#bookreview of Wyvern's Plague: From the Annals of Dorophin by A.K. Bryce

Wyvern's Plague: From the Annals of Dorohin

By: A.K. Bryce

Publisher: Bryce Novels

Publication Date: April 15, 2024

ISBN: 979-8989852505

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: May 2, 2024

A. K. Bryce

A. K. Bryce's book Wyvern's Plague: From the Annals of Dorohin recounts the incredible tale of a fifteen-year-old girl named Iris who becomes the honorable Lady of Sagesse after being a thief on the streets and after surviving a dreadful plague.

The plot centers on the interactions of ten clans on the island of Dorohin: Dragon, Ryu, Wyvern, Quetzalcoatl, Amphithere, Cockatrice, Drake, Lindwurm, Hydra, and Wyrm. The main character, Iris, is an outsider who comes from a lower clan and who gets entangled in the fallout from the decision that resulted in her pregnancy. One of the story's central plot points is a fierce conflict between the ruling clan and a clan that claims the emperor's throne. The main adversary is skillfully portrayed by the author as Ryu, the Dragon's fiercest adversary, who will do anything to cut short the life of anyone who stands in his way, including the fifteen-year-old protagonist. As further details emerge about the vicious rivalry and the desire for retribution for a mistake the protagonist is innocent of, the seductive proposition she is offered is a moment that will undoubtedly spark many readers' imaginations.

Iris's only ally is her blade, which she wields in the city of Sern to hack open the pockets and purses of unsuspecting people. One unfortunate occurrence includes her robbing a stranger of a diamond ring, which leads to her being apprehended by a guard and imprisoned. She spends several weeks being held in the cells until a strange woman from Sagesse named Wakana arrives one day to free her. However, before securing her freedom, Wakana offers an unexpected proposition that totally perplexes Iris.

Elsewhere, Lord Senbi of Sagesse urgently wants to resolve a succession issue. His wife recently passed away, leaving him childless, but remarrying is out of the question due to the urgency of the circumstances. Sagesse is a strategically important territory, and the absence of a successor complicates matters. He is a Wyvern Lord, and therefore only a Wyvern is suitable to succeed him, which brings Iris into the picture.

Iris, like her mother, was descended from Cockatrice, but she had no idea of her father's background. Her freshly found savior, Wakana, however, asserts that she is a Wyvern descendant. She further offers that, in exchange for her much-needed freedom, Iris must accept being taken to Sagesse under the guise of Lord Senbi's unknown daughter, and therefore, the rightful heir to the Sagesse region. With her experience rendered unimportant and her acceptance the only requirement, Iris wonders if this is just a pipe dream. However, the truth of her father's background, the true reason she was chosen, and the potential consequences if she is discovered are still unknown to her as she makes this difficult decision.

This is a story with a lot of high emotional peaks and relatively few flat spots. It is impossible to forget the characters' remarkable transformations, mind dialogues, and striking appearances. The world-building is incredible, and the rags-to-riches storyline has been executed flawlessly. A thorough introduction is included at the beginning of each chapter to help draw in and hold the reader's interest. This is a fantastic writing concept that also provides a summary of the chapters' key points.

Quill says: Wyvern's Plague: From the Annals of Dorohin by A. K. Bryce will immerse you in a sultry and enticing new universe with a cast of compelling new characters who will seduce you and make you want to stay a while. It has all the best elements of science fiction, including adventure, suspense, action, mystery and—most importantly—dragons! Choose this book to marvel at one of the most captivating dragon tales ever penned!

For more information on Wyvern's Plague: From the Annals of Dorohin, please visit the author's website at :https://www.brycenovels.com/

#bookreview of Quiet Quit and Fully Live by Matthew Hess

Quiet Quit & Fully Live: Take Back Your Time, Energy, and Life Through Ethical Disengagement

By: Matthew Hess

Publisher: Pebbity Books

Publication Date: May 9, 2024

ISBN: 979-8-89403-000-5

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: May 1, 2024

The work-life balance is just a dream for many workers, but learning to say “no” to extra work doesn’t have to be a death sentence. In Quiet Quit & Fully Live: Take Back Your Time, Energy, and Life Through Ethical Disengagement by Matthew Hess, achieving the coveted work-life balance is thoroughly explored.

Quiet quitting is a term that many people may not know. A quiet quitter is someone who holds firm to the boundaries he sets of what he will and will not do in his work or personal life. They know when to say “no” to someone asking them to take on more tasks than they should be doing. These people shouldn’t be considered lazy or not team players, but instead they should be seen as individuals who have clear goals and boundaries set for themselves and want a balanced life at work and home.

All people have unique stories and face unique challenges in their lives. That means that one person may have to adjust his quiet quit game plan a bit differently than another might need to, but nonetheless, once you set your goals and boundaries, you can start following the steps to achieving a work-life balance. As you’re sitting down planning what your new goals and boundaries will be, you must keep in mind that it is important to understand that successful quiet quitting should always include you continually performing the minimum job tasks that is required for your position, while always completing these tasks at a satisfactory level, as stated by Hess. If you are fully committed to achieving these necessary prerequisites, then you are properly prepared to plan your quiet quitting game plan.

A major issue for everyone is stress and all the negative consequences that it may cause. We all face stress somewhere in our lives, some even in multiple areas of their lives. Long term stress can lead not only to burnout, but also to many health issues down the road. Stress has such a negative impact on your brain, and you need to be aware of what your body is telling you. You need to act and prevent any future issues and by quiet quitting, you are on the road to helping yourself heal and making healthy adjustments to your work-life balance.

The author offers an abundant amount of suggestions and advice to help in your quiet quitting journey, advice that is helpful and interesting. He provides ideas that you can apply to all aspects of your life, no matter whether you are working or not. It's interesting to note that you can be retired and still incorporate these valuable techniques in your personal life. Quiet Quit and Fully Live is one book that all readers can adapt to their own lives no matter what stage of life they are currently experiencing.

Quill says: Quiet Quit & Fully Live: Take Back Your Time, Energy, and Life Through Ethical Disengagement is an excellent read for anyone considering an adjustment to their life to find a healthier work-life balance. It is highly recommended by this reviewer!

#AuthorInterview with Stephen Wedlock and Steve Dean

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Trix Lee-Rainwater is talking with Stephen Wedlock and Steve Dean, authors of Scoundrels: The League of Maritime Adventurers, Book Three.

FQ: Steve Wedlock, your extensive sailing experience across oceans and seas must have heavily influenced the maritime adventures in this book series. Can you share some real-life inspirations that found their way into the stories?

WEDLOCK: To start - I actually did grow up on the Maine Coast, living many of these adventures! Can’t give away many yet- hope to be basis for other stories.

FQ: The maritime trivia on chapter dividers is such a cool addition! Whose idea was it to include these educational nuggets, and what kind of research went into curating them?

DEAN: Agreed! They’re educational and atmospheric as well as fun. Those were all Captain Wedlock’s idea.

WEDLOCK: I had always thought it would make a nice way to start a new chapter- some little factoid relative in a round-a-bout to the book.

FQ: The teens face eco-crimes and confront environmental themes. Is raising awareness about ocean conservation one of your key motivations?

DEAN: Absolutely. I’ve been an advocate of conservation in all its forms for many years. We share this planet, not just with other humans but all forms of life, and we need to remember that. Of all the natural environments, I think the oceans get the least attention.

WEDLOCK: When I first went to sea, I was very surprised how little we knew about the oceans - my first real voyage was on board a square-rigged ship, chasing Humpback whales to photograph their tail flukes, that act like fingerprints - from Silver Bank, north of Dominican Republic up into the Arctic...

FQ: Can you discuss the thought process behind crafting the five protagonists? What made you choose these 5 specific individuals to lead the League of Maritime Adventurers series?

DEAN: We chose the number of characters first. An odd number of people form a more dynamic group, in my opinion. Three wouldn’t give us enough variety and seven wouldn’t fit in the boat, so we went with five. Any group of people needs a reason to spend time together, so we introduced Conner and Ryan, whose friendship forms the core of the group. Bringing in Dawn, who is Ryan’s sister, felt natural and true to life. Jenna is also a school friend and shares their interests. She is the oldest in the group and brings a certain maturity. For the fifth person we wanted someone who had a different perspective on life, someone from a markedly different background. So we chose Terry, who is a member of the Penobscot Nation, who have their headquarters in Maine, which is where the action takes place. The whole group is bound together by their love of pizza, video games, and, of course, the sea.

Technically, there is also a sixth character, their boat the ’eggy Su.’ Originally called the ‘Peggy Sue’ this small boat becomes an essential part of their adventures.

Author Stephen Wedlock

WEDLOCK: The kids were modelled on the real thing! There were no African Americans, there were Native Americans...

FQ: Steve Dean, you bring experience writing sci-fi/fantasy, while Steve Wedlock has a maritime background. How did you blend those different genres and perspectives into a cohesive adventure story? What was the co-writing experience like, and how did you sync your creative visions?

DEAN: Any story, no matter the genre, needs to have the same elements: believable characters, a solid plot, pacing, realistic dialogue, etc. I think what helped the most was that to many people the oceans are still places of mystery, fantastical and even magical, which played right into my fantasy background. I also write material for role-playing games, so writing adventures is something I’ve already done. The world-building is different, but the structure is very similar.

The co-writing experience has been great. Steve knew exactly what he wanted to write, the narrative themes he wanted to cover, the setting and the flavour of it all. He’s very passionate about the sea and is keen to share that with others, including me. I was inspired by that passion and the ideas began to flow. The creative side matched up with the practical side very well. After that, it was all plain sailing, if you’ll forgive a maritime pun!

WEDLOCK: I think we were both surprised how easy it was to work together, given our very different backgrounds - biggest agreement was based on using fact based - not putting in one of each ethnicity, etc. to satisfy current societal norms!

FQ: The book touches on themes of youth activism and standing up against corporate greed/environmental damage. What messages did you hope to impart to young readers through the League's crusade?

DEAN: I think for me, the most important message to youngsters, and it might sound clichéd but it’s still true, is that change starts with yourself. If you want something to change you have to get involved, not leave it to others. It doesn’t have to be anything major. Picking up litter on the beach, getting your family to recycle properly, getting your school involved, it all helps.

WEDLOCK: Hope today’s teens will look up from their screens and see a world of adventures to be had! And a world worth saving...

FQ: The mystery around the stolen kelp farm drives the central plot. Were you inspired by any particular real life situation when conceptualizing this storyline?

DEAN: I’m interested in science as well as science fiction. The kernel of the idea came from an article I was reading about aquaculture. Like the characters in the book, I was sceptical about kelp farming when I first read about it. It’s not a perfect solution, but where you have a seabed scoured by overfishing, a kelp farm is far more preferable to a lifeless ocean floor. We expanded on this idea and came up with the main storyline.

WEDLOCK: I had looked into starting a mussel/acquaculture business back in the 60’s- problem was that Maine coastal / tidal was commonly owned and anyone could have come and harvested! Changed soon after that.

FQ: The series is ongoing - can you give us a sneak peek at what adventures or mysteries might be in store for the League of Maritime Adventurers next?

WEDLOCK: Could be anything from more coastal issues to treasure hunting in one of their “recovered” vessels and the development of the marine “school.”

FQ: Stephen, the artwork on your website is lovely. Can you share a bit about how you got started in photography and the inspiration behind your photographs?

WEDLOCK: Thank you for the compliment! Been photographing since college- even had a few shows on the west Coast- like the juxtoposition of man and nature- especially when man was smart enough to take advantage of nature.

FQ: I listened to some of the recordings on your website and they were fascinating. Can you explain to your readers where these sea stories came from and how they were transcribed into recordings?

WEDLOCK: Stories from all over: writer-friends, historical, old magazines...

May's Book Giveaway #freebook #winabook

 

It's time to enter the May Book Giveaway contest! This month's offering is a copy of "Alphakazoo" by Edgar Garcia. This book was the winner of the Children's Picture Book category in our *very* competitive 2024 award program. You could win a brand-new copy just by filling out our simple form:

https://featheredquill.com/

#Bookreview of The Magic Sea Turtle

The Magic Sea Turtle

By: Kathleen Welton

Illustrated by: Chau Pham

Publisher: Bookfox Press

Publication Date: April 10, 2024

ISBN: 978-1960157515

Reviewed by: Holly Connors

Review Date: April 30, 2024

An amazing sea adventure awaits a little girl with big dreams in The Magic Sea Turtle.

Myrtle is enjoying a beautiful day in the kingdom where she lives. The sun is shining, and the apple tree is covered in bright red, juicy apples. While Myrtle is busy picking apples, the sky overhead fills with dark clouds. And then the clouds cover the ground too - how will Myrtle find her way home?

Along with the heavy cloud cover, the winds pick up and soon Myrtle is carried away...down, down, down...As she tumbles toward the sea, the young girl is frightened and calls out for help.

Max the sea turtle hears her sounds.

"Hurry. Catch her before she drowns!"

She falls and tumbles in his sight.

"I sure hope she will be all right."

The seagulls rush to help Myrtle, and hold a magic carpet that catches her. The magic carpet flies the amazed girl to the ocean below and gently lands on Max the turtle. Once safely resting on the carpet, on top of Max, she meets many new friends - an otter, ducks, swans, and of course, Max the sea turtle. They ask Myrtle questions about her home, and then ask her to play with them. They have loads of fun as they swim and explore. As time passes, Myrtle realizes that if she can't get home, her dream of becoming queen will never come true. But then, maybe she should stay with her new friends where a new dream, a dream of being a turtle like Max could come true. What should she do?

The Magic Sea Turtle is an imaginative adventure that will spark children's dreams. Myrtle is adorable, and her enthusiasm for discovering what the ocean has to offer is contagious. Her ocean friends encourage her to explore new things and dream big dreams. The story is very upbeat and positive, and shows children that they should never stop wishing and dreaming. The author, Kathleen Welton, a strong advocate for "beaches, birds, and wildlife," has a passion for teaching youngsters about caring for our oceans and her passion shines through on every page of this delightful children's book. If you're looking for a fun sea adventure that will also educate readers about caring for the ocean, be sure to check out The Magic Sea Turtle.

Quill says: The Magic Sea Turtle is an adorable sea adventure that shows children that dreams do come true.

For more information on The Magic Sea Turtle, please visit the author's website at: https://kathywelton.com/

#Bookreview of Scoundrels: The League of Maritime Adventurers, Book Three

Scoundrels: The League of Maritime Adventurers, Book Three

By: Stephen Wedlock and Steve Dean

Publication Date: January 9, 2023

ISBN: 978-17379854-4-0

Reviewed by: Trix Lee-Rainwater

Review Date: April 29, 2024

If you thought the sun-drenched shores of Stonehaven, Maine promised nothing more than lazy days of boating and fishing, think again. Just when Connor, Ryan, Dawn, Terry, and Jenna thought they could enjoy a peaceful summer, trouble finds them once again. In Scoundrels: The League of Maritime Adventurers, Book Three by Steve Wedlock and Steve Dean, the teenage crew finds themselves embroiled in a new maritime mystery.

The teens were eager to spend their days exploring with their beloved vessel, the “eggy Su:” an 18-foot fiberglass boat they had lovingly overhauled, with Ryan converting it to battery-powered propulsion. With the warm months stretching ahead, they looked forward to lazy outings on the water and normal summer activities. However, a brand-new adventure looms when the group comes across a local kelp farm operated by Kaia and Brage, the waters demarcated by property signs and buoys. Initially indignant at the perceived privatization of the seas, the teens soon learn that when properly maintained, a kelp farm can actually enhance the marine environment, providing a flourishing habitat akin to an undersea rainforest. However, their newfound appreciation is short-lived as they discover the entire kelp farm has been stolen. Ropes, buoys, and the nutrient-rich kelp itself all vanished without a trace, leaving only a few ominous drag marks in their wake.

The teens immediately suspected the Kneasley family, the villains whose nefarious deeds our teenage crew had thwarted in previous summers. From dumping plastic into the sea to sabotaging renewable energy projects through bribery and underhanded tactics, the Kneasleys have proven themselves to be relentless foes. Determined to uncover the truth behind the stolen kelp farm, the young adventurers begin investigating, following a trail of clues that leads them to a remote cove housing a mysterious shipping container. Inside, they make a startling discovery: piles of rope, buoys, and dried kelp, the very remnants of the stolen kelp farm.

But who is behind this latest eco-crime, and what twisted motives could drive them to such a brazen theft? As the teenagers delve deeper into the mystery, they find themselves not only confronting the perpetrators, but also their own evolving relationships and personal growth amid the high-stakes summer adventure.

While Scoundrels is the third book in the League of Maritime Adventurers series, Wedlock and Dean deftly craft a story that can be enjoyed on its own merits. Readers new to the series may miss some backstory and past character details, but the authors provide enough context that the central mystery remains engaging and accessible. The book weaves suspense, environmental themes, and the relatable challenges of adolescence. Depictions of blossoming romantic tensions lend emotional depth, grounding the plot in realistic teenage experiences. Moreover, the authors’ commitment to education shines through, with each chapter divider page offering maritime trivia that explores the origins of common seafaring phrases. This enriches the reading experience, inviting readers to appreciate maritime history and culture that forms the backdrop of the protagonists’ adventures.

With its engaging characters, fast-paced plot, and a genuine commitment to environmental awareness and preservation, Scoundrels is a captivating addition to the League of Maritime Adventurers series. Wedlock and Dean have crafted a tale that not only entertains, but also inspires readers to ponder the wonders of the natural world and the importance of protecting it from those who would do it harm.

Quill says: An enthralling blend of adventure, teenage relationships, and eco-consciousness, this book will have readers hooked and eagerly awaiting the league’s next maritime escapade.

For more information on Scoundrels: The League of Maritime Adventurers, Book Three, please visit the author’s website at: https://www.inquisitivesailors.com/

#Bookreview of Nephilim by Marc Arginteanu

Nephilim

By: Marc Arginteanu

Publisher: tomaliventures

Publication Date: June 22, 2024

ASIN: B0CZLWBJ54

Reviewed by: Trix Lee-Rainwater

Review Date: April 29, 2024

marcarginteanu.md

What would you sacrifice to become a supreme being of unimaginable power? Find out in Nephilim, an electrifying science fiction thriller by Marc Arginteanu.

Sean is just an ordinary guy working as a waiter in Boston, struggling to get by and rekindle his relationship with his ex-girlfriend. But his mundane existence is shattered when he becomes unwittingly bonded to a powerful machine invented by scientific genius Zdenek Svoboda. This extraordinary technology, made up of seven silicon-based components, can merge with and radically enhance the human body and mind.

However, Zdenek's creation turns out to be both a blessing and a curse. When the Chinese military launches a violent raid to steal the technology and create super-soldiers, Zdenek is killed. This incites a catastrophic series of events that finds Sean being ruthlessly pursued by the Chinese's elite commandos. Even more dangerous is the interest Sean draws from the ancient Urialites organization. This shady group wants to harness the machine's capability for their own secret agenda - to rebuild civilization after an apocalyptic event foretold in ancient prophecies describing the rise of supreme beings known as the "Nephilim."

As more and more of the machine's components merge with Sean's body against his will, he experiences astronomical increases in strength, speed, intelligence, and durability. But he also feels his humanity slipping away piece by piece as the components override his organic brain functions. Fighting for his life, Sean finds himself trapped in the middle of an epic, no-holds-barred battle between the Chinese commando forces and the powerful Urialites, both determined to obtain the technology that is reforming his body and mind.

Nephilim is a blistering, action-packed sci-fi thriller driven more by its relentless plot than deep character exploration. Arginteanu exhibits a masterful flair for visceral action sequences and taut pacing that will keep readers anxiously turning the pages. The novel excels at exploring thought-provoking themes about the corruptive nature of power, the limits of technological advancement, and the sacrifices we make for our greatest ambitions.

However, the breakneck story momentum occasionally comes at the expense of fully fleshed-out motivations for the rival factions pursuing Sean. While the high-octane thrills are undeniable, some readers may be left wanting more insight into the inner workings and agendas of the Chinese and Urialites groups. That said, Arginteanu more than makes up for it with his ingenious world-building concepts that immerse readers in a dangerous futuristic reality through richly described visuals and high-stakes consequences. The author's visceral prose brings this bleak, machine-driven world to life. From the gripping opening pages to the mind-bending, philosophical climax that will leave readers pondering how far they would go for ultimate power, Nephilim is an unforgettable thrill ride into transcendent realms of scientific speculation.

Quill says: Nephilim is a thought-provoking, electrifying science fiction adventure that pushes the boundaries of how far we'll go for ultimate power and technological supremacy.

For more information on Nephilim, please visit the author's website at: https://marcarginteanu.com/