies. Maybe I can help in a small way to equip the next generation with the tools necessary to flourish in this dynamic landscape.” – Michael J. Piatt

More on the author: LinkedIn Instagram

“The Key on Edge” This YA mystery is about a group of six 9th grade students in a small town. Their school play comes to life, and all sorts of other mysterious things start to happen as they climb Majestic Mountain, work in an old mansion, play an antique computer game, and save their beloved dog Grand Paw. Throughout the book, they work together to creatively solve problems and get out of jams, until they discover just who wrote the script to that play. The book teaches the creative thinking process. It is the first in a series of Sharefield Gang adventures. Discussion Notes are provided at the end to allow readers to further explore their own creative abilities.

Discover how “The Key on Edge” unlocks a lifetime of intrigue and wonder. Understanding and practicing creative thinking are the backbones of this uplifting and inspiring mystery novel. So, delve into the unknown, embrace the magic, and let your imagination soar. It will leave you questioning what lies beyond today and will ignite a sense of curiosity and excitement that will stay with you long after the final pages.

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New book release: ‘Black’ by Skyler Van Kirk

‘Black’ is the exciting new novel by Skyler Van Kirk. Photo: Skyler Van Kirk, used with permission.

I am excited about today’s new book release news. It combines historical and speculative fiction. Stories in speculative fiction take place in a setting other than the real world, a parallel universe of sorts. These are some of the most artistic works of literature because they immerse the reader in either futuristic, dystopian, or imagined worlds. Now picture, if you will, a novel that puts forth the question: is the chief in the oval room really in charge, or is it the fury of the people that fuels the country? In Skyler Van Kirk’s “Black,” the time is coming when the Commander in-Chief will be in direct confrontation with the potent retribution of the people. Sounds exciting, right? If you enjoy the types of novels that explore such topics, pick up your copy today. It is available on Amazon.

Skyler Van Kirk’s journey began in the heart of a sprawling urban wilderness. The raw material of fantasy, woven into the very fabric of this concrete jungle, was the crucible that forged his inspiration to awe-inspiring heights. From those pulsating streets, his words ascended. The strokes of his pen metamorphosed into narratives of passion, love, epic drama, and heart-wrenching tragedy. What was once a pursuit of artistic expression has now become a relentless odyssey to push the boundaries of his readers’ emotions to their limits. When it comes to the sky, it does not get any higher! His new book, “Black,” is about the true power of the Commander-in-Chief and what happens when the pale faces behind the most protected building on the planet have to face the vengeance of the people who built it. (Skyler Van Kirk, 2023)

“Black” – In the past, dreams were taken away by force. Labor was forced and ran by profit. This country was built on a billion-dollar business. Laws were made to keep certain people mentally and physically broken. Families were ripped apart, all for the fortune of this country. Women were used, men were emasculated, and children became the worst victims. Yet, through all of this, they survived. One day they became free, or did they?

In the present, it seems that in generations down the line, certain people are still fighting for the American dream. It is supposed to be better, yet it is not. It is supposed to be easier but it is not. Our children learn that with their ancestors this country would not exist. The people in power are fighting hard to hide their dirty little secrets. People in power are going as low as to rename what really happened to so many people. The one word that still haunts them is “Slavery.”

Now here we are in the future, and things have actually changed. We have our first female president in history. The commander-in-chief is a woman, a woman who is supposed to be a beacon of hope. Yet, just like in the past with every action, there is a reaction. Our newly elected president really thinks she can solve this country’s number one problem. A problem that has been growing for decades, “Debt.”

Regrettably, that ember of hope has morphed into a venomous mirage, adorned by people dressed in powerful deceptive lies. The Commander-in-Chief, seated atop the pinnacle of universal power, desperately clings to a perilous conviction: Only by rebirthing relics from the darkest past of history can she exorcise the unsurmountable national debt.

The past seems to fade into the dark hushed abyss, vanishing like a fridged whisper in the night, while it unfurls its mighty wings. A vengeful lineage, no longer willing to be pawns in the government’s game, stands fortified. No longer shall the heavens rain down fire and brimstone upon, for this time this generation will go to war.

The ancestors of this country were scared by new land and therefore forced into shackles. Now, the juggernaut of a government must finally come face to face and grapple with a nation that has thrown on war paint like the gladiators of yesteryears. How then, will a governance contend with the people who hold them up? The People are finally awake from years of slumber and refuse to yield.

Welcome to black.

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New book release: ‘Let the Devil In’ by Maeve McKnight

‘Let the Devil In’ is the new novel by Maeve McKnight. Photo: Amazon

Romance novels are some of the most popular books and come in a variety of sub-genres. They are often a guilty pleasure because they are usually easy to read and immerse the reader in a world where a person, or a couple, overcome adversity to obtain their happily every after. On that subject, today’s new book release is “Let the Devil In” by Maeve McKnight. This romance e-book centers around Agatha, whose world is rattled when she meets a mysterious man who makes her feel emotions she does not feel for the man is supposed to be marrying. Want to find out what other surprises life has in store for her? Order your copy today, this title is available on Amazon Kindle.

Maeve McKnight is a working woman by day and a romance writer by night. She longs to bring life to the characters in her head and introduce them to the world. She has been married for ten years to her supportive husband and is a mother to a young child and a Yorkshire Terrier. (Maeve McKnight, 2023)

“Let the Devil In” – Agatha had her life planned for her by both her parents and society. She was to be married to the richest family in town. She feels nothing for her new fiancée but it doesn’t matter in a world that only cares about money and climbing the social ladder. However, a strange man she never met makes her feel alive. He then offers her a deal. Will she make the right choice?

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Book review: ‘Maribelle’s Shadow’ by Susannah Marren

‘Maribelle’s Shadow’ is the latest novel by Susannah Marren. Photo: Amazon

Susannah Marren is the author of “Between the Tides,” “A Palm Beach Wife,” and “A Palm Beach Scandal” and the pseudonym for Susan Shapiro Barash, who has written over a dozen nonfiction books, including “Tripping the Prom Queen,” “Toxic Friends,” and “You’re Grounded Forever,” among others. For her nonfiction, she has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, The New York Post, The Chicago Tribune, Elle, Marie Claire, and has appeared on national television including the Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS, CNN, and MSNBC. Barash has been a guest on national radio including NPR and Sirius Radio. For over twenty years she has taught gender studies at Marymount Manhattan College and has guest taught creative nonfiction at the Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College. Presently she is teaching at the Westport Writers Workshop. Her new novel, “Maribelle’s Shadow,” is a compelling tale of deception and family loyalty.

“Maribelle’s Shadow” – The only thing that spreads faster than gossip in Palm Beach is news of a mysterious death. As the editorial director of Palm Beach Confidential, Maribelle Walker knows what lurks beneath the glittering facade of the rich elite on Florida’s most glamorous coast. Or does she? The story begins when her adoring husband Samuel dies suddenly. She knows he is being unfaithful but she is hesitant about confronting him. With his death, secrets surface, including the secrets and lies between Maribelle and her sisters Caroline and Raleigh. Compounding the anguish, the authenticity of their socially ambitious mother Lucinda and lavish lifestyle of mansions, privilege and couture clothes is thrown into doubt. As their carefully constructed image unravels, each sister realizes she must fend for herself. The pathway out is steep and worth any risk – until the winner takes it all.

Even though it is fun to read about the rich and social elite, sometimes the characters are not very relatable, so it is hard to feel sorry for them when their lives take a downward spiral. Such is the case of the Barrow sisters. Thanks to their momager, they are always in society-lady mode and since they are obsessed with their social status, every decision they make, from how they dress to where they are seen and with who, is based on whether or not it will elevate or improve their status. The story is divided into three parts and the chapters are alternately narrated in the point of view of the sisters, so readers get an insight into their thoughts and characters. Because of this, the plot is character driven and the mystery behind Samuel’s death unravels slowly in the background even though it marks the beginning of the end for Maribelle. With highly descriptive language: “…she was trapped in mounds of seaweed, fighting to reach the shoreline,” the story flows naturally through the pages, making this an easy and fun to read novel. It also highlights the point that every family, regardless of social status, has secrets that will eventually come to light. Overall, “Maribelle’s Shadow” is a story of family and loyalty, and how far some people will go to hang on to what they have. It is recommended for readers who enjoy women’s fiction centered around socialites, power, and money.

“Don’t be so dramatic, Maribelle,” Lucinda said. “Samuel was another husband. They come; they go…..They’re fungible. Sisters, friends who are like sisters, aren’t.”

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

Rating: 4 out of 5.

New book release: ‘Losing Lee’ by Joe Egan

‘Losing Lee’ is the new mystery novel by Joe Egan. Photo: Amazon

When it comes to books, family drama fiction always draws me in, especially when there is a family secret involved. We tend to relate to these stories and characters, much so when the story takes place in our home town or state. Such is the case in today’s new book release “Losing Lee” by Joe Egan. The story takes place in 1998 Dallas, so it should resonate with former and current Texas natives. Bryant Blankenship’s brother Lee died in an accident when Bryant was just 12 years old. Now that he is older and in high school, he wants to know what really happened and won’t rest until he does. This contemporary coming of age novel is perfect for readers of all ages who appreciate family saga fiction as well as stories that take place in the 90s-so retro! “Losing Lee” is available on Amazon and signed copies are available through the author’s website. Get your copy today and find out what really happened to Bryant and why there is so much secrecy around his death.

Joe Egan, a Minnesotan, resides in the heartland with his wife and daughter. His literary journey began at the age of seven crafting short stories and creating student newspapers and he has been hooked to the pen ever since. Joe is a devout Catholic, a golf fanatic, and a friend of Bill W. In his spare time, you can find him driving his truck, hanging out with family, or writing his next novel. His new book “Losing Lee” is a mystery novel about the mysterious death of a teenage boy’s brother. (Joe Egan, 2023)

“Losing Lee” – In 1998 Dallas, Texas, 17-year-old Bryant Blankenship grapples with the mystery surrounding his older brother Lee’s untimely death five years earlier. Covered in secrecy, Lee’s passing has left Bryant yearning for the truth. An off-color comment from a classmate hints at Lee’s involvement in dubious activities, sparking Bryant’s quest for the truth. “Losing Lee” is a gripping mystery about what it means to find closure.

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Author highlight: Jude Perera

‘A Glow in the Forest’ and ‘The Beast’ by Jude Perera. Photo: Jude Perera

Today’s author highlight is Jude Perera. He is a blogger, author, and dedicated family man who loves to write and uses words as an escape and whose writings are filled with adventure, mystery, romance, history, and of course escapism. His blog is centered mostly around short fiction, lifestyle writings, and travel narratives but it is his full length books that have garnered the most attention. Written with young adults in mind, they are filled with adventure and romance and perfect for readers aged 13 -30 but true book lovers are not bound by set demographics. Stories are meant to entertain and inspire and if you are looking for action, romance, and adventure fiction, consider “The Beast” and “A Glow in the Forest.” Both of these titles are available through the author’s website. Let your imagination soar!

Jude Perera is a CPA living in Melbourne with his wife and two sons. He has gained some literary presence as a short fiction, lifestyle and travel blogger with some International online magazines – Hackwriters, Fiction 365, The Fringe Magazine, Southlit & Eastlit Magazines and Travelmag. His first book, a teenaged/YA tale – titled “The Beast” was released in Melbourne. It has received positive reviews in international and local literary circles and press. Key Melbourne based libraries including the – National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature – University of Canberra, State Library of South Australia and The National Library of Australia carry copies of the book. It is also available in the National Library of Sri Lanka. His second novel, a medieval adventure – “A Glow in the Forest,” was released in Kindle, B&N and Kobo in April 2020. (Amazon, 2023)

“The Beast”

Four close friends begin a search for the mysterious ‘Beast’ in a dark and spooky wilderness, but little do they know that they will discover much more about themselves in this stirring young adult adventure. Love, danger, and the depths of the soul – it is all here, and all part of this tale of wonder, mystery, and togetherness. Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, friendship rules supreme and shatters any and all divisions.

“A Glow in the Forest”
The times are medieval. A work house high up in the mountains cringes next to a dark forest without boundaries. Meet a pair of sadists who harass and torment three teenagers and a small child forced to live there. Two siblings, orphans from a noble family, keep their origins a secret to the rest of its inhabitants. A poor farm girl and a young boy with his heart on the altar decide that enough is enough. They escape to the dark bowels of an unknown world with hopes of happiness and freedom. They are helped and led by a handsome young hunter with an unknown past and a feisty girl, who seek escape for reasons of their own. Feel the pangs and joys of their first loves, and encounter painful social and religious hypocrisies and superstitions that threaten to tear them apart. Bandits, murderers, predators, soldiers, even a faceless beast of terrifying dimensions crowd along their perimeter. But they fight to keep and preserve their one true possession: freedom.

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New short story release: The Crown of Tannenley by Liza Clarke

The Crown of Tannenley is the new short story by Liza Clarke. Photo: Amazon

Science fiction and fantasy works of literature are fascinating because they transport the reader to make believe worlds, kingdoms, and faraway planets. When I want to escape from the ‘real world,’ I pick up the latest epic novel and get lost in its pages for days. If you like stories similar to The Chronicles of Narnia, A Game of Thrones, and Lord of the Rings, today’s new release, The Crown of Tannenley by Liza Clarke, just might be your next read. It involves kings, queens, invading armies, kingdoms, and all the interesting elements that make fantasy books so exciting.

Liza Clarke lives in the suburbs of Sydney, Australia, loves to travel, and has always enjoyed a good book. She has two cats who like to help her write, though their level of helpfulness is questionable. She has always loved reading fantasy and sci-fi and now she gets to write about it. She has a BA and MA in history and hopes to incorporate them more in her writing. In her new short story The Crown of Tannenley, the future of the kingdom is at stake as a young new king takes over. It is available on Amazon and other book retailers. More on the author here. (Liza Clarke, 2023)

The Crown of Tannenley – The young Queen did her best to defend her people and kingdom – she failed. With her death, the crown fell to her young cousin who she had sent with the refugees. Nickolas was never meant to be King, never wanted the throne, but now he was the only one of the family left. Could he rally not only his people but the Mages’ College to drive the invaders back? Clashing with King Edric was not part of the plan but he had no choice, he had to do what was right for his people, even those from other kingdoms who had been forced to flee. Would the line of Tannenbay end with him or would he win the war?

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Short story: Diary of a White Woman ‘Susan Strange’ by Albert Allen III

Diary of a White Woman ‘Susan Strange’ is available on Kindle through Amazon. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Albert Allen III is a biologist, author, and artist from Oceanside, California. He studied at Loma Linda University and currently lives in Rancho Mirage, California. His short story Diary of a White Woman “Susan Strange” is available on Amazon in Kindle format for $5.99. (Albert Allen III, 2022)

Diary of a White Woman “Susan Strange” is a short story about a white woman named Susan who has reached the edge of dealing with the madness of society. Susan spews on the insanity of Men, War, Religion, Family, Death, and the true meaning of it all. “If you have the letter M on both palms, you likely live outside the matrix, and produce a high Vibrational frequency. Higher intelligence, Heightened senses, and most of the M People have experienced UFO sightings and visits from beings named the “Watchers,” that travel through dimensional portals. The M People are the healers of Earth and direct lineage to Mary, the Mother of Christ, the Son of GOD.”

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Theater review: ‘Anna in the Tropics’ at The Classic Theatre

annainthetropics
Josey Porras and Joshua Segovia in ‘Anna in the Tropics’ playing now at The Classic Theatre. Photo: Siggi Ragnar, used with permission.

Now playing at The Classic Theatre of San Antonio is Nilo Cruz’ 2003 Pulitzer Prize-winning play ‘Anna in the Tropics.’ There are still four more chances to see this dramatization of the lives of cigar factory workers in Ybor City, Tampa Florida; it runs until Sunday March 1. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. Tickets start at $19 and are available online or by calling the box office at (210) 589-8450. On Sunday February 23, there will be a Community Conversation with Dr. Gerald Poyo from St. Mary’s University, whose great-grandfather was a lector, as well as the cast and director of the show. The story in ‘Anna in the Tropics’ revolves around a new lector, perhaps the last of his kind, and the lives that are affected when is hired and he begins to read from Anna Karenina, a novel of adultery set in nineteenth-century Russia.

‘Anna in the Tropics’ is set in 1929 Florida where cigars are still rolled by hand, and lectores are employed to educate and entertain the workers. It begins with Santiago (Philip Marzec) and CheChé (Joshua Segovia) betting at cockfights and when Santiago is on a losing streak, he asks CheChé for a loan. He agrees to the loan, but when they can not find a piece of paper to write a promissory note, Santiago carves it on the bottom of CheChé’s shoe with a knife and promises to give him part of the cigar factory if he does not repay the loan. Meanwhile, Marela (Josey Porras), Conchita (María A. Ibarra) and Ofelia (Marisa Varela) are at the seaport waiting for the cigar factory’s new lector, Juan Julian (Mark Riojas), to arrive. Juan Julian reports to work to begin his first reading and CheChé shows an immediate dislike to him because his wife ran away with the factory’s last lector. As Juan Julian begins reading Anna Karenina, the play delves into desire, power, rivalry, secrets and love. Conchita has an affair with Juan Julian to get back at her husband Palomo’s (Gabriel Itzcoatl Luera) own infidelity and CheChé’s dangerous and violent personality emerges when he kills Juan Julian and insistently pursues the young Marela. The group agrees to continue the tradition of reading and when Santiago suggests something other than Anna Karenina, Conchita states “stories should be finished or they suffer the same fate as those who die before their time.”

The need for culture, tradition and the arts is at the center of Nilo Cruz’ ‘Anna in the Tropics’ and The Classic Theatre should be commended for bringing this outstanding production to San Antonio. With universal themes like family, love, relationships and culture, it speaks to audiences everywhere about the importance of traditions as well as the inevitability of progress and change. The tradition of lectores is an impressive one because even though some of the workers were illiterate, they could quote Shakespeare and Tolstoy and had awareness of the world outside the factory. This is reflected throughout the play in the character’s poetic language, for example, when Ofelia comments on the silence after Juan Julian dies: “It’s as if a metal blanket has fallen on us” and in their thirst for the knowledge that the lector brings them. Standout scenes include when Juan Julian begins reading to the workers and when the group celebrates the launch of a new cigar with the ritual of passing the lit cigar around. Overall, excellent performances by everyone, but Mark Riojas does an outstanding job as Juan Julian and Josey Porras shines as the smart but naïve Marela. ‘Anna in the Tropics’ is a definite must see and despite a love scene, a provocative conversation between Palomo and Conchita meant to heat up their marriage and the normalization of cockfighting, it is worth experiencing on The Classic Theatre stage.

Book review: ‘Grief Cottage’ by Gail Godwin

griefcottage
‘Grief Cottage’ is Gail Godwin’s novel about a young boy sent to live with his great aunt on a South Carolina island.

Gail Godwin is a novelist and short story writer whose body of work includes 14 novels, two short story collections, three non-fiction books and ten musical works. A three-time National Book Award finalist, she has written more than a dozen critically-acclaimed books including the novels “Flora,” “Father Melancholy’s Daughter” and “Evensong.” Her most recent novel is “Grief Cottage,” a book about a young boy who goes to live with his great aunt when his mother is killed in an automobile accident.

The main character in “Grief Cottage” is Marcus, an eleven-year-old boy who is sent to live on a small South Carolina island with his great aunt Charlotte. Charlotte is a woman of few words and a reclusive painter with a haunted past. Since she spends most of her time in her studio painting and dealing with her own demons, Marcus is often by himself. As he explores the island, he becomes intrigued with the dilapidated empty cottage the locals call ‘Grief Cottage;’ named so because a boy and his parents disappeared from it during a hurricane fifty years earlier. Their bodies were never found and it has been empty since. He visits the cottage daily, each time getting closer even after the missing boy’s ghost appears to him. By getting to know his story, Marcus learns more about himself, his family and the memories that haunt people’s lives.

The story is told through Marcus’ point of view which gives readers an insight into his young life. He is wise beyond his years and that gives him an edge as he deals with the loss of his mother and his great-aunt’s tumultuous life. Ironically, he is often Charlotte’s caregiver when life beats her down. The book is mostly character driven and the narrative prose makes it an outstanding piece of modern literature. The author expertly balances the ghost story with Marcus’ personal growth. It is recommended for fans of coming of age literature and ghost stories.

*A copy of this book was given for an honest review. The opinions expressed in this article are solely the author’s.