“I am forced to look out for emigration and as far as I can see USA is the only country we could go to,” Otto Frank wrote to an American friend on April 30, 1941. The Frank family—Otto, Edith, and their two daughters, Margot and Anne—had spent the past seven years in the Netherlands, where […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/06/22/the-millions-we-failed-to-save-us-and-the-holocaust-pbs/
It’s not the crime; it’s the cover-up. Someone murdered Jane Stanford, the cofounder of Stanford University, on Tuesday, February 28, 1905, putting a precisely calibrated dose of pure strychnine in her bicarbonate of soda. The murderer had made an earlier attempt, introducing rat poison into Stanford’s nightstand bottle of Poland Spring water. We can’t be […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/06/22/a-poisonous-legacy-who-killed-jane-stanford/
Rattlesnakes fill the lawn one rattlesnake A baby rattlesnake I’m almost ten Years old because in two months I’ll be nine Summer has stuffed the willow’s dark Hair full that flashes white in gusts with hair And branches dark green leaves and branches the Rattler I hope won’t climb and spotting me Drop from to […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/06/22/june-12-2020-shane-mccrae/
The Roman church of Santa Maria della Concezione sits atop a precipitous cliff of volcanic stone that frames the modern Via Veneto. Most visitors climb a flight of outdoor stairs to see the crypt, whose five chambers are packed with the skeletons and mummified bodies of 3,700 Capuchin friars, many of their bones attached to […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/06/22/the-divine-guido-reni-ingrid-d-rowland/
In 1941 an ambitious Philadelphia pediatrician, the wonderfully named Waldo Emerson Nelson, became the editor of America’s leading textbook of pediatrics. For the next half-century the compilation of successive editions of this large volume advanced his career, consumed his weekends, and encroached heavily on his domestic life. Every few years, when a new edition was […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/06/22/life-is-short-indexes-are-necessary-dennis-duncan/
Narrate by Desireé Ketchum, the Guardian of Shadows by Michelle Manus is the second audiobook in the Nyx Fortuna series. Nyx is the Guardian of Between Earth’s station and assists intergalactic travelers. She is also harboring fugitives, dealing with the Harvester of Worlds and has an ex she is avoiding. In search of answers, she, along with her motley group of friends, travel to the forbidden Shadow Market. What could go wrong?
Guardian of Shadows
by Michelle Manus
Series: Nyx Fortuna #2
Narrator: Desireé Ketchum
Length: 10 hours and 1 minute
Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x
She’s been to the universe’s prison planet, why not check the black market off her bucket list next?
Life at Nyx’s Station has been a little tense of late. There are the fugitives she’s hiding, the Harvester of Worlds she still doesn’t know what to do with, and then there’s the ex-boyfriend she’s been avoiding. So when someone from her elusive past shows up in Earth Between, Nyx jumps at the distraction—and the chance to finally get some answers.
The only problem is, her childhood friend Seth has no intention of answering any of those questions. When he portal-jumps to the forbidden Shadow Market, it should be a guaranteed escape from a Station Guardian, but Nyx’s altered bond with her Station means following him is a possibility. One she has every intention of making a reality.
Her newfound friends insist on coming with her, and really, what’s the worst that could happen from taking three ex-Enforcers, two Amazons, and one Tiagren shifter to the world’s most notorious black market planet?
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Did I mention her new friends are three ex-Enforcers, two Amazons, and one Tiagren shifter? After everything we have learned about Nyx in Guardians of Chaos, I complete understand her need for answers, especially from her childhood friend Seth.
The black market was interesting and came with its own troubles. I enjoyed seeing Nyx not only deal with Seth, but bargain with the guardian of the Shadow Market. The tale was intense, in part because they were on a limited time. I recommend you begin with Guardians of Chaos as her predicament, and those of the motley crew are explained.
The banter and camaraderie between Nyx, Seth and the others added some humor and continued to flesh out these characters. I love the unique personalities, moods and attractions. The tale is well-paced, balancing suspenseful scenes with arc development. Nyx gets some answers which only served up more questions. I for one, am curious.
Desireé Ketchum narrates and does a great job voicing Nyx and her personality. She has given each character a unique voice and I love how perfectly they match these characters. I highly recommend listening.
Fans of fantasy, suspense and kickass heroines with a sweet side who pick up strays will love Nyx Fortuna and the Between Earth’s station. It’s bigger on the inside and has a magic all of its own.
Amazon | Audible
Michelle lives in a desolate land with a dark wizard, a unicorn, and a feline overlord. Despite certain stereotypes you may be familiar with, the dark wizard is not holding her captive, nor does the unicorn require virgin riders. The feline overlord, however, may well be evil. She holds dual BAs in English and Philosophy, which has gotten her about as far as you would expect it to in life. Despite all evidence to the contrary, she’s still desperately holding out hope that in an alternate reality she’s a sword-wielding princess.
As a blogger, author, and narrator of the book world, Desiree Ketchum has run the full gamut, and knows the ins and outs of building a story from the ground up. With this wealth of experience, she can deliver a vocal performance that will delight authors and listeners alike. In a short span of time, Desiree has been able to build a brand and following dedicated to her love and passion for bringing an author’s characters and story to life with her meticulous approach of study, commitment, and enthusiasm for the industry. Desiree has narrated for top selling authors, including #1 internationally bestselling author L. J. Shen and #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Vi Keeland.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/06/guardian-of-shadows-by-michelle-manus.html
Set in the enchanting Brook Meadow, home to a menagerie of captivating creatures, Tales from Brook Meadow: The Tale of the Summer Fair by Kevin Richardson invites readers on a fascinating journey. In this serene sanctuary, delightful characters like Sammy the Snake, Vincent the Fox, and the adventurous field mouse twins, Vincent and Jeremy, live under the watchful care of their protector, Keeper Kiara, and her loyal canine companion, Charlie.
The narrative centers around Vincent and Jeremy, two audacious mice with a penchant for exploration. Their lives take an intriguing turn when they encounter newcomers to their tranquil haven. The prospect of change incites anxiety in the mice, threatening the tranquility of Brook Meadow. However, through the warm bonds of friendship, understanding, and a sprinkling of wisdom from their fellow inhabitants, the mice are led to an insightful discovery during the bustling summer fair.
This story, a delightful mix of whimsy and wisdom, offers a peek into the charm of a nature preserve nestled in the United Kingdom. Richardson’s engaging storytelling has the power to enthrall the reader, while Caroline Hazell’s mesmerizing watercolor illustrations lend an additional layer of allure. Through Vincent and Jeremy’s adventures, the reader is introduced to an understated moral lesson that is elegantly woven into the narrative without being didactic.
As an avid fan of animal stories, I found this delightful tale enticing, conjuring a longing to immerse myself further in the tranquility of Brook Meadow. The story begins with Charlie the Dog and then transitions to focus on the exploits of Vincent and Jeremy. The story is heartwarming and depicts a moment of camaraderie and joy.
Tales from Brook Meadow: The Tale of the Summer Fair is a gorgeously illustrated children’s adventure story that will captivate audiences across all age groups. Whether it’s bedtime storytelling, group readings, or independent exploration, this charming installment in the Brook Meadow series will enchant readers and stimulate their imaginations.
Pages: 35 | ISBN : 1922358304
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/06/02/tales-from-brook-meadow-the-tale-of-the-summer-fair/
All roads ultimately converge at the place we call home. In the case of Carla and Logan, their journey leads them back to The Rock, driven by a noble purpose: to rescue the people they had once left behind, just as Mistress, the formidable antagonist, gathers her final forces in a bid to claim the city’s coveted power. Meanwhile, Blessing and Junior are compelled to safeguard their newfound family, even at the risk of their own lives. In this gripping climax, former adversaries find common ground, uniting our cherished characters for a final stand to defend their cherished ideals. But, with the impending threat of Mistress and her legion of A-boms, safety becomes a scarce commodity.
Dissidents, the fifth and concluding installment of The Mistress Manuscripts, penned by the talented T.N. Baldwin, is an electrifying tale that never relents in its pace and captivates readers with its abundant action and unbridled excitement. Baldwin, true to form, exhibits a mastery of crafting relatable and multifaceted characters, allowing readers to effortlessly comprehend their emotions, be it their sorrow or their elation, as they navigate through the peaks and valleys of their most challenging escapade to date. In addition, the poignant reunion of familiar faces from previous books adds an extra layer of emotional depth, reinforcing the notion that every individual’s story is worth telling, irrespective of their significance.
Undeniably, Dissidents deserves an unequivocal five-star rating. It offers a robust reading experience for enthusiasts of the fantasy genre and serves as a phenomenal culmination to an already extraordinary series. While the journey may have been arduous at times, the story effectively concludes, leaving a satisfying sense of closure while simultaneously leaving the door ajar for potential future expansions, should Baldwin choose to pursue them. No character is overlooked or abandoned; their arcs are meticulously tied together, creating a cohesive narrative that left me both fulfilled and eagerly anticipating whatever literary treasures Baldwin has in store for us.
Pages: 700 | ASIN : B09PR7JLVG
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/06/02/dissidents/
The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded to books that have astounded and amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise, and we are proud to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and writing talent of these brilliant authors.
Juggernaut by John Weiss
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan #BookAwards Jun 2023
Join us in congratulating these #AwardWinning #authors. These fascinating #books expertly convey original and riveting ideas in unique and memorable ways that have amazed us.#WritingCommunity #Writers #WritersLifthttps://t.co/TrzqQHN0PT pic.twitter.com/cmIGT4cRUr— Literary Titan (@LiteraryTitan) June 2, 2023
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/06/02/literary-titan-book-award-june-2023/
The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded to books that have astounded and amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise, and we are proud to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and writing talent of these brilliant authors.
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/06/02/literary-titan-gold-book-award-june-2023/
