Hans-Peter by David Poland is a fantastic piece of realistic fiction that explores the development of new technology and alien phenomenon. The story arc follows the development of a new type of aircraft invented by Han’s Peter, a genius inventor who has so far kept his inventions under wraps from both the public and the government. He has developed an aerospace plane capable of flying into orbit with a new type of tri-propellent engine and fuel that utilizes nuclear cold fusion. 

We follow the story through the eyes of several high-profile technology journalists, the staff at a nearby military base, Cactus Patch, and the employees of the Federal Aviation Administration. The unfolding story is told from one of the story’s main protagonists, Trayparts’ perspective, written in a first-person narrative. Traypart is a well-respected technology and aerospace journalist who came to California to report on aerospace and spaceflight technology.  

I really enjoyed this novel. It is written in a hyperrealistic fashion tackling the science of Hans-Peter’s new technology and the implications for the earth regarding this new type of technology. One of the underlying themes is the frontier of space, how emerging technology will affect our ability to travel to space, and the possibilities of what we may encounter if we do so. “Okay,” I said reluctantly. “So way back in college, he was talking about rockets and F-111s.” “Way back then, he told me he was thinking about how to blend a nuclear reaction into a liquid fuel rocket engine. Do you think that’s even possible?” p 13

The overall story develops slowly throughout the novel, with the plot being slowly revealed to the reader as the book develops. I particularly liked how the novel uses the different characters’ perspectives to relay the story as it develops. The main characters are well-written and appropriately complex, and they came across as extremely convincing in their roles. It worked well to have the different perspectives of the unfolding story. As the story progresses, the reader is introduced to possible sightings by the military of UFOs and a cover-up of previous alien contact. However, I felt the story was slightly too heavily focused on the character’s dialog in some parts.

We also witness a problem with the ISS space station after a meteor strike, leaving the astronauts onboard needing rescue. This development and the possibility of a daring space rescue by Hans-Peter and his new aircraft up the story’s stakes and add an effective extra level of interest for the reader. Toward the end of the novel, the author David Poland adds a big twist to the story, which left me genuinely surprised. 

Hans-Peter is a riveting science fiction adventure novel that gives readers much to contemplate. The story is compelling and will hold readers’ interest till the end.

Pages: 295 | ASIN : B08NWB13PR

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/30/hans-peter/

Journey of a Prophet: Jesus Tells His Story is masterfully penned by Kaarin Alisa, and offers a unique interpretation of the story of Jesus, combining an engaging narrative with historical biblical events. Alisa explores pivotal episodes of Jesus’ life, introducing a fresh perspective on his familial relationships, disciples, and followers. This book stands out with its remarkable approach as Alisa delivers biblical tales, miracles, and divine interventions from an unconventional viewpoint. She further enhances the narrative by using Yeshua, the Hebrew name for Jesus, thereby evoking an authentic connection with the period. The story’s richness is further amplified by colloquial expressions and biblical references, which interweave to form a tapestry of engrossing narratives. Alisa’s skillful writing ensures that readers are captivated from the first chapter.

While the life and divinity of Jesus, conceived over 2000 years ago through the power of the Holy Spirit, are well-documented in the New Testament, Alisa adds a creative spin to these tales in this book. The narratives are presented in such an immersive manner that readers feel personally involved in Jesus’ life, offering a multi-dimensional understanding of his experiences and teachings. One can’t help but feel transported back in time, living amidst those who were contemporaries of Jesus.

Alisa’s work is not just a recitation of biblical events but also a treasure trove of life lessons, many of which are often overlooked in religious texts. Covering diverse topics such as faith, hardship, respect for elders and authority, love, kindness, and personal struggles, the author provides profound insights and divine guidance. She portrays Jesus’ trials and triumphs in a relatable manner, demonstrating how resilience and faith led him to victory.

For spiritually inclined readers, this enlightening book is a goldmine of wisdom, offering guidance for those grappling with spiritual challenges. Alisa’s deep spirituality, evident in her writing, makes this book a compelling read. The detailed descriptions of places and their significance in the narrative further enrich the book.

Journey of a Prophet: Jesus Tells His Story is a highly recommended addition to Christian literature, bringing to life magical stories infused with Alisa’s infectious enthusiasm. With every page, the reader is drawn deeper into the vividly presented world of Jesus’ time, offering an immersive and enlightening reading experience.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/30/journey-of-a-prophet-jesus-tells-his-story/

Brainwashed: A True Story of Psychological Domestic Abuse And The PTSD Aftermath shares your story, scientific evidence on the impact of abuse, and the importance of breaking the cycles. Why was this an important book for you to write?

Issues such as Childhood Psychological Abuse and how that can affect someone’s later life and acceptance of domestic violence, and then PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) are all currently such important issues yet so very poorly understood. It’s my hope that Brainwashed will help to change that situation.   

I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?

Initially, I published the book in 2014, but then almost immediately withdrew it from publication because I did not want to be publicly reminded of my early life. But living through the most bizarre string of distressing experiences in 2022, that I talk about in Chapter 27, I knew I had to re-structure and republish the book, which I did in 2023. And so the hardest part was having to re-live all those horrific life experiences once again, that I’d previously written about.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

Interestingly, when I first published the book the most important ideas to get out were to do with childhood psychological abuse and psychological domestic violence and the reason why people, especially women, remain in abusive relationships. But after this past horrific year, which is still playing out, suddenly, the most important part was to let the world know MUCH more about PTSD.  PTSD, is now one of the leading mental health issues in most countries around the world. BUT very few people realise that it is NOT just a MENTAL health issue, but can also result in physical brain damage, and that a trauma can be locked in your brain for life, waiting to escape at any time, as it did for me in 2022.  So now the most important chapters are those on PTSD—Chapters 23 to 27.

What is a common misconception you feel people have about psychological abuse?

Sadly, even today in 2023, those people lucky enough to have avoided a mental health issue, or who don’t have the courage to admit to having a mental health issue, still have a very denigrating attitude to anyone who is a mental health sufferer. You can have a broken leg and everyone will support you and totally accept it as tough luck. But have any sort of “broken” brain and all too often you’ll be treated like a second-class citizen, or worse.  This must change.

Author Links: Website

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/30/we-need-change/

The King’s Bloodhound: Bald Foot Curse Book 2 is an intriguing fantasy novel. Why was it important for you to write this book?

The first novel, The Bald Foot Curse (TBFC), ended on a cliffhanger. The Sheriff caught some of the minor villains, but the Baron got away. My protagonist, Rinad, was still grieving the loss of his best friend, Spencer, and Squire Stroud went missing. I felt I needed to continue Rinad’s story to give closure and satisfy fans from the first novel.

Rinad struggles to overcome his own self-doubts and value in order to help his kingdom. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?

Being a forgiving person was one idea that drove this story. Another is not letting others define who you are because that is something one should do themselves. Rinad experienced some traumatic events in his youth and in TBFC. As an adult, he learns to let go of old grudges, face his grief, and ultimately find his self-confidence. 

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

Faith has always been a foundational part of Rinad’s story. He has to rely on his friends, his deity, and his employer to succeed. He isn’t super powerful, but he is talented, resourceful, and surrounded by friends. But the main focus of this story was that Rinad needed to learn to have faith in himself. I think it is an important message that people need to hear. We aren’t alone in the world. We all need one another and sometimes a little help from a higher power makes all the difference. Success in life is a team effort.

Where does the next book in the series take the characters?

Underground. Rinad’s next story is going to be an effort to break up the human/Demi human trafficking ring that is powering the evil Farin empire. Stroud will be back as a knight this time using his particular talent to help stop the smugglers in route. Rinad as a lifelong woodsman will be dealing with a different problem. Exploring the mines beneath Farin is not his cup of tea. And we will learn more about Rinad’s people, a whole tribe of halflings with bald feet.

Author Links: Website

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/30/success-in-life-is-a-team-effort/

A fantasy romance, set at a college for dragon riders…. heck yes! Narrated by Rebecca Soler & Teddy Hamilton, Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is the first novel in the Empyrean series from Red Tower Publishing. This epic tale delivered suspense, danger, and romance that hooked me from the first chapter. I cannot wait for more…

Fourth Wing
by Rebecca Yarros
Series: The Empyrean #1
Narrator: Rebecca Soler, Teddy Hamilton
Length: 20 hours and 47 minutes
Genres: Fantasy, Romance
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Heat Level:
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.5x

Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders from USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Yarros

Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general—also known as her tough-as-talons mother—has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.

But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away…because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.

With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter—like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.

She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.

Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom’s protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.

Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda—because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die.

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This story had all the elements I love in fantasy romance. We have dragons, magic, a heroine with a disability and an “enemies to lovers” romance. From the very first chapter, the author hooked me and kept me listening. When I wasn’t listening, I was thinking about it and now that I am done, I am left counting the days until the next release. l love that kind of book high.

Now, before I get into how outstanding this story was, I want to talk about the audiobook itself. Rebecca Soler narrates and does a stellar job of not only voicing the characters but of capturing the emotions and tone of the story. Her voices are such that I immediately recognized characters. Teddy Hamilton narrates near the end of the book, giving us Xaden’s perspective and gave a wonderful performance. However, the Recorded Books finished copy had editing issues. From hard swallows not being edited out to dead space. These infractions pulled me out of the story. It was a tremendous disappointment. I am hoping more care is given with the next audiobook.

The story is told from the perspective of twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail. She plans to enter Scribe Quadrant and live her life studying history surrounded by books. I adored her from the start. When her mother, the commanding general, ordered her to join the candidates, hoping to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders, I rooted for her. Given her size and fragile body, no one thinks Violet will survive the training, let alone have a dragon choose her as their rider.

As we learn about the world & its history, we get to know the cadets in Violet’s unit, from her friends to those who poke fun at her. I enjoyed the academy and training, but things got really exciting when the choosing began. I held my breath, shouted and became swept up.

The cadets not only risk not being chosen and having to wait a year but, they can also be found unworthy and incinerated. I kid you not! The competition to become a rider is cutthroat, as there are more riders than dragons. Cadets will try to outmaneuver, remove, or displace other cadets to gain a seat.

The training with the dragons themselves was exhilarating, from staying seated to maneuvers. The training, sparring, and missions all added to the tale, creating suspense as it fleshed out the characters and world.

Violet, aka “Vengeance” is a strong feminine character. She’s smart, kind, and resilient despite her disability. Violet doesn’t expect accommodations, instead she pushes herself to excel. She looks for the good in others and outwits her opponents. The girl is kickass and you’ll want to root for her.

Secondary characters added to the story from girlfriends to those placed around Violet to protect her. I found myself attached to them, and became emotionally invested.

The romance is a forbidden love that will curl your toes. I loved the chemistry between Xaden and Violet. It was all clash and teeth with delicious, consuming heat. He acted annoyed when you could just feel his attraction to her. The relationship between their dragons complicates matters and the fact that he is a child of a previous war.

The dragons were amazing from their abilities to communication. The aerial maneuvers and strategies with their riders on the field were described in vivid 3-D detail. We also see other creatures, but I will leave you to discover that and the magical elements.

The overall story arc for this series has me giddy, and the author did a great job of hooking me with reveals at the end. A brilliant tale from beginning to end. Thank the dragons the next audiobook releases in November 2023.

Amazon | Audible

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2023 Audiobook Challenge

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/05/fourth-wing-by-rebecca-yarros.html

On the Nature and Course of the Spirit by Robert is an engaging and profound exploration of the intricacies of human existence, delving into the underlying principles of religious doctrines and their relevance to our everyday lives. With meticulous attention to detail, the book is structured into seven distinct parts, each addressing key aspects such as cognitive development, the Holy Spirit, The Father, The Son, earth, heaven, and ‘other mysteries’. Robert’s comprehensive analysis seamlessly traverses the realms of science and religion, skillfully intertwining a vast array of human experiences.

This remarkable work stands out for its highly individualistic approach to spirituality. It is a rarity to encounter such depth and intellectual rigor in books aimed at enlightening readers. Robert’s adept utilization of religious verses, evocative imagery, and compelling juxtapositions and comparisons instills a sense of credibility and reliability. Notably, the opening chapters captivated my attention, particularly the section exploring anthropomorphism, which both stimulates the mind of the reader and encourages introspection into one’s own subconscious. Additionally, the profound insights into the functions of the Holy Spirit provoke contemplation. Robert asserts that this power serves as a catalyst for creativity, both metaphorically and literally.

On the Nature and Course of the Spirit by Robert is a captivating exploration of spirituality, drawing from both theological and psychological perspectives, and is enriched with a wealth of figures and knowledge. As with any literary work aimed at awakening spirituality, it is important to approach it with discernment. The book is best suited for mature audiences, as its language is eloquent and sophisticated.

Pages: 576 | ISBN: 1685153887

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/29/on-the-nature-and-course-of-the-spirit/

Curse by Christina Maraziotis, the second installment of the Loveletting series, immerses readers in a mesmerizing and captivating tale that will leave them yearning for more. Within the pages of this book, a blend of romance, danger, and adventure awaits. Having faced the depths of despair and grappled with profound loss and grief, Charlotte discovers solace in Jesse McCoy’s tender and loyal embrace. While evading the law for crimes she has been unjustly accused of, Charlotte finds herself entangled in a web of enigmatic figures as the search for the elusive serial killer, Mac Kinnon, persists. Amidst the unsettling supernatural occurrences that unsettle Charlotte’s sense of identity and security, Jesse’s steadfast nature becomes a beacon of hope, allowing her to heal and rediscover the joys of life. As unexpected romance blossoms and her freedom is put to the test, Charlotte traverses a path that unravels the true essence of love. However, lurking behind captivating and mysterious faces lies a darkness threatening to corrupt even the purest of souls, transforming them into unrecognizable beings, yearning to reclaim their former selves.

From the very outset, Curse shows immense promise. The author’s skillful writing and thoughtful structure transform what could be an intricate and protracted narrative into a series of concise, well-crafted chapters. This approach enables the plot to breathe and seamlessly engross the reader in an immersive experience. Once engrossed in the story, one is transported to a new world where the narrative and its characters take center stage. The book’s length is justified, as it adds depth and complexity to the overarching storyline, allowing for fully realized character arcs that embody the true nature of each individual and the myriad challenges they face.

Passion, romance, and darkness intertwine throughout the narrative, with supernatural elements deftly woven into the fabric of the plot, heightening its mystery. This narrative technique captivates the reader, holding their attention steadfastly throughout, even during quieter moments. However, the true strength of this book lies in its characters. They are flawlessly imperfect, each possessing a depth and complexity that authentically reflects the human experience and its trials. Engaging and diverse, these characters form a vibrant tapestry of personalities and emotions, with their highs and lows.

Curse by Christina Maraziotis is an entrancing and spellbinding book that transports readers to a realm brimming with mystery and passion, reminding us that amidst the darkest shadows, true beauty can still be discovered.

Pages: 879 | ASIN : B0BVQHGTBC

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/29/curse/

In “The Visibility Mindset: How Asian American Leaders Create Opportunities and Push Past Barriers,” authors Bernice Chao and Jessalin Lam offer an authentic portrayal of Asian Americans, their leaders, and the significant impact they have on their communities. Drawing from their personal experiences and acquired wisdom, Chao and Lam present a balanced perspective, acknowledging both their Asian and American identities and exploring how minority status can either empower or hinder individuals.

The book begins with an engaging introduction that effectively dispels common stereotypes, myths, and misrepresentations of Asian Americans in the United States. This enlightening section sets the stage for the reader to fully appreciate the book’s content.

Structured into three parts, “The Visibility Mindset” covers a range of topics that are both informative and well-presented. Part one delves into self-improvement, encouraging self-reflection through the authors’ personal stories. It inspires readers to step out of their comfort zones and embrace personal growth by building their brand, recognizing their worth, and prioritizing mental health.

Part two focuses on cultivating social connections and enhancing interpersonal skills. Particularly noteworthy is the comprehensive chapter on networking, in which Jessalin Lam offers valuable insights from both an Asian and mainstream American perspective. Key takeaways include the importance of claiming one’s space and honing communication abilities.

The book’s final section serves as a call to action for corporations and organizations, addressing the challenges faced by Asian Americans in professional settings. Topics such as inclusion, diversity, and equality are discussed with a positive tone, providing practical suggestions for individuals to excel in the workplace.

As prominent leaders in the Asian American community, Bernice Chao and Jessalin Lam have assembled a wealth of information in this useful book. The firsthand accounts provide an accurate depiction of the current situation and offer potential solutions for improvement. Although the primary focus is on the Asian American community, the book resonates with many minority groups, allowing them to feel acknowledged and understood.

“The Visibility Mindset” is an insightful and thought-provoking read that I highly recommend.

Pages: 212 | ASIN: B0BLY7HBG8

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/29/visibility-mindset/

In March 2015 I visited a friend, the Argentinean journalist Sandra Crucianelli, and her husband, Gabriel, for dinner in Bahía Blanca, a coastal city about four hundred miles south of Buenos Aires. I had just moved to Argentina from Dubai, seeking to report on environmental issues. Bahía Blanca, known as the “great metropolis of the […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/05/28/white-bay-argentina/

On May 11 Title 42 finally expired. The public health order, issued by the Trump administration in March 2020, almost completely shut down asylum processing at our southern border; in the last three years the US has conducted approximately 2.8 million expulsions of migrants, regardless of their reasons for trying to enter the country. The […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/05/28/asylum-in-limbo/