The Albatross Contact (Publication Review)

 

https://www.thealbatrossseries.com/boosktore.html

The Albatross Contact

By, Connor Mackay

HUGEOrange Publication Review

Winner of the 2020 Editor’s’ Pick Award

Don’t you love finding a new book you can devour and rave about to your friends? This is science fiction at its best. Connor Mackay is an author who certainly has a way with words; his writing is poetic at times.

As the blood curdled in our veins, several of the squad sat or knelt in the mud, despair crippling their legs. Strength forged in countless battles crumbled with the ruins of the world around us. Something was so profoundly different here. This wasn’t Stormwater or Cerberus or Forge or Prima or any of the other places we’d shed blood. This was our world. This was home.

It’s packed with gritty dialog and scenes so vivid I felt like I was watching a movie.  Many action scenes are so well written, you cannot put down the book down until they’re done. Don’t read this on a bus or you will miss your stop. Will is a flawed main character (the best kind!) with a military background that loves alcohol a little too much.  What a fantastic first book in what will certainly be an epic series. You have the classic science fiction alien invasion of Earth, but with some original twists. The first encounter isn’t here to invade or do classic alien story tropes.  They’re here because they need humans to help fight their war.

The introduction of new technology, alien species and a war in space leads to some interesting scenes.  Connor Mackay is a talented writer that absolutely hits the nail on the head with this one.  Suspense, mystery and tension are consistent chapter to chapter.  The author knows how to spin a tale and does a fantastic job of character and world-building.

This is an expansive universe with characters you can really get behind as the reader.  I can hardly wait for the next installment. 

The Summer House in Santorini: A wonderfully uplifting romance novel to escape lockdown with!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JHLMQFV/

‘Oh my gosh I LOVED IT! This was honestly one of the best books I've read in a long while’ Georgina, Goodreads

One summer in Greece will change everything…

Anna’s running away. From a failed relationship, a dead-end career and a complicated family life.

On the island of Santorini, with its picturesque villas, blue-tiled roofs, and the turquoise waters of the Aegean lapping at the white sand beaches, Anna inherits a less-than-picturesque summer house from her estranged father.

As she rebuilds the house, she rebuilds her life, uncovering family secrets along the way that will change everything. She soon starts to fall for her little slice of paradise, as well as for gorgeous, charming Nikos.

Will Anna lose her heart in more ways than one?

Brimming with secrets and sunlight, this is the perfect holiday read for fans of Alex Brown, Jill Mansell and Sue Moorcroft.

Readers LOVE Samantha Parks!

‘Wow, what an amazing debut book. Samantha Parks’s writing style had me gripped from the very first page’ Faith, Twitter

‘Will 110% make you want to visit Santorini!’ Stacey, The Cosiest Corner Book Blog

‘Gorgeous… thank you Samantha Parks for delightful book!’ Margaret, Netgalley

‘Lovely and heartfelt’ Cheryl M-M’s Book Blog

‘Perfect chick lit!’ Christie, Instagram

‘A glorious summer holiday read’ Ruth, top 100 Amazon reviewer

‘A lovely romance set among rustic villages and white sandy beaches. What more could you ask for?’ Angela, Goodreads

Canticle of the Spear (Publication Review)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08C288D8N/

HUGEOrange Publication Review

Editor’s Pick Award Winner 2020

Canticle of the Spear, by S.C. Terlecky

Canticle of the Spear is a wonderful fantasy tale of adventure and thrills.  It’s everything you want from a well-woven story with unique worlds, undiscovered lands and mystery. 

     The rising sun painted a winding pattern of rocks cutting through a dense forest of vines and colossal trees. A thick fog rose to the treetops like the growing froth from a freshly poured ale. To Pike’s back loomed the gigantic mountain wall that had stopped explorer hopefuls like himself since the beginning of time. And there was something else, a faint melody in the sanctuary of his mind. Something he could swear he’d never heard before, and yet it was familiar. It was a faint whisper that he yearned to hear more clearly. As abruptly as he noticed it, the sound disappeared. How strange, he wondered in a whisper.

The worldbuilding is great with a map guide of the known world at the front of the book.  The author does a great job of holding mystery and tension between chapters, encouraging interest throughout the book.  From the first mention of a man-hunting beast to the scenes that come after, you will be on the edge of your seat.

There are a lot of characters in the book, with many coming and going.  Each is fleshed out appropriately to give them enough depth and meaning. The main protagonist, Pike, is easy for the reader to like and follow.  Smart enough for the reader to have faith in, but enough flaws to make him believable.  Pike is a man that I liked and cared about for his morals and honesty.  There’s plenty of action during his adventures and scrapes too, which are hard to put down once they begin.

This is a bold book that does a great job of introducing the world, characters and scenes while keeping the flow and story moving. 

The story engages and builds suspense every step of the way.  It pulls you in as a reader. You feel present in the scenes since the writing draws the surrounding environment in.

Jada looked at him, her face horrified. “You will kill the beast?” The conversations stopped, and now everyone around the bar seemed to be listening.

I’m not giving anything away, but the ending felt right.  The plot works and the writing impresses. I had a ball reading it, give it a try, you probably will too.

The Art of Reprogramming Your Subconscious (Author Interview)

www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08BW84CXQ/

Thanks for agreeing to do this interview and share with our readers about your work and efforts as a humanitarian. Please introduce yourself. Who is Delia Keane?

Thank you, for this exposure. I am privileged to reach out to all my readers, more personally rather than through books. Let’s take Delia as a third person, I believe our worldly identities are not who we really are inside. Delia is a charming 43 old girl. She grew up in London and now she lives in a horse farm that’s also a wellness centre in Ireland. Delia loves everything that has a consciousness, we commonly understand it as life , especially animals. She is blessed with a beautiful 10 year old daughter , Savannah . Everything in this world is connected to each other, and without each other’s help and support, life wouldn’t exist in the Universe. In this context Delia is so blessed to have the ability to read the intricacies of problematic minds of people and help them to extirpate the tiniest roots that is the cause of the biggest problem in their life. After that Delia then helps them to rejuvenate their innate vivacity of their sub conscious mind that brings them into the state of everlasting peace and harmony.

Tell us about your childhood. How was life for you growing up?

As I have already told. I grew up in London. An urbanised crowd observing each other’s pace more than they look at their own face into the mirror. I was a happy lone ranger. This gave me time to see the deeper aspects of things around me. The time was slow for me because I wasn’t spending time looking at other’s plates rather than enjoying with gratitude , my own plate of Wonderfull dishes. I was always in the abundant part of my mind as I could see so many things happening beautifully around me. There was always a connection that guided me thought my life. So, imagine if your connection helped you save time, money and stay safe? Your heightened intuition will then speak to you throughout the day and in your dreams and it's endlessly helpful. It's also very fun! You will have an easier time knowing what someone's intentions are and why they are acting a certain way so you don't take things personal. So, this inculcated in me the power of healing that with the span of time grew stronger and here I am today.

The Academy Saga II

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CRDDHBG/

Kate’s destiny has been determined for her.

Hidden out in the country for most her life, Kate Connelly suddenly wakes up, handcuffed to a hospital bed, in the psyche ward of The Academy. Her crime? Being “gifted.” And it’s Officer “Ranger” Nealson’s job to make her adhere to The Academy’s agenda for her. Even though he’s the one who drugged and dragged her in.

Kate’s hate for Ranger, and his academy, is at an all-time high.

Ranger has his work cut out for him . . . and Kate does too. She has to fight through the rigors of the Cadet-in-Training program, and quickly. If not, she’ll lose the one privilege she’s been given at The Academy—access to her precious little brother. And until she graduates from the CIT program, Officer Nealson is banned from Missions.

When General Weston finally offers a juicy recon to Ranger, he wants to jump at the chance to prove himself again. After all, catching bad guys is his thing. Almost all pros for doing it. One con—Cadet Connelly has to ride along.

The hardened officer finds he’s slowly been growing a soft spot for his mentee. But he’s determined not to end up like his father, and former Elite Cadet Pete Davenport—throwing away their career for a girl (not even a woman). And Kate has lingering feelings for Pete, who risked his life to warn her, and conflicting feelings for Ranger. She has to set both aside to focus on completing her first mission.

When the dust settles, old alliances are broken and new ones are formed. But one thing remains the same: Kate’s destiny has been determined for her by The Academy. Ready or not . . . she’s set for Missions. Will one of the former elite cadets step in to help change her fate, or will she be left to fight the Academy’s agenda alone?

WINGS OF RED | CHOOSE PAY ( WE ALL WE GOT )

Link

Wings of Red  is an  autobiographical novel by educator / creative ( and our co - founder ) James W. Jennings about a  28 year old homeless substitute teacher named June Papers. Some call it  an ode to old New York. We call it Wings. Choose Pay allows fair access to all without compromising the value of squeezing ten years of experience into 160 pages of life juice.

Pathways to Healing (Author Interview)

carmencarrol.com

Pathways to Healing looks like a personal story.  What can you tell us about it?

Pathway to Healing is my journey of recovery from years of experiencing childhood trauma and adult pain from emotional and verbal abuse from the age of 6 years old. As a result, my life was full of rejection, low self-esteem, and feelings of condemnation and periods of depression.

No-one wants to talk about abuse because it can take on so many different forms, and unfortunately can start in our families. No matter how you may have experienced it the pain goes deep. To the point that it can consume your life and you walk around under a dark cloud and unfortunately others see your vulnerability and you get misused over again. I experienced abuse from some of those people who at the time we're supposed to care for me, so the title, Overcoming Childhood Trauma and Adult Pain of Sibling Rivalry capture some of what the book is about, but there is so much more in there.

I refer also to two well-known characters from the bible whose life amplifies the hurt and the victory that comes from sibling rivalry, and that is the story of Joseph and Jesus. I explore the comparisons of their life experiences and the beauty that could only be expressed through the pressure that was placed on them. Their stories bring about unconditional expressive love, redemption and forgiveness.

I'm still on my journey to healing, which has taken years to walk through. Even though I'm a Christian, I questioned God as to why was I going through so much pain?  At first, I just had to draw strength from reading the bible. It helped me to get back up and to start showing all be it a flickering light of hope again in the middle of the darkness. I was angry that I was in a battle that I was not prepared for and didn't know I had to fight!

Over time, God let me know that it was going to be a process to my healing and that there was a purpose for ALL the pain I had gone through!  I didn't know why, but could it be that the process was pushing my greatness to come to the forefront, and it is preparing the beauty of a new character in me, and a more compassionate heart. There is always a cost to greatness and pressure is always required for something beautiful to be birthed. I know it sometimes just seems that the waiting is so long.

It's in the dark places that a seed has to die to live again, and when it bears fruit. It's in those moments in life that the pressure is so intense, that if one more thing happens, you're going to lose it. So much can happen to us in life that something dies inside. Could it be that God is after the hidden treasures that are buried under our hurts, our pride or the things that take our focus from him? God does want to bring a turn around to the pains we've gone through. He does want to restore us to a place of living a full life. This can take time and can start with first having a personal relationship with him, and coming to a realization that he loves you unconditionally.

It Gives You Strength (Author Interview)

https://www.philipraymondbrown.com/

It Gives You Strength looks like an exciting story. Can you tell us a little about it?

When asked that question I usually have a short version and a longer version. So I’ll give you both. The short version is that the book is set in 1926, New York. An alien on the primitive planet Earth is trapped in the middle of a gang war for the NY/Canada rum-running market. “Star-man meets Boardwalk Empire”.

The longer version is as follows: On a rescue mission to the distant planet Earth in 1926, an alien scientist, Tashan Zho, is transported into the dying body of bootlegger Ryan Costello. Upon his death, Costello’s body is reanimated by the alien, and endowed with supernatural powers. Unfortunately, the body is so damaged from years of alcohol abuse that the alien’s memory and his vital files are corrupted. All that remains of his mission plan is one phrase: “Find the one called Mike Kelly.” Complicating matters, the alien soon discovers that Kelly is the leader of a criminal gang of World War veterans, who are battling mobster Jack “Legs” Diamond for control of the lucrative Canada/New York rum-running market. Upon recognizing Costello's enhanced abilities and physical strength, Kelly forces the alien into the mob. Since Kelly is his only chance of discovering and completing his mission, the alien agrees. Costello soon learns his crucial task - to free an alien child from the infamous Craig Colony before his home world dispatches its “rescue armada.” A force so massive that its mere entry into the Earth’s atmosphere would devastate the planet.

The story, a mashup of historical fiction, science fiction, and fantasy, is set in upstate New York during prohibition. The fictional characters interact with actual historical figures, including mobster Jack “Legs” Diamond, heavyweight champ Jack Dempsey, and World War heroine Edith Cavell.

As a writer was it easy to mix science fiction, history and fantasy?

Science Fiction Alternate History is actually a burgeoning genre. Many novels pose ethical and moral questions about humanity. Science fiction alternate history should strive to highlight the injustices of our collective past. I tried to meet this duty by setting several pivotal chapters of the novel in the infamous Craig Colony. As difficult as it is now to believe, New York State institutionalized or ”warehoused” its citizens with seizure disorders at the Craig Colony from 1894 until it was finally closed in 1968. Men and women who had committed no crime were essentially held like prisoners. They were forbidden from having relationships, falling in love, or marrying. Since they were considered too weak and feeble to hold challenging jobs, from childhood, they were taught vocations like brick making and sewing. The physicians at the Craig Colony even lobbied the N.Y. Legislature to make marriage and cohabitation with Epileptics illegal under NY state law.

As a writer, my challenge was to integrate such a miserable point in history into a story that was interesting to the reader. In the novel, the aliens observing the Craig Colony from several light years from Earth, think that it is a prison camp. And when the aliens conclude that their monarch may be held their, they respond with a military option.

Whisper n My Ear

www.amazon.com/dp/B012YMFVNC/

It's the 1960s, and cultural and political unrest is sweeping across America. In the midst of this turmoil, three young Americans find themselves on a path that sends them to join the war effort in Vietnam;Dion Murphy, a handsome football player from Georgia; Cathy Addison, a pretty young nurse from Minnesota; and Norman Coddington, a young man from a wealthy but dysfunctional Boston family. While in Vietnam, all three, along with a beautiful young nurse from the Philippines, must confront enemies from their pasts while walking into an uncertain future. 

Set against the backdrop of minor skirmishes and culminating in one of the Vietnam War's longest and bloodiest battles, Whisper in My Ear is a story of two loving couples--with ordinary desires and passions--who are called on to bear witness to an extraordinary time as they serve in the US Marine Corps and the US Navy, and strive to fulfill their duties and follow their orders, whether they agree with them or not, while a gruesome and bloody war rages all around them. 

This novel also emphasizes the important role women play in all wars, whether they remain at home or serve abroad, and the debt of gratitude the wounded owe to the critical and angelic care of a combat nurse. The insane torture of captured and or wounded American Marines by the Apache woman is almost unbelievable but true, as are the facts about the Vietnamese culture and the war itself. The Vietcong women were also adept spies and snipers, and the male sniper characterized in the story is based on the life of a famous North Vietnamese mercenary. The story also depicts the exploits of the Vietnam War's most famous American sniper, Marine Sergeant Carlos Hathcock, and the torment suffered by Americans in the prison camp known as the Hanoi Hilton. You will also learn about the unsung heroics of the "Brown Water Navy" and the "Blue Water Navy", and the major impact they had on the war effort and in saving American and South Vietnamese lives. The contributions of our allies, particularly those of Australia, Canada, Sweden, the Philippines, and South Korea, is acknowledged in this story and gratefully appreciated!

Electric Pulse (Publication Review)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PCLJMYS/

Phantom Knights Series: Electric Pulse

By KD Bond

HUGEOrange Publication Review

Phantom Knights is a well-written fantasy series with everything you want from romance to the paranormal.  It has a gritty urban element, and the characters are well developed. 

I found the premise unique, and I think the author does a good job of keeping the scenes smooth and the tension high.  The main character, Katrina Throne, is a Phantom Knight; her purpose is to protect people against otherworldly creatures.  Think Men in Black mixed with some Underworld.  The first book in the series is promising.  The focus is on world-building and character development and it does the job. 

The plot starts with Kat being bored with life, which is hard to wrap my head around, given her history and job.  But she isn’t human and the author does a great job making her behavior unique but still relatable.

In comes an unlikely and shy character, Lucas. The dynamics between Katrina and Lucas are fun to watch.  The contrast is enough for some interesting scenes.

She reached over slightly causing her hand to casually brush up against his, as she palmed her glass. "So, what do you do, Lucas?"

Seeming to notice the mild spark, he glanced down at their hands briefly before looking back up to proceed with his response. “I’m a data consultant for Fall Heights."

Ahhhhh, so she was right. Nerrrrrd alert! Kat smiled inwardly. Banking her humor, she replied with earnest. "Sounds interesting."

Overall, a strong first book in what will be a great fantasy series—highly recommended.

After The Storm (Author Interview)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086SJSKWC/ref=nodl_

After the Storm looks like a great biography, what can you tell us about it?

After The Storm is a story written about the aftermath of the worst “life storm” I’ve ever been through. It begins from the moment my fiancé died and ends with how I met my current boyfriend.

How long did it take you to write After the Storm?

It took me two years to write this book. I began writing it after I finished my first book Fourteen Day Fiancé. I always knew that I wanted to write about how my life improved, so I started writing even when I couldn’t see how it would.

What will readers get out of your book?

Hopefully readers will get a lot of out my book, but the most important thing I want them to get is that all hope is not lost. No matter how bad any situation is in your life it can, and will, turn around if you have faith and never give up.

Did anything stick out as particularly challenging when writing After the Storm?

I think the hardest thing to write in this book was describing my past traumas. They were harder to relive than I imagined, but in the end it did help me heal and it was worth it.

What do you like to do when not writing?

My favorite thing to do when I’m not writing is researching my family tree. It’s a fun little hobby I’ve picked up over the years! I also enjoy playing music and traveling.

Where can readers find out more about your work?

Readers can find out more about my work by following me on Instagram and Twitter (@nataliepjenkins) and my website www.nataliepjenkins.com

Dream Physics (Publication Review)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0892M4M5L/

Dream Physics

By Damian Amamoo

HUGEOrange Publication Review

Dream Physics deep dives into lucid dreaming and the nature of our consciousness.  It’s not just a casual look into lucid dreaming but introduces new ideas and ways of approaching and thinking about the topic.  It’s a profound book that will open your mind and one of those rare books that will have a lasting life-changing impact.

The book isn’t just a look into dreams; it has an underlining goal and purpose to help improve the trajectory of people in general.

“Dream Physics” is needed right now because humanity is on an unsustainable trajectory. Yes, we have technological brilliance but we also have people who are killing each-other over religious differences.”

Despite the complexity of the topic, the author does a great job of explaining concepts in plain English.  It does need an editor, but overall, the writing flows and the message is clear. The reader will walk away with the ability to record their dream experiences and identify patterns that can help improve their lives.  Ultimately the book is unique, insightful and I recommend reading it.

One of the things that stood out while reading it was that the author didn’t beat around the bush.  Often these types of books love to expand in different directions but the author stuck to the main focus of the book with the end result of an impactful short to mid-size book that sticks to the good bits.

If you want a book that explains dreams and breaks them down based on scientific research, theories and expands on concepts, this is a must-read.  The field of understanding and exploring consciousness is expanding and this book adds to it.

The Broken Lift (Author Interview)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08C5LWTW2  

The Broken Lift looks like an exciting story.  Can you tell us a little about Lucca?

           

Lucca was a lone wolf - a brilliant, reclusive boy. Lucca possessed a gifted mind. His pure talent and stellar skills drew people towards him like a moth to a flame. Lucca didn’t care for it, inadvertently pushing away everyone who got too close. As a bespectacled recluse, Lucca’s greatest pet-peeve was fun and friendships. As an ambitious nerd, his greatest fear was being unchallenged. Yet his easy-going life changed when he moved to America.

Even the smartest of us let our guards down when money and power is on the line.

One misstep changes Lucca’s life forever—he finally gets a front seat watching how society’s seediest underbellies do business. Has Lucca finally bitten off more than he can chew? Or can he use his brilliance to outsmart his opponents and finally live the life he wants?

This lone wolf won’t go down without a fight. The circumstance might not be in Lucca’s favor, but it’s not his first time facing odds stacked high against him. With the love of his life by this side, the stakes are higher than ever.

That’s an amazing cover.  Can you tell us a little about it?

The cover’s idea and design were made by my brother “Younes Mounjid”. He drew 3 different designs, but that one got something special, once I saw it, I told him: “This is it… this is my book cover.” I want to take this opportunity to thank him for helping me out with his ideas.