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This week Sophia fell sick, and it ended up being the flu. I got the funk but not the flu, nor Covid. Thank you for vaccines and boosters. No fever, but I had all the fun stuff. My oldest and Princess Hazel both tested positive for Covid last Sunday. They had symptoms that very much mirrored the flu, but are feeling much better. Clayton turned six this week…. I can hardly believe it. The HoHoHo Readathon is in full swing and I am loving it. If you haven’t signed up, you still can. Deets in the sidebar. Stay Caffeinated.
Last Week on the Blog
Evildoer By Dannika Dark Nicole Poole (audio review)
Welcome to the Twelfth Annual Thankful for Books Giveaway Hop*! The hosts for this year’s event are Caffeinated Reviewer and Reading Reality. Grab some hot cocoa and hop all the stops now through November 28th!
Whatever format you choose print, ebook or audiobook, books offer a magical escape delivering laughter, swoons, terrors, enlightenment and more…..
Here are some of my most recent favorite listens & reads…..
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To celebrate all that I’m thankful for about books… I am offering one winner their choice of an ebook, paperback or audiobook valued at up to $15.00 from US Amazon or 1 Audible US credit. International winners can choose a book from the Book Depository valued at up to $15.00.
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*formerly known as Black Friday Book Bonanza
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Scars and Scales follows an Omni dragon as he embarks on a perilous quest to unite the lands against a sorceress queen. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
The original idea for this story came from an imaginary game I used to play with a school friend. I liked the adventures so much I brought them home and played the same game with my younger brother and cousin. They would look forward to our sessions as I created more and more scenarios, lands, and creatures while continuing from our last point. It inspired me enough to do some sketches throughout my younger years. When I decided to finally write the tale, I obviously updated it and thought it out a bit more. Believe it or not the ending popped into my brain as I relooked at characters and notes I made. From there, it all clicked together. I could clearly see how many beings were going to be in this company, how each one would grow in their development, where conflict would arise from within their group, and most of all Xerxes. With him, I wanted to make a character who the reader doesn’t know whether to trust him or not. Give them the same feeling his companions have while traveling with him. Thus, why the viewpoint changes between a few of the characters. Beyond this, I didn’t want to write another adventure story where the protagonist slowly learns to become strong. Instead, I created a master of sorts who needs to learn something a plucky protagonist usually possesses, trust.
Your characters are diverse and well-developed. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I wanted to create characters which play against what one would think. An easy example is the bounty hunting leprechaun Donald. One would usually picture said creature as one who runs away from humans with the use of magic. Not so much in Donald’s case. In fact, he avoids it altogether by using tools and his wit. So, using this sort of basic thought I created each character with it, and this caused the surge in their development. Honestly, I could sit here and go on and on with each character… Alvilda being timid, but strong… Wolfgang with his struggle over his emotions, but controlling them enough to heal and save others… Sindri who speaks with a silver tongue, but isolates himself at the forge to create works he never finishes… Mjusnall the pacifist giant who defends others, including a bounty hunter… But I don’t want to make the answer too long.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Funny enough how this question melds with the other two. I wanted to write, at least with Xerxes, how difficult it can be to trust someone. Because I don’t know about anyone else, but I find it difficult to make friends. Heck, I think I can count the amount of them on one hand. So, I wanted him to show there are others who feel the same. At the same time, I didn’t want to make this bond grow easily… for we all possess some bad qualities, or we made poor decisions at some point in our lives which haunts us. This helps explore whether one can accept the worst in someone and still stay connected to them. Other than that, I’d say there are sprinklings of friendship, duty, and acceptance with a few drops of other themes throughout the story.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Good question. I find myself drifting between a few projects, but I focus way more on the second book of this series, Shimmer of Scales. The positive feedback gave me such a drive to work on it. So much so I’ve written over a hundred pages of it. When it will be available is the tricky part. Ideally, I’d say it’ll be available in a year. However, there are several factors which pour into it. Money is a big part of it. This book was only made possible through a combination of a relative passing away and working my butt off for years. So, if enough copies are sold (hint hint to the people reading this… though no pressure just thought it would be funny to put this here), or a publisher comes knocking with a decent offer… I can keep on this timeline.
Author Links: Website | Facebook
Ten years has passed since the slaying of the Omni dragons. These tyrannical beings subjected the world of Magitotum by the power they hold, the combined abilities of all other dragons. It was a celebrated day when Delsey, sorceress queen of Mendaxum, and her army slayed these beasts. But oh, how the lands were wrong in this thought. For soon after, the witch set her sight on conquering the rest of them. After destroying their oppressors, who else could oppose her?
Yet, there remains one hope. A single Omni survives known as Xerxes. Freed after ten years of torture, the dragon seeks to unite the lands against Delsey. He believes a mix of creatures in his own company will promote the change he seeks. Wolfgang from the healing werewolf tribe known as MoonClaw is the first to join and proves to be his biggest test. For the werewolf trusts him as much as the dragon trusts other… which is not at all. Who could blame him? Especially since the Omni’s former lover and friends were the cause of his torture and imprisonment. Yet through this journey, Xerxes needs to trust others including a silver-tongued dwarf, a timid yet strong elven princess, a pacifist giant, a bounty hunting leprechaun, and a lazy gargoyle. Together this group faces down the witch outside the fleeing city of Suregarde. The question is… do they possess the strength to succeed?
Nearing the end of his jail sentence, Kimo decides to make a quick escape for the weekend. Holding the image of golfing with friends in mind, he walks off the premises during yard duty. A chance encounter with the alluring Rachel turns his solo getaway into an adventure for two. They meet up with Kimo’s best friend, Frank, Frank’s brother, and his wife, who has long been the love of Kimo’s life. Kimo’s perspective shifts as he learns of tragic developments that have occurred since his incarceration, and his free days are now filled with a purpose more significant than golf.
Doing Time in California is an entertaining, humorous and thought-provoking novel by Dwight Jesmer. This is an ensemble story that plays out like a road trip story, but the characters are more compelling than some B movie comedy and the exploration of life throughout the novel feels meaningful. The characters are unique, and their various quirks compliment each other in fun and funny ways.
The tone throughout the book is friendly and lighthearted, so even as we navigate morally complicated subject matter it’s a pleasurable experience for the reader. Throughout the story, Kimo references events from his past, but the storyline stays firmly rooted in the present; which makes it easy for the reader to feel like they are along for the ride with Kimo, experiencing everything in real time with him.
Through themes of sin and penance, the author threads questions of morality into the story, so that readers are constantly considering the goodness of the protagonist. This question of right and wrong serves as the main device that drives the drama forward throughout the novel. Though nontraditional, I found it very interesting to follow the story in this manner. I heartily enjoyed this story and the creative examination of morals but I would have enjoyed a deeper exploration of the minor characters because I found them all so fascinating. Doing Time in California is a charismatic and evocative novel that will appeal to anyone looking for a story with depth but keeps things light.
Send Down the Master in Person: Reflections on Adolf Eichmann is a tribute to the generation of people who fought for the Allies against evil. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I wanted to write this eBook for several reasons. I wanted to dedicate this book to my parents, family, and their contemporaries who sacrificed so much by fighting and participating in the war effort of World War II. I was raised by this generation and believe that they were remarkable and exceptional people to have waged war victoriously against the evil and might of the Axis powers. I think it is critically and vitally important that their service to the nation and to the world be memorialized.
I wanted to chronicle the evil perpetrated by the Nazis and the subjugation of peoples Eichmann committed to further the aims of Aryan superiority and Hitler’s agenda of cleansing the world to establish the one thousand years Reich.
I also wanted to inform people about the Holocaust and the toll it has taken on humanity then and now. I wanted to use narrative poetry as a literary vehicle to tell the story of Eichmann’s capture by the Mossad as a pivot point in portraying what he savagely committed in the Final Solution.
What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
I am surprised by people saying that the poem is easy to read and understand. I am pleased to know that it has a decided impact on younger generations who have read the poem and end notes and who did not realize the extent of horror Eichmann wreaked through Europe.
Is there any moral or idea that you hope readers take away from the story?
The major moral understanding and/or idea I hope people take away from reading this work is to be aware of the dangers of meta-narratives that crush the human spirit and the human condition. It is important to be aware of our history so that it does not repeat itself, and to be empathetic to the suffering bigotry, intolerance, and hatred can cause to others.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am hoping to launch the fourth book, the Pilgrim – Part I, in my series, The Immortality Wars, between this Thanksgiving and Christmas. I am writing a planned, nine-book science fiction, fantasy, and spiritual thriller that is based on Christian themes. The first trilogy, the Penitent, was published in August 2019.
This poem is a tribute to my parent’s generation. It pays homage to those who fought for the Allies and to those who contributed to the Allies’ war effort against the Axis powers. While it is about Adolf Eichmann, it also refers to the evil that existed in the world, especially the horror unleashed by Nazi Germany, and the hell that Hitler and his ilk waged against humanity. The poem reveals a critical raison d’être of the war. It touches upon the importance of and the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation in defeating this dreadful scourge of genocide, and its ability to vanquish such insufferable barbarity.
The perspective of the poem is from a fictitious Mossad agent who takes part in capturing Eichmann on 11 May 1960 in San Fernando, a suburb of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
It is ironic that the face of evil seems often clothed in plain sight. Send Down the Master in Person: Reflections on Adolf Eichmann is dedicated to all those who suffer from such wicked bigotry, hatred, and intolerance.
The Adventures of Bentley Hippo: Inspiring Children to be Patient follows an excited monkey who can not wait to ride on the new rocket in his town. What was the inspiration for your story?
I am an author with a disability. Since acquiring this new disability I saw a shift in how others treated me. I made a bold move and gave each of my characters a challenge/disability hoping to normalize them in the eyes of children so they judge less and accept more. Jaxon has ADHD and though there are different levels on the Spectrum, I wanted to bring out the character’s personality, more than the condition/challenge. I took one look at Jaxon and had to give him this adorable, fun personality that gets himself into trouble. He has been so very well received by children
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Michael Reyes?
The first two books were created by another illustrator. I had the characters, especially Bentley, as he is my creation. When I decided to seek out other talents, I approached Michael and after seeing the expressions that he captured so well, I knew that he would be completing the remaining 3 books in the series and re-doing the first two so that everything was uniform. We have built a good understanding of the style I like and well, he works his magic.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
As I wrote the story there were a few things I wanted kids to take away from the book. The first was for children to learn about others and their behaviours, this way they understand and appreciate them more. Second is that we sometimes need to practice patience with those who don’t have patience, and finally, I wanted to show kids that plans don’t always work out and that they should be flexible. Bentley didn’t ride the rocket that he envisioned but the friends had a great adventure on the ride they did take.
What is the next book in The Adventures of Bently that you are working on and when will it be available?
I currently have 12 stories for Bentley and the gang, including branching off of each character. I just released an all-in-one diabetes tracking journal for kids featuring Toby, my timid elephant that has diabetes, hoping to be able to donate as many as possible. The most popular question I get during book readings is, “where did Bentley get his shoes from“ that story will be released in 2023. It is a story where the characters do not believe in recycling and Jaxon just doesn’t get it. I have the one scene with Jaxon that I know Michael will capture beautifully and will ignite some good chuckles out of the kids. The book I hope to release very soon is the background of the characters. Their own stories. For example Marty the lion is not aggressive or loud and has alopecia. He was abandoned by his mother. Bentley befriended him and to boost his self-confidence, he gifted Marty a thick red mane. This book will help children familiarize themselves with the gang and also their conditions.
The reason I did not start with this book is that I wanted children to go through a few adventures to see that just because you have a disability or challenge does not mean you can’t do things.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
We are pleased to announce that the NEW upgraded version of our 5-book series is now available. Search B0B8ZQRBY6 Thank you and enjoy!
How can someone so small cause such a disturbance? Stuck in a long lineup for a chance to ride a rocket ship to the moon, Jaxon grows impatient and decides to make a dash to the front. With little regard for those around him, Jaxon’s anxiety and excitement get the best of him, and he simply can’t sit still. In a matter of minutes, ice cream cones are flying everywhere.
Can Bentley and the others teach a hyperactive monkey how to calm down and wait patiently like the others?
Children will learn: the importance of being patient and waiting their turn understanding their emotions identifying ways to reduce their anxiety and ways to stay calm. paying attention to those around them Inspiring Children to be Patient is part of this fabulous 5-book series of children’s picture books, following a bubbly, kind hippo and his diverse group of friends. It carries important messages and social-emotional values like friendship, sharing and teamwork, and kindness for kids. It is filled with colorful images that children will love, set out to become a firm favorite for your child’s bedtime read.
A must-have collection for any classroom, home, and library. Ideal for children ages 4-8. Toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarten, and elementary grades will enjoy the benefits of this book and series.
*Be sure to check out the final book in the series Inspiring Children to Accept Each Other to find out what happens when Bentley is forced to choose between his space dream of going to the moon and his friends. Be sure to download activities for each of our titles at bentleythehippo.com
Note: this title and the other books in the series have been updated to bring you an even better version that earned each title multiple awards.
The Conjurer’s Curse follows a young man who was born with a curse that causes those he loves to die prematurely. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
I got the initial premise due to Covid. Mid-January of 2021, I grew disheartened with the social distancing and how many people acted like everyone could be carrying the “plague.” I experienced something to this extent firsthand, and it left such a bad taste in my mouth, I needed an outlet to vent. So, I laid in bed that night thinking, “What if a teenage boy bore a curse that actually did kill people if they stood in his midst?” I got up that morning and started writing what became the 1st chapter of THE CONJURER’S CURSE.
Also at this time, being shut in and with most places of “fun” closed, I was desperately in need of an adventure. My love for The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien and its adventurous beats inspired me to make this book a fantasy-rich journey. Like Bilbo, I wanted Rowan to explore a new place, setting/environment, or people group in the early chapters, and of course, I had to through in skirmishes with scary monsters and dangerous creatures. Every good adventure story needs to have a monster to face, and THE CONJURER’S CURSE doesn’t shy away from it!
Rowan just wants to belong and not worry about everyone he loves to die because of him. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I wanted Rowan to have a selfless and integrous heart, putting others’ well-being ahead of his own. He would rather live a solitary, lonely life, than for his life to cause harm to those he loves. I wanted him to be courageous and compassionate, despite the way he was ostracized in his village, and have a strong sense of perseverance.
It was important for me to demonstrate how a positive role model can impact the life of a young person’s identity and future. Many of the attributes Rowan exemplifies he owes to his fourth guardian-mother, Naja. It’s her teachings and her mantra that guide him as he faces tough obstacles.
I also wanted Rowan to have an innocence about him as he went on his journey, so everything felt new and foreign to him—to be naïve at times in the ways people can be treacherous or unscrupulous.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Hope is always a theme I endeavor to show in my stories. Even when circumstances are at their bleakest, the spark of hope is never absent. This has been the case in my own life, so it hits home when I incorporate this belief in my writing. And so, early on, I have a character remind Rowan that there is hope for him, even though he’s cursed. It’s simply an obstacle he must overcome.
I loved exploring Rowan’s search for belonging and acceptance. I think it’s a universal theme everyone can align with, especially young people. To find a home, a place of belonging, individuals you can call family even if they’re not related, is something people may search their entire lives to find. But when you do, to quote my character Tozrah, “Tis a special feeling.”
Rowan also struggles with the shame of who he is, how he looks, the stigma of his birth, his past. This is something I know many people wrestle with. A close loved one experienced the shame and rejection of being abandoned as a baby by his mother, and so much of his struggle to come to terms with this terrible reality is what inspired Rowan’s tumultuous past.
I felt it important to weave forgiveness into Rowan’s story, considering the actions of his mother and the devastation it causes in the lives of her sons—one who forgives and one who does not. Rowan realizes holding grudges or having hatred in his heart will only damage his soul. That is a lesson we can all learn from.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have finished writing the sequel to The Conjurer’s Curse, and I hope it will be ready a year from now. Aside from that, I am currently working on a YA steampunk fantasy that I hope to finish any day now. It will go through beta readers, and then I’ll be ready to pitch it off.
Seventeen-year-old Rowan is a walking, breathing curse. He just hasn’t realized it yet.
Since birth, Rowan has been the object of scorn in his village. The reason? He’s a dikyli-an outsider with albino skin and an ominous mark blazoned on his neck. So when his fourth guardian-mother is found dead, all blame falls on him, and he is banished before his life-draining curse can strike again. The only path left to Rowan is clear: He must discover who cursed him and alter his horrible fate-or forever lose everyone he loves.
From facing treacherous seas, soul-devouring Moonshades, and desert terrors, Rowan battles for his very survival to reach his homeland-the far-off kingdom of Shandria, a land rife with hostilities. Dark surprises and back-stabbing betrayals emerge as two devious Iron Barons-who know the scandalous origin of his curse-plot to imprison him in the Mountain of the Damned with the rest of the accursed.
To make matters worse, Rowan’s curse threatens to claim another life when he meets Tahira, a spunky, pertly persistent Shandrian who vows to aid him in his quest despite the overwhelming odds. Their alliance of trust and necessity develops into love-a love doomed to end in death if Rowan remains cursed. With the hope of a future hanging in the balance, he must overcome the greatest challenge of his life. For the only way to end his curse is to slay the Conjurer who cast the life-draining spell.
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Evildoer By Dannika Dark Nicole Poole (audio review)
