Evelyn Hofer was one of those artists who crossed what we might call the line of commission. The German-born photographer never broke from fine art standards in her decades of editorial work for Harper’s Bazaar, LIFE, The New York Times, and The Sunday Times. Since her death in 2009, her serene landscapes, portraits, and architectural […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/08/08/the-antispontaneity-artist-evelyn-hofer/
I read Magic Tides, but held out for the audio for Magic Claims and was not disappointed. Magic Tides & Magic Claims by Ilona Andrews are novellas in the Kate Daniels: Wilmington Years. The first introduces us to life after Atlanta, and the second brings change. Both are fantastic and have me looking forward to many more stories.
Magic Tides & Magic Claims
by Ilona Andrews
Narrator: Hillary Huber, Michael Glenn
Length: 12 hours and 21 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.4x
This bundle contains the following long novella and short novel:
In Book #1, MAGIC TIDES, Kate, Curran and their son, Conlan have left Atlanta, vowing to keep a low profile, and are settling into a new city and new house…but some things never change! Magical mayhem is about to erupt when Kate undertakes the rescue of a kidnapped youth, while Curran guards the home front.
It should be a simple retrieval, but with monsters on land and sea, Kate’s got her work cut out for her. Still, she’s never let her blade dull or her purpose falter. And that low profile? It’s about to wash away with the raging tides!
In Book #2, MAGIC CLAIMS, Kate and Curran have just settled into their new home and their “low profile,” when a local businessman approaches them with an offer they can’t refuse. A mysterious evil has spawned in the nearby forest and is holding a defenseless town hostage. The “ransom date” is rapidly approaching.
It’s exactly the kind of fight the Lennarts can’t resist, not for the prize the town offers, but for the people who will surely die if they ignore it. If they succeed, they’ll be rescuing an entire community and can build a strong new base for their family and the Wilmington Pack. If they fail…well, fail is a four-letter word.
Nothing comes without a price. Now Kate must decide if she has what it takes to pay it.
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Hillary Huber and Michael Glenn narrated, and I needed a moment to get used to the change from Renee Raudman. But both did well, even if Curran’s voice was less rough.
In Magic Tides, Kate goes to rescue a kidnapped boy and despite wanting to keep a low profile, she will battle sea gods. Snark, quick wits and tapping into her magic kept me engaged.
Meanwhile Curran & Conlan fortify their keep because an angry mob is on its way. After Kate destroyed their homestead. Trust me, they deserved it. They’ll have help and we get to see a taste of eight-year-old Conlan’s gifts.
As always, the Andrews pulled me in and held my attention. I love these characters, the humor and the fantastic battle scenes.
In Magic Claims, a town businessman approaches them seeking help. Something in the woods bordering their town has demanded payment of a human sacrifice each year, and this year demands two. If they will stop it, the town will gift them the woods.
The tale that unfolds was fantastic from the shifters who joined them to the entity in the forest and its history. It was dark and scary. Both Kate and Curran were kickass. We witness more of Conian’s skills and learn about things happening with the Atlanta pack. To top it off, they jammed the epilogue with information and hints on things to come.
I am loving the Wilmington Years and cannot wait for more.
Audible
Ilona Andrews is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. author2sm“Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a better grade. (Gordon is still sore about that.) Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Oregon with their two children, three dogs and a cat. They have co-authored two series, the bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels and romantic urban fantasy of The Edge.
Hillary Huber is a multiple Audie Award finalist, an AudioFile Earphones Award winner, and an AudioFile Best Voice. She has recorded over 550 titles, spanning many genres. A huge fan of audiobooks, when she’s not narrating one, she’s listening to one!
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/08/magic-tides-magic-claims-by-ilona-andrews.html
The tragic events of September 11, 2001, have left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of Americans and people worldwide, forever shaking the world to its core. This devastating bombing of the World Trade Centers, commonly known as the 9/11 attack, ruthlessly claimed the lives of approximately 3,000 individuals in a heinous act of terrorism. Initially, suspicions swirled around the Taliban, but meticulous investigations later implicated the notorious Islamic extremist group Al Qaeda, led by the infamous Osama Bin Laden.
Within the pages of this gripping novel lies a deep exploration of the harrowing experiences endured by witnesses and survivors of the 9/11 bombing, offering intricate details of the events leading up to the attack and its haunting aftermath. The relentless pursuit of Osama bin Laden, the enigmatic mastermind behind the attack, becomes the focal point, as readers are compelled to ponder over the motivations that drove him and ultimately led to his downfall. The author’s meticulous research delves into Osama’s background, life experiences, and objectives while also shedding light on the subsequent legal proceedings surrounding his indictment.
The emotional toll of losing a loved one is immeasurable, and this book offers a poignant portrayal of the profound trauma experienced by those directly affected by the 9/11 tragedy. Although primarily a work of fiction, it serves as a thought-provoking reflection on the far-reaching consequences of religious extremism. Moreover, it astutely highlights the imperfections inherent in our political and judicial systems.
Through its powerful narrative, Crimson Scimitar becomes a compelling reminder of the urgent need for unity and the futility of war. Within the expansive tapestry of court proceedings and the enthralling stories that encircle Osama bin Laden, the novel weaves together suspense, intrigue, and action elements that befit a thrilling tale. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the book’s length and intricacies may present challenges for readers. The multitude of characters and their interwoven storylines can be overwhelming, necessitating careful effort to keep track of their names and narratives.
I recommend Crimson Scimitar: Attack on America—2001-2027 to enthusiasts of thrillers, as it offers a captivating and insightful glimpse into the events surrounding the 9/11 attack. Those seeking a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in history will undoubtedly find this book compelling and engaging.
Pages: 600 | ASIN : B0BMNVMHX9
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/08/crimson-scimitar/
Renew From Within Workbook: Overcoming Depression and Building a Life You Love is an engaging workbook by the distinguished Psy.D. Robin Hale. In this thoughtfully crafted volume, Hale embarks on an illuminating exploration of depression, providing readers with a roadmap to navigate their journey out of its encompassing shadows.
Far more than a simple workbook, this offering is, in essence, a transformative program that holistically addresses the challenging topic of depression. It touches upon key concepts such as autonomy, personal growth, and self-acceptance, all integral to the process of overcoming depression.
What distinguishes this workbook from other books on the subject is its unique, layered structure. Hale gives the reader precise, easily understood introductions to each chapter’s theme. Subsequently, she delves deeper, enriching the material with intricate details and corroborating research studies. Each chapter culminates with an inspiring account of a renowned public figure who has grappled with depression and a reflective questionnaire for the reader.
The author’s fluid writing style ensures that readers can comfortably absorb the wealth of information presented rather than becoming overwhelmed by its complexity. Hale’s inclusion of compelling real-life stories from often perceived invincible public figures offers valuable solace. These narratives affirm that the reader is not isolated in their struggle, fostering a sense of hope and resilience.
Filled with pragmatic advice, the workbook equips readers with tangible strategies to combat depression. Noteworthy among them is the activation of the ‘hope circuit.’ Additionally, Hale furnishes practical coping mechanisms that can be effortlessly integrated into daily routines.
This invaluable resource, evidently designed with an unwavering commitment to its titular promise, seeks to empower readers to reclaim their love for life. The book does not downplay the difficulties of surmounting depression but rather provides manageable, daily actions to progress toward healing.
Renew From Within Workbook: Overcoming Depression and Building a Life You Love is recommended for those who have experienced depression firsthand, as well as those seeking to better comprehend the experiences of a loved one grappling with this affliction. This insightful guide offers a significant understanding of the intricate journey through depression, offering a beacon of hope along the way.
Pages: 93 | ASIN : B0C6W1KHZK
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/08/renew-from-within-workbook-overcoming-depression-and-building-a-life-you-love/
In Not My War, esteemed author Valerie Anne Hudson offers an intricate narrative of an enigmatic character, Louise, set amidst the tumultuous backdrop of Nazi-occupied Paris during World War II. Born to a German mother and British father in Switzerland, Louise grapples with the stark realities of war, navigating her existence in an atmosphere fraught with peril yet peculiarly distanced from her personal realm.
Her journey is one that resists a superficial understanding, as she embodies a sense of detachment from the grim tableau unfolding around her. She chooses the path of indifference, maintaining an unbroken facade despite the atrocities that persist on her doorstep. Hudson adroitly highlights that even as a citizen of a neutral country, escaping the grim realities of war is not an option.
The standout feature of Hudson’s opus is undoubtedly her characters, each of whom transcends the written page to convey a profound and resonant sense of realism. The audacious portrayal of Louise as an imperfect protagonist is a commendable aspect of Hudson’s storytelling. Louise’s perspective on the war might evoke empathy due to her survivalist approach, but as the narrative progresses, her actions increasingly elicit a critical response from the readers.
This literary work finds an ideal audience among enthusiasts of historical fiction, as well as those who relish the exploration of morally ambiguous characters. Louise’s silent complicity to the persecution of ethnic minorities, merely to curry favor with the Nazi officers, offers a stirring glimpse into her character, blurring the line between right and wrong. While I enjoyed the novel, I felt the resolution was rather abrupt in contrast to the preceding storyline, which delicately unravels the psychological layers of the characters.
Not My War is a compelling, thought-provoking work of historical fiction. This novel gives readers a nuanced perspective on a historically tumultuous era told from the perspective of a woman fresh from school and looking to start her life.
Pages: 260 | ASIN : B0C9XBMPBW
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/08/not-my-war/
Pontius Pilate: An Unexpected Memoir looks at Pilate’s family life, childhood, military and political careers, how he ended up in the crucial role of Jesus’s crucifixion, and what life was like after. What inspired you to tell this story?
For one of the central figures in the crucifixion story, little was known about the man Pontius Pilate. He was recalled to Rome after an incident involving rebels in a small village in Judea, but beyond that, little was known about him. My intent was to give this historical figure flesh and bones. To give him a loving family life beyond the military. To have him torn between staying at home or fighting another battle for Rome or expanding Rome’s territory. Most importantly, I wanted to give him a voice, not to vilify but to understand him and the need for him to be there at the Praetorium to wash his hands, because had he let Jesus go, scripture prophesy would not have been fulfilled.
What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
Readers have told me they were surprised at the depth of Pilate’s character that I portrayed, making him a man with feelings of love, kindness, and empathy, and that I depicted ancient Roman life so accurately and fully. I was most surprised when a producer of note told me she was moved to tears by the ending of the story.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?
Pablo has several more books that have been published and as many that have not yet been published. He keeps writing, so I keep falling behind in editing his manuscripts. We expect to submit another book soon.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/08/i-wanted-to-give-him-a-voice/
Choice follows a young woman that kills supernatural creatures and encounters one who makes her question everything she knows. What was the inspiration that created the fantastic journey these characters go on?
The story really came about all on its own. The idea hit me and the main scenes quickly became clear. I try to keep things as organic as possible, with the characters taking the lead and getting out what they need to say. I find if I fight that, if I try to make something that is mine instead of theirs, it doesn’t work out and ends up in the unfinished file folder.
Both Choice and Vienna were written after my first novel Isabel (as well as two other previously unpublished novels). Those other books took so much out of me, being my first books, I think I really needed Vienna and Choice. They are both quick and fast-paced and a whole lot of fun (perfect for the struggling reader I used to be in my youth). All a bit different than the emotional toll my first novel, Isabel, had on me.
There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
The book idea actually started with one unique character trait: the taste of peaches. I couldn’t get that line out of my head. ‘The taste of peaches. The taste of peaches.’ Until, ‘the taste of hope’ was added to it, and then I was running to my writing desk to get the story down.
I really care about my characters. When you spend so much time with a project, with the characters, you hope your readers will care about them as much as you do. You want them to be believable. You want the things they say to be believable. You want them to be their own unique selves, and to try to keep that as much as you can throughout the later editing processes.
I felt that there were a lot of great twists and turns throughout the novel. Did you plan this before writing the novel, or did the twists develop organically writing?
A story comes to me in a moment, a daydream, and very quickly the main plot points reveal themselves. I jot down everything that has appeared to me, everything I know is going to happen. The first few chapters are usually being written about the same time as I try to get as much down as I can before I forget something. Then, with the idea settled and I really begin writing, often new characters and story twists and turns begin to reveal themselves. Many of them surprise me.
Choice had a pretty solid straight line from start to finish. I knew what was going to happen.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
I could write a second book for Choice, but I really love leaving something up to the reader, encouraging their own imagination. Instead, I am currently focusing on writing new projects and getting older, finished works out into the publishing world.
Author Links: Website | Twitter | Instagram | GoodReads | Facebook
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/08/the-taste-of-peaches/