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Book Reviews, charles a. santangelo, outskirts press, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, turning point, weekly self published book review

Weekly Self-Published Book Review: “Turning Point”

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, courtesy of the Midwest Book Review:

Turning Point

Charles A. Santangelo

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432793968

Synopsis:

It’s a new day in America: The United States’ new Democratic president combats hostile political opponents and right-wing media while tackling the challenges of terrorism, global warming and a financial crisis. In the midst of the fray of a charged first term, the president’s liberal daughter, Karen, falls for a decorated Air Force pilot turned Secret Service agent, Capt. John “Rawhide” Cunningham – who, as the grandson of a conservative, swing-vote Supreme Court justice, stands at the opposite end of a vast, ideological chasm. Inspired by his work in the real-life presidential elections of 2000 and 2004, author Charles A. Santangelo weaves a tale of love and political intrigue that speaks to the very core of American values and the integrity of the political process. Told through a progressive ideological perspective, Turning Point makes a compelling case that a scant few with strong values and a willingness to place the nation’s interest above their own can change the course of history. The political/historical thriller blends the action of a Tom Clancy tale with sharp political storytelling and a measure of romance.

Critique:

The 2000 election was a swamp of controversy, no matter how you cut it. Turning Point is a political fantasy from Charles Alfred Santangelo, veteran government official at NASA and Homeland Security. For sake of hypotheticals, he does away with the names of Bush and Gore, instead crafts a What If scenario of a Progressive Democrat claiming the White House in 2000, and what would have followed in many crises, from the environment to a different handling of 9/11. Turning Point is an intriguing look at a very different political world.

[ reviewed by Able Greenspan ]

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

WOW, what an amazing topic to write about…. an election that tore the country apart and what a fascinating idea to write a novel about what this author believes the world might have been like if Al Gore had assumed the role of President. Whether you side with the Dems or the Republicans — no one can argue that it is intriguing to know just what direction life would take if things were to have come out differently– such as with everything in life, decisions that seem simple enough really have the chance to change the course of history. My politics are somewhere in the middle, but I found learning “Turning Points” ideas of how life could have been very interesting!

– Amazon Reviewer DBT

This terrific novel is not only a page turner, but is also a fascinating and comprehensive look at a wide spectrum of American life, including election fraud, legal intrigue and the economy, all set against a backdrop of a compelling story of love and political tension. Alternative history novels are difficult to bring off, because you have to account for a myriad of ripple effects across the societal spectrum, but the author has accomplished this in an impressive and authoritative manner. Quite an achievement. I’m waiting for the movie, which is inevitable.

– Amazon Reviewer Andrew

Thanks for reading! Keep up with the latest in the world of indie and self-published books by watching this space every Saturday!

Self Publishing Advisor

Book Reviews, Self-Publishing, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, weekly self published book review

Weekly Self-Published Book Review: “Escape from Eternity”

Escape from Eternity

Nate Scholze

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432789060

Synopsis:

Set in the modern era, a humanoid alien entity, Adrian Antagon, arrives on Earth with a specific mission in mind. He must locate his long lost brother and cohort Menonan Antagon, who disappeared 60,000 years ago on Earth after trying to put down a rebellion of creative aliens who were supposed to be the stewards of the world, of which he was Supreme Commander at the time. Adrian assimilates the body of the first person who comes upon his tiny cylinder-shaped spacecraft and journeys from London, England to the beautiful water-front resort area of Door County, Wisconsin.

In Ephraim he meets up with an old man who recognizes but is not happy to see him. Emil Bitterman says that Adrian has never brought anything but heartache to him and he should leave immediately, but Adrian tells Bitterman he has other plans and requests that he assist him because of a former commitment. The old man refuses, but refers him to a young woman with a messed up life. Laura Whitmore is dealing with an overbearing father, a restaurant employer who’s paying too much attention to her, and the recent death of her cherished boyfriend.

She is not happy when Adrian asks for her help. Tired and depressed, Laura just wants to be left alone, but Adrian is determined to win her over and relays information about strange creative endeavors that changed our world. He explains that all humans are eternal and Earth is simply a place to escape the boredom of eternity and to forget about the problems associated with living forever for a while. Laura is rattled by his bizarre commentary and decides to try to avoid him, so she seeks out her sister Michelle, and her best friend, Colin Benton, a burned-out druggy.

Meantime, the family of the man whose body Adrian had assimilated has discovered he is missing, and to their horror determines their beloved family member now resides in Wisconsin, U.S.A. Bewildered and hurt, Katherine Nolan and friend, John Barrington, make the trip from the U.K. to recover him, but realize when they arrive that the man they think they know is now very different. Adrian kills Laura’s boss for assaulting her, and he is arrested and jailed, but then discloses what he has really come for: To reveal a mysterious truth that will change Laura’s life forever, and send her scurrying for safety. But Adrian needs her, and discloses that she has been chosen to play the central role in his plan whether she wants it or not, and as far as he is concerned, her involvement is not optional.

Laura’s father vows to see Adrian dead and in a bizarre turn of events Adrian is fatally shot by the sister of the now deceased Emil Bitterman. As Adrian is dying at Laura’s feet she discovers, to her horror, the strange and unnatural connection she has to the lost Menonan Antagon, and realizes that the information she receives could cost her more than her sanity, it could cost her her life.

[ courtesy of Amazon ]

Critique:

University of London math Professor William Nolan investigates an object that fell from the sky near his home. He returns to the house ordering his wife Katherine to give him his passport before leaving. Shocked by his out of character behavior she calls family friend John Barrington.

Calling himself Adrian, William flies to Chicago and from there goes to Ephraim, Wisconsin to see Teddy Bitterman. Adrian tells Teddy that Caleb lives in the Cycle and demands he help him rescue him. Teddy refuses as he lost his beloved wife Audrey and his sibling Caleb when he tried to assist Adrian years ago rescue the alien’s missing brother Menonan. Pleading for his sister and him to be left alone, Teddy tells his visitor to look for the oldest Whitmore sister. Adrian locates depressed Laura Whitmore and asks for her assistance, but she refuses as her dreams died in a car accident. He explains why he needs her to find Menonan who vanished after putting down a coup attempt by creative aliens on planet earth many millennia ago. While she turns to her younger sister Michelle and her BFF Colin Benton, her father Howard vows to kill the alien and Katherine and John follow William’s trail to Door County only to learn he killed Laura’s abusive Adam Blake.

Escape from Eternity is a gripping science fiction thriller starring a strong cast with diverse tsuris in a Close Encounters of the Third Kind scenario adding to their woes. The complex twisting storyline built on an eternal cosmological premise is character driven starting with Adrian’s possession of William’s body and never slows down as the audience anticipates a confrontations in Wisconsin and beyond.

[ reviewed by Harriet Klausner ]

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

I believe this will become a cult classic because this book brings a new scape to answer the “why am I here?” question that everyone has.
This book has a plot line that leaves you guessing and the way he has written his characters makes you understand the choices they have made without the normal “I know where this is going” being correct.
Every time I guessed wrong it pulled me further into the story, or is it a story? it makes you wonder,”did this guy figure it out?”
I think it should be read even by people who aren’t the normal sci-fi readers,it has a story that can make anyone ask questions they haven’t asked before. I can’t wait until its picked up by someone for a movie.
The way he paints the landscapes and surroundings of his characters makes you use your imagination knowing that he was trying to portray exactly what you are thinking.

I am a person who keeps books on a shelf that I love so I can read them again, this is a definite re-read. Pick it up with an open mind and you wont be disappointed!

– Amazon Reviewer callmetim

In this read we meet Laura Whitmore, her sister and parents. They appear to be a normal family yet a secret circles their lives, one that only the father fully knows, but never told his family. In a strange visit from a space craft a man runs to see what it is only to be taken over by something or is that someone, with a mission. This now possessed man, who calls himself, Adrian, seeks out Laura who holds the key to the future. Who really is this creature and what secrets does he hold for mankind, and why is Laura so important to him?

I have to say this was a different read with twists and turns I did not expect. The author kept you running forward with the desire to know who Adrian really was and why was he so intent on finding Laura. The characters in this story were interesting and well developed and tied together nicely as the read progressed. I think a little more information should have been given on who this character, Adrain, was a little sooner in the story. Perhaps a few more hints dropped here and there. As I said this was a different twist on ‘earth visiting’ characters and I feel our author plans to take this into another book, or so I assume from the ending of this one. The ending was a surprise in so many ways, I really did not see this ending coming, and it appears Laura is in for other visitations. If you enjoy a read that is a little different than the norm, this one is for you. The foundation is laid and ready to be built upon. I will be watching to see how our author continues this story.

– Amazon Reviewer Shirley Priscilla Johnson

Thanks for reading! Keep up with the latest in the world of indie and self-published books by watching this space every Saturday!

Self Publishing Advisor

Book Reviews, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, weekly self published book review

Weekly Self-Published Book Review: “Love Calls and Roundelays”

Love Calls and Roundelays

WYN

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432797690

Synopsis:

Easy to love….

The poems in this collection are easy to love–accessible, plainspoken, yet rich in depth and meaning. As earnest as they are lilting, these poems reach out for beauty and truth–the core of Art. And they are often playful and amusing, as is evident from such poems as “Hey Pretty Kitty,” “Renaissance Man,” or “Ode to a Pearly Naut.” Nor does this book slight the darker side of life, as expressed metaphorically in “To a Lost Friend,” or more starkly in “Delirium.” The visual appeal of the photo–art in this book is an ideal match for the musicality of the poems. Among the photos, you may be particularly struck by “Radiant Autumn” on the front cover, or the glowing “Golden Mountain” on the back. And what a delightful little gift this book is for your friends, relatives, and all those you love!

Critique:

I am one that enjoys poetry and I have to say that placing photos with these poems definitely enhanced my enjoyment. First, let me say that the poems could stand alone, touching the very core of each subject in different ways. Some were gentle, like a bubbling brook, others were telling in soft whispers, while others breathed forth the sorrow and sadness of living and dying. Each could stand alone, yet seemed to wrap themselves together and merge into a story of life.

I loved the photos, especially the one ‘My Dog Shad,’ and the poem that followed, especially the last line. I had to laugh. However, every picture told a story of its own, a piece of life in our ever changing world. They made you pause and think, if just for a moment, and at times they made me giggle. I especially liked “She Stoops to Peruse”…too funny. All in all this was a book that I truly enjoyed reading and ‘seeing’ and I am pleased to recommend it.

[ reviewed by Shirley Priscilla Johnson ]

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

LOVE CALLS AND ROUNDELAYS is a colorful assortment of poetry by Wyn. From the stars, to the ocean, to the universe itself, this collection reaches a broad expanse of feeling and depth into the writer’s soul. The gift of summer is expounded on with its visionary scenes of countryside and fertility, while yet another sonnet delivers the sparkling wonders of winter with its crisp air and interfacing light. Emotions are touched, sorrows and tears, while other lyrics proclaim hope and inspiration in the simple pleasure of just living and the hope of a new tomorrow.

LOVE CALLS AND ROUNDELAYS by author Irwin Shishko is a wonderful collection of poetry by a gifted author, who can compose sonnets about the simple housecat to a more broad exchange of God and the universe. Wyn holds nothing back as he candidly reflects on his emotions and visions in this uplifting collection. The book is set off by a variety of black and white photographic pictures stemming from statues, animals, buildings and people in various displays. The photos are visually appealing and worth a second look. I truly enjoyed reading this wonderful collection – especially favoring Wintersong and also Ocean Song. One gets the sense that the author has traveled and seen a lot in his years and has a keen insight into the human spirit. The author is truly gifted with a pondering eye and I enjoyed this wonderful collection of poems. Well done.

– Goodreads Reviewer Tamera Lawrence

I have never been able to really get ” into ” poetry but this little book did it for me. What a wonderful introduction to poetry it turned out to be for me.I was amazed how easily I was drawn into the sentiments many of these poems conveyed and how readily I identified with many of the far ranging subjects they covered. Great book and great gift for the Holidays.

– Amazon Reviewer Arie Nugteren

Thanks for reading! Keep up with the latest in the world of indie and self-published books by watching this space every Saturday!

Self Publishing Advisor

Book Reviews, Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, weekly self published book review

Weekly Self-Published Book Review: “Angel’s Gate”

Angel’s Gate

Andrew J. Rafkin and Louis Pagano

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432780026

Synopsis:

THE LARGEST HEIST IN HISTORY NEVER TOLD:

In 1983, the rapidly growing city of LA and beachfront communities were active in the illicit drug trade, successfully operating through Angels Gate Lighthouse, and LAX, the gate to the City of Angels. This true story is a recounting of the largest monetary heist in history, carried out by four local surfers, and August Taracina, a successful marijuana smuggler. The heist proceeds with only minor hitches…until the bags of loot are opened. Much to the thieves’ chagrin, there is no cash, no gold 5nothing but financial instruments that cannot be cashed. While still in command of one of the largest marijuana smuggling operation on the west coast, August begins a whirlwind, worldwide tour with his connections to organized crime, the Medellin Cartel, and international bankers, as he attempts to fence the items. Other gangs, along with their treachery and murder pursue him, as well as FBI agent Nick Cutler and his team, the Treasury Department, and Interpol. During this maelstorm, August devises an incredible plan to satisfy everyone’s interest and fulfill their dreams. Now, all he has to do is make it happen.

Critique:

It’s 1983. Four local surfers who work in the luggage department of Los Angeles Airport devise an ingenious plan to smuggle drugs. Their goal? To make quick, easy money in order to fulfill their dreams and open a hotel in Costa Rica. They partner with a rich, successful marijuana smuggler named August Taracina and soon they put their plan into action. Eventually they run into an unexpected problem, an event that, to their surprise, turns out more profitable than ever.

You may ask yourself how authors Andrew J. Rafkin and Louis Pagano know this event really took place if, as in the story, the main people involved were never caught. This is explained in the preface of the book, where the authors state that the story was told to them by a friend who actually took part in the heist.

Angel’s Gate is a fictionalized account that at times reads like a novel – minus the characterization. I had to keep reminding myself of that, especially during times when I didn’t like what the characters were doing and felt disturbed by their greedy, irresponsible actions and attitudes. That aside, this is a well written, fictionalized account of what supposedly happened back in 1983, and on what, according to the authors, supposedly is one of the biggest monetary heists in history. Gritty prose, realistic dialogue, and continuous suspense make Angel’s Gate an interesting, enjoyable read, especially to fans of true crime books. [ reviewed by Mayra Calvani ]

Here’s what some other reviewers are saying:

This was a truly great story. Hands down. Right off the bat we are swept into the world of the local surfers Randy, Scott, Terry, and Jeff, who have a dream about building a hotel in Costa Rica. So of course they need money…lots of it. At first they try selling drugs, but after a while they are forced to find other avenues of cash flow. With their unique positions of working at an airline, the boys devise a plan that exceeds even their wildest expectations. And then the real trouble starts. I literally devoured this book every chance I had because it was so interesting! It was really cool to see it from the criminal POV, and there were just so many other details in there it seems as if this book could have only been written from someone who was there (hmmmmm…). But this was a really great crime novel and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys an engrossing read.

– Goodreads Reviewer Stacy

This is an amazing, well-crafted true story that will blow your mind. A group of surfers who work together as baggage handlers at LA International airport come up with a scheme to smuggle in high-grade pot, with the help of August Taracina, an ultra-cool, super-smart pot smuggler, whose well-organized operation brings in tons of pot into 1980’s LA. When their smuggling operation must close down, the surfers come up with another avenue to get the money they need to make their dreams come true, and luck into the biggest haul in history.

This is not only a great story, but it gives readers an insiders look at the inner workings of the smuggling trade and how a shrewd “importer” ran his enormous operation. I strongly recommend this exciting and informative book.

– Amazon Reviewer John A. Sanders

Thanks for reading! Keep up with the latest in the world of indie and self-published books by watching this space every Saturday!

Self Publishing Advisor

Advocacy in Self-Publishing, amazon reviews, Book Marketing, Book Promotion, Book Promotion Strategy, Book Reviews, Kelly Speaks

From the Archives: “Soliciting Book Reviews for your Self Published Book”

Welcome back to our new Tuesday segment, where we’ll be revisiting some of our most popular posts from the last few years. What’s stayed the same? And what’s changed? We’ll be updating you on the facts, and taking a new (and hopefully refreshing) angle on a few timeless classics of Self Publishing Advisor.

∗∗∗∗∗

[ Originally posted: August 18th, 2008 ]

If your self-published book is available for sale at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble (BN.com), and other sites, you want to be sure your online listings have book reviews. You can always be sure your book has at least 1 review by asking one very close friend or relative to write a review for your book.

Once you have one review, your job is to solicit others. Obviously, if you’ve given some of your books away to friends or families, you should ask them to write a review in exchange for the book. As you continue to give them away, suggest to your customers that it would be helpful to you if they took the time to write an honest online review. People like to help people, but usually only do so if you ask.

BONUS: Once you have reviews, you can use them in quotes for further promotion. For example:

“Best Book Ever!” — Amazon.com review.

Your book detail page on Amazon and Barnes & Noble have links for writing reviews of your book. If you haven’t done that yet, do it right away.

Remember, in order to write a review for a book on Amazon, each reviewer must have an Amazon account with which they have purchased something. This is how Amazon verifies the identity of the reviewer. They don’t need to buy your book, per se, they just need to buy something, anything, from Amazon. But it is nice if they DO buy your book, so suggest that to your friends first.

Seven years on, and we’ve had ample time to expand upon the notion of book reviews and how beneficial they can be for your self-promotion strategy as an indie or self-published author! And when I say ample, I mean that we’ve literally written essays on the subject. For a litany of our best book-review-related material, check out this link, and this one, and this one. Oh, and don’t forget our last in-depth primer post on the matter!

If the intervening years between 2008 and 2015 have taught me anything, it’s the power and influence of positive––and authentic––book reviews. Which is why, when I look at my words from so long ago, the ones I want most to revisit are these: “[Reviewers] don’t need to buy your book, per se, they just need to buy something, anything, from Amazon.” While the fact remains true that an Amazon reviewer isn’t strictlyr required to buy a book or an ebook to review it––and there are certainly many circumstances in which readers may legitimately acquire a book without purchasing it through Amazon or purchasing it at all––I see now that my words, out of context, might encourage authors to strong-arm their friends and loved ones into posting Amazon reviews out of obligation, rather than genuine interest. I cannot stress how wrong I would be to encourage this notion. Reviews should never be given unwillingly.

Let me say that again: Reviews should never be given unwillingly. We should try to avoid creating situations in which false approval is the platform upon which we launch our careers as authors. As indie and self-published authors, we’re striving to shake off the constraints and residues of the so-called “Big Bad Publishing Institution,” a process which puts the torque into the word “spin” and serious money behind works and authors that critics are paid to laud. We can work the system, yes––and self-promotion is in large part knowing how to cultivate a certain degree of cunning––but we should never sacrifice our self-respect.

Which is why we keep revisiting this idea of the book review.

There are so many ways in which we can be both cunning and conscientious, both the serpent and the dove. Our past posts will lead you deeper into the specifics, but suffice it to say: don’t be afraid to go after reviews, and to openly and honestly ask for them, to outright challenge your readers and those who fall within your social sphere to offer them up … and also, don’t forget that the best review is an honest review, and the best way to keep hooking in good and honest press is to write another brilliant book. Even better, if that’s possible, is helping out a fellow indie or self-published author by exchanging books and promises to support each other with favorable––and honest!––reviews. What better way to cut through the bureaucratic red tape of traditional publishing than to participate in the broader exchange of thoughts and ideas with the whole self-publishing community? Up and at ’em! ♠

ABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht is the Executive Vice President of Outskirts Press. In addition to her contributions to the Outskirts Press blog at blog.outskirtspress.com, Kelly and a group of talented marketing experts offer book marketing services, support, and products to not only published Outskirts Press authors, but to all authors and professionals who are interested in marketing their books and/or careers. Learn more about Kelly on her blog, kellyschuknecht.com.

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