The essay form…bears some responsibility for the fact that bad essays tell stories about people instead of elucidating the matter at hand. —Theodor Adorno The personal essay is a genre that is difficult to define but easy to denounce. The offending element is rarely the essay as a form, but its content, “the personal,” “a […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2022/11/03/the-illusion-of-the-first-person-merve-emre/

Narrated by Kirsten Potter, The Akseli by Dianne Duvall is the fourth audiobook in the Aldebarian Alliance. This spinoff series of Immortal Guardian series is a thrilling, swoon-worthy science fiction fantasy romance series and one of my favorites. I devoured Simone and Janwar’s story as the search for earthlings continues …..

The Akseli
by Dianne Duvall
Series: Aldebarian Alliance #4
Narrator: Kirsten Potter
Length: 11 hours and 2 minutes
Genres: Science Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Heat Level:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.3x

Simone has hunted and slain psychotic vampires for hundreds of years and desperately needs a change. When the leader of the Immortal Guardians offers her an opportunity to guard ten mortal women who are venturing to another planet, she dives right in and finds traveling into space just as exciting as she’d hoped . . . until an enemy attacks. Simone saves everyone she can before she’s thrust into an escape pod and the ship explodes.

Despite his fierce reputation and propensity for violating the law, Janwar has formed a friendship with strait-laced Prince Taelon of Lasara. When the prince’s ship is destroyed, Janwar joins the Aldebarian Alliance-wide search and rescue mission and soon locates the Gathendien ship that launched the attack. Much to his surprise, someone else has reached the ship first: one of the very Earth women he hoped to rescue.

Fascinatingly fierce, Simone bands together with Janwar and his crew to search for her missing friends. The friendship that grows between Janwar and Simone deepens into love. But the enemy warriors they face boast more weapons in their arsenal than the alliance knows. Can Janwar, Simone, and such a small crew vanquish them?

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I love this series! I also love the Immortal Guardians and Gifted Ones, but woah baby, am I having a blast listening to the Aldebarian Alliance series.

When Simone is pushed into an escape pod and sees the ship and those still on board blown up, she sets the pod’s course on a direct path with the enemy’s ship and shuts down to conserve energy. When she the ship’s AI awakens her, she does what she does best. She kicks some Gathendien arse.

Janwar, a space pirate, has formed a friendship with Prince Taelon of Lasara. When he needs help to rescue passengers lost during the attack, Janwar comes to his aid. When he spots the Gathedien ship, he plans to attack and search for prisoners.

The tale that unfolds had me laughing from the onset. Simone is a take no prisoners kind of gal with a bright sunny personality and lots of snark. The first meet between her and Janwar let me know I was in for a treat. The chemistry, humor, and admiration were so genuine.

From secondary characters to the rescue missions and the off ship investigative trips, I loved every freaking moment. The ship AI, the arena and battle scenes were fantastic. Honestly, I couldn’t stop listening.

Kristen Potter has narrated the series and I wouldn’t have it any other way. She does such a stellar job of capturing the characters’ emotions and personalities. From her pacing to her pitch, listening is a pleasure.

While this is the fourth audiobook, and I totally recommend you listen to them all. (I mean, you are only cheating yourself) Duvall, does a fantastic job of making each book in the series work as a standalone from romance to mission. She wraps things up before unmercifully teasing us with hints about the next book and romance before sending us on our way.

THE AKSELI, the next novel in .@DianneDuvall’s exciting new sci-fi romance series full of action, adventure, and happily-ever-afters is LIVE! Grab it now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3V0Q5er #NewRelease
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Giveaway

To celebrate the release of The Akseli, Dianne Duvall will be giving away a Prize Pack to (2) two separate readers (US only please) AND a $25 Amazon Gift Card to (2) two separate readers! To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form found in this post. Follow along with the Blog Tour at DianneDuvall.com for more chances to win daily. Good luck!

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Narrated by Kirsten Potter The Akseli by Dianne Duvall delivered all that I love in this sci-fi romance series #NewRelease #audiobookreview #AutoBuy #AldebarianAlliance
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2022 Audiobook Challenge

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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2022/10/%f0%9f%8e%a7%f0%9f%93%9a-the-akseli-by-dianne-duvall.html

The Smallest War, by Mark Sheehan, is a rollicking action tale of political intrigue. The global balance of power is at stake when viral sabotage leads to an international incident in the Bering Sea, which happens to be home to a massive, newly discovered oil reserve. Calling upon a little-known process laid forth by the charter of the United Nations, the Russian Federation seeks to solve a potentially world-ending dispute with the United States of America through a “Small War.” Through a series of bizarre circumstances, the US team is made up of a ragtag group of individuals who were chosen not for their skills but for their failures.

The Smallest War is quite a ride. While the fantastical story is grounded in reality, the reader must embrace their suspension of disbelief to follow the events leading up to the “small war.” Impossible viral attacks, an absolute dereliction of duty by the US Department of Defense, the military-industrial complex pulling all the strings to guarantee nothing but massive warfare, while the Russian federation uses dirty tricks and a loose interpretation of international law to get their way…  on second thought that all seems incredibly feasible.

I had a good time reading The Smallest War, despite some shortcomings. It reads very much like a Hollywood blockbuster, with locations spanning the globe, giant action set pieces, and characters ranging from damaged, struggling anti-heroes to absolute villains who will do anything to accomplish their goals. The characters are tried and true tropes of the genre: the Americans feature greatest hits such as the strong dumb guy, the mouthy rich guy, and the level-headed woman who can pull the team together. Each has their own flaws that bring a bit more to the stereotype.

The Smallest War: an action-adventure thriller is a riveting military and war novel. Readers will encounter suspense and thrills in each chapter as they wait to find out how this small war will play out and who will end up with control over the oil.

Pages: 406 | ASIN : B0B7P4ZKMF

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/10/11/the-smallest-war/

A small little sea star from the Atlantic Sea loves his home but wants to see what else is out in the world. He finds an island to visit, but first, he needs a boat. After building a boat from some wood, he finds he travels to the new island and starts his adventure. He makes new friends, tries new things, and has an adventure. After spending the day in the sun, he realizes he wants to try someplace cold, so he goes off to see an iceberg! Quickly realizing that the cold was not for him, he rides a narwhal back home to the Atlantic Sea.

Dream Big…even when you’re small, written and illustrated by Karen Quigley, is an adorable picture book that will entertain and educate children. When the starfish wants to try out something new, he makes a plan and does not let his small size stop him from doing big things. The rhyming story makes it delightful to read, especially out loud. The lines are short and would be perfect for beginning readers to learn as I noticed many site words in these sentences.

While the story is entertaining, the illustrations really bring this children’s book to life. I loved all the different expressions on the sea creatures, especially the grumpy/nurvous-looking crab. I could easily see a companion coloring book to go with this picture book the illustrations are that fun.

Sprinkled into the amusing story of a starfish traveling, there are lessons about using manners, making friends, being respectful, and appreciating the things you have in life. It is an all-around feel-good story that will remind children that traveling is fun and a great adventure, but to be excited and grateful when they return home.

Dream Big…even when you’re small is a whimsical picture book that children and adults can enjoy reading together. The colorful artwork gives readers lots to talk about and point out, making the reading experience active for even toddlers. This is the perfect book for preschool and kindergarten classrooms.

Pages: 32 | ISBN : 1999397320

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/10/11/dream-big-even-when-youre-small/

The Greatest Basketball Player I Ever Saw by Dr. Len Bergantino is a touching mix of sports biography and autobiography. It is likely the most unique biography you’ll ever have the pleasure of reading. Doctor Bergantino is an eccentric writer who has already written on various subjects. However, with this book, he has turned his hand to writing a sports biography. The strange part is he has chosen to write it about a sportsman you will never have heard of who died at the tender age of 18.

The book is a biography of Billy Finn, Bergantino’s high school best friend who died in a car crash before he ever had a chance to become famous. Bergantino spends much of the book explaining why he thinks Finn was the best basketball player of all time. Finn’s abilities are described as almost supernatural. This part of the book will likely appeal to anyone interested in basketball or amateur sports.

The book isn’t just about Billy Finn, the sportsman, however. Instead, it is a monument to Finn, Bergantino’s friend. I think this is the part of the book that will really appeal to most readers. Bergantino shares with us, the reader, touching anecdotes of what he and Finn got up to as young men. His love for his childhood friend, even 50 years after his passing, is evident and touching.

Bergantino’s affection for Finn is almost infectious. The book is written in such a way that the reader finds themselves caring about a young man they had never heard of before. Finn’s personality is described as warts and all. The two young men don’t always see eye to eye, and Bergantino doesn’t shy away from this. Even the best of friends annoy each other from time to time.

The book is a short, easy read. Bergantino’s writing is energetic if a bit frantic at times. He is a fan of hyperbole, and some of his claims about Finn may have to be taken with a pinch of salt. The eccentric style is enjoyable for most of the book, but the final chapter, in which he talks about how Finn has been reincarnated, may leave some readers, myself included, feeling a little cold. It feels like this last chapter goes off on a little bit of a tangent.

All in all, The Greatest Basketball Player I Ever Saw is a touching biography of a young man you more than likely have never heard of. But, whether you’re a sports fan or not, the book is mostly a beautiful monument to a man whose best friend still bitterly misses him.

Pages: 81 | ASIN : B0865X1P48

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/10/11/the-greatest-basketball-player-i-ever-saw/

What Do I Do Now? Building a Solid Christian Foundation by Nakia Trader is a Christian book that aims to guide new believers and seasoned Christians alike on what to do next after professing Jesus Christ as their savior. This book is an 8-chapter book detailing the author’s walk in the Christian faith from her teenage years to adulthood.

Nakia Trader tells of her strained relationship with her father, who verbally abused her for years. The trauma of this experience made her question if she was worthy of love, both from the people around her and from God. The consequence was a fall from the place of belief and faith in God. Over the years, she realized her inability to maintain her relationship with God was because she didn’t have the proper guidance on how to strengthen her faith and be assured of God’s love at all times.

Recognizing some of the burning questions that new believers ask, Nakia addressed the doubts bound to spring up. With quotes from older Christians and Bible scriptures, the author ended her story of rededication to God by highlighting what you can do in your new life in Christ. From providing practical steps on how to study God’s word, and how and why you should pray to even demonstrating the importance of fellowship with brethren, Nakia left no stone unturned.

In reading this book, you cannot fail to notice the unmistakable desire of the author to have new believers get to know God the right way. Many Christian books dwell on building spiritual fortitude, but only a few acknowledge the questions that stir doubt among the Christian faithful, especially when they go through difficult times. So, it is refreshing that What do I do now? also tackles in simple language the hassles believers will be faced with because of their faith, isolation, and persecution being chief among them.

What Do I Do Now?: Building a Solid Christian Foundation is for new and struggling believers. This book is an invaluable manual to keep handy. When you don’t know what to do next after receiving the salvation of Christ, this book will be a good compass to guide and stir you back to the path of righteousness in Christ.

Pages: 63 | ASIN : B0BBJDMLCL

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/10/11/what-do-i-do-now/

The Adventures of Mat Rufs by A. Liachenko, is a thrilling adventure novel that explores both ancient and contemporary secrets. This is the first part of a series about Mat, a young Canadian who loves traveling and meeting new people. Mat had intended to explore and eat some wonderful food in rural Mexico, away from the tourist regions, but while exploring a stunning cave inside a volcano, he gets lost and discovers both ancient and global secrets. He sustains injuries and is given medical care in a secret hospital located inside a volcano that no one outside can even fathom exists.

Emily, Mat’s sister, boards a flight from Montreal to Mexico after several weeks without hearing from him. She is unsure of where to begin her search. On the plane, she meets Antonio, a gorgeous man who also researches volcanoes and caverns, and their destination seems to be the same. Emily senses a strong romantic potential. Finally, she reunites with Mat once she reaches the volcano, where they learn that Antonio is a member of one of the drug cartels. At that point, the volcano begins to erupt. Who manages to make it out alive before the eruption?

This is a fantastic introduction to a series. The writing is excellent throughout, and it will keep the reader intrigued. All of the characters had complex personalities and that, in my opinion, appeared to have a realistic quality. The author excels at building tension and plotting entertaining, action-packed scenes. This adventure narrative has a charming fairy-tale feel to it, especially in the sections that are set in these stunning but dangerous caverns. What makes it simple for the audience to identify with the characters is that they are frequently seen attempting to do their best in multiple ways and, in general, defending their communities.

This book focuses on historical civilizations and exploring. It is clear that extensive study went into its writing. This is a fantastic debut novel. I implore you to read this book, and I myself am eagerly anticipating reading more of Mat Ruf’s experiences.

Pages: 241 | ASIN : B0BBFSBX6R

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/10/11/the-adventures-of-mat-rufs/

Read the best sci-fi and fantasy of September

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Fun Halloween books for little trick-or-treaters

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