Tag: Reading

Fear, Noise, and Propaganda: Reviewing Piper at the Gates of Dusk by Patrick Ness

Piper at the Gates of Dusk by Patrick Ness. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Related Post: New World Trilogy: Why Patrick Ness’ New Book is the Must-Read Sci-Fi of 2026

Book Review: Piper at the Gates of Dusk by Patrick Ness

In Piper at the Gates of Dusk, Patrick Ness returns to the beautiful and brutal landscape of New World, the setting first introduced in the Chaos Walking trilogy (The Knife of Never Letting Go). This continuation feels urgent and intimate, bridging the gap between a scarred past and an uncertain future. It will be released on April 7, 2026.

A New Generation in a Fragile Peace

Set twenty years after the original trilogy, the story follows Todd and Viola’s sons, Ben and Max. Having grown up untouched by the violence that shaped their parents, the brothers now navigate a peace that feels increasingly thin.

The novel opens with a heart-pounding sequence: a figure the boys call a “god” emerges from the woods, leveling trees in its path. Ness’ prose captures the sheer scale of the terror:

“Like a mountain coming at you, like the whole landscape peeling up into the sky, as if someone’s grabbed the far corners of it like a blanket and pulled it into the air, and all you can do is watch your death come at you, because there’s nowhere to stand, nowhere to run–.”

While they survive the encounter, Ben is left injured, forcing Max to leave his side to find help, setting the emotional and narrative stakes early.

The Evolution of “Noise”

For those new to this world, Noise is the telepathic broadcast of thoughts. When settlers first arrived, men’s thoughts became public, while women’s remained private. While a “cure” was eventually developed, it came with side effects. For Ben, it affected his vocal cords; unable to speak, he relies on a communication device and sign language.

Now, a new threat is emerging:

  • Nightmares: Young people are experiencing terrors believed to be brought on by Noise.
  • Paranoia: As suspicion falls on indigenous people and rumors of an ominous object in the sky swirl, the adults’ fragile truce threatens to unravel.

The Weight of Legacy

The story is told through dual first-person perspectives, offering a poignant look at what it means to inherit a hero’s history. Ben carries Viola’s analytical strength and navigates the world through logic and sign language while Max inherits Todd’s impulsive bravery and is driven by action and the need to protect this brother.

Ness’ vivid language propels the action:

“The scream comes again, louder this time, like a siren blaring right in your face but filled with terror and pain.”

Themes: Fear as a Weapon

When children begin to vanish, the “uneasy truce” of New World collapses. Ness uses Noise as a brilliant and painful metaphor for the modern mental health crisis and the corrosive power of internalized fear.

In this new saga, Noise becomes a targeted psychological weapon used to create chaos and spread propaganda. It is a haunting examination of how quickly communities turn on one another when fear is weaponized.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Piper at the Gates of Dusk is a gripping and atmospheric science fiction novel. It explores whether the stories we tell ourselves are meant to protect us or if they are the very things keeping us in the dark. Epic and deeply personal, it stands confidently on its own while honoring the emotional legacy of the original trilogy.

Recommended for readers who enjoy:

  • Thought-provoking discussions on xenophobia and disinformation.
  • Imaginative world-building and sci-fi landscapes.
  • Nuanced explorations of gender identity and family legacy.

“They want the comforting lie, the one that lets them sleep at night. They want to know who their enemy is, because they’re never, ever going to believe it’s themselves.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

*Thank you to Sara DiSalvo for the gifted ARC for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

New World Trilogy: Why Patrick Ness’ New Book is the Must-Read Sci-Fi of 2026

The king of dystopian YA books is back with ‘Piper at the Gates of Dusk.’ Photo: Barnes & Noble

Return to the Noise: Patrick Ness Reinvents the Chaos Walking Universe

Patrick Ness is making a thrilling return to the world of Chaos Walking with his highly anticipated new YA novel, Piper at the Gates of Dusk. (Candlewick Press, 2026)

As the first installment in the extraordinary New World trilogy, this is a timely work of science fiction that dissects the interplay of fear, power, and propaganda. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the original series or a newcomer to Ness’s visceral storytelling, this book is set to be a definitive literary event of the year.

Mark Your Calendars: The release date is Tuesday, April 7, 2026, and it is available for pre-order now.

Book Overview: A New Generation, A New Threat

It has been twenty years since the monstrous war that nearly tore New World apart. For Todd and Viola’s sons, Ben and Max, life on the family farm has been defined by peace and the typical dreams of school and adventure, until the nightmares began.

A sudden sickness is sweeping through the youth of New World. It infects them with Noise, manifesting as their darkest, most self-destructive thoughts. As the planet’s uneasy truce begins to crumble, the mystery deepens:

  • The Spackle: Suspicion falls on the indigenous people of New World.
  • The Sky: A mysterious object looms overhead, watching the planet.
  • The Disappearances: One by one, the children of New World are vanishing.

Caught in a race for answers, Ben (armed with his mother’s logic) and Max (carrying his father’s courage) embark on separate quests. Their journeys will force them to question everything—their parents, their brotherhood, and their very right to exist on this planet.

About the Author: Patrick Ness

Patrick Ness is a titan of dystopian fiction. His original Chaos Walking trilogy has sold over three million copies worldwide, cementing his reputation for high-stakes, emotional storytelling.

Ness is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller A Monster Calls (inspired by an idea from Siobhan Dowd), which won both the Carnegie and Kate Greenaway Medals and was adapted into a major motion picture. His diverse body of work includes:

  • More Than This
  • The Rest of Us Just Live Here
  • Burn
  • Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody

With two Carnegie Medals, an Olivier Award, and a Costa Children’s Book Award to his name, Ness continues to push the boundaries of YA literature from his homes in Los Angeles and London.

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Book Review: ‘Mattering’ by Jennifer Wallace and Why Feeling Valued Is Essential to Well-Being

‘Mattering’ by Jennifer Wallace explains the mental health crisis we’re living in. Photo: Penguin Random House

Related Post: What It Means to Matter and Why It’s Essential for a Meaningful Life

Book Review: Mattering by Jennifer Wallace

In Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose, Jennifer Wallace delivers a profound and timely wake-up call. She argues that today’s mental health crisis isn’t simply the result of digital burnout or political strife, but a symptom of something deeper: what she calls an “erosion of mattering.”

Drawing on psychology, sociology, and real-world stories, Wallace makes a compelling case that mattering—knowing we are valued and that our contributions have meaning—is not a luxury. It is a basic human need, as essential as food or water. When that need goes unmet, the consequences ripple outward, fueling anxiety, depression, loneliness, and social fragmentation.

What’s Inside the Book

Wallace explores mattering through a series of thoughtful, accessible chapters, including:

  • Connect to Your Impact
  • The Good Kind of Weight
  • Mattering Too Much
  • Everyone Needs (to Be) a Cornerman
  • Tuning In
  • When the Rug Gets Pulled: Coping with Life’s Transitions
  • How We Spend Our Days: Mattering at Work
  • Be an Architect: Mattering Spaces

Key Highlights

Chapter 2: The Good Kind of Weight

This chapter focuses on using our strengths to meet the needs around us. Wallace emphasizes the importance of asking, rather than assuming, what others need. As she writes, “To add value, find a need in the world and apply your strengths.” Sometimes, mattering starts with the simple but courageous question: “What can I do to help?”

Chapter 3: Mattering Too Much

While feeling needed is essential, Wallace warns against imbalance. When we prioritize others at the expense of ourselves, the weight of responsibility can become crushing. “By treating yourself as a priority,” she notes, “you also create space for the relationships in your life to become more authentic.”

The Mattering Core

The focus is Wallace’s “mattering core,” a framework built on four essential pillars:

  • Recognition: Seeing and acknowledging your own impact
  • Reliance: Being needed by others—in healthy balance
  • Prioritization: Feeling like a priority to those who matter most
  • Investment: Being truly known and supported

Through stories of grieving individuals, exhausted caregivers, and everyday people quietly struggling, Wallace shows how the absence of mattering can dismantle one’s sense of self.

Final Thoughts

Warm, humane, and deeply practical, Mattering doesn’t just diagnose a societal ill, it offers a roadmap forward. Wallace shows how small, intentional acts of recognition and care can rebuild connection in families, schools, workplaces, and communities.

Clear-eyed yet hopeful, Mattering challenges readers to rethink success, connection, and what it truly means to live well, together. It’s a must-read for anyone feeling lost in the shuffle of modern life.

“We live in a time marked by division across politics, race, gender, and class. But gaps don’t close through argument. They narrow from feeling heard or being seen.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

*Thank you to Angela Baggetta Communications for the gifted copy for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review: ‘The Dark Art of Life Mastery’ and Why It’s a Wake-Up Call for Personal Growth

The Dark Art of Life Mastery is a a powerful guide to living fearlessly. Photo: Barnes & Noble

The Dark Art of Life Mastery: Your Life, Your Way, Right Here, Right Now

by Hussein Hallak

Overview

Life doesn’t slow down just because you want it to. It’s complicated and messy. It tests you and shapes your experiences, especially if you don’t shape your own. Sometimes it demands more than we feel able to give.

But you can’t wait for an opportunity to spark change. You have to create it.

In The Dark Art of Life Mastery, Hussein Hallak helps unleash your potential by offering a guide for living fearlessly, second-guessing less, and embracing your true purpose.

The first chapter makes one thing clear: this book won’t tell you anything entirely new. Instead, it compares his writing to putting on sunglasses:

“Sunglasses aren’t right or wrong; they just allow you to see things differently based upon the environment surrounding you.”

What’s Inside

  • Rewind
  • (Untitled)
  • Time Is the Key
  • Then You Die
  • Let Go
  • Captain On Deck
  • Master
  • At the Helm
  • Take It In

Highlights

Captain On Deck
Sometimes, in the middle of nowhere, you find yourself. We pretend to be kings of our lives when in reality, we can’t control everything. All you can do is step on deck, take the wheel, and hope for the best.

Scanning
We’ve evolved to prioritize survival. That’s why criticism feels like a threat, triggering defensiveness and pushing us into fight-or-flight mode.

Review

The Dark Art of Life Mastery is a reflective and motivating guide for anyone who feels like life is happening to them rather than being shaped by them. Hallak begins with a question that quietly lingers throughout the book: If it’s your life, who’s really in control? From there, he explores the uncomfortable truth that life doesn’t pause when we feel overwhelmed, it keeps moving, demanding intention, courage, and self-awareness.

Hallak blends personal stories with poetic insight, creating a tone that feels grounding and quietly empowering. He doesn’t offer rigid formulas for success. Instead, he focuses on mindset: learning to sit with discomfort, questioning self-doubt, and taking responsibility for the choices that define our path. The “dark art” isn’t about manipulation or secrecy, but about mastering unseen inner battles, fear, hesitation, and the stories we tell ourselves.

The illustrations at the beginning of each chapter are beautiful and thoughtfully reflect each chapter’s theme. It’s a short read and serves as a reminder that transformation doesn’t come from waiting for the right moment, it comes from creating it.

“You may have to pause, think hard, and go deep inside to bring out the one thing that matters most. It’s likely buried under all those meaningless someday goals.”

This book is recommended for readers who enjoy inspirational and introspective personal development reads.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

About the Author

Hussein Hallak is a founder, entrepreneur, and strategist dedicated to helping people and organizations find clarity in complexity and build lasting impact. As CEO of Next Decentrum, he guides leaders and teams worldwide through digital transformation, innovation, and values-driven growth.

He is the author of The Dark Art of Life Mastery, a blunt and honest invitation to confront illusions, reclaim personal agency, and stop waiting for permission to live. His work challenges easy answers and rewards those willing to choose meaning over comfort.

*Thank you to Next Decentrum for the gifted copy for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Jan-Philipp Sendker Returns with ‘Akiko’s Quiet Happiness’

‘Akikos’ Quiet Happiness’ is a moving new Japan trilogy novel. Photo: Other Press

Akiko’s Quiet Happiness

The Japan Trilogy, Vol. 1
by Jan-Philipp Sendker
Translated by Daniel Bowles

The first book in a new series by the beloved author of The Art of Hearing Heartbeats trilogy is now out. Jan-Philipp Sendker returns with Akiko’s Quiet Happiness, the opening novel in The Japan Trilogy, a tender, introspective story about grief, identity, and the courage it takes to love. (Other Press, 2025)

About the Novel

Still grieving the death of her mother, 29-year-old Akiko lives alone in Tokyo, withdrawn and emotionally isolated. Her quiet, carefully contained life is interrupted one evening when she unexpectedly runs into Kento, her first love from school.

Kento now lives as a hikikomori, leading a reclusive life and only venturing outside at night. As the two former classmates reconnect, their fragile bond begins to open doors neither of them expected.

At the same time, Akiko uncovers unsettling evidence that her mother had been lying to her about their family. The discovery shakes her sense of self and forces her to confront a painful truth: she doesn’t really know who she is.

With Kento’s support, Akiko embarks on a journey into her own past, one that leads her in surprising directions and toward questions she has never dared to ask before:

  • How do I want to live?
  • And do I have the courage to love?

Perfect for fans of Satoshi Yagisawa’s Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, Akiko’s Quiet Happiness is a poignant story of family, identity, and belonging.

About the Author

Jan-Philipp Sendker, born in Hamburg in 1960, was the American correspondent for Stern from 1990 to 1995 and its Asian correspondent from 1995 to 1999. In 2000, he published Cracks in the Wall, a nonfiction book about China.

His first novel, The Art of Hearing Heartbeats, became an international bestseller. Sendker now lives in Potsdam with his family.

About the Translator

Daniel Bowles is Associate Professor of German Studies at Boston College. His translation of Imperium won the Goethe-Institut’s Helen & Kurt Wolff Translator’s Prize in 2016.

When Names Shape Destiny: A Book Review of ‘My Mother Cursed My Name’

My Mother Cursed My Name is the debut novel by Anamely Salgado Reyes. Photo: Barnes & Noble

My Mother Cursed My Name Book Review: A Magical Realism Novel About Generational Trauma

My Mother Cursed My Name by Anamely Salgado Reyes is a debut novel that explores three generations of strong Mexican American women: Olvido, Angustias, and Felicitas. Blending magical realism, women’s fiction, and family drama, the novel examines generational trauma, grief, identity, and the power of names. Set near the U.S.–Mexico border, the story follows a grandmother’s ghost who meddles in her living family’s life from beyond the grave.

Book Overview: What My Mother Cursed My Name Is About

The novel opens with the history of the Olivares women, dating back to 1917, when Justa Olivares named her daughter Calamidades. Justa believed hardship built character and if she suffered, her daughter should too.

“For generations, the women in the Olivares family attempted to change the course of destiny through the power of names.”

Fast forward to Oakville, Arkansas, where Angustias abruptly pulls her ten-year-old daughter Felicitas out of school to leave town once again. On the road, Felicitas speaks with a mysterious intruder as they head to Grace, Texas, Angustias’ hometown, where her mother Olvido has just died.

The intruder is Olvido herself. Felicitas has the ability to see ghosts, allowing Olvido to linger. Convinced she cannot cross over without resolving unfinished business, Olvido insists on “fixing” Angustias’ life, including her family, career, faith, and future, by working through Felicitas.

Felicitas, who never knew her grandmother, agrees to help in hopes of understanding her. Meanwhile, Angustias, grieving and eager to leave Texas behind, is baffled when the town suddenly rallies around her offering jobs, matchmaking, and church invitations.

Each woman possesses a unique gift: Felicitas sees ghosts, Angustias sees people’s auras, and Olvido draws confessions from others through her cooking. Ultimately, they must learn how to truly listen to one another.

Review: Themes of Generational Trauma, Identity, and Motherhood

My Mother Cursed My Name is a haunting and intimate novel about inherited trauma, unresolved love, and the weight of family expectations. It asks a central question: how much of our destiny is decided before we are born?

The story alternates between Olvido, her daughter Angustias, and her granddaughter Felicitas, revealing how control, often disguised as protection, damages relationships. Olvido’s belief that names determine fate casts a long shadow across generations.

When Angustias becomes pregnant as a teenager, her choice to leave home feels both reckless and necessary, a desperate act of self-preservation. Years later, Felicitas’ attempt to connect with her grandmother delivers a darkly ironic truth: although Olvido is dead, her influence remains powerful.

Reyes’s prose is restrained, vivid, and poetic:

“Between the humidity and the running, her hair has tangled in multiple places as if various birds fought to make a nest on her head.”

Blending emotional realism with a subtle gothic tone, the novel uses death as a metaphor for estrangement and healing. My Mother Cursed My Name is ultimately a poignant exploration of motherhood, resentment, cultural inheritance, and the difficult work of breaking cycles we inherit without consent.

Readers who enjoy Latina literature, magical realism novels, and women’s fiction about family and identity will find this story heartwarming and thought-provoking.

“If only mistakes could anchor Angustias without drowning her, she wouldn’t be so determined on sailing the unknown sea.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

About the Author: Anamely Salgado Reyes

Anamely Salgado Reyes grew up on both sides of the Mexico–Texas border. Now based in the Rio Grande Valley, she writes stories rooted in family, friendship, culture, and the quiet magic found in everyday life.

Begin at the End: A Smarter Way to Make Decisions in an Overwhelming World

Decision fatigue is real and this book offers a way out. Photo: Amazon

Related Post: The Leadership Skill That Shapes Every Business Decision (And a Book That Explains It)

Book Review: Begin at the End by Jeremy Sable

Begin at the End: The Modern Day Guide to Decision-Making by Jeremy Sable is a timely response to a problem many of us feel but struggle to identify: decision fatigue in a world that never pauses.

He doesn’t offer abstract frameworks or motivational clichés, but rather a practical system rooted in real-world experience. He has spent a decade in mission-critical consulting where decisions aren’t theoretical, they’re consequential.

His goal in writing this book is clear:

“This book is for anyone who is facing tough decisions, feeling stuck, or just looking for a better way to think things through.”

The Core Idea: Outcome-First Thinking

The premise is simple yet powerful. We need to stop reacting to the options in front of us and start anchoring every decision to the outcome we actually want.

This Outcome-First approach flips traditional decision-making advice on its head. Instead of weighing endless pros and cons, Sable encourages clarity first—defining success before choosing a path. The result is faster, more confident decisions with far less mental noise.

What’s Inside the Book

The book is divided into four clear sections:

  • Part I: Framing the End
  • Part II: Navigating the Messy Middle
  • Part III: Making the Call
  • Part IV: Becoming a Decision Maker by Design

Key Highlights

Part I, Chapter 1: Outcome-First Thinking
Sable immediately addresses artificial intelligence, noting that AI will increasingly influence both personal and professional decisions. While AI can provide predictive analytics and real-time simulations, it can also begin to make decisions for us if we aren’t clear on our goals.

“AI is not your enemy, but it’s not your decision maker either. You are.”

Part I, Chapter 5: Generate Better Options — Decision-Making Under Pressure
When faced with two bad options, Sable challenges readers to create better ones. He uses Tyler Perry as a case study: when told his work wasn’t mainstream enough for Hollywood, Perry didn’t conform or quit, he built his own studio.

“So the next time you’re told it’s either A or B, remember—you are writing the test, not just taking it.”

Why This Book Works

Sable acknowledges the speed, complexity, and constant pressure of modern life and designs his approach accordingly. The writing is clear, direct, and refreshingly free of jargon. He reinforces concepts through illustrations, case studies, and interactive exercises, with each chapter ending in summaries and key takeaways.

Several chapters also explore how artificial intelligence fits into modern decision principles, making the book especially relevant right now.

Final Thoughts

For readers who feel overwhelmed or paralyzed by choice, Begin at the End is an effective antidote. It restores agency and focus by reminding us that better decisions start with knowing where we want to go.

Looking for fresh decision-making ideas? This book is worth making your next guide.

“Whether in markets or in life, if you wait for perfect signals, you’ll miss the opportunities that come from moving forward with intention, even when the picture is messy.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

*Thank you to Jeremy Sable for the gifted copy for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

A Heist on the High Seas: Reviewing ‘Maiden Voyage’ by Bradley Harper

‘Maiden Voyage’ is the exciting new historical novel by Bradley Harper. Photo: Paste Creative Book Tours, used with permission.

Paste Creative Book Tours Participant

Book Review: Maiden Voyage by Bradley Harper

Three female thieves, a priceless painting, and a Pinkerton agent aboard the Titanic.
What could go wrong?

Synopsis

Maiden Voyage by Bradley Harper follows an unlikely trio of thieves, Colette DuVall, Mary Carr, and Samantha “Sam” McMurphy, as they embark on a daring mission to steal a valuable painting by the French master Blondell. Their plan takes them aboard the RMS Titanic on its ill-fated maiden journey.

Colette, a young jewel thief from Canada, finds her resolve wavering when she meets Harry Worth, a young Pinkerton agent hired to safeguard the wealthy passengers. What she doesn’t know is that Harry is the son of infamous criminal Adam Worth. Torn between his sense of duty and his complicated family legacy, Harry begins questioning where he truly belongs, especially after falling for Colette.

As loyalties collide as fiercely as the ship meets the iceberg, all aboard must fight for survival. Amid disaster, they discover that love might be the greatest thief of all.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Review

Maiden Voyage is a brisk, character-driven historical adventure that blends romance, crime, and maritime tragedy into an undeniably compelling read.

A Vivid Criminal Underworld

The novel opens with Mary Carr and the notorious Forty Elephants gang, a real historical group of female thieves. This grounding in true criminal lore adds texture and authenticity, making the early chapters particularly immersive. When Harry discovers what the gang is planning aboard the Titanic, the tension begins to mount, soon followed by the ship’s own looming catastrophe.

A Strong Emotional Core

The narrative delves deeply into Harry’s personal conflict. As the son of a master criminal, he grapples with the weight of his heritage and the moral ambiguity of justice. His connection with Colette is one of the book’s strongest elements: tender without slowing the pace, layered without becoming overly sentimental.

Memorable Characters & Vivid Writing

Harper’s character development shines. One particularly striking description captures the lived-in dignity of a working woman:

“Her red, chapped hands declaring how she made her way in the world, the well-worn but clean clothes presented a defiant dignity the years and work had yet to take from her.”

These small touches make the characters feel real, and when tragedy strikes, you genuinely root for their survival.

History, Heart, and High Stakes

Harper integrates historical detail without overwhelming the story. The author’s notes at the end provide fascinating context on real figures like Mary Carr and the Forty Elephants, enriching the reading experience.

The Titanic disaster is woven into the plot with restraint and emotional weight. Rather than leaning into melodrama, the novel balances suspense with tenderness, exploring themes of identity, family, and survival.

A Fresh Take on Titanic Fiction

Fast-paced, atmospheric, and surprisingly heartfelt, Maiden Voyage offers a fresh twist on stories set aboard the Titanic. Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a blend of crime, adventure, and romance will find much to love.

Harper leaves readers with a haunting reminder of the ship’s legacy:

“Beneath the water, the ship plunged 12,000 feet to the ocean floor, full of the wealth of millionaires and the humble possessions of hopeful emigrants; it carried them all away into the frigid darkness. Into legend.”

Get your copy today!
Amazon
Indigo (Canada)
Bookshop.org

About the Author

Bradley Harper is a retired U.S. Army Colonel and pathologist who has conducted more than 200 autopsies and around 20 forensic investigations.

His debut novel, A Knife in the Fog (2018), was a finalist for the Edgar Award for Best First Novel and winner of the 2019 Killer Nashville Silver Falchion for Best Mystery. His second novel, Queen’s Gambit, won the 2020 Silver Falchion for Best Suspense and Book of the Year.
Maiden Voyage is his fourth book.

Author Bradley Harper. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Courtesy photo, used with permission.

*Thank you to Paste Creative Book Tours and the author for my gifted copy for review as part of the tour. I have not been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

‘Love and Death’ is Meg Sheppard’s Most Personal Case Yet

‘Love and Death’ is the latest book in the Meg Sheppard Mystery Series. Photo: Paste Creative Book Tours, used with permission.

Paste Creative Book Tours Participant

“Love and Death” by Vicky Earle

Synopsis

A cheating racehorse trainer is dead, and someone close to Meg is under suspicion. As she digs for the truth, past gang members involved in a murder and a zealous animal rights group bring danger right to her doorstep.

When she is wounded by a gunshot, Meg becomes reluctant to continue the investigation. Does she have the resilience to face the escalating threats while also coping with the likelihood of a devastating personal loss?

Love and Death is Book 6 of 6 in the Meg Sheppard Mystery Series:

  1. What Happened to Frank?
  2. Over Frank’s Dead Body
  3. Pointed Attacks
  4. Playing with Fire
  5. Dying for Money
  6. Love and Death
Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Review

Love and Death opens with Meg receiving a troubling call from Neal, her racehorse trainer. Linda, a groom in Neal’s barn, is being questioned by police about her possible role in a hit-and-run that killed fellow trainer Barton Woking. Still reeling from an emotional fight with her partner, William, Meg begins her own search for the truth hoping it will clear Linda’s name and distract her from her personal turmoil.

When Meg learns that a valuable horse has been stolen, her curiosity pulls her deeper into a dangerous web of secrets, gang activity, and the fervor of a militant animal rights group. Each new lead puts her life further at risk.

Vicky Earle delivers a gripping mystery that blends the tension of the horse racing world with Meg’s emotional journey. It’s narrated in Meg’s first person point of view, so readers get deep insights into her thought processes as she tries to solve the case. Her vulnerability and determination make her a relatable, compelling sleuth. Earle’s steady pacing, vivid descriptions, and emotional depth enrich every twist:

“The water seeps through my fleece jacket and splashes over my running shoes as I dash to the truck.”

Earle’s storytelling captures the grit of crime and the grace of perseverance, proving that even in the darkest moments, love and courage endure. Even though it’s part of a series, it does well as a stand alone novel. For readers who crave mysteries with heart, danger, and emotional complexity, Love and Death offers a satisfying, suspense-filled ride. Animal lovers will certainly enjoy it.

“Everyone leaves at the same time, and it’s as if the air has been sucked out of the stark room… I close my eyes, but I won’t be able to sleep – there are too many thoughts and questions spinning in my head.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Get your copy today!
Amazon (USA)
Indigo (Canada)
Waterstones (UK)

About the Author

Vicky Earle, a recipient of a Canada Book Award, served as CEO of the Ontario SPCA for seven years. Her experiences owning and breeding thoroughbred race horses as well as her love for country life, inspired the Meg Sheppard Mystery Series, known for its fast-paced, action-packed plots set amid racing and rural living.

Animals have always been central to Vicky’s life, and she couldn’t imagine writing a book without them.

She currently lives on a small horse farm near Uxbridge, Ontario, with her husband.

Author Vicky Earle. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Courtesy photo, used with permission.

*Thank you to Paste Creative Book Tours and the author for my gifted copy for review as part of the tour. I have not been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Senator Tamika Smith Returns in a High-Stakes Battle for Truth

‘The Blockchain Syndicate’ is the new thriller by Robbie Bach. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Review: The Blockchain Syndicate by Robbie Bach

Related post: Book Review: ‘The Wilkes Insurrection’ by Robbie Bach

About the Author
Robbie Bach is a bestselling author and former tech executive who helped lead Microsoft through some of its most dynamic years. As the Chief Xbox Officer, he spearheaded the creation of the iconic Xbox and Xbox 360. After retiring from Microsoft, Bach turned his focus to philanthropy, civic advocacy, and storytelling.

In his latest novel, The Blockchain Syndicate, Bach continues the gripping saga of Senator Tamika Smith as she battles a cryptic conspiracy threatening America’s financial and political foundations. With sharp insights into both technology and public life, he brings a unique perspective to some of the most urgent issues of our time.

Story Overview
It’s the first day back at Aragon High School in San Francisco after the holiday break. Phoenix Humboldt is sitting outside during study hall with her friend Vanessa, reading The Iceman Cometh, when shots ring out. Acting on instinct, she rushes to help her friends.

Meanwhile, Senator Tamika Smith receives an email threatening to expose her past, an ultimatum from someone she believed was dead. “The glow from her computer monitor illuminated the angry scowl on her face.”

At the same time, Johnny Humboldt, Tamika’s significant other, is stopped by a supposed FBI agent at the airport and whisked away to see his daughter, Phoenix, who’s been injured in the shooting. Soon after, a personal crisis spirals into a national conspiracy. Johnny’s kidnapping becomes part of a larger plot to destroy Tamika and destabilize the country she loves.

The attacks are professional and coordinated, driven by someone who sees America as broken and intends to “fix” it their way. The intent is to destabilize the country through a financial collapse.

Review
In The Blockchain Syndicate, Robbie Bach delivers a fast-paced techno-thriller that feels chillingly close to reality. Set against the backdrop of political turmoil and digital warfare, the novel plunges readers into a world of blackmail and high-stakes power struggles.

Bach’s intricate plotting and insider knowledge of political systems lend authenticity to the chaos. The short, sharp chapters and tense prose make it impossible to put down. As one line summarizes it: “Like a psychological boomerang, he’d grown to hate his father but internalized the need to win at all costs.”

Tamika Smith remains a compelling protagonist, intelligent, honorable, and deeply human. Her flaws and emotional depth make her relatable, while her courage keeps readers rooting for her.

Bach’s second installment in the Tamika Smith series (following The Wilkes Insurrection) blends political intrigue with a cautionary look at technology’s dark potential. Whether you’ve read the first book or not, this one stands strong on its own.

Final Thoughts
The Blockchain Syndicate is a gripping thriller and a sobering reflection on the fragility of truth in a hyperconnected world. Fans of Brad Thor, David Baldacci, and strong female leads will find plenty to enjoy here.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A timely and thought-provoking political thriller.

“But over time, he realized that the normal political calculus had changed in fundamental ways. One plus one no longer equaled two. In fact, there were very few pluses to be found.”

*Thank you to Fauzia Burke/FSB Associates for the gifted copy for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.