Faith Ringgold began writing her life story in the summer of 1963. Resistance was fomenting. Earlier that year James Baldwin had published The Fire Next Time, condemning the nation’s brutal enshrinement of racial inequality, and in the South civil rights demonstrators were protesting segregation, spurring Martin Luther King Jr. to lead the March on Washington […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2022/11/10/faith-ringgold-american-dream/

Narrated by Traci Odom, Moonlight and Magic by Darynda Jones is the fourth audiobook in the Betwixt & Between paranormal women’s fiction series. This time, our bestie Annette Osmund tries to learn more about her father with the aid of the house. Humor, swoons and suspense await you!

Moonlight and Magic
by Darynda Jones
Series: Betwixt & Between #4
Narrator: Traci Odom
Length: 5 hours and 22 minutes
Genres: Paranormal Women’s Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

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

Fortysomething Annette Osmund always knew she was psychic. She’s not, but that didn’t stop her from giving those nonexistent abilities her all. What she is, however, is a very powerful witch who has just inherited magics she never dreamed possible.

Starting over in a new town with her BFF has been an adventure. Defiance’s status as a powerful type of witch called a charmling has kept Annette busy. But while Deph, a seeker, is still learning to use her magics, to control the power at her fingertips, Annette is overcome with powers of her own. Turns out, her being besties with Deph was not an accident. They were drawn to each other even before their powers emerged, and Annette learns she is also a charmling, a healer, and an alchemist. But what does that even mean?

Fortunately, there’s one way to find out. She consults the house they’re living in. Or, more to the point, the delicious entity haunting the house. Because, like her, he was once an alchemist. Maybe he will have the answers she so desperately seeks before she kills someone. The fact that he was once a stunning specimen of masculinity has nothing whatsoever to do with her desire to learn from a man who may or may not have been a powerful warlock.

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In the fourth book, we change perspectives and delve into Annette’s story. Annette recently discovered her magic and has questions. After all that we have learned about her, I was excited to dive in.

Narrated by Traci Odom, Annette goes to visit her mother for answers. Namely, who her daddy is. The story that unfolds has suspense, answers and a romance that delighted me.

Jones blends snarky humor into these tales and Annette is a hoot, but it was neat to witness her on her own in Arizona. Her magic is very new and with no training things backfire. I loved the demon we meet, and the two mystery threads we follow. Annette will have to test her skills, fix problems, and trust her instincts. No spoilers, so you’ll have to listen yourself.

For fans of the series, we get updates on Defiance and the gang back in Salem. We also get some news that tugged at my heartstrings. I am hoping we will learn more.

The romance was swoony, and unique, and I grinned a lot. It felt genuine and has me invested. I am looking forward to seeing what develops in the next installment.

Traci Odom gave voice to Annette and the other characters, perfectly capturing the scenes, tones and emotions. In my experience, listening only enhances these stories.

Amazon* | Audible

*Available in KindleUnlimited

Moonlight and Magic by Darynda Jones delivered another suspenseful, humorous and romantic story in the Betwixt & Between #paranormalwomensfiction series #audiobook #TraciOdom #audiobookreview
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2022/11/moonlight-and-magic-by-darynda-jones.html

The Third Way of My God is the third entry in Michael R. Schultheiss’s Rosteval Saga. It is an impressive piece of epic fantasy that serves to round out the tale told in the first two entries in the saga while still telling its own story. The book is aimed at mature readers looking to wrestle with traditional ideas of good and evil.

The book follows the main characters, Rosteval, and Ghaitt, as they lead their people in seeking a new homeland. But unfortunately, the possibility of an enemy army attack near their home looms over them. The threat of impending destruction makes survival a near impossibility.

Rosteval and his people are stuck between a rock and a hard place. They must try to survive as a celestial war between good and evil threatens to destroy the entire world. Unable to turn to either side for help, Rosteval and his followers must find a “third way” to survive.

While it is possible to pick up The Third Way of My God and enjoy the novel as a standalone story, reading the first two books in the series gives a complete picture of the immense challenges that Rosteval is up against. Schultheiss has spent a long time crafting a complex, epic world, and specific aspects of it will be lost to newcomers. Likewise, specific plot points do not resonate as deeply without the necessary background knowledge.

While the book has a lot of heavy lifting to do in completing the story set up in the first two books, it does stand on its own. The stakes are high, and despite the book’s length, Schultheiss manages to keep the pacing brisk, only pausing when necessary.

Between the plot twists and turns, it is clear that the author has something more profound to say. The book explores how traditional narratives of good vs. evil are shaped toward what ends. Overall, The Third Way of My God is an excellent read whether you’re a fan of epic fantasy or interested in challenging traditional notions of light vs.. dark. Schultheiss has crafted a profoundly complex world that is a pleasure to get lost in for hours.

Pages: 713 | ASIN : B0BFG9G3L5

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/10/the-third-way-of-my-god/

Squeeze- A Romantic Adventure by Hiram Davis is about a man, Coopers, whose story is of a boy with a troubled past who grows into a man still trying to overcome the haunting childhood memories. Starting over, running away from the memories of a traumatic childhood and abusive family put him in a position leaving him psychologically unable to hold interest in and maintain relationships. That is until he meets Quin and an unfortunate series of events pulls them apart.

Quinn, a woman who’s proven to be tougher than she looks time and time again, overcomes her struggles. She tracks down Cooper refusing to give up on whatever may be between them. As Cooper and his childhood best friend go on a trip to Cooper’s new job, they get abducted and dragged into an experience no one should ever be forced into. Cooper first has to overcome his mental battles in order to overcome the struggles of his situation.

This book was definitely a roller coaster. First, it was unpredictable, and at times it was way too predictable, but ultimately I had no idea where it was going. Although it was a bit dark, and the main character was very tortured, while reading this book, you can immerse yourself in his life and perspective.

A few things I particularly liked about this book are that there was strong character development and world-building. In addition, the environment and scene were comprehensive and well described; you could see through the writing how Cooper’s character changed and grew during the story and what had caused or impacted that change.

Squeeze is an action-filled book, with a great concept and an in-depth adventure with characters that were easy to connect with. Readers that enjoy descriptive scenes and following the character’s thoughts will be immersed in this romantic adventure novel.

Pages: 332 | ASIN : B0BHTQFVNY

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/10/squeeze/

There is something exciting happening in the town where Bentley the Hippo lives. His monkey friend Jaxon knocked on his door and was so excited he could hardly talk. Together they race down the path, following the arrows to where the rest of their friends stand in line waiting. The line is really long, and they can not see the end. All they can hear over the loudspeakers is an announcement saying, “Ride the Big Blue Rocket!”

Jaxon is too excited to wait and tries to cut in line. After being sent back, he bounces all over the place, ruining the rest of his friends’ ice cream they were trying to eat. Realizing Jaxon needs help to settle down and wait patiently, all his friends look for shapes in the clouds. Soon they are at the front of the line and are about to see what the excitement is all about!

The Adventures of Bentley Hippo: Inspiring Children to be Patient by children’s author, Argyro Graphy, is a well-written picture book that teaches children important lessons. Being kind and patient is something that children are told to do all the time, but they can be complex concepts for young kids to understand. Bently and his friends model good manners and show kindness to Jaxon even when he cannot remain calm and patient. They do not yell at him or get mad; instead, they accept this is who he is and find ways to distract him to make the waiting bearable for him.

Illustrator Michael Reyes has created memorable and entertaining artwork for this picture book. Jaxon’s energy is visible, and the excitement he shows is contagious. Also, the concern Bentley has as he tries to help his friend settle down can be felt through the pages. The bright colors and welcoming characters will make children want to settle down and listen to the important message of the story.

The characters in this children’s story are relatable and fun to read about. This picture book would make an excellent addition to preschool and kindergarten libraries as teachers and caregivers work to instill good manners in children in an age-appropriate way.

Pages: 33 | ASIN : B08WHC3NV7

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/10/the-adventures-of-bentley-hippo-inspiring-children-to-be-patient/

ACTing Now by Norman B. Schwartz is an enlightening book that provides guidance that will help actors prepare for the demands of the contemporary acting world. The content of this book provides advice on topics beyond acting and includes areas such as commercials, film, and even television. The techniques highlighted in this book are not mere postulations and conjectures as Norman Schwartz has experience as an actor, director, film editor, and teacher of creative writing and he brings that experience to bear in this informative book and shares key principles that will help budding actors get and keep an acting job.

The chapters of this book are grouped into three parts – Acting Then, Acting Now, and Acting Next. This organization is essential as it helps guide the reader, and future actor, on what acting used to be, what it is today, and what it will be in the future. Beyond the keen insights, I enjoyed the historical evolution shared here.

In Acting Then, Schwartz covers some of the techniques that theater actors used as far back as the 1920s such as the Strasberg method which leaned on some of Stanislavski’s writings. Stanislavski is one of the first to offer formal training in theater acting. When the first generation who studied at the American Laboratory Theatre began their study of acting, they also based their variations on the Stanislavski system.

Thus, the system evolved to the present form where there is little accommodation for improvisation to performing monologue exercises, being mindful of camera angles and self-taping. Schwartz covers all these old techniques and suggests new ones that embrace the old ones but also better prepares the actor for the new reality of modern acting with lots of multimedia coverage.

One of the outstanding qualities of this book is that it is as expository as it is suggestive. It focuses on the history that has driven acting to where it is today. For instance, Stella Adler’s disagreement with Strasberg’s methods and teaching of tapping into emotions from one’s personal life as opposed to one’s imagination helps one glean some lessons on how best to trigger an emotional response while on stage.

ACTing Now is a must read book for any aspiring actor as it contains actionable advice that can help their career. This is an illuminating book that will also appeal to performing art students who are interested in the evolution of acting and the industry.

Pages: 163 | ASIN: B0BFPP1N2S

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/10/acting-now-a-new-approach-to-the-old-techniques-of-acting/

Koyu thought she had done her duty, but deep inside she knows it will never be over. She is bound to her master forever and will have to execute his every command. But when he demands she’ll invade his sworn enemy’s dreams, she chooses to rebel. Koyu risks her existence to help the ‘other side’ by purposely disobeying her master’s orders. Koyu knows she’ll pay with her life for her impertinence. Is there, indeed, no hope for her?

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/10/dream-walker-book-trailer/