Book Review | Jean-Claude Van Itallie | Tea With Demons

Tea with Demons • Games of Transformation

This book was sent to me for free. This book was sent to me by the publisher. I was sent this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Author: Jean-Claude Van Itallie

Title: Tea With Demons

Genre: Medical, Psychology, Applied Psychology, Health, Fitness And Dieting, Arts And Photography, Performing Arts, Theater

Pages: 181

Price: £24.95

Started: 19th September 2016

Finished: 22nd September 2016

Synopsis: Games of transformation are playful daily practices that flow like a constant brook over the stubborn stones of our old self-destructive patterns, thus slowly wearing them down and washing them away to reveal the stream bed of our basic good nature. Enjoy the games in this book like rich chocolate cake - in small portions. Each day, don't bite off more than you can chew but chew thoroughly what you bite off. If you play the games regularly, they will become the way you live your life. 

Review: I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book and the author, Jean-Claude Van Itallie, for writing such an amazing book. After starting the book I was not sure that I would be able to read through the whole book. However, I did persevere and found that the further through the book I got, the more interesting the book became. I found myself to be completely immersed in this book. No matter what came up I found that I just didn't want to stop reading. I am not sure what it is about this book that makes it so gripping but I was 100% hooked to this book. No matter how hard I try I cannot put into words the way that this book made me feel or what I thought when reading this book. All I know is that this book caused a change within me but again I cannot explain what that change is; I just feel different after finishing this book. I would highly recommend this book as it is an interesting and brilliant read that will make you evaluate the way that you think about yourself and how you are living your life. This book will be a valuable investment for any and all book collections. There is just something about this book that makes you feel different inside.  

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | Victor A. Davis | Grains Of Sand

Grains Of Sand: A Collection By Victor A. Davis

I received this book for free from the author. This book was sent to me through Goodreads. The author, Victor A. Davis, sent me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Author: Victor A. Davis

Title: Grains Of Sand

Genre: Fiction, Literature, Short Story, Contemporary

Synopsis: In this beautifully lyrical collection, Victor A. Davis delivers twelve emotionally charged short stories exploring the depths of his imagination. 

A peasant discovers true wealth in a field of clovers. 

The paths of a pizza delivery boy, a snowman and an iceman cross in unexpected ways.

A chick hatches late and must face incredible odds to reunite with the flock that left her behind.

A young Irish immigrant watches a mysterious girl through his bedroom window.

A boy wonders into another world in search of his little brother. 

An aging family man must accept the defining decision that shaped his life. 

These tales and more will keep your flashlight burning beneath the covers through the night, and will have you guessing right to the end. 

Review:  I would like to thank that author for entrusting a copy of this book to me and for giving me the chance to read such an amazing collection of short stories. This collection was truly an amazing read. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any reader, to those who love to read all the time or to those who are just getting into reading and don't read a lot. This book is worthy of a place on any and every bookshelf. I know that this book will have a permanent place on my shelves and in my mind. I will definitely indulge in this book again in the future.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Author Interview | Hank Quense | Moxie's Problem

Faux News Network in cooperation with Strange Worlds Publishing is excited to present this interview of author Hank Quense by Marcia Hammerhead, FNN’s cultural reporter.  And now, Here’s Marcia.

Marcia Hammerhead:  if there is anything worse than an author who writes genre trash, it's a prolific author who writes gene trash.  My latest assignment is to interview, once again, prolific author of genre trash, Hank Quense.  His newest genre trash is called Moxie's Problem. According to Quense, it is a coming-of-age novel that takes place against a backdrop of Camelot.  If we're lucky, Quense will have left the lovely Camelot legends unchanged.  I doubt that will happen.  Well, I may as well get this onerous assignment over with.

MH: Mr Quense, in Falstaff’s Big Gamble, you utterly destroyed two of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, Othello and Hamlet.  In Wotan’s Dilemma, you forever damaged Richard Wagner’s reputation and his Ring Cycle of operas.  What possessed you to write yet another genre novel instead of a literary work that would enshrine your name in history?  Nothing says talent like an incomprehensible work that befuddles critics and readers.

HQ: To me, literary works are boring.  Thousands of words without any action.  On the other hand, my genre trash, as you call it, is filled with action, humor, satire and entertainment.  I love writing stories like this, Martha.

MH: Action, humor and entertainment have no place in real literature.  True literary novelists rely on many, many words to hold the readers' attention.   Are there any literary elements in your new novel?

HQ: I hope not.  The story is about a teenage princess, Moxie, who struggles to come to grips with a reality that is quite different from the world she grew up in, her father's castle.  The book also has a number of unusual activities in it.

MH: I'm sure I'll regret asking this, but what unusual activities are you talking about?

HQ: In my story I have a retelling of part of the Robin Hood legends.  I have the witches from Shakespeare's MacBeth, and even the Tristan & Isolde legend, sort of. The  Saxon invaders concentrate on beating the Knights of the Round Table football team.

MH: Good Heavens! This is even worse than I anticipated.  How can you possibly justify all this disconnected nonsense in one story?

HQ: That was the easy part, Margo.  I just sprinkled some sci-fi dust on the plot.  Once I did that, I realized this Camelot wasn't the Camelot of the traditional legends.  My Camelot is in a different parallel universe.  So all bets are off and I'm limited only by my imagination.

MH: This is an outage,  The Camelot traditions and legends are part of the English-speaking culture.  How dare you play fast-and-loose with Camelot.

HQ: Sorry, Margaret.  It's my job to rewrite stuff like this in order to entertain readers.

MH: That's preposterous.  The purpose of literature isn't to entertain readers, it's purpose is to give them weighty subjects to discuss at prestigious cocktail parties.  Since we are so far apart, I must terminate this interview.  You've wasted enough of my time. And my name is Marcia!

HQ: Thanks for talking to me, Mary.

FNN apologizes for Ms Hammerhead’s strident tone.  We will schedule her for additional training courses on how to get along with people. 

Book Promo | Hank Quense | Moxie's Problem

Title: Moxie’s Problem (Book #1)

Author: Hank Quense

Pages: 294

Genre: Fantasy

Book Description:

Do you enjoy untypical coming-of-age stories? Well you find one more untypical that Moxie’s Problem. Moxie is an obnoxious, teen-age princess who has never been outside her father’s castle. Until now. The real world is quite different and she struggles to come to grips with reality. The story takes place against a backdrop of Camelot. But it isn’t the Camelot of legends. It’s Camelot in a parallel universe. So, all bets are off!

Purchase a copy on Amazon.


About the Author:

Hank Quense writes humorous and satiric scifi and fantasy stories. He also writes about fiction writing and self-publishing. He has published 14 books and 50 short stories along with a few dozen articles. He often lectures on fiction writing and publishing and has a series of guides covering the basics on each subject. He is currently working on a series of two humorous novels that take place in the Camelot era. 

He and his wife, Pat, usually vacation in another galaxy or parallel universe. They also time travel occasionally when Hank is searching for new story ideas.

Visit Hank's websites: http://hank-quense.com/wp and http://strangeworldsonline.com/wp

Follow the Tour!

March 28 - Margaret Reviews Books

March 29 - Book Wormie Spot

March 30 - Working Mommy Journal

March 31 - Bound 2 Escape

April 1 - Donna Book Reviews

April 4 - Mels Shelves

April 5 - Deal Sharing Aunt

April 6 - Whispering Stories

April 7 - Genuine Jenn

April 8 - Pari and Books Blog & Fiction Dreams

Book Review | Michael Philip Cash | Monsterland

Monsterland

I received this book for free from the author. This book was sent to me through Bostick Communications. I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Author: Michael Phillip Cash
Title: Monsterland
Genre: Horror, Fiction, Paranormal, Fantasy, Young Adult

Synopsis: All guests can interact with real vampires in Vampire Village, be chased by actual werewolves on the River Run and walk among the dead in Zombieville. Wyatt, Melvin and Howard, three unpopular high school friends are stuck in Copper Valley, California. Nerdy Howard Drucker is oblivious to social cues, Melvin is an oddball outcast and Wyatt is in love with the unattainable Jade - the most popular girl in school. Due to a fortuitous circumstance, they are invited to the star-studded opening of monsterland. In a theme park full of real vampires, werewolves and zombies, what could possibly go wrong?

Review: I would like to thank the author, Michael Phillip Cash, for giving me the chance to read another of his amazing books. Previously, I have read two other books by Michael Phillip Cash and they just blew me away with the amazing storylines and how they kept me hooked on the book so when I came to this one I had high hopes for how much I would love this book. After reading other books by this author, I was very excited to jump into this book. The anticipation for this book mounted with every moment and I have to say that this book did not disappoint. The anticipation for this book was definitely justified as this book was absolutely amazing and it was worth every minute that I spent reading this book. I found it easy to get into this book and then just could not bring myself to put this book down. This is a gripping book that I would recommend to anyone interested in trying out a new author and come out their book comfort zone. This book is worth reading for those who enjoy or favour young adult and fictional stories. This book will remain in my book collection forever and Michael Phillip Cash will always be an auto-buy author for me in the future. I loved these books so much that I need to have all of Michael's books in my life and on my shelves. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Promo | Mary Lynn Cooper | Always, My Valentine

Always, My Valentine

Title: Always, My Valentine

Author: Mary Lynn Cooper

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Fiction

Publish Date: 25th January 2016

Pages: 377

Book Synopsis: Damn you, Matthew Philippe Warwick! For as long as Trisha Valentine James can remember, Matthew has been obnoxious, rude, condescending…with the most beautiful green eyes she has ever seen. She tries to forget their painful past, along with the longing she holds deep in her heart for the smart, wealthy and funny bachelor. But it’s not so easy to forget one of London’s most eligible bachelors, not when he dances the waltz with you under the evening sky. And just when she thinks she has it all figured out, Matthew walks back into her life. What’s a girl to do? Despite having a beautiful face, a stellar career and a hefty trust fund at her disposal, Trisha can’t seem to grasp the love of the man she’s wanted all her life. And if seeing him again wasn't enough to throw Trisha off, he pulls her out of the comforts of her work, her adorable friends, Luis and Darcey, and thrusts her into the limelight, into a world where gossip bloggers and the paparazzi can’t get enough of London’s elite. With a champagne flute in one hand and the arm of a dashing date in another, can Trisha handle the heat? And when Matthew brings along his two equally gorgeous brothers, Leo and Marcus Warwick, into the mix, Trisha just might be writing checks her heart can't cash. Join Trisha as she figures out how to forget Matthew and allow her heart to heal, land the promotion she’s been eyeing and escape the glare of the tabloids. Dine with her at the most opulent places in London, mingle with her friends at parties fit for the crème de la crème, and fall in love with a former flame that even time can’t seem to extinguish. With an amazing ex-boyfriend trying to find his way back into her life, and from a sexy yet vicious Spanish heiress to a pretty but flirty Danish princess clinging to the arms of the one man she truly loves, will Trisha watch her stock plummet? Or will her story end with both a business and marriage proposal?

About the Author: Mary Lynn was educated in Los Angeles, London and Siena. Her first passion is love: loving God, her family and friends. Travel is her second passion. Her affinity for travel extends to learning languages (Italian, French, Korean and Japanese). She's a huge foodie and took up cooking lessons from a chef in London. A sports enthusiast, her favourite athlete is Novak Djokovic. Mary Lynn loves sailing, horse races, polo and poker. London is her home for the moment but a part of her heart will always be in California. She loves meeting artists, actors, athletes and other intriguing personalities. Plenty of scenes in her books are from real experiences she encountered in London and California.

Book Promo | Mary Lynn Cooper | Be Mine This Christmas

Be Mine This Christmas

Title: Be Mine This Christmas

Author: Mary Lynn Cooper

Genre:   Fiction, Romance, Romantic Comedy, Contemporary, 

Publish Date: 14th December 2015

Pages: 253

Book Synopsis:Meet Darcey Vaughn--no husband, no children and no proper job, the female version of her generation’s Peter Pan. At thirty, Darcey has a dead end job and her last boyfriend recently left her for a Russian Barbie doll. But despite her romance and career woes, she’s honest, holds on to an irrepressible spirit and is one very loyal friend. And things are about to change for Miss Vaughn. Weeks before Christmas, Darcey finds herself caught up in a love triangle of a lifetime involving, not just one but, three handsome gentlemen. Meet Dimitri, the hot Greek superhero with all the right trimmings. But there’s also something elusive about her neighborhood Superman. Is he the one she’s been waiting for? Will he prove that love is better with the boy-next-door? Or perhaps she wasn't cut to be his Lois Lane. Then there’s Nicholas, a sexy chef who happens to be second in line to an Earldom. He’s charming and can whip up a mean soufflé, except he has list of girlfriends as long as our heroine’s list of angst. With him showing her attention, can love be on the menu? Or is friendship the only thing they’re having for afternoon tea? And of course, let’s not forget Nathan Cromwell--handsome with eyes that peer in your soul. He’s charismatic and a successful executive who happens to spill coffee on Darcey while insulting her at their very first meeting. Will their meet-cute sizzle into a deep romance? Or is theirs an alliance that will lead to a broken heart this Christmas? With Christmas coming up, and with the help of Santa and mistletoe, find out if Darcey will get her wish. Is she naughty or nice? Will she find herself all grown up with a dream job and the man of her dreams? Who will wrap Darcey in his arms this Christmas and utter the words ‘Be mine this Christmas’? This book will have you rooting for the right hero while whisking you away to the most romantic places in London. From five-star hotels that serve delicate fashion-inspired afternoon teas to charming soirees in the quaint English countryside, you'll fall in love this Christmas while taking a trip with Darcey around the most artistic and historic city in the world!

About The Author: Mary Lynn was educated in Los Angeles, London and Siena. Her first passion is love: loving God, her family and friends. Travel is her second passion. Her affinity for travel extends to learning languages (Italian, French, Korean and Japanese). She's a huge foodie and took up cooking lessons from a chef in London. A sports enthusiast, her favourite athlete is Novak Djokovic. Mary Lynn loves sailing, horse races, polo and poker. London is her home for the moment but a part of her heart will always be in California. She loves meeting artists, actors, athletes and other intriguing personalities. Plenty of scenes in her books are from real experiences she encountered in London and California.

Book Review | Peprah Boasiako | Back 2 My Rootz

The Genesis (Back 2 My Rootz)

I received this book for free from the author. I was sent this book to read and review. This book was sent to me after contact with the author on Goodreads.

Author: Peprah Boasiako

Title: Back To My Rootz - The Genesis

Genre: Urban, Urban Life, Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Fantasy, Suspense, Crime

Synopsis: When tragedy strikes King "KD" Diamonds family in Africa at a young age, Black, his uncle decides to migrate him to the US in hopes to get him a better life. Having lost a son of his own, Black looks to fulfil his dreams through his nephew. KD has a plan of his own however, to live a life of crime. Forging an unbreakable bond with brothers, Juan "Dolla" Sanchez and Roberto "Poundz" Sanchez, from his neighbourhood earlier on, the three embark upon a quest with one goal in mind - achieve success in the drug game at all costs. With unshaken loyalty, love and trust among them, and a strong backing, the young men take the streets of New York by storm. The plot thickens when a bloody street war forces KD to retreat to Africa in hiding. The Genesis is the beginning of the tale of an inseparable group of young and reckless men and their journey through the treacherous terrain better known as the streets. 

Review: This literally is amazing and I cannot wait to have the other two books so I can finish the story and have the full trilogy in my collection. I was lost in this book from the minute I opened it up and started reading. There is so much going on in this book and that makes the storyline so interesting. I will definitely be investing in the rest of the trilogy and even the rest of his books. Towards the end of the book, the storyline got deep and interesting. This book ends on a major cliff hanger. I really wish that I had the rest of the trilogy so that I could continue to read the story. Honestly, I nearly cried at the cliff hanger as I was not ready or prepared for the book to end. I would recommend this book to any reader as it is pure perfection and I felt like I was a part of the book and not just reading it. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | Adrian Castaneda | The War Prince: The Son Of The Man

The War Prince: The Son of the Man

I received this book from the author through Bostick Communications. This book was sent to me for free in return for an honest review. 

Author: Adrian Castaneda
Title: The War Prince - The Son Of The Man
Genre: Fiction, Fantasy, Paranormal

Synopsis: The War Prince is a story about "Anthony Cast", a special boy who was not supposed to be born alive. Moments before dying the war prince gave Anthony his heart, giving him a chance at life. With the help of friends, Anthony has to survive all attacks from evil to raise The War Prince, who is reincarnated as his son. 

Review: This is an absolutely amazing book and I was lost in the story straight from the first page. I was so lost in the pages of this book that I just could not bring myself to put it down and stop reading. I had read this book constantly since I picked it up and was saddened by the realization that I had finished it and in such a short space of time. I can see myself settling down with this book again in the near future and for many more years to come. This book will be a permanent part of my extensive book collection. This book shows that with hard work, determination and faith, good will always win. This was such a brilliant story line and it was really easy to follow and keep up with. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading but who especially enjoys fantasy and/or the paranormal. This book would be an asset to any book collection, be it a small or large one. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | Teri J. Dluznieski | Cafe Of The Hungry Ghosts

Cafe' of the Hungry Ghosts: Behind the Veil of Ordinary

Author: Teri J. Dluznieski

Title: Cafe Of The Hungry Ghosts: Behind The Veil Of Ordinary

Genre: Literature, Fiction, Coming Of Age, Occult

Synopsis: There is the world we know: the Seen. All around that, lies the Unseen.

The Shaman stands between these two worlds that weave together in an intricate dance. The Unseen worlds are vast, and filled with things beyond our comprehension. But the Unseen affects us, either way. 

Wayra is one of the last of the Andean Shaman. She grew up learning all the secret mysteries of life and the universe. In school, she studies the Environment. Outside of school, Mountains, rivers, and clouds speak to her. She journeys between the realms of the living, and the dead: tuned into those countless energies that affect our world. In the ordinary world, she struggles to find her place- both as a young adult, and as a healer. A healer in a society that no longer understands the power and importance of cosmic forces. 

At 19, Wayra is coming into her power- finding confidence as she navigates these worlds. Suddenly, there is something new in the Unseen: stalking Wayra. It begins with trivial things, but quickly becomes bigger things. Chaotic terrifying dreams in unknown landscapes become omens of danger to come. Her animal totems disappear from her life, her friends are in danger. The darkness in the Unseen begins consuming her life. Wayra must figure out what the force drawing toward her is, because it might be more than her own personal world at stake. 

Review: This is an excellent book and it kept my attention from start to finish. I just could not bring myself to stop reading and finished the book very quickly. If there was a printed copy of the book then I would be sure to buy it so I could enjoy it over and over again. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to read stories about the occult. This is also a good book for anyone who is an avid reader. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | Katheryn J Avila | Reckoning

Reckoning (The Breach Book 1)

Author: Katheryn J. Avila

Title: The Breach Trilogy: Reckoning

Genre: Literature, Fiction, Action, Adventure, Crime, Thriller, Mystery, Fantasy, Romance, Urban, Teen, Young Adult

Synopsis: “It’s just in your imagination,” her parents said. 

It isn’t until after her parents die that Lexia discovers a secret they did everything to keep from her - that she has supernatural abilities. Her reality is shattered and rewritten with this knowledge, the trauma triggering the powers her parents tried for so long to suppress. 

With the help of her new family - an aunt she didn’t know she had and a pair of twin cousins - Lexia embraces the change and her aunt’s training as a coping mechanism, with all the enthusiasm she can muster. Years later, as a reporter for a local newspaper, her exposure to the supernatural takes a dark turn when she finds herself involved in a series of seemingly random, bloody murders. Lexia discovers the murders are being committed by demons and, faced with the possibility of becoming a target, does everything she can to keep her family safe - even if it means becoming more involved in the supernatural than she’d like. 

In the struggle to keep her family safe, Lexia learns more than she bargained for as she delves deeper into a supernatural war dating back to before she was born. 

Review: This was a fantastic read and I found it really easy to get into as I am a huge fan of crime and mystery stories. I could not stop reading this book and I found that as I was so interested in the book and just could not stop reading it. I would love this book if it was available in a printed copy. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading the genres that are listed above. I like that the story spans across many genres instead of just sitting mainly in the one genre. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | Bill Jacks | The Cobblepotts: Confederate Chipmunks & Carny Cooter

Confederate Chipmunks & Carny Cooter (The Cobblepotts Book 1)

Author: Bill Jacks

Title: The Cobblepotts: Confederate Chipmunks & Carny Cooter

Genre: Short Stories, Literature, Fiction, Humour, Dark Comedy, Satire

Synopsis: Do you crave unoffending fiction? 

A wholesome snack that's low in friction? 

If so, inside you'll find the words 

A greasy feast of tasteless turds 

But those for crass and bawdy wit 

Will savor every bite of shit! 

Welcome to Possum Holler, Mississippi, where critters are served on a stick… and might be related to whatever’s been getting in your trash bin. Home of the chaw chewin, stank walkin, pill swillin, leg missin, finger in a belly, punch you in the damn mouth cuz I done TOLD you bout BREATHIN when i’m WATCHIN THE WRASLIN…Cobblepotts: the most delightful redneck couple you’d never invite over for supper. 

Meet Patty Cobblepott: a certified Yak of a woman. Fueled on potted meat and Mountain Dew, she’ll roll her breasts up and push a Plymouth clear to the freeway, with the E-brake on, and then make balloon animals out of rebar. Her softness of brain is equally mighty; Patty meets all legal requirements for retardation. 

Meet Otis Cobblepott: a well-bearded, Southern sociopath, more than willing to step on man, woman, or child—preferably woman or child—to pursue a sudden flight of fancy. He’s slightly smarter than Patty, but slightly dumber than a Guinea Pig. He enjoys critter documentaries, lawn mower racing, sturdy women, and getting one over on Patty. 

Tag along as the Cobblepotts redefine absurdity and turn simple misunderstandings into barn burning blowouts. Can the world survive such an outrageous pair? Can they even survive each other? Peel back the many, ridiculous layers of this hillbilly onion; you may be disturbed to find that--at the core--the Cobblepotts are a lot like you. 

Southern rooted, pants poopingly hilarious, more clever than your mom, riddled with the best limericks of your life, obscene at times, violent at others, dark and cynical throughout; it’s really kind of a romantic comedy, if that’s possible. It either curb stomps the entire idea of relationships, or offers observations as a bit of hope; you'll have to decide which. One thing's for sure; it's not for the faint of heart. So put grandma to bed, crate your children, and open wide for a whole mess of unfiltered ignorance. 

Review: This is an absolutely fantastic read that I found it really easy to get into. I found that I could not stop reading this book once I had started it. I found this book to be funny and it was a fantastic short story. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good comedy story and likes to lose themselves into a good fiction book. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars