< Back Joe Battaglia Beneath The Rings Joe Battaglia’s Beneath the Rings is a gripping and ambitious thriller set against the backdrop of the 2040 Summer Olympics in Doha, Qatar—the first Games hosted in the Middle East. The novel intertwines the grandeur of the Olympics with a harrowing tale of international intrigue, political tension, and human resilience. It explores the dark underbelly of global sports, exposing the clash between the ideals of unity and the harsh realities of geopolitics. The story follows Nova Mendelsohn, a seasoned Olympic journalist, and Omar Al-Kaabi, a Doha historian and spice merchant, as they navigate a world of spectacle and shadows. Nova’s journey begins with her arrival in Doha to cover the historic Games, but her plans are derailed by a shocking terrorist attack. A shadowy extremist group kidnaps twelve athletes and demands a hefty ransom. Battaglia’s vivid prose captures the chaos, trauma, and resilience of the characters involved. The novel delves into the psychological and physical toll on the hostages and their rescuers, with harrowing depictions of the survivors’ recovery. The novel also explores the political and cultural tensions surrounding the Olympics, delving into themes of justice, corruption, and the power of symbols. The novel’s pacing is relentless, with each chapter building on the suspense and urgency of the unfolding crisis. The scenes of the hostage situation and rescue operation are harrowing and unflinching. Battaglia’s attention to detail is evident in his vivid descriptions of Doha’s contrasting landscapes. Battaglia’s storytelling is both captivating and impactful, making this book a standout in the thriller genre. It is a must-read for fans of international intrigue, sports journalism, and stories that challenge the status quo. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A powerful and thought-provoking novel that combines the thrill of a high-stakes hostage crisis with a deep exploration of global issues Purchase here

< Back Jim Malloy Raptor's Revenge A thrilling, fast-paced, novel, about a heroic privateer who seeks vengeance following the brutal murder of his entire family, from author Jim Malloy Raptor’s Revenge is a historical novel set in Elizabethan England. The book follows fourteen-year-old Jamey Fallon as he returns home to find his whole family murdered. The only clue left behind is a severed finger with a gold ring attached. Jamey pockets the ring and is determined to find and destroy the nine fingered murderer responsible. Jamey sets out on a heroic journey across the high seas, as he seeks revenge on the culprit who murdered his entire family. In doing so, Jamey takes command of his own pirate ship, the ‘Raptor,’ and takes on the persona of a pirate ‘El Raptor.’ For over a decade, Jamey and his one-eyed friend sail the Caribbean Sea and hunt down Spanish ships in search of the murderer. When he arrives in Jamaica, Jamey falls in love with Maria, but they are soon captured and turned over to the inquisition. The lovers escape and intercept the killer’s ship. Jamey finally comes face to face his family’s killer, and faces a brutal and bloody duel to the death. This is a thrilling, fast-paced, novel, jam packed full of action and swashbuckling sea adventures. With a blend of history, mystery, revenge and romance, this book will appeal to those who enjoy historical fiction and pirating adventures. With well-developed characters, an elaborate plot with plenty of gruesome battles, and numerous twists and turns, the book will keep readers captivated and on the edge of their seats. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘A captivating, swashbuckling pirate adventure on the high seas. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back T.V. Holiday T.V. Holiday's Vendetta: Legend of The Iron Warrior Vol. 3 Book blurb... Vendetta: Legend of the Iron Warrior Vol. 3 is a critically acclaimed, editor-recommended, and Top Choice dark fantasy noir thriller blending cinematic superhero action, spiritual warfare, psychological conflict, and deeply human themes of redemption, identity, reputation, and faith. A mythic superhero deconstruction set in the cursed streets of Carnage Coast, Vendetta combines supernatural warfare, emotionally charged character drama, and psychological tension into a sprawling noir fantasy saga where the fate of heaven, hell, and the human soul hangs in the balance. Purchase here

< Back Susan Hayden Now You Are a Missing Person A memoir of love and loss, by poet and playwright Susan Hayden. Now You Are a Missing Person is a collection of poems, stories and memoir fragments, by author, poet and playwright Susan Hayden. Divided into eight parts, the collection follows Hayden’s journey from childhood through to adolescence and adulthood, as she searches for love, belonging and meaning in her life. Hayden describes growing up in the 60s and 70s in a quiet suburb of Encino, San Fernando Valley, and her move to the big city of Los Angeles as a young woman. With celebrity neighbours and dalliances with Hollywood actors, Hayden captures the glitz and glamour of Hollywood that many readers will be familiar with, but also the dark, seedy, underbelly of the city that often goes unnoticed. Hayden discusses her relationships with her parents, her friends and lovers. There are sweet, tender moments of love, joy and happiness, harrowing accounts of abuse, and painful memories of loss and grief. Now You Are a Missing Person by Susan Hayden is a stunning collection of poems and stories, drawn from the memoir of a woman who grew up in California and brushed shoulders with celebrities in Hollywood. Hayden has lived an unconventional and extraordinary life, and she tells her story with openness and honesty. The book is a hybrid of literary forms, weaving together poetry, short stories and fragmented memoir entries in both verse and prose. Each individual piece feels like a snapshot of a memory, woven together to tell the story of a life well-lived. Hayden’s writing is poetic and lyrical, even in its prose form, and the stories are full of wonder, warmth and humor. Throughout the book there are cultural references that defined the period– the music, food, fashion, events and stars– so vivid, I felt I was there walking by Hayden’s side. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A poignant and heartfelt collection of poems and stories, drawn from the memoir of a woman who has lived an unconventional and extraordinary life. Purchase here

< Back David Elliott Four - The Number of Immanuel: Christmas by the Numbers Book blurb... What if the numbers in the Bible were more than details—what if they were divine signals pointing to deeper truth? In Four: Christmas by the Numbers, David Elliott uncovers a compelling framework within Scripture: a consistent numerical structure that reveals God’s intentional design. Centered on the number four, this thought-provoking work reframes the Christmas story as more than tradition—it becomes a mathematically ordered expression of Immanuel—God with us. Purchase here

< Back James Richard Hansen Moonlight in My Eyes: Poems Book blurb... In Moonlight in My Eyes, poet James Richard Hansen illuminates 2023 with exquisite depictions of nature. Through 55 poems, the moon, stars, wind, sea, and occasional sun blend with words, painting nuances of his emotions. Embracing life's moods, shades, and spirit, the short poems form a symphony of insights. Upon each reread, the visitor delves into new depths, feeling the poet's words resonate. Each line and image triggers sympathetic harmonies, akin to classical music, evoking complex emotional responses. These poems, with clear yet profound language, embrace a spectrum of passions, inviting repeated readings that unveil the poet's soul and the reader's yearnings. Purchase here

< Back Belinda M Gordon Tressa's Treasures - The King's Jewel Book 1 Book blurb... Tressa is a Sidhe in hiding. Happy with her new life in the Human World, she becomes engrossed in the human drama around her. When evidence surfaces that unfriendly fae may be nearby Tressa is surprised to learn many fae still believe she is the King's Jewel of an ancient prophecy. Will the evil fae find Tressa in her place of refuge? If her enemies should find her, can she protect the people she loves? And what part does the dark eyed stranger and his daughter play in her future? Above all- is it possible that, even after losing faith in her destiny, she will guide the Sidhe race back into heaven's good graces? Purchase here

< Back Marnie Ross Fig Trees - A Childhood Lived in the Shadow of Murder Book blurb... When she was just ten years old, Marnie Ross’s childhood was shattered by a single act of senseless violence: the murder of her mother. Told through the eyes of the child she once was, this memoir traces a girl growing up in the long shadow of loss, the author’s voice maturing on the page as she matures in life. This is not a crime story. But about how a young mind survives grief, fear and responsibility far too early. Some memories are sharp, preserved like photographs. Others are softened by time yet still carry meaning. What follows is not the exact truth of how events happened, but the truer story of how they were lived. Interwoven with ender recollections of a mother lovingly remembered, Fig Trees is a portrait of a childhood shaped by love and absence, and of a woman returning to the story that formed her. Raw, poetic and quietly powerful, this is a memoir about loss, memory and the resilience of a child who learned too soon that the world is not always safe, but life must still be lived. Purchase here

< Back Jeffrey Hallett Labyrinths of Radiance and Shadow While working on a technology project at Crystal Bay University, Dr Tricia Carling was involved in a freak accident. Following the accident, she acquired extraordinary strength and healing powers to become the world’s only functioning parahuman. Using the alias of Beacon, and donning a superhero costume, she has become a local crusader and celebrity, using her powers as a force for good to fight criminals. But, unbeknownst to Beacon, she is not the only person living in Crystal Bay with special abilities. A woman named Umbra was involved in the same accident as Tricia, although her abilities are significantly different. A year later, Beacon has caught the attention of Sorensen, the Director of the Institute for the Advancement of Human Potential. Sorensen has a secret mission to harness her powers and replicate them in others, creating an entire legion of parahumans. He persuades Umbra to work with him to recruit an army of people and give them the superpowers that will cure all society’s ills. But few people survive Sorensen’s rigorous experiments and Sorensen hopes that Beacon will provide all the answers he needs. Umbra is given her biggest mission to date, to recruit Beacon to the program. But when Beacon refuses to cooperate, Sorensen devises an elaborate plan to capture and incarcerate her. Stripped of her freedom and her powers, Beacon must decide whether to comply and survive, or fight back and risk everything. Labyrinths of Radiance and Shadow is the sequel to Paths Into Darkness And Light, by Jeffrey Hallett. The book picks up Tricia’s story around a year after her lab accident. With some familiar characters from the first book, Hallett introduces new characters including an evil entrepreneur who sees in Beacon a new breed of enhanced humans. Beacon is a compelling protagonist – fierce, vulnerable and deeply human, despite her special abilities. The dynamic between Beacon and Sorensen is particularly well-drawn, capturing the chilling dance between heroine and villain, captor and captive, creator and destroyer. This is an electrifying (and sometimes terrifying) read that will satisfy readers of science fiction, super-hero fiction, and psychological thrillers. Overall, a fast-paced, action-packed and emotionally charged sequel, with a fierce heroine, a terrifying villain, and a gripping, otherworldly plot. I would recommend reading the Paths Into Darkness And Light by Jeffrey Hallett first. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A dark, science fiction / super-hero fiction novel, with a fierce heroine, a terrifying villain, and a gripping, otherworldly, plot. Purchase here

< Back Melissa Slager Contests of Strength Book blurb... A historically rigorous and emotionally riveting period piece - Kirkus Reviews At the turn of the 17th century, on the wild outer coast of the Pacific Northwest, noble warrior Dushuuw and slave woman Amuun'axsum veer from one deadly secret to the next. But their ultimate test of survival may come on a winter's night when the earth violently trembles, sending a wall of water hurtling toward their seaside village. Will their dreams survive - if they survive at all? The answers are rooted even deeper in the past. This lush historical novel '14 years in the making' is written by award-winning journalist Melissa Slager, of Everett, Washington, who ties together the latest scientific research with the oldest Native stories about the Cascadia subduction zone earthquake and tsunami of January 26, 1700. Purchase here

< Back Felicia Taylor E. Southern Spiced: A Brown Girl’s Tale Poet, Felicia Taylor E, shares her memories of childhood, adolescence and young adulthood. Southern Spiced: A Brown Girl’s Tale is a collection of poems by Felicia Taylor E. centered around her childhood memories, adolescence and young adulthood. There are four distinct collections: ‘Beginning’, ‘Piney Woods Time’, ‘Blues of Life and Love’ and ‘Grateful’. The first is a collection about her early childhood, with sweet memories watching and learning from television, her love of books and her imaginary friends, movies, and her adventures with her mom and dad. But also, some traumatic memories of discrimination, random strangers touching her hair, the cruelty of her early years’ teacher, and a terrifying encounter with the Klu Klux Klan. The second collection is about her time growing up, spending time with her grandmother and grandfather, her love of music, playing out with friends, and the joy of singing in the church choir. In the third collection, Felicia describes her youth, her growing understanding of the world around her, the stories of others who fought every day for survival in an unjust society, the cruelty of dementia on patients and their loved ones, her growth as a young woman and a poet, a blossoming love with a ‘brown eyed Knight’, and thoughts about death. In the final collection, Felicia shares beautiful memories of lost loved ones. Southern Spiced: A Brown Girl’s Tale is a beautiful and poignant collection of poetry by Felicia Taylor E. The poems are both heart-warming and heart-breaking, as Felicia takes the reader on a journey through her life, and shares her experiences of growing up as a Black girl and woman in the South. The diverse collection of poems shows the authors ‘multilayers’ of womanhood and being a Black woman. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A beautiful and poignant collection of poetry that are both heart-warming and heart-breaking. Purchase here

< Back N Lang The Lost Angels Book blurb... Lisa, an aspiring artist, can’t stop painting what she’s dreaming about…angels. She also starts to see things while awake, like demons trying to kill her. A mysterious man shows up to save her. Joe. He might hold the answers to her paintings…a forgotten past…and a mission to find the divided Angelheart with the help of three once angels, before the demons of the Underworld do, unleashing Hell on Earth. Purchase here