Book Review: Salep and Ginger by Jane Gundogan

 

Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Salep and Ginger

Subtitle:

Author: Jane Gundogan

Genre: Romance

Part of a series?

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50945475-salep-and-ginger

 

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

When Ginger Knox gives in to her best friend’s demands to come to a New Year’s Eve party, she doesn’t realise her life is to change forever. She meets a hunky guy who woes her and moves her from Sydney, Australia to the UK. She is engaged to Henry and set for a great life ahead.

That is until she finds him in their bed with his PA. Ginger breaks off the engagement, leaves and sets up life on her own in a strange city, finding a new job and role in life. When she finds some good friends, one of them even sets her up with a complete stranger. And that is when life changes completely.

What I liked about the book:

This is a feel-good novel with romance where not everything goes smoothly.

What I didn’t like about the book:

This is just a personal view: I didn’t like the * insert eye roll here * bits in the book. But this is an entirely personal preference and I know there will be people who absolutely love it.

My favourite bits in the book:

When Ginger slapped the ex-wife.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The book was enjoyable in its entirety.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

I’m not aware of other books by this author.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This romance novel is entering into a new genre with its self-deprecating inner monologues. There isn’t any other book like it I have read so far.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Possibly
Adult	Yes

 

If you like romance with a bit of humour mixed in, this book may be the book for you.

Book Description by Author:

Ginger Knox thought she was living her best rom-com life. She had the job, the apartment in Notting Hill (adjacent), and an honest to God Hemsworth clone for a fiancé, but when she arrived home one surprisingly sunny February afternoon to catch her man with his tighty whitey’s around his ankles and his secretary *insert eye roll here* in their bed, the tenuous facade of her life dissolved in a split second.

 

It was time for Ginger to become the leading lady in her own love life.

 

And that’s just what she planned to do until her life is, once again, thrown into disarray when her flight home for Christmas was grounded. Suddenly she’s stranded in Istanbul, Turkey, with the man of her dreams. Of course, it’s the same man she had the near one-night stand with – and who knew he was one of the most famous men in Turkey!

 

Between Sydney, London and Istanbul, Ginger was resigned to the fact that she may never get her Happily Ever After, but what about her Happily Right Now?

About the Author:

Book Review: Cracked Mirror, Clear Reflection by Julie Barbera

 

Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Cracked Mirror, Clear Reflection

Subtitle: Shatter an Illusion of Perfection

Author: Julie Barbera

Genre: Self-help

Part of a series?

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51822250-cracked-mirror-clear-reflection

 

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

The author attempts to change the reader’s perception of what is and isn’t good enough. This is a book aiming to strengthen the reader’s self-belief. The author does so with clear language and bible quotes.

What I liked about the book:

The belief we are all good enough.

What I didn’t like about the book:

This wasn’t quite the type of book for me. Although the principle is good – after all, too many people just don’t feel they are good enough – the book was a little too touchy-feely and religious for me. But that is personal.

My favourite bits in the book:

The book helped to strengthen the reader’s self-belief.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The many references to the bible.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

I’m not aware of other books by this author.

What books could this be compared to and why?

Self-help books can be rather tough going to read. This one was easy to read rather than a tough read.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like to challenge your beliefs in what is and what isn’t perfect, this book may be the book for you.

Book Description by Author:

A pursuit for perfection may drive you to do more, have more and be more—but at what cost?

 

In Cracked Mirror, Clear Reflection, author and life coach Julie Barbera invites you on a journey from fear and doubt to discover your confidence. After struggling with an illusion of whom and what she should be, clear reflections in her cracked mirror gave her the courage to take a chance.

 

Freedom is on the other side of expectations—freedom from a feeling of not being good enough, fear of what others think and a need to be perfect to begin new projects. You will learn how to do what you love, love what you do and live a life of purpose. You can become who God has called you to be.

 

Perfection is an illusion. Despite the cracks, your reflection can be clear. When you look in the mirror, in weaknesses you may find your greatest strengths—and this is the clearest reflection of all.

About the Author:

Julie Barbera is a life coach and the president of Inspireu2Action. It is her mission to help you to find balance, to become the most authentic version of yourself, and to break through to your potential. This passion comes from finding a purpose in her life.

 

Julie attended Florida Atlantic University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She also holds a Certified Professional Coach designation from the University of Miami.

 

God gave Julie the gift of language. Self-taught in four languages beyond English, her goal is to use this gift to impact as many lives as possible. Julie is on a journey to do what she loves, love what she does, and live with purpose. She resides in Florida with her husband German and two young sons, Sebastian and Deangelo.

Book Review: Challenge of the Gods by Michael Siddall

 

Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Challenge of the Gods

Subtitle:

Author: Michael Siddall

Genre: Science Fiction

Part of a series?

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24861543-challenge-of-the-gods

 

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

The book started a little slow. I almost abandoned it after the first chapter but was glad I didn’t. After a few chapters, the pace picked up and the book became a pageturner.

Enter a group of warrior friends who try to complete a challenge and gain the favour of the Gods. Several warriors die, three survive. And then, they settle down. However, the warrior blood runs deep. Will they be able to resist another challenge?

What I liked about the book:

How the friends still looked after each other despite being adversaries.

What I didn’t like about the book:

The slow pace at the start.

My favourite bits in the book:

When Fafnir was able to go back in time to attempt changing the order of affairs.

My least favourite bits in the book:

When Fafnir lost Iona so close to the end of their quest.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and as I understand, the first fantasy book.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a different genre from what I usually read. I can’t compare it with any other books at present.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like fantasy and myths, this book may be the book for you.

Book Description by Author:

In the terrifying darkness of the silent night there parades a carnival of lost souls... ugly, black, dreadful things... and even worse lurking in the shadows behind them.

 

In the World of the Blackhawks the formidable and fearsome face of evil comes in many guises, all of them deadly, but none deadlier than Morbious, an old enemy.

 

Now the Warrior-Rangers' cunning and courage will be pitted against their ultimate adversary; an invisible Hunter-Killer-Shadow-Warrior in the quest... Challenge of the Gods.

About the Author:

Michael Siddall was born in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England and his aspirations to become a writer began after devising the board game: 'Challenge of the Gods'.

 

Educated at Newfield School in Sheffield he left with exemplary grades in his final exams and went on to Granville College where he studied Art and Design, Literature and History.

 

Times were hard and he left to become a carpet fitter. As a child of nine, Michael contracted Rheumatic Fever, spending a whole year in the Northern General Hospital, laid flat on his back for the first six months and in a wheelchair for the following six. To occupy himself he wrote his first short stories and poems and has continued to write every day of his life since.

 

He was told that as a consequence of his illness he would have a weak heart and spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair. Michael proved the specialists wrong. Not only did he walk again; he joined the army and became a P.T. I in the R.E.M.E., stationed at Borden in Hampshire with a heart as strong as a lion.

 

He holds the rank of 5th Dan Black Belt with instructor status in three different styles of martial arts - Shotokan Karate, Aikido and Korean Kempo. A writer since school, he has written eight novels and self-help book, 'Challenge of the Gods' being his first serious attempt at fantasy writing after completing a creative writing course. He still resides in Sheffield where he plays hockey at Ice Sheffield

Book Review: Cornman by Aydin Eren Cimen

 

Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: CORNMAN

Subtitle: Rise of the Kernel Army

Author: Aydın Eren Çimen

Genre: Children’s Fiction

Part of a series?

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56167528-cornman

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This is an enchanting little book by an 11-year-old author aimed at other children. The language is simple, which is great for the target audience. The book has lovely illustrations by the author’s own hand.

Ingredients of the book: mix coffee, corn and you create a superhero who builds his own army. A book that young readers may enjoy.

What I liked about the book:

The illustrations and the story were enchanting.

What I didn’t like about the book:

The book might benefit from some further editing.

My favourite bits in the book:

The book was lovely in its entirety.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The book was enjoyable in its entirety.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the first book by the author and I’m sure we’ll see more by his hand in the future.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This book is an original.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	Yes
Young Adult	No
Adult	No

 

If you like superheroes and science-fiction, this book may be the book for you.

Book Description by Author:

AUTHENTICALLY CHILD-LIKE… Created and drawn by an 11-year-old tween author, the story brings to life his drawing accompanied by a howling adventure!

CAPTIVATING CHARACTERS… Corn heroes, king crows, nugget armies, kernel sidekicks, chicken allies, and alien forces!

FUN TO READ…The book is full of fantastical images that enhance the gripping story!

UNEXPECTED TWISTS AND TURNS…Enjoy the ride of Cornman and his kernel army as they gather intelligence, rally allies, and fight against mortal enemies!

EPIC BATTLE…Cornman and his kernel army battle for world domination against the evil crows!

Find out how Cornman goes from being a simple piece of corn to becoming the leader of the kernels and fighting King Corvus and the evil crows who threaten to end his army in this graphic novel for kids.

 

In this battle, aliens, scarecrows, and chickens choose sides in the fight between good and evil. 

 

From the 11-year-old mind of Aydin Cimen, this book welcomes readers to a unique, fantastical world written and drawn by a child.

 

The book contains colorful illustrations, unique characters, and a mighty battle.

 

From the creative mind of Aydin, comes a world where corns are heroes, crows are king, scarecrows are moral enemies and nuggets can be powerful soldiers.

 

A unique story that could only be conceived through the eyes of a child, this fantastical world takes readers on an adventure full of surprises and twists, and epic battles.

 

A wonderful Christmas or birthday gift for the imaginative boy or girl in your life.

 

Cornman – Rise of the Kernel Army is full of surprises and twists.

 

Children will especially enjoy reading a book written by a fellow tween!

About the Author:

Born in Canada (2009), Aydın has spent the first eleven years of his life between Turkey and Canada traveling, having adventures, and reading novels.

 

From an early age, when he was not tormenting his little sister, Aydın would draw fantastical pictures at school when he was supposed to be listening to his lessons.

 

He dreams of becoming a software engineer to transform his fantastical pictures into awesome video games.

Book Review: Death's Kiss by Regie Khemvisay

 

Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Death's Kiss

Subtitle:

Author: Regie Khemvisay

Genre: Science Fiction

Part of a series?

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deaths-Kiss-Regie-Khemvisay-ebook/dp/B07KDPL893/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

 

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

Meet lovers Yuri and Ryoma. Their life appeared on track for a bright future until fate caught up with them. Until now, they were unaware of the Shuffle. Since a virus killed off all people above the age of 21 nearly 40 years earlier, the Shuffle takes place to kill off a number of people. Method of death could be a kiss.

Yuri and Ryoma are captured and infected with a deadly virus and their kiss or blood will lead to the death of those kissed or injected.

However, not all is how it seems.

What I liked about the book:

How Yuri and Ryoma continued to fight to do what they fought was right.

What I didn’t like about the book:

How their love was sacrificed for the good of the nation.

My favourite bits in the book:

When Yuri met her dad.

My least favourite bits in the book:

When Yuri’s mum died.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

I don’t know if there are any further books planned in the series, but the door has been left open to a next one if the author so wishes.

What books could this be compared to and why?

Although this is another apocalyptic type book, it is different from many others in the genre.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like post-apocalyptic stories and science-fiction, this book may be the book for you.

Book Description by Author:

Life is valuable. Death is a necessity. In Yliria, this is not a contradiction.New Year’s Eve 2054. A virus, later named the BlackJack, struck and killed 3/4 of the world’s population. Only those who were 21 and younger were not infected. Treaties broke off. Countries severed connection to the outside world. And the country of Yliria built its own invisible walls.Thirty-eight years later…Yliria is now at peace. But nothing is gained without sacrifices.Yuri’s life was perfect. Family. School. Career. Then there’s Ryoma. Her one true love. Nothing could go wrong when she has everything planned out. But on the night of their anniversary, it did not end with a kiss. Ripped from their normal lives, both Yuri and Ryoma woke up from a dream to face the real nightmares. As a punishment for their parents’ treason, they must serve the government—the System—as the new Aces of the Court Department, assigned to oversee and maintain the peace and balance during the weekly shuffle.One week. 13 lives. Armed, not with a weapon, but the same virus that destroyed the world. The Aces must escape their new fate. If not, the only path left in their future is the one covered in blood.

About the Author:

Book Review: The World of Athoria by Brodie Whitburn

 

Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: The world of Athoria

Subtitle: Essence of the wild

Author: Brodie Whitburn

Genre: Fiction

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55133323-the-world-of-athoria

 

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

In this book, we meet Sarah, the young daughter of an author who shares his new adventures with his daughters. When he goes to the shop and is killed in a terrorist attack, Sarah runs away in distress. She hits her head and ends up in the fantasy world her dad has created. Now she is forced to adapt to a life without memories, a world unknown to her with dangers around her.

What I liked about the book:

The book is fast-paced and filled with magic.

What I didn’t like about the book:

Questions remain. Did Sarah move to a new world or is she dreaming? Is she in a coma and are her mum and sister trying to get her back? Perhaps these questions will be answered in a subsequent book.

My favourite bits in the book:

The adaptability of the main character.

My least favourite bits in the book:

When another main character in the book seemingly died.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

Although the author has written other books, I’m unsure if further books are planned in this series.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This book is reminiscent of some other books with parallel worlds and magic.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like fantasy, this book may be the book for you.

Book Description by Author:

'An adventure within a vast world of fantasy. Filled with compelling characters. Towns, Villages and Kingdoms of livability. And a lore of great war and conflict''Visual story telling, character driven arcs. Filled to the brim with imagination and creation. A must read for fantasy readers'

 

One day a terrible tragedy fell upon Sarah. Sarah found herself running from her world, and fell. Only to be awoken in a world, familiar to her yet...new. Her body was different and her memory was all but gone.

 

Siarathen is awoken in a haze and encountered a man who goes by the name Forrest Andor. The situation Siarathen found herself in quickly escalated and she found herself running from a creature called the Hogwraths. Siarathen journeyed with Forrest to the city of Falgor, known in the world as the city of the kings. Journey with Siarathen as she traverses through the vast lands of Athoria and meets new companions on the way. Engage in a story of discovery, love, family and imagination. Remembering the things we hold close to our heart, and discover the essence of the wild.

About the Author:

Brodie Whitburn has been a writer for most of his years, writing stories since the age of ten. Many things have inspired him in his writing from fictional stories like in comic books, and other stories from authors such as J.R.R Tolkien, with his fantasy middle-earth novels Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, also many of his other works. J.K Rowling. Brodie was a massive fan growing up of the Harry Potter books. His favourite Authors in the years of reading more adult orientated novels are: Stephen King, Clive Barker, Neil Gaiman, Brandon Sanderson. Stephen King's work in the ways of horror and suspense always inspired Brodie to want to write in a similar genre. But to try and create using the inspiration from these other writers. Clive Barker’s work on his YA story ‘The Thief of Always’ was one of Brodie’s favourite stories and still is till this very day, his other works like ‘The Hellbound Heart and Abarat’ were some of his other favourite works of Barkers. Brodie’s favourite Neil Gaiman (even though there are many) is ‘The ocean at the end of the lane.’

 

Ever since he was young he had always wanted to see his own books sitting upon his bookshelf in his own home and maybe one day in a library. Also being a massive fan of films, Brodie finds inspiration in the storytelling that movies can tell underneath the entertainment. The underlying story being told. He is a big fan of Star Wars, pretty much all Spielberg movies. The all-time favourite movie that inspires him in more ways than one is Man of Steel which is directed by his favourite director Zack (The Boss) Snyder. The philosophy behind the story of Man of Steel being told amazes him and the way the story is told not just in dialogue but visual and score; which was brilliantly done by Hanz Zimmer.

 

Brodie continues to write to pursue his dream of becoming a writer and maybe one day finally be able to write his Alien novel he has been dying to tell. A chance to work on the IP and create that story within the Alien universe. He hopes that his stories will help inspire others in many ways, and also entertain, creep out, and many other emotions as they read the many genres he loves to write in.

Book Review: The Rings of Trust: Part Four by Jimi Alan

 

Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: The Rings of Trust: Part Four

Subtitle: (NEW ROYALS and the Primordial Forces - Book One - The Rings of Trust 4)

Author: Jimi Alan

Genre: Fantasy

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 4

Best read after earlier books in series? Perhaps

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56112509-the-rings-of-trust

 

Overall score:

I scored this book 3/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

The intro to the book sounded interesting. And, although I have not read the first three in the series, when the book was on a free offer on Amazon, I thought I would check it out. It appears there is information missing, probably due to not having read the first three books. We meet some people who are being trained to fight. I surmise something evil. New people join and are challenged before joining the team. Something evil is lurking. Will they be victorious?

What I liked about the book:

I’m afraid the book didn’t really grab me from the start. This could be as I have missed out on the first three in the series.

What I didn’t like about the book:

We never get an answer to what is going on. I suspect this is to keep the readers on their toes and to entice them to buy the next in the series in order to find out.

My favourite bits in the book:

The book was not quite as I expected and I missed some of the excitement I hoped for.

My least favourite bits in the book:

Sorry, this book just wasn’t for me.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

I believe there are several more books in this series.

What books could this be compared to and why?

I’m not sure what other books to compare it with. Perhaps some other in the fantasy/magic/demon ranges, however, this one just didn’t do it for me.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like fantasy, this book may be the book for you.

Book Description by Author:

Part Four of Six.

With the primordial force preparing to take over the planet. The New Royals find themselves in a hard place.

After their leader, Jimi Leroy decided to keep them in the dark. The team finds themselves divided. Asking themselves if they can trust his leadership again.

During the encounter with a primordial, Raven finds herself in a hard place. Unsure if she can trust her team, Raven heads towards the danger. She rushes straight for the danger she was warned about, with only Drew and John by her side.

With the Primordial of Darkness on his way. Raven wonders if she can trust her team to band together. If she doesn’t even trust what she’s been told?

About the Author:

Book Review: The Quest by Karina Kantas

 

Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: The Quest

Subtitle: (Illusional Reality #2)

Author: Karina Kantas

Genre: Fantasy

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 2

Best read after earlier books in series? Can be read as stand-alone

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55037409-the-quest

 

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

Not having read the first book in the series (yet), I jumped in at a point where we can all pick up the story. Meet Haty, a young girl adopted shortly after birth. However, Haty is not who or what she seems. In fact, she is Thya, princess of Tsinia. In the book, Thya is called back to save her subjects. Will she succeed? Follow her during her journey of self-discovery and the many adventures she encounters.

What I liked about the book:

The book was fast-paced and full of twists and turns. We learn a lot about life in Tsinia and its people. The world-building is great and it kept you turning the pages.

What I didn’t like about the book:

What is there not to like? Other than wanting to know what happens next.

My favourite bits in the book:

I loved the book in its entirety.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the book in its entirety.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

The author has written several books, and this is the second in this series. Can’t wait for the next in the series to come out (but reading the blurb it doesn’t appear to be planned, pity) and would like to read the first in the series too.

What books could this be compared to and why?

Although the book is like many other fantasy and sci-fi books, it’s completely unique too.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like fantasy, this book may be the book for you.

Book Description by Author:

THE QUEST FOR THE TRUTH BEGINS

When Haty notices a Tsinian crystal glowing, she knows she must stick to her word and return to her homeland as Thya. Knowing her kinsmen needed her, there was no hesitation. Even though there was more to lose than just her life.

Once more a prophecy informs the reader of oracles that only Thya could stop the war and save not just her people, but the rest of Enumac from Kovon’s psychotic plans.

Along with three other companions, Thya is sent on a perilous quest to locate a crystal eye which holds an evil known as the Dark Force.

The group are tried and tested throughout their journey by monsters, death and courage.

New friendships will be formed and other lost.

Thya’s power becomes stronger and a second will threatens to take over her mind body and soul.

A terrifying surprise waits for them in the city of Helkon.

Will they survive?

Will Thya return to Tsinia and for the final showdown with Kovon?

Find out by reading the thrilling concluding part of Illusional Reality.

About the Author:

Karina Kantas originates from the UK, but has lived in Greece most of her life.

 

Karina is a prolific author and publishes in the fiction genres of MC thrillers, fantasy, horror, comedy, romance, erotica, dysopian and thrillers.

 

When her imagination is working over time, she writes thought provoking/dark flash fiction.

Karina is the host of the YouTube show Behind The Pen and has her own radio show, Author Assist, on the Artist First Radio Network.

Karina Kantas also runs Author Assist offering affordable services and training to independent authors.

 

Titles to date:

 

The OUTLAW series

In Times of Violence Urban thriller YA

Huntress MC thrillers/romance

Lawless Justice Vigilante MC thriller

Road Rage MC thriller

 

Collections:

Heads & Tales Flash and short fiction.

Undressed Flash, poetry, prose

A Flash of Horror Flash fiction

 

Stone Cold YA Supernatural thriller

Toxic dystopian sci-fi erotica

 

Illusional Realityduology

Book 1 Illusional Reality YA fantasy/ PNR

Book 2 The Quest supernatural fantasy

 

Currently working on Broken Chains MI5/Mafia thriller.

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