The plays of Spain’s preeminent Golden Age dramatist, Lope de Vega, come across on the page as compressed and quick off the mark, agile in tracking actions and consequences, nimble in slipping from comedy to tragedy and back as needed. They make room for set pieces of all kinds, bantering wordplay, elegant verbal duets for […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/06/13/lope-lives/

I will never tire of reading the Hollows. Demons of Good and Evil by Kim Harrison is the seventeenth novel in the Hollows series and it was so addictive. Non-stop action, beloved characters, traveling the ley lines and witchy problems kept me reading into the wee hours.

Demons of Good and Evil
by Kim Harrison
Series: The Hollows #17
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:

Rachel Morgan will learn that the price of loyalty is blood…

Rachel Morgan, witch-born demon, suspected that protecting the paranormal citizens of Cincinnati as the demon subrosa would be trouble. But it’s rapidly becoming way more trouble than even she could have imagined.

While Rachel and her friends may have vanquished the trickster demon Hodin, his mysterious associate known only as “The Mage” is eager to finish what Hodin started, beginning with taking down Rachel’s power structure piece by piece.

When he frames Rachel for the death of a powerful coven member and the vampire leaders in DC threaten to send a new master vampire to take the city in hand, Rachel’s friends Ivy and Pike are forced into hiding, and even her lover, Trent, finds himself under fire. With her world falling apart, Rachel desperately needs help. But with all of her supporters under attack, her only hope is to make a deal with the unlikeliest of allies…

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After the events of Trouble with the Cursed, Rachel is still having troubles with jumping ley lines. She has a mouse living in her church and cannot access Holden’s quarters. However, all of this will pale in comparison when wolves and a Mage come into town. She’ll have to save her spelled friend, unlock a curse and stop the Mage from framing her before the DC vampires come to reclaim the city.

Poor Rach. Never a dull moment for this witchy demon. As always, I slipped right into the story and was delighted to see Trent, Jenks, Al, Ivy, and all the characters I love in this series. For new readers, I recommend starting from the beginning. After all, you’ll want to know about the tomatoes, the relationships, Rachel and more. Not to mention a bombshell that was dropped at the end of the book.

Harrison gave us quite the tale and tied it to previous characters and circumstances. We’ll learn a little more about Rachel and Trent’s childhood, enjoy some tender moments, and kick some ass. It was bliss!

The world and characters are fantastic. The pacing and build up make it unputdownable. You’ll see some new tricks, worry about Al and see growth in Rachel. I am curious about the changes that occurred, and the reveals. Once again, Harrison has me drooling for the next book.

I’ve left this spoiler free and if you haven’t read the series, I highly encourage you to do so. You’ll carry these characters with you, and quote them. I’ve laughed, cried, gotten angry and called out sick on release day.

Amazon | Audible

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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/06/demons-of-good-and-evil-by-kim-harrison.html

Reap Sleep Rock Repeat by Mike Norris is an evocative journey that explores mortality and the afterlife through the lens of an unlikely camaraderie. The protagonist, Ben, meets an unexpected demise beneath the wheels of a school bus, driven by none other than the Grim Reaper, Tom, who is as bewildered by the situation as Ben is. In a twist of events, Tom’s bus, a supernatural vehicle designed for ferrying souls to the afterlife, interacts with the human world, defying its usual norms.

Considering the peculiar circumstances of his premature passing, Ben is offered an opportunity to contest his untimely death. If successful, he could become the inaugural soul to reverse the inevitable journey to the afterlife. Yet, the formidable Grim, the original reaper, stands as a towering obstacle in Ben’s path.

Reap Sleep Rock Repeat is a dynamic narrative, deftly juggling between genres and tones. It commences as a narrative encapsulating an unexpected companionship formed against the backdrop of loss and melancholy. Soon, the storyline briskly transitions into a lively and humorous buddy comedy. As Tom and Ben’s relationship develops, the tale again modulates into a more grave narrative where the stakes are high – Ben’s very existence is in the balance. Tom’s guilt and Grim’s whims drive the escalating tension.

Norris introduces us to a rich tapestry of characters, including Jade and Peyton, two guardian angels residing in Borrowed Heaven. Yet, none are as vivid and compelling as Tom. Despite his grim profession, Tom is a mirthful and charismatic character. His exuberance not only brings life to his character but also binds the diverse elements of the narrative together. Moreover, fans of metal and hard rock will find Tom’s character particularly appealing.

At the heart of the narrative lies the poignant realization that one truly appreciates life only in its absence. Ben’s journey towards acknowledging what he has lost and his intense longing to regain it forms the emotional core of the story. Yet, even amidst such weighty themes, the narrative never becomes gloomy. Instead, it is laced with heartfelt moments that are as moving as they are humorous. Norris masterfully maintains this delicate equilibrium between levity and gravitas from the first page to the last.

Reap Sleep Rock Repeat is a roller-coaster ride of emotions. It is an immersive tale that alternately provokes laughter and tears. The promise of further adventures at the end only intensifies the readers’ anticipation for more. Norris has truly penned a captivating narrative that is both thoughtful and entertaining.

Pages: 254 | ASIN : B0BTXTJ2KW

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/06/13/reap-sleep-rock-repeat/

In Steve Shahbazian’s captivating novel, Endgame, a precarious clash ensues between The Trads—a fanatical religious group—and Faithcorp, an organization accused of heralding the apocalypse with their technology-based spirituality. As the leaders of these two factions mysteriously disappear, a series of chilling assassinations unfurl, targeting Faithcorp’s executive echelons. At the heart of the whirlwind stands Cynthia, a Licensed Operative with a troubled past. A societal cleaner who dispenses justice with an iron fist, she is inexorably drawn towards unearthing the elusive truth. Amid her quest for answers, Cynthia grapples with her capacity for trust and the potent mysteries she is determined to unravel.

Cynthia is a richly developed character, brimming with an unflinching assertiveness that lends her an immediate appeal. Her brusque honesty and irrepressible wit consistently infuse refreshing humor throughout the narrative, eliciting an anticipatory delight for her next unexpected quip. Shahbazian’s talent shines as he imbues Cynthia with memorable lines, such as likening a bewildered glance to receiving a “slap across the face with a wet fish.”

Shahbazian masterfully paints a bleak yet captivating backdrop of a dystopian future. Civil order has frayed to the point of disarray—criminal investigations have lost their procedural sheen, and society is plagued by rampant addiction to simulations. As Cynthia delves deeper into her inquiries, the author gradually unveils the contours of this stark world—each violent outburst, every destitute addict donning “rickety headsets,” and the imposing futuristic infrastructure, serving to further illustrate the stark reality of this universe.

Endgame seamlessly interweaves philosophical discourse with its primary themes of investigation, religion, and artificial intelligence. It offers the reader an intellectual challenge, posing interesting inquiries such as “How do you know that what you assume to be real isn’t, in fact, an illusion?” that subtly rattle one’s perception of reality.

Firmly etching his mark with well-drawn characters and intricately woven plotlines, Shahbazian demonstrates his adept skill as a storyteller. Yet, even without these elements, the narrative’s enticing humor and candor would alone make it a worthwhile read. A compelling amalgamation of sci-fi and philosophy, Endgame is a treat for any fan of The Matrix and similar genre-blending narratives. Shahbazian’s exceptional writing makes it an unmissable addition to any avid reader’s list.

Pages: 272 | ASIN : B0BXDKF4KS

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/06/13/endgame/

Nurse Florence®, What is Arthritis? by Michael Dow, offers a captivating and educational reading experience that is sure to intrigue young minds, fostering a genuine interest in scientific exploration. The narrative follows Jean, Condi, and Sonia as they engage in an enlightening conversation about their science class when serendipitously, they encounter Nurse Florence in the cafeteria. Curious to understand arthritis and its impact on our bones, the girls turn to Nurse Florence for answers. With great expertise and compassion, Nurse Florence delves into the complexities of arthritis, shedding light on its effects, various treatment approaches, and the demographics most prone to this condition.

Author Dow once again delivers a thought-provoking and highly enlightening literary work. The series succeeds in stimulating young readers to inquire about the intricacies of the human body, demonstrating that science can be both enjoyable and intriguing. Despite its concise length, the book effortlessly imparts a wealth of knowledge. While some vocabulary may prove challenging for younger readers, the author mitigates this concern by including a comprehensive glossary at the book’s conclusion, accompanied by a pronunciation guide at the beginning. Furthermore, the deliberate choice to portray the main characters as girls is commendable, as it addresses the underrepresentation of women in the scientific field.

The illustrations in the book possess a remarkable artistic quality, adding aesthetic appeal to the overall reading experience. The wealth of information provided by Nurse Florence is genuinely fascinating, leaving readers like myself craving further exploration of arthritis. The Nurse Florence series serves as an ideal entry point for young readers, gently nudging them into the fascinating world of science. Undoubtedly, this book would be a valuable addition to educational institutions and libraries alike, inspiring young minds and fostering a love for scientific inquiry. I eagerly anticipate the forthcoming installments in this exceptional series.

Pages: 117 | ISBN : 1312775211

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/06/13/nurse-florence-what-is-arthritis/

The Intrepid Three follows three teenagers, united by fate in a war-ravaged world, who must uncover their intertwined destinies and fight against an all-consuming darkness threatening their realms. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

We created the concept of The Intrepid Three during the beginning stages of the pandemic. We, like most people, found ourselves isolated and secluded at home. Along with the seriousness of COVID-19, we observed political division and social unrest like we had never seen before. This forced us to reflect on and analyze our society in a new way.

Through this new lens, we created the three worlds of Euporia, Aurelia, and Immerxia, each dominated by three different issues. Euporia is plagued by fear due to oppression. Aurelia is driven by complacency from material abundance. And, Immerxia struggles to discern truth owing to the inundation of information (particularly through social media). This book shows an exaggerated version of some of society’s pitfalls. Ultimately, we hope the themes of this book will resonate with readers and can initiate interesting conversations for a more just world.  

Dez, Walter, and Arabella are intriguing and well-developed characters. What were some driving ideals behind their character’s development?

This book is Christian allegory, so we tried to give our three protagonists qualities of Christ, albeit the characters are inherently imperfect. Particularly, each of the teens has a supernatural gift, reminiscent of Jesus’ miracles from the Bible, that they discover or have revealed throughout the book. Dez, Walter, and Arabella come from very different backgrounds and experiences, but their fantastical story arcs lead them to the same place, in front of the Author of the universe with a big decision.  

We chose adolescent protagonists because we hope younger generations can see the problems of our world clearer and work to alleviate the issues with fervor. Readers will notice the main cast of characters are quite diverse, so we hope people see themselves represented and understand they are an important part of humanity.  

What was the collaboration process like between the two of you?

We’ve been married over a decade, and this was the first time we attempted writing together. It took time learning each other’s writing processes (order of writing, pace of writing, etc.) and trying to integrate them. We wrote every word together, but we had to make determinations about every little practical detail, down to who typed. Once we figured out our integrated writing style, the process became smoother. The best experiences of writing this book together were the imaginative conversations that formed new worlds and unique characters.

What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?

Our next book will be the second installment of The Intrepid Three series. We are in the process of writing this story now. We look forward to sharing what happens next with Dez, Arabella, and Walter. We hope to publish the second volume in the next couple of years.  

Author Links: Website | Facebook | GoodReads

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/06/13/through-a-new-lens/

Dead Letters follows the mystery of an author who has gone missing for over a year, leaving his unpublished manuscript as the only clue to what happened to him. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

Dead Letters was the result of two ideas coming together. I had been exploring the idea of ghosts in unusual, modern settings, and the concept of them as snatches in time; memories and moments that people can’t let go of. This collided with another idea, prompted by questions I’d been asked about previous novels I had written: close friends and family sometimes recognized events in the story and were keen to know if they were right. So, I thought, “Wouldn’t it be interesting to write a novel about people picking apart ghost stories to understand the real-life truth behind them?”

The supporting characters in this novel, I felt, were intriguing and well-developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?

Thank you for saying that. I was keen to avoid caricature, but it wasn’t easy when writing about an obsessive fan club! I enjoyed writing Jack best because it gave me an excuse to be rude. He’s a little voice inside my head, picking things apart and criticizing everything. It felt good getting him out on the page!

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

Where to start? Obviously, a big one was the question of what pieces of themselves authors put in their writing. Our writing is our legacy. My novels will be a big part of what I leave in the world when I go. How much of me will truly remain? Dead Letters is also a homage to England. I moved away while I was writing it and I miss those landscapes. Writing this novel was a great way to revisit them. Most of all, I wanted to write an enjoyable story. When it came to the final edits, that was my priority!

What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?

I’m actually working on two, and I’ll see which one becomes dominant in the coming months. The winner will probably be the sequel to my debut novel, Troubleshot, and will follow that novel’s antagonist as he attempts to redeem himself by working for Geneva’s international organizations. I already have quite a few hilarious (if I say so myself!) scenes written out, and intend to finish the first draft this year. I’m lucky enough to be able to take a sabbatical from work next year, so I’m hoping to be able to get it out towards the end of 2024.

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/06/13/writing-is-our-legacy/