To retain their House majority, Democrats could not afford to lose more than five seats in the midterm elections. They almost pulled it off. A resilient showing by the Democratic grassroots around the country kept the GOP to a majority of (probably) a mere nine or ten seats. The widely predicted Republican gains materialized only […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2022/11/24/new-york-rusty-political-machine/
Fiction based on actual events always intrigues me, so I was drawn to All The Blood We Share by Camilla Bruce based on the real Bloody Benders, a family of serial killers in the old West. This twisted tale pulled me in. Grab a cup of cocoa and snuggle in. You won’t want to set it down once you begin…
All The Blood We Share
by Camilla Bruce
Genres: Historical Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
A sinister novel based on the real Bloody Benders, a family of serial killers in the old West bound by butchery and obscured by the shadows of American history.
The winds shift nervously on the Kansas plain whispering of travelers lost and buried, whispering of witches. Something dark and twisted has taken root at the Bender Inn.
At first the townspeople of Cherryvale welcome the rising medium Kate Bender and her family. Kate’s messages from the Beyond give their tedious dreams hope and her mother’s potions cure their little ills—for a price. No one knows about their other business, the shortcut to a better life. And why shouldn’t their family prosper? They’re careful. It’s only from those who are marked, those who travel alone and can easily disappear, that the Benders demand their pound of flesh.
But even a gifted seer like Kate can make a misstep. Now as the secrets festering beneath the soil of the family orchard threaten to bring them all to ruin, the Benders must sharpen their craft—or vanish themselves.
{
“@context”:”https://schema.org”,
“@type”:”Review”,
“datePublished”: “2022-11-24T05:00:00+00:00”,
“description”: “Fiction based on actual events always intrigues me, so I was drawn to All The Blood We Share by Camilla Bruce based on the real Bloody Benders, a family of serial killers in the old West. This tw”,
“publisher”: {
“@type”: “Organization”,
“name”: “Caffeinated Reviewer” },
“url”: “https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2022/11/all-the-blood-we-share-by-camilla-bruce.html”,
“itemReviewed”: {
“@type”: “Book”,
“name”: “All The Blood We Share”,
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Camilla Bruce”,
“sameAs”: “https://camillabruce.com/” },
“isbn”: “” },
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Kimberly”,
“sameAs”: “https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/” },
“reviewRating”: {
“@type”: “Rating”,
“ratingValue”: 4.5,
“bestRating”: “5”
}
}
Anyone else fascinated by serial killers? The Benders were a family of serial killers. They lived in Labette County, Kansas, from May 1871 to December 1872. John Bender, his wife Elvira, their son John Jr. and daughter Kate. It is believed they killed over eleven people, including one child.
I listened to the author’s previous novel, In The Garden Of Spite and was excited to try her latest offering.
Bruce did a wonderful job of introducing us to the Benders. John and John Jr. arrived in Kansas first, then Elvira and Kate arrived by coach. They set up a homestead near the road at the end of town where they took in travelers offering meals and space by the fire to sleep for the night. Elvira sold herbal remedies and Kate claimed to be a spiritualist
We get their history as we get to know them and are given Kate’s perspective along with that of a neighbor. It makes you wonder how well you know your neighbor. The story was atmospheric and kept me enthralled.
The Bender family was twisted from Kate’s upbringing to John Jr.’s infatuation with Kate. Kate’s stepfather John believes Kate hears angels telling her who to kill to benefit the family’s coiffures. The relationship between Kate and her mother was odd and caused friction.
The tale was twisted and kept me on the edge as I waited for them to crack or be discovered. The author skillfully captured the period and the dangers, all while showcasing this dysfunctional family and its twisted family business. Not much is known about the Benders, but Bruce did a splendid job of imagining their darkness and the crimes that occurred. It was well researched and hit upon what we know of them while offering a dark and macabre tale.
Fans of stories based on serial killers will want to add this one to their bookshelf. I felt the author did a good job of keeping us slightly detached as she conjured up the murderous acts and depravity of this family.
Amazon | Audible
All The Blood We Share by Camilla Bruce delivered a dark and macabre tale about the Benders, a family of serial killers in the old west. #NewRelease #fiction #horror #suspense #bookreview
Click To Tweet
Camilla Bruce was born in central Norway and grew up in an old forest, next to an Iron Age burial mound. She has a master’s degree in comparative literature, and have co-run a small press that published dark fairy tales. Camilla currently lives in Trondheim with her son and cat.
Never miss a post by adding Caffeinated to your Inbox
Source
Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2022/11/all-the-blood-we-share-by-camilla-bruce.html
At the Threshold of the Universe follows the Castus family and their struggle for survival against a formidable enemy that will alter the course of humanity. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This book was a long time coming for me. I knew what I had built over the course of the trilogy, and I knew how I wanted it all to pay off in the end. I was thrilled when I was outlining this novel and how well it was all coming together, which only works with deep, deep planning. I wanted to make something that was completely my own, and wrap it all up nicely.
How has character development for the main character changed for you through the series?
There are a few characters I would consider as mains in this trilogy, and each has surprised me with their growth on the pages. Eliana comes from a place of deep trauma and finds a way to live with herself peacefully. She’s mostly alone in the start of In the Orbit of Sirens, but over the course of the trilogy, she forms a family and finds happiness. Denton Castus starts as a man who’s looking for a purpose, a new way of life on Kamaria. He is thrust into a situation that gives him both of those things, but not the way he intended. Both of them have to fight for what they have earned, and the fight is never easy.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
I believe so. I felt fulfilled with every plotline I created, and I feel like it all came together better than I could have hoped for. I still miss Kamaria and the days of writing this trilogy, it’ll forever hold a place in my heart. With a passion project like this, it means the world to see reviews like the one here on Literary Titan and know that I stuck the landing for some readers. I am very happy with this trilogy.
What is the next book project that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am currently working on a world-hopping adventure set within the universe of the Song of Kamaria trilogy, but so loosely tied to it that readers are not required to read the trilogy to enjoy this new book. It’s a stand-alone. I am still knee-deep in writing out the first draft, so I won’t say too much, but I do hope to have it published sometime either early to mid 2023. I post regular updates on my website for readers looking for more information. I can’t wait to share more info!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
The Castus family is torn apart. Denton fights on the front lines, hoping to free Cade from a nightmarish foe. Meanwhile, Eliana and Nella set out on a path that will change everything they understand about the Sirens. The Song will end, but who will remain to hear its final verse?
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/24/the-fight-is-never-easy/
“The Princess, The Knight, and the Lost God” follows a twelve-year-old goddess from Chess Mountain who comes to Earth when her kingdom is in danger.What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
In 2016, as a public-school teacher deeply invested in the idea of using chess as my class theme for all subjects, I was previewing a poem to possibly share with my students. It was entitled “Caïssa,” written by William Jones in 1764. The verses of that little-known work encompass the romance of the chess goddess with the god of war, Mars. I had never heard this mythological detail discussed before, not even in my chess circles, and it begged to be expounded.
When I looked for chess fiction books to see what was already out there, there were just about none. Yes, there have been famous scenes in some fictional books about chess, such as in Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland, but no children’s books existed at the time with chess as a total theme. So, I wondered, mightn’t Mars and Caïssa have married, and in present time have a daughter near the age of my students? I knew that I wanted Kassie to come to Earth and meet mortal children, but she never would have wanted or even have been allowed to leave Chess Mountain unless she absolutely had to do so. Soon thereafter, the outline of the story poured into my mind, but it took me years to complete.
Kassie faces difficult challenges in this novel that she must learn and grow from. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Especially these days, we are all being reminded that it is important to discover truths for yourself, and not accept second or third-hand points-of-view. This is true “across the board,” if you’ll forgive the pun. It was one of the reasons Kassie needed to visit our planet. She needed to learn what humans were truly like, and not rely on the hearsay of her studies in her secluded kingdom far away. It’s difficult to grow when you stay closeted in a protected comfort zone. Also, the students in the story came from different backgrounds, and faced personal challenges of their own. Kassie’s increasing support for them changed things, which showed the princess a new aspect of her own value.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
There are several strong themes in the story: Experiences can change your perspective. Friendships can take different forms. And by using the morals of chess, we can choose pathways to success, and even to redemption. Also, it was important to have concrete examples of how chess can deliver academics, and provide metaphors for many circumstances. There were nods to certain philosophical theories as well, if you look closely.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
As of late, I’ve been figuratively traveling around the globe with Kassie, and together we’ve found some poignant and dramatic scenarios that would certainly benefit from her presence! And I’m sure you can guess that the fallen Originals are not done making mischief for the loyalists.
But I have also time-traveled backwards, and have had glimpses of Mars’ and Caïssa’s first meetings, their courtship, and the scenario that followed. Intriguing scenes of Kassie’s childhood with Dimitri have also emerged. In addition, the relationships between the Originals before the rebellion were extremely different than they are today, as we were given hints of in my novel. Even I am being surprised by some of the details. So, with all that being said, let’s see what materializes in 2023!
Author Links: Book Trailer | Twitter | Facebook | Website | GoodReads | Pinterest | Instagram
With Maurice, a trusted knight disguised as her guardian uncle, Princess Kassie is whisked to dreaded Earth, and has a mission to complete. Living undercover as a mortal student in a NYC school, she takes comfort in a chess-loving classroom with a quirky teacher. As Kassie gets to know the human girls and boys, she is astonished to find that Earthlings are different from what she was taught, and more like herself than she ever imagined. She witnesses her classmates “puzzle” through their own difficult circumstances involving family and personal challenges, some like her own.
Due to kingdom enemies nearby, she cannot reveal who she is, or her chess strength. But when classmates are intimidated by a chess bully, Kassie battles to empower them for a tournament, while struggling to stay disguised for her own safety and that of Chess Mountain. Trouble ensues, and Kassie finds herself in a dangerous predicament.
Will Kassie make the right “moves” to solve the problem? Can she save herself, others, and the entire kingdom of Chess Mountain back home, or does she “blunder” away her chances under “time pressure”?
With its chess theme, dash of the holiday spirit, and a sprinkling of martial arts, this book will engage boys and girls straight through its dramatic conclusion, which will affect the future of children and chess forevermore.
Launching to critical acclaim in the chess world and beyond, this 220-page book is the first mythological chess fantasy ever written, and was created for the chess kids (of all ages) in your life, or those with a love for mythology and/or fantasy.
Throughout this book, not only do the principles of chess connect with the academics taught in the classroom, but they factor into the critical thinking used to solve life’s puzzles.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/24/discover-truths-for-yourself/
Salt Island follows private detective Marissa Ellwyn as she sets out to find her missing father and crack a cryptic mystery. What is your writing process like and what is the biggest hurdle you often face in completing your books?
My biggest hurdle continues to be carving time every day to write. I seem to be able to easily carve out time for marketing and promotion, but the “create” energy comes from a different place and so it has different requirements.
What were some questions you wanted Marissa Ellwyn to answer in this book?
I wanted her to really acknowledge her vulnerability instead of pretending to be superwoman all the time. I think she (Mari) did a good job revealing her emotionally and psychological need to not only find but be reunited with her father in this book, and that relationship is still evolving. Book 3 (the last in the series) will likely be out in summer, 2024.
What has been the most surprising feedback you’ve received from fans of your books?
I’m always surprised to see how many readers buy the hardcover versions of my books, and also surprised that readers like reading longer books. My novels are typically shorter, under 80,000 words, and that’s not by choice – they just sort of come out that way.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok | Website
“The E&A Investigations Series by Lisa Towles, are always winning choices when it comes to selecting mysteries. Readers will find the quick pace and snappy dialogue in Salt Island refreshing. Above all else, Marissa Ellwyn is a character who jumps off the pages and into readers’ hearts. Her earnest search for truth will grab readers and make them instant fans of Towles’s work.” – Literary Titan
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/24/acknowledge-her-vulnerability/
Re-birth, by Cristoph A. T., is the story of Anessa’s reincarnation on the world of Anfang. She was murdered on Earth, only to find herself a baby on Anfang and unsure of what’s going on. Through Anessa’s eyes, we learn about the world, people and gods of Anfang.
In reading Re-birth, I was introduced to a new world, new people, and new gods. I felt that they were well-rounded characters, even the minor ones that we didn’t see very much of. Christoph A. T. did a great job of showing us the world of Anfang through the eyes of someone who’s never been on this world. It was odd to start with a character who has just been born and can talk. But Anessa’s parents’ reaction works well for what’s going on.
This feels like an epic fantasy novel with a deep backstory that begs to be explored, but the novel is short and leaves readers wanting more. I got invested in the characters and the stories pretty early and then just as we get to some juicy stuff, the story ends. The first-person perspective worked well for this dramatic story, though there were parts where we were in someone else’s head, there were times where I found myself wishing I knew what other characters were thinking and feeling.
Re-birth tells a compelling story with intriguing characters in a well-conceived fantasy world. I can tell the author put a lot of thought into the world and readers who enjoy fantasy worlds that feel lived-in and intricate will enjoy this novel. I enjoyed the story and I’m desperate to read book two as this one left me wanting more.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/24/re-birth/
Evolution Ended: The Consequences Have Just Begun begins with vivid and colorful descriptions of the 1960’s that showcase this time in history in a nostalgic way. It immediately captures the reader’s attention and uses similar vibrant narration throughout the book, from one era to the next.
The author’s point of view becomes clear early on: human evolution, and the pique of greatness, was reached in the 1960’s and has since slowed or declined. While technology continues to advance and society adapts in many ways, the author points to rapid shifts in how we live and the contributing significant factors in how evolution has changed and gotten us to where we are now. The author discusses how we are harvesting the results of the aftermath of the sixties, and how modernity is contributing to the slowing of our development.
The author’s writing is excellent in that all the ideas flowed consistently into one another. The assertions are clear and reasoned and the claims that are examined throughout the book are coupled with the authors incisive logic, leaving little in contention. While the ideas are profound the authors straightforward writing makes the ideas easy to absorb, but readers will need plenty of time afterward to ponder the full implications. While some of the topics touched upon in this book are subject to debate and controversy, the narration gives readers a thorough understanding of the author’s thoughts in a clear and concise manner. While I found this book to be intellectually-invigorating, I would have appreciated a few citations to give the reader points of reference.
Evolution Ended: The Consequences Have Just Begun by J.J. Jerome is an impassioned and insightful read. It’s an excellent way to invite discussion on various topics surrounding human and societal evolution, technology, and how previous developments play a role in how we live today. This book is a provocative yet intriguing read that delivers a unique perspective that some may find divisive, but all will appreciate the unique discussion this book provides.
Pages; 152 | ASIN: B0BMXMDSTF
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2022/11/24/evolution-ended-the-next-stage-of-american-society/