Among the ephemera displayed in the Joan Brown retrospective at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is the wall phone that hung in her studio, its bone-colored receiver an earth-toned abstract with cadmium yellow dabs. A blue patch at the phone’s upper right corner suggests hurried snatches at the handpiece, wide of target. Friends […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/03/09/joan-brown-doesnt-give-a-damn/
I love when a series just gets better as you listen. Such is the case with the Many Travails of John Smith. The Italian Screwjob by Chris Tullbane is the fourth audiobook narrated by Joel Richards. John travels to Rome with the vampire Queen, or should I say exiled Queen? Suspense, surprises, and a race against the clock to save the vamp he loves await you…..
The Italian Screwjob
by Chris Tullbane
Series: The Many Travails of John Smith #4
Narrator: Joel Richards
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x
It’s been several years since John Smith became San Diego’s supernatural mediator, and he’s as surprised to still be alive as anyone. A lot of the credit goes to Anastasia, the vampire whose relationship status with John can be safely filed under ‘It’s complicated.’
So when Ana’s boss, Lucia, informs John that Ana has been imprisoned for killing Tomas, King of the Italian Court, he drops everything to go to her defense. If he can find the real killer–and unravel a centuries-old mystery in the process–his trip to Rome might just have a storybook ending. Assuming that Anastasia isn’t the killer, anyway, which is far from a certainty, given both her career as an assassin and the very public blood feud between Tomas and Lucia.
John has survived a lot of things–divorces, conspiracies, even insane demigods–but politics can be deadly even before regicide is thrown into the mix. This case is looking more and more like an Italian screwjob.
{
“@context”:”https://schema.org”,
“@type”:”Review”,
“datePublished”: “2023-03-09T05:00:00+00:00”,
“description”: “I love when a series just gets better as you listen. Such is the case with the Many Travails of John Smith. The Italian Screwjob by Chris Tullbane is the fourth audiobook narrated by Joel Richard”,
“publisher”: {
“@type”: “Organization”,
“name”: “Caffeinated Reviewer” },
“url”: “https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/03/the-italian-screwjob-by-chris-tullbane.html”,
“itemReviewed”: {
“@type”: “Book”,
“name”: “The Italian Screwjob”,
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Chris Tullbane”,
“sameAs”: “https://christullbane.com/” },
“isbn”: “” },
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Kimberly”,
“sameAs”: “https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/” },
“reviewRating”: {
“@type”: “Rating”,
“ratingValue”: 5,
“bestRating”: “5”
}
}
If you enjoy urban fantasy with snark, cultural references and a protagonist who gets himself in and out of situations by the seat of his pants… you’ll love this series. I recommend listening in the order of their release. Character relationships, allies and consequences make starting from the beginning a must.
After John’s near-death experiences in Ghost of A Chance, we get an update on his life. He’s got roommates and working his private investigation business with them. Ana, his vampire love interest, is in Europe and things are fairly quiet. Until he awakens to find Queen Lucia in his kitchen. The story that unfolds pulled me in and never let go.
Nothing says fun like traveling to Rome with the ice queen to rescue your love from death, but here we are. Apparently, Ana has been charged with killing Tomas, the vampire king (Lucia’s brother). They, or should I say John, will have three weeks to gather evidence before facing the tribunal.
I absolutely love the world Tullbane has created, and traveling to Rome was a blast. We got to see more unique creatures and some scary old vampires. We also had to deal with bugs. Enormous bugs. Something I am not prepared to talk about. (the horror)
I think this was the longest audio of the series. The pacing and story were so well done that it just flowed and I lost myself in the tale. The mystery of who killed Tomas was grounded and the evidence against Ana seemed overwhelming. Is it a frame job? Is it the same person who killed Lucia’s father? Assuming Lucia is telling the truth about events from her past.
I loved how the bond/link between Lucia and John works. It was interesting being privy to both of their thoughts. John has a way of making allies and seeing things others don’t. One of the council hinted about John not being entirely human and it has me bubbling with curiosity.
If you haven’t started the series, I highly recommend you dive in! Rich characters, and fantastic world-building combined with suspenseful mysteries and humor make them a must listen/read.
Joel Richards narrates and does such a stellar job with the voices of these characters. He captures their attitude, humor and emotions perfectly. The story/series lends itself to this format and I have been devouring them as quickly as they release.
Amazon* | Audible
*kindleunlimited
Chris Tullbane began as a gleam in someone’s eye, but birth and childhood were quick to follow. He’s been fortunate enough to live in Spain, Germany, and all over the United States of America, and is busy planning a tour of the distilleries of Scotland. He currently lives in Nevada with his angelic wife and ever-expanding whisky collection and occasionally ventures outside to peer upwards, mutter to himself about ‘day stars’, and then scurry back into the house. Chris is the author of two series; The Murder of Crows and The Many Travails of John Smith, as well as a collection of novelettes and stand-alone novels, Stories from a Post-Break World, which are set in the world of The Murder of Crows.
Joel Richards was the kid who did crazy things just to have a good story to tell afterward. On deciding to make his affection his profession, he received a BFA in acting and a BA in English from the University of Utah, and later an MA in oral storytelling from East Tennessee State University. He has narrated over 150 audiobooks (fiction and nonfiction) and continues to tell his original stories to live audiences.
Never miss a post by adding Caffeinated to your Inbox
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
Source
Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/03/the-italian-screwjob-by-chris-tullbane.html
How can one thing be many things at once? Like a Small City by Carla de Goede is a delightful collection of poems that will have readers pose this question that seems almost paradoxical. And yet, through her use of language, De Goede manages to create a literary universe that embodies this very concept. The poems in this collection delve into dark and painful places, exploring the deep grief that accompanies loss. But even as they do so, they offer glimpses of hope and redemption, showing how victory and renewed strength can emerge from even the most challenging circumstances.
One of the defining features of this collection is the author’s use of language and literary devices. De Goede weaves her characters seamlessly into nature, incorporating animal and plant references in unexpected ways. These references take on a life of their own, creating a festival with the confetti of imagination. “your handprint would remain forever, a bird settling down to roost….” Despite the beauty of the natural world that permeates the poems, the stories they tell are not always easy to bear. They delve into the complexities of human relationships, exploring the pain of memories that cannot be erased and the struggle to survive in abusive situations. Throughout it all, De Goede keenly observes the world and its people, expressing her vision with honesty and insight. The end to memory is erasure, but like in a small city, little impacts leave their mark for a long time. This is well-captured in the poem ‘Suburbia after the Party’ as the author tries to reconcile the beauty of yesterday with the present aesthetics, which she considers carnage.
Due appreciation must be given for De Goede’s skillful use of metaphors to weave her narratives. They create vivid imagery and unveil hidden voices. These poetic metaphors allow the reader to fully embody the work while still leaving plenty of white space for individual interpretation.
As De Goede herself notes, writing a poem in a time of argument is something you can’t start just anywhere. Instead, it requires a careful balance of skill and inspiration – a balance she has achieved in this powerful collection, Like a Small City.
Pages: 145 | ASIN : B0BPMJGBRC
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/09/like-a-small-city/
Saon Jestin is a revered teacher in the small village of Tress. With an air of intrigue, he opens a book and gathers his students to narrate a riveting story of good versus evil, where noble warriors strive for justice in a time when malevolent rulers reigned. In Asim’s Extraordinary Journeys: Book 1, All For The Children, the adventure kicks off when an evil king orders his soldiers to abduct the male children of Tress. A small group of brave men decides to undertake a perilous rescue mission, but their success depends on finding the legendary warrior, Asim. Known for his unwavering altruism, Asim agrees to join the cause, and together, they embark on a treacherous journey through the forest, encountering fairies and ferocious monsters. The journey is dangerous, but they remain committed to saving innocent children.
Author Tommy Lee Davis has expertly woven a tale of adventure and action with a good dose of humor that will captivate readers of all ages. The setting is idyllic, and the characters, forest, rivers, and all the places they travel are vividly described. The warriors include men and women, each with unique skills. What stands out is that they don’t rely solely on fighting; they also use strategy and ingenuity, such as when they gather information and plan to infiltrate the castle for the rescue mission. The interactions between the characters are amusing, such as their encounter with the white witch. Furthermore, Davis employs a narrative style with language that is easy to follow. While the book features many characters, the author has included a helpful glossary with the pronunciation of the names to help readers keep track.
Asim’s Extraordinary Journeys: Book 1 All For The Children is a thrilling fantasy adventure. Davis has crafted a compelling tale with well-drawn characters, an engaging plot, and a captivating setting that readers will find enthralling.
Pages: 320 | ISBN : 1958751146
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/09/asims-extraordinary-journeys/
Christmas is a fun and exciting time of the year, filled with great food, fun crafts, and making memories with family. Sometimes though, this time of year gets stressful, and things don’t always go as planned. In this heartwarming story, one family does their best to make the holidays magical, but somehow things go astray. After carefully picking out gifts for four difficult-to-shop for family members, the package shipping labels get mixed up, and the gifts go to the wrong homes! So now the question is, will this ruin Christmas, or will it be a joyful surprise?
Christmas Switcheroo by children’s author Tuula Pere and illustrated by Outi Rautkallio is a heartwarming story that children and adults will be able to relate to. Adults often try to make the holidays perfect for their children, from crafts to cookies, to outside decorations. Then there is the process of picking out the perfect gift for everyone. Tuula has captured the feelings of an overwhelmed mom with accuracy. The children in the story are able to pick up on the emotions and offer to help out, showing compassion and kindness. While things do not go as planned, everyone is more than happy with the results, and a lesson is learned that just because things don’t go as planned doesn’t mean it is ruined.
Christmas Switcheroo is a beautifully written children’s book that will entertain readers, young and old, with the mishaps that this family finds themself in the middle of. Children will learn about empathy and helping out, while adults will find relatable situations and, perhaps, be reminded that there is joy even when things do not go as planned. This is a wonderful book to read during the holiday season to remind families of what is really important about the season.
Pages: 54 | ISBN : 9523573284
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/09/christmas-switcheroo/
A small little butterfly emerges from her cocoon, amazed by the world around her. Her joy and wonder are soon diminished as a bright-colored, and outgoing butterfly group flutters by but ignores her when she tries to make friends. Pupa is not brightly colored or large like the other butterflies and blends into the land around her. She feels as if there is nothing special about her and grows sadder at the moment. When she tries to sing like a nightingale, she is unable to and curls up crying. When a kind and friendly, gentle breeze spots Pupa, he stops to show her that she has beautiful music inside her and teaches her that she is special.
A Butterfly’s Song by Tuula Pere is a magical story for children that teaches them that how a person is on the inside is more important than what they look like or what special skills they have, like singing. They will learn that real beauty comes from inside and that everyone is unique and has something to contribute, even if it seems small. This wonderful message about positive self-esteem and not trying to be something that you are not are important lessons for young children to grasp early on. The sooner they learn that they are perfect just the way they are, the sooner they will discover their hidden talents and abilities.
The illustrations by Roksolana Panchyshyn in this picture book are whimsical and engaging. Children will be able to see the emotions Pupa is feeling as they read through this story. Each full-colored page will draw in children and keep them engaged in the tale.
I recommend A Butterfly’s Song by Tuula Pere for all preschool and kindergarten classrooms and for families. This beautifully written story will inspire children to love themselves and appreciate who they are.
Pages: 38 | ISBN : 9523578421
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/09/a-butterflys-song/
Song of the Sea by Meredith Leigh Burton is a charming and engaging story about mermaid princess Aria and her sister Octavia, who live in their beloved ocean home. As daughters of the Sea King, they are responsible for protecting the sea, helping the spirits of the departed, and discussing their potential fiancés, all of which are part of their everyday routine. However, their lives are upended when a mysterious storm threatens the life of human prince Reginald, and Aria risks everything to save him.
Burton’s tale of tolerance and understanding draws inspiration from classic fairy tales, particularly The Little Mermaid, as Aria embarks on a dangerous adventure to uncover the truth and save two kingdoms from destruction. Aria and Reginald’s friendship and alliance are at the heart of this story, and Burton’s use of musical terminology adds depth and richness to the narrative. This novel has many twists and turns, keeping readers hooked as they watch the thrilling plot unfold. Burton manages to keep readers guessing, waiting to discover the fate of the two kingdoms.
Song of the Sea is a compelling and thought-provoking story with a plot that closely follows the storyline of The Little Mermaid. Aside from that similarity, this novel has a new villain and a fresh take on well-known characters, making this story stands out as a unique work. In addition, their book has some mature content, making it better suited for older teens and young adult audiences.
Song of the Sea is a captivating and enjoyable read with an important message of love, harmony, and cultural understanding. It is perfect for readers who enjoy a fresh retelling of classic tales, and its story of diplomacy and friendship offers a new perspective on a familiar theme.
Pages: 132 | ASIN : B0BMM6PY7K
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/09/song-of-the-sea/