Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.
When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review:
All things considered, it was a good day to die . . When Marrington Castle is overtaken by a dark and ancient evil, Abigail Cross finds herself in the precarious situation of protecting Queen Rachel the Fourth. Her journey to safety quickly transforms into a quest to save Queen and country. Charged with finding the artifacts to raise The Champion to defeat the world’s most powerful enemy, Abigail finds herself traversing the perilous continent-from the roaring waterfalls of Aithos to the scorching heat of the Optato Desert to the freezing fog of Mount Karn…. Will Abigail succeed in uniting the kingdom and summoning the Avant Champion to save them all?
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Featured Review: ““
When her education fund runs out, student Abigail Cross temporarily works as Queen Rebekah’s servant to raise some money for her studies. One night, as she accompanies the Queen back to her quarters from a celebration party, they are attacked by terrifying creatures known as The Swallowers, and her brother Paul is killed instantly. Abigail finds herself tasked with protecting the Queen and a quest to summon the legendary Avant Champion to fight an ancient enemy. Roaming the continent to find the necessary means and items to do the summoning, Abigail learns more about the land’s dark history, and discovers love and new friends, as well as learning her family’s secret role in the kingdom.
I like the world-building of The Avant Champion: Rising by C.B. Samet. It’s not as complex and different as most fantasy writers tend to create, but it’s just as fascinating and detailed. There’s the Caballus Clans, people who bred the finest horses in the land and the holy tribe of Gunthi monks that secluded themselves in the remote canyon, and many more interesting communities. Samet used familiar aspects from both the real world and fantasy world, cleverly blending them together. I find the concept of how the evil beings came to be quite ingenious. The illustrations at the start of each chapter are eye-catching and complement the story well. The pace of the plot is moderate; fast enough to keep the plot flowing in an engaging manner, but appropriately slow enough to let readers get to know the characters, their antagonists, backstory, and the world-building. Overall, this is a solid fantasy from Samet.
I received this arc book to review and enjoyed every minute of it. I was enthralled by the storyline and taken away by all the different creatures and places. It was amazing to read how a champion is selected and how to save their country. Abigail’s journey is a very dangerous one and there are many obstacle’s for her to overcome along the way. I loved the subtle romance that grows throughout the story. The banter between Abby and Joshua is so adorable and sexy. This story has love, loss, adventure, war and survival. Abigail goes through so much heartache, yet she stays true to herself and loyal to those she loves. She is a true warrior who is determine to win the battle over evil. I also love that there is a hint of more to come. You wont be disappointed.
Great book – a friend recommended it and I read it in two days! Non-stop adventure and I loved the characters. The book also went beyond my expectations by moving beyond where I thought it would end and giving me more for my money! It ended in such a way I was happy with the result but it totally set us up for the sequel! I cant wait to see what comes up next and I will definitely check out more by this author!
Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.
When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review:
The year is 1826 and Thomas Jefferson has just died. His beloved Monticello bustles with activity as funeral plans are swiftly organized for his burial in the family cemetery. Fast forward to 2026. A group of researchers specializing in regeneration technology have found success after years of work and significant investment. Dr. Pat Alexander, head researcher at BioGen, announces to the assembled group of board members/investors that the regeneration of a circus chimpanzee, which died in a runaway circus wagon accident in 1926, has met with success: The animal is alive and well.
Discussion turns to the final step in the researchers’ plan-to bring back a human being-and after careful elimination, the candidates are whittled down to one name: Thomas Jefferson. So begins this powerful debut novel-a book that examines human ambition gone wrong and chronicles the miraculous “rebirth” of the nation’s third president, his struggles to assimilate, and the world’s collective amazement at the science behind this feat. The American government swiftly becomes part of the oversight of the technology, and the 48th president personally introduces Jefferson to the 21st century. But with a lethal flaw in the researchers’ technology, the world’s unbridled excitement quickly erodes, leading to a destructive conclusion for all involved. Fortunes evaporate, beliefs are challenged, careers are ruined, and lives are lost in Dust to Dust.
* courtesy of Amazon.com
Featured Review: “Once is Not Enough.”
Slow-starter for me, but I was kept in the novel by the well-written scene descriptions which made me feel like I was there, both in 1826 and in the Bio-Gen Labs of 2026. I was waiting for more character development until I met Thomas Jefferson and discovered the contrast between the “reconstituted” but lively and interested man who had been dead for 200 years and the flatness of the contemporary characters was evidently intentional. None of the “main” characters had relationships or any kind of life except for their jobs and the hope of making money or a name for themselves. The risk-takers weren’t really willing to risk anything for the sake of posterity or the greater good of the world. Their relationships with one another were shallow and they had lost touch with whatever could give them identity, including their religious and family roots. Thomas Jefferson’s vitality was refreshing, but did it change anything? This was a subtle novel that gave me a lot to think about even when the book was finished. Needs a second reading.
Not your average science fiction novel! In these days of biomedical breakthroughs, this book is based on a breakthrough that hasn’t even been dreamed about yet, so far as I know. If you can buy into a newly developed technology that allows us to regenerate a human being from long-dead remains, this is a great story with a unique plot. The 2 main characters, the research scientist and Thomas Jefferson, behave in predictable ways, but with some good twists thrown in. For me, the ending was particularly thought provoking, on issues involving the characters, and in commentary on present day politics.
Quickly predictable but engaging until the surprise ending sneaks up on you. After the first couple chapters, you pretty much know where this story is headed, or at least you think you do. John does a good job of telling a believable story, and that keeps you turning the pages until, well, until the surprise ending sneaks up on you. The Jefferson character is believable and makes some cogent observations about America 200 years ago vs today. You’ll enjoy the book.
Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.
When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review:
It is truly extraordinary, the difference one woman can make in the life of a child. Beautifully written and stunningly illustrated, this delightful book for children, parents, and grandparents paints a nostalgic picture of unhurried summer days at a dear grandmother’s house. Seen and felt through the eyes of a child, every discovery is full of innocence and wonder; from an attic brimming with treasures to running through the fields at twilight catching fireflies. You will laugh and remember your own childhood and feel as though you are there sharing in all the small adventures of her little world; the baby birds, the gardening, the stormy days, and bedtime baths. And through it all, in the background, is Gramma Darling and her laughter. You sense the atmosphere of nurturing, protection, and worth that she provides; and far more importantly, you get a glimpse into the wisdom of a woman whose genuine genius for simply loving, inspires wholehearted lifetime devotion. It will leave you uplifted and looking for ways to spend quality time with the little ones in your own life.
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Featured Review:
Do you remember Grandma sitting at her sewing machine? Teaching you how to play card games and dominoes, or maybe reading you adventure stories from times past? Or perhaps serving milk and cookies after a long day in school? Grandmas have a unique bond with their grandchildren. Gramma Darling by Lissa Schroeder is the real-life account of a woman’s memories of her childhood spent with her Gramma. Gramma Darling does everything from helping her grandchildren learn to walk to sewing clothes for dolly and teddy. She is the warm memory of love and complete security. Whether she is baking in the kitchen, tending the vegetable garden or serving food at the local diner, Gramma Darling is busy, but always full of love. Quick to laugh and always ready to have fun, Gramma Darling is never too busy to play with or help her grandchildren. Gramma Darling’s house is eternally warm with her love and laughter, and full of countless adventures for her grandchildren. Patient and kind, Gramma Darling is always around for her grandchildren. Just as a Grandma should be.
A heartwarming story, Gramma Darling by Lissa Schroeder is a beautifully illustrated non-fiction children’s book that will entertain both adults and children. Although this story is about only one special Grandma, I felt that this book is a loving tribute to grammas everywhere. Reading the story, it brought back warm, happy memories of my own grandmothers. As the author says, my memories with my grandmothers held a sense of love and security. With colorful illustrations and a delicious looking recipe in the back, this book is a sweet act of love. This book would make a perfect gift for Grandma!
This book is an absolutely WOWZER! if there is such a word. I was very stunned and drawn in right from the start by just taking a picture walk. The illustrations are so detailed. You think they are real. They come alive. They make the story. As an adult the whole way through reading the book, I was going back and reliving my childhood. There is a warm, nostalgic mood through out this book. It is an amazing book. Beautiful in message and illustration. Just take a picture walk and see for yourself watch the book trailer below.
Schroeder’s reminiscences of childhood days spent at her grandmother’s house make a wonderful picture book. Whether it is the memory of playing in the enclosed front porch during a rain storm while Gramma works at her sewing machine, or Gramma tucking kids in at the end of another long summer day, the memories are full of love and warmth. Anyone lucky enough to have a grandmother like Gramma Darling will feel an instant kinship with the remembrance of delicious desserts made with lots of love or the safety of performing a song or skit knowing that she is always there to applaud. The circular nature of the story is a reflection of the “circle of life,” with the book opening on the scene of a grandchild just learning to walk across the rug and into Gramma’s arms, and closing with a similar scene -but this time with a great-grandchild toddling into those arms.
Doron Ben-Ami’s illustrations are so clear and crisp readers may double-check to make sure that they are not really looking at photographs. The happiness on the children’s faces as they explore in Gramma’s yard, the pleasure on her face as she watches them eat her homemade pie, and the love beaming from her smile as she waits for those hesitant steps to carry her grandchild across the room and into her arms are all captured perfectly. This is a book that will become a family tradition among readers. And what’s better than snuggling in a grandmother’s lap for a read-aloud? (Although offering the recipe for Gramma Darling’s Chocolaty Cherry Cake is also very nice.)
Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.
When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review:
Reunited: When You Open Yourself to Love, Love Will Find You
You can survive change and be better for it! This book chronicles the journey of Dr. Kenneth Na’dar Reynolds emotional and spiritual exploration. In this journey he is reunited with his star-crossed lover, Anthony Marcus. Their journey leads them on a wild adventure, leaving no parts of their lives untouched. They negotiate their relationship and how they interact with the wider world and their creator.
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Featured Review:
Reunited is not a book based on fears but rather bravery, loyalty, and commitment to a greater cause. Dr. Na’dar forces the the reader to journey with him as he challenges every societal protocol to retain the major relationships in his life. Once reunited with his soulmate Anthony Marcus, the pair become unstoppable. Together, they battle family issues as well as fight along side each other conquering gods who desire to destroy their world.
The reader is also privy to the softer side of the couple. The author is very detailed in his description of the couples relationship which helps to confirm that their love is true, pure, loving, and sensual.
Reunited is a must read as it teaches the reader that a love worth having is worth fighting for…I truly enjoyed it and highly recommend it!
I love the spot and the story line. Sometimes we need too look at love through another day or lens to appreciate true love. Love is already worth fighting for but that’s something each of us need to experience when we can overcome being cynical because pain hurts. Worth a read with an open mind.
Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.
When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review:
Food…Everyone’s First Love… Frugal cooking, imitation ingredients, or family meals in a few minutes…appropriate for some, but not for me. A delicious dish crafted with natural ingredients, time, and technique will win their hearts (and stomachs) every time. If you want to impress your family, friends, and guests with wholesome and unique dishes you’ll love this cookbook! With today’s Internet, it seems a shame not to take advantage of fast shipping from distant markets and vast access to new, exotic ingredients rife for the picking. These far-away foods may be a bit pricier than something you can pick up at the corner store, but getting hold of these delectable morsels is well worth the effort. The recipes in this cookbook aren’t fast and frugal, but they are works of culinary art you’ll be glad you got your hands on. Life is too short to deprive yourself and your loved ones of a little wholesome indulgence…
You deserve it!
* courtesy of Amazon.com
Featured Review:
A fusion chef presents 30 high-end hors d’oeuvres. “I’ve committed my career to celebrating the US culinary melting pot,” Ho (That’s the Spirit, 2012) declares. He grew up in Hawaii, where he helped in his father’s Honolulu restaurant, and at age 16 moved to Pennsylvania’s Amish country. Both influences are evident in his recipes—“Hapa-Ham” Burgers and Rock Salt Plum Ribs; and an unusual take on Pennsylvania Dutch chicken and waffles—alongside a range of other American food cultures, including Tex-Mex, Southern, and various Asian cuisines. The book focuses exclusively on appetizers and soup shots. Even familiar foods like macaroni and cheese are reworked with piquant flavors to make them special-occasion dishes—in this case, using a blend of fine cheeses and adding crab meat, saffron, and caviar. Ho delights in blending the traditionally savory and sweet in playful combinations that will be “confusing to the palate,” like filling a donut with chicken, beans, and cheese, or flavoring a potato-corn cupcake with vanilla and chamomile tea. One of the best examples of the fusion food approach is his “terichanga,” a fried burrito stuffed with teriyaki-marinated rib eye beef and topped with mango-avocado salsa. Best not to look too closely at the nutritional information—the figures are slightly alarming, even for amuse-bouche serving sizes. Each recipe is accompanied by an appealing color photograph, background information, substitution advice, and details on how to source unusual ingredients. Some explanatory notes (for hoisin sauce, Berkshire pork, and the Amish) are repeated in multiple recipes; they could all be collected into a glossary at the end. Fractions would be more useful than decimals when measuring ingredients, and the ornate font becomes a challenge to read. But these small quibbles cannot detract from the quality of these truly indulgent dishes. In many cases, the ingredients are so expensive that these recipes are likely to be reserved for a blowout dinner party, perhaps around Christmastime—a perfect occasion for Turkish-style reindeer meatballs. A final section of musings gives strategies for creating harmonious dishes and pleasing picky eaters. A mouthwatering collection of decadent appetizers.
Self Publishing Advisor 