Brexit – The Real Reason
Everyone should listen to this short YouTube video about the real reason why the Tories want Brexit or to leave the European Union. The biggest question, though, is: Why haven’t the Remainers made anything of it? Please SHARE it with Remainers and Brexiteers alike.
Click the link below to watch the video.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:39 — 930.2KB)
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Dragons in the Clouds
by
Review by Barry Boy
Dragons in the Clouds is a well-edited novel in the third person in the genre of historical fiction or fantasy and is aimed at young teenagers.
The story of Dragons in the Clouds is actually set in in two epochs and on two continents. The main characters in the present day setting of the United States are Ray Evans and his young daughter, Reilly; and at some unspecified time in the distant past, in the kingdom of Albion, we meet King Arturus, Merlinius, Sir Solomon, David and his pet baby dragon, Rago. It is difficult to say who or what is the main protagonist of them.
The story takes the form of Ray Evans recounting to his daughter a legend told to him by the elderly owner of a toy shop he met on his latest business tip to London. Mr Evans meets him when he goes in to purchase a toy dragon that he sees in the shop window.
The main body of Dragons in the Clouds is set in the ancient Kingdom of Albion, which seems to be somewhere in Europe, but that is not explicit. The king of Albion, Arturus, is worried by public unrest caused by his people’s fear of the dragons living in the land. In actual fact, there are two species of dragons: the carnivores and the herbivores. However, most people cannot distinguish between the two types and so fear them all.
In an attempt to garner favour and quell the unrest, Arturus sets his royal knights, led by Sir Solomon, the task of exterminating all the dragons in the country. Without wishing to give too much away, some people find this grossly unfair, and set about trying to save the harmless plant-eaters, which leads to all kinds of battles between humans and humans, dragons and dragons and even humans and dragons.
These exciting battles lead to the main theme of the Dragons in the Clouds, which is how thunder and lightening came into existence.
Although Dragons in the Clouds by David Blair is aimed at a readership much younger than myself, I enjoyed the story and am certain that ten-twelve years olds will love it’s unique plot and story-line. If I have a criticism, it is a small, personal one: I prefer not to see famous names from history and mythology used in this way, as it could blur the original stories (as Disney often has).
The cover and the title are completely appropriate to the body of the story and I give Dragons in the Clouds by David Blair five out of five stars!
Our unique interview with author David Blair can be found here: David Blair
Podcast: Dragons in the Clouds
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:33 — 750.7KB)
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The Eyes of Death
by
Review by Barry Boy
I was given a copy of The Eyes of Death by Donald L. Vasicek in return for an honest review.
The Eyes of Death is a difficult story to classify because it concerns psychic powers, which, probably, most people in the world believe to be real, although most people in the West think of as imaginary. Therefore, it could be classed as either Non-Fiction>Body Mind and spirit or Fiction>Fantasy. However, The Eyes of Death is a novella written in the third-person singular, the main character of which is Hannah Powers, who lives in the ‘preppy-type’ city of Evanstown north of Chicago.
The general atmosphere of the novel is tense, as if something is always just about to happen. And it does too, the an early example of which is an armed robbery on a small shop and the tragic consequences of it. Hannah also becomes aware of her psychic powers, but is to some extent confused and disappointed by them, because she cannot help the people who are the subject of her Second Sight.
In fact, she begins to think that she must be mentally ill, or at least, mentally damaged, but there is no medical evidence for this. Hannah seems to find her new life with psychic powers both frightening, lonely and very sad, because she can do nothing to help the people, whose future she has foreseen.
The Eyes of Death is an interesting novel to me, because I believe in psychic ability and have some personal experience since most of my relatives are Spiritualists – mainly psychics and Healers. I grew up with these beliefs from being a small child, and I have never found anything, anyone or any argument to persuade me that humans are not psychic. I also understand the loneliness that is concomitant with those beliefs. It would be much worse for someone who had their psychic abilities ‘switched on’ suddenly one day.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Eyes of Death. and recommend it to anyone who likes ‘psychic dramas’. The sometimes ‘experimental’ style of writing and the cover both compliment the subject matter.
I give The Eyes of Death by Donald L. Vasicek five out of five stars.
You can read our exclusive interview with Donald L. Vasicek on this blog Megan Publishing Services here:
Donald L. Vasicek author interview
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 3:02 — 894.2KB)
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Dead Centre – Press Release
Not All Suicide Bombers Are Religious!
by
For immediate release:
Author’s new book receives a warm literary welcome.
Readers’ Favorite announces the review of the Fiction – Action book “Dead Centre” by Owen Jones, currently available at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1499121628.
Readers’ Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the “Best Websites for Authors” and “Honoring Excellence” awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.
“Reviewed By Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers’ Favorite
Dead Centre – Not All Suicide Bombers are Religious by Owen Jones is a different take on a hot topic of conversation. Tony, a terrified soul, walks into an upper class department store in Baghdad and just seconds later, he detonates the bomb strapped to his body. The Iraqi government first treat it like any other suicide bomber and the case is passed over to Captain Allawi. Things are not what they seem, though. A young police officer spots something on the store’s surveillance video that changes the game plan, taking the investigation off on a tangent. Six more apparent suicide bombs go off, which cannot be explained unless they are treated in the same way as the Baghdad bomb. A new form of terrorism is taking over the world and it could be unstoppable. Possible breakthroughs get them nowhere and it’s all looking hopeless until the Chinese government and the SAS are called in.
Dead Centre – Not All Suicide Bombers are Religious by Owen Jones was a great read. A well written thriller that starts off on top gear and stays there all the way through. The scary thing is this sort of event could happen – could be happening now for all we know – and the subject is likely to get one or two backs up. However, subject aside, Mr. Jones has written a superb story, with great characters, that spans 9 different countries and dozens more cities. Excellent book, I will definitely be looking out for more from the same author.”
You can learn more about Owen Jones and “Dead Centre” at https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/dead-centre where you can read reviews and the author’s biography, as well as connect with the author directly or through their website and social media pages.
Stop Press: Now available in Portuguese, and as an audiobook, and coming soon in French, Italian, and Spanish. There is also a sequel: DEAD CENTRE II (also available in Portuguese).
Readers’ Favorite LLC
Media Relations
Louisville, KY 40202
800-RF-REVIEW
support@readersfavorite.com
https://readersfavorite.com
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:10 — 639.6KB)
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Andropov’s Cuckoo Review
Andropov’s Cuckoo is in the genre of Thriller, but straddles the sub-genres of Love (Romance) and Espionage. It is written in the third-person singular and set in the Soviet Union, and several other Eastern and Western countries, in the thirty-odd years after the Second World War.
We meet the main character, Natasha, quite late in the novel – the fourth chapter – although we hear of her under another name – Youriko – before that.
Natasha was born in Kazakhstan and happened to look Japanese, which is the basis of the plot. However, Natasha was an idealistic, naive young woman who wanted to help Socialism better the condition of the Working Class around the world, and so was vulnerable to abuse by the Soviet hierarchy, which is where Yuri Andropov makes his appearance as the fearsome head of the dreaded KGB.
At first, things went well for Operation Youriko, but Natasha gradually lost her enthusiasm and wanted out, which could not go unpunished. Shortly after this point, she meets a British student and falls in love for the first time in her life, and the race is on to get out of the USSR and into the UK.
We are told that Andropov’s Cuckoo is based on a true story that happened to the author himself, but that cannot be corroborated. The realism and passion in the story suggests that that might be true.
I enjoyed Andropov’s Cuckoo by Owen Jones and give it full marks. It is thrilling, pacey and realistic. Your heart will go out to Natasha, I promise you. It is a love story on several levels filial love, patriotism, idealism and romance.
Andropov’s Cuckoo by Owen Jones is available from all major retailers both on and off line, although it is probably quicker to order it from Amazon as a paperback, ebook or (free) audiobook here:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:31 — 740.2KB)
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Harrys War by Ed Benjamin
Review by Barry Boy
I was given a copy of Harry’s War
Harry’s War is a novelette that spans the genres of fictional biography and realistic fiction > military (or more specifically, air force) drama. It is written in the third-person singular and relates to the final combat mission and the early civilian life of the protagonist, whose name appears in the title.
When Harry’s War opens, Harry is flying his F15C Eagle
A realistic dogfight ensues, involving AWACS
However, Harry had led a high-powered career, which is way out of the experience – even imagination – of the vast majority of the population and we get to share in his ups and downs.
I found Harry’s War gripping and very realistic, which suggests that the author has experience in the field of avionics, military service and retirement. It also shows that he has the writing skill to be able to relate it in a meaningful and understandable manner.
I really enjoyed reading Harry’s War. Ed Benjamin tells the story and defines his characters in a no-nonsense, yet fluid and graceful style. The cover and the title are perfectly relevant to the subject matter of this novelette, and only aid in the prediction of its contents, which have been well, although probably not professionally edited.
I thoroughly and unreservedly recommend Harry’s War
Read our exclusive interview with Ed Benjamin here: Ed Benjamin author interview
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:04 — 607.8KB)
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There Be Demons
by M. K. Theodoratus
Review by Barry Boy
There Be Demons by M. K. Theodoratus is a (Contemporary) Fantasy Fiction written in the third person and set in a city called Trebridge on a world called Andron, where most people are human. However, demons and imps led by the evil Lord Vetis and his somewhat silly lieutentant, Abraxus, have plans to invade, for which purpose they have established at least one seep, which is like a worm-hole, from their world into Andron.
The main seep is in a soon-to-be demolished cmmunity church called St. Edmund’s, and it is closely guarded by four gargoyles, who are sworn to protect mankind. Nevertheless, these protectors of humanity still require human help and this comes in the form of four teenage school friends led by a wilful girl named Britt. The head gargoyle, Gillen, is very concerned when his promised psychic reinforcements are just teenagers.
Britt and her friends study at a school run by nuns on the poorer side of town and the nuns play a role in the ultimate battle with the evil ones who seek to possess them. The penultimate scene us the battle between the human and the demon teams.
There is a correlation between the society, the church and the religion in There Be Demons with American society and the Christian (Catholic) Church, and it is interesting to match up the parallels.
I thoroughly enjoyed There Be Demons even though it is not my preferred genre. I thought that the characters were well drawn, and that the book’s title and cover were appropriate for the story. It is also well written, and well, although not perfectly, edited, which can easily be corrected.
If fantasy stories are your genre, I am sure that you will enjoy There Be Demons by M. K. Theodoratus. I would read a sequel. Well done, Miss Theodoratus, full marks in my book!
Our sister blog: The Amiable Dragon
Dead Centre by Owen Jones
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:41 — 789.1KB)
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The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Reviewed by Barry Boy
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Fiza Pathan and Michelangelo Zane is a rewrite, an abridged version of the 1799 American classic by Washington Irving, and illustrated by Farzana Cooper.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is set in Tarry Town on the eastern shores of the Hudson River. We are told that it acquired its name from the women of the town, because their men spent too much time in the inns and that the area and its inhabitants were prone to ideas, thoughts and visualisations of a supernatural nature, one of which was that of a headless horseman.
Most of the story involves an impoverished out-of-town teacher, who decides that his prospects would be greatly improved, if he could persuade one of his young pupils, the beautiful heiress xxx to marry him. However, this upsets several local youths, who think that they should have the first crack of the whip. The teacher seems to be impervious to this conflict of interest though, and that forms the crux of this story.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is written in the third-person and in a slightly archaic style, which only enhances the rhythm and appeal of the story. I am sure that there must have been a temptation to bring the language up to date, but I am glad that they resisted it. Having said that, I do not think that the target audience, children, will have any trouble with it either. Indeed, it may even encourage some children to read older, say, classical texts. Despite the quirky old dialogue and often descriptive, somewhat jocular narrative, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow has been edited very well, which is always a plus-point.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow has been professionally produced, and, according to sleeve notes, is part of a planned series which includes classics from Britain, Russia and the USA, making the proposed series international in character.
Abridged, and film, versions are often looked down on, but I think that this version of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow has been well executed. Friends tell me that the 1999 film version was good too, but I haven’t seen it.
Nevertheless, I give The Legend of Sleepy Hollow abridged version by Fiza Pathan and Michelangelo Zane, and excellently illustrated by Farzana Cooper, five stars out of five, and look forward to reading the next one.
Podcast: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:55 — 858.0KB)
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Crater’s Edge
Review by Barry Boy
Crater’s Edge is a well-edited novel written in the third person in the genre of futuristic, off-world, fantasy or science-fiction.
The main protagonist is Kalen Trinner, an experienced mining engineer-cum-trouble-shooter. In the course of his job, the mining company sends him to a mine at Area 20 in Three Craters on the planet Taidor, because the population is experiencing an unusual amount of adverse phenomena. For some reason, sickness is growing among the miners, and malfunctions in the plant and equipment are becoming a more and more common experience.
In the time of this story at Crater’s Edge, mankind has still not managed to control the birth rate, but they have come up with an ingenious method to adapt to it. They have the population living in shifts! That is, people have their own homes, but they share the streets, amenities and even their jobs. In essence, there are two such shifts, which people call (time) Zones – Unity and Early.
These two Zones exist completely apart. The people from each are prohibited from meeting each other, which means that all public places have to be cleared at the end of each shift. Presumably, because of this, each Zone develops a distinct character, feel, or way of behaving.
In a strange way, the only point of contact is through the notes that the person doing your job in the other Zone – called one’s Duplicate – leaves at the end of the day. In this way, plant, offices and businesses are running twenty-four hours a day every day.
Crater’s Edge portrays a unique answer to the problems of overcrowding that reminds me of some of the situations that the crew of the Star Ship Enterprise encountered during their voyages. Weird, outlandish solutions that don’t quite work, which allows us, from our present-day, Earthly perspective to wonder how those other-planetary leaders came up with them!
I thoroughly enjoyed Crater’s Edge
However, the cover and the title also match the storyline of Crater’s Edge. Therefore, I have no hesitation in giving Lucy Andrews five out of five stars for her novel Crater’s Edge.
Well done!
You can find a unique interview with this author on this blog by clicking her name: Lucy Andrews .
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 2:07 — 626.3KB)
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The Golden Hour
Review by Barry Boy
The Golden Hour by M.K. Graff is a novel written in the third person belonging to the genre of fiction mystery/thriller. Others might call it a cosy mystery, but so are the vagaries of the book classification system. It is set in current times in England, the UK, although the main protagonist, Nora Tierny is American – a writer by profession, and the heroine of a series of novels that is entitled the ‘Nora Tierney English Mysteries’, of which there are now four.
When the story opens, we meet Nora walking her infant son, Sean. She has the strange feeling that she is being followed, but she cannot think of a single reason why that should be so. The mystery deepens as we meet her friends and lover in different locations around the UK – places that really do exist for anybody who wants to follow her journeys on a map.
When the restorer of a famous painting dies of a dangerous disease that was thought to have been eradicated decades before – especially in Europe – Nora’s boyfriend, Declan, a Detective Inspector in the Criminal Investigation Department of the British police force, becomes involved.
Other events take place around Nora and Declan, but they seem to be unrelated, although they all serve to deepen the mystery and increase the suspense.
The Golden Hour has twists and surprises aplenty – enough to keep any armchair sleuth guessing right to the end!
The Golden Hour has been extremely well edited, and I found the title to be intriguing when I picked up the book, but it is relevant to the story and Miss Graff explains why during the tale. I thoroughly enjoyed The Golden Hour by M.K. Graff and will read other novels in the series, since it seems to me that the novels in the series are stand-alone stories.
I give The Golden Hour five out of five stars – well done Ms. Graff!
This is a link to M.M. Graff’s unique interview on MPS
Podcast: The Golden Hour
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