#Bookreview of After Me

By: J. Shep

Publisher: Christopher Whisperings

Publication Date: August 31, 2024

ISBN: 979-8-9884643-1-0

Reviewed by: Nellie Calanni

Review Date: August 30, 2024

After Me by J. Shep presents a poignant and reflective tale set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Alabaster Coast of Normandy. The novel follows two siblings, Ellande and Madeleine-Grace, as they embark on a journey of self-discovery and heritage, exploring the legacy left by their parents and the traditions of their homeland.

The story begins with the young siblings visiting their family’s summer home for the first time since their parents’ passing, under the watchful and loving care of their Aunt Adèle. As they immerse themselves in the beauty of Pays de Caux, they become increasingly aware of the weight of their parents' choices in raising them. These choices, now more evident in their absence, shape the siblings' understanding of what it means to carry forward the values and customs of both their family and their country.

Shep skillfully navigates the themes of heritage, responsibility, and the tension between tradition and change. Ellande and Madeleine-Grace, though still young, find themselves confronting the harsh realities of life, including cruelty and carelessness, that threaten to erode the values they hold dear. Their journey is not just about exploring the physical landscape of Normandy, but also about navigating the emotional terrain of what it means to preserve and honor the past while moving forward.

The novel’s strength lies in its lyrical prose and vivid descriptions, which transport readers to the sun-drenched beaches and verdant countryside of Normandy. Shep’s portrayal of the siblings’ bond is tender and authentic, capturing the complexities of sibling relationships and the shared burden of carrying forward a family’s legacy. Aunt Adèle, with her wisdom and nurturing presence, serves as a guiding figure, helping Ellande and Madeleine-Grace reconcile their parents’ teachings with the changing world around them.

After Me is a contemplative and beautifully written novel that explores the enduring significance of family and tradition. J. Shep offers readers a heartfelt story that reflects on the importance of what we choose to carry with us and preserve for future generations. The novel is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love and tradition in the face of an ever-changing world.

Quill says: After Me by J. Shep is a richly atmospheric and emotionally resonant exploration of family, heritage, and the values we choose to preserve and pass on to those who come after us.

To learn more about After Me, please visit the publisher's website at: www.christopherwhisperings.com/products/after-me-novel-by-j-shep

#Bookreview of Hatfield 1677

By: Laura C. Rader

Publisher: Acorn Publishing

Publication Date: May 7, 2024

ISBN:‎ 979-8885280778

Reviewed by: Douglas C. MacLeod, Jr.

Review Date: August 30, 2024

Hatfield 1677, at its core, is a simple love story. However, on its thinner outer layers, this new piece of historical fiction, written by Laura C. Rader, is a novel about a series of events that happened after what is known as (among other monikers) “King Phillip’s War,” a three-year skirmish that has been proven to be one of the bloodiest conflicts in Colonialist American history. Using real-life people as protagonists and antagonists as well as a hefty amount of dramatic license, Rader produces a romantic epic story reminiscent of, but not exclusive to, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie, in that readers tangentially experience the perils and hardships of a time when Netflix, Smart Phones, and Tik Tok, our contemporary creature comforts, did not exist.

Much of this colonial tale of survival and sojourners is narrated by three reliable but stressed storytellers who are inextricably linked together by gory battles, immense suffering at the hands of others, and a boundless need to forage for life-saving resources to assist them on their travels, forced upon them or otherwise. Benjamin Waite is an English settler who witnesses the meaningless slaughter of innocent and friendly Native American men, women, and children, and feels guilty he did nothing to stop the massacre from happening. Martha Waite is Benjamin’s wife, and mother to his three children (with one on the way), who is resourceful, caring, and protective of her family, but also fell victim to a kidnapping at the hands of those Native Americans who lost family and friends in the carnage that was King Phillip’s War. Finally, Ashpelon is an ardent and proud Native American who is the kidnappers’ leader, and exhibits a great deal of compassion and sympathy for those whom he abducted. Throughout the novel, readers follow all three characters as they try to manage and, essentially, save their own lives and the lives of their loved ones, after being involved with the murderous events that took place against the River Indians, a tribe willing to peacefully barter and bargain with White settlers.

Hatfield 1677 is Rader’s debut historical novel, and to her credit, it is a strong piece of writing, most especially in plot structure. Although not a historian by trade--she has a BA in psychology and she minored in history while taking creative writing and literature classes at San Diego State University--it is clear Rader has a significant amount of knowledge about American colonialism and how the English language was spoken during that timeframe in American history. The storyline itself also flows nicely; the work is told using first-person point of views and is linear in its construction, so it makes it easier to follow while also getting immersed in the complicated lives of 1600s European colonial settlers and oppressed Native American populations. Rader, because of her ability to perform pain-staking research and to tell a comprehensive tale, fully understands the cultural mores, struggles, and confrontations that shaped the United States of America, no matter how gruesome or unethical the historical events were. The most compelling storyteller in Hatfield 1677 is Ashpelon, who is avenging the deaths of his peoples by taking European community members hostage. With a keen ear for dialogue and an understanding of the mind and how it works, Rader fleshes out what it was (and is) like to be Native American: what it must have been like to be living peacefully on your own lands for them to be suddenly taken away by opportunistic poachers and devious charlatans who come from across the ocean and claim to be friendly but end up being murderous thieves. With Rader’s work being introduced into a genre filled with other fantastic works about this stained period in American history, the idea that history is always told by the winners continues to be debunked, and audiences are now hearing the more interesting stories of those who lost everything, which in many cases included their lives.

Admittedly, it is clear Rader is not generally a writer of novels. Although an effective work, Hatfield 1677 does heavily depend on the dialogue to tell the story, which means exposition and details about the historical context sometimes get lost. Readers may want to learn more about King Philip’s War, for example; or, they may want to get a better sense of the setting and the timeline as to when events were happening. Even if readers know where the actions are taking place based on what the characters tell us (the book primarily takes place in Massachusetts and New York), ultimately, because of the substantial use of dialogue, it is hard to visualize everything that is taking place within the story. With that said, however, Hatfield 1677 is still successful at keeping the audience engaged and connected with the main characters and their respective sometimes dramatic, sometimes tragic, sometimes thrilling, journeys through the primitive American wilderness.

Quill says: Rader’s debut novel is an engaging, solid, well-researched piece of writing that could benefit from additional historical details.

For more information on Hatfield 1677, please visit the author's website at: www.lcrwriter.com

 #Bookreview of Double Takedown

By: Kevin G. Chapman

Publisher: First Legacy Publishing LLC

Publication Date: December 15, 2024

ISBN: 978-1-958339-22-0

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: August 30, 2024

Kevin G. Chapman's police procedural thriller Double Takedown (A Mike Stoneman Mystery) is an intriguing read that revolves on the dramatic investigation into a horrific murder shrouded in mystery which occurs at a charity ballet event at Lincoln Center.

After the poisoning of lead actor Alex Bishop, detectives Mike Stoneman and Jason Dickson quickly gather evidence against the main suspect, Nathan Matthews. With the trial just around the corner, Matthews maintains his innocence and claims he was set up. However, the testimony of multiple witnesses suggests that Matthews had the opportunity and motivation to kill Bishop. His dissatisfaction supposedly stemmed from Bishop's leading part in a production he was the director of. He openly disregarded Bishop, terming him as a washed-up movie star and even said he wanted him to die so he could hire a different actor. The night before he died, Matthews had handed Bishop a drink at a function. His browser history also showed he had looked up the heart medicine Bishop was taking secretly.

Concerned that the real murderer may still be at large, an ex-policeman who is now a private investigator contacts Mike and Jason. He works for Matthews and is seeking a reopening of the case to establish his client's innocence prior to trial. His view of the case sends the two detectives seeking out a fake alibi recruited by an individual believed to have a deep-seated grudge against Bishop. However, witnesses begin to die mysteriously, as a well calculated series of falsehoods lead the authorities and prosecution further away from the truth.

This story delves deeply into drug abuse, premeditated murder, and extreme treachery. It eloquently conveys the complexities of friendship, professionalism, love gone sour, promiscuity, and jealousy. The protagonists are especially confronted with heartbreaking inadequacies that cast doubt on their sleuth skills and capacity to pursue justice in the face of fierce opposition. The plot twists and turns to a fascinating, unexpected, yet rewarding reveal as fresh information becomes accessible. The heroes are forced to act and think creatively, though, as a result of a supervisor brutally stifling the new evidence. With the introduction of their spouses, their familial values and strong work ethic add to the reading enjoyment. The high-stakes atmosphere of their work displays a red-hot zone where prompt decision making must be double-checked to prevent heart-stopping dilemmas from occurring.

As far as contemporary police procedurals go, this series is bound to stand the test of time and is unquestionably one of the best thrillers out there. Chapman's storytelling gifts are many and varied. Multifaceted character development, realistic and engaging conversation writing, and narrative development are all areas in which he thrives. Only after you peel back the layers of his writing do you realize you have not really figured out the plot, even if you thought you did.

Quill says: The sixth installment in the Mike Stoneman Mystery series, Double Takedown is a mind-blowing and perfect detective mystery read.

For more information on Double Takedown, please visit the author's website at: kevingchapman.com

 #AuthorInterview with Terry Broxson

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Carolyn Haley is talking with Terry Broxson, co-author of 12 New Christmas Stories.

FQ: Please tell us more about what inspired you to initiate this collection. For instance, did somebody in FanStory say something that gave you an “aha” moment, or did the idea arise independently? Or had you been mulling the idea for a long time and something triggered action?

BROXSON: Three of the stories in the book by Lee Hill and Jay Squires had won the contest for best Christmas Story for the three years. I really liked all three. I was familiar with their work. But I had not considered making a book. Last December, I read Diane Kenel-Truelove’s The Magic of Santa’s Box. The idea struck me. This story, Jay’s and Lee’s stories, and a few others would make a good Christmas book.

FQ: When it came to gathering the stories, did you put out a call among your FanStory colleagues inviting submissions, or did you have contributors in mind and approached them separately?

BROXSON: From the start, I knew Diane, Jay, and Lee needed to be part of the book. I also became friends with Ann Mullen-Martin. FanStory has members from all over the world. Ann and I found out we lived 25 miles from each other in the Dallas area. We are the only ones in the group who have met and spoken words to each other.

I had also read two of her Christmas stories when she was growing up in rural Louisiana in the 1950s. She showed me a third one, a fiction story based on her daughter and son-in-law adopting a baby. They are wonderful stories.

I also had a few Christmas stories, so I felt we had all the authors we needed for this project.

FQ: I’m curious about the logistics of managing the project. How many stories did you consider before winnowing it down to twelve? Was each selection a group choice, or did you serve as editor and made the selections? Did you have parameters such as length limit per story, or specific topics to include or avoid?

BROXSON: The first thing we agreed on was that there should be 12 stories. It sounded right for a book of short stories for Christmas.

The final decision about which stories to include was left up to the individual author. The question was simple: “Which of your stories do you like best?”

We discussed the book’s title a bit. We wanted 12 in the title, thinking of the 12 days of Christmas. Lee wanted us to add “New.” Our publisher’s editor said to keep it simple, and that’s how we got 12 New Christmas Stories, An Anthology.

FQ: How did you go about publishing the anthology? These days one can indie, hybrid, and traditionally publish. Was the decision collective, or did you marshal the manuscript from manuscript to release? Either way, what route did you take to publication?

BROXSON: We used a hybrid publisher, Atmosphere Press. I used them to publish a Christmas book in 2023. They produced a really good product for me, and I thought they would again.

The group's business structure was pretty simple. A budget was established for the project. Three of the authors became investors and provided the working capital. All authors own a piece of the project.

Most decisions are made as a group, and the process has been fun and educational.

FQ: Of the many topics you could build an anthology about, why did you choose Christmas?

BROXSON: I suppose several things came together at once. I had just published a Christmas book and had written several other Christmas stories, and then when I read Diane's story, a voice seemed to say, “A Christmas book with short stories.”

FQ: I imagine there are many more Spirit of Christmas stories to be told. Do you plan to make this an annual project, or will this volume remain unique?

BROXSON: Excellent question. You’re right about many more stories. It doesn’t mean our group would write them all, but we might consider publishing others as well. Or maybe we can sponsor a contest and choose new stories that way. The possibilities are intriguing. We do hope that this edition is around for a long time.

FQ: What else do you have in mind to write or have written before/during/since creating the anthology?

BROXSON: Last year, I did a Christmas book, Santa Claus: The Beginning.

Our authors continue to write and contribute to FanStory, Medium, and anywhere else we can.

 #Bookreview of 12 New Christmas Stories

By: Terry Broxson, Lee Allen Hill, Diane Kenel-Truelove, Ann Mullen-Martin, Jay Squires

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: July 31, 2024

ISBN: 979-8891323797

Reviewer by: Carolyn Haley

Review Date: August 27, 2024

This anthology proves that nice stories don’t have to be dull. Aptly named 12 New Christmas Stories, it comprises a dozen fresh tales presenting emotions and events associated with Christmases past and present.

Opening with a young boy and his dog in the high desert trying to buy a turkey for his mother for the holiday meal (but losing it to a mountain lion on the way home), and closing with another young boy in the city trying to arrange a special meal for his firefighter mother (who can’t be home in time, and he can’t cook), the stories range across Christmas traditions. Each offers a creative and poignant twist on family meals, gift exchanging, Santa Claus, shopping, singing, and choosing a tree.

The common denominator is Christmas as a time to give and receive from the heart, covering diverse “reasons for the season.” Kindness and generosity are the prevailing themes, and manifest in different forms.

All the stories present hardships and feelings ordinary people can relate to. We experience them through the eyes of children from tots to teens, along with adult men and women, representing different cultures and faiths. There’s even a talking cat who tells how she came to be named Holly, through a pedigree back to the Old West.

The collection differs from most by mixing fiction and nonfiction; or, more precisely, memoir, drawing from the nonfiction authors’ personal reminiscences. The mix highlights the close relationship between reality and fiction, showing how universal truths can be expressed through story.

One does not need to be a Christian to understand and share the spirit of Christmas conveyed through these tales. A paragraph from “Bring Back the Carolers” captures the book’s essence: “As we sat there, munching our cookies, sipping the scalding liquid from cups cradled in both hands, dabs of white cream on the tips of our noses, the Spirit of Christmas seeped right down into our bones, stored like a muscle memory where it would never be forgotten.” These stories seep into the body and soul in a similar way.

An introduction by contributor Terry Broxson explains how he came to gather the material from prize-winning authors he met through participation in FanStory, an internet writer’s forum. Five of the authors contributed one to three stories each to compile this original collection. Some stories are sad or nostalgic, most are sweet, and one has a laugh-out-loud-funny resolution. All are thought-provoking, and none contain the types of ugliness that pervade modern fiction and media.

The stories are short and easy to read, equally appropriate for private savoring or group sharing. The volume is ideal as a stocking stuffer. It’s also ideal any time one needs a shot of inspiration or something to comfort and inspire others. The authors invite all readers to not just enjoy the stories as a holiday tradition, but also to create their own traditions year-round to celebrate the spirit of Christmas.

Quill says: If you want or need to have your heart warmed, treat yourself to 12 New Christmas Stories, any time of year—and pass the warmth around!

For more information on 12 New Christmas Stories, please visit the book’s website at: 12newchristmasstories.com

 #Bookreview of The Committed Professor, A Memoir: My Fall from the Lectern to the Psych Ward

By: Kathi N. Miner, PhD

Publisher: KNM Publishing

Publication Date: May 10, 2024

ISBN: 979-8990653504

Reviewed by: Diane Lunsford

Review Date: August 26, 2024

In a direct and raw account of horrors, Kathi Miner shares the egregious assaults she experienced during her marriage (and divorce proceedings), across the pages of her memoir: The Committed Professor, A Memoir: My Fall from the Lectern to the Psych Ward.

Before one can delve into Dr. Miner’s countless abuses she endured during her marriage to Seth, one should take pause and read the quote at the beginning: “Silence about trauma also leads to death—the death of a soul:” Bessel V. Van der Kolk. Without question, this is the embodiment of the overarching story about to unfold. Dr. Miner explains how it took her ten years to write her memoir, and I can only surmise it is due to the constant barrage of abuses her ex-husband Seth tortured her soul with. The story opens with Dr. Miner sharing memories of a lighter and happier time—Christmas and the joys she remembered waking up to on this special day. As a child, she emotes the wonders and magic of running down to the tree where Santa has left a bounty of presents for all good little girls and boys. She steps into the loss of her mother when she was barely fifteen due to an allergic reaction and ultimately dying from asphyxiation. From there, the story fast-forwards to her meeting Seth at a party. He is the most gorgeous guy in the room and he ‘picks her.’

Kathi Miner is an accomplished and bright individual. She professes early on how grateful wouldn’t begin to describe how she felt about her life. She takes the reader on the journey of her educational accomplishments to arrive at the coveted and tenured position at a top university, Texas A&M. She is facing down forty and laments over her blessed life—a loving husband, two beautiful children, a magnificent home. How ironic that her studies embodied her own principles and values when it came to combating sexism and gender inequality in relations and society. She was committed to a fault when it came to lecturing on the importance of both. When she learns the husband she has been married to for fifteen years is living a double life of adultery (compounded by his narcissistic abuses that surface after she files for divorce), her last battle will place her in a psychiatric hospital before she begins her long and painful journey of healing.

Kathi Miner holds nothing back in telling her horrific life encounters from the time she met Seth until, like a phoenix, she began her rise from the ashes. The graphic scenes and intentional arrangement of descriptive encounters left me feeling sad, angry, joyous (whenever there was a light of triumph for her) and disgust. While I cannot speak for other women, I can speak first-hand what it is like for a woman in contrast to a man, when a blatant miscarriage of outcome has occurred. Dr. Miner often professes her allegiance with being a feminist, but her story delves deeper. It’s important to note that she never once played her role as the victim. Rather, she is direct and compelling with her word placement to get her point across. I was not familiar with the clinical explanation of what a narcissist is, but after learning the definition, it gave me goosebumps to think I have personally known a few in my lifetime. It’s far too easy to sit in judgment of why a woman (or man) will gravitate toward the abuses and we (as the outsiders) watch in utter disgust because we cannot believe they put up with that. There are a multitude of moments in Dr. Miner’s memoir when I had to take a pause in order to digest simple realities. One quote in particular sums up many facets of abuse: “but like a recovering addict confronted by their drug of choice, it was hard to resist, and I always regretted it when I used…”

Quill says: The Committed Professor, A Memoir: My Fall from the Lectern to the Psych Ward is a tantamount example of the courage it takes to face your demons and the triumph that awaits on the other side.

For more information about The Committed Professor, A Memoir: My Fall from the Lectern to the Psych Ward, please visit the author's website at: kathiminerphd.com

 #Bookreview of Perfectly You by Leigh Doest

By: Leigh Doest

Illustrated by: Marcin Poludniak

Publisher: Write Way Press

Publication Date: October 11, 2024

ISBN: 9789083446905

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: August 25, 2024

Mom-to-be Flamingo is so excited to be having a baby flamingo very soon in Perfectly You by Leigh Doest. She dutifully sits on her egg day and night counting the time before it hatches. It’s such a special time that flamingos from all around come to see this special egg for themselves. When it finally hatches, Mom and Dad are in for a big surprise. Flo, the baby flamingo, looks nothing like what everyone has imagined her to look like.

Flo is very different looking from all the other graceful and beautiful flamingos. She has eyes that are big and bobbly, her neck is a bit crooked, and her legs are short and chubby. No matter how Flo tries to blend in with the other flamingos, she stands out because she looks so different from the others. Plus, she has no special skills like the others do. Does Flo realize that looking and being different makes her unique and special? Does she ever fit in with the other flamingos?

This reviewer adored this story from cover to cover. The idea that Leigh Doest created Flo to be completely different looking, and made her have no special skills like the other flamingos did, was honestly a breath of fresh air. The story allowed the readers to fall in love with Flo because of her uniqueness from the other flamingos. It teaches children that looking and being different from others is something to be proud of, not something to hide from. Flo was a character that adults and children alike will easily fall in love with because she’s so sweet.

Since Flo was so different, it was a pleasure to see that Doest made Flo use her uniqueness in a positive way by allowing her to help other flamingos with whatever they might need. She learned to be proud of who she was, and in turn took that positive mindset to do great things for the other young flamingos that came to her for assistance. In showing how giving she was of her kindness, children will want to be like Flo and offer kindness to others in need as well.

The illustrations provided by Marcin Poludniak were colorful and very humorous to look at. There were illustrations provided on every page for the readers to enjoy and they pulled the readers further into Flo’s story just by looking at them. They were the perfect accompaniment to telling the author’s story. Readers will easily find themselves smiling at Flo’s silly adventures throughout the pages.

Quill says: Perfectly You by Leigh Doest is one children’s book that you will want to have your children read because it promotes positive thinking and shows that being different and unique makes you special. It comes highly recommended!

For more information on Perfectly You, please visit the author's website at: leighdoest.com

 #Bookreview of Toys in Babylon: A Language App Parody and Whodunit

By: Patrick Finegan

Publisher: Two Skates Publishing

Publication Date: August 15, 2024

ISBN: 978-1733902557

Reviewed by: Kathy Stickles

Review Date: August 25, 2024

Toys in Babylon is such a different kind of story and it is hard not to sing its praises. I found the story to be satire at its best. With plenty of artificial intelligence, great friendships between characters, a lot of jokes, a little romance, and a big mystery, it contains so much that readers will love, while being completely unlike anything you have read before.

Toys in Babylon is, first and foremost, the story of Coki the bear, the mascot of one of the world’s highly successful language apps. Coki has disappeared…and the question of whether the bear has been kidnapped or murdered is high in everyone’s mind as the story progresses. In this story, a majority of the characters are animated members of the language app who are used to help a person study but, in this case, have created lives of their own outside the app. As the characters, both human and animated, attempt to figure out what has happened to Coki, the characters take on their own personalities and entertain the reader in ways that definitely have not been done before in a book, at least not one that I have ever read.

Patrick Finegan has given readers something so creative with this book and I am sure that it will appeal to many, whether or not you have studied a language online through an app. While there is not a lot of detail in the book about how the human and animated characters can relate to each other the way they do, it does not detract from the story. This is one where you just have to jump in and let your imagination play along and not get deeply involved in the “how” it is being accomplished. You will have so much more fun that way!

The characters themselves are quite nicely developed, whether real or animated, and they keep the story moving right along as the pages turn. While your mind might fill with a little bit of worry regarding the fact that these animated characters are doing and speaking whatever they want, they really do make sense and, as a reader, you can find yourself actually caring about them and what is happening with the company that is causing them such confusion and pain. As I mentioned, you just have to “go” with it and not constantly question and you will adore the story.

Toys in Babylon is a story that I would recommend to others regardless of the type of books you favor. It is different, fun, and in some ways, very educational. For fans of artificial intelligence, it is a book that just may teach you a lot. For mystery fans, it is just a great story with clues that you can enjoy trying to figure out. For everyone else, it is just a fabulous parody to have fun with. Mr. Finegan has done something wonderful here and I will be very interested to see what he comes up with next.

Quill says: Toys in Babylon is such a humorous and creative story and quite different from other things out there, which is what makes it such a fun read. It is not often, dare I say never before, when a mystery fan can get a really good mystery wrapped around a group of cartoon characters.

For more information on Toys in Babylon, please visit the publisher’s website at: twoskates.com/

 #Bookreview of Shikaree

By: M.J. Oelkers

Publisher: Arnstead Press

Publication Date: September 27, 2024

ISBN: 979-8990671430

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: August 24, 2024

Chandra Pattal, a fifteen-year-old, has stepped up to make money to help her family’s farm survive in Shikaree by M.J. Oelkers. Since her mother passed, her dad and three younger siblings have been struggling to survive.

The family is barely making ends meet and her father just keeps leasing more machines to use on the farm. He thinks if they have more machines to do more jobs on the farm, they will have the revenue rolling in faster. Unfortunately, they aren’t raising enough money to pay for the leased equipment they already have. It leaves Chandra no other alternative but to go out to raise money quickly. So she decides she’s going to become a Shikaree who goes spelunking. A Shikaree is a person who goes exploring in caves and the cache of relics they find they sell for money. She’s really too young and not fully experienced enough to become a Shikaree, but her family’s endless debt leaves her no other option than to put her life on the line every time she goes into the caves. Not to mention, there are other Shikarees that belong to groups that will stop at nothing to find relics, even if that means to kill the other seekers and steal their treasures.

During one of her visits to the World Below, she stumbles upon a map that has markings she’s never seen before. She has no idea what the notes are saying, but she has a feeling that if she can find someone to translate the foreign language, since there is a map to a hidden location, it must mean there is something of significance to find there. Through one of her friends, she’s referred to a man named Olu who owns Frontier Finds, and he is fluent in many old languages. She sets her mind on meeting him to see if he can offer her a translation of the strange language. Does Olu know the foreign language on the map? Is this a map that could lead Chandra to a cache that will raise enough money to save her family’s farm?

This reviewer absolutely loved this story! Right from the very first page, I was pulled into this story. The idea of Shikarees going spelunking for priceless treasures piqued my interest and made me eagerly turn the pages quickly to see what was going to happen to Chandra every time she went into the caves in the World Below. The entire idea of the World Below and how there were different Shikaree groups, some good and some bad, that go treasure hunting, was a concept that would entice any reader to keep reading.

Mr. Oelkers created characters that were believable and this reviewer thoroughly enjoyed following Chandra on her escapades into the caves. The descriptions the author wrote had this reviewer feeling like she was seeing everything firsthand. From climbing rock walls, to hoisting down into dark, unexplored places, the scenes were meticulously described enough that the readers will feel as if they are right next to Chandra putting their lives on the line with every move they make. This story had my heart pounding in my chest during every visit Chandra took to the World Below.

One thing to note was that this story was so engrossing it could very well be turned into a high caliber action adventure movie for all to enjoy. The concept of Shikarees going spelunking makes this reviewer want to learn how to go hunting for her own treasures.

Quill says: Shikaree by M.J. Oelkers is one book that will entertain readers of all ages and will have your heart pounding in your chest. It comes highly recommended!

For more information on Shikaree, please visit the publisher's website at: www.arnsteadpress.com/

 #Bookreview of The Eye of the Moon: Tenebria, Book 1

By: A.K. Bryce

Publisher: Bryce Novels

Publication Date: August 30, 2024

ISBN: 979-8-9898525-5-0

Reviewed by: Kathy Stickles

Review Date: August 24, 2024

The Eye of the Moon: Tenebria, Book 1, by A.K. Bryce, is an excellent fantasy novel that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys the genre. It is a fascinating story based on the theme of light versus dark or, if you prefer, good versus evil. While this theme has been around forever, this presentation is one that is quite different. Filled with plenty of action and very interesting characters, I am sure it will be loved by many.

In the small city of Gorovetrov in the Dominion of Light we meet Makar, a 10-year-old boy who is about to be tested, as all children are, to see if there is any dark magic in him. A long time ago the sun god defeated the moon god and now all children must be tested to see if they are safe or if they were born with the magic of the moon god, who everyone sees as a demon. Those who are found to have the dark magic are removed from the family’s home and sent to live in exile on frozen islands to suffer for the rest of their lives. When Makar is tested, he fails and is taken away from his family immediately.

As Makar tries to survive, we jump ahead 40 years when he receives a visit from the moon god in person. She gives Makar the power of shadow magic, the ability to use his own shadow to touch and even kill those around him. As he tries to understand this new power, which others consider the worst evil imaginable, his thoughts turn to saving others who are in his position. Back home in the Dominion, we are introduced to Faina, an investigator who is attempting to uncover the sudden growth of Shadebinding in townspeople who have no magical ability. Until she can figure out what is going on, and where all of this evil is actually coming from, no one will be safe from the war that is about to begin. With the moon demon attempting to take back her power through Makar and others, Faina might be the only one who can save the Dominion of Light.

While the plot of The Eye of the Moon: Tenebria, Book 1 is excellent, it is the extremely well-developed characters that really make the story. While Makar is presented as the evil force in the book, the reader is able to relate to him and the question builds quickly as to whether it is true evil or if he is being used. Watching as he tries to accept this power and use it to save others like him presents him as a character we can come to understand and actually root for. On the other hand, there is Faina who believes that all Shadebinding is the most dangerous thing in this world and it must be destroyed immediately or the Dominion will not survive. As she moves forward in her investigation, we can see the conflict between what she has always believed and whether or not some of these people who are inflicted with the power are actually as bad as everyone thinks. All of the characters, including the secondary ones, are extremely appealing in one way or another and you cannot help but see both sides of the coin as you read.

With such an imaginative storyline and interesting characters, I believe that The Eye of the Moon: Tenebria, Book 1 will be a huge hit with fantasy readers. I loved it and highly recommend it. In addition, with the ending of the story, there is definitely a lot of room for more and I cannot wait to see what the author might do with a second book.

Quill says: So many fantasy novels out there seem to be the “same-old thing” at times but The Eye of the Moon: Tenebria, Book 1 is one that takes the “same-old” theme and changes it into something very new and exciting. No reader can ask for more than that.

For more information on The Eye of the Moon: Tenebria, Book 1, please visit the author’s website at: www.brycenovels.com/.

 #Bookreview of Sherri the Shrimp Saves the Day

By: George J. Linsenmeyer, III

Illustrated by: Carolyn Hampton

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: September 24, 2024

ISBN: 979-8-89132-343-8

Reviewed by: Anne Hubbard

Review Date: August 23, 2024

Sherri the Shrimp Saves the Day, by George J. Linsenmeyer, is the heartwarming story of a determined little shrimp who proves that even if you’re small, you can still make a big difference.

Our story begins in the deep blue ocean, as Kevin the Crab finds himself discouraged because he cannot find his friend Octavius the Octopus anywhere. With the help of Larry the Lobster, the two friends set out on a mission to find their missing friend Octavius. They have no luck locating him, and pretty soon, the entire ocean has joined in the search.

Steve the Swordfish appears and quickly tells everyone that he has found Octavius, and that they must get to him right away. All of the ocean animals are surprised to see their friend Octavius trapped in a cage. The friends don’t waste any time in trying to break him out. First, Steve the Swordfish saws at the cage bars with no success. Next, Larry the Lobster claws at the cage bars, but the bars do not budge. Kevin the Crab then tries to squeeze the bars with his powerful pinchers, but it does not work. Sam the Seahorse then claims that he has a plan to bring help to free Octavius, so he races away. When he returns hours later, the friends see that he has Sherri the Shrimp with him. Sherri is the smallest of everyone, and all her bigger, stronger friends have tried and failed to free Octavius. Will Sherri be able to save poor Octavius from the clutches of the cage?

With all of its adorable sea characters, Linsenmeyer has written a charming children’s book that young kids are sure to enjoy. It was especially catchy how Linsenmeyer used alliteration to name each creature in the story. Not only is the story a fun read, but it also teaches kids how to distinguish between various sea creatures, as well as their differing characteristics that makes each one unique.

Parents will love this story for its messages of perseverance and teamwork, as the friends first all work together to find Octavius and then, work together to try to free him from the cage. This book also provides a valuable lesson for young readers, particularly those who might be smaller than their friends. Rather than allowing this to be a hindrance, kids will learn from Sherri the Shrimp that even the smallest of creatures can be a hero and save the day!

Quill says: With its endearing characters and vivid, entertaining illustrations, Sherri the Shrimp Saves the Day will be loved by both beginning readers and their parents alike.

For more information on Sherri the Shrimp Saves the Day, please visit the publisher's website at: atmospherepress.com/books/sherri-the-shrimp-saves-the-day-by-george-j-linsenmeyer/

 #AuthorInterview with Gary D. McGugan

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Trix Lee-Rainwater is talking with Gary D. McGugan, author of When Power Fails.

FQ: As an author with a background in business, how did your professional experiences inform or inspire the corporate intrigue and organizational dynamics at the heart of When Power Fails, or Multima Saga as a whole?

MCGUGAN: Working at senior levels of large global corporations for about 40 years surely influenced my perspective on the organizational dynamics I created for When Power Fails and the other seven titles in the Multima Saga. My travel and the people I interacted with over those years, also played significant roles feeding my imagination. When I retired from corporate life to start writing, my Contacts list in Outlook totaled more than 10,000 names. Just thinking about some of those real-life characters always stimulates my brain to create plausible scenarios for my stories.

Author Gary D. McGugan

FQ: This is the 8th novel in your "Multima Saga" series. How has your approach to writing this series evolved over time? What new creative challenges did you face with this latest installment?

MCGUGAN: My fundamental approach remains relatively constant, and I write for three hours every morning, then walk for one to two hours every afternoon. While I walk, I think about my writing, test dialog, fine-tune the plot outline, and sort through potential flaws in the plot. My creative challenges are usually the same—keeping a story believable for an average reader. I try to keep my imagination in check, but I've also learned that readers sometimes also find 'real' events and occurrences challenging to believe. So, I focus on keeping things "plausible."

FQ: The book deals with themes of greed and the dangers of unchecked power. As an author, do you see these as universal cautionary tales, or are you making specific commentary on our current sociopolitical landscape?

MCGUGAN: Organized crime is far more prevalent in our society than many people realize, and it's far more damaging than most people realize. In each story, I show how a nefarious criminal element I call "The Organization" might worm its way into a large publicly traded company. In each case, readers will find that greed and power were at the root of The Organization's quests.

FQ: Technology and cybersecurity play a critical role in the story. What kind of research did you undertake to make the technical elements authentic and engaging for readers? As an author, how important was it for you to ground these technical elements in authenticity?

MCGUGAN: I like to talk with technical experts. I read stories that feature technology. And I read business articles that deal with real-time technology crises in a real-world environment. Again, I try to ensure my writing passes the "plausible" test. Something that hasn't yet occurred may crop up in the real world before I finish and publish my story!

FQ: The ending leaves the future of Multima and its leadership uncertain. Was this an intentional choice to hint at more stories to come in the Multima Saga? Do you already have a set plan on how many installments Multima Saga should have?

MCGUGAN: Senior business leaders question their appetite to continue in their roles far more often than people might realize. So, I think it's reasonable that Suzanne Simpson questions her desire to continue or not in her role. We'll need to keep readers guessing because I never plan a new story before I finalize and release the one I'm currently working on. When Power Fails will release soon, and my process to determine if there's another part to the Multima Saga will soon be underway.

FQ: Gordon Goodfellow's moral descent, from trusted Multima executive to criminal accomplice, is a key narrative arc. He is presented as a devout Christian who betrays his faith and moral principles. What were your key intentions and considerations in crafting this character? 

MCGUGAN: Studies show that about 1/3 of the American population identifies as 'devout' or 'evangelical' Christians. I gave Gordon Goodfellow that religious bent because he comes from the southern USA, where a higher percentage of the population may be Christian. My goal with Gordon was to create an interesting character with plausible values and challenges. All people are tempted by 'opportunities' or circumstances that test their values. While Gordon's might be somewhat exaggerated, they remain plausible yet entertaining.

FQ: As an author, how challenging was it to craft characters who make compromised choices, yet still resonate with readers on an emotional level? What did you learn about character development through this process?

MCGUGAN: For me, every story is an adventure in character development. To some extent, I rely somewhat on my personal interactions with those 10,000 Contacts I accumulated over my career. I draw bits and pieces from those real characters and my guesses about how some of them might react in the circumstances I create. If I keep both the character and the circumstance plausibly 'real,' I think readers relate to the possibility I describe and remain emotionally invested.

FQ: In what ways does Suzanne Simpson's evolution over the course of the Multima Saga reflect your own perspectives on leadership, ethics, and the challenges of navigating today's complex business landscape?

MCGUGAN: I think Suzanne reflects my personal concerns about the influence of organized crime. Criminals impact our lives far more than most people realize. Leading and navigating today's complex business landscape requires multiple styles and often results in compromises to values and ethics. I think my stories reflect the ease with which those compromises can occur. But I also want my stories always to leave hope for a better future.

 #AuthorInterview with Emory Faith

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Katie Specht is talking with Emory Faith, author of The Outlaws.

FQ: Tell our readers a little about yourself. Your background, your interests, and how this led to writing a book.

FAITH: Like everyone, I’m a mixed bag. I grew up in the English countryside, which gave me a strong sense of community, and I've always been fascinated by martial arts and without sounding too dramatic, the future of our planet. Now I'm knee-deep in the UK climate tech scene, which is pretty awesome. All these interests sort of collided in my head and I thought I could create a story. So here we are - a book that's part punch-up, part eco-thriller and of course some romance. I basically wanted to write a story that would make people think without boring them to tears.

FQ: What was the impetus for writing your book?

FAITH: I told the story I wanted to read. My goal was to create a world that I saw we could become in the future and explore its cultural dynamics. I wanted to immerse readers in a society that feels both familiar and unsettlingly possible.

FQ: As an author/writer, what famous author (living or dead), would you like to have dinner with, and why?

FAITH:  Suzanne Collins! I’ll insist that she eats nothing all day and then we’ll do hot wing roulette together. That’s a hunger game!

FQ: Where do you think you've improved the most in your writing process and ability and how do you think you have evolved?

FAITH: Writing, like any skill, getting started is the hardest, but you improve the most through practice. However, it's crucial to step back and assess your craft to avoid hitting a ceiling. The most significant growth for me came from sharing my work and receiving feedback. I sent my first draft to The Literary Consultancy, and their critique was brutal but necessary. It transformed my writing from something I now recognize as subpar into a work I'm proud of.

FQ: If you were to teach a class on the art of writing, what is the one item you would be sure to share with your students and how would you inspire them to get started?

FAITH: I'd emphasize that writing is unique in its limitless potential for imagination. You can create entire worlds exactly as you envision them. This freedom is both exhilarating and challenging – it's what makes writing so rewarding.

FQ: Is this the first book, the second, etc. in the series and how many books do you anticipate writing in this series?

FAITH: This is the first book in a trilogy and it’s setting up for big things to come.

FQ: Do you see your series going longer than originally expected? More stories to write than originally planned?

FAITH: When you create a world, that world tends to generate its own stories. While I have a trilogy planned, I'm open to where the narrative might lead me beyond that.

FQ: Many authors say that it's hard to say good-bye to the characters in a series. Do you think it will be difficult for you? Have they become part of your life?

FAITH: Absolutely. Each character stems from my experiences and imagination, so they become a part of me. Letting go will be challenging, but it's also part of the journey.

FQ: Was the plot worked out completely before you started or did it evolve as you wrote?

FAITH: I knew the rough plot from page one, but it was a skeleton. I wrote the story walking around London typing on my phone and it evolved with the story.

FQ: If a character(s) is based on a real person, what made you decide to do that? Did you tell that person he/she is a character in your story and if so, what was their reaction?

FAITH: Anyone who says their characters aren’t are fibbing! One key character in my book is 100% based on someone close to me. They recognized themselves instantly and were furious! So, we’ll call that a win.

For more information on The Outlaws, please visit the author's website at: emoryfaith.com/the-outlaws.

 #Bookreview of Torment

By: Jeffrey Butler

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: August 27, 2024

ISBN: 979-8891323902

Reviewed by: Rebecca Jane Johnson

Review Date: August 19, 2024

Jeffrey Butler’s debut Torment is vivid detective fiction at its most disturbing. Detective Harper Jones recently lost his partner, Anders Kaplan. Anders was shot while the two men were investigating the homicide of Alison Newton. Newton had been a quiet young woman who worked in food delivery; her seemingly senseless murder in a back alley wracked this once-sleepy seaside town of Wolf Hollow, a quaint summer destination couched between the Blue Ridge mountains and the Atlantic Ocean.

Months after his partner’s murder, Harper is still unable to solve the crime. His trauma and grief prompted his divorce from Angela Renfro, who is a news anchor for the local television station. When someone disinters and rapes Alison Newton’s dead body, Harper finds himself revisited by the ghosts of this unsolved case. Now, begrudgingly taking on a new partner, Detective Jones works with Detective Dunning to piece together a few clues when a third murder occurs at the exact same place with the same gruesome wounds, but the victim is a young man, Kenny Brainwell. Throughout town, speculation abounds: how and why are Alison and Kenny’s murders connected? Is a serial killer on the loose? Others muttered about the fact that they both had worked for Franco Manetti, whom everyone knew used to be connected to the Philly mob.

When the federal marshals pay a visit to Harper Jones’s Chief of police, the plot takes yet another compelling twist. The suspense ramps up when a threat looms large, pursuing Harper’s ex-wife.

This story has all the dramatic gumshoe elements: sexy cops, annoying reporters, a criminal who is as psychologically deranged as he is evasive, locals versus feds, and vivid horror. Since the narrative bounces back and forth between the first person and third person points of view, there are some moments when readers see the perpetrator observing Jones and Dunning from a distance, while he remains undetected; unfortunately, these point of view shifts compromise the detective cleverness. This aspect of the novel felt unsatisfying. It would help to know whether Harper Jones has a successful record as a brilliant detective, that he has solved a major case in the past, maybe something that shows he was considered a local hero? However, such details are never revealed, which made Harper Jones difficult to root for at times.

That said, readers do get to see Harper caring for his ailing mother and visiting his former partner’s wife, which are moments that help develop his human side and reveal how he copes with being haunted by the guilt and trauma of Anders’ death. It is satisfying to see Harper’s human side.

Quill says: Torment is solid detective fiction that can boast an impressive ability to build chilling suspense that, by the end, leaves the reader hungry for the next book.

For more information on Torment, please visit the publisher's website at: atmospherepress.com/books/torment-a-harper-jones-novel-by-jeffrey-butler/

 #Bookreview of Waterborne

By: J. Luke Bennecke

Publisher: Jaytech Publishing

Publication Date: April 8, 2024

ISBN: 978-0965771597

Reviewed by: Tripti Kandari

Review Date: August 18, 2024

J. Luke Bennecke’s Waterborne charts the knotty existence of a civil engineer who must navigate a multifaceted conspiracy of bioterrorism and radical ideology shrouded in the guise of social welfare and a utopian vision.

The story unfolds in Stockholm, California, where the FBI's most-wanted sniper, Gunther, is reveling in his next target, Jake Bendel. A civil engineer and widower scarred by the sorrows of past years, Jake is in a whirlwind only to take a worse course with time. Not only does he wake up in his room with memory loss of recent events and a welt on his neck but also, he discovers that there has been tampering with the security system, which assures his paranoia about his safety. Lo and behold, the tension is only beginning to mount relentlessly: a letter from the IRS reveals that Jake owes a substantial amount of money in back taxes, an event troublesome enough to worsen financial burdens.

Yet, the worst is on the brink. Not only does his friend Dave disappear under cryptic circumstances, but a dangerous virus able to alter human DNA is set loose: a waterborne virus associated with water treatment plants that Jake helped design. Each orchestrated event as a way to destabilize Jake and hurt his ally points to one thing: a force is out to exploit Jake, unleash chaos, and instigate complete pandemonium. The complications for Jake in the future are clear-cut in the light of a menacing message that says, "You are Next."

In the grip of such fate-altering events, there is set loose a high-stake thriller that weaves in conspiracy and the threat of a viral outbreak. It is through the intertwining of journeys of the various subjects that the thriller propels: Cavanaugh, a diligent FBI agent who would conform to the rules of the workforce no matter what, adding to the frustration of Jake amid a gridlock case; and Linda Bennet, a perpetrator and victim, blackmailed into creating and spreading a virus that can modify human DNA. Linda's revelation validates an anticipated scenario: a spark of public fear and paranoia is soon to ignite, with civil unrest looming near. With multifaceted agendas, personal grudges and greed at play, Jake is to navigate a web of deception, marked by masterminds on the road to manipulation, ideological extremism, and personal motives.

Waterborne is an accumulation of thriller, mystery, crime, and psychological drama, which takes a terrain to a social commentary of the vile aspect of human self-superiority and zeal for dominance over others. Referencing Hitler and Himmler, it explores how the intention for a utopian society, at the cost of ethical boundaries and human rights, can lead a society to dystopian outcomes.

The antagonist’s endeavor to take on the "burden" to save humanity, albeit stuffed with his selfish motives, parallels the imperialist ideology. In asserting the superiority of their vision, the masterminds throughout the story present a modern form of imperialism, not in territorial conquest but in the dominance of human minds and even the future of humanity. It is the tug of war between ethics versus ambition and humanism versus authoritarian control that pushes the narrative forward, affirming that the intentions don't always justify the ends.

Bennecke has shaped the narrative to cater to a readership across different genre lines. As the discourse on futuristic technologies and their implication for society serve lovers of techno-thrillers, fans of psychological dramas can appreciate the deep and complex psychological profiles of antagonists and protagonists alike.

Quill says: Waterborne reflects on ambition and ethics, calling for readers to muse on the trade-offs between achieving grand self-righteous goals and the ethical compromises involved in attaining them.

For more information on Waterborne, please visit the author’s website at: www.jlukebennecke.com

 #Bookreview of The New Frontier

By: Wayne L. Wilson

Publisher: Artemesia Publishing

Publication Date: May 14, 2024

ISBN: 9781951122874

Reviewed by: Rebecca Jane Johnson

Review Date: August 13, 2024

Wayne L. Wilson, a masterful author of over 22 books in multiple genres, has written an endearing historical novel for young adults, The New Frontier. This vital story tells of one family’s experience of discrimination in 1960s Los Angeles when they move from the South Central neighborhood to Fisher Place. The narrative traverses an expansive emotional spectrum: sensitivity, humor, friendliness, rage, hatred, stoicism, vigilance, and impudence are displayed by various everyday people. It is a story that bears witness to the harsh and joyous realities endured by the pioneers of racial integration.

When Samual Scott Cole is twelve years old, his father Grant is inspired by a speech given by presidential hopeful John F. Kennedy; Mr. Cole becomes determined to move his African American family to a new home where Sam can have his own bedroom and yard in which to play. Sam’s mother is reluctant, and the Cole family’s community wonders if the move is a wise one.

The first part of the novel shows the family before they move. In the South Central community, Sam’s best friends, Tarelle and Jamelle, are fearsome fighters of the boogey man. Sam is nurtured by Mattie White, the neighborhood childcare giver, who has a genuine love for the Bible and church life. Sam himself gains legendary status among his peers after falling in a manhole and surviving the mythic mole man. When the school bully, Edgar Bradshaw, intimidates Sam into giving him his milk money, Sam’s mother teaches both boys valuable lessons in how to stand up to a bully, work through differences, and cultivate friendships. Sam overcomes his misperceptions about Edgar when he understands the boy’s bully behaviors were an outcome of his difficult home life.

The night before the Coles move, the community throws them a bittersweet going away party, filled with great music, dancing, cake, and joy. This makes the sadness that much more poignant when Sam’s reality changes in his new neighborhood—he had never heard such offensive slurs, nor did he give much heed to his Black identity, until the Coles face violations to their property, threats, nasty letters, and abusive police officers. But Sam’s father meets this adversity like a hero, and Sam is a kid who thrills at learning from his father how to properly shoot the basketball through the hoop. At first, Sam endures friendlessness, until Patsy McGuire, the spirited girl from next door, comes over to play with him. The friendship between these two is precious and well conveyed in this author’s deft hands.

When Sam and Patsy accidentally discover the dark truths about a neighbor, Vernon, the story unfolds with great urgency. It is difficult to put this book down, but as the plot with this dark presence develops, it starts to feel a bit too contrived. While the second half of the novel contains important social commentary and truthful exposé of racial prejudice, it also felt less satisfying than the first half. The pacing gets awkward and Vernon’s character is not as well wrought as the other characters. It felt like the story was trying too hard to entertain, and this took away from the depth of humanity that was conveyed in the first part of the novel. However, this flaw is minor and can easily be overlooked because Patsy, the Cole family and the neighbors, the Wolfbergs, are all so endearing. Also, throughout the book, the dialogue really sings!

This is an important book because it rouses a sense of gratitude toward this courageous family, especially Grant Cole, who endured police brutality and cruel offenses by neighbors. When Grant had to clean dog poop out of his mailbox, Sam describes his father as carrying out this humiliating task, “like he’s picking up shells on the beach.” Anyone might feel encouraged by Mr. Cole’s display of dignity and perseverance. The Cole family, cultivating strength in the face of adversity, demonstrated superhuman levels of tenacity. The Cole family, though fictional, is based on real families who can be remembered and honored as true American heroes who braved the hostile frontiers of racial integration.

Quill says: The New Frontier deserves classic status for its ability to charm the reader with heroes everyone can love.

For more information on The New Frontier, please visit the author’s website at: www.wlwilson.com/

 #Bookreview of Earth's Ecocide: Extinction 3147

By: David A. Collier

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: October 14, 2024

ISBN: 979-8-89132-404-6

Reviewed by: Carolyn Haley

Review Date: August 12, 2024

It’s chilling to think about each of today’s dire issues by itself—climate change, global war, artificial intelligence running amok—but even worse to imagine how they might combine and where that might lead two millennia from now. As in, destruction of the planet and the human species! However, that’s the premise of Earth’s Ecocide: Extinction 3147 by David A. Collier with a positive spin that distinguishes it from other post-apocalyptic fiction.

The author clearly states his purpose: “The Earth’s Ecocide novel series shows both young and adult readers an exciting, adventure-packed, fictional, and cautionary account of humanity’s one-thousand-year struggle to save Earth as a habitable planet. I have two objectives for writing this series: To help awaken humanity to the realities of climate destruction, unregulated artificial intelligence, and disruptive tribal behavior and how it might end, and to encourage movie producers and their firms to make emotional movies about these realities and why we must protect our home.” From page one to the end, including detailed back matter, the author delivers on his intent.

The story centers on the Torg family, who in different roles lead the surviving human population of North America (a sustainable 2,076) in their underground home, Ridge City, built in the caverns of Kentucky. They were driven there by the collapse of Earth’s biosphere, which created a hostile environment—now dominated by the Imperium, a master race of robots who evolved from unchecked AI.

The robots are impervious to the “upside” conditions that threaten biological life forms, as well as void of compassion, emotion, and any other quality that makes them compatible with humans. Their only priority is electricity to keep their world operating. Robots and humans live in uneasy neutrality, since the Imperium have no use for the humans. “Robots in certain regions killed humans, but in other regions, they ignored them much like humans had ignored earthworms.”

That changes when the people of Ridge City start running out of fuel to run their nuclear fusion systems, upon which their lives depend. The only source of replenishment is the Imperium supply, which the humans must steal. Thus begins a ticking-clock story of how they can accomplish this before their systems run down: twenty days and counting.

Three people, two of their own benign robots, and a dog undertake the hazardous mission. They must sneak out of their sanctuary by a secret underwater passage, into a world of scalding heat, toxic air, predatory reptiles and insects, then find the fuel they need to steal, stealing an Imperium vehicle to get there and transport the fuel back, meanwhile constantly dodging Imperium soldiers who have superior vehicles and weapons. They are captured and escape multiple times, each more damaging, as their successes and failures mount.

Ultimately, they must fight the Imperium directly, against impossible odds. So impossible, the story becomes a feverish page-turner because you can’t believe the humans will survive nor believe the author will let you down by letting them die, so you need to know how it turns out!

A metaphysical power enters the story as the dangers escalate. (“But humanity’s demise wasn’t unnoticed. Something far greater than the Imperium was watching.”) This power was established in the previous two volumes of the saga and offers hope against the impossible odds. What it is, how it works, and what it will contribute remain undefined as it integrates with the struggling heroes. But it’s the connecting tissue between the story and the author’s purpose, and injects the positive spin that overarches this tale.

The prose could benefit from another edit to catch typos and funky punctuation; to fine-tune overwriting; and to address contradictory elements, such as the “upside” world being presented as so severely toxic that almost all life on Earth has been destroyed, yet once the characters are out there, they encounter all sorts of recognizable creatures and plant life and are able to survive in a conventional manner. Aside from these minor technicalities, the story, characters, and scenario are plausible and the book hard to put down.

Quill says: Earth's Ecocide: Extinction 3147 will keep you up at night in suspense, while at the same time inspiring you to do your part in saving the world.

 #Bookreview of When Power Fails

By: Gary D. McGugan

Publication Date: July 29, 2024

ISBN: 978-1-7779049-8-2

Reviewed by: Trix Lee-Rainwater

Review Date: August 12, 2024

When unrelenting enemies are determined to bring your empire down, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Let’s find out more in When Power Fails, the 8th book of the Multima Saga by Gary McGugan.

The story opens with Suzanne Simpson, the CEO of the multinational conglomerate Multima, having just negotiated a transformative acquisition of Jeffersons Stores, a major supermarket chain in the American Southwest. With the ink barely dry on the contract, Suzanne and her top team must confront a daunting array of challenges, from integrating the new business to securing the financing required to close the deal on an impossibly short timeframe.

Complicating matters further is the looming threat of a devastating cyberattack orchestrated by Fidelia Morales, the head of a ruthless criminal organization known as "The Organization." As Suzanne and her chief of security, Serge Boisvert, work tirelessly to fortify Multima's computer systems against the impending cyberattack, a new complication arises - the discovery of a troubling connection between one of their most trusted executives, Gordon Goodfellow, and Amber Chan, a rising executive brought in to lead the Jeffersons Stores integration. Unknown to Multima’s management team, Amber is secretly colluding with the Japanese Yakuza crime syndicate, plotting to sabotage Multima. Torn between loyalty to his employer and his growing affection for Amber, Gordon finds himself descending down a treacherous path of moral compromise, his judgment clouded by passion and the lure of personal gain.

As the deadline to complete the Jeffersons Stores integration approaches, Multima faces a series of attacks - a bombing at one of its stores in Houston, an attempted drone strike on Suzanne's home, and relentless hacking attempts on their systems. It becomes clear that Suzanne and her team are facing a convergence of nefarious forces, each with their own agenda - the Yakuza, a Russian crime syndicate, and a sinister American figure known only as "the Shadow."

When Power Fails by McGugan is the 8th installment of the Multima Saga, a thrilling series that delves into the high-stakes world of the fictional global conglomerate, Multima Corporation. In this latest book, readers are plunged into a battle for power and control. Set against the backdrop of a global conglomerate, this novel delivers suspense, intrigue, and thought-provoking examinations of power and greed, the limits of loyalty, and the price of ambition. McGugan's narrative balances the high-stakes corporate drama with the deeply personal struggles of its characters, particularly Suzanne's journey as she navigates the sacrifices and compromises required to wield power in the modern business world. Her relationship with Multima's chief of security, Serge Boisvert, adds an emotional depth to the narrative as the couple navigates the challenges of their personal and professional lives.

While the intricate web of plot threads and character perspectives can at times feel overwhelming, McGugan's storytelling remains compelling, transporting readers into the treacherous world of corporate espionage, international organized crime, and the devastating consequences of technological vulnerabilities.

Quill says: A thrilling addition to the Multima Saga, When Power Fails is a corporate espionage thriller that serves as an examination of power, greed, loyalty, and the price of ambition in the highest echelons of the business world.

To learn more about When Power Fails, please visit the author's website at: www.garydmcguganbooks.com