My journey with the October Daye urban fantasy series continues on audio with Ashes of Honor by Seanan McGuire. Narrated by Mary Robinette Kowal, Toby will travel through many worlds to save the changeling daughter of her fellow knight, Etienne. Suspenseful, dangerous and addictive, I couldn’t set this one down.

Ashes of Honor
by Seanan McGuire
Series: October Daye #6
Narrator: Mary Robinette Kowal
Length: 12 hours and 26 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x

It’s been almost a year since October “Toby” Daye averted a war, gave up a county, and suffered personal losses that have left her wishing for a good day’s sleep. She’s tried to focus on her responsibilities—training Quentin, upholding her position as Sylvester’s knight, and paying the bills—but she can’t help feeling like her world is crumbling around her, and her increasingly reckless behavior is beginning to worry even her staunchest supporters.

To make matters worse, Toby’s just been asked to find another missing child…only this time it’s the changeling daughter of her fellow knight, Etienne, who didn’t even know he was a father until the girl went missing. Her name is Chelsea. She’s a teleporter, like her father. She’s also the kind of changeling the old stories warn about, the ones with all the strength and none of the control. She’s opening doors that were never meant to be opened, releasing dangers that were sealed away centuries before—and there’s a good chance she could destroy Faerie if she isn’t stopped.

Now Toby must find Chelsea before time runs out, racing against an unknown deadline and through unknown worlds as she and her allies try to avert disaster. But danger is also stirring in the Court of Cats, and Tybalt may need Toby’s help with the biggest challenge he’s ever faced.

Toby thought the last year was bad. She has no idea.

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Ashes of Honor takes place about a year after the tragic events of One Sea Salt, and Toby is having a difficult time. She’ll have to set her grief aside, because one of her fellow nights, Etienne needs help to find his daughter; one her human mother kept from him. She’ll team up with Tybalt, who is having his own share of problems with the Court of Cats.

Confessions, relationship developments and abandoned worlds await you in this riveting, action-packed tale. I confess I devoured Ashes of Honor and ate up moments between Toby and Tybalt even as we dealt with cats and wicked fae.

Chelsea, the changeling, is an untrained teleporter, like her father. Can Toby stop her before she ruins the fae world? Will she survive the painful reminders of her own daughter? Will the young cat prince’s father tear the Court of Cats apart? The suspense was delightful. We see tremendous growth in Toby even as she sacrifices for others. She is a coffee drinking kickass heroine you cannot help but root for.

We’ll see her friends come to her aid once again. I love this motley crew of fae. It was interesting spending time with Etienne and learning his history and that of the Duke of Shadowed Hall.

Fans of urban fantasy, fae and action-packed mysteries will want to start the October Daye series from the beginning. I highly recommend listening to the audiobooks. Mary Robinette Kowal brings voice to each of the characters, both male and female, adding another layer of enjoyment to an already brilliant tale.

Amazon | Audible

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

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

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/06/ashes-of-honor-by-seanan-mcguire.html

Taking Stock: 10 Life and Leadership Principles from My Seat at the Table is an enlightening, invigorating piece penned by esteemed author Peter J. de Silva. The text serves as a guide to embracing personal power and vulnerability, ultimately highlighting the compelling journey of a young, ambitious individual evolving into a respected leader.

De Silva, a seasoned veteran of various leadership roles across multiple organizations, accentuates the significance of distinguishing oneself from an early age. His story weaves together life lessons across diverse spheres. De Silva’s narrative is enhanced by ingenious analogies and the sharing of personal, intimate experiences, granting readers an unfiltered view into his life.

Taking Stock is segmented into 11 chapters, each focusing on a unique leadership principle. The clarity of de Silva’s prose facilitates an effortless understanding of his insights. The author likens his life to a mosaic composed of distinct pieces representing his professional and personal journeys. Readers are thus invited to appreciate leadership as an art form, requiring a blend of specific elements for success.

The book stands out not only for its leadership insights but also for the engaging anecdotes peppered throughout the text. The author’s childhood stories and experiences, and his transition into adulthood, are especially captivating. De Silva’s narrative, marked by a warm tone and deep analysis, pulls readers into a spellbinding journey through his life. His ability to objectively assess challenges and offer pragmatic solutions is particularly evident, providing valuable lessons for aspiring leaders.

De Silva’s resilience shines, even in the most trying circumstances. His account of living with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is a testament to this, radiating hope and resilience amidst adversity.

Taking Stock is a must-read for leaders, particularly in the financial sector. This text guides readers towards holistic growth – socially, mentally, financially, and emotionally, by providing an in-depth understanding of the corporate world’s complexities and the ruthless nature of capitalism. Most importantly, the book serves as a treasure trove of life lessons and leadership strategies seldom disclosed, making it a vital resource for current and aspiring leaders. This book is not just a testament to de Silva’s journey but a key to unlocking one’s potential in leadership and beyond.

Pages: 281 | ASIN : B0BY9PB766

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/06/09/taking-stock-10-life-and-leadership-principles-from-my-seat-at-the-table/

The narrator of THE WOMAN IN GREEN repeatedly insults his readers of 2050 and wishes he were instead addressing readers of 2025, when somewhat fewer were boneheads. Born under a curse at the exact moment of the 9/11 attacks, he looks back on two remarkable utopian experiments-one religious, the other secular-in early 19th-century New Harmony, Indiana. He then looks ahead to his grandfather Sam Coverdale’s visionary effort in the millennial year 2000 to create a new “Boatload of Knowledge” on the banks of the Wabash. His cast of characters bears an unsettling resemblance to Mary Shelley’s circle of Frankenstein intimates.

What could go wrong? From a macabre scroll found under a labyrinth to a dramatic fiasco on the world stage to a heady balloon ride to freedom, these characters plus one prescient turtle hang on together as friends and lovers, narrowly averting suicide within the ranks. Along the way, a Byronic character merrily cites strong evidence, hitherto overlooked, that Shakespeare himself was a suicide. Against the odds, they emerge with lasting romantic bonds and a vision that the enigmatic Woman in Green will someday prosper on Planet Earth.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/06/09/the-woman-in-green-the-enigma-quartet/

Those Darn Stripes by Tyrel Nelson is a compelling anthology, a constellation of 25 short stories that delve into the intricacies of his life journey. But this work transcends mere autobiography, extending its scope to include those he encounters along the way, their unique characters and preferences unfolding with every page turn.

Nelson presents a vivid tableau of his experiences, accompanied by photographs from his travels and snapshots of his family, serving as poignant reminders of the challenges he’s wrestled with. His narrative skillfully oscillates between joyful, melancholic, and ironic episodes, maintaining a fidelity to his memories that invites the reader to pause, reflect, and gain a deeper understanding of the world’s intricate complexities. Those Darn Stripes hence unravel a captivating expedition through Nelson’s life, offering a treasured and nostalgic vista of the human condition.

Nelson’s storytelling style is effortlessly engaging and refreshingly genuine. Each narrative is marked by a careful balance between expressive detail and objective clarity that immerses the reader within the story. Covering a broad array of locales and moments, the book proves to be a riveting read. Nelson’s skill in rendering the personas of those dear to him is commendable, shedding light on the relationships that have shaped his existence. The inclusion of personal photographs further enhances this intimate connection, with a particular standout being a heartfelt letter penned by his father.

Primarily revolving around Nelson’s individual encounters and challenges, Those Darn Stripes makes a compelling read for those intrigued by authentic life experiences. The author’s storytelling prowess and the story’s emotional resonance make this book a fantastic read.

Pages: 111 | ASIN : B0BJ5WFW12

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/06/09/those-darn-stripes/

In Under His Divine Gaze, Monique Pilon-Fraschetti takes us on a spiritual odyssey that is both intimate and expansive, shedding light on the transformative power of faith in the clamor of the contemporary world. This spiritual memoir distills Pilon-Fraschetti’s journey of faith and her evolving understanding of the divine through her encounters with St. Therese of Lisieux, a renowned Christian saint, and mystic.

Pilon-Fraschetti’s prose is a tapestry of philosophical musings, personal reflections, and deeply resonant anecdotes, all woven together with an elegant and poetic finesse. It’s clear from the onset that she possesses a profound grasp of religious traditions and an earnest quest for spiritual enlightenment. Her contemplative and accessible writing style allows readers from various backgrounds to resonate with her narrative.

Intriguingly, the book challenges conventional religious views, beckoning readers to venture into their innermost spiritual recesses and contemplate their divine connection. Pilon-Fraschetti offers a unique vantage point on divine intercession through her encounters with St. Therese of Lisieux, demonstrating the transformative impact it can engender in one’s spiritual development.

Under His Divine Gaze is not just a memoir; it is an ethereal gateway, leading readers into a world where the earthly and celestial converge, and the wisdom of saints can illuminate the path towards a deeper communion with the divine. The vivid imagery that Pilon-Fraschetti employs to recount her experiences with St. Therese elicits a sense of awe and marvel, instilling readers with a rejuvenated hope and bolstered faith in the miraculous.

This memoir stands as a testament to the infinite love and grace that ensues from a life devoted to the divine. Ideal for those intrigued by Christian testimony, mysticism, and devotion to patron saints such as St. Therese of Lisieux, this book is an enriching read. The compelling and emotive writing of Monique Pilon-Fraschetti is both insightful and inspiring, making it an exceptional companion for anyone traversing their personal journey of faith and seeking to foster a profound relationship with the Lord.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/06/09/under-his-divine-gaze-a-spiritual-memoir/

My Brain is Magic: A Sensory-Seeking Celebration follows a little girl who explores her senses in a creative and fun manner. What was the inspiration for your story?

My inspiration is my daughter. She’s now five years old, but the book was written when she was two; we just started her assessments with medical professionals for her neurodiversity diagnosis. I wanted to give her an easy way to communicate her sensory needs to me so that I could help her to regulate and fulfill those needs.

I wanted to remind myself (and her) that everyone processes information in different ways, and that should be celebrated. I wanted to focus on how she learns and processes information from the environment and show it in a positive light. By using animals, children can verbalize and easily express their sensory needs to grown-ups, who can then help them to meet those needs. For example, I feel like an octopus, I want to touch things, or I feel like a lion, I want to be loud today.

As a two-year-old, she had a limited vocabulary, but all kids that age are familiar with animals, so that’s how the book came to be.

What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?

Sensory seekers are individuals who have a strong desire for sensory input, such as movement, touch, and sound. They may seek out intense sensory experiences and engage in behaviors such as jumping, spinning, or touching objects with different textures, so I wanted to write something that helps parents and educators to provide those inputs in a safe and meaningful way. Educators might not be aware that a child has additional sensory needs, so the book provides a way for kids to communicate this and also the jacket cover and endpapers have sensory ideas for grown-ups to help facilitate these needs. I wanted a resource that is easy for parents and educators to pull out and really practical ideas to incorporate into daily routines.

What is a common misconception you feel people have about neurodiversity and sensory processing?

A common misconception about neurodiversity and sensory processing is that sensory sensitivities or challenges are simply a matter of preference or overreaction. This misconception can lead to the belief that individuals who experience sensory processing differences are being difficult, dramatic, or seeking attention. It’s important to look at these behaviors and examine the reasons why and how we can help kids meet their sensory needs. Once these needs are met, they often find it easier to regulate their emotions and behaviors, and this facilitates their learning.

In reality, sensory processing differences are neurologically based and can significantly impact how individuals perceive and respond to sensory stimuli. Neurodivergent individuals, such as those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, or sensory processing disorder (SPD), may have heightened or diminished sensory responses, which can affect their daily lives and interactions.

What is the next story that you’re writing, and when will it be published?

I have a board book called Counting to Calm due out in 2024, also with Soaring Kite Books. It’s a picture and counting book on self-regulation for toddlers. I also have a middle-grade fiction book due next year with Dixi Books set in an ecotopian future.

Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/06/09/everyone-processes-information-differently/