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Recommend this book:
The Wise Man
A Novel
Michele Chynoweth
2022 Honorable Mention
410 Pages
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Fiction - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Trevor Otieno for Readers' Favorite
The Wise Man: A Novel by Michele Chynoweth is based on an Old Testament story that has been modernized while retaining its principles. Michele Chynoweth opens a window into the world of wise people, allowing readers to trace the origins of many of their own stories. She recounts the well-known story of King Solomon being given an exceptional gift by God: a perceptive, cunning, and insightful intellect. Finn has a lot of insight at first, but his egotistical goals lead him away from his intended path as a judge. In the same way that Solomon’s temple was destroyed by his haughtiness, he sees his inheritance ruined. He finds his way to atonement through the wreckage of his mistakes. Current events are included while describing the highs and lows in love, politics, and the daily life of President Mitchell and his son Finley.
Michele Chynoweth has great inventiveness, which I loved. Amazing character depth can be found here. You are drawn into the story by the detailed language employed. The plot is intriguing and unexpected. It’s an enjoyable book that modernizes Solomon’s life, from which we can learn a great deal. The amount of study that Chynoweth put into creating this work captivated and astonished me. The plot is an exciting rollercoaster journey that enchants you and leaves you wanting more. Chynoweth has taken care to pay attention to the fundamentals of flawless writing, including the use of proper grammar, punctuation, and minimal mistakes. Everyone should read The Wise Man as a gentle warning that arrogance is always followed by ruin.
The Wise Man: A Novel by Michele Chynoweth is based on an Old Testament story that has been modernized while retaining its principles. Michele Chynoweth opens a window into the world of wise people, allowing readers to trace the origins of many of their own stories. She recounts the well-known story of King Solomon being given an exceptional gift by God: a perceptive, cunning, and insightful intellect. Finn has a lot of insight at first, but his egotistical goals lead him away from his intended path as a judge. In the same way that Solomon’s temple was destroyed by his haughtiness, he sees his inheritance ruined. He finds his way to atonement through the wreckage of his mistakes. Current events are included while describing the highs and lows in love, politics, and the daily life of President Mitchell and his son Finley.
Michele Chynoweth has great inventiveness, which I loved. Amazing character depth can be found here. You are drawn into the story by the detailed language employed. The plot is intriguing and unexpected. It’s an enjoyable book that modernizes Solomon’s life, from which we can learn a great deal. The amount of study that Chynoweth put into creating this work captivated and astonished me. The plot is an exciting rollercoaster journey that enchants you and leaves you wanting more. Chynoweth has taken care to pay attention to the fundamentals of flawless writing, including the use of proper grammar, punctuation, and minimal mistakes. Everyone should read The Wise Man as a gentle warning that arrogance is always followed by ruin.
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:
Protectors of the Inner Sanctum
Polish Dragon P. I.
Steve Zimcosky
2022 Honorable Mention
123 Pages
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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:
The Ropes That Bind
Based on a True Story of Child Sexual Abuse
Tracy Stopler
2022 Gold Medal
340 Pages
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Fiction - Social Issues
Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite
“We are in this world to climb life’s mountains...” states Tracy Stopler through her fictional self, Tali, in her unique, based-on-fact novel, The Ropes That Bind. Tali believes that we feel our best “when we overcome obstacles” because in the “middle of life’s difficulties lies an opportunity for personal growth.” As a victim of child sexual abuse, I couldn’t agree with her more, and it was insights like this that spoke most loudly to me in Stopler’s unusual approach to writing what is, at its core, a memoir. The opening chapter of The Ropes That Bind is a frightening, heart-stopping account of a 9-year-old ignoring parental warnings about stranger danger. For the next several decades of her life, Tali battles the memories, protects the abuser with her silence, is fearful of trusting herself and others, is obsessed with details of similar kidnappings and abuse, and constantly searches for love and peace.
Her search finds her climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, studying the Kabbalah, and exploring the beliefs and practices of her Jewish roots. For me, the depth given this exploration was an unexpected, but interesting inclusion. But ultimately, it was the challenges Tali gave herself as part of her ongoing search for the self-love critical to the mental and spiritual recovery of abuse victims that resonated most loudly with me. Ultimately, her story is a success story, though as all abuse victims know, one may forgive but one never forgets. Stopler punctuates her story-telling with a timeline of world events, developments around HIV, and statistics on child abuse. Included at the end of the book is an author interview that is fascinating and offers further insight into important characters in the story and why Tracy Stopler chose to write her book as fiction based on a memoir. This may be very interesting to other abuse victims who are considering writing a memoir and are unsure about an approach. Highly recommended reading for many reasons!
“We are in this world to climb life’s mountains...” states Tracy Stopler through her fictional self, Tali, in her unique, based-on-fact novel, The Ropes That Bind. Tali believes that we feel our best “when we overcome obstacles” because in the “middle of life’s difficulties lies an opportunity for personal growth.” As a victim of child sexual abuse, I couldn’t agree with her more, and it was insights like this that spoke most loudly to me in Stopler’s unusual approach to writing what is, at its core, a memoir. The opening chapter of The Ropes That Bind is a frightening, heart-stopping account of a 9-year-old ignoring parental warnings about stranger danger. For the next several decades of her life, Tali battles the memories, protects the abuser with her silence, is fearful of trusting herself and others, is obsessed with details of similar kidnappings and abuse, and constantly searches for love and peace.
Her search finds her climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, studying the Kabbalah, and exploring the beliefs and practices of her Jewish roots. For me, the depth given this exploration was an unexpected, but interesting inclusion. But ultimately, it was the challenges Tali gave herself as part of her ongoing search for the self-love critical to the mental and spiritual recovery of abuse victims that resonated most loudly with me. Ultimately, her story is a success story, though as all abuse victims know, one may forgive but one never forgets. Stopler punctuates her story-telling with a timeline of world events, developments around HIV, and statistics on child abuse. Included at the end of the book is an author interview that is fascinating and offers further insight into important characters in the story and why Tracy Stopler chose to write her book as fiction based on a memoir. This may be very interesting to other abuse victims who are considering writing a memoir and are unsure about an approach. Highly recommended reading for many reasons!
Recommend this book:
A Dress the Color of the Moon
Jennifer Irwin
2022 Honorable Mention
360 Pages
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Fiction - Social Issues
Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite
It’s rare for me to finish a book and really want to read its predecessor, but that’s what happened after reading A Dress the Color of the Moon by Jennifer Irwin. What a fascinating book, so realistic and touching on so many levels that I had to double-check it wasn’t a memoir. While the protagonist, Prudence Aldrich, a recovering sex addict, is front and center throughout, the lives and feelings of a handful of supporting characters - Alistair, Gloria, Mitch, Mike, and Lily - are equally unforgettable, as are the circumstances that bring them together.
The primary setting is the Serenity Hills Rehab Centre. Apart from Lily, Prue’s closest friend, the others with varying addictions have become a caring and tight-knit group under the guidance of Mike, a rehabilitated alcoholic, now a counselor. As narrators switch throughout the book, readers get an in-depth look at where and how addictions start and a realistic view of just how overwhelmingly difficult recovery can be, including why some relapse, some never survive, and others move on to better futures by remaining ever vigilant and building inner strength. We all make mistakes; we all have addictions, but for some, mistakes and addictions are life-changing.
Those unfamiliar with what happens in rehab will get an education by reading A Dress the Color of the Moon. Those who are considering rehab will find themselves encouraged and feeling more positive about how it can help them. All readers will enjoy Jennifer Irwin’s writing skills: her use of humor, pathos, and dialogue evokes such strong emotional, mental, and spiritual responses. If we are honest with ourselves, we will easily identify with so many aspects of each of the characters. Little wonder Irwin’s previous book, A Dress the Color of the Sky, has won several awards and has been optioned for a feature film…not to mention how much I want to read it!
It’s rare for me to finish a book and really want to read its predecessor, but that’s what happened after reading A Dress the Color of the Moon by Jennifer Irwin. What a fascinating book, so realistic and touching on so many levels that I had to double-check it wasn’t a memoir. While the protagonist, Prudence Aldrich, a recovering sex addict, is front and center throughout, the lives and feelings of a handful of supporting characters - Alistair, Gloria, Mitch, Mike, and Lily - are equally unforgettable, as are the circumstances that bring them together.
The primary setting is the Serenity Hills Rehab Centre. Apart from Lily, Prue’s closest friend, the others with varying addictions have become a caring and tight-knit group under the guidance of Mike, a rehabilitated alcoholic, now a counselor. As narrators switch throughout the book, readers get an in-depth look at where and how addictions start and a realistic view of just how overwhelmingly difficult recovery can be, including why some relapse, some never survive, and others move on to better futures by remaining ever vigilant and building inner strength. We all make mistakes; we all have addictions, but for some, mistakes and addictions are life-changing.
Those unfamiliar with what happens in rehab will get an education by reading A Dress the Color of the Moon. Those who are considering rehab will find themselves encouraged and feeling more positive about how it can help them. All readers will enjoy Jennifer Irwin’s writing skills: her use of humor, pathos, and dialogue evokes such strong emotional, mental, and spiritual responses. If we are honest with ourselves, we will easily identify with so many aspects of each of the characters. Little wonder Irwin’s previous book, A Dress the Color of the Sky, has won several awards and has been optioned for a feature film…not to mention how much I want to read it!
Recommend this book:
Catching the Wind
Steve Physioc
2022 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Sports
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Catching the Wind by Steve Physioc continues the story of Sam Cloud-Carson who we first met in Walks With The Wind. After losing his freedom, his family, and everything he loved, Sam thought his life was over. Reluctantly working for Drake Dixon was Sam’s personal hell. However, Sam was finally able to get away from Drake’s clutches and find a fresh start in Nicaragua. There, Sam was able to be himself and play baseball as much as he wanted. Getting the attention of scouts, Sam was relieved to find his groove back. However, that relief was short-lived as someone from Sam’s past was back, and he wanted Sam to lose everything once again. This was not the time for that. Sam needed to keep his attention on the Big League and prove his talent. He wasn’t ready to face his demons once again. Can Sam win this time?
Author Steve Physioc is a grand storyteller. He is a maestro with words and knows how to make things work for his readers. The descriptions are out of this world. I felt like I was transported to Nicaragua with Sam, I felt the change in the winds and could see the colors of the wilderness. I could feel Sam’s passion, his frustration, and then his determination as he fought to reclaim his life. Sydney’s character was fascinating, to say the least. She was relatable and very vital for Sam’s recovery. Physioc made sure to give enough attention to Sydney’s story and keep the main focus on Sam’s journey to redemption. As expected, the dialogues were crisp, the plot was thrilling, and the narrative was entertaining. There was never a dull moment in Catching the Wind, and Sam’s progress made me love this sequel even more. I loved the change in Sam, and enjoyed how he stood up for his dream! I would highly recommend both novels to the fans of sports/action novels.
Catching the Wind by Steve Physioc continues the story of Sam Cloud-Carson who we first met in Walks With The Wind. After losing his freedom, his family, and everything he loved, Sam thought his life was over. Reluctantly working for Drake Dixon was Sam’s personal hell. However, Sam was finally able to get away from Drake’s clutches and find a fresh start in Nicaragua. There, Sam was able to be himself and play baseball as much as he wanted. Getting the attention of scouts, Sam was relieved to find his groove back. However, that relief was short-lived as someone from Sam’s past was back, and he wanted Sam to lose everything once again. This was not the time for that. Sam needed to keep his attention on the Big League and prove his talent. He wasn’t ready to face his demons once again. Can Sam win this time?
Author Steve Physioc is a grand storyteller. He is a maestro with words and knows how to make things work for his readers. The descriptions are out of this world. I felt like I was transported to Nicaragua with Sam, I felt the change in the winds and could see the colors of the wilderness. I could feel Sam’s passion, his frustration, and then his determination as he fought to reclaim his life. Sydney’s character was fascinating, to say the least. She was relatable and very vital for Sam’s recovery. Physioc made sure to give enough attention to Sydney’s story and keep the main focus on Sam’s journey to redemption. As expected, the dialogues were crisp, the plot was thrilling, and the narrative was entertaining. There was never a dull moment in Catching the Wind, and Sam’s progress made me love this sequel even more. I loved the change in Sam, and enjoyed how he stood up for his dream! I would highly recommend both novels to the fans of sports/action novels.
Recommend this book:
The Nosferatu Conspiracy
Book Two, The Sommelier
Brian James Gage
2022 Bronze Medal
552 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Nosferatu Conspiracy: Book Two, The Sommelier is a work of fiction in the horror, action, and supernatural subgenres, and was penned by author Brian James Gage. The work is intended for the mature adult reading audience owing to the presence of graphic violence and explicit combat situations throughout and it follows on from the first book in the series, The Sleepwalker. In this gory alternate history filled with secret pacts and dangerous new figures, the author explores the ‘real’ reasons for the onset of the First World War by introducing us to the murderous and bloodthirsty Elizabeth Báthory, whose immortality tempts Kaiser Wilhelm to ally with her as he seeks to conquer the world.
After really enjoying the exploits of Rasputin in the first book, I was fascinated to see this series move into new territory with the First World War, and even more excited by the presence of Elizabeth Báthory as such a central figure to the narrative. Chilling and terrifying in equal measure, author Brian James Gage creates the kind of intelligent and convincing historical horror novel that makes you feel like the history you know really is a lie, and this is the terrifying truth that will keep you awake at night. The plot is clever and never feels contrived to ‘fit’ with known history, such is the intricacy of the research and structure involved. The dialogue too is a standout feature, giving all the trademarks of classic, sinister horror and wartime action, without ever becoming laughable or clichéd. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend The Nosferatu Conspiracy: Book Two, The Sommelier for fans of espionage fiction, war stories, supernatural tales, and horror. This novel delivers it all, and then some: a truly unmissable read.
The Nosferatu Conspiracy: Book Two, The Sommelier is a work of fiction in the horror, action, and supernatural subgenres, and was penned by author Brian James Gage. The work is intended for the mature adult reading audience owing to the presence of graphic violence and explicit combat situations throughout and it follows on from the first book in the series, The Sleepwalker. In this gory alternate history filled with secret pacts and dangerous new figures, the author explores the ‘real’ reasons for the onset of the First World War by introducing us to the murderous and bloodthirsty Elizabeth Báthory, whose immortality tempts Kaiser Wilhelm to ally with her as he seeks to conquer the world.
After really enjoying the exploits of Rasputin in the first book, I was fascinated to see this series move into new territory with the First World War, and even more excited by the presence of Elizabeth Báthory as such a central figure to the narrative. Chilling and terrifying in equal measure, author Brian James Gage creates the kind of intelligent and convincing historical horror novel that makes you feel like the history you know really is a lie, and this is the terrifying truth that will keep you awake at night. The plot is clever and never feels contrived to ‘fit’ with known history, such is the intricacy of the research and structure involved. The dialogue too is a standout feature, giving all the trademarks of classic, sinister horror and wartime action, without ever becoming laughable or clichéd. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend The Nosferatu Conspiracy: Book Two, The Sommelier for fans of espionage fiction, war stories, supernatural tales, and horror. This novel delivers it all, and then some: a truly unmissable read.
Recommend this book:
The Book of Invasions
Rod Vick
2022 Finalist
474 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by Trevor Otieno for Readers' Favorite
Rod Vick’s The Book of Invasions is an outstanding illustration of what a great novel should be. The events and moments are a mash-up of significant historical occurrences. A 5,000-year-old artifact is found in the melting ice at a Greenland ecological research station in the first chapter. The sudden deaths of a dozen climate scientists at a remote Greenland research site have shocked the entire world. Ricky Crowe, the sister of a murdered researcher, struggles with her own grief issues and her tragic past, which has left her with an eight-inch scar on her face as she attempts to determine whether the paver-map holds the key to her sister's fate. She and her new friends launch a race to solve puzzles buried in tombs in Egypt and Ireland after presenting the map to the organization that provided funding for her sister’s research.
The way the story veered off to Egypt and later Ireland, where both good and bad characters fought for control of the item and the power they thought it held, was quite entertaining. Every episode that The Book of Invasions described made me feel involved. Rod Vick is undoubtedly a master at explaining things. Any reader will be attracted to the novel because of its accurate portrayal of the events. Along the path, there are numerous surprising turns and curves. I felt a sense of intimacy with the characters or a desire to learn more about them. The storyline was quite intriguing and interesting. I advise mystery fans to grab The Book of Invasions.
Rod Vick’s The Book of Invasions is an outstanding illustration of what a great novel should be. The events and moments are a mash-up of significant historical occurrences. A 5,000-year-old artifact is found in the melting ice at a Greenland ecological research station in the first chapter. The sudden deaths of a dozen climate scientists at a remote Greenland research site have shocked the entire world. Ricky Crowe, the sister of a murdered researcher, struggles with her own grief issues and her tragic past, which has left her with an eight-inch scar on her face as she attempts to determine whether the paver-map holds the key to her sister's fate. She and her new friends launch a race to solve puzzles buried in tombs in Egypt and Ireland after presenting the map to the organization that provided funding for her sister’s research.
The way the story veered off to Egypt and later Ireland, where both good and bad characters fought for control of the item and the power they thought it held, was quite entertaining. Every episode that The Book of Invasions described made me feel involved. Rod Vick is undoubtedly a master at explaining things. Any reader will be attracted to the novel because of its accurate portrayal of the events. Along the path, there are numerous surprising turns and curves. I felt a sense of intimacy with the characters or a desire to learn more about them. The storyline was quite intriguing and interesting. I advise mystery fans to grab The Book of Invasions.
Recommend this book:
The Fortuna Coin
Karen Ann Hopkins
2022 Silver Medal
305 Pages
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Fiction - Suspense
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
The Fortuna Coin is a thriller-drama novel written by Karen Ann Hopkins. Recently married Wendy Catalano's life sees an abrupt end when her ex-husband, Josh Taylor, shockingly kills her new husband, Ben Engel, and her four daughters before killing himself and Wendy. However, due to an ancient coin belonging to their family, Wendy is unceremoniously transported seventeen years back to the year when she met her future killer. Plagued by visions about a yet-to-be-lived life, Wendy finds herself falling for two different men. She marries Josh, leading her toward a psychologically abusive and physically violent relationship. Meanwhile, she continues to harbor feelings for Ben, leaving him with a letter noting the momentous events in his future. Can Wendy take advantage of her second chance?
A gripping drama centered around an abusive relationship, The Fortuna Coin is a thoughtful exploration of domestic abuse and toxic relationships. Author Karen Ann Hopkins presents a raw and authentic portrayal of a woman trapped in a loveless and abusive marriage, showcasing the ways an abuser manipulates their victims to stick by them. The plot is well-paced, and you never see the twists and turns. I found Hopkins's characterization thoroughly compelling. Each character feels well-developed, with complex layers to their personalities that make them utterly absorbing to read. You find yourself rooting for Wendy all the way through. The climax feels bittersweet yet satisfying nonetheless. If you're itching for a well-written, character-driven drama that explores a vital social issue, The Fortuna Coin is the book for you.
The Fortuna Coin is a thriller-drama novel written by Karen Ann Hopkins. Recently married Wendy Catalano's life sees an abrupt end when her ex-husband, Josh Taylor, shockingly kills her new husband, Ben Engel, and her four daughters before killing himself and Wendy. However, due to an ancient coin belonging to their family, Wendy is unceremoniously transported seventeen years back to the year when she met her future killer. Plagued by visions about a yet-to-be-lived life, Wendy finds herself falling for two different men. She marries Josh, leading her toward a psychologically abusive and physically violent relationship. Meanwhile, she continues to harbor feelings for Ben, leaving him with a letter noting the momentous events in his future. Can Wendy take advantage of her second chance?
A gripping drama centered around an abusive relationship, The Fortuna Coin is a thoughtful exploration of domestic abuse and toxic relationships. Author Karen Ann Hopkins presents a raw and authentic portrayal of a woman trapped in a loveless and abusive marriage, showcasing the ways an abuser manipulates their victims to stick by them. The plot is well-paced, and you never see the twists and turns. I found Hopkins's characterization thoroughly compelling. Each character feels well-developed, with complex layers to their personalities that make them utterly absorbing to read. You find yourself rooting for Wendy all the way through. The climax feels bittersweet yet satisfying nonetheless. If you're itching for a well-written, character-driven drama that explores a vital social issue, The Fortuna Coin is the book for you.
Recommend this book:
The Pyres of Destiny
D.M. Earley
2022 Finalist
454 Pages
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Fiction - Suspense
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
The Pyres of Destiny is the second novel in the Call of Destiny Series by D.M. Earley. Jake and Samuel get visions of oncoming danger. Rattled and a little scared out of their current peaceful existence, Jake shares his vision with Dakota and that creates chaos they never anticipated. Even though they passed the trials, the past still comes knocking on their door. A group of people known as The Six wants Jake to pay the price for his mistakes. They want him to suffer, and The Six know the heaviest punishment for Jake would be to offer Dakota as a sacrifice. With the harrowing visions of a doomed future constantly torturing him, Jake knows he will have to make some tough decisions if he wants to keep Dakota safe and sound.
Author D.M. Earley’s word selection makes The Pyres of Destiny hyperrealistic. I fell in love with the narrative style and how each description was painstakingly vivid. The transition between Jake’s visions and reality, the conflict of The Six, and Jake’s dilemma are all handled with perfection. The pace of the story is fast without being overwhelming. The narrative style is intriguing as well as simple; a nice combination that keeps the attention of readers on the story. The suspense was alive in the story, in fact, it was almost the protagonist. Rowtag plays a very important role in the story (and he is, perhaps, the main source of suspense), and his riddles confused me. The author adds just the right number of twists and turns to make sure readers can never guess what will happen next in the story. D.M. Earley did a lot of research about the Native American culture and spirituality, and you can tell that by the depth with which he handles those themes. I would highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good suspense novel.
The Pyres of Destiny is the second novel in the Call of Destiny Series by D.M. Earley. Jake and Samuel get visions of oncoming danger. Rattled and a little scared out of their current peaceful existence, Jake shares his vision with Dakota and that creates chaos they never anticipated. Even though they passed the trials, the past still comes knocking on their door. A group of people known as The Six wants Jake to pay the price for his mistakes. They want him to suffer, and The Six know the heaviest punishment for Jake would be to offer Dakota as a sacrifice. With the harrowing visions of a doomed future constantly torturing him, Jake knows he will have to make some tough decisions if he wants to keep Dakota safe and sound.
Author D.M. Earley’s word selection makes The Pyres of Destiny hyperrealistic. I fell in love with the narrative style and how each description was painstakingly vivid. The transition between Jake’s visions and reality, the conflict of The Six, and Jake’s dilemma are all handled with perfection. The pace of the story is fast without being overwhelming. The narrative style is intriguing as well as simple; a nice combination that keeps the attention of readers on the story. The suspense was alive in the story, in fact, it was almost the protagonist. Rowtag plays a very important role in the story (and he is, perhaps, the main source of suspense), and his riddles confused me. The author adds just the right number of twists and turns to make sure readers can never guess what will happen next in the story. D.M. Earley did a lot of research about the Native American culture and spirituality, and you can tell that by the depth with which he handles those themes. I would highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good suspense novel.
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