Book Review | Lucia Mann | The Sicilian Veil Of Shame

The Sicilian Veil of Shame

Author: Lucia Mann

Title: The Sicilian Veil Of Shame

Genre: History, Slavery, Child Prostitution, Holocaust

Pages: 329

Price: £12.38

Series: African Freedom

Started: 20th November 2016

Finished: 31st December 2016

Synopsis: The ten year old daughter of a Sicilian mafia boss is cruelly kidnapped from her bedroom on the night of her glamorous birthday celebration. She knows her captor well, and, until this night, has trusted him and held him fondly in her heart. Maria's prospects for rescue plummet as she is sold into child prostitution and eventually sent to a holocaust death camp. Is it possible for a girl so misused for so long to emotionally endure the torment she suffered and still maintain a semblance of normalcy? The quest for an answer leads the reader on a zigzag journey through the bloodline of three generations, ending in the bowels of a mafia mansion on the island of Sicily. In this book, you will experience the profound love of a daughter for her mother, and a granddaughter's misgivings about her crazed grandmother, the matriarch of a battered family:

• Brianna, a successful law student who gives up everything to search for her beloved mother.
• Lynette, Brianna's mother, a survivor of child slavery in South Africa
• Maria, a kidnapped child who endures years of torment to eventually become the most powerful mafia boss in Sicily. 

Lucia Mann's story explores the ugliness of child slavery while it tests our attitudes toward revenge and mental health. 

Review: This is the only book in the African Freedom series that I have bought. The rest were sent to me by Lucia Mann in exchange for honest reviews. When I started to read this book I was falling into a slight reading slump and found it impossible to stay focused on the book for more than a few pages at a time. Despite the reading slump I kept coming back and reading through 3 to 5 pages at a time until I finally beat the reading slump. Once I had beat the reading slump I became fully immersed in the book and found it almost impossible to put the book down and stop reading. This book was as interesting and insightful as the rest of the series. I would highly recommend this book and the rest of the series to anyone with an interest in African history, the history of slavery or just history in general. If investing in this series be sure to read them in the correct order so that the story line of all the books make more sense as a whole. I read these books in the order that I received them so the complete story line was confusing to me at times. Lucia Mann is an amazing author and her books deserve a space in all book collections around the world. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | Simon Laffy | Seed Of Satan

Seed of Satan

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

Author: Simon Laffy

Title: Seed Of Satan

Genre: Historical Fiction, History, Fiction, War

Release Date: 1st October 2016

Pages: 286

Price: £4.99 (Kindle Edition)

Started: 11th September 2016

Finished: 19th September 2016

Synopsis: Some things should not be messed around with. Somewhere, fools are playing with fire. Sometimes, a slight mistake can tip the balance. Someone is about to kill us all. Deep in the heart of the Kaiser's reich, scientists work desperately to produce a form of germ warfare that could provide the elusive breakthrough on the western front, thereby bringing ultimate victory to the central powers. One young englishman is willing to risk his all to try and prevent them from succeeding.

Review: I would like to thank the publisher for sending me and my sister a copy of this book to review (my sister's review will be up at a later date). This was an excellent read and it was worth every second I spent with my head buried in this book. This is a book that I could read many times over and still enjoy it as much as the first time. At the start of the book the plot went by a little slowly so I was worried about getting into it fully but the more I read the better the plot became. Overall, I am glad that I stuck with the book or else I would have regretted not finishing such an amazing book. If I had given up at the start I would not have known how good this book was and my review would have been incomplete as well as incorrect. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and war related books. After reading this story I would definitely read more books by Simon Laffy. In my opinion this a worthy investment and my collection is better off for having this book as a part of it. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | Carole P. Roman | If You Were Me And Lived In ... Elizabethan England

If You Were Me and Lived in... Elizabethan England: Volume 3 (An Introduction to Civilizations Throughout Time)

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

Author: Carole P. Roman
Title: If You Were Me And Lived In ... Elizabethan England
Genre: Fiction, Children's Literature, Historical

Synopsis: Join Carole P. Roman and travel through time to visit the most interesting civilizations throughout history in the first four books of her new series. Learn what kind of food you might eat in Ancient Greece, the clothes you wore in 15th Century Renaissance Italy, what your name could be in Elizabethan England and what Colonial American children did for fun. If you were me and lived in ... does for history what her other award winning series did for culture. So get onboard this time travel machine and discover the world through the eyes of a young person just like you. 

Review: I would like to thank Carole P. Roman for sending me so many of her amazing children's books. I would say that this is a good book for children as it contains lots of historical information that is very educational. The way the information is presented is not overwhelming for children and they will enjoy reading (or being read) this book. The way this book is written and the illustrations make this book interesting and appealing to any child. Any book that makes learning fun and interesting is a good addition to any bookshelf of families that contains young children. I am certain that I would have loved this book as a child. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | Carole P. Roman | If You Were Me And Lived In ... Ancient Greece

If You Were Me and Lived in...Ancient Greece: Volume 1 (An Introduction to Civilizations Throughout Time)

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

Author: Carole P. Roman
Title: If You Were Me And Lived In ... Ancient Greece
Genre: Fiction, Children's Literature, Historical

Synopsis: Join Carole P. Roman and travel through time to visit the most interesting civilizations throughout history in the first four books of her new series. Learn what kind of food you might eat in Ancient Greece, the clothes you wore in fifteenth century Renaissance Italy, what your name would be in Elizabethan England and what Colonial American children did for fun. If you were me and lived in ... does for history what her other award winning series did for culture. So get on board this time travel machine and discover the world through the eyes of a young person just like you. 

Review: I would like to Carole P. Roman for sending me more of her amazing children's books. This is a brilliant children's book that contains lots of historical facts. Although this book is educational, it is not in an overwhelming and boring way so children will still enjoy it. The way this book is written and the illustrations make this book interesting for any child. Any book that makes learning interesting and fun is a must for any household with children. I know that if these books had been around when I was a child, I would have enjoyed reading these and others by Carole P. Roman. 

Rating: 5 out of 5

Book Review | Lucia Mann | Africa's Unfinished Symphony

Africa's Unfinished Symphony

I received this book for free through Bostick Communications. The author sent me this book in exchange for an honest review. Previously, I have reviewed another book, A Veil Of Blood Hangs Over Africa, by Lucia Mann and I thoroughly enjoyed that book so I had high hopes for this book and I was sure that this book would also be an amazing read. 

Author: Lucia Mann

Title: Africa's Unfinished Symphony

Genre: Fiction, Historical, Slavery

Synopsis: A witch doctor's power and his ancient tribal ways cruelly collide with the force and authority of modern Africa. 

Africa is viewed through myriad eyes. You will never forget these characters:

• A young girl forced to endure a painful, cruel and antiquated tribal custom
• The sole survivor of a vicious tribal massacre
• A nun who endures a physical assault that compels her to question her faith
• A disadvantaged school girl who is infected with HIV
• The translucent soul of a murdered friend

While the tale of South Africa in the wake of world war II is riveting, violent and cruel, it also is brimming with stories of kindness, compassion and courage. Africa's unfinished symphony highlights commanding characters who not only bring haunting racial clashes to life but also convey the intense conflicts that existed between archaic customs and modern influences. You will be captivated as you follow the convoluted path of Farida of the ancients battling to become Bertha of the modern world. But are the outcomes of her struggles the best results for her and her beloved Africa? This book will immerse you in historic African themes that will jolt you out of complacency and into compassion.

Review: I would like to thank the author for the chance to read another of her amazing books. This is the second book that I have read by Lucia Mann and it has lived up to the expectations that I had about how much I would love this book based on the first book I read. I am positive that this book will be in my collection for many years to come and that I will settle down in front of the TV with this book many more times in the future. I plan to buy all the rest of Lucia Mann's books. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu & David Brian | Carmilla: The Wolves Of Styria

Carmilla: The Wolves of Styria

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

Author: Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu & David Brian

Title: Carmilla: The Wolves Of Styria

Genre: Horror, Gothic, Vampires, Supernatural, Paranormal, Thriller, Classics, Historical

Synopsis: When fate draws together the lives of two young women, their mutual attraction quickly flourishes into a bond which threatens the boundaries of social etiquette in 1860's Styria. As their relationship continues to develop further, they remain oblivious to the growing horror which surrounds them, as throughout the province other young women begin dying in mysterious circumstances. Meanwhile, others are falling victim to the apparently random attacks of a rampaging pack of wolves. A local doctor named Alvinci desperately attempts to find an explanation for the bizarre deaths, but when the truth is finally revealed, he quickly realises that he is in way over his head. 

Years before the publication of Bram Stoker's Dracula, Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu produced a haunting gothic mystery called Carmilla. Now, more than a hundred years later, David Brian has used much of the original narrative to create a very different version of Carmilla.

Introducing an array of new characters, and touching on subjects that would have been considered taboo during the 1800's. Brian has succeeded in bringing a whole new level of horror and tragedy, to the legend of Carmilla. 

Carmilla: The wolves of Styria is a thrilling ride. A dark romance. A dark and twisting mystery. A gothic classic for the 21st Century.

Review: I would like to thank the author for the chance to read such an amazing book. This is truly such an amazing and interesting book that I find myself somewhat obsessed with. At first I found it hard to get into the book but a few chapters in and I was hooked. I was not able to stop myself from reading this book and could not put it down to do other things. I had my head in this book constantly for many days. I have lost many hours to the reading of this book and I would not change this for anything as it was worth every second I spent lost in the pages of this book. This book will definitely have a permanent place in my collection as well as in my heart. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction about the supernatural beings surrounded by myth. This book is a must for anyone who appreciates getting lost between the pages of a book and a story that feels more real than a book. This book makes you feel like you are experiencing the story through your own eyes and not off the pages of a book. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | Yvonne Jones | The Amulet Of Amser

The Case Of The Mona Lisa: Volume 1 (The Amulet Of Amser)

I received this book from the author through Goodreads. I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Author: Yvonne Jones

Title: The Amulet Of Amser - The Case Of The Mona Lisa

Genre: Historical, Fiction, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Middle Grade

Synopsis: Wen's very first fantasy adventure in the middle grade chapter book series - The Amulet Of Amser - The Case Of The Mona Lisa.

Blending history with fiction, Children learn about famous pieces of art. Wen, the youngest member of the Amser family, is destined by his family's ancient oath to forever protect the world's most precious pieces of art for all of mankind. During a visit to his Grandfather's house, Wen learns that he can influence what will happen tomorrow by going back in time. Will Wen be able to save the Mona Lisa or will Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece be lost forever?

Review: This was a good read and I would definitely be interested in completing this book box set once they are all published.  This is a fun and factual way to teach children about history and art. This book is made up of a very short story so children will not have to sit for ages to hear/read the whole story. The length of the story and the fact that there are illustrations is a good thing as it means that children will not get bored. Mixing fact with fiction will make the book more interesting for children. This is a good way to teach children facts without it feeling like a lesson. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

Book Review | Michael Phillip Cash | The Hanging Tree

The Hanging Tree: A Novella

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

Author: Michael Phillip Cash

Title: The Hanging Tree - A Novella

Genre: Horror, Paranormal, Novella, Mystery, Witches, Ghosts, Young Adult, Fiction, Historical Fiction

Synopsis: Seventeen year old Arielle is at a crossroads in her life. Disenchanted with her father, she is testing the boundaries of his trust by dating someone he does not approve. Under the moonlit sky in Long Island, Arielle and her boyfriend meet under the infamous hanging tree. The couple's destiny is rooted to the five spirits in the tree whose lives and deaths are determined by an ancient curse. Will her future be determined by the past or will her choices alter the course of her life?

Review: This is an excellent read that I found myself lost in. I could not bring myself to put this book down so I spent days with my head in this book. I will be re-reading this book many times over for many years to come. I like how the story line switches between the past and the present with ease. This book has an interesting story line that follows a family and a curse on their family name through many generations. This story shows how making bad or good choices can have an impact on life. This story brings the living and the dead into close proximity and then at the end the dead and the living actually meet. The meeting of the dead and the living brings and end to the curse and the long dead went off into the afterlife. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | Carmen Stevens | Anne

Anne

Author: Carmen Stevens

Title: Anne

Genre: Historical

Synopsis: 18th century England, 14 year old Anne Falkman is an arrogant, desperate orphan trying to live any way she can on the streets of London. Through her desolate, lonely years, a hope was born within her, the hope that fate would bless her and give her lasting happiness. Growing up with an abusive, alcoholic father, Anne has nurtured a fear of men. She also fears marrying and giving birth, which was the death of her mother and caused her father to go mad and violently hate his daughter. When a series of events gives Anne a chance for happiness, she takes it and achieves her dreams, but at what cost? Will she attain the life of happiness that she dreamed of? What choices are the best ones to make?

Review: This is an excellent read that I could just not stop reading. I read this book in a short time and I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good read and getting lost in a book. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | Lucia Mann | A Veil Of Blood Hangs Over Africa | Bostick Communications

A Veil of Blood Hangs Over Africa: The Birthplace of Slavery

Author: Lucia Mann

Title: A Veil Of Blood Hangs Over Africa: The Birthplace Of Slavery

Genre: Historical, Fiction

Synopsis: The grief of the newly captured slaves was overpowered only by the lecherous brutality of their master. From a humble Tswanas Kraal to an opulent South African estate, you will be held captive by Lucia Mann's interweaving stories of loss, cruelty, courage and hope. You will never forget the characters who bring this tale so vividly to life. 

- Mabali - Who was stolen from the comfort of her ancient homeland and forced to endure decades of agony and ruthlessness.

- Nobuntu - who discovered the purity of love in the filth of a slave estate and who would ultimately give birth to zulu kings. 

- Shiya - The offspring of a white slave child who was forced to suffer the same indignities her mother suffered.

- Nigel and Alan Hallworthy - two cruel and callous men who inherited fortune and bought protection from their evil deeds.

- Brianna - Shiya's modern day heir who struggled to make sense of a history that was slowly eating away at her. 

This multi-generational tale takes one on a journey that starts with an encircling rope net; progresses to a filthy stifling slave ship; and ends at a rich slave estate where unthinkable acts take place. The thorny history of the birthplace of slavery comes to life with unforgettable characters yearning for liberty, meaning and justice. 

Review: This was an excellent read and I just couldn't bring myself to stop reading and put the book down. I am strongly against racism and slavery so it was saddening to read this book. This book outlines the true nature of slavery and how slaves were treated. It was very saddening to read how slaves were treated and that pretty much nobody cared enough to try and help them and that those who did care were disposed of by the rich and it was not investigated. Those who stood up for what was right where killed without there being any consequences. There is a mix of stories throughout this book that all interweave together. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read historical accounts of slavery and the cruelty that slaves had to endure. This is a fictional book but the cruelty shown in this book would have been real for people who were actually slaves. This book is factual in how the slaves were treated and abused by their white masters even though the characters are not real. The white masters thought that they were above the law because they were rich and could afford to pay bribes. There are many issues faced in this book such as interracial marriage(which was illegal), racism(which is still as strong today as it was then) and the apartheid which meant that there was a separation between black and white people. 

I would like to thank Bostick Communications and Lucia Mann for sending me this book for free for review. Bostick Communications is a company that deals with press releases and they send out free books to book reviewers so that the books and authors can gain recognition. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Book Review | Preeti G | I Am An Angel's Daughter

I am an Angel's daughter

Author: Preeti G

Title: Angel’s Daughter: An inspiring story, I am an angel’s daughter

Genre: Biographical, fiction, contemporary, women

Synopsis: At the age of seven, when Ganga is diagnosed with polio, she doesn’t allow it to kill her spirit. Instead, she fills her life with renewed optimism and an undying philanthropism, inspiring the world around her. Her fight against poverty and discrimination for her disability becomes stronger as she grows up amidst highly defeating barriers of religious orthodoxy. 
Love comes in the form of Paul, lighting up the dreams extinguished in her long ago. But, later when this very love threatens her identity and choices, she keeps her faith alive, despite incidents around her failing her. 
Years later, yet another shocking fatality is secretly planning its attack on her. Will she fall frail to the gall of this new adversity? Will this cruel twist of fate bring untold changes to her loved ones’ lives? 

Review: This is an excellent read and I found it really easy to get into.  I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to read biographical stories.  This is a sad story to read as the child is ill but it is inspiring as she does not let it get her down.

Star rating:   5 out of 5