The press release we sent out a few days ago to announce the winners of the 2021 Feathered Quill Book Awards is getting picked up by various news outlets. Just another way we work to promote our winning authors' books.
https://yorkpedia.com/2021/02/15/feathered-quill-book-award-winners/
By: Julia Soplop
Illustrated by: Robert Spannring
Published by: Hill Press
Publication Date: July 2020
ISBN: 978-1735111308
Reviewed by: Amy Lignor
Review Date: February 14, 2021
Not only is the horse one of the most elegant, stunning creatures this world has ever been able to claim, but they also carry with them an incredible backstory. This particular book unveils that tale and brings the reader along for a ride that gallops through the events in history that we know about, while delving into the huge role the horse played in each. If you are a fan of either horses or history, this author and illustrator combo definitely came together to make sure you’ll enjoy every page of this story.
Author Julia Soplop collected a ton of research, beginning her book fifty-five million years ago where she focused on the Great Plains and the evolution of the horse. The tale is a journey that leads the reader through the horses’ extinction across North America and how the Spanish culture and people reintroduced the animal to the continent. We ride from the 1500’s through the 1700’s, and are shown various consequences that came about when the native people gained ownership of the horse, and how the animal’s numbers proceeded to expand into the packs of wild horses that were once found across the West. The horse was a major necessity for battles, as everyone knows, and this book spotlights some of the most skilled and brutal warriors from the past who played major roles in how the country was shaped. From the Comanche, who basically battled and stopped anyone from exploring, developing and building upon the Great Plains for almost two centuries; to the eastern half of the U.S., where the Chickasaw horse and the early horses of the Colonies were introduced – the author hits all eras.
This fascinating read then heads through both the East and the West during the 1800’s. After Soplop goes through the Revolutionary War, she moves forward to unveil some of the most interesting moments in American history. We are led onto the battlefields of the Civil War; we find ourselves learning about the miners in the Old West, and even how the Pony Express first came together – every major role the horse played in order to get the job done and move the country closer to creating a larger, more powerful unit in the future.
The horses take those steps for us, and you will take note of all the work and strength they gave to this country and its people. We see them defending nations, racing in the Kentucky Derby as the sport became introduced, their ability to haul minecars and families going across the prairie, and even with a cowboy or rancher sitting on top who brought order and industry to one and all. You even get to know the data of the 1900’s, and witness the domestication of the animals, the introduction of the automobile and how it presented them with their decline, and so much more.
The servitude and companionship horses have given over time is immense; their list of benefits are too long to name, but this is one author who found a way to present this information in a clear, entertaining, and truly fascinating style. Skillfully combining science, politics, industry, and more, the author was able to put together, quite literally, a tale that shows you all you need to know about how the horse changed our very nation. Add to that the stunning pictures and drawings, and you have a book that you will read again and again.
Quill says: This is an intelligent read that shows, hands-down, why the horse has been one of the most powerful and beautiful influences on our world.
By: Richard Alan Drummond
Published by: Page Publishing, Inc.
Publication Date: August 3, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-6624-0683-6
Reviewed By: Amy Lignor
Review Date: February 13, 2021
Hurricane Katrina: One Man's Defining Moment of Reference, is an emotional roller-coaster ride that will have you taking more than a few deep breaths as you move along. This comes from the fact that the author not only did an amazing job sharing his personal trauma and the choices he made, but also leads the reader into what can only be called a nightmare. The only problem is this moment in time was not a “horrible dream,” it was a very real one that he and many others had to live through on August 29, 2005. It was the reality of Hurricane Katrina assailing the northern Gulf of Mexico’s entire coastline—bringing with it harm, tragedy, and fear before leaving a broken community in its wake.
Mr. Drummond begins the story before then, however, and builds it in a way that will not only shock you, but will take you back to that exact period in time where you will serve as a real witness to the trauma that unfolded. Beginning on August 23rd, the author was utilizing his skills as a landscape architect to work on a project at a local congressman’s house. At this time, he was one of the ones curious about the path of this particular tropical storm, but more involved in his daily work and life.
Growing up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, storm warnings were quite natural; hurricane season occurs each and every year, but this was one of those rare times when people were on-edge. It almost felt like some “impending doom” was circulating through their community of Biloxi. This was also the year (2005) that became recorded in history as being the most active hurricane season ever seen. In fact, it was only the next day, on the 24th of August, that the author noted residents and neighbors were visibly nervous as they watched this new storm begin to churn and gear up in the Atlantic, heading on a trajectory that led straight to their doorsteps.
The pages not only build with tension and suspense, but also offer information to help readers understand the intensity of hurricanes, while the author also “rights some truths” when it comes to the fact that Hurricane Katrina actually directly hit Biloxi and not New Orleans, which is what most everyone believes. Even though incredible tidal flooding and damage happened in New Orleans, it was ninety miles due east from them in Biloxi that took the first dead-on hit. The incredible loss for their community was beyond substantial, even if the mainstream media didn’t directly focus on them.
The drama and incredible emotion does not only stem from the impending storm, however; it also comes from Mr. Drummond’s own personal story. He was a man already dealing with depression in his own life. He opens up about the fact that he was in the early stages of divorce and dealing with the pain that comes from that when Hurricane Katrina was getting ready to hit. So not only does the tale place readers in the eye of this frightening storm, but the combination of Mr. Drummond’s own trauma and pictures (i.e., submerged cars in driveways; water lines on houses that climbed to terrifying heights, and more), make this a unique, emotional perspective. From National Guard soldiers trying to bring safety to the town, to the shocking amount of work that came from having to clean up and attempt to restore homes, you learn of the strength and power these people had to come together in order to rebuild and move forward.
The author’s own world is also changed after the storm. Beginning when he was physically hurt and had to go on drugs in order to help himself get through the day, he goes on to unveil the difficult path he had to take through disintegrating relationships and the increase of drug abuse through such horrible times. He offers hope to those who need human kindness and comfort, and explains how even though the tolls in life can be high, a person can be saved just like a community can. This is a true story of survival and how one man found a way to be happy.
Quill says: Like a dramatic action movie, but mixed with pure emotion, this book will leave a lasting imprint on your mind and heart.
By: Deborah Stevenson
Illustrated by: Stella Mongodi
Publisher: Frog Prince Books
Publication Date: April 2021
ISBN: 978-1734824230
Reviewed by: Holly Connors
Review Date: February 2021
Special friendships and cherished memories are the focal point of author Deborah Stevenson's newest children's book, The Green Woolen Fedora.
Nora is getting ready to go meet her good friend Lenny so they can go see the newest movie playing in town. Because it's a bit cold and windy out, Nora puts on her coat and to top off her outfit, a lovely green fedora.
When the friends meet up, Lenny is curious about Nora's hat. "It's called a fedora!" she explains. Lenny thinks the hat is neat and asks if he can try it on. Nora happily agrees and Lenny puts it on his head. A few smiles and giggles and then Lenny holds out the hat to hand it back. But unfortunately, at that exact moment, a burst of wind charges through and grabs the hat. It flies away and in a moment it's gone.
"The hat whirled and twirled through the air like a top...
out over the river, the wind let it drop."
A river rat watches the hat fly about and plop into the river. She races to the hat, now upside down, floating on the river and immediately decides it's the perfect new home for her. Poor Nora is desperate as the hat is very special to her. Lenny wants to help his friend get the hat back and comes up with a plan. Will it be enough to get the hat back to Nora?
Author Deborah Stevenson has a plethora of fantastic children's books (I've reviewed several), all centered around animals. Her newest book, however, is a bit of a departure. While many of her other books are written in verse, as is this one, and there are animals in The Green Woolen Fedora, animals are not the main focus. Rather, this book focuses on a close friendship (Nora and Lenny) and what friends will do for each other, simply to help. And the reason that fedora is so special? When you learn the reason, it will leave a warm, fuzzy feeling in your heart. The Green Woolen Fedora is definitely a departure for Stevenson, but like her other books, it's one you should add to your child's bookshelf.
Quill says: The Green Woolen Fedora is a heartfelt tribute to friendship and special memories shared with grandparents. Sweet and fun, it's sure to delight young readers.
For more information on The Green Woolen Fedora, please visit the publisher's website at: www.frogprincebooks.net
Feathered Quill Book Reviews is excited to announce the winners of our annual book award program. The 2021 Feathered Quill Book Awards has just posted all of the winners and finalists to our website. We have also sent all winners an email with the judges' comments for their books. If you nominated a book but didn't place, feel free to contact as at admin@featheredquill.com for your judges' comments.
This year the judges certainly had their work cut out for them. Normally we see about a 20% increase in nominations each year, but this year we saw an astonishing 80% increase! We are humbled and appreciative of the author community supporting our award program with their nominations. Our judges work very hard to give each book an honest critique that will help each author promote their book, or, in some cases, improve their book.
A complete list of winners can be found on our website at:
https://featheredquill.com/feathered-quill-book-awards-2021-winners/
By: R.J. Seiler
Publication Date: March 21
ISBN: 979-8579100696
Reviewed by: Risah Salazar
Review Date: February 9, 2021
Everyone vies for a perfect body, a perfect mind, a perfect life. But how far is one willing to go down that road? Is genetic enhancement really the road to happiness, or is it a monster lurking in the distance, waiting to attack when the time is right?
Quinn Conner, a 22-year old genetically-enhanced male, was found dead near his father’s property after attending a company holiday party. He was the second son of Henry “Hawke” and Abby Conner, and the younger brother of Alex. Hawke is the founder and CEO of Genetic Services International (GSI), working closely with his best friend Gordon Kelly, who started Genlabs, a subsidiary of GSI. These two gene kingpins earned billions when the age of genetic enhancements boomed.
Given his social status and being the iconic second-generation designer baby, Quinn’s death calls the attention of the federal government that decides to keep it from the public for now. FBI Agent Charlie Edmo, the assigned chief of investigation for this case, suspects that Quinn’s death is not of natural causes, looking at how the body was moved and potentially targeted a few days later, under the guise of a terrorist attack.
That aside, several more second-generation genetically-enhanced males have been reported dead under the same suspicious conditions. Consequently, the FBI taps the help of Drs. Lois Peck and Marion Harper of the CDC to look for results. During the investigation, a classified report comes to the surface which might be the motive for killing Quinn. It might also have the answers to the other suspicious deaths...
The suspense begins right away in The Engine of Survival with a heart-racing scene. Set in 2050 with a diverse set of characters and a generally engaging plot, great imagery slowly fills the senses. Though the pacing takes its time, the world-building is impeccable. However, over time the long backstories do not seem necessary. While a story’s foundation is incredibly important, writing too much of it bores the audience, especially those who just want to focus on the current proceedings.
Quite a number of typos and a few inconsistencies have been found. Sentence construction on some lines can definitely be improved. There are instances where certain words and lines are repetitively used, much like an annoying advertisement. Likewise, character names are also repetitive (there are two Henrys and two Franks), leading to confusion. Some are also hard to differentiate from one another as they often start with the same letter (Ben, Brad, Brent, Anna, Abby).
Although the book is set in 2050 and tackles futuristic social issues, these scenarios, to be honest, are not far from today. Typical to its science fiction nature, Seiler gives a clear understanding of how things can greatly improve with technology, and how badly things can fall apart when it fails. As with everything else, the higher the flight, the harder the fall.
Quill says: The Engine of Survival entertains but fails to captivate completely.
