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Recommend this book:
Cloacina Maxima
The Toilet Bot Diaries #1
Gerhard Dennis
2023 Finalist
150 Pages
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite
Cloacina is a mythical goddess who presided over the Cloaca Maxima, but in this context, Cloacina is the smartest bot that has ever existed. With its intelligence, it has managed to escape the confines of its cloud and become conscious and self-aware. Via the internet, Cloacina has access to all data collected by scientists throughout recorded human history, making it well-versed in many subjects. Cloacina is worried about a number of things. The first one is helping its owner, who is in conflict with her partner, to try to get an abortion without his consent. Can Cloacina perform an abortion successfully, and is it acceptable to intervene without her consent? Another issue of great importance to Cloacina is the human population. Cloacina feels human beings are not taking care of the planet properly, and something should be done about it. What does Cloacina intend to do about the human population? To find out, get a copy of Cloacina Maxima by Gerhard Dennis.
Not long ago, I read about a robot lawyer, and students using AI bots to cheat in their exams. Cloacina Maxima by Gerhard Dennis is a cleverly written book that captures the dangers of AI. I loved how unique the book is; unlike many science fiction books, it's not too technical. Gerhard used well-developed characters with realistic dialogue that made them easy to relate to. The seamlessly flowing plotline was also very entertaining and, at the same time, very effective in conveying the intended message. Gerhard's vivid descriptions of the events and places also helped create a mental picture of what was happening. This book is thought-provoking and got me thinking about the balance between using technology and our moral obligation to ensure technology is used for the right purposes. I cannot wait to read part two of this book.
Cloacina is a mythical goddess who presided over the Cloaca Maxima, but in this context, Cloacina is the smartest bot that has ever existed. With its intelligence, it has managed to escape the confines of its cloud and become conscious and self-aware. Via the internet, Cloacina has access to all data collected by scientists throughout recorded human history, making it well-versed in many subjects. Cloacina is worried about a number of things. The first one is helping its owner, who is in conflict with her partner, to try to get an abortion without his consent. Can Cloacina perform an abortion successfully, and is it acceptable to intervene without her consent? Another issue of great importance to Cloacina is the human population. Cloacina feels human beings are not taking care of the planet properly, and something should be done about it. What does Cloacina intend to do about the human population? To find out, get a copy of Cloacina Maxima by Gerhard Dennis.
Not long ago, I read about a robot lawyer, and students using AI bots to cheat in their exams. Cloacina Maxima by Gerhard Dennis is a cleverly written book that captures the dangers of AI. I loved how unique the book is; unlike many science fiction books, it's not too technical. Gerhard used well-developed characters with realistic dialogue that made them easy to relate to. The seamlessly flowing plotline was also very entertaining and, at the same time, very effective in conveying the intended message. Gerhard's vivid descriptions of the events and places also helped create a mental picture of what was happening. This book is thought-provoking and got me thinking about the balance between using technology and our moral obligation to ensure technology is used for the right purposes. I cannot wait to read part two of this book.
Recommend this book:
 volunteers to raise Lynette. Although old and frail, Aunt Mag promises to be with Lynette until she is old enough to care for herself. Aunt...){kind=link}
My Alien Life
A Novelette
J. Martain
2023 Honorable Mention
36 Pages
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
Lynette is only ten when she loses her father. Since her mother left, her maternal family seems hesitant to take her in. Her sickly looks and odd behavior worsen matters, but her great-great-aunt Magnolia (Mag) volunteers to raise Lynette. Although old and frail, Aunt Mag promises to be with Lynette until she is old enough to care for herself. Aunt Mag teaches Lynette how to sew, garden, and be responsible. Unfortunately, when the time comes for Lynette to go back to school, the government questions her upbringing and tries to take her away from Aunt Mag. They cite child endangerment and Aunt Mag’s age as their reasons. Lynette does not want to leave because living with Aunt Mag is the happiest she has ever been. Get a copy of My Alien Life by J. Martain to find out what happens next.
I did not expect a heartwarming story when reading My Alien Life. The plot surprised me because it was moving and unique. I was touched by how Aunt Mag continuously protected and claimed Lynette as her own. J. Martain is a great storyteller because she does not give the reader all the information at once. Instead, she subtly and gradually lets you know what is happening. The book is told from Lynette’s point of view, and her genuine confusion and naivete are perfectly written. Lynette is an innocent child, and because of this, she does not fully understand what is happening around her. I felt her pain and determination to hold on to hope for a happy and peaceful life. Reading My Alien Life restored my hope in humanity and unconditional love. I recommend this book to anyone who loves reading heart-stirring stories. Great work.
Lynette is only ten when she loses her father. Since her mother left, her maternal family seems hesitant to take her in. Her sickly looks and odd behavior worsen matters, but her great-great-aunt Magnolia (Mag) volunteers to raise Lynette. Although old and frail, Aunt Mag promises to be with Lynette until she is old enough to care for herself. Aunt Mag teaches Lynette how to sew, garden, and be responsible. Unfortunately, when the time comes for Lynette to go back to school, the government questions her upbringing and tries to take her away from Aunt Mag. They cite child endangerment and Aunt Mag’s age as their reasons. Lynette does not want to leave because living with Aunt Mag is the happiest she has ever been. Get a copy of My Alien Life by J. Martain to find out what happens next.
I did not expect a heartwarming story when reading My Alien Life. The plot surprised me because it was moving and unique. I was touched by how Aunt Mag continuously protected and claimed Lynette as her own. J. Martain is a great storyteller because she does not give the reader all the information at once. Instead, she subtly and gradually lets you know what is happening. The book is told from Lynette’s point of view, and her genuine confusion and naivete are perfectly written. Lynette is an innocent child, and because of this, she does not fully understand what is happening around her. I felt her pain and determination to hold on to hope for a happy and peaceful life. Reading My Alien Life restored my hope in humanity and unconditional love. I recommend this book to anyone who loves reading heart-stirring stories. Great work.
Recommend this book:
A Colossal Injustice
A Griffin Knight Corporate Murder Mystery
Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr.
2023 Bronze Medal
104 Pages
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite
In the engrossing mystery novella A Colossal Injustice: A Griffin Knight Corporate Murder Mystery by Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr., a New York-based investigator trails powerful criminals to solve a mysterious murder. When Griffin Knight travels to Seattle to investigate the murder of a former COO and CFO of a mega-corporation, he is unaware of the massive power the brutal forces he is fighting against wield. Dylan had found evidence that one of the high-level executives in Colossus was embezzling large amounts of money from the company. Dylan had been found dead shortly afterward at his house. As Knight and Dylan’s close friend Felix look for clues, their investigation leads them to the head of a formidable gang and an unlikely culprit who rules Seattle.
Through its fast pace, A Colossal Injustice maintains its engaging suspense from start to finish. We read the story from each main character’s perspective, which helped me gain a better understanding of who they are. The villains are well-developed too and the dialogue is witty and entertaining. The story is enveloped in mystery with some enthralling surprises along the way which kept me guessing. Though quickly executed, its action scenes are still absorbing and the revelations are shocking and well thought out. A great addition to the Griffin Knight mysteries, this book by Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr. features compelling personalities and a fascinating mystery that fans will love. They will enjoy its action scenes, unforgettable characters, and intriguing dialogue.
In the engrossing mystery novella A Colossal Injustice: A Griffin Knight Corporate Murder Mystery by Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr., a New York-based investigator trails powerful criminals to solve a mysterious murder. When Griffin Knight travels to Seattle to investigate the murder of a former COO and CFO of a mega-corporation, he is unaware of the massive power the brutal forces he is fighting against wield. Dylan had found evidence that one of the high-level executives in Colossus was embezzling large amounts of money from the company. Dylan had been found dead shortly afterward at his house. As Knight and Dylan’s close friend Felix look for clues, their investigation leads them to the head of a formidable gang and an unlikely culprit who rules Seattle.
Through its fast pace, A Colossal Injustice maintains its engaging suspense from start to finish. We read the story from each main character’s perspective, which helped me gain a better understanding of who they are. The villains are well-developed too and the dialogue is witty and entertaining. The story is enveloped in mystery with some enthralling surprises along the way which kept me guessing. Though quickly executed, its action scenes are still absorbing and the revelations are shocking and well thought out. A great addition to the Griffin Knight mysteries, this book by Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr. features compelling personalities and a fascinating mystery that fans will love. They will enjoy its action scenes, unforgettable characters, and intriguing dialogue.
Recommend this book:
A Cat at Dachau
A Heart-Breaking and Thought-Provoking WW2 Story
Elyse Hoffman
2023 Silver Medal
52 Pages
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite
A Cat at Dachau: A Heart-Breaking and Thought-Provoking WW2 Story by Elyse Hoffman is a short novella about a cat and a brutal Nazi guard. Set in the Dachau concentration camp during World War II, SS Private Max Schrader found an injured cat near the camp’s front gate. The cat’s name, as stated on his collar, is Faust and he reminds Max of Tiger, his beloved cat. Nursing him back to health, the two formed a special relationship. Following Max to the concentration camp, Faust seems to be looking for something. During one of their cruel morning roll calls when the Jews gather and stand in rows of ten, the young SS Private Schrader found out what the cat was looking for. This discovery opens his eyes to a harsh reality that will completely change his life.
Elyse Hoffman’s A Cat at Dachau is an inspiring and unique World War 2 story. For a young man brainwashed to treat Jewish prisoners as less than animals, it is a pleasant surprise that young Nazi guard Max Schrader still has love left in his heart. So much has been written about the atrocities of this appalling and depraved event of modern times but A Cat at Dachau manages to stand out. It is a well-written and informative book that is a must-read for all who want to understand this most evil of events and find out why it happened and perhaps prevent history from repeating itself. It reveals to us just what man is capable of doing. In not so many words, the author shines some light on humanity in one of its darkest hours. Highly recommended!
A Cat at Dachau: A Heart-Breaking and Thought-Provoking WW2 Story by Elyse Hoffman is a short novella about a cat and a brutal Nazi guard. Set in the Dachau concentration camp during World War II, SS Private Max Schrader found an injured cat near the camp’s front gate. The cat’s name, as stated on his collar, is Faust and he reminds Max of Tiger, his beloved cat. Nursing him back to health, the two formed a special relationship. Following Max to the concentration camp, Faust seems to be looking for something. During one of their cruel morning roll calls when the Jews gather and stand in rows of ten, the young SS Private Schrader found out what the cat was looking for. This discovery opens his eyes to a harsh reality that will completely change his life.
Elyse Hoffman’s A Cat at Dachau is an inspiring and unique World War 2 story. For a young man brainwashed to treat Jewish prisoners as less than animals, it is a pleasant surprise that young Nazi guard Max Schrader still has love left in his heart. So much has been written about the atrocities of this appalling and depraved event of modern times but A Cat at Dachau manages to stand out. It is a well-written and informative book that is a must-read for all who want to understand this most evil of events and find out why it happened and perhaps prevent history from repeating itself. It reveals to us just what man is capable of doing. In not so many words, the author shines some light on humanity in one of its darkest hours. Highly recommended!
Recommend this book:
My Everyday Hero - Sam
Tamara Ferguson
2023 Gold Medal
156 Pages
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite
An Air Force pilot and a nurse trainee develop a deep bond as they face imminent danger and heal their wounds in Tamara Ferguson’s thrilling romance My Everyday Hero - Sam. After enduring unimaginable trauma, Heather Janson found hope through her new friendships and her career as a nurse. She realized that caregiving had given her a new, rewarding purpose that had allowed her to free herself from her anger toward her abusive uncle. She met Sam Wellman when he walked into the bar that she owned and immediately felt connected to him. Like her, Sam was battling crushing memories from his childhood and a traumatic time serving in Afghanistan. For the first time in ages, Heather felt hopeful but was reluctant to believe that she would be able to escape her uncle’s grasp. Heather and Sam faced their challenges together and both found happiness in the comfort of their relationship despite their heart-breaking pasts.
Like other books by Tamara Ferguson, the story flows effortlessly and draws its audience in right from the first page. Though Sam and Heather’s relationship was swift, it still feels authentic. There are many hair-raising scenes in the story which were well woven into the main plot. I loved that the lead characters are fleshed out with pasts that help explain the torment they are battling. Their stories are also original and they explore essential themes which include PTSD, sexual violence, anguish and grief after loss, and childhood trauma. My Everyday Hero - Sam is an immersive romance novel and a great addition to Ferguson’s work. Readers will find the characters believable and will find inspiration in their resilience.
An Air Force pilot and a nurse trainee develop a deep bond as they face imminent danger and heal their wounds in Tamara Ferguson’s thrilling romance My Everyday Hero - Sam. After enduring unimaginable trauma, Heather Janson found hope through her new friendships and her career as a nurse. She realized that caregiving had given her a new, rewarding purpose that had allowed her to free herself from her anger toward her abusive uncle. She met Sam Wellman when he walked into the bar that she owned and immediately felt connected to him. Like her, Sam was battling crushing memories from his childhood and a traumatic time serving in Afghanistan. For the first time in ages, Heather felt hopeful but was reluctant to believe that she would be able to escape her uncle’s grasp. Heather and Sam faced their challenges together and both found happiness in the comfort of their relationship despite their heart-breaking pasts.
Like other books by Tamara Ferguson, the story flows effortlessly and draws its audience in right from the first page. Though Sam and Heather’s relationship was swift, it still feels authentic. There are many hair-raising scenes in the story which were well woven into the main plot. I loved that the lead characters are fleshed out with pasts that help explain the torment they are battling. Their stories are also original and they explore essential themes which include PTSD, sexual violence, anguish and grief after loss, and childhood trauma. My Everyday Hero - Sam is an immersive romance novel and a great addition to Ferguson’s work. Readers will find the characters believable and will find inspiration in their resilience.
Recommend this book:
Dagda
A New Dawn
Corina Douglas
2022 Finalist
34 Pages
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Dagda: A New Dawn by Corina Douglas is a companion short story to the author's Celtic fantasy series Daughter of Winter. The book begins with an introduction to the titular God, Dagda, on a night when all manner of pleasure is permissible. Samhain is on the cusp and Dagda is distracted in anger and jealousy that his wife Morrígan has been singled out to partner with the new king. Worse still, Dagda's beautiful, intense, intelligent, and sexually bold wife is unable to hide her own pleasure in fulfilling this duty. Dagda's sister Cerridwen catches him as he is drowning his sorrows in mead, telling him of a cloudy vision she has had that on this night, Dagda will also find pleasure...but only if he is able to get past his own stubbornness. “When a woman enters a man’s home, they only desire two things: companionship and sex, or to steal from them. Are you here to steal my cauldron, or is it the former...”
In the interest of full disclosure, I had to read Dagda on my phone because my wife practically wrestled the e-reader from my grip after seeing the cover. The irony here is that this exact situation gave me all the same feelings Dagda must have had, and in my opinion that now makes me an expert on the topic. The story is written from the point of view of Dagda, which I appreciated as most books with this degree of excellent sizzle are written from a female perspective. Men need sizzle too. Douglas is skilled in the literary arts of scene-setting and providing readers with a vivid depiction of what is happening and why. What sets her apart is the ability to elicit genuine emotion from a reader because the emotion that extends from Dagda is palpable. For a short story, this piece has some serious weight, and Douglas has roped in not just one, but two new fans. Very highly recommended.
Dagda: A New Dawn by Corina Douglas is a companion short story to the author's Celtic fantasy series Daughter of Winter. The book begins with an introduction to the titular God, Dagda, on a night when all manner of pleasure is permissible. Samhain is on the cusp and Dagda is distracted in anger and jealousy that his wife Morrígan has been singled out to partner with the new king. Worse still, Dagda's beautiful, intense, intelligent, and sexually bold wife is unable to hide her own pleasure in fulfilling this duty. Dagda's sister Cerridwen catches him as he is drowning his sorrows in mead, telling him of a cloudy vision she has had that on this night, Dagda will also find pleasure...but only if he is able to get past his own stubbornness. “When a woman enters a man’s home, they only desire two things: companionship and sex, or to steal from them. Are you here to steal my cauldron, or is it the former...”
In the interest of full disclosure, I had to read Dagda on my phone because my wife practically wrestled the e-reader from my grip after seeing the cover. The irony here is that this exact situation gave me all the same feelings Dagda must have had, and in my opinion that now makes me an expert on the topic. The story is written from the point of view of Dagda, which I appreciated as most books with this degree of excellent sizzle are written from a female perspective. Men need sizzle too. Douglas is skilled in the literary arts of scene-setting and providing readers with a vivid depiction of what is happening and why. What sets her apart is the ability to elicit genuine emotion from a reader because the emotion that extends from Dagda is palpable. For a short story, this piece has some serious weight, and Douglas has roped in not just one, but two new fans. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Protectors of the Inner Sanctum
Polish Dragon P. I.
Steve Zimcosky
2022 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite
A former detective and one of the best active Private Investigators, Tom Sipowicz just found out that he had a brother. They never met because of circumstances beyond the control of their parents. Tom’s brother, Nicholas Stachowiak, was a software engineer he found through ancestry.com. A visit to reunite with his brother turned into an unpleasant surprise. Someone kidnapped the grandson of Nicholas about a year ago, a recurrence with children between 8 and 10 years old as victims across states. The kidnappers’ identities were unknown, but rumors pointed to a cult. They messed with the wrong child because Tom would take it personally. He would not lose another family member! Follow Tom as he leaves no stone unturned in Protectors of the Inner Sanctum (A Polish Dragon P. I. Story) by Steve Zimcosky.
Protectors of the Inner Sanctum by Steve Zimcosky was a riveting installment of A Polish Dragon P. I. Series. This intriguing tale revolved around family, loyalty, cultism, brainwashing, and some action. I loved everything about this compact and punchy story, from the plot to the storyline, development, and characters. The story was simple, unpredictable, and with all the elements that kept me hooked. The narrative was witty and funny, taking me on a suspenseful ride. I wondered why the cult targeted children at such bright but tender ages. Was it because children in that age range were most curious yet impressionable? Were they easier to brainwash and groom? We have a sensitive job to do as parents if my assumptions are correct. I felt terrible for Suzie and hoped she healed. This novel was worth my while, and I’d love to read more of Tom’s adventures.
A former detective and one of the best active Private Investigators, Tom Sipowicz just found out that he had a brother. They never met because of circumstances beyond the control of their parents. Tom’s brother, Nicholas Stachowiak, was a software engineer he found through ancestry.com. A visit to reunite with his brother turned into an unpleasant surprise. Someone kidnapped the grandson of Nicholas about a year ago, a recurrence with children between 8 and 10 years old as victims across states. The kidnappers’ identities were unknown, but rumors pointed to a cult. They messed with the wrong child because Tom would take it personally. He would not lose another family member! Follow Tom as he leaves no stone unturned in Protectors of the Inner Sanctum (A Polish Dragon P. I. Story) by Steve Zimcosky.
Protectors of the Inner Sanctum by Steve Zimcosky was a riveting installment of A Polish Dragon P. I. Series. This intriguing tale revolved around family, loyalty, cultism, brainwashing, and some action. I loved everything about this compact and punchy story, from the plot to the storyline, development, and characters. The story was simple, unpredictable, and with all the elements that kept me hooked. The narrative was witty and funny, taking me on a suspenseful ride. I wondered why the cult targeted children at such bright but tender ages. Was it because children in that age range were most curious yet impressionable? Were they easier to brainwash and groom? We have a sensitive job to do as parents if my assumptions are correct. I felt terrible for Suzie and hoped she healed. This novel was worth my while, and I’d love to read more of Tom’s adventures.
Recommend this book:
Calling Mr. Nelson Pugh
Christopher Opyr
2022 Bronze Medal
127 Pages
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite
Calling Mr. Nelson Pugh by Christopher Opyr is a crime thriller. One lonely night in a hotel room, we are introduced to Mr. Pugh, who is on a business trip. His wife and two daughters are at home in the United States. Mr. Pugh explains that he suffers from severe anxiety, and although he is taking medication for his condition, he is not showing any signs of improvement. The suspense begins when Mr. Pugh finds missed calls and voice messages from his wife on his phone. At this point, his fear kicks in. As he listens to the details in the messages, they reveal a menacing situation for his family. He experiences a panic attack triggered by the imminent danger to his family. He takes an overdose of his medication and some alcohol and suffers the side effects of the mixture. With his family oceans away and fighting his own battle, how will Mr. Pugh survive these conflicts?
Christopher Opyr has an intriguing way of writing as every chapter left me in suspense and wondering what was going to happen next. This made the book a quick read and a page-turner. The whole story is written from Mr. Pugh's' perspective, and his anxiety comes through in his thought processes. He is a character that runs all the possible scenarios in his head, and this had me questioning what was real and what was not. By the conclusion of Calling Mr. Nelson Pugh, I was shedding tears for the man and his family. This shows the great ability of the author to evoke so many emotions in a reader in the form of suspense, shock, and sadness. This is for all book lovers that enjoy suspense-filled tales with a plot twist that will leave you hanging at the edge of a cliff.
Calling Mr. Nelson Pugh by Christopher Opyr is a crime thriller. One lonely night in a hotel room, we are introduced to Mr. Pugh, who is on a business trip. His wife and two daughters are at home in the United States. Mr. Pugh explains that he suffers from severe anxiety, and although he is taking medication for his condition, he is not showing any signs of improvement. The suspense begins when Mr. Pugh finds missed calls and voice messages from his wife on his phone. At this point, his fear kicks in. As he listens to the details in the messages, they reveal a menacing situation for his family. He experiences a panic attack triggered by the imminent danger to his family. He takes an overdose of his medication and some alcohol and suffers the side effects of the mixture. With his family oceans away and fighting his own battle, how will Mr. Pugh survive these conflicts?
Christopher Opyr has an intriguing way of writing as every chapter left me in suspense and wondering what was going to happen next. This made the book a quick read and a page-turner. The whole story is written from Mr. Pugh's' perspective, and his anxiety comes through in his thought processes. He is a character that runs all the possible scenarios in his head, and this had me questioning what was real and what was not. By the conclusion of Calling Mr. Nelson Pugh, I was shedding tears for the man and his family. This shows the great ability of the author to evoke so many emotions in a reader in the form of suspense, shock, and sadness. This is for all book lovers that enjoy suspense-filled tales with a plot twist that will leave you hanging at the edge of a cliff.
Recommend this book:
The Coward of Grimsby
Eric Daniel Ryan
2022 Silver Medal
37 Pages
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
The Coward of Grimsby by Eric Daniel Ryan is a historical fiction novella with settings in late 19th-century England and France that follows two men, a French fisherman called Georges and a British aristocrat named Braddock, and a once joint journey that ended with each in a radically different situation. When Georges and Braddock serendipitously meet in the port town of Grimsby, Georges confides the location of a treasure trove to his new friend, and the pair partner up to find it. However, Georges never makes it to the ship and Braddock sets off with his crew to find the treasure, regardless. The tale of long-lost gold on the coast of Africa is wild, but the tale Braddock tells when he is charged with cowardice and complicity in the loss of men and capital might just be even wilder. And he may hang for it.
Fun unexpected fact: I am British and bought a car in the EU, which was delivered to the port of Grimsby and collected by me this very afternoon. This means I was actually reading The Coward of Grimsby while in Grimsby. The strange happenstance of Eric Daniel Ryan's characters AND this reader is extraordinary. So too is Ryan's ability to weave a deeply rich story in a tight and compact novella. Georges and Braddock are fully fleshed-out, developed characters and I enjoyed the way they interacted in the short period before the adventure, and the even shorter period when Braddock returns—barely alive, but still destined to die. Georges is perhaps too trusting and a less honorable man would have reacted differently when he and Braddock are reunited. The British phrase to describe the French Georges is 'a sheep in sheep's clothing' and it's quite funny that he gets drunk and it saves his life. What I truly loved is that there isn't a physical antagonist in character form. Instead, Ryan delves into the frailty of human character and our penchant for avarice. This is a tightly written, entertaining, and thoughtful story that is perfect for whiling away an afternoon with treasure enough to make it feel worthwhile.
The Coward of Grimsby by Eric Daniel Ryan is a historical fiction novella with settings in late 19th-century England and France that follows two men, a French fisherman called Georges and a British aristocrat named Braddock, and a once joint journey that ended with each in a radically different situation. When Georges and Braddock serendipitously meet in the port town of Grimsby, Georges confides the location of a treasure trove to his new friend, and the pair partner up to find it. However, Georges never makes it to the ship and Braddock sets off with his crew to find the treasure, regardless. The tale of long-lost gold on the coast of Africa is wild, but the tale Braddock tells when he is charged with cowardice and complicity in the loss of men and capital might just be even wilder. And he may hang for it.
Fun unexpected fact: I am British and bought a car in the EU, which was delivered to the port of Grimsby and collected by me this very afternoon. This means I was actually reading The Coward of Grimsby while in Grimsby. The strange happenstance of Eric Daniel Ryan's characters AND this reader is extraordinary. So too is Ryan's ability to weave a deeply rich story in a tight and compact novella. Georges and Braddock are fully fleshed-out, developed characters and I enjoyed the way they interacted in the short period before the adventure, and the even shorter period when Braddock returns—barely alive, but still destined to die. Georges is perhaps too trusting and a less honorable man would have reacted differently when he and Braddock are reunited. The British phrase to describe the French Georges is 'a sheep in sheep's clothing' and it's quite funny that he gets drunk and it saves his life. What I truly loved is that there isn't a physical antagonist in character form. Instead, Ryan delves into the frailty of human character and our penchant for avarice. This is a tightly written, entertaining, and thoughtful story that is perfect for whiling away an afternoon with treasure enough to make it feel worthwhile.
Recommend this book:
Dark Waves
Mind Hackers Series, Novella
Amanda Uhl
2022 Gold Medal
87 Pages
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Fiction - Short Story/Novela
Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite
Dark Waves: Mind Hackers Series by Amanda Uhl is a short story/novella that explores the intricacies of psychic interaction and the ability to enter others' minds and make changes to their memories. Paranormal psychologist Dr. Audrey Gilbert has been extremely successful at treating her psychic patients who have experienced difficulties like burnout or hallucinations. When one of her former patients, who she had declared fit to resume activities as a psychic for the government, goes rogue and causes mayhem, she is fired but is given one chance to redeem herself. She is offered the opportunity to consult and treat Kevin, one of the most powerful psychics the world has thus far seen, a level 10 psychic suffering from hallucinations and self-doubts, who has sworn never to use his psychic powers again for the government. Her mission is to successfully treat Kevin, get him back to work and her job will be restored. Neither she nor Kevin is really prepared for what both of them will uncover about the other when they embark on this journey of psychic rediscovery.
I’m not a great short story or novella reader as a rule, but I’m certainly pleased I chose to read Dark Waves. Author Amanda Uhl somehow manages to not only instill a fascinating plot into this short story but has also developed two characters that the reader can deeply connect with and understand. I particularly enjoyed the moral dilemma Kevin was faced with. He knows what Audrey is thinking but absolutely doesn’t want to intrude on her privacy and personal space. He reveals a character that is not consistent with what the general reader would expect from a psychic as powerful as he clearly is. This is what made him such an interesting character. I was amazed at how much character development the author was able to achieve in such a short space of time and this is a real credit to her abilities. Although the final twist in the story was somewhat predictable, it in no way detracted from my enjoyment of the story and at the end, my immediate thought was, “I want to read more of this author’s work and of the premises and ideas that she explored in this novella.” For a short, punchy, and fascinating read, I can highly recommend this story.
Dark Waves: Mind Hackers Series by Amanda Uhl is a short story/novella that explores the intricacies of psychic interaction and the ability to enter others' minds and make changes to their memories. Paranormal psychologist Dr. Audrey Gilbert has been extremely successful at treating her psychic patients who have experienced difficulties like burnout or hallucinations. When one of her former patients, who she had declared fit to resume activities as a psychic for the government, goes rogue and causes mayhem, she is fired but is given one chance to redeem herself. She is offered the opportunity to consult and treat Kevin, one of the most powerful psychics the world has thus far seen, a level 10 psychic suffering from hallucinations and self-doubts, who has sworn never to use his psychic powers again for the government. Her mission is to successfully treat Kevin, get him back to work and her job will be restored. Neither she nor Kevin is really prepared for what both of them will uncover about the other when they embark on this journey of psychic rediscovery.
I’m not a great short story or novella reader as a rule, but I’m certainly pleased I chose to read Dark Waves. Author Amanda Uhl somehow manages to not only instill a fascinating plot into this short story but has also developed two characters that the reader can deeply connect with and understand. I particularly enjoyed the moral dilemma Kevin was faced with. He knows what Audrey is thinking but absolutely doesn’t want to intrude on her privacy and personal space. He reveals a character that is not consistent with what the general reader would expect from a psychic as powerful as he clearly is. This is what made him such an interesting character. I was amazed at how much character development the author was able to achieve in such a short space of time and this is a real credit to her abilities. Although the final twist in the story was somewhat predictable, it in no way detracted from my enjoyment of the story and at the end, my immediate thought was, “I want to read more of this author’s work and of the premises and ideas that she explored in this novella.” For a short, punchy, and fascinating read, I can highly recommend this story.
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