Day: May 12, 2023

Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney

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Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney has been on my wishlist since its release. While looking for audiobooks to fulfil my goals for the Library Love Challenge, I came upon it and immediately downloaded it. Narrated by Stephanie Racine, I quickly became caught up in this isolated “And Then There Were None” murder mystery.

Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney

Daisy Darker
by Alice Feeney
Narrator: Stephanie Racine
Length: 10 hours and 54 minutes
Genres: Suspense Thriller
Source: Library
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Goodreads

Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.45x

The ‘New York Times’ best-selling Queen of Twists returns…with a family reunion that leads to murder.

After years of avoiding each other, Daisy Darker’s entire family is assembling for Nana’s 80th birthday party in Nana’s crumbling gothic house on a tiny tidal island. Finally back together one last time, when the tide comes in, they will be cut off from the rest of the world for eight hours.

The family arrives, each of them harboring secrets. Then at the stroke of midnight, as a storm rages, Nana is found dead. And an hour later, the next family member follows…

Trapped on an island where someone is killing them one by one, the Darkers must reckon with their present mystery as well as their past secrets, before the tide comes in and all is revealed.

With a wicked wink to Agatha Christie’s ‘And Then There Were None’,’DAISY DARKER’s unforgettable twists will leave listeners reeling.

Family MURDERMYSTERY SUSPENSE thriller twisted

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Daisy Darker is the first to arrive at Nana’s coastal cottage in celebration of her 80th birthday. Once the tide comes in, they will all be cut off from the rest of the world for eight hours. Everyone arrives, all carrying secrets, and soon the festivities begin. A storm rages outside and at the stroke of midnight Nana is found dead and when the cuckoo clocks strike one another family member is found dead….

The tale that unfolds hooked me as we learn about the family, Daisy’s unique heart condition. In attendance are Daisy’s mother, father and two sisters, along with a neighboring childhood friend that Nana took under her wing and her niece. Clues appear with ominous messages and the family tries to piece together who the murder is. With no outside help, the clock is ticking….

Whew. What a twisty tale. The author captured all sides of families, from the good to the ugly. I enjoyed learning about time spent at Nana’s cottage just as much as the present day mystery. The pacing was well done as the suspense built. I loved the creepy poems and fun, quirky traditions that Nana had. From Christmas past to secrets, I was enthralled.

Most of the characters were unlikable except Daisy and perhaps Nana, but I found myself engaged in their histories as I tried to figure out which one was the murder. It was clever and addictive. It’s the type of story you’ll want to talk about and recall long after you’ve finished. It would make an ideal buddy listen or book club selection.

I loved the audio narration. Stephanie Racine did a great job of capturing each personality and giving voice to Daisy. I highly recommend listening.

An addictive tale perfect for fans of closed door mysteries and isolated murder-mysteries.

Amazon | Audible

About Alice Feeney

Alice Feeney

Alice Feeney is a New York Times million-copy bestselling author. Her books have been translated into over twenty-five languages, and have been optioned for major screen adaptations. Including Rock Paper Scissors, which is being made into a TV series by the producer of The Crown. Alice was a BBC journalist for fifteen years, and now lives in Devon with her family. Daisy Darker is her fifth novel.

About Stephanie Racine

Stephanie Racine

Born in Singapore to British/German parents, Stephanie has an undergraduate and Masters degree from the University of Warwick and is an acting graduate of the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. She lives and works in London. Alongside her stage, screen and radio drama work, Stephanie is a Carleton Hobbs winner, has voiced a Sony Award winning campaign for the BBC, has voiced numerous New York Times, US and UK Bestselling Audiobooks and was nominated for Best Crime Audiobook for the New York Times Bestselling Audiobook Sometimes I Lie, by Alice Feeney (shortly to become a TV Series with Sarah Michelle Gellar).

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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

  • 2023 Audiobook Challenge
  • 2023 Library Love Challenge
  • COYER 2023 Upside Down
  • COYER Upside Down Chapter 1: It's a Cold Summer

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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/05/daisy-darker-by-alice-feeney.html

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Jabberwocky: Scary Stories For Kids

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Lewis Carroll wrote the poem Jabberwocky back in 1871. This nonsense poem was included originally in his book Through The Looking Glass. It is an epic tale of a boy going off on an adventure to defeat the mystical beast that is terrorizing the creatures of the land. It is a classic hero’s tale of good vs evil that has stood the test of time through the years. Author and illustrator Carolyn Watson Dubisch has brought this poem to life for a new generation of children to enjoy.

Carolyn’s rendition of Jabberwocky is creepy and unnerving in a way that will give children a feeling of unease but without being terrifying. It is the perfect combination of impending doom and adrenaline as the hero sets off to slay the scary monster. The minimalistic use of colors in this picture book adds to the feeling of mystery and foreboding. Each page is filled with details that stir the imagination and fills readers with a sense of something great is about to happen. As they follow the boy on his hunt, they will feel the excitement building and be on edge when the battle finally comes. The poem leaves much to the imagination in its original form; Carolyn has interpreted the creatures in a way that makes us want to follow the boy into danger to save them. Each page is a work of art that could stand on its own.

Jabberwocky: Scary Stories For Kids is a gripping children’s book that readers from kindergarten through elementary school will find spooky and entertaining. The whimsical illustrations will grab the attention of young readers and ensure this classic poem finds a place in the hearts of kids today.

Pages: 35 | ASIN : B0C2KXVKQD

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Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/12/jabberwocky-scary-stories-for-kids/

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Now and Forevermore Arabella

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A child moved from foster home to foster home since she was discovered abandoned at a young age. Twelve-year-old Amanda’s deepest wish is to have a  family of her own. Suddenly, Amanda finds her situation reversed and begins to discover the truth about her origins, starting with the revelation of her actual name: Arabella. Soon, the life Arabella has always dreamed of seems to be a real possibility as she discovers more about her family. But all is not sunshine and roses, as a deadly danger from the past threatens to unravel the happiness of Arabella’s new life. Can Arabella hope to find peace and justice, or will her existence be forever shadowed by the mysterious forces that turned her young life upside-down?

Now and Forevermore Arabella by Carolyn Summer Quinn is the highly engrossing tale of a young girl’s search for answers. A story of a cruel fate reversed, Arabella’s transition from the foster system to finding her true home is a story with incredible emotional depth. Arabella struggles to discover who she truly is and to uncover the deadly mystery of her past. Her fight to recall the events of her young life draws the reader in, while the love and protection of those around her are truly beautiful to behold.

I applaud the author for bringing attention to a social injustice that is tragically all too common. This amazing story takes place in only a short period of time, less than three weeks. That the author manages to include such authentic emotions is admirable. I hope there is more to Arabella’s story to come so readers can continue to follow her journey.

This story is suitable for readers aged nine and up who like a thrilling mystery with a deeply emotional plot. This book has mild language, drug references, and heavy themes such as kidnapping and violence toward children that are handled well by the author. Now and Forevermore Arabella is a riveting tale of justice, hope, and finding the true love of family. This is a story certain to touch the hearts of readers.

Pages 168 | ASIN : B09B8TBQW3

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Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/12/now-and-forevermore-arabella/

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May We Learn from the Earth: Nature Poems and Reflections on the Environment

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In Robert J. Tiess’s captivating collection, May We Learn from the Earth: Nature Poems and Reflections on the Environment, readers are treated to an exquisite and profound exploration of ecopoetry and the impact of human actions on our planet. With a sweeping range of topics, from the perspective of ocean-dwelling creatures to the natural composting of trees, Tiess leaves no stone unturned in his quest to celebrate and understand nature.

More than just a poetic anthology, May We Learn from the Earth also features a handy glossary, comprehensive lists of useful websites and books for further research, and other valuable resources demonstrating the author’s commitment to educating and engaging his audience.

The beauty and eloquence of the poems in this collection are undeniable. Tiess’s words reveal his wisdom, intelligence, and deep connection to the natural world. Rather than expressing bitterness or anger towards the environmental challenges we face, the author conveys a sense of mournful yet hopeful reflection on the damage humans have inflicted upon themselves and their surroundings.

The poems in this collection stand out for their accessibility and clarity. Eschewing the cryptic language often found in poetry, Tiess crafts verses that resonate with readers of all ages, even those as young as middle school students. His vivid descriptions of rivers, canyons, and trees bring readers into nature and allow them to experience all it has to offer. It renews the wonder that is often lost as people rush about in the world and grounds them in all that the Earth has to offer.

This comprehensive and informative work is filled with insightful observations expressed through beautifully crafted poems. May We Learn from the Earth serves as a delightful, thought-provoking, and educational introduction to the world of ecopoetry and nature-inspired verse.

Pages : 258 | ASIN : B0C2K3K73W

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Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/12/may-we-learn-from-the-earth-nature-poems-and-reflections-on-the-environment/

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We Are All Humans And We Must Live Together

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 Alexandru Czimbor Author Interview

The Soul Machines follows three young friends who discover a mysterious artifact that brings out the worst in people. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I chose Transylvania, the place where I grew up and that I still visit every year, because it is a region with a convoluted past, where different ethnicities, cultures, and religions coexist. I wanted to depict life at the dawn of two of the most devastating political currents in our history, because I see a lot of unfortunate similarities between the rise of extreme left and extreme right politics and the current tendency to move away from the political center. 

What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?

My goal was to challenge the reader to be less hasty when judging other people, irrespective of their identities. I tried to pack this message in a story that shows love, beauty and generosity, but also hatred, cruelty and insanity. I wanted to emphasize the inner struggle of my characters, and to show their growth. You can still recognize who the “good” and “bad” characters are, but in some circumstances, good people do bad things and vice versa. I wanted to show that it is important to navigate through life following strong principles (things like taking care of the family, following your dreams, helping others, and so on), yet without committing to any idea too far. We are all humans and we must live together if we want our civilization to continue to flourish.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

Among the many themes I tried to portray in this novel, I’d mention the coming-of-age, prejudice, family, life and death, change vs. tradition, and more.

Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?

At the end of “The Soul Machines” I closed a full circle from the moment the main character unearthed the artifact in Transylvania to the moment an explosion buried it again in Austria. There are many directions to explore in a sequel with our heroes facing the rise of socialism and nazism in Europe. But first I need to publish my second novel, this time a Science Fiction story set in the near future – just a few decades from now.

Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook

This story opens on a burgeoning mining town in Transylvania during the fading years of the 19th century. Life goes on uneventfully, save for the occasional trouble caused by the greedy local baron. Three young men—a poor Romanian, a gypsy, and a rich Hungarian—are bound by a strong friendship that is frowned upon by the town elite. During a trip to the baron’s forbidden lands, one of the men discovers a mysterious artifact that symbolizes humanity’s evil nature, bringing out the worst in people, particularly those predisposed to wrongdoings. Far right extremists, socialists, and an order of Christian Orthodox monks vie to get their hands on it, which leads to a series of tragic events that disturb the town’s peace. Murders, insanity, and suicide wreak havoc in the region. A wild chase and a fight for the possession of the artifact end up altering the mind of a boy who is bound to change the course of history. Meanwhile, a doomed love story begins between the young man who unearthed the artifact and a rich local girl who’s already betrothed. The story takes place in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and spans an eclectic mix of fiction subgenres, including romance and mystery. Themes include the rise of extreme politics in Europe, feminism, and the conflict between religion and naturalism.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/12/we-are-all-humans-and-we-must-live-together/

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Never Give Up On Yourself

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Eric Westergard Author Interview

Soul Scepter: Time Marauders follows two friends from Idaho who are transported through time to medieval England and have to stop history from being changed. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I grew up in Idaho near the area where the book begins and toured the Idaho National Laboratory when studying physics in college. I’ve always loved all things medieval and have been to all of the historical locations in England referenced in the book. The book is the product of a series of daydreams and the desire to provide young adults with inspirational fiction to help foster confidence and emotional resilience.

Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing or did it come out organically as you were writing?

The tone evolved since the first draft. Some of the combat scenes started out as too mature for a younger audience and some of the teen interactions were probably too juvenile for an adult audience. I was fortunate to have many adult and teen beta readers which helped in striking a maturity balance that satisfied me and readers across an age spectrum.

The middle of the book changed from draft to draft, while the beginning and ending stayed consistent. An aspect that didn’t change was the importance of never giving up on yourself or the people you care about.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

I sought to incorporate elements of characters digging deep to pull through desperate circumstances and sprinkle in nuggets of ways to find hope and resist self-harm. Some reasons this is important to me is that I’m an Air Force veteran, and a veteran commits suicide in the US every 65 minutes. Someone commits suicide in the US every 11 minutes, and a study estimated that there is a suicide attempt every 31 seconds. I wanted to be a part of the solution as much as I could. Most individuals taking their lives probably weren’t reading dry textbooks on techniques for overcoming suicidal ideations—but many people do turn to fictional entertainment when they want to escape.

Can you tell us where the book goes and where we’ll see the characters in the next book?

In the next book, the characters need to time travel to the future to find the solution to the havoc that the Dreizack has unleashed on the world. When they arrive in the future, they discover a Dreizack-ruled dystopian world where they struggle to survive as they search for answers.

Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website

Will Donovan’s life is turned upside down when he discovers his family’s connection to a mysterious scepter. As the son of an infamous terrorist, the 16-year-old grew up bullied, shamed, and yearning for a life away from a dark reputation. Meanwhile, people seeking power have been monitoring him for years.
A militant organization attacks Will’s friends, sending him, a girl named Celeste, and their assailants time-traveling to medieval England. As a cunning modern-military commander plots a global conquest to rewrite history, Will and Celeste struggle to navigate the perils of 1345 while being hunted by the modern men.
With every heartbeat, the stakes grow higher as Will races against time to avert disaster—a challenge made more complicated by his growing feelings for Celeste and his uncanny link to the Soul Scepter.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/12/never-give-up-on-yourself/

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